Great Lakes Church

<p>84% of Americans believe the current generation is more angry than the generation prior. After all, there seems to be more to be angry about than ever. How do we navigate a world where we’re a little less irritated all the time. And why should we?</p>

<p>Part of following Jesus means NOT doing some things. Even more, it means not BEING a few things. Jealous, boastful, rude and proud are a few of those things. Why? Because we should never be more about us than them.</p>

<p>Wild guess: the first word that comes to mind when you hear the word Christian, is not patience or kindness. But it should be and if we understand what it means to love people the way Jesus loves us, we’ll change it. God doesn’t just love… He is love.</p>

<p>How many Christians have you met in your life? And how many of them did you like? Odds are those individuals made you think twice about the God they claim to serve and love. That’s totally reasonable and fair. The truth is though, that Christians shouldn’t be defining Jesus… He should be defining them.</p>

<p>From the time we are really young, we are faced with the question of "what do you want to be when you grow up?". As children we think about this in terms of having a job that's fun or cool; but as adults, it's more common to connect that question to our identity and sense of purpose. </p><p><br></p><p>What if the answer to that question is easier than we might think, and found in the teachings of Jesus?</p>

<p>People spend so much time trying to figure out where to invest their money. The goal? Make a difference. Sometimes that’s a difference in our bank account, but there’s a bigger one if we’re willing to entrust it to a bigger God. May not be more money, but the impact lasts forever.</p>

<p>Sometimes getting alone is a good thing. But if that alone lasts too long, it starts to do just the opposite. Life is just not meant to be done alone – community is vital to thriving. It’s vital in following Jesus too.</p>

<p>Let’s say this out loud: It’s not easy to follow Jesus. And church’s have created all kinds of classes and programs to help us feel like we’re making at least a little progress. But we spend a lot of time frustrated. Good news: it’s not that complicated. Grab a towel, bend a knee and serve someone else.</p>

<p>Having a gym in your neighborhood doesn’t get you in shape. Sitting in the parking lot of the gym doesn’t either. You have to engage to see change. Church is kinda like that too.</p>

<p>We spend the better part of closing out a year and starting the next one thinking about what goals we should have for ourselves. Sometimes we even turn to God and ask what He thinks we should do. His answer? Maybe not what you expect.</p>

<p>It’s so easy for Christmas to become a countdown to some deadline — especially when we start thinking about it months ahead. There’s so much riding on one day, isn’t there? What if we turned that upside down and instead of a countdown, it was a build up? Because it’s in the anticipation that we discover what we need most… hope. </p>

<p>Our families have “stories” we either tell ourselves or have told about us. And when we watch the stories that are told on TV or in movies, it’s easy to feel like ours is less than a great family. But here’s the thing, Mary, Joseph and Jesus were anything but the traditional family. And if they can make Christmas great, we all can.</p>

<p>A 2,000 year-old story that’s been told to us every Christmas since birth can be difficult to get inspired by– but what if we zoomed out? A three-part phrase in scripture, often overlooked, is the one that might unlock a fresh perspective for all of us.</p>

<p>Many of us have very fond memories of Christmas when we were kids. It was a wonderful, magical, special time of year. Then we became adults and it felt like all that special went somewhere. Now it’s something different. Does it have to stay that way? Not at all. We just have to find when made it special in the first place.</p>

<p>Have you ever spent some time figuring out what something is actually for? You know, the things you have just accepted as is but never wrestled with what for? The church can be that something for so many. But what is its purpose? Why does it exist? What’s it all about? The answer is way better and bigger than you might imagine. </p>

<p>Church can be a very disappointing place – especially when you’re looking for one that meets your needs, wants and preferences. What if it was never meant to be something that’s consumed? What if instead it was something given to? That’s an entirely different equation. Perhaps an equation that would make a real difference in our lives and the world.</p>

<p>We all know the list of things you should never bring up at a dinner party. And at the top of this list is probably politics. Sometimes it seems like Christians have forgotten this – especially on social media. The problem isn’t that we talk about politics, it’s how we talk about them. Maybe if we focused more on that we’d realize they aren’t as tied to our faith as some might have us believe. Too many have walked away from church and faith because we’ve forgotten this. </p>

<p>Church is a loaded word for so many people. Maybe it brings up images of uncomfortable benches, stained glass windows and long, boring talks. Maybe it’s a strict set of beliefs you were forced to adhere to. Maybe it’s an organization you’ve intentionally kept at arm’s length. But what if we’ve been thinking of it all wrong? What if it’s not a building at all? Jesus said the church is people which means it’s more messy and meaningful to be part of one.</p>

