The word “holiness” gets thrown around a lot in church, and most of us have a vague idea of what it means, but do we really understand the implications of calling God holy?

Most Christians think that trusting God means we just have to put on a happy face no matter what, even when we’re hurting inside. But that’s not at all what the Bible teaches us.

Most Christians think that trusting God means we just have to put on a happy face no matter what, even when we’re hurting inside. But that’s not at all what the Bible teaches us.

A lot of people come to Jesus with the expectation that he’ll make their life better. But Jesus said that in this world, we will have trouble. So how should we respond when life gets hard?

From the first century to the 21st, Christians around the world have gladly given their lives for the sake of the gospel. There are countless stories of believers singing as they went to their execution and praying for their enemies. Where did they get that otherworldly courage? Pastor J.D. answers that question as he begins a brand new series called, I Am an Alien. We’re learning what it means to be in the world but not of the world. 

We talk a lot on Summit Life about living our lives on a mission… “sent” into the mission field God has placed us in. Today, we’ll hear more about how we can fulfill the Great Commission in our families, our workplaces, and whatever situation we find ourselves in. Because, no matter what season of life we’re in, our calling as followers of Jesus is to “Live Sent.”

Did you know that every single worship service at The Summit Church in Raleigh-Durham, where Pastor J.D. pastors, ends with the same three words? Those words are: “You are sent.” We love gathering to worship God together every weekend, but we always want to remind ourselves that once we leave the church service, the real work begins… because we’re all missionaries being “sent out” into our mission field!

This is the Tale of Two Adams: While one man brought the curse of death upon the human race, another man sacrificed and took that curse into himself. Pastor J.D. continues to teach in this message how we have chosen sin, like the first Adam, but we can choose life through the second man, Jesus Christ. When we do, we’ll understand why every son and daughter of Adam needs to hear how they, too, can be redeemed.

We all have a problem: We are living under the curse of sin and death, all because of the choice of one man: Adam. That’s pretty depressing, isn’t it? But there’s hope in the gospel. In today’s message, Pastor J.D. walks through Romans 5 and shows us how, even though we all made the same choice as Adam to sin, we can all make the choice today to accept salvation through another man—the second Adam, Jesus Christ.

We won’t always know how God is working in our suffering. That doesn’t sound very comforting, but we know from the Bible that we can trust in two things: first, the cross shows us that he hasn’t forgotten us and, two, the resurrection shows us that he always finishes what he has started. Pastor J.D. continues in this message from Romans to remind us how and why we can have joy in the midst of our suffering.

How is it possible to rejoice when we are suffering? You may think it’s not possible. But, Romans 5 shows us that the gospel changes everything, including how we look at suffering. In this message, Pastor J.D. teaches us how we can rejoice in the hope that God will keep all his promises ... a hope rooted in the assurance that one day, even if nothing else in our lives works out, God will restore everything that is broken.

Do you have the kind of faith Abraham had? The Apostle Paul says that, even when he faltered, Abraham “did not waver in unbelief.” As Pastor J.D. continues to teach from Romans 4, he helps us understand that faith is not about never failing; it’s about placing your trust in the God who always keeps his promises. Faith is about admitting that you cannot save yourself, but that, in God’s grace, he has done it for you.

One of the most common questions about Christianity is, “How did people in the Old Testament get to heaven?” In today’s teaching, Pastor J.D. teaches us not only when and how Abram — the “father of our faith” — was saved, but also how our faith is the same as Abraham’s. Through his story, we see that the Christian life is started and sustained by faith that God will keep his promises and that he fulfilled his most important one in Jesus.

When we experience division in the church, the first question we should ask is, “What are we boasting in?” As he continues in Romans 3, Pastor J.D. shows us in this message the three things we tend to boast in and why they contribute to conflict. When we understand that, while God only accepts those who are repentant, he also accepts repentant people from every background and race, only then will we have unity in God’s family.

We often like the concept of diversity, as long as other people adapt to our customs and styles. But the gospel teaches us a different way. In this message, Pastor J.D. teaches from Romans 3, where we learn that, while there is only one way to salvation, God doesn’t accept us because of anything about us but because of what he’s done for us. This makes Christianity, as Tim Keller says, “the most inclusive exclusivity there is.”

If you’ve never known how to reply to someone who asks, “What’s the big deal about Jesus?” then this is the message for you. Pastor J.D. continues through the passage in Romans 3 that some scholars say is the most important in the Bible. Through its message, we learn what makes Christianity so different from every other religion and how accepting Jesus’ forgiveness changes the foundation of our lives.

Have you ever wondered how to respond when someone asks you why you think Jesus is the only way to salvation? In this message, Pastor J.D. walks through one of the most important passages in Romans, what Martin Luther called “the very central place ... of the whole Bible.” In it, we find not only the answer to why Jesus saves but also a confidence that is found only through our justification.

Billy Graham said that what sends most people to hell is not their sins but their good works, because good works make us think there is something good about us that can save us from ourselves. Pastor J.D. continues in this message from Romans to show us how religion cannot reform us and willpower cannot change our hearts—and the one thing we need to come to Jesus for salvation.

You’ve got a problem. We all do! Salvation through Jesus has always been available, but many people still have not received it because they’re not willing to admit that there’s a problem with their heart. In this message, Pastor J.D. walks through Romans 3 and helps us see how the law showed us our need for a Savior, but that we cannot do anything to be made righteous except believe in Jesus who kept the law in our place.

Good news! Though religion can’t change us, the gospel gives us a new heart. In Romans 2 Paul admonishes religious people who have grown up in church and have never recognized their need for repentance but reminds us that there is hope. In this message, Pastor J.D. shows us the only way for religious and irreligious people to be saved and how God stands ready not with condemnation but mercy and kindness.

In Romans 2, Paul goes after religious people who think they’re better because they know the Bible and go to church—and he’s talking to us. Pastor J.D. continues in the “Romans” series in this message as he explains why, on the final day, God will look beyond the outward performance of religion to our inward motivations and how both religious and irreligious sinners are welcomed back into God’s family through the cross.

It’s easy to look at the sins listed in Romans 1 and think, “What was wrong with those people?” But the gospel teaches us that the same idolatry in the hearts of people throughout history still exists in us today. In this message, Pastor J.D. continues to show us in Romans that, while we all stand under judgment of a righteous God, he is also a merciful God who spares us through his grace.

We often look back at our country’s history of slavery, oppression, and racism and think, “How could they have been so blind?” And yet we continue to practice the same idolatry today, where we reject God as the center and ruler of our lives. As Pastor J.D. returns to the “Romans” series in this message, he shows us why, thank God, it doesn’t matter what kind of sinner we are but what kind of Savior Jesus is.

Have you ever wondered what happens to people who have never heard the name of Jesus? In this message, Pastor J.D. turns to Romans, where the Apostle Paul shows us that God has revealed truth to us in creation and in us through a longing for meaning and eternity. Learn why those longings are no cruel joke; they are, as C.S. Lewis said, evidence that we were made for another world.

When it comes to the gospel, you have to get lost before you get saved. Pastor J.D. shows us in this message from the “Romans” series that though the Bible makes it clear that we have all turned away from God and our hearts are corrupt, God did not stop pursuing us. If you’re lost, just look to the cross, where God shows you his holiness, your unrighteousness, and his willingness to come after you anyway.

What would it take for you to give up your life as you know it so others could hear the gospel? In this message, Pastor J.D. continues to examine the life of Paul, who wasn’t just unashamed to share the good news around the world—he was eager to faithfully proclaim what Christ had done. His example shows us just how unworthy we were to hear the gospel and how much we owe to Jesus for giving it to us.

The gospel that compelled Paul to forsake his life and carry its message around the world for the sake of the lost is the same gospel that calls you today to do the same. Pastor J.D. continues in the “Romans” series by examining the life of Paul—the former Pharisee who understood that with the privilege of hearing the gospel comes the responsibility of sharing it—and showing how the gospel should change the way you look at your life.

The power to continue in the Christian life comes from the same place you got the power to start in the Christian life. In this message, Pastor J.D. continues his introduction to the “Romans” series and explains what it means for the gospel to go deeper in you and through you in the world.

In this introduction to the “Romans” series, Pastor J.D. explains how the gospel is not just the diving board off of which we jump into the pool of Christianity. It is the pool itself.

Is it possible for Jesus to be God but not know everything God the Father knows? Pastor J.D. answers that question as he concludes our series called, The Difficult Sayings of Jesus.

When it comes to end-time prophecy, some Christians spend a ton of time trying to map out the last days. Others want to focus on the here and now. So which approach is correct?

Jesus told his followers that they would have authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy. What exactly did he mean by that?

When many of us picture Satan, we think of little red horns and a pitchfork. But is Satan just a figment of Hollywood’s imagination, or is he really alive and active in our world today?

A lot of people use Matthew 7:1 to argue that we should never tell anyone that they’re sinning. But is that what Jesus really meant when he told us not to judge others?

In our culture, it’s a common belief that every religion leads to God, as long as you’re sincere. But the offensive truth is: that’s not what Jesus taught!

Everyone likes the idea of Jesus bringing peace on earth and goodwill to men. But uncontroversial people don’t get crucified.

In the Garden of Gethsemane, we witness one of the most shocking moments in all of history. God the Father turned his face away from his Son so that he could welcome us into his presence.

Have you ever felt abandoned? Maybe a spouse left you, a friend betrayed you, or a parent wasn’t there when you needed them most. Jesus knows exactly how that feels.

Most people believe that they’re going to go to heaven when they die because they’re a good person. But in truth, our salvation has nothing to do with our moral successes and failures.

As Pastor J.D. begins a series called The Difficult Sayings of Jesus, we’re putting aside our assumptions and taking a fresh look at who Jesus really is.

