Flagstone Church of Christ

The "Best Ever." The "Greatest Of All Time." The "G.O.A.T." We have debates on a regular basis in personal conversations and on social media about who happens to be the G.O.A.T. Who's the greatest President of all time? The greatest athlete? The greatest actor/actress? The greatest band? Debates and arguments go back and forth as people try to determine who is the "greatest." In June and July at Flagstone we are going to talk about some of the greatest Bible characters of all time. Is Moses the greatest water-bender of all time? Is Jonah the greatest fisherman? Not only will we be taking a closer look at some of these individuals, but we will discover together how their experiences impact us. Plan to join us each Sunday this summer to find out who's the G.O.A.T.! Today we'll find out who the greatest firestarter of all time is!

June 3, 2021 // We are taking a quick PAUSE in our Heaven and Earth discussion to talk about out MINDS. Man, it's hard to control our thoughts, right? Easy for for our minds to take natural emotions like anger and jealousy and SNOWBALL them into potentially HUGE problems in our life and actions. SO... Can we control our thoughts? Can we tame our minds? Maybe we need tips from a Master... The Master of our Minds. // Brandon is flying solo tonight as he leads us through a discussion on our thoughts and how we can submit them to Jesus Christ himself.

It's important to understand what Flagstone's mission is. It's important to understand the vision that Flagstone has of whom they are trying to reach out to and connect with. But I also need to understand what it takes for me to be personally committed to that mission and vision. What does it take for me to own this vision we believe God has set out for us?

May 27, 2021 // // God is in the sky, God is in the temple. God is in the tabernacle, God is a human being. The journey from COMPLETE and utter separation to God in the flesh physically dwelling among us is pretty astonishing. Many people had a hard time grasping a concept like a "flesh and bone God" but it was all a part of God's strategic plan to reunite heaven and earth. BUT, that journey doesn't stop with Jesus. The journey continues with US. Flesh and blood human beings becoming houses of the Holy Spirit (God's Presence) allowing God's will to be done in incredible ways even BEYOND that of Jesus Christ. // On today's episode of Unscripted, Marshall and Brandon unpack the next step in the Heaven and Earth convergence: the outpouring and indwelling of the Holy Spirit. How can WE be involved in bringing about Heaven on Earth? Check it out!

We may have goals we set or accomplishments we want to achieve. But until we have a true vision for those things, and until we take ownership of that vision, we'll probably fall short and maybe even give up. This principle applies to our church family at Flagstone as well. What is Flagstone's mission What is Flagstone's vision? Have I chosen to own that vision myself?

May 20, 2021 // // God took an amazing step forward in the process of reuniting heaven and earth when He sent Jesus into our world. God had previously allowed His presence to be with His people, but at a distance and with limitations. But now His presence literally moved into our neighborhood. Jesus' arrival in flesh and blood became the closest (to that point) that God had been to mankind since the Garden thousands of years before. // In tonight's episode of Unscripted, Brandon and Marshall talk about Jesus making a bold statement and a unique comparison between Himself and the place where God and His people used to meet. What did He say? And what kind of reaction did it cause?

Graduation for high school seniors generates a lot of different emotions - excitement, relief, maybe a little sadness. But one thing that many of these young men and women deal with as high school comes to a close is anxiety and apprehension about what's going to happen next. And it's not just high schoolers that battle worry about the future; lots of us adults are fighting that fear as well. How can we help our graduating seniors face their futures confidently, and how do we ourselves conquer that fear of the unknown?

May 13, 2021 // // After the split of Heaven and Earth experienced in Genesis 3, it seems that God's plan to restore and reunite these two dimensions is happening... but it is happening very SLOWLY and STRATEGICALLY. From Abraham to Jacob to the enslavement of Israel and tents in the wilderness, God's presence seems to be moving closer to his people, just millimeters at a time (at least WE think so!) so when is this plan going to have some real traction? // ENTER JESUS. The prophets foretold him and here he is. The physical embodiment of God himself in human form. So what does Jesus have to say about these two kingdoms? Quite a bit actually!

There are lots of descriptive titles for all the roles that moms fulfill - caregiver, cheerleader, meal-cooker, chauffeur. But one title that often goes overlooked is "fighter." Moms are courageous fighters; they are valiant warriors. For Mother's Day we want to honor our moms and thank them for choosing to fight for their families.

