Podcast by Mosaic Church
Forgiveness is a concept that so many talk about, and desire from others. We say “I am sorry,” but what does it look like to truly forgive someone and to also receive forgiveness? When we explore the words and actions of Jesus, we can learn the one and true meaning of forgiveness and how to forgive others.
Forgiven | Part 2: Forgiven and Free | Scott Moore by Mosaic Church
After Jesus left his disciples with the mission to spread the word about His death and resurrection, the word was spreading like wildfire. However, a big problem rose up. The Jewish people were blending salvation through Jesus, while believing they must keep the Law of Moses as well. Do they keep doing sacrifices and rituals, or have they all ended when Jesus rose from the dead? And for us today, do we have to do Christian things to keep our relationship with Jesus? The gospel is much simpler then we understand.
There are so many things in life that we want, but we think they are things we need. A new car? Want. A picture perfect yard with no dandelions? Want. Someone to save us from the mess of sin we have created? Need. Jesus did something only He could do, He became the perfect sacrifice once and for all. Now, there is no need to go to the tabernacle with our sacrifices. Jesus has done it all, and we need Him.
From Resurrection to Return | Part 2: From Control to Commission | Nick Jonckowski by Mosaic Church
In Matthew 28, we see that Jesus has risen from the dead. The guards at the tomb were bought off by the High Priests to say that the disciples stole the body. Questions were swirling, and Jesus meets his disciples in Galilee where so much of their ministry happened. He gave them and all of us a clear purpose – continue His ministry and go make disciples. It is such a clear command, but why do so many modern Christians not carry out this calling?
Easter 2025 | Restored | Jason Montano by Mosaic Church
Jesus sat down in the temple and was watching the crowd come in to worship and give offerings to God. He calls his disciples together to point out a very unlikely person…a poor widow who had very little to give. Jesus calls out her heart of generosity and giving all she had, over those who gave much but also had much to live on. How can the act of generosity by this woman change our view of giving to the Lord?
We've all seen it or experienced it: that toddler who breaks down into screams and tears in a store because she didn't get what she wanted. In children, we see the root of selfishness and greed- the desire to want more and to be satisfied. That same behavior, but now more subdued, is seen in adults as we work to aquire more and to keep all that we have “earned.” However, scriptures teach us a very different story. To understand generosity we first need to understand the root of our greed, which keeps our hands closed instead of open with all that we have.
As all of the celebrations comes to a close, there are those who happily proclaim “only 364 days until next Christmas!” For some, the waiting and preparation is even greater than the festivities. For Simeon, he had dedicated His life waiting for the Messiah to appear. And then, 40 days after the birth of Jesus, Simeon meets him. The waiting and preparing led him to that special day, when he held the King of the Universe in his arms.
Where is God when life feels uncertain? This week, we'll explore the promise of Immanuel—'God with us'—and discover how His presence sustains us in our struggles, redeems our brokenness, and comforts us in grief. Join us as we reflect on the hope of Christmas: a God who stepped into our world to remind us that we're never alone.
Israel was waiting for their Messiah through years of silence from God. Then, a miraculous birth was announced with angels, trumpets, shepherds and Magi. He was here, the one to save them…but not they way they thought. The Messiah was about to bring peace on earth, but it was shalom, not a military presence. Peace with God was now available to everyone if they simply believed Jesus was the one the world was waiting for.
Christmas season finds all of us rushing and preparing. From decorations to gifts, parties, meals and more, we are on the move day after day. We rarely slow down to think through the details of the season and what it took for Jesus to be with us. Our story of salvation began when He laid down his splendor and majesty to become a baby in a manger…a greater sacrifice then we could ever know.
Jesus started a movement of love and reconciliation, and he commanded his disciples to copy him. So much so, that Jesus gives them the example that as much as the Father has loved Him, He has loved them. Now they are to go and love each other the same way. Seems clear, but sadly that is not what believers are known for. We should be known for crazy, radical love for each other. Instead, we are known more by how we do not love. Jesus' command to love speaks directly into the modern church, and it is time to change.
To understand how to follow Jesus requires us to have a clear view of His authority. John begins his letter with a clear view of Jesus as one who was not only there in the beginning of creation, everything was created through Him. As being the Word – or the action of God – Jesus has all authority over all of creation. How does this impact our lives as we seek to follow Him?
