Thoughts Of Some Guy In Ohio

Give Thanks Week 3

Text: Exodus 35:4–9; 36:1–7 Topic: Giving, Generosity, Thankfulness,  Big Idea of the Message: A thankful heart leads to a giving heart. Application Point:  As we cultivate thankful hearts for God’s goodness, provision, and presence, generosity that impacts the world will flow naturally from our lives.

Give Thanks Week 2

Text: 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 Topic: Gratitude, Hardships, Faithfulness Big Idea of the Message: We are not to offer thanks to God only occasionally or only when great things are happening; instead, we are to give thanks in all circumstances. Application Point: Even when we experience trials, we can give thanks for God’s presence, his understanding, and his comfort.

Give Thanks Week 1

Week 1 Text: Luke 17:11–19 Topic(s): Thankfulness, Ungratefulness, Blessing Big Idea of the Message: Thankfulness leads us into the presence of God, but ungratefulness always leads us away from God. Application Point: We can develop a lifestyle of thankfulness by intentionally expressing our gratitude and practicing spontaneous appreciation throughout our day.

Jonah, Jesus and Jeffrey Dahmer

Jonah, Jesus and Jeffrey Dahmer. Week 2 Text: Jonah 3:1–10 Topics: Repentance, Forgiveness, Grace Big Idea of the Message: The gospel is good news for all. Application Point: Do you believe that God’s message of grace is for everyone, including you?

Jonah, Jesus and Jeffrey Dahmer

Jonah, Jesus and Jeffrey Dahmer. Week 2 Text: Jonah 3:1–10 Topics: Repentance, Forgiveness, Grace Big Idea of the Message: The gospel is good news for all. Application Point: Do you believe that God’s message of grace is for everyone, including you?

At The Table Week 4

Week 4 Text: 1 Corinthians 11:17–28 Topic(s): Communion, Unity, Fellowship  Big Idea of the Message: The practice of gathering around the table for communion is a symbol of unity and a reminder of Christ’s sacrifice.  Application Point: The most intimate meal we will share with one another is around the Eucharist table. United in confession and need, brothers and sisters in Christ find their home.

At The Table Week 4

Week 4 Text: 1 Corinthians 11:17–28 Topic(s): Communion, Unity, Fellowship  Big Idea of the Message: The practice of gathering around the table for communion is a symbol of unity and a reminder of Christ’s sacrifice.  Application Point: The most intimate meal we will share with one another is around the Eucharist table. United in confession and need, brothers and sisters in Christ find their home.

At The Table Week 3

Week 3 Text: John 21:1–17 Topic(s): Community, Fellowship, Feasting Big Idea of the Message: God created humanity with two great needs, a need to eat and a need for relationship. The table gives us a means to fulfill both needs at the same time. Application Point: The table is a place for sharing experiences, being vulnerable, and encouraging and restoring one another.  

At The Table Week 2

Week 2 Text: Luke 15:1–32 Topic(s): Eating Together, Joy, Celebration, Feast Big Idea of the Message: When we feast, we get a taste of the kingdom. At the table we celebrate what God has done, what he can do, and what he will do.  Application Point: The believer can be confident that God is abundantly able to use the table to carry out his will, including reaching the lost. 

Welcome Home

There is a difference between being Friendly and Welcoming. Friendly- Take a look at what I have, isn't this nice.  Welcoming- Take a look what I have, do you want some? A lot of Churches are friendly, but not a lot of Churches are welcoming.  Jesus welcomed people and invited them into his presence. He wanted those around him to participate in what He was doing. He wanted them to feel like it was as much for them, as it was for him. In the current culture, we need to be a Church that is...

At The Table Week 1

Week 1 Text: Genesis 1:29–31; Revelation 19:6–9 Topic(s): Creation, Food, Feasting, Eternity Big Idea of the Message: Food and our need for it are part of God’s good creation. Food impacts every area of our lives and is one way the believer can experience God’s goodness.   Application Point: Food does not have to be the enemy, but a daily reminder of God’s provision now and to come. 

Stories Week 4

Thanks so much to Bobby and Stacy Westfall for sharing their story with us!  They started the Bay 6 Project in Mingo, Ohio. (You can connect with them on Facebook! 

Stories Week 3

Text: Ephesians 2:1-10 Topic: Transformation Big Idea: Before Christ enters our lives, all of us are spiritually dead. But God gives us new life, a life that is for His glory. Thanks so much to Kayla Conley for sharing her Story! 

