Liferoads Sermons

In Matthew 6:1-15 , Jesus makes it clear that spiritual practices are not for show. What we aim for in our spiritual lives, we receive. Don't pray to impress or with formulaic expectations, as if God does not already know and He needs to be woken up or informed. Spiritual practices of generosity, worship and prayer are about a personal relationship with God. The Lord's Prayer is a model or...

The teachings of Jesus have had vast historical influence, and the Sermon on the Mount may be the most influential. But the scripture we are covering today ( Matthew 5:1-20 ) isn't just nice platitudes; it is shocking. The audience was 'astonished.' We must be careful to not read this sermon with preconceived ideas and cast our Western understanding into it. We need to see it as Matthe...

The synoptic gospels present Jesus' temptation immediately following His baptism. We can expect challenges after spiritual peaks. The wilderness motif is common in scripture. It represents a dry and discouraging time that grows and matures us. It is a time that we must be dependent on God ( 1 Peter 1:6-7 ). Today in Matthew 3:13-4:11 , we look at the temptations of Christ. We must understand t...

Isaiah 40-55 are called the 'comfort poems.' They are a backdrop to the Gospel of Matthew. They tell of the Messiah's return and hope of the promised Kingdom of God ( Isaiah 52:1-10 ). Matthew is diligent to make clear that fulfillment of the entire story of the Hebrew Bible is found in Jesus. He begins the Gospel with the genealogy from the promise to Abraham ( Matthew 1:1-17 ). Immer...

In this conclusion to the "Walk Wisely" sermon series, we explore the timeless metaphor of life as a journey. Reflecting on Proverbs 4:10-19 and Ephesians 5:15-16 , this message examines the two paths we can walk — the way of wisdom or the way of folly. It highlights the choices, challenges, and direction of our lives and emphasizes Jesus as the ultimate "Way" to life. Jesus no...

We are social creatures. We need friends ( ⁠Proverbs 18:24⁠ ). Though we may have many acquaintances and FB friends, that is not the friends we're talking about. We need friends that give good advice and challenge our foolish wanderings ( ⁠Proverbs 13:20⁠ ). sure, you are influential, but more importantly, you are influenced . Be aware of the influences around you ( ⁠1 Corinthians 15:33⁠ )( ⁠P...

The way we think about work is broken. We often think of it as a necessary evil, but scripture presents a different way to think about it ( Colossians 3:23-24 ). Though it is imperfect, there is goodness in work, and we should be wise about how we think about and how we engage in work ( Proverb 12:11 )( Proverb 22:29 ). God created us to work ( Genesis 2:15 ), but it has been corrupted in the fall...

We are all a part of a family, and the Bible teaches us how to live wisely in families. Family is vital, and family is vulnerable ( ⁠Proverbs 27:8)⁠ . It is a critical part of our social and personal foundation. It has a deep influence in our lives, for good and sometimes not so good ( ⁠⁠Proverbs 6:16-19⁠⁠ ). It begins with honor and respect ( ⁠Exodus 20:12⁠ ). There is a structure to families, an...

How do wisdom and money mix? Proverb 27:23-24 . Money is morally neutral. It is the love of money that corrupts and damages. We must understand that everything, ultimately, belongs to God. If we put all our trust in money, it will fail us. Life is more than riches. Spend wisely ( Proverb 21:20 ), save wisely, be wise about debt ( Proverb 22:7 ), and be generous ( Proverb 3:9-10 ). Our model of liv...

There is great power and great danger in speech. There is great encouragement and great destruction in what we say. Speech can even carry the power of death and life, according to ⁠Proverbs 18:21⁠ . The destructive power of a lie is more than you know, yet we all have access to the absolute truth, Jesus Christ: the Word made flesh. We need to be wise with our words and know when to be silent. Spea...

We live in the age of information. There is more data at our fingertips than ever in history. However, all that information does not translate into wise living ( Ephesians 5:15-16 ). The wisdom of Proverbs 1:1-7 tells us to pursue wisdom. It takes intentional living; do not reject or mock wisdom. Wisdom invites you to engage and grow ( Proverbs 1:20-23 ). But it takes humility and an understanding...

