Journey Church of Bowling Green

In the Bible not all knowing is in our heads. Some knowing is in our hands. God made us to know Him by doing His work. Knowing God requires a relationship. The opposite of knowing God isn't ignorance. The opposite of knowing God is rebellion. John 10:14-15, “I am the good shepherd; I know my own sheep, and they know me, just as my Father knows me and I know the Father. So I sacrifice my life for the sheep." Support the show (https://tithe.ly/give_new/www/#/tithely/give-one-time/92323)

The greater the understanding of our sin and the love that Jesus lavished on us the greater the motivation will be for us to live a life not to try to gain favor or acceptance from God but to live a life out of love and gratitude for what He's done for us. It's a much better motivator. Our life stops being about trying to climb a ladder of acceptance from God and everybody and it becomes an offering of thanksgiving. The pressure to perform goes away and it's replaced with the pleasure to live in joy and peace and with purpose for God's glory. This is something that we must preach to ourselves everyday. It’s the essence of the Gospel and we tend to slip into performance mode and forget it. We need to keep coming back to it every time we forget it. Support the show (https://tithe.ly/give_new/www/#/tithely/give-one-time/92323)

THIS IS EVERYTHING. Why is it everything?Have we forgotten where we were when Jesus found us? Have we forgotten about being slaves to sin and then Jesus rescuing us? Have we forgotten what He did for us? How He came for us? How He offered us forgiveness and grace? We have a whole community and college that needs to hear about that. They need to hear about the wonderful love of Jesus and the hope that can be had in Him. This is our mission as a church. This is the mission for every follower of Christ.God sent His only Son, that whoever believes in Him will have everlasting life. Jesus came to seek and save the lost. His great commission to the church was to go into the world and make disciples of all nations. In the book of Acts the church was started. They went around proclaiming the Good News of Jesus. Nothing has changed. This is still the mission of every believer and every church. This is why we are here in this community. We are to seek out the one. The Bible says that there’s a celebration in heaven over one lost soul that comes to Christ. I want Journey Church to constantly be the reason parties are happening in heaven. I want the angels in heaven to look at each other and say, "We can't even get finished with one party before the next one begins." We have to keep this in front of us because it’s so easy to forget there’s a crowd needing Jesus at the foot of the mountain. Support the show (https://tithe.ly/give_new/www/#/tithely/give-one-time/92323)

The gift of grace and forgiveness that Jesus offers through the cross and resurrection, who He is, is worth giving everything else up and going all in. This is how the Kingdom of God works. This is a description of the people of the Kingdom. That Jesus is not only enough. He's more than enough. He's not just more than enough. He's so valuable that those who follow Him, follow Him with all abandon. They give it all up for Him so that the Kingdom of God can expand, so others may know Him and experience His goodness and grace.Once you are found it's time to go find someone else.You may just reach one but the one you reach may reach thousands. In order to reach one you have to be intentional. Who's Your ONE?Support the show (https://tithe.ly/give_new/www/#/tithely/give-one-time/92323)

Never underestimate what God can do in one person, in one day. We have to think outside of the box. We don’t want to be a normal church. We aren't a normal church. We will never be a normal church. We don't have normal church issues. We have unique issues. We have a unique community. And we have a unique opportunity to show our community, to show Bowling Green, the beauty of the Gospel in the lives of people. We can show that when God transforms those far from God who are rich and poor and in the middle, black and white and brown, old and young and college student, English speakers and non-English speakers and brings them together to lift up the name of Jesus and praise Him for what He did on the cross then we show the world what the Gospel does. We have an opportunity to be the church. We have an opportunity to show what Jesus can do in the lives of people. We cannot miss the opportunity. The thought coming into each Sunday should be this, "I can't wait to see what God is going to do today and I can't wait to hear what He's done this week."Support the show (https://tithe.ly/give_new/www/#/tithely/give-one-time/92323)

What comes to your mind when I say the word "Christian?" What about the word "disciple?" The word disciple, is a much clearer description when you think about what you actually become when you choose to believe in Jesus. Matthew 4 we have the calling of the first disciples, and in that you’ll get a glimpse of what a disciple was and how Christians saw themselves and what this means for us. "Follow me and I will make you fishers of men."Support the show (https://tithe.ly/give_new/www/#/tithely/give-one-time/92323)

