Some Christians see angels as literal beings. Others see them as metaphors. Whichever way you see them, the concept of angels can provide powerful insights into how the world works — and how we can better respond to the challenges we face.

Listen for a thoughtful exploration of the Biblical concept of angels.

Today’s scripture: Revelation 1:19-2:7

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 All About Angels [40:25m]: Play Now | Play in Popup

Have you ever taken one of those Cosmo Quizzes? Are you destined to succeed? Do you look for the right things in a guy? Are you turning into your Mom? These quizzes are almost irresistible because instinctively we understand the importance of self-awareness and self-evaluation.

Suppose there was a Cosmic Quiz . . . to help you assess where you are in your spiritual life.

Well, there is — sort of. This Sunday we’ll take a look at a well-known psychological model meant to help us assess our spiritual development — and compare it to what Jesus says. Together we’ll learn something new and interesting.

Today’s scripture: Luke 1:26-38

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 Cosmo Quiz: Are You Spiritual? [41:44m]: Play Now | Play in Popup

“Worried and distracted” — those are the words Jesus used to describe a woman named Martha. Unfortunately, the same words probably describe you and me.

Life’s events and circumstances drive us, push us, frazzle us. We struggle. This Sunday we’ll talk about practical strategies for breaking out of that cycle.

Today’s scripture: Luke 10:38-42

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 Discovering Serenity -- One Step at a Time [39:46m]: Play Now | Play in Popup

It’s so easy to do: Something bad happens, or somebody does something mean and unwarranted to us. We respond reflexively — fighting fire with fire.

And before we know it, we’re caught up in a futile cycle of recrimination, threats, and aggression. In the end, nobody wins.

There is a better way. This sermon explores the ultimate source of power for creating positive change.

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 More Than Meets The Eye [37:09m]: Play Now | Play in Popup

When you think about your time, money, and energy — does it seem like there’s never enough? Most of us would say so. We feel stretched so thin.

Jesus invites us to see the world in a different way — a way that gives us much-needed relief.

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 More Than Enough [38:27m]: Play Now | Play in Popup

There are certain places in all of our lives where we are stuck — and tempted to say, “That’s just the way I am and always will be; there’s no point in trying to change what cannot be changed.”

Think again! This sermon examines a dramatic Bible story that shows us how to achieve transformation in our places of greatest ’stuckness.’

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 Stuck [37:23m]: Play Now | Play in Popup

It’s one of the most basic of all human impulses — to judge others.

We know judging others is bad because it hurts others. But have you ever thought about what judging others does to you? The Bible says the impact can be devastating.

That’s what this sermon explores — the impact of my judgments on me, and how to liberate myself from that way of thinking.

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 Jerk! [39:51m]: Play Now | Play in Popup

This sermon looks at the example of Esau, who sold his birthright (a double portion of his father’s inheritance, plus family leadership rights) for a bowl of soup.

We’d never do something so stupid, right?

It’s so easy, though, to look only at how I feel now, and what I want NOW, and not even think about how this relates to my life and larger goals.

We’ll also look at Jesus’ example as the contrast to Esau, as we discover practical ways to gain better control of our impulses. Listen as we continue the Mastering Your Mind series.

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 I Want It, and I Want It NOW! [40:42m]: Play Now | Play in Popup

One of the most important skills for successful living is being able to acknowledge mistakes and learn from them. But that’s painful. It’s much easier to just avoid it.

This week we’ll look at how to get better at practicing healthy introspection.

In this series, Mastering Your Mind, we’ll identify and root out the most common forms of distorted thinking that hold us back.

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 Am I Coachable? [38:09m]: Play Now | Play in Popup

We return to Mastering Your Mind. With this new series, we’ll identify and root out the most common forms of distorted thinking that hold us back.

This week: low self-esteem.

Love of self — the healthy kind that the Bible speaks of — means feeling genuinely good about who you are at the deepest core of your being.

Do you? Do you love yourself that way?

Listen or watch as we seek to replace distorted thoughts with live-giving alternatives.

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 She Loves Me, She Loves Me Not [40:12m]: Play Now | Play in Popup

In this sermon we hear from Melody Merida, Ceci Spence, and Chris Tenpas, three of our folks who went to Sudan earlier this year.

We’ll learn about their journey — both physical and spiritual. We’ll have a chance to think together about what we may be called to do as we seek to make a difference in this place of great need.

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In addition to the presentation by Melody, Ceci, and Chris, there was also a video presented as part of this sermon. Watch that video here.

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 What a Little Love Can Do! [33:12m]: Play Now | Play in Popup

For the next few weeks, we’ll look at common, distorted patterns of thinking that drag us down, and pair each of those with a spiritual antidote.

This sermon tackles fatalism – a victimized pessimism that tells us life is bad and nothing good can ever come from what we do. Know anyone like that?

Contrast that with faith. And we’re not talking about perky, shallow optimism. Real faith is much grittier, less shiny, and much more enduring.

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 Think Different [43:27m]: Play Now | Play in Popup

We’re offering something different this Palm Sunday.

Melody Merida presents the message in the form of a story about a king who sends his son to make peace with the subjects of his kingdom. The son is sent on a donkey, like a common beggar, to denote the humility of the king.

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 The Donkey, The Stallion, and the Strategy of the Hills [28:59m]: Play Now | Play in Popup