Fully Alive in Christ

As we conclude our Sermon on the Mount series, Jesus leaves us with a striking image—two houses, two foundations, one storm. In Matthew 7:24-29, He makes it clear: it's not just about hearing His words, but putting them into practice. Like deeply rooted trees that withstand the fiercest winds, our lives can remain steady when anchored in Him. This message is an invitation to examine what your life is built on. Is it the shifting sand of self-reliance, or the solid rock of Christ and His Kingdom? Jesus isn't after performance—He's after transformation. Let's be the kind of people who live His way, not just hear it.

In this teaching, we sat with one of Jesus' most sobering teachings from Matthew 7. As He brings the Sermon on the Mount toward its conclusion, Jesus exposes the false paths that take us where we want to go, the false voices that tell us what we want to hear, and the false fruit that impresses but lacks substance. His words are a call to examine the real foundation of our lives and what we're truly rooted in.

In Matthew 7, His words ask, seek, knock aren't just commands to be spiritual go-getters; they're invitations to dependence, persistence, and vulnerability with a good Father who knows what we need. Whether we're standing in wide-open spaces of clarity or squeezed in the tight canyons of disappointment, Jesus teaches us a way of prayer that forms resilience. Together, we'll explore how persistent prayer doesn't just change outcomes, it transforms us.

Resilient discipleship begins with radical honesty. Not performance, not projection, but a courageous look at what we're actually serving and how we're actually living. Self-deception is subtle. It tells us we're fine while we slowly drift. It normalizes compromise, numbs conviction, and slowly pulls our hearts away from the Kingdom Jesus calls us to seek first.In Matthew 6:19–24, Jesus invites us to examine our interior attachments. He speaks of treasure, sight, and loyalty but beneath it all is a deeper question: what is truly forming us?This week, we're asking: Where is my heart invested? What am I treasuring? What do my habits, choices, and rhythms reveal? Honesty lets the light in so that Jesus can truly lead us from the inside out. Because if we are to become a resilient community of resilient disciples walking out a resilient faith, then we have to Holy Spirit expose our false attachments.

In this teaching, we'll sit with Jesus' words from Matthew 7, “Do not judge, or you too will be judged.” Not as a rule to keep but as a mirror to hold. What does it look like to let grace do its deep work in us first? To be people who lead with mercy, not judgment?There's something sacred about the moment we realize the real work isn't out there, it's within. Jesus isn't calling us to avoid truth. He's inviting us to see with it.To move from critique to compassion.From projection to presence.From performing righteousness to practicing mercy.Together we'll explore what it means to remove the log from our own eye. Not to walk away but to see more clearly. To love more freely. To become people formed by grace

This Easter message goes way beyond just “Jesus died for your sins.” Drew takes us on a journey from the garden to the cross to the resurrection, tracing the thread of God's promise to redeem us from the very beginning. It's full of those “wait… what?!” moments in Scripture that make you realize this story is way bigger than we've often been told. Jesus crushed the head of the serpent. He reversed Babel. He fulfilled every prophecy. He took back the nations. And He did it for love. He came to take back everything that was stolen. And He did.He has done it.

In this teaching from Matthew 6:25 to 34, we explore Jesus' invitation to let go of anxiety and step into the freedom of trust. Worry is real. It affects our bodies, our thoughts, and our sense of identity. But Jesus doesn't shame us for feeling it. Instead, He offers an upgrade.Through birds, flowers, and the reminder that our Father sees and knows our needs, Jesus invites us into a life rooted not in scarcity or stress but in the security of His Kingdom. This message walks us through the tension we carry and the exchange He offers. From clenched fists to open hands. From striving orphans to trusting children. When we seek first His Kingdom, we find that God is not just enough. He is near, attentive, and already providing.

In Matthew 6, Jesus shifts us from the public performance of religion to the secret places where real transformation happens.Prayer, fasting, and forgiveness aren't meant to impress others or manipulate God. They are invitations into intimacy with a Father who sees in secret.In this section of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus confronts how spiritual practices, when done with the wrong motives, can actually deform us. But when rooted in love, they align us with the Kingdom. Jesus isn't just offering a better method for prayer. He is rewiring our hearts to desire His presence over applause.The real question isn't Are you doing the right things?It's Why are you doing them and who are you doing them for?

