Abundant Life - Alton

There is peace of mind that comes from talking with someone who has experienced challenges. We can take comfort in Jesus who suffered intensely and yet never sinned. Jesus can help us navigate our faith and find understanding and confidence through His Word, the Bible.Watch the message at: https://www.abundant.church/sermons

Pastor Jarrod Six talks to us from Hebrews 4 about how our faith in Jesus removes the unbelief that keeps us from entering God's rest.Watch the message at: https://www.abundant.church/sermons

What is the most important thing in your life? Is it your family, kids, job, money, control? In Hebrews chapter 3 we see that Jesus is greater than Moses and all other standards that we might build our lives upon.Watch the message at: https://www.abundant.church/sermons

When we face storms, suffering, and temptations- we need to know God. You can find stability and identity in Christ. There is a purpose for the pain that you experience. We learn and grow from it.Watch the message at: https://www.abundant.church/sermons

Pastor Joe uses the analogy of boats to describe our faith. Boats on the move are either driving or drifting with the currents. Are you passionate and driven in your faith or are you letting habits and pride drift you towards a shipwreck?Watch the message at: https://www.abundant.church/sermons

Pastor Joe Banks starts this new message series in Hebrews. The book of Hebrews is written to believers who have endured a pounding stormy season and did not fare well because their roots were shallow. How can we get grounded in our faith so that when a crisis hits we don't get knocked down?Watch the message at: https://www.abundant.church/sermons

Did Jesus really come back from the dead? You're not the only one who has struggled with this question. Today, Pastor Joe looks at the four E's: ExecutionEarly ReportingEmpty tombEye WitnessesWatch the message at: https://www.abundant.church/sermons

What happens when we have the appearance of one thing but don't have the character to back it up? Jesus flipped the tables in the temple when people were being dishonest and greedy. Today we look inward and see if our Christianity is producing fruit or presenting false advertising without an actual relationship with Jesus.Watch the message at: https://www.abundant.church/sermons

We want finished products and well cooked food. Why would we hold ourselves to a different standard? To finish this life well we need to:1. Know our Divine Purpose - To Know God2. Live with Holy Spirit Empowerment3. Serve God with Radical ObedienceWatch the message at: https://www.abundant.church/sermons

Nothing is beneath us because nothing was beneath Jesus.Watch the message at: https://www.abundant.church/sermons

What are we holding onto that holds us back from a close relationship with Jesus?Watch the message at: https://www.abundant.church/sermons

We are not perfect. Only Jesus can bring purification and salvation.Watch the message at: https://www.abundant.church/sermons

Guest Pastor, Jimmy Banks shares what the Bible says about doubting our faith. Even one of Jesus' disciples doubted the resurrection, so what are we to do when we have questions?Watch the message at: https://www.abundant.church/sermons

In this final message on the book of Ephesians we look at how the writer, Paul found peace even though he had suffered beatings and imprisonment.Watch the message at: https://www.abundant.church/sermons

When we put on God's armor we are able to fight off the spiritual attacks that come against us.Watch the message at: https://www.abundant.church/sermons

All of us stand on equal footing with the same Lord, who cares deeply how we treat each other and will hold us accountable.Watch the message at: https://www.abundant.church/sermons

When we compare ourselves to others we lose every time.  Jesus told several stories about how we get caught up in wanting something that others have and become discontent with who we are and what we are blessed with.Watch the message at: https://www.abundant.church/sermons

Today we look at the tension that's created when families are stuck in a cycle of chaos and detachment. The level of rebellion, resentment, restlessness, and apathy becomes clear when we look at the break down of consistent nurturing and discipline from committed adults.Watch the message at: https://www.abundant.church/sermons

What does mutual submission look like? We shouldn't think of ourselves as better than anyone else. We need to treat everyone with dignity and respect. This affects every relationship that we have, especially a marriage.Watch the message at: https://www.abundant.church/sermons

As we continue talking through the book of Ephesians we look at the behaviors that take us down selfish paths that distract and destroy. Are the things that we say and do reflect the light of Jesus or the darkness of evil?Watch the message at: https://www.abundant.church/sermons

We live in a culture of hook up, shack up, and break up. We look at Ephesians 5 today and see that even the hint of immorality or greed is considered sin. God's grace enables us to not merely hide our sin, but to be renewed and alive in Christ.Watch the message at: https://www.abundant.church/sermons

Do you grieve God by the way you treat others? Do your words and actions lift others up and bless them? We are all called to extend grace and forgiveness with generosity. This relational and reflective ethic is how others see Christ's love through us.Watch the message at: https://www.abundant.church/sermons

Pastor Joe continues in the series ATTACHED where we look verse by verse through the book of Ephesians. We can't be conforming to the things of this world. It's imperative that we are renewing our minds with the characteristics and virtues that Jesus set before us.Watch the message at: https://www.abundant.church/sermons

The Bible talks about God's glory and human glory. What is your glory? It's a culmination of your interests, gifting, skills, time, lean, disposition, family, proclivity, schooling, discipline- all of these precious things intersect at this glorious convergence point- the highest flower of your being, that we describe as your glory, weight, or kabod.Now that we know what our glory is, how are we going to use it?Watch the message at: https://www.abundant.church/sermons

Jesus didn't just appear in a manger. Jesus has always been from the beginning. We dig into John 1:1 that echos Genesis 1:1. It's hard to get our head around the fact that Jesus is fully man and fully God. Our light and life is found in Jesus.Watch the message at: https://www.abundant.church/sermons

We all love gifts! How are you using the gifts that Jesus gave to you?Watch the message at: https://www.abundant.church/sermons

