Getwell Church Sermon Podcasts: Recent Episodes
Getwell Church
Salvation means more than a ticket to Heaven. It also means adoption. Those who trust in Jesus for salvation become sons and daughters of God. This adoption is more than just a label—it is an invitation and access to the heart of God. It is an invitation to cry out to God AND to hear from God. Filled with the Holy Spirit, followers of Jesus are enabled to silence the sound of the world and the flesh to hear clearly from God. It may seem difficult, but hearing from God is something EVERY Jesus follower can do. We do not have to live as victims to temptation or trial—we can live in deep connection with our Heavenly Father.
Each and every generation of the church has a high calling and special responsibility to lead the next generation into the truth and power of God through the Gospel. Parents especially have the responsibility to love, protect, teach, and guide their children in the Gospel until they can seek, follow, and obey Jesus on their own. This task is made particularly challenging by the brokenness of the world around us. The world lives according to values and goals that do not line up with the way of Jesus, and its siren call to our children is powerful. As the church, we must support and uphold our parents to live out this call to lead our children and teens in following Jesus with consistent boundaries, a faithful memory of God’s activity, and a patient persistence grounded in love.
We are creatures of habit. Our daily lives are far more driven by automatic behaviors and patterns that we have formed over time as habit than by well thought out and/or intentional choices. This is why change is so hard to implement in our lives—we default to the pattern of the habits we have established even when we want to make new choices. This being the case, we need to recognize and evaluate the habits that drive our lives. Are they holy habits that make us more like Jesus? Or are they habits that bring eventual harm? The results of habits, for good or bad, are often so slow in building that they are almost imperceptible when looked at over a short period of time, but the end result is profound. We want to build habits that are holy and God honoring. We want to build habits that make us more like Jesus. There are so many things that we can do, but should we do them? Are they leading us and others in the right direction? Let’s do the hard work of establishing and continuing holy habits that shape us to be like Jesus and lead others to the truth and grace of God.
We live in an amazing country that upholds the human right to a variety of freedoms—freedom of religion, freedom of speech, freedom to choose our leaders, freedom to ownership, and so on. We recognize that these freedoms have come at the cost of the many soldiers who have fought to protect these rights over the lifespan of our country. We do well to remember these sacrifices and, even more, to honor them with the way that we live as citizens of the nation. As followers of Jesus, we must also recognize that the greatest way to be good citizens of the nation is to realize that we have an even higher calling as citizens of heaven. And we have an even greater freedom that comes through the sacrifice of Jesus. Living as followers of Christ and following Him with a Christlike life does not diminish our example, it maximizes our example and positive impact on our nation and the world.
God is a deliverer. As He did in the past, God delivers the Jewish people from destruction. As such, Godshows His faithful love for His people. While this is a vitally important event in the history of Israel, it is alsoa picture of God’s faithful love for all people who call out to Him in faith. Just as God delivered the peoplethrough the courageous and faithful act of Esther, God delivers us through the faithful and courageous actof Jesus Christ. Esther pleaded with behalf of Israel with the King of Persia. Jesus interceded on our behalfwith God the Father. We know that God is faithful and we know that He will continue to deliver His peopleas we turn to Him.
“For such a time as this.” This powerful and memorable line is a focal point in the story of Esther. It remindsus that God has a plan, that we are invited into His plan, and that His plan is ultimately good. Life mayseem threatening, out of control, and desperate. In these moments, it is especially important to lean intothe power and goodness of God. We can courageously move forward in faithful obedience knowing that ourhope lies with our loving God rather than any authority in this world.
One of the major themes in the story of Esther is the problem of pride. We encounter two different peoplegoing in two different directions. Haman, who wants to be elevated finds himself being brought low.Mordecai, who is willing to live sacrificially for the sake of truth, finds himself being elevated. Exploring thestory, we hear echoes of Jesus who invites us to follow Him with a willingness to lose our lives in this worldso that we may find it for eternity.
It is easy to make a reckless decision. In the face of disappointment or temptation, we can react quicklyrather than respond thoughtfully. A reckless and reactive decision rarely brings a good outcome. We hurtourselves and those around us, and we cannot undo what has been done. We trust in God’s forgivenessand redemption for those who seek His help, but we may not be able to avoid the consequences that comenow.
God is a God of redemption, and redemption always has the final say! On that glorious Easter morning, we see the powerful words from the beginning of John’s Gospel come to life: “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (1:5). In one of Jesus’ final conversations with Peter, we witness the redemption He offers to each of His followers. No matter how deep the darkness, the light of Christ can never be extinguished. This is the hope that shines through our brokenness, reminding us that in Christ, no failure is final, and no sin is beyond His redeeming love.
Betrayal is a word that no one wants to experience, yet it’s one that everyone can understand. It’s a theme that runs deeply through Chapter 18 of Jesus' life. He is betrayed by a disciple, disowned by another, and traded for a criminal. In these heartbreaking moments, we see a reflection of our own lives. Just like the disciples, we have betrayed and disowned Jesus in our own ways. Yet, in the midst of our failures, we realize something profound—Jesus was substituted on our behalf. We are Barabbas. He takes our place, bearing the punishment meant for us, so that we might be reconciled and brought into the household of God. This is the ultimate act of grace, showing us that even in our betrayal, Jesus offers us redemption and a new identity in Him.
Did you know that Jesus prayed for you, Christ-follower? In Chapter seventeen, we find Jesus praying not only for His disciples but also for you today, specifically asking for unity among His people. This prayer follows His teachings about the incredible things God will do for His followers. It’s a prayer that began with His original disciples but extends all the way to us in the present. As the modern church, we would be wise to pay attention to this prayer, striving for the unity Jesus passionately prays for and upholds. Unity among believers is a crucial part of living out His vision for the Church.
Have you ever been asked to do something that felt utterly impossible? Your instinct might be to respond, “How am I supposed to do that?” After reading chapters thirteen and fourteen, Christians may feel the same way—wondering how we can love and serve others, or follow God's commands. Jesus' answer to this challenge is clear: focus on the one thing we can do—abide in Him.
In moments of uncertainty, it's natural to seek someone to guide us through. The disciples felt the same as they faced an unknown future, unaware they would soon have to navigate it without their leader. This understandably caused anxiety among them. However, Jesus didn’t leave them helpless or hopeless. Instead, He made a profound promise: they would be empowered by His very Spirit. This promise remains true for Christ-followers today, offering believers access to a life-changing power that empowers them to live like Jesus within our world.
Chapter thirteen of the Gospel of John is rich with drama and profound teachings. In these verses, Jesus commands us to let Him cleanse us and calls us to serve others in humility. He also gives a powerful new commandment: to love one another. Amid these pivotal moments, the chapter reveals Judas as the one who will betray Him, adding a layer of tension and gravity. This vivid narrative serves as a reminder that following Jesus is a call to a life of selfless love and servitude, rather than one focused on personal gain or gratification.
Jesus had spent so much time revealing to His disciples who He truly was through His words, miracles, and actions. But by the time we reach chapters 11 and 12, it feels like all the hope placed on Him might be unraveling. Jesus begins to speak openly about His own death, and even the events surrounding those days seem to confirm that the end is near. How could God possibly use something as final and devastating as death to bring about victory? Yet, isn’t this exactly like the Lord—to take what seems impossible and use it to reveal His greatness? Through the coming events, Jesus wasn’t just preparing His disciples for loss but was opening their eyes to a deeper understanding of His power, His plan, and the life that would come through His sacrifice.
From Genesis to Revelation, there is one ultimate author—God Himself. Though He used human writers, He is the one directing the story. This is especially clear in John’s Gospel, where we see Jesus as the fulfillment of the Jewish festivals. His role as their fulfillment invites us into a deeper sense of wonder and awe toward God. Nothing He does is random; everything is part of His perfect plan, moving toward His intended purpose and end.
