The Big Idea: Jesus sets the bar for what love should look like John 13:31-38 (p. 927) HOW CAN THE WORLD SEE JESUS? Radical LOVE - Luke 7:20; 22 (p. 887) This is how God is GLORIFIED. WHAT IS LOVE? God love is TRUE LOVE. - 1 John 3:16-18 (p. 1055) Human love loves for ITS OWN SAKE. God love loves for the sake of JESUS. Human love BINDS the person to me. God love BINDS the person to God. Human love desires the other PERSON. God love desires GOD. Human love seeks to be IRRESISTIBLE. God love seeks...
Jun 10, 2018•34 min
The Big Idea: There is a secret from God that is only learned one way. Philippians 4:10-20 (p. 1013) A critical and personal attribute for life is CONTENTMENT. What is It? - A state of SATISFACTION or peaceful HAPPINESS. How Do You Learn It? - By being challenged with almost NO ONE to help you. (v. 15) There is a Secret From God For You: - You can DO ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST. (v. 13) Where Do I Acquire The Strength? -Through DISCIPLINE Hebrews 12:7-13 (p. 1041 ) Proverbs 4:20-27 (p. 545) James ...
Jun 03, 2018•33 min
The Big Idea: The Presence of Jesus gives you peace when you have conflict with others. Philippians 4:2-9 (p. 1017) Conflict can make it difficult to STAND FIRM in the Lord. The enemy has an aim to DIVIDE and CONQUER. Critical Habits When in Conflict With Someone: - Involve a trusted PEACEMAKER. - Enjoy a state of HAPPINESS IN THE LORD. - Tell God exactly WHAT YOU WANT. - Militantly control your THINKING. The Results When Your Faith Rules Over Your Feelings: - Noteworthy GENTLENESS - Trans-ratio...
May 27, 2018•28 min
The Big Idea: The best way to stand firm is to intentionally keep moving. Philippians 3:12-4:1 (p. 1013 ) HOW TO STAND FIRM IN THE LORD: Step 1: FORGET and PURSUE. (v. 12-15) Step 2: Live what you ALREADY KNOW. (v. 16) Romans 9:30-31 (p. 973) Step 3: Choose and follow good ROLE MODELS. v. 17 Step 4: Understand how DESTINY is determined. Step 5: Stand firm in your FOCUS and HOPE in Jesus....
May 20, 2018•30 min
The Big Idea: Faith is out of focus if it stares at anything other than Jesus. Philippians 3:1-14 (p. 1012-1013) The universal question for people in chains is “WHY?” The search for an answer is actually a search for CONFIDENCE. There is a savage enemy of your faith: a LIST. -Romans 2:28-29 (p. 967) -Galatians 3:10 (p. 1002) -James 2:10 (p. 1044) When your focus is a LIST, your goal is SELF. When your focus is JESUS, your goal is HIM. You cannot know the power of the resurrection unless there is...
May 13, 2018•21 min
The Big Idea: Your most meaningful life will not be built by you alone. Philippians 2:19-30 (p. 1012) Paul’s Team for Life and Mission: - TIMOTHY - Philippians 1:1 (p. 1011) - EPAPHRODITUS - v.25 - FATHER -Titus 2:3-6 (p. 1030) - SON - v.22 - BROTHER -1 Samuel 20:17 (p. 247) - CO-LABORER - v.20 - FELLOW-SOLDIER -2 Timothy 2:1-4 (p. 1025) Three Steps To Build Your Team: 1. Determine what you most NEED. 2. Find the person who might MEET THAT NEED. 3. Go for a CONVERSATION Honor is the rope that ti...
May 06, 2018•34 min
The Big Idea: Being one with Jesus is not a spectator sport. Philippians 2:12-18 (p. 819) The Job: To work OUT what God is working IN. - Your salvation Hebrews 5:9 (p. 840) - With fear and trembling Romans 2:1-5 (p.783) The Strategy: To BECOME who we ARE, in a POLLUTED world. Deuteronomy 32:1-5 (p. 143) The Mission: Stand OUT and hold ON TO. The Price: EMPTY yourself....
