Magnify Church - Rockford

Have you ever heard a story too good to be true, then found out that it WAS true? This Easter Don Denyes shares the best part of The Greatest Story. What seemed like nonsense to a band of discouraged disciples, set the world on fire with the hope of the resurrection!

When Jesus entered Jerusalem it was to shouts of praise! The people called Him King and cried out, "Hosanna! Save us!" How quickly their shouts turned to "Crucify Him!" This week, Don Denyes looks at this stark change and invites us to focus not on the crowd, but on our Savior and the love He displayed for us on the cross.

How much would you endure to help someone? In part two of The Greatest Story, Stu Quackenbush explores the excruciating reality of the coming hours for Jesus, as He prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane. He had every reason to walk away, but He didn't. He faced it all for you.

The final week leading up to Jesus' crucifixion began with crowds welcoming Him as a king. Don Denyes kicks off a 5-week Easter series exploring the significance of this moment as Jesus turned His focus to what lay ahead.

As our culture continues to become more and more socially isolated, the biblical model of community seems more and more foreign. Don Denyes continues our Storytellers series with three of Jesus' teachings that invite us to pay attention to ourselves so we can better serve and love others.

Living like Jesus means living counterculture. Everywhere you look people are stepping over each other to get ahead, competing with their neighbors to have the best stuff, and cutting corners to achieve the "easy life." Don Denyes looks at another story Jesus shared with His disciples that helps us better understand what He means that "The first shall be last."

God wants our hearts! We sometimes go through the motions, but miss the point. Ben Phebus looks at an interaction between Jesus and the Pharisees in Luke and reminds us that loving God and loving others, isn't just about following rules. It first requires humility and repentance.

It's hard to look in the mirror and see our faults and shortcomings. Yet to truly grow as a Christian, we need to humbly confess our sins, repent, and accept the love that God so freely gives. Stu Quackenbush examines the response of the older brother in the second half of The Prodigal Son story to help us see what it takes to truly know the love of the Father.

Don't you wish that God wrote proof of His existence on a neon sign somewhere, so no one could miss it? Louie Konopka takes us on a journey through several different passages of Scripture to show us that God truly is right here with us. If we look for Him, we can't miss Him!

Have you ever found something that you thought was gone for good–maybe a set of keys or ring that has sentimental value? Don Denyes shares an incredible parable in our Storytellers series, that reminds us just how deeply we are loved and about the JOY God has every single time someone who is lost, is found!

Perseverance pays off! If you give up halfway up the mountain, you'll miss the amazing view from the top. Don Denyes reminds us in our next section of Luke, that following Jesus is not easy. We must count the cost, prepare our hearts, and remember that we don't walk the road alone. The cost of discipleship is great, but the reward is worth it!

When was the last time you were invited to dinner? How about an eternal dinner? Don Denyes opens the next parable in our Storytellers series, inviting us to have a heart of humility, hospitality, and hope in response to God's invitation. How will you respond?

Jesus' heart is for us! He endured the cross because of His confidence in the Heavenly Father's plan and because of His great compassion for us. Don Denyes continues our series in Luke with a story of an encounter Jesus had with a Pharisee, and encourages us to follow Jesus' example as we live on mission for Him.

The topic of Hell is neither popular nor comfortable. As Stu Quackenbush continues our series in Luke he helps us discover how even something so challenging points to the love and open arms of Jesus.

What do a seed, yeast, a viral video, or a small fire all have in common with the gospel? Don Denyes looks at two parables in our next section of Luke and encourages us to be diligent in spreading the gospel. Our work is not in vain.

Have you ever had to make a choice to do what was right, instead of what was expected? Don Denyes opens the next section in our Luke series and shares a story where Jesus had to make that exact choice in the midst of controversy.

The new year is the perfect time for a fresh start. It is good to reflect on the past while we project toward the future. Don Denyes invites us to consider Paul's perspective in Philippians 3 as we set goals for 2025.

O come, let us adore Him! Christmas is the most wonderful time of year, yet can be difficult for so many who are hurting. Don Denyes and Stu Quackenbush share the HOPE we have in knowing that Jesus, our Emmanuel, is both with us and for us! Invite a friend and come lift your candle high, as we sing, dance, and worship Jesus Christ our Lord!

What does it really mean to have "God with Us?" Does it change our day to day activities, the way we interact with family and friends, or how we handle difficult situations? Stu Quackenbush opens our two week mini-series Emmanuel, God with Us and invites us to consider the impact of Jesus' birth on our whole lives. 

Have you ever been surprised and wished you knew what was coming, so you could have been better prepared? Steve Welch continues our series in Luke and reminds us that we alredy know how the story ends. While we wait for Jesus' return, we have work to do!

What keeps you up at night? Are you worried about your future, your kids' future, or maybe the state of the world? Dr. Don Denyes jumps back into our Luke Storytellers Series and helps us trade our worldly perspective for a heavenly one.

Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to slow down and reflect on God's provision. Sounds good, right? Yet, if we were honest, how often do we believe that what we have or have accomplished, is because of OUR hard work? Do we truly give God the credit He deserves? Dr. Don Denyes takes us back in Scripture to 1 Chronicles to help us have a right view of true gratitude.

Do you sometimes find it hard to say you are sorry or admit when you are wrong? Humility is hard. Dr. Don Denyes opens the book of Philippians and encourages us as we strive to become more like Jesus.

Are you sad, frustrated, or overwhelmed with something in your life right now? Have you prayed about it? As Stu Quackenbush continues our Storytellers series in Luke, he invites us to bring our needs to God in prayer. Even if God chooses not to answer the way we hope, we will still be secure in our loving Father's arms.

Who has hurt you? Who do you distrust? Are you at war with anyone in your heart? That person is your neighbor. As Stu Quackenbush explores the parable of the Good Samaritan, we'll see one of the most radical calls on our lives as Christinas–we are to love even our enemies. Jesus loved first and we are to "do likewise."