JW - Sunday Messages from Jacob's Well Church: Recent Episodes
Jacob's Well Church Eau Claire
Sunday messages/sermons from Lead Pastor Paul Berthiaume (Jacob's Well Church, Eau Claire, Wisconsin) plus other guest pastors and speakers.
We are invited to explore how we can make space in our hearts and lives for the work God is doing in and through us. Drawing from the story of the woman at Jacob's Well, we see how Jesus broke through barriers to reach those on the margins and how we are called to do the same. As our church continues to grow, we are challenged to embrace stewardship—not just of our resources, but of our time, talents, and opportunities—as we create room for more people to encounter Jesus and experience life transformation.
This Sunday, Pastor Paul concludes our Escape Into Reality series with the message, Light, Life, Belief, Part 2. In this powerful final week, he shares a "spiritual prescription" that addresses our deepest fears, anxieties, and mental health struggles—a prescription that leads us to joy. Through the lens of John 1, Pastor Paul unpacks how Jesus, the Logos, is the ultimate reality, grounding us in truth and transforming our perspective. He also dives into the connection between faith and obedience, emphasizing that true belief isn’t just about what we claim but is demonstrated in how we live. Obedience is the key to unlocking the joy and peace Jesus promises, showing us that faith without action leads to dissonance, but when we align our lives with God’s truth, we find lasting joy and well-being.
This week in the "Escape Into Reality" series, Pastor Paul explores the powerful themes of light, life, and belief from John 1. In a world where truth is often distorted, Jesus—the Word made flesh—reveals what is real, grounding us in the truth. As the light of the world, Jesus exposes what we hide in darkness, freeing us from what enslaves us. Through Him, we find life in relationship with God and belief through obedience. Living in His light brings joy, clarity, and true freedom. Join us as we step into the light of Christ and rediscover reality.
This week Pastor Paul invites us to dive deep into the profound concept of the "Logos," as revealed in the Gospel of John. In this message, we are reminded that Jesus is the Logos—God’s spoken word, logic, and reality brought to life. Pastor Paul unpacks how the Logos is not just a philosophical idea, but the very embodiment of truth, reason, and order, making sense of a world often caught in chaos and delusion. He challenges us to ask ourselves: Are we listening to God's voice? In a culture filled with distractions, it's time to escape into the true reality found in Jesus. Join us as we reflect on how the Logos brings clarity, light, and life to a world that desperately needs it.
In the final week of our Be Our Guest series, guest speaker Dr. David Clark discusses how people often know a lot about God but struggle to truly feel close to Him. He tells a story about a seminary student who, despite his knowledge, was afraid of God. Dr. Clark explains that our early relationships shape how we connect with God, and issues like anxiety or keeping others at a distance can block us from feeling His love. He encourages us to move beyond just knowing about God by practicing spiritual habits, connecting more deeply within our church, and being open to feedback, all to build a deeper, gut-level relationship with God.
In this back-to-school message honoring teachers, Brian Sullivan, Head of School at Venture Academy, highlights the profound influence teachers have on students and families. He draws parallels between their impact and the teachings of Jesus, emphasizing how exceptional teachers use compassion, creativity, and personal connection to inspire and guide. Effective teaching involves more than transferring knowledge; it builds confidence and supports students through challenges. Teachers empower their students by recognizing their potential and providing encouragement, leaving a lasting impression that shapes students' lives well beyond the classroom.
In this message, guest speaker Dr. David Clark challenges us as believers to think critically about our faith, demonstrating that Christianity is not based on circular reasoning but is supported by clear thinking and evidence. He guides us through Psalm 19 to show how the natural world reveals God's existence and connects scientific discoveries, like the Big Bang, to reinforce the belief that the universe's beginning points to a divine cause. Dr. Clark strengthens our faith by encouraging us to embrace good reasoning and evidence as foundations for our belief in God.
In this message we explore Psalm 46, focusing on how God is our refuge and strength in times of trouble. Pastor Sean Miller discusses the importance of being still and knowing God, illustrated by the story of Jesus calming the storm, showing how faith and inner peace help us overcome fear. And finally we discuss the impact of technology on our mental health. We look at practical advice on seeking God's guidance, reassessing our relationship with technology, and aligning our thoughts with God's promises.
Have you ever found your deepest relationships are fragile or struggling due to emotional wounds in your past? In Pastor Sean Miller’s first message of our "Be Our Guest" series, we confront this "Crisis of Connection" and explore how God's love can help overcome relational challenges and mend past hurts. We also find practical steps to build deeper connections with others, both here in our church and in our everyday lives.
In this final message in our Hope in a Hostile World series, Amanda teaches through the Apostle Paul's final instructions to the church in Thessalonica, where he encourages them and gives guidance on living a good life while waiting for Jesus to return. Amanda shows the parallels for our own lives—staying hopeful, supporting the leaders in our church, and being kind to each other. She stresses the importance of working hard for the right things, remaining positive, staying in prayer, and being thankful in all things. Finally, she reminds us to be so busy doing good that we avoid falling into sin while showing those in our circles that we love them and care for them.
In Week 4 of our "Hope in A Hostile World" series, we delve into practical ways to pursue purity in every aspect of life, drawing wisdom from 1 Thessalonians and Romans. Matt Rees guides us through the transformative process of sanctification and shows us how to align our lives more closely with God's will. Together, we discover how living in anticipation of Christ’s return can help us navigate challenging times with love and hope. Matt also provides practical steps for personal and spiritual growth, encouraging us to live in anticipation of Christ's return.
Hunter Gagner's message for Week 3 of our Hope in A Hostile World series explores how the story of the Gospel permeates the world and how we have the opportunity to be a part of it. Discover how our personal stories can contribute to the greatest story ever told, spreading love and hope through the power of Jesus.
