While the message of salvation through Jesus remains unchanged, the Church should creatively adapt how it reaches people. The heart of innovation in ministry is service, and its purpose is to bring people closer to Jesus. Ultimately, the joy of innovation is sharing in the blessings of transformed lives and faith. The Posture of Innovation is Servi…

Have you ever been in a situation where you managed information or your actions in order to get people to perceive you a certain way? Are there people in your life who’s opinions matter more to you than others? As we continue our series, Stories from Acts, JP teaches through Acts 5 the story of Ananias and Sapphira, and what we can learn from their…

We are saved by God's grace, not by our own works, as highlighted in Ephesians 2:8-10. Grace is a free gift, and while our works do not earn salvation, we are saved for good works that reflect our faith. The message challenges believers to both embrace God's grace and extend it to others, living as a grace-filled church. Grace Saves Works Don’t The…

Today’s message emphasizes the call for Christians to live in response to God's mercy. Believers are urged to offer themselves as living sacrifices, dedicating every part of their lives to God's service. We are to live our lives not conforming to the world but being transformed by the renewing of our mind. This transformation helps believers discer…

Hebrews 10:23-25 encourages believers to remain steadfast in their faith, reminding them of God's faithfulness. It calls for believers to support one another by gathering together, stirring each other towards love and good works, and offering encouragement. This passage highlights the importance of community, accountability, and mutual care as we g…

The Bible is not just a collection of ancient texts but is breathed out by God, making it a vital tool for His people. Through Scripture, God speaks to His people, revealing His truth and guiding their lives. The Bible also shapes His people by teaching, correcting, and training them in righteousness, molding them to reflect His character. Finally,…

Walking in the light of Christ brings joy, authenticity, and true fellowship with others. In this light, we are honest with God and each other, and we find deep connections. It's also where we receive forgiveness, as Jesus' sacrifice cleanses us from sin. Living in the light fills our lives with joy, community, and grace. Find authenticity in the l…

The strength of our foundation is shaped by how we live out our beliefs. Challenges reveal whether our foundation is strong or weak. Regular reflection is key to keeping it solid. Application determines the foundation Storms reveal the foundation We must inspect our foundation Life Group Discussion: How do your daily actions and decisions reflect t…

Jesus tells us at the end of the sermon on the mount that not everyone will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. The good news is, He tells us how we can know that we have a ticket in. Examine your path carefully Examine your teachers carefully Examine your relationship carefully Life Group Discussion: Are the choices you make leading you towards a life th…

We can be challenged to grow in our affections for God and for others when it’s difficult. We’re a bad judge of others We’re a bad judge of self We misjudge the Father Life Group Discussion: How can you practice humility by focusing on improving yourself instead of judging others? In what areas do you need to ask God for help more often? How can yo…

In this week's sermon, John Elmore taught us about the Christian's security in Christ, the lack of need for worry, and our choice of paths in life: climbing the ladder of the world or the ladder of God's Kingdom. Our choices in life are: 1. Trash or Treasure 2. God or Greed 3. Worry or Worship Life Group Discussion: What treasure do you need to giv…

We could do the right thing for the wrong reasons. What is your “why”? In Matthew 6, we learn how to glorify God with a pure faith believing in Him. Fake faith gives to be honored by others Fake faith performs prayers Fake faith sacrifices to appear spiritual Life Group Discussion: Do you give for God’s glory or man’s glory? Where do you need to be…

What did Jesus mean when He told us to turn the other cheek? For many of us, our reaction to being wronged is to hit back and try to enact justice on our own terms. But Jesus calls us to something altogether new. When forced to go one mile, we go two. Life Group Questions: 1. In the past, how have you responded when you have been wronged? 2. How do…

How do you define covenants and commitments? In Matthew 5, we learn Christians keep their covenants, consider remarriage carefully, and know the importance of having credibility to point others to Christ. Christians keep our covenants Consider remarriage carefully A Christian’s credibility points to Christ Life Group Discussion: Does marriage reall…

God requires perfect holiness to be in His presence. We are imperfect and in need of a sinless sacrifice because of sin. Jesus is the sinless sacrifice and comes into our mess to rescue us! We can enter in the presence of God by the name of Jesus. Jesus is the Sinless Sacrifice For Sin from Anger Commands Amends from Sin Life Group Discussion: Wher…

Jesus is calling us to a higher standard of living and what we need is not to try harder to modify our behavior, rather we need heart transformation that comes from fully surrendering our entire lives to Jesus’ authority. In this sermon we learn from Joshua Broome, a former pornstar turned pastor, who points us towards Jesus' words on these truths.…

You have a purpose to preserve the world that’s been entrusted to you by sharing the Gospel. You have a place and a people to shine your light in the darkness. In Matthew 5, Jesus reveals how we can feel alive! Know your purpose Know your place Know your people Life Group Discussion: Have you ever toured old church buildings that are now museums? W…

