1on1 Church: Recent Episodes
1on1 Church
Where are you in life? Is everything going according to plan? Or have you experienced some whiplash moments that changed everything?
And hey - never mind your whole life, what about this year, this month, this week, today? Have you already experienced some surprises that came straight out of left field?
If so, you can identify with Mary and John. As they stood at the foot of the cross, overcome with grief, Jesus gave his mom to John...and John to his mom. Not only did they leave that day in mourning because of the death of Jesus, but they walked home to an entirely different living arrangement!
In this, our third message on the 7 Sayings of Jesus on the cross, we go to God's Word to discover what we can learn to prepare us for life's blockbuster surprises!
In this message we continue our Lenten series: "The 7 Sayings of Jesus on the Cross" -
"…today you will be with me in paradise.” (Luke 23:43)
Can you imagine how hearing that made this man feel? He was being executed as a condemned criminal! We'll explore why Jesus would make such a stunning, undeserved promise to this man who had cursed him only hours before.
But there's more to those amazing words Jesus spoke on the cross. There's power in TODAY!
As we go to God's Word, ask Him to unleash that power in your life.
Though He was in excruciating agony, Jesus cried out from the cross -
"Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing!"
They didn't have a clue.
But they're not the only ones, are they? To what extent do Jesus' words apply to those around us...to our society at large...to you and me? And what does He want us to do about it?
This fascinating, life-changing Lenten study of the 7 sayings of Jesus on the cross begins today.
You've seen trans men and women on the news, on social media, appearing in some of your favorite TV shows.
Perhaps it's closer than that - when a friend, coworker or family member prefers a gender different from the one they were assigned at birth.
Our society's laws, language and customs are changing to accommodate this growing social phenomenon that is part of the expanding LGBT movement.
What does the Bible say? How can we honor God with our response?
Sometimes this is how you and I feel, isn't it? Going nowhere fast…sometimes detouring into sin...appearing aimless.
Life can become so DAILY! Whatever progress you and I make feels glacially slow.
But in this message, I have some awesome news from God's Word for those of us traveling at snail-speed. I can't wait to share it with you!
"WHICH GENERATION IS BEST?"
Do you have an opinion? Is it your generation? Someone else's?
We're going to God's Word to answer that question in this audio message! The answer may surprise you...but it will also challenge and inspire you.
There are 6 generations on planet earth today. We intend to examine each of them. You'll see yourself in one of them, for sure!
Like every "too good to be true" statement, this one has a "catch."
You can't be stopped in 2020, so long as...
In this audio message, we'll explain - straight from the Bible.
At first glance, this seems an absurd message subject. EVERYBODY knows how to be themselves, don't they?
Well, no. To a greater or lesser degree, you may unknowingly be attempting to live up to the expectations of your parents, spouse, friends, children, boss, customers, society. The problem with that is that the expectations of others don't agree...and somewhere along the line you're left confused, conflicted, unsure of who you really are.
If you're going to have the kind of 2020 you long for, you've got to get that fixed! In this message, we go to God's Word to help us do just that.
It's SO HARD to wait!
What's more, there are times when you should...other times when you absolutely should not.
But how can you tell when waiting is a virtue...and when it's merely procrastination?
Well...wait for it...you go to God's Word!
And that's exactly what we do in this message, which contains more than a few surprises.
What would it be like to be a king? Most of us will never know.
Or will we?
Actually, if you're a follower of Jesus, you WILL be a king...for a day.
Next question: How long does that day last? Hint: Longer than 24 hours!
There is one Name that is above every other name on earth or the cosmos.
In this 1on1 Church message, we explore, celebrate, wonder in awe and worship the One who bears that Name.
If that is your desire, this day is for you...1on1 with Him.
How do you love a God you can't see?
Perhaps that's why down through the ages there has been so much idol worship. Desperate to see their god...people have made one up.
Aren't you glad nobody worships idols anymore...or do they?
Is it possible that Satan is attempting to push off one or more modern-day idols on you? How can you successfully push back...and truly worship the only true God, invisible though He may be?
Have you ever wondered what you'll look like in heaven? Will your imperfections disappear? If so, will you be recognizable? LOL
But seriously, if we're all a perfect version of ourselves in heaven, what will that look like? What age will you be? And what about the people you've never met? How will you recognize them?
We'll examine the rock-solid descriptions based on Scripture. Then we'll take a look at some of the theories out there, loosely based on Scripture. I may even share with you mine. ;-)
So what's the point of all this? Would it surprise you to learn Jesus wants you to be eager to see what you'll look like? After all...that's just one of the things you have to look forward to, that helps keep you focused on what truly matters.
If you're not already eager to experience your new body in heaven, after hearing this 1on1 audio message, you will be!
At the end of this earth as we know it…
“This is what the Lord Almighty says: ‘In a little while I will once more SHAKE the heavens and the earth, the sea and the dry land. I will SHAKE all nations, and what is desired by all nations will come, and I will fill this house with glory,’ says the Lord Almighty.” (Haggai 2:6-7)
But does that mean we'll be SHAKELESS until then?
No.
The word, "SHAKE" appears in the Bible 72 times - and most of the time it isn't referring to what God has planned for the Great Tribulation.
So will YOU be shaken? If so, how? If not, why not?
You're going to be encouraged by this message from God's Word!
How many stars are there in the observable universe?
The latest scientific estimates land on 20 OCTILLION! That's One BILLION-TRILLION - One – followed by 27 zeroes.
Wow. But without doubt, this incredible number…is a gross under-estimation! As our telescopes get more powerful, we keep discovering more!
These figures are only based on the OBSERVABLE universe – not the part we CAN’T see!
We have a big God, don't we? So what does that mean for you and me? That's exactly what we're going to explore in this message.
