Thrive Harbor

Imagine growing up with Jesus as your older brother. That was the experience of Jude, Jesus' brother. In his short letter, Jude warns about the perils of cheap grace while also pointing believers back to the protecting, preserving love of God. This message was given by Greg Carlson, leader of 47 North, a military outreach.

The letters of 2 & 3 John are so short that we often pass them over. But they are gems. In this message, Michael Bouterse, director of Thrive Harbor, unpacks how these two "little letters" warn us of two interlocking dangers that can bring down a church: bad doctrine and bad character. Often we're on guard against one of these more than the other—but John says we'll get off track unless we avoid both. Scripture passages cited (or alluded to) in this message include 2 & 3 John; Mark 12:28-31; Matthew 23:23-24; Titus 1:9; Romans 14:1, 6, 13; and Philippians 1:9-10.Note: We apologize that due to a technical error the first few minutes of this message are not included.

The good news is not just that God forgives us and transforms us. It's that God has given us himself. He has invited us into relationship, so that we might experience the infinite love of the Trinity.This message was given by Michael Bouterse, director of Thrive Harbor.Scripture passages cited (or alluded to) in this message include John 1:18; 13:1, 23; 14:4-21; 16:7; 17:20-26

The Bible teaches that this world is not all there is. There is a spiritual realm populated by personal spiritual forces, both good and evil. But through his death and resurrection, Jesus defeated the devil so that we can have victory over the forces of darkness.This message was given by Cedric van Duyn, pastor of Anthem Church.

Imagine if God forgave us but didn't transform us. Imagine if God canceled our past sins but left us trapped in our present sins. That wouldn't be good news! But the amazing truth of the gospel is that Jesus forgives us and transforms us. In this message, Michael Bouterse, director of Thrive Harbor teaches on how Jesus makes us into a new person, giving us new power over sin.Scripture passages cited in this message include Romans 1:25; 5:18-6:7; 2 Corinthians 5:17; James 5:16; Ezekiel 36:26-27; and 2 Corinthians 3:18.

At the heart of the gospel is a God who loves and forgives His enemies—and that forgiveness is gigantic good news. It means Jesus has taken our sin and set us free from shame. This message was given by David Shohradov, a member of Thrive Harbor. Scripture passages cited (or alluded to) in this message include Luke 15:11-32 and 2 Samuel 9.

Before the gospel can be good news, we have to understand the bad news. And the bad news is that without Jesus, we are lost—in sin, in rebellion against God, and ultimately deserving of judgment and death. But because of God's love for us, instead of leaving us lost he came down and sought us.This message was given by Jake Chambers, pastor of Local Church.

The gospel is the good news about what God has done to save us. But who is God and why do we need his salvation? The answer is found in the fact that God is holy. We can't live without him—but we also can't live with him, because sin and holiness don't mix. But because of Jesus, there's a solution. This message was given by Michael Bouterse, director of Thrive Harbor. Scripture passages cited (or alluded to) in this message include Isaiah 6:1-7; 64:6; Exodus 3:6; Joshua 5:13-15; Ezekiel 1; 2:15; Daniel 10:8; Genesis 1:31; Ephesians 2:8; 5:8; Romans 3:13; 5:10; 8:7; Psalm 7:11; 10:4; 98:8-9; Matthew 6:24; James 4:4; John 5:42; 7:7; Leviticus 10; and Proverbs 28:13.

The deepest need we have is to know and experience God's love for us. In this message, Justin Dill, leader of Transformation Missions, speaks on discovering God's amazing love.

Life is hard, and the world is chaotic. In the midst of tumult, we need a refuge—and according to Psalm 46, we have one in God.This message was given by Dustin Polley, director of Thrive Kitsap.

Thrivers summit questions on missions and evangelism to wrap up Thrive's 2026 missions series. Panelists were Hannah Churness, Isaac Ferraro, and Michael Bouterse. Our moderator was Conner Dill.

Why missions? Why serve God? All we might do for God ought to flow out of love for him, because of what he's done for us—this is the motive of missions! This message was given by RJ Prestwich of Cadence International.

The Old Testament is filled with types and shadows of Jesus, especially the story of Joseph. In this final message of 2025, .Thrive Harbor director Michael Bouterse walks through the numerous ways Joseph's story points to Jesus in his first and second comings. Scripture passages cited (or alluded to) in this message include Romans 5:14; Hebrews 3:2-6; and Acts 7:9-14.

Genesis ends with the death of Joseph. But Joseph believed that his story was just one part of a much bigger story, a story written by God. In this message, Drew Dawson, pastor of Resurrection Church in Gig Harbor, looks at how the end of Joseph's life points to God's larger story and how we can live our part in that story with faithfulness, zeal, and wisdom.

