Watch the video version here: https://youtu.be/nLSwWiVGIv4

Introduction: The "Anti-Love" Song

• The Hook: The speaker references the song "Love Hurts" (famously covered by Nazareth in 1975).

• The Lyrics: Quotes the cynical lyrics: "Love is just a lie made to make you blue... Love hurts."
  
  
• The Rebuttal: The speaker validates the feeling—pain is often tied to love—but rejects the song’s conclusion.
  • If love were truly bad, the solution would be to build walls and never connect with anyone.

  • The Truth: We cannot do that because we are designed to crave love; we need it more than air.

• The Goal: Since there is no "magic wand" to remove pain, the speaker aims to make sense of it. Pain is not needless torture; it is the price of something crucial.

I. Pain is a Signal of Love (Jesus at Lazarus’ Tomb)

• Scripture: John 11:32-36
  
  
• The Scene: Jesus arrives at the funeral of Lazarus. Despite knowing He would raise him, Jesus weeps ("Jesus wept" - v.35).

• The Observation: The Jews watching didn't just see tears; they saw the relationship behind them.
  • Verse 36: "See how he loved him!"
    
    
• The Connection: The depth of our grief is directly tied to the depth of our love.
  • We do not grieve for strangers because we do not have a relationship with them.

  • Key Takeaway: Pain is not worthless; it is a signal of the love we had and still have. Love does not disappear when a life ends.

II. The Value Added by Love (The Death of Dorcas)

• Scripture: Acts 9:36-39
  
  
• The Scene: Peter arrives after the death of Dorcas (Tabitha). The widows surround him, weeping and holding up the tunics and garments she had made.

• The Symbolism: Why show the clothes?
  • It wasn't about the monetary value (e.g., a $20 coat).

  • It was about the investment. The clothes represented Dorcas’s time, talent, and care.

• The Connection: Love hurts because we recognize the immense value that person added to our lives.
  • Reference to 1 John 4:16: God is love, and because we are made in His image, love adds essential value to our existence.

III. The Pain of Lost Opportunity (Paul and the Ephesian Elders)

• Scripture: Acts 20:35-38
  
  
• The Scene: Paul says his final goodbye to the Ephesian elders before boarding a ship.

• The Sorrow: The group weeps and embraces Paul.

• The Root of Pain: The text notes they sorrowed "most of all" because they would "not see his face again."
  
  
• The Connection: A major part of grief is the realization that we lose the earthly opportunity to give and receive love from that person.

Conclusion: Love Gives Even When It Hurts

• The Trade-off: To remove the pain, you would have to remove the love. The speaker concludes that the love is worth the pain.

• The Ultimate Example: John 15:12-14
  
  
  • "Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends."
    
    
• Final Charge:
  
  
  • Jesus demonstrated that love gives even when it causes pain (laying down His life).

  • Call to Action: We cannot quit loving. Even in grief, we must continue to love one another.

  • Invitation: An offer for prayer, support in the "Shepherd's Room," or simply finding comfort in the community.

Watch the video version here: https://youtu.be/KPlp4TgIZlg

Structure of the Message

I. Beyond the First Day (Opening Thought) The message opens with a reflection on the transition from the "first day of the week" (Sunday) to the rest of our lives. While we gather specifically on this day, the speaker reminds us that:

• We have the privilege of Jesus Christ’s presence with us all the time, not just during the service.
• We should look forward to that continuous communion with Him.

II. The Call to Action: "Be Rich Toward God" The core encouragement is to take the energy of the gathering and apply it daily.

• The Challenge: Do not let your service end when the church doors close.
• The Application: Use every single day to "do something for God," actively seeking ways to be rich in spirit and service toward Him throughout the week.

III. Congregational Updates & Scripture Study The speaker highlights the upcoming "Bible Bowl" event, directing the congregation's attention to specific chapters for study.

• Scripture Reference: John Chapters 9, 10, and 11
• Key Theme: Within these chapters, the focus is drawn specifically to Jesus as the Good Shepherd (found in John 10).

IV. The Invitation (Closing) The message concludes with an open invitation based on the character of the Good Shepherd.

• Accessibility: Jesus is described as being "here" and "reached" easily by those in need.
• The Call: If anyone needs the Good Shepherd or needs to "come forward," they are invited to do so as the congregation stands to sing.

