Church is Messy

In this bonus episode between seasons, Rick and Svea discuss large recurring themes in familiar Old Testament stories. A lot of the discussion revolves around the content of the Bible being so amazing and such a big deal, God communicated it in the best way possible for all communities, all generations, and all cultures with everything in these stories pointing us to Jesus, the Gospel, and life in...

Pastor Caleb Smith joins Rick and Svea on today's episode. They dig into what is perhaps one of the most debated stories Jesus ever told, The Parable of the Dishonest Manager in Luke 16. Show Notes 00:00 Intro Rick's story from the gym trying a new workout and being less than shrewd 03:13 Many preachers skip this parable because it can throw people off, but Caleb was excited to study and preach th...

Today's Topic Rick and Svea discuss one of Jesus' most famous stories, The Prodigal Son found in Luke 15:11-32. Topics Discussed in this Episode 00:00 Intro - Rick's late caffeine morning. 01:39 Talking about the word, "Lost." 04:21 Love requires we be sensitive about the language we use, especially around those who have not yet come to faith in Jesus. We shouldn't be motivated by proclaiming, we...

Rick and Svea reverse roles today. He puts Svea in the "hot seat" as they discuss the genius of the stories in Luke 15:1-10. In these parables, Jesus simultaneously speaks to, and shows compassion toward, two groups of people who viewed themselves as being at opposite ends of the spectrum. Topics Discussed in this Episode 00:00 Intro 01:14 Mother's Day is this weekend. Svea has a lot of "mom label...

Rick and Svea talk about Rick's last weekend message about focusing in on our mission. Topics Discussed in this Episode 00:00 Intro 00:50 What was the purpose of this past sermon? Why was it applicable to our church?  01:23 Discussion of changes in our church and in other churches - post-COVID, senior pastors, men and women in leadership, worship service options, etc.  05:15 The Bible and the Gosp...

On this episode, Pastor Otis Hall joins Rick and Svea in the studio to continue the weekend’s discussion on James 1:27 and how that verse can propel us into action to care for our society’s most vulnerable. Topics Discussed in this Episode 00:00 Intro 01:17 We looked at a passage in James that gave us insight into the fostering world. 02:26 James 1:27 is about having a passion for compassion for a...

Today, Pastor Caleb Smith joins Svea in the studio as they close out our discussions on family by looking at parenting and parental influence. Topics Discussed in this Episode 00:00 Intro 01:36 An exceptional message that spoke to people of many different categories of people who have parental influence whether or not children are a part of home life. 03:23 The parental models we have in the bulk...

Today's Topic Rick and Svea talk about singleness, dating, and loneliness. They discuss Jesus and his singleness, guarding against being defined by another person, and not choosing a path that leads away from Jesus. Topics Discussed in this Episode 00:00 Intro. 00:52 Nerding out on church history. 04:58 Fighting against alienating singles - Svea's experience. 06:02 Feeling the anti-gospel pull tow...

Today, Rick and Svea examine Ephesians 5 and what Paul says (and doesn’t say) about marriage, our presuppositions, and our culture. By applying this chapter to all relationships, what can the family of believers learn about the gospel way of life? Topics Discussed in this Episode 00:00 Intro 00:42 Welcome to new listeners 02:40 Church should be a comfortable, restful, and safe place - a family 06:...

1 Timothy Message Series 1 Timothy Chapter 6 Rick and Svea swap chairs as Svea preached the message on 1 Timothy 6 this week and Rick asks her clarifying questions. Topics Discussed in this Episode 00:00 Intro and recap of the message. 02:54 Discussion of what slavery was like in the NT times. 08:57 Not every single verse in the Bible points to how the world is "supposed to be" but Scripture engag...

1 Timothy Message Series 1 Timothy Chapter 5:17-25 Today, we live up to “Church Is Messy” as we dive into the topic of accountability. How do we rightly hold people accountable? How do we respond when we’re being held accountable? How do we respond to anxiety-producing situations? Roll up your sleeves and get ready for a little messiness. Topics Discussed in this Episode 00:00 Intro 01:13 Overview...

1 Timothy Message Series 1 Timothy Chapter 5:1-16 While the first half of 1 Timothy 5 is often viewed as a tutorial on caring for widows, this week Rick and Svea discuss what may be surprising themes this section is dripping with: leadership in challenging situations and what confrontation in the way of Jesus looks like. Topics Discussed in this Episode 00:00 Intro. 01:03 Svea: I’ve always read th...

