Podcast by Christ Community Church of Magnolia
Christ Community Church of Magnolia
Mission Sunday | Psalm 67 by Christ Community Church of Magnolia
Ever been “eaten up” inside by something that you've seen or experienced that was just wrong or dishonored God? Where does that feeling in your gut and mind come from? In today's passage, Jesus is “eaten up” at what he sees and experiences. How does He respond? What truths & lessons come out of this encounter for us today?
What do you make of the miraculous? Things that defy our natural laws. Do we deny them, ignore them, or reinterpret them through a natural world lens? Jesus starts his public ministry by doing the miraculous. What do we make of it? What does it mean? What does it point us to beyond itself? Come, let's open God's Word to learn and grow as God's people!
As John the Baptist is bearing witness about Jesus, the Lamb of God, what do John's disciples make of this? Today, we see the “chain reaction” that happens when we bear witness to Jesus and His gospel. Let's open God's Word and observe how Jesus calls people to Himself & why it matters that we invite people to “come & see” Jesus!
The Scriptures encourage us to be witnesses to the person & work of Jesus. A witness is someone who testifies to what they have seen & heard. In today's passage, John the Baptist serves as a model example of what it means to be a witness. Today, let's unpack two vital ingredients to living as witnesses of Jesus in our everyday lives!
In life, there are people who "stand out" above the crowd. We often marvel at this, talk about it, but it naturally doesn't change much about our lives. But, when we look at the person & work of Jesus, there is no one like Him. But, Jesus isn't just looking for fans, He's looking for followers. In what ways is Jesus "1 of 1?" And, why is this significant in our life?
A world of darkness and chaos forms the backdrop of a light that makes sense of it all. Jesus is that light and those who are born again can see it clearly.
If you asked 10 people on the street who they thought Jesus was, you might get 10 different answers. But, the apostle John makes who Jesus is as clear as day in the opening words of his gospel. As we begin our new study in the book of John, let's discover or remember why Jesus is worthy to be believed and trusted.
What makes for a life well-lived? As you get older, do you ever consider the legacy that you are leaving? As Paul closes out his letter to Timothy, he gives us a “blueprint” of what it looks like for a Christ-follower to live & die with purpose and direction. Let's learn from the example of Paul and God's inspired word this morning!
Herald the Gospel, in Every Season | 2 Timothy 4:1-8 by Christ Community Church of Magnolia
Endure with the Word | 2 Timothy 3:14-17 by Christ Community Church of Magnolia
We live in a world of information overload. Knowledge is at the tip of our fingertips, but it's often hard to discern truth from error. This reality in our world today creates a ripe environment for people to be" led astray by every wind of doctrine," as Paul says in Ephesians 4:14. So, how do we recognize a fake from a faithful teacher of God's Word? Let's look at some tell-tell signs from God's Word this morning!
On July 4th we shoot off fireworks, gather for parties and parades to celebrate our country's founding, and essentially, our freedom. Freedom takes on many forms and is defined in very different ways. What does Jesus say about the type of freedom we need most? Let's learn from God's Word!
We live in a day where endless information is at our fingertips, but trusted sources are in short supply. It's often difficult to discern truth from error, even in the church. Today, Paul contrasts marks of the faithful teacher of God's Word from false teachers. Let's open God's Word and glean discernment on distinguishing truth from error!
Strengthened to Endure | 2 Timothy 2:1-13 by Christ Community Church of Magnolia
Every day, we take risks based on what we value. Reflect on how you allocate your time, money, and resources. We do the same thing with our faith. What are you willing to risk for your faith to be known? Your reputation, status, sense of safety, or even your financial well-being. In today's text, Paul continues to challenge young Timothy to take risks for his faith because the gospel is worth it. Let's open God's word and see WHY the gospel is worth living out today!
Is there anyone in your life that's a spiritual mentor? If so, what is it that draws you to them & enables you to trust them? How have they influenced your life? Today, we read the opening words of a letter from the apostle Paul to his young protégé Timothy. As we unpack this text, note the two things that mark the life of a godly mentor and ask yourself-could I be that to someone else? Am I willing to open my life up so that someone else could be this for me?
Esther Recap: From Exile to Exaltation | Esther 9:29-10:3 by Christ Community Church of Magnolia
Have you ever been treated awfully by someone? Did you show restraint or retaliation? Have you ever experienced relief from those same circumstances? How did you respond to God or others? Today, we see God bring justice AND mercy. We see His people experience relief and respond to God with rejoicing. There is much to learn from the character of God and the people of God in today's text! Let's dive in!
In Esther 8, we see God's providential deliverance unfold through the faithful intercession of Esther and Mordecai, pointing us to the greater intercessor, Jesus Christ, whose perfect work secures salvation for His people and calls us to join Him in that mission.
It's said that “sin takes you farther than you want to go, keeps you longer than you want to stay, and costs you more than you want to pay.” Do we conceal or confront sin? What are the consequences of each? Today we see a sobering contrast in characters and find much to learn from God's Word!
In today's text, we see God's providence “turn the tables” on the fate of two people in the book of Esther. One is seeking honor, and the other is showing honor. This great reversal teaches us how to live today by faith and not by sight!
What does it look like to live dependently on God? Is it all sitting and praying, or is their action involved? In other words, how might we live by faith & act wisely? Today, we see a great example and anti-example of this. Let's learn and grow in Christlikeness from God's word this morning!
