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Those people. You know the ones. They're just different. Different dislikes, opinions, preferences. Different races, genders, and political parties. The world is full of them. And to others, we are them. How do we deal with THOSE people? Let's look at what Jesus did.THE BIG IDEA: Seeing like Jesus starts by sitting with people who don't see like you.

Those people. The people who bring out the worst in us. It's easy to feel judged by them and to, in turn, judge them. But this is not a healthy way to live our lives--feeling judged and judging others. How can we get to the place of helping one another flourish? Perhaps Jesus has something to say about this.THE BIG IDEA: Pick up the mirror before you pick up the magnifier.

Those people. You know the ones. The people who bring out the worst in us. They frustrate us, enrage us, trigger us. They have a knack for knowing how to get under our skin. And it's easy to slip into being offended by them. But what if there was a better way... a way that helps us move forward?THE BIG IDEA: Offense is an event. Offended is a choice

Are you in a growing relationship with Jesus? You might believe in Jesus, read your copy of God's word, and go to church services—but are those healthy measures of a growing relationship with Jesus? What if the real sign of growth isn't what you know, but how you love? In this message, we're checking the pulse of our faith—and discovering that a growing relationship with Jesus can't happen without real connection to God, His people, and the world He loves.

We all have questions. Some doubts can shake our faith. What do you do when following Jesus feels too costly, or when God's actions don't make sense? The question isn't whether you'll have doubts; it's what you'll do with them. In this moment of tension, we've got to consider the deeper question: If not Jesus, then who? If not Christianity, then what?THE BIG IDEA: If you walk away from God, you lose faith and lose your way.

What do we do when problems are so challenging there's no way forward, no way out, and we start to doubt? Problems with no solutions. Questions with no answers. During times like these, we're tempted to doubt and give up our faith. But what if God's tardiness isn't Him being late at all, but Him wanting to reveal more of Himself and more of His power in our lives?THE BIG IDEA: God wants to grow your faith and show you what He can do through hard times.

We all face moments when our faith is tested, when God seems distant, and doubt begins to creep in. John the Baptist—one of Jesus' closest followers—found himself in a prison cell, wondering if Jesus was really the Messiah after all. If John, the man Jesus called the greatest to ever live, experienced doubt? Then we are certainly not alone in our struggles. What do we do when our circumstances do not match our expectations of God?THE BIG IDEA: Doubt doesn't have to be an off-ramp to faith, but is a part of the journey of faith.

We all have moments where life feels overwhelming, and doubt creeps in when we least expect it. Peter was no exception. The bold, impulsive disciple knew what it was like to drown, deflect, and deny. Yet his story didn't end with failure; it was rewritten by the grace of Jesus. This week, as we dive into Peter's journey, we'll discover that our doubts don't disqualify us—they can become the starting point for a deeper, more fearless faith.THE BIG IDEA: When you're drowning in doubt, Jesus reaches out.

At some point, most of us have had questions about Christianity and doubts about God. Doubts about what we believe. We feel alone in our doubts, wondering if we'll ever find the answers and afraid to share our deepest questions with those around us. But doubt isn't a dead end. Confronting our deepest questions can lead us closer to Jesus.THE BIG IDEA: Doubt isn't the enemy of faith, but an invitation to a deeper faith.

Every week you spend time with people who don't know Jesus, and opportunities to have a conversation come up. How exactly do you have a good conversation with someone about your faith? How do you start and what do you even say? Jesus gives us a few examples of conversations he had with people on the journey to faith. Let's look at his example of how to have a truth and grace filled conversation about faith.BIG IDEA: Your role isn't conversion, it's conversation.

In a culture where people are spiritually curious, they are looking for people who are willing to have open and honest conversations. At the same time, it can be difficult to understand someone's journey to Jesus. When does God show up in someone's life? How do we play a role in that? How do we trust God to show up? How do they trust us as a safe person to help them on their journey?BIG IDEA: God is in control, but you have a role.

78% of people who don't attend church are open to a conversation with a Christian about what they believe. At the same time, on average, Christians share what they believe with less than one person a year.Christians can feel an awkwardness or reluctance to sharing their faith. Often we can rationalize our reasons, but perhaps it comes down to a heart issue, not a head issue. What compelled early Christians to share their faith and what would happen if we had that same passion?BIG IDEA: Sharing your faith isn't a head issue. It's a heart issue.