It's a reasonable question, isn't it?
Do the grades I made in school indicate how I'm going to do in life? How about the successes and failures I've experienced so far? Do they give me a glimpse of how the rest of my life is going to go?
Maybe you're smiling and saying, "I certainly hope so!" On the other hand, you might be waving your hands in horror: "Dear God! Please, no!"
The Biblical answer...is very interesting!
That's what we're going to explore in this message...for a glimpse into what you can expect during this next season of your life.
There are 7.7 billion people living on planet earth. Of that number, 2.4 BILLION of us identify as Christians.
Together...we comprise the BODY OF CHRIST!
It's hard to get your head around it, isn't it? YOU...actually part of the very body of Christ!
I know. You don't feel worthy. So we're going to deal with those feelings of inadequacy in this message.
This may be one of the most encouraging messages you've heard in a long time.
100%!
What if you gave this much of yourself to Jesus? What would your life become?
What impact would you have on the lives of others?
How would it affect your eternal future in heaven?
When what you're seeing is horrible, discouraging, overwhelming, defeating...you've got to find a way to be able to see what God sees..with eyes of faith.
Let us help you with that in this audio message...straight from God's Word!
Did you ever try to grow pumpkins...squash...peppers...tomatoes? Do you remember that very FIRST ONE? Wow. It was so special, wasn't it?
So what does the Bible have to say about the "first ones" in your life?
Actually...quite a lot. In fact, it's a pretty big deal. This just may prove to be an insightful, eye-opening message for you, not only now...but for each day of your life.
There are "Young Prayers" - those you pray to pass a test in school...when you go to a job interview...when you're searching for a parking space at Walmart.
There are "Middle-Aged Prayers" - those you pray when you need God to help you save enough money to buy a car...to help you make it all the way to graduation from college...to restore you to complete health after surgery.
But in this message, our focus is on the third category. What's an "OLD PRAYER?"
It's one you've been praying for a long, long, looooong time.
It's praying for a wayward child or grandchild to come back to the LORD...asking God to keep cancer from returning...petitioning Him to help you eat right and exercise right for the rest of your life...calling on Him to rejuvenate a bad marriage...begging Him to deliver you from your addiction...asking Him to transform your character flaws...calling on God to turn our country around before it's too late.
So. Have you been praying any "OLD PRAYERS?" Long about year ten it's easy to get discouraged, isn't it?
Is it possible to get one of those answered? Sure. God can do anything, any time. But is there something you can do to hurry that miraculous intervention along?
Maybe! ;-)
That's what we're going to God's Word right now to find out.
You've still got it!
Next question: Got WHAT? ;-)
THAT'S the question we're taking to God's Word in search of an answer, in this message!
Hint: It's extremely encouraging.
Know anybody who can't keep a secret? They're the last person in the world to confide in, aren't they?
But is there ever a time when it's okay - even necessary - to break a confidence? Hmmm.
Not to mention...do you ever catch yourself sharing juicy bits of gossip without a legitimate reason in the world to do so?
Oh. Sorry. Of course not! This is one of those messages...needed by everybody else. ;-)
This Sunday's message is the much-needed follow-up to last week's, "NOT WHAT I THOUGHT."
The way you and I respond to these unforeseen interruptions, sicknesses, heartaches, hassles and tragedies determines the quality - and effectiveness - of our lives.
But how do you embrace something you would never in a million years have chosen for yourself?
You can't. Not on your own.
You need an extra helping of grace to embrace it.
That's what we're serving up in the 1on1 kitchen in this message: "THE GRACE TO EMBRACE."
Make sure you show up with the biggest dinner plate you can find. ;-)
How is it going so far in your life? Pretty well? Hopefully so!
But even if it is, let's ask another question: Right now - at this stage of your life - is it what you thought it was going to be?
For that matter, when you get to the end of any day - did it go exactly as you thought it would go? Or were there unexpected interruptions, developments, relationship issues, successes, failures, feelings and emotions that changed what you anticipated?
In this 1on1 Church message, we take a look at each of the major aspects of your life...and hold them up against what the earlier version of you thought they would be.
Then we take all of it straight to God's Word and gain huge insight from two key people in the Bible - both of whom did not experience what they thought they would. One handled it well...the other did not.
What we will learn together...just might prove to be life-changing.
Sometimes you trip. Sometimes you get pushed.
But sooner or later, you're gonna fall. Nor is a physical fall the only kind of tumble life holds in store.
What flashes through your mind on the way down? Where is God in that terrifying moment?
Will He always catch you before you hit the ground? If not, why not? What then?
Were you aware that you have a HOLY SIDEKICK?
If you're a Christian, you do!
But who IS your HOLY SIDEKICK? Is it a really righteous friend? Well...it could be be...but no. That's not it.
Is it an angel? Once again, it certainly could be...but that's not the HOLY SIDEKICK we're going to study today.
Well, then, Who is it? The answer...will blow your mind.
Did you have a "hidey-hole" when you were growing up - a place you could go to get away from everything and everybody?
Turns out we need one of those even more, as adults!
Today we're going to look at why that's true...and how you can find yours!
Have you ever landed smack dab in the middle of some situation? It can be very interesting, can't it?
In this message we look at four ways you can land SMACK DAB IN THE MIDDLE:
- When it’s YOUR OWN fault
- When it’s SOMEBODY ELSE’S fault
- When it’s NOBODY’S fault
- When GOD drops you SMACK DAB IN THE MIDDLE… …of something He wants you to do
Some things are mildly tempting.
Others are BIG temptations! Those are the ones we're going to focus on in this message.
But why is it that some people are obsessed with things you can take or leave...while you're getting beaten up by things those same people regard as nothing?