This powerful message challenges us to share our faith fearlessly, to embody Christ's transformative love, and to live a life worthy of our divine calling. Learn to be a courageous witness for Christ, sharing His hope with unwavering conviction and intention.
In this first of 6 messages, long-time local Pastor and our special guest, Jerry Cellan explores the inspiring story of the Thessalonian church as detailed in I Thessalonians 1:1-10. This passage reveals how these early believers, living in expectation of Christ’s return, responded with unwavering faith, profound love, and steadfast hope even amidst hostility. Jerry delves into their incredible start, their radical transformation by embracing the gospel message, and how their faith became an example for others far and wide. Together we reflect on how their journey can encourage us, even today. And challenge us, too: What in your life right now is more important than God?
A father’s love prepares a child for a life filled with adventure, passion, compassion, resilience, and freedom. Pastor Paul interviews his son Ben, who completed an epic 87-day, 2,000-kilometer canoe expedition from Ely, Minnesota, to Hudson Bay up in Canada. They discuss how this journey reflects the role of fathers in protecting and preparing their children. We explore the gifts of courage, passion, compassion, resilience, and self-control that fathers instill in their children, and learn practical steps to honor and support dads in their vital role.
Are life's challenges weighing you down? In this message, Pastor Brian talks about the act of showing up in alignment with God’s values– how this can bring purpose and peace to our daily lives. Through personal stories and the powerful example of Elijah, we'll learn how to hear God's gentle whisper amid our daily chaos. We'll identify practical ways to incorporate the spiritual discipline of solitude into our routines– deepening our connection with God and ultimately discovering the peace of His presence.
Can you imagine holding your breath all day? It seems impossible, doesn’t it? Living a fulfilling Christian life without prayer is just as unthinkable. In Week 3 of “Summer in the Son,” we explore the essential role of prayer, described as the heartbeat of our faith and our spiritual muscle memory. Though many struggle with prayer, it holds transformative power. Curious about making prayer as vital as the air you breathe this summer? Watch Pastor Paul's message to learn how.
Ever feel like your spiritual journey takes a vacation as soon as summer rolls around? We've all been there. But what if this summer could be different? In this message, Pastor Paul shows us the secret to keeping our faith vibrant, even when the sun's out and the lake is calling our name. Get ready for a summer of surprising growth and the JOY of a deeper connection with God, with just an intentional step or two each day.
In this message, we reflect on life's changing seasons, confront the challenges of busyness, and seek to understand their impact on our connection with God. Through intentional alignment with God's pace and values, discover how small shifts in daily life can lead to profound spiritual transformation, infusing our journey with purpose and fulfillment. Join us on the path to deeper alignment with God.
In this message we explore suffering and loss through the lens of Job's story. We learn to face hardships with resilience and faith, avoiding despair and oversimplified explanations. By embracing the complexity of God's character and the mysteries of life, we discover the potential for healing and peace amidst adversity.
In this Easter 2024 message we explore the significance of Jesus' resurrection and its profound impact on the early church and future generations. Delving into prayer, Pastor Paul highlights its relationship with the triune God and its role in deepening our connection with Him. We see that prayer is more than a ritual or list of requests but a pathway to a loving relationship with God. Through examining the prayers of the early church and Jesus Himself, we discover the transformative power of prayer in fulfilling the deepest longings of our hearts.
The essence of prayer lies not in what we bring to God, but in the intercession of Jesus on our behalf. He stands as the bridge between humanity and divinity, offering prayers to the Father that transcend our inadequacies and shortcomings. This realization liberates us from the notion of earning God's favor through our actions or words.
As a church, we are asking Jesus to teach us to pray, and we find incredible power in time spent with the heart of God.
The heart of Prayer is a Love relationship with a Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Today's service included "Prayers of the People" submitted and prayed for live during the service.
The heart of Prayer is a Love relationship with a Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
It takes courage and faith to challenge family dysfunction by choosing a healthier path.
It takes courage and faith to pursue a dream, especially in the hardships of life, but if you persevere, it will bring life to those around you.
Who am I? And How should I Live? It takes courage and faith to challenge family dysfunction by choosing a healthier path, especially when you have been treated with contempt.
It takes courage and faith to challenge family dysfunction by choosing a healthier path. Learning to trust God's goodness, love, and plan.
If we are honest, we all grapple with a genuine and profound struggle to live in harmony with the truth in a world where being transparent is not always easy or safe. This week: Learning to trust God's goodness, love, and plan.
How is your commitment to honesty (or lack of) affecting your family, friends, coworkers? If you're honest, where is there manipulation in you?
If we are honest, we all grapple with a genuine and profound struggle to live in harmony with the truth in a world where being transparent is not always easy or safe. Reaping the Harvest of a Really Big Lie.
If we are honest, we all grapple with a genuine and profound struggle to live in harmony with the truth in a world where being transparent is not always easy or safe. Examine your commitment to honesty and living the truth.
Fear of missing out after a long wait causes us to lose confidence in the Promise of God. God fulfills His promises in His own perfect timing and unique way, exceeding our expectations with wonders beyond our imagination.
There is a trap in romanticizing and glorifying our past that can causes us to lose sight of (and confidence in) the future promise. Forget what is behind... press forward to the high call of God!
The history of the Bible is a story of a promise made and a promise kept. Do you keep Promises?
A Good God's righteous response to the Spirit of Cain is wrath. But a Merciful God has provided a way of escape in Jesus.
A clear Christ-centered vision of what you will become is the key to overcoming a small, tragic, and meaningless life.
• Evaluate your current road– How did I get here? What choices led me here? What needs to change? What relationships have I harmed by my decisions?
• Learn the art of delayed gratification.
• Develop skills that lead to becoming like Christ: Rule of Life, Daily Offices, EHS, EHR, Prayer, Silence and Solitude, Small Groups, or support groups like Celebrate Recovery
• Take the next right step in your journey. If you are not sure, come to the next First Steps Class!