Parenting is one of the most important things on the planet—but what if we're getting it wrong? What if the rules we obsess over, the punishments we hand out, and even the way we think about raising kids are missing the point? Jesus had some shockingly heavy things to say about influencing the next generation, and they might just change how you parent forever. This message is not just for parents, it's for anyone who cares about children and their future.

Hell. It's not just a word. It's a place—one that stirs up questions, doubts, and fears like no other. Why would God allow such a place to exist, and what does that say about His character? Let's take an honest look at what we can know about Hell, what we don't, and why it matters.THE BIG IDEA: God graciously provides one way for us to get to heaven through Jesus.

For many who leave the church, their deconstruction of the faith is due to the way some Christians treat women and minorities. But true Christianity always elevates women and includes everyone, regardless of who they are, because everyone is made in the image of God. The problem comes with those who use the label of Christianity to hide a fake, nominal, toxic religion that isn't Christianity at all.THE BIG IDEA: Half-hearted, fake, nominal Christianity damages & destroys. Jesus loves & heals.

In a world where doubt and uncertainty reign supreme and where faith is tested and beliefs are questioned, we find ourselves at a crossroads. Deconstruction in and of itself is not always a bad thing as we peel back the layers of our faith, examining the cracks and flaws that have formed there over time. In this process of breaking down, we can rebuild, reconstructing our faith in a way that is stronger and more resilient.THE BIG IDEA: God graciously provides one way for us to get to heaven through Jesus.

One of the most common thoughts that get the “gears of deconstruction” moving has to do with human sexuality. What if sex, gender, and sexuality were designed to tell a much greater story than we could ever imagine? What does the Bible says about sex, gender, marriage, and sexuality? How can the church engage our sexually evolving culture with grace, love, and truth?THE BIG IDEA: The secular script says, “Listen to your mind and alter your body.” God's Word says, “Embrace the body God gives you and allow Him to transform your mind.”

Life isn't easy. We've all faced troubles in life. If we're not careful? They can derail us and our faith. Especially when we live our spiritual lives based upon on emotions and feeling.The Big Idea: Anytime your emotions don't follow faith, don't follow your emotions. 

In today's culture, the definition of manhood is often distorted. Society sends mixed signals—some emphasize power and dominance, while others promote passivity and complacency. But what does true, biblical manhood look like?THE BIG IDEA: Masculinity isn't about culture—it's about Christ.

In today's world, beauty and success are measured by fleeting, external qualities. Social media, advertising, and cultural expectations can pressure women to seek validation in appearance, achievements, or status. But Proverbs 31 paints a different picture—one of a woman whose true worth comes from honoring the Lord.THE BIG IDEA: A woman who honors the Lord will be praised.

We all want to be known for something. But what do you do when you don't measure up—even to your own standards? You'll never become who you want to be unless you are willing to face up to who you actually are. And the only way to do that is to stop worrying about being known for something, and allow yourself to be known by a group of someones.THE BIG IDEA: Managing our image makes us imaginary and not known by anyone.

There are four habits to ensure that the self you're living with is the self on display, and that what people see is what they're actually getting. Life is hard on our souls and our inner selves. Healthy souls, if unattended to, become unhealthy. Nothing gets better when left unattended. It's why we wake up, look in the mirror, and start attending to things like our appearance, performance, and reputation. We're quick to attend to our exterior lives because people are watching, and we're competing for approval. But there's only one person who has the ability or responsibility to be attentive to your soul and monitor the condition of your heart—you.The Big Idea: What you cling to eventually decreases in value. What you make available to others has the potential to multiply.

There are three habits to ensure that the self you're living with is the self on display, and that what people see iswhat they're actually getting. Life is hard on our souls and our inner selves. Healthy souls, if unattended to,become unhealthy. Nothing gets better when left unattended. It's why we wake up, look in the mirror, and startattending to things like our appearance, performance, and reputation. We're quick to attend to our exterior livesbecause people are watching, and we're competing for approval. But there's only one person who has theability or responsibility to be attentive to your soul and monitor the condition of your heart—you.THE BIG IDEA: The state of your heart drives the story of your life.

The health of your soul determines your capacity for duplicity. Is the self you're living with privately the self on display publicly? Is what people see is what they're actually getting? THE BIG IDEA: To safeguard your soul, surrender your will.