So many people claim to have the right answers about God. Some based on feelings, experiences, and preference. Others scour the scriptures trying to understand more about who Jesus is. The truth is, that if we do now KNOW the Way, we will never know our way. With Jesus as the central figure of our story, what must we do to know Him better?
There are all sorts of sub culture groups that we ascribe to. They impact what we think, what we do, and how we respond to circumstances. While community is good, if the culture influencing that community isn't bound up in Truth we can get sidetracked. We can find ourselves angry, confused, sad…lost. There's one agenda we are called to subscribe to. Jesus is The Way, the way to freedom, peace, joy…everlasting life. Together, we will discover what we receive when we live and abide in The Way.
Paul once again needs to warn the church in Thessalonica. They were being misinformed and confused that the time for Jesus to return has come. However, signs of the end were not there yet. Most obvious, is the rise of the antichrist who would demand to be worshipped as God. This man will be overthrown by the simple word of the Jesus, and will usher in the end. This sign has not come yet, but will we be ready and stand strong if it happens in our lifetime?
After Paul's instruction about death and the resurrection, He continues to challenge and encourage the church: be ready for Christ's return. We don't know when He's coming, but it will be like a thief in the night and we need to be fully ready for Him. Living the in the truth of His imminent return, are we doing what we should be doing to prepare?
Death is something everyone must process, yet so many people have varying beliefs and views. Paul in his letter to the Thessalonians encourages them with the truth that we should grieve death, but different from the world. We have hope in the words of Jesus that both the dead and alive will meet Him in the air when He returns. How do we hold that grief of death in view of eternal hope in Christ?
From the time that Jesus left the earth, believers have been anticipating his return as king. Generation after generation believes their time is the time He is coming, but we all still wait. As we wait, what should we doing? Paul challenges the believers in Thessalonica to focus on their holiness so they are ready. Nobody knows the time Jesus will return except the Father. So what are we to do with our lives so when He comes, we are blameless?
This episode contains the entire celebration, including the music.
One of the greatest pieces of advice I could give or receive is to be a lifelong learner. To operate within a framework that says, “every day is an arrival”...that it's possible you haven't learned all there is to know about something, or someone...that life experience shapes our viewpoints, interactions and expectations in ways we could never imagine until we find ourselves there. Our walk with the Lord is no different. His ways are beyond our ways, His word is living and active - His spirit continually reveals new things. Our job? To be willing to continue to learn, to operate outside of a paradigm where you believe you have all the answers, and there's nothing left to know. The beauty and mystery of our faith is that there is always more learning to do - and while we figure that out there's always more than enough grace.
Worship is something fundamental to the gathering of Christians, but exactly is it? Is it song, is it prayer, or something else? The modern church refers to it as songs, but in the scripture we see something bigger than that – it's a posture of reverence and honor to God. How do we hold that posture not only in the good times, but also when we are in the valleys of life? ** There is a very short section that was lost due to a tech issue. There was nothing in the missing footage that impacts the sermon. **
The early church was exploding, and people were following this new movement of Christians from all over. As they were living out the teachings of Jesus, a problem occurred. The non-Jewish widows were falling through the cracks. The apostles addressed the problem, and realized they need to pray and teach and assign others to the very important ministry of care. It was a great model that has been lost in the modern church. We expect our pastors and leaders now to hold 100 different roles while people attend but not participate in the mission of Jesus. What has happened, and how do we get back to our roots?
The modern church seems to be in trouble. People are leaving in droves, with many reasons of why. Some don't see the point, while others come from a place of hurt and disappointment. The church has a messy storyline, but we see something special at the beginning of Christians gathering in Acts 2. What can we learn from the early church that may change our perspective and purpose today?
Ever felt like certain sins are holding you back from fully living out your faith? This week, we're diving into the book of Malachi to explore how even the smallest compromises can sabotage our spiritual journey. Join us as we uncover what it means to live in covenant faithfulness and discover how true freedom in Christ begins with faithful obedience. Let's take this journey together and embrace the fullness of God's blessings.
The book of Zephaniah anticipates the Babylonian exile. It foretells the destruction of Jerusalem and the deportation of the people on “the day of the Lord.” The book captures the major themes of God's wrath, mercy, and a remnant left that many of the other prophetic writers had written about, but in a much briefer text. Haggai however looks at what happens after the destruction of Jerusalem. Given the freedom to return by the Persians, God's people begin a pilgrimage back to rebuild the temple and form a renewed relationship with God. However, the people didn't rebuild the temple….they focused on their homes and society. Once again, God's correction and mercy are at the forefront of the story.