The Spirit of Cain makes unwise sacrifices that lead us away from the goodness of God while blaming others for the consequences of our own actions and eventually seeking to destroy that which is good. What sin is crouching at your door?
The Spirit of Cain makes unwise sacrifices that lead us away from the goodness of God, while blaming others for the consequences of our own actions, and eventually seeking to destroy that which is good. Offer sacrifices to that which is meaningful.
The foundational beliefs we hold about humanity shape our view of the world, determining who we are, how we live, and what is meaningful. What does it mean to be a human being?
The foundational beliefs we hold shape our view of the world– determining who we are, how we live, and what is meaningful. God is our Best Thought.
Wherever we are on your Journey we will take steps together to know and become like Jesus. Follow Jesus.
Is it possible to Love Jesus but hate the church? Not only is it possible, but it is common experience. Indeed, this is nothing new. When the church loses its way it becomes very hard to love. But is it good? Be part of the Remnant that is bringing renewal to the church.
There are practices that historically have been so firmly established as part of the Christian faith that they begin to define what it means to be a Christian. For early believers, the idea of considering oneself a Christian who did not engage in these practices is like being rain that is not wet or a tree without wood. These practices are Baptism as a celebration of your salvation, Church as a priority, and discipleship as a daily practice of intentionally seeking and following Jesus. In Week 1 of the Essentials of Faith series, we'll look at how the practice of Baptism is essential for a follower of Jesus.
In an age of complacency and polluted worship, there is a remnant that fears the LORD and stays faithful by keeping a book of remembrance.
In our waiting, it is important to remember that God is working in ways we do not know, and He will accomplish all that He has promised.
In the Book of Malachi, the new Idolatry was not the worshiping of false gods like Baal, but rather the Idolatry of half-hearted worship of the True God, Yahweh.
This Idolatry created complacency and lukewarm devotion to God that was expressed in polluted worship, inadequate sacrifice, glorification of evil, and oppression of the vulnerable. All while expressing ingratitude toward God and blaming him for injustice.
In an age of complacency and polluted worship, there is a remnant that fears the LORD and stays faithful by keeping a book of remembrance.
Leaders have influence over us. Whether we like it or not, we all have or will be considered a leader in some way, big or small. But how do we lead well in a world that has redefined leadership with cultural influence? How do we instead be an influential leader in the name of Jesus, the Good Shepherd?
How did Simon become Peter? How did he become the most influential leader in the Christian Church? Jesus saw Peter. Jesus knew his name, and called him to become more. Jesus sees us, knows our name, and calls us to become more. Much like Peter's, our journey of "becoming" starts with being chosen, and– choosing to follow Jesus. There will be times we make great progress, times we hold our ground, and times we backslide. Will we give ourselves the permission, the grace, the space to journey in becoming more?
We need great men to be husbands, fathers and leaders. A great man is good, strong and competent. He is defined by service and love. Be a great man.
The Sermon on the Mount ends with a warning. Ignore Jesus' teaching at your own peril. Jesus repeats this basic warning using three separate illustrations. He also gives a powerful vision of what our lives can mean when we listen and follow his teachings.
Panel discussion on God's gift of motherhood. Featuring Whitney Berthiaume, Tina Pecor, Marsha Anderson, Terri Markquart, Leah Hulke and Mackenzie Fisk.
Jesus did what he said and practiced what he preached. Live Radical Love, Make Peace with God.
Relationship are difficult with dishonest people. Live with a radical commitment to honesty, integrity, and doing what you said you would do. Live Authentic.
Connection, intimacy, relationship. We all desire for closeness with people, to know and be known. But tragically, we often trade true, pure love for a form of lust. When we use and abuse people, it numbs us to real connection and intimacy. Jesus wants all of us to experience deep relationships, but if we treat people like objects, we won't be able to connect.
“I hate conflict.” Most people would resonate with this comment. But relational conflicts are inevitable. As followers of Jesus, we have his teaching and example to show us how to do healthy conflict. Jesus not only modeled healthy conflict, but he also actually created relational conflict when needed. In this series, we will discover Jesus’ teaching in the sermon on the mount and consider the wisdom of this life. Follow Jesus as he transforms you into a good person from whom good things naturally flow!
This service is a lament. We will take time to lament personally and corporately.
As we enter into Lent. Let's draw close to Jesus, the suffering servant.
There are three metaphors for Lament: Ashes – Loss, Salt – Tears, and Wormwood (bitter root) – Bitterness. When we Lament, we enter a deep grief that expresses loss, pain, bitterness, and often regret. Grief is acknowledging what has been lost and what we had hoped for that we will not receive. The contrast between where we were and where we had hoped to be contrasted with where we find ourselves needs to be acknowledged before it can be accepted.
Many of us don't want to draw near to our pain because we fear we will get trapped in pain and bitterness. Lament opens the door to see and experience the mercy of God. We need to experience and receive God’s mercy, so we do not lose our humanity and become something broken under the terrible weight of bitterness caused by the pain of this world.
Learning the Liturgy of Lament helps us understand the Nature of Trauma and gives us a Pathway of Trust through trauma, grief, and loss.
What was the world like before the coming of Jesus? What changed? What is still changing? Christmas changed EVERYTHING. This is a challenge for us to follow the person and the way of Jesus. Fighting injustice, loving people and walking in the way of the cross.
When we are Devoted to Jesus and each other, our lives take on the proper "spice" (inspiration) that makes the outside world want to seek Jesus for themselves. But devotion takes intentionality. We must make every effort; not to be perfect, but to be Devoted.
Is there a difference between men and women? What is the dynamic of a marriage? Become the kind of person who can shoulder responsibility for yourself and others.
Created in the Image of God. The radical realigning of relationships that was taught by the Apostle Paul challenged both the Roman family codes as well as the Jewish family codes. These same teachings should challenge us today– shifting from power, honor, class and sex distinctions to inclusion, equality, and unity. Leadership is redefined based on service and sacrifice. The Gospel reveals a radical new vision for all human relationships!
