Trusting
When the storms of life come and the waves are crashing violently, do you find it difficult to trust that God is present and working? Whether or not you can see Him, Jesus is walking on the water in the midst of your storm—and He’s asking you to step out in faith and trust Him.
Following, Part 2
Once you become a Christian, what happens next? When Jesus called His disciples, He had one very simple request: “Follow me.” But although the phrase is simple, living it out doesn’t always seem so easy. Jill Briscoe looks at how five disciples came to Christ and started to passionately follow Him. She’ll explain how following Jesus is
Following, Part 1
Once you become a Christian, what happens next? When Jesus called His disciples, He had one very simple request: “Follow me.” But although the phrase is simple, living it out doesn’t always seem so easy. Jill Briscoe looks at how five disciples came to Christ and started to passionately follow Him. She’ll explain how following Jesus is
Changing, Part 2
Have you received Christ into your life? How can you confidently tell? Maybe you’ve become a Christian but you sometimes doubt your salvation because you’re not seeing change in your life. So, what should your life as a Christian look like? In this message, Jill Briscoe explains the evidence of a life marked by Jesus
Changing, Part 1
Have you received Christ into your life? How can you confidently tell? Maybe you’ve become a Christian but you sometimes doubt your salvation because you’re not seeing change in your life. So, what should your life as a Christian look like? In this message, Jill Briscoe explains the evidence of a life marked by Jesus
What Did Jesus Say About Faithfulness?
One look at the news and you may ask yourself, “Are we living in the last days?” With so much uncertainty going on around us, we may be wondering if the end is drawing near. After Jesus told the disciples that Jerusalem’s huge, ornate temple would be destroyed and not one stone left standing, they
What Did Jesus Say About Wealth?
We all have to deal with money, and we all deal with money in different ways, from penny pinchers to big spenders, from those living paycheck-to-paycheck to those investing millions. If we asked for financial advice from those around us, we would probably get many different answers. But consider we came into this world with
What Did Jesus Say About God?
When you picture God, what do you see? You might picture someone staunch, reserved, and dignified with long, white hair and a beard, perhaps something similar to Michelangelo’s portrayal on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. The Pharisees also had ideas of what God is like, so they objected when Jesus told some parables that
What Did Jesus Say About Humility? Part 2
We live in a culture of getting what we want when we want it. Language in advertising tells us that we “deserve” the best and we should get what we want. From trash-talk in the sports arena to commercials on television, self-promotion and self-aggrandizement are everywhere. With so many self-centered messages around us, what are
What Did Jesus Say About Humility? Part 1
We live in a culture of getting what we want when we want it. Language in advertising tells us that we “deserve” the best and we should get what we want. From trash-talk in the sports arena to commercials on television, self-promotion and self-aggrandizement are everywhere. With so many self-centered messages around us, what are
What Did Jesus Say About Calamities?
Why do bad things happen to good people? This is a question many people ask, particularly when we see tragedies occurring around us. In the ancient world, the general thinking was that if you were good, God would bless you in material ways for being good. So if something bad happened to you, the community
Partners Together, Part 2
There are no guarantees that all will go smoothly in life or marriage because there are many forces intent on destroying our lives and relationships. But God promised us the resources we need to deal with life’s eventualities and we have to decide which way we are going to go—or as Joshua said, which gods
Partners Together, Part 1
There are no guarantees that all will go smoothly in life or marriage because there are many forces intent on destroying our lives and relationships. But God promised us the resources we need to deal with life’s eventualities and we have to decide which way we are going to go—or as Joshua said, which gods
Comfort through Relationship
Are you in a dead-end relationship? Disappointed because that “special person” doesn’t meet all of your needs? We hear about situations like these all the time. It’s clear we’re created as relational beings, so why do we struggle so much with relationships? In this message Stuart Briscoe teaches about the ultimate relationship that brings both
Your Need for Friendship, Part 2
You probably don’t need to be convinced about how important it is to share life with others. To be friendless in an unfriendly world is a frightening thing. But have you ever struggled to develop meaningful and precious friendships? In this message, Jill Briscoe teaches us about being vulnerable in our relationships and how friendship
Your Need for Friendship, Part 1
You probably don’t need to be convinced about how important it is to share life with others. To be friendless in an unfriendly world is a frightening thing. But have you ever struggled to develop meaningful and precious friendships? In this message, Jill Briscoe teaches us about being vulnerable in our relationships and how friendship
How to Repair Relationships
Many of us struggle to live well when we experience difficulties in our relationships. We might even live in a state of denial—shrugging our shoulders and denying individual responsibility. How do we overcome the urge to ignore tough situations? In this message, Stuart Briscoe encourages us to repair our relationships and takes us to the
