A growing church located in Southwest Virginia.
"Purity and Purpose" – Genesis 37:1–12In the opening message of our series on Joseph, we explored how Joseph's unwavering purity positioned him for the purpose God had prepared. Though young and misunderstood, Joseph's integrity set him apart—even when it made him a target. We reflected on how trials and challenges are not detours, but divine tools for maturity. Like Joseph, we may face betrayal, hardship, or isolation, but in those moments, our calling is simple: just keep doing the next right thing. Faithfulness in the fire refines us for the future God sees, even when we can't.
"Purity and Purpose" – Genesis 37:1–12In the opening message of our series on Joseph, we explored how Joseph's unwavering purity positioned him for the purpose God had prepared. Though young and misunderstood, Joseph's integrity set him apart—even when it made him a target. We reflected on how trials and challenges are not detours, but divine tools for maturity. Like Joseph, we may face betrayal, hardship, or isolation, but in those moments, our calling is simple: just keep doing the next right thing. Faithfulness in the fire refines us for the future God sees, even when we can't.
In this message, Dr. Shea Shrader exposes the danger of almost obedience — being close to God's will but stopping short of full surrender. Using the story of Jacob stopping short of Bethel, this sermon challenges believers to examine where they've settled for comfort instead of completion.From Genesis to Matthew, the message reminds us that partial obedience is still disobedience, and that compromise always comes with a cost. Yet, through God's grace, we can return, be cleansed, and restored to the place of blessing.Don't miss this challenge to go all the way to Bethel — to leave Shechem behind and walk in full obedience to the God who never stops short on us.
In this message, Dr. Shea Shrader exposes the danger of almost obedience — being close to God's will but stopping short of full surrender. Using the story of Jacob stopping short of Bethel, this sermon challenges believers to examine where they've settled for comfort instead of completion.From Genesis to Matthew, the message reminds us that partial obedience is still disobedience, and that compromise always comes with a cost. Yet, through God's grace, we can return, be cleansed, and restored to the place of blessing.Don't miss this challenge to go all the way to Bethel — to leave Shechem behind and walk in full obedience to the God who never stops short on us.
In this exploration of Genesis 32, we delve into the transformative encounter between Jacob and God. This pivotal moment in Jacob's life teaches us about the wrestling match we often find ourselves in with our faith. Like Jacob, we may try to manipulate situations and rely on our own strength, but God calls us to a deeper trust. The story reminds us that sometimes God allows us to struggle so that we can emerge stronger, with a new identity rooted in Him. Just as Jacob became Israel, we too can transition from being deceivers to those who strive with God. This passage challenges us to examine our own lives: Are we clinging to God's promises even in our brokenness? Are we willing to be vulnerable before God, admitting our true nature and allowing Him to transform us? The beautiful paradox of prevailing through surrender invites us to consider how we might need to 'limp' in order to truly walk with God.
In this exploration of Genesis 32, we delve into the transformative encounter between Jacob and God. This pivotal moment in Jacob's life teaches us about the wrestling match we often find ourselves in with our faith. Like Jacob, we may try to manipulate situations and rely on our own strength, but God calls us to a deeper trust. The story reminds us that sometimes God allows us to struggle so that we can emerge stronger, with a new identity rooted in Him. Just as Jacob became Israel, we too can transition from being deceivers to those who strive with God. This passage challenges us to examine our own lives: Are we clinging to God's promises even in our brokenness? Are we willing to be vulnerable before God, admitting our true nature and allowing Him to transform us? The beautiful paradox of prevailing through surrender invites us to consider how we might need to 'limp' in order to truly walk with God.