Ever wake up Monday morning with anxiety, dread, stress, and even anger towards your work? Is the best part of your work walking out the door and seeing your work in the rearview mirror? A Gallup survey discovered that of the 1 billion full time workers in the world only 15% are engaged, that means that 85% are unengaged– they go to work stressed, anxious, and angry and feel unfulfilled and unsatisfied with their work. So, if you feel any of these things you are not alone! But what if– what if there was a shift you could make to fill this Monday with fulfillment and joyful purpose? And what if this shift doesn’t mean changing jobs, or bosses, or co-workers? What if the shift is intentionally living your life IN Christ? Would that really change your work? We think, yes! Living your life IN Christ unlocks fulfillment and joyful purpose in ALL you do!
What would you be willing to do to create a new you? To be in Christ is to live in Christ, by putting on the new self.
We stand in Christ when we put away what we used to be, to put on our NEW self, choosing the way of Christ in whatever we do. To BE in Christ is to LIVE in Christ– by putting away the old self.
The way of Jesus stands in opposition to the wisdom of the world. When we are feeling overwhelmed with attacks on the Gospel we return to the simple Gospel. As followers we stand in Christ on the Gospel of peace, hope and love.
Being in Christ, standing on the hope of the gospel, often requires struggle, suffering and loss. Paul embraced suffering as part of the job in being an ambassador of the Gospel. Paul embraced struggle as a necessary step to spiritual growth and service. Paul embraced struggle, as a means, to deepening the disciple’s journey to know and become like Christ. If being in Christ and standing on the hope of the Gospel, requires suffering, struggle and even loss, are you willing to follow?
Colossians is an invitation to live in Christ. To do this, we must understand that we will face opposition. False teachers who will want to use the Gospel for some other agenda or purpose. Those who feel they have outgrown the simple message of Christ and have lost hope in the simple Gospel. Those who will come with “plausible” arguments based on human philosophy and materialistic wisdom. At times the opposition will come as ridicule, isolation and loss of influence. At other times it will come as threat of violence, slander and shame. There will be pressure to conform to the pattern and philosophy of the culture and the current age. In seasons like this it can become easy to try to compromise our commitment to Christ and the Gospel to win favor with those who oppose us, only to find that we are trying to appease people who will never like us. With so much cultural change it can be difficult to find a place to stand. As followers we find that we can stand in Christ on the Gospel of peace. As followers we stand in Christ on the Gospel of peace, hope and love. The way of Jesus stands in opposition to the wisdom of the world. When we are feeling overwhelmed with attacks on the Gospel we return to the simple Gospel.
Colossians is an invitation to live In Christ. It is a warning to those who would want to add to Christ, move on from Christ or be tempted to lose hope in the Gospel which is the mystery of Christ in you. To live in Christ is to Give him preeminence in all things. To be defined by Christ who becomes our life. Those in Christ continue in the faith!
Colossians is an invitation to live in Christ. It is a warning to those who would want to add to Christ or move on from Christ. Or those who are tempted to lose hope in the Gospel, which is the mystery of Christ in us. To live in Christ is to give Him preeminence in all things. To be defined by Christ, who becomes our life. Push the Gospel into every corner of your life.
For what are you known? How about the church? How about the first believers? Those in Christ are known by the fruit of faith, hope and love.
Colossians is an Invitation– to Live In Christ. It is a warning to those who would want to add to, or move on from Christ, or be tempted to lose hope in the Gospel– which is the mystery of Christ In You. To Live In Christ is to give him preeminence in all things– to be defined by Christ who Becomes Our Life. Find your Tribe.
Having a regular Sabbath practice in your life will not only rejuvenate you for the work week or school week ahead– it will also help you begin to truly know and become more like Christ. This is practice for what heaven will be like! Discover the keys to making a regular Sabbath practice a reality for you and your family!
The weather made us move Splash indoors, but we were still so excited to celebrate with all those being baptized. It was a great service!
Jesus renews Sabbath as a life-giving gift from God. Sabbath is the practice, perspective, and pattern of resting in God that teaches us to live in true freedom. Find the Sabbath practice and pattern that works for you and your family.
Sabbath is the practice, perspective, and pattern of resting in God that teaches us to live in true freedom. Jesus renews Sabbath as a life-giving gift from God.
Sabbath is the practice and perspective of resting in God. It is grounded in a deep trust that God’s work is more important than ours. It is the establishment of rhythms of work, rest and play in our lives that creates well-being in mind, body, and Spirit. It creates a platform for healthy relationships. It is the place where spiritual habits that are life-giving and renewing are learned and integrated into everyday life. Sabbath is the beginning point for spiritual growth and development of our own personal rule of life. In a world that is addicted to doing, you will have to be a rebel to practice being.
When we learn to control our words by listening to the cues and motions of our body, it helps us show our authentic faith.
Our faith should produce works, but it's not that simple. We can't DO for God, unless we first learn to BE with God.
So often we place value on people, wealth, work, status, and material items– but it's really God– He is our true treasure. It's never too late to start a relationship with Jesus, nor is it too late to hit the reset button on your relationship with Him. He is waiting for you with love and forgiveness.
The words of a father matter. So what do kids really need to hear from their father? Speak LIFE to your kids.
When we address issues related to LGBT, our Posture is more important than our Position. Loving people when the situation is messy is one of the best indications of a healthy church.
This week we look at the importance of understanding and living out our identity in Christ, in order to move away from our sinful, disordered desires. Experiencing God's meaning and destiny for our lives is impossible unless we embrace our new identity in Christ.
Understanding the power of saying no to disordered desires is powerful on the path to freedom.
