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179-The Christian Lifestyle
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179-The Christian Lifestyle
– November 10, 2023The Christian Lifestyle
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178-It's All About the Means of Grace
– November 3, 2023The core of any church should be the means of grace because that is how God connects to His people. Acts 2:37-47.
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177-Do You Know the Way?
– October 27, 2023Jesus does more than show the way. He is the Way.
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176-Lead Us Not Into Temptation
– October 27, 2023Jesus does more than show the way. He is the Way.
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175-Deliver Us From Evil
– October 13, 2023God promises a limit to evil and suffering, and he is the one who sets the boundaries. Right now. And forever.
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174-Perfect Prayer
– October 6, 2023By watching Jesus pray in Gethsemane as he faces his own horrible death, we learn how he perfectly dealt with the worst suffering for us. When we face our own struggles, even death, we follow his lead like when we paint a copy of a masterpiece found in a paint by numbers craft. Our prayer looks similar to his, but it's only an imperfect replica. He doesn't mind.
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173-Faith Filled Fools
– September 29, 2023The world calls Christianity foolish, but God used what seems foolish to demonstrate his great wisdom.
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172-Our Friendship With Jesus is Durable
– September 22, 2023Our friendship with Jesus is durable because Jesus sees the bigger picture and has a plan to restore us.
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171-How Do We Know What God's Will Is?
– September 15, 2023We can spend too much time trying to figure out the will of God he doesn’t expect us to know, and too little time following the will of God we do know.
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170-God Loves Us, Even When We Make Mistakes
– September 8, 2023God’s grace is so big that he will never let a silly sinner get him off track of saving souls.
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169-Jesus Anointed at Bethany
– September 1, 2023The woman anointing Jesus will go down in history because she shows how precious Jesus is.
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168-God Executes His Plan
– August 25, 2023God intervenes to execute his perfect plan for salvation
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167-Confidence in Christ
– August 18, 2023Pastor Davison looks at Joshua 1:1-9 and explains why we can have full confidence in Christ.
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166-Forgive Like You Are Forgiven
– August 11, 2023If God really forgave us just like we forgive others, what would happen? If we forgave others just like God forgives us, what would happen?
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165-God-Given Anti-Venom
– July 28, 2023The only cure for the venom of sin is Jesus Christ.
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164-What I Should Pray For
– July 21, 2023One of the most common struggles with prayer is what to say after, “Dear God.” It can sound like a list of silly demands. And the really big stuff is so monumental we sometimes don’t know where to begin. Help is here.
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163-Easter Peace
– July 14, 2023Bask in the resurrection peace that Jesus gives us in a life surrounded by threats.
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162-God Is So Unfair
– July 7, 2023Do you find life (or God) is unfair? Meet Jonah. The prophet who was called to preach repentance to a wicked city thought God’s patience was too long and his grace too abundant. Yet, it wasn’t until God taught Jonah personally about his patient grace toward the prophet that Jonah understood God’s love for the lost. Christians today who wonder about God’s fairness and the lost will find the personal grace they receive from God is the same grace God wants them to extend to their neighbor and the world.
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161-The Mystery of the Church
– June 30, 2023Paul has taught us in this letter that our salvation was God's plan executed by Jesus (Ch 1), and it's based on grace, which forms the basis of the Church (Ch 2). In Ch 3 he explains implications of grace in our relationships. Grace causes the Jew to love the Gentile and vice versa. Grace is an absolute "mystery" to the world and therefore the defining characteristic of Christ and his Church.
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160-God Speaks to Us Through The Bible
– June 23, 2023The unreal story of the rich man and poor Lazarus teaches us that the word of God is awesome!!
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159-Praying in God's Name
– June 16, 2023In a crowd of people if you hear your name, there’s this urge to go and hear what’s being said. God loves hearing his name and discovering what you have to say to him, or about him, in prayer.
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158-The Shrewd Manager
– June 9, 2023Unreal people with real life stories: The shrewd manager.
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157-Christian Unity
– June 2, 2023This lesson will clear up for so many of us why we see the divisions we see in the world. Spiritually speaking, sinful pride leads us to naturally create "dividing walls" that we deem lesser than us, to try to establish our own identity. But those of us who are "in Christ" are given unique resources to break down dividing walls of society as Jesus has broken down hostility for us.
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156-The Good Samaritan
– May 26, 2023The unreal story of the good Samaritan teaches us the way to heaven.
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155-Dear God, I Need You
– May 19, 2023Prayer doesn’t begin, or end, with any person or our performance. Prayer is powerful, meaningful, and effective because God our Father promises it.
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154-How Does God Feel About His Word?
– May 12, 2023God is incredibly excited about His Word because it works and because it makes us his partners in life.
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153-The Work of God
– May 5, 2023While John 3:16 might be still the most famous verse in the Bible, the reason Pastor James ended up theologically in the place that he did is as much due to this section from Ephesians 2 as anything. Paul here counters anyone who wants to plagiarize credit from God by making their conversion, their salvation, or their life about anything other than God's undeserved goodness and love. Our old identity is dead. Our new identity rises, by grace, in Christ Jesus.
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152-The Most Important Membership
– April 28, 2023The only membership that matters is membership with Jesus.