Fight for the Family
Families have been under attack from the beginning of time, and they are under attack today. The devil, who hates families with complete disdain, works overtime to tear down every wall we rebuild. How do we overcome his opposition when we’re exhausted from the constant patch work? In this message, Jill Briscoe teaches from the
God’s Plan for Reconciliation, Part 2
Too often we focus on issues that divide us as a people instead of the things that unify us. And when that happens, there’s the potential to stay within your collective group of like-minded people and treat others differently, maybe even judgmentally. How do you keep yourself from a judgmental worldview so that you can
God’s Plan for Reconciliation, Part 1
Too often we focus on issues that divide us as a people instead of the things that unify us. And when that happens, there’s the potential to stay within your collective group of like-minded people and treat others differently, maybe even judgmentally. How do you keep yourself from a judgmental worldview so that you can
Cultivate Contentment, Part 2
Those of us who played organized sports in school may remember a time when the race or game was not going well, and we just wanted to give up. For many of us, it was the shouts from the sidelines that kept us going. We could hear the coach shouting, “Keep going—you can do it!”
Cultivate Contentment, Part 1
Those of us who played organized sports in school may remember a time when the race or game was not going well, and we just wanted to give up. For many of us, it was the shouts from the sidelines that kept us going. We could hear the coach shouting, “Keep going—you can do it!”
Learn to Be Small
What people come to mind when thinking of those who have a servant attitude? Missionaries? Pastors? Yourself? Do you think that having a humble attitude is important? The apostle Paul had a servant heart and attitude. He continually gave himself away to benefit those around him. As a result, he was able to bring many
Chains of Blessing, Part 2
What do you do when you are suffering through a hard time? Many of us sulk, complain, and feel sorry for ourselves. Others put on a strong face, but when they’re alone, the fear and sadness take over and they break down. Much of the apostle Paul’s life was spent suffering—most of the time in
Chains of Blessing, Part 1
What do you do when you are suffering through a hard time? Many of us sulk, complain, and feel sorry for ourselves. Others put on a strong face, but when they’re alone, the fear and sadness take over and they break down. Much of the apostle Paul’s life was spent suffering—most of the time in
God’s Plan for Society
A major part of life is spent in the family and at work. Relationships in these environments are critically important. Societal change has taken place since Ephesians was written but the spiritual principles for societal living outlined are still relevant.
God’s Plan for Changed Lives
God’s people are called to live in a way that is worthy of their calling. Therefore, they must be sure of their calling and committed to behavior that is appropriate. Paul gets specific? The extent to which this is done determines the church’s credibility or lack thereof.
God’s Plan for Spiritual Growth
Having explained what God was doing in his life and wanted to do in the Ephesians lives, Paul turned to prayer. His concern was that they would discover and experience all that God had in mind for their spiritual growth and development. We need similar concerns today.
God’s Plan for Salvation
It is no secret that the human race is in deep trouble, but there is little agreement on the exact nature and the extent of the problems. Scripture not only explains the situation, but also outlines God’s response…His gracious plan of salvation.
God’s Plan for the Believer
Having blessed God for His blessings lavished on the Ephesians, Paul comments on their behavior and then launches into a prayer for their continued spiritual development which gives us a clue to what God plans for believers.
Chariots of Fire, Part 2
Whether we realize it or not, hostile forces are at work all around us. The devil is constantly trying to bring down as many people as he can. So, when we are struggling with depression, worry, low self-confidence, or fear, it’s important to root ourselves in prayer. In this message, Jill discusses the battle between
Chariots of Fire, Part 1
Whether we realize it or not, hostile forces are at work all around us. The devil is constantly trying to bring down as many people as he can. So, when we are struggling with depression, worry, low self-confidence, or fear, it’s important to root ourselves in prayer. In this message, Jill discusses the battle between
Sharpening Your Prayer Skills
Many of us have times in our lives where we feel we’ve lost our spiritual effectiveness. This can happen in a number of ways. Maybe our disciplines have gone awry, our habits have slipped, our priorities changed, or we’ve let worry, pride or selfishness get in the way. In this message, Jill explains what happens
The Holy Spirit of Prayer
When we pray, most of us spend a lot of time praying for ourselves, our family, and our friends. But did you know there is a lot more that God wants us to pray about? In this message, Jill uses the story of the little pot of oil to explain how we can let the
Running Out of Prayers, Part 2
Have you ever felt like you’re running out of prayers? Maybe you’re disappointed with God because you prayed so hard and the prayer wasn’t answered. Or maybe you’ve just run out of spiritual energy, or you’re in a bad situation in your life and you don’t know how you are going to get through it.