In this message on 1 Corinthians 16, Pastor J.D. continues to walk through Paul’s concluding thoughts to the Corinthian church, through which we get a helpful look into the biblical motivation for giving and how to make a Spirit-led decision.

As Paul bounces from topic to topic—principles on giving, the need for courage, dealing with opposition, discerning God’s will—we see a snapshot of a faithful Christian life.

Pastor J.D. helps you understand what Jesus has done for you and how to make the most important decision of your life.

In this Easter message, Pastor J.D. explains that whether or not the resurrection is true, we should all want it to be true.

Pastor J.D. teaches the four ways the truth of the resurrection should make a difference in our lives and how to be included in the resurrection to eternal glory.

In this message from 1 Corinthians 15, Pastor J.D. takes a look at how Paul responds to some of the Corinthians who are saying there’s no resurrection of the dead.

Pastor J.D. explains why the love that is described in 1 Corinthians 13 must be received before it is shown—and how that love is found only in Jesus.

A dive into 1 Corinthians 13 shows us the most profound, powerful, and counter-cultural description of love ever written.

Pastor J.D. continues in this message to show how God works in your life not just through your spiritual gifts but also the spiritual gifts of others.

None of us—and none of our brothers or sisters—can truly flourish until we know and exercise our gifts. In God’s community, everybody has a special role to play. Every. Body. Including you.

When the apostle Paul was completely exasperated by the divisions in the Corinthian church, he laid out a theology of communion, because remembering the gospel cuts through all the noise of the chaos in the church.

In this message from 1 Corinthians 11, Pastor J.D. picks up the most fundamental element of Christian worship—the bread and the cup of communion.

Pastor J.D. wants you to see how difficult topics demonstrate created order and the gospel. In this message, Pastor J.D. continues to look at what this passage in 1 Corinthians 11 communicates to us today.

Pastor J.D. walks through one of the most confusing and misinterpreted passages in the entire New Testament. Along the way, we’ll learn just how relevant first-century head coverings are for the hot button questions about gender (and gender identity) in the twenty-first

Pastor J.D. helps you understand what competes with God for first place in your life so that you can get rid of your idols, put God first, and surrender to and serve him.

In this message, Pastor J.D. helps you understand what competes with God for first place in your life so that you can get rid of your idols, put God first, and surrender to and serve him. The only way to overcome idolatry is to lean in to God’s presence and faithfulness!

If athletes train like they do for crowns that perish and names in rafters that fade into oblivion, how much more should we be willing to discipline our lives for the souls of people that last forever? Pastor J.D. explains in this message how to order your life when the crown you are striving for is the soul of your neighbor, coworker, or family member.

Athletes are ruthless, eliminating everything that stands in the way of winning. And we should be the same. Whether we’re looking at our personal preferences, our worship services, our political decisions, even our ethnic identity … we lay it all on the line for the sake of the gospel—that we might save some.

As Pastor J.D. continues to look at what the Bible says about divorce, he answers three practical questions about staying in a difficult marriage, remarriage, and how God views divorced people.

Broken marriages affect so many of us in the church, and we often fail to apply gospel hope to this painful experience.But the Apostle Paul offers real-world wisdom and gospel hope to those who are divorced, those who have considered divorce, those who have been hurt by divorce. Essentially, to all of us.

Pastor J.D. wants to help believers know when it’s the right time to be married, because God created you for relationship, but also that the ultimate place you find companionship is in the church.

Outside the church, marriage seems less and less important. But inside the church, it can sometimes be elevated to the status of idol! So how do we understand God’s design for both marriage and singleness?

Pastor J.D. continues in this message to help Christians know how to respond to a culture that says sex is no big deal and how to flee temptation with the help of the Holy Spirit.

In this message from our series in 1 Corinthians, Pastor J.D. explores a topic that is as contentious to us today as it was to the people in Corinth—sex.

Because sin is serious, the church has to take it seriously and follow the example of church discipline Paul describes in 1 Corinthians 5.

In this message from 1 Corinthians 5, Pastor J.D. teaches about the messy but necessary process of church discipline.

In this message, Pastor J.D. explains further the four characteristics the apostle Paul says should be championed in those who lead.

Join Pastor J.D. as he unpacks what biblical leadership looks like as we continue our series in 1 Corinthians, Cutting Through the Noise.

The same divisions that were present in the early church are still at work in the church today. Because of this, it’s important for those in the church to recognize the roots of self-righteousness and separation.

Pastor J.D. kicks off our series in the book of 1 Corinthians, showing how the gospel cuts through the noise and chaos of our lives.

As Pastor J.D. continues in this message from the “Love Incorruptible” series, he shows us why feeling weak and unqualified makes us more likely to lean on God’s power and how, when we apply gospel truth to our lives, we are strengthened knowing we are fighting from a victory Jesus has already won.

In this message, Pastor J.D. walks through each piece of spiritual armor so that you know how to arm yourself for the spiritual attack happening right now but also so you understand that you need every part of your body covered—because where the gospel has built you up, Satan cannot attack you.

Pastor J.D. continues in this message from Ephesians 5 and helps us understand the biblical meaning of submission and how, when we use our relationships in marriage, family, and work to love and serve like Christ, we grow deeper in joy and unity and put the gospel on display.

In this message, as part of the “Love Incorruptible” series, Pastor J.D. walks us through Ephesians 5, a passage that stirs up a lot of confusion about submission, and helps us see that God uses the relationships in marriage, family, and work as laboratories to help us grow in spiritual maturity.

You can find plenty of instruction in the Bible on how you should walk as a Christian. As he continues this message from Ephesians 5, Pastor J.D. helps us see that we don’t just need to know how to walk. We need to know how to get the power to walk with Jesus. When we are transformed by the gospel, the wonder of it fills our hearts, and we are compelled to walk in love, light, and wisdom.

You may think you’re being a good Christian because you’re trying to imitate God. But are you doing it because you adore him?

In this message, Pastor J.D. continues in a study of Ephesians, where we learn how moving beyond awareness to engagement helps us create the kind of gospel community that celebrates our cultural differences.

As the church, we cannot insist that people bow to our preferences when it comes to worshiping a Savior who gave up all his rights to rescue us.

As sinners, we don’t just need improvement. We need to be saved. We don’t need a life coach to help us start over. We need a resurrected Savior to raise us from death.

Believing in the gospel is kind of inconvenient, isn’t it? When we don’t understand how necessary it is in our lives, the demands it makes on us, like giving generously and reaching out to people who are different, can seem pretty bothersome.

If you feel dry spiritually or just plain bored in your faith, then you don’t need to learn some new facts about Jesus. You just need to have the eyes of your heart enlightened to the truth you already know.

Have you ever felt like something is missing in your spiritual life? What’s often missing is the difference in knowing something in our head and having it come alive in our heart.

If God has already chosen the people who will be saved, then why do we keep sharing Christ with people?

There are a lot of things in the Bible that are hard to understand. In this introduction to the “Love Incorruptible” series from Ephesians, Pastor J.D. explains predestination.

The gospel is the power for the Christian life. And in the book of Philemon, we see a real life example of the gospel transforming two first-century believers who couldn’t be more different.

The gospel is the power for the Christian life. And in the book of Philemon, we see a real life example of the gospel transforming two first-century believers who couldn’t be more different.

Phrases like “resurrection,” “salvation,” and “born again” can become kind of worn out, and we can lose sight of how incredible they really are. So we’re taking a fresh look at the glory of the gospel.

When we talk about the gospel, everyone wants to get to the part about God’s love and forgiveness. But without the bad news of sin, the good news wouldn’t be good!

When you’re coaching a team, it’s essential that your players are clear on their position and role. And the same is true in our spiritual lives.

The word “theology” usually brings up images of seminary professors in dusty libraries. It doesn’t seem very practical. But good theology is actually essential in our everyday lives.

Over the past 70 years or so, our country has become increasingly secular. So how do we continue standing for the truth when it seems like everyone’s against us?

Theology isn’t just about learning a lot of impressive terminology. Good, biblical theology is practical, and it changes the way we interact with our world.

Our society tends to define success by how many things you accomplish. But God has a different standard! Pastor J.D. challenges us to slow down and make room for rest.

Most of us live our lives at a frantic pace. But Pastor J.D. urges us to observe the principle of the Sabbath, explaining why it’s so important to make space for rest and relationships.

Why do you get up and go to work every morning? Pastor J.D. explains how God wants us to think about our careers and challenges us to view them through the lens of the gospel.

Whether you’re working your dream job, or are dreaming of the day you can retire, your work is way more important than you think!

There are many different parenting theories, and it can all be a little overwhelming. But Pastor J.D. reminds us of our most important task when it comes to raising kids.

We all want to be good parents and do right by our kids, but they don’t exactly come with a manual! So how do we know what to do and what to prioritize?

Everyone wants to find a career where they can use their gifts and talents. But Pastor J.D. reminds us that as believers, we all have one calling that outweighs any other!

Everyone wants to have a calling in life, a task that they are specifically designed to accomplish. And Pastor J.D. explains that if you’re a follower of Christ, you do have a calling!

If you’re like most people, you’ve probably been through seasons when you felt like your prayers were just bouncing off the ceiling and wasting your time. But get ready for a perspective shift!

What is prayer? It’s not a wish list, a way to unleash the power of positive thinking, or a ritual we have to go through to gain God’s favor. It’s so much more.

Most Christians know that the Bible is important. And yet, many of us struggle to read it on a regular basis. So how can we start to want to read the Bible?

For most Christians, reading the Bible is like getting a shot. We know it’s good for us, but it’s not something we look forward to. But is that really how God wants us to approach his word?

How do you know if you’re saved? Is it because you prayed a prayer at some point asking Jesus into your heart, or because you were baptized?

In our new series called START, we’re looking at the foundational elements of our faith. Whether you’re a new believer trying to figure out this whole Christianity thing, or if you’ve been following Christ for years but want to get back to the basics, this study is for you! 