The phrase “This will blow your mind!” has been used countless times in all kinds of situations. In John 3 and 4, we encounter two incredible, mind-blowing conversations with two very different people. In these moments, Jesus reveals humanity’s deep need for new life. He calls each of His followers to embrace this new life by following Him and relying on Him as the source of their strength and purpose.
Jesus’ first miracle announced His arrival as the Messiah, offering a glimpse of His true identity. Throughout Scripture, God described His relationship with His people as a marriage, and Jesus first miraculous sign reflected this covenantal bond. Even in His well-known actions in the Temple, Jesus revealed something profound about Himself—He would become the place where people worship the Lord in spirit and truth. Through Jesus, we are invited into a covenant relationship with God, marked by worship and intimacy.
Imagine your favorite singer of all time inviting you to spend a day together—can you picture the excitement building within you? That’s the kind of anticipation people felt when Jesus called them to follow Him. As the Promised One from the Old Testament, who wouldn’t want to be near Him? Sadly, today, we often lose some of that excitement about the privilege of following Jesus. The excitement of His first followers can still be ours, as Jesus continues to invite us to “come and see.” It’s a powerful reminder that following Him is a life filled with adventure.
John’s introduction to the life of Jesus highlights two powerful words that resonate deeply: light and life. Jesus is the source of all life and light, because he is God in the flesh. This reality transforms us today. As His followers, we are recipients of His life and light, called to reflect His grace and truth in a world marked by darkness. Jesus, the true Light, overcomes darkness and offers abundant life to all who believe. The Gospel invites us to step into His light and live in the fullness of His grace.
The God who spoke the universe into existence with just a word hasn’t lost an ounce of His power—but do we really believe that? Too often, we hold back, hesitant to share the deepest desires of our hearts or ask Him for bold, impossible things. Why? Maybe it’s because we’ve bought into the lie that God doesn’t move mightily in our time. But what if we dared to pray boldly, trusting in the same power that created the heavens? What could happen if God’s people unleashed bold prayers?
We live in a world wired for distraction, where our attention spans are shrinking in the digital age. It’s no surprise that this spills over into our prayer lives. The moment we try to pray, our minds race, and every little distraction pulls us away. But here’s the good news: God isn’t surprised by this struggle—He’s ready to help us overcome it. With His Spirit at work in us, we can push through the noise, focus our hearts, and learn to hear His voice clearly. Prayer doesn’t have to compete with distractions—it can become a place of deep connection.
Our view of God shapes how we approach Him in prayer. If we see Him as an angry judge, we’ll keep our distance, afraid of punishment. If we think He’s indifferent to our struggles, we won’t seek His help when we’re falling short. But when we truly grasp God’s heart—His deep love and compassion—we can come to Him just as we are, trusting Him to transform us into the image of Jesus. The key to bold, honest prayer is understanding the God who invites us in.
We’ve all heard about the importance of prayer in following Jesus—but let’s be honest, prayer often feels like a struggle. What if the problem isn’t just our effort, but our understanding? What if prayer is far more than we’ve imagined? It’s not just words spoken to God; it’s the vulnerable act of opening our hearts to a God who loves us deeply. Could it be that there’s more to prayer than we’ve ever considered?
Light and dark have always been powerful images of good and evil, life and death, hope and despair in our world. From the moment that God created light on day one of creation, He was providing a way for us to understand His saving work through Jesus. Israel had been waiting for a light to come, and in the birth of Jesus, that light came into the world. We still live in a world of darkness and we still need the light of God to shine. We know that we are saved by the work of Jesus, but we long for God’s work to be completed. The good news is that God promises to finish His work and bring a new creation, and God is a promise keeper. Just and the light came into the world, just as God promised, the work will be completed and we will experience the full life that God created us for.
There are times in life when you have waited for something for so long that you are not sure how to act when it arrives. In fact, we can get so used to waiting on something that we are almost unable to move at all when the time comes for action. In Matthew 2 we meet a group of Babylonian wise men that had been waiting for a very long time for a world changing event. They were not just waiting…they were watching. And when the time came they were ready to get going. In what way are we waiting on God? It could be that God is already putting the pieces together. It could be that God is calling us to action and it is time to get going.
What does an Easter egg have to do with Christmas? The kind of Easter egg we are talking about isn’t the ones that you pick up on Easter Sunday. We are talking about the clues hidden away in movies, books, or theme park rides that point back to a different part of the narrative or point ahead to something that is coming in the future. These Easter eggs connect the current experience with a bigger story and give it a greater meaning. The Christmas story is full of these kinds of Easter egg moments, especially as the shepherds encounter the new-born Messiah. Seeing how this moment fits with a bigger story helps us to understand how anticipation had been building for generations and how there was something even greater still to come.
Many times, when we are waiting for something to arrive, we build up in our minds what we think it will be like. We create picture of what we think it will look like. And this mental picture can even become the hope in our hearts. So when the moment arrives and it doesn’t look like what was expected, we can be disappointed or unsettled even when the arrival is better than what we expected. Israel had waited for a Messiah for generations, building up in their spiritual imagination what he would and should look like when he arrived. So when he came, and surpassed their expectations, they did not know how to receive him. We too can be caught off guard when God shows up in a long-awaited way and His answer to prayer doesn’t look like what we thought. Will we struggle to receive the blessing or will we be able to realize that God’s ways are even better than our own?
Everyone likes to get invited to something special. It is a reminder that you belong, that you matter, and that you are valued. Some invitations are more important than others, and we sometimes have to make decisions on what to attend and what to miss. For those very special gatherings, the decision is easy. As the time approaches the preparation increases and the excitement builds. As the planner of the event prepares, it becomes important for each person to send that RSVP. As we look to Christmas, God has invited us to be a part of the most amazing celebration ever! And it is not just a one-time celebration—it will go on forever. Two thousand years ago, a teenage girl got an invitation to be a part of God’s celebration, and she realized how amazing it would be. Now you and I must make a similar decision—will we allow Christ to live and grow in our hearts? Will we join the celebration? Are we getting prepared and are we excited about what is to come?
What is at the heart of generosity? The single greatest force and power driving generosity is gratitude. Realizing that God supplies every need, that God gives grace and mercy, and that God gives an abundant life rewires us. We move from fear and want to confidence and joy in helping others. The key to living with strength, freedom, and the ability to live with purpose lies in our willingness to trust God and be content with what He provides. Ultimately God invites us to know that what He chooses to provide is always the best, even when we may not like it or understand it. This radical contentment freed us from a rat race of achievement and consumption for a life of purpose and impact.
“The widow’s mite” has become a powerful symbol of sacrificial generosity. Jesus tells the disciples that this woman gave more than all the rest who donated to the temple. Her offering came from a form of commitment and devotion that many Christians have neither experienced nor understand. It is the call of every Jesus follower to wrestle with the call to “die to self.” The call is not sacrifice for the sake of sacrifice or self-denial itself. The call on every follower of Jesus is to be fully committed to the mission of the Gospel even when it requires sacrifice. Worship of God is costly. Comfortable and casual Christianity is neither true worship nor God honoring at all. In following Jesus there is a higher calling not based on dollar signs or percentages, but by commitment and passion for the Kingdom of God.
In the early days of the church, followers of Jesus faced many challenges and trials. The church in Jerusalem especially struggled with all kinds of persecution. In response, the Apostle Paul collected financial support from churches around the Roman empire to help believers in need. In this letter to the church in Corinth, Paul praises the efforts of the believers in Macedonia in their generosity. It would have been easy for these believers to focus solely on their own lives and building up their specific house-churches, but they had a bigger and greater view of the call to join with God’s kingdom work. Their efforts to support the Jerusalem Christians both honored God and made a real positive impact in the lives of others—not only the current believers but also all of those that the church in Jerusalem would reach with the Gospel message. We need a global and kingdom view of our work in the world. We don’t just participate in programs, we look to impact generations and bring the Gospel to the world.