In this section of the Sermon on the Mount, we explore how Jesus' words in Matthew 5:38–48 aren't a list of rules to follow, but a vision for a life completely reshaped by love. Jesus flips everything we think we know about justice and power. In a world that demands retaliation, He teaches us to turn the other cheek, go the second mile, and love even our enemies. It's not about surviving culture—it's about subverting it. What looks like weakness to the world is actually a Spirit-empowered strength. Through the work of the Holy Spirit, love becomes our resistance, forgiveness becomes our power, and grace becomes our witness.

In this section of The Sermon on the Mount, Jesus addresses our motive for giving. Giving isn't meant to be a performance for praise, rather a quiet overflow of our relationship with Him. The way of the Kingdom is upside down. It's not about being seen, but being known by the Father who sees in secret. So the question is: Are we giving out of love or out of a need to be loved? Are we following Jesus with depth, or just checking the boxes of what a good Christian should do?

In this section of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus exposed the heart behind lust, adultery, divorce, and oaths. Lust isn't just about what we see—it's about what we cultivate in our hearts. It's desire that takes and consumes instead of honors. When it comes to marriage, Jesus challenges the way people treated covenant like a contract they could break when it no longer served them.Jesus isn't just calling us to avoid sinful actions but to address the seeds that lead there. Because what takes root in us—whether lust, anger, or deception—shapes who we become. Just as a plant grows toward sunlight, our hearts grow toward what we desire. If our desires are shaped by selfishness instead of love, we will justify behaviors that destroy relationships. Jesus' way is about a heart-transformed life, reshaping us from the inside out, making us the kind of people who live in truth, honor covenant, and walk in love.

Jesus isn't just after our behavior, He's after our hearts. In the Sermon on the Mount, He takes the Law beyond “Do not murder” and gets to the root of the issue—anger, resentment, and broken relationships. He shows us that the Kingdom way isn't just about avoiding sin; it's about confronting what's beneath the surface before it destroys us and the people around us.

In this message, we dive into Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, where He declares, “I didn't come to abolish the Law or the Prophets—I came to fulfill them.” What does that mean for us today? Jesus upgrades the Old Covenant, fulfilling it through His perfect life and death, freeing us from its burden (Heb. 8:13). From Moses on Mount Sinai to Jesus on the Mount, we see a shift from rules to a transformed life—His law now written on our hearts (Jer. 31:33).Explore how Jesus calls us to a righteousness that surpasses the Pharisees—not through legalism, but through His life in us (2 Cor. 5:21). His teachings (Matt. 5-7) aren't just inspiration; they're a call to action: “Everyone who hears these words and puts them into practice” builds their life on the rock (Matt. 7:24-27). Discover how Jesus' fulfillment of the Law and the destruction of the Temple (AD 70) mark the end of the old “heaven and earth,” ushering in a New Covenant of Kingdom living—resilient, Spirit-led, and free.

Jesus calls us to be salt and light in the world—not someday, but right now. Just as salt preserves food and enhances flavor, we are meant to bring the goodness of God into the lives of those around us. Our lives have real value and purpose in bringing hope, truth, and life to our communities. And just like light helps guide the way in the darkness, we are meant to shine brightly, showing others the way of Jesus.

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus teaches what it looks like to live FROM the heart and INTO a very real, present, and available Kingdom that He came to show His followers.The life of the kingdom is principally (but not exclusively) spiritual - therefore, it has to be a matter of the heart before it can expand into a manifest reality through our day-to-day lives. Jesus is teaching us that we must live from the inside out to be people who see His will done and His Kingdom come.

In this special gathering, we took time to honor and thank everyone who contributes to Living Waters—whether through time, talent, or treasure. It was a morning full of gratitude, celebration, and vision for the year ahead!

