On today's episode, Dr. Jim Townsley begins a mini series on "Make Church Healthy Again" in which he talks about church outreach and growth. What are some ways your church tries to reach the lost and welcome visitors? Are there new approaches you can take to make a better effort in your ministry's outreach?

The sermon refutes the Calvinistic doctrine of total depravity by arguing that God actively draws all people to Himself through common grace rather than irresistible force. It identifies creation, conscience, and the light given to every man as universal means by which God reveals truth and invites response. Pastor Friesen emphasizes that while humanity is fallen, individuals retain the moral ability to accept or reject the gospel invitation extended through special revelation. By examining passages such as John 6 and Romans 1, the text asserts that rejection of this light leads to a reprobate mind, not an inherent inability to believe. Ultimately, the message encourages believers to participate in God's courtship of the lost by sharing the gospel, affirming that salvation is available to whosoever wills to receive it.

Today we emphasizes that God's redemptive work is motivated by His own glory and holy name rather than human merit. Drawing from Ezekiel 36, it explains the necessity of a supernatural transformation where God replaces a dead, stony heart with a living one through the Holy Spirit. This divine intervention addresses the inherent sinfulness of humanity and establishes a new covenant relationship. Believers are called to represent Christ faithfully in the world while continually seeking cleansing for ongoing sins. The message concludes with an urgent invitation for the unsaved to respond to God's grace and receive this spiritual renewal.

Have you lost your appetite for God? Pastor Steve explains that unless you deal with five deadly sins in your life, you will never truly desire the Word of God. Join us today as we open 1 Peter 2:1–3 and learn how to put aside what kills your hunger and cultivate a fresh longing for His truth.

Tonight we explore the Parable of the Prodigal Son and his brother to address two distinct audiences: those who have rebelled against God and those who rely on religious self-righteousness. I contend that both the younger son's wild rebellion and the elder son's bitter obedience lead to separation from the Father if not met with genuine repentance and humility. Central to the message is the character of God, who actively seeks out the lost and eagerly welcomes them back with unconditional grace rather than condemnation. I share my personal testimony of realizing that outward religious performance without a true relationship with Christ is equally dangerous as open sin. Ultimately, the sermon calls listeners to recognize their need for God's mercy and to respond by coming to themselves and returning to the Father who is waiting with open arms.

The sermon explores the profound nature of the New Covenant, emphasizing that knowing God is a miraculous work of divine grace rather than human effort. Drawing primarily from Hebrews 8 and John 6, it explains how the effectual call and regeneration enable sinners to move from spiritual death to a relational knowledge of Christ. This saving knowledge is defined not as intellectual assent but as an intimate, personal union with God that crushes pride and fosters humility. The preacher contrasts this divine initiative with the rebellion of the world, highlighting that salvation belongs entirely to God's sovereign mercy. Ultimately, believers are called to respond with awe for God's glory and pity for the lost, sharing the gospel as vessels of His grace.

Luke 7 tells the story of Jesus meeting a funeral procession outside the town of Nain. A widow has lost her only son, and the whole town is caught up in mourning. But Jesus sees her, has compassion on her, speaks to her sorrow, touches the bier, and commands the dead young man to arise. The funeral becomes a celebration because Jesus, the Lord of life, has gotten in the way. This sermon reminds us that Jesus sees the grieving, raises the spiritually dead, and turns religious obligation into joyful worship and witness.

The sermon explores Jesus' intentional pursuit of the Samaritan woman at the well, illustrating how Christ seeks out those who are lost or spiritually dry. It highlights four key aspects of this divine interaction: Jesus actively seeks individuals regardless of social barriers, draws them through gentle inquiry, confronts their sin with grace, and offers restoration through living water. The message emphasizes that salvation is not achieved by human effort but received by trusting in Christ's sacrifice for sin. Ultimately, the preacher urges listeners to recognize Jesus' relentless love and respond to His invitation for eternal life.

The sermon emphasizes the supreme value of gathering in God's house over worldly entertainments, using Psalm 84 to illustrate that being in church is better than any other experience. It explores John the Baptist's mission to prepare the way for Jesus through repentance and water baptism, contrasting this with the spiritual blindness of religious leaders who refused to acknowledge the truth. The central focus shifts to the baptism of Jesus, explaining how His submission fulfilled all righteousness and publicly identified Him as the Messiah and Lamb of God. The preacher argues that believers must be grounded in Scripture to discern truth from error and actively participate in seeking the lost, mirroring Jesus' own mission to save those who are perishing. Finally, the message defines baptism not as a means of salvation but as the essential first step of obedience and public identification with Christ following one's conversion.