38. Jacob Finishes Strong (Genesis 46-48)Jacob's life takes up nearly half of Genesis, and in the final chapters of the Joseph story, we see Jacob finish strong. Despite his life of cunning and scheming, Jacob eventually develops a deep faith in God, leaving a multigenerational legacy. In this message, Michael Bouterse, the director of Thrive Harbor, unfolds what Jacob's story teaches us about how we, too, can finish strong. Scripture passages cited (or alluded to) in this message include Genesis 37:2; 42:36; 46:2-4; 47:7-10, 31; 48:8-14, 15, 17-20; Hebrews 11:21; Ecclesiastes 3:1-2, 4; Psalm 27:13; Galatians 3:1-3; and 2 Chronicles 33:1-20.

The story of Joseph reaches a climax in Genesis 44-45. Joseph reveals himself to his brothers, and his family is reconciled. But for that reconciliation to happen, Joseph had to be willing to forgive. In this message, Michael Bouterse, the director of Thrive Harbor, looks at what these chapters teach about forgiveness: what is it, how do we do it, and what do we need to do it. Scripture passages cited (or alluded to) in this message include Genesis 44:1-45:8; 50:16-20.

Many Christians know Romans 8:28: "God works all things together for good for those who love him." But life is hard, and we doubt that promise. Joseph's brothers faced the same temptation when they experienced his harsh treatment of them. But through their story, we see how God's seeming harshness is actually His mercy; He does not seek to destroy us, but to save us. Scripture passages cited (or alluded to) in this message include Genesis 42-43; 50:20; Romans 8:28, 29, 32; Acts 3:1-10; Luke 19:47; and Hebrews 12:4-11.

The climax of Joseph's story is his forgiveness of his brothers. Although they had brutally abused and betrayed him, Joseph is willing to reconcile. Why? How did Joseph possess the largeness of soul necessary to forgive and love his family? One answer is that God had to take Joseph on what might be called "the inward journey." He had to form his character through suffering to make him into the person of greatness he became. Scripture passages cited (or alluded to) in this message include Genesis 37:2; 39:2; 40-42; Psalms 30:5; 105:18-21; Hebrews 2:10; 2 Corinthians 4:17; 5:17; Romans 5:3-4; Isaiah 28:23-29; Philippians 3:13-14; and John 21.

Joseph's character formation was long and intense. Before God used him mightily, he made Joseph pass through trials and temptations—which are as instructive for us in our day as they were for him in his. This message was given by Joe Schneider, pastor emeritus of Peninsula Bible Fellowship and one of Thrive's board members.

Judah will come to play a critical part in the story of Joseph, and later the story of Jesus. But first he must pass through a tough series of circumstances—some of his own making—before God brings redemption to his story. In this message, Tim Stobbe, pastor of Waypoint North, unpacks what Genesis 38 teaches us through Judah's journey.

The story of Joseph is one of the most beautiful and redemptive stories in the Bible. But it begins with a terrible tragedy. In this message, Michael Bouterse, director of Thrive Harbor, looks at what Genesis 37 teaches about God's relationship to tragic events in our lives. Scripture passages cited (or alluded to) in this message include Genesis 12:3; 15:13-14; 37; 42:21-22; 2 Kgs 6; Psalm 105:19; and Hebrews 5:8.

Jake Chambers, pastor of Local Church, teaches on the challenge of being content in Christ, the sixth of six talks for Thrive's Fall Retreat. Scripture passages cited (or alluded to) in this message include 1 Timothy 6:2-21 and Jeremiah 2:12-13.

Jake Chambers, pastor of Local Church, teaches on Christlike character as the goal of the disciple's life as the fifth of six talks for Thrive's Fall Retreat. Scripture passages cited (or alluded to) in this message include 1 Timothy 3-4.

Jake Chambers, pastor of Local Church, teaches on having a posture of prayer as the fourth of six talks for Thrive's Fall Retreat.Scripture passages cited (or alluded to) in this message include 1 Timothy 1-2; Acts 1:13-14; 2:42; 6:4; 19:13-20; Matthew 6:9-13; Luke 11:1-4; and Philippians 4:4-7.

Jake Chambers, pastor of Local Church, teaches on the difference between living from a foundation of fear versus a foundation of love as the third of six talks for Thrive's Fall Retreat. Scripture passages cited (or alluded to) in this message include 1 Timothy 1:5; 2 Corinthians 5:14; John 13:34-35; 14:2; 15:1-13; and 1 John 4:8, 16, 18-19.