Here's the good news: If you've given yourself to Jesus, you do NOT have to cave in to the strongest temptation Satan can dangle under your nose.
In this audio message we plunge into God's Word and discover exactly how to beat the BIGGEST TEMPTATION in your life.
What if this setback, this sickness, this relationship crisis, this tragedy you're going through...is God's fault?
Surely not.
Well...maybe.
Wait a minute - is it ALL His fault?
Those are the questions. God's Word has the answer. We'll share it with you right now...in this 1on1 Church audio message.
It's not just money, is it?
What if you don't have enough patience? Time? Strength? Options? Ha! What if you're starting to run out of excuses?
That's the subject of this 1on1 Church message.You have "just enough" time to listen to it! ;-)
How many times have you said – or heard someone else say –
“MY God would never do something like that!”?
Here’s the thing: That works both ways.
It depends whether or not your God is THE God! If He is, there are definitely some things He won’t do. In this audio message, we'll go to His Word and take a look.
But what if your idea of God is something you made up? Without knowing it, you might even be quoting something you heard somebody else say that they made up! We'll list a few. Some of them might be a shock.
In this sin-sick society, there are a lot of bogus idea about God out there. Let's make certain that the one we experience in deep, daily, moment-by-moment, 1on1 relationship...is the right one. ;-)
Sometimes it's hard to tell someone how you really feel, isn't it?
But when should you open up and share your emotions...and when should you keep those strong feelings to yourself?
We opened our Bibles to some very interesting Godly advice on this Sunday!
You do your best to be reasonable, right? But what if doing the thing that looks right...turns out to be wrong?
Sometimes it is.
This morning at 1on1 Church, we'll go to God's Word and walk through exactly how we can discern when the REASONABLE THING is the safest bet...and when it's the most dangerous.
How can you bear up under a miscarriage of justice?
How can you bear it when wrong overcomes right?
Here's how: You handle it by what you know: There is coming a Day.
In this fascinating study we reveal the judgments that have already passed...those going on now...and those yet to come.
A short while ago, 200 scientists combined 8 powerful radio telescopes from around the world that created a virtual telescope the size of planet earth.
The black hole they photographed is 55 million light years from earth. It’s estimated to be 6.5 billion times the mass of our sun.
Astronomers were abuzz because they had caught the first glimpse of the invisible! Well...not quite. More than 2,000 years ago, the invisible God was made visible in the Person of Jesus.
In this Easter message we tie in the wonders of our God's creation to the Wonder of our risen Savior!
No angels, these. They appear to be hardened criminals, not at all remorseful for whatever put them behind bars.
You get the feeling they're spending their time on the inside planning their next heist on the outside.
Jesus didn't have in mind people like these when He went to the cross...did He? I mean, He was thinking about people more like you and me, right?
Right.
But just to be sure, let's mosey on over to the Scriptures in this message and confirm it. ;-)
When God sends you out there to stand alone, that's one tough assignment. The picture of this lone, bent tree battling a powerful wind says it all.
Of course, there's a time to stand alone...and a time to buddy up.
In this 1on1 Church message we go to God's Word to find out how to do both...and do them well.
There are times when you should say something.
There are other times when you should press your lips very tightly together and not make a sound.
It may be said that the entire course of your life depends on knowing when to do which.
The Bible provides exquisite guidelines...which we unpack together in this life-guiding message.
“WHAT DID JESUS LOOK LIKE?”
We have no photographs of Him.
Countless people have created their best guesses, but there's no consensus.
Does it even matter?
Yes, as a matter of fact, it does.
In this message, we discover why...and follow God's Word all the way to a startling revelation.
Interesting. The Sabbath is the only one of the 10 Commandments many devout Christians don't keep.
Is there a good reason...or a faulty one?
That's what we went to God's Word to discover together in this message.
We invite you to join us in this eye-opening study!
That's what you are. That's what I am. We're repeat offenders, aren't we?
It's not like we're sinning these sins for the first time. There's at least one of them - maybe more - that we keep repeating over and over and over again.
We confess, repent, promise never to do it again.
Then we do it again.
After a while, we start becoming afraid that God will believe we're not serious when we say we're sorry.
A while after that we begin to wonder the same thing ourselves.
So, fellow repeat offender...what'cha gonna do about it? What am I?
That's our subject in this painfully honest...awesomely freeing message!
Are you aware of one of Satan's most insidious and little-known strategies? It's to trick you into quitting one foot from the finish.
That doesn't make sense, does it? Why would you quit that close to the finish after you’ve gathered the energy to start? After you’ve traveled all that way? After you've met every challenge? After you've endured every heartache? Hey - all you need now...is to take one more step!
But countless people don't...because they weren't prepared for Satan's last-ditch, all-out effort to rob them of the victory God had in store for them.
In today's 1on1 message, it's our goal to take you to God's Word to expose this cleverly-hidden scheme...and thoroughly equip you to defeat it.
Do you have a good handle on what you believe God wants to do through you in 2019? If not - or if you'd like to confirm it - this morning's message is for you.
First, we're going to God's Word to highlight the principles that will help you identify what God is calling you to pursue this year.
In the service, we passed out 1/23GO! slips of paper for you to write down your best guess at what it is. You can choose your own slip of paper to write down yours.
Then as a congregation, we headed outside to offer these Christ-honoring New Year's resolutions up to God by releasing them to Him in the fire. You can do the same at home!
Prediction: Lives will be forever changed.
When you discover what God desires to accomplish through you, one thing is certain:
He doesn't just want you to start.
He wants you to finish!
You've heard it said over and over because it's so true:
"When all is said and done, more is said than done.
Don't be that man. Don't be that woman. Don't be that young person. Walk your talk - all the way to the end.