<p>Sometimes we come up against hard stops in life and aren’t always sure what to do. Often we think we “just give up.” Other times we assume we’ll need to start over. Neither of those options are appealing. And we think this way with work setbacks, relationship tension, DIY projects and even our faith. Maybe especially our faith. Jesus invites us to something different though: starting again from where we’re at. In fact, THAT is the very start of our faith.</p>

<p>Grief can come from so many different things. It might be the loss of a loved one, a bad breakup, a canceled vacation, or big changes at church. Perhaps the hardest part of grief is moving on from it – it’s so easy to get stuck in. There is a time and place for it though because it’s often in these challenging seasons that God grows us most. So how do we make our way through grief in a healthy way that eventually we move past? We have to first understand what the grief is about and then check with God for where it’s going to take us.</p>

<p>We all have dreams for our lives. Some of those dreams have to do with romance. Others are more along the lines of finance, career or even vacation. When our future plans are jeopardized by our current circumstances, it’s hard to keep from becoming cynical and bitter. God’s dreams are bigger than our dreams though, and sometimes present defeats are setups for later victories.</p>

<p>Sadness can be one of the most lonely feelings in the world. But there is somewhere in that sorrow where God resides. If that’s true, it changes the meaning of the sadness all together. And it ensures we’re never actually alone in it. God is close.</p>

<p>Inevitably we face events in life that make us question if God understands, loves or cares about us. It could be the loss of a loved one, a job, a marriage or even changes at church. Those all feel like endings that leave more questions than answers. But what if the end of that thing is actually the beginning of another thing? Well that might change everything.</p>

<p>There are an estimated 380,000 churches in America today. And there are people in each of those that love their church and have a real hard time with the one down the street. It seems like Christians argue with other Christians more than anyone else. Is that what Jesus had in mind? Probably not.</p>

<p>Big Idea: The dilemma the church has struggled with throughout its history is figuring out who the church is for and who gets to be part of the faith community.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p>TIMESTAMPS</p><p><br></p><p>0:00 WELCOME</p><p>0:44 WEEKLY TALK</p><p> </p><p><br></p><p>STAY CONNECTED</p><p> </p><p>Great Lakes Church Website: <a href="http://greatlakeschurch.com" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">greatlakeschurch.com</a></p><p>Great Lakes Church Instagram: <a href="http://instagram.com/greatlakeschurch" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">instagram.com/greatlakeschurch</a></p><p>Great Lakes Church Facebook: <a href="http://facebook.com/greatlakeschurch" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">facebook.com/greatlakeschurch</a></p><p>Great Lakes Church YouTube: <a href="http://youtube.com/greatlakeschurch" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">youtube.com/greatlakeschurch</a></p><p>Great Lakes Church TikTok: <a href="http://tiktok.com/@greatlakeschurch" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">tiktok.com/@greatlakeschurch</a></p><p>Great Lakes Church Twitter: <a href="http://twitter.com/glchurch" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">twitter.com/glchurch</a></p><p> </p><p> </p><p>***</p><p><br></p><p>The Church is a hospital for sinners, not a hotel for saints.</p><p><br></p><p>The Church exists for outsiders.</p><p><br></p><p>The local church moves forward by playing offense, not defense.</p><p><br></p><p>The responsibility of the Church is to make the message of God’s grace accessible to everyone. </p><p><br></p><p>Some Ways Great Lakes Church Puts “Rungs” on the Ladder:</p><p><br></p><p>Preparation</p><p>Manners</p><p>Sincerity</p><p>Humility</p><p> </p><p><br></p><p>Scripture References:</p><p><br></p><p>Mark 2, verse 17</p><p>Acts 15, verses 5, 11, 19</p><p>1 Chroniciles 17, verse 16</p><p><br></p><p>#Church #ChurchForAll #ComeAsYouAre #AllBelongHere #ChurchWithoutWalls </p>