// May 6, 2021 // If I were to ask you, "Hey, where is your best friend right now?" there might be a moment of thought and then an assumption, "ah, I think they are at the gym right now. Let me check really quick!". An answer that would DEFINITELY surprise us would be if you responded, "Yeah, they are at the gym!... And cooking dinner at home... And on a beach trip with their family." Really? Your best friend couldn't POSSIBLY be in all of those places at once! Which leads into an interesting discussion today on Unscripted: Where does God live? // Our God is omnipresent, which means He is all places all at all times. Scripture says there isn't a way to step out of his presence. So why does God choose to "move into the neighborhood" when the tabernacle is set up at the end of Exodus if he is already there? On this episode of Unscripted, Marshall and Brandon take a pause on the "Heaven & Earth" narrative to take a deeper look at the omnipresence of God, and how it plays a part in our understanding of Heaven and Earth.

We fight spiritual and emotional battles; we fight for the success of our friendships and marriages. And yet sometimes we end up losing those "battles" - not necessarily because we were overpowered or overwhelmed, but because we quit fighting. How do I keep from quitting too soon and walking away from the fight before it's finished?

April 29, 2021 // // From the fall of creation God had a plan to bring his cherished creation BACK to himself; back to the garden of intimacy and connection with Him. But as humans continued to display pursuits of making THEMSELVES gods, God's plan to reunite heaven and earth looks a little different... A long term plan that included specific stages of increased connection. // In this episode of Unscripted, Marshall and Brandon look at the story of Jacob as well ad the Tabernacle in the wilderness as the GENESIS of God's plan to dwell once again with his people.

As I get better at recognizing where my enemy is attacking me and choosing to fight, I may find myself struggling to feel like I'm winning or even gaining any ground. The problem might be that I'm not getting to the root of the problem, I'm not fighting the "core" battle. How do I figure out where the core battle is, and how do I get better at fighting the battles that matter most?

April 22, 2021 // // After the fall of man in Genesis 3, things just seem to get worse for mankind, God's GOOD creation. Not only has the connection between God and man been severed forcing the domains of heaven and earth to split in two, but human beings continue to make the SAME mistakes that were made in the garden time and time again. We want to play the part of God in our own lives... So what's the plan? Is there a plan to reconnect heaven and earth? God and his masterpiece? // On today's episode of Unscripted, Marshall and Brandon jump through history towards the Tower of Babylon and the call of Abram to pinpoint God's ultimate long-term plan to bring heaven and earth back into unity.

We have an enemy who wants to attack us, a ruthless adversary who wants to wreak havoc in our lives with problems, addictions, and ungodly choices. We're called by God to fight off his attacks, to battle against Satan's influence in our world and in our lives. And one of the keys to success in this fight is to fight the battle before it happens. But what does that even look like? How do I do that?

April 15, 2021 // // In the Fall of Creation depicted in Genesis 3, Eve gave up EVERYTHING, a perfect garden and perfect communion with the creator... for a snack? And this was the very decision that spit the domain of Heaven ON Earth to Heaven AND Earth. So what's was at the root of the decision, and what does it have to do with us? Unfortunately, we too make the same boneheaded decisions. But is there hope for us as well? // In this episode of Unscripted, Brandon take a deeper look into the Fall at the Garden in Genesis 3 and shows how we, too, have decisions to make in our lives about who we decide is God in our lives.

Whether we realize it or not, those of us who have put our faith in Jesus are in a fight. We have an enemy who is on the attack, and we have to choose how we are going to respond. Are we going to sit around and do nothing? Are we going to surrender? Or are we going to put up a fight?

April 8, 2021 // Heaven is where God is, and earth is where humans are. Pretty simple, right? But what if that wasn't God's original plan? Not only that, but what if God's purpose from the beginning was to bring "heaven" to earth? What does that do to our understanding of God's purpose and plan for our lives? // Join Marshall and Brandon as they start a conversation about heaven and earth, God's presence in both, and God's plan for those two realms to become one.

Jesus hinted at it, mentioned something related to it, and eventually talked plainly about it - He was going to die and rise again. And yet His disciples and others were still surprised by the resurrection and just didn't see it coming. However, the resurrection completely changed their focus and their mission from that point on. Can I say that the resurrection of Jesus has changed anything about me?

In this LAST episode of our series in 2 Peter 1, we've moved through Peter's whole list of "ingredients" to become "partakers in the divine life" like faith and love and brotherly kindness and self-control. But after his list he makes sure to remind his audience of the importance of the USE of these ingredients in increasing increments. "Use it or lose it" in our terms. What could happen if we neglect these attributes in our own Christian walk? // Join Marshall and Brandon as they wrap up their series in 2 Peter and talk about how nearsightedness in our own lives BECAUSE of the neglect of these attributes can lead to spiritual blindness and ultimately forgetfulness of God's grace in our own lives. Thanks for joining!