In this teaching we're challenged to consider what we truly look like from heaven's perspective. The story of Jesus healing the leper in Mark 1:40-45 serves as a profound metaphor for our spiritual condition. Just as leprosy disfigured and isolated its victims, sin corrupts our souls and separates us from God. We're reminded that sin isn't just a surface-level issue, but a deep-rooted problem that affects every aspect of our being. The message draws parallels between the contagious nature of leprosy and the way sin can spread in our lives and impact those around us. However, there's hope! Just as Jesus touched and healed the leper, He offers us cleansing and restoration through His sacrifice. This teaching invites us to examine ourselves honestly, recognize our need for Christ, and embrace the transformative power of His grace. It's a call to move beyond the world's filters and see ourselves as God sees us, encouraging us to seek His cleansing touch in our lives.
In this teaching we're challenged to consider what we truly look like from heaven's perspective. The story of Jesus healing the leper in Mark 1:40-45 serves as a profound metaphor for our spiritual condition. Just as leprosy disfigured and isolated its victims, sin corrupts our souls and separates us from God. We're reminded that sin isn't just a surface-level issue, but a deep-rooted problem that affects every aspect of our being. The message draws parallels between the contagious nature of leprosy and the way sin can spread in our lives and impact those around us. However, there's hope! Just as Jesus touched and healed the leper, He offers us cleansing and restoration through His sacrifice. This teaching invites us to examine ourselves honestly, recognize our need for Christ, and embrace the transformative power of His grace. It's a call to move beyond the world's filters and see ourselves as God sees us, encouraging us to seek His cleansing touch in our lives.
In this exploration of Genesis 29, we delve into the story of Jacob, Rachel, and Leah, uncovering profound truths about our own search for meaning and fulfillment. The central message reminds us that we often look to earthly things - relationships, success, or possessions - to complete us, just as Jacob saw Rachel as his ultimate desire. However, we learn that these 'Rachels' in our lives often lead to disappointment, leaving us with 'Leah' moments where reality falls short of our expectations. The key spiritual lesson is that true healing and wholeness can only come through Christ. We're challenged to examine our own coping mechanisms and idols, recognizing that anything we depend on other than God will ultimately enslave us. The beautiful transformation of Leah, from seeking validation through her children to praising God, serves as a powerful example of finding our worth in the Lord alone. This message speaks directly to our hearts, urging us to stop looking to worldly things for healing and instead turn to the only One who can truly satisfy our deepest longings.
In this exploration of Genesis 29, we delve into the story of Jacob, Rachel, and Leah, uncovering profound truths about our own search for meaning and fulfillment. The central message reminds us that we often look to earthly things - relationships, success, or possessions - to complete us, just as Jacob saw Rachel as his ultimate desire. However, we learn that these 'Rachels' in our lives often lead to disappointment, leaving us with 'Leah' moments where reality falls short of our expectations. The key spiritual lesson is that true healing and wholeness can only come through Christ. We're challenged to examine our own coping mechanisms and idols, recognizing that anything we depend on other than God will ultimately enslave us. The beautiful transformation of Leah, from seeking validation through her children to praising God, serves as a powerful example of finding our worth in the Lord alone. This message speaks directly to our hearts, urging us to stop looking to worldly things for healing and instead turn to the only One who can truly satisfy our deepest longings.
