Risen Church NC

In this message, we see the church officially take on the next phase of its mission. In Acts 1:8, Jesus commanded His disciples to go beyond Jerusalem--to Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. From this point forward until Kingdom come, the Church would be in "the ends of the earth" phase. Acts 8:26 marks the beginning of this most important chapter of Church history. Listen as we discuss Philip's faithfulness and obedience when God called him to go in the most unlikely direction, into a scenario that most would've excused themselves from. We learn how this experience foreshadowed many to come, and discuss how we can make the most of every similar opportunity. Also, we see how the Gospel brought the exact message that a certain individual was desperate to hear. When a hungry world encounters a faithful church, the Gospel truly knows no bounds. To the uttermost parts of the earth, Jesus can save to the uttermost.

In this message, we discuss the common struggle within every person, across every generation: We are all looking for something to hope in and trust in, to provide us relief and security. We wrap ourselves in various identities, chase after specific metrics, and strive for superiority--hoping desperately that we can trade our anxiety and insecurity for peace and confidence, In this message, we listen to God's definitive word on true salvation and see how a relationship with Jesus offers us a wholistic transformation. Philippians 3 calls us to take our faith out of counterfeit saviors and anchor our hearts in Christ alone.

In this message, we learn how availability and malleability are the most important factors in being effective servants of God. We also study contrast between those who seek to be used by God and those who seek to use God for their own gain.

Philippians 2 teaches us that when we consider what Jesus has done for us, we will consider others above ourselves. Paul identities this as our greatest opportunity to exemplify Christ and emphasizes that this is the only logical way for a true believer to live. Listen as we discuss the selfless Christian way of life and how it actually promises us our greatest joy.

In this message, we discuss King David's last days as king, Adonijah's self-exaltation, and the Sovereignty of God amidst it all

One of Paul's main reasons for writing Philippians was to address the concern for him following his recent imprisonment. Many were wondering how even someone as resilient as the Apostle Paul could find any positives amidst such misfortune. In this message, we hear Paul offer more than just an optimistic outlook, but a deep, theological understanding of what he was going through. Listen as we hear Paul offer an eternal perspective to our earthly troubles. Philippians 1:12-30 brings to us insight and conviction, so that we might respond to life's challenges with faith and confidence.

In Acts 8, the church finds itself on its heels, as state sponsored persecution ramps up. Following the death of Stephen, the religious leaders are emboldened to put an end to the Jesus Movement once and for all. However, what they thought was a move to destroy the Church, actually deployed the Church and its message to new people. What the enemy believed would silence the Gospel, only amplified it even more. In this message, we seek to understand how the Church stayed motivated and focused amidst this turmoil. We learn how the early Christians thrived after being pushed to the margins of society and how the New Testament teaches that we would always experience this same marginalization. While there's nothing wrong with longing for prominence and influence, the Bible makes it clear: Christians are exiles in this world, placed on mission to prepare for a world to come. Listen as we break down our calling and purpose in the margins of the kingdoms of man. As it turns out, the margins present us an incredible opportunity, from which we can shine brighter and showcase Christ most distinctly.

Philippians teaches us how valuable and vital it is to always keep Heaven in view--to always bring today under Eternity's perspective. In this introductory message , we hear the Apostle Paul remind the church at Philippi of the Good Work that God has been preparing them for from the very beginning of their story. Likewise, we reflect how our salvation is an entry point into the presence and power of God. With Heaven in view, we will always be mindful of the Good Work that God wants to do in us, and we will be compelled to surrender, participate and thrive therein.

Just as we rely on bandaids to cover our wounds, we often turn to temporary fixes for our spiritual struggles. Throughout the Bible, God is consistent in His plea for us to turn to Him and find true, lasting rest. Listen as we look at an age-old plight across the human race and hear Jesus call us to surrender.

In this message, we discuss Stephen's earnestness and passion for ministry and how it should inform our approach. We also listen to his summary of the Old Testament and learn why his interpretation of it received a standing ovation from Jesus. What was controversial to the Religious Leaders is truly inspirational to every reader of the Bible, seeking to understand how the New Covenant fulfills the Old and shows us a greater way forward.