March 25, 2021 // Finish the sentence: I LOVE _____ so much! Assuming that our answers would be incredibly varied somewhere between "my lovely kiddos!" and "hot dogs at the ballpark!". Such a WIDE degree of answers begs the question: "If we use that word consistently in meaning, then do I love my kids with the same degree as I love that ballpark frank?" WE WOULD HOPE NOT! // In this episode, Brandon is joined by our worship leader and father, Jordan Manchester as we talk about LOVE and the true meanings behind it!

I'm active, I'm involved, I'm successful, I'm accomplishing things, I'm winning... so why do I feel empty? Why do I feel unmotivated? Why am I exhausted? It's called "Burnout," and if we ever experience it, we almost never see it coming. What do I do when I'm blindsided by burnout?

March 18, 2021 // Kindness is a good thing, maybe even one of the best things. When we show kindness to someone else, it makes them feel good and makes us feel good to. But Peter is more specific here when he says that we need to be more active in showing "brotherly kindness." What's the difference between that category of kindness and "regular" kindness? And how do I know if I'm being brotherly kind to someone else? // Marshall is flying solo this week while Brandon is out of town. Join him for a discussion of what brotherly kindness really is and why Peter says it matters.

::Sorry for the late start of the stream - we had technical difficulties:: Let's be honest, we would prefer to never experience any difficulties or challenges in our lives. But even if we have to go through hard times, it would be nice to see those experiences coming, wouldn't it? Sometimes the hardest part of dealing with a hardship is that it caught us by surprise. We weren't ready for it. What do I do when I didn't see that hardship coming?

According to a recent survey, 8 in 10 Americans carry significant debt. Credit cards, mortgages, car loans, student loans - we are a society steeped in debt. But many of us never expected to be carrying the debt load we're carrying. We feel like we suddenly looked up and we owe thousands of dollars to creditors, and we never saw it coming. How do I get myself free from this overwhelming burden? And if I get free from it, is there a way to keep myself from ending up here again?

March 11, 2021 // Christians are supposed to be "godly," right? That seems like it's kinda assumed - if you're a follower of God, then you're godly. But there's more to godliness than just saying you believe in God and are trying to be a good person. // Join Marshall and Brandon as we talk about what godliness actually looks like and why Peter said it matters so much.

We have those times in our lives when things seem to be going great - we're moving forward, we're healthy, our relationships seem to be going well. And then - bam! - we get blindsided. Something we weren't ready for derails whatever it was that was going so well, and now we're struggling and trying to figure out what to do next. What do we do when life surprises us?

March 4, 2021 // Perseverance doesn't sound very fun. Choosing to keep going when there's adversity, when things are tough? Who really wants to do that? But Peter tells us that if we don't persevere, if we don't endure hardship, we can't fully experience the life God wants to provide for us. Peter himself struggled with perseverance sometimes though and had to watch how Jesus kept going, even when things got difficult. // Join Marshall and Brandon as we talk about the challenge to persevere as well as the reward that comes from "sticking with it."

Loneliness was already a real struggle that affected many people on a daily basis, and the covid pandemic has seemed to make the problem even worse. But is it wrong for me to feel lonely? Is there anything I can do about it, or do I just have to try to smile and suffer through it?

February 25, 2021 // Of all people that maybe shouldn't be telling others to exercise self-control, it would be Peter. The man had ongoing "control issues" - not with wanting to control others but with not always being able to control himself! But after years of walking with Jesus, towards the end of his life Peter recognized that one of the KEY INGREDIENTS to a good life is to learn to maintain self-control as much as possible. // Join Marshall and Brandon as we talk about how important it is to have a little self-control and how we see the ultimate example of that in Jesus.

Christians aren't supposed to be depressed or anxious, right? They're just supposed to always have peace and joy. But what if that's not my reality? Can I still be a good Christian and struggle with depression? Can I still consider myself to have faith while at the same time struggle with worry? Dr. Karl Wendt shares some special insights that will help us debunk some myths about depression and anxiety and will help us deal with these real struggles.

Events over the last year, especially being on lockdown and having to socially distance, have put a spotlight on some struggles many of us are having with certain relationships. Marriage strains, parenting issues, and resentment with certain friendships seem to be on the rise in our communities. It's a real struggle, and yet it's something many of us have a hard time being honest about or seeking help with. What do I do when I'm struggling with my relationships? ________________________________ Snow canceled our service - so this lesson does not include the normal worship service.

