Morning Star Church Sermoncast

Solomon, the wisest person who ever lived, wrote these words: “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” Obviously, Solomon wasn't talking about guarding against physical heart attacks by taking baby aspirin, eating veggies, and limiting red meat intake. He’s talking about something much deeper—protecting the very essence of who we are. Join us this weekend as Pastor Mike shares the most important Guardrail of all, and how it will protect our heart from the attacks made on it every day.

Imagine if the Church JUST wanted your money. Religion would be nothing more than a financial transaction. The result would be empty churches and parched souls. The truth is: God and the Church want so much more than your money. Join us this weekend as Pastor Mike continues to poke fun and take a hard, honest look at the condemning words culture often hurls at the Church.

We’ve been having a lot of fun mocking the popular phrase “The church just wants your money.” If you’ve seen the video bumper then you know that your pastors (who normally wear jeans and drive civics) got all decked out in white tuxes and pretended to be jet-setters. While we are poking fun at those who exploit generosity the truth is there is a lot wrong with the phrase “The church just wants your money”. Join us this week as Pastor Keith tackles the word YOUR in that overused phrase. After all, whose money is it anyway?

Yep, you read that right. We’re going there! In a culture where a lot of negative things get said about the Church—“It's judgmental, hypocritical, boring”—this one may be the most popular: "The church just wants your money." At Morning Star, we love taking on these kinds of controversial topics. Instead of dodging the hard questions, we run straight toward them. So join us this weekend as Pastor Mike challenges us to honestly examine our thoughts, feelings, and relationship to both money and the church.

The Apostle Paul was quoting Jesus when he said, “It is better to give than to receive.” This week as we continue on our quest for happiness we are asking the question, is this true? And if so, WHY is it true? Most people around us pursue happiness through the gathering of stuff and/or money to buy more stuff. Why then did the Lord tell us that happiness comes from the complete opposite approach? Join us this week as Pastor Keith breaks down the notion that happiness comes from acquiring more stuff.

Part of being happy is being fully present--being able to appreciate the places you're at and the people you're with. But one of the biggest enemies of being fully present is staying stuck in the past. Join us this weekend as Pastor Mike helps you identify those things that weigh you down so you can get past your past and run the race of life with joy.

Happiness. It’s a quest. People of every race and generation have searched for it in many types of places. But what if we’ve looked for it in all the wrong places, or waited for it arrive when all the stars magically align? Join us this coming weekend as Pastor Mike kicks off a new series, which will show how astonishing new research aligns with what God revealed in His word long ago: happiness is achievable for all of us, if we’re willing to put in the effort.

Welcome Bishop Bob Farr!

So what happens at your house when the doorbell rings? At my house, the dog goes nuts, I usually roll my eyes, and I mentally rehearse my “no” speech while I walk to open the door to the inevitable sales person (unless it’s a scout selling popcorn or cookies. Then I have a “yes” speech). For many of us, our home is not so much an open door as it is our refuge – the place we go to shut out the cares of the world. But what if being a good neighbor means that we also open our homes and welcome them in? What if that means being a bit inconvenienced, or even embarrassed? What if Jesus calls us to invite our neighbors into our homes and it is there that he will reveal himself to all of us? Join us this weekend for our final installment of Won’t You Be My Neighbor? and learn how our homes can be used by God.

The Together Gathering is coming to MSC and Dustin had the founders in the studio to discuss what the event is all about and what the women who attend can expect from the event and the movement!

There's certainly some wisdom to the old adage, "fences make great neighbors." But fences can also create barriers to connecting with our neighbors. Furthermore, in today's world, fences aren't just literal. Join us this weekend as Pastor Mike shares how we can identify and overcome the "fences," and take intentional steps to fulfill the second half of Jesus' Great Commandment: "love your neighbor as you love yourself."

After Jesus gave the Greatest Commandment—to love God and neighbor—a lawyer asked, "So who's my neighbor?" Jesus replied by telling the Parable of the Good Samaritan, which focuses on helping people in need. While this is certainly critical to the mission of the Church, we often overlook our actual neighbors. Yep, the people who live on either side of us; the folks down the street; the folks in our cul-de-sac and subdivision. Join us this weekend as Pastor Mike equips and challenges us to live on mission with Jesus in our own neighborhood.

Have you seen the new Mr. Roger's movie coming out this fall? It's the story of that iconic neighbor, Fred Rogers, and the influence he had on a whole generation - or three - of Americans who were taught to be kind, express their feelings, accept others and use their imagination. Maybe we could stand to learn again how to be a good neighbor. Our world is filled with brokenness and division and we can see the need for loving our neighbors. And maybe Jesus really meant it when he said, "Love your neighbor as yourself." This weekend we begin our new series "A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood" so invite your neighbors and join us for worship in the Auditorium or PANDAMONIUM in the Venue!

The war on drugs used to be something the United States fought against Central and South America. Now it's being fought in every pocket of community in every city across the nation. Obviously, something more has to be done. That's where Jesus and His Church come in. Join Pastor Mike and his special guest, Joe Richardson, whose personal loss to drugs spurred him to begin his own war on drugs--the Awaken Project.

