Posts with the category “sunday-morning-message-recap”

Words are powerful. God spoke light into existence with His words, and as beings created in His image, we, too, have the incredible power to speak life or death through our words. Yet for many of us who follow Jesus, our words often trip us up on our faith journey. We love to talk. The average American has over 30 conversations a day, and we spend one-fifth of our lives talking. In just one year, ...  Read More

Halloween may be a time when we put on masks and costumes to hide who we really are, but there's a deeper truth about covering that goes far beyond October 31st. We all wear daily masks - through success, appearance, performance, or even spirituality - hiding our cracks and living undercover to avoid exposure. But what if there was a different kind of covering available to us? In Exodus chapter 12...  Read More

In our daily lives, we all experience moments of darkness - whether it's a literal power outage or the metaphorical darkness that comes from life's challenges. Just as the town of Ashland recently experienced blackouts, leaving residents uncertain and frustrated, we sometimes find ourselves in spiritual darkness, wondering where God is in the midst of our struggles. The story of the ninth plague i...  Read More

Despite rejecting belief in God, many people still seek something beyond themselves. Canadian philosopher Charles Taylor calls this time "cross pressured" - as people deny religion, yet still seek a savior. Why? Because deep down, we are wired for eternity.Ecclesiastes 3:11 tells us: "Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart." People may de...  Read More

Life can feel like we're carrying a bag of bricks on our backs. The news, headlines, and everyday challenges weigh us down. But following Jesus isn't about walking around with a permanent scowl - it's about hope, joy, and freedom.As we wrap up this series on being unashamed of the Gospel, Paul gives us a powerful conclusion in 1 Corinthians 15:58: "Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, imm...  Read More

In a world filled with political chaos, rising tensions, economic uncertainty, and constant division, how do we find clarity and confidence? When everything around us feels like an unraveling mess, where do we turn?The Apostle Paul gives us powerful guidance in Philippians 1:20-21: "I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now, as always,...  Read More

When facing opposition for your faith, it's easy to feel intimidated or even afraid. But Scripture teaches us that God has given us everything we need to stand firm with boldness and courage. The Apostle Paul's words to Timothy in 2 Timothy 1:7-8 remind us that "the spirit God gave us does not make us timid (cowardly), but gives us power, love and self-discipline." The Greek word for "power" in th...  Read More

We're all searching for transformation. We spend billions on gym memberships, diet plans, therapy, self-help books, and the latest technology—all in pursuit of becoming better versions of ourselves. But even when we achieve external change, something deep inside often remains fractured.The truth is, no amount of self-improvement can truly transform our souls. That's why Paul's message in Romans 1 ...  Read More

Have you ever found yourself at the end of your rope, desperately trying to hold everything together while feeling like you're falling apart inside? That question—"What if I'm not strong enough?" or "What if I'm tired of being strong?"—often remains unspoken, but it echoes in our minds as we smile through dinner with family while wondering who will carry us when we're carrying everyone else. The s...  Read More

Questions about sexual identity and the LGBTQ community aren't just theological debates—they're deeply personal issues that involve real people with real stories. These questions arise in our homes, schools, neighborhoods, workplaces, and even in our hearts.Many of us find ourselves caught in the tension between compassion and conviction, wondering what Jesus would actually say and do regarding th...  Read More

When tragedy strikes, when the phone rings in the middle of the night, or when the doctor says, "I'm sorry, there's nothing we can do," something inside us cries out to God. We ask where He is in our pain and why He allows suffering to continue when He could stop it.This question never goes away because suffering breaks us. It shatters us. It makes us wonder if God is good at all. But what does Je...  Read More

In our spiritual journeys, we all encounter seasons of doubt and uncertainty. Whether you're grappling with questions about your faith or trying to support someone who is, the approach we take is profoundly important. The Book of Jude, after issuing strong warnings about false teachers and emphasizing the importance of standing firm in truth, concludes with a gentle message that speaks directly to...  Read More

God has called you here today for a purpose. In a world where many of us are running on caffeine, overwhelmed by notifications, and quietly running on fumes, we need to stay focused and strong in our walk with Christ.We live in a generation that's wired and weary all at once. We have smartwatches tracking our steps, select comfort beds, weighted blankets, and even AI to help manage our lives. Yet ...  Read More

