Iowa City Church Podcast

What does it mean that God is holy? In Isaiah 6, Isaiah encounters a God who is completely set apart, pure, and unlike anyone or anything else. Seeing God's holiness causes Isaiah to see himself more clearly—but it also leads to cleansing, forgiveness, and calling. In this message from our Love God series, Daniel McCoy reminds us that when we truly see God for who He is, our response is worship, surrender, and a willingness to say, "Here am I. Send me!"

What does it really mean to love God? Jesus said the greatest commandment is to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. But to truly love God, we first need to know Him as He really is.

In this opening message of our Love God series, we turn to Jesus' conversation with the Samaritan woman in John 4 and His remarkable statement: "God is Spirit." We all have a tendency to put God in a box—to reduce Him to a version we can understand, manage, or control. But Jesus reveals a God who cannot be contained by a building, limited to a location, or confined by our assumptions. He is bigger than our boxes, yet He is also personal, present, and wants to be known.

Jesus also tells us that the Father is seeking people who will worship Him "in Spirit and in truth." In this message, we'll explore what that means, confront some of the false ideas we carry about God, and discover what it looks like to worship Him with our whole lives. The more clearly we see who God is, the more deeply we will love Him.

From the time we are young, we're taught to climb the ladder—work hard, accomplish more, move up, and become successful. There's nothing wrong with pursuing excellence or using the gifts God has given us. But what happens when climbing the ladder becomes our definition of a successful life?

In Mark 15, what appears to be Jesus' greatest defeat is actually the coronation of the King. At the cross, Jesus reveals a radically different vision of greatness: in the Kingdom of God, the way up is down. Greatness is found in serving, power is expressed through sacrifice, and true life is found by surrendering ourselves to Jesus.

The world hands us a ladder and tells us to climb. Jesus hands us a cross and says, "Follow me." In this message, we wrestle with a question that gets to the heart of discipleship: Am I going to spend my life climbing, or am I going to follow Jesus?

Have you ever felt like you've let God down? Maybe anger got the best of you, an old habit returned, or you made a decision you regret. In those moments, guilt and shame can leave us wondering, What does God think about me now? Does He still want me?

In this message from the Gospel of Mark, we join Jesus and His disciples on the night He shared the Passover meal with them. Jesus knew what was coming—one disciple would betray Him, another would deny Him, and the rest would scatter. Yet knowing all of that, Jesus still invited them to the table.

Through the Lord's Supper, Jesus gives His followers a powerful way to remember what He has done, renew our relationship with Him, and remember that we don't walk this journey alone. Communion reminds us of the grace at the heart of the gospel: no matter how far we've wandered, Jesus invites us back to the table.

Discover why Communion matters and how this simple meal continually draws us back to Jesus. There's a place at the table for you.

The Most Important Thing

What matters most to God? In Mark 12, Jesus is asked one of the most important questions anyone could ask: "Of all the commandments, which is the most important?" His answer cuts through all the noise and gets to the very heart of what it means to follow Him.

Jesus teaches that loving God and loving people are not two separate commands, but two inseparable expressions of a life of discipleship. You cannot truly love God without loving the people God loves. In this message, we explore what it looks like to move beyond simply knowing about God and toward a life shaped by genuine love, hospitality, compassion, and service.

Join us as we continue our journey through the Gospel of Mark and discover why loving God and loving people really is The Most Important Thing.

In this sermon we continue our summer sermon series, Come Follow Me, as we journey through the Gospel of Mark. In Mark 4, Jesus tells one of His most well-known parables—the Parable of the Soils. While the seed remains the same, the condition of the soil determines whether it takes root and produces a harvest. Through this simple yet powerful story, Jesus invites us to look beyond the surface and examine the condition of our own hearts.

As we follow Jesus together, we'll discover that the greatest obstacle to spiritual growth isn't the power of God's Word—it's our willingness to receive it. Is our faith becoming shallow? Are the worries and distractions of life choking out what God wants to do in us? Or are we cultivating hearts that are ready to hear, trust, and obey? Join us this Sunday as we discover what it means to become the kind of people who bear lasting fruit for the Kingdom of God.

In this episode of Come Follow Me, we continue our journey through the Gospel of Mark by exploring one of the most surprising aspects of Jesus' ministry: the people He chose to follow Him. When the long-awaited Messiah arrived and the Kingdom of God broke into the world, Jesus didn't begin by recruiting kings, religious elites, or cultural influencers. Instead, He called ordinary fishermen and working-class people to become His first disciples.

Why would Jesus build His Kingdom through a group of blue-collar fishermen? What did He see in them that others overlooked? As we examine Mark's account, we discover that Jesus has always delighted in using ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary purposes. His invitation was not based on status, power, or credentials, but on a willingness to trust Him and follow Him.

This message is a powerful reminder that the same Jesus who called fishermen on the shores of Galilee is still calling people today. No matter your background, abilities, or past, Jesus invites you to join His mission and be part of what He is doing in the world.

In a world filled with bad news, uncertainty, and endless distractions, the Gospel of Mark opens with the greatest news ever announced: Jesus Christ has come. In this message, we launch our summer series, Come Follow Me, by exploring the life-changing good news that stands at the center of the Christian faith. Discover why Jesus is the answer to our deepest needs for hope, forgiveness, purpose, and peace, and why His invitation still echoes today: "Come, follow Me." Whether you're a longtime believer or simply exploring faith, this message will challenge and encourage you to take your next step with Jesus.

I was baptized as a baby—is that enough? In this message, we explore one of the most common and sensitive questions people ask about faith and baptism. Rather than relying on tradition or personal experience, we turn to Scripture to discover God's purpose and design for baptism. Join us as we examine what the Bible teaches, why baptism matters, and how understanding God's Word can bring greater confidence in our relationship with Jesus Christ. Whether you're exploring this question for yourself or seeking to better understand a different perspective, this message offers biblical clarity, grace, and encouragement.

What happens when we die? It's one of life's biggest questions—and one that every person must eventually face. In this message from our Asking For a Friend series, we explore what the Bible teaches about life after death, why the resurrection of Jesus changes everything, and how the promise of eternity reshapes the way we live today. Discover the hope, confidence, and assurance that followers of Jesus can have in the face of death. Because of Christ, death is not the end of the story—it is the doorway to something far greater.

Many Christians wonder, "If I follow Jesus, why do I still struggle?" In this message from Luke 5, we discover that Jesus didn't come for people who have it all together—He came for people who know they need Him. Explore the difference between forgiveness and transformation, and find hope that God is patiently at work bringing healing and change to every area of our lives.

In this message from our Asking For A Friend series, we tackle one of the most difficult and emotional questions people wrestle with: Why would a loving God allow hell to exist? Looking closely at the teachings of Jesus, this sermon explores what hell is, why it exists, and how God's justice and love work together. Most importantly, this message points us to the hope of the gospel and the heart of a God who desires people to be saved through Jesus Christ.

Why does a good God allow evil and suffering? If God is all-powerful, couldn't He stop it? And if He loves us, why doesn't He? In Part 5 of our Asking For A Friend series, we wrestle with one of the most difficult and personal questions people ask about faith. This message explores what the Bible teaches about evil, suffering, free will, and the heart of God toward those who are hurting. Whether you're walking through pain yourself or trying to help someone who is, this conversation offers biblical truth, honest perspective, and lasting hope.

In this sermon podcast we tackle one of the most important—and often misunderstood—questions of the Christian faith: What's the deal with the Trinity? In a culture where God is often reduced to a vague feeling or distant idea, the Bible reveals something far more personal and powerful. God is not just one being to believe in—He is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit: one God in a perfect community of love. And what you believe about God doesn't just shape your theology—it shapes your entire life.

Join us as we explore how the Trinity isn't just a doctrine to understand, but a relationship to step into. Through Jesus, you can truly know God. Through His sacrifice, you are invited into His family. And through the Spirit, God is with you right now. Whether you've been following Jesus for years or you're still exploring faith, this message will help you see God more clearly—and experience His love more deeply. We hope you find this helpful!

In Part 3 of our Asking For a Friend series, we explore a question that continues to surface in conversations about faith: Don't all religions lead to God?

It's an honest and important question—one that deserves thoughtful, biblical clarity. Whether you've wrestled with this personally or are engaging with others who are exploring what they believe, this message will help you better understand what Jesus teaches and why it matters.

Daniel McCoy, our worship minister and a regular part of our teaching team, brings a clear and compelling perspective to this topic—pointing us to the truth that leads to life.

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In this sermon podcast, we launch a brand new sermon series called Asking For a Friend—where we take on some of the toughest and most honest questions people are asking about life and faith. And we're starting with a big one: Can I trust the Bible?

Whether you've wrestled with that question yourself or know someone who has, this is a conversation that really matters. We believe the Bible is God's Word to us—our foundation for how we live, think, and follow Jesus—but is it actually trustworthy?

In this message, we explore three key reasons we can trust the Bible: its accuracy, its reliability, and its relevance for our lives today. If you've ever had doubts, questions, or simply want a clearer understanding of Scripture, this conversation is for you.

What if the resurrection of Jesus isn't just something we celebrate once a year—but something that reshapes how we live every single day?

In this message, we wrestle with a big and honest question: Can a rational, intellectually honest person really believe that Jesus rose from the dead? And if the answer is yes, then it leads to an even more personal question: What does that mean for my life?

Together, we explore the historical reality of Jesus—His life, His crucifixion, and the claim of the empty tomb—and consider the implications if it's all true. Because if Jesus really did rise from the dead, then this isn't just a story—it's the turning point of history. It means hope is real. It means your past doesn't have the final word. It means your life can be transformed.

No matter how uncertain things may feel, the story doesn't end in fear—it ends in resurrection.

