The Upper Room Fellowship

SERMON SUMMARY:We concluded our Rooted series by exploring what bulletproof faith actually looks like—faith so deeply rooted that nothing can shake it. The problem isn't that we don't know enough about God; it's that we've turned Christianity into primarily a learning endeavor instead of a living one.Jesus taught differently. In Matthew 7:24-27, after the Sermon on the Mount, He made it clear: "Everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock." The storms will come—they beat against both houses—but only the one built on rock (obedience) survives.We often avoid application because learning feels productive without requiring sacrifice, while obedience has real consequences and makes us vulnerable. But here's the truth: obedience is an act of faith, and when our faith intersects with God's faithfulness, that's when God shows up tangibly in our lives.The very thing that makes obedience harder—its cost, its requirement of faith, its vulnerability—is exactly what makes it transformational. When we step out in faith and experience God's faithfulness firsthand, we know His character in a deeper way than any amount of learning can provide.Throughout this series, we've explored being rooted in our identity, God's truth, His love, and recognizing lies. Now we discover that obedience transforms what we believe into actions that change our lives. The goal isn't perfection—it's progress. One step of faith, then another, building our house on the unshakeable foundation of God's faithfulness.URF WEBSITE: ➤ http://www.urfellowship.comSOCIALS: ➤ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/urfellowship/➤ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/urfellowship

SERMON SUMMARYIn our ongoing series about spiritual roots, this week we explored how to protect the foundation of our faith by identifying and confronting lies that threaten our growth. Just as weeds compete with plants for essential resources, lies rob us of spiritual growth and give the enemy strongholds in our lives.We examined three common lies that believers face. First, the lie that we must perform to earn Jesus' love, illustrated through Martha's story in Luke 10:38-42. While Martha busied herself with preparations, Mary chose the "good portion" - simply being present with Jesus. Our works aren't inherently bad, but when they take priority over His presence, they become hindrances.Second, we tackled the lie that our past makes us unredeemable. Paul's transformation from persecutor to apostle demonstrates that Jesus' death didn't leave us half-redeemed. Romans 8:38 reminds us that nothing can separate us from God's love - not our past failures or future struggles.Finally, we addressed the lie that we're not enough. Moses' insecurities in Exodus 4 reveal how God's strength is made perfect in our weakness. The real lie isn't that we're inadequate, but that God isn't sufficient for us.Our minds are fertile soil where something will always grow. We must daily choose whether to cultivate truth or allow deception to take root. As 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 teaches, we take every thought captive and make it obedient to Christ, demolishing strongholds through divine power.URF WEBSITE: ➤ http://www.urfellowship.comSOCIALS:➤ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/urfellowship/➤ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/urfellowship

Sermon Summary:In our "Rooted" series this Mother's Day, we explored what it means to be rooted in love through 1 Corinthians 13. We acknowledged both the celebration of motherhood and the pain this day can bring for many, recognizing that being rooted in love offers strength even in difficult seasons.We examined how the Corinthian church valued impressive spiritual gifts, knowledge, and eloquence – much like our culture today – but Paul challenged this value system, declaring that without love, these accomplishments amount to nothing. Paul's definition of love in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 culminates with "love never ends" – a truth that resonates with our deepest intuitions about meaning and purpose.We reflected on Ephesians 3:17-19, where Paul prays for believers to be "rooted and grounded in love" and to know "the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge." This reveals two different ways of knowing – intellectual understanding versus experiential relationship.The sermon highlighted how love alone endures eternally. While our beliefs, gifts, and achievements will pass away, only what is done in love lasts forever. When our actions are motivated by love, they create eternal ripples that extend beyond our lives.We considered how church exists to create bigger ripples of love together than we could individually. When we gather as the body of Christ, we participate in something that doesn't end.Finally, we explored how God's love is always present in the now – not holding our past against us or withholding love because of our future. Like Jesus weeping with Mary and Martha before raising Lazarus, God's love meets us in our present moment while knowing our entire story.This Mother's Day, we're reminded that whatever our experience – whether celebrating or grieving – love always has the final word.URF WEBSITE: ➤ http://www.urfellowship.comSOCIALS: ➤ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/urfellowship/➤ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/urfellowship

