The Well: Sermon Audio

Idolatry is one of the primary things that hold the American Church back from following Jesus. The rich young ruler is told to sell everything because wealth was his idol, and he ultimately could not relinquish it. Following Jesus isn't about discarding things we own, but breaking free of the things that own us. To be a disciple, no earthly possession, status, or comfort can come before our relationship with Christ.  Speaker: Mike Slayden

Jesus explicitly states that whoever follows him must deny themselves, take up their cross daily, and follow him. But what is the cost of following Jesus? We see three instances where someone wants to follow Jesus, but instead decides that their earthly obligations outweigh their eternal ones. To be a disciple, no human relationship or responsibility can come before our relationship with Christ.  Speaker: Mike Slayden

Jesus explicitly states that whoever follows him must deny themselves and take up their cross daily. But what does that mean? Before Calvary, the cross was merely an instrument of death, but it is now where Jesus offers newness of life. We too must daily die to our sin because the cross is not given; it is a choice to bear.  Speaker: Mike Slayden

What does it mean to be a follower of Jesus? In the gospels, there are seven instances where Jesus distinguishes what a disciple of his would look like. Jesus explicitly states that whoever follows him must deny themselves. Being a disciple means that you are no longer the chief controller of your life, but Christ, who lives in you. Speaker: Mike Slayden

This Easter, we celebrate the Good News of Christ's resurrection and the hope, unity, and peace that can only be found through Jesus. Speaker: Brad Bell

What does it mean to be a follower of Jesus? In the gospels, there are seven instances where Jesus distinguishes what a disciple of his would look like. His last "if...then" statement is that if you abide in my word, you will have everlasting life. He warns there will be a temptation to hold other voices above scripture and to choose which parts to obey. But Jesus says a true disciple will have no higher authority than His word. Speaker: Mike Slayden

What does it mean to be a follower of Jesus? In the gospels, there are seven instances where Jesus distinguishes what a disciple of his would look like. In this series, we investigate what Jesus called his followers to from his own words. Jesus warns that being a follower of his will divide families. "Whoever comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, even his own life, he cannot be my disciple." The first trait of a disciple is that their love for Jesus is unparalleled and above anything or anyone else.  Speaker: Mike Slayden

Corinth is one of the cities Paul wrote to and visited the most in the New Testament. To close his letter, Paul delivers a final warning reaffirming himself against false teachers and reminds the Church that joy and suffering highlight dependence and strength in Christ.  Speaker: Brad Bell

Corinth is one of the cities Paul wrote to and visited the most in the New Testament. Paul's dreams and visions authenticate him as an apostle of Christ. Yet the thorn in his flesh, a possible physical ailment, was not removed so that he might not boast in himself. To close his letter, Paul reminds the Church that joy and suffering highlight dependence and strength in Christ.  Speaker: Brad Bell

The early church was very vulnerable to false teachings because the New Testament was still being written. The Corinthians fell victim to false apostles boasting in works and religion. In the third part of 2 Corinthians, Paul defends his apostleship among these false teachers and refutes their claims. Paul saw Jesus and was called by Jesus himself to preach the one true gospel and to boast in Christ alone. Speaker: Brad Bell

The early church was very vulnerable to false teachings because the New Testament was still being written. In the third part of 2 Corinthians, Paul defends his apostleship amidst many false teachers. Paul saw Jesus and was called by Jesus himself to preach the one true gospel and boast in Christ. Speaker: Brad Bell

Corinth is a wealthy city, and Paul is encouraged as the Corinthians put together an offering for the church in Jerusalem. In chapters 8 and 9, Paul gives encouragement for giving and reminds the Corinthians that generosity flows from the gospel. While the Old Testament and New Testament giving consists of tithes, offerings, and generosity, each has nuances. Wealth is relative, and cheerful giving is a sign of a mature believer.  Speaker: Brad Bell