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151-Grace Over Grief
– April 21, 2023We learn from Judas that contrition is only half of what we need. We also need faith in God’s love.
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150-Giving with Joy
– April 14, 2023We have the opportunity to say "thank you" to God for all of his blessings to us through our financial offerings to the church, which support His work here on earth. Today's message is based on Exodus 35:4-19.
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149-The Marks of True Believers
– April 7, 2023John teaches us the marks of true believer are: 1. to believe Jesus was the God/man savior. 2. to believe the word of God is objective truth. 3. to love all people like Jesus does.
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148-Trusting During the Storms
– March 31, 2023This week we'll be studying Acts 27:1-44 as we worship under the theme "Trusting During the Storms." In one of the longest, most action-packed accounts of Paul's ministry, we learn the secret of finding calm in the middle of the storms of life. Paul's hopeful testimony is encouraging to everyone else in the boat. And we learn how Christians today can be a source of otherworldly optimism in a turbulent world.
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147-Put Your Faith In Jesus
– March 24, 2023During the storms of life, where should we put our trust in order to make it through?
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146-We Just Say What God Says
– March 17, 2023We just say what God says! Say it with sincerity, with the power to change lives and with gospel competence.
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145-It Doesn't Get Easier, You Get Stronger
– March 10, 2023At the end of the Book of Acts, Paul gets bit by a poisonous snake. Why is life so tough on this missionary? And why is life so tough for us? The answer appears to be that God is not simply trying to make us comfortable. He's trying to make us great, instruments of divine strength that are useful to building his Kingdom. It's an honor to be redemptive agents that cary the truth and love of Jesus our Savior.
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144-Friendly Love
– March 3, 2023"Faithful are the wounds of a friend. But the kisses of an enemy are deceitful." Proverbs 27:6
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143-Walking Together
– February 24, 2023"As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another." Proverbs 27:17
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142-God Works in Our Experiences
– February 17, 2023Your experiences matter to God and others. Not a single one is wasted, ever, but used by God for good.
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141-Stay Connected to Jesus
– February 10, 2023Staying connected to Jesus in His word and sacraments is the only way anyone of us can bear the fruit God looks for.
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140-God's Divine Plan
– February 3, 2023The Triune God had a plan for us before time even began. He knew us. He loved us. He chose us. And this was not because we were already holy, but to make us holy. This comes when we allow the Spirit to lead us to live, not for an identity, but from our new identity in Christ.
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139-Delight in Your Heart
– January 27, 2023At what moments in your life have you been most fully alive? What fascinates you? What do you really love to do? Delight in your heart. Like God does!
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138-The Righteousness of the Gospel
– January 20, 2023At the center of all biblical doctrine is Paul’s Letter to the Romans. And at the center of Romans is the notion of gifted “RIGHTEOUSNESS,” perhaps the most under-comprehended, under-appreciated teaching of the Bible.
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137-Christ Rules
– January 13, 2023Going back to the basics of what ascension means for us leads us to celebrate.
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136-Setting Your Priorities
– January 6, 2023What is the power behind Christian love? Anyone can love and serve their neighbor. So what makes a Christian any different than a good-doer?
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135-The Boast of the Gospel
– December 30, 2022Every human wants acceptance, love, and appreciation. In this world, we’re convinced we’ll have to work for it. The Apostle Paul would call that life pursuit-our “boast.” If we achieve what we’re working for, we become proud, if we fail, we hate ourselves. Both are dangerous. But what if there was a way to feel valid, without being arrogant? Can we be humble in success, but also content even after failure? The gospel offers a solution. The solution was for Abraham, and David and the apostle Paul teaches this through the study of the book of Romans 4:1-8.
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134-Use Your Abilities for God's Purpose
– December 23, 2022Are you doing what you were made to do? Most people are more aware of their weaknesses and deficiencies than their strengths and abilities. Get to know your God-given abilities, and how you can serve in your sweet spot.
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133-Battle Against Ourselves
– December 16, 2022In Romans chapter 6, Paul addressed the attitude that if Jesus paid for our sins, our sins must not matter anymore. Now, in chapter 7, he’s moving into teaching us how to better fight temptation. All Christians struggle with sin. But all Christians are also given a supernatural power to overcome. And the long-term answer to winning more battles is not merely in asserting greater willpower. We’ll look at a lesson on “War With Self” as we study Romans 7:14-25.
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132-Parents are God's Idea
– December 9, 2022Parents are God’s idea; honor, thank, forgive and support them.
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131-What Justification Brings
– December 2, 2022The Apostle Paul is shifting from making the radical statement that we are saved by grace (NOT performance or pedigree) through faith in chapters 1-4 to now teaching about how that impacts our present lives in chapters 5-8. This week we’ll learn 4 distinct and amazing implications of the Christian gospel as we worship under the theme “What Justification Brings” and study Romans 5:1-11.
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130-Sacrificial Love
– November 25, 2022This week we’re looking at the CORE VALUE of “Sacrificial Love."
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129-You Are God's Masterpiece
– November 18, 2022Celebrity life has its limits, but there is a greater fixer upper who wants a closer relationship with you.
