In this passage, Jesus has particular and pointed things to say to people who are suspicious of him, people who are in places of privilege, and to hosts of fancy parties. What is he speaking to you through these challenging words? Listen in today and see how Jesus's upside-down, inside-out comments resonate with your heart.
Mega Meals (Luke 9:10-17)
In this famous passage, the story shifts slightly from Jesus around a table to now Jesus out in a field with thousands of people. After a long day of teaching and learning, how will the day end? Jesus provides an amazing meal for every person. But what does this teach us for today? Listen in today to discover what Jesus is inviting us into and where true satisfaction is found.
The Table of Transformation (Luke 7:36-50)
In this story today we are introduced to two characters - a religious elite named Simon and an unnamed "sinful" woman. Who is welcome at Jesus's table? Who is the real host of this meal and who is received by the guest of honor? Listen in today as we have our assumptions challenged and as we learn how this applies to God's global heart.
Come Meet My Friends (Luke 5:27-32)
There's no greater theme in the gospel of Luke than Jesus sitting around a table with other people. Listen in today to the first of 6 stories we'll walk through that detail how Jesus interacts with people over a shared meal. How does Jesus get to your table? Who would be at that table with you? What is Jesus's heart towards you and your friends?
Forever Love (Ephesians 6:21-24)
Is there anything lasting in this world? And if there is a God, what is his real motivation? Listen in today to this Easter Sunday sermon, as we conclude our journey through the book of Ephesians.
Fearless (Ephesians 6:10-20)
What should we think about the unseen spiritual world? How should we properly consider the reality of spiritual warfare? For many of us, the mere idea of a spiritual battle brings fear. So listen in today as we consider how this text helps us to live fearlessly for the cause of Jesus in our city of Salem.
Artwork mentioned - "The Release from Deception" (by Italian sculptor Francesco Queirolo in 1759)
Book quoted from with regards to the armor of God in Ephesians 6:14-17 - "The Invisible War" (by Chip Ingram)
Home & Work (Ephesians 5:22-6:9)
Where do you spend the vast majority of your non-sleeping time? Like most people, I imagine it's at home with your family and at your place of work. So how can we be used by God as lights in those places? Listen in today as we learn some about what the Scriptures tell us about marriage, parenting, and the workplace.
Wise Living (Ephesians 5:1-21)
How are followers of Jesus to live in the modern world? When we come to faith in Jesus, some big decisions are put before us. Who are we to spend time with? What things are we to do? Not do? It can get overwhelming! Listen in today as we learn from Paul in Ephesians what it looks like to live wisely. He puts three beautiful images before us to help us - imitation, shining, singing.
Truth (Ephesians 4:17-32)
To make exclusive truth claims is one of the more dangerous or scandalous things to do in the modern world. So how can Christians understand the role of truth in loving our neighbors? To acknowledge truth is really to begin a journey of being a life-long learner. But why are we then to share the truth and how are we to share the truth? Listen in today as we learn a bit about our world and discover the power of the truth of Jesus in public.
Dynamic Unity (Ephesians 4:1-16)
The unity of the church is perhaps the biggest theme of the book of Ephesians. But how it comes about is a bit surprising. Listen in today as we learn about how to grow into maturity as believers, and how genuine unity in the gospel with others is actually how true spiritual maturity comes about.
Big (Ephesians 3:14-21)
The love of God expressed in Ephesians 3:14-21 is BIG. In this extravagant prayer by Paul, we see that there is a measurelessness to God's love for us, and that not only makes us feel known and loved, but it should also spur us to pray similarly BIG prayers to God for others. Listen in today as we learn a few BIG prayers to pray for the city of Salem.
Serving (Ephesians 3:1-13)
Why is serving so important to understanding the gospel? Listen in today as we hear about Paul's specific call to serve, how & why we all can serve, and then how we can serve the city of Salem together.
Everyone (Ephesians 2:11-22)
What changed when Jesus died on the cross? As we listen to Paul's teaching in Ephesians 2:11-22, we realize that everything has changed because now truly all people are invited into the story of redemption. Listen in today as we learn about the dividing wall that has been knocked down and what that means for you and me today.
Grace (Ephesians 2:1-10)
Grace is what Christianity is all about. Why is it so important? What is grace? How does it change everything about how we love our neighbors around us? Listen in today and hear Paul's electric unveiling of the gospel of grace.
Praying for Others (Ephesians 1:15-23)
Perhaps the most tangible way we can spiritually love our city is by praying for other people. But how do we do that? What do we pray? Listen in today as we learn how the apostle Paul prayed for the people around him.
Spiritual Blessing (Ephesians 1:1-14)
What does it mean to "love this city"? That's the question we're going to be asking & answering throughout this new series in the book of Ephesians. Today, we zoom in on the reality of the amazing spiritual blessings we have received through faith in Jesus and, more importantly, what the purpose of receiving them is. In short, we are blessed only so that we can be a blessing to others as well.
Peace Over Division (Luke 2:22-38; Colossians 3:12-17)
We live in a divided world, both on an individual level and as a larger society. Why is this the case? What can prevent it? These are important questions, but not the ones that the birth of Jesus ultimately answers. When God became human in the person of Jesus, he instead answered another question - how can peace come in the midst of division and restore beauty and unity to us? Listen in today to this Christmas Eve sermon and find the hope of peace for you.
Peace Over Evil (Matthew 2:1-23; Romans 16:19-20)
The biggest overarching problem facing our world continually is the presence of evil. How do we live in a world of evil? What is the better story that can reshape the way we live forever, even in the face of evil around us? Listen in today as we hear the story of Herod the King from the birth of Jesus story, and hear the apostle Paul's strong assurance of what is yet to come.
Peace Over Fear (Luke 2:8-21; Philippians 4:4-7)
In the Christmas story, the shepherds were terrified when the angels appeared to them announcing the birth of Jesus. Likewise, each of us can find ourselves full of fear throughout our lives. But as the angel told the shepherds to "Fear not" and that "peace on earth" was coming, so too is the peace of God offered to us. Listen in today as we learn more about how to face fear in our daily lives and find the peace of God to be everything we need.
Peace Over Anxiety (Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 1:26-38; Philippians 4:4-7)
What can possibly help resolve the rampant anxiety that nearly everyone in the world goes through? As we listen to the classic birth of Jesus story once again - today through the lens of Mary and Joseph - we will see that anxiety has always been part of the human story. But there also is an antidote that the Bible teaches us about. What does Jesus teach us about anxiety, and how does the peace of God profoundly work into our deepest selves to cure the anxious heart and mind?