Jake Chambers, pastor of Local Church, teaches on the disciple's motto—that Jesus has come into the world to save sinners, "of whom I am the chief"—for the second of six talks for Thrive's Fall Retreat. Scripture passages cited (or alluded to) in this message include 1 Timothy 1:1, 15; 1 Corinthians 15:3-6; and Isaiah 6.

Jake Chambers, pastor of Local Church, teaches on the definition of a true disciple for the first of six talks at Thrive's Fall Retreat. Scripture passages cited (or alluded to) in this message include Matthew 4:19; 28:18-20.

After a wayward period, Jacob returns to Bethel and renews his commitment to God. The steps he takes to rekindle his faith show how we, too, can get back on track spiritually. Scripture passages cited (or alluded to) in this message include Genesis 31:3; 34-36; Colossians 4:17; and Ephesians 4:20-24.

A costly detour results in tragedy befalling Jacob's family. What does that detour show us about the Bible's wisdom in shepherding us through suffering and injustice? In this message, Michael Bouterse, director of Thrive Harbor, looks at the heartwrenching story of Dinah for hidden pointers to God's grace. Scripture passages cited (or alluded to) in this message include Genesis 2:24 28:20-22; 31:13; 33:18; 34:1-31; 49:5-7; 1 John 1:9; 2 Samuel 13:1-22; and Romans 12:9-21.

Jacob has spent a lifetime on the run, from God and from the consequences of his actions. But when God corners him, he has no choice but to confront God—and himself. In this message, Michael Bouterse, director of Thrive Harbor, speaks on the way God brings us to the end of ourselves in order to draw us into deeper relationship with Him. Scripture passages cited (or alluded to) in this message include Genesis 27:18; 32-33 and Proverbs 28:13.

We can never out-give God. The more of our lives we surrender to him, the greater we come to know his love, joy, peace, and power. In this message, Justin Dill, leader of Transformation Missions, speaks on God's call to surrender our lives to him.

Jacob came from a dysfunctional family and created a dysfunctional family of his own. How can God's grace redeem broken families and broken stories? In this message, Conner Dill, part of Thrive Harbor, unpacks how God's grace meets Jacob, his wives, and his children.

Jacob, the man who outschemes everyone, finally meets his match in his conniving father-in-law, Laban. Tricked into an unwanted marriage, Jacob learns that even when his plans fall apart, God's plans never fail. This message was given by Ken Templeton, interim pastor at Gig Harbor Foursquare.

Many people think the Bible is filled with stories of religious heroes. But Genesis is filled with villains. The people God uses in the Bible often don't come off as moral exemplars to be emulated but as trophies of his grace and mercy. In this message, Michael Bouterse, director of Thrive Harbor, looks to the story of Jacob and Esau for evidence of God's grace in working through flawed and broken people. Scripture passages cited (or alluded to) in this message include Genesis 24:67; 25:21-23, 27-34; 28:10-15; Romans 10:17; and Ephesians 2:8-9.

Many people who grew up in Christian homes drift from the faith they were raised in. With Abraham now off the scene, how will God train his son, Isaac, to make his father's faith his own? In this message, Dale King, pastor of Calvary Fellowship, explores the way God forms Isaac's faith in Genesis 26. Scripture passages cited (or alluded to) in this message include Genesis 15:6; 21:33; 26; 1 Corinthians 15:33; and Hebrews 11:13.

Following the death of Abraham, his son Isaac fathers twin boys, Jacob and Esau—whose rivalry nearly tears the family apart. In this message, Dustin Polley, director of Thrive Kitsap, looks at how Genesis 25 points to God's ability to redeem messed up families. Scripture passages cited (or alluded to) in this message include Genesis 25; Malachi 1:2-5; Romans 9:1-24; and Micah 6:8.

The Bible is a story that is epic and complex. One key to understanding it is the concept of covenant. The series of covenants God makes with humans gives us the Bible's plot line, revealing how His promises point to a coming kingdom—and a coming king. Scripture passages cited (or alluded to) in this message include John 5:39; Matthew 25:34; Genesis 1:26; 6:5; 8:20-9:17; 12:1-3; 13:14-17; Revelation 11:15; Exodus 19:5-6; Deuteronomy 28; 2 Samuel 7:11-16; 1 Chronicles 17:14; Psalm 132; Jeremiah 31:31-34; Ezekiel 36:24-28; Luke 1:32-33; 22:20; 2 Corinthians 3:6; Galatians 3:13, 16, 29; and Romans 8:3-4.

Isaac and Rebekah had a remarkable, unconventional love story. In this message Tim Cedarland, Thrive's director emeritus, shows how this romantic tale points beyond itself to something greater: a Father seeking a bride for His beloved Son.

