"Married....Now What?"

Through a funeral poem, God displays His heartbreak over the specific sins of Israel. He also offers them a simple way back to Him: turn around. Just as He spoke through the prophet many years ago, He is speaking through the Church to the rebellious world today. Central to the entire message of the Bible is the call to return to the Father, that God has made a way back to Himself.

As God continues in His charges against Israel, He shows them one of their greatest errors -- ignoring His voice. This slippery slope that lead to Israel's fall is still a present danger to us today. If we are not intentional in our devotion, obedience, and service we will find ourselves on a downward trajectory that begins with ignoring His voice and leads to forgetting His voice altogether.

After a harrowing list of judgments against the surrounding nations, God turns His attention to Israel: His covenant people. Foolishly believing that their covenantal status secures them in His favor, Israel meets the harshest judgment from the Mighty Roaring Lion. The stricter judgment and punishment is based upon the higher calling that Israel was meant to carry out but failed to do. Her judgment serves as a reminder to be faithful to the life we've been called to live.

As we being the Year of a Public Faith, we turn our attention to the prophets, particularly Amos. A humble farmer from the southern kingdom of Judah, Amos comes with a scathing message or judgment against Israel. Amidst abounding prosperity, Israel thought they could get a pass on sinful and wicked living because they were "God's chosen people." However, the arrival of the farmer-prophet from Judah stands in direct opposition to their false claims and begins to show Israel that they are far worse that the pagan nations and the slipping Judah around them.

Guest teacher, Daniel Eldridge shares with us what it means for God to be faithful and how we should appropriately respond to His faithfulness.

As the Year of the Warrior Mindset comes to a close, Levi Mattes show us how at the end of his life, Joshua focuses on what continued faithfulness looks like. He reminds Israel that God has given all these things into her hand from His own. This gift - while free - comes with a requirement of stewardship on their part. Faithful stewardship requires personal abandon in our own agenda and absolute trust in the One we serve. Faithful stewards are entrusted with much because they have been trustworthy with little.

"Now that the sin in the camp has been removed, Israel continues with the work they have been given. Revisiting Ai in obedience bring about a different result. Through this process of conquering and judging the kingdom of Ai, Israel will be reminded of fundamental truths about who they are and what they are doing that we need to keep in mind as well..."

"Sin is not measured by public scandal, but by a perfect God. Even the smallest things that we may overlook are sin if scriptures commands against them. We may find ourselves most susceptible after great victories or great spiritual moments. When we give into sin, the consequences impact those closest to us in severe ways that we never intended. We must be on guard against sin. And we must be ready to confess and repent before it's too late.While the payment for our sin has been covered by the blood of Jesus, we do not get to do whatever we want (Rom. 6:1-2). Hidden sin hurts those around us, and the enemy will work to convince us to keep the sin hidden. However, God calls us to freedom in Christ through confession and repentance."

"When the preparation is finally complete and the army is ready, the battle is set to being. Only, the true Commander that was revealed in Chapter 5 now issues orders that make no sense for any army to carry out. Joshua and the Israelites are about to see the impact and significance of surrendering to the Lord and finding victory in His strength and plans instead of our own. Spiritual warfare is not about muscling through the fight, it is about surrendering to the transforming power of God and showing what He is capable of in our lives.The goal of the Christian life is to bring glory to God by being sanctified by the Spirit into the image of Jesus Christ. Spiritual warfare should always result in us looking more like Christ as we are refined through trials. The best thing we can ever do is surrender ourselves to the Lord in every circumstance and watch Him do incredible things beyond what we could ever imagine."

"As we continue in the year of the warrior mindset, we have a glimpse into the actions of Israel's warrior leader, Joshua. When confronted with their first big battle, Joshua shows us what having a warrior mindset as the children of God looks like. The Lord is always with us, ready and prepared for the battles in our lives. Having a warrior mindset isn't about being ready to conquer whatever is ahead of us or against us. Instead, in worship and humility, we wait for God to go before us, because He is our true strength."

In this lesson, Pastor Philip takes us through what it meant for the new generation of Israel to come out of the wilderness and enjoy the Passover and the first fruits of the Promised Land as they followed God in obedience and preparation.

"We all go through different seasons in our lives and God is with us every step of the way. as we see God miraculously parting the Jordan to let Israel cross, we see Joshua use the stones from the river as physical monuments to remember that God keeps His promises. We can also learn to make reminders for ourselves and for the next generation when God shows Himself faithful, just as Israel does on the banks of the Jordan."Garrett Weir takes us through the fourth chapter of Joshua and shows us how no matter what, even when nothing else makes sense, or our emotions and circumstances deceive us to think we are alone, God is with us and will work in our lives to bring Himself glory in ways we will always want to remember.

After God's miraculous provision at the crossing of the Jordan River, the people of Israel find themselves in hostile territory. Enemies can attack at any moment, but God provides shelter and space for them to commit to His cause. It is in this moment that everything will change, and a generation that was born in the wilderness will inherit its divine purpose.

"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