Jesus did not die the death that he died so that we would have a comfortable life. He did not die on a cross so that we could spend our lives on ourselves. He did not die with the weight of our sin on His shoulders so that we could play games while a world around us dies and goes to hell. He died so that we could be forgiven, to be made whole, to be made alive, to be brought into relationship with God, and to be empowered by the Holy Spirit to be witnesses in the world to the hope we have found in Jesus. God has called us to so much more than our little kingdom, called “life.” He's called us to a new Kingdom. It's a Kingdom where the king is Jesus, not us. It's a Kingdom that is about grace that was bought with Jesus' blood. It's a Kingdom that's about the love of a Savior for the world! As followers of Jesus, we are a part of this Kingdom and we are to be about inviting others into this Kingdom as well. Support the show (https://tithe.ly/give_new/www/#/tithely/give-one-time/92323)

How do you truly love a hard to love or unlovable person, even someone that you may say is an enemy? Or, what about a friend that betrays you over and over again?How do you have true joy? How do you have peace? How can you finally get self-control? It all goes back to the Gospel of Jesus. How does the Gospel apply to your life past the moment of salvation? We all want to know the ways to go and the right path to take. We want to know what's right and what's wrong. We beg and search for what will bring our lives purpose. It all goes back to Jesus. Through Galatians 5, John 14, and Matthew 11 you'll see a common thread. God wants to do all of this in you. It only takes one thing to begin to grow this fruit in your life. Support the show (https://tithe.ly/give_new/www/#/tithely/give-one-time/92323)

Are you tired? Does life feel too heavy for you? We miss, many times, the truth of God in our lives. We try to relieve the feelings of heaviness and tiredness of our souls with things that just don't work and if they work they don't very long. Jesus actually gives us what we need to find rest for our souls. He gives us what we need to relieve that heavy burden that is weighing us down. This year we need to become the person that God has in mind knowing that the person he has in mind doesn't need to do anything but come to Him. He brings rest. His yoke is easy and light. "Be still and know that I am God." Support the show (https://tithe.ly/give_new/www/#/tithely/give-one-time/92323)

This is the Gospel. You can’t do it. You realize you can’t do it. So, you trust Jesus because He did the work for you.What was the purpose of the law? To show people their sins. Does it ever show us our sins. It’s impossible to fulfill. And that’s the point. I'm afraid that there are a lot of people, people who may have even been in church for their entire lives that "believe" in Jesus but they are adding stuff to their faith. They are trusting in their goodness and work when Jesus has done all the work for us. God's standard is too high, too great. The Gospel is trusting in Christ alone, by faith alone. Support the show (https://tithe.ly/give_new/www/#/tithely/give-one-time/92323)

Lucas finishes up the Advent/Christmas series "Who is this Baby?" by looking at how God has manifested Himself throughout history and how He will come again soon! God's desire has always been to be near to man. Support the show (https://tithe.ly/give_new/www/#/tithely/give-one-time/92323)

What does the word “peace” mean to you? Does it mean what it may mean for a neighbor that wants the teenager across the street to stop practicing on his drums? She really wants quiet.Does it mean what it may mean for a store owner wants when he’s worried about paying his bills? He really means that he’d like his store to be busy and bustling with customers. Peace to him means prosperity.Does it mean what it may mean for a patient waiting anxiously in the doctor’s office to be told the results of lab tests wants? He really means good health.Does it mean what it may mean for a person that stays up night after night worried about their job, their kids, their lives? They really mean sleep. Or, does it mean what you see in Isaiah 9:6? Shalom. Shalom means wholeness, completeness.No matter what your definition of peace is, there is one truth for everyone Everyone wants peace. Everyone wants to feel whole. Everyone wants to feel complete. Support the show (https://tithe.ly/give_new/www/#/tithely/give-one-time/92323)

What we know of a "father" may project expectations or experiences of what a father should be, or has been, onto God. It’s so important to see the truth of who Jesus is and allow that to affect how we relate to Him. If our view is skewed, then we may have a skewed relationship with Him and that’s hurtful to our lives. We have to see Jesus correctly. Jesus is our Everlasting Father. He is good and loving and grace-filled and merciful and just and kind and strong and mighty and bigger than anything life can throw our way. This is Jesus’ Fatherliness and it never, ever, ever, ever ends. Jesus is a billion times better than the best father. He is a billion times kinder than the kindest father. He is a billion times more gracious than the most gracious father. He is a billion times stronger than your greatest struggle or your deepest sin. He is a billion times more capable to transform your life than anything the world has to offer. He is our Everlasting FatherSupport the show (https://tithe.ly/give_new/www/#/tithely/give-one-time/92323)

