Lessons from the Battle

In the conversation for Sunday, October 2, 2016, Pastor Stuart Nice shares with us that people and groups are most efficient and effective when under the pressure of deadline, emergency, battle, etc. This level of activity cannot be sustained long, though, without the encouragement that comes from Christ through one another. 

You are given, in this battle, the privilege not merely of believing in Christ but also of suffering for his sake. It is now your turn to take part in that battle you once saw me engaged in, and which, in point of fact, I am still fighting.

Now if your experience of Christ’s encouragement and love means anything to you, if you have known something of the fellowship of his Spirit, and all that it means in kindness and deep sympathy, do make my best hope for you come true! Live together in harmony, live together in love, as though you had only one mind and one spirit between you.
Philippians 1:29-2:2, J.B. Phillips New Testament

Sacred Reading, 00:00–07:00; Conversation, 07:00–50:43

A note about the recording of the Sacred Reading: 
The reader will pause between each of the four readings. The pauses have been left in the recording so that the listener can experience the rhythm of the gathering and even participate in the reading.

Sacred Reading Text

Everything written long ago was written to teach us so that we would have confidence through the endurance and encouragement which the Scriptures give us. May God, who gives you this endurance and encouragement, allow you to live in harmony with each other by following the example of Christ Jesus. Then, having the same goal, you will praise the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, accept each other in the same way that Christ accepted you. He did this to bring glory to God.
Romans 15:4-7, GW

The Certainty of Uncertainty

In the conversation for Sunday, September 25, 2016, Pastors Stuart Nice & Kim Nowlin share with us how to navigate difficult life situations through prayer, which adjusts our perspective, aligning it with the Lord's purposes for our life. The passage for this conversation is Philippians 1:18-21.

And I will continue to rejoice. For I know that as you pray for me and the Spirit of Jesus Christ helps me, this will lead to my deliverance. For I fully expect and hope that I will never be ashamed, but that I will continue to be bold for Christ, as I have been in the past. And I trust that my life will bring honor to Christ, whether I live or die. For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better.
Philippians 1:18-21

Sacred Reading, 00:00–11:30; Conversation, 11:30–56:47

A note about the recording of the Sacred Reading: 
The reader will pause between each of the four readings. The pauses have been left in the recording so that the listener can experience the rhythm of the gathering and even participate in the reading.

Sacred Reading Text

Always be joyful in the Lord! I’ll say it again: Be joyful! Let everyone know how considerate you are. The Lord is near. Never worry about anything. But in every situation let God know what you need in prayers and requests while giving thanks. Then God’s peace, which goes beyond anything we can imagine, will guard your thoughts and emotions through Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:4-7, GW

Back to School: Learning to Practice

In the conversation for Sunday, September 11, 2016, Pastors Stuart Nice & Kim Nowlin share with the basics of practicing the Christian faith. The passage for this conversation is Philippians 1:3-6.

I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
Philippians 1:3-6, NIV

Sacred Reading, 00:00–8:15; Conversation, 8:15–51:38

A note about the recording of the Sacred Reading: 
The reader will pause between each of the four readings. The pauses have been left in the recording so that the listener can experience the rhythm of the gathering and even participate in the reading.

Sacred Reading Text

This is my prayer for you: that your love will grow more and more; that you will have knowledge and understanding with your love; that you will see the difference between what is important and what is not and choose what is important; that you will be pure and blameless for the coming of Christ; that your life will be full of the many good works that are produced by Jesus Christ to bring glory and praise to God.
Philippians 1:9-11, Easy-to-Read Version (ERV)

Fashioned for His Purpose

In the conversation for Sunday, August 14, 2016, Kim Nowlin shares with us a timeless truth that in Christ we have everything we need to step forward into the purpose that God has for each one of us. The passage for this conversation is 2 Peter 1:2-11.

     Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.
     His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.
     For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins.
     Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
2 Peter 1:2-11, NIV

Sacred Reading, 00:00–14:25; Conversation, 14:25–49:44

A note about the recording of the Sacred Reading: 
The reader will pause between each of the four readings. The pauses have been left in the recording so that the listener can experience the rhythm of the gathering and even participate in the reading.

Sacred Reading Text

     Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.
     His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.
     For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
2 Peter 1:2-8, NIV

Five Things that Release the Power of God in Your Life

In the conversation for Sunday, August 7, 2016, Pastor Stuart Nice shares with us five ways that open us up to receive God's power in our lives. The passages for this conversation are listed below.

Praise
"You won’t fight this battle. Instead, take your position, stand still, and see the victory of the Lord for you," ...
After he had advised the people, he appointed people to sing to the Lord and praise him for the beauty of his holiness. As they went in front of the troops, they sang, “Thank the Lord because his mercy endures forever!” As they started to sing praises, the Lord set ambushes against them.... They were defeated.
Chronicles 20:17, 21-22, GW

Communion
But a man must examine himself, and in so doing he is to eat of the bread and drink of the cup.
1 Corinthians 11:28, NASB

Confession
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
1 John 1:9, NASB

Forgiveness
If you forgive someone, so do I. Indeed, what I have forgiven, if I have forgiven anything, I did in the presence of Christ for your benefit. I don’t want Satan to outwit us. After all, we are not ignorant about Satan’s scheming.
2 Corinthians 2:10-11, GW

Giving
Give, and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure—pressed down, shaken together, and running over. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return.
Luke 6:38, NASB

Sacred Reading, 00:00–12:22; Conversation, 12:22–50:25

A note about the recording of the Sacred Reading: 
The reader will pause between each of the four readings. The pauses have been left in the recording so that the listener can experience the rhythm of the gathering and even participate in the reading.

Sacred Reading Text

  Who may ascend into the hill of the Lord?
And who may stand in His holy place?
  He who has clean hands and a pure heart,
Who has not lifted up his soul to falsehood
And has not sworn deceitfully.
  He shall receive a blessing from the Lord
And righteousness from the God of his salvation.
  This is the generation of those who seek Him,
Who seek Your face—even Jacob.
  Selah.
Psalms 24:3-6, NASB

Encouraging Yourself in the Lord

In the conversation for Sunday, July 31, 2016, Pastor Stuart Nice shares with us a little known gift that has been a great blessing to him and wants you to experience its benefits as well. It's the gift of encouraging yourself in the Lord. The passage for this conversation is
1 Samuel 30:6-8, NASB.

At the end of the talk, Pastor Stuart has a song played as a closing meditation. The song is Even When It Hurts by Hillsong United. A video of the song is posted below.

     Moreover David was greatly distressed because the people spoke of stoning him, for all the people were embittered, each one because of his sons and his daughters. But David strengthened himself in the Lord his God.
     Then David said to Abiathar the priest, the son of Ahimelech, “Please bring me the ephod.” So Abiathar brought the ephod to David. David inquired of the Lord, saying, “Shall I pursue this band? Shall I overtake them?” And He said to him, “Pursue, for you will surely overtake them, and you will surely rescue all.”
1 Samuel 30:6-8, NASB

Sacred Reading, 00:00–07:05; Conversation, 07:05–43:11

A note about the recording of the Sacred Reading: 
The reader will pause between each of the four readings. The pauses have been left in the recording so that the listener can experience the rhythm of the gathering and even participate in the reading.

Sacred Reading Text

For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. Now may the God who gives perseverance and encouragement grant you to be of the same mind with one another according to Christ Jesus, so that with one accord you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Romans 15:4-6, NASB

Unstoppable

In the conversation for Sunday, July 24, 2016, Pastors Stuart Nice & Kim Nowlin lead us in a discussion about suffering, and that those who embrace the way of suffering, as Jesus leads, will be unstoppable. The passage for this conversation is John 12:24-28

"Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me."

