The Tree Church Sermon Podcast: Recent Episodes
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Pastor Matthew Johnson teaches that the Holy Spirit's conviction is good news, not guilt. Drawing from John 16, Romans 8, and 2 Corinthians 5, he unpacks the difference between conviction and condemnation, and how the Spirit points believers toward trust, righteousness, and hope rather than shame. Using the four ways the Spirit convicts today, through Scripture, prayer, relationships, and circumstances, he shows what it looks like to actually respond when God speaks. If you have ever felt like conviction means you have failed, this message will show you it means He hasn't given up on you.
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/dpX6E7eooVE
Pastor Matthew Johnson teaches that the Holy Spirit is not just to be known, but experienced. Drawing from John 1 and multiple accounts in Acts, he unpacks what it looks like to move from head knowledge of God to a real, felt encounter with His presence. Using the illustration of an unopened gift, he shows how many Christians have access to the Holy Spirit but never actually open Him up in daily life. If you have ever wondered why your faith feels more informational than transformational, this message will show you what may be missing.
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/GlSDq_ZtPjM
We were created for real community—not to live in isolation. Through Scripture and his own powerful story, Micah Hegerle shows how gathering around Jesus helps us come out of hiding, grow together, and become who God created us to be.
Pastor Matthew Johnson teaches that worship brings blessing, both a weapon for battle and a tool for everyday life. Drawing from 2 Chronicles 20, Exodus 17, and Acts 16, he unpacks what it looks like to worship before, during, and after the battle. If you have ever wondered when the right time to worship really is, this message will show you that the answer is always.
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/7hl3lZmOccw
Pastor Stacey Crawford teaches that worship must shape every part of our lives, not just Sunday morning. Drawing from Exodus 20, Psalm 115, and the story of Elijah on Mount Carmel, she unpacks what it looks like when we let other things, our kids, our jobs, our money, take God's rightful place. Divided worship is never true worship. If you have ever wondered what your priorities reveal about your heart, this message will challenge you to lay it all down again.
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/bPnY2CV5TiY
Pastor Jonathan Phillips teaches that worship is more than a song. Drawing from Psalm 66 and Romans 12:1, he unpacks what it looks like to live a worship life beyond Sunday morning. Whether it is in the extraordinary, the mundane, or the painful moments of life, worship is a continual response to who God is. If you have only experienced worship as a moment, this message will change how you see the rest of your week.
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/fHi4MIRLgeE
Pastor Matthew Johnson teaches that worship pleasing to God must first be sacrificial. Drawing from Romans 12:1–2, he unpacks what it means to offer your life as a living sacrifice - a daily, moment-by-moment choice to place God's will above your own. If you are willing to walk through the fire, transformation is on the other side.
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ky-nhg4ofB0
In this message, Pastor Mary Johnson continues The Tree Church's series on worship with a teaching on what it means to physically respond to God. Drawing from Romans 12:1 and the story of King David in 2 Samuel 6, Pastor Mary walks through the biblical pattern of worship that involves the whole body including bowing, singing, lifting hands, clapping, and dancing. She addresses why so many believers have settled into a reserved posture in worship and shares a moving testimony from a new believer who stopped her tractor to raise her hands and worship God in the middle of her farm. This is an honest and grounding call to bring physical expression back into everyday worship.
Listen in and be encouraged.
Watch the full message here: https://youtu.be/Brq5fOaSX7E
What makes worship acceptable to God - and what causes him to reject it? Pastor Matthew Johnson opens the Acceptable Worship That God Receives series with three sobering biblical accounts and three defining marks of worship that honors God: priority, obedience, and purity. Watch on YouTube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=6q_pBhicjUo
In this closing message of a seven-part series, Pastor Matthew Johnson speaks honestly and compassionately to anyone who has felt confused, disappointed, or frustrated with God. He challenges listeners to ask whether they have been deconstructing the right God, and offers four grounded suggestions for building a faith that holds when life gets hard. Drawing from Hebrews 11, Philippians 4, and 2 Corinthians 10, this message is for anyone wrestling with what it means to truly trust God.
▶️ Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/VoJBALQISHA
Guest speaker Pastor Tim Moore addresses one of the most common reasons people walk away from faith — the tension between science and belief. He walks through two competing worldviews, a spectrum of creation views, and makes the case that science and Scripture are not at war. They answer different questions, and together they reveal more of who God is.
Watch the full message on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Ie2dO_2_mew
Church hurt is one of the most common reasons people walk away from faith. In this message, Pastor Matthew Johnson of The Tree Church takes it seriously. He walks through the four levels of hurt inside every church community, why most responses to that hurt fall short, and what Jesus actually intended. Drawing from 1 Corinthians 12, John 13, and Matthew 18, Pastor Matthew calls both members and leadership to stop viewing the church as a service provider and start treating it the way Jesus designed it to be.
Watch the full message on YouTube: https://youtu.be/TsEJTsdqrSc
Pastor Matthew Johnson addresses Christianity's most contested claim - that Jesus is the only way to salvation and eternal life. Drawing from John 14 and Acts 4, he makes the case that exclusivity is not arrogance. It is the only and best offer ever made. Everyone is invited.
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/9pRKv7P9zto
Pastor Anthony Lombardi addresses whether the Bible can be trusted, walking through five reasons for Scripture's credibility and five common objections raised by those deconstructing their faith. He closes by pointing back to the cross as the clearest picture of God's heart.
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/_oo2HfDvPoE
Trusting God Through Unanswered Questions
Pastor Matthew Johnson tackles what to do when God doesn't meet our expectations. Drawing from Hebrews 11-12, he shows that trust in God - even through suffering - is anchored in the cross, where God's love, Jesus' example, and the hope of eternity come together.
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/O_45FJmmbYY
Pastor Matthew Johnson opens a new series by tracing deconstruction's origins and showing how culture has reshaped it into something that simply tears down. Using Jesus as the model and the Sermon on the Mount as the framework, this message is an invitation to reconstruct your life on something solid.
Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1tztxYAnACc
Pastor Matthew Johnson marks two years of Not Coming Down by celebrating God's faithfulness through the Logan campus launch, 1,500+ baptisms, and growing ministries - then issues a challenge from Joshua 23-24: declare whom you truly serve and take one more step forward in serving, connecting, and giving.
Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A7muWX1Ijto
Pastor Matthew Johnson delivers an Easter message through John 3, unpacking Jesus's conversation with Nicodemus to explain what it means to be born again. He presents John 3:16-18 and makes clear - the difference between condemnation and salvation is your response to Jesus.
Watch here: https://youtu.be/VxSq1YmkCPs
Pastor Anthony Lombardi closes the Unstoppable Force series by addressing two pillars of a healthy faith: daily personal devotion and consistent church community. Drawing from Hebrews 10, Acts 2, and the example of Jesus, he challenges listeners to close the gap between what they value and how they actually live.
Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5i39eaC8n4o
Pastor Matthew Johnson unpacks what Jesus actually intended when he commanded his followers to be baptized. Drawing from Matthew 28 and Romans 6, he walks through four truths about dying to self, surrendering control to Jesus, and being filled and empowered by the Holy Spirit. This message is worth your time.
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/dhOqDdKLcao
Pastor Matthew Johnson preaches from Luke 9:23 on what true salvation requires, total surrender to Jesus. He exposes three dangerous postures people take toward God and closes with four diagnostic questions every believer must confront. Many who believe they're saved may not be.
Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/mbKFX52uNGs
Pastor Matthew Johnson challenges from Matthew 20:20–28 that every follower of Jesus has been shaped by a self-focused culture, but Jesus calls us to something different. Serving is a command, it refocuses your heart, and it is a privilege. Take your place in the body of Christ.
Watch the full episode on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZWLMkareP6o
In this message from the Unstoppable Force series, Pastor Mary Johnson teaches on evangelism through John 4 and the Samaritan woman. She reminds us that a personal encounter with Jesus and a simple testimony are enough. Because we have been loved first, we are called to share that hope with others.
Watch the full episode here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WPd5YgkJBq4
Pastor Matthew Johnson continues the series on becoming the church Jesus designed, reminding us the mission carries eternal weight. Teaching from Luke 12, he warns against covetousness and calls believers to seek first the kingdom by honoring God with their finances, trusting Him as provider for eternal impact.
Watch the full episode on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kjswn8UPR78
This message continues our series on becoming the unstoppable church Jesus designed. Facing death, sin, and spiritual opposition, we find life through Christ’s body. In Ecclesiastes 4:7–12, we see that relationships bring strength, support, and protection. In a lonely culture, intentional church community is essential, not optional.
Watch the full episode on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xTz8p2W0w58&t=2401s0w58
Pastor Matthew Johnson challenges believers to move beyond attending church to being the church. Teaching from Matthew 16 and 1 Corinthians 12, he explains that Jesus is the world’s greatest hope and calls every follower to live as an active, obedient part of His body.
