Using Ordinary Things to Accomplish Extraordinary Work Join us as we delve into Acts 2:22-47, exploring Peter's first sermon and the miraculous Day of Pentecost. Discover how God uses ordinary things—like words, water, bread, and wine—to achieve extraordinary results, and how He calls ordinary people, like you and me, to continue His work in the world.
Read MoreIn this sermon, Pastor Frank takes us through Acts 2:1-21, where the Holy Spirit descends on the apostles during Pentecost, empowering them to speak in various languages and spread the Gospel. Join us as we explore how the birth of the church was marked by this miraculous event and what it means for us today. We'll reflect on the importance of communicating with grace, love, and self-control, learning to speak the "Gospel as a second language."
Love Is What We Do With Our Emotions. On this special Mother's Day episode, we explore the true essence of love—not as mere affection or attraction, but as the actions we take and the decisions we make in response to our emotions. From the trials of a parking spot theft to the challenges of social media interactions, our host dives deep into personal anecdotes that illuminate how true love is demonstrated in the face of everyday frustrations. Discover why love, according to God, isn't about how we feel but what we do with those feelings. We'll also delve into the powerful scriptural insights from Ephesians and James that help us manage our emotions constructively, ensuring that they don't become someone else's burden. This episode isn't just about understanding love; it's about living it, especially when it's hard. Read on to redefine your understanding of love and learn how to express it in the most challenging circumstances.
Read MoreDive into the dynamic beginnings of the early church with our new sermon series on the Book of Acts! Today, we kick off with Chapter 1, where we explore the transition from Jesus' resurrection to His ascension, and the pivotal moments that set the stage for the apostles' mission. Discover how the apostles prepared for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and what this means for us today. Will the apostles’ initial confusions and expectations resonate with your own? Join us as we unpack these powerful verses and find out what it truly means to be a witness for Christ. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell icon so you won't miss any part of this thrilling journey through Acts!
Read MoreThis week we dive deep into the transformative journey from doubt to faith, guided by the stories of the disciples and the powerful lessons from the Easter narrative. Today, we explore how each step in our lives prepares us for the next, echoing the spiritual growth seen in the biblical figures of Thomas and the women at the tomb. In this episode, we discuss the challenges of skepticism, the importance of patience in spiritual growth, and how frustrations can be opportunities for applying God's wisdom. We delve into the story of "Doubting Thomas," whose initial refusal to believe without seeing highlights our own struggles with faith in a modern world that demands proof. Join us as we uncover the reasons why God might choose unlikely witnesses and the implications this has for our understanding of value and worth in His eyes. We'll also tackle how these scriptural lessons prepare us for our own missions of sharing the Gospel, emphasizing empathy and perseverance. This episode is perfect for anyone who finds themselves wrestling with doubts or seeking deeper reasons behind their spiritual journey. Whether you're a longtime believer or just curious about the Christian faith, there's something here to challenge and inspire you. Tune in to gain insights into how embracing faith without sight can lead to a blessed and fulfilled life.
Read MoreExperience the wonder of the first Easter through this powerful message that captures the moment Jesus appears to His disciples post-resurrection. Join us as we explore the dramatic encounter in the locked room where fear turns to joy, doubt transforms into mission, and the disciples are forever changed. Discover how the resurrection is not just a biblical event but a transformative moment that echoes through the ages.
Read MoreA dive into the intriguing story of two disciples on the road to Emmaus and their unexpected encounter with the resurrected Jesus. Join us as we explore the transformative power of asking questions, the importance of genuine conversation, and the moment of revelation that changes everything. Discover how this story can shed light on our spiritual journeys and help us recognize who Jesus truly is.
Read MoreExplore the true meaning of the holiday beyond the bunnies and eggs. Discover the joy and hope of Jesus' resurrection through a heartfelt sermon that delves into the Gospel of Luke. Learn about the women who first witnessed the empty tomb and how their message changed the world. Let's celebrate the transformative power of the resurrection and share its light with everyone around us.
Read MoreThree very different parades. Jesus' humble entry, Pilate's grand procession, and the sad march to the cross. We are invited to walk alongside Simon of Cyrene, discovering the unexpected and life-changing nature of discipleship. The Daughters of Jerusalem's mourning prompts us to consider our own attitudes toward suffering and judgment. The sermon closes with an inspiring call to action: to carry our crosses daily, follow Jesus through life's trials, and find solace in the hope of His resurrection. This message challenges us to live each day with faith and hope in our hearts.