When you’re trying to discern God’s call, don’t just look for where his Spirit is moving in your life but also in the world—because even more important than what the Spirit says to you is what the Word of God says to everybody. In this message, Pastor J.D. walks through how to figure out what God is doing in the world and conform your life to his mission.

In this message from Romans 15, Pastor J.D. challenges us to lift our eyes to the ends of the earth. When Jesus left his disciples, he promised that his gospel would go to every nation, tribe, language, and tongue. That task isn’t finished. And God is calling many of us to follow him to the most unreached parts of the planet. Is it difficult? Yes. Is it dangerous? Yes. Is he worthy of it? Absolutely.

Pastor J.D. demonstrates how to expect great things of God and attempt great things for God as you work to complete your mission on Earth.

Pastor J.D. takes us on a march throughout church history. The journey of a church doesn’t begin when it’s planted. It began 2,000 years ago, with 11 frightened disciples on a hillside outside of Jerusalem.

Change is scary. But Pastor J.D. explains that, if we want to do great things for God’s kingdom, it’s going to involve some risk!

An age-old question asks, “Do you own your things, or do your things own you?” And that’s our subject as Pastor J.D. continues our series called, Staying Faith.

For most people, money is one of the biggest stressors in our daily lives. But Pastor J.D. reminds us that God never intended for us to be slaves to wealth.

As Pastor J.D. kicks off a new series called, Staying Faith, we’re learning how to persevere to the end in the race of faith.

Hope has a name, and his name is JESUS. For all that you aren’t, for all that you need, for all that you fear, for all that you crave, for literally all that you ever cannot be, he is the great I AM.

Pastor J.D. continues today to identify four types of father wounds that our Everlasting Father heals and shows us how Jesus fills those longings and is the heavenly Father we’ve always craved.

Today, Pastor J.D. identifies four types of father wounds from the series “Hope Has a Name” to show us how Jesus came to heal those wounds.

Pastor J.D. continues today in Isaiah 9 to show us how to approach the Wonderful Counselor, who knows our sin but instead of condemnation offers us the righteousness of Christ.

Today, Pastor J.D. is unpacking the promise of Isaiah 9 and showing us how we should approach the Wonderful Counselor, who brings light to our darkness and gives us the gift of himself.

If someone looked at your Facebook profile, it might seem like you have hundreds of friends. But many of us are feeling more lonely and disconnected than ever before.

Friendships require an incredible amount of effort and vulnerability to maintain. Many people decide it’s not worth the effort. But deep, intimate friendships are essential for our happiness and holiness.

Dating is a confusing process, so today Pastor J.D. offers some biblical wisdom on how dating is supposed to work.

Because courtship looked so different in ancient times, many singles feel like scripture is irrelevant for dating. But God’s word is timeless and it gives us everything we need for life and godliness.

God designed marriage to be for life. So how can we restore a sinking relationship? And what is God’s plan for those who have already gone through a divorce?

When the joy of the honeymoon wears off, most couples discover that their spouse isn’t the saint they imagined. So is it ever okay to divorce and remarry?

Many members of the LGBT community feel like they’re outside the reach of God’s love. But today, Pastor J.D. reveals what the Bible really says about God’s grace and same sex attraction.

Some churches have embraced gay marriage. And other churches have shamed the gay community. Are either of these responses biblical?

Whether you’re married or not, every Christian should be focused on the marriage to come.

When attending church, single people often admit that they feel like second class Christians. But the Bible has a lot to say about the benefits of singleness.

Contrary to popular opinion, God’s plan for sexual boundaries isn’t repressive. His design for marital intimacy was intended to produce joy.

Many people get uneasy when the preacher starts talking about personal issues.  Especially when the subject is sex. But the fact is, sex is one of the few issues that’s addressed in nearly every book of the Bible. God has a lot to say about this topic, and in this series called From the Beginning, J.D. will explore the Scriptures for clarity and direction on sexual expression and cultivating healthy relationships.

Though he served God throughout most of his reign, the end of King Hezekiah’s life shows you how easy it is to receive God’s blessings and then make them all about you. Pastor J.D. teaches in this message how to leverage your successes, health, and resources for God’s mission so that yours is a life of faithful obedience.

In the face of overwhelming odds, King Hezekiah led the people of Israel to believe in God, who delivered them from their trouble. Today Pastor J.D. uses Hezekiah’s prayer as an example of how you should pray for deliverance and why the prayers that are heard by heaven are the ones that start in heaven.

Spiritual awakening will not happen in your city when other people become less wicked or when the politicians finally get it right or the professors at the local university become more moderate. Pastor J.D. continues to show in this message how revival will only happen when God’s people offer their lives so that others can live through their sacrifice.

God is looking for people who will stand in the gap between him and the faithlessness and disobedience of the world. In this message, Pastor J.D. walks through what it will take for you to be part of a spiritual awakening that starts with repentance in the church and spreads throughout every nation.

The gospel declares that Christ bore our sin in our place—but it doesn’t do the world any good if they never hear about it! Pastor J.D. continues in this message to demonstrate how your generosity contributes to a ministry of reconciliation and why it is best invested in the work of your local church.

Today Pastor J.D. looks at the apostle Paul’s example of what it means to be controlled by Christ’s love when it comes to your giving and what your generosity says about Jesus’ value to you.

What are the core components of the gospel centered life? Find out, as Pastor J.D. wraps up a study on King David with a look at his end-of-life legacy.

David may have been a man after God’s own heart, but he also made some terrible mistakes. But it’s how he responded to that sin that makes him a great example for our lives.

When bad things happen, some people try to blame God, while others try to absolve him from all blame. But as King David learned, the truth is often somewhere in between.

Why would a census from a “man after God’s own heart” incite divine wrath? Pastor J.D. teaches from one of the most perplexing stories in the Old Testament.

King David lost his family and kingdom through a single night of lust. But thankfully, that’s not where his story ends!

Because of the cross, our sins are forgiven, and believers are no longer under condemnation. And yet, sin still has consequences in this life.

When the sun comes up in the morning, our natural response is to pull the pillow over our head and pretend it’s still dark. Do we respond the same way when our sins come to light?

If there’s one area where almost everyone has regrets, it’s in the realm of sexual sin. But even in our greatest failures, God can bring redemption.

King David is known as a man after God’s own heart, but even he wasn’t perfect. As we learn about his greatest failure, we’ll discover the importance of fleeing from sexual sin.

How much do you have to give to please God? Is an hour of your Sunday morning enough or ten percent of your income?

What do we have to do to be good enough for God? Some people think they just have to live a decent life. Others constantly worry if they’ve done enough!

If you visit a few different churches, you’ll probably notice that some people sing in solemn reverence, while others raise their hands, dance, or even fall to their knees. Is one way better than the other?

It’s popular to say that “all roads lead to God.” But while that philosophy may sound nice, it just isn’t true. We can only approach God on his own terms.

When our prayers don’t seem to get any response, we often start to wonder if God is even hearing us. And if he does hear us, does he just not care?

Lots of people go to church every week but still feel distant from God. So how can we be sure that God has accepted us?

Have you ever taken a shortcut in life? We all cut corners sometimes because we want a better life now, but Pastor J.D. explains that we can’t rush God’s timing!

We’re all living in one kingdom or another. So who, or what, is the king in your life? That’s the subject of this new study called Search for a King.

It’s a tragic fact that many marriages fall apart after a sudden loss. So how do we keep it together when our life seems to be falling apart?

Whenever we struggle with depression, despair, or doubts about God, we tend to feel a lot of shame. Do we just not have enough faith?

One of the deadliest poisons to relationships is bitterness. The only cure is to be transformed by the grace of God!

Everyone wants justice. But the Bible makes it clear that Christians are called to forgive. So does that mean we’re supposed to let justice fall by the wayside?

Our natural tendency is to focus on our own needs and desires above all else. But for a relationship to work—whether it’s a marriage, friendship, or family—we need to learn selfless love.

The divorce rates in America today are shocking, yet the media continues to paint marriage as the key to happiness and wholeness. What are we missing?

Have you ever felt like a deer in the headlights, paralyzed by fear? Pastor J.D. explains that the cure for unhealthy fear is learning to fear the right things.

If you were asked to list some common sins, you’d probably mention things like lying, lust or inappropriate anger. But what about fear?

Work may seem like a strange topic to include in a series on building strong, godly families. But in actuality, our approach to work has an enormous effect on our homes.

No matter what your job is, we all have days when we feel like just another cog in the machine. But Pastor J.D. challenges us to take a higher view of our careers.

The word “ambition” tends to conjure up images of greedy Wall Street executives or ruthless dictators. But is there such a thing as good ambition?

In a brand new series called Home Wreckers, we’re taking an in-depth look at the pitfalls that corrode our relationships and destroy our homes.

As he concludes our series called Unknown God, Pastor J.D. argues that the god many of us believe in isn’t the God of the Bible.

For most Americans, statue worship isn’t something we’ve seen or experienced. But in truth, many of us—even Bible believing Christians—are buying into false images of God without even knowing it.

No one enjoys being confused. We want to make sense of things. But God’s understanding is much bigger than our own, and even though we can never grasp it all, we can trust in the God who does.

Whether you’re an atheist or a seminary professor, everyone has doubts about God. So how can we have faith if we still have unanswered questions?

Faith is often portrayed as nothing more than a comforting alternative to the more “rational” approach of atheism. But is that actually the case?

Many people struggle to believe in a God they can’t see or touch or hear. But not only can you know that God exists, you can know him personally!

As we conclude our powerful series called Assured, we’re discovering how we can know with absolute certainty whether or not we’re saved. God doesn’t want you living in fear and doubt!