“Now my soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. Father, glorify your name!”
John 12:24-28, NIV

Sacred Reading, 00:00–19:25; Conversation, 19:25–53:26

A note about the recording of the Sacred Reading: 
The reader will pause between each of the four readings. The pauses have been left in the recording so that the listener can experience the rhythm of the gathering and even participate in the reading.

Sacred Reading Text

No god is like you, O Lord.
No one can do what you do.
All the nations that you have made
will bow in your presence, O Lord.
They will honor you.
Indeed, you are great, a worker of miracles.
You alone are God.
Teach me your way, O Lord,
so that I may live in your truth.
Focus my heart on fearing you.
I will give thanks to you with all my heart, O Lord my God.
I will honor you forever
because your mercy toward me is great.
You have rescued me from the depths of hell.
Psalm 86:8-13, GW

Seeing Yourself as Christ Sees You

In the conversation for Sunday, April 24, 2016, Pastors Stuart Nice and Kim Nowlin remind us that we are God's beloved children, saved by grace, transformed by the Holy Spirit's work, and set free in Christ so we can live in freedom. 

Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we will be. We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is.
1 John 3:2, NASB

For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.
Ephesians 2:8-10, NASB

For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.
Philippians 1:6, NASB

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.
Galatians, 5:1, NIV

Sacred Reading, 00:00–16:45; Conversation, 16:45–54:32

A note about the recording of the Sacred Reading: 
The reader will pause between each of the four readings. The pauses have been left in the recording so that the listener can experience the rhythm of the gathering and even participate in the reading.

Sacred Reading Text

Even though I have received such wonderful revelations from God. So to keep me from becoming proud, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from becoming proud. Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
2 Corinthians 12:7-10, NLT

Through the Valley

In the conversation for Sunday, April 17, 2016, Pastor Kim Nowlin leads us through one of the most familiar passages of scripture, Psalm 23, focusing on God's continual presence and blessing, even when we feel like we don't deserve it.

Psalm 23, NIV
The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
    He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
    he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
    for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk
    through the valley of the shadow of death
I will fear no evil,
    for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
    they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me
    in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
    my cup overflows.
Surely your goodness and love will follow me
    all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord
    forever.

Sacred Reading, 00:00–12:40; Conversation, 12:40–56:22

A note about the recording of the Sacred Reading: 
The reader will pause between each of the four readings. The pauses have been left in the recording so that the listener can experience the rhythm of the gathering and even participate in the reading.

Sacred Reading Text

The Lord is my shepherd;
    I have all that I need.
He lets me rest in green meadows;
    he leads me beside peaceful streams.
    He renews my strength.
He guides me along right paths,
    bringing honor to his name.
Even when I walk
    through the darkest valley,
I will not be afraid,
    for you are close beside me.
Your rod and your staff
    protect and comfort me.
You prepare a feast for me
    in the presence of my enemies.
You honor me by anointing my head with oil.
    My cup overflows with blessings.
Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me
    all the days of my life,
and I will live in the house of the Lord
    forever.
Psalm 23, NLT

Guatemala Sunday with Shawn Smith

On Sunday, April 10, 2016, we had the privilege of hosting Shawn & Damaris Smith as they shared with us about this summer's mission to Guatemala. This conversation also included comments from Pastor Stuart and Jendy Nice. 

For more information about Shawn Smith, visit shawnsmith.com.
For more information about this summer's mission to Guatemala, please visit nowisthetimeformissions.com.

Due to some technical difficulties, we were unable to record the entire gathering. Only the last three comments of the Sacred Reading were recorded. We are also missing the first ten minutes of Shawn's talk. Nonetheless, we felt that what did get recorded was significant enough to share as is. Please enjoy!

Sacred Reading: 00:00–04:50; Conversation: 04:50–47:15

Sacred Reading Text

He continued, “ What’s a good image for God’s kingdom? What parable can I use to explain it? Consider a mustard seed. When scattered on the ground, it’s the smallest of all the seeds on the earth; but when it’s planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all vegetable plants. It produces such large branches that the birds in the sky are able to nest in its shade
Mark 4:30-32, CEB

Learning to Live as God's Children

In the conversation for Sunday, April 4, 2016, Grant Teagarden shares some "God Stories" from his life as an encouragement to see ourselves as God's children and discover what it is to live from this perspective.