Scripture References

• John 9, 10, 11 (Context for the upcoming Bible Bowl)
• Note: The speaker specifically highlights the "Good Shepherd" passage found in this text.

Watch the video version here: https://youtu.be/DEPQ6tyPsIY

Show Notes

Episode Summary Some men risk everything for a dream. Heinrich Schliemann risked his fortune and reputation to find the ancient city of Troy—a place everyone else said was a fable. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul took an even greater risk, counting all his previous status and achievements as loss for the sake of knowing Christ.

In this first service of 2026, we look at Philippians 3 to uncover Paul’s "recipe" for spiritual growth. Just as muscles only grow when they are strained to the point of failure, our spiritual lives require us to forget what lies behind and strain toward what lies ahead.

Key Takeaways

• The Schliemann Example: Like the man who discovered Troy, we must be willing to pursue a vision even when it requires risking our comfort or current status.
• Self-Evaluation vs. Common Sense: Paul was confident in his salvation ("I am going to heaven"), but he never let confidence override the common sense that he still had work to do.
• The Art of Forgetting: Spiritual growth requires "forgetting what lies behind." This isn't accidental memory loss; it is an active, mental struggle to refuse to let past failures or successes weigh you down.
• Straining Forward: Growth is uncomfortable. Just as lifting heavy weights requires exertion, pressing on toward the high calling of God requires spiritual strain.
• Don't Move: The secret to long-term faithfulness is often simply refusing to quit.

Scripture References (ESV)

• Philippians 3:3-21: "For we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh—though I myself have reason for confidence in the flesh also. If anyone else thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless. But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith—that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. Only let us hold true to what we have attained. Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us. For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself."
• Hebrews 10:24: "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works."
• 2 Corinthians 10:5: "We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ."

Watch The Video Version Here: https://youtu.be/LEDp4srATtk

Episode Title: The Range of Evangelism

Episode Summary Why did General Motors overtake Ford in the early 20th century? While Henry Ford offered one car in one color, Alfred P. Sloan realized that people are different—they need a "car for every purse and purpose."

In this message, we apply that same logic to the church. There is no single "shampoo bottle" method (lather, rinse, repeat) for bringing people to Jesus. Different people require different approaches. We explore four specific evangelism tactics found in Scripture, ranked from the simplest invitation to the most physically demanding service.

Key Scripture References

• John 1: Philip and Nathanael
• Mark 5: The Gerasene Demoniac
• Luke 19: Zacchaeus
• 
  
• Mark 2: The Paralytic and his Friends

Main Takeaways

• The "Ladder" of Evangelism: Just as GM created a ladder of cars (Chevy to Cadillac), there is a ladder of effort in evangelism.
• Level 1: The Simple Invitation (John 1): "Come and See." You don’t need a theology degree. Sometimes, people are ready, and all they need is a simple invite to church.
• Level 2: The Personal Testimony (Mark 5): "Go and Tell." You can't mess up your own story. When people see a change in your life (like the demoniac clothed and in his right mind), your history gives you authority.
• Level 3: Restitution & Repentance (Luke 19): Sometimes showing Jesus means fixing what you broke. Like Zacchaeus, making things right with others can break down barriers and prove your change is real.
• Level 4: Physical Service (Mark 2): "Roof Ripping." Sometimes you have to carry the mat. Meeting a physical need (sweat equity) creates the opportunity to meet a spiritual need.

Watch the video version here: https://youtu.be/KcIe-5yt19c

Episode Summary

President Harry Truman’s mother-in-law, Madge Wallace, famously despised him. Despite her hostility, Truman treated her with kindness and respect until the day she died. How do we maintain that level of character when dealing with people who make our lives miserable?

In this episode, we dig into Psalm 120 and Romans 12 to find the biblical blueprint for dealing with conflict. We discuss the importance of leaving vengeance to God, understanding the root of our anger, and refusing to let the bad behavior of others lower our spiritual standards.