As followers of Jesus, our lifestyle is not just a reflection of our beliefs—it is the evidence of our intimacy with the Holy Spirit and how we access and release our inheritance from our Father. We aren't just called to receive His Spirit but to steward His presence in our daily lives to leave an impact on those around us. What we do, how we live, and what we prioritize either aligns us with the fullness of God or hinders us from walking in it. As co-heirs with Jesus, His power, authority, and love are available to us, but our choices, surrender, and obedience determine whether we truly live in the richness of His Kingdom. And so the invitation he gives us is to walk in a way that makes us available to His Spirit, to remove what hinders, and to press into a life that overflows with His power. What are we sowing into? What are we making room for? Let us not settle for a life that justifies disconnection. Instead, let's become a people who continually step into the fullness of our inheritance and let His life flow through us.

Identity is the natural outflow and expression of our intimacy with God. It begins with an intentional choice to invite Him daily into our reality—into the ordinary, messy, and beautiful moments of our lives. Through this daily practice, we discover a God of unfailing love, a good Father who neither despises us nor casts us aside. Instead, He lovingly enters our broken places, bringing restoration and healing. This God of love doesn't merely meet us where we are—He calls us upward into a fresh revelation of who He is and who we are in Him. As we grow in intimacy, we begin to see ourselves through His eyes: not defined by our failures or accomplishments but as His beloved children. This revelation transforms us from the inside out, grounding our identity in the unshakable truth of His love and faithfulness. By continually turning our hearts toward Him, we not only deepen our relationship with God but also discover the fullness of who we were created to be. Our identity becomes an overflow of His presence in our lives.

When intimacy is the seed, identity becomes the visible and internal structure of our lives, like a tree growing from healthy roots. Who we believe we are shapes how we think about ourselves and, ultimately, how we interact with others.

Intimacy is the inception and culmination of Scripture, woven throughout its entirety—from creation, to covenant, to the cross (the veil torn), to the Upper Room, and the Gospel of the early church. It reflects God's unchanging desire to love us and make Himself known to us. He is the God who walks with us in the Garden, longing for communion with His creation. As we reflect on this marker in our year, let us be reminded of God's passionate pursuit of us and His constant invitation to our hearts to be safe, set free, and fully satisfied in Him. In His pursuit, God—through Jesus—removed every obstacle, broke every chain, defeated every enemy, and forgave every sin so that, at the end of His victory, nothing would remain that could separate us from Him.

As we step into a new year, take a moment to pause, reflect, and remember God's faithfulness in our lives. Drawing from the story of the Israelites crossing the Jordan River in Joshua 3-4, we are reminded of the importance of building memorial stones—moments that mark God's provision, miracles, and faithfulness in our journey. In this message, Kim encouraged us to write and treasure these moments, just as Mary pondered the miraculous events surrounding Jesus' birth.

Kim reminded us that true fulfillment doesn't come from external things—relationships, achievements, or possessions—but from the profound love of God through Jesus. So often, we chased after what the world offered, only to feel empty and longing for more. But God's love is different—it is the only thing that could fill the deepest parts of our hearts. When we embrace His love, we experience a completeness that goes beyond any temporary feeling the world could give. This love allows us to approach life already full, ready to receive blessings without depending on them for our happiness. It is a love that satisfies, restores, and frees us to live with purpose and peace.

Joy isn't about pretending everything is perfect—it's about seeing the grace and redemption of Jesus unfolding in our lives, even in the midst of hard things. This Advent season, we're slowing down to set our hearts and minds on the greater story: the coming of our Savior, His work in us today, and the promise of His return. Let's break free from the distractions, the hurry, and the heaviness of life by fixing our eyes on Jesus. As we renew our joy in Him, we discover a strength that helps us endure and a light that shines through every circumstance.

We invite you to explore the profound peace that Jesus, our Prince of Peace, offers us amidst the storms of life. As we navigate through anxiety, fear, and uncertainty, we are reminded that true peace is not merely the absence of conflict but a deep-rooted assurance found in our relationship with Christ.

Advent is a season to intentionally slow down, reflect, and prepare our hearts for the hope of Jesus—the Word who became flesh and dwelt among us. This journey reminds us that God's greatest work often happens in seasons of waiting. Just as the people of Israel waited for the Messiah, we can find strength and joy in the hope that has already come through Jesus. Join us as we explore how His light shines in the darkness, bringing redemption and life.

