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March 9 | Exodus 18:1-12, Matthew 22:34-46, Psalm 27:11-14, Proverbs 11:1-3 // Needing more biblical wisdom? Subscribe and listen to the Wisdom Words podcast with Pastor Dale and Pastor Joel at lifereachresources.com/wisdomwords.
Countdown to the Cross | Week 2 | Commanded to be Called| Pastor Joel Scrivner We are so thankful for all of you who are part of our online family… To connect with Oaks further, please contact us at info@oakschurch.com. Don't forget that we have services every Sunday at 9:30a & 11a CST. You can join us online at www.youtube.com/c/OaksChurch/videos or you can come enjoy what God is doing in-person! Don't forget to visit us at www.oakschurch.com where you can give towards our mission and learn more about what Oaks is doing to spread the Message of Jesus.
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March 6 | Exodus 15:1-18, Matthew 21:33-46, Psalm 27:2-3, Proverbs 10:27-28 // Looking for ways to help your kids learn God's Word? Join Pastor Dale, Pastor Joel and Pastor Grant for the Walking Through the Word Podcast 4 Kids daily at lifereachresources.com/podcasts.
Enjoy this message from Wednesday Prayer with Pastor Joel Sims, where we dive into the importance of fresh wisdom, fresh direction from the Lord.
Enjoy this reposting of Jen Tringale's Thursday morning message from Prayer Conference 2023. Referenced by Pastor Joel during this morning's Wednesday Prayer, we believe this message will help prepare your heart and direct you to what the Lord desires to do in this season.
La guerra más peligrosa no es visible... es la que ataca la unidad.En los últimos tiempos no permanecerán los más fuertes, sino los más unidos. La división no comienza con rebelión pública, comienza con ofensas no resueltas, comparación silenciosa y ambición no procesada.En este episodio hablamos sobre la raíz espiritual de la división, el peligro del protagonismo y por qué la unidad es protección, cobertura y supervivencia en este ciclo profético.Si el enemigo está atacando, es porque hay algo poderoso que proteger.
In our new series, Real Talk, we will discover God's Word on real issues. The Bible does not shy away from these topics, and neither will we. We'll explore what Scripture says about marriage, identity, intimacy, family, relationships with sons and daughters, navigating sexual temptation and sexual identity, and walking through tough seasons—whether in marriage, in family, or as a single person.
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March 3 | Exodus 12:14-39, Matthew 20:29-21:11, Psalm 26:1-8, Proverbs 10:23 // Needing more biblical wisdom? Subscribe and listen to the Wisdom Words podcast with Pastor Dale and Pastor Joel at lifereachresources.com/wisdomwords.
Countdown to the Cross | Week 1 | Pastor Joel Scrivner We are so thankful for all of you who are part of our online family… To connect with Oaks further, please contact us at info@oakschurch.com. Don't forget that we have services every Sunday at 9:30a & 11a CST. You can join us online at www.youtube.com/c/OaksChurch/videos or you can come enjoy what God is doing in-person! Don't forget to visit us at www.oakschurch.com where you can give towards our mission and learn more about what Oaks is doing to spread the Message of Jesus.
Bay Shore is a multi-campus, non-denominational church based in Millsboro, Delaware, with campuses in Rehoboth Beach and Fenwick Island — one church in multiple locations.Our mission is to connect to God, connect to people, and serve our community. We've created a culture where anyone can belong before they believe, offering a home of faith to those who don't have one.Rehoboth Campus:Address: 19331 Lighthouse Plaza, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971Sunday Services: 8:30AM, 9:45AM, 11AM (each about an hour)Environments for babies (6 weeks–Pre-K) and kids (K–5th grade) are available during each service.• • Expect live music, practical messages, and a relaxed, casual atmosphere — come as you are!