In this message we will discuss the relationship between the spirit and the body. As Christians we believe that we are embodied spirits. The human soul is a symbiotic relationship between our minds, spirit, heart & body. We are not us without our bodies so we should love and honor our bodies. Our bodies are a gift from God so we should accept them as a trust and a means to fulfill our calling and vocation. Our bodies have been corrupted by sin or the disordered desires of the flesh. Giving in to our disordered desires creates slavery, while denying our disordered desires creates freedom.
There are many stages of Mom. Each one is unique with its own challenges, heartbreaks, joys and rewards. A good mom does not need to be a certain type of person, she needs to grow to be the right person for the right stage. Mom’s also need different kinds of support during different seasons. All this requires wisdom from Mom’s who are further on their journey. Care will need to be taken with those who's heart is broken on this topic. We will end the service by having older moms pray for younger women and by giving Moms a gift!
Living under the curse of ownership will make our lives a burden filled with anxiety. When we learn the joy of stewardship we find freedom.
The stunning promise of the new Jerusalem should inspire the believer to strive to live as a Kingdom citizen everyday.
Good Friday is when Christians remember the death of Jesus on the cross. At the time, the world did not understand why this was necessary. But three days later when Jesus rose from the dead, it became clear that Jesus had taken on the sin of humanity, and through his resurrection, conquered death and made possible the salvation of all who believe in Him.
This Good Friday as we come to the end of our Revelation series, we will remember the death of the Lamb, but we will go one step further this year, and foreshadow the defeat of the Dragon in preparation for celebration of the resurrection of Jesus on Easter Sunday!
Worship List: Go to Dark Gethsemane, The Blood, The Old Rugged Cross, What He's Done, Death Was Arrested
I have trouble deciding what I want. My deepest desires are often covered up by the pursuit of my superficial desires. In the New Jerusalem, at the Great Wedding feast of the Lamb Our deepest desires will be satisfied and our deepest joys discovered.
Is God Fair? Is Judgement Just? Only God is qualified to make judgements that are Just and True.
The modern American church does not often think of the Judgement. However the scriptures are clear. We will all stand before God and give an account for the things we have said and done. How should we understand this teaching?
When we claim love and loyalty to the Lamb but Live the way of the Dragon we find ourselves far from God and our hypocrisy undermines the message of Christianity. Choose a deep loyalty to the Lamb and His way.
Babylon is the world order that is ruled by wealth, power and oppression. When it falls the great, powerful and wealthy of the world will mourn and weep. How will you feel when this world fades away
The dragon has fallen and continues to fall in defeat. He falls more every time we choose to live the way of the Lamb. We have been given power to overcome the Dragon by the blood and the power of the Lamb.
We are entering the Part of Revelation that is often the most hard to understand. In this message Paul will give tools to help you begin to engage this book in a whole new way.
We all are giving our lives for something we believe. You can tell what a person believes by how they live. A call to follow the Lamb is a call to live for something bigger than yourself.
We live for and worship what we consider worthy. What is worthy of your life? Only Jesus is worthy of our first and best.
Is worship really that important? In this message, Worship Pastor Joshua Skoyen talks about the importance of worship and "joining the chorus" in our faith journey.
What is Jesus saying to His church? In this message we look at Jesus walking among His churches (Lampstands) with a specific message (Stars) for each church concerning what they are doing well and what they are not doing well. He also gives new revelations about Himself to each of the churches, that will guide them... And that will guide us today as a church as well.
This week we are going to discover that if we are truly going to be overcomers in this world we need a much bigger view of Jesus. Revelation 1:9-20 give us that view!
The Revelation is an unveiling of the spiritual reality and conflict that followers of Jesus have always been involved in. To those who are feeling overwhelmed by this spiritual conflict and battle, it is a call to overcome by staying faithful to the Lamb (Jesus) even during true suffering and persecution. It is a call to long for the return of Christ and the establishment of His kingdom, called the New Jerusalem. Believers are given the great heart cry, "Maranatha!", which means, "Even so, Come, Lord Jesus Come!".
What is the meaning in life? What can Christmas teach us about what is really meaningful?
Where we put our focus will determine our direction. In this message we will look at Peter walking on water and discuss how important it is that our focus be on Jesus instead of on our hurt, habits and hang-ups.
The mind is a place of Spiritual warfare. Will we listen to stories based on lies or those grounded in the truth of the work of Jesus and the promise of God.
The mind is a place of Spiritual warfare. Will we listen to stories based on lies or those grounded in the truth of the work of Jesus and the promise of God.
Christmas is a season where mental health is under serious pressure. As part of our emphasis on developing an inner life we have put major emphasis on creating a love relationship with the Triune God; Father, Son and Holy Spirit. This is a call to develop spiritual practices and habits that allow us to interact and connect with God.
With the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the Scriptures we will learn to pay attention to what is going on inside our hearts, minds and souls. We'll do this by paying attention to what we are feeling and what we are thinking.
In this series leading up to Christmas we are calling on the church body to pay attention to what and how we are thinking. We will be challenged to evaluate what we are putting into our minds We will be challenged to identify patterns of thought that are moving us toward either being mentally unhealthy, or healthy. We will discuss how to challenge narratives we create in our heads.
We will see that we have the power to control our thought life by taking thoughts captive and making them obedient to Christ.
We will celebrate Christmas by discovering real meaning, through Christ.
Part of the inner life is to pay attention to our desires and wants. The commandment do not covet is central to this conversation. Going after things we think we want can keep us from being aware of and pursuing what are our deepest, truest wants.
Parents need to develop 3 keys through a relationship with the Holy Spirit, in order to become the Godly influence our family needs. These keys will then help our children in turn learn to honor and obey us and the Lord.
This week we are going to be looking at the Golden Rule. The command by Jesus to love others as we love ourselves will only happen as a natural byproduct of a love relationship with the Holy Spirit. As we get in step with the Spirit we will love like Jesus.