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128-United to Christ
– November 11, 2022The Apostle Paul has clearly established that salvation comes as the gift of Christ Jesus, not through pedigree (who you are) or performance (what you do). The natural response for some listeners was to say, “Well, I guess what I do in my life doesn’t make any difference then. Are you saying my sins don’t matter?” Paul is directly addressing that logic and it’s supremely practical. Paul confronts everything you’ve ever been disgusted with in yourself or others in licentious, lukewarm, standardless Christianity. And he teaches us that if we are “United to Christ” we become instruments of righteousness.
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127-Try God's Secret Sauce
– November 4, 2022The Bible calls it God’s big secret. It’s a recipe. Have you tried it? Only if somebody has shared it with you.
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126-Slaves to Righteousness
– October 28, 2022In Romans 6, Paul is helping us work out the implications of “Justification” (i.e. God declares us “not guilty” of our sins because of Jesus’ work. That means eternal salvation! But what does it mean for my life RIGHT NOW?) If my sins don’t detract from my salvation, do they even matter? If good works don’t generate salvation, then why bother? Paul anticipates that logic and responds by giving us a lesson on what it means to be “Slaves to Righteousness” in Romans 6:19-23.
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124-Religious People Need the Gospel
– October 14, 2022In Romans, Paul teaches that the good news of Jesus is the only one-size-fits-all solution for humanity. The gospel is the thing that the pagan world desperately needs. The bad behaviors in society come when people suppress the truth of God and exchange it for a love of created things. Here, Paul teaches about another form of idolatry – a religious idolatry. Consequently, though they tend to be shocked by this revelation, religious people need the gospel just as much as the pagans. Paul will expound on this truth as we study Romans 2:17-29.
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123-Everyone Needs the Good News of Jesus
– October 7, 2022Humanity’s greatest need is reconciliation to the God we’ve rebelled against. Last week, the Apostle Paul told us that this reconciliation cannot come through man’s work, but only through Christ’s gift. This week, Paul adds the thought that the pagan world is not inherently interested in this “good news” of Jesus. This world inherently knows the truths of God, but suppresses those inconvenient truths, choosing to worship created things rather than a Creator God. And this idolatry drives all the bad behavior we see in the world, including our own. As we study Romans 1:18-25 this week, however, we’ll see what God does to solve the problem.
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122-Mercy for the Marginalized
– September 30, 2022Showing mercy to the marginalized means you are good. But receiving mercy from them—and from Jesus—means you are even better.
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121-Love Changes Families
– September 23, 2022When you know that you are loved by God, it changes you, your relationships and your family.
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125-Sibling Rivalry
– September 16, 2022What's your relationship like with your siblings? Does God care about your relationship with your siblings? He didn't create that relationship unintentionally.
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120-Like Kids
– September 16, 2022Jesus liked kids. Loving and kind, he welcomed them and their families with open arms. Jesus wants all of us, especially dads, to like kids, too. More than that, to be like kids ourselves.
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119-Say Yes to God
– September 9, 2022We think we’re good at multi-tasking, but we’re not actually multi-tasking. We are switch-tasking. At some point, we must say no, but how?
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118-Life by the Spirit
– September 2, 2022After explaining our justification (Romans chapters 1-4), and our the initial natural reactions of our flesh to that justification (Romans chapters 5-7), the Apostle Paul is now going to teach us about how to lead a “Life by the Spirit” (Rom. 8:5-17). This involves a radical redefining of WHO you are and WHAT you do in life.
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117-Breaking Hostility to Build Harmony
– August 26, 2022Hostility is heating up in our world whether in politics, racial segregation, immigration solutions, or even in church! This one thing is able to break hostility and build harmony.
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116-Good Christian Mentors Make Life About Jesus
– August 19, 2022The world is full of life coaches of every stripe: leadership, business, fitness and health. But finding a Christian mentor who makes life about Jesus gives the world a vertical relationship that radically changes horizontal relationships.
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115-Before and After Christ
– August 12, 2022Before-and-after pictures can demonstrate an incredible amount of work on a project, or a person. What would your spiritual before-and-after pictures reveal? God already knows!
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113-Change the Way We View Our Bosses
– July 29, 2022Change the way you view your bosses (and teachers) as the gospel changes your attitude toward work.
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112-Help When it Hurts
– July 22, 2022Even Jesus experienced grief, but it didn’t stop him from serving others. It actually helped him, and it helps us.
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111-Christ is Greater than Your Memories
– July 15, 2022Christ is greater than your memories. Exchange the lesser for the greater and press on toward the goal.
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110-Growing Wider and Deeper
– July 8, 2022Ants, popsicle sticks and students’ school pictures teach us lessons about church life.
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109-Foreigner to Friend
– July 1, 2022Being in a strange place around people you don’t know is among the most uncomfortable positions in life. Yet, that’s the position God calls believers to enter into with the gospel. Strangers may have a completely unfamiliar view to life than believers, but God wants even them to be familiar with Jesus, his Son.
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108-God's Winners are Fighters
– June 24, 2022Have you ever been bullied? Has your child ever been bullied? It’s happening a lot more than you realize, especially in your soul.
