The Purpose Of Christmas

This message talks about the purpose of Christmas.
Jesus came to earth to . . .
. . . show us what God is like
. . . show us what life should really be like
. . . show us that we can trust God
. . . forgive us and make a path to heaven

Jesus saves us . . .
. . . from sin
. . . from ourselves
. . . for a purpose
. . . by his grace
. . . through faith

Looks Can Be Deceiving

This message talks about how looks can be deceiving.
When it looks like . . .
. . . God is failing, He isn't
. . . you have been forgotten, you haven't
. . . you are not favored, you are

Making Christmas Personal Again

This message talks about how to make Christmas personal again. Pastor Mark pulled out three individuals from Jesus's genealogy and talked about how they were involved in the story of Jesus Christ.

Jonah 2: Psalm of Thanksgiving

This message explores Jonah chapter 2 (Jonah's Psalm of Thanksgiving) and the history, culture, and situation behind the passage. This was Pastor Nathan's final week with us at FLAG. At the end of his message Pastor Nathan shared a song (originally by Loenard Cohen) that he had rewritten as a kind of testimony of what God has done in his life. Nathan's song parallels Jonah's Psalm from chapter 2 in many ways: an emphasis on God's sovereignty, providence, and glorious election. You can listen to the song by clicking here.

Fireproof Your Relationships--Wisdom from the Song of Solomon

This message explores the Song of Solomon's (AKA Song of Songs) imagery, poetic devices, and direct references to sexual activity between a husband and wife. The purpose of this message is not to shock or offend anyone, but rather to provide a Biblical perspective on the beauty, necessity, and proper handling of sex within marriage. The most sexually explicit portions of the message come from the Biblical text itself.

Please Be Forewarned: Pastor Mark has rated this message 'PG-13' and no one under the age of eighteen should view it without parental consent.

Fireproof Your Relationships--Sexual Intimacy That Honors God

This message explores God's purposes and desires behind sexual intimacy that allow us to honor His original intent and design. Both single and married persons will benefit from examining the perspective of both men and women on the subject. Pastor Mark's wife Sarah contributes to this discussion during the middle portion.

Fireproof Your Relationships--Freedom From Parasites

This message, delivered by Pastor Mark, explores the parasites of temptation that try to ruin our lives and marriages. Special focus is given to the patterns of temptation and the need to flee from, rather than to simply resist temptation.

"Single and Satisfied"--Fireproof Your Relationships

This message emphasizes the three main types of single adults and outlines a few steps for solid single living. The main text for the message is Phillipians 4:11-13.

The Fast God Has Chosen--Isaiah 58--Pastor Nathan Burcham

This message is from Isaiah 58. God is speaking through the prophet Isaiah about the Israelites empty ritual of fasting and the passion behind the ritual that is necessary in God's sight.

"Divorce Proofing Your Marriage"- Fireproof Your Relationships

This message talks about about how to protect the marriage you're going to have, or the one you are in.

Seasons of a marriage

1. Romance

2. Reality

3. Resentment

4. Rebuilding

Starting Point for Ladies

- Use your mouth, clearly and concisely

Starting Point for Men

- Use your ears, assist with you heart

Key Scriptures:

Matthew 19:3-6, Ephesians 5:21, and Ephesians 5:33

For more information about safeguarding your present or future marriage, listen here.

Freedom Through Forgiveness- Fireproof Your Relationships

This message is about how to find freedom through forgiveness.

How Do We Give Forgiveness?

1. Make a decision (to forgive)
Matthew 18:21-35 (Parable of a servant’s debt of ten thousand talents to his master)

2. Say the words (I forgive you.)

3. Forgive completely and repeatedly.
Colossians 3:13 (forgive each other as Christ did us)

4. Forgiving does not mean…
ignoring, forgetting, or trusting

Forgiveness can only be granted, it can not be earned. To hear more about how to forgive and how forgiving improves areas of your life, listen here.

Overcoming Incompatibility - FIREPROOF Your Relationships - Part 1

This message shows us that incompatibility is a given, it is going to happen, but we can overcome these differences in our life that threaten our most important relationships.

