Thrive Harbor

Many have wondered whether the "miraculous gifts" of the New Testament are still around today, or whether they ceased after the apostolic age. This talk looks to Scripture for an answer to that question.

Scripture passages cited (or alluded to) in this message include John 2:11; 14:11; 15:26; 20:30-31; Romans 5:5; Hebrews 2:3-4; Ephesians 2:20; 3:5; 1 Corinthians 13:8-12; 14:3, 24-25; Revelation 22:4; Acts 2:17-21; and Mark 16:17-18.

Sandwiched between two chapters on spiritual gifts is Paul's famous teaching on love. A person may be gifted, talented, and charismatic. But if not done in love, everything we do is worthless. Love is the most important thing.

This message was given by Drew Pappas, youth pastor at Waypoint Church.

The Holy Spirit loves to give gifts—so that we can bless others. But the Corinthians were using the gifts to bless themselves. So in 1 Corinthians 12 Paul instructs them about what spiritual gifts are, what they're for, and how they should operate in the body of Christ.

This message was given by Tim Cedarland, Thrive director emeritus.

Where the Holy Spirit is, there is power—and that makes many people uncomfortable! What fears do you have about the Holy Spirit, and how can those fears be overcome so that we can experience more of the Spirit’s work in our lives?

Scripture passages cited (or alluded to) in this message include Acts 2:1-21; 1 Corinthians 1:26-2:5; 4:20; and John 7:17.

The Holy Spirit is spoken of dozens of times in Scripture and is one of the three persons of the Trinity. Yet many Christians regard the Holy Spirit as mysterious, confusing, or irrelevant. Who, then, is the Holy Spirit and why is the Spirit so pivotal to being a Christian?

Scripture passages cited (or alluded to) in this message include John 14:16-17; 16:5-15; Romans 8:16, 27; 12:1; 1 Corinthians 12:11, 13; Ephesians 4:30; Acts 4:8; 5:3-4, 9; 8:29; 13:2, 9; Matthew 28:19; 2 Corinthians 3:17-18; Exodus 31:2-5; Judges 6:34; 11:29; 14:6, 19; 15:14; 1 Samuel 10:10; 16:4; 19:23; 2 Samuel 23:2; Ezekiel 8:3; 11:1, 24; 37:1; 43:5; Micah 3:8; and Colossians 1:27.

As Jesus approached Jerusalem, his disciples watched him rebuke a barren fig tree. Why did Jesus curse the tree, and what might this incident have to teach us about our need for God?

This message was given by Josh Nuckols, worship coordinator at our sister ministry, Thrive Kitsap. Scripture passages cited in this message include Mark 11:11-25; 12:1-12.

Most kingdoms advance through force. Jesus' kingdom advances through transformed hearts. In the parable of the sower, Jesus explains not only how hearts are transformed by why some hearts are transformed more than others.

This message was given by Peter Churness, pastor of One Hope Church and one of Thrive's board members. Scripture passages cited (or alluded to) in this message include Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23.

Our culture is experiencing a mental health crisis. For Christians, the fact that Scripture teaches that human beings are soul, spirit, and body—whose delicate brain chemistry affects our life experience—should make the church a haven for real conversations about mental health. So how can the church do a better job of this? And what would it look like for the church to come alongside those who struggle with mental health with the grace and truth of Jesus?

This message was given by Fred Fay, pastor of Neighborhood Church in University Place, WA. Scripture passages cited in this message include Philippians 4:6-9.

At last we come to the end of the story, and it's a very good ending indeed. The final chapters of the Bible look forward to the day when God will dwell among us His people forever and ever. Sin and sorrow will be no more. And with ever-increasing awe and wonder, God's people will know infinite joy in the presence of Him who loved them with an everlasting love.

This message was given by Bubba Jennings, lead pastor of Resurrection Church in Tacoma, WA. Scripture passages cited in this message include Revelation 21:1-8.

The Bible teaches that Jesus will return again in glory as king of heaven and earth. The question for Christians is: are we living in light of that return—and are we telling others about Christ while there's still opportunity?

This message was given by Dustin Langley, pastor at Peninsula Life Church. Scripture passages cited in this message include Matthew 24:36; Acts 1:7; Revelation 19:11-21; 20:11-15; and 2 Peter 3:9.