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107-Introduction to the Gospel
– June 17, 2022Paul’s first half of his letter to the Romans is considered, by many scholars, to be the most foundational of Christian writings. The Apostle Paul is the primary human agent that God uses to record the New Testament. The Apostle Paul lays out the essence of the gospel in the most comprehensive form. This week, we hear Paul stating that he is not “ashamed” of the gospel, we’ll be looking at the natural offense the message of Jesus is to human flesh, which is further proof as to why we need this gospel.
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106-Jesus is the Brightest Light
– June 10, 2022When it’s too dark for you to walk safely, or read a label, you just shine a brighter light. God shines an even brighter light. Be sure you can see it, and then be it.
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105-God's Purpose for the Church
– June 3, 2022God's purpose for the church is to grow us into His Son's likness and to give us a place to bless the growth of others.
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104-Jesus Wants our Interuptions
– May 27, 2022Jesus was intentional, loving, and kind when responding to those who interrupted him in his daily living. How interruptible are you?
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103-God's App for Enemies is Grace
– May 20, 2022God’s App for enemies is grace. With it you get His blessing and it brings your enemies to God.
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102-Jesus Always Works Here
– May 13, 2022A franchise player can help a team win championships. A highly talented coworker can help your company exceed expectations. Jesus is on your team and at work in your everyday life, for success even through storms.
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101-Friends Are A Gift From God
– May 6, 2022Friends are a gift from God. They are founded in love, made to last, are for the the benefit of the other and for your own benefit.
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100-The Resurrection is Everything
– April 29, 2022When it comes to witnessing, an area where many Christians get stuck is in debating peripherals – aspects of the sanctified life God intends for his people. In reality, the most important point of discussion is “Did Jesus rise?” Our willingness to submit to his will all hinges on whether or not he’s God. The Apostle Paul is excellent about always staying on task and we too can learn how to stay focused in spiritual discussions as we study Acts 13:26-44.
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99-Jesus is Love.mp3
– April 22, 2022The selfless love of Jesus: love it, live in it!
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98-Why Christians Are Called Christians
– April 15, 2022In Acts Chapter 11, after hearing three stories of conversion, we start to understand that the gospel is moving full force out into the Gentile world. Perhaps the best example of that is the church in Antioch under the leadership of Barnabas. Studying that location and that guy will give us a fantastic insight in how the Holy Spirit seeks to work through his churches in the city today. This week’s message comes from Acts 11:19-30.
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97-Faith in Jesus Leaves Fear Behind
– April 8, 2022Peace. Forgiveness. Joy. Who doesn't want more of those? Every time you are afraid, listen to Jesus' words, look at his wounds, and believe in them. You will experience more peace, forgiveness, and joy in your life.
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96-The Conversion of Saul
– April 1, 2022The Book of Acts tells us a great deal about conversion. Conversion is an essential part of Christianity. And while in one sense, our hearts are converted only once, in another sense, as our sinful unbelief it’s perpetually being fought by the Spirit, our hearts are continually converting. Saul of Tarsus, who turns from persecutor of Christians to famous missionary is perhaps the most famous conversion in history and there’s a ton to learn as we study Acts 9:10-19.
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95-Marriage Designed by God
– March 25, 2022Spouses reflect the relationship between Jesus and the church He died for: a self-sacrificial love that enjoys the blessings of friendship, intimacy and offspring.
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94-Jesus Calls Us His Children
– March 18, 2022"Family" is a core value that we celebrate this Sunday. By God's blessing, we are glad as children in God's family, in our own families, and in our church family.
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93-The Keys Plus the Holy Spirit
– March 11, 2022Jesus’ words are written so that we know he is the Christ and his ministry has power to give life.
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92-Jesus Calls Us to Trust Him
– March 4, 2022We will explore and learn that wherever life leads us, Jesus is leading life. Today is a lesson about faith and fishing.
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91-A Christian Community Even in Strange Places
– February 25, 2022The Book of Acts tells us the story of the Early Christian Church. By and large, what the Spirit of God moved the early Christians to believe and do would seemingly fully apply to us still today. This includes things like gospel proclamation, conversion, discipleship, communal love and healing. In the second quarter of Acts, we see numerous stories of conversion that should shape the way we understand Christianity, and inspire us to deeper discipleship, particularly extending ourselves into the lives of those drastically different from us. This week, we find an early church leader (Philip) evangelizing a highly talented, but spiritual lost foreigner (an Ethiopian eunuch.) There’s much to learn as we study Acts 8:26-40.
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90-21st Century Witnessing
– February 18, 2022We examine a fascinating account from Acts 14:8-21 in which the pagans in the city of Lystra don’t know what to make of Christian missionaries Paul and Barnabas. In fact, after witnessing a miracle, they start worshipping them as gods. This week we’ll examine what we can learn from this for our own witness.
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89-Treating Yourself Like God Does.mp3
– February 11, 2022Treat yourself like God does. You are his special creation, His dearly loved child, a sinner who needs help and a saint who has a unique impact.
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88-Jesus Our Good Shepherd
– February 4, 2022Caregiving requires such energy, especially for a long time. Fatigue is real, as is frustration. Jesus calls himself your perfect caregiver. Never fatigued or frustrated. The Good Shepherd.