<p>Big Idea: How does a church ensure it stays on mission year after year? Churches move forward by playing offense, not defense.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p>TIMESTAMPS</p><p><br></p><p>0:00 WELCOME</p><p>0:44 WEEKLY TALK</p><p> </p><p><br></p><p>STAY CONNECTED</p><p> </p><p>Great Lakes Church Website: <a href="http://greatlakeschurch.com" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">greatlakeschurch.com</a></p><p>Great Lakes Church Instagram: <a href="http://instagram.com/greatlakeschurch" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">instagram.com/greatlakeschurch</a></p><p>Great Lakes Church Facebook: <a href="http://facebook.com/greatlakeschurch" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">facebook.com/greatlakeschurch</a></p><p>Great Lakes Church YouTube: <a href="http://youtube.com/greatlakeschurch" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">youtube.com/greatlakeschurch</a></p><p>Great Lakes Church TikTok: <a href="http://tiktok.com/@greatlakeschurch" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">tiktok.com/@greatlakeschurch</a></p><p>Great Lakes Church Twitter: <a href="http://twitter.com/glchurch" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">twitter.com/glchurch</a></p><p> </p><p> </p><p>***</p><p><br></p><p>The local church is the hope of the world.</p><p><br></p><p>Jesus loves the Church.</p><p><br></p><p>The local church moves forward by playing offense, not defense.</p><p><br></p><p>Three Traits of Churches that Play Offense:</p><p><br></p><p>Clarity (they know who they are and what they’re trying to accomplish)</p><p> </p><p>Care for the poor</p><p>Advocate for the overlooked</p><p>Equip healthy marriages</p><p>Prepare the next generation</p><p>Start new churches</p><p>Courage (they have the desire to try new things)</p><p><br></p><p>Change (they are willing to pivot)</p><p><br></p><p> </p><p><br></p><p>Scripture References:</p><p><br></p><p>Matthew 5, verses 13-16</p><p>Matthew 16, verse 18</p><p>2 Samuel 23, verse 20</p><p> </p><p><br></p><p>#Courage #Risk #Offense</p>

<p>Some things in life are impossible to do by ourselves. Having peace of mind is one of them. Just search Amazon and you'll find thousands of things that you need to buy in order to attain that sense of peace we're all looking for. And yet, none of them seem to deliver. So maybe we're looking in the wrong place...</p><p><br></p><p>TIMESTAMPS</p><p>0:00 WELCOME</p><p>0:44 WEEKLY TALK</p>

<p>What in the world are we actually talking about when we're talking about prayer? Talk to 100 different people and you’re likely to get 100 different answers. We’ve made it pretty complicated and it was never supposed to be. Just ask Jesus.</p><p><br></p><p>TIMESTAMPS</p><p>0:00 WELCOME</p><p>0:44 WEEKLY TALK</p>

<p>Worry and anxiety seem to be a way of life for most people. We’re all chasing peace, trying to catch it to no avail. So maybe we’re looking in the wrong places. Interestingly, Jesus said the best place to look is with the birds.</p>

<p>Big Idea: Playing it safe is risky. Often, the path to what’s next or what’s best leads directly through what you fear the most.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p>TIMESTAMPS</p><p><br></p><p>0:00 WELCOME</p><p>0:44 WEEKLY TALK</p><p> </p><p><br></p><p>STAY CONNECTED</p><p> </p><p>Great Lakes Church Website: <a href="http://greatlakeschurch.com" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">greatlakeschurch.com</a></p><p>Great Lakes Church Instagram: <a href="http://instagram.com/greatlakeschurch" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">instagram.com/greatlakeschurch</a></p><p>Great Lakes Church Facebook: <a href="http://facebook.com/greatlakeschurch" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">facebook.com/greatlakeschurch</a></p><p>Great Lakes Church YouTube: <a href="http://youtube.com/greatlakeschurch" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">youtube.com/greatlakeschurch</a></p><p>Great Lakes Church TikTok: <a href="http://tiktok.com/@greatlakeschurch" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">tiktok.com/@greatlakeschurch</a></p><p>Great Lakes Church Twitter: <a href="http://twitter.com/glchurch" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">twitter.com/glchurch</a></p><p> </p><p> </p><p>***</p><p>A Few Fears We Tend to Avoid Talking About:</p><p> </p><p>Fear of rejection</p><p>Fear of failure</p><p>Fear of a weakness being exposed</p><p><br></p><p>Fear is part of the landscape of life and it’s never going away.</p><p><br></p><p>Common Responses to Fear:</p><p><br></p><p>Fight</p><p>Flight</p><p>Freeze</p><p><br></p><p>Courage is the willingness to act in spite of fear.</p><p><br></p><p>Scripture References:</p><p><br></p><p>Joshua 1, verse 9</p><p>Psalm 121</p><p>John 15, verse 26</p><p>Isaiah 41, verse 10</p><p> </p><p><br></p><p>#Courage #CourageOverFear #GodIsWithMe</p>