The Gate of Heaven is Open! In our darkest moments, when we feel lost and alone, God shows up in unexpected ways. Just like Jacob's dream of a heavenly ladder, Jesus is our bridge to heaven - not through our efforts, but through His grace.Remember: • Heaven isn't closed; it's wide open through Christ • God is drawn to our weakness, not our strength • His love is unconditional, even when we're at our lowest"Surely the Lord is in this place, and I did not know it." - Genesis 28:16
The Gate of Heaven is Open! In our darkest moments, when we feel lost and alone, God shows up in unexpected ways. Just like Jacob's dream of a heavenly ladder, Jesus is our bridge to heaven - not through our efforts, but through His grace.Remember: • Heaven isn't closed; it's wide open through Christ • God is drawn to our weakness, not our strength • His love is unconditional, even when we're at our lowest"Surely the Lord is in this place, and I did not know it." - Genesis 28:16
In our exploration of overcoming temptation, we delve into the powerful example set by Jesus during His 40-day trial in the wilderness. This pivotal moment, found in Mark 1:12-13 and expanded in Luke 4, reveals the universal nature of temptation and the divine strategy to conquer it. We learn that temptation can strike anyone, anywhere, and through anything - even good things perverted. The three-pronged attack of the enemy - lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, and pride of life - is countered by Jesus' unwavering reliance on Scripture. This teaches us the vital importance of arming ourselves with God's Word, being filled with the Holy Spirit, and maintaining a steadfast focus on our relationship with God. As we face our own wilderness experiences, we're reminded that through Christ, we have the power to resist and overcome, finding contentment and support in our faith community.CopyRegenerate
In our exploration of overcoming temptation, we delve into the powerful example set by Jesus during His 40-day trial in the wilderness. This pivotal moment, found in Mark 1:12-13 and expanded in Luke 4, reveals the universal nature of temptation and the divine strategy to conquer it. We learn that temptation can strike anyone, anywhere, and through anything - even good things perverted. The three-pronged attack of the enemy - lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, and pride of life - is countered by Jesus' unwavering reliance on Scripture. This teaches us the vital importance of arming ourselves with God's Word, being filled with the Holy Spirit, and maintaining a steadfast focus on our relationship with God. As we face our own wilderness experiences, we're reminded that through Christ, we have the power to resist and overcome, finding contentment and support in our faith community.CopyRegenerate
In this message, we're challenged to see the extraordinary in our spiritual lives by examining the story of the paralytic man in Mark 2. This account reminds us that Jesus has the power not just to heal physically, but more importantly, to forgive sins. We're called to be like the four friends who brought the paralytic to Jesus, showing compassion, confidence, courage, and creativity in bringing others to Christ. The message emphasizes that we're all called to be 'soul winners,' actively participating in God's mission rather than being mere spectators. It's a stirring reminder that our faith should be visible through our actions, and that we must be willing to step out of our comfort zones to reach those who are spiritually paralyzed. This teaching encourages us to reflect on our own role in bringing others to Jesus and to consider how we can show the same determination and faith as those four friends.
In this message, we're challenged to see the extraordinary in our spiritual lives by examining the story of the paralytic man in Mark 2. This account reminds us that Jesus has the power not just to heal physically, but more importantly, to forgive sins. We're called to be like the four friends who brought the paralytic to Jesus, showing compassion, confidence, courage, and creativity in bringing others to Christ. The message emphasizes that we're all called to be 'soul winners,' actively participating in God's mission rather than being mere spectators. It's a stirring reminder that our faith should be visible through our actions, and that we must be willing to step out of our comfort zones to reach those who are spiritually paralyzed. This teaching encourages us to reflect on our own role in bringing others to Jesus and to consider how we can show the same determination and faith as those four friends.
Today, we delve into the profound mystery of Jesus' baptism, exploring why the sinless Son of God would participate in a ritual meant for repentance. This event, recorded in Mark 1:9-11, reveals God's surprising ways that often defy our human logic. We're reminded that God's thoughts and ways are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9), challenging us to trust Him even when we don't understand. The baptism of Jesus beautifully illustrates the Trinity - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit - working in perfect harmony. It also demonstrates Christ's humility and servanthood, setting an example for us to follow. As we reflect on this, let's consider how we can embrace a servant's heart in our own lives, surrendering our plans to God's higher purpose.
Today, we delve into the profound mystery of Jesus' baptism, exploring why the sinless Son of God would participate in a ritual meant for repentance. This event, recorded in Mark 1:9-11, reveals God's surprising ways that often defy our human logic. We're reminded that God's thoughts and ways are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9), challenging us to trust Him even when we don't understand. The baptism of Jesus beautifully illustrates the Trinity - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit - working in perfect harmony. It also demonstrates Christ's humility and servanthood, setting an example for us to follow. As we reflect on this, let's consider how we can embrace a servant's heart in our own lives, surrendering our plans to God's higher purpose.
