Evolve

Week 3 of our Advent series through the book of Ruth. I hope the message is helpful to you.

This is part two of our Advent Series focused on the Old Testament story of Ruth. This week we learn a bit about the concept of Khesed — a beautiful Hebrew word that describes God’s immense love and kindness in our lives. Of course this series will be more meaningful if your are reading along … Continue reading "Evolve Podcast: The Story of Ruth, Week Two"

The Evolve Podcast returns just in time for the Advent Season. Read through the book of Ruth and watch how an Old Testament story aligns with the birth of Christ in significant ways.  

Here is the passage that is the focus of this week’s podcast: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and … Continue reading "Evolve Podcast: Sermon on the Mount, Week 5"

This week we focus on Jesus’ teaching about hiding our righteousness. So, we focus on the tendency we all have toward hypocrisy. The intro to the message references a survey I handed out to the people present as I taught. Here are the questions on that survey: Do you struggle with fear and anxiety? Have you ever lied to someone in an effort to hide your sin? Do you carry guilt for certain past sins as though God has not forgiven you? Do you ever talk negatively about others in an effort to make yourself look better? Have you ever had a sexual relationship with someone you aren’t married to? Have you ever thought about or attempted suicide? Have you ever taken revenge on someone in your life, emotionally or physically? Do you often feel like you are better than others because of their sin? Do you keep secrets because of shame and fear?

This is week 3 of the Sermon on the Mount. This week’s episode focuses on Jesus’ teaching to love our enemies. Of course, it will help if you have some specific people and/or relationships in mind as you listen and try to apply what Jesus says. Take some time this week to reflect on Matthew 5:43-48.

Week 2 of the Sermon on the Mount series. Take some to read through Matthew 5 – especially the Beatitudes. Powerful words from Jesus that should transform our values and expectations.

This week we begin a series based on Matthew chapters 5-7, otherwise known as the Sermon on the Mount. These chapters contain some of the most challenging teachings of Jesus. Take some time to read these chapters throughout this series and make some effort to live them out in your relationships. But, remember, it is the Holy Spirit who empowers you to live like Jesus.

      This is the final week of a three part series on Romans 8.  Here a few readings that will help you dig a little deeper into part 3: Romans 7 Romans 12:1-2 Psalm 22

This is a 3 week series based on Romans 8. The teaching will be more helpful if you spend some time reading and reflecting on Romans 8 over the next few weeks.   Here are a few suggestions: Read the chapter once a day each day. Pick out a phrase that catches your attention and write it on a post-it note, put it some place where you’ll see it often. Read the chapter from a different Bible translation each day (try the New Living Translation, English Standard Version, and New American Standard Bible). Select a verse or two and commit them to memory. Thanks for listening! If you find the podcast helpful hop on the iTunes Store and leave a review, and/or consider becoming a Patron (follow this link).

Here’s the wrap up of the James series – some reflections on allowing what James says to shape our behavior.

We’ll return to wrap up James next week. This week is all about launching into summer and how the change in our schedules can impact our spiritual lives.

Humility, pride, insecurity, selfish ambition — they are all connected. James gets at the heart of the issue at the end of chapter 3 and the beginning of chapter 4.

James, the half-brother of Jesus, has some tough things to say about the damage words can cause. We’ll dig into the ideas he shares in this episode.