Have you ever noticed how much space God takes up in the book of Exodus? After rescuing Israel from slavery, God gives detailed instructions for building the tabernacle—a sacred place where his presence would dwell among his people. From the garden of Eden, to the tabernacle, and ultimately to Jesus, the story of the Bible reveals something remarkable: God desires to live in relationship with us. He doesn't stay distant—he draws near.

In this message, we explore how Jesus is the true tabernacle—the place where God meets with his people—and what it means to intentionally make space for his presence in our lives today. In a world where our schedules, attention, and hearts easily become crowded, we're confronted with a simple but powerful question: Are we making space for Jesus? Join us as we open God's Word and discover what it looks like to center our lives around the presence of God.

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Well, that didn't take long. Just weeks after entering into a covenant with the God who rescued them from slavery, the Israelites turn away and bow down to a golden calf.

It's easy to read that story and wonder how they could fall so quickly. But the deeper question is this: Is idolatry just an ancient problem—or do we still struggle with it today?

In this message, we explore what the golden calf reveals about the human heart and why we are so prone to replace God with lesser things. As we continue our journey through Exodus, we'll discover God's call to return to wholehearted devotion—even in a world full of competing idols.

In this message from Exodus 19, we explore one of the most important moments in Israel's story—when God meets His people at Mount Sinai and clearly defines what a relationship with Him looks like. Before giving commands, God reminds Israel of His grace: He rescued them from slavery, carried them through the wilderness, and brought them to Himself. Then He invites them into a covenant relationship where they will be His treasured possession, a kingdom of priests, and a holy nation. Just as every meaningful relationship eventually asks the question, "What are we?", God also calls us to define our relationship with Him. Through Jesus, the new covenant makes that relationship clearer than ever. The question we're left with is simple but profound: God has defined His relationship toward us—how will we define our relationship with Him?

In this sermon we'll be walking through Exodus 15–17 and discovering an important truth: the wilderness isn't about comfort—it's about becoming God's people. After rescuing Israel from Egypt, God didn't lead them straight into ease. He led them into testing. Not to harm them, but to shape them. In the same way, God often uses seasons of difficulty in our lives to form our trust, deepen our dependence, and shape our hearts to love Him more fully.

If you've ever wondered why God allows certain struggles or why the journey feels harder than expected, this message will encourage you. God is not distant in the wilderness—He is forming you there. Join us as we open God's Word, and allow Him to continue shaping us into the people He has redeemed us to be.

In this sermon we continue our important series through the book of Exodus. When we read about something amazing in the Bible--like God parting the sea and leading former slaves to freedom--how should we respond? Is it mainly something that should make us feel good? Is it a hint that God wants to part the seas in our life--winning the battles we hope to win? As we walk through Exodus 14, we will look at what the parting of the Red Sea really does mean for our lives.

In this sermon we explore Exodus 11–12, a powerful story of God's rescue and mercy. In a moment of great fear and uncertainty, God made a way for His people to be saved and brought out of slavery. This passage reminds us that the Lord sees His people, knows their suffering, and faithfully provides deliverance when there seems to be no way forward.

We'll also look to Jesus, the Lamb of God, whose blood was shed so that judgment would pass over us and new life could begin. Whether you're feeling weary, uncertain, or longing for hope, in this sermon we want to provide a space to hear again of God's grace and to be reminded that our safety and salvation are found in trusting Him. We would love for you to worship with us as we sing, pray, and listen for what God wants to speak into our lives.

God's people often find themselves in moments that feel overwhelming and impossible. When Moses obeyed God and confronted Pharaoh, the result was not immediate freedom, but deeper hardship: the same number of bricks, now without straw. Many of us know what that feels like. What do we do when following God seems to make life harder, not easier? In this sermon, we'll look at how God meets His people in seasons of exhaustion and frustration, and how we can continue to trust and follow Him—even when we feel we have nothing left.

In this sermon we are continuing our sermon series through Exodus with part two of the story. We'll look closely at Moses' reluctance to step into God's mission for his life—leading God's people out of slavery. Even after God promised to be with him and to work powerfully through him, Moses was convinced God had chosen the wrong person. His plea was simple and honest: "Please send someone else."

At the heart of Moses' hesitation is something many of us can relate to. Before this moment, Moses had already tried to rescue his people—and he had failed badly. What do we do when God calls us to something we've already failed at? Listen to this teaching and discover how God meets us in our fear, our doubt, and even our past failures.

As we step into a new year, we're asking an honest and important question: What does it really mean to follow Jesus? In this sermon we'll look at Jesus' words to the church in Laodicea in Revelation 3—a loving but challenging call to move beyond comfortable, halfway faith and into a life of full surrender. Whether 2025 was a year of joy, struggle, growth, or disappointment, this message speaks directly to where we are and where Jesus is inviting us to go next. Following Him was never meant to be "part-way"—it's an all-in invitation to real transformation, freedom, and life with Him.

You'll hear a hopeful and grace-filled reminder that Jesus doesn't walk away from us when we struggle—He stands at the door and knocks. He offers forgiveness, clarity, rest, and renewal to anyone willing to open the door and follow Him fully. If you've felt spiritually stuck, lukewarm, or ready for something different this year, we would love for you to give a listen to this encouraging and challenging teaching about what it means to really follow Jesus.

In this sermon we're launching a brand-new Christmas series called Seeing Christmas with Fresh Eyes, and we're kicking it off by looking at a story we think we already know—Mary's. We've heard the Christmas story so many times that we forget how shocking, unexpected, and downright messy it really was. But when we pause and look again with fresh eyes, we discover a God who writes stories differently than we would… and a God we can trust even when our own lives take sharp, unexpected turns.

Mary's encounter with the angel wasn't calm or polished—it was confusing, frightening, and full of consequences she didn't choose. Yet in the middle of her questions, she anchored herself to one unshakeable truth: "For no word from God will ever fail." And with remarkable faith, she prayed, "I am the Lord's servant. May Your word to me be fulfilled." Her response reminds us that when life feels unpredictable or overwhelming, we can hold tightly to what God has spoken over us—His promises, His character, and His unfailing love.

Thanks for joining us as we continue our series Our Church, exploring what it looks like to live as disciples of Jesus and make an eternal impact with our time, talents, and resources. In this sermon, we'll focus on the spiritual discipline of generosity—discovering how the way we use what God has given us reveals whose Kingdom we really belong to.

This week on the Iowa City Church sermon podcast, we continue our Our Church series with a message called "Shaped for a Purpose." In this sermon, we explore how God has uniquely designed each of us—through our Spiritual gifts, Heart, Abilities, Personality, and Experiences—to live a life of meaningful service. When we discover our SHAPE, we begin to understand the specific calling God has placed on our lives.

You'll hear how Jesus modeled purposeful service and why embracing the way God crafted you leads to deeper joy, clearer direction, and a more vibrant faith. The big idea of the message is simple but powerful: "Discover your SHAPE, boldly embrace your calling, and experience the joy of living on purpose with Jesus."

If you're longing to understand how God can use your everyday life to make a real difference, this is a message you won't want to miss. Tune in and be encouraged to step into the purpose God created you for.

In this episode of the Iowa City Church Podcast, we continue our Our Church series by focusing on one of the most vital yet often misunderstood spiritual disciplines—repentance. Repentance isn't just a one-time decision to follow Jesus; it's a daily practice of turning our hearts back to Him so that His Spirit can shape us into His likeness.

As followers of Jesus, we're called to holiness—a life set apart for God. That transformation happens as we regularly recognize our sin, confess it, and return to Christ's grace. In this message, we'll explore how repentance leads not to guilt or shame, but to renewal, restoration, and growth in Christlikeness.

🎧 Listen to this week's message to learn how to practice repentance in your everyday life through honest confession, community accountability, and the Lord's Supper—a rhythm that continually draws us back to the cross. Be encouraged and challenged by this powerful truth: holiness grows where repentance is practiced.

Created to Worship Worship isn't just something we do on Sundays—it's a way of life that centers our hearts on God's greatness and reminds us who we are in Christ. In this message, Daniel McCoy helps us explore what it means to worship "in spirit and in truth" and how this rhythm of worship transforms our daily walk with Jesus. Whether you're a longtime believer or simply curious about following Christ, this teaching is a powerful reminder that we were created to worship—and when we do, God meets us in ways that renew and strengthen our souls.

From our "Our Church" series at Iowa City Church.

Abiding in Prayer Life can sometimes feel like we're paddling hard against the wind—trying our best but getting nowhere. Yet God never intended for us to move through life on our own strength. In this message, Pastor Tom reminds us that prayer is how we lift the sails of our hearts to catch the power and direction of the Holy Spirit. Discover how to move from striving to abiding, and experience the peace and strength that come when we stop paddling and start praying.

From our "Our Church" series at Iowa City Church.

🎙️ Sermon Podcast: "The Lord's Supper" — Part 7 of Our Church

This week at Iowa City Church, we're focusing on one of the most meaningful practices Jesus gave His followers — the Lord's Supper. In this message, we'll discover why this sacred meal is central to our worship and how it helps us remember Jesus' sacrifice, renew our relationship with Him, and unite as one body.

Whether you've been walking with Jesus for years or are just beginning to explore faith, this message will remind you of the grace that saves and sustains us. Join us as we open God's Word, lift our voices in praise, and reflect on the beauty of Communion together as a family of faith.

🕘 Recorded live at Iowa City Church — 9:00 & 10:30 a.m. services

We're diving into one of the most important parts of following Jesus — sharing the good news. Jesus calls us to be sowers of the gospel, but many of us wonder where to start or how to do it naturally. In this message, we'll unpack what it means to be a "sower" in today's world and how everyday moments — conversations, acts of kindness, and relationships — can become powerful opportunities for God to work through us.

You'll also discover two simple, practical tools to help you share your faith with confidence and authenticity — no pressure, no awkwardness, just real conversations that point people to Jesus.