Watch the full episode here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w01HxTthg78
Pastor Anthony Lombardi teaches from Philippians 4:14–20 on generosity as partnership with God. Using the Philippian church’s support of Paul, this message shows how giving builds God’s kingdom, serves as worship, and reflects trust in God as faithful provider.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=204JMGhTM9A
In this devotional message, Pastor Matthew Johnson explains why hardship is purposeful for God’s people. Drawing from Psalm 107, Hebrews 12, and 2 Chronicles 6–7, this teaching shows how discipline flows from God’s steadfast love and calls believers to respond with humility, prayer, and obedience.
Watch the full message here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=_pa30601dec
In Luke 19, Jesus tells a parable that challenges how we view faithfulness, obedience, and success. This message calls believers to examine how they are using what God has entrusted to them, live with eternity in mind, and respond to Jesus with trust, surrender, and obedience.
Watch the full message here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=808yS1kIVbg
What does it mean to honor God with everything we have? From Genesis, this message explores God’s generosity and the story of Cain and Abel, showing that God desires priority, faith, and wholehearted worship, not convenience or leftovers.
Watch the full message here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4SAOT0e6swA
In this opening message of a new series, Pastor Matthew Johnson teaches from Deuteronomy 6–8 and challenges a foundational mindset of the Christian life: all that we have belongs to God. He explains how God’s people often forget His faithfulness when blessing increases, slowly shifting credit from God to themselves.
Using the story of Israel, Pastor Matthew shows how obedience and blessing work together, and why forgetting God’s role leads to pride, pressure, and rebellion. He also connects this warning to modern culture, where self-reliance and ownership can quietly replace trust in God.
Jesus’ teaching in Luke 14 reinforces that following Him begins with surrender, not ownership. This message invites listeners to reflect honestly on what they are holding tightly and to intentionally release it back to God through prayer and obedience.
Watch the full message on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xfDMeGrbQHg
In this Tree Church Bible Study, Pastor Stacey Crawford is joined by Pastors Mary Johnson and Chris Reid as they continue through Acts 26, focusing on Paul’s encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus and the transformation that followed. The conversation centers on Acts 26:12–23, where Paul describes his vision of Jesus, his calling to the Gentiles, and his obedience to that calling despite suffering and opposition.
The pastors discuss how transformation is not a one-time moment but an ongoing process of repentance, trust, and growth. They explore how genuine faith leads to obedience, even when it is uncomfortable or costly, and how Paul’s outward focus kept him faithful to God’s mission rather than personal comfort.
This episode encourages listeners to live with an outward focus, trust God through seasons of change, and remain open to the transforming work of the Holy Spirit in everyday life.
Watch the full episode on YouTube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=eMNqcM9Jo0w
In this message from our Christmas series A Patchwork Christmas, Pastor Mary Johnson walks through the story of Joseph and the unexpected pain he faced when life did not turn out the way he imagined. Teaching from Matthew 1, she reminds us that devastation is a real part of life, but God meets us in the middle of our brokenness rather than minimizing it.
This message explores how God speaks during seasons of pain, how He reframes our perspective, and how faith often requires trusting Him when the situation defies logic. Through Joseph’s obedience, we see how God can turn pain into purpose and weave broken plans into His greater story.
If you are navigating grief, uncertainty, or disappointment, this message offers hope that God is near, faithful, and at work even when the path feels unclear.
Watch the full message here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l99-gPWaNnA
In this message from the Christmas series A Patchwork Christmas: Ordinary People, Extraordinary God, Pastor Anthony Lombardi teaches from Luke chapter 2 and the story of Simeon. Simeon was not a well-known or influential figure, but he walked closely with God, trusted God’s promises, and waited faithfully for their fulfillment. Through Simeon’s life, we are reminded that God speaks to ordinary people who seek Him, that waiting is often part of walking with God, and that true peace is found by trusting God’s character rather than our circumstances. Simeon’s encounter with Jesus reveals that salvation is not only personal but offered to all people. This message invites listeners to walk faithfully with God, trust Him in seasons of waiting, and recognize Jesus as the fulfillment of our deepest longings.
Watch the sermon on YouTube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=xY0TthvLRig
In this message, Pastor Matthew turns to Jesus’ words over Jerusalem in Luke 19 and Matthew 23. Jesus speaks truth that challenges people, yet His heart remains full of compassion. Pastor Matthew explains why Jesus wept, why people often resist God’s correction, and how Jesus continues to offer peace to those who are willing to trust Him. The teaching moves through honest reflection, the danger of adding anything to Jesus, and the hope found in Psalm 118. This message encourages listeners to consider what needs to change, what needs to be surrendered, and how Jesus meets us with mercy every time we turn toward Him.
If you’d like to watch the full message, you can find it on our YouTube channel:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=uUfJzmV1C3o
In this message, Pastor Anthony teaches from Matthew 23, where Jesus speaks directly to the scribes and Pharisees about the dangers of religious hypocrisy. These leaders created barriers that kept people from God, elevated minor details over what truly mattered, and focused on outward image instead of genuine righteousness. Pastor Anthony shows how these warnings invite us to deeper honesty, humility, and transformation so our lives reflect Jesus rather than hinder others from knowing Him.
In this sermon, Pastor Matthew teaches from Matthew 24 and talks honestly about why life often feels so different from what we expected when we first chose to follow Jesus. He explains how Jesus prepared His disciples for seasons of pressure, loss, and uncertainty, while also promising that those who endure in faith will be saved and that the gospel will keep moving forward. This message invites listeners to bring their anxiety, confusion, and pain back to Jesus again and again, trusting that He is not surprised by our circumstances. Instead, He meets us with mercy, strength, and a peace that holds steady even when everything around us feels unsteady.
In this week’s message, Pastor Matthew teaches from Matthew 22:34–40, where Jesus sums up all of God’s commands in two simple but life-changing truths, love God and love people. He explains that real love is more than emotion or words; it’s a full surrender of our heart, soul, mind, and strength.
Through personal stories and practical insight, Pastor Matthew challenges us to examine how we love God and how His love shapes the way we treat others. This message invites you to trust God deeply, obey Him fully, and experience the kind of love that transforms every part of life.
In this week’s message, Pastor Tim Moore shares a powerful reminder that our time on earth is short — and every moment matters. Using James 4:13–17 and Matthew 25:14–30, he challenges us to see life as a gift from God and to invest it wisely. Through honest stories, humor, and heartfelt reflection, Pastor Tim shows how fear and comparison often keep us from living the life God intended. Instead of playing it safe, we’re called to take bold steps of faith, use what we’ve been given, and live with intentional purpose.
🎥 Watch the full video on YouTube: DON'T WASTE IT | PASTOR TIM MOORE
In this episode, Pastor Matthew Johnson continues our Follow series with a teaching from Matthew 22:15–22 and Acts 1:6–8. Jesus’ words, “Give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God,” challenge us to consider how we live as citizens of both heaven and earth. Pastor Matthew unpacks the tension between faith and politics, reminding us that our hope and loyalty rest in God alone. With honesty, humor, and biblical insight, he explains how followers of Jesus can love others boldly, share truth wisely, and stay grounded in the only foundation that never shifts.
In this powerful exploration of Matthew 22, we dive deep into the parable of the wedding feast, uncovering profound truths about God's invitation to relationship. The story illustrates God's persistent love and desire for us, even when we reject Him. We're challenged to consider: have we truly accepted God's invitation, or are we indifferent? The parable reminds us that God's grace is available to all, but we must choose to accept it. A key insight is the exchange of our 'dirty garments' for God's righteousness - a beautiful metaphor for salvation. This message speaks to those feeling unworthy or struggling with imposter syndrome, assuring us that God's love isn't based on our performance, but on His grace. It's a call to embrace our new identity in Christ and to stay committed to our relationship with Him.
In this powerful message from Matthew 21, Pastor Matthew Johnson teaches how our cultural love of independence can quietly lead us to resist God’s authority. Through the parable of the wicked tenants, Jesus reveals that true discipleship begins with surrender—laying down our will to follow His. Pastor Matthew explores four key truths: God is the Creator, the Designer, the Redeemer, and the Judge. Each one calls us to trust Him completely. This teaching challenges believers to recognize areas of hidden rebellion, repent, and return to obedience. Discover how full submission leads to freedom and blessing in Christ.
This message from The Tree Church’s “Following Jesus” series explores Matthew 21: 18–22, where Jesus curses the barren fig tree. Pastor Mary Johnson challenges us to look at our own lives, are we producing the kind of spiritual fruit that reflects Jesus? Using the story as a picture of authentic faith, she reminds us that fruit isn’t about perfection but about inward change that shows outwardly through love, patience, and obedience. Discover how abiding in Christ transforms our actions, relationships, and hearts so that our lives reflect Him every day.
In this sermon, Pastor Matthew explores the tension of Jesus as both the Lion of Judah and the Lamb of God. From Genesis to Revelation, Scripture points to a Messiah who embodies both power and sacrifice. In Matthew 21, the people expected Jesus to ride in as a conquering king who would overthrow Rome. Instead, He entered Jerusalem on a donkey in humility and cleansed the temple, confronting hypocrisy and defending His Father’s house. Pastor Matthew connects this moment to us today, reminding believers that we are now God’s temple. Jesus still flips tables in our hearts—not to shame us, but to free us—fighting for God’s glory, His reputation, and our transformation.
