"Married....Now What?"

"Crises are crazy, frightening events that can either lead to our growth or hurt. The nation of Israel has a choice on the edge of the Jordan to trust in God's power and authority, or to see the obstacles as too much. When things are changing in our own lives - families, jobs, houses, etc. - we can choose to trust God's plan and power, or we can stay put in what is familiar." In this lesson, Levi Mattes looks at God's reminders to Israel and Joshua about who He is and His authority and power against the false gods of Canaan, and how their response to His guidance serves as an example to us trusting in Him as we navigate the changes in our own lives.

"The united nation of Israel now starts taking action towards conquering the Promised Land. This process begins with infiltrating strongholds of Canaan, beginning with Jericho. We meet an unsuspecting, but critical, person of not only the conquest story, but the Gospel as well. Rahab stands as one of the earliest converts in Scripture. How does this pagan prostitute end up being included as an example of faith and obedience later in the New Testament?"In this lesson, Levi Mattes continues in the story of Joshua. Following the account of two spies spreading the truth of God in Jericho and Rahab's confession of faith, we see how important it is that we put the name of God on display for all to see and surrender to.

"The new generation of Israel, which is made up of those who just waited for the elders to die, is now ready to and take the Promised Land. This initial episode is setting the stage for all of Israel to be prepared for the campaign to come. But first, they must be sure they are moving forward as a united people following the Sovereign God."In this lesson, Levi Mattes takes us through Joshua's initial address to the people of Israel after being commissioned by God as their new leader and their response to this change at an important point in her history.

In this episode, we begin walking through the first eight chapters of Joshua. The Book of Joshua stands as an important example of spiritual warfare as we follow Israel's obedience to the Lord as they prepare and begin the conquest of the Promised Land after 400 years of slavery and 40 years wandering in the wilderness. As Joshua receives his instruction from the Lord and is called to lead the people of Israel after Moses's death, Joshua stands in certain victory because God has promised to go with him everywhere, so long as Joshua keeps in step with God.

In this episode, Pastor Philip Jackson continues the series on preparing ourselves for the spiritual fight that we find ourselves in. Here, we look at the sin of the golden calf in Exodus 32 and how we can maintain unity in mission and support of one another as brothers and sisters in Christ.

In this episode, Pastor Philip Jackson begins a new series on how we individually prepare ourselves for the spiritual war we find ourselves in. This all begins with a willingness to follow the example of Jesus and serving others ahead of ourselves.

"Your children are a gift from the Lord (Ps. 127:3), which means they do not belong to us. Our children are souls that we steward and love so they grow up in fear and admonition of the Lord (Eph. 6:4). so how do we help these tiny people recognize their need for the Savior?"In this lesson, Levi Mattes, concludes the series of knowing our roles. Here, we focus on the lives of our children and what scripture commands of them while helping parents understand how we can help them in their obedience.

In this episode, guest speaker, Becca Mattes, continues the series on knowing our roles in focusing on the calling of wives and mothers throughout Scripture and what obedience looks like in this vitally important role in the home.

"The positions of husband and father in the christian life are not things used to demand from others. Rather, the call of leadership is placed on the shoulders of men and perfectly displayed in the person of Jesus Christ. As husbands and fathers, we lead, love, and serve our wives & children so they may become more holy. We do this through displaying gentleness, righteous strength, and firm direction for our family in word and deed."In this episode, Levi Mattes continues the series on how we ought to live out our roles in the Kingdom of Heaven focusing on the biblical roles and commands given to fathers and husbands in the pages of scripture.

Just as ambassadors and representatives are not intended to act on their own beliefs, but on behalf of those who sent them, we are to live in a way that reflects the heart of the One who sent is into the World. The most basic way we do this is in knowing how our Master lives, how we should be among our own, and how we should be among those we go to on behalf of the Master. This all involves faith, unity, purpose, peace, patience, and service. In this episode, Levi Mattes begins a series on how we ought to live out obedience to Christ in the various roles we fulfill, starting with our primary role as sons and daughters of God.

In this lesson, Levi Mattes continues the series on building strength in all areas of our life. Focusing on the mental/emotional part of who we are.

The truth of sin is that it keeps us in a constant state of degrading. A weakness mindset is focused on mitigating failure and eliminating deficiencies. However, a strength mindset focuses on preparing for opportunities and cultivating holistic agility and strength. Strength is built on proper exercise, nutrition, and rest; this applies to every aspect of our health. In this lesson, Pastor Philip Jackson begins a series on building strength in the physical, mental/emotional, and spiritual parts of our lives.