Original Sin. In the Bible, it’s trying to be like God. In America, it’s racism. We still bear scars from shameful treatment of Native Americans, the evil of slavery and Jim Crow laws, and degradation of immigrants in every generation. We’ve tried to legislate morality; we’ve tried protests and marches; but the only way change will ever come is through Jesus and His Church. This weekend, join Pastor Mike and his special guest—one of MSC’s own students, Vanessa Onuoha, for a Reality Check on race.

Our kids and grandkids are getting ready to head back to school for another year. Interestingly, in today’s culture, even elementary age children are faced with very adult issues and struggles. Join us this weekend as Pastor Mike kicks off a new three-part series filled with critical information and practical tips. Buckle up for a jaw-dropping Reality Check.

Over the past three weeks we have been answering your questions to God. While this has been a great way to get our congregation involved in our messages, it has also been an enlightening time of studying God's word. It has been a reminder that God's word withstands scrutiny and that we have no reason to check our brains at the door. In our final week, Pastor Keith will answer perhaps the hardest question asked this month. “Why is the God of the Old Testament so different from Jesus in the New Testament?” It’s true! In many Old Testament passages God seems angry and relentless toward His enemies. How then is it possible for Jesus (who we claim to be God) to seem so kind and loving? Bring your Bible (and your brain) as we explore the One true God of the Old and New Testament

Some people search for meaning and significance through fame and fortune; others by divesting themselves of all material goods and investing in serving the poor. But how can you know--for sure--that you're doing what God created you to do? Join us this weekend as Pastor Mike answers this question, which was the number one vote-getter from the poll we took the past couple months.

The Herberger family went through unimaginable pain. The pain could have torn them apart but, it brought them together. Listen to the full story about how God used loss to bring them closer to each other and closer to Him.

When we go on a trip to a new destination, Mapquest or your Navigation app will often give you more than one choice. All the routes start at your current location, but take different roads to the same ultimate destination. Many wonder if the same logic holds true with our ultimate spiritual destination. Do all religions lead to the same God/god and experience in the afterlife? Join us this weekend as Pastor Mike answers this question that you told us you wanted to ask God.

Why?Not surprisingly, when we polled our congregation and community several months ago, we found out that one of the top questions people wanted to ask God is the oldest theological question of all-time: Why? Why do bad things happen to good people? Why would a good God allow anyone, let alone His own people, experience pain and suffering? Join us this weekend as Pastor Mike provides new perspective for this age-old problem.

When the Blues were in last place earlier in the season, few people were hopeful that the Stanley Cup would be coming to St. Louis by June (Laila tops the list though!). In January, the odds of the Blues winning the cup were pegged at 0.6 percent. Oftentimes in our lives, we face insurmountable odds and want to give up, to turn and run, to freeze in fear. But we have a God who loves to beat the odds, who shows us the impossible and leads us toward His victory and wholeness in ways we can’t imagine. Join us this weekend as we learn together how to trust God in the beginning of the beginning, at the first drop of the ripple effect (or puck!).

This past week our kids have been experiencing our VBS program entitled ROAR! Each day we have been teaching them Bible stories, and stretching their faith in and reliance on Jesus. We figured you guys could use some of that too, and so this week we are beginning a series from an obscure passage of scripture about a guy who chased a lion into a pit on a snowy day. This three part series is designed to challenge us all to recognize the path of our spiritual journey and overcome the many obstacles in our way to become all God has created us to be. Join us this week as Pastor Keith kicks off this faith building series.

Walking around blinded by darkness can be scary. We’re never quite sure what we’ll run into and/or when! Exploring unknown places within ourselves can be even more intimidating, and for the same reasons. Our Good Father wants to illuminate the “stuff” in our lives that we’re currently unaware of - the attitudes and sins that we’re missing, so that we can live life to the fullest!

FAMILY MATTERS, part 4 - Jacob & Esau“I’m sorry.” Two very short, simple words. Easy enough for a 2-year old to say. Yet they are often the most difficult words for our lips to form. Left unsaid, however, they can create a chasm between two people, two families, two groups of friends. The damage can be massive. Join us this weekend as Pastor Mike unpacks the last of our sibling rivalries—Jacob & Esau—and shows that it’s never too late to say, “I’m sorry.”

Rachel & LeahJacob fell in love with Rachel and worked 7 years to earn the right to marry her. But Rachel's father tricked Jacob into marrying Rachel's older sister, Leah. So Jacob worked another 7 years for his beloved, Rachel. Join us this weekend as Pastor Mike unpacks the dysfunction in that household--two sisters married to the same man; and one ends up being treasured while the other is little more than a third wheel.

Family Matters, part 2 - Cain & AbleSibling rivalry goes back to the very beginning of time, with the first family. Adam and Eve’s two sons, Cain and Abel, each made an offering to God. Abel’s was accepted; Cain’s wasn’t. Jealousy got out of hand, and Cain murdered his brother. The culprit behind it all was comparison. Join us this weekend as Pastor Mike challenges us to explore how everyone loses when we compare ourselves to others instead of channeling our efforts to become the best version of ourselves.