The passage for this morning's conversation is John 21. Grant reads the entire chapter, but makes his main point from these passages below.

Peter turned and saw that the disciple whom Jesus loved was following them. (This was the one who had leaned back against Jesus at the supper and had said, “Lord, who is going to betray you?”) When Peter saw him, he asked, “Lord, what about him?” Jesus answered, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me.”
John 21:20-22, NIV

Sacred Reading, 00:00–18:45; Conversation, 8:45–53:37

A note about the recording of the Sacred Reading: 
The reader will pause between each of the four readings. The pauses have been left in the recording so that the listener can experience the rhythm of the gathering and even participate in the reading.

Sacred Reading Text

They came to Capernaum. When he was in the house, he asked them, “What were you arguing about on the road?” But they kept quiet because on the way they had argued about who was the greatest. 

Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.” 

He took a little child whom he placed among them. Taking the child in his arms, he said to them, “Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me.”
Mark 9:33-37, NIV

Entertaining Angels

In the conversation for this Sunday, March 20, 2016, Pastors Stuart Nice & Kim Nowlin bring an encouragement to stretch out beyond our comfort zone and make connections with people we don't know, especially during our worship gatherings.

The passage for this morning's conversation is Hebrews 13:1-2.

Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters. Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.
Hebrews 13:1-2, NIV

Sacred Reading, 00:00–17:25; Conversation, 17:25-47:05

A note about the recording of the Sacred Reading: 
The reader will pause between each of the four readings. The pauses have been left in the recording so that the listener can experience the rhythm of the gathering and even participate in the reading.

Sacred Reading Text

Rejoice with all your heart, people of Zion!
Shout in triumph, people of Jerusalem!
Look! Your King is coming to you:
He is righteous and victorious.
He is humble and rides on a donkey,
on a colt, a young pack animal.
He will make sure there are no chariots in Ephraim
or war horses in Jerusalem.
There will be no battle bows.
He will announce peace to the nations.
He will rule from sea to sea
and from the Euphrates River to the ends of the earth.
I will set your captives free from the waterless pit
because of the blood that sealed my promise to you.
Return to your fortress, you captives who have hope.
Today I tell you that I will return to you double blessings.
Zechariah 9:9-12, God's Word Translation

Trusting Through the Night

In the conversation for this Sunday, March 13, 2016, Pastors Stuart Nice & Kim Nowlin share with us that in the Christian life we will experience Gethsemane moments. By keeping in close relationship with God, these moments will not overtake us, because we will be in the habit of meeting with God in the good times as well as the difficult ones.

The passage for this morning's conversation is Mark 14:32-37.

They came to a place named Gethsemane; and He said to His disciples, “Sit here until I have prayed.” And He took with Him Peter and James and John, and began to be very distressed and troubled. And He said to them, “ My soul is deeply grieved to the point of death; remain here and keep watch.” And He went a little beyond them, and fell to the ground and began to pray that if it were possible, the hour might pass Him by. And He was saying, “ Abba! Father! All things are possible for You; remove this cup from Me; yet not what I will, but what You will.” And He came and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, “Simon, are you asleep? Could you not keep watch for one hour?"
Mark 14:32-37, NASB

Sacred Reading, 00:00–16:40; Conversation, 16:40-50:03

A note about the recording of the Sacred Reading: 
The reader will pause between each of the four readings. The pauses have been left in the recording so that the listener can experience the rhythm of the gathering and even participate in the reading.

Sacred Reading Text

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal
2 Corinthians 4:16-18, NIV

Reboot: Going Back to Go Forward

In the conversation for this Sunday, March 6, 2016, Pastor Stuart Nice leads us in a reflection about the practice of Communion, also referred to as the Lord's Supper or Eucharist.