What does it mean to love another person? Love is acting in a tangible way to benefit another person. It doesn’t always come with warm feelings, and it doesn’t always come with getting something in return. In fact, it often comes at a cost. And sometimes we must decide if we will keep loving when life is hard. Living in a broken world means that we are going to deal with problems, pain, and predicaments. We must choose to love amid these things, not to avoid these things. A reward is coming, but it won’t always come here and now. In 2 Kings 4 we get a picture of faithful giving with no expectation of immediate reward. We love when we don’t expect anything in return. Then God shows up and gives what no one else can give—a prize that will not fade and rust but made for a resurrected and forever life.
The Bible teaches that those who love money will never have enough. We may be able to get what we want, but we discover that nothing really satisfies that does not come from God. Many of the world’s wealthiest continue to live in want and dissatisfaction because they do not know what it means to receive the good gifts of God. On the other hand, many of the world’s poor and needy see God’s love show up in tangible ways daily. They see regular miracles of God. Allowing ourselves to depend on God puts us in position to experience the miracle of daily provision AND the miracle of God working through us to provide for others. In our position of need we discover that there is a delight in dependence because God is faithful to provide in amazing ways.
The greatest barrier to generosity is fear. Specifically, the fear of scarcity is the great hurdle to generosity. When I am afraid of not having enough, it will be nearly impossible to have a generous heart. Thankfully, there is good news here. God is generous. In Christ we have an abundant life, not a life of scarcity. This does not mean that God wants us all to have a big house, nice cars, luxury vacations, and fancy clothes. But it DOES mean that God wants to care for our daily needs and give us true blessings that last not just for a few months or even years, but will last a life-time and for eternity. When we learn to depend on God’s good provision we discover that a generous heart is born in knowing a generous God.
Apathy may be considered the greatest enemy of faith in America. We are cautioned against the danger of apathy, as the return of Christ signifies a time of judgment. As believers, we're encouraged to live in eager anticipation of His coming and to place our trust in His promises. Embracing this mindset of expectancy not only prepares us for Christ's return but also strengthens our faith, reminding us to live each day in accordance with His teachings and to eagerly await His glorious return.
Let’s be honest, living like Jesus day in and day out can be tough. The temptation to fall back into our old habits, our human weaknesses, is strong. But we shouldn't forget that God takes sin and our worldly desires seriously. So, when we feel that tug, we need to remind ourselves of the goodness God wants for us, helping us to keep growing to be more like Him.
We long for a rich and fulfilling existence, marked by virtues such as knowledge, self-control, and love. Through salvation in Christ, we gain access to this abundant life, as we become partakers in the divine life of God. His essence permeates our being, enabling us to fulfill our intended purpose and live in alignment with His design for us. As we immerse ourselves in His presence, our lives are transformed, radiating His light and love to those around us.
In today's culture, we often prioritize self-interest above all else, but those guiding God's church are tasked with embodying humility. They prioritize others' needs over their own, setting an example for all believers to emulate. This humility serves as a guiding light, inspiring the entire body of believers to prioritize compassion and selflessness in their own lives.
What if suffering is actually the pathway to a deeper intimacy with God? By reframing suffering as a pathway to spiritual maturity, we discover that it not only strengthens our faith but also serves as a testament to our commitment to following Christ wholeheartedly. Peter does not consider suffering as something that “could happen,” but something that is necessary in our pursuit of Christlikeness.
When we live a life filled with goodness, it sparks curiosity in others about what sets us apart. Our actions, rooted in goodness, become a magnet drawing others to inquire about the source of our joy and purpose. Furthermore, our baptism serves as a tangible symbol of our victory through Jesus, marking triumph over challenges and a life transformed by His grace. Our daily choices and the symbolism of baptism can inspire others to discover the life-changing power of following Christ.
Marriage is hard, and really that might be an understatement. In the marriage relationship, we see the unbelievable opportunity to model Jesus to one another. By modeling Christ-like virtues and recognizing mutual respect within marriage, couples can nurture a relationship grounded in love and equality. This allows marriage to not only be a holy union, but also a way of modeling Jesus to one another.
Following Jesus, the mocked, ridiculed, and rejected Savior of the World is never easy. Despite the challenges and mockery we might encounter, our unwavering dedication to following His example is paramount. Even amidst ridicule, our commitment to emulating Jesus' love and compassion stands as a testament to our faith. Let us draw strength from this devotion, understanding that our perseverance not only honors Jesus but also serves as a beacon of hope in a world yearning for redemption.
The world we live in can leave us feeling rejected as we chase after Jesus. Yet, Jesus is the one that we can find solace during this life. Just as Jesus' life culminated in the ultimate act of sacrifice for the redemption of humanity, our own moments of rejection can be transformed into opportunities for greater alignment with God's purpose for our lives.
Suffering isn't a pleasant concept for anyone. In fact, we often go to great lengths to avoid it. However, Peter's message to the early Christians underscores that suffering is an integral part of our pursuit of Jesus. Surprisingly, it's through our endurance in hardships that the genuineness of our faith becomes evident. In our moments of suffering, we find comfort and resilience by holding onto the hope of Jesus' eventual return.
Too often, because of past or present failures we are weighed down by sin and shame, and we struggle to escape this spiritual guilt. The night Jesus was arrested, Peter moves from the bold claim that he was ready to die for Christ to a moment of failure and disgrace when he denies even knowing Jesus. But, it is in this story of Peter that we see how Jesus can turn a moment of colossal failure into ultimate restoration. Peter’s story reiterates this good news for every one of us who feel like we fail as disciples of Jesus.
World events today have Christians asking questions regarding Israel and the church. Do the promises God made to the Old Testament nation of Israel still apply to Jewish people today? What abut the future national and spiritual restoration of Israel? It is vital today for the church to understand God’s plans for all his people, both Israel and the Church.
The hope and goal of every marriage should be more than just surviving. The goal should be to thrive. In order to thrive, both spouses must embrace the God given calling to put Christ at the center, to love unconditionally, and to embrace the specific role God gives to husbands and wives. With an understanding of this call and a commitment to live by God's design, we will begin to truly enjoy the gift of marriage and allow it to become a light to a dark and hurting world. Together we will discover the roles of needs, desires, service, and mission in God's design for marriage. And together we will learn to pursue a marriage that doesn't just survive, but thrives.
In a world filled with uncertainty and change, Hebrews 10:23 calls us to anchor our lives in the unwavering hope found in Jesus Christ. What does it mean to cling unswervingly to our faith we profess? What about the unshakeable promises of God and his faithfulness? Let us get a grip on hope, knowing that our God is always faithful to His promises, empowering us to remain steadfast to the end.
The practical goal of every Christian is to look more like Jesus day after day. Every day is an opportunity to let the Holy Spirit transform the heart. Central to this journey is to do what Jesus called us to do- "Take up your cross and follow (Him)." This means that we have to let go of what we think we deserve, are owed, or want for the sake of serving Jesus and making much of Him. We follow His lead in choosing to serve rather than be served, to obey rather than insist on our own way, and glorify God rather than glorifying ourselves. In return we gain an eternal inheritance and reward that lasts forever.
The world is a broken and hurting place full of broken and hurting people. The world's biggest problem is rooted in a belief that there is something better than God and what God offers. This belief leads many to engage in empty and even dangerous pursuits. We trade what we want most for what we think we want now. People are lost, confused, lonely, and hurting. The good news is that God is neither surprised nor unprepared. God foresaw the problem and provided for the perfect remedy at the perfect time.
The story of Elijah can be a comfort and encouragement to us. Being a strong person of God does not mean that we will never feel discouraged, but rather, it means looking to God when faced with adversity. Time after time Elijah‘s faith, obedience and courage were tested yet he constantly saw God’s power displayed in his weakness.
One of the most important phrases to our life in Christ comes from two (not so) little words: But God. Knowing what God’s Word says about who we are, what God has done, and what to expect from there has tremendous impact on our life from here on out. All because of God’s grace, we can experience abundant life.