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87-Jesus Is Your Shepherd.mp3
– January 28, 2022Sheep are among the most dependent creatures on earth. They cannot defend themselves. They are prone to sickness and disease. They make poor choices. Yet Jesus uses sheep to talk about people and describe God’s loving relationship with humankind.
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86-It's All in God's Plan.mp3
– January 21, 2022Jesus enters a scene of death, loss and disappointment. He himself weeps. But there is more going on here, and changes the entire picture to a scene of life and restoration.
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85-Our Relationship with God.mp3
– January 14, 2022First in our “Relationships” series we examine what God’s word has to teach us about our relationship with Him. Our relationship with God is simple, life-changing and challenging all at once.
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84-The Next Life.mp3
– January 7, 2022Will we be married in heaven? It’s not a question to which a simple “YES” or “NO” is a sufficient answer. It’s complicated. But it’s also beautiful. And it’s practical. That’s what made it a great test question when the Sadducees presented it to Jesus. His answer is paradigm-shifting. And in the process, Jesus exposes the real issue with the Sadducees, which is one that we unwittingly struggle with just as much. We’ll find out how to leverage the promises of heaven in our daily lives this week as we examine Matthew 22:23-33.
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83-A Spectacular Gift
– December 31, 2021When Jesus' enemies arrested him, they showed up with force. He showed them a little force of his own, only to prove that he would come willingly to the cross. Not by force, but by choice.
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82-Jesus_Comes_as_the_King.mp3
– December 24, 2021The Bible is filled with irony at its most crucial moments. When God becomes human at Christmas, he’s born in a barn, lower than most humans. When Jesus conquers Satan on Good Friday, it’s not the blood of enemies, but his own blood being poured out. When Jesus rises on Easter Sunday he appears first to women, who don’t legally qualify as witnesses. When God the Spirit evangelizes about Jesus at Pentecost, he does so through Peter, the guy who most famously had denied Jesus. Our salvation is thoroughly ironic, right down to the fact that we are saved by grace, not by works. All that said, I might argue that the event which most clearly teaches this irony, and the subsequent confusion of mankind, is that which takes place on the weekend prior to Holy Week – Jesus Coming as a King into the Holy City. We’ll learn what this teaches us and how to use it this Saturday as we study Matthew 21:1-11.
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81-Jesus' Unchanging Message
– December 17, 2021Jesus message for us is constant and unchanging. He still loves us, still takes care of us and still has holy work for us to do.
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80-The Light of the World
– December 10, 2021Have you adjusted to daylight savings time yet? More light means getting more done. As the Light of the world Jesus changes your darkness to accomplish his work in you, for you and through you.
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79-The Difference Between Works and Grace
– December 3, 2021A fallen human heart struggles to ascribe value to the right things. We are, by nature, misprioritizers. Since the word “worship” comes from the Old English “worth-ship” (meaning, to ascribe value), we should assume that without the guidance of God’s Word, we’re continually struggling with worshipping the wrong things. We need Word & Sacraments to aim us back in the right direction. Jesus offers a profound teaching on the nature of priorities through two very short parables which we’ll study from Matthew 13:44-46.
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78-Jesus is the Bread of Life
– November 26, 2021Nutritionists tell us that “enriched” wheat flour isn’t all that rich, actually. It’s stripped of nutrition, and it’s in more bread than you think. Jesus says, “I am the Bread of Life,” and promises real, lasting nourishment.
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77-What God is Like
– November 19, 2021What is God like? He's like a father who loves all of his children equally and unconditionally and he wants all of his children to love each other the way he does.
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76-I Am the Gate
– November 12, 2021Trial memberships end. Guest passes don’t provide entry into every room. Introductory rates automatically get expensive. Jesus says, “I Am the Gate,” and provides full access to God.
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75-How To Forgive
– November 5, 2021A fallen human heart struggles to ascribe value to the right things. We are, by nature, misprioritizers. Since the word “worship” comes from the Old English “worth-ship” (meaning, to ascribe value), we should assume that without the guidance of God’s Word, we’re continually struggling with worshipping the wrong things. We need Word & Sacraments to aim us back in the right direction. Jesus offers a profound teaching on the nature of priorities through two very short parables which we’ll study from Matthew 13:44-46.
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74-Love One Another
– October 29, 2021We sing and talk a lot about love in church, but what happens when we go home? Jesus calls believers to be active in love. Pastor Dan preaches on his famous new command: “Love one another. As I have loved you.”
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73-Sufficient Evidence
– October 22, 2021A fallen human heart struggles to ascribe value to the right things. We are, by nature, misprioritizers. Since the word “worship” comes from the Old English “worth-ship” (meaning, to ascribe value), we should assume that without the guidance of God’s Word, we’re continually struggling with worshipping the wrong things. We need Word & Sacraments to aim us back in the right direction. Jesus offers a profound teaching on the nature of priorities through two very short parables which we’ll study from Matthew 13:44-46.
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72-Love Difficult People
– October 15, 2021When someone wrongs us, we naturally want to exact revenge or at least hold the relationship in a stalemate until feelings are restored. The unconditional love of God breaks this mold because while we were still God’s enemies, he didn’t wait for us to make the first move. His love compels us to love even the unlovable and treat them as God treats us: with unconditional love.