Our BASICS series concludes with a conversation about the Great Commission. We all love to tell others about our greatest joys. From life's simplest pleasures to its most exciting moments, our heart overflows naturally. We love to share what we love with others. We get this from our God, who first shared His nature and glory with us. We were created because He loves to share. We are blessed because He loves to share. Thus, it's not too hard to connect the dots--We are supposed to share God's impact on our lives with others. The Bible is filled with stories that illustrate this. There are numerous passages leading us in a life of evangelism. Our greatest joy comes from God's gift of salvation and our greatest purpose is found in making Jesus known.

In this message, we study the history of Rome's occupation of Israel and how this set up the circumstances surrounding Jesus' crucifixion. God's plan all along was for Jesus to step into our place our sin, and Mark 15 spotlights the stage on which salvation would finally come.

In this message, the early church begins addressing its needs for structure and leadership to enable effective, efficient ministry. We see how this gave the church a powerful voice in its community and also made it stand out beside the old, ineffective religious systems.

In this message, we follow Jesus from Gethsemane to his trial before the Jewish council, focusing on these points and more: - We consider how preposterous it was for Jesus to be seized and led by the religious leaders . The ultimate authority was at the mercy of those whom received their limited authority from Him - We see the desperation of the disciples, from Peter's reaction to their collective departure. - We study how Jesus fulfilled Isaiah's prophecy, facing the courts in silence and resolve. Like a lamb led to the slaughter, Jesus was ready to be sacrificed for us all.

In the face of persecution, the Apostles made the decision to double down on their faith and the Kingdom of God. In this message, we discuss how this bewildered the authorities and how their response is a tremendous lesson for us in ministry. We also find inspiration and conviction from the early church's faithfulness. They believed that God was unstoppable, that their hope was unbreakable, and that the Church was unshakeable. With that confidence and perspective, they endured every challenge and trial. They believed that if God could be glorified through it, then every obstacle was worth it and wouldn't be wasted in God's greater redemptive work.

Christianity at its very core is all about a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. We often emphasize faith, obedience, or Heaven when defining Christianity, but those things are actually secondary to our relationship with God. What does it mean to be in a relationship with God? Listen as we discuss this and much more! If the Creator and Power behind all the Universe can be known deeply and personally, is there anything more valuable than pursuing Him?

In this message, we witness Jesus facing the darkest of nights with a peace and resolve like none other.

BASICS is about understanding the core pillars of our faith. This series will center us around what's most important and position us for spiritual maturity and growth. In week one, we talk about God's Word--what it is and why we can have confidence in it. We also learn how the Word can make us "complete and equipped for every good work". Ultimately, our relationship with Jesus will always be a reflection of time spent in God's Word.

In this message from Mark 14 we discuss: - How the religious leaders, Judas, and Mary all reflect the possible responses to Jesus. What does Jesus mean to us? - Every participant in this story has a free will, but Jesus was the Divine Director of all of these events. Everything was working according to God's definite plan. - Jesus was faithful amidst all the noise, ready to lay His life down for the world. His posture and poise through it all should move us to respond with devotion and sacrifice.

The early church was motivated by a brand of faith that will always inspire and challenge readers. However, this faith is not stuck in the past, but is very much still available to believers today. The Holy Spirit radically changed their lives, showing them their higher purpose and making them bold. In this message, we see this ambition take them to an even greater level, as they once again stand before the authorities. Listen as we hear them articulate their sense of ought, as we consider how we *must* take on this same kind of dedication.

Psalm 139 invites us to rest in the unchanging attributes of our good and loving God. Listen as we consider the access we have to God by faith and how this offers us grace and peace amidst our uncertain, challenging circumstances.

The boldest faith creates the brightest witness. In this message, we look at the boldness of the early church, from their testimony before the courts to their generosity towards others. We notice the undeniable correlation between boldness and brightness. Listen as we consider what drove the early church to take such bold steps and what might be preventing our own obedience.