Today's message is designed to equip and inspire you to do just that - straight from God's Word - so that when He says, "1/23GO!" you'll go...and keep going...all the way to the end.
Last Sunday we proposed to our 1on1 Church congregation that we all postpone making our New Year's resolutions until January 23rd.
The title of the message last week was: "ON YOUR MARK..."
Today's message is: "GET SET..."
We're going to explore the passages in God's Word that will get you set for an amazing 2019.
Can you guess the title of NEXT week's message? ;-)
What if you don't make a New Year's resolution this year...
...until January 23rd?
Why that day?
Give a listen and find out. ;-)
The New Year is almost here. The countdown has begun.
How about three things you definitely want to do in the New Year...and three things you don't?
We've got those boxed up and ready for you in this message, straight from God's Word.
And oh, yeah - while we're at it, how about a little fun? 'Cause we designate the last Sunday of each year: Ugly Christmas Sweater Sunday! ;-)
This December we’ve been going to school at the feet of Joseph, Jesus’ stepfather.
Most of us have a manger scene. When you think about yours, Jesus takes center stage – and well He should! Right next to him is Mother Mary.
Kids love the shepherds with all their animals. Then you’ve got the wise men bringing their gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. Some of our manger scenes even have an angel hovering above the roof.
But who gets the least attention? Who’s the silent one in the manger scene? The one with the walk-on part?
Joseph! We all know he wasn’t Jesus real father – that was God! Sometime after Jesus turns 12, he dies. We surmise this because Mary shows up at the cross alone.
So in our manger scene, there Joseph stands or kneels…a mere onlooker. But is that fair to this precious man, chosen by God above every other man on earth to care for the Savior of the World?
Why do you think God chose Joseph? What do you think God most liked about him? His looks? His intellect? His carpentry skills? The answer may be quite simple…and that’s what today’s Christmas Sunday message is all about.
Who's the toughest person to buy for on your Christmas list?
Or put another way, what do you get the person who already has everything...and if they want something else, can get it quite easily without your help?
That would be God.
After all, it's Jesus' birthday we celebrate this Christmas. How dare we give gifts to everyone except Him?
Would you be surprised to learn that God has a Christmas list of gifts He'd really like to receive from you? He absolutely does. In this message, we'll show you His list...straight from His Word.
If you really want to put a smile on the face of the One who loves you like none other this Christmas, give a listen. We'll show you how.
Did you ever go to party…that wasn’t quite as good as you hoped it would be?
Have you ever looked forward to a vacation…that didn’t quite live up to your expectations?
When you graduated from high school or college or grad school…did it fall just a bit short of the exhilaration you anticipated?
Why is that? Why does this world never quite measure up to our lofty hopes and expectations?
“If I find in myself a desire, which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world.” - C.S. Lewis
And so you were. Wow. That is the amazing truth we're going to explore in God's Word in this message,
When Joseph was told his fiance Mary was pregnant, he was stunned. He knew the baby wasn't his...so he had to assume the worst.
But he didn't have a clue, did he? He didn't know God was the father of the woman who was to be his wife! Nor did he know he was about to become stepfather to the LORD of the Universe.
So - with the information available to him (like you and I have done countless times) - he laid out a loving, thoughtful, completely wrong plan!
What can you learn from what he did next? That's what we're about to find out in this message...
...because you're going to be in that same clueless situation every day for the rest of your life. ;-)
If you've ever felt overwhelmed by a setback, heartbreak, disappointment or catastrophe in your life...wouldn't it be amazing to discover that beneath the surface there's something else - something very good! - going on?
For many, this Sunday's message will be a total eye-opener.
In this message you're going to hear the audio of a short, intriguing video that was captured at a recent NBA game.
The Lakers' Lebron James pulled his team together on the sidelines and gave them some surprising advice. The team then proceeded to go out and do the exact opposite. Or did they?
Question: What does that have to do with what God is calling you to do?
We can't wait to share the answer to that intriguing question in this message - straight from God's Word.
Wow. 5 years.
1,826 days...half-a-decade...1/20 of a century!
Ha! We admit - we CELEBRATED on this Sunday with noise makers...poppers...and a "What do you love about 1on1 Church" video. God has been SO good to us!
If you've every wondered how in the world we came up with "1on1" for our church name...what it stands for...and what it could mean to you -
...we warmly invite you to give a listen - and discover how the meaning behind "1on1" just might enable you to experience Jesus in a deeper, more meaningful way.
You may be wondering what this delightful Disney song has to do with your 1on1 relationship with Jesus.
The phrase, "Hakuna Matata" is Swahili for, "no worries."
So how are you doing with that? Had any worries lately? If so, does that mean you're a bad Christian...or simply normal?
Is "Hakuna Matata" supposed to be the normal Christian life...or is it totally impractical?
Can't wait to plunge into God's Word with you as we find out together. :-)
You may have heard that God answers prayer three ways: "Yes...No...and Wait."
But is that Biblical? Might there be a far more encouraging insight into how God answers your prayers?
Yes. There is.
I can't wait to share it with you.
Forget two masters. Most of us have more - boss, parents, health, spouse, landlord, bills, peer pressure, the IRS and oh yeah - God.
Okay, okay. Everybody knows you're supposed to have only 1 Master: God.
But come on - how do you pull that one off...and survive?
Have you ever tried to convince a child to clean his or her room - and had them ask incredulously, "Why?"
You tell them it's so they can find their things when they need them. They tell you, "I know where all my stuff is."
You tell them it's so that it looks nice for company. They tell you, "I always keep my door shut."
You tell them a clean room will make them feel better about themselves. They tell you, "I feel great about myself!"
Finally, you say, "Clean it anyway."