Do you feel like the world is going backwards? How did this happen? The world is going backwards because we’re not living the upside-down life. When we walk among the people of God, as the people of God we preserve our land. And fortunately, Jesus shows us the path! The path is among the poor in spirit The path is among the pure in heart The path i…

We are in a real war, and if we don’t realize it, then we are losing. Once we learn to watch for it, we begin to see it. Once we see it, we can’t unsee it. Paul writes in Ephesians 6 everything we need to know to resist temptation when the enemy attacks. Stand strong against Satan’s schemes Stand firm and suited up Stay praying in The Spirit and sh…

Let your life be a life of worship as you obey your parents, guide your children, and work in the role God has placed you in. Live a life of worshipping Jesus in your home and at your workplace. Children: Honor and Obey Dads: Discipline and Disciple Workers: Worship Life Group Discussion: How old should children be to continue to obey their parents…

A marriage cannot be happy or healthy without Christ at the center of it. In this message, Jonathan Pokluda teaches us that (1) the mindset of marriage must be sacrifice and submission, (2) the mission of marriage is sanctification through service, and (3) the mystery of marriage is that it showcases our savior.…

Paul reminds us in today’s text the antidote to spiritually sleepwalking is to walk in love, walk in the light, and walk in wisdom. 1. Walk in Love 2. Walk in Light 3. Walk in Wisdom Life Group Discussion: What have you put behind you and fully surrendered to walk in love? When someone brings sin into the light? How should you respond? What do you …

To live a Christian life, we have to imitate Christ. One place where some struggle is with forgiveness of others who have committed a wrong against them. Rather than holding grudges, quiet judgment, and anger in our hearts, we are called to forgive in the same way that Jesus forgave us. God deeply cares about how we are able to forgive others and l…

Change begins in you thinking …thoughts take you places. When you become a Christian, you are learning a new way to live, different than the world. The true test of a changed person is what comes out of them when they are squeezed. The true test is in trials. Thoughts take you places You are learning a new way The true test comes in trials Life Gro…

The disposition of a mature Christian comes from a unified doctrine. The deployment of mature Christians leads to unified service. The development of mature Christians makes up a unified church. A mature Christian’s disposition A mature Christian’s deployment A mature Christian’s development Life Group Discussion: Who do you know that is clearly ma…

Jesus showed his wounds and Thomas was changed forever. Thomas believed Jesus was risen indeed. May we be encouraged to show our wounds and tell others about the risen Savior who changed our lives forever. 1. We tend to conceal when the Bible’s pattern is to reveal. 2. Show your wounds to share your Savior. 3. A man with an experience of God is nev…

On Good Friday, we observe in reverence the sacrifice that Jesus made for our sins. In this message, JP takes us through the scriptures to see where we might've missed the shadows of our savior throughout the Old Testament. 1) Shadows of Sacrifice 2) Shadows of a Substitute 3) Shadows of a SaviorJonathan Pokluda

The mystery of God is revealed in suffering, serving, and sharing. The mystery is revealed in suffering The mystery is revealed in serving The mystery is revealed in sharing Life Group Discussion: Have you witnessed unbelievable heart change in someone’s life? What changed? When you experience suffering, does God seem far away from you or near to y…

We have been brought into The Kingdom of God by the blood of Jesus. We have been blended in with the Jews who trusted in Jesus as the Messiah. We are being built up into God’s temple and God is building His home among us forever. 1. You have been brought in 2. You have been blended 3. You are being built up Life Group Discussion: Is there a relatio…

We were all dead in our sins before God. We couldn’t work our way or earn our way to Him. Yet, because of His never-ending love and mercy, He has made us alive in His Son Jesus. Paul lays out the simple yet powerful and profound life changing reality in these ten verses that is the Good News of the Gospel. 1. We were dead in our sins 2. By grace we…

Do you truly know what you have? As we continue to study Ephesians, Paul prays that the church in Ephesus would know four things. Ask God that you may know Him better Ask God to know the hope you have in Him Ask God to know the value you have in Him Ask God to know the power you have in Him Life Group Discussion: What do you value here on earth? Ho…

Why did God choose you? He chose you forevermore according to His pleasure. Even when you have nothing to offer Him , he brought you into His family. You’ve been chosen by the Father You have been forgiven and redeemed by Christ You have been sealed by His Holy Spirit Life Group Discussion: Why did God choose you? What is your story of grace and re…

How does a city change? In this message, we intro the book of Ephesians by looking at how God shifted the city of Ephesus. God changes a city by changing a person God changes a city by removing idols God changes a city with the message of His grace Life Group Discussion: Have you ever felt darkness in a city you visited? What are the idols that hav…

If you Abide in Him, you will develop spiritually. Hold fast to your relationship with Jesus. Know Him. Love Him. Abide in Him. Apprehend The Gospel Behave like Jesus Illuminate Truth with Love Develop Spiritually Eternally Live Life Group Discussion: Do you apprehend the Gospel? Have you grown in your relationship with God more today than one year…

