The Orchard Church Podcast: Recent Episodes
The Orchard Church
The Orchard Church is all about making the gospel relevant in our community. Find us at www.theorchard.life
In maybe Jesus' most famous servant parable, the master throws a servant out into the darkness, where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth. Wait.. Can he do that? What does that mean for the servant? What does that mean for me?
We all want to hear Jesus say "Well done, good and faithful servant..." But did you know that Jesus actually defines what that looks like? Let's explore Jesus' definition today.
If we are going to put on the new nature, we have to change the way we think. But how can I do that? I have an entire lifetime of thinking the way that I do. Today, I will give you some really practical tips to get started changing the way you think right now.
I think we talk a lot about putting ON our new nature, but for some reason we tend to neglect putting OFF our old nature. Sounds harsh.. Maybe even judgmental. Yet the Scripture talks about it A LOT. Why is that, and why is it so important to do this first?
The New Testament repeatedly challenges us to "put off" our "old nature," and to "put on" our "new nature." But what does that even mean, and how do we do that? That's what this series is about.
On the first Mother's Day after his mom passed, Jonathan shares his story of how God is working in him, and how we should be like his mom and share the gospel.
Bob Burgess shares his story of how God is working through The Gideons, and in his own life. Let this be an encouragement to you.
Do we talk enough about prayer in church? I don't think we're doing this right. Prayer should be powerful. Life-changing. But far too often it is weak and anemic. How can we change this?
If you're going to grow strong, you've got to have the right diet. We should FEAST on the Word of God. Do we do that? Or do we snack on it?
The resurrection of Jesus makes it possible for our citizenship to transfer from the city of this world to the New City! The New Jerusalem! What is that, and what will it be like?
At the Last Supper, Jesus seems to imply something very strange.. That Satan asks permission to attack disciples, and God goes along with it? Why is that? What does the Bible say about this?
We are called to stand and fight and win in this great spiritual war that we are involved in. In this fight, there is one article of battle clothes that makes all the difference. In fact, without it, it seems none of the rest matters! What is this vital article of armor, and how do we wear it?
I am a Christian. That means I am forgiven... For everything! Past, present, and future. Shouldn't I then be able to live however I want? Why does my level of personal righteousness actually matter?
You know your enemy, the devil is on the prowl... He's prowling for you.. For your spouse.. For your kids.
What is my responsibility to stand and fight and defeat the enemy?
Peter says to "watch out, your great enemy, the devil, is prowling for you..." But what if he wasn't? What would it take for you and I to NOT be attacked by the devil?
What even is the Gospel? I think we tend to paint a pretty weak, incomplete picture of this incredible gift from God. His gift is SO much better. His death on the cross purchased SO much more than we tend to describe. Don't cheat yourself out of all God has for you.
This is a series about the Gospel. This is part two.. Sanctified in Christ.
We say we are all about "making the Gospel relevant..." But what even is the Gospel? Shockingly, you get a different definition in different places. So.. How does the Word of God actually define and describe the Good News?
This is a series about the Gospel in our lives, and this is part one... Justified by Christ.
Peter's relationship with Jesus was powerful. Jesus completely changed Peter's life, and he can change yours, also.
We tend to think of Jesus' disciples as strong, faithful, believing people... But the crucifixion nearly ruined them! They were hiding out scared in Jerusalem on that Sunday morning. Why? Because what they saw horrified and terrified them. What you see informs what you believe.
What do you see in your life, and how does it inform your belief?
The resurrection makes our faith possible... But the way Mark wrote the story almost seems to intentionally undermine the validity of the resurrection! Mark's story repulsed people for hundreds of years. Why is it written this way, and what is the effect it has, and continues to have?
Steven Mansell brings a message about a christian characteristic that is all over the Bible, but that we don't talk about enough. It should be a description of each christian, because it is a clear description of Christ himself.
Mark 15 ends with Jesus in the grave. Joseph of Arimathea requested the body, wrapped, and buried him. What kind of courage did this take? AND, what does it actually mean that Jesus was in the grave for all that time? Where was Jesus between Friday and Sunday?