Read MoreThe "Eagle Face" sermon concluded the "Four Faces of Worship" series by delving into the symbolism of the eagle in worship. The message began with a humorous reflection on how we often worship the wrong things, turning good things into idols that ultimately lead to our destruction. The sermon highlighted that worship is not optional; we are created to worship, and the only question is what we will worship. The eagle, a symbol of vision and soaring faith, reminds us that true worship involves trusting in God's strength and relying on His promises. The sermon also touched on the importance of worship in shaping our lives and culture, drawing on Luther's ideas about the centrality of God's Word and music in worship. The message concluded with a call to keep our eyes focused on God, reminding us that worship is a response to God's actions and is integral to our identity as His people.
In this message of "The Four Faces of Worship" series, we explore the Ox Face of the cherubim, symbolizing humble service and great sacrifice. We are reminded of Jesus' ultimate sacrifice, the suffering servant who gave everything for our salvation. Philippians 2:5-9 encourages us to emulate Christ's humility and obedience, serving others as He served us. The sermon emphasizes the importance of working out our salvation in fear and trembling, not by trying to earn it, but by living out the faith and grace God has worked into our hearts by serving others. We are called to be a royal priesthood, actively involved in ministry, and to give generously as part of our worship. The message concludes with a call to respond to Jesus' sacrifice with quiet strength, faithful obedience, and humble faith, continuing the worship beyond the church service into our daily lives.
Read MoreAre you ready to challenge what you think you know about worship, Jesus, and the essence of going to church? It's time to dive deep beyond the surface, past the clichés of contemporary worship culture, and rediscover the profound, multifaceted nature of worship as depicted in the Bible. Forget the image of the hipster worship leader, clad in the latest trends, strumming away on an acoustic guitar. We're about to embark on a journey that unveils the true essence of worship, beyond just music and singing. Imagine worship that encompasses service, sacrifice, a connection to humanity, vision, strength, and courage—embodied in the biblical imagery of the cherubim's four faces: the ox, man, eagle, and lion. This message will challenge you to see worship not as a mere segment of a church service but as a dynamic, living response to God's grace and call upon our lives. We'll explore the powerful roles angels play in scripture, from their awe-inspiring presence in Old Testament battles to their unchanging mission in the New Testament, reminding us of God's might and justice. But, more importantly, we'll see how these narratives point us towards a life of bold, faith-filled worship, urging us to live out our faith with the courage of a lion. This isn't just about attending church; it's about transforming every moment of our lives into an act of worship. From standing strong in the face of adversity to sharing our faith with gentle boldness, we're called to live out the Gospel in every aspect of our existence. Join us as we break down the misconceptions and rediscover the heart of worship, inspired by the lion-like bravery of Jesus Himself. Whether you're in a season of challenge or celebration, this message will equip and inspire you to worship God with all your strength, service, and courage—every single day. Are you ready to embrace the fullness of what it means to worship? Let's dive in together.
Read MorePeople like to complain about church—both the people who go and the people who don't. There's no shortage of opinions. Irrelevant, boring, cliquey, too traditional, not traditional enough, judgmental—and then there's the music. But what does the Bible say about worship? What does "worship" even mean? Where is it supposed to take place? What is it supposed to look like? This message is going stretch your imagination—maybe even give you nightmares. Picture it: thousands of angels in joyful assembly, proclaiming God’s holiness. It’s far more mysterious and powerful than we realize. Angels are weird! So, despite the complaints, worship is essential. It’s not about doing God a favor—He doesn’t need our worship. We need it. It sets the direction for our lives, bowing before God in everything we do. And it’s all because of Jesus, who became human to save us. That’s why we show up every week—to respond with thankful praise for what He’s done for us.
Read MoreThis is a message that will challenge your perspective (especially those religious ideas that you think will save you), ignite your faith, and deepen your understanding of the Gospel. You will be transported to the foot of a mountain, where an extraordinary event unfolds before your eyes, revealing the very essence of who Jesus is and what he came to accomplish. In this captivating narrative, we'll explore the Transfiguration story from the Gospel of Mark, unraveling its layers of meaning and drawing out timeless truths that resonate with our lives today. Join us as we embark on a transformative exploration of faith, encountering profound insights that will inspire, convict, and ultimately lead us to a deeper relationship with the Savior. Get ready to listen, to learn, and to be profoundly moved by the message of hope and redemption found in the person of Jesus Christ.