In this episode, Pastors Rick Henderson and Svea Merry discuss 1 Timothy 4 and the issues of church leadership, reliance on the Spirit vs our conscience, understanding spiritual growth, and primary and second issues of Christianity.  00:27 Intro - Recap of the series, intro to 1 Timothy 4, and transitioning from 1 Timothy 3 01:28 If people watch us progress in our faith, relationships, or leadersh...

1 Timothy Message Series 1 Timothy Chapter 3 In this discussion on 1 Timothy 3, Rick and Svea answer your questions about our attitudes toward leaders who taught us something we now disagree with, the interpretation that is inherently connected to Bible translation, specific words and phrases in 1 Timothy 3, and leaning into our own shortcomings as we look at the qualifications of leaders. Topics...

1 Timothy Message Series 1 Timothy Chapter 2:11-15 Join us for an in-depth discussion on 1 Timothy 2:11-15. Rick and Svea dive into the differences of interpretation, a brief history that brought us to this discussion, and a recognition that men and women are different. Topics Discussed in this Episode 00:00 Intro. 01:43 Context: 1 Timothy 2:11-15. 03:47 Navigating differences of interpretation. 1...

1 Timothy Message Series 1 Timothy Chapter 2:1-10 Join us for an in-depth discussion on 1 Timothy 2:1-10. Rick and Svea tackle embracing humility and mutual submission and the far-reaching implications of the gospel for men and women. Additional Resources https://autumnridge.church/1-timothy/ Topics Discussed in this Episode 00:00 Welcome and Introduction. 01:00 The challenge and conviction about...

1 Timothy Message Series 1 Timothy Chapter 1 Join us for an in-depth discussion on 1 Timothy 1. Rick and Svea dig into living the gospel, dealing with false teaching, and our tendencies to add to or subtract from Scripture. Additional Resources https://autumnridge.church/1-timothy/ Topics Discussed in this Episode 00:00 Welcome and introduction. 01:56 1 Timothy Series and the thesis: "We teach wha...

Today Rick and Svea share the studio with Pastor Otis Hall. In the Parable of the Sower (Matt. 13:1-9), they discuss shifting the focus to looking for the desired result: a good harvest,  not just from the perspective of sowing the seed. NOTE : This is the last episode of 2023. Rick and Svea will be back behind the microphones in January 2024 for a new series, Devoted. Message Scripture Passages:...

So far in this series, we’ve looked at the unexpected messages to four churches in modern-day Turkey. UNEXPECTED MESSAGE: • It’s better to have no church than an unloving church. • It’s better to let a church suffer than to prevent it.  • It’s possible for a church to stand up for Jesus while standing against Jesus.     • It’s possible for a church to wrongly value staying together over staying fa...

So far in this series, we’ve looked at the unexpected messages to four churches in modern-day Turkey. UNEXPECTED MESSAGE: • It’s better to have no church than an unloving church. • It’s better to let a church suffer than to prevent it.  • It’s possible for a church to stand up for Jesus while standing against Jesus.     • It’s possible for a church to wrongly value staying together over staying fa...

So far in this series, we’ve looked at the unexpected messages to four churches in modern-day Turkey. UNEXPECTED MESSAGE: • It’s better to have no church than an unloving church. • It’s better to let a church suffer than to prevent it.  • It’s possible for a church to stand up for Jesus while standing against Jesus.     • It’s possible for a church to wrongly value staying together over staying fa...

So far in this series, we’ve looked at the unexpected messages to four churches in modern-day Turkey. It’s better to have no church than an unloving church. It’s better to let a church suffer than to prevent it.  It’s possible for a church to stand up for Jesus while standing against Jesus. It’s possible for a church to wrongly value staying together over staying faithful.    Rick and Svea discuss...

So far in this series, we’ve looked at the unexpected messages to three churches in modern-day Turkey. It’s better to have no church than an unloving church. It’s better to let a church suffer than to prevent it.  It’s possible for a church to stand up for Jesus while standing against Jesus.  Today, we spend quite a bit of time looking at practical steps to reflect Jesus properly so we stand for h...

It's better to let a church suffer and to prevent it. Today’s episode unpacks suffering, faith, and trust in Jesus. Message Scripture Passage: Revelation 2:8-11 Series Thesis: KNOWING the truth doesn’t change anything. SUBMITTING to the truth changes everything. Topics Discussed Today: 00:00 Intro. 01:54 Recap and overview of the series resources. 04:31 The strength of our faith and the strength o...

Rick and Svea kick off the new "Dear Church" series with a discussion about symbolism in the Book of Revelation and move on to the difficult topic of a loveless church. Rick then casts a vision for what he thinks a loving church exemplifies. Message Scripture Passage: Revelation 1:17-2:7 Series Thesis: KNOWING the truth doesn’t change anything. SUBMITTING to the truth changes everything. Topics Di...