In this message from our Following Jesus series, Pastor Stacey Crawford teaches from Matthew 21: 28–32 and the parable of the two sons. With humor and honesty, she compares her own parenting experiences to the way we often respond to God—with excuses, empty promises, or delayed obedience. Jesus makes it clear that true repentance is not about lip service but about a genuine change of heart expressed in action. Pastor Stacey reminds us that God graciously receives every person who turns to Him in humility and obedience. Be encouraged that Jesus meets us with mercy, helps us change, and calls us to live in daily repentance.
Join Pastor Matthew as he teaches from Matthew 20 on the parable of the vineyard workers. This powerful message explores the depth of God’s grace, reminding us that His justice and generosity surpass human fairness. Whether you’ve followed Jesus for years or are just beginning, this sermon shows how salvation is received by faith and why surrendering everything to Him is worth it. Discover the hope, security, and joy that come when we trust God’s character and embrace His invitation to eternal life.
In Matthew 19, Jesus meets a rich young ruler who longs for eternal life but walks away sad because he could not let go of his possessions. In this powerful message, Pastor Matthew unpacks what this story means for us today. God never asks us to surrender something just to take from us—He always offers something better in return. Pastor Matthew teaches how wealth can quietly grip our hearts, how obedience releases us into freedom, and why trusting God with our resources is essential to experiencing true life. Discover the joy of surrender, the freedom of generosity, and the faithfulness of God in every season.
In this message from Matthew 18, Pastor Matt explains how Jesus calls us to live differently in our relationships. While culture teaches us to cancel, reject, and protect ourselves, Jesus teaches us to reconcile. Looking at Matthew 5 and Matthew 18, we see that reconciliation is not optional—it reflects the heart of God. Through personal stories and the parable of the unforgiving servant, we are reminded that forgiveness flows from the grace we ourselves have received. Discover how to release bitterness, pursue healing, and value relationships over arguments. Join us as we learn the freedom of reconciliation and how the Holy Spirit empowers us to love as Jesus loves.
What does it really mean to be great? In Matthew 18 and 20, Jesus challenges the world’s view of greatness by teaching that true greatness begins with humility, values the vulnerable, and is lived out in service to others. Pastor Matthew reminds us that while culture celebrates power, wealth, and status, Jesus redefines greatness as following His example: not to be served, but to serve and give His life for many. In this message, discover how to shift your focus from pride and self-promotion to Christlike humility and service.
In this sermon from Matthew 17, 24–27, Pastor Anthony Lombardi explores how Jesus models both spiritual conviction and compassionate consideration. When confronted about the temple tax, Jesus, though exempt as the Son of God, chooses to pay it to avoid unnecessary offense. This message challenges us to reflect on how our words, actions, and attitudes impact others, and how our conduct can draw people toward or push them away from Christ. With insights from the Apostle Paul, we’re reminded to live humbly, sometimes surrendering personal rights for the sake of love, peace, and witness. Through practical examples, we see how God calls us to intentional living, using His blessings not just for ourselves but to serve and encourage those around us.
In this sermon, Pastor Matthew unpacks the tension between God’s high calling and His abundant grace through the powerful story found in Matthew 17 and Mark 9. We witness a father desperate for his son’s healing and disciples who falter in faith, both met by Jesus with compassion and truth. The message explores the difference between beginning faith, focused on what Jesus can do for us, and growing faith, focused on what He wants to do in and through us. With practical insights on spiritual disciplines, emotional honesty, and God’s unwavering faithfulness, this teaching challenges and encourages believers to renew their faith and trust God through every season. Whether you’re just beginning your journey or deepening your trust, this message is a timely reminder that Jesus meets us with grace, power, and purpose.
In this powerful message, Pastor Anthony Lombardi explores Matthew 14: 22–33, where Peter steps out of the boat and walks on water toward Jesus. With transparency, humor, and deep biblical insight, Pastor Anthony teaches that our faith journey is often marked by both courage and failure. He reminds us that Jesus meets us in our storms, sustains us through our struggles, and extends grace when we fall. Whether you're battling fear, facing uncertainty, or in need of reassurance, this sermon offers encouragement and clarity on how to trust Jesus more fully in every season of life.
In this powerful exploration of faith, we delve into the story of the Canaanite woman from Matthew 15. This narrative challenges us to reconsider our understanding of difficulty in our spiritual journey. The woman's persistence in seeking Jesus' help, despite facing silence and apparent rejection, serves as a model for unwavering faith. We're reminded that our struggles and moments of divine silence aren't signs of failure, but opportunities for spiritual growth. The message encourages us to push through barriers, both external and internal, in our pursuit of Christ.
It's a call to trust God's goodness even when His responses don't meet our expectations, understanding that He may be using our difficulties to deepen our faith and dependence on Him. This teaching invites us to reframe our perspective on life's challenges, seeing them not as obstacles to avoid, but as the very means through which our faith can be strengthened and refined.
In this sermon from our Following Jesus series, we explore one of the most foundational questions in all of Christianity: “Who do you say Jesus is?” Through Matthew 16, we unpack Peter’s bold confession and Jesus’ call to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him. This message highlights the personal and transformational implications of recognizing Jesus as both Lord and Savior. With real-life stories of faith, struggle, and obedience, the sermon encourages listeners to reflect on their own surrender and trust in God’s greater purpose—even in seasons of confusion and difficulty.
In this powerful message, Pastor Matthew Johnson challenges us to reflect on how we truly view the authority of God’s Word in our lives. Are Scripture and God’s commands rules to obey or merely suggestions to consider?
Using the story of the Pharisees and scribes from Matthew 15, Pastor Matthew exposes the danger of letting man-made traditions and personal desires override the clear teachings of Scripture. He explains the vital purposes God’s Word serves — protection, direction, introspection, correction, and comfort, and how submitting to it fully leads to life and transformation.
In this powerful exploration of the Kingdom of God, we're challenged to consider the true value of our faith. Through Jesus' parables of the mustard seed and leaven in Matthew 13, we see how something small can grow into something magnificent when empowered by God.
The sermon explored Jesus' response to those demanding a sign, emphasizing the importance of having an open heart towards God. We delved into the contrast between the hardened hearts of the Pharisees and the receptive attitudes of unlikely believers like the Ninevites and the Queen of Sheba. Most importantly, we discussed Jesus' ultimate sign - His resurrection - and its profound implications for our faith and lives.
In this powerful exploration of Matthew 13, we delve into the Parable of the Sower and its profound implications for our spiritual lives. Jesus uses this story to illustrate how differently people receive and respond to God's truth. The four types of soil represent various states of our hearts: the hard path, rocky ground, thorny soil, and good soil. This parable challenges us to examine the condition of our own hearts and how receptive we are to God's word. Are we allowing the cares of this world to choke out spiritual growth? Or are we cultivating rich, fertile soil that produces abundant fruit? The message emphasizes our responsibility in preparing our hearts to receive and act upon God's truth. It's not just about hearing the word, but understanding and applying it to our lives. This parable reminds us that spiritual growth requires intentional effort and a willingness to prioritize our relationship with God above worldly concerns. As we reflect on this teaching, we're encouraged to take practical steps to deepen our spiritual soil, such as daily Bible study, prayer, and active participation in a faith community. By doing so, we position ourselves to not only hear God's truth but to let it transform our lives and bear fruit for His kingdom.
What if the words you speak and the way you act, especially when life gets hard, are actually the clearest indicators of your heart’s condition?
In this message, Pastor Matthew Johnson unpacks Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 12, where He says, “A tree is known by its fruit.” This isn’t just a metaphor, it’s a direct challenge to evaluate your life through your choices, reactions, and relationships.
If you’ve ever wondered what true heart transformation looks like, how to break patterns of anger, or what it really means to be spiritually healthy, this sermon offers clarity and hope. Learn how to take responsibility for your actions, invite God into the hard places, and begin healing from the inside out.
In this powerful message, we explore the sobering reality of spiritual complacency and the dangers of gradual disobedience. The core of the teaching revolves around Matthew 12, where Jesus confronts the Pharisees who accuse Him of casting out demons by the power of Satan. This extreme accusation serves as a stark warning for us all - how can those who once followed God end up so far from Him? We're challenged to examine our own hearts and actions, recognizing that small compromises and delayed obedience can lead us down a dangerous path. The message emphasizes that there's no such thing as partial obedience or intention without action in God's eyes. Instead, we're called to continually say 'yes' to God, allowing His voice to shape our values, desires, and behaviors. This teaching invites us to honestly assess our spiritual fruit and consider whether our actions truly align with our professed faith. It's a call to humble self-reflection and renewed commitment to walking closely with God.
In our fast-paced world, we often find ourselves exhausted and running on empty. But what if there's a divine gift we've been overlooking? This message delves into the concept of Sabbath, not as a restrictive rule, but as God's loving provision for our well-being. Drawing from Genesis 2 and the Ten Commandments, we're reminded that God himself modeled rest, making it a sacred part of creation. The Sabbath isn't about legalism; it's about trust, restoration, and putting God in His rightful place. As we explore Jesus' teachings in Matthew 12, we see how He redefined Sabbath, emphasizing mercy and healing over rigid observance. This challenges us to rethink our approach to rest and how it can transform our relationship with God and others. Are we brave enough to embrace this counter-cultural practice and find true restoration in Christ?