The Bible is God’s Word, given to us to offer us truth, to guide us in life, and to lead us toward salvation. The Bible is completely accurate and without fault. It is written by man and inspired by the Holy Spirit. It contains all things necessary for us to understand and receive the gift of salvation from God by faith in Jesus Christ.
Salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ alone. The work of Jesus is the only work that is able to both forgive us of our sinful actions and free us from the power of sin in us. When we believe this truth and trust in Jesus to save us, we are justified—or, treated as righteous—and made right with God based on Jesus’ holiness and sacrifice. There is no other way to be saved outside of faith in Jesus Christ. Atonement is the work that is done for us by Jesus Christ. Through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, we are given the gift of right relationship with God. Christ suffered the punishment for our sin, cleansing us and freeing us from the power of sin. When we receive this gift through grace, we are made one with God.
All human life extends from the first life that God created. The first humans rebelled against God and submitted the human race to the power of sin. All persons are born into inherited sin. Though sin has been pardoned and put to death through Jesus, it still corrupts us and the natural world. We are still broken and prone towards selfishness and rebellion against God. We all fall short of God’s holy standard, and all persons are in complete need of God’s forgiveness and grace. God deals with us not on the basis of our merit or worthiness but based out of His love and goodness. God’s grace enables us to trust and believe in Jesus Christ for salvation. We can do nothing to earn this grace. The grace of God frees us from the power of sin and enables us to follow Jesus. Grace is forgiveness, but it is also God’s blessing and transformation in our lives.
Jesus is the only begotten Son of the Father. He was not made or created, but He is one with the Father. Jesus was the incarnation of God on earth. He is fully human and fully divine—neither His humanity nor His divinity is compromised or diminished.
The Trinity distinguishes and elevates our God from and above all others, but more importantly our salvation highlights the trinitarian nature of God. Thus, the Trinity is at the heart of the Gospel—He saves us by sending His Son and Spirit. John 3:16 famously tells us that in His love the Father gives us His only, eternally begotten Son so that we may receive eternal life. The Son of God becomes a Son of Man, so that we may become sons and daughters of God (John 3:11-16). The Father and Son then send their Spirit to dwell in us so we can experience this new life as children of God
To engage in spiritual warfare we must know the proper weapons of spiritual battle. We first recognize that the victory is already won through the work of Jesus Christ. We are not victims to the Evil one, the world, or even the broken thoughts and feelings of a sinful flesh. Living in faith, we actively stand firm against evil with God’s Word and with prayer.
As we engage the spiritual war taking place all around us. We must first recognize that we do not wage war against other people. The ultimate enemy is never another person—the enemy consist of dark spiritual forces—rulers, authorities, powers, and forces.
Spiritual warfare is a reality of the world that we live in. Evil forces war against God and His purposes, and we are often caught in the crossfire. In this spiritual world we must avoid the twin dangers of either ignoring these spiritual forces or hyper-focusing and fearing them. While there is a spiritual war taking place, God already holds the victory. We don’t have to fight for that victory. We live FROM that victory.
Our God is a God that desires to dwell among his people to provide guidance, and support, and to be in a relationship with His people. The second half of the book of Exodus is about His instructions to prepare a place for him to dwell among his people. Throughout the passages of the New Testament, we see that Jesus is the fulfillment of the Tabernacle being that he provides everything needed for true worship of God. In addition, he provides the avenue for believers to be able to always dwell in the presence of the Lord.
As fallen people, we are so easily distracted and impatient. While wondering through the wilderness, the people of God begin to grow distracted and in a brief turn from the Lord, they build a golden calf—showing our sinful desire to make and seek gods in our image. When we grow impatient, and seek the immediate instead of the long-term, we want rescue without surrender. It is in those moments that God disciplines and teaches us.
As we move into the middle part of Exodus, God is establishing the Israelite people as a culture. This culture must begin with an establishment of structure and rules that solidify them as a people. The ten laws that God lays out deal with their relationship to God and the world. Jesus would summarize these ten laws this way: love God and love others (Matthew 22:34-40). Even today, we can use this as a metric to determine our relationship with the Lord. If we don’t love others, what does that say about us?
Exodus 12 provides us with the specifics of the Passover, and we find that Jesus and his sacrifice mirrors many details found in that passage (John 1:29, Luke 3:23, John 19:36, 1 Peter 1:18-19, and 1 Peter 2:22). The key to the deliverance of the Israelites was not that they sacrificed the lamb, but that the blood of the lamb was applied to the doorpost. In the same way, the blood of Christ must be applied to our lives. The Passover shows us the clearest picture of the sacrifice of Jesus in the Old Testament. We are delivered from slavery, through the sacrifice of a lamb, and we are called to remember that sacrifice.
Just as the Lord called Moses, we are called. We often give excuses or think that we are not worthy of our calling due to incompetence (3:11), ignorance (3:13), hypocrisy (4:1), or defiance (4:10), but we see that Moses overcame all of these things through dependence on and guidance from the Lord. God tells Moses that He will be with him (3:12), the people will know His name (3:14), He will show His power (4:2-9), and God will provide for his weakness (4:10-17). When we have the same excuses, God provides us with the same answers.
It is important to rely on God and call out to Him when we are facing troubles, hardships, and pain. It is just as important to give God thanks and submit to Him when God moves on our behalf. The miracle is not the ultimate target. Rather, a miracle is one of the many ways that God draws us to Himself and reveals Himself to us. Our response is key. Will we forget, ignore, minimize, take credit, or rationalize what happened? Or will we bow down and worship the God of miracles? Only our submission and worship will lead to the true blessing of a changed and redeemed life.
There are times in life when we need God to do a miracle. In these moments, we come up against a challenge or dilemma that is far beyond our control to bring change, relief, or resolution. In this time of need, God is gracious and welcoming. He invites us to cry out to Him. How is it that we can cry out to a Holy and perfect God in our brokenness and sin? We cry out to Him based on His reputation, His goodness, and His power rather than our own. We beg for His mercy and grace rather than striving to earn what we cannot earn. We respond with worship and surrender rather than manipulation and conditions. In this desperation for God, God will move—for His ultimate glory and our ultimate good.
The Bible is full of incredible miracles. From the ten plagues in Egypt to the miracles of Jesus to miracles prophetically described for the future, God is in the miracle business. Many of us have become skeptics with the rise of frauds and fakes who claim to do miraculous things. Yet, in quiet settings and in the lives of unheralded servants around the world, God is still doing miracles. The question is WHY? Throughout scripture miracles have three purposes. Looking at the first miracle of Jesus in the Gospel of John, we will explore these three purposes to better understand why God does miracles so that we can better know what miraculous acts of God to look for in our lives and the world around us.
It is easy for life to become overwhelming in its demanding and difficult circumstances so that we begin to lose our focus. What should we do when that happens? God’s Word urges us to redirect our gaze toward the Source of our hope today and the destination where it securely resides. By refocusing ourselves on the One who embodies our hope, we make a transformative perspective shift. Embrace this profound invitation to refocus and discover newfound assurance and fulfillment in the new year.
Feeling drained? In the chaos of our lives, running on empty is an all too familiar state. Finding resilience requires more than endurance—it requires a deep, thriving connection with God. We find recharging power for our hope through a nurturing bond with God. He has gifted us with tools to find strength in Christ, guiding us toward a fulfilling life with purpose for God’s Kingdom.
After the Christmas season ends, we immediately begin to anticipate the beginning of the new year. There is a sense of new beginnings or a fresh start that permeates our minds. Who does not like that feeling? If we take that feeling and begin to think of our new life in God, then we begin to view Jesus’ words in John 3 a little differently. God simply does not offer a “fresh start,” but rather a completely new existence in his family and presence. What better way to begin a new year than living in the richness of John 3?
“It’s a Christmas miracle!” is one of the most used quotes surrounding Christmas. Many times this quote is used to describe things that seem so unlikely to happen that it is shocking when it comes to fruition. There is a not a more accurate quote for the birth of Jesus that this one. The God that had revealed himself through Scripture came to live among us. His presence allowed us to look upon the face of God and behold his care, love, patience, and compassion for his people. As we reflect upon this true Christmas miracle may it lead us to a place of deep worship and meditation upon the greatness of our God.