<p>Big Idea: Undesired and difficult life transitions provide a unique opportunity to encounter God’s goodness, provision, hope, and guidance! </p><p> </p><p> </p><p>TIMESTAMPS</p><p><br></p><p>0:00 WELCOME </p><p>0:44 WEEKLY TALK (SAMPLE)</p><p> </p><p><br></p><p>STAY CONNECTED</p><p> </p><p>Great Lakes Church Website: <a href="http://greatlakeschurch.com" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">greatlakeschurch.com</a></p><p>Great Lakes Church Instagram: <a href="http://instagram.com/greatlakeschurch" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">instagram.com/greatlakeschurch</a></p><p>Great Lakes Church Facebook: <a href="http://facebook.com/greatlakeschurch" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">facebook.com/greatlakeschurch</a></p><p>Great Lakes Church YouTube: <a href="http://youtube.com/greatlakeschurch" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">youtube.com/greatlakeschurch</a></p><p>Great Lakes Church TikTok: <a href="http://tiktok.com/@greatlakeschurch" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">tiktok.com/@greatlakeschurch</a></p><p>Great Lakes Church Twitter: <a href="http://twitter.com/glchurch" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">twitter.com/glchurch</a></p><p> </p><p> </p><p>***</p><p>Lessons We Can Learn from Difficult Seasons:</p><p> </p><p>1. The deserts of life are fertile ground for complaints.</p><p>2. The deserts of life are fertile ground for emotional breakdown.</p><p>3. The deserts of life are fertile ground for God’s provision.</p><p>4. The deserts of life are fertile ground for transformation and growth.</p><p><br></p><p>Scripture References:</p><p><br></p><p>Exodus 3, verses 7-10</p><p>Numbers 11, verses 4-6; 11-15; 17; 23</p><p>Psalm 147, verse 5</p><p> </p><p><br></p><p>#Endurance #SurvivingTheDesert #Perseverance #GodProvides #Transformation</p><p><br></p>

<p>As the runway of life begins to run out, everyone starts to ponder this question...What am I going to leave behind? The legacy we leave is either going to be intentional or unintentional. </p><p> </p><p> </p><p>TIMESTAMPS</p><p><br></p><p>0:00 WELCOME </p><p>0:44 DAVE INTRODUCES BLAKE</p><p>2:01 WEEKLY TALK </p><p> </p><p><br></p><p>STAY CONNECTED</p><p> </p><p>Great Lakes Church Website: <a href="http://greatlakeschurch.com" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">greatlakeschurch.com</a></p><p>Great Lakes Church Instagram: <a href="http://instagram.com/greatlakeschurch" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">instagram.com/greatlakeschurch</a></p><p>Great Lakes Church Facebook: <a href="http://facebook.com/greatlakeschurch" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">facebook.com/greatlakeschurch</a></p><p>Great Lakes Church YouTube: <a href="http://youtube.com/greatlakeschurch" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">youtube.com/greatlakeschurch</a></p><p>Great Lakes Church TikTok: <a href="http://tiktok.com/@greatlakeschurch" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">tiktok.com/@greatlakeschurch</a></p><p>Great Lakes Church Twitter: <a href="http://twitter.com/glchurch" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">twitter.com/glchurch</a></p><p> </p><p> </p><p>***</p><p>Leaving a Legacy That Matters</p><p> </p><p>Big Idea: We need to learn how to recognize the miracles in our life, regardless of how big or small, so that we can share the stories of God’s greatness with others.</p><p><br></p><p>How to Leave a Legacy</p><p><br></p><p>Recognize the miracles in your life</p><p>Share your stories with others</p><p><br></p><p>Scripture References:</p><p><br></p><p>Joshua 4, verses 1-3</p><p>Joshua 4, verses 20-24</p><p><br></p><p>#LeaveYourMark #LegacyLeaver #GodDoesMiracles #MiraclesHappen</p><p> </p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p> </p><p><br></p><p><br></p>