They say, "Why?"
You say, "Because I SAID so!"
Yeah, well...ultimately, that's why God wants you and me to obey Him - not only because of all the incentives and blessings He attaches to His commands...but just because He's the One asking us to do it.
You won't want to miss a week of our October series: "Because You Say So."
It's going to be a fascinating ride!
...which brings us to this message: "PROTECTION."
Come on in out of the rain. The wind has blown inside out that little umbrella you've been holding. You're getting soaked.
Step under God's huge umbrella of...PROTECTION.
Did you ever wonder why Jesus chose Judas?
He knew in advance Judas was a thief, a devil! Before He called him to be one of the 12 disciples, Jesus knew Judas was the one who would betray Him.
So...did Judas have free will to say no? Or was he doomed from the start to bring about the death of the Savior of the world?
Those are some of the tough questions you've asked....which we take straight to God's Word for His answer.
The first of 3 questions we addressed this Sunday at 1on1 Church is a doozy:
"Is the Holy Grail the actual cup Jesus used during the Last Supper? Did Joseph of Arimathea use it to catch the blood of Christ on the cross? Is it true that whoever possesses this cup is given miraculous powers and experiences unending happiness?"
Hmmm. Here's the second question you submitted:
"God created light on the first day but didn’t create the sun and the moon until the fourth day. So how long was the first 3 days since there was no sun?"
There are two possible answers to that question, both in keeping with Scripture. We'll take a fascinating look at both...and let you decide!
Finally, we'll take an unexpectedly revealing plunge into the question arising from this passage in Genesis 6:
"When human beings began to increase in number on the earth and daughters were born to them, the sons of God saw that the daughters of humans were beautiful, and they married any of them they chose...The Nephilim were on the earth in those days...when the sons of God went to the daughters of humans and had children by them. They were the heroes of old, men of renown."
Wow.
So...who were these "sons of God?"
The answer may shock you - and explain a whole lot that up to now just made no sense.
"How can I STAY in the Presence of God?"
We dip in and dip out, don't we? Prayer time...Bible study...worship...are great! But all too often, we treat our 1on1 experience in the Presence of Jesus like a phone call...and hang up.
How do you keep the line open all the time? That's desirable, certainly. But is it even possible?
“How can I focus on my job, if I’m fixing my thoughts on Jesus? I’ll get FIRED!”
“How can I bake a cake if I’m focused on Jesus? Nobody will be able to EAT it!”
“How can I read a book or watch a movie or have a conversation with someone if my thoughts are continually on Jesus?"
In today's 11:00 AM service, we're going to go to God's Word and give you more solid, practical ways to enjoy your 1on1 relationship with Jesus - "Moment-by-Moment" - than ever before.
So...what will you eat in heaven? Until now, you may not have given it a thought. But if you're a meat-eater and you hear someone declare that we'll all be vegetarians in heaven...you may be less than overjoyed. ;-)
We know there will be animals in heaven - but is that what they're for? To be butchered? Not much of a heavenly experience for them. Of course, to those whose highest culinary pleasure is a thick, medium-rare ribeye, never again getting to enjoy that taste isn't much of a heaven to them, either.
Inquiring minds want to know! As always, we'll go straight to God's Word for the answer.
This one's LOADED with implication. It's one thing to start on your journey with Christ. But some people don't finish.
Why? Because they never really and truly started...or because the journey became too hard?
As always, we face head-on the question: "What does the answer to this question mean for you?"
Earlier this week, a Facebook friend confided, "Please keep me in your prayers because I feel like I'm about to drift from the Lord and I'm trying my best not to but it's hard."
Can you identify? Have you ever been there? How do you pull out of that death-dive?
You've submitted some fascinating questions during our 1on1 Church "I Got's to Know!" summer series. Today is right up there. ;-)
You're asking what the Bible has to say about Speaking in Tongues...UFOs...and Ghosts. And that's where we're going for our answers today - straight to God's Word.
"WHY DOES GOD ALLOW ME TO SIN?"
First of all, you don't want to sin. Secondly, when you sin, it reflects badly on you, all Christians and God Himself. So why doesn't God simply step in, do what you're begging Him to do - and keep you from sinning?
That's one of three Bible questions you've submitted that we're answering from God's Word today. The other two:
"WHERE IS THE ARK OF THE COVENANT?" "CREMATION - YES OR NO?"
"Can Satan read my thoughts?"
This is one time you DON'T want the answer to be "yes." But if that's what's happening, you really need to know, right?
We all know that Satan can PLANT thoughts in our minds. Does that mean he has two-way access to our thought processes? A lot of religious leaders think so. On the other hand, a lot of religious leaders think not.
As always, there's only one way to settle this: by going directly to God's Word. That's what we do in this message.
No one knows the day or hour of Jesus' return. But He does give us signs to watch for:
"...when you see these things happening, you know that it is near, right at the door. (Mark 13:29)
In this 1on1 message we look at 7 of those signs that are occurring right now...then ask an intriguing question.
So glad you're joining us for this fascinating snapshot of what's happening in our world...against the backdrop of Bible prophecy!
On the one hand, it's incredibly motivating, isn't it - to think that your loved ones are cheering you on from heaven.
On the other hand, it can feel a little freaky. I mean...there are times when we...well...really don't WANT to be seen! ;-)
We'll also address your other heaven question: "WILL I KNOW MY LOVED ONES IN HEAVEN?" We've all experienced the anxiety of walking into a roomful of people we don't know. Is that what heaven will be like?
It sure would be nice to end the speculation and get a solid Bible answer to both questions, wouldn't it? That's exactly what we plan to discover together in this 1on1 message!
At first blush this one sounds like a no-brainer, doesn't it? Surely God wouldn't send someone to hell just because they weren't baptized.