When you step back and begin to look at the big picture of everything, it can be mind blowing. You realize how incredible it is that the God that created this world and sustains this world is mindful of each of us. What’s even more unbelievable is to understand that God calls us to be a part of his activity in the world. Even in the Old Testament, you have the reality of that call shock one of Israel’s greatest prophets, Isaiah. Isaiah has an encounter with God that causes him to realize his drastic need for the Lord, and at that place God calls him to be his witness. This reveals a true miracle for us. When we come to the end of ourselves, God invites us into the sacred call of being his witness to the world around us.
Stories captivate us. Everyone loves to see the pieces come together in a story or a movie and for it to finally make sense. This imagery is helpful to keep in mind as we look at the Bible. It is a book written over thousands of years with multiple authors, yet it is unified in its message. Paul highlights this in one of his letters to his young apprentice Timothy. He tells him that one of the purposes of Scripture is to make him wise for salvation and every good work. The miraculous message of Scripture still guides the followers of Jesus to salvation and transformation into his likeness.
Ask any new parent and they will tell you of the miracle of birth. The design of God in our bodies to create and sustain life is truly a miracle. What we discover in the opening pages of Scripture is that life really originates from God himself. He is the source of all life. It is his breath that empowers us to live within the world that he created. God’s gift of life to us empowers us to live to into our purpose as people: to love God and love others.
Every healthy relationship, including family relationships, involves necessary boundaries. To connect and minister to those close to us, I must know what belongs to me and what does not. I must know what gives me worth and what does not. I must know what I am responsible for and what I am not. Loving others does not mean being held captive to their desires—it only means choosing to act in a way that lifts and blesses those in my life.
Much of the tension and difficulty in family relationships can be relieved or even removed with the practice of consistent gratitude. Whether or not everything is as we would have it, we can give thanks for the positive effort and intentions of those we call family. We can do so knowing that God is at work in our lives to make us more like Jesus, and it is a work that only God can do. And we can do so knowing that every need is met in Jesus—not in another person. We remove the weight of unattainable expectations and give thanks for the life we share.
Most of us, if not all, would agree that forgiveness is critical to any relationship. But agreeing and living it out in specific situations are two different things. It seems that families have a way of hurting one another with greater force than any other, and this can make forgiveness seem impossible. Yet, the magnitude of the hurt that can happen with families makes forgiveness even more important. On our own it is impossible. But with God, all things are possible.
Often family comes with drama, division, and difficulty. It can be very tempting to check out and disengage. As we will discover later in this series, boundaries are healthy and important. But before we start enforcing boundaries, we should ask God how He wants us to share His love with our engagement.
Are you the type of person who tries everything you can before asking for help? Or maybe you decide something is just going to be the way it is and there’s no changing it. It is important to know that you have a loving Heavenly Father who loves you and cares deeply for you. And in every part of life, he desires for you come to him with your concerns, as the starting place and not your last resort, since there is no other place to turn for help.
“Freedom!” It is one of the greatest longings of your soul and something you pursue throughout your life. When you place your faith in Jesus, you are freed, indeed. But too often through the course of life you can find yourself reshackled to something other than the One who set you free. Submission to God is the only way to live truly free.
Have you ever said something you wish you could take back immediately? Or have you ever been hurt by someone else’s words? Your tongue is a powerful tool. God saves you and redeems you to live differently than those of the world – that includes in your speech.
Ever heard the expression “in one ear and out the other”? God’s way of life is True Life and he’s concerned that we match up our living with what he desires for us. To bring our faith to life, we want to marry our hearing and doing.
No matter how good of a planner you might be, your life is most likely filled with unexpected circumstances. How does your faith inform the way you respond in those situations? What does it say about what you believe about God?
The Holy Spirit is often the forgotten Person of the Trinity. We remember God the Father and Jesus, but the Holy Spirit becomes an afterthought. This week we will explore the Person of the Holy Spirit. We will look at the truths that He is personal, He has specific purposes, and He is powerful.
Demons are a popular subject of entertainment, the occult, and our culture. There are many books on the subject, but few have a true Biblical foundation. We need to understand the true nature of demons and what they do so that we can be prepared for the spiritual battle that surrounds us. We need to understand the nature of the fight and the figures that war against us. And most of all, we need to see that Jesus already has victory. While we need to be sober minded and wise, we don’t have to live in fear.
Angels are a very real and active part of God’s creation. There are angels all around us who are doing God’s work. They have different levels of power, different kinds of roles, and different tasks—but all serve God and His purposes. Angels may be around us more than we realize, and we should be prepared to encounter angels at any moment. With an accurate understanding of angels we can be encouraged to join in God’s work and see clearly the spiritual encounters in our lives.
One dangerous temptation in work is to make it the primary source of meaning, purpose, and satisfaction. Work is definitely a gift, but it is not the source of these things. Rather, it is designed to point us to the gift giver. God calls us to embrace work as an act of worship—it is a response to the good and loving God who saves and transforms us in His grace. Work cannot give worth, but it is a wonderful way to thank God for the value He gives and point others to their worth in Christ.
Work is hard and often frustrating. This is the result of sin in the world. While work was given as a gift, it too has been impacted by sin and brokenness because of the human tendency to reject God and His design. However, we can know that God’s grace is at work in every aspect of life, including work. In fact, God is using work as a tool to refine and transform us so that we look and think more like Jesus. It may be that the most frustrating parts of work are the very things that God wants to use to heal the most broken places in our hearts. We really can embrace the work of the Holy Spirit in the hard parts of work.
Work is a platform to share the love and truth of God with others. Whatever the work may be—a job, school, stay at home roles—work provides a way to point others to Jesus. We help ourselves and bless others when we see every aspect of work, however small or mundane, as an opportunity to worship God and love others, and even see it as a primary path for sharing the good news about Jesus.
Work is a gift that God gave humanity BEFORE sin every entered creation. It is not a necessary evil, but rather a wonderful gift to join with God in caring for the world and people around us. Work even becomes part of God’s gift to others through us. Seeing work as a gift from God rather than a duty to be endured helps us to find joy and purpose in the work we do every day.
Rahab was a person who was not raised to have faith in the God of Israel. She was a foreigner in a place that had foreign gods. Yet, she had heard about the God of Israel and at some point moved from being an unbeliever to a believer. Her faith led her to act with commitment to the one true God, and she experienced redemption and salvation rather than destruction.
Jeremiah had one of the most difficult jobs imaginable. He was instructed by God to give a message of destruction with a call to repentance to the people around him, but he was also told that the people would not listen. Why give such a message!?! Jeremiah understood a difficult truth—the call of God is a burning in our souls that does bring reward and redemption for both us and others, but it that reward and redemption may not come on our own timeline. Like Jeremiah, the redemption may be seen years later. And the reward may be for the life to come. But we can trust that no act of faithfulness is ever wasted. It is all used by God for His glorious purposes in the world.
Naaman was the commander of the army for the nation of Aram. He was an important man (at least in his own eyes). The big problem is that Naaman was struck with Leprosy. At the time it was a devastating disease, both physically and socially critical. When Naaman heard that there was a man who could heal him, he was eager to investigate. But blinded by pride, Naaman expected an elaborate display rather than a simple call for faith. Like Naaman, we need healing in some way. It may be that our redemption lies, not in an elaborate display of power, but through a simple act of faith.
Naomi experienced deep pain of grief, loneliness, and despair. The things that once gave her hope and promise had been taken away from her by the brokenness of life in this broken world. The loss of loved ones and home could have been a unbreakable boundary between Naomi and the God who loves and gives hope, but God redeemed Naomi through her circumstances and the faithfulness of specific people placed in her life. In her story, we see through Naomi that God even redeems the deepest of pain and sorrow.