In this powerful message, we explore the profound invitation Jesus extends to all who are weary and burdened. Focusing on Matthew 11:28-30, we delve into the concept of Jesus' yoke being easy and his burden light. This teaching challenges us to consider the unnecessary yokes we carry - whether from the world, religion, or our own lives. We're reminded that some burdens we simply can't bear, like the weight of perfect obedience or making restitution for our sins. Jesus offers to remove these, replacing them with His righteousness. The message beautifully illustrates how Jesus doesn't just offer rest, but a partnership where He carries the majority of the weight. This fresh perspective on discipleship encourages us to surrender our burdens and enter into a deeper, more restful relationship with Christ. It's a call to trade our exhausting yokes for the life-giving yoke of Jesus.
In this powerful exploration of faith, we delve into the story of John the Baptist, a man of unwavering conviction who faced a crisis of faith. The central message revolves around dealing with unmet expectations in our spiritual journey. We're reminded that even the greatest prophets had moments of doubt, as John questioned Jesus from prison, asking, 'Are you the one who is to come?' This narrative from Matthew 11 serves as a poignant reminder that following Jesus doesn't always go as expected. The speaker draws parallels between John's experience and our own lives, emphasizing that disappointment and confusion are part of the faith journey. However, the key takeaway is how we respond to these moments. Jesus' compassionate response to John's doubt teaches us that God is not threatened by our questions or frustrations. Instead, we're encouraged to seek God's presence in times of uncertainty, as 'the presence of God brings clarity.' This message challenges us to trust in God's love and power, even when we don't understand His ways, reminding us that our ultimate hope lies in eternity where there will be no unmet expectations.
In this powerful exploration of God's love, we delve into the heart of Luke 15, focusing on the parable of the Prodigal Son. This timeless story reveals the depths of God's compassion and His relentless pursuit of the lost. We're challenged to reconsider our understanding of God's nature, seeing Him not as a distant judge, but as a loving Father who eagerly awaits our return.
In this powerful message, we're challenged to examine our trust in God through the lens of financial giving. The core of this teaching revolves around the biblical story of the Israelites facing Jericho in the book of Joshua. This narrative serves as a profound metaphor for our own faith journey. Just as God led the Israelites to an seemingly impossible situation, He often calls us to steps of faith that appear daunting. The key lesson here is that God intentionally creates opportunities for us to trust Him, allowing Him to demonstrate His faithfulness. We're reminded that saying 'yes' to God, even when it doesn't make logical sense, opens the door for miraculous interventions in our lives. This message encourages us to reflect on our own 'Jericho moments' - those times when God is asking us to take a leap of faith, particularly in our giving. It challenges us to move beyond our comfort zones, trusting that God's provision is greater than our perceived limitations.
In this powerful message, we're challenged to confront the pervasive issue of covetousness in our lives. The parable of the rich fool in Luke 12 serves as a stark reminder that our worth isn't measured by our possessions, but by our relationship with God. We're urged to examine our hearts: are we building bigger barns for ourselves, or investing in God's kingdom? This teaching invites us to shift our perspective from accumulating wealth to being 'rich toward God.' It's a call to open-handed living, where we view our resources as tools for advancing God's purposes rather than securing our own comfort. As we reflect on this, we're encouraged to fight against the cultural lie that 'more is better' and instead embrace the truth that God is enough. This message isn't just about money; it's about trust, priorities, and where we find our true security and satisfaction.
In this powerful exploration of faith and obedience, we delve into the transformative story of Moses from Exodus. The central message reminds us that God invites us to experience 'mountaintop moments' - pivotal encounters with His presence that shape our spiritual journey. These moments, both literal and figurative, prepare us for the challenges ahead and strengthen our faith. The key lesson is that our faith grows through obedience, not merely through the passage of time or listening to sermons. As we witness Moses' journey from insecurity to confidence, we're encouraged to embrace our own 'reluctant obedience,' understanding that even fear-filled steps of faith are honored by God. This message challenges us to reflect on the areas in our lives where we might be delaying obedience and invites us to trust in God's faithfulness as we step out in faith.
In this powerful message, we're challenged to examine our faith through the lens of God's calling and purpose. The central theme revolves around the disciples' journey, from being called away from their fishing boats to being sent out into the world. This progression beautifully illustrates how God prepares us for His greater plan, even when we can't see the full picture. The story of Peter, Andrew, James, and John leaving their nets reminds us that following Christ often requires leaving behind our comfort zones and familiar identities. We're encouraged to recognize that God's pace and plans may not align with our expectations – sometimes feeling too fast, other times frustratingly slow. Yet, each step of obedience builds our faith and prepares us for the next challenge. The message emphasizes that God isn't developing us to be independent, but to have faith-filled obedience. As we reflect on our own lives, we're invited to consider: What is God calling us to leave behind? How can we step out in faith, trusting that He will provide and guide us through each stage of our spiritual journey?
In this powerful message, we're challenged to consider the true nature of following Jesus - is it safe or risky? The answer, we learn, is both. Drawing from Matthew 10, we explore Jesus' instructions to His disciples as He sends them out to spread the Gospel. This passage reveals four profound truths about why Jesus puts us in risky positions: to advance His kingdom against the world's, to grow His kingdom in our hearts, because the lost are worth it, and because the reward is worth it. We're reminded that darkness reigns until light shines, and as followers of Christ, we're called to be that light, even when it means going against the flow of culture. This message encourages us to examine our hearts and ask ourselves: when tested, do we truly follow Jesus? It's in these moments of risk and obedience that we allow Jesus to prove His faithfulness to us.
In this powerful exploration of God's view on women in leadership, we're challenged to reconsider long-held beliefs through a fresh examination of Scripture. The message takes us on a journey from Creation to the early Church, highlighting how God has consistently empowered women for leadership roles.
In this powerful message, we're challenged to reflect on what it truly means to follow Jesus and share His love with the world. Drawing from Matthew 9:35-38, we see Jesus' compassionate response to the crowds - harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. This imagery invites us to view others through Christ's eyes of love and compassion, regardless of their background or beliefs. The key lesson here is that we're called not just to believe, but to actively reflect Jesus in our thoughts, actions, and speech. This three-fold approach - thinking, acting, and speaking like Jesus - forms the core of our Christian witness. We're reminded that this witness isn't just for a select few; it's the calling and purpose of all humanity, the very plan of God and hope for the world. As we embrace this calling, we're encouraged to pray for sensitive eyes to see the needs around us, and for the courage to meet those needs in practical ways. This message challenges us to move beyond our comfort zones and truly embody Christ's love in our daily lives.
In this powerful message, we're invited to explore the profound truth that God desires a deep, personal relationship with each of us. The central theme revolves around God's covenant promise, beautifully illustrated in Exodus 6: 'I will take you to be my people, and I will be your God.' This promise, echoed throughout Scripture, reveals God's unwavering commitment to care for us, listen to our needs, and engage with our concerns. However, we often struggle to trust this promise fully. The message challenges us to confront our doubts and fears, reminding us that our greatest obstacle isn't life's hardships, but the illusion of self-sufficiency. Through the stories of Jairus and the woman with the issue of blood in Matthew 9, we see how desperate moments can strip away this illusion and drive us to take bold, faith-filled risks in trusting God. As we reflect on these accounts, we're encouraged to embrace vulnerability, step out in faith, and allow God to meet our deepest needs, transforming not just our circumstances, but our very relationship with Him.
Have you ever felt unworthy or disqualified from God's love? This powerful message reminds us that Jesus came not for the righteous, but for sinners. Through the story of Matthew's calling in Matthew 9, we see how Jesus redeems our past, empowers our present, and promises our future. The truth is, our past is not greater than the cross if we surrender it to Jesus. He doesn't just forgive us; He empowers us with His Holy Spirit to live out our calling. We're encouraged to trust that one moment with Jesus can change everything. Just as He transformed the lives of tax collectors, fishermen, and even a zealot, He can transform ours too. This message challenges us to let go of the lies we've believed about ourselves and embrace the redemptive call Jesus has for each of us.
In this powerful message, we're challenged to examine our relationship with money and its impact on our spiritual lives. The central theme revolves around Jesus' teaching in Matthew 6, where He warns that we cannot serve both God and money. We're asked to consider: if Jesus Himself were speaking to us, would we believe Him enough to change our behavior? This question strikes at the heart of what true faith means - not just believing, but allowing that belief to transform our actions. The message delves into the story of Cain and Abel from Genesis 4, illustrating how our giving reflects our heart towards God. We're encouraged to give to God first, faithfully, and generously, not as a legal obligation, but as an act of worship and trust. This teaching invites us to break free from the grip of materialism and experience God's faithfulness in miraculous ways. It's a call to prioritize our relationship with God over worldly possessions, potentially revolutionizing our approach to finances and deepening our faith.