Sermon Summary:This week, we began our five-week "ROOTED" series by examining the fundamental question of identity: who are we at our core? Drawing from Colossians 2:6-10, we explored how our true identity must be rooted in Christ rather than in conditional identities offered by our culture. Just as olive trees in Gethsemane have extensive root systems that allow them to regenerate even after being cut down, our spiritual lives depend on what lies beneath the surface.We discovered that the identity God gives us is secure and unconditional—we are valuable image-bearers (Genesis 1:26-27), purposeful partners in God's restoration plan, and deeply loved children adopted into God's family (Ephesians 1:4-5). In contrast, our culture bombards us with conditional identities based on performance, appearance, achievements, relationships, or interests. These create deep insecurity because they can be lost at any moment.Throughout Scripture, we see God working to restore our true identity. In Hosea, God transforms people from "Not my loved one" to "My loved one." Through Christ, we experience the ultimate identity transformation from outsiders to insiders, from nobodies to somebodies, from servants to sons and daughters of the King.John Newton's journey from slave trader to abolitionist illustrates how embracing our identity in Christ is sometimes a process rather than an instant change. His story reminds us that our pasts don't determine our identity.To live from this secure identity, we recommended two practical steps: daily Scripture meditation (focusing on verses about our identity in Christ) and community confirmation through Table Groups where others can remind us of who we are when we forget. When we're secure in our God-given identity, we become a church where people don't have to put on a show, where being real isn't scary, and where mistakes don't define us.URF WEBSITE: ➤ http://www.urfellowship.comSOCIALS: ➤ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/urfellowship/➤ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/urfellowship

SERMON SUMMARY:In "The Four Gardens of Easter," we explored how the Easter story unfolds through four significant biblical gardens. We began in Eden, the original garden where humanity fell and was exiled from God's presence. Eden wasn't just a pleasant location—it was a sacred space where heaven and earth overlapped, where humans worked alongside God as gardeners to protect and preserve His creation. When sin entered, that intimate connection was broken, but God immediately planted seeds of restoration through His promise in Genesis 3:15.The second garden, Gethsemane, represents surrender. Here, Jesus reversed Adam's rebellion through submission: "Not my will, but Yours be done." We saw how surrender isn't weakness but wisdom—the pathway to resurrection. In our own lives, Gethsemane moments come when we must choose between our way and God's, ultimately determining who's truly Lord.The third garden is the resurrection garden where Jesus was buried and rose again. Mary mistook Jesus for a gardener—a beautiful mistake, as He truly is the divine Gardener bringing new life from death. The resurrection demonstrates that no situation is beyond God's power to renew. As Romans 6:4 tells us, we're united with Christ in both death and resurrection, walking in "newness of life."Finally, we glimpsed the garden city of Revelation 21-22, where heaven comes to earth. This isn't just a return to Eden but its expansion—a place where nature and culture, wilderness and civilization harmonize perfectly. Through Christ's resurrection, this future has already begun breaking into our present. As we practice noticing signs of new life, embrace the rhythms of death and resurrection, and participate in God's restoration work, we become gardeners of resurrection hope—citizens of the garden city already breaking into our world.

Sermon Summary:On Palm Sunday, we explored the Triumphal Entry of Jesus into Jerusalem from John 12:12-19. This pivotal event, recorded in all four gospels, reveals profound truths about our hope and expectations. As Jesus entered Jerusalem during Passover, the city was bursting with Jews who had traveled there to celebrate. The crowds welcomed him with palm branches (symbols of national victory) and shouts of "Hosanna!" (meaning "save us now"), revealing their hope for a nationalist Messiah who would overthrow Roman rule.However, Jesus intentionally chose to ride a young donkey, fulfilling Zechariah's prophecy about a humble king who would bring peace to all nations. This deliberate choice contradicted the crowd's nationalistic expectations. While they wanted a warrior-king like David, Jesus was demonstrating that his kingdom transcended national boundaries.We highlighted two key lessons from this passage. First, nationalism doesn't belong in the church. When we confuse patriotism with our faith or believe our hope comes from human leaders rather than Christ, we risk missing God's work among us. Our Savior doesn't reside in government buildings but is often found among the marginalized.Second, we must be vigilant not to miss God's presence right before us. The religious leaders of Jesus' day knew Scripture intimately yet failed to recognize God incarnate walking among them. In Luke's account, Jesus weeps over Jerusalem because they "did not recognize the time of God's coming."As we approach Easter, we should examine where we're placing our hope—in finances, family, nation, or the living God? We're challenged to tangibly meet a neighbor's needs this week, following Jesus' example of service and remaining attentive to how God is moving in our midst today.