Elijah did great things in obedience to God, and he saw God do amazing things! Even still, Elijah battled burnout and depression. Elijah finds himself in a place where he wants to give up. He is in a place of complete despair and frustration. He feels alone and that his life has made no impact. Many of us can relate. When Elijah found himself in this place, God reached out to care for Elijah. But it was neither obvious nor overwhelming. Elijah had to still himself and listen. In the silence, Elijah found himself refreshed and redeemed by the quiet voice of God.
Lot’s story is a cautionary tale. At one moment, Lot was living close to a place full of sin. Then he was living in the place. And then he was a central part of the community. Like Lot, we can quickly find ourselves surrounded by sin and a broken society that is pressing down on us. It may even begin to change the way that we think and act. But also like Lot, God can and does provide a way out that leads to redemption of our present lives and our future.
Gideon was created by God to be a great man of strength and valor, but he was overwhelmed by fear and doubt. Even when called by God, he questioned and required proof. Neither frustrated or put off, God moved Gideon to a place of faith and action. We too can experience redemption in Christ as we allow God to move us from a place of fear and doubt to faith and action.
Moses was called by God, but Moses responded with excuses. Moses had reasons to believe that he was disqualified. He was an orphan, a murderer, and most likely had a speech impediment. Yet, Moses was NOT disqualified from the call that God had on his life. God wanted his availability more than his ability. His path to redemption came as he learned to rely on the power and faithfulness of God.
Hezekiah was a king who loved God and tried to follow Him. But even people who love God can be tempted to trust the world more than God. When attacked by Assyria, Hezekiah thought that he could buy his way out of trouble. But He soon learned that prayer and reliance on God was his path to real redemption.
First-hand accounts of an event can capture anyone’s attention. Even things that seem impossible become more believable when you talk to someone who experienced it first hand. Whether realize it or not this is true with our relationship with Jesus too. People are more likely to listen to the amazing news of the Gospel when they see someone live it out. It’s why Jesus promises power through his Holy Spirit, so that his followers may be witnesses in every area of their lives.
We sometimes forget that one of the greatest tools for influence we have in our lives is time. Time with friends, family, and co-workers allows us to influence them and vice versa. Jesus was not ignorant of this fact and used it to his advantage with his followers. Right before he left the earth, he challenged his followers to replicate what he did with his time and energy to further his message in the world. Jesus gives us a purpose to continue to expand his influence in the world through our time with others.
We have all been told that we are our own worst critics. As Christ-followers we know our need for forgiveness, but that does not mean we easily forgive ourselves. In a conversation with Jesus Peter comes face-to-face with the one he denied he ever knew. What he soon discovers is that the forgiveness of Jesus is always available to us. Once we realize this, it causes us to be faithful in our pursuit of him.
One of the hardest areas of our lives to live out the Good News of Jesus is in our workplaces. We want to be faithful to Jesus, but situations or conversations at our jobs can make that difficult. Thankfully, it is possible to be fruitful for the Kingdom of God in our places of work. The key is following the guidance of God in our lives instead of our own inclinations.
One of the most sought-after adjectives for our lives is peaceful. We hear that word and we are immediately filled with a breath of fresh air. Yet, we are simultaneously struck with doubts that we can ever experience peace in our lives. When Jesus appears to his disciples after his resurrection his first words to them is “Peace be with you.” Peace is possible for his followers, but it is greater than what we could ever realize.
One of the most prevalent commands of all scripture is to be courageous and reject fear. While lots of things can be scary and I may feel the emotion of fear, I do not have to be held captive by fear or let it control my actions. I can choose to step in faith. The reason for courage is not that I have the power to overcome. Rather, courage is based on the truth that Jesus has ALREADY overcome. When the stronghold of fear threatens to prevent a thriving and faithful life, I am called to remember and embrace the powerful display of the resurrected Christ and know that His power lives in all who call on Jesus for life and salvation by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Jesus is careful to warn us against judging others and condemning them based on our own standard or ruling. Jesus warns against this, not because we should not strive to live holy lives, but because we are not in the position to judge. We are all in need of God’s grace every moment of every day because we are all born under the weight and penalty of sin. Overcoming the stronghold of judgement does not eliminate accountability within the body of Christ, but it does call for the prayer to see one another and treat one another with the grace and forgiveness that God gives to us.
The stronghold of prejudice separates us from one another and grows a poisonous root of bitterness in my heart. Prejudice is closely related to the stronghold of pride in that it leads me to see myself as superior and others as inferior. This stronghold prevents me from appreciating the gift of others and the gift of God. To break the stronghold of prejudice, I must pray for unity, empathy, and humility. I must embrace my need for those who do not look like me or come from my same background, understanding that faith and character are the measure of a person rather than appearance, pedigree, or heritage.
Accusation is one of the primary tools of our spiritual enemy, and it is a great danger to God’s people. We face accusation from both the spiritual enemy and from those around us, and we are tempted to come with accusation against others. Accusation is both harmful and distracting, and we must be careful to see both ourselves and others through the lens of God’s redeeming and forgiving grace.
The danger in the stronghold of pride is in its ability to blind me to my broken state and desperate need for God. Pride prevents me from coming to God by faith in Christ. Pride puts an empty faith in myself and my own ability to perform with perfection without the help of God. Pride leads to death because it is built on the lie that I don’t need God for every part of life and hope. To break the stronghold of pride, I must be willing to come before God with humility and confession.
The stronghold of religion can be one of the most dangerous of all strongholds because it carries with it the illusion that I am following God. Despite the illusion, following rules, regulations, and traditions without a surrendering faith and submission to God leaves me just as spiritually dead as those who reject faith religious activity all together. Unless our practices are joined by faith in and love of God, religion anchors me in a lifeless and hopeless list of rules and activities that can actually bring me further away from God rather than closer to Him.
Strongholds exist and they are powerful forces in many lives. They hold many of us captive, but it does not have to be so. Strongholds can be brought down and destroyed through the power of prayer, but they must also be replaced with the presence and truth of the Holy Spirit. The early followers of Jesus faced the threat of many strongholds, particularly the ones that we will explore through this series. These early disciples show us that prayer has the power to replace the strongholds of the enemy with the truth and BOLDNESS of the Holy Spirit.
Pastor Hunter speaks on the topic of establishing our "house" on the principles taught to us by Jesus.
Pastor Jonathan speaks about what Jesus taught about love and it is the greatest commandment.
“And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.” Prayer engages us in the invisible world of spiritual powers. While we know that God ultimately wins, we also know that there is currently a spiritual war taking place. Prayer gives us a vision to understand the powers of evil and temptation at work in and around our lives, and it positions us to call on God for His protection against outside evil and our own broken desires.
“Give us today our daily bread.” God knows all that we need. Still, He desires that we ask Him to meet our needs. Coming to God to ask Him for provision builds a healthy dependence on God and allows us to see God move on our behalf. It pleases God to meet our needs as we ask of Him, and it builds our confidence and faith to see Him provide.
“Give us today our daily bread.” God knows all that we need. Still, He desires that we ask Him to meet our needs. Coming to God to ask Him for provision builds a healthy dependence on God and allows us to see God move on our behalf. It pleases God to meet our needs as we ask of Him, and it builds our confidence and faith to see Him provide.
“‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” The foundation of prayer is surrender to God. The first thing that happens in consistent and earnest prayer is that God transforms my thinking and feeling. To step fully into the power of prayer, I must be as much concerned about what God wants to do in me as I am with what I want God to do around me.
Bottom Line: God is pleased with those that have trusted in him for eternal peace. Christmas a time filled with joy. Some of the most popular Christmas songs are filled with themes of joy. In reality, the true joy of Christmas is that God came to dwell with his people. It is this truth that brings the shepherds to their joy filled reaction in Luke 2.
Bottom Line: Jesus provides the example of what God desires for his people. Many times we wonder what we God have us do in a particular situation. Thankfully, Jesus’ life gives us a pathway of how to live in a way that is pleasing to God. A life that is following after Jesus is filled with mercy, justice, compassion, humility, and love. As John would say, “…whoever abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he [Jesus] walked.”