Surplus Leadership - Mr President - Part 3

This message talks about principles that will work for any leader.

Mr. President . . .

1.Your past matters.
God has seen your past, whatever it is, and it does not disqualify you from being used by Him.

2. Put the best people in the most crucial roles.
You want the most qualified person.

3. Lead us to be a more disciplined nation.
Lead us, don’t please us. Genesis 41:53-57 (Joseph and the famine of Egypt)

4. Let history be your approval-
Not the people. Make wise decisions, even if they’re not popular.

To hear more about these 4 principles of leadership and Joseph’s leadership, listen here.

The Right Kind Of Authority

This message looks at biblical historical events of leadership. It focuses on verses in Nehemiah. Wherever you lead you have moral authority, which is the heart of leadership.
To have the right kind of authority a leader must do 5 things.

Mr. President . . .
1.. engage your heart: without this you lead, but not love/serve
2. keep your word: no greater way to loss respect than not keep your word
3. stay on vision: stay on track, life can sidetrack you
4. .don’t be swayed by special interest: whatever you do someone would like some of your interest- set your prices high
5. hold us accountable: we need a leader with moral authority

To hear more about the right kind of leadership, listen here.

The High Cost of An Arrogant Spirit - Mr. President - Part 1

This message talks about religion and politics. The Bible talks a lot about political leaders and leadership. We all have leadership in our life, or influence over other people- whether at work, home, or school.

With the presidential election coming up, what would you tell the president?

Here are 5 points about leadership:
1. Have a broad cabinet. (Daniel 4: 19-24)
2. Prosperity is conditional. (Daniel 4:29-33)
3. Those who walk in pride God is able to humble. (Daniel 5:17-22)
4. Ignore history at our loss. (Daniel 5:23-28)
5. Leadership is a stewardship, it is temporary, and you are accountable.
(Whatever your influence is, you will be held to accountable to God on how you use it.)

To learn more about the points of leadership and the responsibility of influence, listen here.

Job Interview - Labor Day 2008

This message challenges us to ask hard questions about our job.  Labor Day 2008.

Navigating Culture With Our Faith Intact, Keeping faith in the river of college culture

This message is a field map of how wisdom and faith in the midst of the river of our culture is important. You need a compass, Christ.

Some key verses in this sermon are Proverbs 4:5-7 (do not forsake wisdom or His words). John 14:6 (Jesus is “the way and the truth and the life”), and John 8:32 (know the truth and it will set you free).

Some extricate themselves from culture; some exorcise from it; we need to exercise our faith in the midst of culture.

What is our culture’s definition of truth? It is whatever you sincerely believe, accept, or whatever works. Don’t base your life on the world’s truth, but on The Truth, Christ.

There is no audio available for this sermon, due to technical problems.

"Are Jesus' Biographies Trustworthy? - Testing Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John"

This message asks, how do we know the biographies in Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John are accurate? These are eye witness accounts of Jesus’ life. Without the biographies of Jesus there is no death and resurrection recorded in The Bible.

There are 5 tests that are used to test eyewitness accounts in the court of law that can be used to judge the accuracy of the four books mentioned above.

1. The Timeline Test
Were they recorded in a timely manner to ensure reliability?
2. The Intention Test
Is the eyewitness’ purpose to tell the truth or spread philosophy?
3. The Corroboration Test
Does the eyewitness’ evidence match the known fact?
4. The Cover-Up Test
Is there something the eyewitness is trying to cover up?
5. The Consistency Test
Do these eyewitnesses have irreconcilable differences?

Main point: the biography books do past the accuracy test. Discover how by listening here.

A Winning Race Plan

This message uses 1 Corinthians 9:24-26's comparison of our life as a race. God gives us a winnable race and the goal is to win, not just to finish.

5 Components to a winning race plan:

1. Dream
2. Discipline
3. Desire
4. Determination
5. Dedication

Main Point: Decision managing greater than decision making!

Mark Hollis - Missionary to Sri Lanka

Guest, Mark Hollis was with us this past Sunday and spoke a powerful message, but he also spoke on some extremely sensitive items. Due to these sensitive items the message cannot be broadcasted. Thanks for your understanding.