In this powerful message, we're challenged to examine the habits that can truly transform our lives. The central focus is on Philippians 3, where Paul's journey from persecutor to apostle illustrates a profound spiritual truth: we must release our past to pursue God's ultimate prize. This isn't about simply forgetting our history, but rather reframing it through the lens of Christ's redemptive work. We're encouraged to identify what we need to release - be it past failures, hurts, or even successes - and shift our focus to knowing Jesus intimately. The message draws interesting parallels between our tendency to view life through colored lenses of past experiences and the need to adopt God's perspective. As we strain forward with purpose, we're reminded that our ultimate goal isn't earthly success, but eternal communion with God. This teaching invites us to reflect on how our past might be hindering our spiritual growth and challenges us to embrace a new, Christ-centered perspective that can radically change our lives.
In this powerful message, we're challenged to examine our priorities and how we define success in light of God's Word. The story of Mary and Martha in Luke 10 serves as a pivotal example, reminding us that sitting at Jesus' feet - prioritizing our relationship with Him - is the 'one thing necessary.' We're encouraged to reflect on how our culture's obsession with busyness and consumption often leads us astray from God's best for our lives. The message urges us to create margin in our lives - in our time, energy, and resources - so we can freely respond to God's calling. It's a sobering yet inspiring call to subtract what hinders us and add what helps us grow closer to God. As we ponder this, we're invited to ask ourselves: Are we truly living with Jesus as our priority, or have we allowed the world's demands to crowd Him out? This message challenges us to realign our lives with God's wisdom, reminding us that true fulfillment comes not from doing more, but from choosing the 'good portion' that can never be taken away.
In our journey of faith, we often underestimate the profound impact our relationships have on our spiritual growth. This message delves into the timeless wisdom of Proverbs, reminding us that 'whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm' (Proverbs 13:20). It's a powerful call to evaluate our closest relationships and their influence on our faith. Are we surrounding ourselves with those who pursue God and help us grow? The imagery of iron sharpening iron (Proverbs 27:17) beautifully illustrates how godly friendships can refine and strengthen us. We're challenged to seek out relationships that speak truth into our lives, even when it's uncomfortable. This message isn't about isolation, but intentionality - carefully considering who we allow to shape our character and faith. As we reflect on Jesus' example of intimate discipleship and outward ministry, we're inspired to cultivate relationships that both nurture our faith and allow us to be a godly influence on others.
In this powerful message, we're challenged to embrace the transformative habit of putting God first in our lives. Drawing from Jesus' teachings in Matthew 6, particularly the Sermon on the Mount, we're reminded that our spiritual investments have eternal value. The key lesson is that by seeking God's kingdom and righteousness above all else, we open ourselves to His blessings and provision. This isn't just about a feeling, but about actionable faith that permeates every aspect of our lives. We're encouraged to ask ourselves, 'How can I put God first in this situation?' in our relationships, finances, time, and future plans. By doing so, we're not just following rules, but cultivating a deep, transformative relationship with our Creator that leads to true fulfillment and purpose.
In this special Christmas Eve message, we're challenged to consider our response to God's greatest gift - Jesus Christ. The central theme revolves around Jesus' call for total surrender, as illustrated in Matthew 16:24-26. We're asked to 'take up our cross' daily, which isn't just about sacrifice, but about trading our limited worldly pursuits for God's infinitely better plan.
This Christmas message reminds us that Jesus came to offer acceptance to the rejected, the lowly, and the sinners. The story of Christ's birth in Luke 2 takes on new meaning when we consider how it foreshadows His entire ministry. Born in a stable, laid in a manger, with no room at the inn - these details reflect Jesus' mission to identify with those who feel unwanted or unworthy. We're challenged to see ourselves through God's eyes, not through the lens of rejection or shame we may have experienced. The imagery of Jesus being born among sacrificial animals powerfully connects to His ultimate purpose as the Lamb of God. This Christmas, we're invited to embrace the profound truth that no matter our circumstances or past, we are deeply loved and accepted by God.
In this powerful message, we're invited to explore the true meaning of happiness through the lens of Christ's birth. The angels' proclamation to the shepherds in Luke 2 reveals that Jesus came to bring us happiness - not just in material things, but in a restored relationship with God. We often chase after worldly definitions of happiness, but these fall short. The gospel challenges us to find our joy in Christ himself, not just in His gifts. This shift in perspective transforms how we view status, fear, and life's challenges. We're reminded that happiness in Christ is available to everyone, regardless of social standing, and can coexist with difficult emotions. As we respond to God's invitation, reflect on His faithfulness, and rejoice in His presence, we foster a deeper, more lasting happiness that transcends circumstances.
Because Jesus came and saved us when we were at our worst, we can have confidence that now that we are righteous and at peace God is going to do even greater things!
So, in life when things go unexpectedly, do we worry or wonder?
In this powerful message, we're challenged to shift our perspective from the temporary to the eternal. The central theme revolves around understanding God's promises and His plan for redemption. We explore the tension between our earthly expectations and God's eternal purpose, using the story of Jesus healing the paralytic in Matthew 9.
In this sermon, we explore how Jesus is present in our pain, offering not just healing but purpose through our struggles. Sickness represents any form of brokenness, and healing is the restoration of that brokenness. Jesus heals us not only for our own well-being but so we can serve Him.
In this sermon, we explore how Jesus sometimes leads us into storms to help us grow in faith and dependence on Him. While storms can feel overwhelming, they are opportunities to experience God's power and faithfulness. Even when it seems like Jesus is distant, He is always with us, guiding and strengthening us through life's challenges. Join us as we reflect on how to trust God during difficult times and recognize His presence and work in our lives.
In this message, we explore the powerful ways Jesus responds to those who come to Him. Whether feeling unworthy, in need, humble, or filled with doubt, Jesus offers grace, salvation, and healing. Through stories like the Centurion’s, we see how approaching Jesus can bring blessings not only to ourselves but to others as well. Discover what’s holding you back from bringing your struggles to Him and find encouragement to take that step today. Join us to dive deeper into how Jesus meets us in our brokenness and works through us to impact those around us.
Salvation, water baptism, and the baptism in the Holy Spirit are steps in a journey of faith that deepen one’s relationship with God. The baptism in the Holy Spirit is emphasized in scripture as a vital, empowering experience—it was modeled by Jesus, prophesied by the prophets, promised to believers, commanded by Christ, and ultimately realized in the early church. This experience, which is both experiential and follows salvation, is something God intends for believers to seek repeatedly. By following the example set in scripture—first embracing salvation, then engaging in water baptism, and continually seeking the Holy Spirit—believers can experience God’s empowering presence and be reminded of His constant support. God desires this repeated encounter, inviting us to ask Him to fill us over and over so that we can be strengthened to follow Jesus faithfully.
The Presence of Authenticity and the Absence of Shame. One of the primary things we need for developing real relationships is AUTHENTICITY. The reason why so many people today have a lot of social connections but very few real relationships is because they are afraid to be AUTHENTIC.
Baptism is a Christian sacrament that symbolizes a believer's identification with Jesus in His death, burial, and resurrection. It serves as a public declaration of faith and a commitment to follow Christ, modeled and commanded by Jesus Himself. Through baptism, believers are united with the church and begin a life of ongoing surrender and repentance. This act marks the start of a continuous journey of dying to oneself and taking up the cross daily, reflecting a transformed life dedicated to Jesus.
Pastor Matthew Johnson
Do you want to experience the full life that Jesus offers? In this video, we explore the true meaning of repentance—a complete change of mind that leads to real transformation. Learn the 5 essential steps of repentance, grounded in Biblical truth, to help you align your life with God’s purpose. As Luke 19:9-10 reminds us, Jesus came to seek and save the lost. Are you ready to respond to His call and embrace the grace that leads to salvation? Dive deep into the process of repentance and discover how to live fully in Christ today!
Pastor Matthew Johnson
It’s possible, that your prayers are accomplishing nothing because you’re missing a prayer time that makes God the priority and really connects to Him.
Speaker
Pastor Matthew
Be sure to watch today's video to stay up to date with all that's happening with the TCBS Podcast.
The 2022 Challenge: 1. Pray about the step of faith God is challenging you to take this year to grow in your faith. 2. Make a plan to accomplish that step 3. Send it to Pastor Chris at info@thetree.church
How did God love you? Pursued you, qualified you, loved you, blessed you, never gave up, etc. And the weight of this is if you don’t, you’re not in relationship with Jesus and you should not expect for God to continue to give you any of these things.
In this season of uncertainty, we need more worship. In this season of division, we need more worship. In this season of separation, we need more worship. In this season of life…we need more worship.
Will we pray these extravagant prayers this week?
Search me / change me Guide me Will you do a miracle?
"Jesus saves the broken so that the light He ignites in them will give light to others in darkness."
"Your heart might be stirred to change some things, but if it's not based on the Word of God, you are no better off than you were before this season."
"When others see how you respond in season like these, they will know your faith has power and is rooted truth."
"As we go forward, things will still be difficult. The question marks of doubt will still come, but we remember the evidence God has already put in front of us."