What comes to mind when you hear the word “hero?” Deep down we want and know that we need a hero. That hero is not a guy in tights, a cape, that plays on a movie. It's not our favorite quarterback. The hero we need is more powerful and mighty than any hero we can imagine. The hero we need is Jesus. He is the mighty God. And He is . . . mighty to save. He is mighty to create a new nature in you. He is mighty to break what enslaves you. He is mighty to transform your heart and give you new life. He is mighty to meet you in your sorrow and He is mighty to move mountains. He is mighty to conquer your fears and conquer the grave. He is mighty to save you and your momma and your friend. He is mighty to awaken the deadness in your heart. He is mighty to help you live a life that glorifies Him. He is mighty to make it able to give yourself to His work, and your life for His cause. He is mighty enough for you to trust Him with your life, your money, your time, and your family. He is mighty to send you out into this community with the grace of Jesus and let someone know what He's done for you and for them. He is mighty to overcome your anxiety and depression TODAY. He is mighty to save. He is mighty to save. He is not filled with the power of God, He is the power of God. He is not just a good teacher or a strong god amongst other gods. He is the one and only almighty God, worthy of our lives. He is our hero. He is our champion. He is the Mighty God.Support the show (https://tithe.ly/give_new/www/#/tithely/give-one-time/92323)

Isaiah 9:2-6; Luke 2:1-5; Matthew 18:2-3We need to be more like children. We need to see the wonder of Jesus. For some reason we fill our days with cheap imitations of wonder. Our heads stay down in our phones, our eyes stay locked on our TV's, our minds stay busy with things that don't matter. We are looking for things that bring wonder but we never really have a sense of real wonder. They are all things that don't last. They are fleeting. Our lives are like filling up on Cheetos when there’s Thanksgiving dinner on the table. All the while God is giving us glimpses into Himself, ways to see and enjoy who He is in the things around, in the words of Scripture, in the laugh of a child, in the conversation with a friend, in the beauty of the day. But we miss it because we don't stop long enough to enjoy it and see the wonder of God. We don’t have time for that. But, when your heart catches a glimpse of real wonder you will cease to bother yourself with things that aren't truly wonderful because the things that bring real wonder are too wonderful for you to miss. Jesus is too wonderful to seek wonder anywhere else. Everything else is a cheap imitation. Support the show (https://tithe.ly/give_new/www/#/tithely/give-one-time/92323)

1 Peter 5:6-11, 14What God plans for good, the enemy plans for evil. The enemy is an accuser, a blamer, and a twister of truth. Stay alert to his tactic!Defeating the enemy isn't about trying harder, it's about believing Jesus more. We have to make our hearts bow down to the truth of God's sovereignty and control. We defeat the enemy not by our strength but by drawing close to Jesus. It's His strength that we get behind. The enemy is strong but our God is much stronger. The enemy needs to be reminded that he's already defeated, Jesus has crushed his head. We are more than conquerors through Christ Jesus. Support the show (https://tithe.ly/give_new/www/#/tithely/give-one-time/92323)

11.17.19The Gospel of Jesus gives us an opportunity to look at suffering and trials from a whole different perspective. It's a perspective based on the work that Christ did on the cross. The work of Jesus also gives us the opportunity to look at all of life differently. We are newborn babies in Christ, born-again followers of Jesus. We have different cravings, different desires, and we are done, finished, with the work and hold of sin in our lives. We now enjoy what God has done for us through Christ and then use our lives to bring glory to God. Support the show (https://tithe.ly/give_new/www/#/tithely/give-one-time/92323)

Derek LogsdonThe right perspective of suffering is essential. Derek looks at 1 Peter 3:13-22 and helps us: Remember we are Blessed in our Suffering (v.13-14)To Prepare for Suffering (v. 14-17)We need to Cling to the Gospel in our Suffering (v.18-22)- Christ Suffered to Bring You Close to God - God Saved Noah in Suffering- God Will Not Forsake YouSupport the show (https://tithe.ly/give_new/www/#/tithely/give-one-time/92323)

Nathan Ayers11.3.19Nathan continues the series on 1 Peter by helping us understand as followers of Christ to prepare our minds for the action of making what you're going through about Jesus. It's about using this opportunity, through suffering, to point to what Jesus has done and who Jesus is. We are to be like obedient children. Most children aren't very obedient but we learn how to be and why we should be. We didn't know any better before we followed Christ but now we see the benefit of following Christ and obeying Him. We are called to be holy as He is holy. In everything! We strive toward that end. This is a picture of God's presence in our lives, in all the moments of our lives. Salvation and grace are not just for you, it's for everyone. Support the show (https://tithe.ly/give_new/www/#/tithely/give-one-time/92323)

