The Gathering Place Church
God is a generous God, and He wants to bless you so that He can pour His generosity through you to the world. Watch this message and learn how God wants to bless you so that you can be a blessing.
Remembering God's faithfulness—one of our most powerful tools as believers—initiates 3 key shifts in perspective during trials. This not only builds our faith to see God move in the present and future, but also instills greater confidence in His promises. 'For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.' 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 NIV
How we can be sure Jesus is real and historical and is the Son of God Messiah that Christians believe he is If you are a follower of Christ, this will help you share with others who doubt or have questions as you tell people about Jesus, maybe a family member or friend, If you have ever been unsure if Jesus is real this morning, this is for you. We will start with what the Bible says about Jesus and focus on 5 areas of evidence for Christ and Christianity. We will finish by deciding how we are to respond.
There is ample evidence that the Bible can be trusted as the divine source of revelation. Listen to this message and learn how you can trust the Bible to be the true Word of God.
Intelligent design is the theory that life and the universe were created by an intelligent entity, rather than arising by chance or through undirected processes as per the theory of evolution. It suggests that certain features of the universe and living organisms are best explained by an intelligent cause/deity. Christianity, through the Bible, tells us that the created world reveals to us the nature/attributes of God the creator. “Since the world's creation, God’s invisible qualities – His eternal power and divine nature – have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.” Rom. 1:20 It is interesting that Paul includes the truth that humans are without excuse when they claim that God does not exist. The theory of evolution has been advanced as proof of God’s non-existence, which is then used as an excuse to live Godless lives. In other words, if God exists, humans must come to terms with His supreme position as the creator of all that exists. Further, He should be worshiped as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. The theory of evolution is very handy for those of us who demand to live a life without concern for God’s will for us.
There are many good questions about Christianity that deserve good answers. Whether you are investigating Christianity or a believer who needs answers, watch this panel discussion.
Jesus came the first time to save the world. He is coming the second time to judge the world. This is why He is calling and drawing people to Himself right now. The Bible says that today is the day of salvation. Will you come to Him today?
There are many different kinds of baptisms in the Bible – not just water baptism. There are three in particular that every Christ-follower needs to experience to fully fulfill their divine assignment. Listen/watch this message to find out what they are and how to experience them. Galatians 3:27 NLT; Romans 6:4 NLT; Colossians 2:12 TLB; Acts 1:8 NLT
Repentance has received a bad rap over the years, but the truth is it is a gift from God. It is the only thing that will free you from your sins and bondage and enable you to live the life of freedom, joy, peace and power that God has for you. Listen/watch this message and be empowered to live the life God intends for you.
We find our rest in Jesus’ perfection. You don’t have to be perfect, Jesus is, and His perfection is accounted to you. Listen/watch this message and learn how Jesus’s perfection covers your imperfections! Hebrews 1:3 Amp; Colossians 2:9, 10 NLT; 1 Peter 2:21-22 NLT; Mark 10:45; 1 Peter 1:3-4
Many people do not know why they exist. The simple truth is – God created you to have a relationship with you. Listen/watch this message and learn how this relationship was ruined and how to get it back!
Summary: Your God-story, how you came to Jesus and what your life is like now, is more powerful than you realize. Not only does it glorify God, and draw others to Jesus, but it also overcomes the enemy! Listen/watch this message and get busy sharing your story! Key Scriptures: John 9:24-38 NKJ; Mark 5:1-20 NKJ; Revelation 12:10-11NKJ
Many believers don't know how to share their faith with others, or they are intimidated or overwhelmed even just thinking about it. In this opening message of our new series JUST 1, you will begin to gain the heart of Christ for the lost and learn how to simply and effectively share your faith.
Many followers of Jesus have a difficult time knowing what to share with someone who is far from God, or even how to share it. Listen/watch this message and catch the vision for sharing the Good News. Luke 7:34; John 3:16; 2 Corinthians 5:11-21
Renewing Your Mind – God’s Answer for Anxiety As a sufferer of anxiety, I am very interested in how anxiety works. What is going on in my brain? Why does it take so little for me to have an anxiety reaction? Am I the only one living with this problem? How many of you deal with anxiety on a regular basis? How would it change your life if there was an easily available cure for anxiety, something you could do daily to rid yourself of anxiety?
God is our friend, but are we really His? What makes a true friendship? Are you showing God that you are His friend in the same way He is showing you that He is yours?
Jesus did not come only to rescue you from your sins by dying on the cross and rising from the dead – but He came to identify with you and help you daily, as a friend – and He has unlimited resources.
Many people have a distant relationship with God, including many church-going believers. But God wants more. He wants to develop a friendship with you. Watch/listen to this message and find out how.
