Youth Pastor Gary Jones continues a series on the Sermon on the Mount. In the last Beatitude (Matthew 5:10-12), Jesus teaches us to rejoice when persecuted for righteousness' sake. It's a surprising call, but it comes with an incredible promise: the kingdom of heaven. Today, we'll explore how to embrace suffering, welcome it as part of our faith jo…

Lead Pastor Josh Carstensen continues our series on the Sermon on the Mount. Living in peace is truly something we all long for. But in this teaching, Jesus challenges our idea of what that looks like: Blessed are the Peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. While we long for peace, our ideas of living peacefully often still fall short…

Lead Pastor Josh Carstensen continues a series on the Sermon on the Mount. A profound longing echoes throughout Scripture—the desire to see God. But what does it mean to truly see Him? To answer this, we begin not in Matthew, but in Exodus, where God's relationship with His people unfolds through moments of faith, failure, and redemption. At one po…

Worship Director Justin Jackson continues a series on the Sermon on the Mount. Have you ever been caught doing something wrong? We want to be shown mercy, but, at the same time, we often crave justice for others... to the point that it can become vengeance! But Jesus flips the script by declaring: "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive m…

Lead Pastor Josh Carstensen continues a series on the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus makes a statement about obsession. He says, "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied" (Matthew 5:6). Jesus doesn't say blessed are those who have righteousness. The blessing is in the longing, in the obsession. That feels …

Lead Pastor Josh Carstensen continues a series on the Sermon on the Mount. Power, strength, dominance - this is how we expect a king to rule. But Jesus flips the script when he says, "Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth." In a world ruled by force, Jesus points us to gentleness and humility as the true path to victory because we …

Associate Pastor Ron King continues a series on the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus reminds us that true discipleship isn't just about following rules but facing our brokenness and relying on God's grace. Jesus said, "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted" (Matthew 5:4). Mourning isn't easy—it's about confronting pain, loss, and even …

Lead Pastor Josh Carstensen continues a series on the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus starts the Sermon on the Mount by saying, "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." In this seemingly simple statement, Jesus challenges us to rethink what it means to be blessed. It's not just about feeling blessed with our abundance or wh…

Lead Pastor Josh Carstensen kicks off a series on the Sermon on the Mount. In this first part of the Beatitudes, we explore how Jesus introduces a radically different way of life, calling us to "repent"—to change our thinking. Against a backdrop of foreign occupation and religious oppression, Jesus' message challenges his listeners' instincts and t…

Worship Director Justin Jackson concludes a vision series where we explore the question, "What is a Christian?" In John 15, Jesus teaches us that abiding in Him, bearing good fruit, and genuinely loving others is the defining mark of a true follower. We can't just claim faith; our actions, or "fruits," must reflect our beliefs. And the best action …

Lead Pastor Josh Carstensen continues a vision series where we explore the question, "What is a Christian?" Being a disciple means sacrifice, not just in words, but in how we live. Jesus invites us to embrace that identity fully, but it requires something deeper than just attending church. In Luke 14, He calls us to count the cost—to give up everyt…

Lead Pastor Josh Carstensen starts a new vision series. We often hear the word "Christian," but what does it truly mean? Like many words, it carries different connotations, often shaped by culture, history, or misconceptions. The world may have redefined this term, but what did Jesus say? To be a Christian starts with one profound truth: loving Him…

Lead Pastor Josh Carstensen concludes a series on the writings of Peter. In Peter's writings, we see a man who experienced intense persecution but remained steadfast. Peter's message is clear: despite trials and tensions—from outside and within the church—our hope is not rooted in this world. Peter urges us to stand firm in God's true grace and to …

Pastoral Intern Michael Allen continues a series on the writings of Peter. Peter reminds believers—amid scoffers—to remember God's patience and promise of a new creation in which He will end evil forever and make all things new! While we wait for Christ's return, our call is to follow Jesus, encourage others, and hold onto the hope of a new heaven …

Lead Pastor Josh Carstensen continues a series on the writings of Peter. 2 Peter 2 has been called a "dark corner" of the New Testament. Knowing his time was short, Peter boldly warns us against false prophets and the consequences of denying Christ. His main concern isn't outside culture, but within the church and our own hearts. This is a call to …

Guest speaker Caleb Hunt continues a series on the writings of Peter. Have you ever been confidently wrong about something? That was Peter when he met Jesus: running in the wrong direction with full confidence. But in Peter's second letter - which he writes while in prison - he's no longer a brash hothead but a reliable authority. So, in this lette…

Lead Pastor Josh Carstensen returns from Sabbatical to close our study on the book of 1 Peter. In 1 Peter chapter 5, Peter calls all of us to be humble leaders and followers. Pastor Josh points us to the truth of God’s love and sacrifice to us, and His call to follow in His footsteps as humble leaders and followers in our own relationships with one…