"If the ROOT OF FEAR is something out of your control that might hurt you, then FEAR OF GOD is peace knowing that something that is out of your control is controlled by someone who loves you."
"You will never experience the depth of faith you need to experience the abundant life of God, until you give him financial control of your life."
"Are we lacking fullness of life in relationships, maybe it’s time to try something we’ve never done before? Purposed relationships are essential for fullness of life."
Thoughts inform actions, and actions impact thoughts. Our past experiences inform our behaviors and thoughts.
"When you define the priorities, it makes it easy to make the correct decision apart from emotion."
"When we place God first in our priorities and actions, we are inviting God to something second in response".
"In order to experience a life you've never lived, you have to do things you have never done". Pastor Matthew opens up our new series, "Life".
"One day, I'm going to come. I'm going to take the form of humanity, and I'm going to suffer physically. I'm going to give up my life. Why? So that you can become the temple of The Holy Spirit."
"God never came to deliver us so that we could remain in sin. He didn't come to bless our sin, He came to set us free from the sin."
Pastor Matthew continues on in our series. "Jesus: A Foundations Series".
Culture wants to tell us that we are an accident with no intrinsic value. God shows that each of us were designed with a purpose and our value comes from being made in the image and likeness of Him.
"How do we know that intelligent designer is the God of the Bible? Two thousand years ago, God became man in the person of Jesus and a man who walked on Earth was able to do things that defied physics and defied biology."
Pastor Matthew opens up a new series and uses creation to show the might and power of God.
Pastor Matthew concludes our "God Speaks" series and gives practical steps how to listen to The Holy Spirit speak in our lives.
"As you start to read The Bible, God's going to convict you. He's going to show things that you need to change in your life."
Pastor Matthew continues in the "God Speaks" series and delivers a challenging talk on how to respond to God's Word.
Special guest speaker Pastor Tim Moore opens up a new series and reminds us that even though we are a process, God is not finished with us yet.
"There's not a secret formula, there's simply surrender."
Pastor Matthew concludes the "God" series with a compelling message on how we can begin to understand the power of The Holy Spirit.
"None of us had to go to the cross. None of us had to die because God took our place. This allowed Him the special gift that He wanted to give us: this gift of grace." Pastor Matthew continues on in the powerful Foundations series.
"There will not be a single person who has an authentic desire to be in relationship with The Father who The Father will reject". Pastor Matthew continues on in the third week of our Foundation series.
In the second week of the Foundations series, Pastor Matthew shows that every part of God that He reveals to us is for us and for His glory.
Pastor Matthew opens up a new series with a powerful word and challenges us to reflect on how we view God.
Pastor Chris delivers a powerful message on the importance of water baptism within a Christian's spiritual journey.
Pastor Matthew wraps up the Core series by reminding us how we are to submit to God in all areas of our lives.
Pastor Matthew brings a message that challenges us to bring God to the forefront of our finances.
Pastor Matthew delivers a challenging message that shows that the church is at its healthiest when everyone is doing their part.
Pastor Matthew begins our new series by sharing the fact that we need healthy relationships with those around us as we navigate through life.
Pastor Michael continues our Summer Playlist series by examining how we can be obedient to God despite our brokenness.
Pastor Chris continues the Summer Playlist series by bringing a powerful word on how we should trust God in all of our sufferings.
Pastor Michael delivers a powerful message on how we need to humble ourselves and submit our anxieties to God.
The Tree Church exists to make disciples of Jesus Christ through purposed relationships and relevant environments.
Service Times // Sundays • 9am | 11am
Learn more: http://www.thetree.church Connect with us: https://www.facebook.com/thetree.church Follow us: https://www.instagram.com/thetree.church
Pastor Chris helps us examine overcoming fear and being obedient to God.
The Tree Church exists to make disciples of Jesus Christ through purposed relationships and relevant environments.
Service Times // Sundays • 9am | 11am
Learn more: http://www.thetree.church Connect with us: https://www.facebook.com/thetree.church Follow us: https://www.instagram.com/thetree.church
Pastor Michael brings the word and reminds us to be people who are obedient and worship unapologetically.
The Tree Church exists to make disciples of Jesus Christ through purposed relationships and relevant environments.
Service Times // Sundays • 9am | 11am
Learn more: http://www.thetree.church Connect with us: https://www.facebook.com/thetree.church Follow us: https://www.instagram.com/thetree.church
Pastor Chris reminds us that there will always be a victory if we let God fight our battles.
The Tree Church exists to make disciples of Jesus Christ through purposed relationships and relevant environments.
Service Times // Sundays • 9am | 11am
Learn more: http://www.thetree.church Connect with us: https://www.facebook.com/thetree.church Follow us: https://www.instagram.com/thetree.church
"Is it possible that God wants to do a miracle in your heart, to bring reconciliation to your broken relationships?" Pastor Matthew continues in the series, "I Could Be Wrong", and explores the power of forgiveness.
Pastor Matthew opens up a new series that compels us to look at relationships that are strained and take the first steps towards reconciliation.
As we continue in the Kingdom Without A King series, Pastor Matthew helps remind us that our value is only found in Jesus.
Pastor Matthew opens up a new series on what a post-Christian culture looks like and what we need to do to change it.
Join the staff at LCC as we worship, learn, and participate in communion for a January 1st church experience. Don't forget to submit your prayer requests and give as well. The links are provided right here on this page.
Be sure to take some pictures and tag them with #LCCONEONESEVENTEEN
It is hard for us to invest our “physical” in the “spiritual” as long as we keep looking for “life” in physical things. We think life finds it’s worth in material possessions but it really finds itself ONLY in a relationship with Jesus. When Jesus is first in our priorities, then we can start to enjoy the physical of life.
In this passage, Jesus challenges our perspective and teaches that true wealth is not found in earthly riches. The secondary teaching that Pastor Matthew referenced can be found at https://vimeo.com/145860940
Jesus is going to warn us of the threat of giving in to the fear of man and gives us the hope that God will provide in those moments.
One of the most powerful forces in our lives is our perspective because it eventually impacts our behavior and that in returns sets our lives on a course. In this study we learn the healthiest of perspectives that will lead us to obeying God over every other temptation.
Pastor Matthew Johnson teaches on the importance of putting God first in one's priorities.
Pastor Matthew Johnson shares about the vision of the church as he talks about the history of Lancaster Community Church, where we have been in the past year, and where the church is going over the next year.
It is hard for us to invest our "physical" in the "spiritual" as long as we keep looking for "life" in physical things. We think life finds it's worth in material possessions but it really finds itself ONLY in a relationship with Jesus. When Jesus is first in our priorities, then we can start to enjoy the physical of life.
Jesus surrendered all that was His to become man to win man back. He sacrificed for a greater good. Every generation is called to do the same. We are here as Christians because EVERY generation has had faithful people who sacrificed for the Kingdom of God to continue. We must do the same for our generation and the future ones.
Tithing is really a relational desire of God. In Malachi 3, God's command is for the people to "return to me" by once again trusting Him with their tithes. The people had "left" God by no longer being obedient in giving which meant that they were relationally disconnected. God's desire was a return to a relationship and the pathway was tithing.
When we are a steward instead of an owner, we are called to both a posture and a practice The posture is contentment. The practice we must put into use is giving first. When we give to God first, it makes Him the priority and also increases our faith.
Before you can understand any of the teachings from the Bible about money, you must first embrace a proper perspective concerning your resources. From the very beginning of God's relationship with His people, He has taught them that 100% of what they have is His and they are simply stewards of it.
When you own something, you can do what you want with it. The rights are yours.
When you steward something, you have no rights but you have responsibility.
When we steward things well for God, He blesses us with more and gives us greater opportunity.
You don’t become a great football player on the field, it’s what is done in practice that makes an athlete great. Faith is not forged in the lions den, but in the upper room through prayer. Prayer is simply a way to connect with God. It’s never been a religious activity, but rather a relationship connector. In it’s most basic and purest form – prayer is how you connect to the presence and power of God.
The goal of marriage is for two to become one. That was God's initial design but that design only works with God as the focus of the marriage. When Adam and Eve sinned, God was pushed out and replaced with SELF. From that point on, every marriage struggles because people by nature are selfish. When Christ once again becomes the focus, SELF is put in its proper place and marriages can attain oneness.
The process of being disciples and making disciples is very difficult when we think we have to be good enough to actually lead someone else. The truth is Jesus never meant for us to simply lead others as much as He meant for us to get into groups of like minded people and together walk towards Christ.
Dozens of times Jesus said "Follow me" to people and each person was different, had different struggles, were in different places and have different degrees of understanding. The goal was the same for each of them in spite of their diversity and so was the expectation. Jesus told them all to follow and to be willing to take up their cross daily. This goal and expectation are still in effect today and it will determine if we are successful. The question we all have in each area is, are we willing to take ONE STEP FORWARD in surrender as we follow Him?
