The First Cast

The Church at Ephesus had solid theology, sharp discernment, and a strong work ethic. But Jesus saw something they had missed—they had abandoned their first love. In this week's message, we look at what happens when passion is replaced by performance, when right beliefs are no longer fueled by a deep love for Christ.This isn't just about Ephesus—it's about us.Are we still in love with the Savior, or just busy with His work?Jesus' call is clear: “Remember, repent, and return.”Let's talk about how we come back to the love that started it all.6.8.25 - Message 3

Before Jesus speaks to His Church, He lets us see who He really is. In this opening message from our Letters to the Church series, we look at John's awe-inspiring vision of the risen Christ—full of majesty, power, and presence. This isn't the Jesus we've made comfortable; it's the King who walks among His churches and holds all authority.When you see Jesus rightly, it changes how you listen—and how you live.Join us as we ask: Are we ready to hear what the Lord says to His Church?6.1.25 - Message 2 .

Before Jesus speaks to His Church, He lets us see who He really is. In this opening message from our Letters to the Church series, we look at John's awe-inspiring vision of the risen Christ—full of majesty, power, and presence. This isn't the Jesus we've made comfortable; it's the King who walks among His churches and holds all authority.When you see Jesus rightly, it changes how you listen—and how you live.Join us as we ask: Are we ready to hear what the Lord says to His Church?5.25.25

From James to John, Proverbs to Paul, this message is full of biblical encouragement and practical insight. It's a pastor's heartfelt send-off, not just to graduates, but to anyone navigating life with faith and questions in hand.5.18.25

In this Mother's Day message, we explored the quiet but powerful impact of a mother's faith. Drawing from 2 Timothy 1:3–8, we looked at how Timothy's sincere faith was first planted in the lives of his grandmother Lois and his mother Eunice—and how that legacy helped shape him into a leader who stood strong in a challenging culture. This sermon reminds us that while legacy may not be loud, it echoes into eternity. Whether you're a mom, had a mom, or are investing in the next generation—your faithfulness matters more than you know.5.11.25

In this week's message, we look at how God's faithfulness is both shown and grown in the lives of His people, through the lens of Nehemiah's incredible story. We reflect on Israel's journey—from forgetting God's deliverance and falling back into bondage, to stepping out in bold faith to rebuild what was broken.The sermon unpacks how every God-given vision starts with a burden, requires action beyond our comfort zones, and inevitably faces opposition. But through it all, God proves Himself faithful, and He invites us to step into that same faithfulness—whether through prayer, serving, or sacrificial giving.As the church launches a new capital initiative, the challenge is simple but powerful: What burden is God placing on your heart? How is He calling you to pick up your brick—and your sword—to build something lasting for His kingdom?This message reminds us that we don't give out of guilt but out of grace, trusting that what we build today will impact lives and generations tomorrow.5.4.25

Episode 12: In this final episode of "Ten Great Doctrines of the Bible" we cover the church and future things! We discuss the body of Christ, the local church, leadership and membership within the local church, the return of Christ, judgment, the new heaven and earth, and eternity. 4.30.25This is a midweek Bible study based on the book, 30 Days to Understanding the Bible by Max Anders. It is an overview of the whole of scripture and key doctrines.Visual aids are frequently used and can be accessed here if you would like to follow along:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Study Slides

Easter isn't just a moment to celebrate—it's a movement we're called to live every single day. This message from Romans 6:1–14 reminds us that the resurrection isn't just something Jesus did—it's something that changes who we are.We'll explore why grace isn't a license to sin but the power to live free, how justification, sanctification, and glorification fit together in God's rescue plan, and why Christians can stop living like they're still trapped by the old life. Resurrection power isn't just for someday in heaven—it's for right now.If you've ever felt stuck in your past, battled old temptations, or wondered why real change feels so hard, this message is for you. It's time to move out of the graveyard and start living in the victory Jesus already won.