Experiencing Real Contentment - How To Enjoy The Rest Of Your Life - Part 10

This message from Philppians 4:11-13 explains the reality of receiving contentment from God.

Philippians 4:11-13 (NIV)
I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content
whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know
what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and
every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in
want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

What is The Gospel Anyway?- Pastor Nathan

This message from Pastor Nathan asks the question “What is the Gospel Anyway?”

The sermon moves through the book of Romans 1:1-17 and 16:25-27.
Paul, the author of Romans, defines what The Gospel is, it's purpose, and it's importance. The book of Romans provides a picture of what The Gospel is about.

To hear more about The Gospel and how to live it out, listen here.

"A Strategy for Reducing Stress"- How to Enjoy the Rest of Your Life- Part 9

This message asks the question: Do you worry about everything and pray about nothing? Worrying will get you nowhere, prayer will.
There are 4 ways to reduce stress in your life:

1. Worry about NO thing. (Philippians 4:6)
Worry is faith in the Devil.

2. Pray about EVERYTHING.
Nothing is too big for God's power or too small for His concern. (1 Peter 5:7)

3. Thank God in ALL things.
God's will for you is to have gratitude. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

4. Think about the RIGHT things. (Philippians 4:8)
Whatever you think about is what you become. A thought becomes an action. (Proverbs 23:7)

.To hear more about the 4 ways of reducing stress and how to guard your hearts and minds against stress, listen here.

"Pattern for Successful Living"- How to Enjoy the Rest of Your Life- Part 8

This message is about how to live a successful life. Many people end up in different places in their life, but you can end up somewhere on purpose by following a pattern for successful living that is Biblically based. A definition of success is a life well-spent.

There are 4 elements in the pattern for successful living:

1. Evaluation: facing your faults
(What do you need to change?)

2. Elimination: forgetting the former
(What memory do you need to let go of?)

3. Concentration: Focus on the future
(What is your goal for the rest of your life?)

4. Determination: Fight to the finish
(Life is a race, finish well.)

To hear more about each of the 4 elements and more, listen here.

Business Meeting - June 29, 2008

This recording is from our Business Meeting where the congregation voted to purchase 1306 North Rouse.

There is much discussion concerning church finances, the status of our modular purchase, and future building opportunities.

"Safeguards For Maintaing Joy- How to Enjoy the Rest of Your Life- Part 7"

This message is about how to maintain joy in your faith and life.
There are 3 safeguards for maintaining joy:

1. Live each day by grace.
In order to do this there are 5 things you should not trust:
a. rituals
b. race
c. religion
d. rules
e. reputation

2. Keep your priorities in perspective.

3. Get to know Christ better.
To hear more about the 3 safeguards and about how to renew your joy in Him, listen here.

"Manhunt: The Signs of a Man"- How To Enjoy The Rest of Life- Part6

The focus of this message is about the signs of a true male, how to tell if you are one (men), and what to look for in one( ladies).

There are 3 false images of a man:
1. The Macho Maniac
2. The Great Pretender
3. The World Class Wimp

To spot/measure a true man there are 5 signs, or 5 C's:
1. Compassion- people are before possessions
2. Consistency- character is more important than convenience
3. Cooperation- teamwork is before Me-work
4. Commitment- Christ is before comfort
5. Courage- service is placed before security

To hear more about what is and isn't a man and for examples of the false images and the 5 C's, listen here.

"Conquering Complaining"- How to Enjoy the Rest of Your Life- Part 5

The focus of this message is about conquering complaining and what the Bible says about it. Philippians 2:14 says to do things without complaining.

There are 4 types of complainers:
1. The Whiner- “It's not fair!”
2. The Martyr- “No one appreciates me!”
3. The Cynic- “It's no use!”
4. The Perfectionist- “It's not good enough!”

There are 3 ways to conquer complaining:
1. Admit there is a problem
2. Practice speaking positively
3. Develop an attitude of gratitude

To hear more about how to recognize and conquer complaining, listen here.