Join us to hear a great encouraging message from our guest speaker, Dan Hitzhusen. Dan’s calling from the time he was 21 has been to unite the Body of Christ to fulfill the Great Commission. Dan has been focusing on mobilizing and equipping believers to work together, making disciples of all nations through the planting of new churches. He currently serves with the 24:14 Network and Big Life Ministries, both of which seek to catalyze church planting movements among unreached people. Dan is married to Lorie, and together they have three children and seven grandchildren. They reside in Salt Lake City, UT.
What do you treasure in 2025? In this week's message, Kyle looks at what the Bible says about pursuing the Kingdom of God as a treasure. From Exodus and 1 Samuel and Matthew, we will discover how to use the things we treasure to honor the King and partner with him to build his kingdom and invite intimacy with God through the pursuit of holiness.
Ps 131 My heart is not proud, O LORD, my eyes are not haughty; I do not concern myself with great matters or things too wonderful for me.2 But I have stilled (Greek word meaning to adjust, to yield, to compose) and quietened (Greek word same as in Ps 37 – to be silent, to tarry, to wait, to rest) my soul; like a weaned child with its mother, like a weaned child is my soul within me. Here it is the heart which is silent and still – at rest with God like a child in its mother’s arms. The stillness of heart is letting go of all your pride, roles, jobs, expectations, and self-worth and being a child His arms. It is tied to physical stillness and silence. Why is the stillness of the heart so important? The word for “know” in Ps 46:10 means to recognize, to be acquainted with a familiar friend. It refers to a relationship. The route to knowing God is resting prayer and the route of resting prayers runs from activity to inactivity to abiding. In this still place, it is easier to perceive God’s thoughts.
A new year is a chance to break bad habits, establish good ones, and believe for God to move in even greater ways—answered prayers, breakthroughs, provision, and blessings to be a blessing to others. While seeking the Holy Spirit’s direction, one phrase stood out to me: “PREPARE THE WAY.” It stirred excitement in my spirit, confirming what I believe God is about to do in 2025—a year of OUTPOURING and an increased awareness of His presence.
There is no other name on earth greater than the name of Jesus. Listen/watch this special Christmas message and be see how profoundly Jesus has changed the entire world. Matthew 1:18-25 NLT
Experiencing God’s goodness and mercy is a critical counterbalance to all the pain and suffering life throws at you. Listen/watch this message and learn how His goodness and mercy can follow you all the days of your life. Psalm 23:6; Exodus 33:18-19; Deuteronomy 8:2
No matter the trial or difficult the circumstance; even when surrounded by enemies, God prepares the table of restoration, and can turn what the enemy meant for evil into good.
If you have been waiting a long time to see His faithfulness to you, stay faithful where He has you until He moves you on. Watch for God to be faithful to you and praise Him with your faithfulness to Him. God’s faithfulness goes beyond the season you are in, and He is faithful even when we are not – He is worthy of our trust.
When you go through dark valleys in your life, it can be lonely and cold. You can feel like no one is there or that no one cares. But the Lord does. He is your Good Shepherd. He is with you and will see you through. Listen/watch this message and find comfort and hope in your darkest hour.
So often we want to do the Lord’s will in a situation, but we don’t know what that is. The Bible isn’t explicit on every decision we must make throughout the day, so what can we do then? Listen/watch this message and find out!
Life presents us with some very difficult decisions at times. And often we don't know what to do or which way to go. But Psalm 23 promises us that our Shepherd will guide us through life's challenges. Listen/watch this message and be encouraged that Jesus will guide you!
Your soul is the most valuable thing you possess. Jesus said, “And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?” Listen/watch this continued message and learn how to live with a healthy soul.
Your soul is the most valuable thing you possess. Jesus said, “And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?” Listen/watch this message and learn how to live with a healthy soul.
There are times in your life when you will, either through other peoples’ actions, or your own, end up far from Jesus, hurting and lost. But Jesus sees you, loves you, and is coming to rescue you. Will you let Him? Listen/watch this message and discover how Jesus truly leaves the ninety-nine to find the one – you!
Following closely behind Jesus is the key to finding peace, provision, and protection in your life. But to follow Him you must trust Him and learn to recognize His voice. Listen/watch this message and learn why you can trust Jesus and discern His voice in your life.