Key Takeaways

• Remember God’s Track Record (Psalm 120:1): Before panicking about a current conflict, remember that God has answered you in distress before. Your situation might be hard, but it is not new to God.
• Name the Problem (Psalm 120:2): You have to identify the deceit or the issue clearly. Sometimes, doing the emotional legwork to find the root cause reveals if the problem is truly them, or if it is actually within us.
• Leave the Vengeance to God (Psalm 120:3-4): It is natural to want justice, but we are not equipped to mete it out correctly. Like adding salt to mashed potatoes, only God knows the exact, perfect amount of judgment required.
• Accept the World is Broken (Psalm 120:5-6): We often ask, "Why me?" sometimes the only answer is that we live in a fallen world. This world is not meant to be a comfortable commune; it is a refining fire meant to prepare us for the next life.
• Don’t Lower Your Standards (Psalm 120:7): When the world speaks war, you must speak peace. This isn’t about being a pushover; it is about not letting evil overcome you. If you return hate for hate, the world has successfully controlled you.

Scripture References (ESV)

• Romans 12:9-21: "Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all."
• Psalm 120: "In my distress I called to the Lord, and he answered me. Deliver me, O Lord, from lying lips, from a deceitful tongue."
• Romans 8:29: "For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son..."

Watch the video version here: https://youtu.be/y25gCnePW3Q

Title: One More Night with the Frogs (Getting Unstuck)

Main Text: Exodus 8:1–15

I. Introduction: The Danger of Ignoring Signs

• The Mount St. Helens Illustration (May 18, 1980)
  
  
  • The mountain gave warning signs (swelling, heat) long before it blew.

  • Harry Truman (The Lodge Owner): Despite warnings, he refused to evacuate his home at Spirit Lake.

  • The Result: He perished under 150 feet of ash and debris because he refused to move.

• The Spiritual Application
  
  
  • People make decisions every day that are spiritually reckless.

  • Every person is teetering on the edge of eternity (Heaven or Hell).

  • The difference in destination is determined by the decisions we make to move or stay put.

II. The Warning: We Are Not Without Notice

• Scripture: Exodus 8:1–2
  
  
• The Context:
  
  
  • God told Pharaoh exactly what would happen: "If you refuse to let them go, behold I will plague all your country with frogs."

  • The arrival of the frogs should not have been a shock; it was a promised consequence.

• Application:
  
  
  • We live in a world of warning labels (some silly, some serious).

  • God has given us clear warnings through His Word (the Bible).

  • We often get "stuck" because we ignore the warning signs until we fall into the hole.

  • Key Truth: Change cannot happen until we admit we ignored the warning. We must stop blaming others and take responsibility.

III. The Pride: Making the Problem Worse

• Scripture: Exodus 8:5–7
  
  
• The Magicians' Response:
  
  
  • Instead of removing the frogs, the magicians used their secret arts to bring more frogs upon the land.

  • Reference: This follows the pattern of Exodus 7 (turning staffs into snakes), though eventually, they fail to replicate God's power (referenced Exodus 8:18 regarding the gnats).

• The "Run the Wheels Off" Mentality:
  
  
  • Human nature dictates that when we mess up a little, we might as well mess up a lot (e.g., cheating on a diet or relapsing in addiction).

  • Pharaoh’s magicians tried to disprove God rather than help the situation.

• Key Quote: "Circumstances can make you a victim, but only pride can keep you one."
  • Fighting against God is a losing battle; you cannot outsmart Him.

IV. The Procrastination: Choosing "Tomorrow"

• Scripture: Exodus 8:8–10
  
  
• The Absurd Exchange:
  
  
  • Pharaoh asks Moses to plead with the Lord to remove the frogs.

  • Moses asks, "When?"

  • Pharaoh answers, "Tomorrow."
    
    
• The Logic of Being Stuck:
  
  
  • Why spend one more night with frogs in your bed?

  • We often choose to stay in our mess because it is familiar (The "warm poopy diaper" analogy).

  • We want to hang on to a shred of control.

• The Turning Point:
  
  
  • There is a difference between "I want it fixed" and "I want to fix it."

  • Scripture: Luke 15 (The Prodigal Son). The change happened when he "came to himself" in the pig pen.

  • The hardest step is always the first one—moving from the unknown into action.

V. Conclusion: The Danger of Relief

• Scripture: Exodus 8:12–15
  
  
• The Outcome:
  
  
  • God did exactly what Moses asked; the frogs died and were gathered into stinking heaps.

  • However, when Pharaoh saw there was a "respite" (relief), he hardened his heart again.

• Final Challenge:
  
  
  • Don’t be like Pharaoh. Don't wait for "tomorrow" to deal with your spiritual condition.

  • God is capable of bringing better things, but we must be willing to get unstuck.

  • Consequences may remain (the land still stank), but the heart can be healed.