Sermon Summary:In this eye-opening message on biblical stewardship, we explored how our relationship with money and possessions directly impacts our spiritual lives. We discovered three essential mindsets of true stewardship: "It's God's, not mine," "It's God's responsibility to provide, not mine," and "It's my responsibility to steward God's things." Through personal testimony, we witnessed how relinquishing ownership of a business to God through a formal "Decree of Ownership" brought supernatural peace amid financial crisis.The message clarified common misconceptions about wealth, explaining that Scripture doesn't condemn having money—it warns against loving money. When wealth becomes our primary focus (Mammon), it displaces God from the center of our lives. True stewardship requires three key actions: faith/risk, work, and increase. We examined biblical examples of wealth transfer through stewardship, including the widow's oil multiplication, the Israelites' exodus from Egypt, and David's victory over Goliath.Practical application included repenting for incorrect mindsets, adopting biblical perspectives on ownership and provision, giving all possessions to God, working toward debt freedom, asking God to provide without forcing solutions, living within our means, and working diligently to honor God. The message concluded with a warning from Deuteronomy 8:12-14 about forgetting God when prosperity comes. Rather than allowing financial increase to distance us from God, we were challenged to deepen our spiritual walk as our stewardship responsibility increases. We were invited to a forthcoming conference designed to equip Christians for wealth creation that will finance Kingdom endeavors and increase godly influence in society.

Sermon Summary:We just wrapped up our "Unstuck" series exploring the 12 steps, but a question remains: why do we get stuck in the first place? Why do we believe the right things yet live like they're not true? The gap between intellectual belief and lived experience is where we often find ourselves stuck. We position ourselves as observers of truth rather than participants in it.In 3 John 1:3-4, we see joy not in believers having correct theology, but in people walking in the truth. C.S. Lewis captures this distinction in his essay "Reflections in a Tool Shed," where he differentiates between looking at a beam of light versus looking along it. Looking at something is examination; looking along it is experience.Like a couple in love who experiences reality differently than a biologist analyzing their brain chemistry, there's a profound difference between analyzing truth and experiencing it. The most important truths can't be accessed from the outside – you must step inside them.Our problem? We're running on a secular operating system while trying to install kingdom beliefs. Romans 12:2 calls us to "be transformed by the renewing of your minds" – making our mental patterns new again and again. This isn't just reciting facts but transforming our imagination.Hebrews 11:1 describes faith as "the substantiating of things hoped for" – making future realities feel substantial now. The heroes of faith didn't just intellectually believe; they vividly envisioned God's promises, which transformed how they lived.When we get inside truths like Romans 8:18 – that present sufferings aren't worth comparing to coming glory – it changes everything. It expands our frame of reference, making current problems more manageable and giving hope in suffering.Our task is to regularly imagine eternity, not just believe in it theoretically. Let's be disciples of our minds, allowing truth to get inside us so we live as eternal beings in a temporary world.

Sermon Summary:In the final message of our "Unstuck" series, we examined Step 12: "Having had a spiritual awakening as a result of these steps, we sought to carry this message to others and to practice these principles in all of our affairs." This step poses a profound question for all of us: What message are we carrying? Whether intentionally or not, we're all carrying some message through our words, actions, and priorities.The concept of carrying a message originated with Jesus himself, who commissioned his followers to share the good news of God's kingdom. But why should we carry this message? The answer comes from Bill W., co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous, who discovered that sharing his story with another alcoholic wasn't just about helping the other person—it was essential for his own survival. This reveals a powerful truth: there is no healing without helping. When we focus outward instead of inward, we find purpose beyond ourselves.Despite this, we often resist carrying the message. Like Jonah, we run from our calling, gripped by what psychologist Abraham Maslow called the "Jonah Complex"—the tendency to flee from our greatest potential. To overcome this, we offered two simple actions: talk to people about God's love and serve people with God's love.When it comes to talking about God, we often feel inadequate or afraid. But remember Jonah's sermon to Nineveh—just eight words that changed an entire city. God works in the space between our words and others' hearts. And our fears? Usually, they're not about persecution but awkwardness. In America, we won't be fed to lions for sharing our faith—we might just experience a moment of discomfort.By serving others with no strings attached, we demonstrate God's love in tangible ways that bypass people's defenses. Like Sam Shoemaker, who welcomed recovering alcoholics into his church, we're called to "stay near the door"—close enough to God to know Him, but close enough to others to help them find the door too. Our healing isn't complete until we're helping others find healing.

