Go Deeper Messages

From Max Lucado’s series titled “Faith With A Limp,” studying the story of Jacob.

Cheater. Struggler. Stumbler. Fighter. Struggler. Limper. That’s Jacob, son of Isaac, father of tribes, patriarch. If you’re looking for a hero, you could find someone with a better resume than Jacob. But if you’re looking for someone to identify with, Jacob might fit the bill. His life reminds us: God uses flawed people. But God doesn’t abandon us to our flawed condition; he will shape us in order to use us for good. And that is good news.

Haven’t all of us had our Jacob moments? Like the patriarch, we’ve wrestled with God about our past, our future, our pain and problems. And though Jacob’s journey was fraught with crafty, sneaky, disappointing moments, God shaped him until Jacob’s journey ends with a testament to faith.

The story of Jacob is the perfect story for imperfect people. It’s a fascinating life, with much to teach us about the lengths God will go to refine and use us.

Pastor Gabe Kolstad from Westside Community Church in Portland, OR, brings us a sermon answering the question “Aren’t There Contradictions in the Bible?”

In this video, Susan Heck addresses a women’s conference on the sin of grumbling and complaining.

Pastor Blaine Braden from Eastmont Church in Bend, OR, shares a sermon entitled “What We Believe About God” from Eastmont’s “Doctrine & Practice” series.

God redeems us from our fallen world and its desires, but then He sends us back into the world, giving each of us a vocation wherein we serve Him by serving our neighbors, bearing witness to the goodness of our Creator (1 Thess. 4:1–12; 2 Thess. 3:6–12). No matter our vocation, we are to work diligently to serve our neighbors, thereby testifying to the transformative power of the gospel. In this session, Dr. Steven Lawson explores how our present vocations matter for eternity, explaining that we bear witness to the truth of the Lord by working hard and putting others before ourselves in our daily labors.

From Pastor Tyler Sollie at Life Center in Tacoma, WA comes this challenging and encouraging message, “Apply It”.

Often, the idea of sexual purity is distorted or used as a tactic to shame people. Instead of living as a slave to these ideals, we are invited to see sex as a gift from God in its proper context. In this message, we’ll learn how to turn from sexual brokenness to sexual wholeness by viewing marriage and sex as signposts that point to something greater: Jesus and His love for the Church.

The late Brennan Manning, author of The Ragamuffin Gospel, shares a message entitled “God Loves You As You Are, Not As You Should Be.”

In this powerful talk, ‪Cliffe Knechtle (Give Me An Answer) answers 5 of the toughest questions about Christianity, including the reasons for suffering, the evidence supporting Jesus’ resurrection, and the relationship between science and faith. Whether you’re a believer or a skeptic, this talk will challenge and encourage you. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from “Ask Cliffe,” a renowned defender of faith and truth!

Fresh Life Church Pastor Levi Lusko shares important handles for handling seasons of abundance. Looking at the story from the Gospels of the man with the withered hand, this message explores the paradox that our greatest strengths can also be our greatest vulnerabilities. Learn how the seasons of abundance are not just times for celebration but also for cautious introspection, and discover the most important prayer you can pray on the mountaintop. Shift your perspective on success and strength, steering you towards honesty, humility, vulnerability, and authority.