Many times, Christianity has been reduced to a set of rules that people try to make themselves and others obey. This has led to many people who try to live up to the law on their own without inward goodness that comes from a relationship with the Spirit and thus, have become conflicted people riddled with anxiety. Such people become unhealthy, hypocritical, and judgmental of themselves and others. These people have an outward appearance of righteousness, but inwardly they are a swirl of dysfunction.
These people are often unsafe and mean. This is what Jesus was getting at when he warned that we should be careful and be on guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and the Sadducees. Mark 8:14-21. Yeast starts small in one part and spreads through everything it touches.
Jesus’ vision for his followers was for a kingdom of people who took the morality and ethic found in the law seriously; because it is good and based on the nature and character of God. However, his followers did not need to rely on laws but instead grew in goodness both relationally and ethically, through a love relationship with himself and the Father, by the Holy Spirit. His way is an inner transformation that leads his followers to become good people from whom good things naturally flow. This is a process, or a journey.
Denying Our Monster is one of the surest ways to make them grow until it takes over our entire life. this is just one of the ways we feed our monster. In this message we are going to discuss the need to avoid feeding our monster and the steps it takes to actively tame them.
There are very few forces as powerful as Coveting. How does Jesus address it in the parable of the Rich Fool?
This is one of the most challenging parables in the Bible. It slows us down to consider the role money plays in our life.
Peter's sermon answers the question— "What does this mean?" It applies both to the events on the day of Pentecost and much, much more...
What does it mean for us when God's generous nature doesn't line up with our expectations of what is "fair"? How will we respond to this truth of the kingdom? Join us in Matthew 20:1-16 as we continue with the parables of Jesus in the Mind Games series.
It's easy to speed our way through God's teaching. Make things simple and lose the deeper meaning behind His words. That's why Jesus taught in parables.
In this week's sermon, we will be discussing how Jesus used the parables to get around people's certainty, unteachability and contempt that is born from familiarity. And how they reveal to us those times when we have fooled ourselves into thinking we hear and understand. But completely lose what God wishes for us to hear from His word.
The goal is for each of us, in humility to see with our eyes, hear with our ears, understand with our heart, and turn, so Jesus can heal every part of our lives and live in the blessed reality of our love relationship with Jesus.
When we forget to rest, our whole life goes to chaos. It's important, especially in our world today, that we hold the practice of sabbath sacred. Finding rest and peace in God.
Do you give the proper attention to your inner life? Are you investing in an Inner Life that is transforming your Outer Life? Do you know the power of questioning your soul? What part of your life has not been touched by the Gospel? In this message we will be challenging ourselves to begin making a "Rule of Life" for the Fall.
In life we will face bullies–Powerful people, overwhelming situations or even voices in our own heads that try to control us by filling us with fear. The use shame to make us doubt ourselves and shrink back. Learning to appropriately respond to bullies is one of the keys to life. David showed us how to respond to Bullies in the early part of his life. Jesus is the ultimate example of how to overcome bullies.
You have permission to set aside unhealthy expectations and live only to the expectations God calls you to!
When facing bullies, there's a new perspective that we learn from David which can change the whole narrative of our lives.
The interaction between David and his brother Eliab on the battlefield against the Philistines teaches us an important lesson–Through the indwelling of the Spirit of God, there is an alternative to fighting or fleeing from Bullies.
God is writing a redemptive story and he invites us along, we just need to set aside our past pain, present problems, and personal prejudices to see it.
All of us have a story of either being bullied, or of being a bully. Those times of shame and fear leave a mark and can effect and even shape us for years to come. In this series we will learn from the early life of David; how to stand up to bullies by rejecting the voice of shame. We'll also learn how to avoid becoming a bully ourselves.
Why do we believe in conspiracies? How should a Christian respond to the many conspiracy theories that are put forward in this age of uncertainty?
Pastor Paul encourages parents to consider Posture over Position as we look at our plan for raising our students, vs. God's plan. Includes a special interviews with past and present JW Students leaders.
Christians should be involved to some degree in the political process. Could it be that the way we are engaging in the political process is making our souls sick? In this message we will seek to gain some perspective, whether we are on the left or the right.
Things Change. The relevance of the Gospel and the importance of the church that is entrusted with the message, is more profound than ever before.
What does it look like to have radical trust even in the midst of chaos? Learn from the apostle Paul as he navigates a critical situation on his way to Rome. Radical trust is discerning God’s provision and then believing it. What are areas of our lives that we can discern and trust God’s provision for us?
A great deal has changed in the last year! What has not changed is Jacob's Well's commitment to help parents be the spiritual champions in their kids' lives. We will walk with kids as they take their first steps towards God. And our best days are ahead of us! The God who has always been faithful to his church and has poured out blessings on Jacob's Well for the past 20 years is faithful again now, to provide everything we need to be light in the Chippewa Valley and beyond.
Do we live as if the resurrection is real? Many who profess faith in Christ live as though the resurrection is not important.
How can we use our freedom to serve the common good? Seeing our freedoms as a tool to serve others makes us very grateful for the freedoms we have when we have rule of law and Justice for all.
How can we be faithful to the gospel and witness at every opportunity when we might feel trapped between a rock and a hard place? Paul gives us an example of just this in Acts 24.
How can we make what we do every day a Holy calling, our mission, and a vocation? How can we move everyday challenges into eternal opportunities? Instead of changing our “job”, what would it look like to change our perspective about work?
This year we've all lost our minds, at least just a little. Easter is the time to stop deflecting hope and hear the risen Savior say your name.
In an age of isolation, it is more important than ever to recommit and rediscover real community.
Depth in our faith sounds like an amazing goal. But what does it look like to move toward depth in our everyday lives? How do we know if we are growing in depth? Listen in on this message to hear how the apostle Paul speaks of depth in the book of Philippians.
Many people get stuck at knowing what they should do to extend the gospel into a new part of their life. Once the Holy Spirit makes it clear what they are to address, it is important to get clarification and develop a plan to move forward. Having the courage to partner with God makes real growth, healing and maturity possible.