Whether you've been following Christ for years or you're just beginning to share your faith, this message will encourage and equip you to join God's mission right here in Iowa City and beyond. 🌱

In this teaching from Iowa City Church we'll begin learning together how to share the gospel in simple, everyday ways. The first step isn't complicated—it's prayer. Before we talk about Jesus with anyone, we can begin by praying for them, asking God to open doors and prepare their hearts. Prayer is something we can all do, and it's where sharing the good news really begins. To learn more, give a listen to part four of Our Church.

In this episode, we continue our fall teaching series Our Church, where we're looking closely at who we are, what we believe, and how we live as a Jesus church in Iowa City. Each week has been about going deeper into what really defines us as God's people.

In this sermon, we'll talk about one of the most powerful and defining moments in a Christian's life: baptism. Baptism isn't just a ritual or a tradition—it's the moment of clarity where we declare, without question, our allegiance to Jesus. It's how we draw the line, mark the relationship, and step forward into a new life with Him.

Whether you've been following Jesus for years, or you're still exploring what faith means for you, this message will encourage and challenge you. Give a listen as we discover together what makes baptism such a beautiful and life-changing moment in our walk with Christ.

In this episode of Our Church, we continue exploring what makes the church unique—our purpose, our beliefs, our values, and our mission. This week we dive into what it means to be the light in the darkness, right here in Iowa City.

Jesus gave us a clear mission: love God, love people, and make disciples. It may sound simple, but living it out has the power to transform lives and bring hope where it's needed most. We'll talk about how everyday faith, small acts of love, and living on mission with Jesus can push back the darkness in powerful ways.

If you've ever wondered why the church matters or what role you can play in God's mission, this conversation is for you. Be encouraged, challenged, and inspired to shine the light of Christ in your family, your workplace, and your community.

Throughout this series, we are taking a closer look at what defines us as a church family and why those things matter. Last week we laid the foundation, and now we're excited to build on that as we move into part two.

This week we'll be focusing on one of the most important questions for any church: Why is the Bible our primary authority? In a world filled with competing voices, opinions, and influences, we believe that God's Word provides the truth and guidance we need to shape how we live, how we serve, and how we operate as a church. Together we'll explore what the Bible says about its own authority and why trusting it makes all the difference in our faith and our community.

In this sermon launch a brand-new series called Our Church, where we'll explore who we are as a church family, what we value, and the mission God has called us to. We will begin with the truth that in God's Kingdom, it's the small things that make the biggest impact. Just like James Clear's story from Atomic Habits, we will see that lasting transformation doesn't come from one big moment, but from small, faithful habits practiced consistently. Jesus illustrated this with the parable of the mustard seed (Matthew 13:31–32), reminding us that what seems small in our eyes can grow into something much greater in God's hands.

In Acts 2, we will look at how the very first church practiced these small but powerful rhythms: devotion to the apostles' teaching, fellowship, the breaking of bread, and prayer. These weren't religious checkboxes but life-giving habits that helped disciples stay connected to Jesus, be transformed by Him, and stay on mission with Him. When the early church devoted themselves to these rhythms, needs were met, communities were changed, and people came to know Jesus daily. The same will be true for us—our devotion to these practices is how God will grow His Kingdom through ordinary people like us.

The challenge for us will be simple: don't just attend church—be the church. Commit yourself to learning from God's Word, building genuine fellowship, remembering Jesus through Communion, and practicing prayer. These may seem like small things, but in God's Kingdom, they are the big things. Just as the early church changed the world through devotion to these rhythms, God will bring transformation in your life, your family, our community, and beyond when we do the same. To learn how this can apply to your life, take a few minutes and check out, Being The Church.

In this sermon we wrap up our August series, Does God Really Love Me? by talking about something that touches all of us at some point—anxiety. When life feels out of control and the world seems to be falling apart, it's easy to wonder if God really loves us or if He's even paying attention. But the good news of Scripture is that nothing can separate us from God's love in Christ Jesus. His love is steady, faithful, and unshakable—no matter what we face.

If you've ever felt anxious, overwhelmed, or questioned God's goodness, you're not alone—and you won't want to miss this message. Together we'll look at how God's covenant love can bring peace even in the middle of life's storms. We'd love for you to to take a few minutes and listen to part five of Does God Really Love Me?

Have you ever had those moments where you just don't like yourself very much? Maybe you replay past mistakes, wrestle with insecurities, or feel like you'll never measure up. I think we've all been there. And when we're stuck in that place, it's easy to wonder: If I can't love myself, how could God possibly love me? That's exactly what we're going to talk about this Sunday in our series Does God Really Love Me? with the message: Does God Really Love Me When I Can't Love Myself?

I believe this is going to be a really encouraging sermon for you. We're going to look at what God actually says about His love for us—love that isn't based on how well we perform or how we feel about ourselves, but on who He is. My hope is that you'll walk away knowing deep down that God's love is bigger than your doubts and stronger than your struggles. I'd love for you to be there, and maybe even invite someone who needs this reminder too.

We've all been there. At some point in your walk with God, you've probably had questions. You've probably wondered why prayers seem unanswered, why life feels unfair, or why following Jesus can feel so hard in a world going a different direction. Those moments of doubt can be unsettling — not just because they shake our faith, but because they make us wonder, "Does God still love me if I'm not 100% sure about Him right now?"

In This Sermon, we're going there. We're taking an honest look at doubt — what it is, why it happens, and why it doesn't make you a second-class Christian. From Thomas to Peter to John the Baptist, Scripture is full of people who wrestled with questions. And in every case, Jesus didn't push them away. He met them right in the middle of their uncertainty and reminded them of His love. Your doubts don't scare God, and they certainly don't disqualify you from His care.

If you've ever questioned God's goodness, this one's for you. We'll discover together that God's love doesn't shrink when our faith shakes. In fact, those moments can become opportunities for God to reveal Himself in fresh, life-changing ways. To learn more, check out sermon number three in our series, Does God Really Love Me?

In part two of our sermon series, we're diving into one of the most honest and necessary conversations the church can have: Does God really love me when I'm depressed and anxious? If you've ever felt the crushing weight of depression or the unshakable grip of anxiety, you know how hard it can be to believe that God hasn't walked away. Maybe you've asked yourself, If I were stronger in faith, I wouldn't feel this way… right? This message will break through the lies depression and anxiety whisper, replacing them with the unshakable truth of God's character and His unwavering love for you—no matter what you feel.

Through real-life biblical examples like Elijah, David, Job, Jeremiah, and even Jesus, we'll see that God is not repelled by our pain—He meets us in it. We'll explore why so many believers mistake emotional numbness for spiritual distance, and how guilt and shame distort the truth of God's compassion. This isn't a sermon filled with pat answers or empty platitudes. It's an invitation to be honest with God, anchor your identity in Christ, lean into community, seek help without shame, and speak truth over your soul—practical steps rooted in Scripture that can help you experience His love in the darkest valleys.

Whether you're in the thick of depression and anxiety yourself or you love someone who is, this message will equip you to see God's heart more clearly and respond with compassion instead of condemnation. We'll be reminded that feelings are not the foundation of faith—God's unchanging nature is. If you've been looking for hope, clarity, and a fresh reminder that you are never beyond the reach of His love, this sermon is for you. Remember, The absence of feeling is not the absence of God. His love is steady, even when your heart is shaky.

With this sermon we kick off a brand new sermon series centered around one of the most common spiritual questions: Does God really love me, even when I've done bad things? Many people—Christians included—struggle with feelings of guilt, shame, or inadequacy that distort their view of God's love. Whether it's due to religious trauma, performance-based theology, or underdeveloped faith, these barriers can lead people to believe God only loves the "good" version of them. The pastor emphasizes the need to replace these unhealthy perspectives with the truth found in Scripture: God's love is unconditional and rooted in His character, not our behavior.

Turning to Romans 5, the message unpacks the reality that God demonstrated His love for us while we were still sinners. Paul writes that even in our powerlessness, brokenness, and rebellion, Christ died for us. This isn't a hypothetical or symbolic gesture—it's a historical demonstration of divine love. The sermon uses this to challenge the belief that God's love is earned. Instead, love is poured out through grace, which we continually stand in as we walk with Jesus—even amid suffering, struggle, or failure. This grace-based relationship produces hope, character, and a deeper experience of God's love, regardless of past mistakes.

To move forward in that love, we will discover practical steps rooted in Scripture: giving allegiance to Jesus, practicing godly repentance, and regularly confessing sin. Through these actions, believers are reminded of their secure standing in Christ—free from condemnation and alive in the Spirit.

We continue our sermon series Summer in the Sand, where we explore how God works in the lives of people navigating sandy and difficult places—just like He did throughout Scripture. From the Israelites wandering the desert to prophets and apostles sent on uncertain journeys, the wilderness has always been a place of challenge and transformation. In this series, we're discovering that God is still at work in our lives today, even when the path ahead seems unclear or uncomfortable.

In this sermon, we journey with Philip in Acts chapter 8 as he heads out on the road to Gaza. There, he encounters an Ethiopian dignitary wrestling with questions about God. In a seemingly random moment, God orchestrates a divine appointment that leads to life-changing transformation. Just like Philip, we too are called into unfamiliar or inconvenient situations—places where we may not understand the "why" but are asked to trust and obey. Will we be open to God's leading, or will we cling to comfort and miss His power at work?

In this episode we continue our sermon series, Summer in the Sand: learning from wilderness journeys in the Bible. For this sermon we will move to the sandy wilderness near the city of Nineveh where the Old Testament prophet Jonah, still recovering from his traumatic fishing story, contemplates his next move.

God had called the prophet Jonah to preach a message of repentance to the city of Nineveh, a place filled with people he deeply despised. Jonah resisted, not because he feared failure, but because he feared success—he knew that if the Ninevites repented, God would show them mercy, and that thought was unbearable to him. Yet God's lesson to Jonah was clear: His love and compassion extend to all people, even those we consider enemies. Jonah's story confronts us with a tough question—do we struggle with the same problem? Is it difficult for us to love those who have wronged us, even when God's heart is for their redemption? If God loves our enemies enough to pursue them with grace, shouldn't we at least be willing to do the same? This is a difficult teaching, but one that could radically transform your faith. Take a few minutes and check out Jonah chapter four and see what God wants you to do.