Assocaite Pastor Ron King continues a series on the writings of Peter. Peter wants our perspective to change - to have the same perspective as Jesus. As Christians, there will be suffering, but there's hope through the suffering because we're living under the mission of God. To help us change our perspective and live for God right now, Peter gives …

Worship Director Justin Jackson continues a series on the writings of Peter. Peter continues his instructions on growth and submission, extending it to husbands and wives. This passage can be "difficult" in today's culture, but Justin does a fantastic job showing us that Peter is talking about our hearts and how it ties all the way back to the fall…

Worship Director Justin Jackson continues a series on the writings of Peter. As Christians, we are a chosen group, a royal priesthood, and a holy nation. And now that we are God's people, we have received mercy. Think about that - we've received mercy. God did this so that He receives glory, and we proclaim the name of Jesus. In today's message, Pe…

Youth Pastor Gary Jones starts a new series on the writings of Peter. Peter was profoundly changed by Jesus, and as a result, Peter had something to say, which was recorded and preserved for us. Over the next few weeks, we'll dive into what Peter had to say, starting with 1 Peter, chapter 1, where we're encouraged to have hope in a world full of su…

Associate Pastor Ron Kings concludes a series on the life of Peter. God acts beyond our expectations in this final adventure of faith amid trials and tribulations. Despite King Herod's violent attempts to suppress the early church, the power of grace and God's word continued to spread and multiply. Given these experiences, we should ask ourselves w…

Lead Pastor Josh Carstensen continues a series on the life of Peter. The early church experiences division for the first time, and we see Peter's response. Through this example, we can ask ourselves, "Am I someone who brings unity to the church, or am I someone who brings division?" Also, as part of the "Something To Say!" series, we'll start the m…

Lead Pastor Josh Carstensen continues a series on the life of Peter and how the early church spread in a context so adamantly against Jesus. One of the ways is through our actions. When we love people the way Jesus loves people, it's a beautiful testimony that attracts people to want to know more about Jesus. But when we don't act like Jesus, it pu…

Lead Pastor Josh Carstensen continues a series on the life of Peter. Peter heals a lame beggar, and it causes two very different reactions. Some people are astonished, repent, and believe, while others threaten Peter to stop. So, how does the healing happen? Why does it happen? Why do some believe, but others don't? And what happens to those who do…

Lead Pastor Josh Carstensen continues a series on the life of Peter. Have you ever wondered how Christianity got started in such a hostile culture to its message? When Christianity began, people hated it so much that they killed the one leading the charge. And not only was Jesus killed, but so were all but one of His closest followers. If that does…

Associate Pastor Ron King continues a series on the life of Peter. Last week, Peter denied Jesus three times. Now Jesus has risen from the dead, but something is still off between him and Peter. So, Jesus meets with Peter and restores their relationship. It's a short but powerful moment that shows us God's heart. For all of us who have ever felt li…

Lead Pastor Josh Carstensen continues a series on the life of Peter. Have you ever gone through a season in your life when you thought about walking away from your faith? It typically happens because of two primary reasons. There's a moment in Peter's life when things get tough, and Peter doesn't just walk away but runs away. It's a moment of sifti…

Lead Pastor Josh Carstensen continues a series on the life of Peter. Peter asks Jesus how often he should forgive someone who sins against him. As many as seven times? That seems like a lot, but Jesus' answer goes way beyond seven. And that's because we have been forgiven of so much more. It's a wonderful lesson about conflict and forgiveness. Also…

Lead Pastor Josh Carstensen continues a series on the life of Peter. In a big moment of Peter's life, Jesus asks his disciples, "But who do you say that the Son of Man is?" Peter replies with an answer revealed by the Father in Heaven - it's a great moment. But right afterward, as Jesus shares about the difficult road ahead, Peter's reaction is... …

Guest Speaker Jeremy Mikkelsen continues a series on the life of Peter. The story of Peter walking to Jesus on the water often ends with us reflecting more about how Peter had "little faith," and less about how Peter actually got out of the boat. And, once Peter stepped out and faced challenges, how he confidently called out to Jesus for help. It's…

Youth Pastor Gary Jones continues a series on the life of Peter. When Peter first started following Jesus, he witnessed three moments of power and healing, which left Him wide-eyed and astonished. Wouldn't seeing Jesus' power and healing in person be great? It seems like it would make believing and following so much easier! Yet, Jesus isn't physica…

Lead Pastor Josh Carstensen starts a new series on the life of Peter. Peter was one of Jesus' closest friends and one of the Bible's most relatable people. So today, Josh will give an overview of Peter's life, look at Peter's initial calling - which can be a little confusing - and show that we have much to learn from Peter's experience. We're so ex…

