transformed pt. 2 | col 3.1-10

david von

After Jesus’ resurrection everything begins to change around the disciples but even more importantly everything in them begins to change as well. This Holy Spirit that has brought about the “new birth” is also bringing radical personal transformation. This is no small behavior modifications or an effort to try and live a better life. At their very core the disciples have become new people…as Paul puts it they are “new creations in Christ Jesus.” These disciples have become fully aware that what Jesus has done through his life, death, and resurrection not only gives them the desire to change it gives them the power to change as well. They begin to do away with anger, wrath, and slander. They start treating each other as God’s children rather than sexual objects to be used. They stop lying and cheating to get ahead and actually begin to prefer one another over themselves. All of this is a radical miracle made possible only by Jesus Christ. While it is exciting and fresh it can also be difficult and require some really hard work. But through it all God is at work on the inside of them shaping and forming them into his children.

How have you seen Christ’s transformative power at work in your life the past 6 months to year? (specific examples)
Where does God seem to be working trans formatively in your life most right now? How does the Gospel apply to that?

Click below to listen to the message:

transformation pt. 1 | col. 3.1-10

After Jesus’ resurrection everything begins to change around the disciples but even more importantly everything in them begins to change as well. This Holy Spirit that has brought about the “new birth” is also bringing radical personal transformation. This is no small behavior modifications or an effort to try and live a better life. At their very core the disciples have become new people…as Paul puts it they are “new creations in Christ Jesus.” These disciples have become fully aware that what Jesus has done through his life, death, and resurrection not only gives them the desire to change it gives them the power to change as well. They begin to do away with anger, wrath, and slander. They start treating each other as God’s children rather than sexual objects to be used. They stop lying and cheating to get ahead and actually begin to prefer one another over themselves. All of this is a radical miracle made possible only by Jesus Christ. While it is exciting and fresh it can also be difficult and require some really hard work. But through it all God is at work on the inside of them shaping and forming them into his children.

How have you seen Christ’s transformative power at work in your life the past 6 months to year? (specific examples)
Where does God seem to be working trans formatively in your life most right now? How does the Gospel apply to that?

Click below to listen to the message: 

justification | romans 4.24-25

Many people today feel that God is mad at them. Yet God himself has made a way by which you can know that he is not only not mad, but pleased with you! Justification is a biblical game changer, and today you’ll learn all about the life-changing truth contained in this one word!

What is justification and why do I need it?
What difference does knowing that I’m justified make in my life?

Click below to listen to the message:

salvation | 1 peter 1.3-5

david von

After Jesus rose from the dead, ascended to heaven, and sent the Holy Spirit, men and women of all ages and all backgrounds began to experience an amazing phenomenon. Something was happening in their lives…deep within their souls. It was as if their spirits were being awaken to a new kind of life, a spiritual life, a much deeper, truer life. It was as if the very resurrection life of Christ came alive on the inside of them and to flow out of them. They called this phenomenon salvation and being born again. From that time forward many have received this very unique gift of new life. Even today in our generation the resurrected life of Jesus continues to save people now and for all eternity.

Evaluating your life by how you practically live it, where is your hope truly at?
When and how did you come to faith in Jesus Christ?

Click below to play the message: 

everything changed | luke 24:36-49

david von

The resurrection of Jesus is the climatic event of Jesus earthly ministry that validates all he said and solidifies all he promises to do. The claim of his disciples that on the 3rd day Jesus rose from the dead is the most shocking and outlandish off that is written in the Bible. If false it proves Jesus was either a liar or a lunatic, but if true it means that Jesus was truly God in the flesh!! The implications are as powerful as they are endless!! This fact changes everything. His death is the complete and final sacrifice for sin and his life is the transformative power at work in each and everyone of his followers. We have been restored to a relationship with God and now the Holy Spirit resides with great power on the inside of each believer. This truly is good news. The rightful king has taken his throne and now pours out his living presence restoring all things.

Do you believe in the physical resurrection of Jesus Christ?
 How does that change your life?