Apr 29, 2018•31 min
The Big Idea: Jesus is God and His way is humble obedience. Philippians 2:1-11 (p. 819) “If-Then” Statements (Hypothesis - Conclusion) If Jesus is HELPING you, then ONENESS with Him is key. -Romans 15:5 (p. 791 ) If Jesus did this FOR YOU, then do this FOR EACH OTHER. -1 Peter 2:13-25 (p. 851) If humble OBEDIENCE is the way of Jesus, then it is YOUR WAY, too. -Hebrews 12:1-3 (p. 844) If God EXALTED Jesus in His humilty, then Christ wihtin us will be EXALTED in our own humility. -James 4:1-10 (p....
Apr 22, 2018•38 min
The Big Idea: My chains, like all of my life, serve a higher purpose. Philippians 1:12-30 (p. 818) Paul’s Four Guiding Attitudes About Life in Chains: 1. Paul’s attitude about CIRCUMSTANCES 2. Paul’s attitude about his ADVERSARIES 3. Paul’s attitude about HIMSELF 4. Paul’s attitude toward his own LIFE Paul’s attitude advice for us: It’s not ABOUT YOU.
Apr 15, 2018•40 min
Unchained - Part 1 Philippians 1:1-11 (p. 818) THE BIG IDEA: God is partnering with you, in spite of your chains, to become who you already are in Him. You better get used to it: you are a SAINT. You can absolutely trust two things: 1. God’s GRACE and PEACE are yours. 2. He who BEGAN, will FINISH. John 15:4-5 (p. 752) There is One Central Prayer for You: -That your LOVE may flourish. Key Thoughts Moving Forward: -Love TRANSFORMS -Love CLARIFIES -Love PURIFIES -Love PRODUCES The Secret While In C...
Apr 08, 2018•39 min
The Big Idea: The ability to believe is the most powerful force at your disposal. Acts 17:22-31 (p. 772) Three Observations: 1. The ability to BELIEVE is the most powerful force at mankind's disposal. 2. We constantly look for EVIDENCE to support what we BELIEVE. 3. Belief is easy to maintain within a COMMUNITY of shared belief. - Religious BELIEF is simply BELIEF applied to things of a religious nature. - When Jesus died, those closest to him BELIEVED THAT he was dead. - Jesus' closest follower...
Apr 01, 2018•38 min
Matthew 3:13-17 (p. 676) Matthew 26:26-27 (p. 695) Big Idea: These simple acts of obedience demonstrate a heart that seeks to honor the Word of the Lord. Communion Matthew 26:26-29 (p. 695) The Table - Communion is an invitation to be part of God’s family. The Bread - The provision - Jesus gave His life in our place. The Cup - The covenant of transformation – Jesus’ shed blood changes us. When Participating in Communion, we must: -Be a born-again believer (2 Corinthians 5:17)) -Examine ourselves...
Mar 25, 2018•23 min
Big Idea: Contentment is the antidote to covetousness. Exodus 20:17 (p. 52) Hebrews 13:5 (p. 845) Deuteronomy 5:21 (p. 125) You shall not desire WHAT BELONGS TO SOMEONE ELSE. The only reason we would covet what someone has is that we are not CONTENT with what we have. Genesis 3:6 (p. 2) Covetousness causes us to RESENT God. Luke 12:15 (p. 727) 1 Corinthians 5:11 (p. 795) Ephesians 5:3 (p. 816) Colossians 3:1-5 (p. 822) Covetousness is IDOLATRY. Resolve your CONTENTION with CONTENTMENT. 2 Corinth...
Mar 18, 2018•36 min
The Big Idea: Dishonesty keeps you in an impossible situation but honesty brings freedom. Titus 3:3-8 1 Peter 3:8-12 (p. 851) 1. Be honest with yourself. -Honesty is your first step toward freedom. 1 John 1:9 (p. 855) 2. Be honest with God. Psalm 139:23-24 (p. 434) -God knows the truth and loves you in spite of it. 1 Peter 3:10 (p. 851) 3. Be honest with others. -James 5:16 (p. 849) -Humility and accountability are foundational to our healing! Titus 3:10-11 (p. 836)...
