Search Results for: christmas story

Posted: 20 Dec, 2020 | Author: Steve Nelson

A Christmas story that tenderly, yet powerfully, captures the life, purpose, and mission of Jesus. 

Posted: 25 Dec, 2016 | Author: Steve Nelson

When a child turns his back on his parents, what gift should he give his father for Christmas? A tie? A shirt? Many of us will relate to this story from Steve’s childhood and may even see some of the same tendencies in our relationships with God. May this message help bring restoration with our […]

Posted: 12 Dec, 2015 | Author: Steve Nelson

Merry Christmas from the Rio! In this message, Steve talks about how, before the first Christmas, the world eagerly waited for the Lord’s first coming—and also about how we now wait for his second coming to take us all home. “Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.” – Psalm […]

Posted: 23 Dec, 2018 | Author: Steve Nelson

Jesus didn’t come into the world simply as a baby or even as a teacher. He came as a savior, to rescue us from spiritual darkness, confusion, and sin. This is why Christmas is not just a celebration of traditions, lights, and gifts, but a celebration of Jesus. Download Handout: With blanks/Without blanks

Posted: 13 Nov, 2016 | Author: Steve Nelson

Have you ever felt judged by Christians? You vote one way, but they think you should vote another. You trick or treat, but they don’t. You have a Christmas tree and they seem to think you are worshiping the forest god in your living room. You public school and they home school. Paul addresses these […]

Posted: 20 Dec, 2015 | Author: John Houser

Merry Christmas from the Rio! In this message John Houser speaks about the joy of giving. The more we give, the less time we spend with out stuff. And less time you spend with something, the less you love it. And the less you love the things of the world, the easier it is to love […]

Posted: 26 Jun, 2022 | Author: Steve Nelson

Understanding the love story of the kings helps us guard our most precious and life-giving relationship!

Posted: 23 Aug, 2016 | Author: Tommy Tinajero

Tommy courageously shares his story of how an addiction to pornography threatened his walk with God, inner peace, and marriage. Most (if not all) of us can relate to such life-consuming struggles, but God doesn’t want that to be the end of the story. He can help us to be free and to fill our […]

Posted: 15 Oct, 2017 | Author: Steve Nelson

Christians are not just messengers of God’s plan of mercy and forgiveness, but we are witnesses of how He has worked in our lives! Each of us has a story of how God saved, healed, or met us in some critical life event. In fact, if we stop to think about it, we likely have […]

Posted: 29 Dec, 2019 | Author: Bruce Bradford

If the message of Jesus is so good, why don’t people lean in and hope it is true? Why is there so much resistance? Can we go back to the original message and find a message that once again gives hope?

Posted: 22 May, 2022 | Author: Steve Nelson

The story of Jehoshaphat helps us see that our deepest needs are only met in God.

Posted: 29 May, 2022 | Author: Steve Nelson

In the story of Hezekiah we find one of the most amazing answers to desperate prayers.

Posted: 12 Jun, 2022 | Author: Steve Nelson

The story of Josiah helps us understand the importance and feasibility of setting and maintaining a life-giving course. 

Posted: 21 May, 2023 | Author: Steve Nelson

1 & 2 Timothy have several creeds and trustworthy sayings. How can we use these in our own spiritual training?

Posted: 26 Nov, 2017 | Author: Steve Nelson

What does it look like to follow Jesus? In this message, Steve uses the story of Ruth to illustrate the devotion of a follower of Jesus. Ruth's heart was to follow Naomi into a completely new life. When we become Christians, we do the same. Baptism is simply our first step at following Jesus lead […]

Posted: 21 May, 2017 | Author: Steve Nelson

We think of the account of the woman caught in the act of adultery as a beautiful story of grace and forgiveness. And it is. At least for one person. But not everyone received life from Jesus. The religionists (the Pharisees and teachers of the law) walked away from life. They were more concerned about […]

Posted: 10 Sep, 2016 | Author: Kathleen Nelson

Kathleen Nelson shares her story of how the Lord led her down a personal journey, and clarified six biblical areas in her life in which God has already called her to live out a “holy ambition.” Download Handout    

Posted: 22 Aug, 2016 | Author: Joe Ortiz

Joe Ortiz tells the story of his son, Joey, who at ten months of age was diagnosed as having a seizure disorder. The ensuing months and years brought a lot of pain and hardship, but in the end, God met one of Joe’s deepest needs: to know God truly existed and cared. Download

Posted: 30 Jun, 2016 | Author: Steve Nelson

The Bible is full of amazing teachings about God’s love for people and His relentless pursuit of their hearts. In the culmination of His plan, He gave His special son to die on the cross so that our sins could be paid for. It’s an amazing story, but only if it is true. There are […]

Posted: 09 Apr, 2016 | Author: Dove Cranson

In this Easter sermon, Dove talks about the beautiful story of the resurrection of Jesus. But beyond that, we explore the hope of the resurrection and what it means for us. With the resurrection, we have hope. With the resurrection, we carry the truth. With the resurrection, we have purpose.   Download

Posted: 02 Apr, 2016 | Author: Blaise Nelson

Sometimes we want to set our own course in life, but God has a different plan. In this message, Blaise tells the story of finishing college and wrestling with giving 100% of his life to whatever God wanted for him.   Download

Posted: 12 Dec, 2015 | Author: Dove Cranson

“Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.” – Revelation 3:20   Download

Posted: 14 Dec, 2014 | Author: Steve Nelson

Luke 2:10-11  But the angel said to [the shepherds], “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.” NIV   Download

Posted: 22 Dec, 2019 | Author: Steve Nelson

A better question than asking, “Who is Jesus to you?” is “Who is Jesus?”

Posted: 14 Jun, 2020 | Author: Steve Nelson

The good news of how Jesus paid our way into heaven is the most amazing story in the world! Whether you are a Christian or a person who is searching for hope and answers, this message is sure to encourage you and touch your soul.

Posted: 28 Jun, 2020 | Author: Steve Nelson

Jesus spoke enough about Hell to make us all a bit squeamish. However, Hell sets the background for an incredible story of hope, life, and redemption.

Posted: 09 Aug, 2020 | Author: Steve Nelson

The story of the Woman at the Well gives great insights as to how to winsomely connect people to our life-giving God.

Posted: 25 Oct, 2020 | Author: Steve Nelson

A story from the time of Elisha gives us lessons on finding life in the midst of times of struggle. 

Posted: 05 Dec, 2021 | Author: Steve Nelson

In the story of David and Bathsheba we learn that when we sin, we can find life and restoration through heart-felt repentance. 

Posted: 19 Dec, 2021 | Author: Steve Nelson

Asking the "who" and "why" questions we'd ask any visitor gives us some important insights into Jesus as the Son of God, our Savior, and King.