February 11, 2021 // Peter says that one of the key INGREDIENTS to add to our spiritual walk is GOODNESS. But what does it mean to be "good"? How do I know if I'm being "good" enough? Is there a cap or a limit to how good I'm supposed to be? // Join Marshall and Scotty as they talk about how Jesus models goodness for us and then calls us to embody goodness in our own lives.

While physical ailments can become overwhelming burdens, emotional struggles can be just as unbearable, if not more so. Over the last year we've seen mental health issues like depressions, anxiety, and loneliness steadily increase in our community. Let's take an honest look at some of the motional struggles many of us have in common and discover together how our God can heal and our church family can help relieve some of these burdens. _______________________ 00:00 Welcome / Prayer 03:04 “Heaven Is in My Heart” 04:17 “Great Is the Lord Almighty” 06:30 “Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)” 11:24 Communion 14:04 “You Never Let Go” 17:20 Sermon 59:54 “Break My Heart” 1:02:35 Closing Comments / Prayer 1:06:12 “This Is How We Overcome”

February 4, 2021 // When Peter talks about faith being a KEY INGREDIENT to a good life in 2 Peter 1:3, believe us when we say he KNOWS what he's talking about. From the king of "faith-failure" himself, Peter had his share of struggles with taking small steps of faith OR displaying no faith at all. But after years of walking with our savior and practicing faith, Peter reminds us here in 2 Peter 1:3 that faith is a key ingredient in the best life possible. // Join Marshall and Brandon as we learn to keep our eyes on Jesus as we learn to walk in faith through this life.

If I've given my life to Jesus, then I've been rescued from sin and death. But that's really only part of my story. I may have also experienced healing, a better marriage, or more meaning purpose to my life because of my connection with God. And the key thing is, all of us who are Christians have a story to tell. But sharing my story may not be very easy for me to do. But what if I did? What if I shared with someone else my story of what God has done in my life? Would it really make a difference? ________________________ Welcome / Prayer “Days of Elijah” “Salvation Belongs to Our God” “Living Hope” Communion “One Thing Remains” Sermon “How Can I Keep From Singing” Closing Comments / Prayer “This Is Amazing Grace”

//Apologies for the late start with this video - technical issues with our stream. When there is something I feel like I need or something I'm struggling with, Christina people will often, with the best of intentions, tell me to "just pray about it." Sometimes that feels like a church cliché. Sometimes it feels like prayer isn't enough. But what if I did choose to pray? What if I prayed like I believed something would actually happen? What if...? ______________ Welcome / Prayer “I Will Call Upon the Lord” 00:00 “Only King Forever” 02:08 “Shield About Me” 05:16 Communion 10:14 “Good, Good Father” 13:42 Sermon 54:44 “Still” 57:05 Closing Comments / Prayer 59:38 “Give Thanks to the Lord”

January 21, 2021 // Unscripted is switching gears and focusing in on a NEW topic that will bring us through the next couple of months: The Ingredients for a Good Life (2 Peter 1:3-9). Written at the end of his earthly life, Peter has a LONG list of things that he wants other followers of Christ to hold on to to have the FULLEST life possible. // Join us tonight as we dive into the realizations that God has indeed already given us everything we need to have life, and have it to the full.

January 19, 2021 // Last week we dove into context and meaning of the book of Proverbs, and this week we're comparing what Solomon has to say about the difference between wisdom and foolishness.

When I've been lied to or made fun of or cheated on or yelled at or abused or forgotten about... or just plain hurt, it's difficult to let go of that pain. It's difficult to let go of the resentment and bitterness that I have every right to... feel. But what if I could forgive? What if I could keep from holding a grudge? I know it would benefit that other person, but how would it benefit me? _________________________ 00:00 Welcome / Prayer 04:05 “He Has Made Me Glad” 05:11 “Lift Him High” 07:54 “And Can It Be?” 10:29 Communion 15:31 “Blessed Be Your Name” 18:29 Sermon 59:22 “Lord, Take Control” 01:01:12 Closing Comments / Prayer 01:07:07 “Come Taste and See”

// January 14, 2021 // As many of our church family and friends have committed to reading the Bible more (check out our Read Scripture with Flagstone Facebook Group!), we're looking at some INFrequently asked questions that are specific and particular to our time in Genesis over the past 2 weeks. Who are the angels in Gen 18? Why is it improper for a Hebrew to eat with an Egyptian? Why is God surprised when Abraham really DOES attempt to sacrifice his son? // As we read through the Bible with fresh eyes, we can notice tons of things that we never thought of before. As we aim to respond to these questions, let us know some questions that YOU have in your time in the book!