Mary & MarthaFamily has always been important, regardless of the culture or the generation. It’s the people we’re called to care for; to share life with; to honor and bless. This weekend, Pastor Mike kicks off a new series by taking a look at two sisters with two completely different approaches toward life… and toward God. It’s a message for moms all of us who want to get closer to God; who yearn to find that elusive balance between caring for others and for self; and who want to realize their God-given destiny.

Season Finale: You DON'T Belong HereOver the past few weeks we’ve been in a message series entitled The Good Place and have been running parallel to the TV comedy of the same name. We've been trying our best to keep from spoiling any valuable plot points along the way so you would be able to enjoy the show and the sermon series at the same time. However, this week we need to play a “Spoiler Alert” card. At one point in the show Elenor gets a note slipped under her door that reads “You DON'T Belong Here!” We considered preaching a final sermon entitled The Bad Place, but the truth is we couldn’t pass up the idea that the best title would be You Don’t Belong Here. Join us this week as Pastor Keith preaches the final sermon of The Good Place series reminding us that through Christ we have all we need in order to avoid the Bad Place - a place where we do not belong!

This Weekend: The Good Place, RebootThe TV show, The Good Place, takes place in a new concept for the afterlife called, The Neighborhood. The Neighborhood is controlled by a giant computer; and when there is a glitch in the system, everything Reboots and starts over from the beginning. Wouldn't it be great if we had the same opportunity? To go back and undo, or redo, certain decisions, conversations, and actions? Join us this weekend as Pastor Mike shares how God doesn’t need to reboot us; God just never stops giving us second chances--not because of an unexpected glitch, but because of His intentional grace.

It's Friday and Jesus has been arrest, convicted and executed. It's Friday and all hope seems lost. It's Friday but, Sunday's coming!

The Good Place: The Point SystemThe Good Place is a current TV comedy based on the belief that people go to Heaven by earning enough points. Points are added for good actions and words; points are deducted for bad actions and words. This belief is pervasive in our culture, but it's totally flawed. Join us this Easter weekend as Pastor Mike shows how Jesus' resurrection debunks and destroys the Point System and offers us a better way to The Good Place.

"Welcome! Everything is Fine"The Good Place is a TV comedy revolving around four persons who have just died. Upon arriving in the afterlife—in The Good Place—the first thing they see is a sign that says, “Welcome! Everything is fine.” That’s a similar message culture wanted to send Jesus when He rode into Jerusalem on the back of a donkey on Palm Sunday. But everything was not fine. What they needed was the same thing we still need today—a Savior. Join us this weekend as Pastor Mike kicks off this new series designed to provide contemporary insight and meaning on the last week of Jesus’ life.

PLUS + SIDE - A Well for the OneNuns are usually associated with the Church; but there’s a growing segment of NONES in our country. NONES are persons who don’t identify with any religion or denomination. Ironically, in God’s eyes, NONES are not NOBODIES, but the very SOMEBODIES Jesus came to seek and save. Join us this weekend as Pastor Mike shares God’s Vision for Morning Star to keep moving to the PLUS + SIDE by reaching ONE person at a time.

PLUS + SIDE, part 5 - A Well for SacrificeSacrifice isn't a very fashionable term these days. About the only time we hear it is at a baseball game when the batter lays down a sacrifice bunt or hits a sacrifice fly to the outfield. But sacrifice is part and parcel to the Christian faith. Jesus sacrificed His very life in order to pay for our sins and offer us the gift of eternal life; and He calls us to follow Him. The Apostle Paul says that our bodies are "living sacrifices" of worship to God. Join us this weekend as Pastor Mike shares how PLUS + SIDE churches teach husbands and wives the value of making sacrifices to bless each other and their kids, as well as develop disciples who sacrifice their time, talent, and treasure for others within the community of faith and beyond.

PLUS + SIDE Church - A Well for the OutreachPlus + Side Outreach: As followers of Jesus, we should treat others well and be concerned for those who have need. True. As followers, we want to be part of something bigger than ourselves, to make a difference in the world. Awesome! But is there more that God has in mind for the Church? What is the bigger picture of God’s mission in the world and how does Outreach in a Plus + Side church fulfill the vision of God’s Kingdom? Does caring for “the least of these” mean I have to sell everything I own and become a missionary? Join us this weekend as Pastor Jennifer shares some practical ways we can be a Plus + Side church, serving others and loving well for the sake of the Kingdom of God.

PLUS + SIDE Church - A Well for the Next GenerationWe’re in crisis: an entire generation of young people are being attacked—in their homes, at school, and 24/7 on social media. Too often, their response is self-hatred and self-harm. Sadly, “Christian” students struggle as much as non-Christians. Culture doesn’t have the answer (it’s part of the problem). Schools don’t have the time to answer. And by and large, churches haven’t stepped up. Join us this weekend as Pastor Mike shares how God has called MSC to the PLUS + SIDE—to be a church that equips the next generation with an identity in Jesus—an identity which gives them help and hope to not just survive, but to thrive!