<p>Small acts of obedience to God can lead to a big difference in your life!</p><p><br></p><p> </p><p> </p><p>TIMESTAMPS</p><p><br></p><p>0:00 WELCOME </p><p>0:44 DAVE INTRODUCES SKYLAR</p><p>1:53 WEEKLY TALK</p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p>STAY CONNECTED</p><p> </p><p>Great Lakes Church Website: <a href="http://greatlakeschurch.com" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">greatlakeschurch.com</a></p><p>Great Lakes Church Instagram: <a href="http://instagram.com/greatlakeschurch" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">instagram.com/greatlakeschurch</a></p><p>Great Lakes Church Facebook: <a href="http://facebook.com/greatlakeschurch" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">facebook.com/greatlakeschurch</a></p><p>Great Lakes Church YouTube: <a href="http://youtube.com/greatlakeschurch" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">youtube.com/greatlakeschurch</a></p><p>Great Lakes Church TikTok: <a href="http://tiktok.com/@greatlakeschurch" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">tiktok.com/@greatlakeschurch</a></p><p>Great Lakes Church Twitter: <a href="http://twitter.com/glchurch" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">twitter.com/glchurch</a></p><p> </p><p> </p><p>***</p><p>Developing a Faith that Works</p><p> </p><p>Big Idea: The kind of faith that pleases God is the kind of faith that keeps taking the next step of obedience. </p><p><br></p><p>Characteristics of God-Pleasing Faith:</p><p><br></p><p>The faith that pleases God sees a wall from God’s perspective, not ours.</p><p><br></p><p>The faith that pleases God speaks His promises as if they already happened.</p><p><br></p><p>The faith that pleases God puts its confidence in what God has said over what we see. </p><p><br></p><p>The faith that pleases God follows God’s plan, not our preferences.</p><p><br></p><p>The faith that pleases God may be demonstrated in ways others think is ridiculous.</p><p><br></p><p>The faith that pleases God keeps walking even when the walking doesn’t seem to be working.</p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p>Scripture References:</p><p><br></p><p>Hebrews 11, verses 6 & 30</p><p>Joshua 4, verses 2-3</p><p>Joshua 6, verses 1-16</p><p><br></p>

<p>God never wastes a hurt. He is able to use our stresses, struggles, and suffering to do something both in us and through us.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p>TIMESTAMPS</p><p><br></p><p>0:00 WELCOME</p><p>0:44 DAVE INTRODUCES JEREMIAH</p><p>1:48 WEEKLY TALK</p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p>STAY CONNECTED</p><p> </p><p>Great Lakes Church Website: <a href="http://greatlakeschurch.com" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">greatlakeschurch.com</a></p><p>Great Lakes Church Instagram: <a href="http://instagram.com/greatlakeschurch" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">instagram.com/greatlakeschurch</a></p><p>Great Lakes Church Facebook: <a href="http://facebook.com/greatlakeschurch" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">facebook.com/greatlakeschurch</a></p><p>Great Lakes Church YouTube: <a href="http://youtube.com/greatlakeschurch" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">youtube.com/greatlakeschurch</a></p><p>Great Lakes Church TikTok: <a href="http://tiktok.com/@greatlakeschurch" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">tiktok.com/@greatlakeschurch</a></p><p>Great Lakes Church Twitter: <a href="http://twitter.com/glchurch" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">twitter.com/glchurch</a></p><p> </p><p> </p><p>***</p><p> </p><p>Lessons from Suffering:</p><p> </p><p>Big Idea: Followers of Jesus learn to patiently ENDURE.</p><p> </p><p>Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let is grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. James 1:2-4</p><p> </p><p>1. When something bad is happening TO YOU, something good can be happening IN YOU.</p><p> </p><p>Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. Instead, be very glad – for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world. 1 Peter 4:12-13</p><p> </p><p>2. Growth often follows a new PERSPECTIVE.</p><p> </p><p>God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. Be happy about it! Be very glad! Matthew 5:11-12</p><p> </p><p>3. An eternal perspective produces ENDURANCE.</p><p> </p><p>I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed IN US. Romans 8:18</p><p><br></p>

<p>As long as you think someone owes you something, your life will be all about keeping score. How do you prevent your relationships from devolving into transactions and negotiations?</p><p><br></p><p>TIMESTAMPS</p><p>0:00 WELCOME</p><p>0:44 DAVE ANNOUNCEMENT</p><p>2:58 WEEKLY TALK</p>

<p>In a world where social media, online relationships, and relentless self-absorption threaten the very idea of deep and lasting friendships, it's possible to be the kind of friend that the people around you need!</p><p><br></p><p>TIMESTAMPS</p><p>0:00 WELCOME</p><p>0:44 DAVE INTRODUCES KIRBY</p><p>1:20 WEEKLY TALK</p><p><br></p>

<p>Typically, we call the famous parable by Jesus “The Prodigal Son,” but that title is actually a bit misleading. The point of the story is not the younger (Prodigal) son’s recklessly extravagant living. Instead, it’s about God’s recklessly extravagant love.</p>