Sermon Summary:In our "Unstuck" series, we explored Steps 8 and 9 of the Twelve Steps: making a list of those we've harmed and making amends. We began with Jesus' radical teaching from the Sermon on the Mount that challenges our priorities. While religious leaders of His day would never interrupt worship, Jesus said, "If you remember someone you've wronged while worshiping, leave your gift at the altar and go make it right." For Jesus, reconciled relationships matter more than religious rituals.We then examined the story of Zacchaeus, the hated tax collector who climbed a tree to see Jesus. Instead of condemning him, Jesus invited Himself to Zacchaeus' house, taking on the crowd's contempt by associating with this "sinner." This act of radical acceptance transformed Zacchaeus, who immediately declared, "I give half my possessions to the poor, and if I've cheated anybody, I'll pay back four times the amount."This transformation illustrates the power of making amends. We can't simply say "sorry" while continuing to benefit from harm we've caused others. That's what AA calls being a "dry drunk" – physically sober but spiritually sick. True transformation means acknowledging specific harms, understanding their ripple effects, and taking concrete action to make things right.The process isn't easy. It requires making a list, recognizing the harm we've caused, approaching those we've hurt with humility, and offering to make things right. While some situations make direct amends impossible, we can still practice "living amends" – consistently changing our behavior to demonstrate genuine transformation.When we take these courageous steps of obedience, we experience freedom from regret, fear, and isolation – just as Zacchaeus did when salvation came to his house.

Sermon Summary:Shame drives us to hide. From the moment Adam and Eve felt shame in the garden and covered themselves with fig leaves, humanity has been stuck in this pattern of concealing our true selves. We begin with a confession – whether we realize it or not, we're all hiding something.The "Unstuck" series explores how the 12 steps of AA correspond with Jesus' teachings. While the first four steps help us acknowledge our powerlessness, recognize our need for God, surrender control, and take honest inventory of ourselves, it's the fifth step that often becomes the sticking point: "We admit to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs."This confession step is where transformation begins. James 5:16 tells us to "confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed." There's healing power in bringing our hidden struggles into the light with another person. When we try to manage shame alone, it only grows deeper.The distinction between guilt and shame is crucial: guilt says "I did something bad," while shame whispers "I am bad." Guilt can lead to positive change, but shame drives us further into hiding and isolation.What makes confession so powerful is that it shatters shame's greatest lie – that if people really knew us, they wouldn't love us. When someone hears our worst moments and still responds with love, shame loses its grip.The good news of the gospel is that God cancels our record of debt through Christ. We are fully known and still deeply loved. There should be nothing in our lives that someone doesn't know, because connection is the antidote to shame.Coming out from hiding means reclaiming what was stolen in the garden – living as we were always intended to: open, honest, known, and deeply loved.

Sermon Summary:In our "Unstuck" sermon series, we explored Step 4 of the 12-step recovery program: making a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves. This practice, which began with Bill W. in 1935 through Alcoholics Anonymous, isn't just for those struggling with addiction but offers freedom to everyone.While the first three steps are somewhat theoretical (admitting powerlessness, believing in a power greater than ourselves, and turning our lives over to God's care), Step 4 marks the transition to concrete action. Here we put pen to paper, getting specific about our defects of character instead of hiding behind vague statements like "everyone has issues."Jesus demonstrated the importance of moral inventory throughout his ministry. He often helped people see truths about themselves they couldn't or wouldn't acknowledge. The difference is that Jesus could do this for others because he was without sin, while we need to focus primarily on examining ourselves rather than others.A proper moral inventory is both searching (thorough and deliberate) and fearless (done with the confidence that we're in God's care). When we avoid honest self-examination, we tend to fall into either despair or self-righteousness – neither of which leads to growth.The practical approach involves examining four key areas: resentments, fears, harms we've caused others, and sexual conduct. Through this process, we begin to recognize patterns and underlying issues that keep us stuck. While this inventory takes time initially, it eventually becomes a natural rhythm in our spiritual lives.This process isn't about shame but freedom. At communion, we remember that Christ's sacrifice is the ultimate answer to our moral inventory – the intersection of our honesty and his mercy is where true healing occurs.

