Flatirons Community Church Podcast

How important is prayer when we're trying to live a good life following Jesus? In our fourth week of our "ALIVE" series, Jim talks about prayer as if it's a radio that lets us talk and listen to God. He explains that prayer isn't just about asking for things; it's more about having a real conversation with God that helps us grow closer to Him. Jim says that prayer helps us line up our wants with what God wants, which changes us on the inside more than it changes the things around us. He reminds us that to really live well, we need to pray every day, like keeping in touch with a friend and also rely on God’s Spirit and His words in the Bible to guide us.

In this series, Ben explores how new believers, like contestants on the reality show "Alone," face the challenge of sustaining their faith in isolation. He draws parallels between the survival tools used on the show and the spiritual essentials needed for believers to thrive. Ben emphasizes the Holy Spirit as an empowering presence that enhances all spiritual tools, not merely as another item to use. He highlights the Bible's crucial role in building a solid spiritual foundation, akin to a durable shelter, helping believers move beyond survival to achieve the abundant life Jesus promised. This series aims to equip Christians of all stages to feel supported and thrive in their faith journeys.

Ever wondered about the Holy Spirit's role in your life? In this message, Jesse tackled that exact question, explaining that the Holy Spirit isn’t just for a few but for everyone. He emphasizes how the Holy Spirit empowers, encourages, gives gifts, guides, and intercedes for Christians. The practical and spiritual implications of engaging with the Holy Spirit highlight its significance in everyday life and faith practice. Jesse looks at both personal, spiritual, and scriptural references to illustrate these roles, encouraging us to actively invite the Holy Spirit into our lives.

What does it mean to continue growing in faith, especially after significant spiritual milestones like baptism? This week marks the beginning of an 8-week series Called "Alive," where we'll tackle the question of how to continue your faith journey and the "tools you'll need. This week, Jim will examine the challenges both new and seasoned believers face when feeling lost or stagnant in their faith journey. Central to the series is Jesus' post-resurrection life, emphasizing His instructions about the Holy Spirit’s empowering role and the global spread of His message. It draws parallels with the survival show 'Alone,' using it as a metaphor to equip believers with spiritual strategies for a thriving faith journey centered around vision, intent, and strategy.

Is Easter about more than just a miracle? Highlighting the resurrection of Jesus the message emphasized that it's not just about Jesus' triumph over death, but a validation of all his teachings and promises. Through stories like the humorous dilemma of a man in Israel and the paralytic man's friends in Mark 2, it illustrated how we often overlook our spiritual needs, focusing on immediate problems. The crucifixion story, especially the conversation with the two other men on the crosses, shows that anyone, regardless of their past, can find hope and salvation in Jesus. This celebration of Easter urges a re-evaluation of life's challenges, prioritizing spiritual fulfillment and eternal promises.

Ever thought about how being thankful and loving can change your life? In our fourth week of Death to Religion, Jim explores the power of God's grace and following Him. He talks about the Last Supper and Jesus’ key rules: love God completely and love others as you love yourself. Jim shows why these two loves are so important in our beliefs. He stresses the need to live by these teachings as we wait for Jesus' return, sharing his own experiences and work helping others. This message encourages us to help and care for those in need, showing our love for God through how we treat others.

Are you prepared to transform your perspective on faith? In today's message, Ben guides us through the final weeks of Jesus’ life, focusing on the events where Jesus curses a barren fig tree and then purifies the Temple in Jerusalem. These actions, are not just historical accounts but powerful metaphors challenging our conventional views on life, faith, and religion. He emphasizes that these narratives critique empty religious practices and the exclusion of others from faith communities. Ben's message is a call for us to embrace an inclusive, welcoming approach to our faith, one that aligns with Jesus' teachings of hope, love, and inclusivity for all, especially those who feel like outsiders. This transformation, as Ben suggests, starts within our own hearts and extends to our broader faith community.

Ever wrestled with the concept of forgiveness, especially when it feels impossible? In our series "Death to Religion," we explore Jesus's path to the cross and His transformative teachings on forgiveness, as exemplified by the Parable of the Unmerciful Servant in Matthew 18. This sermon encourages us to release resentment and embrace the freedom that comes with forgiveness for our own peace. Consider who in your life you can forgive for your personal liberation. For weekly snippets about upcoming messages, text "Next" to 80857

Have you ever considered the true purpose of religion? This marks the first message of our "Death to Religion" series. In this message, Jim explores humanity's early rebellions and how these events, while disruptive, could not thwart God's ultimate plan. This message reveals the role of religion as a temporary measure before Jesus's coming. It emphasizes Jesus's mission, which goes beyond teaching or healing, focusing on his death and resurrection as a sacrifice for our sins. This act wasn't just for forgiveness but to transform hearts and minds, uniting us under a new kingdom. Discover how Jesus's life, death, and resurrection offer us a way to true relationship with God, replacing religious practice with deep, meaningful connection.

In the final message of our "Branded" series, we explore the crucial role of money in demonstrating our faith and trust in Jesus. Just as a brand signifies ownership in cattle, our financial stewardship marks us as followers of Christ. Today's focus is on the fourth principle, "Watch Out For Outlaws," highlighting the need to guard against anything that may compromise our financial integrity and faith journey. Drawing parallels between the dangers in the wild west and the financial temptations of today, we dive into the Ten Commandments from Exodus 20, reinterpreting them as guidelines for financial wisdom. These commandments are not conditions for God's love but confirmations of it, guiding us to live lives of gratitude, worship, and wise stewardship. By aligning our financial practices with these biblical principles, we can navigate our 'new land' of financial responsibility and avoid the pitfalls that threaten our spiritual and financial well-being.