The passage for this morning's conversation is 1 Corinthians 11:23-26.

For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.
1 Corinthians 11:23-26, NIV

Sacred Reading, 00:00–14:20; Conversation, 14:40-48:55

A note about the recording of the Sacred Reading: 
The reader will pause between each of the four readings. The pauses have been left in the recording so that the listener can experience the rhythm of the gathering and even participate in the reading.

Sacred Reading Text

So from now on we don’t think of anyone from a human point of view. If we did think of Christ from a human point of view, we don’t anymore. 17 Whoever is a believer in Christ is a new creation. The old way of living has disappeared. A new way of living has come into existence. God has done all this. He has restored our relationship with him through Christ, and has given us this ministry of restoring relationships. In other words, God was using Christ to restore his relationship with humanity. He didn’t hold people’s faults against them, and he has given us this message of restored relationships to tell others. Therefore, we are Christ’s representatives, and through us God is calling you. We beg you on behalf of Christ to become reunited with God.
2 Corinthians 5:16-20, God's Word Translation

Rodney Gonsalves: My Story and Lessons Learned from Walking with Jesus

In the conversation for this Sunday, February 28, 2016, special guest speaker, Rodney Gonsalves, shares with us his story of coming to faith in Jesus Christ and the relationship with God that followed. Rodney also shared with us some life lessons he learned from trusting God in difficult situations and allowing the Bible to be a source of wisdom for him and his family.

Sacred Reading, 00:00–16:10; Conversation, 16:10-49:48

A note about the recording of the Sacred Reading: 
The reader will pause between each of the four readings. The pauses have been left in the recording so that the listener can experience the rhythm of the gathering and even participate in the reading. 

So then let’s also run the race that is laid out in front of us, since we have such a great cloud of witnesses surrounding us. Let’s throw off any extra baggage, get rid of the sin that trips us up, and fix our eyes on Jesus, faith’s pioneer and perfecter. He endured the cross, ignoring the shame, for the sake of the joy that was laid out in front of him, and sat down at the right side of God’s throne.
Hebrews 12:1-2, Common English Bible

Heart Work: Grieving Well

In the conversation for this Sunday, February 21, 2016, Pastor Stuart Nice, while processing a personal grief experience, provided us some guidelines on how to process grief and loss in our lives. Click here to view the worksheet for this conversation.

The passage for this morning's conversation is 1 Peter 5:7-11.

Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.

Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your family of believers all over the world is going through the same kind of suffering you are.

In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation. All power to him forever! Amen.

1 Peter 5:7-11, New Living Translation

Sacred Reading, 00:00–14:40; Conversation, 14:40-49:20

Sacred Reading Text

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ. If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort.
2 Corinthians 1:3-7, NASB

Reboot: Love

In the conversation for this Sunday, February 14, 2016, Pastors Stuart Nice & Kim Nowlin lead us through a "Love Checkup" based on 1 Corinthians 13:4-8. Click here to view the Love Checkup worksheet. 

The passage for this morning's conversation is 1 John 4:7-11.

Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. The one who does not love does not know God, for God is love. By this the love of God was manifested in us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world so that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.
(1 John 4:7-11, NASB)

Sacred Reading, 00:00–13:52; Conversation, 13:52-49:50

Sacred Reading Text

I may speak in the languages of humans and of angels. But if I don’t have love, I am a loud gong or a clashing cymbal. I may have the gift to speak what God has revealed, and I may understand all mysteries and have all knowledge. I may even have enough faith to move mountains. But if I don’t have love, I am nothing. I may even give away all that I have and give up my body to be burned. But if I don’t have love, none of these things will help me.
(1 Corinthians 13:1-3, God's Word Translation)

Getting Unstuck: Getting Started Again

In the conversation for this Sunday, February 7, 2016, Pastor Stuart Nice shares an encouragement for those who are feeling stuck in their current circumstances and gives a simple solution getting started again.

The passage for this morning's conversation is John 5:2-9.

