Next time you’re in a bookstore, go take a peek at the self-improvement section. You’ll see rows and rows of books promising to unlock the secret to a better life. But no matter how many diets you follow or how much positive thinking you do, none of those tricks are going to fill your deepest needs or fix your greatest problems! As Pastor J.D. continues our series called, “Freedom in the In-Between,” he explains the only way for us to truly change and be set free from our own sinful hearts.

Our Western culture is highly individualistic. We all want to pull ourselves up by our bootstraps and make our own way in the world. We don’t want to be dependent on anyone. But Pastor J.D. cautions us that a self-made mindset doesn’t work when it comes to holiness! We’re getting an important and humbling reminder about our dependence on God as we continue our study in Galatians called, “Freedom in the In-Between.” 

Most everyone agrees that freedom is a good thing. And yet, freedom inevitably leads to conflict. If I’m free to have my opinion, then you’re free to disagree! But as Pastor J.D. continues our study of Galatians, he’s explaining how our freedom in Christ actually leads to greater unity! We’re being reminded of our ultimate identity that overcomes every difference. It’s part of our series called, “Freedom in the In-Between.”

If you turn on the news these days or browse through Facebook for a bit, it will be pretty apparent that we’re living in turbulent times. Emotions are running high over issues like politics and race relations. Our world seems so divided. And tragically, that same attitude often creeps into our churches! As Pastor J.D. continues our study in Galatians, he’s challenging us to pursue unity—for the sake of the gospel. It’s part of our series called, “Freedom in the In-Between.”

Paul’s transformation from a Jesus-hating Pharisee to a passionate Christ-follower is nothing short of miraculous. But if you’re a follower of Christ, then your story is a miracle, too! And your testimony is powerful proof of the truth of the gospel! That’s our subject as Pastor J.D. continues our study of Galatians called, “Freedom in the In-Between.”

The word “gospel” literally means, “good news.” It assures us that we’re saved by Jesus’ blood alone, not by anything we do. But how can we really know if the gospel we find in scripture is accurate? How do we know it wasn’t just a clever conspiracy the disciples came up with to gain a following? Pastor J.D. addresses those questions as he continues our series called, Freedom in the In-Between.  

On October 31, 2017, Christians around the world celebrated the 500th anniversary of the Reformation, when Martin Luther posted his 95 theses on the door of the Wittenberg church and called Christians to return to the true gospel. Pastor J.D. preached this special message in honor of that anniversary, explaining why the work of an ancient German monk is still relevant to our lives today. It’s part of our study in Galatians called Freedom in the In-Between.  

In a new study of Galatians called, Freedom in the In-Between, we’re discovering how the gospel frees us to live with confidence in a world of uncertainty. Pastor J.D. kicks off the study with a message he preached in October of 2017, on the 500th anniversary of the Reformation. It’s a great reminder of why the actions of a 16th-Century German monk named Martin Luther still matter to us today.  

Plenty of people have high aspirations.But as easy as it is to dream about our goals, it’s a lot harder to take the little, everyday steps to reach them. The same is true in our walk with God. We like to think we’d follow God to the ends of the earth, but we haven’t even taken the first little steps of faith. That’s our subject as Pastor J.D. wraps up our study of the prophet Elisha called, Something Greater. 

When most of us pray, we typically spend the bulk of our time telling God about our needs and desires. There’s nothing wrong with that, but what does it say about our hearts? Pastor J.D. asks us to take a look inside and consider whether we really want God, or just his blessings. We’re in a two-part series called, Something Better/Something Greater.