We can't abide without the Holy Spirit. Just after Jesus explains to his disciples He is leaving and tells them to remain connected to Him. Jesus explains that He will send the Spirit, and this will be our advantage. The Spirit of God helps, convicts, and guides us. In abiding the Spirit helps In abiding the Spirit convicts In abiding the Spirit gu…

The presence of Jesus will change us when we are aware that He is in our midst. Rather than moving on with our life, we want to connect intimately with Him. In this message we look at someone in Scripture who shows us what it looks like to Abide with Jesus. Abiding means sitting at the feet of Jesus Abiding means listening to Jesus Abiding means re…

God takes Christ and he puts Christ in us. We are a new creation in Christ. We are recruited by God to show His love to the world. When we abide in Christ, we are going to do things to show His love to the world that doesn’t make sense. You need to give up control. Lean into God and His plan for you. As you abide in Jesus, He is transforming you to…

What would most people say Christians do? Pray, read the Bible, make disciples, give generously, forgive, love, serve, go to church, and share the gospel. In our new series, “ABIDE”, JP looks to John 15 to focus our thoughts on a true disciple is one who abides in Jesus and fruit is produced. We also learn when we are pruned, bring it to God and tr…

Do you think God can’t handle your problems? Do you really believe in what He says? Start the new year by being on the right side of belief. Through the story in Numbers 13 and 14, Nate teaches not to take the easy path, but believe God can do immeasurably more than we could ever ask or imagine. Numbers 13 - 14 1. Who you trust changes how you perc…

As we complete our series, “Till He Appears,” we examine Jesus is woven throughout the Old Testament pointing towards God with us. Today, we are to be looking for Him like the magi – He’s coming back! Prepare your hearts and spread the good news.Jonathan Pokluda

In this message, JP shows through the story of Joseph, we can trust God’s sovereignty in all circumstances. JP teaches the complete obedience of Joseph leads to extraordinary outcomes ultimately predicting the future suffering of Jesus our Savior. Genesis 37-50 Family of origin doesn’t limit our opportunity for obedience You cannot determine obedie…

As we continue our series, “Till He Appears”, Grant shows us how the story of the sacrifice of Isaac ultimately predicted the coming of our Savior. Grant contrasts how the testing of Abraham’s faith and his willingness to sacrifice his only son, shows us how God has never failed His children. God sacrificed His only Son so we could be free. Genesis…

As we begin our series, “Till He Appears,” Nate shows us how the story of Adam and Eve ultimately predicted the coming of our Savior. Nate contrasts Adam’s shortcomings with Jesus’ fulfillment of our brokenness to illustrate how God planned for our redemption all along. Genesis 1:26-3:15 1) Adam’s use of authority creates the need for Jesus’ use of…

Take Time To Pray 1) Pray with Gratitude 2) Pray for Wisdom 3) Pray for Your Part Thank you, Jesus, for all you have done in 2023! 2023 HighlightsJonathan Pokluda

Are you content with what you have been given or do you groan and grumble? Do you live a generous life looking for opportunities to share with someone in need? Nate looks to Exodus 16 to show us how much God loves us and wants to provide exactly what we need for our tomorrow. For God so loved us He provided His son, Jesus, for us. He is Jehovah Jir…

As we wrap up our series, “Forged,” JP shows us three unavoidable obstacles that are found in Scripture and how to combat them. JP looks to 1 Peter to show us how anxiety, temptation and suffering can be combated with a Kingdom first mindset. 1 Peter 5:6-10 1) In anxiety, humble yourself 2) In temptation, resist the devil 3) In suffering, practice …

As we continue in our series, “Forged,” JP reminds us that humility is key for a healthy church body. JP looks to 1 Peter to show us how church elders and members must serve one another with an eager heart. 1 Peter 5:1-5 1) For the church to work, you must have humble elders 2) Church leaders must serve with humble motives 3) For church to work, yo…

As we continue in our series, “Forged,” JP reminds us that Christians must lean closer to God in times of suffering because He is sanctifying us. JP looks to 1 Peter to show us five things we should not do in suffering. As we seek to become more like Christ, we must rejoice in suffering because our Savior suffered for us on our behalf. 1 Peter 4:12…

As we continue in our series, “Forged,” JP reminds us that we are called to live as though Jesus is returning in our lifetime. JP looks to 1 Peter to show us how we should use our gifts to serve the body of Christ with sacrificial love. If we are truly living on mission for Christ, we wouldn’t have the desire to change how we live our lives on the …

Where do we find peace? As we continue in our series, “Forged,” Dale reminds us that peace is found with God. Dale looks to 1 Peter to remind us that our job as believers is to tell everyone the good news despite experiencing worldly bad news. 1 Peter 3:18-4:6 1) Christ has triumphed over evil 2) No matter the suffering, we do God’s will 3) Everyon…