Click below to listen to the message:

power of the king | luke 24:13-35

david von

The miracle of all miracles, the fulfillment of all the prophecies, salvation completed once and for all!! One would think that immediately following the resurrection of the Messiah, after being dead for three full days, there would be great rejoicing, excitement, and celebration. But what we see amongst his followers is quite the opposite. God’s most powerful miracle yet is seemingly missed even by those closest to him. Their hope has turned to confusion, doubt, and even sadness. But as is always true with our savior He has an answer, He will draw near, and he will fill their hearts once again.

What does Christ’s resurrection mean to you?

Click below to listen to the message:​

purpose of the king | luke 22:14-23

we apologize we had technical difficulties with this message...below you can read the summary...​

Jesus gives his disciples and all of us possibly the most meaningful sacrament we have. For anyone who so desires it is the opportunity to partake of His broken body and His shed blood in our lives for the forgiveness of our sins. His passion to share this with them speaks to the power that it holds. We should embrace this reality everyday of our lives for this is what truly shapes us into his kingdom plan.

How have you seen Christ’s power in your life in the past?
​Where in your life do you need Jesus’ power right now?

passion of the king | mark 11.12-18

david von

In the cursing of the fig tree and the cleansing of the temple we see a bringing together of his meekness with his majesty, his power with his weakness. As his crucifixion draws near we see that Christ is both the Lamb that will be lead to slaughter and the Lion that excels in strength and triumph. With great passion Jesus demonstrates God’s desire that his purpose and plane is that people from every nation would not only be saved, but that we be transformed by his work on the cross and in the tomb.

Do you tend to see Jesus more as Lion or Lamb? Why?
​If Christ’s looks at your life like he did the fig tree would he see an appearance of fruit or actual fruit?

Click below to play message:​

preparation of the king | john 12.1-7

Riley Palmer

Starting with Mary’s lavish burial preparation for Jesus in John chapter 12, the Good News story starts to shift. The mood and excitement is thick and palpable as Jesus makes his way to Jerusalem to become the Passover Lamb. As He heads towards Easter, I would like to look at four characters that stand out as participants. The first is Mary, whose lavish goodbye present to Jesus is true self-sacrifice. She gave to Jesus. Second is Judas, who shows righteous indignation (at Mary and Jesus) on behalf of social justice; but this indignation is a front for lining his own pockets. He stole from Jesus. His rebuke seems sacrificial, but is true selfishness. Third is Lazarus, who is a living and breathing example of Christ’s power over death. He follows Jesus around and many people come to Jesus because Lazarus was once dead, but is now alive. Lazarus moves people towards Jesus. Fourth is the Pharisees, who only see Jesus as a way to gain power.  They are disgusted with the people’s belief in Jesus, as it detracts from their own.

How are you like each of these characters?
​As we move toward Easter, will you grieve and ask forgiveness for the Judas and Pharisees within you; and rejoice and seek strength for the Mary and the Lazarus in you?

Click below to play message:

i shall dwell with God | Psalm 23.6

Justin Bryeans

The greatest hope we have is the confidence of our eternity with our great shepherd king. Through Christ, even death has been defeated and we are assured that we will live forever in a great celebration with Him. Imagine that, a feast, a festival, a life free from worry and stress, one simply bound up in the presence of God.

Click below to play message:

i shall triumph | psalm 23.4-5

Mark McCabe

The analogy of shepherd and sheep now transitions to King and Servants. Beyond following the great loving shepherd we get to follow the great triumphant king. He is the greatest warrior and he has already fought the battle on our behalf…and he has won!! All of us will face battles in our life, whether it is a difficult and painful circumstances or sin that has seemingly enslaved us. But no matter what the situation is we get the privilege of living in the comfort of a mighty king who has already won the victory on our behalf.

What do you fear in your life?
How have you seen God triumph in your life, in others lives?

Click below to play message:

i can rest | psalm 23.2-3

David Von

What happens when I decide to accept Jesus as my Shepherd? Are there any real life implications, and if there are what is my role and what is God’s role? How does this all live out? This Psalm although speaking poetically gives us a glimpse into 4 tangible places God leads us…green pastures, still waters, restoration, and paths of righteousness. In more modern day terminology he provides spiritual food and water to satisfy our soul, protection against our own destructive ways, and guidance into the purpose of our lives.

What “puddles” have you been drinking out of?
What paths has Christ been calling to you walk on?