When Abraham's wife, Sarah, dies, Abraham does something unusual: he buries her in a foreign land. But Abraham knows that God has promised him that land and that one day Sarah will rise again. In this message, Thrive alumnus David Baumgaertel unfolds the hidden significance of Genesis 23 and the Christian's future hope to which it points.Scripture passages cited (or alluded to) in this message include Genesis 3:15; 12:1-3; 13:15; 15:6, 18-19; 22:20-23:20; and Hebrews 11:17-19.

When Abraham's wife, Sarah, dies, Abraham does something unusual: he buries her in a foreign land. But Abraham knows that God has promised him that land and that one day Sarah will rise again. In this message, Thrive alumnus David Baumgaertel unfolds the hidden significance of Genesis 23 and the Christian's future hope to which it points.Scripture passages cited (or alluded to) in this message include Genesis 3:15; 12:1-3; 13:15; 15:6, 18-19; 22:20-23:20; and Hebrews 11:17-19.

The most dramatic moment in Abraham's life is when God asks him to sacrifice Isaac, his beloved son. But at the last minute, God spares Isaac and substitutes an animal instead. In this message, Tim Cedarland, Thrive's director emeritus, looks at what Genesis 22 teaches about trust, obedience, and God's provision.

It's been said that all of our problems in life come from lack of belief in the goodness of God. When God made a promise to Abraham and Sarah that they would have a son in their old age, it sounded too good to be true—but then He fulfilled it! In this message, Joe Schneider, one of Thrive's board members, looks at the miraculous birth of Isaac in Genesis 21 and what it shows us about the riches of God's goodness.Scripture passages cited (or alluded to) in this message include Genesis 21; Proverbs 8:22-31; and 2 Corinthians 5:21.

God often uses us in spite of us, and Abraham was no exception. In this message, Michael Bouterse, director of Thrive Harbor, unpacks Abraham's blunder with Abimelech and how the gospel gives us the power to be faithful witnesses to the world around us. Scripture passages cited (or alluded to) in this message include Genesis 12:10-20; 13:18; 18:1; 20; 22:1-19; 50:20; Galatians 3:9; Matthew 6:33; and Romans 8:28.

When you become a Christian, God changes you from the inside out and makes you new. But how should we relate to old people and patterns as we live out this new life? In this message, Michael Bouterse, director of Thrive Harbor, explores what Genesis 19 says about how God's people should relate to the world. Only as Christians maintain their distinctiveness from the world can they actually serve and bless the world as Jesus would. Scripture passages cited (or alluded to) in this message include Genesis 12:4; 13:10-13; 14:12-13; 18:16-33; 19; 23:3-5; 2 Peter 2:7-8; Ruth 4:1-12; and James 1:13-15.

What would it be like to meet God? In Genesis 18, Abraham finds out. Through his encounter with God, Abraham learns that God desires to meet with His people, that He is a righteous judge, and that He at the same time delights to show mercy. This message was given by Tim Guenther of Thrive Harbor. Scripture passages cited (or alluded to) in this message include Genesis 18; Exodus 33:20; Psalm 19:1; John 17:24; Luke 24:13-35; Romans 10:9; Matthew 26:42; 2 Corinthians 5:21; and Isaiah 53.

God is a promise-making and a promise-keeping God. In this message, Cedric van Duyn, pastor of Anthem Church, explores some of the ways the promises God made to Abraham in Genesis 17 echo in the New Testament.

In Hebrews 6:12 we read that "faith and patience inherit the promises”—or in other words, trusting in God means waiting. In this message Jake Chambers, pastor of Local Church, looks to the story of Abram and Sarah in Genesis 16 to unpack the messy and frequently painful fallout of taking matters into our own hands when we feel God isn't coming through for us—but also God's incredible patience with us even when we're impatient with him.

One of the most significant moments of Abraham's life happens in Genesis 15. God made an agreement with Abraham called a covenant—and He promised him He would fulfill it no matter what. In this message, Conner Dill, a member of Thrive Harbor, explains why the covenant with Abraham is so earth-shaking and how it reveals to us the character of God.

No one follows God in a vacuum. For Abram, his walk with God was lived out against the tough backdrop of paganism, cross-cultural experiences, and—in Genesis 14—Middle Eastern politics. In this message, Dustin Polley, director of Thrive Kitsap, expounds the story of Abram defeating a coalition of kings who had taken his nephew captive.

God promised to bless Abram, and for him that blessing included material riches. But God had to teach Abram how to have riches without getting attached to them, a lesson he learned one day when he and his nephew Lot got into a little dispute over real estate. This message was given by Tim Guenther, a member of Thrive Harbor.

Three of the world's great religions trace their roots back to Abraham. But who was he and why is he so significant? In this message, Peter Churness, pastor of One Hope Church, introduces us to this central figure in the biblical story.