Return | Part 7: Habakkuk | Ashley Thomas by Mosaic Church
Micah is sent to the Samaria and Jerusalem with yet another warning. Like the religious leadership of Jesus's generation, Israel's civil and religious leaders had rejected the ways of God and had fostered a false security in the Lord. However, He is not fooled and judgement is coming. Yet, inside of this warning we see the loving mercy of God, with promises to restore His people. His request for His people is simple – we wants them to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with their God.
Return | Jonah | Nick Jonckowski Mosaic N. Carolina by Mosaic Church
Obadiah is sent with a harsh message to the neighboring kingdom of Edom. Edomites had attacked and plundered Judah after they were invaded by Babylon. What seems like a political or geographical advantage after an attack actually runs much deeper. Edom was founded by Esau, and Israel was founded by Jacob his brother. This betrayal and attack on God's people will not be tolerated, and Edom is now about to be destroyed.
The shepherd Amos was called from the southern kingdom to bring a message to the northern with a message – God is not pleased. Living in decadence, the people of Israel have veered far from God. Their abuse of wealth, power, and privilege has brought them to a place of judgement. Amos warns them about their idolatry and lack of justice, but will they listen and repent?
When our circumstances are ever changing, and seemingly often beyond our control - it can be difficult to remember that there is a God who is consistent, and over all. This isn't a new human struggle. Since the beginning of time, humankind has attempted to control and manipulate outcomes. Yet, the great leaders of our faith, showed us that it is through prayer, repentance, and God's grace - that we can surrender to His will and trust in His name no matter what comes our way.
The story of God with His people is a repetitive one: during time of prosperity people lose their love of God, God punishes, they return. We see God's unwavering patience once again in the book of Hosea. This prophet was asked to do something very unique. He was to marry a prostitute to show the people of Israel what their relationship with God looks like. Hosea's wife cheats on him and leaves him, only to have him forgive and buy her back. God's view of sin is serious and deep, and his love for his children is on display over and over again.
Mission | Part 5: Graduation Sunday | Rev. Nick Jonckowski by Mosaic Church
Mission | part 4: Aromatic Witness: living on mission by Mosaic Church
Jesus once gave a great sermon, and He said a lot with a few words. Meaning the message is simple, but why is it so hard to do simple. We are going to take a look at some of these simple words and we are going to answer the questions: What you goin' to Say? ...... What you goin' to Do?
Obedience ought to trump reason. We learn this, and live within this when we are rooted in Him. Abiding in His grace, truth, and love. Love, the fruit that becomes evident as we take one intentional step at a time to remain in Him. Living on mission is no more complicated than remaining in direct contact with our Father, thanks to His son Jesus, we are able to do just that. As we do, our eyes are opened to the need in and around us. That need invites us to join Him. What does obedience look like? How do we know we are rooted in Him?
Somewhere along the way, the church lost it's purpose. Jesus built the church so that his children would come together to care for each other, help the poor, and to go out and make disciples. It seems now, we see church as a “what did I get this week” instead of “how did we worship God this week.” What changed? Fundamentally, we moved from a discipleship movement to a consumer one. What if that can be redeemed? What if God is calling us out of church buildings and back with people…living on purpose to love people and share our hope in Jesus. All is not lost…Jesus is igniting a new movement among His church.
Jesus has set everything right between us and God. We are reconciled (atonement) and the relationship is fixed like it never happened, and we are now adopted into His family (justification). Since Jesus did all the work, and we can't earn our way to heaven, where does continuing to sin come into play? As Christ followers, all sin is covered, so does it matter if we sin? Paul address this in Romans 6 where we will explore the concept of sanctification. If we truly understand and embrace the Gospel, we will want to be less of our former sinful self and more like our new Lord and master Jesus Christ.
We learned that Jesus did everything to fix our status with God when he took our punishment for sin. Atonement offers us the position as if we had never sinned if we accept Jesus' life in our place. Justification takes the relationships status even deeper, where the Good Judge not only finds us not guilty, but goes all the way to say we are reinstated into His family as His children.