Few people have enjoyed the blessings and security that King David knew in his generation. Aside from the material possessions, he knew the heart of God like none before Him. Even still, one day he was overcome with an existential conviction--His life was not centered around God. He could have easily gotten lost in his many gifts from God, but he could not shake the notion that his life was still unbalanced. He knew he needed to make more room for God. So often in life, we reduce God down to a category and a provider of necessities. We file our faith away as a policy or a tool. All the while, we miss out on what God truly desires to give us and what only comes by way of walking with God in a personal relationship. In this message, we learn of the joy that is found in knowing and walking with God. If God is the greatest source of good in the universe, then it stands to reason that the greatest measure of joy is found in Him. We spend our days pursuing happiness and satisfaction, but we are mostly looking for it in the wrong places. David reminds us that pure, lasting joy is found in a desire and passion for God. The question is: Will we make room for Him?

Psalm 121 reminds us to worship when it's the last thing we feel like doing. So many times we associate worship with feelings, but worship is about overcoming, overpowering your feelings with something much greater: Faith. Listen as we discuss how worship can transform our lives by opening our hearts to receive God's peace and power.

The early church displayed a brand of fearlessness that could only be explained through supernatural cause. They had witnessed the most supernatural event possible--The Resurrection of Jesus. After seeing Him alive and sitting under His teaching, they were compelled to continue His movement with confidence and courage. Jesus warned them of the risk and cost, and yet they were unfazed and determined. In this message, we see how committed and convinced they were in the face of the same threatening authorities which sentenced Jesus before them. Jesus taught His followers to see opposition as an opportunity to maximize their witness, which is on full display in Acts 4. Listen as we observe Peter and John before the courts and be inspired by their incredible faith. Acts 4 confronts us with a reality that many believe is contrary to God's Will for our modern church. Yet, this is consistent with what the New Testament teaches should be the expectation for Christians. How can we follow suit in fearlessness and boldness? Listen and discover that the same Spirit who moved through the Apostles can transform our outlooks and attitudes.

The book of Acts is more than a collection of incredible miracles—it's a record of how God established and authenticated His Church while also providing timeless principles for every believer. In this message, we look into the important distinction between the extraordinary signs God used to validate the apostles and the enduring patterns the Church is called to follow. When we recognize this, Acts becomes the greatest defense of the Church as God's choice vehicle in our world today. It also helps us to understand what principles are meant to be adopted and practiced by all believers. Focusing on Acts 3, we discover that the healing of the lame man was never meant to draw attention to given person's 'ability' to perform miracles, but was always about exalting Jesus. The miracle opened the door for the gospel, reminding us that every act of compassion, every opportunity to serve, and every testimony should ultimately point people to Christ. While miracles may capture our attention, the greatest miracle is still the transforming power of Jesus, who refreshes hearts today and promises complete restoration for all who trust in Him.

In this message, we learn that one of the most valuable things we can ever have in our possession is ANSWERED PRAYER. For God to hear our cry and entrust us with His amazing grace is truly beyond us. Hezekiah saw God intervene in his life more than once, responding to his prayers for mercy. One of the most striking verses in all the Bible tells us that he failed to recognize the priceless gift and did not honor God with his life in the aftermath. Perhaps the greatest consequence of his pride and arrogance came in the impact it had on his son, Manasseh. The text tells us that Hezekiah and Manasseh's leadership ultimately sent Israel down a path of no return. Listen as we discuss the grace behind every answered prayer and set our hearts to properly respond to the favor God shows us.

One of the most important themes of Acts is how the Gospel creates a transformed, Christ-centered community. In this message, we break down the different facets of the Church Community and how they all are essential characteristics in making Christ known.

In this message, we discuss how our fears can be exchanged for faith and boldness, even if trouble and uncertainties linger. If we are willing to suspend our doubts and turn up Heaven's volume, we can find the supernatural strength to endure and overcome even the greatest of odds.

A reflection on 250 years of American history, how the Scriptures inspired our founders, and how they might continue to guide us into accountability, unity, and compassion.

In this message, we learn how a humble approach and a pure desire for God is key to receiving true, spiritual blessings.

In this message, we hear King David's final, public prayer in which he calls Solomon and the rest of Israel to consecrate themselves to God. Through sacrifice and prayer, we can position ourselves to become the person God desires us to be, with a pure, devoted heart. Listen as we marvel at David's example of sacrifice and seek to follow his posture of prayer.