In this teaching Ryan, delve deep into understanding the Bible and its significance in our spiritual journey. Listen as we explore the foundational aspects of Scripture, its context, and how it shapes our faith and daily life.

In this teaching, Ryan invited us to explore the profound narrative woven throughout the Bible—a story of God's relentless pursuit of humanity and His desire for a deep relationship with us. As we re-engage with Scripture, let's remember the Bible is not just a collection of ancient texts but a living story that reveals God's character, His promises, and His redemptive plan through Jesus Christ. By understanding the overarching themes of creation, fall, redemption, and restoration, we are invited to see ourselves as part of this unfolding story and a guide to our spiritual formation. We invite you to dive deeper into the Scriptures, to allow Holy Spirit to illuminate our understanding, and to experience the joy of having our hearts burn within us as we encounter the living God through His Word.

The Bible is a unified story of God's love for Humanity and His desire that we would know this love and be known by this love through His son Jesus.

Many of us have experienced the journey of striving for love and approval through serving, only to find that real healing and freedom come when we serve from a place of love and compassion, just as Jesus did. In this teaching, we get to take a deeper look at our hearts and motives, stepping into the practices Jesus lived out so that the fruit of the Spirit can flow through our lives. Watch and listen as Kim shares her story and what she has learned about what it means to truly live in the fullness of life that Jesus offers each of us as we serve and love another.

In this teaching, Kim Butcher invites us to embrace a life that mirrors Jesus' way of being interruptible. Jesus consistently welcomed interruptions, whether from the sick, the broken, or the lost, viewing them as opportunities to serve and love. Kim challenges us to ask: Are we willing to slow down, be inconvenienced, and allow the Holy Spirit to lead us into moments of service? In a world that prizes self-sufficiency and busyness, this invitation is a call to live differently—attuned to the needs of others and open to the divine moments that come when we let our lives be interrupted for the people around us.

In this teaching, Andy explored the practice of service as taught by Jesus, drawing inspiration from historical accounts of early Christians who embodied compassion during the Cyprian Plague. Learn how this ancient practice transforms us, forms us into people of love, and impacts the world around us. Andy also dove into the biblical parable of the Good Samaritan and asked, “Who is my neighbor?” Join us as we reflect on how Jesus' way of service invites us to respond to the needs of others today, showing love in practical ways.

Andy dove deep into the importance of community and spiritual formation within the body of Christ. He explores the critical need for both individual healing and collective growth, shedding light on the obstacles we often face, such as unresolved personal wounds and the influence of individualism. Andy encouraged us to embrace both solitude and community as essential practices for spiritual growth, following Jesus' example.

Kim Butcher talked about how vital community and relationships are for anyone following Jesus, using insights from Jesus' own life and the relationship circles described by psychologist Robin Dunbar. She encouraged us to look at the different levels of relationships we have—from our larger community to our closest friends—and challenged us to be intentional in building and nurturing those connections. Just as Jesus showed us through His life and ministry, solitude and relationships are essential for our spiritual growth and formation.

Kate Rhoden continued our conversation on the practice of silence and solitude, guiding us through three key things we may encounter on this journey: ourselves, the enemy, and ultimately, the presence of God. Kate shared her own personal struggles and breakthroughs along the way. She invited us to lean into the discomfort and confront the fears that can surface in moments of stillness, all in pursuit of the deep rest and communion with God that silence brings.