After all, what about the thief on the cross? Didn't Jesus tell him, "This day you'll be with me in Paradise?" C'mon! He wasn't baptized and he made it!
Until you realize: The thief on the cross didn't refuse to be baptized. He was never given the opportunity.
But what if he had been?
What if they had met before Jesus went to the cross and Jesus had told him, "I want you to be baptized."
And what if he had said, "Nope, sorry. Not my thing."
What then?
This 1on1 Church message is the 7th installment of our "Got's to Know!" summer series. You're submitting the questions and we're going to God's Word for His answers.
Is it, "Once saved, always saved?" or "Beware, lest you fall?"
You may have your own answer to this question...or perhaps the answer you have is the one you've been taught. Why does this question continue to divide millions of God's people and split church denominations worldwide, to this very day?
That's our subject today at 1on1 Church - and we're going straight to God's Word for His answer...
...as we are for the second question you've asked this morning:
"Will I go straight to Heaven when I die?"
Is it soul sleep until Jesus returns...or will you close your eyes here and an instant later open them in heaven?
This week our "Got's to Know!" summer series at 1on1 Church takes us to one of the most challenging calls you and I have to make in our 1on1 journey with Jesus:
"What do I do when I have a decison to make that is not covered in Scripture?"
No, the dartboard is out. So is flipping a coin. What you need is an answer you can depend on! As always, we're going straight to the Bible to discover God's answer.
It's all about Heaven in this, the fourth installment of our summer series, "I Got's to Know!"
"How do I KNOW I'm going to Heaven?" "Can I be KICKED OUT of Heaven?" (After all, the angels were) "Will my PETS be with me in Heaven?"
These questions you're submitting are some doozies, aren't they? ;-) As always, we'll take you straight to God's Word...for His answers.
It's going to be another fascinating day in God's Word as we answer three more of the "Got's to Know!" questions you've been turning in. ;-)
Here's one of them: "Does God want me to FEAR Him...or LOVE Him? I don't know how to do both."
You may think you have the answer - and you could be right! But actually doing it God's way...is a whole 'nuther thing.
A wonderful group of our 1on1 people just returned from the Ark Experience in Williamstown, Kentucky. There, they were taught that there were dinosaurs in the Garden of Eden...and on Noah's Ark.
Were they taught right? We'll answer that question by going to God's Word together in this message - along with two more of your Bible questions:
"How could Cain - the son of Adam and Eve - find a wife?"
"Which Bible translation is best?"
Ha! We're venturing in where angels fear to tread, aren't we? This is the second week of our "I GOT'S TO KNOW!" summer series - inviting you to turn in the Bible questions to which you most long to have God's answers.
With this 1on1 Church message we launch our summer series: "I Got's to Know!"
You've been submitting a boatload of burning Bible questions. Today, we begin with one of the toughest: "WHY DOES GOD ALLOW BIRTH DEFECTS?"
For some, this question is academic. But for others, it's up close...and deeply personal.
There's an answer to this searching question. It's in God's Word. And that's where this Bible study takes us.
Today on this Memorial Sunday, we remembered those who paid the ultimate price so that we might be free to worship God as He calls us to do.
As we face the mortality of those who've gone before, we're reminded of our own.
How do you live...with the knowledge that you're going to die?
You can do what most people do and try not to think about it. Or you can obsess about it and live in constant dread.
Surely, though, there's a better way to live with the knowledge of your own impending death!
And there is. It's our goal in this message to go to God's Word and thoroughly equip you to do just that.
In this morning's 11:00 AM message we're going to have a little fun. We'll show you a series of contemporary pictures and ancient paintings of mothers of famous men and women. We'll give you a few clues...then see if you can guess whose mother each is!
Three of these mothers are featured in the Bible. We'll glean from each of their stories a life-lifting truth that will guide and light up all of our lives.
"THE DIFFERENCE."
What's the difference in these two couples? Both married. One at each other's throats, the other in each other's hearts.
It may not be what you think.
Nor is it limited to the junk vs. the joy of your most important relationships. It's the difference in every single aspect of your life.
Today's 1on1 message goes straight to God's Word and unlocks that key. Once you hear it, it's so simple. Then powerful. Then profound.
You may have lived long enough to discover, "It's not only what you say...it's the WAY you say it."
But how can you tell if the way you said it is right or wrong? And if you're saying it wrong, how can you fix that?
Does the Bible have anything to say about any of that? Ha! You betcha!
Last week we took a long, loving look at what happens to people who experience Deep, Daily, Moment-by-Moment, 1on1 relationship with Jesus:
We become "everything Jesus created me to be!"
But then we identified the biggest barrier to believing and embracing that wonderful truth:
the word, "ME."
The problem is, we've lived with ourselves long enough to conclude we just can't cut it. Not at Jesus' standards.
Which is a lie of Satan.
He wants you to never even aim at the target because you don't believe you can hit it.
Today, with God's help, we're going to shine the bright light of God's nourishing, hope-filled Word on that "ME" Jesus created you to STILL be!
Today, an amazing Scriptural truth:
If I live my life in Deep, Daily, Moment-by-Moment relationship with Jesus, God will equip and inspire me…to become everything Jesus created me to be!
Or put another way:
DDMM1ON1 = eJcm2b!
"If I could only have BEEN there to see Jesus heal the sick...cast out demons...walk on the water...raise the dead! If only I could have heard Him teach - even one time!"
That's what we think.
But is it possible that as awesome as that would have been...it's even better that you weren't?
Yes. It is. Let's go to God's Word today and let Jesus tell us why.
What do you think? Did Jesus like to stay up late...or was He an early riser?
If you guessed "early riser"...you'd be right.