Sermon Summary:In our "Unstuck" series exploring principles from the 12-Step Program, we focused on Step 3: "We made a decision to turn our lives and our wills over to the care of God." While the first two steps involve recognition and belief, this third step calls for action and choice—the pivotal moment when we surrender control to God.The sermon used the powerful metaphor of trapeze artists to illustrate this surrender. As Henri Nouwen learned from the Flying Rodleighs, "The flyer does nothing and the catcher does everything." In that moment between bars, the flyer must resist every instinct to grab and instead trust completely in the catcher's ability. Any attempt to help actually endangers both people.Similarly, we struggle with surrender because holding on feels safe. We grab our resentments, selfishness, and need for control, carrying these burdens even though they harm us. Step 3 isn't about surrendering a single behavior but our entire will to God's care.The 12 Steps reveal a profound paradox: the direct approach of trying harder often keeps us stuck. Like Paul in Romans 7, we discover that willpower alone cannot free us from destructive patterns. Freedom comes through the indirect path of complete surrender to God.True surrender isn't spiritual negotiation where we set the terms. It means following Jesus without trying to control outcomes. We're not surrendering to an indifferent force but to a Father who loves us deeply. Jesus himself modeled this surrender perfectly in Gethsemane: "Not my will but yours be done."Step 3 invites us to experience the paradox at the heart of spiritual transformation: in letting go, we find true freedom.

Sermon Summary:In this exploration of Step Two of the 12 Steps, we journey through the remarkable transformation of King Nebuchadnezzar. His story reveals how even the most powerful among us can be trapped in the insanity of self-sufficiency. Nebuchadnezzar, ruler of ancient Babylon and builder of legendary wonders, believed himself to be the source of his own greatness until a divine intervention stripped him of everything. Through his dramatic fall from power to eating grass like cattle, we discover the paradox of finding sanity through surrender. The sermon weaves together the ancient biblical narrative with modern research about wealth and compassion, showing how success often breeds self-centered thinking rather than gratitude. We learn that believing in a higher power isn't about achieving perfect faith, but about taking the first humble step of acknowledging we're not God. The message culminates in the practical application of simple, daily prayers of surrender: "God, would you be God in my life today?" This ancient story becomes a mirror for our own struggles with control, pride, and the exhausting effort of trying to be our own gods.

Sermon Summary:We explored the universal experience of feeling stuck - not just in snow, but in relationships, habits, addictions, and behavioral patterns. Drawing parallels between AA's first step and spiritual transformation, we examined how true freedom begins with admitting our powerlessness. The sermon connected the founding principles of Alcoholics Anonymous to the transformative power of Jesus Christ, revealing how Bill W.'s encounter with Christian fellowship led to the development of the 12 steps.We discovered that the root of our struggle lies in our attempt to play God in our own lives - managing circumstances, controlling others, and medicating pain. The first step toward freedom isn't trying harder but admitting our powerlessness over our attraction to do wrong and the unmanageability of our lives. This admission isn't a one-time event but an ongoing posture of humility.The message emphasized how real community forms not through sharing our strengths but through acknowledging our shared brokenness. Just as AA brings together people who "would not normally mix," the church is called to be a place where people unite in their need for God rather than their accomplishments or resources. This surrender to powerlessness opens the door to experiencing God's transformative power, making possible what we cannot accomplish on our own.

Sermon Summary: In John 3, we explore the transformative encounter between Jesus and Nicodemus, a respected religious leader who sought Jesus under cover of darkness. Despite his extensive religious knowledge and status, Nicodemus discovered that proximity to religion wasn't enough – he needed a complete spiritual rebirth. Through their dialogue, we see Jesus challenging the notion that being religious equals being right with God. Using the concept of being "born again," Jesus explains that entering God's kingdom requires more than religious observance or moral behavior – it requires a supernatural transformation that only God can provide. The sermon unpacks Jesus' famous words in John 3:16, revealing how God's rescue mission differs from every other religious system. Instead of humans trying to climb up to God, Jesus descended to us. Through careful examination of the text and historical context, we discover how Jesus used rabbinical teaching methods to help Nicodemus understand profound spiritual truths. The message culminates in the clear distinction between mere intellectual belief and complete trust in Christ – comparing it to jumping from a burning building into a firefighter's arms. This teaching reminds us that Christianity isn't about self-improvement but about surrender to the One who came to save us.

