All Things New with Jeff Ackenback

One of...however many I do...bonus episodes. (Recorded live in an apartment with no studio audience...well, except Stevie)

A series of things that go bump in the night...and their Biblical foundations.

An actual recorded case of a ghost...in the Bible.

I say things that hopefully form a cohesive message.  Only you can decide!

No matter what you are working on in your life, it's important to recognize that there will be ups and downs.  Do your best to remember the ups during the downs, and always remember that there's no shame in asking for help.

My message from the Sunday, August 22 contemporary service.

Always keep fighting.  No matter how bad things, get, remember that you are not alone...that you are worth the fight.

We live in a world where a lot is based on appearances, and that can impact not just our self image, but also our faith, our confidence...everything.  It's a hard process, but it starts with asking for help, with learning to put your identity not in the opinions of others, but in your faith...and in doing your best to begin giving yourself grace.

We've talked a lot about wisdom, but it's something that we always should focus on, at least in terms of growing in it.  In our lives, we'll be faced with a lot of situations and decisions where our impulse is to react poorly or even panic...but the first step to "wising up" is to stop and think, work through things...and understand that if you're doing your best, you'll be doing everything you ca...

In a world where people have a public face, a private face, a Church face, etc...it's tempting to give in and do what everyone else does.  However, it's on us to be better, to move past hypocrisy...to be examples.

You always carry an infinite number of possibilities for how you react, what you choose...who you are.  Always do your best, love others, treat others as you'd want to be treated.  Be you, no matter what others say.

No matter how long you live or how much you earn, it will never feel like you have enough money or time.  However, if you use your time and resources to help others, to be an example, to make a difference...you'll find that the "never enough" feeling takes on a more positive, hopeful light.

For us, the parable of the three servants/talents seems a little odd.  The point isn't in the amount each servant got, though, but in how much of themselves they gave.  We aren't always going to be as successful as we'd like, especially when compared to others, but if we do our best...if we show love, seek peace, and live on hope...then that's going to make a difference.

My sermon from the July 4 Traditional service.

My sermon from the July 4 contemporary service.

Treat others as you want to be treated, not as you are treated.  Love everyone unconditionally.

Reflect who you really are at all times, because it will eventually come out.  Do your best, be real...be genuine.  

Have people around you who will help you find the right path for you...not the one that is easiest or most fun.  Remember, you don't know everything...so always seek the best route.

In the age of information, it's very easy to gain knowledge.  However, with everything at our fingertips, it's sometimes even harder to grow in wisdom, to question what we see, to learn for ourselves.  Wisdom is taking knowledge and learning how to use it, how to do the right thing, how to love God, to love others.

Having a good life, a strong faith...those are wonderful things, but the pride that can come with them should never become prejudice.  We are here to help, to love others, not to shame them.

Community has taken on a new meaning, as many have found their home online.  The important thing is not what you think in terms of texting vs. calling or online vs. in-person...but how you treat each other.  Also, don't allow your community to become so shut off to the needs and opinions of others that you believe that yours is the only way to do things.

Know what you believe.  Know who you are.  Know that no one else can change that, so show them love no matter what...show them who you are, who you serve...help build a better world.