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879 afleveringen, van nieuw naar oud
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Praying Like Fools
7 januari 2024 · 47 min
It's safe to say that we all desire to pray bold prayers, grounded in God's Word and fueled by his Spirit. So why is it that we often find ourselves settling for a prayer life that is characterized more by timidity than audacity? As we prepare to begin 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting, this week's message from Pastor J.D. focuses on a lesser-known story of Elijah and King Ahab in 1 Kings 18. Bold prayer, prayer that truly changes things, isn't just reserved for the select few—rather, it is something that all believers can and should practice. Lees meer
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A Practical Plan to Progress
31 december 2023 · 22 min
In this short message from 1 Corinthians 16, Pastor Curtis provides valuable direction for us as we find ourselves on the cusp of a new year, giving us four practical steps to ensure we are making progress in our lives as Christians. While we don't know exactly what this new year will hold, we can be sure that there will be both highs and lows. But we can also know with certainty that even through these mountains and valleys, consistent steps of obedience to God will lead to our growth as disciples. Lees meer
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Jesus, the Light
24 december 2023 · 39 min
Have you ever been in a place of immense darkness, literal or otherwise? If so, then you know how incredibly powerful it is when you see the first rays of light beginning to break through. In this week's message from Isaiah 9, the last in our Christmas series, Pastor J.D. shows us how Jesus is the light that the long-ago prophet spoke about. Even when darkness threatens to overwhelm this weary world, we can rejoice in the knowledge that the light of Jesus has come—a light that will never be eclipsed by darkness. Lees meer
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What Do I Do When it Doesn't Feel Like Christmas?
17 december 2023 · 46 min
Christmas can stir up many different emotions. For some, it generates excitement and anticipation. But for others, particularly those who find themselves in the midst of a difficult season of life, it may feel more sorrowful than joyful. So what do we do when it simply doesn't "feel" like Christmas? This is precisely the question that Pastor Bryan considers in this week's message from Revelation 5. As we look at a second image that the Bible uses to describe Jesus and how he comes to us, we see that in beholding him as the Lamb of God, we gain a perhaps much-needed change of perspective during this Christmas season. Lees meer
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Horns
10 december 2023 · 48 min
While Christmas has inspired the writing of many songs throughout the centuries, one song that is often overlooked is a biblical one—namely, that of Zechariah, whose words were inspired by the birth of John the Baptist. Over the next few weeks, we will examine three ordinary objects and how they can help us better apprehend the meaning of Christmas. In this week's message from Luke 1, Pastor J.D. walks through Zechariah's song to explain the first of these objects, the horn. At first glance, it may seem a curious image to use—but its rich symbolism serves to point us to Jesus, the ultimate horn of salvation. Lees meer
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Get Dressed and Get Out There
3 december 2023 · 52 min
While the Bible makes it clear that the demonic realm is real, it doesn't leave us in a place of despair, without instructions on how to do battle against such forces. In this week's message from Ephesians 6, Pastor J.D. returns to the issue of spiritual warfare in order to show us the importance of putting on the armor of God. The truth is that if we try to fight out of our own strength, we will likely fail. Only by properly dressing ourselves for battle, armed with the strength of God, can we overcome Satan. Lees meer
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Prepare The Way
26 november 2023 · 38 min
In this week's message, Capital Hills Campus Pastor John Muller teaches about preparing the way for Jesus by working through Mark 1:1-8.
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Preparing the Way of the Lord
25 november 2023 · 46 min
Pastor Daniel Simmons shares a message from Matthew 3:1-11.