This is the most important question we could ever possibly answer. What did Jesus do for us on the cross, theologically?
My friend Jonathan has been through a LOT in his relatively young life. Yet, he perseveres and has found strength to keep going. He shares the Biblical secret to finding that strength in this very helpful message.
I am a big digital tools guy.. I use my iPhone , my iPad, and my Mac everywhere I go. But, Brian's message hit me right where I live. I bet it will hit you also!
Part 1 of 2. Before we look at the theological impact of the cross, let's look at the historical and chronological events of the cross. What really happened to Jesus at Golgotha, the Place of the Skull?
After weeks of laying groundwork, we finally start looking in to Mark 13, where Jesus responds to the disciples' lump-in-the-throat question,, "When will these things happen and what are the signs?" This is a very important overview of Jesus' teaching on the End Times.
If we're going to talk about End Times, We've GOT to talk about Heaven... That's where we will all end up, right? BUT, I think there are a lot of misconceptions about Heaven among sincere, Bible-believing, Jesus-loving Christians. So, let's clear some of those up, and let's explore our eternal home!
What are the Biblical events of the End Times? What is the sequence of the end of time? Depending on your perspective, the answer may be more complex than you think. In this very graph-based message, I break down several of the perspectives on the End Times, and try to explain the main elements so you can understand and know what to expect.
It sure would be easy if we could just turn to the chapter of the Bible that has all the End Times prophecy in it.. Unfortunately for us, that prophecy is sprinkled all throughout the Scripture. In this message, Steven Mansell explains the unique role of Biblical prophecy and how it works out in our lives.
It is hard to understand "the end" without understanding God's big plan as a whole. Why did God create the universe and put me in it in the first place, and what is He out to accomplish here?
In this new series, we're going to be working through Mark 13, where Jesus unpacks the "signs of the times" for his disciples.
When we think of the end times, we tend to focus on the elements that Jesus describes... The Beast, the apostasy, the Abomination of Desolation, etc... But by far, the most important thing about it is the WHO... Who is this really all about?
At the Temple, Jesus contrasts a significant lack of integrity against a personal example of true integrity. Why is this important to Jesus, and should it be important to us?
This is awkward. Gospel writer Mark wants you to really grasp this one idea about Jesus.. This one non-negotiable theology that Christians all support. However, it turns out not everyone does! Yep, I had some people get upset with me and leave our church when I preached on it. What is this critical theology, and why does Mark want us to understand it?
Jesus answers the critical question: "What is the greatest command?" He answers in a way we are all familiar, but he contextualizes it in a way you may not be familiar with.
Jesus answers a question from the liberal theologians, and his answer may rattle us a little bit. Am I willing to trust Jesus with what I believe about my own, personal life?
Something weird happened. Suddenly in Jerusalem, the Pharisees approach Jesus with an entirely different attitude! What happened? Why the sudden change, and how should their approach change MY attitude?
Jesus' asserts his authority with the Pharisees in the Temple in such a stunning way that they become furious, and start thinking of how they will kill him. How do you and I respond when Jesus asserts his authority in our lives?
After a long break, we are BACK in our ongoing study of Mark's Gospel.
After re-syncing everyone with the story to date, Pastor Steve shows how simply confessing that Jesus is your savior may not be enough. What more is needed, and how does it work in my life?
We are SCALING UP in 2025. Today Ken Cann shows us how to scale up in building the Kingdom!
We are SCALING UP in 2025, and today Steven Mansell shows us how to scale up in making disciples!
What does it really mean to "love God?" When I ask that question, I get a TON of different answers. Let's unpack what it means to fulfill the Greatest Commandment together.
We've been given everything to accomplish something. What is the purpose God has created you for? Do you know it?
Has Mark 11:26 been removed from the Bible? It is in the King James Version, but not in subsequent ones. What is going on, and how can I know I can trust the Word of God as I have it today?
Last week we found out what makes Jesus angry enough to curse something. This week, we explore the answer to the disciples' un-asked question, what does Jesus bless? How can we go from cursing to blessing?
Is it possible that what we do together on Sunday mornings really just makes Jesus angry? Wouldn't you want to know?
