The Block KC exists to help young adults build their lives on what counts. 20s and 30 somethings--Join us every other Thursday at 7 to hear a talk about God and His Word, and to connect and reflect on what it means to follow Jesus. theblockkansascity.com
This week, we study one of the most crucial texts when it comes to living the Christian life, where God, through Paul, commands us to "work out our salvation". Grasping this concept, and learning to live by it, can make all the difference in experiencing the presence and power of God here and now in our lives. The greatest part - God is working in us that we would be people who understand this and live it out!
As one of the most beautiful passages in the Bible, these verses poetically and emotionally help us see who Jesus is and how Jesus thinks. Listen here for Nick's breakdown on what Jesus' mindset was and how we can be influenced in such a way to imitate Christ.
This week, we see that the Apostle Paul has gone through some unspeakable circumstances, some that most of us have never known or will ever know. However, he doesn't seem to be licking his wounds or whining about it, but instead is pressing on living boldly and fully for Christ. Listen to see how that's possible and why it's worth it.
Kicking off our "Higher Calling" series in the book of Philippians, we look at the Apostle Paul's heartfelt hello - and how it's not just sweet nothings. Rather, Paul shows that when the gospel is at the center of our relationships and fellowship as followers of Jesus, we relate to and love one another at deep levels, in truly and purely affectionate ways.
In our last discussion on relating, we host a panel of people who have made it a point to lean in to the local church and all the ways God works in the church, and through the church. What does it mean and look like to be a person who is "for" the church, and how can I have a meaningful, impactful church experience? Listen here!
We talk a lot about community here at the Block KC - this week we hold a panel to help us see some examples and here some wisdom on how to do community well. Find tips, ideas, and scriptures to challenge your thinking and hopefully strengthen your community and faith here.
Dating miiight be one of the most confusing things. Period. Maybe you've experienced it yourself, or a close friend you've been walking with - defining and clarifying the relationship is a constant difficulty and awkward talk. Listen here for simple, clear, and relevant help with dating.
We all need help sometimes, girls included! Similar to the previous talk, this one we key in for the ladies listening to help them know how they can healthily relate to men around them and in their lives.
This is not a dating series, but a RELATING series! This message keys in on helpful practical steps that guys can take now to better relate to women... not just for the purposes of dating/marriage, but for treating all women as Jesus would.
Throwback to our first message of the year! You might be like many young adults, fighting to be known, seen, and at the end of the day, accepted by someone, some group, you name it. Your creator made a way for you to be not only loved by him, but no longer his enemy, a part of his Holy family, and accepted by him forever.
How deeply connected are you in your life right now? Would you say you can rely on someone outside of yourself if "the worst" took place? God made us to go after and have this connected life with himself and others, yet young adults have connections, but are deeply unconnected. Hear how God has made you and wants to guide you into a life of strong connections.
Do you ever struggle to know what the meaning for your life is? Perhaps you know exactly what the meaning of life is, but taking that and successfully living out that meaning in your life is another conversation. When it comes to living in a meaningful way, collectively and individually we are weak, and our attempts at bringing meaning to our days can feel pitiful. God wants more for us, and will bring strength to our weakness in this area!
Would you say you are living a fulfilled, rich, satisfying life? If that answer isn't "100%!" - listen here! One of the main heart desires of every young adult is to find fulfillment - Each of us are tempted differently to put together a fulfilling life apart from God. Mankind has always done this, and came up empty, and that's why Jesus came - to give us rich, abundant, dynamic, and an overflowingly full kind of new life.
In the final message of 2024, and before our send off Christmas Party, we examined that God's plan for peace and blessing to the world, is to make peace with you, to make peace with others, and to give you His own peace for your soul.
We look at Psalm 34 as we head into the holidays. The holidays are a time where we the world tries to promise us a merry, happy, perfect season, but after enough life, it seems to always fall short. Psalm 34 shows us where we can find a truly radiant, not just season, but LIFE.
Guest Speaker and former Block KC leader Scott Johns speaks from the book of Galatians about how the reality of the gospel, the saving work of Jesus, is the only foundation that can hold us and our whole lives, no matter what.
1 Thessalonians 5 - Leadership everywhere is present and necessary, in our jobs, in our homes, and is just as present and necessary in the local church and in our own lives spiritually. If you've been entrusted with some form of leadership, if you operate under leadership, or if you aspire to be in some sort of leadership - this message is for you!
Loving others includes the acts of selflessness, kindness, patience, and many other things we typically attribute to being a loving person. Here in chapter 4 of 1 Thessalonians, God wants to lead us in to deeper and truer love for one another, and that includes become more loveable - learn what that means here!
Message on 10/10 - The struggles back then are the struggles today, and the first sin struggle Paul needs to address with the people he loves is sexual sin. Listen here for the will of God for your life, and the hope He offers you.
Message from 10/3 - Spiritual leadership goes beyond a role you have, a position of authority, a calling in your life - instead it's rooted in selfless purpose. Listen for the ways the Apostle Paul models selfless, purposeful spiritual influence in the 1 Thessalonians 3.