In the book of Jude, we find a fascinating reference to an ancient text that isn't included in our Bibles. This unusual citation opens up a world of questions about what Christians should read, how we should interpret Scripture, and most importantly, how we should live our lives as followers of Christ. Jude 14-16 says: "It was also about these that Enoch the seventh from Adam prophesied saying, 'B...  Read More

In the book of Jude, we find powerful warnings about rebellion and spiritual drift. Though tucked away at the end of the Bible, this short letter written by Jesus' half-brother delivers a strong message about staying true to the gospel and avoiding false teaching.Jude initially wanted to write an encouraging letter about salvation, but felt compelled to urge believers to "contend for the faith" be...  Read More

Life can be unpredictable. One moment everything seems fine, and the next, you're hit with a storm that threatens to overwhelm you. In Psalm 42, David gives us a raw, honest look at what it means to struggle with faith during difficult times.David wasn't just having a bad day - he was suffering deeply. His words reveal someone who might have been experiencing something close to clinical depression...  Read More

In a world filled with constant noise and competing voices, how do we discern what's true? From social media influencers claiming spiritual authority to podcasters offering their version of truth, we're bombarded with messages that sound convincing but may lead us astray. Like finding the right station on an old boombox, tuning into truth requires skill and patience. We need more than just volume—...  Read More

In a world where beliefs are constantly shifting, the small but powerful book of Jude offers timely wisdom for believers. Though only 25 verses long, this fiery letter urges Christians to contend for their faith with courage and conviction. Jude reminds us that defending our faith isn't about being combative—it's about standing firm in truth while showing love. The letter of Jude serves as a spiri...  Read More

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Many of us grew up believing that questioning God was forbidden - that true faith meant never wrestling with doubt. However, this perspective has led many to silently struggle with their beliefs or even walk away from their faith entirely.Is It Wrong to Question God?God can handle our questions. He's not nervous, insecure, or offended when we ask "why?" or "where were you?" In fact, some of the mo...  Read More

In a world obsessed with speed and instant gratification, there's profound beauty in learning to wait on God. The story of Simeon and Anna teaches us that waiting isn't wasting - it's worship. Today's culture often suggests that faith only matters when it's loud, impressive, and visible. We're led to believe that real faith requires platforms, movements, and massive reach. But God's kingdom isn't ...  Read More

Faith isn't meant to be contained within neat lines or predictable boxes. True faith often exists in the messy, wild spaces where wonder and trust collide.What Happens When We Try to Make Faith "Safe"?Let’s be honest—we love control.We like knowing what’s next.We want clean answers.We’d rather sync God with our Google Calendar than surrender control.But a predictable God doesn’t lead us into power...  Read More

In our fast-paced world, many Christians have lost their sense of wonder and awe in their relationship with God. We've traded marvel for management, and spontaneity for systems. But Jesus calls us to something different - to become like children in our faith. The most critical issue facing Christians today isn't moral decay or social issues - it's dullness. We've lost our ability to be astonished ...  Read More

In a world obsessed with better-better jobs, better coffee, better bodies, better tech, we often find ourselves caught in an endless cycle of upgrading and optimizing. But what if "better" isn't something we build, but someone we meet?The Problem with Cultural "Better"Our culture promotes countless paths to self-improvement and spirituality. Common messages include:"All roads lead to God""Just be ...  Read More

When was the last time you experienced a truly deep cry?Not just misty eyes from a moving song or a Hallmark moment—but the kind of cry that starts in your gut, hijacks your breath, tightens your chest, and flows from somewhere deeper than words.That kind of crying often signals something significant in our soul. And in God’s eyes, those tears carry weight. Why Did Jesus Weep?One of the most power...  Read More

Easter is more than just family gatherings and egg hunts - it's the celebration of Jesus conquering death through His resurrection. As we approach this holy day, we can learn from how Jesus Himself prepared for His death and resurrection. How Can We Prepare Ourselves Spiritually?Jesus modeled spiritual preparation through:Dedicated prayer timeTaking others along in prayerSubmitting to God's willWe...  Read More

Let’s face it—fear of the future is something we all wrestle with sooner or later. Whether it’s uncertainty about your job, concerns about your health, financial pressure, or just the overwhelming chaos of the world, we’ve all had those 2 a.m. ceiling-staring moments—when your thoughts won’t quiet down, and every “what if” seems louder than God’s promises. You're not alone in that. In fact, those ...  Read More