In the passage we'll examine today, Jesus gets really angry with people who are just trying to worship God. Let's look at this story, and let's see if there are parallels between what they are doing, and what we are doing.
Ken Cann has been promising a message on "church etiquette." I know I know. That really sounds irrelevant to my life. BUT think about it.. How we conduct ourselves when we are together reveals something about our heart. What is that, and what am I displaying when I worship with the Body of Christ?
All through Mark's gospel, Jesus is keeping his true identity quiet. Every time someone identifies him for who he really is, Jesus shuts it down. Let's keep it quiet!
Until Jerusalem. Until Passover week. Suddenly, he is at the center of a parade where people are praising God for the arrival of the messiah! What changed? Why now? And, what does it say to you and me?
It seems everyone around Jesus is searching for significance. The Rich Young Ruler missed it. The disciples missed it. But Blind Bartimaeus could see what it seems nobody else really could.
How does this keep happening? EVERY time Jesus talks about his upcoming humiliation and death, the disciples start talking about being great among themselves. Jesus points one direction, and the disciples always pull in the opposite. Are we like that today?
Special guest speaker Roger Glidewell has a great testimony of how the Holy Spirit speaks and works in life.
You've said it yourself... "It's just a season." We all go through them. But what is the secret to getting PAST that season? Guest Speaker Brian Moon breaks it down for us.
The 2024 Presidential Election is upon us. I believe there are four key Biblical principles at stake. These principles should determine how we American Christians should vote this fall.
We love to talk about how Jesus will leave the 99 to chase down the one lost sheep... Yet Mark tells us a story about a man who walks away from Jesus... And Jesus just lets him go! When is Jesus okay with someone walking away?
Some parents bring their children to Jesus for a blessing, and this causes kind of a ruckus between Jesus and the disciples. Why is Jesus so intent on those children, and what does he know about them that we as parents need to know?
Jesus answers a question about divorce, and it feels a little unsettling.
It is really impossible to understand how God feels about divorce until you first understand how He feels about marriage.
At this point in Jesus' ministry, the disciples have been all about who gets to be the 'boss...' who gets to be the big man on campus next to Jesus himself. But, as always, Jesus turns their idea completely upside down. Does my heart need to turn upside down on this?
In this very short passage, Jesus is interrupted... Rudely! By one of his own! Once again, where the disciples find conflict, Jesus creates unity.
It is the same argument that we have all the time, and it should be an embarrassment to us. It sure was to the disciples. Everything had changed on them, and now they were arguing. Again.
Jesus won't have it, so he sets their record straight.
What is this argument that we keep getting into? And, what does Jesus say about it?
The opposite of belief is doubt, right? Many of us have been taught to believe and not doubt... In fact, I've heard that if you doubt at all, you must not really believe. Is that true? What happens when someone doubts right in front of Jesus? How does he respond? And, what does that mean for me and you?
If we're being honest, trusting Jesus can be hard. Especially when he says to "turn the other cheek," or to "give yourself away." So, what is the secret to trusting in Jesus, and experiencing the abundant life that he wants you to have?
You know, I have rebuked people before. As a dad, I've rebuked my children. I've rebuked others as well. But what happens when you actually rebuke Jesus? Simon Peter finally "saw it," then, before you know it he actually REBUKES JESUS! What happens next?
For all Christians, our entire faith rests on this: the cross and the resurrection. That's it.
BUT, Gospel writer Mark builds his whole work around one KEY IDEA, without which the cross and the resurrection make no sense at all. He wants you to SEE IT, and not miss it.
So, do you get it? Do you understand Mark's key idea?
We don't like to talk about this story much... Jesus gets angry! What causes his response, and what does it mean for us today?
We talk about the Father and the Son a lot... But it seems that the Holy Spirit is sort of a "tack-on..." a small edition that we really don't talk about too much. But, He is an essential part of your salvation, and of your life experience. In fact, He is more critical for you now than ever.
When you're out of sync with Jesus, it may be because there is "bad leaven" in your life. That's the way Jesus describes false teaching. A little leaven causes the entire batch of dough to rise.