Bottom Line: Jesus became the final sacrifice for all of mankind. We know we all come short of living the life that God intends for us. Thankfully, through the sacrifice of Jesus our mistakes and disobedience have been covered by the blood of Son. This glorious truth only came reality through the Incarnation. It is through Jesus’ sacrifice that we can be pure in the sight of a holy God.
Bottom Line: Jesus reveals to us the Heavenly Father. When Jesus came to this earth he showed humanity the way of the Father. John says that he was full of both grace and truth. It was this revelation that allowed us to see the depth of love, compassion, and grace that God has toward us. Through the incarnation, we get a picture of the unbelievable nature of God.
The love of God cannot be overstated. The truth is not just that God loves us. The truth is that God IS love. We can know God because God knows us fully. God knows the good and the bad. But even the bad does not prevent God from loving us, desiring us, and pursuing us. Knowing that God knows me and loves me encourages me to know Him more.
God is the source of all things great, wonderful, beautiful, and powerful. God is the source of all these things because God IS all these things. God is not just the most glorious—God is the standard, the source, and the object of all glory. To know God in greater depth, we must come with humility and gratitude. We recognize that we do not deserve to be with God yet He invites us in, and we recognize that knowing Him is the most wonderful and satisfying experience in all of life.
Shepherd is more than just a role that God offers to serve in our lives. Shepherd is the nature of God’s heart. God is the one true guide, protector, provider, and healer. Being in need of God is not a burden that I must deal with. My need for God is a great blessing that invites me to know God more and more through each season of life.
One of the foundational character traits of God is that He is truth. We can know God because God is trustworthy, faithful, and unchanging. God is the standard for what is true, right, and good. This steady and reliable nature of God allows us to pursue Him with the confidence that He can be known.
Sin is devastating, not only to the human condition, but also to creation itself. Our world is broken. We can see it in sickness, natural disasters, the breakdown of our environment, and what seems to be an overall deterioration of the universe. But God has a plan to bring a new creation into being. There will be a new heaven and new earth along with a physical resurrection and perfection of our bodies. God will make all things new, and God will make all things good. Every good and lovely thing that was intended in the beginning of creation will be fulfilled completely in the new creation.
Most of us don’t think about heaven much and, when we do, we are confused about what heaven is really like. The Bible describes much of what we can expect in heaven. We will not be floating on clouds as spirits without bodies. Rather, heaven will be a redeemed and perfected creation. We will enjoy nature and the world, we will enjoy and create art and music, we will enjoy great food, and so much more.
This is one of the biggest questions that we will ever face in life. We don’t have to worry or wonder what will happen if we trust and surrender to Jesus Christ. We know from the Bible and history that Jesus rose again, and He made a promise to bring us to Him. The Bible teaches us that, after death, we will be with Jesus in the intermediate heaven, awaiting the new heaven and new earth, and the saints are already there cheering us on.
Heaven and Hell are real. For some reason, the church does not talk much about this in recent years, and it shows in the way that we approach both life and faith. With little focus on Heaven and Hell, we are much more likely to think about immediate temporary circumstances rather than eternal realities. But compared to eternity, temporary circumstances are not of the highest importance. Because of sin, every person is destined for hell, which has been created for Satan and his demons. But because of Jesus, every person can be destined for heaven, the place of perfect happiness with God for eternity.
Once we realize that our hearts can be convinced to worship something besides God, we must figure out a way to keep our heart focused on Him. Essentially, how hearts must awaken to the beauty of Jesus. We must walk in the truth that Jesus is more sufficient, more loving, and more beautiful than anything else our hearts may deceptively desire.
Have you ever heard the saying, "You are what you eat"? Strangely enough, these wise words from your grandmother can apply to what we worship as well. "We become what we worship." As we discover hidden desires in our hearts, we have to be fully aware of the dangers those desires bring. We must fully believe and trust that nothing will satisfy us outside of Jesus.
Humanity has a deep longing for significance. Once we find something that we feel gives us significance, we will build our lives around it. Scriptures would call this "building of our lives," worship. Unfortunately, this misplaced worship can lead us to make good things, ultimate things. Before we know it, we are building our lives on something that is a gift from God, instead on God. We want to discover these things and put them back in their right place within our hearts.
We all get excited about receiving an invitation. In John 7, Jesus extends a life-changing invitation to each of us. No longer do we have to drink from the dirty wells of this world, but we can from the living water Jesus gives us in the Holy Spirit, and life will never be the same.
Simplify Life’s Hard Choices
Life is full of choices and decisions. We decide on activities that we will engage in, relationships that we will commit to, and opportunities that we will seize. Every day is an ongoing tally of moments that require a yes or no. How can we decide? How much can we fit in? What deserves a “yes” and what deserves a “no?” Our go-to measurement is most often the idea of balance, and we just try to keep the scales of commitments, energy, and resources all from tipping to one side. This leaves us often feeling at our limit. Perhaps the answer is something different. Together we will explore that aiming for the target of purpose can give us the clarity to make daily and lasting decisions that lead us forward with hope and passion.
Get a glimpse into the year-long journey with Getwell's Ministry Residence Program as Pastor Jonathan talks with Lindsey Whiteside about her experience from the past year.
For more information about the Ministry Residence program or the Endowment that supports this program. Visit: www.getwellchurch.org/endowment
Discovering the Blessing of Generosity
Increasingly the world, the economy, and our general well-being seems to be uncertain. The anxieties and fears of the current climate can make us want to hold onto the resources that we have. That can sometimes be good when it pushes us to save and be wise with what we do, how we spend money, and commitments that we make. But when we are driven more by fear than wisdom, and when that fear pushes us to resist God’s call to be generous givers, we are missing out on more than we might realize.
Rest in the breath of God—Practicing Sabbath
Our world and our lives are busier than ever. We have commitments, responsibilities, to-do lists, and things we just want to do. We push ourselves to do more, accomplish more, and experience more. Yet, all this running and doing may be taking its toll on our minds, bodies and souls. We have very little time for rest and even less time for silent reflection. There is a better way—a way of true rest. But can we trust God enough to know that we can stop regularly moving, stop producing, and stop chasing?
Friendship doesn’t happen by accident
Being around people is not the same thing as friendship. Friendship requires intentional action, commitment, trust and openness. Friendship is a gift of God, but like all good things, it has to be cultivated. Together we will explore how to build friendships that will be a blessing to us and a witness of God’s love to the world.
Am I willing to risk everything that this world has to offer to receive what God has to offer—this is a critically important question for us.
The Good Life: The Persecuted
The Good Life series and all associated quotes, graphics, or other material are derived from Derwin Gray in his book of the same title.
The Good Life: The Peacemakers
The Good Life series and all associated quotes, graphics, or other material are derived from Derwin Gray in his book of the same title.
The Good Life: The Pure
The Good Life series and all associated quotes, graphics, or other material are derived from Derwin Gray in his book of the same title.
The Good Life: The Merciful
The Good Life series and all associated quotes, graphics, or other material are derived from Derwin Gray in his book of the same title.
The Good Life: The Humble
The Good Life series and all associated quotes, graphics, or other material are derived from Derwin Gray in his book of the same title.
Happy are the Sad
The Good Life series and all associated quotes, graphics, or other material are derived from Derwin Gray in his book of the same title.
Happy are the Beggars
The Good Life series and all associated quotes, graphics, or other material are derived from Derwin Gray in his book of the same title.
TO WHOM DO I BELONG? We are adopted into the family of God by the work of Jesus so that we are sons and daughters of God. We belong to a forever family, not based on behavior, race, ethnicity, or tribe, but based on the saving work of Jesus. By faith in the grace of Jesus, we have a Heavenly Father that embraces us and prepares a place for us to be with Him.
WHO MADE ME? We reflect the character and nature of God because we are created by Him. Every person has a sacred worth given by God because we are made by Him and loved by Him. We cannot create this worth or take it from anyone else. Our only choice is to live in harmony with our true nature or to live in competition with who God has created us to be.
