Go Deeper

Richie Brandt asked to share a piece of his testimony. He once was lost, but now he's found, and he wants everyone to find the same hope in Jesus. Even through daily struggles, Richie perseveres because the Lord is with him.

We conclude our James study with the final chapter, in which James takes us full circle having made his case on what it means to "consider it all joy, brothers and sisters, when you undergo trials of various kinds."

James 4 presents five different words for desire as the author leads us to the climax and resolution of his instruction and encouragement as we stand firm, resist the devil, and humbly submit our will to the Lord's will.

James 2 confronts favoritism, works, and dead faith. Favoritism desires our own honor by associating with those we deem honorable and excluding those we deem below us. It's idolatry of self and status; faith in image, not in God. I love James 2:12. Speak and act as one who will be judged by the law of freedom. We are not under the law of Moses, but under freedom in Christ. Our faith in Christ, if...

Allen and Ryan discuss our role in government and community as Christians in light of the current election season. You are encouraged to keep God first and seek His will on the issues (economy, life, justice, injustice, immigration & outsiders, race, sexuality). Discern His standard - both vote and live in a way that draws you closer to His standard, not farther away.

The first chapter of James encourages endurance for maturity of faith in Christ. Mature faith reveals Christ's joy in endurance, desires wisdom, embraces humility, and accepts life from the giver of Life.

The sixth chapter concludes our study on Galatians. In this chapter there are two themes, each with three points. The first is one of burden. The overwhelming burden of moral failure, the daily burdens we carry individually before Christ, and the burden of revealing Christ come-what-may this side of heaven. The second is one of boasting. Our boasting in our own works, boasting in others' works for...

Walk by the Spirit, not in the flesh. Live by faith, not by law. Watch God produce works of love through your faith, and be set free as Christ clothes you with His righteousness!

Galatians 4 touches on these truths: 1) The law was for Israel to guard them from idolatry and sin, but in light of God's holiness, the law reveals humanity's unrighteousness. 2) Godliness is no longer pursued by works according to regulations, but through Christ and love. 3) We are not free to sin, but are freed from sin in Christ. 4) Efforts to earn salvation is slavery to works and rejects Chri...

Paul doubles down on his amazement in the Galatians willingness to follow a distorted gospel and corrects their view and expectation of the Law in light of the gospel of grace in Jesus Christ through faith.

Our small groups are continuing through Galatians with a discussion about chapter 2. Grab your Bible, some highlighters and pens, and get into the context of Paul's letter to the Galatians. Whether you're in one of our small groups or not, we believe these contextual readings will help you go deeper in the Word of God.

Galatians 1 begins with the gospel, introduces a correction to a false gospel, and presents his case from authority on the gospel.

Scripture, inspired by God, is essential for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness. Likewise, the Holy Spirit convicts us of sin, righteousness and judgment, guiding us towards Jesus and the cross. He counsels our steps and comforts our faith.

Sound doctrine is not religious behavior. Sound doctrine is what we are taught and teach about God and the gospel. Godly behavior is the product of sound doctrine.

Christian ministries are not just organizational structures. Or, at least they shouldn't be. Our ministries are to administer & apply the gospel in practical, life-changing ways that glorify God.

Understanding the basics of our Christian faith is crucial for living it out effectively. What are the fundamental truths of faith that you need to understand better?

After a busy season, Go Deeper returns with a chat between Ryan and Mark on how to discern God's direction for our lives and encourage ongoing faith for our families.

Ryan and Jason discussed modeling faith, putting it in practice, within our greater community, specifically through sports and hobbies. In our post-Christian culture, the question is how can the local church equip our church family to actively be in the world but not of the world.

Ryan and Max discuss faith and perseverance in the face of evil, trauma, and the unknown.

To walk out a life of Christian integrity, we need accountability partners: God, ourselves, an intimate few, and our Christian community. Each plays a vital role in encouraging, exhorting, correcting, and growing us in God's kingdom.

Sin produces damaging fruit that affects ourselves, others, and our relationship with God. It unravels our integrity in rebellion from God's will.

Christian integrity is consistent in faith, actions, and attitudes that all glorify Jesus. Integrity requires vulnerability, which in turn must be honest and humble.

Whether you realize it or not, your beliefs about God shape your life and identity. As Christians, we center our identity on Christ. We bear His name.

How can you deepen your roots in scripture and your Christian community? Identify one specific action you can take to engage more with God's Word and your church family.

Ryan sits down with Jackie to discuss the importance of raising families of faith, modeled after Deuteronomy 6.