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71-The Necessity of Priority
– October 8, 2021A fallen human heart struggles to ascribe value to the right things. We are, by nature, misprioritized. Since the word “worship” comes from the Old English “worth-ship” (meaning, to ascribe value), we should assume that without the guidance of God’s Word, we’re continually struggling with worshipping the wrong things. We need Word & Sacraments to aim us back in the right direction. Jesus offers a profound teaching on the nature of priorities through two very short parables which we’ll study from Matthew 13:44-46.
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70-Take the Master at His Word
– October 1, 2021Take the Master at His Word when He gives us His mission.
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69-The Danger of Judging
– September 24, 2021Pastor James shares insights in light of God's Word about the subject of judgment. Is it our job, or God's job to judge others. God always provides reasonable evidence for us to see his wisdom and love.
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68-The Secret to Contentment
– September 17, 2021What is truly a need? What does it mean to be in plenty? Pastor Don shares insights on how to learn and, understand the secret to contentment.
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Thinking in Reverse
– September 10, 2021When we are nothing, then Jesus is our everything. Blessings come to those who need them, not those who don’t. What does it mean to be blessed?
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God’s Limitless Love
– September 3, 2021If Jesus died to save all people, has his undeserved love gone too far?
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God is a God of Mercy
– August 27, 2021Mercy. It’s that thing we may not give, or receive enough of in our world today.
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A Peace that Finds You
– August 20, 2021Peace. We all seek it, but how do we get it? Where does it come from?
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With Open Eyes and Open Hearts
– August 13, 2021Sometimes we just ignore the truth. For example, we know some foods just aren’t healthy, but we eat them anyway. Why pay attention to the truth?
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New Life for Dead Ends
– August 6, 2021Some dead ends are really just u-turns from God.
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Christ and Culture
– July 27, 2021Our culture can be used as an influencer to shine a light on Christ. How are Christ and today’s culture connected?
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Easter Gives the Secret to the Happy Life
– July 20, 2021We have the gift of peace and forgiveness through the death and resurrection of Jesus. What does this mean for a happy life?
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Jesus is Not Afraid of our Fears
– July 13, 2021What does fear lead you to do? A shark attack story demonstrates the dimensions of human fear. An appearance by Jesus to his terrified disciples demonstrates the dimensions of divine love that reframes our fears.
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Stability in Accountability
– July 6, 2021It’s right there in the Bible. A specific case of sin and forgiveness in the church. And it still happens. Really. As God’s agent to rescue sinners from Satan’s schemes, the church practices a painful process of discipline, filled with love and joy.
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The Joy of a Forgiven Life
– June 27, 2021If you were to describe forgiveness in your life with one particular emotion, which would it be? Listen to some reasons why the Bible suggests “joy!”
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What to Expect When Repenting
– June 22, 2021Modern culture often avoids words like “repent” and “forgiveness” because they imply one has a crooked motive, or threatening nature. But, in Psalm 51 King David openly admits his hidden faults and trusts God to forgive.
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God Loves Marriage
– June 15, 2021Marriage is a God thing and a good thing despite what our world tells us. When God is not part of our marriage, it falls apart and we blame each other. But, God calls us back to learn about his unconditional love in Christ.
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Happy Spouse, Peaceful House
– June 8, 2021Grow closer to God and you’ll grow closer to your partner. Spiritual intimacy with God first, then spiritual and emotional intimacy with your spouse leads to a satisfying marriage.
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Why is Church Important?
– June 1, 2021Why is church important? It wouldn’t be important unless the real Jesus is present. Because He is, we can find comfort, hope and necessity by inserting ourselves into a local congregation.
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Smaller Yet Greater
– May 25, 2021Truly great people don’t boast that they are great. What can we learn from the mot humble man ever to live, Jesus our humble savior.
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Jesus Does Everything Well
– May 18, 2021Jesus does all things well because what He does is for our eternal salvation.
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Find Peace!
– May 11, 2021What if there was peace that was more than momentary? Wouldn’t you want that peace and want to share that peace?
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Jesus Became Lonely for Us
– May 4, 2021How is it possible to feel lonely living in large a city among millions of people? Yet, today, especially young people, say they feel more isolated than ever despite living in big cities. In the book of Ephesians God addresses our ultimate isolation.
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Jesus is Committed to You
– April 27, 2021Was Jesus married? Historians debate the claim. What we do know from the Bible is that Jesus is married to anyone who believes in Him. So live with the joy of belonging to Jesus.
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Face to Face Friends
– April 20, 2021How many friends do you have? How good of a friend are you? Jesus values “face-to-face” friendships of faith and helps us contemplate our many friendships, celebrate deeper friendships, and cultivate our role as friend.
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Give the Love that Jesus Gives
– April 13, 2021Murder, terrorism and violent politics shake the foundation for many countries. We may try to understand motives but, we cannot stop bloodshed. The problem is sin. The solution is God’s overflowing grace.
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A Hospital for Sinners
– April 6, 2021Do you like Jesus, but you don’t like organized religion? Jesus had harsh words against church leaders. But, the church isn’t the problem, Jesus loves organized religion and calls it “my Father’s house.” Find out how to change the way you think about c...