We tend to use the word “love” pretty loosely. It can refer to your feelings about your pets, your spouse, or your favorite food! So what does the Bible mean when it talks about loving your neighbor?

When most people think of idolatry, they picture a temple with little golden statues. But while worshiping a statue is certainly a form of idolatry, it’s not the only kind!

Jesus made it clear that it’s possible to call yourself a Christian and believe all the right things, but not truly be saved. So what’s the difference between knowing about Jesus and knowing him?

Even in Christian circles, the subject of sin tends to get glossed over. But Pastor J.D. explains that the way we think about our sin is a crucial sign of where we stand with God.

Sin is usually an uncomfortable subject. But the way you think about your own sinfulness can actually give you assurance of your salvation!

Usually, our deepest beliefs are based on the things we’ve experienced, not on philosophical reasoning. But is it possible to really experience God if you can’t see him?

The first disciples believed in Jesus because of the miracles they witnessed. But how can we in the 21st century have that same experience and the same level of assurance?

Everyone’s conversion story is different. Some people grew up in church and have always believed. Others had a dramatic conversion later in life. Are both those experiences valid? Or is there a specific formula you need to follow?

Many believers think ministry is a job for pastors and missionaries, not the work of “ordinary Christians.” But there’s no such thing as an “ordinary Christian!”

A healthy relationship with God requires trust. Yet many of us doubt God’s ability to really save us. We feel like we need to earn his forgiveness.

Money is a personal topic, and it’s often considered off-limits in polite conversation. But the Bible doesn’t shy away from uncomfortable issues, and it has a lot to say about finances.

Some of us feel guilty for being wealthy. Others see money as a sign of God’s favor. But what does the Bible really say about our finances?

A lot of people think of missionaries as “super Christians.” But every Christian is called to the mission field—whether it’s across the country or across the street.

Many believers think ministry is a job for pastors and missionaries, not the work of “ordinary Christians.” But there’s no such thing as an “ordinary Christian!”

For many Christians, church is just an event that they attend on weekends. But that’s not what God intended when he designed the church.

Healthy believers will produce the Fruit of the Spirit. But first, you have to be rooted in Christ, and second, you need to have community.

Jesus said, “If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit.” In this message, we’ll discover how good fruit is produced by a life that’s rooted in Christ."

When was the last time you decided to make a change and become a better person? On this edition of Summit Life, Pastor J.D. describes the only path to genuine transformation.

Many Christians struggle to read the Bible for themselves. Isn’t it enough to just listen to Bible teaching or read a devotional?

We often refer to the first four books of the New Testament as “the gospels.” But from Genesis to Revelation, the Bible is all about the gospel.

Our journey with God begins when someone explains the gospel to us. But then the question becomes, “What do I do next?” The answer? Keep going deeper into the gospel.

If you’ve been a believer for a while, you might think you’ve moved beyond the gospel. But the truth is, we never outgrow the good news of Jesus’ death and resurrection.

Every Christian knows that prayer is important, but if we’re honest, a lot of us wonder what the point is. If God is in control, and he already knows what we need, then why bother telling him?

How’s your prayer life been lately? For most Americans, it usually consists of just a stock prayer before meals and an S-O-S when you’re in the middle of a crisis.

A lot of us struggle to pray consistently, and we end up only going to God when we’re facing a crisis. So how do we start treating prayer as more than just an emergency hotline?

Even after several days of Pastor J.D.’s teaching on prayer, we might still feel like our prayers aren’t heard by God. He gives one more attempt to meet us where we are.

Have you ever heard the saying, “Prayer doesn’t change God, prayer changes me”? Pastor J.D. is going to challenge that sentiment head-on as he continues the series, ASK.

Pastor J.D. continues walking through the familiar passage of the Lord’s Prayer. He will specifically show us how we can cast our anxiety on God.

Most of us can recite the Lord’s Prayer, but do we really know what we’re praying and how to use it as a guide for all of our prayers?

Pastor J.D. is showing us that’s exactly how we should approach God in prayer -- desperately, boldly, and persistently.

We’re beginning a new series from Pastor J.D. that takes a look at the revolutionary teaching of Jesus regarding prayer.

Time and time again, the Bible gives us examples of how important persistent prayer is. As we finish Jacob's story, we'll look at how God rewarded his persistence, and how that might be exactly what God wants from us, as well.

Through Jacob, we learn that many of the blessings of God are released into our lives only through persistent, unrelenting prayer.

The constant battle of what the heart loves reveals to us our desperate need for prayer. In our own battle, will we be like Lot, captured by the wonders of the world? Or like Abraham, interceding on behalf of the Lots God has placed in our lives?

Jesus said we should pray like children. Children don’t think about how they approach, whether they are using the right words, or whether their parents are pleased with them. They just ask. Astoundingly, that’s the beginning of learning to pray.

We all have days when we feel insufficient. Like we’re not strong enough or smart enough. But the Bible says that in our weakness, God is strong.

Throughout history, people have invented and named mythological gods. But the God of the Bible was not invented by mankind. And unlike Zeus or Thor, he chose his own name.

If there’s one aspect of God’s character that most people wish they could erase from the Bible, it’s the wrath of God. But God’s wrath isn’t something we should resent. His wrath should cause us to rejoice.

Most of us have never taken scissors to our Bibles, but in our minds, we often cut out the uncomfortable passages about God’s wrath. But the wrath of God isn’t a demeaning doctrine to be ignored. It’s a glorious reality!

Everyone likes hearing about God’s love. It stirs up warm sentimental feelings and makes us feel good about ourselves. But Pastor J.D. explains that God’s love has nothing to do with our worthiness.

Everyone wants to feel loved and cherished. But if we’re honest with ourselves, we know that we don’t deserve unconditional love. So why does God pursue us anyway?

Knowing someone’s name is an important part of your relationship with them. So Pastor J.D. is helping us know God personally by knowing his name.

If you really want to know God, you have to know everything about him, not just the parts we find appealing. So on this edition of Summit Life, we’re gaining a bigger view of God.

What is the presence of God like? Does he give us a warm fuzzy feeling? Or an emotional worship encounter? For something we all want to experience, why can God’s presence seem so elusive?

Some people think God set the world in motion and then stepped away. Others think he’s an impersonal force. But Pastor J.D. describes how we can know God personally.

As Pastor J.D. concludes our study in the book of Hebrews, we’re looking at how the power of the gospel connects to real-life—in our work, our marriages, our finances, and our churches.

The gospel is the power for the Christian life. And like a lamp, you can’t shine for Jesus unless you’re plugged in! But what does that “plugging in” look like on a practical level?

Everyone wants to be comfortable and safe from the unknown, but that’s not always God’s plan. And even when it’s scary, God always knows best!

If there’s one thing people want, it’s security. But we’re looking in all the wrong places! True peace of mind isn’t found in burglar alarms or home insurance.

From day one, Christians worldwide have faced physical and intellectual attacks. So in a world that’s opposed to everything we believe, how can we stand strong?

When a prayer goes unanswered, or you just don’t feel that connected to God, faith can be hard to come by! But throughout our study of Hebrews, we’re finding that there are reasons to believe!

It’s not hard to say you trust God until trusting him becomes a matter of life and death. But as we’ll discover, faith is always a matter of life and death—whether we realize it or not!

It’s really not hard to be a cultural Christian in America! But claiming to be a Christian doesn’t really require faith. So what’s the difference between mere belief and saving faith?

All of us have made mistakes that haunt us. And whether we embrace our sins or try to hide them, apart from Christ, we’re all slaves to them. But there is hope!

All of the Old Testament points to Jesus. On this edition of Summit Life, we’re seeing shadows of the gospel in Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement.

If you’ve been in church for any length of time, you’ve probably known people who you thought were genuinely saved, but then they turned away from God completely. How does that happen?

Once you’ve been saved, you’re secure forever. You can’t ever lose that salvation. Or can you? Pastor J.D. challenges each of us to evaluate where we stand with God.

On this edition of Summit Life, we’re studying a mysterious Old Testament figure named Melchizedek, who provides an important picture of Jesus’ role as High Priest and King.

Most of us are running so hard after success, that we miss out on God’s best for us! That’s the danger of busyness.

Everyone feels the pressure to work harder and longer so they can get the next raise and be successful. But all that busyness takes a toll on our spiritual lives.

What fears control you? Is it fear of missing out? Or fear of pain, loneliness, or rejection? J.D. Greear describes how you can be freed from all of that.

The gospel flips the script of religion and frees us from every fear and every chain. It’s the difference between Christianity and every other religion!

Imagine the best thing that could ever happen to you. Christ is better! In fact, Christ is better than anything this world has to offer.

We’re looking at a collection of stories from Judges, Chapters 17 to 21–accounts that reveal the tragic outcome when a society turns its back on God’s leading.

This message looks at the final chapters of the book of Judges. It’s a time when the Israelites turned their backs on God’s leading. They still acknowledged him with their lips, but they’d become, in essence, a nation of atheists.

Just like Samson, we’ve all fallen into the trap of our own desires. So what’s the answer?

Pastor J.D. reveals that your own heart is usually your worst enemy. This message is the third part of a four-part message on the life of Samson.

Today, we’re continuing our study called “Broken Saviors.” As we come to the end of Judges later this week, we’ll find out that the entire book is just one portion of a much bigger story.

During this message, Pastor J.D. invites us to look at one of the most familiar characters in the Old Testament. His life teaches us that God can accomplish amazing things through ordinary people--when they submit to his leadership.

Man is incapable of constructing, or living up to, the true Gospel. In fact, left to our own devices we tend to twist and misconstrue what God designed as perfect.

In this message, we’ll see how over and over again, God’s people substituted his plan for their own, with tragic consequences.

Beginning in Judges Chapter 8, we see how Gideon’s victory as a warrior began to inflate his ego. Rather than giving glory to God, he chose to act like a king who deserved special treatment. In a real sense, Gideon manufactured his own “broken savior.”