Every year at 1on1 Church we gather at 6:00 am for Easter Sunrise Service at 1on1 Church. This message is tailor-made for those adventurous souls who rise early to join us!
Can you remember your first day of school? Your first job? Your first car? Your first date? Your first kiss? Your first time to walk a tightrope? ;-)
This is our Palm Sunday message! How many Palm Sunday church services have you attended over the years? None? Ten? 25? 50?
In this 1on1 Church message, we're going to share with you an enormously encouraging insight hidden in plain sight in the very heart of Jesus' Triumphal entry into Jerusalem...and it's all about a "First Time."
Most people have at least a faint awareness that they can trace their DNA all the way back to Adam and Eve. But the same goes for Noah!
During the flood, all human life on earth was extinguished... except for Noah and his wife, their three sons and their wives.
So that means Noah is your great-great-great (many times great!) Grandpa!
In this 1on1 Church message we take a fascinating look at this most cataclysmic of times on planet earth. And right smack dab in the middle of it stands that incredible man Noah, whose genetics are lurking somewhere within you!
You're going to enjoy discovering Noah's attributes, because they're all positive...except for one. Can you guess the one weakness he may have passed down to you? We'll identify it in this message...and give you a Biblical plan for making sure it doesn't defeat you. 🙂
Your grandma Eve.
What was she THINKING?
Knowing how it turned out, you might be tempted to believe Eve wasn't thinking at all when she had that chat with the serpent in the Garden of Eden.
But of course, she was. One of the things we want to discover in this message is what WAS going through her mind...in case Satan ever plants that same thought in ours!
Because he has. And will.
Since Eve's DNA remains in you, wouldn't it be great to have a plan in place to turn the tables on Satan...and provide your Grandma with a little payback?
With today's 1on1 Church message we begin our new March series, "23andYou - Meet Grandma and Grandpa!"
More and more of us are using DNA sampling to trace our ancestry. It's exciting to go back in time and discover where some of your great-great-great grandparents came from.
Today - and for the next two Sundays - we're going to go one better! We're journeying all the way back to the three ancestors every one of us shares: Adam, Eve and Noah - to better understand not only where you came from, but why you behave some of the ways you do!
Today we launch this series with, "MADAM, I'M ADAM."
Since your DNA tracks all the way back to Adam, are there any of his amazing gifts that may be showing up - or lying dormant - in you?
Of course, we have to look at the opposite question, too: Are any of his - ahem! - less than amazing characteristics popping up in you now and then, as well?
Of course not. As I'm sure you'll agree, all of Adam's undesirable traits have skipped you and landed in your kids and grandkids. LOL!
Are we gonna have way too much fun during this series? Yup.
Are we gonna learn a thing or two about our LORD and ourselves as we mine the riches of God's Word? Amen to that, too.
We all love the sign, "No appointment needed!"
No need to call ahead! Walk right in, tell them you're here and expect to be seen right away - just like you own the place.
What do you think? Is that how it works in heaven? Everyone who dies gets to march right in?
Well, no. There's that troubling verse that says:
“For many are invited, but few are chosen.” (Matthew 22:14)
The fact is, if you want to enter heaven, you need an appointment.
In today's 1on1 Church message, we're going to tell you how to double-check to be sure you've got one. And if you don't, we'll tell you what you need to do to make one.
If you've ever been told, "You can't have it both ways!" you're going to love today's 1on1 Church message. We'll go to God's Word to see why it's essential that both of two opposite ingredients are present, when you attempt to do this one thing you long to do.
Along the way, you'll also learn something you probably didn't know about your taste buds...and how that knowledge beautifully opens up for you an otherwise hard-to-grasp spiritual truth.
If you've put your trust in Jesus alone for your salvation you're a Christian.
But is it possible - just the tiniest bit of a fraction possible - that one or more of the beliefs you hold about God could be Biblically heretical?
No, of course not.
Not long ago, however, in a survey of 3,000 professing Christians, more than two-thirds of them were stunned to discover that they held one or more Scripturally heretical beliefs.
So in this 1on1 message, we're going to run a handful of statements about God by you and let you run a personal test - just to make sure your, uh, "friends"...are standing on Biblically solid ground. ;-)
Christians love it when star players give glory to God during the post-game interview - as happened following the 2018 Super Bowl.
But advertisers, non-Christians and TV execs? Not so much. In fact, much of the world absolutely hates Christians!
The question is, "Why?" Jesus flat-out answers that question - and so do we in this Super Sunday message.
"Let the weakling say, 'I am strong!'” (Joel 3:10)
Sounds like one of those positive-thinking mantras pathetic losers bleat into the mirror to delude themselves into thinking they might actually have a chance, doesn't it?
Huh-uh.
Those are God's Words. When He commands you to do something, you'd better know: He can make it happen.
Have you ever saluted? Certainly, if you've served in the military you have.
There's an old saying: "A sloppy salute is worse than no salute at all."
Which brings up the question: Does God want us to salute Him? If so, how? That's the intriguing question we answer in this 1on1 Church message.
The answer in God's Word may surprise you!
The "5 W's!" - WHO? WHAT? WHEN? WHERE? WHY? and of course, the one "H" we can't do without: HOW?
If you hear a news story that omits with one of those vital points, you'll be left hanging.
The same is true with your spiritual life...until you realize, with amazement, that JESUS is your Who, What, When, Where, Why and How.
What a joy to turn to God's Word in today's message and discover just how true that is...and what strength that reality brings to your life.
"Let the weakling say, 'I am strong!'” (Joel 3:10)
Sounds like one of those positive-thinking mantras pathetic losers bleat into the mirror to delude themselves into thinking they might actually have a chance, doesn't it?
Huh-uh.