1 & 2 Chronicles were written to inspire a new generation of Israelites to not repeat the mistakes of their ancestors and teach them the power of prayer. From the earliest days of humanity, dating back to Adam's grandson, Enosh, prayer was key to helping people overcome their sinful nature and draw close to God. 1 Chronicles 4 spotlights a forgotten hero of ancient Israel, named Jabez, who was cursed from his youth and considered to be destined for failure. Through prayer, Jabez saw that curse broken and reminds us that we too can be redeemed.

What does it look like to put God at the center of our lives? And why is it so critical that we revolve our lives around Him? Listen as we look at King David's initiative to place God at the center of the nation's heart and how we can learn practical lessons from his approach. Our three main takeaways from 1 Chronicles 13-16 are: Through prayer, obedience, and endurance God will become the center of our attention and affection.

Acts 1:1-11 gives us the promise of Pentecost and foreshadows all of the incredible moments ahead for the church. It's tempting to move right into chapter 2 to see the Holy Spirit fall and His flame begin to spread, but the interstitial passage offers us tremendous insight and convictions. To overlook Acts `1:12-26 would mean skipping over an account that emphasizes the love and passion the early church had for Jesus. In this message, we discuss this essential preparatory passage that sets the stage for Acts 2. Make no mistake, there would be no Acts 2 without the simple acts of obedience and faithfulness that preceded it. Acts 2 power only comes on the back of Acts 1 preparation. Listen as we discuss the importance of each step of preparation and how we might follow in the early church's footsteps.

In this message, Haggai confronts and challenges us in our priorities and reflects back at us the futility of putting anyone and anything above or alongside God's place in our lives.

Of all the systems and ideals that Jesus came to turn on their heads, the definition and concept of Greatness is probably the most significant. In this message, Jesus challenges the world's understanding of what makes one great and shows us a better way forward. Listen as we discuss how 'losing' now can mean 'winning' in eternity--how victory in God's Kingdom is found down a rather unconventional path.

For years, Israel repeated a cycle of rebellion and remorse, returning to God only when they began to yearn for the worldly goods they had cost themselves. The prophet Joel looks forward to a day when true repentance produces a better kind of and enduring restoration--where God heals our hearts and gives us His Spirit.

In this message, we discuss the importance of being a church willing and ready to help all people, especially those who may seem beyond rehabilitation.

The story of Jonah often gets reduced down to cartoonish caricature of a defiant, rebellious unbeliever. However, the story of Jonah is actually a very relevant, reflection of the average, complacent believer. By all accounts, Jonah is a good man - better than most in his generation. Jonah had served many years as a faithful prophet in Israel, but at some point, he drifted to a place of self-righteousness and religious pride. Jonah was ready to serve God... up until a certain point. One day, God asked him to do something that challenged his comfort levels and worldview, and that's where Jonah drew the line. Listen as we discuss this threshold of obedience that all of us are guilty of setting in place and learn how Jonah offers us all a reflection of where complacency and selfishness can take any believer.

By this point in Mark's Gospel it is clear that Jesus is more than an ordinary man and everyone is suspecting that He had a connection with God the world had never seen. Some were spectulating, hoping that He could be the long-awaited Messiah, but they weren't really sure what all that would entail. In this message, we hear Jesus respond to Peter's famous confession by detailing and clarifying what Messiah actually meant. More specifically, Jesus began to disclose the ontological phenomenon that made His status as Messiah so unique and extraordinary. Listen as we hear Jesus emphasize both His humanity and His divinity. Jesus' dual ontology is the distinction between Him and any other faith leader or would-be messiah. It is also what makes Christianity the exclusive way to God and the only means of redemption and restoration for sinful humanity. P.S. If you can guess what the thumbnail is referring to, great is your reward in Heaven.

The Disciples are at their most relatable in this passage, where we find them repeatedly doubting and stumbling in their faith. Jesus offers a soft and gracious rebuke, but makes it clear the risk of ignoring this kind of disconnect with God.