Behind every hero in the Bible, we see a God who remains faithful even though our heroes--and let’s admit it--we are often faithless. Good news for those of us who feel unworthy--thankfully God is the one who gives us value!

Pastor J.D. shows us how God can use anyone to accomplish his plan even when we feel stretched and afraid!

When God transforms our generation, he’ll use ordinary men and women just like Gideon; those who are willing to step up and take the lead.

Today we look at the story of Gideon--one of God’s mighty warriors of the Old Testament--and we see that even he had doubts and struggles as he considered the mantle of leadership being handed to him by God.

Pastor J.D. invites us to follow along as he teaches from the book of Judges, Chapters 4 and 5, as he shares five key points that will apply to both men and women in leadership.

When God inspires a woman to step forward and give leadership in ministry, how can the church help her become all God intended?

When we suffer, we look for any means possible to escape. But according to Scripture, sometimes God uses our pain to draw us back to him.

Through the Isrealites’ example, we’ll discover how to overcome our fears and choose faith instead.

Pastor J.D. explains how we can find power and freedom in following Christ.

On today’s program, we’re launching a new study in the book of Judges called “Broken Saviors.” Over the next few weeks, we’ll discover that we’re a lot like the Israelites who let their fear get in the way of their progress.

Do you know any “zombie Christians,” who look and act like they’re saved but are only going through the motions? Pastor J.D. explains the vital signs that reveal whether or not you’ve been born again.

Christians might be “in the world” and not “of it,” but we’re still impacted by our consumerist culture! But what works in the marketplace doesn’t work in the church.

What does the Bible mean when it says believers are dead to sin? Does it mean that Christians never mess up?

If you ask someone when they became a Christian, they’d probably point to a moment where they prayed “the sinners prayer!” But is praying a certain prayer really a magic ticket into heaven?

Have you ever tried negotiating with God? “Oh God, if you just give me this one thing, then I’ll do this or that for you?” Pastor J.D. points out the absurdity of that kind of bargaining because God doesn’t need anything from us in the first place!

As we dive into a brand new study called, Phantom Faith, Pastor J.D. explains the difference between true, saving faith and just going through the motions.

Paul shows us in Ephesians 5 that marriage is a divine mystery that points us to something higher - and that is Christ and the Church.

Today, we’ll look to Ephesians 5 for clarity and direction on intimacy in relationships. Actually, sex is one of the few topics that’s addressed in almost every book of the Bible.

If we’re honest, a lot of us would admit that the biblical view of marriage seems pretty outdated and patriarchal. Pastor J.D. is talking about what it actually means for a husband to lead.

Today we’re jumping into the delicate and controversial subject of the biblical roles of husbands and wives. Whether you’re single, married, divorced, or widowed, you’ll wanna listen!

“Sticks and stones may break our bones but words will never hurt us.” Pastor J.D. gives us practical wisdom for how our words can be grace-saturated during conflict.

Pastor J.D. encourages us to mind the smoke detectors of anger and bitterness before they turn into fires in our relationships.

To live happily ever after doesn’t mean you never fight with your spouse. Good couples have learned to fight fairly.

For many people, our views on love and relationships are shaped by the songs we listen to and the movies we watch. But there’s only one relationship model we should care about, and it doesn’t come from Hollywood!

If you were to ask most couples why they got married, they would probably say something about making each other happy. But Pastor J.D. reveals one of the most forgotten and important elements of marriage.

What if every time you saw your spouse, or your friends, or your parents, or boss or your employees, you had a thought, that if obeyed, would change every relationship?

At the end of the day, the interests of others are almost always secondary to our own. Pastor J.D. shows us just how important the interests are of those we love!

What are you looking for when you yearn for love and romance? Pastor J.D. looks at our expectations in marriage and God’s plan for singleness.

Our culture often acts like romantic love is the pinnacle of human existence. But, is that really the case? Pastor J.D. gives us a balanced, biblical view of marriage and singleness.

As we begin a series called "First Love," we’re getting a biblical perspective on the purpose of marriage and singleness. It’s a drastic shift from what our culture usually portrays!

Pastor J.D. shows us that distraction and the feeling of being overwhelmed and hurried often comes from being terribly out of fellowship with Jesus.

It’s safe to say that our society deals with more distractions than any previous society in history. Most of us feel like we are constantly pulled in different directions. Today, Pastor J.D. talks about being a distracted people who need focus.

You know, Jesus promised that for all who came to him, he would give them rest. But in today’s society, where overworking is the new norm, most of us hear Jesus’ invitation as wishful thinking.

Pastor J.D. shows us that those most mature in Jesus are not those working hardest for him but those resting most in him.

All throughout his ministry, Jesus explained that if your heart is in the right posture, and you have ears to hear, then the truth about him will be evident.

We feel like we’ve learned from the past and look down on the actions of previous generations. But what’s different about our hearts?

Are you a sheep or a goat? Are you a lukewarm person? We all struggle with seasons where we are lukewarm, where we are striving to maintain a commitment to Christ but we falter.

Today, Pastor J.D. shares another one of Jesus’ parables. And this one is going to show us what it looks like to be a Christian in today’s world.

Friday, Pastor J.D. covered the first two signs that you might be in a contract relationship with God. And today he’s going to present three more in order for us to see that we must get rid of our contract and embrace the goodness and grace of God!

Pastor J.D. teaches about the dangers of believing God owes us something and wanting him to give us what we deserve.

Have you had an encounter with God that you would describe like finding a hidden treasure? Like finding a treasure that brought you so much joy that you gladly left everything else to possess it?

Jesus once told a story about two men - both of them come across something of such value that it makes everything else in their lives look worthless by comparison.

In the parables, Jesus reveals the beauty of the gospel, but only for those whose heart is in a posture to perceive it—only for those who truly listen.

Today Pastor J.D. begins teaching through the parables of Jesus, stories so simple a child can understand them, yet so profound that we can never exhaust their wealth of wisdom!

Every message in this series, Pastor J.D. has shown us how Matthew places people in the story of Jesus that give us possible ways we might respond. Which ones describe you?

We have arrived at the joy of the resurrection in our series titled, Instead of Me. This has been a heavy series, but today we find Jesus alive! And he’s not just alive, he’s alive for me!

If you had been present during Jesus’ crucifixion, how would you have responded? Pastor J.D. is going to walk us through four characters to give us pictures of how we might have responded then and how we can still respond to Jesus today.

Pastor J.D. will help us see how the responses of the people surrounding the events of Jesus’ crucifixion give us pictures of how we respond to Jesus.

The events surrounding the trial of Jesus are recorded to show us that we are the ones who are actually on trial. These stories should make us consider how we are responding to Jesus.

We are marching toward the cross in our series titled, Instead of Me. Our prayer during this series is that you will see these days that led up to Jesus’ death with fresh eyes.

Have you ever thought that the cross must have been a scary place? Even for Jesus? But he went, when he could have fled, for us.

Jesus was well accustomed to getting a clear response from God when he prayed. But there was once where God was completely silent.

Judas betrayed Jesus for only 30 pieces of silver, but Jesus told the disciples that they would all fall away, sending a message that all of us, even at our very best, still fall short and need a Savior.

By looking at the way Jesus’ friends and enemies responded to him during his final hours, we will see how we, also, respond to Jesus’ shocking, upside-down, precious sacrifice.

Pastor J.D. addresses some of the obstacles and excuses to show us how our careers and even our dinner tables are a place to practically serve others.

Do you ever wonder, sometimes, if anything about your life matters? Jesus used the occasion of a banquet, a party, to teach people about his Kingdom and our significance and role in it.

It’s good news when Jesus tells us to “come to the table.” It’s an invitation to you!

Meal time was just as important to the life of Jesus as it is in our lives today. Pastor J.D. dives into Luke 14 in our new series called Come to the Table.

Pastor J.D. shows us how these final chapters of the book teach that in Christ, the suffering here on earth is limited, the resurrection is eternal, and the power of God is available to all who believe in him.

As we live in the in-between, Daniel encourages us that though things are dark—and they are likely only to get darker—we don’t despair. It’s all part of the plan.

Have you ever wondered how prayer works? Of course, we won’t ever have all the details, but Daniel, Chapter 9 gives us a behind-the-scenes look at how prayer works and demonstrates why prayer is so important.

In Daniel 9, we not only see five principles that make for effective prayer; we also get a one-of-a-kind glimpse into what happens in heaven as we pray.

As Pastor J.D. moves into the prophetic portion of the book of Daniel, he shows us how it’s Daniel’s prophecy about the future that makes the difference an outlook between peace and stress.

What God says to Daniel he says to believers in every generation: If you are going to faithfully shine in the present, you need to have a crystal clear vision of the future. There’s two ways to look at the future--a stress-producing way and a peace-producing one.

What was it that gave Daniel so much courage in the lion’s den? Is there a way to have that same courage in our own lives?

As much as we make of Daniel’s night with the lions, his courage was actually forged long before that fateful night. Courage is not summoned in a moment; courage is developed through a lifetime.

Have you heard the phrase “The writing is on the wall?” It usually means that something bad is about to happen; that your fate has been sealed. That phrase actually comes from Daniel, Chapter 5.

Today on Summit Life, we come to another story of God taking down a prideful, rebellious, selfish king. We’re going to see that this problem is much bigger than just one king.

In this message, we’ll take a look at what God has to say about pride’s fruits and pride’s cure. It’s something we all need from time to time, so let’s dig in.

Just when we think we’ve nailed it, pride creeps in and can destroy us. Just ask the character in our teaching. He learned some pretty serious lessons about the sin of pride and its consequences.

Will we be bold enough to ask ourselves the question, “Is God enough?” Will you follow him even when the answer is “no”? That type of courage takes a deep level of trust in God.