How to take the next step in love, care for, and serve others spiritually can be a paralyzing thought - there are so many options, there is so much to do, and everyone is different. This week, Nick helps us see how the Apostle Paul viewed his role as a spiritual leader of the Thessalonian church, and ways he modeled for us to do the same for those God is calling us to influence!
There are so many people, who are saying so many things, about so many people - you and I included, and the Apostle Paul included. How do we know what to believe and who to believe it about? The apostle Paul argues authenticity is displayed, and can be defended, through ones character before God and people - through what and how they consistently and lovingly preach! Listen for the deets as we hear from Senior Pastor Chad McDonald.
As we jump into the book of 1 Thessalonians, Pastor Mike Bickley challenges us with the question, "Are YOU a gospel movement?" The gospel works powerfully in many ways, primarily moving through people who radically trust in one person and one way, Jesus.
Our new series UPSIDE DOWN kicks off this week! When looking at the Scriptures, at the life of Jesus, the disciples, and other biblical characters, their faith and life look radical, and can seem unattainable. --> It's not!! This series we are going to examine the reason and the way that people, communities, and the world was changed as recorded in the book of 1 Thessalonians.
The last view we take a look at in our series is Politics - with a recent debate and more to come, as an onslaught of advertisements hit us, and as things heat up politically for the election, listen here for a message from the Scriptures of how believing in and following Jesus will provide a better way than the world offers, to walk confidently, wisely, and hopefully through this political season, as well as ANY of life's circumstances.
With all the decisions we face that hold implication on the future ahead, we need real helpful wisdom for navigating. God agrees - and wants to give wisdom generously, see how God gives it and who He gives it to, and who He gives it through here >>
The crippling grips of stresses and anxieties are felt by all, and they affect our view. How and where do we go to see clearly once again, so we can move ahead victoriously? See how here ->
Having a laidback and even indifferent attitude and demeanor makes things easy in life.. but is it helpful? Does it truly love? Does it really believe? Can it be counted on? Listen for more ->>>>
Listen to this weeks message on trusting God with our work and its' results! We can spin our wheels, can grind and hustle, but ultimately, if God isn't building what we are doing, we work in vain. How can we work in a way that lasts, that's meaningful, and find rest at the same time?
This new series is a look at some of the most common worldviews that young adults have, and that commonly take over our thoughts and decisions. Starting first and perhaps foremost, a mindset driven by materialism. It's the air we breathe whether we like it or not... How can we fight it, and instead live a truly peaceful, content, and spiritually rich life?
The road from singleness to marriage looks different from individual to individual, and no two relationships are identical. So how can we be sure we are ready for marriage, and healthy for marriage, to have a successful marriage? Listen here for the answer!
What kind of woman is ready to marry? What is she like, how does she love, what are her expectations of love and marriage? This week we focus on the ladies! We hope you are encouraged to grow in godliness, and challenged to surrender more and more to Jesus who IS love!
What kind of man is ready to marry? What makes him ready to lead his wife and family, to love his wife and family. MANY THINGS - Around the topic of dating and marriage, this week we hone in on the guys, and hope to spur the guys on to be God's man, and help the ladies know who the godly men are, so we can all pursue relationships in wisdom.
This week we focus on the men - what does God have to say about a man who is prepared and ready to be a godly husband. Men, listen to be challenged and sharpened as you pursue growth. Women, let God's words be what transforms your mind as you evaluate who is dateworthy and marriage-worthy.
The main way most find love today is through what we call "dating" (obvi). The way we've chosen for people to find love in our culture has it's benefits, but also comes with difficulties, especially when we are aiming to live a life pleasing to God. This week we will highlight some common thoughts about dating that we all have been tempted to believe in one way or another, and see how the God who made us is more helpful than we could ask or imagine when it comes to our love life.
Kicking off our love and relationships series, we dive into understanding what is foundational for success when it comes to love. God has modeled and designed love perfectly, so this week we investigate what the purest, truest, deepest love looks like, straight from the source of our God who is love.
Our experiences with our earthly fathers all differ in many ways - but they all relate in one way: that our fathers are imperfect. This points and directs us to look to a perfect Father in heaven, who always leads us to good, made us to be like him, to share in life giving relationship forever and ever with Him.
Oftentimes when people hear "God is the Judge", they think of God as either a cosmic killjoy or angry policeman. That is a very different picture from how God's character is portrayed through the Bible. God is actually described as being a fair, impartial and perfect judge; one who not only punishes evil to protect others, but who also rewards those who would seek to do good. We can be confident and entrust our desires for justice to him. But there's a flip to that: we will all appear before God one day and be judged for how we live our lives. If that's the case, we want to be confident before the Judge. Come check out Week 4 of our Mighty series as we talk about the character of God as a Judge.