But there IS "good leaven," also! Jesus says that the Kingdom of Heaven is like good leaven! So, which leaven is in your life? Bad, or good? How do you know?
I know people who have been desperately praying for God to work in their lives for years. They are dealing with significant pain, yet it seems God doesn't answer. What do you do when it seems God doesn't answer your prayers?
You're probably dealing with "thorns" in your life. You know.. Those things that cause you pain, and make you suffer. We deal with them in a hundred ways. We hope them away, wish them away, even pray them away. But today, Steven Mansell has a pretty radical idea on how we should deal with those thorns.
We're joining many churches around the world in standing and praying for Israel. But why do we believers stand with Israel?
Gospel writer Mark is showing, rather than telling. He wants you to see something clearly about Jesus BEFORE he tells you about the crucifixion and resurrection. Have you seen it? Do you understand?
If there's one thing we've learned in this Mark study, it's that Jesus does weird things.
The disciples had a crisis on their hands, and they couldn't even imagine what Jesus was about to do next. Sometimes it is good for us to not just ask "what" does Jesus do, but "why" does he do the weird thing?
Sometimes Jesus does weird things. Sometimes it seems Jesus does nothing! We may have something we need him to do, yet he seems to just... Wait. Why does he do that? And does that mean he doesn't love us?
In showing us Jesus, Mark hides a very important clue about his identity right in plain sight... It is a word that not everyone will understand. What is that unique word, and what does it reveal about the identity of Jesus?
Jesus has shown us who he is against... He was definitely against the prideful, legalistic pharisees. But who is Jesus for? Who does Jesus accept?
In this really uncharacteristic encounter, we'll discover who Jesus really accepts.
After playing it cool for a long time, Jesus GOES OFF... And Mark says he even uses words he's never used before. What triggers Jesus, and how much is he talking to us?
God has been moving among us during our 21-day spiritual journey, and the Right Now campaign! This is the episode where we reveal all that has happened, and look to what is next for our church.
Paul Stippich returns and brings this third part in his "Practices of Jesus" series, answering the question, "so what?" Why actually practice what Jesus practices? What difference does it actually make?
Jesus' main topic is "The Kingdom of God." He talks about it all the time. But do we understand it? Do we know what the Kingdom really is, and are we part of building it?
There really seems to be a lot of confusion around the idea of tithing. In fact, there is really a lot of manipulation and guilt in church when it comes to that topic. So, what is really the Biblical case for tithing?
Last week, we all caught a clear vision for our church's future... But do you have a clear vision for your spiritual future? How can you catch that, and how can you become what God intends for you?
Elijah shows us that even the Godliest of people can face real burnout. How in the world did Elijah go from such overwhelming victory to such uninspiring defeat? What did it take to bring him back? What can I learn about my own burnout from his life?
Did you ever notice how, when it comes to prayer, some people "have it," and some people "don't have it?"
Elijah was a prayer warrior. Let's see what we can learn from him to kick our prayer life up to the next level.
God gave Elijah ONE MESSAGE for the culture that was crumbling all around him. Is His message the same for our culture? For us? What is his message, and what can we learn from it?
At a time when the culture and the nation was collapsing all around, God raised up Elijah to speak truth to power. Could God be doing that today? Could God do that in you?
In part 2 of his series, Paul Stippich shows us that even though Jesus was one, united with His Father, he still had some key practices of strengthening that relationship. What are those practices, and shouldn't I be practicing them also?
Paul Stippich brings a two-part series on the practices of Jesus. In this first installment, Paul makes the case that if you're going to understand who you're supposed to be in this life, it is important to understand who's you are in the first place!
Mark drops a bombshell on his readers... John the Baptist is dead.
We know a lot about John the Baptist, but Mark provides us with a contrast to help us see what it is like to be a servant of the Lord.
We tend to think of the disciples as being in some kind of steady state... But in Mark 6, Jesus changes their status... He gives them a brand new assignment that changes them and changes what they do.
With tension high in Capernaum, Jesus returns home to Nazareth... Where he ratchets the tension up even higher! Mark tells us that he could do no miracles there in his hometown. Why is that? What keeps Jesus from doing miracles, and how can I keep him DOING miracles in my life?