Through the famous story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, we will see an example of courage that could only come from faith in God. These three young men knew that God was bigger than anything life can throw at us.

We learn that what was true for Daniel is still true now: “There is a God in heaven.” Where human strategies fail, God begins to work.

As we continue our teaching series through the book of Daniel, we’re walking through Nebuchadnezzar’s confusing dream in Daniel, Chapter 2.

The world we live in, like Daniel’s, is often very dark and hostile to the message of God. But thankfully, he doesn’t call us to escape this world. He calls us to transform it. We’ll learn that the power to make a difference is only found in the commitment to be different.

We begin working our way through the Old Testament book of Daniel--and it’s about a lot more than just lions. This book is about how to shine, how to thrive, in a very dark and hostile world.

Pastor J.D. encourages us to pray, act wisely, and stay alert as he follows Paul’s conclusion of the book of Colossians.

We go to church on the weekends, check that box, and move on. But today, Pastor J.D. reminds us that Jesus isn’t one part of our life, he’s first in everything!

Pastor J.D. cautions us about treating Jesus like an a la carte menu. We’ll see that we can’t take Jesus and “a little bit of this” and “a little bit of that.”

Today Pastor J.D. uses the familiar Old Testament verse, Micah 6:8, to frame his teaching in the first chapter of Colossians.

Have you ever considered that everyday you are experiencing the fruits of the audacious faith of others who came before you? You are the fruit of someone’s bold faith!

Pastor J.D. challenges us to consider whether we’re on the front lines of living with bold, reckless faith or are you kicking back watching the faith of others from the sidelines?

In light of who Jesus is, Pastor J.D. asks one simple but revolutionary question: Is Jesus just important to you, or is he truly first in your life?

Our emotions function like smoke from a fire—and just like you can follow a trail of smoke to figure out what’s on fire in your house, you can follow the trail of your emotions to figure out what is on fire in your heart.

Each of these emotions—depression, anxiety, anger, envy, and now “shame”—functions like warning lights on the dashboard of our hearts, indicating what is going on in the engine of our souls.

When we look at other people’s lives on social media, we are seeing a filtered image. Pastor J.D. concludes his message on the difficult emotion of envy.

Envy surrounds us—and most of us don’t realize the deadly poison that envy is. We think of envy as a kind of petty jealousy that just comes from wanting a little more. But the Bible treats it as far more serious.

People seem queued up and ready to be angry—in the classroom, at work, on Twitter, and on the freeway. Pastor J.D. teaches how we can be angry like Jesus.

Remember that one time in the Bible when Jesus got angry? And he didn’t hide it? And he didn’t sin? Pastor J.D. is helping us see how we can be angry like Jesus, too.

When it comes to money, parenting, career, and any of the other litany of things we worry about, God is not telling us to sit back and do nothing. He is saying that we need to do what we can, and trust him with the results.

We worry most about what we are devoted to most. Jesus talks about the difficult emotion of anxiety by first challenging what we are most devoted to.

Whenever we struggle with depression, despair, or doubts about God, we think there’s something wrong with us or maybe we just don’t have enough faith. And it can be difficult to ask for help because we don’t want anyone to see us as broken.

Pastor J.D. shows us that the aim of the Bible’s teaching on emotions isn’t to suppress them or even to manage them, but to read them accurately, express them honestly, and allow the gospel reshape them completely.

If we believe that Jesus defeated death through his resurrection, that changes everything. And if we believe it, we too will defeat death and live eternally through the power of his blood. So the question is, do you believe it?

We’ve all walked the lonely path to Jesus’ tomb in one form or another over the past 23 months, wondering where life is headed. The bad news? It’s headed to the grave. The good news? It doesn’t have to stay there.

Jesus encountered a preoccupied man, a superficial man, a religious man, a guilty man, and a disciple along the way to the cross. Which one are you?

Pastor J.D. takes us along the road to the cross, where we will meet a handful of different people—each of whom has a different response to Jesus’ sacrifice.

Every one of us can experience the love and grace of our Heavenly Father who welcomes us back home with open arms.

Pastor J.D. preaches about the most famous parable Jesus ever told—the story of the Prodigal Son. There’s a reason this parable is so popular: In it we see the biography of all of human history, the story of every single one of us.

Jesus wanted his disciples to be willing to give up everything to advance the kingdom of God, and he wants the same thing from us today.

Pastor J.D. asks us to count the cost of truly following Jesus. When Jesus called his first disciples, he warned them that it was going to cost them everything. The path of discipleship hasn’t changed.

What does it really mean to follow Jesus? Let’s look at the three necessary qualities to be a disciple of Jesus and what it would look like if all of us committed to fully surrendering control of our lives for the sake of the gospel.

Pastor J.D. invites us to view Jesus the way his original disciples did: with overwhelming awe at his radical love. Because when we see the radical love of Jesus for us, we will respond with radical surrender to him.

As we continue “In Step,” our series through the book of Luke, we talk about what it means to be a protector and defender of the weak and vulnerable among us.

Pastor J.D. teaches about a defining feature of those who follow Jesus: They care for the vulnerable, the weak, the helpless, and the forgotten. Followers of Jesus care for the vulnerable and the helpless because, before God, we are vulnerable and helpless, too.

It can be frightening to think about battling the “rulers, authorities, and cosmic powers” of this world—Satan’s demonic forces that are at work all around us. But Jesus tells us in the Gospel of Luke that as believers, we have nothing to fear.

Pastor J.D. talks about the cosmic struggle between God and Satan, a struggle that bears on our lives every day. We’ll see that apart from God’s power, even the best attempts to change are ultimately doomed to fail.

What if your greatest need is different from your greatest desire? Pastor J.D. shows us that our greatest need is forgiveness, and Jesus is even more desperate to offer it to us than we are to receive it.

Pastor J.D. teaches about a paralytic man and his friends, all of whom were desperate to get close to Jesus. But as we’ll see in this story, as eager as they were to get to Jesus, Jesus was even more eager to extend forgiveness to them.

The Bible tells us that when Jesus came, he drew a dividing line—one that would separate people for all of eternity. Which side are you on?

Pastor J.D. tells the story of Anna and Simeon, two of the first people to meet Jesus. Unlike so many others who missed Jesus, Anna and Simeon were able to recognize the unexpected majesty of the newborn King.

Grace. It’s the thing we need the most, and the thing we deserve the least. While many of us understand in our heads the importance of Jesus’ sacrifice for us, we often allow our hearts to forget just how amazing the good news of the gospel really is.

As we continue our “In Step” series through the book of Luke, Pastor J.D. teaches about the scandal of grace.

How do we stay awake to the reality that Jesus could return at any time? As we continue our series, “In Step,” we look at what it means to live ready for Jesus’ return.

As we continue our “In Step” series through the book of Luke, Pastor J.D. teaches what it means to “live ready” for Jesus’ return. Are we awake to the task Jesus left for his church, or are we asleep at the wheel?

Pastor J.D. shows us what Jesus has to say about guarding against greed as he draws from the book of Luke in our series called “In Step.”

As we continue our “In Step” series through the book of Luke, Pastor J.D. preaches about a sickness that most of us have, but few of us realize—the sickness of greed.

Pastor J.D. shows us how we can make sure the foundation of our life is secure as we continue our new series in the book of Luke called “In Step.”

Pastor J.D. dives into one of Jesus’ most recognized parables. It’s a story about two men who built identical houses—with tragically different results. The only difference? Their foundation.

The Psalms of help and protection fall into a category of Scripture I’m not sure if I’m really using correctly. It seems like we gravitate toward them, but I have a hard time applying them to my life.

Pastor J.D. lovingly shows us that what we need is a relationship with a constant guide who, at every point, can provide the next piece.

Pastor J.D. explains that if we offer our desperation to God in prayer, we will find him eager to listen, eager to forgive, eager to heal, eager to step in and help.

Hear the timeless challenge that it is always the right call to risk it all for the sake of Jesus.

Pastor J.D. opens up Esther, a book that surprisingly lacks the name of God, yet is mysteriously full of God at work.

Christmas is supposed to be a time of joy and peace. But for most of us, December is just as hard as the rest of the year! So, does Christmas actually change anything?

As Christians, we tend to use the term “blessed” pretty loosely. When something good happens, we say we’re blessed. Or we pray for God’s blessing. But is our understanding of that word actually biblical?

When the angel told Mary she would have a baby, she knew that meant a life of social isolation. And yet, she called herself blessed. Pastor J.D. is reframing our understanding of biblical blessings.

Have you ever had one of those moments when you’re singing along with a song that you’ve heard it a million times before, but all of a sudden something clicks, and you realize what the lyrics are actually about? Well, a similar thing can happen with familiar Bible stories, like the Christmas narrative. Pastor J.D. urges us to look at the Christmas story with fresh eyes so we can discover the true wonder of the incarnation. Pastor J.D. is teaching from a First Century song recorded in Colossians 1, verses 15 to 20. It’s part of our series called, God With Us.

If you really think about it, the incarnation can seems pretty mysterious and confusing. Pastor J.D. is going to break down what it means to us—and for us.

Have you ever wondered about the meaning behind some of your favorite Christmas songs? Well, Pastor J.D. takes us behind the scenes of the classic carol, Hark! the Herald Angels Sing.

We’re looking at the classic Christmas song, Go Tell It on the Mountain—penned by someone who wasn’t afraid to stare down the mountain and overcome obstacles in order to share Jesus.

As Pastor J.D. kicks off a series titled, Carols, we’re learning the history and meaning behind the popular Christmas carol, Go Tell It on the Mountain.

We all know that fathers play an important role in family development. But not everyone is lucky enough to have a loving, supportive father. But, Pastor J.D. reminds us that God will restore this relationship through his Son.

No matter what our relationship was like with our earthly dads, we all carry wounds from our childhood. But our heavenly father can heal all wounds.