Do you ever feel like you are being tested? Proverbs 17:3 tells us that just like silver and gold are refined in the crucible, God likewise refines human hearts. God uses trials and hardship, even brings them into our lives, in order to help us reflect his image and his glory. If you are going through difficult circumstances, God wants you to know that there is a plan and a purpose for your life, and that He is using that to bless you in the long run. Come listen to Week 2 of our series "Mighty" as we look at what 1 Peter 1:3-8 tell us about God as a refiner.
Do you know God's plan for your eternity? People are compelled by well-written stories. We are naturally drawn to arcs and conflicts, themes and resolutions that resonate within our hearts. As the Creator, God has written the story, not only of human history, but of our salvation and faith as well. In His Word He is described as the Author and Perfecter of our faith. If you want to know God's will and plan for your life, come check out Week 1 of our series "Mighty" as we look at Ephesians 1 to learn about the character of God and how He powerfully works in our lives.
Did you know that all Christians are giving a spiritual job? God has a will for how you live your life, and part of that will is to make the most of the time He has given you. But, if you want to be great at your heavenly job, you cannot do it alone. Come check out what Colossians 4 has to say about how we live our lives AND how important it is to do that with the local church.
A new life, a new identity, and a new life vision was accomplished for those who trust in Jesus - so what does that mean for things from our old life, specifically God given relationships like family and marriage, do they matter to God? Does my earthly work have any spiritual purpose? SPOILER: Yes! Find out God’s good plans for your life in this message.
A new life, a new identity, and a new life vision was accomplished for those who trust in Jesus - so what does that mean for things from our old life, specifically God given relationships like family and marriage, do they matter to God? Does my earthly work have any spiritual purpose? SPOILER: Yes! Find out God’s good plans for your life in this message.
Many people, after a life-changing experience, say that they have a "new lease on life." Their views and habits can be radically transformed because of their new perspectives. In Colossians 3, Paul says that we have not just a new lease on life, but a new life altogether. This causes us to put away the "old self" and put on the "new self: which is never just lip service. As Luke walks us through Colossians 3:1-17, come listen to what the Bible says this new life ought to be like.
Is weed a sin? Is alcohol a sin? What does the Bible say about this? What about other areas such as sexual sin? How do I know if I'm hearing God's voice or my own or worse? Y'all asked some great questions. As we wrap up our Faithfully Asked Questions series, come check out Week 3 as Luke, Nick and Karrington share what God's Word has to say on a variety of topics.
Have you ever wondered how do we know if someone has the Spirit? What does that even mean? What does it mean to walk by faith, and how do I navigate relationships as a follower of Jesus? Those are excellent questions, and the truth to answering all of them can be found in God's Word. Last week, y'all sent in over 80 questions! Come join us for Week 2 of FAQs as Luke and Karrington respond to your questions about what it means to live day to day as a Christian and a young adult.
Questions are common in the Christian life. Everyone is trying to learn, figure out what the Bible says, and grow in our faith. We know that young adults have a lot of questions in particular, so we wanted to create a time for you to ask your questions! In Week 1 of Faithfully Asked Questions, we had questions about how to walk with God, how to pray, and how to deal with sin. Come check out these FAQs as Nick gives a couple responses along with a couple Block leaders and faithful men and women of God!
"Jesus is Lord." You might have heard this often growing up, or it might be new to you. However, the question for us is: what does that mean? Do we acknowledge that He is Lord and go on living our life? The Apostle Paul says that we are to grow in this truth and be rooted in Christ. There are all kinds of ideas and philosophies about how to live on this Earth, but God calls us to be undistracted and to focus our minds and hearts on the truth of the gospel every day. Come check out Week 4 of our Colossians series as we see what it means to be "rooted in Christ."
Everyone is competing for something. Whether you are athletic or not, competitive or not, each of us are striving to succeed in things that we think will bring us fulfillment. In fact, the Christian life is described in athletic terms over 50 times positively in the New Testament. There is something about a competition or a race that conveys the truth that God has for our lives. So the question is: how are you running, and what are you running toward? In Week 3 of our Colossians series, come listen as Nick talks about what it means to compete for the gospel.
Who is Jesus? Many think of him as a kind teacher, or a historical figure, or a theoretical idea. In reality, He is much more than we can begin to imagine. But why does it matter to us? A.W. Tozer said that "what comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about a person". If you have a small view of Jesus, your perception of his sacrifice for you and concern for your life will never amount to much. But if you have a big view of Jesus, then you'll begin to understand just why He is the most important person in all of eternity. Come check out Week 2 of Colossians as Nick takes us through the awe and love of Jesus Christ.
We all hope for a lot of things: nice weather, another Chiefs Super Bowl, or the perfect vacation. But what do we hope IN? Jesus says that our hope and treasure determine the safety of our heart, but how do we know where to hope? In Colossians 1:1-14, the Apostle Paul writes that we can have a hope in heaven that leads to a fully pleasing life, both to God and to us. Come check out Week 1 of Colossians as Nick Swearingen takes us through what it means to put our hope in Jesus and His kingdom.