This is the story of the good Samaritan. In this event, a man sets out to test Jesus and in their conversation, the man then asks a common but wrong question: "Who is my neighbor?" Jesus flips it around by telling the story of the good Samaritan. What Jesus communicated is that it's not about who you have to love but are you being loving? The question isn't about "Who is my neighbor" but "Am I being a neighbor?" The love of Jesus shown to us compels us to love above all other reasons to not love.
The 72 return from their journey with stories of success and miraculous happenings. They seem almost shocked at all that God had done through them, and they are excited. Jesus confirms their excitement by rejoicing with them and yet Jesus takes the moment to remind them of something even greater than their success in ministry. That they have eternal life with Christ.
Just like all good things God created, success isn’t bad...no…success is good, pleasure is good, happiness is good…but a deep, life giving, day in and day out, personal relationship with the Creator and Savior is better.
This relationship is the only thing that will always last, weather any circumstance, and live up to what it promises (our eternal, joyful life).
God wants to speak through us to others to encourage them. Sometimes God speaks prophetically through you to encourage someone or He will speak through someone else to encourage you. Either way, it's all a gift of the Holy Spirit
Jesus calls each of us…not just the “professionals” (ie. pastors, missionaries, apostles) to advance the kingdom of God. And we each have been uniquely designed and uniquely placed where we are (in our jobs, families, hobby, clubs) to bring the gospel to our center of influence in order to advance the kingdom of God.
The calling on our lives to follow Christ is a calling that if we are true to, will cause our lives to look radically different than the culture we find so prevalent in today's world. Even in light of the current debate over homosexuality, the love of God compels us to reach out in truth AND love to the world around us. Those two principals don’t compete with each other but actually go hand in hand as we show the world that God has a better plan that will lead all of us into a more full life.
God gives us the tools we need to accomplish the impossible task of living for Him and making disciples of the world. This only happends through the power of the Holy Spirit as God uses His gifts to help us in supernatural ways.
The Holy Spirit works ON us so that He can also work THROUGH us. He convicts, challenges, empowers, etc. our lives so that we can be a blessing to others. Our natural bent is sin. In Galatians our spirits are described in dramatically sinful ways. The Holy Spirit wants to change that.
In the same way that when you are saved, you receive the full benefits of salvation through obedience, the baptism in the Holy Spirit also works. Once you receive Him by faith, you need to walk in obedience to experience the full benefits and power of the Holy Spirit.
God giving us His presence/Spirit was His plan all along because He is the only one who can accomplish true life in us and through us.I am talking about how giving us His presence/Spirit was His plan all along because He is the only one who can accomplish true life in us and through us.
Luke lays out all of the ways that Jesus is great: heals the sick, raises the dead, controls the weather, authority over spiritual forces, does miracles like feeding the thousands, and transfigures in front of His disciples. The differences between the realities of His greatness and submission are laid in stark contrast to the response of His disciples as they argue who is greatest amongst themselves. Their argument shows their foolishness. In comparison to Jesus, their behavior was shockingly inappropriate. What is shockingly inappropriate in our lives in comparison to Jesus?
The crowds were amazed at Jesus and were in awe of His power. They marveled at the sick healed and the demon drove out. They were astounded at His authority and His words. The temptation for Jesus was to buy into and set up an actual throne. The disciples and the crowd would have helped Him do it. They were primed and ready. But Jesus never wavered in keeping His eye on what really mattered…the Father. Jesus knew that His real power was in His connection and obedience to the Father. Jesus reminds the disciples and He reminds us that success for those that would follow Him, is always found in the ability to trust and follow the Father, whether it leads to popularity or death.
God uses the experiences of our lives to prepare us for the future. Every experience God takes us through has a present day purpose but also a future purpose. Our response to our experiences is either to worship God or to create an idol out of it. The way that we use it for worship is we submit it back to God and are willing to sacrifice all that He has given us. The way we make it an idol is for it to become our focus and we try to protect it so that we won't lose it.
Jesus clearly explains that the only way to follow Him is to deny yourself, die to yourself and then follow. He goes on to explain that if you don't follow this pattern, you are not really following Him or experiencing life. This world offers an illusion of life. Jesus offers the real thing. We must be willing to surrender our lives in order to experience the realness of His life. It's not what we HAVE to do in order to be saved...It's what we GET to do because we are saved.
Jesus asks His disciples who the crowd thinks that He is. Jesus then asks Peter, "Who do you say that I am?" This question is being posed to men who left everything, made financial sacrifices, and risked their lives to follow. Isn't it obvious who they think He is? Jesus wanted them to declare the fullness of who He is.
When Peter says, YOU ARE THE CHRIST! This statement goes beyond the crowd's perspective all the way to the fullness of who He is. What Peter was saying is, "You are the one we have been waiting for since the moment of the fall. You are our hope...our Savior...our way back to God."
Is Jesus the Christ in your life? Is He your hope? Your provider and sustainer? Is He your Lord? Or is He just a moral teacher? Just an influence? How you respond will determine if He is wisdom and power or foolishness and a stumbling block.
Often our steps of faith feel bigger than us and are hard because God doesn't always ask us to take steps when things are ideal (ie...we have enough money, we have enough rest, we have enough time) or easy, but rather God asks us to take steps of faith in the midst of our busy, stress filled lives. And yet this passage gives us some keys to working through whatever barriers we feel are keeping us from not taking those steps of faith. God always provides as you take steps of faith and depend more and more on Him.
Jesus asked the disciples to do something unique and seemingly illogical. He told them to go on a trip and don't do any of the things you would normally do to prepare for it. Jesus was preparing them to take a step of faith. He wanted them to go alone, trusting God would supernaturally provide for all of their needs. The reason Jesus wanted them to do this is He knew later on He would be leaving and they would physically be on their own and would once again have to trust God to provide for all of their needs in a supernatural way. Jesus was giving them bigger steps of faith so that later, they would be willing to take more steps of faith.
For thousands of years, people got sick and died without ever knowing what was killing them. Mankind’s ignorance that bacteria was the force behind sickness was destructive for so long. What if we are living in a more destructive time and even more ignorant? We are. The reality is that there is an unseen force destroying billions of lives every year and it’s spiritual. We still battle in the physical, but the motivating force behind it is spiritual. The only way to fight back is through spiritual methods.
At times, Jesus leads our lives to "storms" (difficult situations) so that we will learn to trust Him so our faith will grow. The reason we fear present situations is because of past experience (whether ours or someone else's). Jesus wants us to understand that present reality changes past experience...Jesus is now in the boat with us and that makes all the difference!
Jesus continues His theme of responding to His commands/teachings with obedience. He then gives an illogical example. He says, “No one lights and lamp and covers it with a jar.” The idea is that no one gets saved (the light of Jesus) and then hides it by not doing good works. That’s illogical. An honest and good heart listens with the purpose of obeying. The idea is that the only logical response to salvation is to respond in obedience.
All of human history is now viewed in relation to one event, the birth of Jesus Christ. When Jesus came into the world, He changed human history on two important levels. He changed the very culture (how people viewed needy people, women, slaves, generosity, etc.) and He changed the spiritual reality. Before Jesus, everyone was spiritually dead and after Jesus, true life was available. So what’s our “BC” and “AD”. How were we and how have we changed? How can we partner with Jesus to partner in the ministry of LCC?
The heart of the message, and I think the heart of Jesus, is getting people to recognize (not for condemnation but for the hope of change) where they are…what type of soil they are and calling for them to desire to be the good soil.
When we understand how much we have been saved from, we will show greater mercy to other people and worship Jesus more. The way to love better, be more forgiving, be more patient and be less judgmental is to realize how great your own sin is/was and that Jesus forgave it.
Each idea in this passage is challenging the religious community that was simply going through the motions and trying to justify themselves. Jesus' whole message was that to follow Him takes obedience through actual behavior.
Jimmy Evans, from Marriage Today, provides insight into the internal issues that inhibit intimacy so couples can remove the negatives and then understand the ethics of intimacy, so couples can work to create an atmosphere of true and lasting intimacy.
While submitting to and serving others may not come natural to us, it is the way Jesus calls us to live and that posture makes for healthier and safe relationships.
God’s math requires supernatural help. He says in marriage, 1 + 1 + 1 = 1. The only way that a marriage can work is for both parties to pursue God so that He can be the fulfiller of all their deep needs. He must heal them, set them free, forgive them, etc. Once we focus on God, we can learn how to love, serve, sacrifice, submit and lead.
All of us want and even expect life to turn out good. I think it¹s a byproduct of being raised in America. We simply expect to turn out good or get bailed out. The problem is that we don't plan and live in a way that leads toward what we really desire. Are we willing to make the commitment to live on a path that leads toward the biblical goals? Every decision we make sets our lives on a path somewhere. Will we make decisions that lead towards what God wants for our lives?
Jesus questions His audience why they would call Him, "Lord, Lord" (master or savior in this context) and yet not obey me? It's a ridiculous thing to call Him Lord and not obey. Either He is God, or He's not. Saying it but not believing it to the point of action makes no sense.
Jesus tells us that if the tree is healthy, it will produce good fruit. Jesus is telling us the proof of if we are following Jesus' desires is in our actions. We will know we are following Him when our lives produce fruit.
