What is happening in America? It's a question many of us have, especially as we encounter one of the most controversial Presidential elections in our nations history. This week we take a break from our series, "Gaining By Losing," for this special message from Pastor Josh Blunt, and we look to Scripture for wisdom and encouragement during this political season.

The point in everything we do as the Church is to make disciples. Today, we explore the truth that true discipleship is a lifestyle of transformation founded on the Gospel. It begins when we receive salvation, and continues until we are perfected by resurrection to eternal life. Everything in between is to be marked by trust in God that bears fruit in repentance and obedient action - anything less is counterfeit.

We often say, "we need to be the hands and feet of Jesus." But, what does that really mean? Are we responsible to offer a healing touch, or perhaps a swift kick in the pants whenever we think Jesus would? We are clearly called to represent Jesus to a world that doesn't see him in the flesh. The church is called to make visible the invisible Christ. When the church faithfully embodies Jesus' ministry, the world can suddenly see Jesus at work.

Churches rise and fall on leadership. Too often, though, it rests on the leadership of one or two powerful, arrogant, charismatic, visionary, maybe kind or cruel, or innovative leaders. These types of leaders can have profound effects on the lives of congregations. However, is this what Christ intended? What about the idea that the church is a royal priesthood of believers? If this is the case, we need leaders to make more leaders. In today's message, we look to the Scriptures to see how we can move from being an audience to an army of the King!

Too often, Christians function one way on the weekend and another during the week. We act as if there are little compartments of life in which we can separate faith, work, family, hobbies, friendships, and more. Even worse, our churches often mirror this bias and devote the majority of our time and resources to the weekend service! However, the Apostle Paul shows us a life of integrity and balance in all compartments in such a way that demonstrates the week is every bit as important as the weekend! 

We often look to the professional ministry personnel and assume they are the only individuals "called" to be ministers of the Gospel. However, the truth is that there is no such thing as a special calling into ministry that only exists for the clergy. The truth is that every Christian is called to be ministers of the Gospel. In week 2 of our series, "Gaining by Losing," Pastor Josh unpacks Ephesians 4:1-16 and takes us through this calling of followers of Jesus.

When most people hear the word, "Gospel," they think about the good news that brings a new beginning. Perhaps they think of it as the doorway into salvation. The Gospel is never less than that, yet it is always infinitely more than that! In fact, the gospel isn't just the start of the Christian life. The Gospel is the very hope, substance, and eternal goal of that life. Put another way, the Gospel is a story so good that it literally draws you into itself, unites you to its Author, and forever redefines your identity as you joyfully live it out in His presence.

We love to hop in a car and take a trip just for the pure enjoyment of movement - seeing the scenery whizzing by, and the wind whipping our hair. Interestingly, 1 Peter 2:4-12 highlights the fact that we are made for movement, called by God to GO and live the life of resident aliens passion through toward a more permanent home. We're called to join Him on an amazing road trip!

Have you ever had one of those moments when it seemed your family was falling apart around you? There are many things that can cause this, but death would probably top the list - death of love, death of hope, death of a marriage, or even the death of people we love. Whenever we face this enemy, it's easy to become overwhelmed. However, todays message proves that no matter how dire our situation, Jesus can put it back together. Pastor Josh continues our Flannelgraph Faith sermon series with "Wake Up Call" (Luke 7:11-17).

Continuing our summer sermon series, Flannelgraph Faith, we explore Peter's imprisonment and miraculous escape. It's a proclamation of God's power to free his people from the tyranny and persecution this world dishes out so they can stay fearlessly on mission and do His work. Before listening to this message, it may be helpful to examine your life -- what chains are holding you back, what bars your way to full freedom in Christ, and what miracle would it take to renew your hope?