We are continuing a series today on 1 Peter called: Hope for the Here and Now: How to Live in a World that’s Messed Up. Peter wants to reorient your perspective of life and help you see it from God’s level. It's from His level that we can see what He's doing. It makes life make more sense. It's how you live in this messed up world with a hope that is strong and enduring. As a follower of Christ, we live at a different level. We see things differently.We live at a different level. It isn't a level that is based on what you can see. It isn't a level based on what you can feel. It isn't a level based on what people say about you. It isn't a level based on what you did in your past. It isn't a level based on what you think of yourself. It's a level of hope. It's a level of trust in God's goodness. It's a level of belief in the work of Christ in your life. It's a level based on knowing that God's got you in this season, He's surrounding you in this hard time, He is for you when no one else is, He is doing a work in your life even when you can't see it. It's a level based on a future that He's got planned for you. It's a level based on the truth of God. Support the show (https://tithe.ly/give_new/www/#/tithely/give-one-time/92323)

Do you need encouragement to help you in your situation? Do you need some assurance that God knows about your trouble and trials and has a purpose and plan in them? Have you walked to the edge and wondered if there is a future? Part 1 is the purpose of 1 Peter and a look at where we have to start if we are going to live with hope in this messed up world.God wants to change our perspective on pain and suffering. He wants to reorient our minds and hearts around our identity in Christ. This will change how you look at what you are going through. Support the show (https://tithe.ly/give_new/www/#/tithely/give-one-time/92323)

Sometimes life gets tough . . . but as a result. This is what we want, right? We want to have a sense that the pain we experience has a purpose. Does God know or care about what I’m going through? Does He understand? If there is a God, why is there so much pain in the world? Is there any good that can come from my pain? We all will go through painful times. We will all have suffering. Some will have more. Some will have less. This life will try to crush you. What is God up to in the pain? Why the pain? What is the designed result of pain and suffering? Support the show (https://tithe.ly/give_new/www/#/tithely/give-one-time/92323)

The Holy Spirit has a summit, a relationship of your dreams, in mind that He wants to lead you toward. Will you allow the Holy Spirit to guide your life and your relationships? If so, your relationships and life could be transformed into something incredibly beautiful. The beauty of a Spirit-led life and a Spirit-led relationship. Fruit is usually easily seen. But from a distance you don’t know if it’s real or fake, rotten or healthy. I think an important question is, what fruit do others see in you and in your relationship? Can they describe the beauty and fragrance of your fruit? Is it Jesus-typed love that they see? Does your life and relationships exude peace? What about patience? What about goodness. But, I think an even more important question is, what fruit do the other branches on your tree (the people closest to you) see in you and in your relationships? They know what’s up? They know the real fruit that is dangling from your branch. What fruit is your life producing? How do you follow the Holy Spirit to have a Christ-centered and beautiful relationship and life? Support the show (https://tithe.ly/give_new/www/#/tithely/give-one-time/92323)

No one ever makes a goal to buy so much stuff that you are drowning in debt and then all you do is fight over money. No one ever makes a goal to start looking at pornography, become addicted to it and lose all intimacy in marriage. No one makes a goal to start telling small lies that you have to cover up with bigger lies where your life becomes a lie and then your relationship is crushed under the weight of it. No one makes a goal to get so busy with work and chores and kids activities and hobbies that you wake up one day and realize you don’t really know your spouse anymore. No one makes those goals but people end up there all the time. They end up there because they don’t prepare. They don’t have the right goals for their relationships. You can’t do what is normal and expect to have a relationship that is better than what is normal. Making the right goals will keep you on the right track and put you in the place for the right kind of relationships. Support the show (https://tithe.ly/give_new/www/#/tithely/give-one-time/92323)

Relationships are not easy. We look around us and many relationships are broken and we know that we are the product of the relationships we've been involved in or grew up in. There are also some cultural myths that must be debunked before we look at the relational framework of Jesus. He has a better way of living in relationship with people. It's a way that is a game changer. “Following Jesus will make your life better and make you better at life.” Andy StanleyJohn 15:1-12Application: Become Christ-centered in your life by following Jesus and in your relationships, consider one characteristic of Jesus’ love for you and then intentionally practice that one thing this week. A few examples: patience, grace, forgiveness, or presence. How does Jesus love you in these areas? Go out and do the same.Support the show (https://tithe.ly/give_new/www/#/tithely/give-one-time/92323)