In this episode we continue our sermon series, Summer in the Sand: learning from wilderness journeys in the Bible. For this sermon, our ministry resident Gabe Solis preaches about Israel's wilderness wanderings in the sand as described in the Old Testament book of Exodus. After rescuing Israel from slavery in Egypt, God didn't lead them straight to the Promised Land—instead, He led them into the wilderness. This was no accident. The wilderness was God's chosen place for transformation, where He would teach His people to trust Him fully and obey His voice. Away from the security of Egypt and the distractions of the world, Israel had to rely on God for everything—food, water, direction, and protection. In that barren place, God revealed His faithfulness and tested their hearts, not to punish them, but to grow their relationship with Him. The wilderness was where God shaped them into His people, calling them to walk by faith, not by sight. It sounds like things haven't changed. God continues to lead his people; you and me, into the "wilderness" so that He can shape us into His people. To discover what this can look like in your life check out Gabe's sermon, we know you'll find it to be helpful!

In this episode, we continue our sermon series, Summer in the Sand: learning from wilderness journeys in the Bible. In this edition, we find Moses wandering around the wilderness sand of Midian tending his father-in-law's sheep. While plodding through the sand, far from the power and prestige of Egypt, God called him through a burning bush to lead His people out of slavery. Though Moses felt inadequate and unsure, God assured him that He would be with him and would equip him for the task. In the same way, God often calls Christians while they are going about their everyday lives, and though the mission may seem overwhelming, He promises to provide the strength, guidance, and resources needed to fulfill His purpose. God's call always comes with His provision, and He equips those He calls.

To learn more, check out Travis Roehm's teaching from the book of Exodus.

This is the first sermon in brand new sermon series, Summer in the Sand: learning from wilderness journeys in the Bible. Of course summer is the time when we all take vacation road trips--and some of those journeys might be long, through desolate barren landscapes (Nebraska anyone?). We ultimately know our vacation destination is going to be amazing, however the trek through the wilderness may not be. We've all had those types of seasons in our lives. We set out on a journey, with a dream destination in mind, however the road to get there is literally a nightmare! Even more unsettling is the fact that it appears God led you into that wilderness. Why would he do such a thing? What are we supposed to learn? Is there a way to finally reach the Promise Land? If this describes your journey, you will greatly benefit from hanging out with us this summer as we look at different people throughout the Bible who learned some valuable lessons from their summer in the sand. To learn more, listen to one of our elders, Jerry Anthony teach on trusting God when it doesn't make sense.

In this sermon we wrap up our study of how God provides key resources to help develop fresh faith. This last resource is consistently overlooked, yet it's vital in developing something new in our faith journey. The resource? People. And not just any person, but the specific people God puts in each of our paths. As much as we want to think of faith as personal, it's not. Faith doesn't grow in isolation, but through the relationships God divinely orchestrates in our lives. Throughout Scripture and our own journeys, we see how God places the right people at the right time to encourage, challenge, and sharpen our walk with Jesus. Whether it's a mentor who speaks truth, a friend who models Christ-like love, or even a stranger who offers timely encouragement, these relationships are not accidental—they are purposeful. God uses these divine connections to teach us, stretch us, and strengthen our trust in Him. As we recognize and embrace the people God brings into our lives, we begin to see His hand at work in deeper ways, and our faith grows as a result. To discover what God is calling you to do so that your faith can grow, check out episode number five of New: Growing Fresh Faith.

One of the most important aspects of serving God in ministry is that is provides an essential platform for faith in Him to grow. This happens because ministry moves belief into action, allowing Christians to experience God's work firsthand. As followers of Jesus step out of their comfort zones to serve others, they learn to rely more deeply on the Holy Spirit for strength, wisdom, and guidance. Ministry also exposes believers to real-life challenges and opportunities to love, forgive, and lead like Christ, refining their character and deepening their dependence on God. Through service, Christians not only bless others but are themselves shaped and strengthened in their walk with Christ. To discover what God is calling you to do so that you faith can grow, give a listen to part four of New, Growing Fresh Faith.

One of the most important elements of developing fresh faith always leads back to discipline--no one likes to admit it, yet we all know it's true. Discipline is required for there to be any type of growth in our lives; fresh finances, improved physical wellness, emotional or relational health...all of them are dependent upon discipline. As much as we want our faith to be this spontaneous, passionate, organic thing...it just isn't. Faith is developed with spiritual disciplines. A spiritual discipline is a behavior modification that you intentionally incorporate into your life to better connect with God. What spiritual disciplines do you currently utilize? Spiritual disciplines are essential for a growing faith in God because they create intentional habits that draw believers closer to Him and deepen their relationship with Christ. Through practices like prayer, Scripture reading, worship, and fasting, individuals cultivate spiritual awareness, strengthen their trust in God, and align their lives with His will. These disciplines help shape character, provide spiritual stability, and foster a deeper dependence on God's presence and guidance, especially during seasons of challenge or doubt. In nurturing these habits, believers grow in maturity and faithfulness, becoming more rooted in God's truth and love. To discover what Jesus says about spiritual disciplines and how they can be a blessing in your life check out episode three of our New series.

For something to grow it's essential for there to be space. Whether it's plants in a garden or buying a toddler new clothes, we always know that we need to make space for growth. For there to be fresh growth in our faith we need to make space for God! However the question then pops up: What is God going to do with that space we create for Him? Jesus helps answer that question with this instruction- "If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you." ~ John 15:7 God's Word needs to fill that space in our lives for our faith to grow. Biblical teaching is essential for deepening one's Christian faith because it provides the foundational truths and guidance necessary for spiritual growth and maturity. Through Scripture, believers gain a clearer understanding of God's character, His promises, and His will for their lives. It equips them to discern truth from error, strengthens their relationship with Christ, and inspires them to live out their faith with conviction and purpose. By regularly engaging with biblical teaching, Christians are not only reminded of God's faithfulness throughout history but are also encouraged to trust Him more fully in their own daily walk.

If you haven't noticed, there's a lot of "new" connected to our church right now; new building, new faces, new life changes, and new ministries. With all this new in the air, how's your faith? Is it time for some fresh faith? Here's the thing about faith, it doesn't just grow on it's own...it needs some help to grow. One of the most unlikely, but reasonable "faith rejuvenators" is the work of creating space. For many of us, our lives are so busy we've literally crowded God out of most areas of our lives. So, for there to be fresh faith, we need to make space for God. When we intentionally make space for God in our lives, we open ourselves to His presence and invite Him to work in our lives. In that space, God often reveals His character, reminding us of His faithfulness, mercy, and love. As we listen and respond to Him, our trust in His promises grows stronger. Even small moments of connection with God can plant seeds of faith that deepen over time, helping us to see beyond our circumstances and rely on His guidance and provision. Here's the truth: If you make space for God, He will fill that space with the resources you need for your faith to grow.

We all have those "to-do-lists" that have been slowly building over the years. The lists typically range from mowing the lawn, cleaning out the garage to finally preparing for retirement. Usually on that list there's a category specifically centered around our faith journey; pursuing a relationship with God and being obedient to what He asks you to do. Here's the big issue with any to-do-list: When is it going to happen? Have you been feeling a tug on your heart or a sense that it's time to start working on the spiritual to-do-list? Don't wait! That stirring is often the gentle invitation of Jesus, calling you to step closer, to trust deeper, and to begin a life-changing journey with Him. Delaying that step might feel safer or more convenient, but the truth is, there's no perfect time—only the present moment. The peace, purpose, and transformation that come from walking with Jesus are available to you right now. Why wait another day to experience the fullness of what God has for you?

Taking the next step in your faith might look different for everyone—maybe it's saying yes to Jesus for the first time, getting baptized, joining a community of believers, or simply recommitting your life to God. Whatever it is, don't let fear or uncertainty hold you back. Jesus isn't asking for perfection; He's inviting you into a relationship. Every step you take toward Him opens your life to more love, grace, and clarity than you've ever known. The journey begins with a simple "yes"—and that yes could change everything. To figure out what your next step might be, don't wait for when..take listen to what Jesus has to say about being ready.

Researchers at the Institute for Business and Home Safety in Richburg, South Carolina, built two identical 1,300-square-foot houses inside a $40 million laboratory. They wanted to see how these homes would hold up against a hurricane. The first house was constructed to standard building codes—nothing fancy, just the usual. The second house, though, had reinforcement straps connecting every level—from the foundation all the way to the roof. Then they flipped on the giant fans, blasting winds up to 110 miles per hour, the strength of a Category 3 hurricane. In the first two tests, lasting less than ten minutes, both houses stood firm. However, in the third test, when the winds roared for over ten minutes, the conventional house began to tremble. Before long, it collapsed into a heap. The reinforced house? It took some cosmetic scratches, but it stood tall. Tim Reingold, an engineer on the project, boiled it down to one question: "Which house would you rather be living in?" Here's what's interesting. As Jesus wraps up his sermon on the mount, he makes a similar analogy, but instead of just building a house, he wants his listeners to think about what foundation they are building their lives upon. Why does Jesus conclude his sermon in this way? It matters, because according to Jesus--storms are coming! To learn more about what Jesus teaches about how to prepare for the storms of life, check out the conclusion of our series on The Sermon on the Mount.

One of the most quoted verses of the Bible comes from The Sermon on the Mount, and honestly it's not even the entire verse--it's just the first three words: "Do not judge". For context, this is all of verses one and two: "Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." ~ Matthew 7:1-2 What are we supposed to do with this complex teaching from Jesus? How can we not judge people? Isn't it unwise to not judge? What does Jesus mean by judgement? There's a lot going on in these two verses! So how are we as followers of Jesus supposed to follow these instructions? Here's what we know regarding Jesus' teaching on judging: it calls for introspection, grace, and careful discernment in how we deal with others' shortcomings. To dive more into the text, check out episode nine of The Sermon on the Mount series.