In Mark 6, we get a glimpse into one of Jesus's incredibly tough days, and it's packed with insights on how we can handle our own overwhelming lives without hitting burnout. First off, Jesus heads back to His hometown and, despite all His wisdom and the miracles He's been performing, He's not exactly getting a hero's welcome (Mark 6:1-6). It's a powerful reminder that sometimes, even when we're do...  Read More

Mental health struggles are nothing new - even biblical prophets wrestled with anxiety, depression, loneliness and fear. Through examining Elijah's story in 1 Kings, we can find hope and practical guidance for dealing with loneliness in our own lives. Elijah was a powerful prophet who stood boldly against pagan worship in Israel. After a dramatic showdown with 450 prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel ...  Read More

Depression and despair are challenges that many face today, much like those in biblical times. By exploring the life of Jeremiah, often called the "weeping prophet," we can uncover valuable insights and practical guidance to navigate our darkest moments. Jeremiah was a prophet during a pivotal and tumultuous period in Israel's history, specifically during the destruction of Jerusalem and the subse...  Read More

In today's fast-paced world, where a staggering 70% of the U.S. population grapples with anxiety, it becomes imperative to explore how faith can offer solace and solutions to those overwhelmed by their mental health struggles. Drawing from the ancient wisdom of Prophet Isaiah and the timeless teachings of Jesus, we find invaluable insights for managing anxiety and uncovering peace. Anxiety manifes...  Read More

In the heart of Jesus' teachings lies the Parable of the Mustard Seed, found in Matthew 13:31-32, Mark 4:30-32, and Luke 13:18-19. This simple story carries a profound message about the Kingdom of God and our faith's potential. Through the imagery of the smallest of seeds growing into a large, sheltering tree, Jesus illustrates a powerful truth about the nature of spiritual growth and transformati...  Read More

In life as in weddings, preparation is key. Anyone who's been involved in planning a wedding knows it’s about more than just one day; it’s about countless hours spent organizing, dreaming, and sometimes, coping with the unexpected—like bouquet tosses gone awry or sudden gusts that send decorations sailing! These moments, humorous as they may be, teach us an essential life lesson: the importance of...  Read More

Have you ever gotten an invitation that caught you totally off guard? Something that made you stop and think about what it really means to be included? Well, Jesus was a master at telling stories that did just that. One of his go-to methods was using parables—simple stories loaded with deep truths. Today, let’s talk about one of his famous ones, the Parable of the Wedding Feast from Matthew 22:1-1...  Read More

Have you ever walked into a church and felt something was missing? Maybe you’ve experienced a place that felt more like a social club than a mission. Maybe the focus was more on programs than on people, more on keeping traditions than on transforming lives.The truth is, many churches today have become stagnant, inward-focused, and hesitant to step out in faith. But Jesus never intended the church ...  Read More

When you hear the word church, what comes to mind? Maybe it’s the familiar faces on a Sunday morning, the rhythm of worship songs, or even the smell of coffee brewing in the lobby. Or maybe, if you’re honest, it feels like just another item on your to-do list—something you show up for but don’t deeply engage with.Whatever your experience, we need to ask a big question: Who are we as a church, and ...  Read More

January 1st. The day we all collectively decide to “reinvent” ourselves. The confetti has fallen, and we stand before the fresh, shiny calendar of a new year. It’s the perfect time to shed bad habits, embrace self-improvement, and start a whole new chapter in life—or at least that’s the plan.But if we’re being honest, those resolutions often look like the half-eaten salad in the fridge—a vague pro...  Read More

Christmas is a season of joy, celebration, and togetherness. But let’s be honest—it’s also a season of chaos. Between untangling lights, burning cookies, and keeping up with Little Debbie Christmas tree snacks that somehow disappear faster than we buy them, the season can feel more like a scene from A Christmas Story than a Hallmark movie. And that’s okay because, as messy as Christmas can get, it...  Read More

In this season of Christmas, we find ourselves reflecting on the themes of waiting and anticipation. Just as Ralphie in "A Christmas Story" eagerly awaited his Red Ryder BB gun, we too experience seasons of waiting in our lives. This sermon explores the concept of waiting through the lens of Ralphie's story and the biblical narrative, offering insights on how to find peace and purpose during these...  Read More

In the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, it's easy to lose sight of what Christmas truly represents. This week, we kicked off our new series, "The Heart of Christmas," with a focus on "The Gift We Long For." While the world around us emphasizes decorations, gifts, and festivities, the true essence of Christmas is found in Jesus Christ. Let's dive into the key points from this week's message...  Read More