20 years is a long time. This is a Celebration of helping people know and become like Jesus for two decades!
The ability to ask a good question is one of the keys to being a whole and mature person. So be brave enough to ask yourself hard questions about your feelings, actions, thoughts and relationships. You can't find the right answers if you are not willing to ask real questions.
We'll start unpacking the path to renewal through the journey tool, starting with our thirst. What does thirst have to do with following Jesus? How does Jesus quench my thirst? What if I don't feel thirsty?
The power of a journey cannot be underestimated. As we begin Renewal we will discover what can change in our mindset and perspective when we understand growth as The Journey.
For many people, compromise is a dirty word. But most often it is a sign of depth and maturity. In this message we will see how the Apostle Paul worked to bring reconciliation through compromise.
The only way to change the world is for people to change one at a time. When enough of us begin to think, feel and act like Jesus we will be amazed how things can change. Light always drives back the darkness.
The church in the city of Philippians was know for joy and generosity. Learn the story of how this wonderful church was born. The source of Joy is not what we have or who we know. It is the salvation that is given to us a free gift by Jesus Christ.
The earlier church was in danger of being ripped apart by a debate centered on the questions; who can be included and what must they do to be included? The addition of the Gentiles (non Jews) to the church was a major time of transition and debate and a major turning point in the story of God.
The hope of Advent isn't just that Jesus came - it's that He is returning to fulfill His work and promise. Learn from 1 Thessalonians 4-5 how we can persevere and be encouraged as we wait for the "Not Yet" of the final Advent.
All Christmas long we have been asking, What Child is this: Baby Jesus is King Jesus. Kiss Baby Jesus and King Jesus.
God had a problem, how could he be true to Himself as the righteous judge who holds all people responsible, while following His deep desire to offer mercy and forgiveness? Judgment is a requirement for righteousness and mercy a requirement for love. God had an answer. What was needed was a kiss.
In this second week of Advent, we'll take a look at how God's plan for redemption involves submission and will bring about true, lasting hope for us and those around us.
In the first week of Advent, we focus on Matthew’s account of the genealogy and birth of Jesus the Messiah. Like many genealogies, there are some VERY surprising characters in the family tree! Matthew’s account has some amazing and delightful people for us to meet, and a profound message for us as we live between the first and second Advent.
Antioch was the first Gentile church, and what a church it was! From this church the great missionary journeys of the Apostle Paul were launched. The church at Antioch was amazing and a powerful example to us today as we face the uncertainty of a pandemic.
Peter's vision is a milestone for the church. It is the theological and worldview shift that allows for the inclusion of all people. It's hard to over-emphasize its importance!
As the Gospel spread from Jerusalem to Samaria, miracles and supernatural power followed. One man, Simon the Sorcerer, was willing to do anything to wield that power for himself...
The power of fear, anger and hate is sobering. It warps our perceptions and allow us to rationalize thoughts, words and actions that are inconsistent with the Gospel and our citizenship in the Kingdom of God. In this age where there is so much division it is important that we remain in step with the Spirit of God and remain instruments of God's peace.
How does the church respond when a dispute arises that could create division? With Spirit-lead wisdom.
The early church was under attack from forces both inside and outside. The problem was image management. Image management is essentially being afraid of how you appear, instead of focusing on how you actually are. This week's message unpacks this topic as we continue our study of the book of Acts.
What does it mean to be a bold witness of the Gospel even as we sit in “the meantime” of depending on God to bring the Gospel to the whole world? Join in as we learn from the believers in Acts: how they boldly witnessed “in the meantime” and stayed faithful even when challenged by opposition.
This week we'll see how the Spirit fell on the Feast of Harvest called Pentecost. We'll learn that to share in the joy of the Spirit—we must join Him in the work He is doing to bring people to Jesus!
When you think about 2020, JOY is probably not the first word that comes to mind... but it's something that we desperately need right now. This message is a call to remember that our Joy is not dependent on the circumstances around us. Jesus wants more for us, more for 2020, more for this world. This is a call to bring light into the darkness. To lead with love, compassion, peace, and importantly... Joy.
The Gospel calls us to become aware of and to challenge our deepest held assumptions and beliefs. We are called to evaluate them by what now "fits" because of the Gospel. The resulting changes can be painful, but they ultimately lead to joy!
The Gospel brings about a change of heart, which changes everything else! The book of Philemon is the only book where the Apostle Paul does not explicitly share or declare the Gospel. But the Gospel is definitely the background and indeed the subtext of this amazing little letter. In this letter we see the wisdom of Paul in dealing with a difficult interpersonal conflict. This conflict has its roots in a very complex and unjust social structure that was established in Roman culture. Paul's answer is not to attack the social structure, but instead to remind each of the readers to consider the implication of the Gospel: That in Christ, there is not male or female, Jew or Gentile slave or free. That in Christ, we are brothers and sisters. How, then, could we not give to others the same freedom that Christ died to give to us. Rather than rely on a harsh command, insisting on compliance without heart change, Paul appealed to Philemon for love's sake, based on the heart change that only the Gospel can bring. In a time with complicated issues separating people, Paul appeals to us to approach our relationships with the Gospel and the example of Jesus as our guide. The Gospel sets us free from the penalty of sin, the power of sin and the fear of death. This gives us the power to love and do good; not as a means of getting our freedom, but as a result of having our freedom.