What's worth worrying about? That is an increasingly important question in our culture. Over the last two decades anxiety disorders have risen by 1200%. That is a pandemic of epic proportions! It's affecting the youngest of children to all demographics of adults. The current estimate is that one in five adults will suffer from some type of anxiety disorder this year. If this would describe how you are feeling right now, please seek help. If it's talking with someone at church please don't hesitate to ask. If it's a counselor, seek one out. If it's a physician, please take a moment to schedule a physical. There are a lot of different reasons one may be experiencing anxiety. With that being said, the basis for a lot of anxiety problems is spiritual: misplaced priorities and trust issues. Not surprisingly, Jesus had some really important teachings about anxiety, misplaced priorities and trust issues...instructions that could really make a difference in your life! To discover what he had to say, check out sermon number eight in our Sermon on the Mount series.

Everyone likes Jesus' teachings about love, mercy and prayer. However once he starts getting to the difficult ones about our enemies ("turn to them the other cheek" and "love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you") we all find ourselves pushing back. How are we supposed to live out these difficult teachings, and what is the point? How can our turning the other cheek really make any difference to our enemies except they get another free shot at our face? To discover Jesus' vision for why loving our enemies is so important, check out the latest on The Sermon on the Mount.

We've all had this experience where you go to the medical clinic with some type of physical problem. You take a few minutes to describe the symptoms and maybe even suggest some type of self-diagnosis--only to have the doctor begin to ask seemingly unrelated questions. Even poking around in an area where there are no apparent problems. What the doctor knows that you obviously don't know, is that the true problem often lies some place else. The same can be said with our pursuit of righteousness. We may think that to be righteous we must keep the rules and generally be a good person. However, according to Jesus, that's like putting a Band-Aid on a person suffering a heart attack; it doesn't get to the source of the problem! In this sermon we will move into a very challenging section of The Sermon on the Mount where Jesus exposes people and their assumed "righteousness". Instead, Jesus like any good physician, goes to the source of the problem...the heart.

A lot of us, myself included, feel decent about who we are morally. Our reasoning? Well, at least we haven't murdered anyone. Let's be honest, murder is right up there at the top of the list of "The Worst Crimes to Commit". However, Jesus says, "Not so fast!" Here are his exact words: "But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister, will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, 'Raca,' is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, 'You fool!' will be in danger of the fire of hell." ~ Matthew 5:22 What is Jesus even talking about? How can my disdain for another person actually be equated to murder, and what am I supposed to do about it? To learn more about what Jesus is describing in this section of The Sermon on the Mount, check out episode #3. We hope you find it helpful!

People wear uniforms for a variety of reasons; identity, sense of belonging, and professionalism. For example when you see a person in a small white truck, blue pants and jacket roll through the neighborhood, you know your mail or package is about to be delivered. What is the uniform of a citizen of the Kingdom of Heaven? In the Beatitudes, Jesus welcomed in rag tag bunch of nobodies into God's Kingdom. The truth is they weren't much to look at...they were a pathetic, powerless bunch. Yet Jesus invites them into the Kingdom and in Matthew 5:13-16 he describes what their uniform looks like: Salt & Light. What is Jesus even talking about? More importantly, how are we supposed to "wear that uniform" in our world today? To learn more about what Jesus is describing in this section of The Sermon on the Mount, give a listen to part two of The Sermon on the Mount.

The Sermon on the Mount. The greatest sermon ever given. It is also the most quoted. In it we find the epitome of Jesus' teaching—radical, sensible, spiritual, and almost vicious in its demolition of hypocrisy. It flies in the face of every culture it enters. It pierces every heart that hears it. We attempt to analyze it as if using a microscope, only to find that we, not the text, are under examination! In this sermon we begin a 12 week journey through Matthew, chapter 5-7. In this study we will realize that not only does Jesus know us better then we know ourselves, he offers a better option of what true life can look like...even if it appears to be backwards, and upside down! Take a few minutes and check it out, we hope you find it to be helpful!

Jesus called people to follow him. Not just believe he exists or like some of the things he taught--he literally said, "Follow me." One of his followers, the apostle Peter, reiterates this command: "To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps." ~ 1 Peter 2:21 In this series we have focused on the different places Jesus went that we likewise should go, as his followers. One place Jesus went regularly was to secluded places to pray to his Father. Another place Jesus went was to the broken & lost. The gospels are full of examples of Jesus engaging those far from God. In this sermon we wrap up this series by looking at how Jesus used a majority of his time intentionally pulling away from the crowds so he could relationally pour his life into a few people. Jesus prioritized disciple making. In this teaching we will discover why disciple making is so hard, and then focus on two manageable steps you can take to begin following the simple pattern of Jesus.

We all remember the game of our childhood, Follow the Leader. However, if you missed out (or have forgotten) here are the basics. You first choose a leader and have the other players line up behind them. The leader moves around, and the other players mimic their actions. Players who don't follow are out of the game. The last player standing becomes the new leader and the game starts again. Now, while one might consider this simply a child's game, the truth is we never really stop playing Follow the Leader. All humans have this innate part of our nature which seeks to follow someone; whether it's for validation, a sense of belonging or simply to find purpose. We are always seeking to align ourselves with others who we deem as being knowledgeable, influential or successful. When a person becomes a Christian, they are pledging their allegiance, not to a religion or to a church, but to a person...Jesus; the one who lived, died, and rose again. To be a Christian is to follow a leader, King Jesus. In part two of this series, look at another place Jesus went on a regular basis: To the lost and broken. The question we need to ask ourselves is simple, "Do we follow our leader to those places too?"

Being a Christian isn't complicated. It may not be easy, but it's not complicated. A Christian simply does the things Jesus did. In this new sermon series to start 2025 we will focus in on four places Jesus went on a regular basis. As his disciples we want to replicate these four rhythms into our weekly routines so that we can become more like Jesus. To kick off this series, one of our elders, Jerry Anthony will be examining how Jesus made a regular habit of going to secluded places to pray to his Heavenly Father. To to learn more about how this can dramatically impact your relationship with Jesus check out part one of Following The Way.

The concluding sermon in our sermons series through the book of Acts.

In recent years our culture has really tapped into the power of testimony. Groups and assemblies of storytellers sharing wisdom gleaned from personal experiences have been cropping up in the US and Canada. Listeners are motivated, inspired, and guided. ‌ Confessional style storytelling of average people has been popularized by a non-profit called The Moth. They stage over 500 shows per year across the US. The Moth Radio Hour was launched in 2009 and is now on 500 public radio stations and has one million weekly listeners. The Moth's weekly podcast is downloaded over 73 million times annually. Executive Director Sarah Haberman told Forbes that "no matter where you're from and whatever your background, your story has the power to unite people, to break down walls—even when you can't be in the same room. That pursuit feels urgent right now." ‌ Author Richard Wagamese wrote: "All that we are is story. ... It is what we arrive with. It is all we leave behind. We are not the things we accumulate. We are not the things we deem important. We are story."

The apostle Paul in Acts chapter 26 has this monumental task of sharing the the good news of Jesus with a very influential audience: Governor Festus and King Agrippa II. There were probably a number of different strategies Paul considered while waiting to address these dignitaries. However, despite impressive education and vast knowledge of Scripture, Paul chose to simply tell his story. Is this a lesson we should consider when it comes to sharing the gospel? Your story, whether you realize it or not, is compelling. Think of how many times you have been convinced to do something simply based off of someone's personal experience. This is why one of the most powerful resources you have in sharing the good news about Jesus is your story of faith. Here's why: Your story opens hearts so God's story can change hearts. To learn more give a listen to part 15 of our series, To The Ends of the Earth.

Everyone knows that a letter carrier has one job—deliver the mail. Apparently a Brooklyn mailman spent a decade avoiding his job by intentionally hoarding over 40,000 pieces of mail over a ten-year period. In September 2014, Joseph Brucato admitted hiding over a ton of mail (2,500 pounds to be exact) meant for customers in Flatbush since 2005, according to a Brooklyn federal court complaint.

A postal supervisor became suspicious that Brucato was up to something weird when he noticed his personal car was stuffed with undelivered letters. Investigators pressed Brucato about the letter cache, and he admitted hoarding priority, first-class, and regular mail that had once been headed for Brooklyn businesses and residents in Flatbush. It took five postal agents five hours to remove the massive stash of purloined letters from his apartment. If convicted, Brucato faces up to five years in prison.

In Acts 17 the apostle Paul strolls into the great city of Athens, the epicenter of culture, philosophy and art even during the Roman empire. Athens wasn't going to be an easy city to share the good news about Jesus. A plethora of idols and altars adorned the city and the talk of the town always focused on the latest and greatest philosophy's of the day. Needless to say, it was a tough crowd. Yet it didn't deter Paul, he had a message of hope to deliver...and deliver he did! (Acts 17:22-34) The same goes for anyone who carries the name Christian. A disciple of Jesus is in many ways a "mail carrier" of the gospel; delivering good news to the ends of the earth. This means, as followers of Christ we have a very important decision to make: Will we hoard the mail or will we deliver it? In this sermon you will discover the apostle Paul's strategy for sharing the gospel with the people of Athens. In so doing, you can learn how you too can utilize this method of delivering the good news in our everyday lives.

Visitors to a museum in Rome might be struck by four partially finished sculptures. These were figures Michelangelo originally intended to use on the tomb of Pope Julius, but midway through the project he decided not to use them and ceased work on them. There is a hand protruding here, a torso of a man there, a leg, part of a head, but none are finished.

Nearly everyone who sees these works senses the turmoil, the struggle embodied in these figures. It is as though they are crying to break free from the prison of the marble to become what they were intended to be.