As Pastor J.D. continues the series called, Foretold, we’ll learn more about the reign of Ahaz, the King of Jerusalem and an event that pointed to the coming Savior—700 years before the birth of Jesus.

Around Christmas time, the words—For to us a child is born are everywhere. Pastor J.D. is diving into the context behind this familiar Christmas passage.

As a kid, you probably believed a lot of stories about Christmas that you later learned were a bit exaggerated or made up entirely. Pastor J.D. shows us Jesus’ birth isn’t just another story.

The Christmas story is familiar and beautiful, but have you ever thought it sounded a little larger than life? Pastor J.D. explains what sets this tale apart from all the others.

A lot of people expect that being a Christian will give them a new sense of purpose or comfort during a hard time. But Pastor J.D. is challenging us to rethink why we follow God.

Tragically, there are a lot of pastors who have used the Bible to manipulate their listeners into giving, promising financial blessing as a result. But that’s a far cry from the true heart behind biblical generosity!

Even more than politics, money is usually considered an impolite topic to bring up at parties. But Pastor J.D. is diving headfirst into this sensitive subject, describing the biblical principles for handling wealth.

Whenever a pastor starts talking about money, people usually start squirming in their seats. But Jesus talked more about money than almost any other subject, so it’s not a topic we can avoid!

There’s a cliché phrase we often use when someone gets saved. We say that they “gave their life to Jesus.” But what does that really mean?

Everyone wants to experience God’s blessing, but how do we really grab ahold of that? What does it take to get the abundant life it talks about in Scripture?

In our series called All-In, Pastor J.D. is walking through the stories of five Old Testament characters who each give us a picture of what it means to be fully committed to God’s mission.

Noah and the Ark isn’t just a nice story about God saving some animals from a flood; it’s a powerful foreshadowing of the gospel.

As we continue our series, "Be the Movement," Pastor J.D. shows us that God wants to use all of us to live on mission for him—yes, God wants to use YOU!

Because Jesus sent his Spirit to us, the question is no longer if we are called to join in his mission. It’s only a matter of where and how. Living “sent” isn’t a special calling for our church planters and missionaries. It’s a calling for you.

Pastor J.D. teaches on a third core value: “We make disciples, not just converts.” Most churches celebrate how many people attend services or “make decisions” or get baptized. But our central commission, as a church, is much simpler—and much harder: We are called to make disciples.

In this message from our series, "Be the Movement," Pastor J.D. talks about how Jesus wants us to take the good news of the gospel to every tribe, tongue, and nation—truly pursuing ALL people in our communities with the love of Jesus.

Get comfortable being uncomfortable, knowing that Jesus wants people from every tribe, every tongue, and every background to be welcomed into his family.

The gospel alone transforms us, empowers us, unites us, propels us. This is why the Apostle Paul puts the gospel in a special class all by itself—because a church without the gospel at the center is a church without power.

Some people think of God’s grace as a “get out of jail free card.” But Pastor J.D. reminds us that being forgiven and justified before God, doesn’t mean we won’t still face consequences for our actions here on earth.

As believers, we know that, through the blood of Jesus, all of our sins have been completely forgiven. And yet, we still suffer the consequences for our mistakes. Why is that?

What does genuine Christian love actually look like, and how do we live it out? We’re diving into those questions as we continue our study in Galatians 5:25-6:18.

As believers, our love for each other and for the world ought to set us apart from any other group. So what does Christian love actually look like, and how do we start to live it out?

The Bible tells us that before we place our faith in Christ, we are all dead in our sins. So how do we know if we’ve been made alive? What does spiritual life actually look like?

What does the Bible mean when it talks about our need for spiritual life? Pastor J.D. answers that question as he continues his series called, Freedom in the In-Between.

As Pastor J.D. continues our series called, Freedom in the In-Between, he’s answering a critical question: “If we’re saved by grace, then what’s the point of obeying God’s law?”

If we can’t earn our salvation, then why do Christians still follow certain rules? Why do we still go to church, read our Bibles, and try to obey the Ten Commandments?

As Pastor J.D. continues our series called, Freedom in the In-Between, he explains the only way for us to truly change and be set free from our own sinful hearts.

Pastor J.D. cautions us that a self-made mindset doesn’t work when it comes to holiness! We’re getting an important and humbling reminder about our dependence on God.

As Pastor J.D. continues our study of Galatians, he explains how our freedom in Christ leads to greater unity! We’re being reminded of our ultimate identity that overcomes every difference.

We’re living in turbulent times, and even within the church, people are very divided. But as Pastor J.D. continues our study in Galatians, he’s challenging us to pursue unity—for the sake of the gospel.

Paul’s transformation from a Jesus-hating Pharisee to a passionate Christ-follower is nothing short of miraculous. But if you’re a follower of Christ, then your story is a miracle, too!

How can we really know if the gospel we find in scripture is accurate? How do we know it wasn’t just a clever conspiracy? Pastor J.D. addresses those questions as he continues our study in Galatians.

Pastor J.D. challenges us to cling to the true gospel as he continues our study in the book of Galatians called, Freedom in the In-Between.

In a new study of Galatians called, Freedom in the In-Between, we’re discovering how the gospel frees us to live with confidence in a world of uncertainty.

Death is never a comfortable subject, but in the back of our minds, we all know that death is eventually coming. So, what happens after?

Heaven is usually portrayed as this ethereal place in the clouds full of harps and chubby cherubim. But, is that really all we have to look forward to in eternity?

As we walk through the book of Revelation, Pastor J.D. explains how God has pulled back the curtain to give us a glimpse of the spiritual reality.

The book of Revelation has generated more curiosity and debate than any other book of the Bible. So, Pastor J.D. is helping us wrap our minds around the main point of this prophetic book.

As we look at the life of the Apostle Paul, we’re discovering how the gospel transforms our priorities and our definition of success.

Everyone wants to feel like they’ve succeeded at life. But, what does “success” even mean? Pastor J.D. describes the biblical standard for a successful life and explains how we can make our days count.

In this message, Pastor J.D. tackles a subject that can be a bit sensitive, but is vital to advancing the gospel. We’re talking about biblical generosity—in every area of life!

What’s the heart behind true, biblical generosity? We’re tackling that subject as Pastor J.D. continues his series called, The Whole Story.

We all crave a greater purpose and for our lives to leave an impact. But, how do we make that happen? How do we find our calling?

In this message, we’re looking at a crucial moment that changed—not just the course of a single life—but the course of human history. And how you respond to this moment will change your eternity!

In the unfolding story of God’s redemptive plan for mankind, we’ve come to the climax of the story, the moment on which everything else hangs. It’s a hope-filled message about the crucifixion.

Pastor J.D. reminds us of the ultimate purpose of prayer and why it matters. And when we catch sight of this vision, it’ll give us a fresh excitement for prayer like never before!

Pastor J.D. challenges us to take a bold, public stance for our faith. He’s calling us to step out of our comfort zone and make our private faith known to the world.

It’s much easier and more comfortable to keep our faith a private, personal thing. But Pastor J.D. is challenging us to get outside our comfort zone and make our faith known.

Even with all the comfort and luxury of modern life, happiness is still hard to come by. And all the self-care and positivity in the world can never truly satisfy our souls. So, what are we missing?

We all crave happiness, and yet, it often seems elusive. So what’s the solution? How do we escape the rat race and find true, lasting joy?

When we picture Jesus, we often think of him as our gentle Good Shepherd. But Pastor J.D. is drawing our attention to another aspect of Jesus’ character that we don’t think about as often!

We don’t typically think of fear as a positive thing. However, when it comes to our relationship with God, fear is actually a good, healthy, and even essential emotion.

Have you ever prayed for a miracle? Sometimes, you might get the answer you were hoping for! But other times, it seems like God doesn’t respond. So why is that?

Pastor J.D. walks us through the story of two people who came to Jesus looking for physical healing. But these stories are about so much more than just getting your prayers answered!

Whether we’re aware of it or not, we all face temptations on a daily basis. So, how do we find the power to overcome and keep resisting the constant enticement?

When you hear the word, “sin,” impatience probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. But Pastor J.D. explains that a lack of patience is at the root of a lot of sins.

Baptism is one of those subjects that tends to stir up some lively debate among believers. But what does the Bible say on the issue, and why does it even matter?

There are some things in life you can put off to the last minute with few consequences. But Pastor J.D. warns about something you might be putting off that has much higher stakes!

If there’s one part of Scripture most of us skip over, it’s the genealogies. But Pastor J.D. explains that those lists are actually critical to understanding God’s plan of salvation.

Recently, there’s been a growing interest in studying family histories. In this message, we’re looking at Jesus’ family history and what it reveals about God’s overarching plan for human history.

In this message from 1 Corinthians 4, Pastor J.D. teaches shows us what makes for a good (or a bad) leader. Whether you’re a pastor or a plumber, a stay-at-home mom or a shift leader at a small restaurant, at some point in your life you will lead others. The question, then, is not if you will lead others, but how you will lead. Our culture has a lot to say about leadership. But the gospel cuts through the noise of our culture, painting a picture of leadership that is known less for fame and pride and more for sacrifice and suffering.

If you asked an atheist why they don’t believe in God, they’ll often say that it’s due to a lack of evidence. But is that really the case? Or are there logical reasons to believe the Bible?

As Pastor J.D. continues our series called, The Whole Story, he’s looking at the greatest love letter ever written: the book of Isaiah.

As Pastor J.D. continues his overview of the Bible, he turns our attention to a lesser-known account from the Old Testament that gives us a powerful picture of God’s purpose in our suffering.

When everything seems to be going wrong, we might start to wonder if God has abandoned us. But Pastor J.D. is helping us see God’s greater purpose in our pain.

Though it might not look the same as it did in the Old Testament, idolatry is still alive and well in our day. Pastor J.D. cautions us against giving our hearts to idols.