The highest expression of love is not unconditional acceptance; it is inviting others to hold to the Word of God. Paul did just that when he wrote a "severe" letter that had the potential to offend and end relationships, as he called the Corinthians out of their sin. In 2 Corinthians 7, Paul is pleased to know that they have responded to his letter with sorrow by the Spirit rather than sorrow by the flesh. Sorrow in the flesh brings guilt and shame, whereas sorrow in the Spirit convicts and causes repentance.  Speaker: Brad Bell

Is Jesus an accessory we add to our life? Or does He completely take over and transform us? In chapter six, Paul writes to Corinthians who believe in a false gospel and are trying to live a changed life in the flesh. Paul implores them to come out of hiding, repent, and return. True believers' lives, affections, and behaviors are reoriented toward Christ.  Speaker: Brad Bell

From when they were just a prayer and a dirt lot to the thriving ministry centers our campuses are today, we celebrate our church body's generosity and God's faithfulness over the past six years. Hear the fruit of this campaign and join us in prayer as we consider the next steps. Speaker: Brad Bell

Paul reminds the Church that joy and suffering highlight dependence and strength in Christ. We long for eternity, yet our bodies weren't meant to last forever. Believers should take courage that to be absent from the body is to be present with Christ. We are purposed toward reconciliation with Christ and are invited into a ministry of reconciliation.  Speaker: Brad Bell

Corinth is one of the cities Paul wrote to and visited the most in the New Testament. In 2 Corinthians, Paul defends himself against false teachers in an unfiltered letter, reminding the Church that joy and suffering highlight dependence and strength in Christ. Speaker: Brad Bell

Corinth is one of the cities Paul wrote to and visited the most in the New Testament. In the third chapter of 2 Corinthians, Paul defends his credibility against false teachers and contrasts living under the Old Testament law with freedom in the Spirit. The law Moses brought down from Sinai was meant to highlight sin, whereas the Spirit of the Lord cannot be taken away and continually transforms us to be more like Christ. Speaker: Brad Bell

Corinth is one of the cities Paul wrote to and visited the most in the New Testament. In 2 Corinthians, Paul reminds the Church that joy and suffering highlight dependence and strength in Christ. In the second chapter of his letter, Paul shares his pastoral heart for the disobedient believer, sharing his grief over their struggle and encouragement to admonish and forgive biblically.  Speaker: Brad Bell

Corinth is one of the cities Paul wrote to and visited the most in the New Testament. In 2 Corinthians, Paul defends himself against false teachers in an unfiltered letter, reminding the Church that joy and suffering highlight dependence and strength in Christ. In the first chapter of his letter, Paul reminds the Church in Corinth that his personal journey has not been easy, and to be comforted in suffering as trial brings us closer to God. Whatever we endure, we are with God. Speaker: Brad Bell

Corinth is one of the cities Paul wrote to and visited the most in the New Testament. In 2 Corinthians, Paul defends himself against false teachers in an unfiltered letter, reminding the Church that joy and suffering highlight dependence and strength in Christ. Before we begin, we must look at the historical context surrounding the city of Corinth and the apostle Paul. Speaker: Brad Bell

Advent is designed to slow us down and rejoice in Jesus' arrival. As we celebrate the birth of Jesus this Christmas, it also gives us hope for the next Advent, when Jesus will return to be Emmanuel, "God with Us," again. Speaker: Brad Bell

Advent is designed to slow us down and rejoice in Jesus' arrival. As we look back on that first Advent, this season also gives us hope for the next Advent, when Jesus will return to be Emmanuel, "God with Us," again.Joy is a fruit of the Spirit. This joy surpasses circumstance and feeling- it is a joy only found in the Lord. Speaker: Brad Bell

Advent is designed to slow us down and rejoice in Jesus' arrival. As we look back on that first Advent, this season also gives us hope for the next Advent, when Jesus will return to be Emmanuel, "God with Us," again.We continue this season by reflecting on the peace only found in Christ, who is the Prince of Peace. Speaker: Mike Slayden