Episode 11: This week, we cover the doctrine of Salvation and discuss the basis of salvation, what it results it, the cost and also timing!4.23.25This is a midweek Bible study based on the book, 30 Days to Understanding the Bible by Max Anders. It is an overview of the whole of scripture and key doctrines.Visual aids are frequently used and can be accessed here if you would like to follow along:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Study Slides

Easter is not just about Jesus' resurrection, it's about ours as well! Drawing from Matthew 28 and 1 Corinthians 15, this message highlights how the cross wasn't chaos but divine choreography, how the resurrection serves as the receipt for our redemption, and how Jesus' victory over sin, sorrow, and death means the grave no longer holds power over those who believe. It ends with a powerful call to live as resurrection people—bold, free, purposeful, and filled with confident hope that, because the tomb is empty, full life is possible.Part 3 - "The Grave Lost Its Grip" on 4.20.25

The cross looked like a loss, but it was a divine rescue mission. The price was paid at Calvary, and the resurrection was the receipt, proving the debt was satisfied. In the finished work of Jesus, humanity's greatest problems—sin, sorrow, and death—were fully addressed. In Him, we see that God's love for the sinner runs deeper than His hatred of sin.Part 2 - "The Death of Death" on 4.13.25Luke 23 & Romans 5

We find in scripture that not only does God give life, He is life. Yet early in humanity's story, one man opened the door and sinned walked in. Everywhere sin goes, death grows. Because we have all inherited Adam's sin nature, we face three universal problems: sin, sorrow, and death.Part 1 - "Doomed to Death" on 4.6.25Romans 5:12-14

Episode 10: This week, we wrap up the doctrine of man and then discuss the doctrine of sin. We examine the nature of sin, the fall of man, and how this lead to our corruption, along with our continued rebellion.4.2.25This is a midweek Bible study based on the book, 30 Days to Understanding the Bible by Max Anders. It is an overview of the whole of scripture and key doctrines.Visual aids are frequently used and can be accessed here if you would like to follow along:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Study Slides

Even though we sin, there is hope. What is sin and how do we find forgiveness? What do Christians have to look forward to?3.30.25

Episode 9: This week, we tacked the doctrine of man. We look at man's origin, nature, distinctiveness, and destiny. We also discuss worldview and the "big" questions every worldview must answer. 3.26.25 This is a midweek Bible study based on the book, 30 Days to Understanding the Bible by Max Anders. It is an overview of the whole of scripture and key doctrines.Visual aids are frequently used and can be accessed here if you would like to follow along:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Study Slides

Is the Holy Spirit a person, or a force? What does the Holy Spirit do? What is the church? Why does the Apostles Creed say "we believe in the Holy Catholic Church?"3.23.25

Scripture teaches that Jesus will return and then there will be a reckoning. What will judgment look like? Will believers have to recount every wrong they have ever done? 3.16.25

Episode 8: The Doctrine of the angels. This week, we continue to discuss angels, demons, satan and how as Christians, we are engaged in a spiritual war and should be on guard. This is a midweek Bible study based on the book, 30 Days to Understanding the Bible by Max Anders. It is an overview of the whole of scripture and key doctrines.Visual aids are frequently used and can be accessed here if you would like to follow along:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Study Slides

Christianity rises and falls with the resurrection. If Jesus died and stayed dead, all hope is lost. If Jesus does not live Christians are misguided fools. If Jesus does not live, or if there is no God, there is a terrible price to pay. How can we know down from up? Where does one find meaning, value, moraliy, or hope. Good news. Jesus is alive. The third day he arose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty.

Episode 7: The Doctrine of the Holy Spirit. This week we talk about how the Fruit of the Spirit and Spiritual gifts. We then discuss angels, demons and Satang. This is a midweek Bible study based on the book, 30 Days to Understanding the Bible by Max Anders. It is an overview of the whole of scripture and key doctrines.Visual aids are frequently used and can be accessed here if you would like to follow along:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Study Slides

Why does the Apostle's Creed mention Pontius Pilate? Why did Jesus have to die? What is substitutionary atonement? Did Jesus go to hell? Where was he between His death and Resurrectio?Part 63.2.25

Episode 6: The Doctrine of the Holy Spirit. This week we talk about how the Holy Spirit is a person, not a force, along with the divinity of the Spirit. We also discuss the work of the Holy Spirit, especially in regards to salvation. This is a midweek Bible study based on the book, 30 Days to Understanding the Bible by Max Anders. It is an overview of the whole of scripture and key doctrines.Visual aids are frequently used and can be accessed here if you would like to follow along:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Study Slides

