Do you think of sexuality as more of a problem or a privilege. Consider how a biblical view of sexuality reveals it is a good-news, gospel-kind of privilege to be a woman, to be a man, and to enjoy the sexual part of our human experience. Our sexuality requires both form and freedom to maximize our pleasure and avoid pain. Your sexuality is a mysterious, wonderful, and powerful gift from God for his glory and your blessing. How can we wisely enjoy these blessings? That’s why we want to apply biblical wisdom from Proverbs to our sexuality. Support the show ..read more

New possibilities, new opportunities, and new hope--all rising from new life in Jesus, that is what Easter is all about. Jesus Christ rose up and walked out of a tomb to begin God's new creation work. Together, we join him in this new creation and explore this most significant moment where Jesus rose from the dead. Let's rediscover Jesus as our Living Hope! Support the show ..read more

What would cause someone to be dunked under water while lots of other people watch and cheer? Jesus chose to be baptized by his cousin, John the Baptist, at the beginning of his ministry. We continue following Jesus' example in baptism as well as his command to baptize others. Let's explore the significance of this unusual practice and celebration this weekend. Support the show ..read more

Have you ever done something with good intentions only for the best of your intentions to explode into fire and ash? That is why we all need to keep growing in wisdom. Life is complex. To live successfully, we want to master the ways that people think and communicate, the ways that life rocks and rolls, and the general principles that create predictable responses in most situations. We all want to discover discernment for navigating life and obtaining wisdom. Support the show ..read more

Jesus’ three stories in Matthew 25 pass on his mission to his followers and offer a glimpse of his coming Kingdom. Our task is to live today with growing awareness and confidence in the coming of his kingdom and to bring into our reality the values of that future day. How can we take our next step into faithfully following Jesus today while recognizing all that tomorrow holds for us? Support the show ..read more

Salvation is a free, unconditional gift. We receive that gift through faith in the work that God already completed in Jesus Christ—his life, death, and resurrection. This gift can’t be taken away or lost and is all about God’s work for us. The Scriptures also teach that we can receive rewards for our faithfulness with the good gifts and opportunities God gives us in life. These rewards can be won or lost and are conditional—based on our faithfulness and good works. The second story Jesus tells in Matthew 25 encourages us to be faithful stewards of the resources, gifts, and opportunities God en ..read more

What does it look like for us to continue Jesus’ mission and faithfully watch for his return? As Jesus faced the end of his life, he also talked about the end of this age (or as we might think of it, the end of the world) and charged his followers to be faithful until the conclusion of history when Jesus returns to establish his kingdom. In the first of three stories Jesus told in Matthew 25, we discover a sense of urgency as our temporary life now connects with eternal life that never ends. Support the show ..read more

Jesus must have frequently shocked and sometimes scandalized his original audiences. Today, when we take the time to listen to his words in the Gospels, how could we avoid being surprised? Mark carefully sequenced narratives about Jesus and teaching from Jesus to help us understand what a Jesus-following looks like. As we conclude this portion of teaching through Mark’s Gospel, we come away surprised by Jesus again but also receive insight about responding to the surprises we experience from life with Jesus. Support the show ..read more

Following Jesus will lead us into situations that will test our faith. Jesus told us to expect troubles in this world. But trials still catch us by surprise. They can leave us confused. Thankfully, we can trust God in the difficult times because we know they are opportunities for our perseverance, our character, and our hope to grow stronger-if we persist. And in the end, unimaginable glory awaits us! Support the show ..read more

On our journey with Jesus, it’s all too easy to focus on the steps we’re taking and lose sight of the one we’re following. When this happens, we’re in danger of constructing a rigid religion instead of enjoying the revolutionary relationship Jesus invites into. Following Jesus liberates us from legalism while giving us the tools to receive His love and grace daily. Support the show ..read more