We’ve all heard of a win-win outcome. But as Pastor Chris points out in this message, we are daily engaging in a lose-lose activity and we may not even realize how destructive it is. Being rich-er or smart-er or funny-er may feel like a short-term win, but for ourselves, our families, and our marriages, comparison is a game with no winners.
THE BIG IDEA: Compare-i-sin kills contentment.

With communities across the country facing a mental health crisis unlike anything we’ve ever seen, combined with the uncertainty, chaos; disruption from a global pandemic;  protests and racial tension; and a more and more tense political climate have only increased anxiety for many Americans. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, the feeling of anxiety affects one in five of us to a paralyzing degree.

Through Jesus we can move past our issues like anxiety, cynicism, comparison, shame and insecurity. When we say, “I can’t handle this,” It’s a cry of desperation. But just because we say “I can’t handle this”, doesn’t mean it goes away. Yet when we bring God into the equation? But as we will realize, God is drawn to desperation.

Money is such a touchy topic but it is so important to deal with, especially when talking about emotional and spiritual maturity. See, the Bible reminds us in John 3:16 that God loves us so much that he “gave.” James 1:17 tells us that “every good and perfect gift comes from God above.” God is generous. His salvation is free. BUT, money is the test in Scripture about whether or not you truly are generous. THE BIG IDEA: ​ Open hearts and open hands lead to emotional health.

Statistics reveal that in the UFC, 50 percent of the fight’s end via technical knockout (TKO), knockout (KO), or submission. This means that in any given fight, anything can happen. Thus, flexibility is an essential asset for mixed martial artists. In the same way, life is a fight, and flexibility is a key component of maturity. THE BIG IDEA: ​ Flexible people grow into the future. Rigid people are stuck in patterns of the past.

Bursting into tears because it is time to make your bed is cute when you are 4, but not the greatest reaction when you are 24. At the same time, some outfits look amazing when you are 18, but may not work as well in a boardroom at 48. Part of life involves maturing. We all want to mature at the right time. We learn the skills, requirements, and habits of adults... but we don’t always mature emotionally, especially when we are offended. THE BIG IDEA: ​There is no freedom without total forgiveness.

Growing up physically and intellectually do not guarantee we will grow at the same pace (if at all) emotionally and spiritually. Charting a path of growth towards becoming our true self requires that we take an honest look in the mirror. Are you ready? THE BIG IDEA: ​You can’t really care until you become self-aware.

The more stressed out we are, the more selfish we become. But what if it doesn’t have to be that way? We get to live out a New Normal. When I HAVE to do something, my sole focus is ME. When I GET to do something, I see beyond me. The church does not exist for us. We are the church and we exist for the world. Real freedom comes, not from consumption, but from compassion. THE BIG IDEA: ​Jesus Saves. We Serve.

Many of us have viewed faith as something we do alone. We might have said that it’s private. But there’s a limit to our faith growth when we go it alone. There’s a deepening to our faith that we only experience together. When it comes to consistently growing our faith, “we” is greater than “me.” Who’s spurring on your faith and whose faith are you spurring on? THE BIG IDEA: Weekly connection leads to our best direction.