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Four-Corners Giving
19 november 2023 · 55 min
Would you describe yourself as a generous person? If not, chances are that you may be viewing the world through the wrong lens. In this week's message from Leviticus 19, Pastor J.D. shows us how seeing the world through the correct lens can propel us toward lives characterized by gratitude and generosity. Though there may not be a prescribed amount that we are to give, it is clear that God intends for us to steward what he has entrusted to us in a way that results in considerable blessing to those who are in need. Lees meer
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The Attack on Identity
12 november 2023 · 47 min
Who are you, really? In a culture rife with comparison, the question of identity is one that tends to plague many of us. Is your identity anchored in things such as your accomplishments, your net worth, your social media presence—or in God's purpose and plan for your life? In this week's message from Matthew 3 and 4, Pastor J.D. explains common snares that Satan uses to attack our identity and how, by being grounded in the truths of Scripture, we can avoid becoming entangled in them. Lees meer
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The Demonic is Closer Than You Think
5 november 2023 · 41 min
When you think about the realm of the demonic, perhaps your thoughts tend toward Hollywood depictions of it rather than its real influence in the world around you. As we begin a short series on spiritual warfare, Pastor J.D. takes us through the realities of demonic activity in this week's message from Luke 11. Though the attacks and accusations of Satan can often lead us to despair, there is much hope to be found in fully surrendering to Jesus, the only one who has truly conquered this unseen Enemy. Lees meer
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The Bird of Mercy
29 oktober 2023 · 46 min
The book of Jonah ends in a curious manner, with a surprising cliffhanger of a question posed to Jonah. And while we are left wondering what Jonah will do, the real question for us becomes what we will do with God's invitation to extend mercy to our enemies. As we wrap up our series through the book of Jonah, Pastor Bryan walks us through chapter 4, detailing reasons why it is often so hard for us to show mercy, and how we can ultimately grow in mercy. The next move is ours—will it be one toward mercy or toward anger and bitterness? Lees meer
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Declaration Day: Baptism
22 oktober 2023 · 44 min
When we see Jesus for who he truly is, we can't help but respond. In this week's message from Acts 2, Pastor Curtis shows us how the crowd at Pentecost had a revelation about Jesus that led them to respond in repentance and baptism. Maybe you don't feel ready to be baptized, or you aren't sure it's really necessary in order to follow Jesus. Or maybe, like those present at Pentecost, today is the day that you declare your readiness to submit to and identify with Jesus through baptism. Lees meer
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Extensions of Mercy, Take Two
15 oktober 2023 · 43 min
It can be tempting to think that we've messed things up beyond repair, that surely God must be done with us this time. In this week's message from Jonah 3, Pastor Bryan explores the beautiful truth that we serve a God who delights in giving second chances, because he is rich in mercy. And it is precisely this mercy and kindness—not guilt or condemnation—that leads us to repentance. Lees meer
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The Pit of Mercy
8 oktober 2023 · 43 min
Chances are, you'll never be swallowed by a giant fish—but you may find yourself in a pit of despair, feeling as though there is no way out. In this week's message from Jonah 2, Pastor Bryan reveals the perhaps counterintuitive truth that there are blessings to be found in the pit. Indeed, God is able to use these experiences that are often unpleasant or even downright painful to make us still more fruitful members of his kingdom. The question, then, is how we will respond to God's steadfast love that is with us even in the deepest, darkest pit. Lees meer
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Extensions of Mercy
1 oktober 2023 · 44 min
Why do we often struggle to show mercy to others? Perhaps, we think, the other person doesn't really deserve to be shown mercy—after all, they have offended us deeply. How could we possibly be expected to forgive them? As we begin our series through the book of Jonah, this week's message from Pastor Bryan shows us from Jonah 1 how it is impossible to become people who extend God's mercy without first comprehending the depths of our own sin. Only when we understand how much God has forgiven us can we offer that same forgiveness to others. Lees meer
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Prayers That Heal the Sick and Alter the Weather
24 september 2023 · 46 min
Is prayer actually effective? And if it is, should we still pray even if we have a less-than-robust faith? As we wrap up our series in James this week, Pastor J.D. sheds light on a crucial—and often misunderstood—passage about prayer from James 5. In the end, we can be encouraged that God does indeed hear the prayers of his children, and it is often through them that he chooses to accomplish his work on earth. Lees meer
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You Can't Hurry Patience
17 september 2023 · 45 min
In a society of one-click shopping and seemingly endless streaming services, patience is one thing that is often in short supply. In this week's message from James 5, Pastor J.D. explains what patience is, why it's necessary, and how we can develop it. Even in the midst of suffering and the many challenges thrown at us by life, we can be sure that God is working all things for our good—we need only be patient and wait on him. Lees meer
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Make the Most of Your Mist
10 september 2023 · 41 min
We all make plans, whether they concern what we will do the next day or in the coming years. While the Bible acknowledges that it is certainly wise to plan, it also recognizes that the posture behind our planning is crucial. In this week's message from James 4 and 5, Pastor J.D. provides a helpful perspective on how to approach our lives in light of the fact that God is the one in control, not us. The choice is ours: a life characterized by trust in God, leading to humility and generosity—or one characterized by self-sufficiency, leading to arrogance and greed. Lees meer
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Takes One to Make One
3 september 2023 · 40 min
"I will make you fishers of men." As Pastor John shows us in this week's message from Matthew 4, what Jesus promised to two brothers long ago is what he also promises us, if only we will follow him. The idea of following can often seem counterintuitive in a culture such as ours, with its focus on individualism and self-reliance. And yet, it is only when we joyfully submit ourselves to the leadership of Jesus that we will truly become disciple-making disciples. Lees meer
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Let’s Get Ready to RUMBLE
27 augustus 2023 · 46 min
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It's Hard to Lick Your Tongue
20 augustus 2023 · 48 min
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Faith That Works
13 augustus 2023 · 43 min
If it's true that we can't earn our salvation, then how should we think about the relationship between faith and works? In this message from James 2, Pastor Curtis explores faith that saves and faith that doesn't—and how to know which one you possess. In the end, each of us must do the hard work of examining ourselves to see whether what we profess with our lips matches the way we actually live. Lees meer
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How Do We Know the Bible is True?
