Paradise Lost
At the end of Genesis 2, we find ourselves in a perfect garden, an ordered creation pronounced unequivocally good by its Creator. But human experience tells us that we are far from such a place now. In Genesis 3, we are given an explanation for the brokenness, sorrow,...
the god of approval
We all want approval. At some level, we all want to be liked and affirmed. Seeking approval by itself is not necessarily bad, but seeking it in the wrong source is. When we make human approval our ultimate value, then we make approval into an idol, worshipping a false god. In this message, we’ll see how God’s approval is available and all that matters.
The Most We Can Do
When a loved one is sick or hurting the first thing I offer is prayer. “I’ll pray for you,” I reply. But I quickly follow that up with, “What else can I do?” I’ve noticed, that I’m often left with a feeling of disappointment or even helplessness if there isn’t a task assigned to me.
Created in the Image of God
This week we will explore the significance of the creation of man and woman. How were they created? What were they created to do? How are they distinct from the rest of creation?
gods
Today. We can’t get enough. We binge watch it. Supersize it. Buy it. Just gotta have it. We need more to fill that void, then forget about it. Here’s the deal though. The issue is in the heart. Listen to the part. The control is out of your hands. You worship what you...
the god of control
There is one true God. But all around us are substitute gods competing for our devotion. You don’t have to bow down to a statue to be an idolater. False gods are everywhere. One false god that screams for our attention is the god of control. When we’re satisfied only when things go as we plan and when we’re fixated on getting what we want, we have become devoted to the god of control. And the god of control prevents us from experiencing the God who is in control.
Coming Alongside
There have been times in my life where I have needed someone to come alongside me and hold me up in my struggle; people who checked on me, prayed with me, listened to me, and just let me know I’m not alone. They reminded me of truth and reassured me that they would be with me to the end. They weren’t bothered by my mess.
Six Days and a Rest
This week the curtain goes up on the great story of Genesis. In its opening scene, we find God doing what He does best: bring light into darkness, order after chaos, rest after toil, all through the power of his word....
Freedom Sunday
Near the beginning of His ministry, Jesus stood up in the synagogue and said, “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free.” (Luke 4:17) Jesus calls us to be like him. To be people of love and compassion. To be people who use our power and resources to set others free.
More Than a Picture
We look at the photograph and long for something deeper: to hear their voice and to engage with their heart. In other words, we long to be in their presence.
The God Who Was in the Beginning
The first verse of Genesis makes clear that God is the Creator of heaven and earth. The Bible attributes all creation to God and God alone. This is a significant statement because it speaks definitively against other explanations of creation....
Come and Go
Have you ever wondered what the Christian life is all about? Jesus Christ calls people to follow Him, to be changed by Him, and to go on mission with Him. His mission is for us to be disciple-makers, disciples who make disciples. That’s what He wants our lives to be about, but are we actively doing it? Making disciples can seem difficult, even scary, so we tend to avoid it. In this message, we see how Jesus calls us, empowers us, and gives our lives purpose.
Letting Go of the Butterfly
I looked down to see where his small finger was pointing. It was a beautiful black and yellow butterfly. Jacob knelt down to the ground, gently picked it up and said, “Mom, this butterfly needs my help. I’m going to carry it.”
Genesis Introduction
This study begins where the Bible begins: Genesis. This week is an overview of what the book of Genesis is about, why it was written, and what it means to us now.
Come and Die
When we believe, Jesus invites us to follow Him and live with Him as apprentices of His way. This is an invitation to come and die to ourselves in order to follow Him into a new life with the Father. To die to our sin, our brokenness, our plans to save ourselves, and...
A Simple Calling
It was just a letter heading, so it shouldn’t be that hard or complicated to comprehend. Yet, something about James 1:1 stole my breath away.
Come and See
Jesus never insists that we clean up our lives before we can be rescued and redeemed. Thank God. Jesus, instead, invites us to take a closer look. To listen to the whispers of our curiosity. To come and see who He really is. Jesus is still inviting people to draw...
Becoming Unoffendable
Seems like there’s plenty to be upset about in our world. We can even get personally offended by the actions and comments of others around us. Here’s a radical, relational idea: What if you can become unoffendable? That’s right—unoffendable. It’s rare but possible....
Tackling Weeds
In the summertime, it takes quite a bit of effort to keep the yard and garden in check. Left to their own natural tendencies, the weeds try to completely take over. Even the plants we want to keep will grow completely out of control if we don’t actively trim them back.
Counterfeit Connection
Our relationships develop and grow through the stories we tell each other. We connect with people when we know the past they've come from, the present they live in, and the future they hope for. We feel connected when those people also know our stories. But when...
Trusting God’s Ultimate Plan
As monotonous as these books of history have been, they have taught me so much about the character of God: His kindness, His provision, and His longing for His people to trust Him. He desires for all to know and love Him, even His proclaimed enemies.
Well Invested
Our society puts great emphasis on being well invested financially. There is no end to the programs and podcasts about how to invest wisely in real estate, IRA’s, 401K’s and the like, but how do we become well invested relationally? As in all investments, each of has...
Faith in What?
Four summers ago I prayed around the clock for a girl I never met. She suffered wounds from a car accident. The Lord chose not to heal her on earth. I often think of her and I cannot wait to meet her in heaven. Do you ever pray for something or someone and your mind takes you to the result? Will He do it?
The Rumbling of Grumbling
It’s a word we don’t use much anymore. It even sounds a little old fashioned and out of date. Grumbling. You see the word all over the pages of the Bible, especially in the Old Testament. Grumbling is all about griping or complaining or murmuring or carping or...
New Name, New Purpose
If you have ever made cupcakes, you know one of the messiest parts of the whole process is ladling the batter into the little paper cups. Trying to get the batter into the tiny cups without making a complete mess all over the pan can be a challenge!
Ruth – Week 7
This week concludes our study of Ruth. These final verses continue to point to God’s kindness, sovereignty, and the ultimate plan for redemption in Christ.
Are You Listening?
One of the most significant barriers to relationships is the failure to listen. It is impossible to effectively relate to others if we’re not listening. When we do listen, relationships come to life. Listening makes us feel heard, understood, valued, loved. The power...
Walking on Water
We all know what it feels like to feel confident, or at least relatively comfortable. Peter was safe and dry inside the boat; he felt so confident that he called out to Jesus and said, “Tell me to come to you on the water.”
Ruth – Week 6
This week we will see the fullness of God’s gracious plan continue to take shape as Boaz honors both tradition and Ruth. Read Ruth 4:1-12. We see Boaz appear at the city gate before the elders and the “nearer kinsman redeemer.” When the “nearer kinsman redeemer”...
Community
We’re all made to live in community. But today we find ourselves living increasingly isolated lives. As we further disconnect from other people, we lose not only the support of community we need, but we also lose the sense of fulfillment in Christ that God intended...