Introduction Initial brain-storm: participants named “faith,” “trials,” and practicality as hallmarks of James. Leader highlighted four biblical men named James and identified the letter’s author as “James the Just,” half-brother of Jesus and senior pastor of the Jerusalem church (circa A.D. 40). Purpose of the letter: equip scattered Jewish Christians to live out genuine faith amid persecution. ...
Introduction Pastor returns from vacation and 20th-anniversary trip, grateful for church family and fellow pastors who preached in his absence. Launches new series, “Run to Win,” promising some weighty themes. Opens with a lighthearted “St. Peter at the gate” joke to expose common confusion about salvation and judgment. States pastoral priority: preparing believers for eternity above all else. Sets goal for message—clarify exactly what happens the moment after death and at Christ’s return. ...
Introduction A panel of pastors and ministry leaders discussed the rapidly growing debate over “Christian nationalism.” They clarified definitions, corrected caricatures, examined biblical texts, cited America’s founding documents, answered common objections, and shared pastoral experiences—especially from strongly progressive regions—about why Christians should engage the public square without idolatry. ...
Introduction Pastors Josh and Paul (recording while Josh is on a family vacation at Gulf Shores) walk through Acts 23, share personal testimony on overcoming anxiety, and evaluate current cultural questions about abortion, capital punishment, and immigration—responding to recent comments from Pope Francis and a Seattle mayor. ...
Introduction Ice-breaker: everyone rated their fear of heights (0 - 10). The leader later tied this to “spiritual heights,” safety harnesses, and the assurance God gives in vv. 24-25. Session goal: finish the Jude series (week 5) by exploring vv. 20-25—how believers contend inwardly (vv. 20-21) and outwardly (vv. 22-23), and how God ultimately keeps them (vv. 24-25). ...
Introduction Pastor begins by greeting all campuses and online viewers, then poses a penetrating question: “What would you do if you weren’t afraid?” Acknowledges common, paralyzing fears—rejection, failure, success, loneliness, financial entrapment, relational stagnation. Sets the stage for Acts 23, continuing Lake Pointe’s series on the life of Paul. ...
Introduction Hosts Carlos Erazo, Pastor Josh Howerton, and Pastor Paul Cunningham review Carlos’s sermon on Acts 22, explore current cultural pressures (Netflix’s transgender content, historic LGBT strategy), and offer counsel on parenting, testimony-sharing, and discipleship. ...