Sermon Summary: In this exploration of John 15, we delved into what it truly means to be the church - not just a building, but an unstoppable movement Jesus called "ecclesia." We discussed how transformation happens not through our own efforts, but through abiding in Christ, the true vine. Using vivid illustrations, we explored how trying to manage sin is like holding a beach ball underwater - exhausting and ultimately futile. Instead, true change comes from staying connected to the vine, allowing Jesus to transform us from the inside out. We can't manufacture spiritual fruit any more than we can staple oranges to a two-by-four and call it a fruit tree. Real growth happens organically through our relationship with Christ. The sermon emphasized the importance of community, comparing disconnected Christians to severed body parts that cannot thrive alone. We explored how discipleship involves discovering our identity in Christ, deepening our relationship through spiritual practices, and serving others. The message culminated in understanding that while we can do nothing apart from Christ, there's no limit to what He can produce in our lives when we remain connected to Him. This journey isn't about trying harder but about staying closer to the source of transformation. URF WEBSITE: ➤ http://www.urfellowship.com SOCIALS: ➤ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/urfellowship/ ➤ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/urfellowship

Sermon Summary: In this New Year's message, we explored four pivotal scriptures that define the essence and purpose of the church. Beginning in Matthew 16, we journey to Caesarea Philippi, where Jesus declared He would build His church on the foundation of His identity as Messiah. We learned how the original Greek word "ekklesia" described a dynamic movement rather than just a building. The Great Commission in Matthew 28 reveals our mandate to make disciples, not merely as overseas missionaries but in our daily lives through sharing faith, extending specific invitations, and walking alongside others. Acts 1:8 shows how the Holy Spirit empowers believers for this mission, while Luke 4 presents Jesus' own mission statement - bringing good news to the poor, freedom to captives, sight to the blind, and declaring God's favor. This creates a complete picture of the church's purpose: to continue Jesus' mission through the power of the Spirit, making disciples who make disciples. We're reminded that we're not saved just to be saved, but saved to be sent - blessed to be a blessing to others. The church isn't about buildings or programs but about being Jesus' hands and feet in the world, bringing freedom, healing, and transformation to our communities.

In this New Year's message, we explore the profound metaphor of spiritual clothing and how our heavenly Father clothes us. Drawing from Ephesians 6's armor of God passage, we examine how spiritual warfare manifests in our daily lives - from marriage struggles to personal faith challenges. The sermon weaves together imagery of animal molting, new wineskins, and the prodigal son's story to illustrate how God transforms us through seasons of uncomfortable growth. We learn that just as animals must undergo vulnerable periods of shedding to grow, we too must allow ourselves to be stripped of old patterns and ways of thinking to receive the new garments God has for us. The message emphasizes that this transformation isn't about self-improvement but about surrendering to God's work in our lives. Through personal stories of parenting, marriage challenges, and spiritual dry seasons, we see how God continues to clothe us with truth, righteousness, and grace - even when we feel most unqualified or uncomfortable. The sermon concludes with a powerful reminder that Jesus runs toward us with a ring and robe, eager to clothe us in our true identity as His children.

In this Christmas message, we explore why our culture's endless search for magic - from Marvel movies to Superman - points to a deeper spiritual longing. The Christmas story introduces us to shepherds, society's outcasts and criminals, who become the first recipients of history's greatest news. Through their story, we discover how God intentionally chooses the unlikely and unworthy to showcase His grace. Drawing parallels between Mayor LaGuardia's courtroom grace and God's intervention in human history, we see how Christmas represents God stepping directly into our mess. The sermon challenges our cultural narrative of self-help and self-salvation, presenting instead the revolutionary concept that we need rescue from outside ourselves. Using C.S. Lewis's Narnia allegory, we understand how Jesus's birth was part of God's rescue mission, culminating in the cross and resurrection. The message concludes by addressing how Christmas exposes the emptiness of materialism and invites us to rediscover childlike faith, embracing the true magic of God's grace that transforms both our eternal destiny and our daily lives.

