Pursuit of Holiness

From the series: Acts: The Church on the Move

What if patience isn't about waiting longer, but about trusting deeper? Paul's imprisonment teaches us that patience is the spirit-produced ability to endure difficult people and delayed outcomes without losing faith, love, or self-control. When we remember God's patience toward us, we discover the strength to honor Him even when circumstances don't change.

From the series: Acts: The Church on the Move

Everyone is being formed by something. The question is: what is shaping you? In Acts 21, Paul demonstrates how to exercise compassion without compromising truth, sometimes surrendering personal freedom for the gospel's sake. With humility toward Christ and hunger for His Word, we can honor God authentically while building bridges in our broken world.

From the series: Unshaken

1 Thessalonians 4 reveals that God’s will for our lives is not just about what we do, but who we are—set apart for Him. True purpose flows from surrender to Christ, leading to a life that glorifies God, blesses others, and reflects holiness in every area, especially in love and purity.

From the series: Unveiled: A Study in Revelation

Revelation 3 highlights the way spiritual complacency and reliance on worldly comforts hinder true faith. We should be seeking humility, renewed passion for Christ, and reliance on His transformative power to align with God’s greater kingdom, beyond earthly distractions.

From the series: Unveiled: A Study in Revelation

The church in Sardis was a wealthy and well protected ancient city that had many resources and creature comforts available to them. Because of this, the church there was lulled into complacency and simply followed God because it was convenient for them. They were living a facade that was more interested in comforts than being willing to serve and sacrifice for the sake of the Gospel.

From the series: Unveiled: A Study in Revelation

In the first chapters of Revelation, John writes to the seven churches in Asia. He recognizes the areas where they are healthy and points out areas where they are unhealthy. In this message, we examine the church in Ephesus.

From the series: In the Beginning

In Genesis 39, we see Joseph at a pivotal moment in his life. He's been brought to Egypt, and God has blessed him with a place of honor and responsibility in Potiphar's house. In this, he faces a number of choices that reflect where his priorities are. Will he give in to the temptations placed before him, or will he honor God with his life?

From the series: Romans: More than Conquerors

Is our love for God reflected in how we respond to the world around us? Are we going through life only seeking to serve our own wants and desires, or do we see our blessings as resources we can use to serve others?

From the series: Romans: More than Conquerors

This passage is really the transitional section of the book of Romans that takes us from a place of understanding really who we are in Christ and now how to live for Christ.

From the series: Jars of Clay

When the Apostle Paul says, "Do not be mismatched with unbelievers" what does he mean? Is he just talking about marriage? Today, we examine a larger point he’s making about our position in our community.

From the series: Light the Dark

Examines why Jesus considered John the Baptist the greatest. It highlights John's humility, his role as the forerunner to Jesus, and his focus on pointing others to Christ rather than seeking personal glory. John saw his worth and mission in relation to Jesus' greatness and faithfully prepared the way for the Messiah, demonstrating true greatness through service and humility.

From the series: Pursuing God's Heart

How to find self control when all you want is vengeance. Join us as we continue to examine the life of David in 2 Samuel.

From the series: Pursuing God's Heart

This week we are going to be studying 1 Samuel 18. We'll learn how envy destroys the soul but that we can find freedom.

From the series: All In

How do we respond to the chaos of life? During these unprecedented times, it can seem like every day is more difficult that the last, but God wants to work through our circumstances to draw us closer to Him.

From the series: All In

Got problems? Nobody likes them, yet we all have them. What if we allowed God to use our problems to refine us, rather than to crush us? This week we examine how God works through the difficulties we face.

From the series: Standalone Messages

Lincoln Huseby dives into The Beatitudes in Matthew 5 and examine the things that all of us desire.

From the series: 1 John

We continue our series on the book of 1 John. Today we are looking at how we can have a Godly influence on our community and culture.

From the series: Psalms Greatest Hits

Emphasizes the psalm's relevance for a thriving life rooted in God. It discusses how the psalm contrasts worldly and godly paths, highlighting the importance of meditating on God's word for spiritual nourishment and growth. The text underscores the transformative power of scripture in guiding and shaping our lives, leading to fruitful, God-centered living.

From the series: Greater

Discusses living faithfully for God, not for human approval. Emphasizes the importance of focusing on Jesus and running the race of faith with endurance, despite life's challenges. Explores the idea of living for an "audience of one," i.e., God, rather than seeking validation from others. It encourages us to find our strength and purpose in Christ, and to view our faith journey through the lens of God's strength and guidance.

From the series: Standalone Messages

Explores the theme of spiritual diligence in Christian life. It emphasizes the importance of active engagement in faith, avoiding extremes of mere ritual adherence and passive belief. It draws on 2 Peter 1, focusing on the need for moral excellence, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love. It underscores the balance between faith in God's grace and personal responsibility in cultivating a fruitful, balanced spiritual life.

From the series: Standalone Messages

Focuses on Psalm 1 and explores the concept of true happiness in life. It delves into the importance of seeking wisdom and grounding oneself in God's Word to achieve lasting happiness. It emphasizes that happiness is more than just circumstantial, and it's found in a deeper, spiritual fulfillment through a relationship with God, rather than in transient, worldly pleasures.

From the series: Ruth

Discusses the story of Ruth and Boaz in the context of everyday life and God’s plan. It emphasizes how God uses ordinary experiences for His purposes, and how the concept of a kinsman-redeemer in Ruth’s story is a representation of Jesus’ role in salvation. It encourages reflection on how individual actions and reputations align with God’s work and emphasizes the transformational impact of a personal relationship with Jesus.

From the series: Cultural Collision

Examines the Book of Daniel, particularly focusing on Daniel's life in Babylonian captivity. It discusses the cultural and spiritual challenges faced by Daniel and his companions, emphasizing their commitment to God in a foreign land. Explores the themes of faithfulness, identity, and resistance to cultural assimilation, highlighting the relevance of these biblical lessons in contemporary life. It encourages believers to remain steadfast in their faith, even when surrounded by conflicting cultural values.

From the series: Standalone Messages

Focuses on the themes of pride and judgment as depicted in the book of Obadiah. It addresses how pride led to the downfall of Edom, emphasizing the need for humility and reliance on God. Encourages introspection and a shift from self-centeredness to a Christ-centered life, illustrating the importance of repentance and God's grace for all people, regardless of their past actions.

From the series: Follow Me

Emphasizes the importance of focusing on a relationship with Jesus rather than being caught up in activities or societal expectations. It discusses how following Jesus is a call to a deeper, personal connection with Him, which is foundational to living a life of purpose and fulfillment.

From the series: Blessed

Contrasts living by our will versus God's will, using Abraham's narrative as an example. It highlights the journey of faith, stressing the importance of walking with God rather than striving alone. Through Abraham's experiences, the message reveals how yielding to God's spirit brings fulfillment and aligns us with His purposes, contrasting with the emptiness of pursuing desires independently.

From the series: Soul Detox

Emphasizes the need for honesty and openness with God, the dangers of complacency and idolatry, and the significance of cleansing our souls to connect and glorify God fully. Through humility and tearing down idols, we can find blessings and righteousness from God.

From the series: From This Day Forward

Emphasizes the biblical understanding of purity in marriage, discussing how true intimacy and oneness should be pursued within the sanctity of marriage according to God's design, highlighting the detrimental effects of seeking fulfillment outside this divine bond.

From the series: Loving the Old Testament

Discusses the life of King David, emphasizing his deep desire to honor God despite his failings. It highlights how David's repentance and writings, especially in Psalm 51, reflect a heartfelt pursuit of God, demonstrating the importance of humility and God's authority in one's life.

From the series: Bless This Home

Emphasizes the importance of joy in the Christian home. It discusses how true joy comes from a relationship with God and living out the Beatitudes. Encourages families to pursue righteousness and maintain a joyful attitude through faith, highlighting that joy is a vital element of a blessed and spiritually healthy home.

From the series: Ecclesiastes

Emphasizes the necessity of humility for gaining wisdom. Solomon teaches that living under authority, recognizing our lack of control, and embracing the mysteries of life foster humility. This humility allows believers to trust in God’s authority and wisdom, leading to a fulfilled and meaningful life.

From the series: Ephesians

Emphasizes the importance of allowing the world to encounter Christ through our actions and character. It encourages believers to reflect Jesus in their daily lives, highlighting the need to live in a way that demonstrates His love and teachings. Underscores the impact of our behavior on others and calls for a faithful representation of Christ to those around us, urging a life of integrity and spiritual dedication.

From the series: A New Generation

Emphasizes the importance of having a relationship with Jesus, understanding His love, and living out one's faith in the world. Highlights how believers are called to pursue Jesus, experience His life, and share His love with others.

From the series: A New Generation

Addresses three groups: children, young men, and fathers, emphasizing the importance of knowing God and overcoming evil. It highlights the significance of forgiveness and spiritual growth. John warns against loving the world and its desires, encouraging believers to focus on doing God's will, which leads to eternal life. The message calls for a deep relationship with God and living a life that reflects Christian values.

From the series: A New Generation

Emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's commands as evidence of knowing Him. It highlights the relationship between loving God, walking in the light, and loving others. Believers are encouraged to reflect Christ's love by obeying His teachings and demonstrating genuine love for fellow believers, thereby living out their faith authentically.

From the series: A New Generation

Emphasizes fellowship with God and walking in the light. It discusses the importance of recognizing and confessing sin to maintain a close relationship with God and with one another. John emphasizes that Jesus is the foundation of eternal life and that living in the light brings true joy and unity among believers.

From the series: The Right & Wrong Way

Exploring the seven churches in Revelation, focuses on the church of Laodicea, known for being lukewarm in its faith. Discusses how the Laodiceans became complacent due to their reliance on material wealth, mistaking it for spiritual health.

From the series: Cross Eyed

Emphasizes the need for Christians to embrace a life focused on the cross and the sacrificial mindset of Christ. It contrasts the world's emphasis on self-gratification with Christ's example of selflessness, urging believers to "leave the camp" of societal norms and embrace sacrificial living for others, even when it is uncomfortable or costly.

From the series: Building One Brick at a Time

Explores the theme of passion and influence in leadership. It emphasizes that while many people have passion, not everyone uses it to influence others positively. Nehemiah is presented as an example of a leader whose passion for rebuilding Jerusalem influenced the people around him.

From the series: Building One Brick at a Time

Explores the theme of preparing for God's work in our lives, using the story of Nehemiah and the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls as an example. It emphasizes the importance of consecration, community, and humility.

Saved by grace, not by works, yet created for them. A devotion on Ephesians 2:8-10 and the gift of salvation that frees us to do good.

Sin is no longer your master. A devotion on Romans 6 and the freedom of offering every part of ourselves to God under grace, not law.

Holiness is not something we white-knuckle on our own. A devotion on 2 Corinthians 7:1 and partnering with the Spirit to become like Christ.

John Piper answers a Christian asking about watching Game of Thrones, and offers a way to think clearly about explicit content on screen.

The biggest threat to your faith is rarely a crisis. It is the slow dulling of the heart. Five quiet dangers Hebrews warns every believer to watch for.

Reputation is what others think of you. Character is who you really are. Four reasons God values the one the world tends to overlook.

Being tempted is not the same as sinning. A grace-filled look at the guilt many of us feel and what the Bible actually says about temptation.

Fasting can feel both intriguing and confusing. A plain look at why Christians fast and how it can deepen your relationship with God.