6 augustus 2023 · 46 min
We live in a world that increasingly disregards the Bible and scoffs at claims that it is the inerrant Word of God. As Christians, then, how do we answer those who challenge our faith in this book? In this week's message from 2 Peter 1, Pastor Curtis shows us what the Bible is and isn't, and gives us compelling evidence for why we can stake our lives—and, ultimately, our eternities—on the truths of Scripture. Lees meer
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People Who Don't Belong in Church
30 juli 2023 · 45 min
Though we don't like to admit it, we are often guilty of judging others based on very limited information. In this week's message from James 2, Pastor J.D. describes the dangers of showing favoritism, particularly within the church. If we are to truly fulfill Jesus' command to love our neighbors as we love ourselves, we must be willing to see others as he sees them: people made in the image of God, worthy to be treated with dignity and shown mercy. Lees meer
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The Shoes of Christianity
23 juli 2023 · 44 min
Jesus should make a difference in our everyday lives. This seems like an obvious statement, but what does it really mean, practically speaking? In this week's message from James 1, Pastor Bryan invites us to consider three issues that inform our faith on a practical level. When we do the work of applying God's Word to the minute details of our lives, we will not merely be "hearers" of it, but "doers." Lees meer
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Shaky Foundations and Deadly Off-ramps
16 juli 2023 · 46 min
Have you ever stopped to consider the foundation that your life is built on? As Pastor J.D. continues our series in James this week, he shows us how trials can work to reveal these foundations, for better or worse. Unfortunately, trials can also present us with the temptation to sin, rather than wait on God. In the face of such temptation, we can embrace the truth that every good gift comes from God—or we can turn to other things for comfort and peace. What will you choose? Lees meer
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Here Comes Trouble
9 juli 2023 · 45 min
Not many of us are likely to say that we enjoy tests and trials—and yet, life is full of them. This week, Pastor J.D. begins a series through the book of James, a book filled with practical wisdom and valuable insight. When faced with trials, will you respond in faith? Or will you respond with anger, disappointment, or even despair? When we trust in God's character even in the midst of hardship, we can be sure that he is working to produce lasting fruit in us. Lees meer
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Be Loved. Be Love.
2 juli 2023 · 37 min
Where does love come from? The culture around us would undoubtedly have a very different answer than what we read in 1 John 4. In this week's message, Pastor John Muller helps us consider the implications of God's love for us. As those who have been loved in such a profound way, we should be eager to share this transforming love with the world. Lees meer
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Cast Not Carry
1 juli 2023 · 33 min
Blue Ridge Campus Pastor Dustin Wells shares a message from 1 Peter 5:6-7.
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Delight
1 juli 2023 · 28 min
Apex Campus Pastor Josh Ingram shares a message from Isaiah 55.
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Great Faith Greater Savior
1 juli 2023 · 31 min
North Durham Campus Pastor Gus Pacheco shares a message from Luke 8.
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Two Wayward Sons, One Great Dad, and Lots of Nail Polish
25 juni 2023 · 43 min
When it comes to parenting, we can learn a lot from the way God relates to his own children. In this message from Luke 15, Pastor Bryan encourages us with the remarkable truth that God views us not as hired servants, but as sons and daughters. In the way that he relentlessly pursues a relationship with us, God demonstrates compassion and grace beyond measure. What benefits might we reap from the commitment to pursue a similar relationship with our children? Lees meer
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Father's Day Panel
18 juni 2023 · 45 min
In celebration of Father's Day, Pastors J.D. and Bryan host their own fathers for a panel discussion. As men who have experienced the ups and downs of fatherhood, Lynn Greear and Crawford Loritts offer practical, biblical wisdom to encourage men—whether they are fathers or not. Lees meer
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Parenting R.I.T.E.