Advent is designed to slow us down and rejoice in Jesus' arrival. As we look back on that first Advent, this season also gives us hope for the next Advent, when Jesus will return to be Emmanuel, "God with Us," again.We begin this season by reflecting on the hope of the gospel and seeing God's revealed plan since Genesis.  Speaker: Brad Bell

In Acts 16, Paul and Silas worship God from prison. Through their worship, several people hear the good news of Christ, believe, and then get baptized. Baptism is not required for salvation, but it is commanded to demonstrate belief in the gospel.  Speaker: Kevin Manning

The Book of Esther is the only book of the Bible that does not mention God by name, yet His hand is all over it. God uses unlikely characters in unlikely ways to bring about His purposes to preserve His people. Purim is still celebrated to this day to commemorate the Israelite's deliverance and remember God's sovereignty.  Speaker: Mike Slayden

The Book of Esther is the only book of the Bible that does not mention God by name, yet His hand is all over it. God uses unlikely characters in unlikely ways to bring about His purposes to preserve His people. God's silence does not mean his absence, and this story invites us to trust in God's providence even when we can't see it working.  Speaker: Mike Slayden

The Book of Esther is the only book of the Bible that does not mention God by name, yet His hand is all over it. God uses unlikely characters in unlikely ways to bring about His purposes to preserve His people. God's silence does not mean his absence, and this story invites us to trust in God's providence even when we can't see it working.  Speaker: Brad Bell

The Book of Esther is the only book of the Bible that does not mention God by name, yet His hand is all over it. God uses unlikely characters in unlikely ways to bring about His purposes to preserve His people. God's silence does not mean his absence, and this story invites us to trust in God's providence even when we can't see it working.  Speaker: Brad Bell

This week, our church body dispersed all over our city for Serve Fresno. By serving the tangible needs, we put the gospel on display. However, it is not our light that shines; we are reflecting the light of Christ that shines through us.  Speaker: Brad Bell

The Book of Esther is the only book of the Bible that does not mention God by name, yet His hand is all over it. God uses unlikely characters to bring about His purposes to preserve His people. As we see in Mordecai's role and all the coincidences that just so happened to bring about the salvation of the Jewish people, God's silence does not mean his absence, and this story invites us to trust in God's providence.  Speaker: Mike Slayden

The Book of Esther is the only book of the Bible that does not mention God by name, yet His hand is all over it. God uses unlikely characters in unlikely ways to bring about His purposes to preserve His people. God's silence does not mean his absence, and this story invites us to trust in God's providence even in the waiting.  Speaker: Brad Bell

The Book of Esther is the only book of the Bible that does not mention God by name, yet His hand is all over it. God uses unlikely characters in unlikely ways to bring about His purposes to preserve His people. God's silence does not mean his absence, and this story invites us to trust in God's providence life or death.  Speaker: Brad Bell

In the Book of Esther, God uses unlikely characters in unlikely ways to bring about His purposes to preserve His people. The threat to Mordecai and the Jewish people is not unique to Esther's time, as we see antisemitism still present today. God's silence does not mean his absence, and this story invites us to trust in God's providence, even in injustice.  Speaker: Brad Bell

The Book of Esther is the only book of the Bible that does not mention God by name, yet His hand is all over it. God uses unlikely characters in unlikely ways to bring about His purposes to preserve His people. God's silence does not mean his absence, and this story invites us to trust in God's providence through unlikely favor. Speaker: Mike Slayden

The Book of Esther is the only book of the Bible that does not mention God by name, yet His hand is all over it. God uses unlikely characters in unlikely ways to bring about His purposes to preserve His people. God's silence does not mean his absence, and this story invites us to trust in God's providence even in an ungodly culture.  Speaker: Brad Bell