Mar 11, 2018•41 min
Mar 04, 2018•41 min
THE BIG IDEA: Intimacy is the powerful engine of our relationships and cheap substitutes destroy everyone. -Ephesians 5:21-33 (p. 813) -Genesis 2:24 (p. 2) -Matthew 5:27 (p. 678) -Matthew 15:19-20 (p. 686) The central issue is ONENESS - with God and with your spouse. -1 Corinthians 6:7-20 (p. 795) Your BODY is a big deal! You are not YOUR OWN - you were PURCHASED. God raised Jesus and He will DELIVER you, also! HOW TO MOVE FORWARD: -Pursue intimacy with GOD. -Pursue Intimacy with your SPOUSE. -P...
Feb 25, 2018•37 min
The Big Idea: We violate the sixth commandment when we choose to carry darkness in our heart toward another person. Exodus 20:13 (p.13) Genesis 4:1-7 (p.3) 1 John 3:11-15 (p.856) Hebrews 11:4 (p. 843) Your WOUNDS provide an open door for evil and for God. The evil one desires to HAVE you, and WOUNDS are a very effective tool. The one thing no one can ever take from you is the power to CHOOSE. The way to anchor yourself and your choice is LOVE. LOVE is laying down your life for OFFENDERS. What do...
Feb 18, 2018•33 min
The Big Idea: God calls me to honor authority figures in my life as an expression of my trust in Him, the ultimate authority. -Exodus 20:12 (p.52) -Hebrews 3:7-19 (p.839) 1. Honor develops our FAITH. -Mark 6:1-6 (p.703) We are a faithless generation. We are an honorless generation. 2. Honor opens doors to unique BLESSING. -Ephesians 6:1-3 (p.816) -Romans 13:1-2 (p.790) -Luke 2:52 (p.726) -Romans 1:30 (p.783) -2 Timothy 3:2 (p.833) -Proverbs 30:11-17 (p.459) 3. Honor is the “yellow-brick road” to...
Feb 11, 2018•33 min
Due to Football Sunday, this week's special Sunday Gathering, there will not be teaching notes today. Instead we are joining together for a day of Christian football players sharing their stories that brought them to faith. Watch it live here!
Feb 04, 2018•25 min
The Big Idea: God calls us to rest because it testifies to our faith in Him and releases blessings into our lives. Exodus 20:8-11 (p. 52) The fascinating thing about this commandment is that it is INVISIBLE. -Matthew 12:1-8 (p. 683) This commandment is a GIFT from God. -Mark 2:27 (p. 700) What Is This Commandment Really About? 1. It is not about RESTING from work, it’s about TRUSTING in God. -Exodus 16 (p. 49) -Deuteronomy 5 (p 125) 2. It is not about the DAY of the WEEK, but about the POSITION ...
Jan 28, 2018•43 min
The Big Idea: The relationship is weakened when you use the person’s name without dignity, even if they never know it. Exodus 20:7 (p. 52) Exodus 34:5-6 (p. 62) All through scripture, the name of God is equated with GOD HIMSELF. • Proverbs 18:10 (p. 450) • Psalm 20:7 (p. 381) • Romans 10:13 (p. 788) • John 1:12 (p. 739) We profane His name when we treat it as COMMON. • Ezekiel 36:16-38 (p. 601-602) We profane His name when we BEHAVE like UNBELIEVERS....
Jan 21, 2018•35 min
The Big Idea: Creating an image of the God you prefer to worship sabotages the relationship and keeps you from experiencing His true greatness. Exodus 20:3-5 (p.52) Three Reasons Not To Make An Image: 1. Your image DOESN’T EVEN COME CLOSE to who He is. 2. You will instinctively WORSHIP your image rather than GOD. John 9:1-3 (p.747) Exodus 20:6 (p.52) Deuteronomy. 7:9 (p.126) 3. Your image keeps you from seeing the GLORY OF GOD. Romans 9 (p.787) Hebrews 1:1-2 (p.838) Isaiah 44:6-20 (p.504) The Im...
Jan 14, 2018•34 min
The Big Idea: Healthy relationships thrive when they receive the appropriate level of priority in our lives. Exodus 34:28 Exodus 20:1-17 1. It’s not about RULES, but about RELATIONSHIP Exodus 20:1 You determine the DEPTH of your relationship with God. Exodus 20:18- 21 Psalm 103:7 2. WORSHIP God only. Isaiah 45:5 3. Your SPOUSE is your highest priority on earth. 4. The issue of priority will help you ALIGN all of your relationships....