Jesus chooses to call Himself your Shepherd, and you His sheep. This relationship is one of the most tender relationships known. Listen/watch this message and learn how Jesus wants to lead and guide you through life, and how you can come to fully trust Him
We are in a series called RESET – and perhaps some of your relationships could use a RESET? Today, we are going to look at one word in the Bible. It's a word about relationships, often translated fellowship Bibleinfo.com says “Koinonia comes from a root word meaning “partner” or “companion” and is expressed in sharing—sharing possessions, sharing experiences, sharing life, and sharing ourselves with one another.” What makes Koinonia possible? It makes sense for firefighters and people with a common passion to fight for one another, to stand together. We all have it in us for a temporary situation. But what about those people that frustrate us? Those relationships that may need a reset? What makes it possible to have deep fellowship with those who are not like us? To honor and fight for those we find it hard to get along with? The key is to understand that koinonia is a spiritual reality. It's something God did for us that we can participate in. There’s a great illustration I heard from Martin Cachero at Risen Church of the Solar System. Our solar system works because all the planets orbit around the sun, the magnetic pull of the sun protects them and helps things grow. When we forget that we're in Christ - we try to be the center and have people, circumstances and even God orbit it. Think about it. A planet that decides what's best for itself would create chaos and disaster. But frankly, that's what we see all around us, even in the church when we make ourselves the judge of what will help us and protect us. We start being a planet that has its own orbit, and it's chaos. Only God deserves to be in that center – not our ego. When we remember He is the center – everything changes. In Christ, We're the only people in the world that can have unity because we're connected to one head. It's a spiritual reality that is lived out in our fellowship. Jesus is the center. Eph 4:3 we are to maintain this – not create it. The best way to walk in this reality is to meditate on what God has done for us. As that grows in our minds and hearts, we walk out the spiritual reality of being in His orbit, He is the center from which all life and flows. Meditate on Ephesians 3:18-19 May have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. How Wide: God's love is limitless, encompassing all creation (Ephesians 3:18-19, Psalm 103:11-12, John 3:16). How Long: God's love is eternal, lasting from generation to generation (Jeremiah 31:3, Psalm 103:17, 1 Chron 16:34). How High: God's love surpasses the heavens, unreachable by human understanding (Ps 103:11, Is 55:9, Rom 8:38-). How Deep: God's love reaches into the depths of despair, sin, and death to rescue and restore (Psalm 86:13, Micah 7:19, Ephesians 3:18-19).
When you have been praying for something for a very long time and see no change, or if what you prayed for did not end up happening, what do you do next? Jesus says to keep on praying. Why? What/listen to this message and find out!
Luke 10:1-18 NLT Summary: Maybe you’ve given up and thrown in the towel. Don’t, because God wants to do a new thing in your life! But this may mean you have to RESET some areas of your life so He can do that new thing. It could be in your marriage, finances, your relationship with your kids, your physical health – or it could be in your relationship with God Himself. Listen/watch this message and learn how to make the RESET you need to see God do something new.
We all need a reset in certain areas of our lives from time to time. It could be in your marriage, finances, your relationship with your kids, your physical health – or it could be in your relationship with God. Listen/watch this message and learn how you can effectively reset your relationship with Christ.
So often we hear the story of the Prodigal Son as being about the son, but it’s really about the Prodigal Father. That is, His unconditional love and grace that He lavishes on both sons. Listen to this message and learn about God’s forever grace for you.
We all have been given special gifts, talents, and abilities to glorify God and one Day we will be rewarded for how we used them. Listen/watch this sermon and get motivated to use your gifts for God! 2 Timothy 2:1-7 NLT
We all have been given special gifts, talents, and abilities to glorify God and to be a blessing to those around us. Listen/watch this sermon and begin living with the divine purpose God created you for. Romans 12:3-6a NKJ
So often we are looking for God to do something around us, but often God is doing something much deeper within us. Listen/watch this message and recognize the beautiful work God is doing in you.
A recent survey of Christian university students revealed that approx. 75% of them abandon their Christian faith before they graduate. There are many reasons for this. Today we will look at one of the main ones. Skeptics tell us that the Bible is untrustworthy because it deals with history from several thousand years ago which, given human frailty, could not have been properly recorded or translated over those thousands of years. They say that it fails as a historical document. Let’s look at the integrity of the Bible.
One of the primary ways God gets His grace over to you is through those around you. To experience God’s grace; you must recognize where it’s coming from.
1 Corinthians 15:10 NKJ; 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 NKJ God wants to release His grace in you and through you to give you strength to be an overcomer in your trial. Listen/watch this message and learn what grace is and how to activate it!
Life can be hard, but God's grace is stronger than any trial you are facing. Listen/watch this message and learn how to access the amazing grace of God!