Stories Week 2

Thanks to my wife Dani, for sharing part of Her story for his series.  Week 2 Text: 1 John 1:5-10 Topic: Authenticity Big Idea: Walking in the light, in right relationship with God, requires walking in authentic relationship with other believers (vs. 7). It means being open about our failures—to God and others—rather than just trying to save face (vs. 8).

Stories Week 1

Week 1 Text: Revelation 12:10-12 Topic: Testimony, Gospel Big Idea of the Message: Evil is defeated in our lives as a result of Jesus’ work on the cross; our testimony in Him, while it might seem to the world to signal defeat now (because of persecution and sacrificial living), actually entails our victory. Applicational Point: We must be quick to share the testimony of God’s grace in our lives, even when it’s not easy.

Stories Week 1

Week 1 Text: Revelation 12:10-12 Topic: Testimony, Gospel Big Idea of the Message: Evil is defeated in our lives as a result of Jesus’ work on the cross; our testimony in Him, while it might seem to the world to signal defeat now (because of persecution and sacrificial living), actually entails our victory. Applicational Point: We must be quick to share the testimony of God’s grace in our lives, even when it’s not easy.

What is your Purpose?

What is your purpose?  5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my dis...

What is your Purpose?

What is your purpose?  5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my dis...

Rhythms Week 3

Week 3 Text: John 4:23–26 Topic: Worship, Dedication, Integration Big Idea of the Message: Worship should be within every aspect of our daily routine. Application Point: We can begin to worship God through our working and resting when we recognize that we can worship him in all things.

Rhythms Week 2

Week 2 Text: Mark 2:23–28 Topic: Rest, Acceptance, Sabbath, Wisdom Big Idea of the Message: Rest is a gift from God that should be a normal part of our routine. Application Point: We can have a proper view of rest when we stop associating it with being unproductive.

Rhythms Week 1

Week 1 Text: 2 Thessalonians 3:6–15 Topic: Work, Diligence, Responsibility, Stewardship Big Idea of the Message: Working is an essential responsibility and does not have to be separate from our worship of God. Application Point: Working hard doesn’t mean resting less. 

Five Stones

"This is as far as you go, no further"  Not the Underdog story we think it is!  David Vs. The Goliath 

Be Present

Be Present: Participating in God’s Work   Big Idea of the Series: This one-week message explores the importance of turning off distractions in life and being present with what God is doing in this world.   Week 1 Text: Matthew 13:1–23; Luke 9:46–48 Topic: Distraction, Be Present, God’s Work Big Idea of the Message: Distractions can cause us to miss out on what God is doing in the present moment. Application Point: Find a specific time this week to set aside distractions and be presen...

Be Present

Be Present: Participating in God’s Work   Big Idea of the Series: This one-week message explores the importance of turning off distractions in life and being present with what God is doing in this world.   Week 1 Text: Matthew 13:1–23; Luke 9:46–48 Topic: Distraction, Be Present, God’s Work Big Idea of the Message: Distractions can cause us to miss out on what God is doing in the present moment. Application Point: Find a specific time this week to set aside distractions and be presen...

Don't Get Distracted

Satan will often do whatever he can to distract us. If he can get us to take our eyes off God and the purpose he has for us, he will always do it. It is his greatest strategy and his only real gameplay. Don't let him do it! 

Thanks For The Invite

TFTI: Thanks for the Invite Big Idea of the Series: This one-week message is geared toward a newcomer and shares a clear explanation of the gospel. We learn that we are all welcome to come to God, despite our past or current situations. Week 1 Text: Luke 19:1–10 Topic(s): Invitation, Salvation, Welcome Big Idea of the Message: Jesus came to have lunch with a man far from the kingdom. Application Point: Jesus is inviting us to lunch (or out to coffee) too, and we can respond by accepting th...

Thanks For The Invite

TFTI: Thanks for the Invite Big Idea of the Series: This one-week message is geared toward a newcomer and shares a clear explanation of the gospel. We learn that we are all welcome to come to God, despite our past or current situations. Week 1 Text: Luke 19:1–10 Topic(s): Invitation, Salvation, Welcome Big Idea of the Message: Jesus came to have lunch with a man far from the kingdom. Application Point: Jesus is inviting us to lunch (or out to coffee) too, and we can respond by accepting th...

Back At It Week 2

Week 2 Text: Philippians 3:12–16 Topics: Priorities, Accomplishments, Purpose Big Idea of the Message: Knowing Jesus helps us understand everything else in our life. Application Point: As you consider getting back to following Jesus, what is something that’s weighing you down that you need to leave behind?