<p>Never underestimate the profound impact your personal narrative can have on the lives of others. Your story possesses the incredible potential to ignite hope, offer solace, and provide a glimpse into the grace of Jesus Christ. Whether it encompasses your victories or defeats, God can use your unique story to impact the lives of others.</p><p><br></p><p>TIMESTAMPS</p><p>0:00 WELCOME </p><p>0:44 DAVE INTRODUCES JOSH</p><p>1:54 WEEKLY TALK</p>

<p>God speaks to us in lots of different ways. Our responsibility is to figure out how to turn down the volume of all the other voices speaking to us so we can hear God's voice more clearly.</p><p><br></p><p>TIMESTAMPS</p><p>0:00 WELCOME</p><p>0:44 DAVE INTRODUCES JEREMY</p><p>2:18 WEEKLY TALK</p>

<p>You may be facing challenging circumstances, intense pain, crushing disappointment, or silent regrets. But you don't have to fold. You don't have to resign yourself to defeat. The God of this world is bigger than you can imagine. His grace, mercy, love, strength, and compassion have no limits.</p><p><br></p><p>TIMESTAMPS</p><p>0:00 WELCOME</p><p>1:37 WEEKLY TALK</p>

<p>Your character, more than anything else, will impact how much you accomplish in this life. It is more important than your talent, your education, your background, or your network of friends. Protect it at all costs!</p><p><br></p><p>TIMESTAMPS</p><p>0:00 WELCOME</p><p>0:44 WEEKLY TALK</p>

<p>In our fast-paced and demanding world, it's vital that we discover ways to identify and strike down those things that lead to burnout.</p><p><br></p><p>TIMESTAMPS</p><p>0:00 WELCOME</p><p>0:44 WEEKLY TALK</p>

<p>Many of us start out in life hopeful and optimistic, but as we transition from adolescence into adulthood we experience things that leave us shocked or hurt. Gradually, if we don’t guard our hearts, we will find ourselves becoming jaded and disillusioned.</p><p><br></p><p>TIMESTAMPS</p><p>0:00 WELCOME</p><p>0:44 WEEKLY TALK</p>

<p>We’ve all heard the adage that actions speak louder than words. But the words we’ve heard have shaped us and the words we speak have the power to shape others.</p><p><br></p><p>TIMESTAMPS</p><p>0:00 WELCOME</p><p>0:44 WEEKLY TALK</p>

<p>Personal finances are often considered a taboo topic to discuss. They’re private, personal, and might even be embarrassing. However, it doesn’t have to be that way. Money is a powerful tool that can be used to honor God and lead to financial freedom in your life.</p><p><br></p><p>TIMESTAMPS</p><p>0:00 WELCOME</p><p>0:44 WEEKLY TALK</p>

<p>Most people want their lives to count, but it's easy to become impatient with the slow pace at which a life of significance is built. Taking small persistent steps forward is often mundane and boring, but it can lead to tremendous and lasting results.</p><p><br></p><p>TIMESTAMPS</p><p>0:00 WELCOME</p><p>0:44 WEEKLY TALK</p>

<p>People ultimately weren’t convinced to follow Jesus because of what he taught. They became convinced because of what they saw. The resurrection of Jesus validated who he claimed to be and what he came to accomplish. It also explains how a small first century sect, in a relatively unknown part of the world, grew to become the largest movement in the history of planet earth!</p><p><br></p><p>TIMESTAMPS</p><p>0:00 WELCOME</p><p>0:44 WEEKLY TALK</p>

<p>It’s so easy to forget what the Christian faith is all about. We struggle so much, work so hard, and fail so often that we frequently sense something in the equation of life must be missing. What's missing is a full and powerful understanding of the cross and what the crucifixion of Jesus really means.</p><p><br></p><p>TIMESTAMPS</p><p>0:00 WELCOME </p><p>0:44 WEEKLY TALK</p>

<p>It's not just kids who need to have discernment when choosing friends. Adults do too! Why? Because our friends determine the direction and quality of our life.</p><p><br></p><p>TIMESTAMPS</p><p>0:00 WELCOME</p><p>0:44 WEEKLY TALK</p>

<p>We all want to be successful. After all, experiencing success is better than not experiencing success. But what does success look like? And how do we know if we’re achieving it in the important areas of life?</p><p><br></p><p>TIMESTAMPS</p><p>0:00 WELCOME</p><p>0:44 WEEKLY TALK</p>