Kristian and Shannon Walker-Living Proof Ministries

This message is from Kristian Walker of Living Proof Ministries. The focus of this sermon is to count your blessings and not lose focus in life. God sees the whole picture. He wants us to worship him on good and bad days. When we worship God it brings 3 major things (3 P's)

1. Proximity- (James 4:8)Come near to God and he will come near to you.
2. Perspective- We will see things in a different light and be given peace.
3. Provision- (Philippians 4:19) He will supply our needs.

To hear more about the 3 P's and how God is the ultimate source for all our needs, listen here.

God's Tools and Our Choices For Change - How To Enjoy The Rest Of Your Life - Part 4

This message asks the questions: "How does God change us?" Think of 5 things you would like to change about yourself or someone else.

3 tools that God uses

1. Bible
2. Holy Spirit
3. Circumstances

3 choices that we make

1. Choose what we think about (intellectual)
2. Choose to depend upon God's Spirit - (spiritual)
3. Choose my response to circumstances - (attitudinal)

To learn more, listen here.

Reducing Conflict With Others - How To Enjoy The Rest Of Your LIfe - Part 3

This message is about how to reduce conflict from Phillipians 2:3-8. There ae five steps:

1. Defuse competition
2. Delete conceit
3. Decrease criticism
4. Demonstrate consideration
5. Develop Christ-likeness

To hear more about each step, listen here.

"Essentials for Joyful Living"- How to Enjoy the Rest of Your Life- Part 2

This message focuses on having joy in your life, so that you can enjoy it and be fruitful. Paul is positive and joyful even in jail (Philippians chapter 1).

You can maintain joy in your life as well if you have a positive perspective on life; if you live by priorities, not problems; if you have hope to cope, and if you have a purpose to live for.

To hear more about these ideas and more, listen here.

"How to Enjoy the People in Your Life"- How to Enjoy the Rest of Your Life"- Part 1

This message stresses that if your relationships aren’t happy, then your life isn’t happy. Picture all your relationships in your mind; pick 2 and focus on them as you listen to this sermon.
There are 4 ways to enjoy the people in your life:
1.Remember the good things, forget the rest. Don’t hold grudges.
2.Practice positive praying by praying specifically FOR them not AT them.
3.Be patient with their progress, how far they’ve come.
4.Love them from the heart, not the mind it asks, “How does this affect me?”

Life is too short not to enjoy the people in it.

John Jacobs' Message

This message was given by John Jacobs. He shared information about his ministry and stories of how John Jacobs’ Next Generation Power Force, 4 men and 1 woman, has reached people and brought them to Christ. He stressed that now is the time to impact America and bring others to Christ.
Jacobs read Mark 14:3-9, the story of the woman who poured a bottle of perfume over the head of Jesus. Like her, we are to do what we can for his kingdom.

The audio for this message is unaivalable.

"Communicating the Real Jesus"- The Real Jesus- Part 5

This message ends the 5-part series about the real Jesus.
How well do you portray Jesus in your life? Do your daily actions and speech show Christ to others?
This sermon unlocks 5 keys that will help you communicate the real Jesus to others.

1. Common areas
2. Common respect
3. Common ground
4. Uniqueness of Christ
5. Share your own story

For details about each key, listen here.

"Believing the Real Jesus"- The Real Jesus- Part 4

This message asks the question: Do you believe what Jesus tells you about yourself?

The real Jesus believes you can do anything (John 14:13-14), that you are loveable (John 15:9), and that you can be free (John 8:36).
These ideas and more are part of “Believing the Real Jesus.”

"The Real Jesus and God's Word"- The Real Jesus- Part 3

This message describes how Jesus responds to God's word. God's word sustains (Psalms 27:10), protects (Romans 13), and centralizes (Matthew 4:8-11) the real Jesus. This sermon raises the questions: What are you relying on to sustain you? Who do you place your trust in? What takes priority in your life? To hear how being immersed in The Word can make things simpler listen here.

Experiencing The Real Jesus - Video

"Following the Real Jesus"- The Real Jesus- Part 2

This message tells you how to know if you are following the real Jesus. The road to follow Jesus is much like driving in a fog; it takes yielding, perserverance, faith, flexibility, and commitment to follow it. These are character traits that are needed in life to travel the road that follows Him, unlike the one that follows the counterfiet Jesus or the road of the world, which says to live and stay like you are.