Back At It Week 1

Week 1 Text: John 21:1–14 Topics: Faithfulness, Ministry, Provision Big Idea of the Message: It’s never too late to get back into the habit of following Jesus. Application Point: When following Jesus gets hard, avoid the temptation to fall back into doing what is familiar and comfortable.

The Heart of the Church Week 3

Text: Acts 16:11–15, 40 Topic(s): Mission, Evangelism, Missionaries, Great Commission Big Idea of the Message: As the people of God, the church, it is our duty to pray, support, and encourage the work of ministry both in our own sphere and in the wider world. Application Point: Consider how you can commit to receiving regular information about the missionaries your church supports, pray for them, and sacrificially give.

The Heart of The Church

Week 2 Text: Acts 2:14–41 Big Idea of the Message: God works through his Word and Spirit to bring people to himself, and we are invited to be kingdom ambassadors through the power of the Holy Spirit. Application Point: As you participate in evangelism, mission, and hospitality, and as you partner with others to spread the gospel beyond your neighborhood, pray for the power of the Holy Spirit to move and awaken people to repentance.

The Heart of The Church

Week 2 Text: Acts 2:14–41 Big Idea of the Message: God works through his Word and Spirit to bring people to himself, and we are invited to be kingdom ambassadors through the power of the Holy Spirit. Application Point: As you participate in evangelism, mission, and hospitality, and as you partner with others to spread the gospel beyond your neighborhood, pray for the power of the Holy Spirit to move and awaken people to repentance.

Generation to Generation (Fathers Day)

Father’s Day Text: Psalm 119:89–96; Ephesians 6:4 Topics: Parenting, Trust, Fatherhood Big Idea of the Message: Fathers have a responsibility to teach their children the faith. Application Point: As a father, are you being obedient to the Lord?

You Are The Church

Heart of The Church Week 1

Big Idea of the Series: This three-week series helps adults engage in a missional focus at home, in their neighborhoods, in a larger region, and around the world. It will help congregation members practice seeing missions as part of their everyday calling as Christians and provide some practical starting places to do so. Week 1 Text: Matthew 28:16–20 Topic(s): Great Commission, Evangelism, Missions, New Year, Neighbors Big Idea of the Message: Our call from Jesus is to go into all the world...

Being On Mission

We all desire to have a purpose in life and Jesus gives us the greatest one ever!  What does it mean to be on mission? Why should it be intentional? Why do we struggle so much with reaching our neighbors?

Our House (Community)

As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.   Ephesians 4:1-6

Our House (Commandment)

34 Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. 35 One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question:36 “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” 37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’[c] 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’[d] 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandment...

Our House (Commission)

Text: Matthew 9:35­–38 Topic(s): Commission, Evangelism, Compassion Big Idea of the Message: Jesus stirs in his followers a compassionate love for others and calls them to share his truth with the world. Application Point: Evangelism is important. All of our work toward bettering the here and now needs to also include the hope of Jesus for a forever gospel of life eternal. That is the great commission.

Generation to Generation

This two-week sermon set consists of one message for Mother’s Day and one for Father’s Day. Both messages are built around the promise of God in Psalm 119:90, that his faithfulness will endure from generation to generation.

Generation to Generation

This two-week sermon set consists of one message for Mother’s Day and one for Father’s Day. Both messages are built around the promise of God in Psalm 119:90, that his faithfulness will endure from generation to generation.

Redemption

Be The Light

Lost & Found

Here is the truth,  No one likes being lost. The anxiety, fear and uncertainty of it can be debilitating at times. Yet, being lost means there is plenty of opportunity for us to be found. In Luke 15 Jesus uses three parables to explain just how much effort God puts into finding lost people. So, at this moment if you feel lost, just know God is looking for you. He is pursuing you and wants nothing more than for you to know him! 

Between Grace And The Gavel

Hey Everyone,  Just a heads up on this Episode. I am trying my best to be transparent about my own personal faith. As someone who is responsible for helping others to find and develop theirs, sometimes I find myself searching just as much. DOUBT DOES NOT MAKE YOU A BAD CHRISTIAN, it makes you human. The greatest lesson I have learned over the last few years is to embrace the doubt and let God show you what's next! Praying for you always! 

The Racist And The Refuge

In a world that is willing to trade one for the other, Christ still chose to die for both. 

The Prodigal

The Parable of the Lost Son 11 Jesus continued: “There was a man who had two sons. 12 The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them. 13 “Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. 14 After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. 15 So he went and hired himself o...

The Kingdom

What is God asking us to give Up? Are we ready to be uncomfortable, if it means building the Kingdom?  What if losing everything, is the only way? 

The Promised Land Part 2

The Promised Land Part 1