Author Theodore Roder looked on these four figures that Michelangelo called "The Captives" and wrote, "When I looked at those partial figures, they stirred up in me a deep longing to be completed—an ache to be set free from that which distorts and disguises, imprisons and inhibits my humanness, my wholeness. But as with those statues, I cannot liberate myself. For that I need the hand of another."

The message of the gospel tells us that through King Jesus, "the hand of another" has reached in to set us free and shape us for a life of purpose. In Acts chapter 16 we see this lived out as the apostle Paul and his team make their way into Europe on their second missionary journey. On this adventure they encounter three specific individuals looking for freedom, and through the message of the gospel they find it. In this sermon we will discover how we too can be "unshackled" from our burdens and set free to participate in the mission of the Kingdom.

Acts chapter 15 is probably the most pivotal section in a book loaded with monumental moments. Tension builds as the Jewish Christians wrestle with what is essential for salvation, as multitudes of Gentiles pour into the Jesus movement. Is circumcision required? What about the food laws? Does the Sabbath still need to be honored? This obviously doesn't seem like a big deal to us because we are many years removed from this controversy. However it is still incredibly relevant, because as Christians we still have this tendency of adding on extra requirements for salvation; church attendance, being a good person, and various other religious and cultural traditions. The lesson we all need to learn, and strive to pursue, comes from the apostle Peter as he stands among the church leaders in Jerusalem and gives this powerful charge: "Now then, why do you try to test God by putting on the necks of Gentiles a yoke that neither we nor our ancestors have been able to bear? No! We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are." ~ Acts 15:10-11 Despite this radical message of grace, we still find ways of binding up grace and adding burdens for people seeking new life in Jesus...including ourselves. In this sermon episode we will explore some of those burdens and discover that now, more then ever, we need to live out this message of unbounded grace.

At the height of Jesus' ministry in Galilee there was this particular scene when the crowds were approaching him (and the disciples), in what looked like a "sea of wheat". In that moment, Jesus says these words: "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field." ~ Matthew 9:37-38 The disciples of course are thinking of the scores of Jewish people surging to see the Messiah. Little did they know, in just a few years, they would be experiencing a tidal wave of Samaritan and Gentile crowds who were hungry to experience the good news about Jesus! The problem: 12 apostles can only go so far. Thankfully, these disciples of Jesus knew how to make more disciples, so that as the doors of opportunity opened for Gentiles to hear the gospel, they were well equipped to scale the movement...and here we are! The harvest was plentiful and the workers responded. Here's a question worth pondering: Is the harvest still plentiful? To learn more, check out the next part of our sermon series, To The Ends of the Earth.

The first part of the book of Acts begins with Jesus' final command to his disciples. Here's a refresher if you've forgotten. "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." ~ Acts 1:8 Was Jesus serious? I know, it's a strange question but hear me out. To command his disciples to be on the mission of making disciples from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth means they are going to need to be prepared to face adversity and challenges, but it also means they must go and engage people who are very different then they are. Was Jesus serious? This will be the ongoing tension throughout the book of Acts as the disciples grapple with Jesus' command to be witnesses to all people, even those who are outsiders. This issue is significant, and one we will explore this Sunday in Acts chapter 10. However, it also presses us to consider the same command Jesus gave you and I. If I'm a follower of Jesus, then I'm on the same mission--not only because King Jesus told to me to, but because at some point someone shared the Gospel with me (an outsider) and it changed my life! To continue this important dialogue check out part ten of To The Ends of the Earth.

Jesus tells this story about how God is like a shepherd looking for his lost sheep. "Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn't he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, 'Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.' ~ Luke 15:4-6 In this story Jesus is teaching us a valuable lesson about God: lost people matter to him. It doesn't matter who they are or what they have done, he is intent on pursuing them! The disciples of Acts chapter 8 & 9 must put this lesson into action as they are challenged by the Holy Spirit to pursue two "lost sheep". What can we learn from these events as we journey with Jesus on this same mission? To be a part of the conversation, check out part nine of To the Ends of the Earth.

Giant redwoods are the most massive individual trees on earth. The redwood can grow to 270 feet tall and 25 feet in diameter. You might think that something that huge must have an incredible root system that goes down deep in order to stand that tall. This is not the case at all. The redwood tree has no tap root and remarkably shallow roots—only five or ten feet deep.

It seems to violate the laws of physics that they can stay upright for hundreds – even thousand – of years. That is, until you know one more fact: the redwoods grow in thick groves because their shallow roots are intertwined, and over time, fused together. They start out as individuals and become one with others as they mature and grow.

So, beneath the surface of these incredible statuesque trees are roots like an army of men who have their arms interlocked and supporting each other. They are preventing the adversaries of life from knocking each other down.

In our divisive culture, the image of unity as displayed by the redwood trees seems like a mirage. However, this is exactly what the church is supposed to be! A group of diverse people, standing together as one--an image unlike anything our culture can muster. Yet, more often then not the church fails to live up to this standard of unity. What divides our culture seems to find its way into the church and splinters Jesus followers into different groups. How can we overcome our differences and live as one? Acts chapter six tells of a potential situation which threatens to tear the church in Jerusalem apart. Jesus' followers obediently follow his teachings and the problem is solved, the differences are healed and the church multiplies! To learn how to utilize these principles in your life and in our church give a listen to part 8 of...To The Ends of the Earth.

The book of Acts introduces us to the birth of what we often refer to as the church. This fledgling community of Jesus followers are modeling God's Kingdom through their love, generosity, fellowship and disciple-making; the residents of Jerusalem are taking notice! Then seemingly out of nowhere a very disappointing event happens, very similar to that moment when your brand new vehicle gets a scratch. The new, shiny, clean looking church gets it's first blemish--and it's a bad one. In Acts chapter five a husband and wife want to be very generous like everyone else in the community, so they sell their land and tell everyone that they gave the proceeds to the church. The truth is, they didn't give what they said they gave, and the fallout is very troubling. What lessons can we learn for today, as we strive to live as Jesus followers in his church? On Sunday, guest preacher Jared Nassiff will use the events of Acts chapter five to remind us that following Jesus leads us to a life of authenticity and freedom; the type of community we all long for. To learn more, check out part seven of To The Ends of the Earth.

Acts chapter four begins with a very tense moment. Two key leaders of this still relatively small group of Jesus followers have been arrested by the governing Temple officials. There is a sudden pause in the enthusiasm for following Jesus as Peter and John now have to stand in front of the power brokers of the city. In this pivotal moment for the first disciples, we pay close attention to their response, but also their courageous decision to press forward with the mission they have been given. These examples help teach us a valuable lesson about how we are to respond when life becomes difficult because of our allegiance to King Jesus. In this teaching, one of our elders, Jerry Anthony will continue our sermon series To The Ends of the Earth by pointing out where each of these Christians found their courage to carry on in the face of adversity.

When Jesus told his disciples they were to be his witnesses from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8), do you think he was serious? Do you think he believed such a mission could be accomplished? Of course he was serious...and most certainly he knew the ends of the earth was a reachable goal! The early disciples believed he was serious too, and as Acts chapter three opens we see two apostles employ a strategy to make Jesus famous. What can we learn from their strategy? Are there some tools we can use to help us carry on the mission of being a witnesses to the ends of the earth? In this episode we will dive into the text and discover how we can each employ some of these same strategies into our everyday lives.

When one begins a new job, class or project there is this understanding that to be successful one must develop a rhythm, or routine to discipline oneself so as to accomplish the task. For example you show up to work on time, turn in your assignments when they are due, or make sure and follow the step by step directions. Simple, right? Not always as many of us can attest. Sometimes we just lack discipline. However, sometimes we just don't know what to do. We need someone to show us the way. For a disciple of Jesus what is the routine, or rhythm one must devote themselves to? Luke, the author of the book of Acts, concludes chapter two with an emphasis on four rhythms the early disciples devoted themselves...and the results were stunning! Is it possible that we could find similar results if we committed ourselves to a similar routine? To consider what this might look like in your life listen to part four of To The Ends of the Earth.

Here's the challenge: How do you convince someone to do something? Now, I'm not including parents, coaches, or bosses--you have certain advantages you can leverage. For this challenge I want you to focus in on how to convince your peers; co-workers, friends and family members to do a specific something (the actual something is up to you). After some research, here's a potential strategy one could use:

Use clear language. ... Base your argument on facts or your experience. ... Match the other person's voice and body language with your own. ... Express your opinion reluctantly and use persuasive words. ... Get your timing right and be persistent. ... Pay genuine compliments. ... Be honest and energetic.

Now we need to put this to the test. I'm sure there's a project or two that needs to get done and someone needs to persuade another someone to do it!

Now consider this challenge: How do you convince someone to follow Jesus? As we pick up with part three of our Acts sermon series, we find the apostle Peter taking center stage and addressing the gathered crowd. In his sermon, he provides a series of convincing reasons why Jesus is worthy of giving one's allegiance to. Considering our mission is to be witnesses of Jesus to those around us, we can probably learn a thing or two from the apostle Peter on how to convince someone to follow Jesus. To learn Peter's strategy for sharing the Gospel make sure and listen to part three of To The Ends of the Earth.

For a lot of Christians, there is this desire to want to be in a deeper relationship with God and experience the power of the Holy Spirit. The usual way most people approach this goal is through more in depth Bible study, a new book by a Christian author, more spiritual experiences through worship, or a more stringent pursuit of spiritual disciplines. All of these are good, and helpful, however they all are missing one crucial element: Risk. To really experience the Holy Spirit working in your life one must step outside of their comfort zone, do something that you can't do on your own...something risky, even scary! Maybe share your faith with a friend, step up your level of generosity, be willing to serve in a way you don't feel equipped to do. What is something risky the Holy Spirit is leading you to do? What we see consistently throughout the book of Acts is the Holy Spirit engaging in the lives of people to empower them for a mission outside of their comfort zones. In this sermon we will explore Acts chapter two as the Holy Spirit is poured out on the early Jesus followers. What we will discover can help you to radically experience not only a closeness with God, but the power of the Holy Spirit as well.