In our study of Mark, it seems that Jesus engenders one of two responses: Amazement, or anger. Which does he engender in you? And, how do you appropriately express that response back to him?
Jesus was caught up in a crowd of people. Many touched him, yet one woman's touch was different. HER touch caused power to flow into her from Jesus, changing her life. What was different about her touch, and what do I need to know to receive that same kind of power from Him?
What was this guy thinking?
He ran with the crowd that hated Jesus. What would make him so desperate that he would ask Jesus to his house? What does Jesus do when you have desperate faith?
In Mark 5, Jesus encounters a man possessed by not just A demon, but many demons... A LEGION of demons. This story speaks to what occupies and possesses us... What is occupying your mind and heart today?
It is one of our favorite stories... It's a story about a storm. It seems the way Jesus deals with storms is very different from the way the disciples wanted to deal. How do you deal with the storms in your life? What can we learn from Jesus, and how does he want to change the storm's outcome in your life?
Jesus often spoke with parables. When the disciples asked him to explain why he taught that way, he said his stories had one of two effects... One good, one bad. Which does it have on you?
Believe it or not, Jesus was actually accused of working for the devil. When that happened, he warned of a much more serious concern that they should have. Had they just committed the unpardonable sin? Have you done that?
Discipleship happens in community, yet we in America love our independence from our community... We see that as a high value. So, does the church have a discipleship problem? What is my role as a disciple who makes disciples? Steven Mansell brings a convicting message about it.
Jesus addresses his listeners, saying that there are four different types of hearers. Most of us think we are the good type, but Jesus seems to imply that only 25% are. How do I know if I am the good type, and what can I do about it?
Stress and anxiety are huge problems today, yet Jesus says that we are to be people of peace and rest. Jesus can't possibly understand modern stress, can he? What is Jesus' model for dealing with stress?
Jesus claims to be the "Lord of the Sabbath." What does that even mean? Most Christians I know do not legit practice the sabbath.. In fact, we barely even know what that is anymore. So what is Jesus laying claim to? And, what are the implications for when he wants to do something Sabbath in our lives?
Jesus shows up on the scene as a religious leader, a rabbi... Yet he constantly seems to be "out of bounds..." He breaks the rules. Why does he do that? And, does that mean it is okay for us Christ followers to break the rules, also?
In Jerusalem, you will always find faithful Jews praying at the Western Wall. They're praying toward The Temple! The only problem is that there is no longer a temple standing there! It was destroyed nearly 2000 years ago. What is so compelling about the temple that they keep praying there, and should it be compelling to me?
Don't you want Jesus to respond to your immediate needs? What catches his attention, and causes Jesus to respond?
Jesus' ministry grew exponentially... And all of a sudden! It would have been easy for him to get carried away with it, but he didn't Jesus remained intensely focused on his real mission. What did he do that kept him so focused? AND, what do I need to know to keep focused on the prize in my life?
When Jesus exerts his authority, there is one response: Astonishment. That's what everyone had. Is my life characterized by astonishment at who Jesus is, and what he does in me?
Part 2 of a 2-part sermon.
In the last podcast, we looked at the first demonic challenge to Jesus' authority. Today, we'll zoom in on that challenge to discover what was really happening in the demonic realm in Jesus' day, and see how it informs us about demonic activity in our culture today.
This sermon was loved by some, and hated by some. I hope it is a blessing to you.
Mark 1:21-28
Mark shows us Jesus' first encounter with a demon. It is a challenge to Jesus' authority. Demons challenge Jesus because demons hate Jesus.
Mark 1:16-20, Mark 2:13-14
Jesus calls followers. We call them disciples.
Is Jesus' call to those disciples different than his call to us? If not, then why is our response so different than theirs?
Steven Mansell brings this important look at what a disciple actually is.
Immediately after the mountaintop experience of his baptism, the Holy Spirit drives Jesus into the wilderness to be tempted for 40 days. What is happening here? Why would God drive Jesus out like this? What does this prove?
In this short installment, I wanted us to take a look at communion in a slightly different way.