Fasting throughout scripture is setting aside time to focus on Jesus. Many times we think of fasting only as abstaining from food, but you can also fast from TV, movies, the internet, spending money, facebook/twitter, etc. The point is to pick something in your life that consumes you, that takes your attention and time away from God and abstain from that for a period of time to. Fasting allows you to spend more time praying, listening to God, and reading scripture. This is a great way to remind us what is important, who our first priority should be (God) and to refocus and center ourselves. The Big Idea: Going hungry is one of the easiest ways to be filled by God.

Every Christmas we remember the birth of a King. The birth of the King of Kings, and the promised Prince of Peace. The birth of Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world. We so often hear it preached, we read it and we even quote it, but when the world throws a curveball at you, do you really practice Jesus' reassuring command, “Do not be afraid”? The world cannot give us peace, not like the Prince of Peace can.The Big Idea: Peace isn't about the absence of storms but the presence of Jesus.

When you think of a father, what do you think of? Maybe you had a dad who showed up and believed in you.For others, the idea of a father brings negative feelings and painful memories. Wherever you find yourself onthe dad spectrum, whatever our image of our earthly father impacts how we view God, our heavenly Father.Our experiences with our dad impact how we trust God, how we interact with God, and how we believe in God.The Big Idea: Your past, present and future are held by the Everlasting Father.

During the holidays, we often don't know what we need. We spend money on gifts people need that don't satisfy what they want. But God knows us, and He knows exactly what we need.THE BIG IDEA: Our Mighty God isn't just powerful—He's personal.

During the holidays, many times we don't know what we really need. We spend money on gifts that people really need that don't satisfy what they really want. But God knows us, and He knows exactly what we need.THE BIG IDEA: Jesus is a Wonderful Counselor who knows us and cares for us.

More than almost anything, our world needs truth and grace. Reconciled. As one. Our world needs it, but so does your world. This week, we'll look at how you can change the way you live to better reflect grace and truth, reconciled.THE BIG IDEA: God doesn't love you because you change, you change because God loves you.

In Jesus, grace and truth were perfectly reconciled. He never acted with grace in a way that was untrue, and he never acted truthfully in a way that graceless. This week we'll see how to live more like Jesus lived by studying how grace and truth were completely present in him.The Big Idea: Truth—when joined with grace—always brings freedom.

There are two kinds of people in life: grace people and truth people. One kind is all about the relationship; another kind is all about the rules. Both think the other is wrong. So, who's right?THE BIG IDEA: When grace and truth collide, your ability to make an impact soars.

The Fourth Watch of the night comes from ancient Roman practices of dividing the watch periods into four,three-hour periods. It has come to have significance both in its literal period of the hours just before dawn andin the figurative sense of the final period of some situation, event, or other finite time span.THE BIG IDEA: A Fourth Watch Salvation is still Salvation!

One of the most significant spiritual battles we face is in our minds. While Satan plays a role in this struggle, the real challenge lies within us. Our thoughts shape who we are, and learning to control them is key to victory.The Big Idea: The battleground for faith is in the mind.

As we continue the Defense Against the Dark Arts series, we focus on the spiritual battles that we all face daily. These battles are often unseen but very real, and God has given us the tools we need to defend ourselves and stand firm. This week, we'll explore the armor of God described in Ephesians 6 and learn how each piece equips us to face the enemy's schemes. Are you ready for battle?THE BIG IDEA: God gives us His armor to stand firm against the schemes of the enemy, and live in victory.

Scripture tells us that our enemy is unseen but does not claim that his schemes are also invisible. So, if you can't see the enemy to fight him, you fight his schemes! Satan uses his demons and all kinds of schemes to keep us from knowing and doing God's will. All through scripture we have examples of the enemy finding victory of people, but we also have examples of what victory of the enemy's schemes looks like. Jesus shows us how to fight and be the most likely and most dangerous course of action the enemy takes.THE BIG IDEA: Knowing God's word is the only way to end the schemes of the enemy.

In a world of wizards and witches, an enemy, that no one was allowed to mention caused a lot of problems. In the real world, Christ-followers have an enemy as well. However, unlike the Harry Potter Universe Christ follower's enemy is real and should be named. If we don't name our enemy we may walk around and think it's people. This week we will look at scripture to tell us who our true enemy is!

Marriages, like knots, face tension. When difficulties arise, the natural response is often to loosen the bond, but Jesus teaches us that tension can actually make the bond stronger if we lean into it by pursuing our spouses and keeping our marriages strong—even when it's tough.THE BIG IDEA: When tension is applied, pursue one another to keep the knot tied.