Click below to play message:

i shall not want | psalm 23.1

Steve Hart

Everybody’s life is shepherded by something! We all place our trust in something! Ultimately we all find our worth and identity in something that is outside of ourselves. The most important question we can ever ask ourselves is, “What is it that I am giving my life to!” Most probably don’t take the time ask this question and those that do often are scared by the answer. We want to dive fully into this question being honest with ourselves and others and wrestle through the answers we discover and the tension it creates.

What is it that you “want” in your life right now?
Who are some of the false shepherds that we follow?

*we had some audio difficulties this day so instead of David you get to enjoy Steve Hart from Soma speak on Psalm 23.1

Click below to play message:

our response | 1 thessalonians

David Von

Over the past few months we have taken a look a the gospel explosion that took place in Thessalonica, today we take a look at our personal and corporate response to this letter. God has initiated reconciliation with us and he will finish it, we can be confident. This leads us to worship him from the depths of our souls. We become prayerful, thankful, and joyful because all that he has done, is doing, and will do.

Click below to play message:

missional christmas | John 1.1-18

Rob Fairbanks

We were excited to have a special guest with us today, Rob Fairbanks.

Rob & His wife Robi have been married 31 years.  They have 3 children: Zac – 28, Karli – 26 and Trey – 11.

He has been involved in church planting for most of his adult life, most recently, New Community, a church which has been involved in launching 6 other churches. Under Rob’s leadership at New Community Emmaus was planted in September of 2010. We are incredibly grateful for his courage, passion, and care as we have endeavored to live on Mission with Christ in the Perry District.

Rob's not very complicated when it comes to ministry – he wants to start churches for people who don't like church; ones that are beautiful expressions of the Kingdom of God, churches that actually understand a missional/incarnational orientation to being. For the past few years Rob has lead Christian Associates International developing and working with Church plants all over the world. In November he transitioned out of that role sensing a calling back to church planting in the local context. Please pray for Him and Robi as they seek God’s direction on their next steps.

The Drum - Rob's Fairbanks Blog

Click below to play message:

community | 1 thessalonians 5.12-15

Riley Palmer

We often get a false picture of what it means to take Christ’s imminent return seriously. Apocalypse minded people often have a certain feel to them. The Thessalonians needed some guidance, as their responses to the imminent return were in misguided overzealousness, or lethargy. The Scripture asks us to spend our time being constructive with our Christian family. It urges us to reconsider how we treat one another, and who we value.

Who do you see working to build you up, even with occasional criticism in love?
How can you encourage those around you towards the Lord?

Click below to play message:

hope | 1 thessalonians 5.1-11

David Von

From the beginning of time many have been consumed with the end of time. Thousands of theories, hundreds of wrong predictions, and often much angst and confusion. In the midst of this Paul reminds us that we can be filled with hope not because of what will happen in the future but because of what has already happened in the past. The death and resurrection of our savior encourages us to be filled with hope and encouragement as we actively anticipate His return.

Click below to play message:

death | 1 thessalonians 4.13-18

riley palmer

For most, death is something that is feared. But for the Christian, death is just the gateway through which we pass in order to be with our Savior for all of eternity. For us, life is the challenge and death the reward!

Why do people fear death? Why should Christians not fear death?
How can the reality of what awaits the Christian at death encourage us today?

Click below to play message:

daily life | 1 thessalonians 4.9-12

mark mccabe

The call of every Christian is to become more Christ like. There is a progressive path that unfolded for the Thessalonians. The sanctification they were experiencing was filled with God’s love that caused them to live quietly, take care of their own business, and work hard so that they could contribute rather than take from those around them. This path is also one that we are called to walk.

How can your work be part of God’s sanctification in your life?
Does the way you live contribute more to those around you or does it take from those around you?

Click below to play message:

sex | 1 thessalonians 4.3-8

david von

The way in which Christians approach sex, work, and death are in direct contradiction with popular culture. One of our greatest hermeneutics is how we treat our money, sex, and death. We have revolutionary impact when we live lives of sexual purity as God designed. Not just in this letter but throughout the Bible sex is a major theme, when used within a Godly covenant it is one of the most wonderful and powerful gifts we have from God. When used outside of that covenant for selfish ends it is powerfully destructive.

Has your sexual practice been defined by covenant relationship or consumerist consumption?
Are there sexual sins in your life that you would like to confess and repent of?

Click below to play message: