From Brokeness to Brightness "The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:17-18 1. Acknowledge The Grief, But Know There Is Hope "A time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance.” Ecclesia…

Because Life is Short… “So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days.” Ephesians 5:15-16 (NLT) “Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom.” Psalm 90:12 (NLT) “Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? Y…

“Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. 15 See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.” Hebrews 12:14, 15 Our spiritual enemy wants to plant small, seeds of offense that will grow into a root of bitterness.…

LESS OF WHAT YOU DON’T NEED AND MORE OF WHAT YOU DO! Part One Better is one handful with tranquility, than two handfuls with toil, and a chasing after the wind. Ecclesiastes 4:6 Be on your guard against all kinds of greed. Because life does not consist in an abundance of possessions. Luke 12:15 3 THOUGHTS ON ‘ONE HANDFUL IS ENOUGH’ Throw Out It bec…

November 24. 2024 I WANT TO BE BLESSED BY GOD “For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike.” Matthew 5:45 1. BELIEVE GOD WANTS TO BLESS YOUR LIFE “And God blessed them.” Genesis 1:28 “For the eyes of the Lord move side to side, backward and forward throughout the earth that He may stro…

Feels Like Home-pt 3 The Power of Mission Jesus said, “…GO and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19, 20 NLT “Jesus traveled…

November 10, 2024 FEELS LIKE HOME pt 2 The Power of Service Jesus said, “For even I, the Son the of Man, came here not to be served, but to serve others, and to give My life as a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:28 NLT Christian: Those who are like Christ. “Before the Passover celebration, Jesus…now showed the disciples the full extent of His love…the …

FEELS LIKE HOME Part 1 WHAT’S our business and HOW’S business? “A man prepared a great fest and sent out many invitations. When all was ready, he sent his servant around to notify the guests that it was time for them to come. But they all began making excuses…so his master said, ‘Go out into the country lanes and behind hedges and urge anyone you f…

UNSTUCK: From Fatigue “Have you never heard? Have you never understood? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth. He never grows weak or weary. No one can measure the depths of his understanding. He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhausti…

UNSTUCK: Failure 1. EVERY PERSON HAS SOME FAILURE Romans 3:23 “For everyone has sinned; we ALL fall short of God’s glorious standard.” 2. EVERY FAILURE HAS WITHIN IT A CHOICE I’m either going to allow this failure to be HURTFUL and get stuck OR I’m going to allow it to be HELPFUL and move forward How do we choose to let failure block us, stop us, h…

UNSTUCK: Comfort Zone COMFORT ZONES AREN’T ALWAYS COMFORTABLE. What they really are is FAMILIAR. “We fix our gaze on the things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things that we cannot see will last forever.” 2 Corinthians 4:18 The Christian life is many things, but BORING isn’t one of them. “In the Messiah, C…

UNSTUCK: From Fear 1. We fear pain-- 2. We fear loss-- 3. We fear humiliation/embarrassment-- 4. We fear people-- “For God has NOT given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love and self-discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:7 “Fear of the Lord is the foundation of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgment.” Proverbs 9:10 WHAT DOES …

Cues From The Kingdom: Principles from Jesus Part 2, How To Live A Satisfied Life? “I have come that they may have life and have it to the full.” John 10:10 98% of people die unfulfilled God wants you to live an abundant life! 1) Find Your Burden Burden definition: your main responsibility. A specific aim or task. What impact do you want to make in…

Cues From The Kingdom: Principles From Jesus How Do I Love People I Don’t Like? “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain o…

Pastor Brad Johnson takes questions from the congregation.

WHAT CATCHES THE HEART AND WHAT CATCHES THE EYE OF GOD— Commitment THE POWER OF COMMITMENT My Commitments: Show my values Shape my life Determine my destiny “The eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those who hearts are fully committed to Him.” 2 Chronicles 16:9 Every Commitment has a PRICE Luke 14:26 "If you want to be My foll…

WHAT CATCHES THE EYE AND HEART OF GOD Part 9 - Purpose Acts 13:36 "David served God's purpose in his generation." YOU KNOW YOU HAVE NOT YET FOUND THE PURPOSE FOR LIFE IF… …Life seems useless Ecclesiastes 1:2-4 "Life is useless, all useless. You spend your life working but what do you have to show for it? The world just stays the same." …Life seems …

WHAT CATCHES THE EYE AND HEART OF GOD Faith pt 2 “For the eyes of the Lord roam throughout the earth, so that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His.” 2 Chronicles 16:9 (New American Standard Version) “Without faith it is IMPOSSIBLE to please God” Hebrews 11:6 1. FAITH IS BELIEVING WHEN I DON'T SEE IT “Some things you have to b…

WHAT CATCHES THE EYE AND HEART OF GOD? Part 7 Surprises-part two 1. IT’S SURPRISING THAT GOD SPEAKS TO US Deism and Theism Deism suggests--God created the world much like clock maker would create a clock, and God wound it up and tossed it out into the universe to just let it run on its own. Theism suggests--God created the world much like a Father …

Finding Joy The Message In Our Messes “I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have …

Finding Joy Heaven Perspective Your focus and perception change your actions and outcomes. No one is more influential in your life than you are because no one talks to you more than you do. “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything …

WHAT CATCHES THE EYE AND HEART OF GOD Part 6 – Surprises! He loves SURPRISES! 1. It’s Surprising That God Let’s Us Choose Him, or Not! “The Lord gave this message to Jonah, son of Amittai; ‘Get up and go the great city of Nineveh! Announce my judgment against it because I have seen how wicked its people are.’ But Jonah got up and went in the opposi…

WHAT CATCHES THE EYE AND THE HEART OF GOD Faith “Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see.” Hebrews 11:1 FAITH IS NOT HOPING THAT GOD CAN! IT IS KNOWING GOD WILL! And faith is SEEING what the human eye cannot see. 1. Even Small Faith Can Have Huge Impact “Jesus told them. "…

What Catches the Eye and Heart of God Gratitude “Let them offer sacrifices of thanksgiving.” Psalm 107:22 “It is good to give thanks to the Lord” Psalm 92:1 WHEN ARE WE TO GIVE THANKS? 1. Give thanks for all the good that’s in your life “Everything good comes from God. Everything perfect comes from Him.” James 1:17 “Give thanks to God, for He is go…

Transforming Habits: Small Changes, Eternal Impact Our decisions determine our direction, but our habits ensure we stay the course Many people have decided to do great things but haven’t developed the habits to do them. “An Encounter with Jesus sets you free, but habits with Jesus keep you free” “I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do…

WHAT CATCHES THE EYE AND HEART OF GOD Mercy and Compassion Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart. Matthew 11:29 1. A PREVAILING CHARACTERISTIC OF GOD IS HIS MERCY AND COMPASSION “I Am the God of compassion and mercy” Exodus 34:6 “The Lord is compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.” Psalm 103…

WHAT CATCHES THE EYE AND HEART OF GOD? Part Two-Humility THE PROMISES OF GOD FOR THE HUMBLE: Proverbs 22:4 “True humility and fear of the Lord leads to riches, honor and a long life.” Proverbs 11:2 “Pride leads to disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.” Proverbs 15:33 “Humility precedes honor.” James 4:10 “Get on your knees before the Master; it…

What Catches God’s Eye…and His Heart? Part 1 - Love 1. GOD MADE YOU TO LOVE YOU “You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous” Psalm 139:13, 14 “Yes, you have been with me from birth; from my mother’s womb you have cared for …

5-Minute Ministry The 3 Goals of Today’s Message: 1. Re___________________ how you see yourself as a believer 2. Re___________________ how you perceive ministry 3. Re___________________ how you live your life 1. How you see yourself: - Christian culture caste system (unbiblical): clergy vs laity - We assume that if we’re not ordained, we can’t do l…

TALK TO ME part four If you spend yourselves on behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday. The Lord will guide you always; He will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden,…

TALK TO ME! Part 3 I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. (see John 15:1-17) To practice the presence of God, to get really good at hearing God’s voice, we must learn to remain in God. 1. Pay Attention to all My Thoughts “May the words of my mouth and the …

Talk to Me Part 2, What Does God Say? Genesis 6:1-22(MSG): 8 But Noah was different. God liked what he saw in Noah. 9-10 This is the story of Noah: Noah was a good man, a man of integrity in his community. Noah walked with God. Noah had three sons: Shem, Ham, and Japheth. 11-12 As far as God was concerned, the Earth had become a sewer; there was vi…

TALK TO ME “The Power of a Whisper” Get better at hearing God’s promptings and get bolder about doing what He says. The Story of a Man Named Paul Giving His Life to Follow Jesus—Acts 9:1-19 God can open our ears to hear in surprising ways. Our obedience to God’s whispers influence others to listen also. We may not fully know all the good for God th…

WHEN YOU NEED GOD TO SHOW UP: Stories of God Meeting Our Financial Needs …as Elijah arrived at the gates of the village, he saw a widow gathering sticks and he asked her, “Would you please bring me a little water in a cup?” As she was going to get it, he called to her, “Bring me a bite of bread, too.” But she said, “I swear by the Lord your God tha…

Family Values Part 2 - Our Interactions If you’ve gotten anything at all out of following Christ, if his love has made any difference in your life, if being in a community of the Spirit means anything to you, if you have a heart, if you care—then do me a favor: Agree with each other, love each other, be deep-spirited friends. Don’t push your way to…

Family Values Part 1 - About Marriage The reason our marriages don’t end up where we want them to because they didn’t start where God intended them to. “That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh” Genesis 2:24 (NIV) “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is no…

ACCEPTING YOUR STATUS AS A CHILD OF GOD “When he finally came to his senses, he said to himself, ‘At home even the hired servants have food enough to spare, and here I am dying of hunger! I will go home to my father and say, ‘Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, and I am no longer worthy of being called your son. Please take me on as …

Believe for MORE!! EASTER 2024 If Christ hasn’t been raised, then our preaching is useless and your faith is useless. 1 Corinthians 14:15 The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, He will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you. Romans 6:10-11 If…

Becoming BeYOUtiful You Part 9, Gentleness “…when the Holy Spirit controls our lives, He will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control…” Galatians 5:22, 23 NLT “Come to Me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon…

Becoming BeYOUtiful You, Part 8 - Faithfulness “…when the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control…” Galatians 5:22, 23 NLT FAITHFULNES IS… Love that hangs on “It is good to proclaim your unfailing love in the morning, and you…

Becoming BeYOUtiful YOU Part 7 - Goodness “…when the Holy Spirit controls our lives, He will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control…” Galatians 5:22,23 NLT “Every GOOD and perfect gift is from above, coming from the Father” James 1:17 NIV To Live a BeYOUtiful Life,…

Becoming BeYOUtiful You Part 6 - Kindness Kindness is the foundation of a good heart and with a good heart, a good life will follow. “…when the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control…” Galatians 5:22,23 NLT “…love is kind…” …

Becoming BeYOUtiful You Part 5 - Patience “When the Holy Spirit controls your life, He will produce in you: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness and self-control.” Galatians 5:22 “Dear brothers and sisters, when trouble comes your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is…

Becoming BeYOUtiful You Part 4 - Peace “…when the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control…” Galatians 5:22, 23 NLT 1.Storms hit everyone- even the Followers of Jesus “Don’t worry about anything” Philippians 4:6 NLT “…Do not b…

Part 3 of Pastor Brad's series "Becoming BeYOUtiful You." Today's focus: Joy.