Running Out of Prayers, Part 1
Have you ever felt like you’re running out of prayers? Maybe you’re disappointed with God because you prayed so hard and the prayer wasn’t answered. Or maybe you’ve just run out of spiritual energy, or you’re in a bad situation in your life and you don’t know how you are going to get through it.
Fire on the Mountain
In the story of Elijah, God answers Elijah’s prayer and sends fire from heaven down to Elijah’s altar, in order to show the people of Israel that He is the one and only true God. This is just one example of how God answers prayer. In this message, Jill uses the analogy of an altar
Praying for the Family
It’s easy to get discouraged when we’re praying for a family member or a loved one and we just don’t see God answering our prayers. In those times, we might tend to tell God how and when He should answer the prayer instead of having faith that His answer to our prayers might be in
Chariots of Fire, Part 1
Whether we realize it or not, hostile forces are at work all around us. The devil is constantly trying to bring down as many people as he can. So, when we are struggling with depression, worry, low self-confidence, or fear, it’s important to root ourselves in prayer. In this message, Jill discusses the battle between
The Hidden Life
When we think of the “heroes of the faith,” we tend to focus on the tasks they accomplished and the people they encouraged—but the things they accomplished on their feet wouldn’t have happened if they hadn’t spent time on their knees in prayer. Even Elijah had to start somewhere! He was a shepherd in a
The Rain Man
How’s your prayer life? Are your prayers childish, easily distracted, unfocused and lacking in passion, seeing prayer as a way to get what you want? Or are they heartfelt, fervent, and effective… prayer that works? Drawing from the prophet Elijah’s fervent prayer life and his prayers for rain in a drought, Jill guides us in becoming
Worship and Listening
Years ago, Mortimer Adler wrote a book titled How to Read a Book. It sounded elementary, but it proved to be absolutely necessary. It’s highly likely that knowing how to listen to a sermon may be equally elementary and necessary in understanding and applying what is taught to everyday life.
Worship and Prayer
Worship is a response to God’s self-revelation. Prayer, which is either a spoken or unuttered response to Him, is therefore a premier aspect of worship. Whether in the congregation or alone, Jesus taught us we should pray and pray continually.
Worship and Devotions, Part 2
“Don’t put your head on the pillow at night if you hadn’t had your nose in the Book during the day.” —Stuart Briscoe In addition to recognizing the significance of congregational worship, it’s important for believers to develop the practice of personal daily devotions.
Worship and Devotions, Part 1
“Don’t put your head on the pillow at night if you hadn’t had your nose in the Book during the day.” —Stuart Briscoe In addition to recognizing the significance of congregational worship, it’s important for believers to develop the practice of personal daily devotions.
Fight for the Family
Families have been under attack from the beginning of time, and they are under attack today. The devil, who hates families with complete disdain, works overtime to tear down every wall we rebuild. How do we overcome his opposition when we’re exhausted from the constant patch work? In this message, Jill Briscoe teaches from the
A Little Pot of Oil
In 2 Kings 4, there’s a story about a widow who has run out of options on how to pay her creditors. She’s facing the real possibility that she will lose both of her young sons to slavery, as a means of paying her debt. This desperate woman is out of money, out of hope,
Living in Uncertain Times, Part 2
Happy New Year! This hopeful, generous sentiment is shared often at the beginning of a new year. But too often our happiness is dependent upon our happenings, and when things go wrong and curveballs come our way, happiness is gone. So given the uncertainty of the times in which we live, how do we gird
Living in Uncertain Times, Part 1
Happy New Year! This hopeful, generous sentiment is shared often at the beginning of a new year. But too often our happiness is dependent upon our happenings, and when things go wrong and curveballs come our way, happiness is gone. So given the uncertainty of the times in which we live, how do we gird
The Silent Years
Luke is the only Gospel writer who records this part of Jesus’ life. Jesus is now a pre-adolescent. These years are known as “the silent years.”