Jesus once again challenges the way that comes naturally to us and is modeled by all of culture. He challenges us to not judge other people. Judging is more than forming an opinion, it is including a sentence/judgment with that opinion. Jesus' challenge is to start with yourself by examining your own life. When you do this, you will see your faults and this should lead towards a reluctance to cast judgment.
In one of the most challenging passages of scripture in the Bible (Luke 6:27-36) Jesus challenges us on how we are to respond to those that hurt us.
Jesus was always challenging people to realize this earth is temporary and true wisdom and life is found in thinking about God's Kingdom over earthy treasures.
God will lead us to make decisions we would not make on our own. He will also lead us to go places we would not go on our own. When we live with an open posture, God surprises. And with God, we can learn to make wise decisions.
We live in a highly productive, highly stimulated, highly stressed culture and we all desire rest. But despite vacations, weekends, naps, hobbies and entertainment, I would contend that we never really get the rest that we are looking for. But true rest is only found in Jesus, because only He has the ability to make us ok. It was Him who stood in our place of judgment and it is Him who gives us His rightness and makes us okay.
So how do we get this rest? We hide ourselves in Jesus and God sees us as He sees His Son…Perfect…Ok. No matter how much we fail, no matter how much we succeed…our hope is always Jesus.
You can’t keep living your way and follow Jesus. Jesus will not only call you to things that challenge you as a whole, anything you grip will become the focus of what He asks for. Comparing your life with the world is missing the mark of life. It’s only in living with a new message in a new system will you discover the life that Jesus has called you to.
Jesus called Levi (Matthew) from the place He finds him. He tells Levi to follow Him from where he is. Jesus never asks him to change and clean up first. The same is true for us. Jesus calls us from where we are…He never asks us to clean up our messes first. He tells us to come as we are. He does this for us and also for our friends to see. He uses us and our disfunction to reach those around us. These are opportunities for us to reach others. Where we have been called out of and redeemed, is where God uses us to touch others most powerfully.
When the tension exists between what currently is and what will be, we wait and trust Christ.
Jesus touched the untouchable leper and healed him. Jesus still touches the untouchable sinner and heals him. Culture tells the leper to avoid the clean and it also tells the sinner to avoid Jesus. Jesus shows us that He his the only way to find the healing/forgiveness that will allow us to approach God.
God blesses us with things so we will learn to trust Him. He wants us to trust Him so we will be willing to leave it all for Him. It's a spiritual mindset instead of an earthly mindset.
There is a tension that happens in the life of a person who is actively seeking after Jesus. The tension is this: How do I know what I’m called to do? This tension is not resolved in a one-time answer such as a profession. This tension happens frequently…maybe even daily as the amount of needs seem to far outweigh the resources we are able to give. Lean how to discover what God is calling you to and how to have peace with what He isn’t.
Jesus heals & saves us so that we will in turn serve. The problem for us is that the place we are where we needed to be saved from, to us becomes a disqualifier for us being used. Our past becomes a roadblock to our future, but that's never what Jesus intended. Just the opposite. Where we are saved from is the exact place He wants us to serve from. Our testimony is intentional so that we can reach specific people.
Our enemy (satan) doesn’t have any real power against us so he uses manipulation and strategy. He finds our vulnerabilities and then tries to exploit them with lies. The only way we can combat it is through the truth of God’s Word and the power of the Holy Spirit.
The message of Jesus demands a response and unfortunately, just as the people really rejected Jesus' message, we do the same. The only proper response to Jesus' message is to dedicate our lives to Him. No matter how hard or sacrificial the message of Jesus, it has to become the standard for our lives. We might have to give it all up, but it's worth it. It's also the only way to experience life...we must die.
The temptations of Jesus were unique to Jesus but the strategy behind them is the same for our temptations. satan always tries to give us a shortcut to whatever God has called us to. But God's path not only leads to life but IS life.
This message covers the genealogy of Jesus. What seams like a hard passage to teach is really a list of God’s power and grace and how He enacts His plan to come into the world through broken, dysfunctional, unimportant (to the world) nobodies.
The Holy Spirit fills the life of a believer so that he/she can accomplished the otherwise impossible task of making disciples.
The presence of God is one of the greatest gifts of God. His presence represents defense, guidance, and salvation. It did then and still does today. We have to make it a priority though. We have to make it/Him a priority as Jesus did. So many of our mental, spiritual, emotional and physical problems could be resolved in the presence of God.
God should get the first and best part of everything we have because God has given us everything we have. God gave first and we are simply giving back as a sign we recognize where it all comes from. Jesus was the fulfillment of the first born being consecrated to God. His consecration as a baby was the most powerful foreshadowing of what He would do later as He laid down His life to redeem every person back to God.
Repentance prepares our lives for what Jesus wants to do. John was given the purpose of preparing the way for Jesus and he preached for people to repent. This is still true today.
When we follow Mary’s pattern, we are living out the gospel. We have nothing, we give all we have, God multiplies it and we gain it all.
Hebrews 12:1-11 states that we are to endure hardships as discipline. Discipline is not just a punishment but a preparation for a task the same way conditioning in sports prepares athletes for the season ahead. God’s ways will always be mysterious.
Luke was a physician and made huge sacrifices to write the book of Luke. He did three major things that can serve as examples for us: He sacrificed, he searched (for the truth) and he proclaimed it.
HEALTHY church growth happens on a step-by-step progression. With each step you take, you must develop the necessary systems/processes that prepare/qualify you to take the next step. Small groups (Connect Groups) are key to LCC's next level of growth.
In the story of Josiah, who restored the kingdom of Israel back to God, we learn that we must not look to the left or right but stay focused through hard work.
It takes death to experience life which means laying our lives down as a sacrifice. We get life when die (take up cross). The way we are healthy and living is to die to ourselves.
Each one of us have expectations but when those expectations don’t turn out like we expect, we have to decide how we respond. Many times our response is one of distrust rather than trust. What God wants us to do is to choose to have faith in Him which allows us to trust in times of uncertainty.
We will only accomplish great things if we are generous. We know Jesus was/is generous and we are supposed to be like Him. So why aren’t we? The reason we aren’t generous at times is of a flawed perspective, fear and selfishness. Jesus had two things about His nature that guaranteed generosity…LOVE and FAITH and these two things change our perspective and produce generosity.
The vision God gives His leaders is the vision for the people. It is not “their vision” but is “our vision.” God calls us to a vision. He designed us to be a perfect match TOGETHER as a church to accomplish that vision. When we own the vision, there is a unity that God blesses to accomplish more than we ever could alone.
With a recap of the last year and a look towards the future, Lead Pastor Matthew Johnson shares the vision of LCC.
We desire wholeness but search for it in all the wrong places. Pastor Chris Reed reminds us that we will only find fulfillment in Jesus in "Perfect Love Casts Out Fear”.
What standards should we use to guide and build our lives by? Is it our family upbringing? Is it our culture? In this stand-alone message from Lead Pastor Matthew Johnson, we learn a better way to live; by using a covenant with God as our plumb line.
Director of Worship Carrie Crawford urges us to make worship a top priority as we seek to encounter the presence of God in 2014, committing that “We won’t move without You.”
The 2013 candlelight message featuring the testimonies of some of LCC’s people who answered the call to follow the light.
Jesus brings war and peace. Seem like a contradiction? It’s not, as Lead Pastor Matthew Johnson explains in this message.
How should we prepare for worship? Lead Pastor Matthew Johnson teaches how God responds to Israel and through that, we see how we can prepare our hearts to worship God. From the series "Restoring the Ruins".
Pastor Matthew leads us through Nehemiah 8 as we look at how Israel approached God after they returned from exile.
Pastor Jimmy Evans from Trinity Fellowship in Amarillo, Texas and President of Marriage Today shares a special message with us at the conclusion of the 2013 Encounter Conference.
To kickoff the Encounter Conference, Pastor Matthew teaches to let go and follow Jesus.
The third message in the Restoring the Ruins series illustrates through the Nation of Israel (as detailed in Haggai and Ezra) that there is no better time to obey God than the present.
The conclusion of our Defending The Heart series. Can we give ourselves fully to God without also giving control of our money to God as well?
The fifth message in the Defending the Heart Series “Pride or Humility” takes a look at the devastating effects of pride on our hearts and on our relationships.
The third message in the Defending the Heart series, Pastor Matthew Johnson shares the practical steps we must take first to forgive and how those steps lead to God’s supernatural healing and restoring of our hearts.
Pastor Matthew begins this series by explaining that what we put in our hearts defines what comes out of them.
Pastor Chris Reed brings a message of hope, reminding us that we can rest in the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross.
Pastor Matthew explains how in the upside down kingdom, we grow into sufficiency not independence.
Guest speaker Aaron Taylor's powerful message that challenges the church to become bold.
Guest speaker, Pastor Tim Moore, brings a message of hope that reminds us that "often when we want to give up the most, is when God shows up the most."
Derek Harden brings a powerful message on how pride prevents us from a true connection with God and others.
Part two in the Prayer series. Pastor Matthew talks about approaching the throne of grace.