We explored the fascinating story of the Magi – not the three kings of Christmas card fame, but Persian astrologers who practiced a form of wisdom that God's people were actually told to avoid. Yet mysteriously, God invited these pagan scholars to witness something extraordinary. These educated stargazers could get themselves to Jerusalem through their learning, but they needed Scripture's wisdom to find Jesus in tiny Bethlehem. Their journey shows us three key insights about wisdom: true wisdom comes from God, human understanding has real limits, and worldly wisdom often misses what matters most. While their education and star charts could point them toward a king, only God's revelation could bring them to their knees before a baby in a humble home. The Magi remind us that no matter how educated or accomplished we become, our hearts are restless until they find their rest in worship of Jesus. Their story challenges our cultural assumptions about success, status, and what truly matters in God's kingdom.

In this exploration of Luke 1, we journey beyond the sanitized Christmas card version to uncover the raw, supernatural drama of the nativity story. We examine how Mary's hurried 100-mile journey to Elizabeth wasn't just a family visit, but possibly a desperate attempt to save her life. The sermon unpacks how John the Baptist, still in Elizabeth's womb, recognized Jesus' presence and leaped for joy, marking one of the first demonstrations of the Holy Spirit's transformative power in the New Testament era. Through Elizabeth's remarkable response to Mary's arrival, we discover profound lessons about humility, comparison, and the authentic work of the Holy Spirit. The message weaves together themes of supernatural transformation, pride versus humility, and the revolutionary nature of Christianity where divine power comes not through human achievement but through humble reception of God's Spirit. Drawing parallels between popular fantasy literature and the true supernatural narrative of Christmas, we see how this historical event fulfills humanity's deepest longings for magic and meaning.

Sermon Summary: In this advent message, we explore the extraordinary nature of the Christmas story through the lens of what C.S. Lewis called "deep magic" - the reality that our world isn't just a closed system of cause and effect, but rather infused with divine presence and purpose. We journey through the announcement of Jesus's birth to Mary in Nazareth, examining how God consistently chooses unlikely places and people to accomplish His purposes. The sermon draws parallels between our beloved Christmas movies and our deep longing for something magical and meaningful in our lives. We discover that Nazareth, a town so insignificant it wasn't mentioned in historical records, became the starting point of the greatest story ever told. Through Mary and Joseph's story, we learn that what we often view as interruptions in our lives might actually be divine invitations. The message challenges us to see beyond our daily distractions and recognize that God specializes in doing remarkable things through seemingly unremarkable people and places. This advent season reminds us that just as God broke into history through a virgin birth in an insignificant town, He continues to work in unexpected ways today, inviting us to participate in His story of redemption.

Sermon Summary: In this final installment of our Nehemiah series, we explore what happens after the seemingly perfect ending of Jerusalem's wall being rebuilt. After 12 years of successful leadership, Nehemiah returns to his position in Susa, only to discover years later that everything he built is falling apart. The temple is compromised, worship is neglected, and the people have broken their covenants. Rather than accepting defeat, Nehemiah returns to Jerusalem and takes dramatic action - including throwing out temple squatters and confronting those who broke their vows. Through this unusual ending, we learn that spiritual progress requires constant vigilance and intentional maintenance. The sermon connects this ancient story to our modern struggle of maintaining spiritual victories and the importance of persevering in intentionality. We explore Paul's teachings in Ephesians about walking wisely and understanding that while no one plans to fail, many fail to plan not to. The message concludes with various New Testament exhortations to perseverance, reminding us that spiritual growth is a daily journey requiring consistent, intentional effort. Discussion Questions: - What areas of your life have you seen "deteriorate" after periods of victory? How do you typically respond? - How do you balance between being patient with progress and being forceful against regression? - What's your reaction to Nehemiah's intense response to finding the temple compromised? Was his anger justified? - In what ways do you find yourself "drifting from intentional holiness"? - What specific practices help you maintain spiritual victories in your life? - How can we apply the principle of "persevering in intentionality" to our daily lives?