Who is Jesus? Jesus asked his disciples, "Who do you say that I am?" This question still rings out two thousand years later. Who do you say He is?Part 52.23.25

Episode 5: The Doctrine of Christ. This week, we talk about the resurrection and return of Jesus.This is a midweek Bible study based on the book, 30 Days to Understanding the Bible by Max Anders. It is an overview of the whole of scripture and key doctrines.Visual aids are frequently used and can be accessed here if you would like to follow along:⁠⁠⁠⁠Study Slides

Who is Jesus? Jesus asked his disciples, "Who do you say that I am?" This question still rings out two thousand years later. Who do you say He is?Part 42.9.25

Episode 4: The Doctrine of Christ. This week, we talk about the divinity and humanity of Jesus. This is a midweek Bible study based on the book, 30 Days to Understanding the Bible by Max Anders. It is an overview of the whole of scripture and key doctrines. Visual aids are frequently used and can be accessed here if you would like to follow along: ⁠⁠⁠Study Slides

Who is God the Father? What can we know about Him? Why does He invite us to call Him Father? Join us, as we continue to journey through the Apostle's Creed. Part 3 2.2.25

Episode 3: The Doctrine of God. This week, we talk about God's existence, attributes, sovereignty, and the Trinity. This is a midweek Bible study based on the book, 30 Days to Understanding the Bible by Max Anders. It is an overview of the whole of scripture and key doctrines. Visual aids are frequently used and can be accessed here if you would like to follow along: ⁠⁠Study Slides

What if I struggle with doubt as a Christian? Are there good reasons to believe? What is the evidence? 1.26.25 | Part 2

For over a thousand years, Christians have been reciting the Apostle's Creed. What can we learn from the creed? What is the value of studying it? Join us as we jump into a new series where we take the creed line by line. This week, we look at the first two words, "I Believe." What do Christians mean when they say that they believe in God? 1.19.25 | Part 1

Episode 2: The Dctrine of the Bible. This is a midweek Bible study based on the book, 30 Days to Understanding the Bible by Max Anders. It is an overview of the whole of scripture and key doctrines. Visual aids are frequently used and can be accessed here if you would like to follow along: ⁠Study Slides

We've been talking about how small things often lead to big things. Our very thoughts, behaviors, and habits impact our lives. Often, we feel like we are trapped by some of those very behaviors and habits. Can we overcome those? Is it possible for us to change? Can we overcome sins and habits in our lives? 1.12.25

Episode 1: Introduction and the doctrine of the Bible. This is a midweek Bible study based on the book, 30 Days to Understanding the Bible by Max Anders. It is an overview of the whole of scripture and key doctrines. Visual aids are frequently used and can be accessed here if you would like to follow along: Study Slides 1.8.25

We frequently look at the big problems in life. Whether its conflict in our lives, relationship issues, problems at work, or even social problems in the world, we tend to focus on the big stuff. Yet, we often ignore the problem inside. How are things in our hearts? 1.5.25

When the new year comes, many people set goals or make resolutions. However, most people focus on the BIG things. What if this year, we made sure to pay attention to the small things? 12.29.24

Part 4 - "A Pregnant Bride and An Uncertain Groom." We often romanticize the Christmas story. However, the truth is, the circumstances surrounding Mary's pregnancy was extremely awkward, stressful, and challenging. In the story of Mary and Joseph we find grace, love, and that God is always at work. Jesus came to save His people from their sins, even Mary and Joseph. 12.22.24

Part 3 - "The Original Hallmark Christmas Movie" If you like Hallmark Christmas Movies, boy, is today's story for you! A girl down on her luck moves to a new town. She meets a wealthy businessman. They fall in love. The rest is a "happily ever after." Yet, in this story, we find Christmas and are once again reminded that the Gospel is for everyone! 12.15.24