He is Risen! He is Risen, Indeed! That's what Christians say to one another on Easter Sunday. But is Easter more than reciting the historical truths of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus? Is Christianity simply understanding and acknowledging those things that happened, or something more? Let's explore what Jesus says about life, death, & resurrection!
How are your crisis management skills? Do you freak out, freeze, or find ways to handle trouble? How would God have us respond to a crisis that comes upon us? Today, we find jewels of wisdom from observing how God's people entrust themselves to their Creator in the defining moments of life . There is much to learn from God's Word this morning!
Guest Preacher - Michael Boys
Ever felt like you do the right things, but there's no recognition for it? Perhaps at work, you are overlooked, and someone less deserving gets the promotion. Maybe that same person makes your life more difficult as a result. Is that fair? Today, we meet the villain of the book of Esther (who gets the promotion) and see His evil plotting & planning against the good guys. To which we might ask, where is God in all of this?
From Brokenness to Redemption | Esther 2:1-18 by Christ Community Church of Magnolia
Power blinds us to our limitations, but reality often knocks us down to size. Have you ever experienced this humbling kind of thing? In today's text, the King of Persia has this experience. How will he respond? Whose counsel will he listen to? What might God be doing amid the discord? Come, let's learn from God's Word this morning!
Do you believe in “luck,” or do you think everything happens for a reason? When life takes a turn for the worse, are our circumstances random or by design? The book of Esther reminds us that God is at work in His world for His people and purposes, even when it seems like he is absent. Come, let's learn to trust God's sovereign care when we can't understand our circumstances!
Devoted Disciples Trust God's Plans/Providences | Hebrews 11 by Christ Community Church of Magnolia
Like most things, wealth can consume or drive us to bless others. What kind of relationship do you have with money? Are you generous or greedy? Today, Jesus gives us a dire warning & some encouraging realities of living generously. Let's learn from God's Word!
In today's world, climbing the success ladder by any means necessary is often seen as the way to reach the top. However, is that how it works in God's kingdom? Jesus' disciples seem to think so, but how does Jesus respond? Let's explore how God measures greatness in His kingdom—it might not be what you expect!
We've said prayer, the Word, worship, and witnessing are all key ingredients to being a devoted disciple of Jesus. But do we do all this in isolation or with other disciples? What does God's word tell us about who we are and how we interact with other believers? Come, let's open God's word and see!
Devoted Disciples Tell of God's Gospel: Witness by Christ Community Church of Magnolia
Devoted Disciples Worship by Christ Community Church of Magnolia
Who do you allow to shape your thoughts and beliefs? What voices & sources do you typically listen to? Reject? One of the marks of a Christian is their commitment to taking God at His Word. Does that describe you, or are their competing voices drowning out the Word? Come, let's learn from the example of Jesus' disciples!
How's your prayer life? When you pray, what do you pray? What's your motive for praying? One of the primary ways we meet and connect with God is through prayer. Today, Jesus shows us a model for our prayer life and asks us to check our motives when we pray. There is much to challenge us in God's Word from today's passage!
Devotion is one's commitment to another through love, loyalty, and service. Who or what receives your devotion? Today, we find out what Jesus says about what makes for a devoted disciple. Let's learn from God's word this morning!
30 seconds of audio gap due to file corruption toward end of sermon but it comes back for last four minutes
Christmas Eve Service 2024 by Christ Community Church of Magnolia
Ever watch how kids respond to gifts they open at Christmas? For some, there's jubilation; for others, there is disinterest and, every once in a while - frustration. God sent us His most costly and needed gift, His Son. Today, we see three ways that people respond to the arrival of King Jesus. Which one are you?
Anticipation of the Newborn King | Matthew 1:1-25 by Christ Community Church of Magnolia
Invitations. Receiving one makes you feel special, thought of, and a part of something greater than yourself. Did you know that God takes delight in inviting people made in His image to come and be satisfied in Him? As we close the book of Revelation, God reminds us of His invitation. What is it? Come, let's hear & heed the closing invitation of God's Word!
What will heaven be like? Are we just spirits floating through the heavens, strumming harps & endless singing, growing angel wings, or being reincarnated? Believers & unbelievers alike have all kinds of strange ideas about heaven. Today's biblical text gives us some central answers to this burning question. Come, let's learn to take God at His Word this morning!
New Heavens & New Earth | Revelation 21:1-8 by Christ Community Church of Magnolia
People joke about hell today as if it is a fictitious place for terrible people or can only be understood as the suffering people might have to go through in this life. Today, people can't imagine a good God punishing forever people who reject Him. But does the Bible treat hell this way? Come, let's take God at His Word this morning!
Have you ever heard the famous line, “power corrupts?” Human leaders tend to reign with a heavy hand and use their power for selfish gain. Today, we come to the rule & reign of Christ. So, how is Christ's reign different? How does Christ use His power? Incredible truths to learn and apply from King Jesus today!
Christians celebrate the first advent of Jesus and long for the second advent when He returns and sets all things right. How will He return? What will mark His return? Today, as we look at the second coming of Christ, we can draw great hope, encouragement, and reverence today for our coming Savior! Let's dive in!
Hallelujah Chorus | Revelation 19:1-10 by Christ Community Church of Magnolia