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Our God Will Fight for Us
– March 30, 2021Do the terrorist attacks that take place around our world today make you feel vulnerable? Certainly, 2,500 years ago, the small Jewish nation without walls around their beloved city was vulnerable. God answered their prayer for help with people and a p...
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Condemning an Innocent Prisoner
– March 23, 2021Some call Nelson Mandela the most famous prisoner in the world. When he was released from 27 years in prison, he won the Nobel Peace Prize. Pontius Pilate declared Jesus innocent many times throughout scripture.
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Strength in Blind Faith
– March 16, 2021Before ever seeing Jesus, a blind believer called out to Jesus. This blind man, Bartimaeus, had a faith founded not on sight, but on spirit-created faith. You can grow in faith by hearing the account of this believer whose faith was founded on the Savi...
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God’s Word is for All
– March 9, 2021How can we find joy? The word of God rebuilds lives by cleaning out the rubble, restoring the joy of mercy and giving a purposeful impact. Nehemiah 8:9-12 reminds us that the joy of the Lord is our strength.
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Secrets for Your Advantage
– March 2, 2021Do you have secrets? It can be fun knowing secrets, not so fun, even frustrating when someone is keeping a secret from you. God has some secrets too, even when he makes promises to His people. In the Bible,
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Walk in Truth
– February 23, 2021Can you be wrong? Do you gravitate toward untruths that fit your narrative? God searches for the places in our hearts that needs grace. As a result we can learn how to love, know, live in God’s truth!
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Our Membership in the Kingdom of God
– January 19, 2021Whether its a club, or organization, what are the benefits of a membership to something? Jesus explains how to experience the membership of the Kingdom of God with life-changing benefits in three unexpected places.
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Learn to Live with the Real Jesus
– January 12, 2021How do you get to heaven? A wealthy young man with good morals approaches Jesus asking how to get into heaven. As good as the man was, he knew he lacked something. Jesus opens our eyes to that something. Without Jesus we lack perspective in our earthly...
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More Forgiveness Than We’d Ever Expect
– January 5, 2021Forgiveness. Is it really about you? Learn why it’s about Jesus on the cross FOR you and being IN you. What God did through Jesus for you, He does IN you for others.
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If Only They Knew
– December 29, 2020If only they knew Jesus’ saving message, would they still have mistreated Him? Yet, Jesus knew His destiny, and still came to earth. For what reason? Listen to find out why you are saved from sin.
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Put Your Agreement Into Action
– December 15, 2020While we’re constantly bombarded with stimuli all around us and overwhelmed with smartphone notifications, our God is still thinking about us. All the time. Listen for some encouragement to pursue the kind of religion Jesus recommends,
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Jesus Calls Sinners
– November 23, 2020Jesus said, “I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” (Matt. 9:13) When Jesus calls us, what is he calling us away from? And what is he calling us to? We’ll discuss all of that and more as we examine Matthew 9:9-17.
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What Do Christ’s Miracles Mean for us Today
– November 16, 2020What is the goal of Jesus’ miracles? Find out as we discuss Jesus’ Miracles while studying Matthew 8:5-17.
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Jesus Should Be Our “Go-To” Guy
– November 9, 2020A “Go-To” guy is a person that we trust will have what we need, when we need it. You may have a “Go-To” for fixing your car. Or maybe a “Go-To” for help with plumbing. Maybe a “Go-To” guy for help at work. There’s one “Go-To” guy that most important- t...
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A Government That Will Never Disappoint
– November 2, 2020When we worship and serve God above all others, we can worry less and make decisions more easily.
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Reach for the Lamb of God
– October 26, 2020We’ll hear about John the Baptist, showing us how to Look at the Lamb-Jesus- to let go of everything else. Because, Jesus will never let go of us!
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God’s Light Shines Brightest in the Darkness
– October 19, 2020We don’t like to hear that something’s wrong from the doctor, so we avoid an appointment. We ignore the check engine light. We whistle past the graveyard. By nature we like to think things are better off than they are. Spiritually,
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Heaven Meets Earth
– October 12, 2020Hear the wonderful news about who your Savior is and how His extraordinary birth affects ordinary life.
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One Baptism for the Forgiveness of Sins
– October 5, 2020Baptism fulfilled all righteousness for God the Father, God the Holy Spirit and for us!
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Jesus is a Big Deal
– September 28, 2020Jesus’ message would shock and outrage his friends and neighbors to the point of death. God’s word still shocks and outrages people. But it’s not our job to change it. Listen closely to Jesus to find God’s fulfilled promise for us,
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The Lord Always Finds A Way
– September 21, 2020Jesus’ message went against the leaders of the day. The truth Jesus shared was disturbing and disruptive even to the point of Jesus’ death. God’s Word still causes outrage from many people and that’s okay. Our job, as Christians,
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The Word that Changed the World
– September 14, 2020Baptism fulfilled all righteousness for God the Father, God the Holy Spirit and for us!
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Jesus Helps When We Are Lacking
– September 7, 2020Jesus helps us when we are lacking; at the right time and in a big way. Where do you need Jesus in your life?
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You Can’t Make This Stuff Up
– August 31, 2020The exact place Jesus would be born? The circumstance when Jesus would be born? The peace that Jesus would bring? The answers are real, you can’t make this stuff up!