All sin separates us from God. Some sins—pride, envy, wrath, sloth, greed, lust, gluttony—can destroy us. Jesus gives us virtues that overcome these vices.This 8-week series examines the Seven Deadly Sins not to shame, but to reveal our need for grace. Each week shows how these sins infiltrate life, harm relationships, and distance us from God—and how Jesus provides the way out. The final week focuses on virtue and victorious life in Christ.Today we focus on greed as a deadly sin rooted not in wealth itself but in a heart of disordered desire and scarcity. Pastor Joel argues that modern consumer culture fuels constant craving, convincing us we never have enough. Challenging the myths that greed only affects the rich or can be virtuous, the message warns that greed ultimately destroys individuals and societies. Using Scripture, especially the parable of the rich fool, it calls believers to choose contentment and generosity, finding true satisfaction in God rather than in accumulating more.Let's listen in…LINKS + RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE:• Dr. Rebecca DeYoungGlittering Vices and other recommended reading for this series• Avarice (Greed)• Thomas Aquinas, Clement of Alexandria (150-215 AD), Wallstreet movie, Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand, The Wealth of Nations by Adam Smith• Plutocricy• Augustine of Hippo“…our hearts are restless until they rest in you”• CS Lewis“He who has God and everything else has no more than he who has God only.”• Download the free study guide, complete transcript, and show notes here.• Scripture References: Luke 12, verses 15-21; 1 Timothy 6, verses 6-10; Proverbs 15, verse 27; Proverbs 11, verse 28; Proverbs 15, verses 16-17; 2 Corinthians 9, verse 7 • Find out more about Covenant Church at covenantexperience.com
This series has been all about hearing the voice of God and how a life of regularly hearing it leads us into all God wants for us. As we close this series out, it's important to realize God's voice is not the only one trying to speak to and influence us. There is also Satan. Revelation 12:9 tells us that Satan is an ancient monster and foe of God, the serpent who was in the garden with Adam and Eve, and who is a “deceiver”. We could say as a deceiver, he's like a hacker who is trying to convince us he's God, or at least that what he's selling us is more noble and good than what God has to offer. In this message, Pastor Joel explains how Satan's playbook has been the same for centuries, telling us the same three part lie: (1) Distance yourself from God. (2) Do your own thing. (3) Redefine good and evil based on your own gut and desire. We see Satan successfully use this lie on the first humans, but then fail to do it with Jesus. What is the difference? Listening to and hearing God's voice. You won't want to miss this fitting conclusion to our series on the voice of God.
We get in Paul's farewell sermon to the Ephesians elders an opportunity to see what a mattering life looks like. Pastor Joel shows us a mattering life requires a manner of life, testifies the truth, and is characterized by selfless sacrifice.
February 27 |Exodus 8:1-32, Matthew 19:13-25, Psalm 24:7-10, Proverbs 10:18 // Looking for ways to help your kids learn God's Word? Join Pastor Dale, Pastor Joel and Pastor Grant for the Walking Through the Word Podcast 4 Kids daily at lifereachresources.com/podcasts.
Muchos oran por avivamiento.Muchos claman por milagros.Pero pocos cuidan sus conversaciones privadas.En este mensaje revelador descubrirás por qué la gloria no descansa donde hay murmuración y cómo las palabras establecen marcos legales en el mundo espiritual.La unidad no se rompe primero por rebelión abierta…Se rompe por palabras privadas.Si queremos gloria, debemos establecer cultura.Si queremos respaldo, debemos proteger la unidad.Si queremos gobierno espiritual, debemos controlar la lengua.Este mensaje confronta, alinea y restaura.
In The Last Shall Be First, Pastor Joel Sims teaches from the Gospel of Matthew 19–20, revealing through the parable of the generous landowner that righteousness is not earned by effort but gifted by the goodness of God.
February 23 |Exodus 4:1-26, Matthew 18:1-14, Psalm 22:27-31, Proverbs 10:11-12 // Needing more biblical wisdom? Subscribe and listen to the Wisdom Words podcast with Pastor Dale and Pastor Joel at lifereachresources.com/wisdomwords.
The most important question you'll ever answer isn't on a test or a job application — it's the one Jesus himself asks: "Who do you say that I am?" In this message from Matthew 16, Pastor Joel Hastings takes us to one of the most unlikely places in the ancient world — Caesarea Philippi, a city overflowing with pagan temples, chaos, and false gods — and shows us why Jesus chose that backdrop to ask that question. Pastor Joel walks through Peter's bold confession, Jesus renaming Simon to Peter, and what it means that Jesus promised to build his church on the very Gates of Hell. The sermon lands with a challenge: your words about Jesus matter far less than how your life actually answers the question — and no matter what your past looks like, Jesus is the one who gets to rename you and give you a new identity. Here's a couple key takeaways • The world will get close to who Jesus is, but close isn't enough — he can only be a liar, a lunatic, or Lord, and your life (not just your words) reveals what you truly believe. • Jesus renames Peter from "reed" to "rock" — and in the same way, your identity, value, and purpose are determined by what Jesus says about you, not your past. • The Church doesn't hide from the Gates of Hell — it attacks them. You've been given a new name and invited into a mission, so don't shrink back from the broken places around you.