Proverbs Intro

What would happen if I didn't just think about changing my attitude, a certain habit, or the way I treat certain people? What if I actually made a significant change? Would my life really be any better? Would theirs? Let's find out together in this lesson. __________________________ 00:03 Welcome / Prayer 04:22 “Lord, I Lift Your Name on High” 06:04 “Let It Rise” 08:42 “We Exalt Thee” 10:42 Communion 14:18 “Mighty to Save” 17:14 Sermon 01:03:16 “Purify Me, Lord” 01:05:22 Closing Comments / Prayer 01:07:56 “I Belong to Jesus”

// January 7, 2021 // Let's face it. The Bible is a LONG and at most times DIFFICULT book to read! From the ancient literature written in a different language to the REALLY strange stories in the first couple of books, then the rest of the long and complicated story... Reading the Bible is hard. // Although these are all VALID reasons to be hesitant to read the Bible more this year, we believe that they are not good enough. The Bible is one unified story that leads us to Jesus and reading the Bible in a year will be the most fulfilling thing you can do in the new year. So how can I be successful? How can we read the Bible better in the new year? Marshall and Brandon tackle a subject that is close to BOTH of their hearts, as we discover together how we can be more successful in reading scripture in the new year.

So often our "what-if" questions are rooted in fear or complacency. "What if something goes wrong?" "What if they ask me to do more?" But our what-if questions don't have to paralyze us - they can actually motivate us if we ask them the right way. So what are the right "what-if" questions I need to be asking? _________________________ Welcome / Prayer “Beautiful One” “Strong God” “Everytime” Communion “It Is Well with My Soul” Sermon “Turn My Heart” Closing Comments / Prayer “Get Right Church”

Christmas is over. The decorations are getting put away, the tree is down, and the carols have stopped. All that I planned for over the last several weeks is done - what now? Well, the mission of Jesus didn't stop at the manger, and the direction and purpose of my life needs to move forward as well. What direction will I go? That depends on what I have my "face set towards." _____________________________ 00:00 Welcome / Prayer 02:54 “You Are Holy (Prince of Peace)” 05:34 “You’re Worthy of My Praise” 07:55 “Your Glory” 11:41 Communion 17:07 “I Will Follow” 20:04 Sermon 59:42 “Father God” 01:01:58 Closing Comments / Prayer 01:05:13 “Our God, He Is Alive”

When it comes to seeing and feeling the "presence" of God, it can be had for MANY. Christians and non-Christians alike. Scripture shows us that God relates to us in very specific and relatable forms of presence like that of a child. A father. A groom. An average human being. So why would God choose such common and simple relationships in order to relate to us? So that we could relate to HE and HIS SON better than we could ever imagine being close to someone else. ______________________ 00:00 Welcome / Prayer 02:20 “Nobody Fills My Heart Like Jesus” 04:12 “Covenant of Love” 05:58 “Glory and Honor” 09:11 Communion 14:30 “Joy to the World” 15:55 Sermon 52:51 “All That I Need” 55:12 Closing Comments / Prayer 58:05 “Blessed Be Your Name”

// December 17, 2020 // There are SO MANY traditions and legends that surround the Christmas season -- From the Christmas pickle (...what?) to the Elf on the Shelf, everything we do in the holiday season has it's origins somewhere, right? Even Saint Nick and the Little Drummer Boy both have "Christian" roots, but are hyperbolized and expanded to the legends they are today. // So what about Jesus? Was he just an exaggerated legend that we use to make this season more loving? Was he all that we make him out to be?

The invitation to see the new Baby in the manger was first offered to some random shepherds in a pasture outside of Bethlehem. But that simple invitation - to come connect with Jesus - is offered to all of us, no matter where we are, no matter what our story is. The question is...will I accept this simple invitation? ____________________________________________ 01:02 Welcome / Prayer 03:20 “Open Up the Heavens” 06:11 “Wonderful, Merciful Savior” 08:38 “Come to the Table” 10:40 Communion 16:44 “O Come, All Ye Faithful” 19:08 Sermon 58:10 “Just As I Am / I Come Broken” 01:02:01 Closing Comments / Prayer 01:13:08 “This Is Amazing Grace”

December 10, 2020 // Within each of the four gospels, (Matthew, Mark, Luke, & John) each writer choses a different starting point to talk about Jesus, the savior of the world. John begins with a theological "Word / Light" thought, Luke starts with some of Jesus' cousins and their connection, and Mark gets right to the point, skipping to adulthood. But Matthew starts with a... genealogy? // In this Christmas episode of Unscripted, Marshall and Brandon dive into the genealogy of Jesus, and WHY Matthew starts off with something so... boring? Could there be that there are incredible insights about Jesus' character and ministry on this earth? Check it out on tonight's Unscripted!