Most of us at some point in life (usually in a season of chaos) stop and ask the question: What on earth am I here for? There are a lot of different places to try and find the answer to that question. With today's technology one could use artificial intelligence like ChatGPT, there's always the old reliable Google and of course the trusted public library. However, even in that vast collection of data and knowledge, how can one know what is true? As one opens the book of Acts, Jesus engages his apostles with a mission, a life purpose that would take them from Jerusalem, Samaria to the ends of the earth. Is it possible that that same purpose is ours as well? To learn more take a few minutes and give a listen to part one of To The Ends of the Earth.

Greed. It's a difficult stronghold to overcome because the truth is, greed is hard to see in the mirror. It's really easy to see in other, but for ourselves...not so much. However, recent studies from over last decade, substantiate this claim: "Zogby recently conducted a large benchmark poll in which respondents identified "greed/materialism" as the number one "most urgent problem in American culture." "Poverty/economic justice" finished in second place. In a 2014 Vanity Fair poll, 78 percent of Americans disagreed with the famous Gordon Gekko quote "Greed is good." Only 19 percent agreed. A recent poll of Economist readers asked "What is the deadliest sin?" and, greed ranked number one. But, surprisingly, although everyone thinks greed is a terrible problem, most people don't think they are greedy. The BBC conducted a poll on the seven deadly sins (anger, envy, gluttony, greed, lust, pride and sloth), greed was last on the list in answer to two questions: Which sin have you ever committed? and Which sin have you committed in the past month? Plenty of Brits copped to being lazy, proud, envious and angry. But greedy? Seventh out of seven, last on the list. Tim Keller, argues "even though it is clear that the world is filled with greed and materialism, almost no one thinks it is true of them … Greed hides itself from the victim."

The fact is, to a certain degree, we all struggle with greed; no matter how little or much money one may have. What makes greed so dangerous is that it can be a stronghold which keeps us from growing as a disciple of Jesus--which is why he talked so much about it. Even more then the topics of hell and judgement, Jesus had more to say about money and possessions...and it wasn't because he wanted more money and possessions! Jesus taught on this topic so much because he knew it was the greatest obstacles in living as a citizen of the Kingdom of God. Check out part four of our sermon series, Mindset, and discover how Jesus instructs us on how to think differently about our money and possessions.

So, you're trying to sleep, and it's well after bedtime. But you're tossing and turning and unable to get comfy. You notice you're replaying the same scenario in your head. Some vision of tomorrow, of what might happen, how a hope could be dashed. If you've had this experience, you're far from alone.

Researcher Lucas LaFreniere, Ph.D. said, "This is what breaks my heart about worry. It makes you miserable in the present moment to try and prevent misery in the future. For chronic worriers, this process leads them to be continually distressed all their lives in order to avoid later events that never happen. Worry sucks the joy out of the 'here and now.'"

In his study on worry, participants were asked to record their worries and how they caused distress and interfered with their lives. Each night at 10 pm, they reported how much time they spent thinking on each specific worry throughout the day. Then, 20 days after that period, they reviewed each entry and reported whether any of the worries had become true.

The good news is, LaFreniere's study found that in his survey of worrisome people, 91.4 percent of their worries never actually happened.

Worrying caused only more misery and did nothing to help the worriers handle whatever they had been worrying about. So how can we change the way we think about worry? This is mainly because the hotly anticipated events never transpired. Remember what Jesus said: "Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?" (Matthew 6:25-34).

Funny thing, Jesus actually has a lot to say about worry. Take this teaching for example:

On Sunday Gabe Solis will be sharing a practical teaching the apostle Paul gives about how we can take Jesus' instruction and apply it to how we think about worry. To be a part of the conversation, give a listen to part three of Mindset.

A recent CBS news story asked this very important question: Why is everyone so angry? The story states: "According to a poll taken just before the pandemic, 84% of people think Americans are angrier than a generation before and 42% admitted that they themselves were angrier.

But what makes us so angry?

We asked online and logged more than 200 answers. Money was number one, with 32 responses mentioning the cost of living and the gap between the haves and have nots.

There were 30 votes for lousy politicians and a broken political system. Twenty-three blamed social media trolls and the peddling of unrealistic perfection.

Fourteen mentioned being overworked and underpaid. There were also votes for COVID, bad weather, traffic, and the media.

So, we know what's happening in the world, but what's happening in our brains? Why do we get angry and snap?"

It's easy to see that there are a lot of reasons why people get angry, but people from the beginning, have had to deal with things which cause anger. Could the issue be we just don't handle anger very well? This is a problem in which Christians struggle as well. Anyone who follows Jesus has had to face the harsh reality that more often then not, anger and it's consequences just don't magically go away. So what are we missing? How can we better respond when the rage begins to rise?

The foundation of this sermon series is that through Jesus we have a better way to handle issues like anger. Throughout the apostle Paul's ministry, one of his consistent teachings to believers is that they must not conform but be transformed. "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind," ~ Romans 12:2 The key is learning how to renew our minds, or simply put: change the way we think about emotions like anger. In part two of Mindset we will study one of the apostle Paul's teachings from his Ephesian letter specifically addressing anger. In this section of scripture we can begin to not only think differently about anger, but find freedom from it's control. We hope you find it to be helpful!

As some point, every single one of us believed something to be true only to later discover that it was completely false. A classic example would be [spoiler alert] the existence of Santa Claus. For many people when they were younger, they believed with all their heart in this existence of Santa. Their entire understanding of Christmas was based upon the jolly elf delivering presents to every child in the world in a sleigh pulled by flying reindeer. However at some point the crushing truth came out that mom and dad were playing the role of St. Nick (even eating the cookies). This crushing reality triggered an entire re-wiring of your young mind; you literally changed the way you think about Christmas!

As people put their faith in King Jesus, the way they view the world begins to radically change; views on people, relationships, money, politics, meaning and purpose...it all begins to change. The problem is sometimes we get hung up on certain ways of thinking that don't want to change, we call those barriers strongholds. A stronghold could be something like bitterness, control, jealousy, fear or anger. These strongholds are real and legitimate roadblocks to keeping us from living the life Jesus offers. In this new sermon series we are going to study the apostle Paul's teaching on how to breakthrough these strongholds in our lives and thus change the way we think. Here's what he teaches: "For though we live in the world we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." ~ 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 Check out this first sermon in this summer long journey of learning how to demolish a variety of different strongholds we all struggle with in our everyday lives.

The book of Revelation (notice there is no "s" on the end) is one of the most misunderstood books of the Bible. It is not a book that describes how the world is going to end nor is it written scare people (though there are some scary images). Revelation is a book written to give hope and encouragement to Christians who were facing hardship and persecution in first century Asia Minor. The main message of the book is to remain faithful to King Jesus and don't compromise no matter what the cost. The reason this message is often lost on most readers is because it was written in a unique, yet common style of writing called Apocalyptic literature. The genre is described this way by Tim Mackie from Bible Project: "Apocalyptic literature is a prophet's symbolic dreams and visions that reveal God's Heavenly perspective on history and current events so that the present could be viewed in light of history's final outcome." With this definition in hand, what we have in the book of Revelation is God's "Big Picture" plan of how history, and real time events are working to lead to the realization of God's Kingdom coming to fulfillment in a New Heaven and a New Earth.

At the center of God's plan to bring about this fulfillment is Jesus. In Revelation there are three distinct images of Jesus given: a high priest, a slain lamb, and a king on a white horse. These three descriptions are essential in reminding the readers as to who Jesus is, the roles that he plays in our lives and why he is worthy of our allegiance and worship.

Give a listen to the conclusion of our Big Picture sermon series by taking a closer look at who Jesus is and why devoting our lives to him leads us to the destination our hearts desire.

One can't have a discussion regarding The Big Picture of the Bible without talking about God's Kingdom. From Genesis to Revelation, God's Kingdom pops up (though subtle at times) everywhere. Then, when Jesus arrives on the scene it literally becomes his main preaching point through out his ministry: "The time has come," he said. "The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!" ~ Mark 1:15 This gospel message from Jesus was a call for people to leave their old kingdoms and join God's Kingdom. Jesus pushes this idea even further when he says our prayers should include a request that God's Kingdom would advance on earth. We are to pray: "your kingdom come your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven." ~ Matthew 6:10 The Kingdom of God was a big deal to Jesus. The question we must answer is this: Is the Kingdom of God a big deal for us?

We all are a part of a kingdom, be it our personal kingdoms, the kingdom of politics, or any kingdom of power in the world today. The problem with these kingdoms is that while they seemingly appear to offers us something, in reality they take, divide, and ultimately use...only to cast us away. On the other hand, Jesus tells us that in God's Kingdom the last are first, that those who mourn will be comforted, that those who are meek will inherit the earth, and that those who are peacemakers will be called children of God. What a dramatically different description then what we see in the kingdoms of our world. In this latest installment of the Big Picture we discover why it is worth pledging our allegiance God's Kingdom.

A woman in Sunderland, England nearly leapt to her death in 2018 from Wearmouth Bridge, very well known as a place where people come to end their lives. She now returns to that site regularly to post messages encouraging others who are having a rough time to get help.

Paige Hunter, now 21, says that when she was a teenager suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, she found herself standing at the edge of the bridge, thinking about ending it all. That's when a pair of Good Samaritans approached Hunter, telling her "You are worth so much more than this."

That not only stopped her from jumping, but changed her life. The next day, Hunter wrote those eight words that were told to her on several pieces of paper and posted them all over the bridge where she had her epiphany. That's where her campaign, Notes of Hope, began.