In Mark 1, we're introduced to Jesus, who is baptized. Here, Mark wants us to see something much more about Jesus than a baptism.. Jesus is identifying with and being identified as something much more.
Gospel writer Mark tells his story of Jesus, but he doesn't start with Jesus. Why not? Why, according to Mark, is John the Baptist the beginning of the gospel?
We all have that friend, that loved one that has walked away from Jesus. How does that make you feel? It is heartbreaking! How do you respond? Have you ever thought about how Jesus feels, and how he responds when someone walks away?
We all know what it means to be "born again," right? It turns out Nicodemus, the religious leader had no idea. So, Jesus defines it for him. WHAT IF Jesus' definition of "born again" doesn't match up to your definition? Who's mind needs to change?
You've heard it a hundred times.. After the emotional sermon is preached, the invitation is given for you to "ask Jesus into your heart." It's pretty common. But what if I told you that "asking Jesus into your heart" is not a Biblical idea? That's right.. Jesus never, ever said that. SO, what DID Jesus ask of his followers, and how did they respond? What does he ask of each of us, and how should we respond?
If we're going to reach 150 people for Christ this year, we've got to be available to be used by Him. Am I available? What can happen when we make ourselves available to him?
If we are going to reach our audacious goal of reaching 150 people for Christ this year, if we want God to use us in this way, we should be very intentional about how and with whom we will share.
There is a movement happening here. God is doing something in his people. We believe he is sending a wave, and we want to catch it. On this "Super Sunday," Pastor Steve calls us to Light Our World this year.
We are praying that God would "let our children see your glory" in 2023. Does God even want to reveal his glory to our children? Are they looking? Would they even have eyes to see it if it happened?
Our prayer for this year is that we would "See YOU move again..." What will it take to actually see that? Is his movement conditional upon our behavior? What do the scriptures say causes God to move?
Our prayer for the year is Moses' prayer from Psalm 90: "
"Let us, your servants, see you work again; let our children see your glory."
What if we actually saw him work? What if his glory was actually very visible to us? How would that change us? What would our response be?
It's the new year! All of us want some kind of success in 2023, whether it is physical, relational, business, financial, etc. How can we find success this year, and will God honor our efforts and bring us success?
The Breastplate is crucial if you're going to stand and win this fight. But how do you wear righteousness? What is it important to distinguish between being declared righteous, and living righteousness?
Just because it is Christmas time does NOT mean that your enemy will be relaxing his attack on you. It's on! So put on the full armor of God, starting with the Belt of Truth. But wait... How do you wear truth?
Most sermons on spiritual warfare go straight to the spiritual armor, found in Ephesians 6. But, what if I told you there was a tactic that, if you miss it, makes the armor useless? What is that tactic, and how do you get started winning with it today?
The weapons of our warfare are powerful to destroy stronghold. Wait. What's a stronghold? Do I have strongholds? How do I know? What do they do to me? How can I identify them and tear them down?
There is a lot of talk about how we have authority in the spiritual realm in the name of Jesus. While that is true, I am convinced that we only have authority in Jesus' name as long as we are actually under the authority of Jesus. What does that mean, and how do we experience that authority?
We are all caught up in the middle of a very real spiritual war. Sadly, most of us are ill-equipped, unprepared, and we find ourselves fighting the wrong enemy with the wrong tools. That's how you lose. Today, we'll identify our enemy and get clear on our path to victory.
When I mentioned this topic to some of my friends, they all kinda laughed and asked why in the world that was even a theological issue. It turns out, this issue has HUGE gospel implications!
As our Biblical worldview intersects our cultural moment, can we believers afford to have the same response to gender issues as political conservatives, or political liberals? Which side should we be on?
It has been legal throughout the United States since 2015. Many lauded the decision and gave great fanfare. Yet, many Christians disagree. Why are we worried about this? What even is marriage in the first place? Let's look at what God says in His Word about this important issue!
This month, we're dealing with how our Biblical worldview intersects with our culture at critical junction points. Today, we'll talk about the difficult topic of abortion. How does the Bible inform our thinking about this issue, and what does Jesus want to do with people who have gone through that trauma in their lives?
