Hope Springs Eternal

e examine Jesus questions of the disciples on his identity. We discuss not only the context of Jesus question then, but how Jesus identity forces us to examine who we are as disciples of Jesus Christ today. Why do we want to limit Jesus role in our lives?

The feeding of the masses, the calming of storms, et; are all examples of the miracles of Christ. What do these stories tell us about Jesus and his identity, authority, and meaning for us as disciples? What do these stories say about us as humans who aspire to be disciples?

We discuss this important compilation of Jesus' teachings and sayings. We explore how they inform and direct our lives toward the Kingdom of God and challenge us to see the world as God sees them. We also discuss how the SOM is more challenging to our lives than often we want it to be.

We explore the healings and exorcisms performed by Jesus and their meaning. We discuss how they point to Jesus’ authority and the Kingdom of God. We also discuss the aspects of discipleship that call us to wrestle with healing and when healing is perceived to not be offered. We even delve into the complementary nature of science with faith.

Pastors Kaiti & Ricky have a fun discussion on what discipleship means in their lives and how to fully live into that calling in big and small ways.

We explore in depth what it means to be a Disciple of Jesus Christ. We discuss what it means to embrace discipleship as something we share and nurture as well as learn and practice.

As we reflect on Jesus’ call of disciples, we look beyond following to active participation in the activity of ministry. We talk about what it means to be fruitful and to understand that discipleship is challenging and rewarding in ways beyond personal gratification.

In this episode, Pastors Jay and Kaiti discuss what it means to live a life for the Kingdom that is both here & now and is to come.

This podcast episode explores test, trials, and temptations. We discuss different aspects and perspectives of temptation. We explore the internal and external aspects of challenge to our lives of faith. We relate this to Jesus and his wilderness experience after his baptism.

We discuss pathways of life and the people who have helped us find our way. We then explore the profound role of Jesus Christ as the Way and the one who has blazed the most profound pathway to God, God's Will, and Salvation. In this we also explore the role of John in preparing the way for Jesus and our role in participating God's gracious work in pointing and clearing paths for others.

We discuss new beginnings and the sense of celebration that accompanies that which is new. From a faith perspective we discuss how Jesus’ fulfillment of expectations and hopes represent a new beginning of celebration, just as the new beginning of  a people freed from captivity offered a source of celebration through the Exodus. We then relate new beginnings in our individual and communal journeys...

We discuss the way in which God seeks to make connections with each of us. We also discuss the connections between Jesus and the work of God before Jesus’ earthly life and with the continued work of Christians in the early church, as well as today.

This episode focuses on Good News that is different from how we typically understand good news. We think good news is about having things work as we desire and getting what we want. The Good News that God offers is about what we need and often is counter to what we want. We talk about Jesus and how all that God is and has done is Good News, but particularly in and through the life, death, and resu...

This week we welcome a new guest, Jerrod Allen, with pastors Ricky and Kaiti to wrap up our discussion on expectations of Jesus. Is Jesus strong, weak? How does Jesus enter into our humanity and be present with us? Where is God in human suffering and weakness and how are we to be with others in this light?

We discuss how expectations are often built out of nostalgic desires to return to the familiar, rather than openness to what God might be call us to that is new. We connect this with the expectations of a Messiah were deeply connected with memories of King David and a high tide of communal memory in that period in the people’s history.

We discuss the many ways where expectations are confused by the personal hopes and expectations of the recipient. We discuss how we latch onto what fits our personal desires and sometimes miss what is really being offered by God.

We discuss expectations and how what we expect can be far from what we really will experience. We explore immediate desires and perceptions versus longer term and ultimate hopes. We also explore how listening and closer examination of God and how God often works different than we expect can help us better align our expectations with the will of God. We more deeply examine unrealistic expectations...

*NOTE: The second segment video file was corrupted however the audio is included. Ricky, Kaiti, & Keven have some great thoughts on "Dive," stay tuned and listen!* As we continue to move through our brief series of favorite hymns and classic contemporary worship songs, we discuss “Blessed Assurance” and “Dive” in another 2 segment podcast. We discuss the stories behind these songs, t...

As we continue to move through our brief series of favorite hymns and classic contemporary worship songs, we discuss “In The Garden” and “Friends” in another 2 segment podcast. We discuss the stories behind these songs, their message, and their place in Christian worship.

As we continue to move through our brief series of favorite hymns and classic contemporary worship songs, we discuss “Amazing Grace” and “Lord I Lift Your Name On High” in another 2 segment podcast. We discuss the stories behind these songs, their message, and their place in Christian worship.

As we continue to move through our brief series of favorite hymns and classic contemporary worship songs, we discuss “Lord of the Dance” and “Sanctuary” in another 2 segment podcast. We discuss the stories behind these songs, their message, and their place in Christian worship.

This episode is a 2-part Podcast on Hymn Favorites and “Old School” Christian Praise Music. It features our worship leaders for each worship setting, Keven Braswell and Paul Roberts. We discuss “El Shaddai” and “How Great Thou Art”, which will be featured this week, along with other insights regarding music and the deepening of our Faith.

Jay, Kaiti, and Worship Director Keven discuss how Contemporary Worship has taken a new generation of believers to deeper places of faith and community and its place in a Sunday morning worship context.

We discuss how our faith and ensuing hope is affirmed and expressed through our hymnody, the songs of our faith.

Today we explore how we engage in the life of the Faith through the church and beyond into the world. Methodists have understood this as Means of God’s Grace through Acts of Piety and Works of Mercy. When we stay close to God, we are better at sharing Christ with a hurting world.