What does God want from us more than anything else? What will set us apart as His people and distinguish from those who don't believe? The prophet Micah answers these questions simply and succinctly. Ancient Israel had lost touch with what it meant to truly know God and society was collapsing all around. With a disconnect from God, there was no moral compass with how people should be valued and treated. There was no justice. There was no mercy. People had become hardened and careless. However, religion was thriving in Micah's generation, because it served as an effective substitute for a true relationship with God. It eased people's conscience while not demanding true devotion or change. So God raised Micah up to condemn the charades of his generation and call the people back home to true devotion. Listen as we discuss how Israel fell for religion's trap in the first place, and why we all should be on guard of its devices. Once we understand what God wants most from us, we will be properly compelled and empowered to honor Him with our lives.

The first chapter of Acts is more of a continuation than it is a beginning. That's because it's literally part two of the story of Jesus and the movement He set in motion. For that reason, Acts 1 reflects on the foundation that has been laid in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus and looks forward with confidence. In this message, we discuss how the certainty of Jesus' resurrection provides continual inspiration and momentum to the Church in every generation.

The Old Testament contains many efforts by God to breakthrough the hardened hearts of Ancient Israel, and the book of Hosea may be the most powerful and moving. God raised up Hosea as a prophet in a day when His people had turned from Him and charged them with committing spiritual adultery. In this message, we see how God led Hosea into a devastating personal struggle in order to reflect back at Israel the gravity of their unfaithfulness. Listen as we look at one of the most passionate displays of God's redeeming love in all the Bible.

After a tense stand-off with the Religious Leaders on the subject of sin and true righteousness, Jesus departs Israel on one of His most surprising missions ever. He takes His group north to the regions of Tyre and Sidon. Known for their notorious role of influencing the Jewish people in all the worst ways; thus any Jew seeking to maintain purity would never so much as look in that direction. Wanting to punctuate our inability to save ourselves and our reliance on God's grace, Jesus took the Gospel to this infamous people group. In this message, we see how unlimited God's mercy truly is to all who come to Him in humble, sincere faith. We also see how important it is to help bring people to Jesus who are unable to approach Him on their own. If we understand His grace's impact on us, we will be compelled to help everyone come to Him.

Welcome to our newest series, BLUEPRINTS- a study on the first generations of Jesus Followers and the path the paved in founding and building the Church. While the majority of this study will be rooted in the book of Acts, this introduction launches from Matthew 16, where Jesus Himself cast the original vision for His Church. Listen as we discuss the early church's motivation, mission, and power-source. If we want to follow in their footsteps, we will embrace the blueprints they left behind.

In this conclusion to our DISCIPLESHIP series, we study the last part of Jesus' prayer in John 17. Whereas the first part can be extracted from the text and applied to individuals, the last portion addresses every disciple as members of a collective body. What makes this so important is that it explicitly defines a true disciple as a faithful, engaged member of a community of God's people, set apart for His cause-- that is, a local church. Listen as we look back on the challenges, distractions and divisions that have plagued the church in America over the past few decades, forcing us all to return to God's Word for fresh wisdom and direction. We arrive at a pretty conclusive understanding that the future of the Church must be a return to true, devoted discipleship.

In Mark 7, Jesus peels back the religious facade of Ancient Israel and exposes the truth. The Religious Leader's' self-righteous efforts could not compensate for or remedy their sinful hearts. The most unfortunate part of this, however, was how the masses had been misled into relying on gimmicks and traditions to improve their standing with God. Listen as we discuss religion's inability to save and our heart's desperate need for God's grace.

In this message on Discipleship, we learn how Jesus actively intercedes for all of His followers to stay faithful and true. John 17 is a record of the prayer that He prayed on the last night of His earthly life, but it serves as a reminder of the daily intercession He offers for us. We unpack four discipleship truths, which direct us in realizing our full potential as believers. Rest assured, Jesus does not lord over us with pressure, but rather champions and empowers us through the Holy Spirit. We have the capacity and are fully capable to receive His help. It comes down to our willingness to surrender and readiness to serve Him above all.

John summarizes the Gospel as being an invitation to a new, deeper, full brand of life. This begins with understanding why Jesus died, but it continues with being transformed by His resurrection. This series is about realizing our true purpose as Christians in becoming devoted disciples of Jesus. At the crux of this distinction is possessing a genuine love for Jesus. He said that if we love Him, we will obey Him. In this opening message, we answer the question, "How can we fall in love with Jesus?" If we come to understand all that He 's done for us, love will come naturally, and with it, obedience.