Now there is in Jerusalem by the sheep gate a pool, which is called in Hebrew Bethesda, having five porticoes. In these lay a multitude of those who were sick, blind, lame, and withered, ... A man was there who had been ill for thirty- eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he had already been a long time in that condition, He said to him, “Do you wish to get well?” The sick man answered Him, “Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up, but while I am coming, another steps down before me.” Jesus said to him, “Get up, pick up your pallet and walk.” Immediately the man became well, and picked up his pallet and began to walk. Now it was the Sabbath on that day.
(John 5:2-9, NASB)

Sacred Reading, 00:00–17:42; Conversation, 17:42-40:24; Communion, 40:24-45:24

Sacred Reading Text

     A godly life brings huge profits to people who are content with what they have. We didn’t bring anything into the world, and we can’t take anything out of it. As long as we have food and clothes, we should be satisfied.
     But people who want to get rich keep falling into temptation. They are trapped by many stupid and harmful desires which drown them in destruction and ruin. Certainly, the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. Some people who have set their hearts on getting rich have wandered away from the Christian faith and have caused themselves a lot of grief.
     But you, man of God, must avoid these things. Pursue what God approves of:a godly life, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness
(1 Timothy 6:6-11, God's Word Translation)

First in Mission: The Fellowship of Service

In the conversation for this Sunday, January 31, 2016, Pastors Stuart Nice and Kim Nowlin lead us in a conversation about living according to the mission Jesus gave us, and doing it together.

The passage for this morning's conversation is Luke 10:1-3.

After this, the Lord appointed 70 other disciples to go ahead of him to every city and place that he intended to go. They were to travel in pairs.
He told them, “The harvest is large, but the workers are few. So ask the Lord who gives this harvest to send workers to harvest his crops. Go! I’m sending you out like lambs among wolves.
(Luke 10:1-4, God's Word Translation)

Sacred Reading, 00:00–15:50; Conversation, 15:50-54:32

Sacred Reading Text

The eleven disciples went to the mountain in Galilee where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they bowed down in worship, though some had doubts.
When Jesus came near, he spoke to them. He said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. So wherever you go, make disciples of all nations:Baptize them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Teach them to do everything I have commanded you."
“And remember that I am always with you until the end of time."
(Matthew 28:16-20, God's Word Translation)

First in Forgiveness

In the conversation for this Sunday, January 24, 2016, Pastors Stuart Nice and Kim Nowlin discuss the importance of forgiveness and the freedom it affords for those who learn to forgive and live forgiven.

Click here to view the exercise sheet used in the conversation.

The passage for this morning's conversation is Matthew 5:21-26.

“You have heard that it was said to your ancestors, ‘Never murder. Whoever murders will answer for it in court.’ But I can guarantee that whoever is angry with another believer will answer for it in court. Whoever calls another believer an insulting name will answer for it in the highest court. Whoever calls another believer a fool will answer for it in hellfire."

“So if you are offering your gift at the altar and remember there that another believer has something against you, leave your gift at the altar. First go away and make peace with that person. Then come back and offer your gift."

“Make peace quickly with your opponent while you are on the way to court with him. Otherwise, he will hand you over to the judge. Then the judge will hand you over to an officer, who will throw you into prison. I can guarantee this truth:You will never get out until you pay every penny of your fine."
(Matthew 5:21-26, God's Word Translation)

Sacred Reading, 00:00–14:45; Conversation, 14:45-46:54

Sacred Reading Text

God was pleased to have all of himself live in Christ. God was also pleased to bring everything on earth and in heaven back to himself through Christ. He did this by making peace through Christ’s blood sacrificed on the cross.

Once you were separated from God. The evil things you did showed your hostile attitude. But now Christ has brought you back to God by dying in his physical body. He did this so that you could come into God’s presence without sin, fault, or blame. This is on the condition that you continue in faith without being moved from the solid foundation of the hope that the Good News contains.
(Colossians 1:19-23a, God's Word Translation)