Read MoreEver thought about how our bodies are like precision instruments, and a tiny fever can throw everything off balance? It's crazy how delicate the whole setup is. Today, we're delving into the nitty-gritty of life's intricacies, from fevers to demons, and how it all ties into the big picture. We will ponder the marvel of our existence. The Goldilocks Zone, where everything has to be just right for life to thrive. Now, imagine this: God, way out there at the edge of space, taking a close look at us. From the vastness of the cosmos outside the created reality, all the way in to the microscopic details of our lives, it's a mind-boggling shift from the infinite to the intimate. Today, we're digging into the Gospel of Mark, checking out how Jesus handled fevers and demons, bringing divine authority into the world. It's not just a historical account; it's intimately connected to the things we deal with today. From fevers to faith, we're navigating a journey that starts at church but echoes through our everyday lives.
Have you experienced the frustration of trying to follow Jesus while juggling the demands of work, family, and life in general? Discover how to find clarity in this week's message. Explore the connection between worship, love, and service in a way that goes beyond the Sunday service. We’re like secret agents. Gospel ninjas. Our ultimate loyalty is always with the kingdom of heaven which gives new meaning to all the important things we do in our ordinary lives.
Read MoreGod knows every detail about you, including your thoughts and secrets. Is that comforting or unsettling? This Psalm is a prayer for facing darkness and difficult times—God promises constant presence and guidance, even in your darkest moments. This sermon will consider God's intricate involvement in creating you and having a plan for your life. There is also a twist ending to this Psalm having to do with enemies—understanding that your main adversaries are spiritual forces like sin, death, and hell. However, sometimes your enemies will be people. How should Christians deal with their enemies? Love them? Hate them? The passage concludes with a bold prayer for your self-examination, expressing confidence in God's forgiveness through your connection with Jesus, offering hope in challenging circumstances. Overall, this message explores the profound themes of God's omniscience, omnipresence, and omnipotence in Psalm 139, emphasizing the comforting yet unsettling aspects of His knowledge, the significance of facing challenges with the assurance of God's constant presence, and the hope found in a bold prayer for self-examination and forgiveness through the connection with Jesus.
Read MoreDenying sin ignores reality and leads to suffering, while accepting Christ offers forgiveness and true peace. Through baptism, we are united with Christ in His death and resurrection, receiving cleansing and new life. Big Ideas Summarized: 1. Sin and Repentance: The sermon emphasizes the reality of sin and the need for repentance. It criticizes the cultural trend of denying sin and argues that ignoring sin leads to worse outcomes. It contrasts two approaches: One condemning sin and shaming people, which is ineffective and harmful. The other offering forgiveness and grace through Jesus Christ, which is loving and leads to peace. 2. Jesus' Baptism and Its Significance: Jesus' baptism is not for Himself, but to connect with our baptism and take on our sin. Through baptism, we are united with Christ in His death and resurrection, receiving forgiveness and new life. This connection gives us grace and freedom from the power of sin, although we may still struggle with temptation. 3. Responding to Doubts and Criticisms: The sermon acknowledges the hurt caused by the church and the struggle many have with reconciling their faith with negative experiences. It calls for understanding, compassion, and gentle words to help restore those who have doubts. It encourages individuals to seek answers on their faith journey and suggests that Jesus will ultimately be the satisfying answer. 4. Baptism and Christian Identity: The sermon celebrates baptism as a defining moment in the Christian life. It emphasizes the significance of being adopted into God's family, cleansed from sin, and made part of the global Christian community. It concludes by reminding listeners of God's declaration over them in baptism: "You are my beloved child in whom I am well pleased." Overall, the sermon presents a strong message about sin, forgiveness, grace, and the importance of Jesus Christ and baptism in the Christian life.
Read MorePastor Frank’s NewChurch Resolution Suggestions: Attend Sunday Worship Faithfully. Be Faithful in Your Tithes and Offerings. ??? What's the third one? Hmm. You'll never guess. Even if I told you. This is how Christians are made.
A description of Christmas at the Hart house in 1971, the first year Pastor Frank had a new step dad—and his mom had a little money. A confession that he wants Christmas to be perfect but is always tempted to ruin it with selfish emotions and being too irritable. A solid plan for how to approach holiday expectations with the wisdom of Jesus. Colossians 3:12-14: "Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity."
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