In THE BLESSING by Gary Smalley and John Trent they give the 5 components of the blessing that children need from their fathers. They are: 1. Meaningful Touch “Touch is central to human social life. It is the most developed sensory modality at birth, and it contributes to cognitive, brain, and socioemotional development throughout infancy and childhood.” Field, 2001; Hertenstein. Human touch reduces the stress hormone cortisol. In other words, it imparts peace. 2. A Spoken Word “Research shows that how and how much a parent talks and interacts with their child has a big impact on the child’s success in school and life. Children aren’t born smart; they’re made smart by their parents talking and interacting with them.” This does not just apply to early childhood; it applies throughout our lives. 3. Attaching “high value” to the Child How do we attach high value to a person? • Be a good listener. Give them your full attention. • Offer perspectives that address their present issues • Be kind and generous with your time and attention • Recognize their best qualities and affirm them and draw them out • Affirm their character and their talents 4 Picturing a Specific Future for the Child This can either focus on some talent or aptitude that the father sees in the child, or it may be an actual job or calling. Care must be taken here because not every dream a father has for his child is God’s choice. This is where prayer and hearing God’s voice is essential. 5 Making an active commitment to fulfilling the Dream Some of you might be saying this just sounds like child psychology. Does this have anything to do with God and the Bible? “As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” Mat. 3:16-17 If Jesus needed this blessing (which He did) how much more do you need it? Here is the great news, we can release the Father’s Blessing not only to our natural children, but to our spiritual children as well. Not only that but we can also release the Father’s blessing to our brothers and sisters in Jesus!
uthenticity helps us discover what is going on inside. Where am I on the self-reliant or shame scale? Matthew 12:34 For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. Our inner parts/ inner beliefs determine our behaviors, and emotions. It’s why we do what we do. Psalm 51:6 Behold, You desire truth in the inward parts, – God cares about our inward parts We keep trying to change our behavior and our emotions – but both of those are a result of what we believe inside – MOST of the time we are not aware We bring everything into His light - what we think is “good” and - what we think is “not good.” Then we let God show us what is true. Psalm 51:6 And in the hidden part You will make me to know wisdom. So what is truth? In Christ, we have been given new hearts (Ezekiel 36:26-27) and are new creations (2 Corinthians 5:17). It’s in God’s truth, His light, we see self-reliance and shame are BOTH focused on self! 2 Peter 1:3 His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 4 Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. 5 For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6 and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7 and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. 8 For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 – Where I the storyline? New Covenant. Things are not just promised – but fulfilled and given. 2 – Original audience? What it meant to the people at the time it was written - someone pointed out that the original audience had the advantage of the original language 1. The word ADD can trip us up because we feel like there is something we need to create or increase. It can lead to feeling we need to get busy, try harder and get better at all these qualities … 2. Scholars agree that the word translated ADD – is misleading 1. NASB more accurate - 5 Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith minister moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge... Greek word is used epichorégeó (ep-ee-khor-ayg-eh'-o) – meaning what is supplied - it was a classical Greek term used for performances, It’s like bringing all the actors out on the stage for the final bow. You are not adding or creating – but acknowledging and accepting. You are believing what has been given to you. 3. There is a huge gap between being diligent to embrace what God has given us and feeling we have to add something of our own creation. The key is in the Supplier. Our faith in what He has supplied is to increase and as a result: goodness, knowledge, self-control etc. grow. 2 Peter 1:9 But the verse goes on - SOLUTION 9 But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins. – This is the solution – when we feel those qualities are not evident in our lives – we turn our focus back to Him -the Supplier with thanksgiving and praise. that is how these qualities become visible. These verses are descriptive – who we are – not just what we do. 3) Is this consistent? And the discussion took off in high gear with questions, confessions, doubts… This is the second way God helps us see our inner thoughts and beliefs – through discussion – we start to see clearer • one person said: Gal 5:22-23 gives the same qualities, kindness, faithfulness, self-control - they are FRUIT of Holy Spirit – not fruit of us. • “I’ve been trying to use my willpower to grow those qualities …” • Another person said, “me too, but then we are still focused on ourselves.” • We try to create something we weren’t meant to create. • When we see a godly life primarily as moral behavior, we may not recognize how much we need grace because we are doing okay checking off the boxes! • And the other extreme - we may not recognize how the enemy lulls us into comparison – they are both as bad - pride or shame it’s all focused on SELF Philippians 3:3 Put no confidence in the flesh it's more than our salvation. Col 2:6 – just as you received - continuing a lot so then just as you continued to receive. Until we see God as our Source -- we reduce Him to a little above a coach. I need to love more, and then we tack on “with God’s help.” Many people in the group asked for prayer to stop striving and to stop judging themselves and others.
© 2020-2025 Ivy Podcast Discovery LLC