To fight a war effectively, we must understand what victory looks like and our role. The General has already achieved a brilliant victory. Now, He has given us the job of liberating the prisoners of war. As we prepare to engage the enemy, we need to know our purpose and priority. Get the Handout Here.

As we begin the Year of Warrior Mindset, we must remind ourselves that we are at war. This is not simply an analogy for life. It is a reality. Get the handout here.

2024 has been spent learning about the Lord ad we are now faced with a choice: To let the King of Heaven and Earth be the object of our study only or to let Him be the object of our affection as well. The former leads to a fruitless life, while the later produces a bountiful harvest for the Kingdom of God.

The struggles of the Christian life can sometimes lead to frustration and fear. The doctrine of the perseverance of the saints is God's reassurance of our purpose and preservation amid the struggle. This doctrine teaches us that no matter what might happen, God deeply cares about His children and will do anything to protect them for his glory. Get the Handout here.

Similar to the doctrine of Redemption, the doctrine of Reconciliation is part of soteriology (the doctrine of Salvation). Redemption speaks to God's purchase of us through the blood of Jesus. Reconciliation is the byproduct of redemption in that God restores our relationships with Him and others. Reconciliation is the restoration of what God intended for creation from the beginning. Get the Handout here.

The Doctrines of Redemption and Justification are the “how” and “what” components of salvation. Redemption teaches us how we are saved, and Justification teaches us what God did to save us. Both of these doctrines help us understand what lengths God went to give us eternal life. Get the Handout here.

While Scripture is clear that we are not to live according to the flesh, what do we do while we are stuck in the Flesh? Paul stopped to consider those around him and what was for their benefit rather than his own desires. When we grow closer with Jesus, we begin to think less about ourselves and walk in obedience to the Lord even when it means sacrificing our own comfort and longings – no matter how “holy” they are.  See the handout here.

Ep. 172 "Everyday Theology: Doctrine of Election"

Ep. 171 "Everyday Theology: Doctrine of Predestination"

Ep. 170 "Everyday Theology: Doctrine of Foreknowledge"

When we find ourselves struggling with the weight of suffering, we turn and ask God to remove these obstacles from us. We beg Him to show His mercy in some capacity and bring us back to peace and stability. More often than not, God seems silent or doesn't answer these requests. When God seems silent, the praises He is due could not be louder in our lives. See Handout here.

When trials come and linger, the temptation to question God and throw in the towel increases. However, James tells us that trials produce perseverance which ultimately brings about a perfect faith. The life of Joseph reveals what faithful waiting and perseverance looks like under trials.  Find the Handout here.

Suffering in many forms is a real threat and actuality in the Fallen world today. The question of God's permitting of evil is a common objection to Christianity. Suffering, while difficult and sometimes unanswered, is refining and redeemed by God despite its origin coming from the rebellion of mankind. Find the handout here.

The confidence of believers is rooted in their relationship with Christ. Through Him, we are brought into a family that loves us, protects us, and advocates for us when we fail. As John closes his letter to the church, he provides essential insight and encouragement for every believer. 

Freedom is the most obvious sign of godliness. Many false teachers have tried to draw believers away from the gospel's simplicity because they thought it was too easy. But the uncomplicated testimony of scripture confirms the truth. God's children overcome the world through the power of His word and Christ's testimony in their lives.

At the center of the gospel, love rests as the most remarkable example of God's character. As His children, we are called to express the same love for other believers He showed us. The challenge is that along the way, His enemy works to undermine Him by causing us to question His love. But as we grow more like Christ, there are obvious signs that help us navigate what is true and what is false. See Handout Here.

One writer wrote that God's children are meant to be windows of grace, not perfect paintings for others to admire. The implication is that God uses us to show people a glimpse of heaven by how we love others and serve Him. Through the simple expression of compassion and genuine sacrifice that began in Jesus, God perfects love in us and spreads the gospel to the world. Find Handout Here:

In a culture filled with spiritual influences, believers must be careful not to fall into the devil's traps. Understanding his tactics is a key part of living in the victory that God intended. Through the work of the Holy Spirit, God has given his children the tools they need to overcome the influence of his enemy. But it is up to them to use them correctly. Find the handout here.

Ep. 161 "Expressing the Theological Life: Seeing Things Clearly" 1 John 4:1-6 Part 1

Biblically, love and service are synonymous terms. In the beginning, God gave humanity the privilege to serve one another. After sin entered the world, we became self-centered and resentful of anyone who displayed our selfishness. Through Christ, God reversed the poison of sin and supernaturally enabled His children to love others. In fact, it is His primary means of spreading the hope of the gospel to the world. Find the link here.

