The Summit Church

<p>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." </p>

<p>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?</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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. </p>

<p>Apex Campus Pastor Josh Ingram shares a message from Isaiah 55. </p>

<p>Blue Ridge Campus Pastor Dustin Wells shares a message from 1 Peter 5:6-7.</p>

<p>North Durham Campus Pastor Gus Pacheco shares a message from Luke 8. </p>

<p>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? </p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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." </p>

<p>Pastor Curtis Andrusko shares a message about "The God Who Disappoints" from our Apex Campus.</p>

<p>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. </p>

<p>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. </p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>This week, Vance Pitman, founding pastor of Hope Church (Las Vegas, NV) shares a message with us from Exodus 34.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>Blue Ridge Campus Pastor Dustin Wells shares a message from Luke 19.</p>

<p>Our Apex Campus Pastor, Josh Ingram, shares a message from Mark 11.</p>

<p>Pastor of International Missions, Julius Tennal II shares a message from John 13. </p>

<p>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? </p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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?</p>

<p>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. </p>

<p>In this week’s message, Pastor Curtis shows us from Hebrews 4 how we can draw near to God with confidence, rather than fear or anxiety. In Jesus, we have a mediator who is both sinless and sympathetic to our weaknesses. Not only are we able to approach God without a human mediator—something that would have been unthinkable in Old Testament days—we can also find joy in knowing that Jesus approaches and understands us. </p>

<p>Our Pastor of International Missions, Julius Tennal II preaches on Hebrews 4 from our North Durham Campus.</p>

<p>This week, Pastor J.D. helps us process a very difficult passage in 2 Samuel, and a turning point in the life of David—the story of David and Bathsheba. Could this be the same David who was called “a man after God’s own heart”? Though David was indeed forgiven, his sin would affect everyone around him. While this story holds a powerful warning for us today, what it ultimately reveals is a deep longing for another King, a better King—Jesus. </p>

<p>In this week’s message from Psalm 101, Pastor Bryan helps us think through what integrity truly means for a follower of Christ. Is it moral perfection? Is it merely a result of our own effort and strivings? On the contrary—only by resting in the faithfulness and steadfast love of Jesus can we lead lives of integrity that will present a beautiful witness to a watching world.</p>

<p>In this message from the Psalms, Pastor Raudel takes us through a particular psalm that illustrates how we can be raw and real in our prayers to God. When we approach God in prayer as a loving Father, it doesn’t matter where we pray—the point is that we are free to pour out our deepest emotions, struggles, and sorrows to a God who understands and truly does want to hear from us.</p>

<p>If you have believed and been changed by the gospel, what should your response be? In this week's message from 2 Samuel, Pastor J.D. takes us through a story that is perhaps not as well-known, that of David and Mephibosheth. David's response to the extravagant love of God (as seen in 2 Samuel 7) is to pour out that same love onto an unlikely recipient, giving him a permanent seat at his table. It is here that we find our own story reflected—we who were once enemies have been invited to sit at the table of the King. </p>

<p>As we continue in the book of 2 Samuel, this week's message from Pastor J.D. walks us through both King David's desire to build the temple and God's response to him—one that serves as a good reminder for us even today. What David learned—and what we often forget—is that our relationship with God is not based on how much we do or give. Instead, it's based on what God has already done for us and given to us.</p>

<p>In this week's message from 2 Samuel, Pastor J.D. encourages us to honestly evaluate our worship of God. Though different cultures (and different personalities) often exhibit differing styles of worship, our intention should be the same—putting the worthiness of God on display. Though we might not always feel like worshiping, we can resolve to do so anyway, out of obedience to and love for our great God. </p>

<p>In this message from the book of Philippians, Pastor Curtis unpacks a passage that speaks to a problem very prevalent today, namely that of anxiety. While society offers many different solutions to this problem, the type of peace that is the true antidote comes only through Christ. When we bring our cares before God and set our hearts and minds on him, we will begin to experience the peace that can never be taken away from us. </p>

<p>Capital Hills Campus Pastor John Muller preaches on Philippians 4:4-9 during our Thursday night service. </p>