Lead Pastor Josh Carstensen concludes a series on women of the Bible. Jesus' mother, Mary, is the most famous woman in the world's history. To say Jesus radically changed her life is an understatement. While listening, there are two notable things to remember. First, Mary's life becomes much more challenging after getting pregnant, but she remains …

Lead Pastor Josh Carstensen is continuing a series on women of the Bible while celebrating Easter. When Mary Magdalene visits the tomb, she's completely devastated because the person who redeemed her and transformed her life is dead. What's worse, she thinks someone stole Jesus' body, so she can't even grieve properly! In this moment, Jesus meets M…

Associate Pastor Ron King is continuing a series on women of the Bible. And this is part two about Hannah. Hanna's song had a significant influence on how others praised God. That's because Hannah's response to having a child after years of infertility: delights in the Lord recognizes that nothing compares to the Lord proclaims that everything good…

Lead Pastor Josh Carstensen is continuing a series on women of the Bible. Hannah struggled for years with infertility. There was lots of hurt and dysfunction for Hannah, her husband, Elkanah, and even his second wife, Peninnah. It's a messy and sad situation. But once Hannah surrenders what's most important to her, that's when God does something am…

Worship Director Justin Jackson is continuing a series on women of the Bible. This is part 2 about Deborah, where we look at four themes from her song after the victory against Jabin, the king of Canaan. In this song, Deborah rightly proclaims that God is the hero of their battle. Like Deborah, God unites us and calls us to battle against evil. And…

Worship Director Justin Jackson is continuing a series on women of the Bible. What does it mean to be courageous? Deborah was a prophetess and judge of Israel and displayed courage while judging and in her actions against the Canaanites. This encounter against the Canaanites teaches us seven ways to follow God courageously. Also, as part of the "So…

Lead Pastor Josh Carstensen is continuing a series on women of the Bible. This is part 2 about Miriam, where we hear the first song recorded in scripture where Moses and Miriam sing praise to God for delivering them from the hands of Pharaoh's army. It's the first time in their entire lives that they experience true relief and freedom from oppressi…

Lead Pastor Josh Carstensen is continuing a series on women of the Bible. Many of us have heard how God worked through the Old Testament leader Moses. But perhaps, not many of us remember how God worked through his sister as well. Miriam first stepped up when she was around 8 years old and then again 80 years later. There are many wonderful lessons…

Lead Pastor Josh Carstensen is starting a series on women of the Bible. Let's be honest: the Bible can feel male-dominated. It's written by men, and it's mostly about men. Plus, Jesus was a man, and all the apostles were men. Yet, we know that we all have a place and that God loves both men and women. So, Pastor Josh will answer six questions about…

Associate Pastor Ron King is concluding a series on prayer as a spiritual discipline. There are two essential settings in your prayer life: in a community with other believers and alone in solitude. But being alone in prayer can be challenging. It can be hard to slow down, ignore the noise of daily life, let go of never-ending to-do lists, and list…

Lead Pastor Josh Carstensen is continuing a series on prayer as a spiritual discipline. In this message, we explore what listening to God is all about. How can you hear His voice? What is He saying, and how do you respond? God spoke to us through prophets for thousands of years - a simple yet profound act. But now, God has spoken through Christ, an…

Youth Pastor Gary Jones is continuing a series on prayer as a spiritual discipline. Have you ever felt like your prayer life could use some work? Many of us find it hard to pray, or feel stagnate, because we don't know what to say to God. As we dive into a Psalm, it'll show that God wants our hearts, and He's inviting you to respond to Him in praye…

Lead Pastor Josh Carstensen is continuing a series on prayer as a spiritual discipline. Prayer often feels the most natural and necessary when we feel helpless. But it turns out that the feeling of helplessness is a good thing because we have a father who loves us like young children. Also, as part of the "Something To Say!" series, we'll start the…

Lead Pastor Josh Carstensen is starting a series on spiritual disciplines. As we start a new year, we all want to improve in many different areas of life, including our faith, but how do we do that? How do we grow? How do we strengthen our desire, resolve, and love for Jesus? As we start this new series on the spiritual discipline of prayer, let's …

Associate Pastor Ron King is talking about finishing well. The end of David's life raises two critical questions that the apostle Paul writes about in his letters to Timothy. They are questions that we seldom consider well. How do I want to finish my race? And How can I help others run well to the end? Today, we have a panel of friends to help us e…

Lead Pastor Josh Carstensen concludes a series on the life of David while we celebrate the greatest birth in history. Like in a regular birthday celebration, bringing a gift is appropriate. So, today, we're asked: what kind of meaningful gift can we give to God? David’s final public speech shows us what God - the maker of everything - desires from …

Associate Pastor Ron King continues a series on the life of David. Ever wonder why your gratitude towards God has lost its punch? Perhaps your view of Him is warped or weak. Discover why David's view of God was tremendous and why he had a heart after God. Also, as part of the "Something To Say!" series, we'll start the message with someone's testim…