One day about a year ago I was putting the kids to bed and I laid next to my then 3 year old daughter, Reagan, and asked, “Are you excited about tomorrow?” She said, “YES!” We didn’t even have anything planned so I asked, “What are you going to do tomorrow?” And she said, “I don’t know but I’m just so excited about it!” This how she lives. It doesn’t matter how good or bad today was, she doesn’t let the circumstances of today deter her from the hope for an amazing tomorrow, she always has this vision of something greater ahead and is ready to step into it. I believe we can learn a lesson from a little girl as it relates to our life and the life of our church on this 2nd Anniversary: What you see right now is not the whole story. God has greater things ahead. This the story of Abraham. A life more like yours than you first think. He faced incredible circumstances, just like you. He had the struggles of life hit him, just like you. He had to be constantly reminded of God’s faithfulness and work, just like you. He made mistakes and took wrong turns, just like you. He sometimes questioned God, just like you. He lived a life, just like you. The difference is, Abraham mastered his life so well. He lived a life of faith in God where he willingly and confidently stepped into what God was asking. He lived big, amazing, triumphant life. He lived in such a way that there was no doubt he believed God had greater things ahead. How did he live that way? How can we live that way? Look at Abraham's secret to it all. I think you'll find this incredibly relevant to your life as it did mine. Support the show (https://tithe.ly/give_new/www/#/tithely/give-one-time/92323)

Philippians 1:3-6 & Ephesians 3:20-21 & 4:1-16God has a picture, a dream, in mind when He looks at Journey Church. He sees what it is and what it is to become. Just like a Lego set, the Creator has thought through Journey Church, He knew who would be a part of it, who would be here today, who will be a part of it in the future and He wants the beautiful picture that He has in mind for Journey Church to come to life. And just like a Lego set, every piece matters. This is why you matter. You have a place. You can only see the finished work if all the pieces are in place.Journey Group Guide: https://journeybg.church/sermons/thisisus-missionSupport the show (https://tithe.ly/give_new/www/#/tithely/give-one-time/92323)

Ephesians 2:1, 4-7, 14-16 & 3:6-11, 14-21What’s the number one question kids ask the most? Why? Why do I have to go to bed? Why can’t I have oreos for supper? Why is the sky blue? Why do dogs have hair? Why? Why? Why? I’ve probably answered 14,000,000 “why” questions from my kids. It’s an important question for kids. They are learning how to live in the world. They are learning what to do, how to do it, and what they should and could do. Here are some why questions for us: Why are you at Journey Church? If you’ve been here a while, why did you come back? Why did you choose to stay? Why do you serve? Why do we do what we do? Why did we start this church almost two years ago in the first place? Why is this church important to the community and the Kingdom of God? Why is answering “why” so important? It clarifies everything.It guides what we do and how we do it. It builds accountability.God’s why is our why.Our "why" as a church: We exist to make Jesus known to every person in our community. Support the show (https://tithe.ly/give_new/www/#/tithely/give-one-time/92323)

“You don’t know what they’ve done to me.” I don’t. I don’t know what they did. I don’t know what they said. I don’t know how it made you feel. I don’t know the pain that you went through and continue to go through. I don’t know the thoughts that still haunt you. I don’t know the bitterness, rage, hate, or indifference that you live with. I don’t know the stuff that you’ve pushed deep down inside of you. I don’t know what they’ve done to you. What I do know is this, you want to be free from all of that. I think I know you want it stop affecting your life. I think I know that you’d love for that chapter to finally be over and for you to feel better. Today, we talk about forgiveness but not how to forgive or what you need to do to forgive or how many times you should forgive or that thing, yeah, you don’t have to forgive that. I think that’s what we’d like to have. “Give me a list or a 7 step plan on how to forgive or tell me how many times I should forgive my dad or tell me I’m justified in staying bitter about that,” but I don’t think that’s what’s needed. Jesus, in this parable, doesn’t really want to answer those questions and he doesn’t give us any outs. They aren’t the real questions or issues. Answers to those questions don’t make a big enough difference and giving an out in order to still be bitter doesn’t help. What is the real question? What is it that will set you free? Support the show (https://tithe.ly/give_new/www/#/tithely/give-one-time/92323)