The Gospel brings about a change of heart, which changes everything else! The book of Philemon is the only book where the Apostle Paul does not explicitly share or declare the Gospel. But the Gospel is definitely the background and indeed the subtext of this amazing little letter. In this letter we see the wisdom of Paul in dealing with a difficult interpersonal conflict. This conflict has its roots in a very complex and unjust social structure that was established in Roman culture. Paul's answer is not to attack the social structure, but instead to remind each of the readers to consider the implication of the Gospel: That in Christ, there is not male or female, Jew or Gentile slave or free. That in Christ, we are brothers and sisters. How, then, could we not give to others the same freedom that Christ died to give to us. Rather than rely on a harsh command, insisting on compliance without heart change, Paul appealed to Philemon for love's sake, based on the heart change that only the Gospel can bring. In a time with complicated issues separating people, Paul appeals to us to approach our relationships with the Gospel and the example of Jesus as our guide. The Gospel sets us free from the penalty of sin, the power of sin and the fear of death. This gives us the power to love and do good; not as a means of getting our freedom, but as a result of having our freedom.
The Gospel sets us free from the penalty of Sin, the power of Sin and the fear of Death. This gives us the power to Love and do Good-- Not as a means of getting our freedom, but as a result of having our freedom.
The Apostle Paul warns of two major pitfalls that can keep us from experiencing freedom in Christ. Following the law makes us trust more in our own righteousness than in Jesus' sacrifice. And the desires of the flesh keep us distracted from the life that the Spirit is leading us to. True freedom comes when we trust in Christ Alone and choose to follow the Holy Spirit.
Living in the reality of the Gospel makes us Children of God. Forsaking or changing the Gospel leads to slavery.
Just as the Galatian believers were polarized and divided, so are Christians in our country today. How did the apostle Paul address their barriers, and what can we take from that example in present times? See what it means to be the family of God and discover the profound hope and radical unity the apostle Paul preaches to the Galatian church, as we continue our Freedom in Christ series.
Have you ever felt like you're not good enough? That you have to do more, know more and be more in order to be loved and accepted?
As Paul writes to the Galatians he reminds them, and us, that we are not justified (made right) with God by what we do. It's not about following all of the laws to perfection. True freedom and right standing with God comes only through faith in the saving power of Jesus' life, death and resurrection.
Are you living as someone who is enslaved to following a set of rules and adding to the true Gospel, or as someone who is living in the freedom found in faith in the sufficiency of Jesus' sacrifice for you?
Paul needed to introduce himself to many of the Galatians and to establish his credibility as the Apostle to the Gentiles. He shares the story of his journey from Saul to Paul as the radical message of Gospel inclusion changed him.
The churches in Galatia were following the false gospel and this letter from Paul comes to mobilize them to choose the true gospel and true freedom in Christ. We are to ask ourselves the same question -- are we following the true gospel? Or have we added to the gospel, enslaving ourselves and excluding others?
Father's Day Message! Guest speaker Dr. Tim Kimmel of Family Matters, talks about how Grace transforms the relationship between fathers and their children.
The job of the Pastor is to equip the people of God to be the Ministers of the church. This keeps us from being blown around by all the winds of doctrine.
Take up the 40 Day / 5 Commitment Challenge. Make this Summer a time of Spiritual Growth that will be Better than Ever!
Our world has been through an unprecedented crisis. We are all still trying to find our feet even as we are unsure what will happen next. This has been true for our church as well. In this message I will share where we are as a church, how we have adapted to meet the new reality of being the church scattered but united, and why I believe this will lead to one of the greatest seasons in the history of our church, and of the church worldwide.
"And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever, amen." These final lines from The Lord's Prayer are connected in a profound way. We find freedom from temptation and sin when we are immersed in His presence and truly see ourselves as citizens of His Kingdom. His rule and reign is being established on earth, one heart at a time, and it is His strength that empowers us to live a transformed life.
This message is about a woman named Jochebed who stayed faithful by doing her part and letting go and letting God do His part. Through her faith and courage she saved her son who was destined to become one of the greatest leaders of all time.
The Lord's prayer teaches us the freedom and joy of giving and receiving forgiveness daily.
Easter is a call to "quiet joy" because of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. On the journey Jesus surprises us by walking with us and putting everything in perspective. We are not alone; God has a plan and we are forgiven!
Jesus Arrives in Jerusalem and cleanses the temple, calling his people to prayer and to His teaching. Has Jesus turned over any of your tables lately?
Basics from Jesus: To feel fear is normal; To live in anxiety is not necessary. This is a message of hope and encouragement.
The story of the good Samaritan is often read as a sentimental story about helping people in need. But it is a story that is designed to challenge our deepest beliefs about who we are called to love. Who have we made the "Other" in our life?
In Luke the call to discipleship is a high bar. It is a call to a life of following Jesus. In this message we will ask people to consider how serious they are about being a disciple of Jesus.
The hope of the Gospel is like a seed that is freely scattered and available to everyone, but that powerful seed of hope needs the right soil to grow. Are we cultivating a life that allows this seed to take root? Can the people around us see evidence of a life transformed by Jesus? He who has ears to hear, let him hear.
In this passage we will see the heart of Jesus as he begins his ethical teaching and as he applies it in the way he lives and how he interacts with people. It is a challenge for us to consider the condition of our inner life and if Jesus' teachings are the foundation in which we are building our lives.
Jesus came out of the water of Baptism into a season of temptation, rejection and spiritual opposition. In this message we look at the specific nature of the temptations of Jesus and see how these are actually core to the human condition. Overcoming these temptations are central to well being and can only be accomplished through deep introspection and honesty, through the inner life with Christ. This message will challenge us in unexpected ways as we look at the heart of the temptations of Jesus.
Meet 12 year old Jesus who is fully the Son of God and fully a 12 year old tween. You will learn that He is on a journey to take steps to Grow in wisdom, to grow in stature and to grow in favor with God and man.
Communities that devote themselves to the teaching of Jesus, fellowship, communion and prayer are transformative communities.
In this message we will discover what we can learn from Legos about proper relationships.
We were created for Community - to have deeply connected lives with God, and with one another. Unfortunately, sin has left us with a world of distrust and fractured relationships that keep us from revealing our true selves. But Jesus offers us a path of hope and connection in the local church.