Part 2 - "The Scarlet Letter, The Scarlet Rope, and the Scarlet Thread." In Nathaniel Hawthorne's book, The Scarlet Letter, He weaves together a story about a woman who commits adultery and must wear the scarlet letter "A" on all her dresses as an outward sign of her secret sin. She is scorned and shamed by the entire town. We all have our own scarlet letters, do we not? We all bear the mark of sin. However, in the Christmas story, we are reminded that Jesus came to deal with our sin. We continue to learn from Matthew's genealogy of Jesus and the awkward family members it contains. This week, we meet Rahab. 12.8.24

Part 1 - "Everybody's Normal Until You Get To Know Them Every family has at least one family member that is....well.....a bit....awkward. When we read the genealogy of Jesus in Matthew 1, we find that Jesus has some interesting characters in His extended family as well. In looking at Jesus' family we see ourselves, we are reminded why Jesus came, and why we celebrate Christmas. 12.1.24

Dallas Willard was once asked to describe Jesus in one word. He promptly responded...."relaxed." What? RELAXED? That seems like a strange word to describe Jesus. Was Jesus relaxed? How so? Can we be relaxed too? 11.24.24

Dallas Willard was once asked to describe Jesus in one word. He promptly responded...."relaxed." What? RELAXED? That seems like a strange word to describe Jesus. Was Jesus relaxed? How so? Can we be relaxed too? 11.17.24

When is enough, enough? How much do we have to have, or accumulate, before we have all we need? Is it possible that we have all we need? Is it possible that our gratitude makes it enough?

Episode 6: We discuss the Church Era, Missions Era, and the Epistles. This is a midweek Bible study based on the book, 30 Days to Understanding the Bible by Max Anders. It is an overview of the whole of scripture and key doctrines. Visual aids are frequently used and can be accessed here if you would like to follow along: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Study Slides⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. 11.6.24

As Christians, our hope is not in a political party, it is in Jesus Christ. However, Christians should be involved in politics. If we abdicate our role, the only voices heard are the godless. So, we use our voice, we stand on truth, and we trust in God. Join us as we look at an ancient story that demonstrates that God gives the kingdoms of men, to whomever He wills. God is over everything! 11.3.24

The tension between political parties is palpable. Many Christians find their identity in their political ideology. However, Christians are meant to find their identity in Jesus Christ. We believe it is Jesus over everything. Our hope is not in an elephant or donkey, it is in the Lamb. However, should Christians refrain from being political? Has Christianity gotten more political? How do we navigate the current political situation and maintain our correct identity? 10.27.24

Episode 6: We discuss the books of prophecy in the Old Testament and then move into the New Testament by looking at geography and the Gospel era. This is a midweek Bible study based on the book, 30 Days to Understanding the Bible by Max Anders. It is an overview of the whole of scripture and key doctrines. Visual aids are frequently used and can be accessed here if you would like to follow along: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Study Slides⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. 10.23.24

The tension between political parties is palpable. Many Christians find their identity in their political ideology. However, Christians are meant to find their identity in Jesus Christ. We believe it is Jesus over everything. Our hope is not in an elephant or donkey, it is in the Lamb. However, should Christians refrain from being political? Has Christianity gotten more political? How do we navigate the current political situation and maintain our correct identity?

Episode 5: We discuss the 400 years of silence between the Old and New Testaments, The books of Poetry in the Old Testament, and briefly the books of prophecy. This is a midweek Bible study based on the book, 30 Days to Understanding the Bible by Max Anders. It is an overview of the whole of scripture and key doctrines. Visual aids are frequently used and can be accessed here if you would like to follow along: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Study Slides⁠⁠⁠⁠. 10.16.23

One thing that greatly impacts our outlook, mental health, and spiritual lives is our marriage. Join us as we look at five tools to tune up our marriages, based on God's word and current research. Episode 12 of "On the Couch" 10.13.24

Episode 4: We discuss the era of the Kings, the Jewish exile, the return of the Jews to Jerusalem, and the 400 years of silence between the Old and New Testaments. This is a midweek Bible study based on the book, 30 Days to Understanding the Bible by Max Anders. It is an overview of the whole of scripture and key doctrines. Visual aids are frequently used and can be accessed here if you would like to follow along: ⁠⁠⁠Study Slides⁠⁠⁠.

Why get baptized? What does it mean? Do you have to be baptized to have a relationship with God? What is the significance behind baptism? Come dive in as we discuss baptism! 10.6.24