In this exploration of salvation, we delve into the heart of our faith - the transformative power of God's grace through Jesus Christ. The central message revolves around Ephesians 2:8-10, reminding us that salvation is a gift from God, not something we can earn through our own efforts. This foundational truth challenges us to examine our understanding of baptism and its role in our spiritual journey. While baptism is an important act of obedience and public declaration of faith, it's crucial to remember that our salvation comes through faith alone in Christ alone. As we reflect on this, we're encouraged to consider our own faith journey. Have we placed our trust fully in Christ's finished work on the cross? Are we living out our faith in obedience, including following through with baptism if we haven't already? This message invites us to deepen our relationship with God, resting in the assurance of His grace while also responding in faithful obedience.
In this exploration of salvation, we delve into the heart of our faith - the transformative power of God's grace through Jesus Christ. The central message revolves around Ephesians 2:8-10, reminding us that salvation is a gift from God, not something we can earn through our own efforts. This foundational truth challenges us to examine our understanding of baptism and its role in our spiritual journey. While baptism is an important act of obedience and public declaration of faith, it's crucial to remember that our salvation comes through faith alone in Christ alone. As we reflect on this, we're encouraged to consider our own faith journey. Have we placed our trust fully in Christ's finished work on the cross? Are we living out our faith in obedience, including following through with baptism if we haven't already? This message invites us to deepen our relationship with God, resting in the assurance of His grace while also responding in faithful obedience.
"Every believer faces trials that test their faith. Will you choose the path of fear or faith?In Genesis 26, Isaac confronted 5 common fears:Losing possessionsSpeaking truthFully surrendering to GodFacing conflictDoubting God's promisesBut here's the truth: God's faithfulness is greater than our fears.When we trust Him: • Provision replaces scarcity • Truth overcomes lies • Surrender leads to freedom • Conflict becomes opportunity • Promises find fulfillment
"Every believer faces trials that test their faith. Will you choose the path of fear or faith?In Genesis 26, Isaac confronted 5 common fears:Losing possessionsSpeaking truthFully surrendering to GodFacing conflictDoubting God's promisesBut here's the truth: God's faithfulness is greater than our fears.When we trust Him: • Provision replaces scarcity • Truth overcomes lies • Surrender leads to freedom • Conflict becomes opportunity • Promises find fulfillment
In our journey of faith, we're reminded that Christianity isn't meant to be a solitary experience. The passage from Titus 3:12-15 teaches us the profound importance of community and partnership in ministry. We're called to be encouragers, supporters, and fellow workers in Christ. Just as Paul sent Artemis and Tychicus to support Titus, we too are meant to uplift and refresh one another. This message challenges us to examine our lives: Who are our ministry partners? Who refreshes our spirit? Are we living in isolation or embracing the body of Christ? The HOV lane analogy beautifully illustrates how we move faster through life's obstacles when we journey together with Christ at the wheel. Let's reflect on how we can foster deeper connections within our faith community and support those in ministry, remembering that we're all part of God's family.
In our journey of faith, we're reminded that Christianity isn't meant to be a solitary experience. The passage from Titus 3:12-15 teaches us the profound importance of community and partnership in ministry. We're called to be encouragers, supporters, and fellow workers in Christ. Just as Paul sent Artemis and Tychicus to support Titus, we too are meant to uplift and refresh one another. This message challenges us to examine our lives: Who are our ministry partners? Who refreshes our spirit? Are we living in isolation or embracing the body of Christ? The HOV lane analogy beautifully illustrates how we move faster through life's obstacles when we journey together with Christ at the wheel. Let's reflect on how we can foster deeper connections within our faith community and support those in ministry, remembering that we're all part of God's family.
Looking at the death of Abraham and the Birth of Esau and Jacob
Looking at the death of Abraham and the Birth of Esau and Jacob
© 2020-2025 Ivy Podcast Discovery LLC