11 juni 2023 · 44 min
Our homes matter, even more than we may realize. In this message from Deuteronomy 6, Pastor Bryan walks us through some of Moses' final instructions for the Israelites. These words, intended to prepare the Israelites to enter the Promised Land, still carry important implications for us today as we consider how to engage in gospel-based parenting in our current culture. If we want to have a greater chance of preparing our children to become adults who make a difference for God in their moment in history, we ought to be diligent to equip them to love and fear God. Lees meer
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How to Deal with Life When All Hevel Breaks Loose
4 juni 2023 · 50 min
You don't have to be familiar with the Hebrew language to understand the concept behind the word "hevel": Life can often feel chaotic and empty, meaningless and absurd—despite our best efforts to make it otherwise. In this message from Ecclesiastes, Pastor J.D. helps us see several absurdities about life, as well as vital truths that can help us live in light of these absurdities. For those who have surrendered fully to God, life is anything but meaningless, because there is hope to be found beyond what we merely see "under the sun." Lees meer
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The God Who Disappoints
27 mei 2023 · 48 min
Pastor Curtis Andrusko shares a message about "The God Who Disappoints" from our Apex Campus.
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100 Years of Racial Animus Gone in an Afternoon
21 mei 2023 · 45 min
As we conclude our series on ethnic unity, this week's message from Pastor J.D. and Pastor Bryan will help us cultivate a deeper understanding from John 4 of the concept of reconciliation—something that our world desperately needs. As the body of Christ, what we have in common is profound and beautiful, and ought to propel us toward unity. When we recognize this and take time to honor the humanity of those around us, we will be in a much better position to achieve ethnic unity. Lees meer
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The Road to Ethnic Unity
14 mei 2023 · 47 min
While we live in a time of much racial division and strife, we shouldn’t forget that Jesus did too. In this week’s message, Pastor Bryan invites us to reflect on a well-known story in John 4 where Jesus' encounter with a Samaritan woman left her forever changed—and was a powerful display of what it looks like to take the gospel across ethnic lines. Ultimately, only by aligning ourselves with Jesus' mission will we have any hope of accomplishing true ethnic unity. Lees meer
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Kainos People
7 mei 2023 · 53 min
As we begin our series on ethnic unity, Pastor J.D. leads us through a beautiful passage in Ephesians 2 that speaks to the power of Jesus’ death and resurrection to do what we could not: break down the wall of hostility between us. Rather than being a distraction from the gospel and from our pursuit of the Great Commission, we’ll learn why ethnic unity is actually essential to these things. Despite the obstacles that often stand in our way, the effort and commitment needed to achieve ethnic unity are undoubtedly well worth it. Lees meer
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And I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For
30 april 2023 · 39 min
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Who is God?
23 april 2023 · 51 min
This week, Vance Pitman, founding pastor of Hope Church (Las Vegas, NV) shares a message with us from Exodus 34.
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Life Song
16 april 2023 · 43 min
A person’s last words can often be very telling. In this week’s message, Pastor J.D. gives us a glimpse into a song that David wrote during an earlier time in his life, which serves as a summary of both his life and his ministry. From these “last words” of David, we can learn important truths about God—truths that sustained David, and that can sustain us through even the darkest of times. Lees meer
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Crown Him King
2 april 2023 · 31 min
Our Apex Campus Pastor, Josh Ingram, shares a message from Mark 11.
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Loved to the End
2 april 2023 · 34 min
Pastor of International Missions, Julius Tennal II shares a message from John 13.
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Seeing the King We Need
2 april 2023 · 33 min
Blue Ridge Campus Pastor Dustin Wells shares a message from Luke 19.
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The Redeeming King
2 april 2023 · 33 min
In this week’s Palm Sunday message, Pastor John walks us through the triumphal entry of Jesus—an event that demanded a response, and ultimately, a crucial decision from those in Jerusalem. Two thousand years later, we find ourselves faced with a similar choice: Submit to the lordship of Jesus or reject his loving authority over your life. What will you choose? Lees meer
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The Harvest of Poor Choices
26 maart 2023 · 46 min
As we near the end of 2 Samuel, this week’s message from Pastor J.D. is one that examines the often far-reaching consequences of sin. These consequences played out not only in David’s life, but in the lives of many in his family. For those who have experienced the tragic results of sin, either your own or that of others, things may seem hopeless—but there is healing to be found in the true King who redeems and restores. Lees meer
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Christ, Our Firm Foundation
19 maart 2023 · 44 min
Perhaps you’re familiar with Paul’s powerful statement that “to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21). In this week’s message from Philippians 1, Pastor Bryan explains how having Christ as his foundation led to Paul’s ability to live in a way that was worthy of the gospel, even in the midst of adverse circumstances. What might it look like for you to live in a manner worthy of the gospel in today’s world? Lees meer
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Broken
12 maart 2023 · 48 min
What does true repentance look like? This week, Pastor J.D. helps us unpack 2 Samuel 12, in which David is confronted regarding his sin against Bathsheba and Uriah. Following the prophet Nathan’s rebuke of him, David pens Psalm 51. It is in this psalm that we observe the components of true confession and repentance, which lead ultimately—and joyfully—to restoration. Lees meer