Andy continued the conversation on the practice of solitude and silence by turning to the example of Jesus, who often withdrew to quiet, desolate places to pray and commune with the Father. The life of Jesus demonstrates the significance of stepping away from the noise and busyness of the world to connect with God in stillness. Andy encouraged us to intentionally carve out time and space to be alone with God, free from distractions, so we can encounter Him, reflect on our hearts and minds, and be transformed. Solitude is not an end in itself but a practice that prepares us to re-enter community with a deeper capacity to love and serve others. Here are key take aways from this teaching: Trellis – The practices and disciplines of following Jesus are like a trellis that we grow upon, rather than just floating through life. They provide structure and support for our spiritual formation. Fidelity – Our fidelity through our practices becomes the container where love is birthed and grows in us for the sake of the world around us. Eramos – This Greek word refers to the wilderness, quiet, desolate places that Jesus frequently withdrew to in order to pray and be with the Father. We have a deep human need for quiet and solitude and our entire society and culture is fighting against this.  But over and over in the gospels, Jesus goes to his eramos just to be with the Father. Community – the point of solitude is to be formed into the likeness of Christ, growing in love and compassion for ourselves and for the world around us.   Solitude and silence are not meant to isolate us, but to prepare us to engage more fully and lovingly with our community. The two practices go hand-in-hand. Practice – Find your eramos and start small with just 1-2 minutes of solitude per day. Consistency and presence in the moment are more important than duration.

Watch Kim's teaching as she emphasized how important it us to show love and compassion to people in need, drawing on the story of the Good Samaritan. She encouraged us to pause and think about who our neighbors are and how we could show them love through simple acts of kindness and hospitality. Key Takeaways: We are called to be witnesses of Christ in the world around us, just as the disciples were. This means having compassion and love for those in our community, not avoiding or ignoring them. Jesus is the greatest example of compassion - he met people right where they were, loved them, and his presence changed their lives. We are called to do the same for our "neighbors", whoever that may be. It can be challenging to have compassion and see the needs of others, as we often have our own struggles and put up blinders. But we need to be aware of this tendency and ask God to open our eyes. The parable of the Good Samaritan teaches that our "neighbor" is anyone God brings across our path, even if they are different from us or we are uncomfortable. We are called to show them mercy and care. Kim challenged us to practice hospitality and witness to our community this week - whether that's inviting someone for coffee, having a family over, or simply being aware and open to connecting with those God places in our path. This requires boldness, but God will provide you grace to walk it out.

Check out Kim's message where she highlights how powerful hospitality and storytelling can be in sharing the message of Jesus. By simply being welcoming, Kim encourages us to pray for more compassion and to trust that God will create opportunities to share His love. Here are the key takeaways from Kim's message: Being a witness for Christ means sharing your personal testimony and experiences of God's love and work in your life. It's about demonstrating your faith through your words, actions, and attitude. Compassion is key to effectively witnessing to others. We need to have a sympathetic consciousness of others' distress and a desire to help them, just as Jesus did. This comes from first receiving God's compassion for ourselves. Practicing hospitality - inviting people into relationship, sharing meals, and genuinely listening to their stories - is a powerful way to witness and share the love of Christ. It opens the door for spiritual conversations and transformation. The challenge is to start praying for specific people God is putting on our hearts, asking Him to give us His compassion for them. Then be open to the opportunities He provides to build relationships and share His love. Witnessing is not about preaching or pushing religion, but about living out our faith authentically and allowing people to experience the difference Jesus makes through how we love them.

As Ryan and Kate enters and prepares for their sabbatical, he is reminded of the deep importance of rest and spiritual renewal. This is not just a pause or break, but a purposeful time to dive deeper into personal growth and aligning more closely with God's purpose for his life. In the busyness of ministry, it can be easy to lose sight of the need to regularly stop, rest, and allow God to do a deeper work in one's heart and mind. This sabbatical represents an intentional season to step away from the demands of leadership, reconnect with the Lord, and allow the Holy Spirit to refresh, restore and realign their focus. It's not about checking out, but about leaning in to what God wants to do in this dedicated time of rest and spiritual renewal.

As we continue our conversation on Generosity as a practice that forms us into people of contentment, contentment in Jesus. Jesus is calling us to be a resilient community, filled with resilient disciples walking out a resident faith. Resilient follower of Jesus is one who is simply and radically content in Christ.