If the materials you choose determine the quality and value of your house, then we all need to discern between good materials and bad ones.. Between good house-building content and bad. This is my five-point checklist of how to discern good from bad building materials.
If we are to build our house, there must be something bigger than just me in this. There must be a bigger picture that I am building for. Why are we building? Do I get it?
We like to think about Heaven in terms of clouds, wings, halos, and harps... But isn't that more like hell than heaven? What does the Bible say Heaven is really like?
In church world these days, we talk about lot about living the abundant life... After all, that's what Jesus promised! BUT, it seems we rarely talk about the NEXT life very much at all any more... Especially when it comes to hell. What even is hell, and what does the Bible say about it?
If we are to build a house that will stand through the storm, it MUST be built on the truth... But how hard is that in a culture that doesn't even know what truth is anymore?
If we are going to build our house, the master plan is in the Word of God. IT is our ultimate authority here on earth. It is "living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword." It is sharp in your life? Or has it become dull?
The timeless question: WHY did God create the universe? In this really long message, we try to connect the dots in the Scripture and discover God's actual clarity on why He does what He does.
The moment Jesus had with his disciples marked the turning point... In their minds, in his ministry, and in how we understand what the Messiah does in our lives today.
After having an encounter of a lifetime in the Holy Land, Justin Chadwick, one of our deacons, shares a little of his encounter so you can encounter him as well.
After having an encounter of a lifetime, Jeff Parker, our worship leader, shares a little of his encounter so you can encounter him as well.
Our summer can sometimes overwhelm us with business or laziness, and we get caught up and miss God's much better purpose for our summer. Don't be overwhelmed and miss out, but experience overwhelming victory in Christ!
Did you ever think that your summer was designed, created, and gifted to you by God for a much greater purpose than your vacation? There really is more to this than summer.
If we can just see our great work the way Nehemiah saw his great work... If we can take the resolute stand that Nehemiah took on what God had called him to do... It could revolutionize the way we build for our families.
What is the result of standing and building for your family? What happens afterwards, and what could it mean for your family?
If you're going to build, you've got to have a realistic understanding of your family's condition. Have you assessed that, and have you cast vision of what to build? Ken Cann takes us to Nehemiah's story to help us assess and cast vision for our families.
It seems our culture wants to tell us that you DON'T have authority to influence your family. Should the state have control? Today, Steven Mansell takes us into Nehemiah's story to show us that our authority to build comes from God.
The storm is raging all around us, and your family is vulnerable. God is calling YOU to build your house on the firm foundation. Build for your family! This is your life's great work.
You might be surprised that there IS one "silver bullet" that can take Christianity right down... You might be even more surprised that we are open and honest about it.
Thankfully, our church asks non-controversial questions, like
- Where do you stand on speaking in tongues?
- How can I repent if I was baptized as an infant?
- Do you have to continually ask the Holy Spirit to be in you?
Pastor Steve does his best to answer these and other questions that we asked!
There are a lot of ideas out there about being filled with the Spirit. Let's look at what the New Testament prescribes for us.
It turns out that most Christians don't really even need the Holy Spirit in their lives!
Before we are able to stand in the power of the Holy Spirit, we have to know who He is in the first place!
It seems we talk about the Holy Spirit too little these days. Why is that? Isn't He important in our lives? Why does He matter, and what does He want to do in your life? Stand in the Power of the Holy Spirit
The way God changes us is to reveal more of Himself to us... One of the ways he does that is through His "Perfect Ten," the Ten Commandments. They describe His character, His nature to us. Ken Cann brings this message about the way God works change in our lives.
Prayer is the most powerful tool God gives us to get things done, yet it may be the most underused tool we have! Why is that? How can our prayers go from being weak and ineffective to powerful and productive? Pastor Jeff Parker brings us this look at the prayer of Hezekiah.
We need power to build! It seems that many are chasing a fake Jesus with fake power that doesn't last... How do we connect to the eternal, lasting power of Jesus to build our house?
Jesus is the Master Builder. He shows us how to build our house to stand in the storm. The first building block is loving God. he says this next one is EQUALLY important... Loving Others.