Since then, Hunter said she's left over 1,000 laminated, handwritten messages on the Wearmouth Bridge encouraging others struggling with mental health issues to seek help. She's received lots of feedback and thinks she's saved dozens of lives through her efforts—and even improved her own. Hunter said, "It's definitely therapeutic for me to write these messages."

25-year-old Callum Doggrell said his life was saved by Hunter's efforts. "I was going through a really rough patch, and I was at a point in my life where I didn't want to be here anymore," he said. That was in early 2019. He thought about his one-year-old son and other loved ones and decided to push past his trouble and carry on. He and Hunter are now in contact.

We can't talk about The Big Picture of the Bible without spending some time with it's most famous verse: "16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." ~ John 3:16 We learn that God so loves his creation that he is willing to give his son to save people and generously provide them with eternal life. In a truly stunning move, God demonstrates the value of people; they are worth the sacrifice of his son. This amazing news means everything to those who believe in Jesus. To find ourselves in a place of despair and hopelessness only to discover there is a savior who can change the narrative forever! It reminds me of Paige Hunter's story and how words of hope can change everything. Paige took those words of hope and found a mission to help others. What about followers of Jesus? Do we not carry the same type of mission? There is a shift that occurs when a person chooses to follow Jesus. Before following Jesus we live as if the world revolves around us. However, in following Jesus we move into second place...the place where King Jesus and his mission takes first place in our lives. If our savior humbled himself to save us, shouldn't that be our posture as well? Check out part eight of The Big Picture and learn how to live a life of "second place" and take up the mission of Jesus.

The fine-tuning of the universe is shown in the precise strengths of four basic forces. Gravity is the best known of these forces, and the weakest, with a relative strength of 1. Next comes the weak nuclear force that holds neutrons together inside an atom. It is 1034 times stronger than gravity but works only at subatomic distances. Electromagnetism is 1,000 times stronger than the weak nuclear force. The strong nuclear force—which keeps protons together in the nucleus of an atom—is 100 times stronger yet. If even one of these forces had a slightly different strength, the life-sustaining universe we know would be impossible.

If gravity were slightly stronger, all stars would be large, like the ones that produce iron and other heavier elements, but they would burn out too rapidly for the development of life. On the other hand, if gravity were weaker, the stars would endure, but none would produce the heavier elements necessary to form planets.

The weak nuclear force controls the decay of neutrons. If it were stronger, neutrons would decay more rapidly, and there would be nothing in the universe but hydrogen. However, if this force were weaker, all the hydrogen would turn into helium and other elements.

The electromagnetic force binds atoms to one another to form molecules. If it were either weaker or stronger, no chemical bonds would form, so no life could exist.

Finally, the strong nuclear force overcomes the electromagnetic force and allows the atomic nucleus to exist. Like the weak nuclear force, changing it would produce a universe with only hydrogen or with no hydrogen.

In sum, without planets, hydrogen, and chemical bonds, there would be no life as we know it. Besides these four factors, there are at least twenty-five others that require pinpoint precision to produce a universe that contains life. Getting each of them exactly right suggests the presence of an Intelligent Designer.

Source: Charles Edward White, "God by the Numbers," Christianity Today (March 2006)

Every day we go about our lives, moving from one project to the next, not even stopping to marvel at how fortunate we are to even exist. To pause and consider that every little detail, from gravity to electromagnetic force, is precisely fine tuned for us to live and move about on this planet is truly remarkable. It's even more remarkable when you realize who made it happen. The apostle Paul writes: "For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities,; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together." ~ Colossians 1:16-17 If Christ Jesus is the one who created gravity, and if he is the one who rules over all powers and authorities, and if in him all things hold together, what could he do with your life of chaos? To consider what a life with Jesus at the center looks like, check out part seven of the Big Picture!

Listen to guest preacher David McCoy continue with part six of our sermon series, The Big Picture.

Evan Osgood, the student ministry pastor from Antioch Christian Church continues our sermon series in part five of The Big Picture.

In middle school there was a very sophisticated way to determine if someone wanted to be boyfriend/girlfriend: We sent a note. Not just any old note mind you. The note was usually discreetly carried by an entrusted friend who would deliver the precious cargo while avoiding the scanning eyes of the teacher. The note simply read: Do you like me? Below were a series of boxes. One box indicated YES. Another box was NO. A third box was, MAYBE. Your job was to mark the appropriate box, get the message back to the trusted carrier, and depending on the box you marked, either make someone's day or break their heart. Millions of pre-teen relationships were formed in this somewhat risky, yet safer way of asking the universal question: Do you want a relationship with me?

God's design for all of creation was for it to live in perfect community. We were made for relationship with God and with every other human. However, because of the rebellion against God's design, humans now live in this broken world where they were made for relationship, yet so uncertain if God or other people will even accept them. Therapist, Edie Weinstein puts it this way: ‌ "I have sat with clients of all ages who have expressed feeling like an outsider who doesn't quite fit in, a square peg in a round hole, so different from others that they may have come from another planet. Some are adults, some children and teens and what they have in common is a longing to belong." We all have a longing to belong and the good news of the Bible is that God wants you to belong in his human family! In part four of The Big Picture we will discover how we can know that God "marked the YES box" and the impact that invitation can have on our lives and our relationships with others. To learn more, give a listen to part four of The Big Picture!

There's a well-known story about a famous violinist who took his $3.5 million Stradivarius onto a platform of a Washington DC subway and started playing music. He was dressed in a T-shirt and a ball cap. Joshua Bell was accustomed to playing for packed concert halls and getting paid $1,000 a minute. During his 43-minute solo concert in the subway a total of 1097 people passed by. But only seven people stopped to listen. He earned $32 in change.

J.T. Tillman, a computer specialist, was one of the people who walked by. He said, "I didn't think nothing of it, just a guy trying to make a couple of bucks." Tillman would've given him some cash, but he spent all his money on the lotto. When he was told that he stiffed one of the best musicians in the world, he asked, "Is he ever going to play around here again?" The reporter said, "Yeah, but you're going to have to pay a lot to hear him."

Exactly one person recognized Joshua Bell. Her name was Stacy. She positioned herself 10 feet away from Bell, front row, center. She had a huge grin on her face. She said, "It was the most astonishing thing I've ever seen in Washington. Joshua Bell was standing there playing at rush-hour, and people were not stopping, and not even looking, and some more flipping quarters at him! Quarters! I was thinking, 'Oh my gosh, what kind of a city do I live in that this could happen?'"

In Genesis chapter three we read about this event often referred to as The Fall. A perfect garden paradise called Eden, two humans made in the image of God caring for the beautiful space and living in a everyday relationship with God. Everything is running according to design until a spiritual being, taking on the appearance of a snake, tempts the couple with a crafty half truth, and in a moments notice everything is thrown into disarray! The story of the Bible is about how God works to bring goodness back to from chaos. The good news of Scripture tells us that God invades the fallen world as Jesus of Nazareth. His job is to atone for the sin, but there's also another very important job as well: show people what it means to be human. Jesus is the perfect human and he models for us what it looks like to live as imagers of God here on earth. What does any of this have to do with one of the greatest violin players in the world going unnoticed in a subway? Every day, Christians ignore the beautiful transformation that King Jesus gives us. The apostle Paul writes: "take off your former way of life, the old self that is corrupted by deceitful desires, to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, the one created according to God's likeness in righteousness and purity of the truth." ~ Ephesians 422-24 CSB Everyday we go about our busy lives, looking like everyone else...all the while ignoring the beautiful example King Jesus provides us about how to live as God's people. To learn more give a listen to part three of The Big Picture.

My wife Suzi loves puzzles and is a master at putting them together. Me on the other hand, when I look at a pile of jigsaw puzzle pieces, immediately thinks, "Chaos!" This is why I'm so amazed at how Suzi opens a puzzle box, and immediately employs her meticulous strategy, and within a handful of hours, has assembled a beautiful picture...with every piece in it's place! The Bible opens with these words: "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters." ~ Genesis 1:1-2 Two important truths we discover from these verses. 1) God created. There is an author, creator, architect, and designer. This is an important truth and must not be dismissed. To not be able to assign origin and design to someone or something can cause a person to feel untethered, anxious. To know where we come from and why we are here is essential in living a live of clarity and purpose. The good news of the Bible tells us that God is the Creator. 2) Chaos. The words, "formless and empty" convey the idea of chaos; just like a heaping pile of jigsaw puzzle pieces. Yet, God takes the chaos and begins to bring order, structure, meaning and purpose to all of creation. All of us have had moments in our lives where it felt like we were living in complete chaos; be it our finances, relationships, emotions, or our thinking. The good news of the Bible tells us that the Creator can bring something good from our chaos.

To learn how these truths apply to your life, make sure and listen to part two of The Big Picture.

So many of us do it: You get into bed, turn off the lights, and look at your phone to check social media one more time. Before you know it, you've spent hours incessantly scrolling through X, Tik-tok or Reels...a bottomless doom-and-gloom of negative information, thoughtless antics and cheap entertainment.

This habit has become known as doomscrolling--the act of consuming an endless procession of negative or meaningless online content. According to a recent survey from the Pew Research Center, 66% of Americans feel worn out by the amount of news available. Other articles have found connections between doomscrolling and mental health issues like depression and anxiety, not to mention the impact on quality sleep.

Recently, Dictionary.com named doomscrolling one of its "New Words We Created Because of Coronavirus." There's something else in the etymology, though. Particularly in the word doom. The act of doomscrolling, then, is to roll toward annihilation. Kind of an eerie word if you look at it that way. The bigger point in all of this lies in the simple truth: You become what you consume. The result of doomscrolling over time is a hunger for good news. News that satisfies, brings hope, give life, provides joy, and is true. In this new sermon series, we begin a journey of good news. In The Big Picture series, we will discover the singular good news message of the Bible and how we can track it every part of scripture. This series is going to provide us with a great opportunity to better grasp the grand narrative of the Bible. Give a listen to part one of the Big Picture, and join the conversation!