<p>In this message from 2 Samuel, Pastor J.D. walks us through a few ways in which David was "a man after God's own heart." And yet, what we ultimately see through the first several chapters of this book is that not even David was the king that Israel was looking for. The king that they needed—and that we need today—was one fully without sin, willing to lay down his life even for his enemies. With such a King on the throne, we can learn to accept with joy what God has for us this year and beyond.</p>

<p>In this special message from John 4, Pastor J.D. walks us through a story that demonstrates the beauty of the incarnate Christ, whose coming we celebrate during this Christmas season. The Samaritan woman at the well—the first person to whom Jesus overtly reveals himself as the Messiah—has much to teach us about the Savior who has come to earth. He’s the Savior who comes to the unlikely, and you are exactly who he is looking for. </p>

<p>In this message from John 2, Pastor Bryan sheds light on the first of Jesus’ signs in this Gospel: the turning of water into wine at a wedding in Cana. This sign is indeed miraculous, but we shouldn’t miss the greater reality that it points us to—the person of Jesus and the coming of his kingdom. Though the world may offer satisfaction through the "old wine" of money or status, it is only the "new wine" of a relationship with Jesus that brings true satisfaction and lasting joy. </p><p><br></p><p><br></p>

<p>In this message that takes us through the remainder of John 1, Pastor J.D. explains how Jesus both asks and answers a vital question for all of us: “What are you seeking?” Though people everywhere naturally crave love and acceptance, they often search for it in all the wrong places. Through Jesus’ encounters with both Peter and Nathanael, we see the beauty of being fully known and loved by the One we should devote our lives to following. </p>

<p>In this message from the Gospel of John, Pastor J.D. takes us through what we can think of as Jesus’ resume, to better understand who Jesus was and is. With so many misconceptions of Jesus prevalent in today’s world, this is a task that is immensely important. Perhaps you’ve encountered churches that have embodied grace, but not truth (or vice versa). If so, you can rest in the assurance that the Jesus who took on flesh and dwelt among us is full of both grace and truth.</p>

<p>Todd Unzicker, the Executive Director-Treasurer for the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina, preaches on the amazing power of amazing grace.</p>

<p>Apex Campus Pastor Josh Ingram preaches from Luke 17.</p>

<p>Brier Creek Campus Pastor Warren Neverson preaches on trusting Jesus. </p>

<p>North Durham Campus Pastor Gus Pacheco preaches from Matthew 7 and Luke 8.</p>

<p>In this week’s message from the Gospel of Luke, Pastor J.D. leads us through what is likely a familiar story for many—the story of a tax collector named Zacchaeus whose life was forever changed by a glimpse of Jesus. This man who was despised by many was willing to do whatever it took to see the Savior, and as a result, the grace offered by Jesus changed not just his behavior, but his heart. Is your life characterized by generosity and a desire to live honorably before God and others? If not, maybe you simply need to start by taking your first real glimpse of Jesus. </p><p><br></p>

<p>To follow Jesus involves risk—the risk of releasing control and yielding every area of your life to Jesus as Lord over all. In this message from the Gospel of Luke, Pastor J.D. looks at the parable of the ten minas, where we see that, likewise, sowing a harvest with our resources can also involve risk. But when the risk is for the building up of God's kingdom, it's always worth it.</p>

<p>In this message from the Gospel of Luke, Pastor J.D. looks at one of the most revolutionary principles in all of Jesus’ teaching—the “law of the harvest.” It’s as simple as it is profound: As you give, it will be given to you. Sounds wise enough, maybe even encouraging. Most of us, however, don’t live that way. We don’t believe, in our heart of hearts, that God is as generous as he says he is. The result? We aren’t generous either. But Jesus invites us to a richer life than any of us could imagine, one in which every good thing (generosity, forgiveness, joy) not only abounds, but multiplies.</p>

<p>Pastor Bryan preaches on defiant generosity. </p>

<p>In this message from the Gospel of Luke, Pastor J.D. walks through the story of a man who missed out on an enormous (actually, an eternal) opportunity—all because he was too afraid to take a risk. Thinking only of what he would lose in following Jesus, he never considered what he would gain. It was the biggest mistake of his life. And if we’re not careful, it will the biggest regret of ours, too.</p>