Branch Church

We live in a world that increasingly disregards the Bible and scoffs at claims that it is the inerrant Word of God. As Christians, then, how do we answer those who challenge our faith in this book? This message looks at 2 Peter 1 and shows and gives us compelling evidence for why we can stake our lives and ultimately, our eternities on the truths of the Bible.

Science seeks the truth about our natural world.

Scripture reveals the truth about our supernatural God.

The conflict between science and faith comes from either misunderstanding science or misinterpreting the Bible.

God expects the more we study nature and science the more it will point towards Him. God is not scared of science. Faith and science belong to each other.

“I WON’T BELIEVE IT UNLESS I see the nail wounds in his hands, put my fingers into them, and place my hand into the wound in his side.” It was a declaration that earned him the unflattering title Doubting Thomas. The Bible is full of stories and people that had serious “bouts with doubt.” This message looks at how faith does not exclude doubts and questions. The real question is, what are we going to do about our doubt?

Luke 24 shares an interaction the resurrected Jesus had with 2 disciples on the road to Emmaus. Their dreams of Jesus rescuing them from Rome had died with Him on the cross. They were looking for a Geopolitical King to liberate them physically from Rome, instead they got a Servant King, intent on liberating their soul from sin. When God doesn't meet our expectations, we are tempted to lose faith. This message shows how Jesus opened their eyes to His plans and gave them greater faith and hope in the process.

It was the worst thing Simon Peter ever did!... He denied knowing Jesus 3 times and Jesus even gave him a heads up. Yikes! Simon Peter's sin against Jesus was great but Jesus' grace was greater! Jesus would use this failure for Peter's greater purpose, which was "to feed His sheep." This message gives us a great reminder that failure isn’t final. And that a failed Christian isn’t a finished Christian.

Mary Magdalene was the first person to witness the resurrected Jesus. Her life was dramatically transformed by the power of Jesus. Mary is proof that you are not defined by your past. Maybe, like Mary, you’re struggling against demonic forces, addictions or sinful habits you can’t break. Mary says to you. I had seven demons in me. But here is the truth found in the power of Jesus! There is more healing in Him than there is sickness in you, more forgiveness in Him than there is sin in us. There is no struggle, no addiction, no brokenness that His power cannot heal.

Our words are SO powerful. Proverbs says that “the tongue can bring death or life.” That’s a pretty bold statement and a powerful reality. Our words either give life or take life. As Christians, we should strive to use our words in a way that gives life!

In Proverbs 22:6, Solomon instructs a parent to fulfill their God-given role to "direct their children onto the right path." This isn't a passive approach to parenting but an intentional one. This message looks to give 3 encouragements for parents found in this proverb as they navigate the incredible privilege and responsibility God has given them! 

In Proverbs 19:11, Solomon encourages us to overlook being wronged. But overlooking offenses is hard to do! This message shares how we overlook offenses is by looking up to God (1 Peter 2:19). God is more than able to invade our tunnel vision and free us to overlook being wronged. 

"Follow your heart" is a familiar phrase that represents a belief that our heart will lead us to true happiness if we just have the courage to listen to it. But what it really means is “pursue what you desire.” Solomon (and the whole Bible) is going to say that this belief is both misleading and dangerous. He will say, not to "follow your heart" but "direct your heart" towards God. This message looks at 3 biblical ways you can direct your heart towards God.