247 | Seven Sermon Summer Surfin’ Spectacular | Go Back to the Book

We're closing our "Seven Sermon Summer Surfin' Spectacular" by opening the vault! This episode is a time capsule: our very first recording together from an old radio show — our "naked baby pictures" episode. Inspired by "National Back to Church Sunday," we ask a bigger question: What does it mean to go back to the church of the Bible? How does the New Testament's pattern for work, worship, and organization compare to today? And why is unity under Christ's authority so crucial? Join us for a foundational discussion that's still relevant today!

The Big Idea: Rather than choosing a church based on preference, we are called to find and be a part of a local body that faithfully follows the New Testament's pattern.

Show Notes

• Back to Church (BLOG)
• Our About Page (with a photo from this recording!) (WEBSITE)
• National Back to Church Sunday (WEBSITE)
• Seven Sermon Summer Surfin’ Spectacular (WEBSITE)
• Square One Guided Study (GUIDED STUDY)

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246 | Seven Sermon Summer Surfin’ Spectacular | See the Prophecy in the Pain

We welcome our friend Allen Greeley back for his final sermon in our "Seven Sermon Summer Surfin' Spectacular"! This week's lesson, "Betrayal of a Close Friend," gets personal. How did King David's psalms give voice to Jesus's heartbreak over Judas hundreds of years before it happened? In what ways did the betrayal of David by his own trusted advisor serve as a haunting prequel to the gospel story? And what does it mean that in the moment of betrayal, Jesus still called Judas "Friend"? Join us for a powerful look at the human cost of betrayal.

The Big Idea: The psalms foretold not just the event of the betrayal, but the real, human pain Jesus would feel as a friend.

Show Notes

• Friend, Do What You Came to Do (BLOG)
• Plainfield Ponderings Podcast (PODCAST)
• Allen Greeley (GUEST)
• Macbeth (WIKI)
• Hamilton (MUSICAL)
• Seven Sermon Summer Surfin’ Spectacular (WEBSITE)
• Square One Guided Study (GUIDED STUDY)

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245 | Seven Sermon Summer Surfin’ Spectacular | Get to Know Your Bible

Surf's up for our "Seven Sermon Summer Surfin' Spectacular"! This week, Ryan offers a proper introduction in his sermon, "Meet Your Bible". Ever felt like you know about the Bible, but haven't been formally introduced to this library of books? Why is it crucial to remember this collection was written for you, but not directly to you? And how can we stay curious about a book we think we know so well? Join us for a friendly reintroduction, designed to build your confidence and help you fall in love with it all over again!

The Big Idea: To read the Bible well, see it not as one book, but as a whole library telling one great story.

Show Notes

• Meet Your Bible (BLOG)
• YouVersion Bible App (APP)
• Seven Sermon Summer Surfin’ Spectacular (WEBSITE)
• Square One Guided Study (GUIDED STUDY)

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244 | Seven Sermon Summer Surfin’ Spectacular | Trust in the Better Priesthood

We're stoked to have our friend Allen Greeley back for our "Summer Surfin' Spectacular"! This week, he tackles a biblical puzzle in "The Priesthood Face-off." If Old Testament priests and kings came from different tribes, how could Jesus be both? Who was the mysterious priest-king Melchizedek, and why was he considered greater than Abraham? And what happens when the flawed, law-breaking priesthood comes face-to-face with Jesus at his own trial? Grab your board and join us for a deep-dive into God's plan for his ultimate priest-king!

The Big Idea: From its first pages, the Bible builds a case that the flawed human priesthood would one day be replaced by a perfect Priest-King.

Show Notes

• Torn Robes and a Silent King (BLOG)
• Plainfield Ponderings Podcast (PODCAST)
• Allen Greeley (GUEST)
• Seven Sermon Summer Surfin’ Spectacular (WEBSITE)
• Square One Guided Study (GUIDED STUDY)

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243 | Seven Sermon Summer Surfin’ Spectacular | Declare His Worth With Your Life

Welcome back to our “Seven Sermon Summer Surfin' Spectacular”! This week, Bryan dives into a sermon on "Worship and Holy Living". You might know the slogan "Because you're worth it," but have you ever thought about worship as "worth-ship" — giving God what he is truly worth? What does it mean to be God's "fine china," set apart for his purpose yet meant to be used? And if we’re his temple, how does that change how we live on our "holy ground" every day? Join us for a practical look at honoring God's incredible worth!

The Big Idea: When you see God for who he truly is, a life of worship and holiness is the only natural response.