All sin separates us from God. Some sins—pride, envy, wrath, sloth, greed, lust, gluttony—can destroy us. Jesus gives us virtues that overcome these vices.This 8-week series examines the Seven Deadly Sins not to shame, but to reveal our need for grace. Each week shows how these sins infiltrate life, harm relationships, and distance us from God—and how Jesus provides the way out. The final week focuses on virtue and victorious life in Christ.Today we continue our this series with a focus on "sloth" or what today we call "laziness." God made us for work, but He also made us to ENJOY our work! In a culture that worships leisure, its no wonder our population struggles with increasing physical and mental health problems. Learn how a disciplined life and a strong work ethic can be produced through living the Gospel. Let's listen in…LINKS + RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE:• Recommended reading for this series• Acedia (Sloth)• Zootopia film, Dorothy Sayers, Lou Holtz, Evagrius of Ponctus, Henry Ford • Download the free study guide, complete transcript, and show notes here.• Scripture References: Proverbs 21, verses 25-26,; chapter 12, verse 27; ch. 19, verse 24; ch. 26, verse 13 & 16; ch. 20, verse 4; ch. 19, verse 15; ch. 6, verses 10-11; Ephesians 5, verse 1; 2 Thessalonians 3, verse 10; Colossians 3, verse 23; Ecclesiates; Psalm 27, verse 14• Find out more about Covenant Church at covenantexperience.com
We've spent a lot of time in this series talking about how to hear the voice of the shepherd, which Jesus promised was a reality for his followers in John 10, but the reality is there are times we will miss it. Many people report they have a frustrating experience trying to hear God's voice. The Bible actually has a lot to say about why we might miss hearing God's voice, and it's a common enough experience that it's worth its own sermon. In this message, Pastor Joel walks through several stories in scripture where we see people struggling to hear God's voice, considering what we might learn from them. On the one hand, it might have to do with realities in the spiritual world outside of our control that we deal with as we open ourselves up to the spiritual world and listen to the voice of a spiritual being. And on the other hand, sometimes it's “user error,” issues with our lives or hearts that crowd out the voice of God finding its way to us. The good news is that Jesus has made it so we never have to fear God has shut us out from him for good if we earnestly seek him.
Come listen to Lead Pastors Joel & Chase as we deep dive into the book of 1 Samuel, look at the character of David and discover how we can all be people after God's heart!
In this message, Pastor Joel teaches on the "Three Pillars of Trust".
February 20 |Exodus 1:1-2:10, Matthew 16:21-17:9, Psalm 22:1-18, Proverbs 10:6-7 // Looking for ways to help your kids learn God's Word? Join Pastor Dale, Pastor Joel and Pastor Grant for the Walking Through the Word Podcast 4 Kids daily at lifereachresources.com/podcasts.
February 16 |Genesis 47:13-31, Matthew 15:15-28, Psalm 20:1-6, Proverbs 9:13-18 // Needing more biblical wisdom? Subscribe and listen to the Wisdom Words podcast with Pastor Dale and Pastor Joel at lifereachresources.com/wisdomwords.
All sin separates us from God. Some sins—pride, envy, wrath, sloth, greed, lust, gluttony—can destroy us. Jesus gives us virtues that overcome these vices.This 8-week series examines the Seven Deadly Sins not to shame, but to reveal our need for grace. Each week shows how these sins infiltrate life, harm relationships, and distance us from God—and how Jesus provides the way out. The final week focuses on virtue and victorious life in Christ.This week we study wrath—distinguishing righteous anger from the "anger of man" James says fails God's purposes. We live in an "age of rage": social media, traffic, and daily life normalize quick temper and revenge. That's dangerous. How do we choose kindness? Let's listen in…LINKS + RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE:• Recommended reading for this series• Schadenfreude: "the desire to take pleasure in the misery of another person"• John Chrysostom (347-407 AD)• Download the free study guide, complete transcript, and show notes here.• Scripture References: Ephesians 4, verse 6; James 1, verses 19-20; Matthew 5, verses 21-26; Proverbs 19, verse 19; Proverbs 15, verse 1; Proverbs 24, verse 17; 1 Timothy 2, verse 8; 2 Corinthians ch. 5• Find out more about Covenant Church at covenantexperience.com
This series has focused on God's voice in six specific ways that we know he speaks to people, but we can't ever take it for granted that God does and has spoken to us most strongly in the Bible itself. It might happen more than you think that you're waiting for God to speak to you through one of the means we've discussed in the series already but you might not realize the answer you seek is already there waiting for you in Scripture. In this message, Pastor Joel unpacks how Scripture is God's word and how it has a power to it that is unique among books to deconstruct and cultivate our hearts and minds. He also talks about several important ways to discern the voice of God in Scripture.
