Intersections Podcast

Embracing discomfort is key to spiritual growth, but it is hard for most of us to do. Whether we lean into pain by choice or force, the critical question is, what does the pain/discomfort have to teach us? Pain is critical to growth, but it does not guarantee growth. Today we will lean into the practice of spiritual disciplines and how to follow them to a deeper and stronger relationship with God.

A comprehensive study done not too many years ago of 1,000 churches revealed that one out of four church members felt stalled or dissatisfied with their lack of spiritual progress. One of the reasons many are not experiencing the type of growth they desire is because they are malnourished. The ugly truth is their diet consists of a whole lot of junk food – TV, social media, talk radio, YouTube, etc… – but not nearly enough spiritual nutrients. Join us for part 3 of Growth Spurt.

What is it that fuels spiritual growth? Peter emphasizes the important role the word of God plays in spiritual growth. In 1 Peter 2:2, “Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow in your salvation.”

Jesus, Prince of Peace, calls us to partner with him as peacemakers who work hard to ensure the wholeness, flourishing, and well-being of all people. As we get ready to move into 2024 (a year that has the potential to be more divisive than ever) may these words of the ancient preacher be our marching orders - Hebrews 12:14, “Make every effort to live in peace with everyone…” Join us for our last episode of "Hope Has a Name."

When was the last time you experienced a spiritual growth spurt? If there was a wall in the church with pencil marks and dates, would your line have moved in the last six months? To get an accurate read of our spiritual growth we need something far more reliable than our feelings. What we need is a spiritual measuring stick.

We will look at the amazing story of how Jesus calmed the sea but even more importantly is how he stayed so calm and even slept as the storm raged. How was he able to do that? We will then look at a couple of examples of how Godly people were able to stay calm while the storms raged.

Our Everlasting Father, who is mindful of us, is constantly at work so that we might flourish in our given role. Not only is God mindful of you, but He is crazy about you. God loves you deeply. If anything reminds us of this it is Christmas. Why did Jesus, the Everlasting Father, enter into this world as one of us? He came because we are loved profoundly by the Heavenly Father.

What makes Christmas such a special time of year is knowing that the birth of Jesus, our victorious warrior, started the countdown to the end of Satan and his work. God’s kingdom is here - not fully, nor has Satan's work fully ended - but make no mistake, God’s kingdom is present all around us.

Isaiah 9:6 - For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Let's learn about the first of these names.

Satan wants you to believe when you are going through hard times. God doesn’t love you. Let us remember that God meets us in our darkest night and fights with us and for us. He is our light in the dark of the night.