Church is Messy

In this episode Rick and Svea dig really deep into gospel fluency vs gospel gibberish. The gospel isn't just trusting Jesus for salvation, it's trusting Jesus for and with the rest of your life. Topics Discussed in this Episode: 00:00 Intro 00:57 Garrison Keillor and fake spring. 02:29 "You foolish Galatians..." 04:49 The Christian life is NOT trusting Jesus for salvation and then living the rest...

In week two of our Galatians study Rick and Svea discuss conflict, the freedom we have in Jesus, and gospel fluency. Topics Discussed in this Episode: 00:00 Intro 01:40 Answering your questions: Does Galatians give a hierarchy of how we should relate to other people? 07:16 Galatians chapter 2. 09:33 Addressing conflict with other Jesus followers. 15:53 The intersection of conflict, freedom in Chri...

As we kick of our new series on the book of Galatians, Rick and Svea discuss false gospels and answer a listener question. Topics Discussed in this Episode: 00:00 Intro 03:23 Whose approval are you seeking? 06:37 An example of appropriate and missing the gospel. 10:03 The specific problems the Galatian church faced - adding to the gospel. 14:10 We're all trying to reflect Jesus, not each other. 17...

We're putting a bow on The Lion's Share series. Today we scrutinize our own church and discuss our ministry method. Topics Discussed in this Episode: 00:00 Intro 01:06 Turning the focus on how Autumn Ridge handles money. Being transparent. 03:29 Where is the organization: more than enough, just enough, less than enough? Our strategy. 10:58 Year-end giving. 12:46 Why this timing (January) on a seri...

Today Rick and Svea talk about their own struggles with greed and simplicity and the New Testament framework of faithful giving and generous giving. Bible passages referenced in today's episode: 1 Timothy 6:17-19; 1 Corinthians 9:13-14; 2 Corinthians 8:1-5 Topics Discussed in this Episode: 00:00 Intro 01:13 This message pushed Rick to wrestle down his own contentment. 03:56 Simplicity: a corollary...

Today Rick and Svea dig deep into the essence of the prosperity gospel, it falsehoods, and the various expressions of the prosperity gospel. Topics Discussed in this Episode: 00:00 Intro 01:47 Intro to the prosperity gospel. 02:50 The real essence of the prosperity gospel. 03:42 Live Q&A after most Saturday services (when Rick preaches). 04:22 From the Q&A session last weekend: what is the...

In the first half of the episode Rick and Svea share where their vulnerabilities lie regarding money. In the second half they dig into contentment. Topics Discussed in this Episode: 00:00 Intro 01:12 Rick's history with Football. 04:25 Rick and Svea wrestle through how calendars and money demonstrate who or what has our hearts. 07:05 Svea talks about being vulnerable to finding security in money....

In this episode, Rick and Svea unpack some of the ideas behind "Just Enough." Topics Discussed in this Episode: 00:00 Intro 00:27 Review of 2024 04:45 The Lion's Share. 07:37 The tension and awkwardness of a money message series. 08:20 Wanting for people not from people. 12:53 Resisting the temptation to sit the series out. 15:00 The topics this series will cover. 16:07 Just enough. 18:23 Do I fin...

Rick and Svea close out Jonah talking about traps, windows and mirrors, God's judgement in the Old Testament, and how we can apply the themes of Jonah to life after elections (this episode was recorded on Election Day, 2024). Ultimately, it boils down to this week's sermon topic: Unrelenting Grace. Topics discussed in this Episode: 00:00 Intro 01:22 Election Day banter. 02:46 A pastoral encouragem...

The roles are reversed: Rick asks Svea about her message on Jonah and we get insight into what didn't make it into the message this past week. Topics discussed in this episode: 00:00 Intro 01:33 Believing God is gracious, compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love at the heart level banishes fear, heals hurts, and melts anger. 04:00 How do you recognize the real ugliness and brokenness in...

Rick and Svea grapple with a number of important themes from Jonah this week: God's provision Jonah is full of biblical parallels Obedience Topics discussed in this episode: 00:00 Intro 00:59 Lots of fun aspects and different connections in the text a more casual reading may miss. (Such as the fish in Jonah switches from masculine to feminine in Hebrew.) 04:25 The fish: tomb or womb? 05:51 Did Jon...

Rick and Svea make light of finally getting to "the whale" and how this is often given the lion's share of the messaging about Jonah when it's really an insignificant element of the story. This week's episode drips with challenges to go deeper and looking at what the text is actually saying. Topics discussed in this episode: 00:00 Intro 01:33 Svea is struck by how many of us grew up with a child-l...

This week Rick and Svea look at Jonah 1:1-16. Jonah acts as an enemy of God and yet God shows him grace. They draw out a number a parallels between Jonah and Jesus and how they differ in their motivation. Topics discussed in this episode: 00:00 Intro 01:42 Where is the line? 06:51 Rick gets honest - some of his backstory. 10:29 God sets his heart on his enemies and loves his enemies like a son. 11...

In the weekend message introducing the book of Jonah, Rick stated there are two common views to interpreting the story of Jonah: historical narrative or primarily parable. In this episode Rick and Svea discuss a question posed to them: Does Jesus' reference to Jonah in Matthew 12, when foretelling his own death and resurrection, support a particular interpretation of Jonah? Topics discussed in thi...

Rick and Svea introduce us to the book of Jonah and its timeframe in history. This is a book filled with comedy and satire; in many ways hundreds of years before its time, and yet is has profoundly important questions and themes it wants us to deal with. Note: this episode was recorded prior to the first message being given. Topics discussed in this episode: 00:00 Intro. 02:20 Background of the bo...

In this episode Rick and Svea try to bring light, not heat to the discussion of politics. Svea recommends watching the message on which this episode is based before listening to the podcast. Find the video here: https://youtu.be/KHN2c6-z-Ow Topics Discussed in this Episode: 00:00 Intro 01:09 Discussion of Politics and Churches and Church Leaders 04:46 Rick's goal as a pastor is to teach people how...

Welcome to a new season of Church Is Messy! Rick and Svea kick the season off with a bang and delve into a number of questions and topics related to our recently completed series, Gifted , on the Holy Spirit. Topics discussed in today's episode: 00:00 Intro and Rick and Svea's Summer Highlights and Lessons Learned. 05:53 Recap of the Ghosted message series and a summary of the topics: including wh...

Rick and Svea discuss a topic about which they both feel passionate: spiritual formation. What is it? How is it different than discipleship? Is it even a biblical term? Listen and catch the vision for why they're so excited about spiritual formation. Want to take your next step? Check out our classes: https://autumnridge.churchcenter.com/groups/classes-studies? Topics in this Episode: 00:00 Intro...

What are two topics we've been told to avoid talking about if we don't want an argument? Religion and Politics. Rick and Svea dive head-first into the issue of politics. Take a look at the list of topics below and you'll see there isn't much they didn't touch on. Be sure to check out the resources so you can be informed as you make your own determination about how to proceed as an ambassador of Ch...

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...