"It's about speaking a language kids can understand. Kids understand fun!" - Joel EvristIs fun just filler in kids ministry, or is it foundational?In this episode of Kids Ministry Calling, Jana welcomes back pastor, author, and actor Joel Evrist for a joy-filled and practical conversation about why fun is more than entertainment, it's deeply biblical.Joel unpacks three powerful “whys” behind incorporating fun into ministry: the principle of incarnation, the ministry of hospitality, and the celebration of joy in Christ. Then he gets practical, sharing four “hows” to help leaders create environments where kids feel welcomed, engaged, and excited to grow in their faith.From contagious attitudes and hands-on activities to simple games, music, and creative moments that build confidence, this episode is packed with ideas you can implement right away. You'll be reminded that fun doesn't have to be competitive, complicated, or perfectly tied to the lesson to be meaningful, it simply needs to create connection.If you're ready to rethink fun as a tool for discipleship and create spaces where kids experience both belonging and biblical truth, this conversation will inspire you to lead with joy.SHOW LINKS: The Gospel Project Explore the Bible On Location Next Gen Tech ResetProtecting Kids in a Digital World: Sarah Siegand on Online Safety, Parenting, and Church PartnershipsConnect with Lifeway Kids Leave us a voice message here with any questions or feedback!
February 12 |Genesis 43:1-34, Matthew 14:1-12, Psalm 18:37-45, Proverbs 9:1-6 // Looking for ways to help your kids learn God's Word? Join Pastor Dale, Pastor Joel and Pastor Grant for the Walking Through the Word Podcast 4 Kids daily at lifereachresources.com/podcasts.
In this second episode of Made Worthy, Pastor Joel shows how “dead works” are the things we try to do for Christ before we truly grasp what He has already done for us.
February 9 |Genesis 41:17-52, Matthew 13:24-33, Psalm 18:4-15, Proverbs 8:14-26 // Needing more biblical wisdom? Subscribe and listen to the Wisdom Words podcast with Pastor Dale and Pastor Joel at lifereachresources.com/wisdomwords.
All sin separates us from God. Some sins—pride, envy, wrath, sloth, greed, lust, gluttony—can destroy us. Jesus gives us virtues that overcome these vices.This 8-week series examines the Seven Deadly Sins not to shame, but to reveal our need for grace. Each week shows how these sins infiltrate life, harm relationships, and distance us from God—and how Jesus provides the way out. The final week focuses on virtue and victorious life in Christ.Envy can be described as the inability to be happy for anyone who has something you want. It is a disposition of the heart focused on resentment, comparison, insecurity, entitlement, and jealousy. Envy can stay hidden, and it's the one sin no one really enjoys. In essence, envy is an attitude of rebellion against providence. The good news is, envy can be defeated! Let's listen in…LINKS + RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE:• Recommended reading for this series• Joseph Epstein “…envy is no fun at all”• Download the free study guide, complete transcript, and show notes here.• Scripture References: Proverbs 14, verse 30; Proverbs 27, verse 4; 1 Samuel; Phillipians 4, verses 11 & 13• Find out more about Covenant Church at covenantexperience.com
God speaks to us through many styles of communication, but perhaps none is so common as what is often called the still, small voice: a voice that comes to us like a thought in our head but that we can recognize to as a thought from God. We see this voice used in the famous story of Elijah in 1 Kings 19, and Paul talks about it in 1 Corinthians 2. It signifies a closeness to us from God that indicates his great love for us and desire for intimacy. In this message Pastor Joel explains how this voice works and gets really practical about how we can distinctly tell God's voice apart from the other thoughts in our head. Get your phone's notepad app open with this one. You're going to need it!
Come listen to Lead Pastors Joel & Chase as we deep dive into the book of 1 Samuel, look at the character of David and discover how we can all be people after God's heart!
February 6 |Genesis 38:1-30, Matthew 12:33-45, Psalm 17:1-5, Proverbs 7:24-27 // Looking for ways to help your kids learn God's Word? Join Pastor Dale, Pastor Joel and Pastor Grant for the Walking Through the Word Podcast 4 Kids daily at lifereachresources.com/podcasts.
Approved by God reveals how Scripture—from Eden to the Cross—shows that God removes sin-consciousness by clothing us in Christ, declaring us accepted, blessed, and approved before we are ever adjusted or proven.
