Ponder the miracle of forgiveness, through the example of an unworthy, un-named woman and her wholehearted devotion to Jesus. Compare how Christ-less religion responded to her with the response of our Lord.

Join Greg as he considers how human religious affiliations normally respond to Jesus’ gospel of peace. Where does the idea of “being better” than everyone else’s god/religion/church lead us?

If you feel you have ever been treated like a disposable diaper or a used bathroom tissue, you will appreciate the embrace of Jesus — for there is no such thing as “throw-away” people with God.

There is no such thing as “good bye” with God. Instead, Jesus promises, “I will see you again.”

Just how much dirt do you need in your sand box? Greg talks about the primary lesson of the book of Ecclesiastes — experienced by Solomon, exemplified by Alexander the Great, and recorded by Johnny Cash.

We are not the final destination of God’s favor! He lavishes his gifts on us so that we in turn might pass it on. And make no mistake — there is a critical need for his grace!

Many seem to preach about a Jesus who will return to this earth because he just can’t put up with us anymore! The Second Coming is coming, but Jesus’ motivation behind his return might be a “little different” from what you’ve heard.

What does the Bible have to say about battlefield slogans and war cries? Greg explains a Christ-centered lesson we can glean from Elijah’s confrontation with 850 false prophets on Mount Carmel.

What would you think of a king who invites anyone and everyone to his son’s wedding? Join us as Greg says, “It doesn’t matter which one of the many ‘one and only true churches’ you join, flashing your membership card at the door of the wedding banquet will only get you thrown out!”

Counterfeit, knock-off watches look like the real thing, but when people buy them, the fake gold plating fades, internal mechanisms break, and soon the watch stops completely. Has someone sold you a counterfeit relationship with God?

If Hollywood made a movie about Zacchaeus, Danny DeVito might be asked to play the role of this short man who made a ton of money. The plot? Jesus loved Zacchaeus even though no one else seemed to.

Religion is all about shame and honor, but real Christianity is about God’s love and grace. There is no fear — no shame — no guilt, in God’s perfect love.

Grace can happen “at” church — but grace is seldom offered on religious menus. Join us in celebrating the riches of God’s grace.

Sometimes our dreams wind up in a pit. If you find yourself in a pit, even if things get worse before they get better, if your hope is in the Lord, he will rescue you.

In this parable that helps us understand the kingdom of heaven, who is the pearl of great value? You may be surprised with the answer!

Just as we call 911 in times of emergency, we can also call God, our ultimate resource, at “91:1.” God is always available to you. He’s never too busy — he will always pick up your call. Always.

We can never say it too often or too dogmatically: all that we are and all that we will ever be is a product of God’s grace!

Happiness in the here and now is not the supreme hope for Christ-followers. Our hope is in the Lord, and the highway to his heaven, which may include suffering, as a necessary and natural part of the journey.

As he leads us in a discussion of the five benefits God tells us to remember (Psalm 103:1-5) Greg tells the story of a man named Eddie who never, ever forgot.

God is an extravagant giver. He doesn’t need for you and me to give so that his grace won’t run out – God isn’t dependent on our giving to finance his projects. But giving is at the heart of being in relationship with God.

The goal of grace-based Christianity is to be in step with Jesus, which often means being imbalanced and out of step with conventional religious expression. Join us as we discuss what it means to be in relationship with God.

Jesus is not impressed with religions deeds and accomplishments, neither is he repelled by immorality and the failure of sinners. Greg discusses Jesus’ ministry to the Samaritan woman he meets at the well.

In one of the most startling promises he ever gave (John 14:12) Jesus told us that we will do even greater things than he did. What did he mean? What can be greater than opening the eyes of the blind or raising the dead?

Grace is the narrow road that leads to eternal life — it’s not crowded, it’s the road often not taken. Grace involves accepting God without any reservation(s). By contrast, the eight-lane religious freeway is bumper to bumper with people attempting to have a relationship with God on their own terms — it’s paved with good intentions, but it’s the highway to hell.

Join us for the first sermon of a two part series on grace. We examine the story of Esau and Jacob and what it teaches us about God’s scandalous grace.

The very idea of any kind of party, laughter, and enjoyment of life itself is suspect in some religious environments. However, the authentic body of Christ sings, dances and loves. It’s a Jesus kind of church! The Bible reveals God as the lavish giver, the life of the party and the Lord of the Dance.

As humans we are plagued by shortages and limitations. God, however, is without limitation; his love will never be subject to some kind of “heavenly warming” effect that could threaten to diminish his “reservoir” of love. God will never run out of love, neither will he ever take it back once he gives it.

Our keynote passage (Rev. 21:1-4) provides a snapshot of the picture presented to us throughout this fascinating book. Revelation contrasts religion and authentic Christianity, depicting our relationship with God on the basis of his love, rather than on religious performance.

As the sheep of the Lord’s pasture he enables us to come to know his voice (John 10:4). How can we attentively listen for the voice of the Master?

God invites us all to “come on over.” His house is our house, his doors are wide open. Discover what it means when Psalm 23 tells us that we “will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”

Join Greg as he rehearses Jeremiah’s sermon (Jeremiah 7:1-11) given as people were going “to” temple (church). God told Jeremiah to tell those who were merely fulfilling their religious obligation to be inside the four walls of a “holy place” that they were having a religious experience but missing the meaning.

It’s one of the most incredible, stupendous things about God — he will always love you. There is no place you can go, no depth to which you can sink, no low place you can inhabit that would cause God to end his relentless pursuit of you. God will never give up on you!

Jesus doesn’t break a bruised reed, nor did he extinguish a smoldering wick. He is our Great Physician who ministers to those who are at the end of their rope, those whose spirits who have been crushed — the walking wounded.

Forgiveness can be a difficult, painful subject because it involves some of the darkest places of our lives, while it can also be liberating and filled with joy because it can only be given by the Light of this world. We examine forgiveness and we consider what some mean when they speak of “forgiving God.”

Our sermon, based on Hebrews 2:5-12, considers our identity in Christ. As we focus on Jesus Greg recalls the haunting question posed in the title of the best record of the year in 1996. Was Jesus, as the lyrics of this song ask, “just a slob like one of us”?

We never say that two people are “at” love — why do we say that two parties are “at” peace? Why not talk about being “in” peace? Join Greg to talk about the peace (shalom) of God, a peace that is not simply the temporary end of some negative external experience or relationship, but an eternal assurance of well-being that is a gift of God.

God’s peace is not something humans produce externally. God’s peace is his gift given to us by his grace, and we experience it internally, in our hearts and in our souls.

All humans yearn for intimacy, for relationship — and that’s exactly what God offers us! Reflect with us as we consider that without him, we cannot love him.

Worship and experience the Lord our Shepherd, as our message ponders what prayer is, and what it isn’t.

The disciples asked Jesus who would be the greatest in his kingdom. They asked the wrong question. The real question is, “By what right is anyone granted the kingdom?”