As Jesus followers, we are called to have relationships that are not average. God's design for marriage is His reflection of His relationship with us. But we have an enemy who will do everything he can to keep us divided. How do we not fall victim to the enemy's strategy when it comes to relationships and marriage?THE BIG IDEA: What starts in the heart doesn't stay in the heart.

While it is easier than ever to fall in love, it is harder than ever to stay in love. No one wants to fall in love and just exist or endure. We want our love to become deeper and deeper. We want our marriage to experience more intimacy. We want to stay in love. Today, we're going to look at what kills intimacy in relationships.THE BIG IDEA: When ME wins, WE lose.

How we live as Christ-followers should make the teaching about God our Savior attractive. When we live out God's truth in our everyday lives—with integrity, humility, and a spirit of service—we become beacons of hope in a broken world. Whether in our workplaces, homes, or communities, our lives can reflect God's goodness and draw people to Christ. THE BIG IDEA: The world finds The Way, when Jesus' followers live attractively.

Spiritually mature Christians do not start out that way. Newer Christ Followers must learn and grow in theirfaith. Knowledge and maturity come through thoughtful pursuit and careful study. This spiritual educationhappens most effectively in community with other believers who lead, mentor, and teach those who come afterthem to ensure the proper foundations for their growth and development.THE BIG IDEA: You are God's tool for shaping newer Christ Followers all aroundyou.

In a world where the lines between right and wrong often seem blurred, we are faced with the challenge of living lives that stand out. Especially when we find ourselves in a culture that often values convenience over character, and self-interest over service. Followers of Jesus are supposed to live in the culture but point to something different, something better. Who you are, the way you live and your character shapes the world where you are. God's plan to change the world is through the changed lives of His people, the Church.

One of the most common thoughts that get the “gears of deconstruction” moving has to do with human sexuality. More specifically, reconciling what God's Word declares about sex with our desire as human beings for sex. Yet God created our bodies, and cares deeply for our well-being. He created sex as a gift to be enjoyed by a man and woman within marriage.THE BIG IDEA: Sexual Purity paves the way for intimacy.

A common reason people have deconstructed their faith is because of church hurt, a term used to describe a wide range of experiences in which someone was let down and wounded, or trust was broken within the church.THE BIG IDEA: Church Hurt is pain inflicted in a place created for healing.

We have all been to High School or college where teachers and professors have dismantled our faith and discounted the Bible. They were smarter than you. Had more degrees than you. So you just left God and the church. Now when someone brings up the Bible, or says, “You should read it!” You just ignore what they say, because you remember some claims that a professor made years ago that you never investigated. You think, “It's full of errors. It's full of contradictions. I haven't read it. But that's what people say.” Don't just regurgitate what other people say. Read the Bible for yourself.THE BIG IDEA: The Bible can be trusted.

In a world where doubt and uncertainty reign supreme and where faith is tested and beliefs are questioned, we find ourselves at a crossroads. Deconstruction in and of itself is not always a bad thing as we peel back the layers of our faith, examining the cracks and flaws that have formed there over time. In this process of breaking down, we have the opportunity to rebuild, to reconstruct our faith in a way that is stronger and more resilient.THE BIG IDEA: The deconstruction of your faith should not lead to the destruction of your faith.

Fear is a normal part of life—it keeps us safe from harm. But fear can also control our lives and keep us from taking risks or trying new things. When we face fear, we get forgetful. We forget what God has done in our lives, and in the lives of the people around us.  THE BIG IDEA: When life isn't fair, worship and remember God—He's not finished.

When we face problems with fear, we get forgetful. We forget what God has done in our lives, and in the lives of the people around us. Habakkuk's choice to worship and remember provide us all with an example when life isn't fair.THE BIG IDEA: When life isn't fair, worship and remember God—He's not finished.

None of us like waiting. Whether it's waiting in traffic, waiting in line at Walmart, or waiting in a waiting room at the doctor's office. Waiting is so hard for us, because we're not in control, and we cannot speed up the process. All there is to do is…….wait. But what we learn is that God doesn't waste the waiting. He's not just working on your circumstance—He's working on you.THE BIG IDEA: When life isn't fair, wait and watch—God is in control.

Habakkuk has become nicknamed by many scholars as "The Doubting Prophet" because he was willing to question God. Habakkuk wrestled with God through some tough issues and questions. We still ask God many of these same questions today. Habakkuk's struggle is important to understanding our relationship with God and how we relate to him in the tough times.THE BIG IDEA: When life isn't fair, complain and doubt—but hold on to God.