Pastor Jarrod Six shares the message today. The world seems more divided than ever because people are more selfish than ever. We have an opportunity as Christians to set an example to the world around us by living out our calling to walk in humility and gentleness, patience and love.Watch the message at: https://www.abundant.church/sermons

By nature, we tend to think that we are are powerful in and of ourselves. After we have tried (and failed) to do things on our own, with our own resources and intellect and have depleted all options, do we THEN turn to God?What happens if we bend our knee in worship and humility instead of waiting to fall on our knees in desperation?Watch the message at: https://www.abundant.church/sermons

What is the purpose of going to church? Is it for entertainment or does is just mitigate your guilt? A lot of Christians are not even going to services at all. Having a "it's just me and Jesus" attitude is the opposite of what God wants for your life.Watch the message at: https://www.abundant.church/sermons

What causes divisions among us? How can we overcome these divisions? We need to be together.Watch the message at: https://www.abundant.church/sermons

Worth and Value are directly tied to your priorities. Only you can decide what you are going to value and worth is determined by what someone is willing to pay. YOUR WORTH is so precious to God that He gave Jesus as the payment for your sin.Watch the message at: https://www.abundant.church/sermons

Trusting Jesus, the disciples followed Him because they trusted Him without knowing what was coming next. Sacrificing things for God isn't easy, but we sacrifice for the things that we value.Watch the message at: https://www.abundant.church/sermons

What are you willing to pay just a little more for: shoes, drinks, a car? We make decisions every day about worth, cost, and value. Today, Pastor Joe looks at what the apostle Paul was willing to sacrifice in Acts 20.Watch the message at: https://www.abundant.church/sermons

Youth Pastor, Ana Vakauta shares about how we have to let go of our past to reach out for what God has for us.Watch the message at: https://www.abundant.church/sermons

We take a deep dive into Ephesians chapter 2 that calls out sins in our MIND, SOUL, and FLESH. By God's GRACE we are saved through faith in Jesus.Watch the message at: https://www.abundant.church/sermons

Just like a device needs to be plugged in right to receive a signal, we have to be connected to God with Faith, Love, and Hope to create positive change in our lives.Watch the message at: https://www.abundant.church/sermons

We bless God because he chose us as adopted sons and daughters. God redeems us and gives us an inheritance. We just have to surrender to God and lift our hearts and hands in worship to Him.Watch the message at: https://www.abundant.church/sermons

Pastor Joe Banks' new series takes us verse by verse through the book of Ephesians. We will look at our habits, choices, and addictions that we try to manage. When we attach ourselves to Jesus, His love, joy, and peace can flow through us.Watch the message at: https://www.abundant.church/sermons

Guest speaker, Justin Smith talks about how we can all have an impact in God's Kingdom. When we have child-like faith we don't try to make excuses, we expect great things.Watch the message at: https://www.abundant.church/sermons

Pastor Joe wraps up the message series: READY with a searing letter in Revelation to the church in Laodicea. They were rich hypocrites that were lukewarm in their faith. Jesus is calling us to a deeper relationship not a false Christianity.Watch the message at: https://www.abundant.church/sermons

When the pressure increases and things seem uncertain, we struggle. Take hope from God's word that,  "What He (God) opens no one can shut, and what He shuts no one can open." Sometimes God shuts doors because of our disobedience, for our protection or because it isn't God's timing. God knows your struggles and Jesus is coming soon. So let's not live in fear, but be ready for His return.Watch the message at: https://www.abundant.church/sermons

Regardless of your reputation, what really matters is what you are doing right now.  God knows your heart and a good reputation will not get you into heaven.Watch the message at: https://www.abundant.church/sermons

Our goal is to live according to God's word. A biblical Christian applies biblical ethics to words, decisions, and actions."Situational Ethics" is when your ethics or principles change according to the situation. You compromise what you believe because of the people you are with, the potential gain, a fear of missing out, or what you think you might lose if you stick to your beliefs. Do you have a sliding scale of right and wrong, based on the situation?Watch the message at: https://www.abundant.church/sermons

When things are going tough and you feel all alone, it is easy to believe the lie that God has forgotten you.  The Truth is: God knows right where you are. When you feel like you are all alone standing for what is right, it's easy to resent the fact that no one is helping you, and no one is with you. Every major failure starts with a compromise. If you refuse to tolerate small compromises, you'll avoid major failures.Watch the message at: https://www.abundant.church/sermons

We tend to avoid things that make us uncomfortable, but we know that pain and suffering are a part of this world.  In this message we are looking at the church in Smyrna that was facing difficulty, danger, and persecution. We want to be ready to respond with a radical commitment to and powerful faith in Jesus.Watch the message at: https://www.abundant.church/sermons

READY is a new message series based on the book of Revelation. What are the warning signs that we are NOT READY to meet Jesus?Watch the message at: https://www.abundant.church/sermons

Pastor Joe concludes this 4 part series on the Holy Spirit.Watch the message at: https://www.abundant.church/sermons

This is part 3 of this important series on the Spirit of God. Pastor Joe talks about the gifts of the Spirit and why one is not more important than another. Collectively we use these gifts (that can't be earned) to help the whole church body work together.Watch the message at: https://www.abundant.church/sermons

What is your attitude toward the Holy Spirit? Jesus told His followers to wait for the Holy Spirit, not just so that we could have a good church service.Watch the message at: https://www.abundant.church/sermons

This is the introduction to The Spirit of God message series where we look at who the Holy Spirit is and what role it plays in our lives.Watch the message at: https://www.abundant.church/sermons

Pastor Joe compares and contrasts how we project the experience that we have with our earthly fathers onto our relationship with our Father God. God wants to be in close relationship with you.Watch the message at: https://www.abundant.church/sermons