Annex Church Podcast

Audio Version

Has the year we’re having left you feeling stuck in the middle of what used to be and what you hope for in the future? Join us for another Online Gathering as we hear an encouraging word about the grace and goodness of God in a sermon entitled “Between Grace and Glory”.

Are you feeling overcome by evil? Like everything and everyone is against you? Pastor Ray continues in the book of Esther in the message "All the King's Horses" and reveals how God's will overrides man's intentions in the lives of the Jews and in our lives as well. He can take our circumstances and turn them for good.

We continue in the book of Esther this Sunday in the sermon "Now That You Mention It" looking at two men living parallel lives--one destined for greatness and the other for the gallows. Pastor Ray reveals how involved God really is in a story where everything seemed to be unraveling. When the world around us seems to be falling apart, we too need to see that this is bigger than just you and me.

We read of Queen Esther's story last time as she put her life on the line. We learn how she thoughtfully positions herself and is beautifully robed for the occasion of addressing her king. Let us take a moment to consider our next steps by going to the King of kings in prayer so that we do not misstep. Do you robe yourself with the beauty of the Gospel as you approach others?

In a time of persecution, protests, and unrest on top of a global pandemic, how do we become catalysts for change? Pastor Ray directs us to God's Word in the book of Esther as we see how He used one young lady who risked her life for others who were being oppressed. We are challenged to put God's will and others first. Maybe you too were born for such a time as this.

This week Pastor Ray takes us to the story of young Samuel where the word of the Lord is first revealed to him. How can we tell God’s voice above the noise the world is making? If we want to hear from God, we have to be intentional and intimate in our relationship with Him. Do you need a place or space where you receive from God? He wants to talk to you. "Are You Listening?”

We celebrate Annex Easter 2020 with our first ever Easter online video gathering as Pastor Ray shares an invitation from the Master. Jesus visits with his disciples after the resurrection in John 21 and he finds them navigating the waters of “familiar” and what used to be. Are you longing so deeply for what used to be that you miss what Jesus has for you now. He bids us “Come.”

In the sermon "The Miracle in the Mess" Pastor Ray makes a Shift this week to a miraculous story where Peter transforms a place of pain and death into a place of prayer and life. God is using this time where His church is scattered and isolated to prepare us for what’s on the other side.  At a time where death stands at our doorstep, will you be vulnerable enough to allow Him to shift you into a place of change?

During a time of worldwide quarantine, Pastor Ray takes us to the book of Acts where we read how Paul and Silas reacted to being beaten and imprisoned. The isolation not only exposes our priorities, but gives us time to reevaluate them. We continue in our series Shift with the message of passion, purpose, and praise in the sermon “Midnight to Morning.” Are you using this time as an opportunity to be in the presence of God and rearrange your priorities?

Have you ever been so close to reaching for something you really wanted, but then fall short just before getting there? We are visiting Acts 3 in the sermon “Silver and Gold” as we hear of a lame man who was carried daily just outside the gates of the temple, but never quite able to enter into the presence of God. When he meets Peter and John a Shift takes place that alters his life forever. Are you focused on what you do not have instead of what or Who you do have?

In a world of uncertainty, Pastor Ray teaches through Mark 4 which tells of a great storm that filled the disciples on the boat with panic and fear. Where was Jesus? Didn’t he care? He was sleeping. In the middle of the panic and chaos, who are you looking to? What are you focusing on? We continue in our series Shift in “He Gave You Peace” as we see Jesus’ reply and response.

Pastor Rachel delivers the next installment of our series Shift from Acts 8 where we learn “Where Change Is Born.” The Ethiopian that Philip has an encounter with was trying to find fulfillment in religion. His transformation begins with a conversation and the Gospel. Are you riding in a chariot, or are you, like Philip, sent to be next to those in the chariot?

We’re excited to begin our new series Shift with the sermon “Jesus Changes You.” We see how Saul in the book of Acts was running in the wrong direction but believed he was doing the work of God. He encounters Jesus at an intersection on the way to Damascus. When you cross paths with Jesus, one of you has to yield—and it isn’t Jesus. Everything changes, everything shifts when you meet the real Jesus.

Wouldn’t it be wonderful to live a worry-free existence? What would it take to arrive at the point where we no longer worry? This Sunday we find the antidote and the solution to the anxiety we struggle with straight from the words of Jesus himself.

There are times that our lives look like a terrible mess. There are times when we are under attack. But sometimes it’s not what it seems. In Part 5 of Blessings Flow we see that we all are a mess. We all have issues. Maybe, like God’s people in 2 Kings 3, there is a miracle in our mess.

We continue in our series Blessing Flow and we have seen how the work and obedience of the Israelites have brought them blessings. But God doesn’t work progressively and systematically like we think He should. He blesses those who need Him. He blesses those who prepare to receive His blessings. His blessings are unseen until--Suddenly! Are you waiting for your blessings? God still does miracles. He still does suddenly.

In Part 3 of Blessings Flow we see how they all endured the night after digging their ditches. Maybe you are in the middle of your night. God placed them in the valley where they were fully dependent and devoted to Him. It’s time you put it all on the line and watch what God does when you trust and elevate God where He belonged all along.

How God-aware are you? We continue with Part 2 of the sermon Blessings Flow where we see Elisha shift the atmosphere with a song and a Word from God. When we're aware of our God, something significant shifts. Have you lost your vision of God and replaced it with idols?

What is your mindset as it pertains to the blessings of God on your life? We read in 2 Kings the story of Elisha and how he quickly resets the mindsets of those around him from victims to victors. What if we are suppose to walk into our days already having the victory?

As we begin a new decade, many of us start out with resolutions that may stretch us. Are you missing out on the good things because you're focused on the wrong things? What we choose to focus on changes everything. Pastor Ray reminds us who we are in light of who God is and that we must fix our eyes on Jesus.