February 3 |Genesis 35:1-36:8, Matthew 12:1-8, Psalm 16:1-4, Proverbs 6:27-35 // Needing more biblical wisdom? Subscribe and listen to the Wisdom Words podcast with Pastor Dale and Pastor Joel at lifereachresources.com/wisdomwords.
This week, special guest Pastor Joel Labertew joins us to share a message and encourage us as part of the network of churches we are blessed to be a part of. What does it mean to be on mission for God? Also, God wants us to thrive, what does it mean to thrive? Pastor Joel has a lot of great things to share with us about it! Join us in person: 22811 S. Cedar Rd., Manhattan, IL 60442 Learn More: encounterthrive.com Give Online: encounterthrive.churchcenter.com/giving
All sin separates us from God. Some sins—pride, envy, wrath, sloth, greed, lust, gluttony—can destroy us. Jesus gives us virtues that overcome these vices.This 8-week series examines the Seven Deadly Sins not to shame, but to reveal our need for grace. Each week shows how these sins infiltrate life, harm relationships, and distance us from God—and how Jesus provides the way out. The final week focuses on virtue and victorious life in Christ.Who or what you center your life on matters. If anything other than the Creator is central, it leads to chaos. Pride sparks that chaos. It's the root of the other deadly sins—deep, subtle, and hard to spot. Remove pride, and the odds of falling into the other sins drop significantly. Let's listen in…LINKS + RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE:• Recommended reading for this series• David Brooks“Road to Character”• Parenting series “Release the Arrows” & “Building Warriors”• Lewis B. Smedes “Love within Limits”• “Humblebrag”• Sign up for baptism on 2/15/2026• Download the free study guide, complete transcript, and show notes here.• Scripture References: Deuteronomy ch. 5 & 6; Matthew ch. 6; Proverbs 16, verse 18; Proverbs 30, verses 11-14; Proverbs 11, verse 12; Proverbs 15, verse 25; Proverbs 30, verse 13; Proverbs 19, Luke 18, verses 9-13; Phillipians 2, verses 2-7; John ch. 8; Matthew ch. 8 & 21; Mark 10, verse 45; Mark ch. 10; 1 Peter 5, verse 5b• Find out more about Covenant Church at covenantexperience.com
When we consider how God speaks, spectacular methods like dreams, visions, angels and more might come to mind. And while God does speaking in those ways—as we've studied already in this series—more often he speaks to us in “ordinary” ways, such as the topic of this message: a human voice. In this message, Pastor Joel explains what is happening when God speaks through people, some common ways it happens, and how when God does speak through people like us it's a parable of the gospel.
January 30 | Genesis 31:17-55; Matthew 10:24-39; Psalm 13:5-6; Proverbs 6:6-11 // Looking for ways to help your kids learn God's Word? Join Pastor Dale, Pastor Joel and Pastor Grant for the Walking Through the Word Podcast 4 Kids daily at lifereachresources.com/podcasts.
In this episode from Wednesday Prayer, Pastor Joel Sims teaches the importance of not just having thanksgiving, praise, or worship in your heart, but taking a step further in your faith by expressing your thanksgiving, praise, and worship with words and corresponding action.
January 27 | Genesis 29:1-35; Matthew 9:27-38; Psalm 12:1-5; Proverbs 5:15-21 // Needing more biblical wisdom? Subscribe and listen to the Wisdom Words podcast with Pastor Dale and Pastor Joel at lifereachresources.com/wisdomwords.
Send us a textWhat if the applause got louder while your voice grew quieter? That's the paradox we unpack with Dr. Joel Tudman — pastor, former Division I coach, and mental health advocate — who reached the heights of platform and performance, then said the words most men avoid: “I don't know who I am.”Reclaiming the Wild is back — April 24–26 at Abundant Blessings Farm (Stem, NC). This isn't just a retreat… it's a reset: brotherhood, faith, outdoors, bonfires, and real conversations. Theme: we have been commanded to unite. Bring your son (or any male kid 5+) and make memories that last. Register now — let's reclaim the wild. It's time to stop sitting on the sidelines.Step into the fight and become the man God called you to be. Join a brotherhood built on truth, strength, and action. Visit thelionwithin.us right now and start leading with boldness and purpose. Iron sharpens iron — let's go.
In this episode from Wednesday Prayer, Pastor Joel Sims dives into Mark 11:22-25, revealing 3 steps to how to believe God.
In this episode of our Breaking Barrenness series, Pastor Joel shares 5 keys to breaking barrenness in your life through prayer.