Nehemiah #2 : The Slave Who Asked for a Fore

Nehemiah #1 : When Distraction Means Destruction

Becoming Childlike

Trading Rules for Relationship

The Connected Life: Lessons from a Branch

In this sermon, we explore the book of Ezekiel, focusing on the prophet's extraordinary vision by the Kebar River in Babylon. We delve into Ezekiel's background as a priest, accustomed to the structured worship in Jerusalem's temple, and how his exile to Babylon shattered his understanding of God's presence. The sermon highlights how God sometimes bypasses our rational mind to speak directly to our hearts, especially in times of great suffering or confusion. We examine the vivid imagery in Ezekiel's vision, interpreting it as God's way of communicating His omnipresence and power, even in foreign lands dominated by other deities. The message emphasizes that some spiritual truths can only be learned through difficult experiences, like exile. We are challenged to recognize God's presence in unexpected places and everyday situations, moving beyond the tendency to localize the Divine to specific geographic locations or circumstances. Ultimately, the sermon encourages us to remain open to encountering God in new and profound ways, even amidst life's most challenging moments.

In this sermon, we explore the idea that the darkness and challenges we see in the world, and even in our personal lives, do not have the final say. We examine the historical event of Pope John Paul II's visit to Poland in 1979 and the subsequent fall of communism, highlighting the power of hope and faith in Christ. We are reminded that God's kingdom is not in decline, but rather, it is growing exponentially around the world, often in ways we may not immediately see. We are challenged to adopt the "mindset of Christ," as described in Philippians 2:5-9, which involves embracing humility and recognizing that God's power is often most evident in our weakness. Just as Christ's crucifixion, the ultimate symbol of shame and defeat, was followed by his resurrection and exaltation, so too can our darkest moments be transformed by God's grace and power.

Better Together #4 - Unified & Focused

Better Together #3 - Digging Through Roofs // Chris Holm

Better Together #2 - Temples on Two Feet // Chris Holm

Better Together #1 - The Holy Art of Dinner // Chris Holm

God On The Ballot

Reimagining Freedom // Chris Holm

Soul Care - Todah Praise // Chris Holm

In this sermon on forgiveness, we explore the challenging yet transformative power of letting go of resentment and embracing grace. Drawing from Luke 17:3-10, we delve into Jesus' teachings on forgiveness and the disciples' startled response, "Increase our faith!" The sermon highlights three key steps to forgiveness: - Identify with the wrongdoer instead of focusing on differences - Inwardly surrender the right to repayment and absorb the debt yourself - Actively want good for the person who wronged you We learn that forgiveness is not about excusing the wrong, but acknowledging it and choosing to release the debt. It's a process that may take time, but leads to personal freedom and spiritual growth.

In this sermon, we explore the concept of "Soul-Care" and our fundamental need for security. The message begins with a historical anecdote about the Great Fire of London in 1666, which led to the creation of the first insurance companies. This segues into a deeper discussion about our human craving for safety and security. The sermon delves into how our souls are designed to find security in God, as illustrated in the creation story and throughout Scripture. However, sin introduced fear and insecurity into our lives, causing us to seek safety in the wrong places. We often try to find security through control, reputation, financial stability, or comfort, but these ultimately fail to provide true soul-level security. ​ Using the story of Jesus calming the storm, the sermon challenges us to examine where we place our faith. Are we trusting in our own abilities, possessions, or status, or are we anchoring our souls in God? The message emphasizes that God is frequently described in the Bible as a refuge and hiding place, even by those facing constant danger. To cultivate true soul security, the sermon offers two main pieces of advice: resist compromise and step out of our comfort zone. By standing firm in our faith and being willing to take risks for God's kingdom, we paradoxically find greater security for our souls. ​ The sermon concludes with a powerful reminder that while following Jesus isn't always "safe" in worldly terms, it's ultimately the only path to true soul security. We're challenged to anchor our souls in Christ, trusting that He is good even when circumstances feel uncertain. This message serves as a call to action for believers to examine their sources of security, to trust God more deeply, and to live boldly for His kingdom. It encourages us to find our refuge in Jesus, not in the temporary comforts and false securities of this world.

Soul Care - The Hunger Within // Chris Holm

Soul Care - The Cure For The Lost Soul // Chris Holm

Practices Of The Kingdom #16 :: Us-Ness // Chris H.

Practices Of The Kingdom #15 :: Bible Reading // Jared T.

Practices Of The Kingdom #14 :: Meditation // Chris H.

A New Bowl, A New Beginning // Chris H.

Practices Of The Kingdom #13 :: Prayer // Josh O.

Practices Of The Kingdom #12 :: Fasting & Feasting // Chris H.

Practices Of The Kingdom #11 :: Secrecy & Service // Chris H.

Practices Of The Kingdom #9 :: Encouragement // Beth S.