Stop deceiving yourself. That might sound a bit harsh, but that's the warning Paul shares in 1 Corinthians 3: 1-23. We can think we aren't controlled by our sinful nature when in reality, we are. And we can think we have wisdom because we are basing it on the world's standards. That's self-deception. Humans will strive to gain wisdom of this world. That's human wisdom gained by human effort. We know scripture says that's foolishness. Paul had evidence to show how people were still being controlled by their sinful nature and self-deception. This week, Pastor Matt guides us through that evidence with four questions we can use to examine ourselves to avoid deception. Ultimately, God's wisdom is revealed, not gained.
In part two of our series, Christ Crucified, Pastor Matt reminds us what we know from Paul's passage in 1 Corinthians 2: 1-16; that we have access to the mind of Christ because God reveals Jesus by the power of his word and his Spirit. That means your thoughts, opinions, memory, practices, feelings, emotions, and discernment, can all be guided by the mind of Christ. Drawing from the wisdom of scripture and the empowering guidance of the Holy Spirit, we can see how to align our thoughts, opinions, and actions with the mind of Jesus. Learn how to elevate God's word above human understanding, rely confidently on the Holy Spirit, and discern truth in a world filled with conflicting perspectives.
This Easter, we will celebrate the resurrection of Jesus and we can confidently say, 'The same power that raised Christ from the dead lives in me.' But in this new series, "Christ Crucified," we will study the Apostle Paul's statement in 1 Corinthians 2:2. where he says, “For I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.”(1 Cor. 2:2 NASB 1995) Christ Crucified reveals something about God’s love, wisdom and power that no other knowledge will reveal. The significance of Christ Crucified is that it's God's plan for us to deeply know him. In this message, Pastor Matt shares three things Christ's crucifixion reveals about God and three things that knowing Christ's crucifixion reveals about us.
Like Jesus, Joseph honored God by forgiving his brothers and reconciling the relationship through a process of rebuilding trust.
In the 5th and final part of our series, Joseph, Pastor Matt explores the difference between forgiveness and reconciliation. Forgiveness is a decision and can happen without reconciling the relationship. Reconciliation is a process of rebuilding trust and you cannot reconcile a relationship without forgiveness. When we understand how Joseph forgave his brothers for their wrongs toward him and reconciled the relationship by rebuilding trust, it will help us understand how God forgives us for our wrongs through Jesus, and reconciles our relationship by rebuilding trust. Forgiveness is a gift. Have you received this gift? Confession takes courage. Is there anything hidden in your life? Repentance is shown. Are there any selfish behaviors that need to change? Reconciliation is restoration. Are you resting in a restored relationship with Jesus?
Like Jesus, Joseph honored God by walking in humility. In God’s timing, he elevated Joseph to a place of honor and authority.
C.S. Lewis said "True humility is not thinking less of yourself, it is thinking of yourself less." This week we saw how, like Jesus, Joseph honored God by walking in humility. In God's timing, he elevated Joseph to a place of honor and authority. Reading Genesis 41, we see how Joseph remained dependent on God, giving him all the glory for interpreting dreams despite his own dreams from years prior still not coming to pass. In God's timing, Joseph was promoted to second in command of all of Egypt. God tests our humility and character right where we are, so we are ready when he promotes us to where he wants us to be. To wrap up our series on Joseph, Pastor Don gives us five ways we can all grow in humility.
In week two of our Joseph study, Pastor Eric Scott shares about Joseph's faithfulness to the Lord despite temptation. In Genesis 39, Potiphar's wife tempted Joseph into sexual sin but because of his closeness to God, Joseph was prepared to answer with integrity. Pastor Eric reminds us what 1 Corinthians 10:13 says: "No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it."
The story of Joseph illustrates how to honor God in all circumstances and points to the message of Jesus.
In part one of our new series, Joseph, we look at how Joseph was like Jesus in his submission and obedience to the Lord. Pastor Dustin shares how the life of Joseph powerfully displays God's sovereign ability to impart his purpose in the life of an obedient person. We honor God not only through what we say, but our actions of praise, submission, and obedience. Submission is not always easy, and it's not always pretty. But it's glorious, wonderful, and freeing.
Have you ever stopped to consider how you might be spiritually blind? In his sermon, Pastor Matt delves into the story of Jesus healing a man born blind, exploring not only the physical miracle but also the deeper message about spiritual sight. There are four types of spiritual blindness that can easily go unnoticed: False assumptions that cloud our judgment, Ignorance that leads us to rely on human authority over God's word, Insecurity that fuels fear and hinders discernment, and Self-importance that blinds us to the truth and the needs of others. Join us as we explore these themes and discover how to cultivate spiritual insight through a steadfast commitment to worshipping God and doing his will.
Have you ever stopped to consider how you might be spiritually blind? In his sermon, Pastor Matt delves into the story of Jesus healing a man born blind, exploring not only the physical miracle but also the deeper message about spiritual sight. There are four types of spiritual blindness that can easily go unnoticed: False assumptions that cloud our judgment, Ignorance that leads us to rely on human authority over God's word, Insecurity that fuels fear and hinders discernment, and Self-importance that blinds us to the truth and the needs of others. Join us as we explore these themes and discover how to cultivate spiritual insight through a steadfast commitment to worshipping God and doing his will.
Seasons are a constant cycle of predictable change. The season you’re in has a God-given purpose.
Seasons are a constant cycle of predictable change. The season you’re in has a God-given purpose.
Unexpected problems in life are inevitable disruptions to help you grow. Jesus gives us wisdom for how to navigate these situations and struggles. Pastor Matt talks about the wisdom it takes to reframe our circumstances with biblical truth. Some things never change and we'll always encounter struggles. But God's Word and his truth stays the same!
Unexpected problems in life are inevitable disruptions to help you grow. Jesus gives us wisdom for how to navigate these situations and struggles. Pastor Matt talks about the wisdom it takes to reframe our circumstances with biblical truth. Some things never change and we'll always encounter struggles. But God's Word and his truth stays the same!
God’s word never changes but your willingness to listen and accept is essential for it to change you.
God’s word never changes but your willingness to listen and accept is essential for it to change you.
Jesus entered a cold world of grief and loss to bring joy. Trusting God’s wisdom is the key to unlocking the promise of indescribable joy.