What are you doing with your life?It's HIS property. It's HIS money. We are just stewards of what God has given us. He hands over what belongs to Him to his servant. He entrusts it to them. We have been entrusted with all that is His. He has divided it up, as He sees fit, to all of His followers. Everything we have (relationships, money, things, time, house, car, job) is His property and our primary job is to be stewards of what is already His. You can't control your fruitfulness but you can control your faithfulness. Support the show (https://tithe.ly/give_new/www/#/tithely/give-one-time/92323)

You may be in that place today. You may be in a dark place. You are struggling to make it. You are depressed and discouraged. And, your time with God is inconsistent at best or maybe even non-existent. You stay worried. Hopeless. Confused. Anxious. Or, you may be in a good place today. Your heart is close to God and your walk with Christ is good. My prayer today is that you would guard your heart. That you would continue to chase after Christ with all that you have. The primary purpose of prayer is not to get something but to be with someone. Support the show (https://tithe.ly/give_new/www/#/tithely/give-one-time/92323)

A man stumbles on a treasure in a field, another finds a pearl of incredible value. Both go home and sell everything they have to get that field and buy that pearl. Is there something that would cause you to give up everything in order to get that one thing? Jesus compares the Kingdom of God to this kind of treasure and the joy of giving it all up to get that treasure. Joy doesn't come when you consider what you're giving up but when you look at what you are getting. Support the show (https://tithe.ly/give_new/www/#/tithely/give-one-time/92323)

"All the plants around you start life as a seed. Without seeds, there would be no plants and Earth would be a barren place."God works in you in the smallest of ways, in the darkest of times, and in His perfect timing. You may think He’s not working and then, when you least expect it, the ground breaks and life bursts forth. We are farmers in the field that we've been given. We are called to sow the seed of the Gospel in that field. Do not underestimate the power of a planted seed. Support the show (https://tithe.ly/give_new/www/#/tithely/give-one-time/92323)

Jesus was constantly at parties, feasts, banquets, and weddings. He talked about the Kingdom of God is like a party. Eternity with God is referred to as like a party. Jesus says there’s a party in heaven every time a sinner turns to God. He said that He has come not just so you can have joy but that your joy will be overflowing. That sounds like a good time. This parable is about a man who was throwing a party. Those who were invited made excuses so he went into the highways, the hedges, alleys, and streets to invite the poor, the lame, and the blind. Those who would have never been invited to this kind of party. Jesus ends up making this story about his own party and we see this . . . God invites who He wants to invite . . . and . . . He has invited you and you and you and them. Support the show (https://tithe.ly/give_new/www/#/tithely/give-one-time/92323)

Matt Betts7.14.19Matthew 21:28-32 - The Parable of the Two SonsYou cannot go so far down in life or do enough bad things to get so far from God that His love can't reach you. You can't tell God a big enough “NO” to make Him not want to accept you. You can shake your fist in His face. You can ignore Him. You can chose not to believe Him or believe in Him, yet, He is still here and He still loves you just as much as anyone else in this room. True belief results in true repentance.Once you believe in Jesus, you begin to make choices that are in line with that belief. Support the show (https://tithe.ly/give_new/www/#/tithely/give-one-time/92323)

7.7.19Nathan AyersSometimes you have something good but you decide something else may be better but you find out that is not always true. It doesn't matter what you've done. It doesn't matter where you've come from. All that matters is where you are right now. The Father doesn't make you earn it. You can't. He offers grace freely. It's a huge victory in God's Kingdom when someone comes to Christ. A lot of people in America go to church but they aren't being the church. Support the show (https://tithe.ly/give_new/www/#/tithely/give-one-time/92323)

Do we have ears that hear? We must sow the seed of the Gospel so that people may hear. We have to share the Gospel so that barren fields become harvest fields. When we share the Gospel we are putting people in the right environment and trust that the miracle of life will happen. It's not up to us to cause life, it's up to us to put people in the right environment so that it may grow. It's not about the response to the Gospel, it's about the privilege of obeying and sharing it.The key is not in the amount of fruit we have in our life but in the presence of it. Support the show (https://tithe.ly/give_new/www/#/tithely/give-one-time/92323)