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Jesus Wants Everyone to be Saved
– August 24, 2020Today we learn from the account of the woman at the well, that Jesus is for all. You’re never too far for God to reach. And, you’re never too broken for Jesus to save you.
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Promises From Heaven
– August 17, 2020In the book of Genesis, Jacob took the promises from God into his own hands. But, God came to Jacob with His unfailing presence and promise despite Jacob’s unbelief. Listen to how this account applies to life today.
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Finding Purpose in a Meaningless World
– August 10, 2020God has created you for much more than just getting something out of this world. God created you for a relationship with Him. Only through His love can we truly find satisfaction in life on earth.
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God Is Serious About Our Salvation
– August 3, 2020God is serious about our salvation. So he worked mightily for us to save us and works fiercely in us to make our lives a blessing.
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We Reign for a Thousand Years
– July 27, 2020In the book of Revelation, “the thousand-year period” is a triumphant declaration of God’s kingdom and we’re part of it! The devil loses. And it all starts now!
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Good News Forever and For All
– July 20, 2020Fake news and bad cell service, it’s refreshing to know that God wants to be as clear as possible about the one thing we need to hear: His good news! It’s forever and for all people.
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Jesus Gives Us Peace
– July 13, 2020Moms can be really good at giving their children peace, but even the best moms, can’t give the kind of peace Jesus offers. Find out more about true peace.
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We Walk by Faith, Not by Sight
– July 6, 2020It’s not what we don’t see that blinds us. A blind follower of Jesus saw something, even before Jesus healed his sight. Jesus’ followers walk by faith and Jesus sees our need for mercy.
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You Can make an Eternal Difference
– June 29, 2020By God’s grace you are gifted people, with freedom to grow in Christ and the power to make an eternal difference in life!
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Our Heavenly Father’s Intentional Love
– June 22, 2020The God of the universe chose to dwell on our planet of dirt. Why? King Solomon in the Bible chose to put an immense amount of effort into building God’s temple on earth. The amazing part of the building project was God’s involvement–to transform our h...
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We’ve Got No Other Than Jesus
– June 15, 2020What’s it all about? Its all about Jesus. He gives us spiritual life through the power of His Word. He will also raise us from the dead by that same Word.
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Talking About Jesus
– June 8, 2020Maybe you’re a boyfriend, husband, girlfriend, wife, or mother. What’s your job? Even the best moms can’t do everything. You can’t be Jesus, and Jesus can’t be you. But, Jesus will always love you and your children.
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Live In Peace
– June 1, 2020When we find our peace in God, we have peace in everything. As our High Priest, Jesus gives us peace because he is appointed by God, because He is perfect, and because He is merciful.
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What Jesus Followers Look Like
– May 25, 2020Are we always humble, loving and helpful as God teaches? In the book of John, we find out what followers of Jesus act like when they are seeking to live like their Savior in difficult times.
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God’s Got This
– May 19, 2020Who really owns your stuff? Celebrate thanksgiving with a good promise from God and live in His loving generosity. God is willing to share!
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Jesus is the Best Kind of Friend
– February 16, 2020Like most people, you may need relief from the nagging accusations from our souls that we have failed God. The problem is that the accusations are true. We have failed Him. What are we to do about the deep regret we feel? Find out how Jesus handled Peter, it’s the way Jesus handles us still today.
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Jesus Did the Biggest Thing
– February 9, 2020What’s the biggest thing that Jesus did? Do you know the man Nicodemus from the Bible? Meet him and find out why we are so thankful for Jesus’ biggest thing.
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God’s Spirit Makes You Soar
– February 2, 2020What happens when an eagle is captured and raised on a farm among chickens? It acts like a chicken. But, what would happen if that eagle were set free? If you are set free in Christ, will you go back to your life as usual?
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We Need More Salt
– January 26, 2020What is salt? Is it just a spice? Jesus refers to salt many times in the Bible. Salt is not only a seasoning, but used as a disinfectant and preservative. Find out how Jesus used the analogy of salt to explain His commitment to us today.
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Our Membership in the Kingdom of God
– January 19, 2020Whether its a club, or organization, what are the benefits of a membership to something? Jesus explains how to experience the membership of the Kingdom of God with life-changing benefits in three unexpected places.
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Learn to Live with the Real Jesus
– January 12, 2020How do you get to heaven? A wealthy young man with good morals approaches Jesus asking how to get into heaven. As good as the man was, he knew he lacked something. Jesus opens our eyes to that something. Without Jesus we lack perspective in our earthly life and deny the eternal blessing of heaven.
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More Forgiveness Than We’d Ever Expect
– January 5, 2020Forgiveness. Is it really about you? Learn why it’s about Jesus on the cross FOR you and being IN you. What God did through Jesus for you, He does IN you for others.
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If Only They Knew
– December 29, 2019If only they knew Jesus’ saving message, would they still have mistreated Him? Yet, Jesus knew His destiny, and still came to earth. For what reason? Listen to find out why you are saved from sin.
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The Wisdom of Christ Works
– December 22, 2019How do we have peaceful relationships, not just once in awhile, but all of the time? Listen to find out how the wisdom of Christ can work in our relationships.