"Experiencing the Real Jesus"- The Real Jesus- Part 1

This message kicks off the series “The Real Jesus.”

The sermon outlines the 5 things that Jesus can handle: a whip, a cross, a hammer, death, and separation. We are all going to sin, or face sin, and need someone on our team that can handle these things. On the cross He faced all of these things. These ideas and more are part of “Experiencing the Real Jesus.”

Bearing Fruit

This message by Pastor Chris talks about bearing fruit.
The fruit of a tree, or vine, is the result of what it takes in. The Bible talks about believers bearing fruit. The fruit we bear is a direct result of the life one lives- who you are and what you do. What kind of fruit are you producing? To hear about how our actions bear fruit, listen here.

Receiving Vision For Your Life- Prayer and Fasting- Part 6

This message concludes the series "Prayer and Fasting" and it is about seeking God's purpose in your life and then listening to Him.
How do you end up somewhere on purpose? Listen and seek the vision in your life from God. God calls us to have a childlike faith. Children have little criticism and are quick to believe.
To hear about how to distinguish God's voice in 3 basic ways, or how one becomes receptive to Him and His purpose in your life, listen here.

Receiving Healing-Prayer and Fasting- Part 5

This message talks about the power of God's ability to heal. Healing can raise more questions than answers. How is healing done? How do we prepare to receive it? What do we need to bring to the alter? Why doesn't God always heal when we ask for healing? The answers to these questions and more information about healing is found in the message "Receiving Healing."

Spirit Full- Prayer and Fasting- Part 4

This message is about being baptized in the Spirit and speaking in tongues. Every believer has the Holy Spirit. It is this that fills people and pours out in the speaking of tongues. Speaking in tongues is private prayer language, private worship and much more. It is a spiritual gift from God that one receives by reaching out in faith. He is ready to give it but are we ready to receive? One doesn’t need the gift of tongues to get into heaven. It is a gift that God would like all to have and it is spiritually based in several books in the Bible. To hear more about speaking in tongues and being baptized in the Holy Spirit listen here.

The Choices of Worship-Prayer and Fasting- Part 3

This message is about what worship is and how we worship. Worship is our response to God's love and mercy. Worship is more than singing. It is both public and private. Worship uses intellect and emotion.
This sermon outlines the 4 parts of worship.

Obstacles To Prayer - Prayer and Fasting - Part 2

This message discusses four obstacles to prayer and communicates the difference between saying prayers and creating a "habit of attention" towards God.

Fasting 101- Prayer and Fasting- Part 1

This message kicks off a series about prayer and fasting. This Sunday's sermon describes the purpose of bibical fasting. The word "fast" means no food. There are three types of fasting: private, public, and individual. Fasting increases your faith by prayer and it focuses you, pulling you away from the world. It is in this state of humbleness that one can be more receptive to God. These ideas and more are part of the sermon "Fasting 101."

Profit Sharing - Mind Your Own Business - Part 4

This message looks at the differences bewteen a blessed business and a cursed business. This was our Annual Financial Commitment Sunday.

"The Buck Starts Here"- Minding Your Own Business- Part 3

This message explains how to save money and make it work for you. It is hard to save money in today's society. The need for a business plan for your money is a key point in this sermon. A 4-step plan is outlined that will help you manage and save your money.

How does one build wealth? Bibical principles found in Matthew, Timothy, Proverbs, and Ecclesiastes illustrate how.

"Act Your Wage"- Minding Your Own Business - Part 2

This message is about handling your money responsibly and adhering to what the bible says about finances. One of the key ideas in this sermon is to not spend money that you don't have, going into debt to buy a want or a need. Another key idea is to pray before you pay. God will meet your needs. He wants to give you hope financially. These ideas and more are part of "Act Your Wage."

Minding Your Business - Mind Your Own Business - Part 1

This message kicks off the Stewardship 2008 series. We talked about the personality of greed, financial bondage, and the fact that each believer is business owner.