6.23.19Luke 13:20-21Matthew 6:10Whenever God has transformed a community He’s always caused a people to rise up and invade the places their lives touch with His hope and love much like yeast does to dough. As Jesus invaded the world with hope and love we are to invade our world with that same hope and love. The message of Jesus' love and hope is to not be localized and limited to church buildings or Sundays. It should and must be in every nook and cranny, every street and home, every child and adult, every business and school, every level of society, every place where life touches. Dream and pray about, think of ways to bring the Kingdom to the places your life touches. Use what you normally do, like eating, shopping, playing, living and invade those places with the love, hope, joy, forgiveness, peace, and grace of Jesus. Support the show (https://tithe.ly/give_new/www/#/tithely/give-one-time/92323)

6.16.19Luke 12:13-34Jesus seems to always redefine terms. Here he redefines what it means to be rich, what is important, and what is valuable. He gives us a way to look at what it means to be satisfied in this life, what real life is. Jesus says, "Life is not measured by how much you own." He goes on to talk about life and how to look at life in a whole different way. Seeking the Kingdom of God. He essentially declares, "Life is not measured by how much you own but by what owns you." There is plenty in this world that can own you. So, what owns you? What dominates your mind? That’s what owns you. What worries you? That’s what owns you. What keeps you up at night? That’s what owns you. Life is found as you seek Christ. Support the show (https://tithe.ly/give_new/www/#/tithely/give-one-time/92323)

6.2.19Part #1: Introduction and the Parable of the Persistent WidowA parable is a story that Jesus “throws” alongside deep spiritual truths so that we can know the mystery of the Kingdom of God and what it means for our life. Think of it as a railroad track. Jesus throws a relatable story alongside a deep spiritual truth. The story of the persistent widow and the unjust judge. The judge finally gave in to the desires of the widow and gave her justice. If he will do that, how much more will Jesus love, care for, and stand in for those He loves. God will come to the aid of his people so much more than anyone else. Jesus cares more than anyone else cares. He loves more than anyone else loves. He will come to your side more than anyone else will. He will be faithful more than any other person will be. Never stop praying because God never stops caring. Support the show (https://tithe.ly/give_new/www/#/tithely/give-one-time/92323)

6.9.19This is a very familiar parable. In fact, most people, Christian or not, churchgoer or not, know about this story. This is the story of the Good Samaritan. But, what you are going to see became clear is that there is an obvious meaning to the story that most everyone gets and there is also another meaning that almost no one gets. The one everyone gets is: Do Good. Love People. The one that Jesus was trying to get across to the expert in religious law: You cannot live good enough to be good enough. Support the show (https://tithe.ly/give_new/www/#/tithely/give-one-time/92323)

5.26.19Last week Matt challenged us that we cannot have a great relationship withsomeone if we spend all of our time trying to get something from them. We alsolearned that God gave us everything we needed when he gave us himself.So, if we have everything we need why do we spend so much time looking forsomething?I am convinced that we continue to look because we have the mindset that thethings that have been entrusted to us, actually belong to us, and therefore wecontinue to seek a relationship with the things of this world.When is the last time you asked yourself…what can I give?Mark 12:41-44Support the show (https://tithe.ly/give_new/www/#/tithely/give-one-time/92323)

5.12.19Part #3 in the "Living the Good Life" SeriesWhen you think of your purpose you tend to ask questions like this: What is my purpose? Why am I here? These are big questions. But I think they are the wrong question. I want us to look at a better question. It’s a question that, I think, will help clarify things and direct you. The most important question to ask about purpose is not what am I here for but who am I here for? We look through Matthew 28, 1 Peter 4, and Galatians 5 to see that ateacher should teach. Singers, sing. Leaders, lead. Cooks, cook. Drivers, drive. Listeners, listen. Givers, give. Builders, build. Tech people, do tech things. Preachers, preach. Talkers, talk. Pray-ers, pray. Mechanics, be mechanics. Sellers, sell. But not for just you, but to leverage your place and space for the Gospel. Support the show (https://tithe.ly/give_new/www/#/tithely/give-one-time/92323)

5.19.19Early on in our relationship with Christ, we tend to think about what we want and how we can get God to give us what we want. It's a lot like how I used to view my relationship with my wife. But, the truth is . . . You cannot have a great relationship with someone when you just try to get something from them. John tells us that God gave us everything we needed and everything that we would ever want when He gave us Himself. He is the bread of life. So, the question is, are we in this for what we can get out of it, what we can get out of Him? Or, do we want nothing more than Jesus? Is He enough? Support the show (https://tithe.ly/give_new/www/#/tithely/give-one-time/92323)