The Book of Esther is the only book of the Bible that does not mention God by name, yet His hand is all over it. God uses unlikely characters in unlikely ways to bring about His purposes to preserve His people. God's silence does not mean his absence, and this story invites us to trust in God's providence even when we can't see it working. Before we begin, we must look at the historical context of the Book of Esther. Speaker: Brad Bell

One Sunday a year, we pause and reflect on all that the Lord has done, and look forward to what is to come. We are excited to share all that is to come with our Kids, Students, Young Adults, and the launch of Valley College.  Speaker: Brad Bell

Here at the Well, our mission is to help you connect to God and to each other in every neighborhood. We stay on mission with the five values of Biblical, Authentic, Restorative, Generous, and Engaged. Speaker: Mike Slayden

Here at the Well, we are all about life change. Our mission is to help you connect to God and to each other in every neighborhood. We do that by equipping you with gospel truth so that you can be transformed, and, in turn, help transform those around you. This week, we discuss spiritual formation and what it looks like to walk out this messy process of life with God. Speaker: Brad Bell

Here at the Well, we are all about life change. Our mission is to help you connect to God and to each other in every neighborhood. We do that by equipping you with gospel truth so that you can be transformed, and, in turn, help transform those around you. Speaker: Brad Bell

When he first called Matthew, Jesus had recently healed a man with leprosy and commanded a paralyzed man to walk. At Matthew's celebratory feast, Jesus reminded the Pharisees that it is not the healthy who need a physician but the sick. We are all dead in our sins and need a saving that only Jesus provides.  Speaker: Trevor Morgan

Theologically, meals are significant. The Bible begins and ends with a meal, starting with the tragic eating of fruit and ending with the redeeming marriage supper of the lamb. This summer, we are exploring people's various encounters with Jesus over food in a sacred meal known as Convivium. Speaker: Josh Hawley

Jesus takes ordinary moments like meals to teach extraordinary truths. How we do anything is how we do everything, and Jesus uses a meal with the Pharisees to reveal mindsets contrary to the kingdom of God. Are you serving your kingdom or the Kingdom of God?  Speaker: Dave Obwald

The wedding at Cana was never about the wedding but always about the wine. Jesus begins his ministry by transforming water into wine, demonstrating his focus on the cross and replacing Old Testament purification processes with the sufficiency of the blood of Christ.  Speaker: Mike Cirricione

On the road to Emmaus, two disciples unknowingly encounter Jesus while discussing his recent death and disappearance. Instead of immediately revealing himself to them as resurrection evidence, Jesus discusses scripture. This highlights the importance of having faith based on God's word, not based on experiences. Experiences change and don't always reveal the whole truth but God's word is what lasts.   Speaker: PJ Lewis

When Simon the Pharisee questions Jesus, Jesus tells a parable of debts and then forgives the sinful woman. We need to remind ourselves regularly of who Jesus is and respond accordingly.  Speaker: Jerrod Rumley

When Jesus comes through town, Zacheus famously climbs a tree just to get a glimpse. Jesus invites himself to Zacheu's house, showing us that Jesus came to seek and save the lost.  Speaker: Jordan Hogue

When Jesus comes through town, Mary sits at His feet while Martha is busy serving Him and his guests. When Martha confronts them, Jesus lovingly reminds her that our work cannot come before our worship.  Speaker: Kevin Manning

Theologically, meals are significant. The Bible begins and ends with a meal, starting with the tragic eating of fruit and ending with the redeeming marriage supper of the lamb. This summer, we are exploring people's various encounters with Jesus over food in a sacred meal known as Convivium.Today, we look at one of Jesus's largest meals, the feeding of the 5,000. The crowd is invited to receive a meal, while the disciples are invited to distribute it. Are you the crowd following Jesus merely to meet needs? We don't need the blessings Jesus gives; we need Jesus the author of our salvation. As followers of Jesus, we have the privilege of giving the bread away. However, we must recognize that we are wholly inadequate for the work that he has called us to do.The grace that saves is the same that sustains us. Speaker: Shea Sumlin