In this message from the Gospel of Mark, Pastor Curtis shows us four ways Jesus challenges our assumptions about what it means to be part of the family of God. Is the church full of sinners? Yes. Is the church full of people who will mess up and let you down? Yes. And yet, is the church the divine-albeit-dusty body of Christ, the family of God, the one place you can truly and finally belong? Yes.

The Jewish temple was much more than a place to worship God. It was the symbol of his presence! So, why don’t we have a temple today?

When life is going well, it’s easy to say that we trust God’s plan. But what about when everything seems to be falling apart? Does having faith mean we pretend everything is fine?

Whether we like to admit it or not, we all wrestle with doubts from time to time. So when those questions start creeping up in our minds, how should we respond?

The Bible describes King David as “a man after God’s own heart.” And yet, even this great hero of the faith fell into the trap of sexual sin. So how do we avoid making the same mistake?

In this message, we’re looking at the darkest moment in King David’s life and learning from his mistakes. It’s part of our overview of the Bible called, The Whole Story.

In this message, Pastor Bryan continues our series, “Cutting Through the Noise,” showing how the gospel overcomes not only division in the church, but hypocrisy in the church. Church conflict may be at a fever pitch. Cultural idols may have infected Jesus’ body. Still, hope remains. Because as long as we have the gospel, we have the cure in hand.

When your problems seem overwhelming, it’s hard not to feel like God has abandoned you. But Pastor J.D. reminds us that our God is fighting for us, even when we can’t see it.

When most of us think of David and Goliath, we see it as an inspiring underdog story. But Pastor J.D. suggests we might actually be missing the main point!

Through the romance of Boaz and Ruth, we’re discovering a picture of God’s redeeming love. And we’re learning that God can restore any situation for our good and his glory!

In this message, Pastor J.D. walks us through the story of a woman who lost everything. And through her story, we’re finding hope to carry us through even in the darkest seasons!

How do you judge success in life? As we look at the book of Joshua, Pastor J.D. is explaining how to find success in surrender.

In this message, Pastor J.D. kicks off our series in the book of 1 Corinthians, showing how the gospel cuts through the noise and chaos of our lives. First up—the issue of divisions in the church. We may assume that church factions are a new phenomenon. But one glance at the church in Corinth reveals that dysfunction, division, and doctrinal chaos are as old as the church itself. And yet, in the midst of all this conflict, all this division, all this noise, the gospel provides a voice of clarity and a place of calm.

In military terms, surrender is a bad thing. It means you’ve failed or given up. But in spiritual terms, surrender is the best decision you’ll ever make!

At the center of any religion, you’ll find a list of rules and expectations. But the gospel is different, because it’s not about anything we’ve done!

As Pastor J.D. dives into the story of Moses, we’re discovering Moses isn’t supposed to be a role model. He’s a signpost pointing to a much greater hero!

As believers, we know we’re saved by God’s grace alone, not by any works that we do. But why does the Bible give us so many rules and regulations?

Many people think of the Bible as just a book of rules and regulations. But Pastor J.D. explains the true purpose behind all of God’s standards.

In this message from Genesis 32, Pastor J.D. tells the story of Jacob, a man who began his life as a deceiver and ended his life with a limp—but who, right in the middle, wrestled with God and received an unimaginable blessing. Jacob provides a model for all of us who have ever waited on God to answer us, unsure if he hears, he cares, or he will ever act. Through Jacob, we learn that many of the blessings of God are released into our lives only through persistent, unrelenting prayer.

As Pastor J.D. continues our series called, The Whole Story, he explains how the practices of Yom Kippur point to Jesus!

As we continue our series called, The Whole Story, Pastor J.D. dives into a part of the Bible that you don’t usually hear a lot about: the book of Leviticus.

From being sold into slavery by his brothers, thrown into prison, and then rising to power and being reunited with his family, Joseph’s life is a beautiful picture of God’s sovereign plan.

It’s easy to say you trust God. But when things go wrong, and your child gets a scary diagnosis or your business goes under, it’s hard to see how that fits into God’s plan.

Our culture tells us that the key to happiness is finding your soul mate. But even a happy marriage can’t give you true, lasting joy!

In this message from Genesis 19, Pastor J.D. tells the story of Lot, Abraham’s nephew. Like us, Lot was allured by the world and its fast-paced, attractive life—but it didn’t happen overnight. The constant battle of what the heart loves reveals to us our desperate need for prayer. In our own battle, will we be like Lot, captured by the wonders of the world? Or like Abraham, interceding on behalf of the Lots God has placed in our lives?

The movies often make it seem like romance is the answer to all of our problems. But Pastor J.D. is describing the key to true, lasting joy, regardless of your relationship status.

When you picture “the good life,” what comes to mind? Pastor J.D. describes the only source of security and significance as he continues his series called, The Whole Story.

What do you do when the thing you’ve been dreaming about doesn’t fulfill you like you thought it would? Pastor J.D. addresses that question as he continues our series called, The Whole Story.

As we continue our series called, The Whole Story, Pastor J.D. explains what Noah’s story reveals about our sin, God’s wrath, and the plan of redemption.

If you asked a few people to name their favorite aspect of God’s character, his wrath usually won’t be at the top of the list. But Pastor J.D. explains that God’s wrath isn’t something to be covered up.

In this message from Matthew 11, Pastor Bryan talks about true greatness. We all want to live satisfying lives. We all want to leave our marks for eternity. We all want to become, in a way, great. The problem isn’t in our desire for greatness, but in the path we choose to pursue it. Will we pursue greatness like the world—in status, acceptance, or circumstances? Or will we pursue true greatness—in the upside-down kingdom of heaven?

It doesn’t take more than about ten minutes of listening to the news to know that our world is pretty messed up. So, how did things get that way? And is there any way to fix it?

Most people like to think of themselves as a “pretty good person.” But Pastor J.D. is challenging that notion as he continues our study called, The Whole Story.

As we continue our series called, The Whole Story, we’re discovering what the creation account in the book of Genesis reveals about God’s design for us.

As we continue our series called, The Whole Story, Pastor J.D. unpacks the story of creation—and what it says about our ultimate purpose!

When you pick up a Bible, you’re actually holding sixty-six books, written by more than thirty authors over a span of thousands of years. And yet, it all tells one story!

In this message from Daniel 10–12, Pastor J.D. walks through Daniel’s visions of receiving warnings and capturing hope. We see that hardship, persecution, and suffering have all been decreed, but they’re not the only decree: Jesus will reign forever and judge the living and the dead according to his righteousness. He will renew and restore all things, and his people will dwell with him forever. And as we live in the in-between, Daniel encourages us that though things are dark—and they are likely only to get darker—we don’t despair. It’s all part of the plan.

We would never forget to put on clothes before we leave the house in the morning. But often, we forget to get dressed spiritually.

A firefighter would never run into a burning building without their gear. Being properly equipped is important! But often as Christians, we enter the spiritual battlefield without any protective gear.

Some believers tend to forget about spiritual forces like angels and demons, while others obsess over them and are constantly worried about demonic influences. But neither of these are biblical responses!

Most of us think of demons as the stuff of fiction. But Pastor J.D. shows us that the spirit world is very real, and it affects our lives a lot more than we probably think.

For many people, our views on love and relationships are shaped by the songs we listen to and the movies we watch. But there’s only one relationship model we should care about, and it doesn’t come from Hollywood!

In this message from 1 Samuel, Pastor Bryan looks at one of the most iconic friendships in the entire Bible. King David and Prince Jonathan were two of the most accomplished people in their nation. What set them apart, though, was not their military achievement, but their committed, transparent, sacrificial friendship. Through these two men, we learn about true friendship, fake friendship, and the greatest friend God could ever give us.

If you were to ask most couples why they got married, they would probably say something about making each other happy. But God actually has a much bigger purpose for our marriages!

When life is hard, where do you turn for comfort? Pastor J.D. reveals the only true cure for our broken hearts as he continues our study called Mystery and Clarity.

Our culture tends to portray Christianity as bland and uninteresting. But Pastor J.D. reveals that the Christian life is far from boring. In fact, it’s an all-out war!

They say imitation is the highest form of flattery, and it’s something we should aspire to in our relationship with God. But that’s easier said than done!

God isn’t just concerned about our actions; he’s concerned about reshaping our hearts. And Pastor J.D. is showing us how that principle plays out in one of the most intimate parts of life: our sexuality.

As we continue our walk through the book of Daniel, Pastor J.D. highlights the most undervalued resource of the church—prayer. Discarded by many, prayer is the vehicle through which the blessings of God are released and the promises of God are enacted. In Daniel 9, we not only see five principles that make for effective prayer; we also get a one-of-a-kind glimpse into what happens in heaven as we pray.

We might vary on certain nuances, but most religions share the same basic moral code. So if that’s the case, then how is Christianity different than any other faith?

For a lot of people, Christianity seems like just a list of rules. But is that really all it is? Does Jesus just want us to live by a certain moral code?

Christmas presents might look nice under the tree, but it would be silly to leave them there. Presents are meant to be opened and used. And the same is true of the spiritual gifts God has given us!

When you’re a baby, it’s okay to wear a diaper and use a pacifier. But at some point, you have to grow up. And the same is true of our faith. We can’t be spiritual babies forever!

You can know plenty of facts about your favorite celebrity, but that’s completely different than knowing them personally. And the same is true of God.

As we continue our walk through the book of Daniel, Pastor J.D. tackles two of the most obscure prophecies in the entire book. Although the imagery can be confusing—lions and beasts and fiery thrones—the message is as timely as ever. What God says to Daniel he says to believers in every generation: If you are going to faithfully shine in the present, you need to have a crystal clear vision of the future. There’s two ways to look at the future--a stress-producing way and a peace-producing one.