Part 2Purpose = the reason for which something exists or is accomplished.The Mona Lisa is a masterpiece painted by Leonardo da Vinci in the early 1500's. He spent years purposefully placing each brushstroke until it became the Mona Lisa. It's perfect. You couldn't take out one brushstroke and it still be the masterpiece that da Vinci intended it to be. God has created us, the church, to be His masterpiece. Each one of us is a brushstroke on the canvas of time that creates a masterpiece that shows grace and love to the world. He's been working on this since the beginning of time. Each brushstroke is important in this masterpiece. Each one placed perfectly and intentionally by the Master Painter. This is why you are important. He has placed you here for a specific purpose. You are a part of His masterpiece. You have a purpose. The most important thing to remember about purpose is this: you have one.Support the show (https://tithe.ly/give_new/www/#/tithely/give-one-time/92323)

Part 1What do you think God thinks when He thinks of you? How does He see you? This matters because what we think of God is the most important things about us. If we don’t see how He sees then we can’t live how He’s called us to live. But, I could talk about a good life, joy, freedom, and purpose all day long and many of you would just ignore it, wish it, or roll your eyes. Because those words don’t sound like your life. They sound great but they sound like fairytale stuff. This may be more of a reality: bills to pay, relationships are breaking down, survival, everyone’s against me, you thought you’d never be here, uncertainty, abuse, addiction, just making it day to day. We tend to look at our life through a lens that we picked up or someone gave us. The problem with that is that it’s the wrong vision. It's all confusing. We aren’t seeing right. This is why you keep walking into a wall.Today I want to give you a better lens to see with because if we are going to live a good life it starts there, with seeing the right way. If you don’t see how God sees then you can’t live how God has called you to live. The opposite is also true: If you begin to see how God sees then you can start to live how God has called you to live. Support the show (https://tithe.ly/give_new/www/#/tithely/give-one-time/92323)

3.31.19Lucas preaches during the "Jesus is . . ." series on the topic of Jesus is LIFE. John 11:1-44Support the show (https://tithe.ly/give_new/www/#/tithely/give-one-time/92323)

What do you need? Peace? Hope? Love? Answers? Joy? Strength? Forgiveness? Life?At the center of history is a cross where Jesus died so that you and I and the world could live. It seems foolish to most but to us who follow Christ, it is the power of God. It is central. It is where our hope lies. Why the cross? Why is the death of Jesus so important? Why does it matter for us in 2019? How can it meet the needs that you carry around today? Your only hope is in the cross of Christ. Support the show (https://tithe.ly/give_new/www/#/tithely/give-one-time/92323)

A.W. Tozer said, “What comes to mind when we think of God is probably the most important thing about us." All of life comes out of what you believe or don't believe about God. If you believe He is loving, then you tend to have a greater capacity to love. If you believe God is in control, then you will have more peace and you'll worry less. Sometimes the smallest acts of faith show that you have the firmest grasp on the greatness of God. Faith in the greatness of God may not mean that you do crazy, big, great things. Hebrews 11 shows us that these "giants" of faith really just mostly normal, everyday things but they had faith in a great God. God did the great, big, amazing things. Faith is not about doing something great. Faith is about trusting Jesus who is great.Support the show (https://tithe.ly/give_new/www/#/tithely/give-one-time/92323)

I think many of us, at times, feel all alone. If we have hurt, depression, abuse, pain, or trouble we are just kind of in it by ourselves. Even if we try to pray it seems like God may not be listening or He doesn’t care. We just try to be strong enough to get through it. We don’t see Jesus working so He must not see us if He’s even there at all.Have you ever been there?Today, I want to give you some encouragement. Jesus is here. He's always been here. He will always be here. For you. If Jesus is always here, then there is always hope. Support the show (https://tithe.ly/give_new/www/#/tithely/give-one-time/92323)

Do you ever feel like the pursuit of joy is just that, a pursuit? It feels like you are on a hamster wheel but never get anywhere. You pursue joy but you never really grab it. You spend your life trying to grab something that will bring you joy only to find out that what you grab is just air. Can I give you a little hope today? Not only is joy attainable, it transcends circumstances. It's lasting. And life can be filled with incredible joy. Once you find joy in Christ you will find joy in life. Luke 2:10; John 15:9-12; Hebrews 12:2My joy is not tied to circumstances. It’s tied to the goodness of God, which never changes and never wavers. Support the show (https://tithe.ly/give_new/www/#/tithely/give-one-time/92323)