Kim has an incredible story to share with you all about how God provided for her in a miraculous way when she was in need of a car. But this story isn't just about a car - it's about the overwhelming generosity and love that poured out from our community and ultimately, from God himself. We are excited to share with you and talk about what it looks like to live a life of true generosity, not just with our finances but with our time, talents and hearts. We hope this message encourages you to open your eyes to the needs around you and step out in generosity, trusting that God will provide. Join us as we explore what it means to be a resilient, generous community of disciples

We believes in open and honest conversations about finances and generosity. In this message, Ryan shares our heart on why it's so important for us to talk about money and stewardship. He unpacks the biblical principles of generosity, explaining how Jesus spoke more about money than almost any other topic. We are invited to practice radical generosity, not just with their finances but with their entire lives.

Over the past several weeks, we've been diving deep into what it looks like to be a people of prayer - both corporately and personally. I would strongly encourage you to go back and listen to the powerful messages that have been shared, as they have laid an important foundation for us to build upon. Prayer is so vital to our relationship with God, our inner transformation, and our ability to impact the world around us. Lean in and consider how we can make prayer a central rhythm and priority in our lives. There is nothing more important than cultivating that intimate communion with God.

Kate Rhoden shares a deeply personal story about her father's battle with bipolar disorder and his recent mental health crisis. She vulnerably describes the pain and uncertainty her family is facing, likening it to the disciples' experience of being caught in a violent storm while Jesus slept. Kate acknowledges the difficulty of continuing to pray and trust God in the midst of such darkness, yet she is determined to stand firm and believe that Jesus will calm the raging seas.

Janice Nelson shares her powerful testimony and insights on the transformative journey of prayer. Janice has an incredible story to tell, from her early struggles with unanswered prayers as a young girl, to her eventual surrender and deep encounter with the living God. Through Janice's raw honesty and vulnerability, we'll learn how prayer is not just about asking, but about cultivating an intimate relationship with our Heavenly Father. She'll share how she wrestled with God, learned to trust His character, and discovered the joy of practicing His constant presence - even in the midst of life's most difficult circumstances.

We want to invite you to join us in embracing the transformative power of communal prayer. In this message, we've explored how opening our lives to one another in vulnerability and dependence on Christ can be a profound gift. The voices of shame, condemnation, and isolation are loud, pushing us to hide our brokenness. But within the body of Christ, we have the opportunity to practice sharing our struggles, needs, and laments - not as a one-time breakthrough, but as an ongoing journey of transformation.

As a community, we were challenged to move beyond surface-level prayers and instead engage in deeper, more meaningful conversations with God. If you missed this powerful message, we encourage you to listen. Sommer's words have the potential to transform the way we approach prayer and deepen our connection with the Lord. Join us as we continue exploring what it means to be a community of resilient disciples grounded in prayer.

Kim shared her journey of learning to embrace rest in her life. As a highly driven, performance-oriented leader, Kim used to be addicted to productivity and people-pleasing, always striving to prove her worth through her work. Kim has been on a transformative journey of surrendering her need for approval and finding her identity in Christ alone. We'd encourage you to watch and listen as her transparency and the wisdom she's gained can powerfully encourage us all to examine the rhythms in our own lives.

As a community, we've been exploring what it means to walk the narrow way and embrace spiritual disciplines like rest and Sabbath. This can be challenging, as our culture often pushes us to stay busy and productive. However, Jesus invites us into a different rhythm - one of peace, connection, and deeper relationship with Him. Join us as we have an open conversation about the resistances we face to this kind of rest, and how pushing through them can lead to profound spiritual transformation. This is an important discussion for all of us seeking to live out our faith in a meaningful way.

We had an opportunity to hear from Andy and Andrea as they share their journey of integrating a Sabbath rhythm into their lives. Emphasizing the importance of taking small steps, they gave us a glimpse, a taste and see, of the transformative impact of practicing Sabbath and finding peace and joy in God's rest.

Are you feeling weary and burdened? Do you long for rest and a deeper connection with Jesus? We invite you to listen this teaching discover the unforced rhythms of grace.

In this teaching, we discuss the concept of resilient community and discipleship. We envision a community that is not fragmented, tattered, or tired. We believe in learning to be Christians who are not afraid of work and who value gathering together in community centered on Jesus. We honor all stages of life and celebrate every season and stage. We reject comparison and competition and champion and celebrate others. We grow interconnected by being known and knowing others, and by needing and being needed by others.