Indifference is the cultural theme of our generation. Anyone who resists it is an outcast socially and made to feel like an oppressor. The Apostle John taught that the children of heaven and hell are fundamentally opposed. The stark contrast between them means conflict is inevitable. The key for believers is understanding the war they are engaged in and appropriately building their lives. Find the handout here.

Ep. 158 "God at Work: Guilt & Mercy" - Jeremiah 3:1-4:4 Levi Mattes

Ep. 157 "God at Work: Heartbreak & Infidelity" - Jeremiah 2 Levi Mattes

Ep. 156 "God at Work: Appointments and Provisions" - Jeremiah 1 Levi Mattes

"Investing in Eternity: Eternal Confidence" Part 2 - Pastor Justin McKenzie

Ep. 154 "Investing in Eternity: Eternal Confidence" - Pastor Justin McKenzie

Ep. 153 "Quiet Commendation: Jephthah and Samson" - Levi Mattes

Ep. 152 "Quiet Commendations: Barak & Gideon - Levi Mattes

Ep. 151 "Living the Theological Life: God's Genetics" - 1 John 2:28-3:3

False teachers have been a threat to God's people since the beginning. Their influence will only end when Christ comes back to receive His bride. In this section, John gives some practical signs to recognize those who try to undermine the gospel and lead believers astray. The key for the people of God to spot them is to listen to what they say and see how they are connected to other believers. Find the handout here.

Most people will slowly save money throughout their careers for the day when they can't work anymore. Retirement is relatively new in human history but it has become a staple in the West. Workers will make financial sacrifices today to save and hopefully secure investment income later in life. Similarly, God's word teaches us that the worldly sacrifices we make today will produce an eternal reward later. Find the handout here.

The term "Christian" was first use to describe the followers of Jesus in Acts 11. The term initially meant "little Christs." The Bible says that as believers progress in their faith, they will naturally start emulating God's character (fruits of the Spirit in Galatians 5). In this lesson, Pastor Philip Jackson continues his series on living out practical theology in everyday life. This passage of 1 John 2 lays out the impact of a culture of obedience and the love that should be produced in the life of a child of God. Find the handout here.

When a person first comes to faith, learning about God seems daunting. Challenges arise as we compare our knowledge of scripture with others and measure our “success” by how well we answer difficult questions. Often, this leads to insecurities that can ultimately drive us away from the very things God meant to heal us. In this lesson, we will explore what the apostle John saw as the foundation of Godly life and how it contrasts with the lives of the lost. Find the handout here.

As the debates around Jesus continued, the political climate in Rome became more complicated when it fell to the Goths in 410. For the first time in 800 years, the “eternal city” was sacked. In response, the church had to bring order and the fractures between Rome and Constantinople began to grow. The first major sign of division happened about 100 years after Constantine embraced the faith (Council of Ephesus, 431). This council would debate the role of Mary and the humanity of Christ but would lose its credibility under the shadow of political intrigues.

After the condemnation of Arius at Nicaea in 325 the church continued to debate about who Jesus was. If Nicaea (325) decided “how it happened,” Constantinople (381) debated “what happened.” The big question to be answered regarded the work of the Holy Spirit in the incarnation of Christ. But, as Christianity became more popular in the empire political pressure began to grow on the church. The stakes were changing for how these questions would be answered as the weight of their answers would shape the rest of history. Find the handout here.

The importance of the deity of Jesus cannot be overstated. As believers spread the gospel around the world, many followed Paul's example by using cultural similarities to convince people of the truth. They leaned on Greek culture and the worldview of some of the great philosophers who taught that a supreme being ruled the world. While this was an effective evangelistic tool at first, eventually some theologians began to drift away from orthodox teaching. This led to a great debate about who Jesus was and what the church believed.  Find the handout here.

When God finished creation, He said that it was, “very good” (Gen. 1:31). Since then, His enemies have tried to poison our view of the created world and undermine it. Healthy believers have learned to see these tactics for what they are, an attack on God's redemptive work in the world. Even now, God is working in the lives of His people to show them how to live out their salvation. But as His redemption unfolds, His children must see the tactics of the enemy and combat it with the truth of His word. Find the handout here.

Jesus teaches that a Christian, like a tree, is recognized by its fruit. Paul provides a clear explanation of the differences between fruits of the Spirit and fruits of the Flesh. Our diligent work is required, not for our salvation, but for the cultivation for the Spirit to work in our lives. We have to ensure that we are planting good seeds for good fruit. Otherwise, we are letting the world sow; there is no good sowing from the world.

Ep. 141 Everyday Theology: "The Doctrine of the End Times"