Show Notes

• More Than a Feeling (BLOG)
• Seven Sermon Summer Surfin’ Spectacular (WEBSITE)
• Cross Training Guided Study (GUIDED STUDY)
• Square One Guided Study (GUIDED STUDY)

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242 | Seven Sermon Summer Surfin’ Spectacular | Find Jesus in the First Promise

Welcome back to our “Seven Sermon Summer Surfin' Spectacular”! This week, we're stoked to have our good friend Allen Greeley share his sermon: "The Human Satan Crusher." Ever wonder where the gospel story really begins? We go way back to Genesis 3 to find the first promise of a hero who would defeat evil. How does this ancient, "weirdly worded" prophecy point to Jesus's birth? And why was his humanity just as important as his deity in the plan to win this spiritual war? Jump on board with us for a discussion that will build your faith and encourage your heart!

The Big Idea: In the midst of humanity's first curse, God graciously inserted the first promise of a Savior who would crush our enemy.

Show Notes

• The Human Satan Crusher (BLOG)
• Plainfield Ponderings Podcast (PODCAST)
• Allen Greeley (GUEST)
• Seven Sermon Summer Surfin’ Spectacular (WEBSITE)
• Square One Guided Study (GUIDED STUDY)

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241 | Seven Sermon Summer Surfin’ Spectacular | Build Your Faith Beyond Quick Fixes

Welcome to our "Seven Sermon Summer Surfin' Spectacular"! Our first sermon comes to us from Ryan! This week, we're all spiritually "Under Construction" and living in the messy middle of God's DIY project. But when is it wise to pause our busy lives to "sharpen the axe" instead of just producing? Are you reaching for spiritual "duct tape and aspirin" when you really need a foundational fix? And how can you be a solid support for others if you're not standing on firm ground yourself? Join us for a fun-filled way to spend our summer break, looking at our ongoing spiritual renovations!

The Big Idea: God wants us to do good work, but first he wants us to work on ourselves.

This Week's Challenge: n/a

Show Notes

• Building a Life That Lasts (BLOG)
• Seven Sermon Summer Surfin’ Spectacular (WEBSITE)
• Square One Guided Study (GUIDED STUDY)
• Habit 7: Sharpen the Saw (WEBSITE)
• Stephen Covey (WIKI)
• Center for Courage & Renewal (WEBSITE)
• Quote from "Let Your Life Speak" (QUOTE)

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Let Christ Shape Your Life

What's something you love to make – like, really, really love? And why does Peter’s call to build on our faith remind us of a delicious festive side dish? In this final Square One episode, we're asking the big question: “What’s next?” Discipleship is about consistent growth, staying moldable on the potter's wheel, and allowing the Lord to make changes in your life. Ever struggled with patience or consistency in your daily walk with God? We’ve been there too! Tune in as we wrap up Square One and look ahead to a life of discipleship! Thanks for joining us on this epic journey this season!

The Big Idea: Daily training as Christ’s disciple leaves us looking more like him every day.

This Week's Challenge: Through the week, begin taking small steps each day to be in the Word, prayerful, active, and connected to the church.

Show Notes

• What’s Next? (BLOG)
• Jesus Said: Luke 6:40 (VERSE)
• Square One Guided Study (GUIDED STUDY)
• Square One - Session 13 (GUIDED STUDY)

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Become a Light to the World

We're almost at the finish line of our Square One series, and in Session 12, we're tackling a big one: "What about everyone else?" We'll dive into how your relationships might change when you commit to Christ and why that's not something to fear. Plus, we're talking about the "chill and very relaxed priesthood" that every Christian is a part of. Get ready to discover your special purpose and mission in the world, not as a secret agent, but as someone radiating God's light!

The Big Idea: God sends us into the world to reflect his light in the darkness.

This Week's Challenge: Tell someone you care about something important you've learned in these discussions.

Show Notes

• What About Everyone Else? (BLOG)
• Jesus Said: Matthew 5:13-16 (VERSE)
• Square One Guided Study (GUIDED STUDY)
• Square One - Session 12 (GUIDED STUDY)

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Learn to Walk With Other Christians

What’s a “Macho Nacho Cheesio”? And what should you do with the leftover pieces of an Ikea desk? We’re back for session 11 of our Square One series to answer those questions, and — most importantly — to ask another: "Why do I need the church?" Join us as we reflect on our own baptism experiences and dive into why the church isn't an optional add-on, but an essential component in your journey with Jesus. We'll explore the early church's radical community in Acts 2 and discuss powerful metaphors like the church as a family, a flock, and a body. What are your impressions of the church, and how do you see being part of a local church helping your walk with Christ?

The Big Idea: Our Lord never intended us to make this journey alone.

This Week's Challenge: Make a list of questions about local church membership and ask them next time.

Show Notes

• Why Do I Need the Church? (BLOG)
• Jesus Said: John 17:21-23 (VERSE)
• Square One Guided Study (GUIDED STUDY)
• Square One - Session 11 (GUIDED STUDY)

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