Perhaps the most tangible way we can spiritually love our city is by praying for other people. But how do we do that? What do we pray? Listen in today as we learn how the apostle Paul prayed for the people around him.
Spiritual Blessing (Ephesians 1:1-14)
What does it mean to "love this city"? That's the question we're going to be asking & answering throughout this new series in the book of Ephesians. Today, we zoom in on the reality of the amazing spiritual blessings we have received through faith in Jesus and, more importantly, what the purpose of receiving them is. In short, we are blessed only so that we can be a blessing to others as well.
Peace Over Division (Luke 2:22-38; Colossians 3:12-17)
We live in a divided world, both on an individual level and as a larger society. Why is this the case? What can prevent it? These are important questions, but not the ones that the birth of Jesus ultimately answers. When God became human in the person of Jesus, he instead answered another question - how can peace come in the midst of division and restore beauty and unity to us? Listen in today to this Christmas Eve sermon and find the hope of peace for you.
Peace Over Evil (Matthew 2:1-23; Romans 16:19-20)
The biggest overarching problem facing our world continually is the presence of evil. How do we live in a world of evil? What is the better story that can reshape the way we live forever, even in the face of evil around us? Listen in today as we hear the story of Herod the King from the birth of Jesus story, and hear the apostle Paul's strong assurance of what is yet to come.
Peace Over Fear (Luke 2:8-21; Philippians 4:4-7)
In the Christmas story, the shepherds were terrified when the angels appeared to them announcing the birth of Jesus. Likewise, each of us can find ourselves full of fear throughout our lives. But as the angel told the shepherds to "Fear not" and that "peace on earth" was coming, so too is the peace of God offered to us. Listen in today as we learn more about how to face fear in our daily lives and find the peace of God to be everything we need.
Peace Over Anxiety (Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 1:26-38; Philippians 4:4-7)
What can possibly help resolve the rampant anxiety that nearly everyone in the world goes through? As we listen to the classic birth of Jesus story once again - today through the lens of Mary and Joseph - we will see that anxiety has always been part of the human story. But there also is an antidote that the Bible teaches us about. What does Jesus teach us about anxiety, and how does the peace of God profoundly work into our deepest selves to cure the anxious heart and mind?
World Peace (Luke 1:67-80; John 10:34-39)
Most everyone thinks world peace is a good thing. But what exactly is real peace for the world? As we walk into the Christmas season together we will learn the depths of the peace of God offered in the person of Jesus Christ. Today, listen to Jesus's challenging words on what he came to bring, and how it really is a profound peace like no other.
Everything Sad Will Come Untrue (Ezekiel 37:1-14; 1 Corinthians 15:50-58)
Perhaps the greatest surprise of the gospel of Jesus is the promise of the end of the story. What happens when we die? Does this life we're living now matter at all? Listen in as we investigate the greatest of surprises, the promise of glorification.
Don't Give Up (Job 10; Philippians 2:12-18)
If the goal of the Christian life is to become more and more like Jesus, how do we do that, especially when life gets really hard? The New Testament leads us to a surprising recurring teaching - perseverance. Listen in today as we learn together how to persevere in life.
The First Days of the Rest of Your Life (Romans 6; Galatians 5:16-26)
After believing in Jesus, you are changed immediately forever. But what is the goal and purpose of your life then going forward? Listen in today as we lean into the biblical theme of sanctification, and what every day for the rest of your life should be like.
One (John 15:1-15; Galatians 2:20)
When you dress up for Halloween, you get to walk around & take on that identity for a short time by wearing a costume. That concept gets us halfway to understanding the full totality of what it means to have union with Christ. Listen in today as we learn more about one of the greatest theological truths in the Scriptures and why it is life-changing for us today.
Brought In (Exodus 1:8-2:10; Galatians 3:23-4:7)
Adoption is not only a literal global need, but it is also the greatest spiritual need we have as humans as well. As we read the stories of Scripture we discover the theme of adoption pulsating off the pages, of how the God of creation did everything and spent everything to buy us back and make us part of his family. Listen in today as the most famous singular adoption story in the Bible is read, and how one of the greatest theological beauties is taught from the New Testament.
The Beautiful Courtroom (Isaiah 6; Romans 3:21-26)
A courtroom can only be beautiful if you know you're going to walk out with a verdict of "innocent." In life in general, how do we know how we will be found on the final one day of judgement? Listen in to find one of the greatest surprises of all - how sinners become righteous and free forever.
Impossible Birth (Ezekiel 36:26-27; John 3:1-21)
Our first birth into this world is an utter miracle. But is that the greatest miracle in life? What do we do when we feel the great need, deep within us, to change. Listen in today as we listen to two voices from the Scriptures describe what change the heart can go through that radically changes everything.
The Walking Voice (Genesis 3:1-24; Matthew 11:28-30)
What is the call of God? When does he call? Why does he call? Who does he call? Listen in today as we learn about the heart of God from the very beginning of the Bible, and hear the explicit call of Jesus Christ himself for us today.
Before You Were Born (Jeremiah 1:5; Ephesians 1:1-14)
When did God first know you? It is a very different answer than when we first came to know God. Listen in today to a powerful exposition of one famous verse about the prophet Jeremiah, and how it applies to us today.
Not Just the Opposite of Bad News (Isaiah 61; Matthew 11:1-6)
The Gospel of Jesus Christ is not just the opposite of bad news, but it's the invitation to the GOOD news. What does that mean? Listen in today as we hear a famous Scripture from the prophet Isaiah read, and then learn how Jesus Christ fulfills it in beauty.
The Story (Genesis to Revelation)
The power of stories cannot be overstated in our modern world. From Netflix to Harry Potter to children’s books, we are captivated by stories. What are the stories that have captured your heart and soul? This sermon begins a new series on the surprising Story of all stories, the one which brings hope to all people. Listen in today as we see how the Story of the Scriptures, from Genesis to Revelation, beautifully intersects with each of our lives today and surprises us with grace upon grace.
What Your Life Can Be Like (Psalm 112)
It's hard to argue with the kind of life that Psalm 112 lays out for us. A life with a great family, good circumstances, a God-like character, and more. But how do we avoid the traps of life and actually take hold of a life like that? The answer is a surprising one.
The Greatest Work (Psalm 111)
Psalm 111 is a beautiful acrostic poem that recounts the great works of God in summary form. But how does the greatness of what God does relate to what we do in our everyday lives, and particularly our places of work? Listen in today as we learn a bit about the biblical theology of work itself and God's greatest work of all.