No matter what happens in the world, we can know and trust that God wins. This is not in doubt. Knowing the end result creates a way for me to live with hope and guidance. As Jesus followers, we don’t have to believe or give way to messages of despair. We spread hope and joy, not because we are certain that we can overcome, but because we know Jesus has already overcome.
The world that we live in is far from ideal. It isn’t at all what any of us want it to be. Yet, we cannot fall to the temptation to run away from the world and its problems. When Israel was living in exile (far from where they wanted to be), God told them to plant where they were. We too need to plant where we are. In the midst of trouble, we can work to bring good and beauty to the people around us.
The whole is greater than the sum of its parts. This is the way of the church. With the Holy Spirit at work in our lives in the church, we do more than just add our gifts and talents together. When we commit ourselves to the work of God in our lives, God makes us more than we could ever create on our own and He does more than we could ever imagine. The results and changed lives can only be attributed to God.
Unity is one of the most powerful forces on earth. Unity has the ability to heal loneliness, division, and isolation. As the church, we embrace the mission over preference as we put God’s Kingdom first in all things. I realize that I am not alone—neither in my struggles or the mission.
Jesus tells us that His followers are both salt and light. Jesus has a purpose for your life—to make the world better and point to Him in everything that you do. Am I being salt in the way Jesus intends? Am I shining the light on Jesus in every part of my life?
God is eternal. He has no beginning and no end. God is forever into the past and forever into the future. We are made in the image of God. This means that we are made for eternity. Life is more than what we experience around us. Looking up to see that God made us for eternity can change the priorities, relationships, and actions that we take today.
Everyone worships something. The questions that we must answer are (1) what do I worship? And (2) is it worthy of worship. When we worship God we will see that God is worthy of worship and He blesses our worship of Him. Together we will explore what it looks like to worship God and why we want to do that daily.
Trust is the most powerful currency on earth. There can be no real connection with trust. We want to connect with God and we want to see God working fully in our lives. In order for this to happen we must risk trusting God with surrender, pursuit, and obedience.
The primary purpose of our lives is to experience and point to the glory of God. Together we will see that answering God’s invitation to see and experience His glory gives wisdom and enables us to deal with life’s challenges in a healthy and God honoring way.
We wrestle with Paul's words in Philippians 4:4-9. Pastor Hunter helps us see how God offers us His peace and His presence as that we can take the "long view" together.
We can lose our patience, lose our temper, lose our train of thought, and even lose our motivation. This happens to all of us. One thing that we cannot lose is hope. Hope is the one resource and currency that always gives us what we need to take the next step and move forward. We know that God is always good and always at work. That means that we always have hope. Never underestimate what God is about to do.
The world tells us to take care of ourselves. The Kingdom of God says take care of others. This is a big switch for us to make. Jesus calls us to a life of not just withholding harm from the people around us—we are to actively seek to lift others up. This kind of relationship and community truly reflects God and is attractive to a hurting world.
We are made to live in relationship. At some point along the way, I will need others in my life and others will need me. This takes trust and courage. Being together is more than just being in the same space—it is investing in each other and choosing to know and be known.
Bad things are going to happen—that is a guarantee. Some of the bad things that happen are completely out of our control. But the one thing that we can always control is how we respond to what happens. We never have to act like a victim. We can have victory in Jesus and should never underestimate what God is about to do next.
We all have a story to tell. When that story involves God moving in our lives, we have a calling to share that story with others. When we experience redemption on the other side of pain, our stories can be the catalyst for someone else’s redemption as well.
Without purpose life becomes empty and boring. Life has meaning to be embraced and every person has a purpose to engage. Knowing our purpose becomes the catalyst for joy, endurance, and peace.
The early church encountered all kinds of people—some were stubborn while some were searching for answers; some were living for pleasure while some were living for knowledge. No matter what a person’s perspective, the news of Jesus was good news for all.
Our world is angry and easily offended. The church cannot be so. In order for us to be a catalyst for change, we must be known for love, grace, and truth.
When we want to see change or movement, we focus on what we can do. While this is important, what is MOST important is what God can do. One catalyst for good is to work hard while I trust and pray knowing that real power is with God.
Growth usually requires discomfort. In order to get wiser, stronger, and more mature, we will have to learn to embrace moments of discomfort as a catalyst for change.
The church is meant to gather, but we gather so that we can go out with the mission. We cannot just be at church on Sunday. We have to be church everywhere that we go.
Even in the church, relationships and culture can be toxic. We need to commit ourselves to be a catalyst for good by working toward solutions rather than dwelling on the symptoms.
Lies seem to be more prevalent than truth. In a world where everything is relative and everyone is watching out for themselves, honesty matters. Honesty can be the catalyst for redemption.
Life is hard. Sometimes the world seems to be more than we can handle. When I am tempted to give up, pray for boldness and endurance. Be a catalyst for good.
Many of us have struggled with identity over the past year. We need to remember that what matters most about who I am is that I am connected to Jesus. More than anything else, being with Jesus can be the catalyst for real impact.
When you are overwhelmed and overworked, lean into God’s Spirit. Let the Spirit be the catalyst for what happens next.
Pastors Jonathan and Hunter tackle questions submitted about the bible, theology, faith, and life.
After Jesus’ resurrection & ascension, the Holy Spirit is poured out. God’s redemptive plan continues to unfold. The Good News spreads to Jews & Gentiles. The early church participates in bringing the Kingdom of God on earth.
For many, Jesus didn’t meet expectations & was not recognized. Let us not be blind to God’s work.
The time of no word from God happened, as prophesied. But He was neither distant nor inactive. He was setting the stage for Jesus.
Sin & bad consequences put us in hard places. Even so, God is powerful & good and there is hope.
Despite the miracles that God’s people had experienced, the grip of sin continued to plague them. Even though they disobey him, God hears the cries of his people and raises up saviors to help defeat their enemies – it becomes a cycle they can’t break. But God will break this cycle once and for all by the ultimate Savior he raises up for us to defeat our enemy, Satan.
To free His people from slavery, God performed 10 miracles of escalating intensity. In every miracle, God was showing both His power and His presence. God will stop at nothing to free His people from bondage and lead them to His promises.
Even though they prospered, the people of Israel still found themselves in slavery. Though it seemed as though God was absent, God heard their cries and was working out their rescue.
The Fall introduced a hopeless problem for mankind, but God had a plan. God makes a covenant with Abraham that points forward to a solution to our sin problem – Jesus, who is the blessing to all nations through his sacrifice for our sin. Abraham must believe in the Lord’s promise of fulfillment, both in the present and for the future.
In creation we see two primary purposes of God’s creation—Glory and Gift. All things point to God’s glory and in His glory, God gives the gift of life.
Jesus is not just in the Gospels. His story is even bigger than the New Testament. Jesus is all over every page of scripture. Jesus has always been the goal, the hope, and the rescue.
Pastor Bill talks about The Suffering of Jesus in our second part of the series of "Only Jesus".
Pastor Bill continues in our series of The Kingdom of God and how we can take the Kingdom into our communities.
Pastor Jonathan speaks on the Call of the Church as we continue our series in "The Kingdom of God".
Pastor Jonathan talks about the transformation of the family as we focus on the Kingdom of God.
Pastor Bill begins this new series on The Kingdom of God. Over and above the kingdoms of this world is a Heavenly Kingdom that is here and at work.
Part 1 of our Overwhelmed sermon series. Pastor Bill begins with the stress in our lives.
Family Ministry Director Greg Meek speaks on Prodigals for our third installment of At the Table.
Part 1 of our At the Table sermon series. Pastor Jonathan talks about sharing the table with our spouses.
Pastor Bill talking through defining moments in the early days and how God has and is always with us through life's most defining moments.
The fourth and final block in our Building Blocks series. Jonathan speaks on the Resurrected Jesus.
The 2nd block in our Building Blocks series. Pastor Jonathan talks about our God of Creation.