What difference does the resurrection make in our lives beyond Easter Sunday? This message explores the reality, power, and hope of the resurrection as revealed in 1 Corinthians 15 . Through eyewitness accounts, transformed lives, and the rapid growth of the early church, we affirm the historical and transformative truth of Jesus' resurrection. The resurrection offers the power to change us no...

He is risen! ( Ephesians 1:7-10 ) Jesus has paid the ransom and bought us back. We are redeemed from slavery and sin. It was a high price, indeed, but you are of infinite worth to God. So, live the new life Jesus gave us when He transferred us from a life of darkness to His kingdom of redemption and forgiveness ( Colossians 1:13-14 ). Liferoads Church Spokane

In the final chapter of Ruth , we saw that we need a redeemer, not just humanity, but each and every one of us. We also need a king, a benevolent, loving authority that we can only find in Christ. Finally, it is critical to know that everyone is invited; everyone is welcome. Just as Ruth was an outsider, she became an integral part of the family. This is true of each of you as well. Liferoads Chur...

Today in Ruth 3 , we look at the character of Boaz. His name means strength. Boaz is a generous provider and protector. He is a pillar in his community and family. Our society needs more people like Boaz. 2 Chronicles 3:15-17 Liferoads Church Spokane

Introducing Ruth . We look at the three main characters in this story and read excerpts of chapters 1 & 2 . This is a small story of redemption - in the larger book of God's redemption. Where one would expect there to be prejudice, there is dignity and acceptance. We can see how reflecting God's kindness and love has a bigger role than you would expect. Don't let circumstances defi...

Jesus put the Church in the hands of His disciple and the rock—Peter. Just like us, Peter was flawed and stumbled. However, he had the strength of Jesus' grace. In Peter's final words ( ⁠2 Peter 3⁠ ), he brings us a warning and the truth of what is to come. In the midst of that is God's judgment, but also His patience and love. God is eager for our salvation. The chapter, the epistle,...

Peter is very passionate about warning the early church to be on their guard for false teachers. This is not unique to 2 Peter 2; it is all through scripture. We have a responsibility to know what is true and recognize false teaching. Donnie shares Peter's insight on how to recognize false teaching. Liferoads Church Spokane

This week in 2 Peter 1:16-21 , Donnie talks about the power of scripture. The Bible isn't just any book. Peter explained how they have written from first-hand experience of Jesus. The message is the light of God; it is God's guide to your life. One has to ask themselves, What is the authority in your life? I will put my trust in the revelation of our creator. Liferoads Church Spokane

The first chapter of Peter's second epistle challenges believers to actively pursue spiritual growth, remain rooted in God’s provision, and live lives that reflect His abundant grace. Today's lesson focuses on three key themes. The Foundation of Faith: Peter emphasizes that believers have received a faith as precious as the apostles', rooted in the righteousness of Jesus Christ. This f...

Today Nathan Harris finishes our teaching on the epistle of 1 Peter. In 1 Peter 4:17–5:14 , we find a difficult challenge to grow through suffering. Glory and suffering are two sides of the same coin. But how do we not just get through it; how do we grow through it? We have to be community-minded; we are not alone in this; God has not abandoned us. He put us in a community. Take care of each other...

1 Peter 4:1-19 1. Give God your thoughts 2. Give God your best 3. Give God your pain Liferoads Church Spokane

Your attitude has the power to change how you live. Drawing from 1 Peter 3:8-22 , this message highlights how Christlike attitudes—like compassion and humility—shape our responses to tough situations, helping us to bless others, trust God, and live with purpose. Liferoads Church Spokane

Today Peter talks about marriage. This can be a touchy subject, but realize that God has made it a unique institution for immense growth. It is one of the few institutions that God established, and if respected, it has a very powerful spiritual effect. ⁠1 Peter 3:1-7⁠ has encouraging words for wives and husbands. Respect, love, and honor each other. Value each other as Christ values you! Act to ea...

Today in ⁠⁠1 Peter 2:11-25 ⁠⁠ we ask, What do we fear? Do we fear public ridicule, being a social outcast, or just simply not fitting in? We are citizens of a different kingdom, and all we have to fear is the Lord. But this fear is not a debilitating fear. It is a fear of reverence, an understanding of authority; it is understanding who we are and who God is. Jesus calls us to have a similar respe...