Jan 07, 2018•37 min
The Big Idea: Life-long growth requires both supernatural help from God and concentrated personal effort. 2 Peter 1:3-11 5 Myths About Spiritual Growth: 1. Spiritual growth is automatic over time • TRUTH: Spiritual growth requires tremendous EFFORT 2. Spiritual growth is not for everybody. TRUTH: God’s POWER is available to everyone. 3. Spiritual growth is natural to some people and not to others. TRUTH: The key is God’s NATURE, not ours. 4. Spiritual growth is an accomplishment. TRUTH: Spir...
Dec 31, 2017•38 min
THE BIG IDEA: We have peace because truly, accurately, and absolutely, God is in control - He is governing it all. Isaiah 9:1-7 (p.479) The message of Christmas is incredibly CONFRONTATIONAL. And it changes EVERYTHING! The key to peace is GOVERNANCE. Matthew 28:18 (p.698) 1 Corinthians 15:25 (p.801) Luke 1:32-33 (p.714) How do we find and rest In His peace? 1. Stop trying to GOVERN everything yourself. 2. Personally surrender to His GOVERNANCE. 3. Exercise appropriate levels of SELF-GOVERNANCE. ...
Dec 24, 2017•25 min
BIG IDEA: The truth about joy is that you can have it in any circumstance. 1. Happiness is finite. 2. Joy is Infinite. Luke 1:46-49 (p.715) Authentic joy is found in God’s presence. Lasting joy is possible in every season when we follow God’s truths. Anchored joy and peace are a result of trusting God. • II Corinthians 6:10 (p.805) 1. The advent gift of joy cannot be conquered! • Rev. 21 (p.872) 2. This is a faith thing! • I Peter 1:8-9 (p.850) • John 20:24-29 (p.757)...
Dec 17, 2017•37 min
Mark 12:30-31 (p.709) Christmas is about GOD LOVING PEOPLE. Romans 5:8 (p.785) I John 4:7-16 (p.856) 1. Love is the CHARACTER of God. 2. Love is the CREATIVE FOCUS of God. JESUS is the manifestation of God’s creative focus to love us. 3. Love is the GUIDING SPIRIT.
Dec 10, 2017•31 min
Luke 2:22-38 1. Israel was clinging to their ancient hope for a DELIVERER. This was a promise God reinforced many times: • (The destruction of evil in) Genesis 3:15 • (God’s promise to Abraham in) Genesis 12:1-3 • (God’s promise to Moses in) Exodus 19:5-6 • (God’s promise to David in) 2 Samuel 7:13 • (God’s promise through His prophet in) Isaiah 49:6 2. HOPE arrived in the birth of Jesus. • Jesus brings comfort through SALVATION. • Jesus brings us REDEMPTION. • Luke 2:33-38 3. We have HOPE becau...
Dec 03, 2017•35 min
The Big Idea: The Father’s grace calls all of His sons to come back home. Luke 15:11-32 (p.730) The Younger Son: • The son’s departure is not LOSTNESS, but REBELLION • Grace lets you go without seeking to CONTROL you • Grace welcomes the REBEL into relationship without demanding an EXPLANATION • Grace helps you realize you are not a PIG, but a HUMAN BEING and a SON. The Choice: DESTROY yourself or trust that the love you look for does exist - BACK HOME Deuteronomy 30:19 (p.142) • Grace even acce...
Nov 26, 2017•42 min
THE BIG IDEA: The power for continuity in your life comes from the awesome combination of Grace and Truth. Matthew 22:1-14 (p.691) The secret sauce of your freedom is GRACE AND TRUTH The key is to always remain WELL DRESSED Matthew 22:11-14 (p.691) Strategies for the Seasons of Life: We have AMAZING seasons and DIFFICULT seasons. Matthew 16:15-20 (p.687) Acts 12:5-10 (p.767) In the great seasons, DISCOVER Jesus In the hard seasons, DECLARE Jesus Allow God to open the GATE in front of you...
Nov 19, 2017•42 min