Those are God's Words. When He commands you to do something, you'd better know: He can make it happen.
What do you do when you come to the last day of the year?
You WRAP-UP!
As it turns out, that's exactly what God did with the greatest gift you and I were ever given: He wrapped It up.
Follow along on this exciting journey, as we unwrap the Scriptures that describe the greatest wrapped Gift of all.
Today's Christmas Eve Morning Candlelight message brings to a climax our Christmas "Promise" series:
"PROMISE ASTOUNDING."
What God has in store for us from His Word in this message will inspire you to marvel at His goodness...and end with your heart uplifted and full of hope.
Historians admit it: The Bible's prophets predicted the miraculous birth of Jesus with detailed, stunning accuracy. There was absolutely no way they could have known...unless God revealed it to them.
There are 353 ancient prophecies that were fulfilled in the life of Jesus Christ.
This raises a fascinating question: How does God pull that off? Is it merely because He can see into the future...or because He steps in and flat-out makes it happen?
On the world stage, the implications are huge: Is God watching it or running it? And far more intimately...just how "free" is your free will?
In today's message, we go straight to God's Word to answer those riveting questions.
The world condemns President Trump's decision to honor Jerusalem as Israel's capital and move the U.S. embassy there.
But what does God say?
We go to His Word in this message to find out: Promise BROKEN...or Promise KEPT?
This Christmas season that so lights our hearts and brings joy to the world is the result of God's Promise.
He promised to send a Messiah who would save His people from their sins. He promised to do it miraculously, through a virgin.
He promised that His Son would save us, even though He would be rejected by the very people He came to save. He promised that all this would happen in His perfect way and time...and so it has.
What additional promises has God made to you? How soon will they be yours? Each week during this December series, we'll go to God's Word to discover the answers to these questions and so much more...because, "It's a Promise!"
Have you ever had someone ask, "What's your sign?" If so, chances are, they were referring to your Zodiac sign.
How do you handle such a question? If you know your Zodiac sign, of course, you could tell them and be done with it.
But that raises other questions: Is it okay to dabble in Astrology? Is there anything to it? Is Astrology mentioned in the Bible? If so, what does it have to say?
Why are we addressing this question? Because one out of every four people in America believes the stars directly affect their everyday lives. It's time to get a clear picture of where God stands on this subject...
...and stand with Him.
Don't you just hate it when you ask a couple of kids who spilled that milk...who tracked in that mud...who coated the dog with Vaseline - and they immediately point at the other one? LOL
Of course, WE never did that when we were kids, did we? Innocent little cherubs that we were.
But there are larger questions here, aren't there? Whose fault is it when one country attacks another...when a horrible accident takes a life...when a marriage breaks up?
On the surface, the answer to those questions may seem obvious. But is it? The thing I love about Bible study is that when you go to God's Word, you don't come away with somebody's opinion. You know you just learned the real answer...because you went straight to the Source.
"WHOSE FAULT?"
That's our fascinating question in this message...and by the time we reach the close, you're going to know the answer.
"What About MOI?"
It's a great question, isn't it? Okay. Maybe not one you suspect you're SUPPOSED to ask...but when God blesses someone else and not you...you might THINK it! LOL
It's not that you don't want to celebrate with the other person. You just don't want to be left out in the cold!
It's pretty hard to see someone else eat while you're hungry...someone else give birth to a baby when you can't get pregnant...someone else get a job promotion when no one will hire you...someone else sing an incredible solo when you can't carry a tune in a bucket.
So instead of castigating you for wrestling with such thoughts, we're going to get 'em out there in this message, take 'em to God's Word and DEAL with 'em! :-)
"BAD IDEA."
Ever had one of those? Ha! So have I. The problem is, when they first pop into your mind, they seem brilliant!
When do you usually discover they weren't as brilliant as you thought? When it's too late! After they've blown up in your face!
In this message, we're going to the Book of Acts to sharpen our BAD IDEA recognition skills...in advance!
It's true. By the time I finish my Bible research each week, I tend to believe the message I'm about to share with you is the most important you could possibly hear.
But I have to tell you...even I was surprised by what the Holy Spirit unexpectedly packed into our time in the Word on this Sunday.
My guess is it will have staggering impact on many of us. I fully expect lives to be changed.
Maybe even yours.
In the 17th chapter of Matthew, we read these words:
When they came to the crowd, a man approached Jesus and knelt before him. “Lord, have mercy on my son,” he said. “He has seizures and is suffering greatly. He often falls into the fire or into the water. I brought him to your disciples, but they could not heal him.”
“You unbelieving and perverse generation,” Jesus replied, “how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy here to me.” Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of the boy, and he was healed at that moment.
Then the disciples came to Jesus in private and asked, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?”
That's a good question, isn't it? "Why can't WE do the things Jesus did?"
Jesus answered that question. And in this message...so will we.
This week's message is titled, "WHEREVER YOU GO!" - the 5th in our Fall "My Story" series.
Do your friends casually suggest that you might be a control freak? Of course, you're not! ;-)
But do you have a strong desire to make sure things go exactly the way you plan? Um-hmmm.
Might not be a bad idea to take in this message...y'know...in case you find yourself needing to counsel one of those control freaks.
If you went to Sunday School or if you've read very much of the Bible, you know that God fed His people with something called, "Manna" in the desert.
It's a great miracle, without question. But what does this miracle bread from heaven have to do with YOUR story...and your future in heaven?
That's what it will be our delight to discover in God's Word in this message!
That's right, GAZTELUGATXE!
Before you finish listening to this message, I hope you'll not only love it...but be able to pronounce it. ;-)
Believe it or not - though it's not Hebrew, Greek or Aramaic...it has a powerful Bible meaning!