Friends & Family
Family and friends—we love them! . . . but sometimes it’s not so easy to love them. What does God say about being a parent, family dysfunction, happy marriages, divorce, difficult people, forgiveness, and much more?
Is There Grace for Divorcees?
God so loved the world that he gave his only Son. And guess who’s in the world? Divorced people too.
Divorce: What the Bible Says
Where in the Bible do you go when you want answers about divorce? Pastor Mike digs into the grace and truth of God’s Word.
Out of Context: “More Than You Can Handle”
The Bible does not talk about God not allowing you to be tempted “beyond what you can bear.” Make sure to read the context! The apostle Paul wrote those words as a warning not to rely on our own spiritual strength and a comfort to rely on the God who can sustain us in all kinds of temptation.
Out of Context: “Where Two or Three Gather”
Jesus spoke these words at the end of his message on dealing with sin in the church. He offered a great comfort to churches that do the hard work of dealing with sin, warning the hardhearted, and practicing church discipline.
Out of Context: “Do Not Judge”
Jesus was not against being judgmental. Yet he was very against the hypocrisy of many judgmental people who overlook their own flaws in a zealous attempt to point out the flaws of others. His words, clearly understood, encourage us to look in the mirror first and judge others in love afterward.
Friend Request: Friends Unlike Me
The book of Proverbs might imply that hanging out with unbelievers is a bad idea, but the Bible is more nuanced than that. Rubbing shoulders with those who don’t know Jesus is the best way to share the hope that only the Savior can give. This message explores the way Christians can invest in those who do not yet believe in Christ.
Friend Request: Choose Friends Carefully
“Show me your friends, and I will show you your future.” That wisdom is repeated in the book of Proverbs. This message is God’s reminder to choose your friends carefully, since they have an incredible influence on your choices and future.
Friend Request: Different Kinds of Friends
What does it mean to find a Christian friend? Is that the same as being part of the fellowship of a church? This message explores what it means to have friends who share your faith as well as the important distinction between the fellowship of Christians and the self-selected blessing called friendship.
Friend Request: I’m God’s Friend
The Bible speaks of God befriending people in the Bible, a term of incredible closeness and intimacy. How does that compare to the modern, social media-driven idea of a “friend request”? What would it mean for our lives if the Almighty God was actually our ever-present friend?
Loving Difficult People Compilation
Watch the entire devotional series from this week, as Pastor Jeremy tells us how we can continue to love the difficult people in our lives.
Are You in a Battle of Wills With God?
Is there something in your life you are choosing over God and don’t even realize it? Pastor Jeremy shows you what can happen when you put God first.
How to Love Those Who Exhaust You
Does someone drain your energy? Leave you with little hope? Pastor Jeremy explains why it’s critical you not give up on them.