STAND STRONG MESSAGES
In 2023 Pastor Mike preached a series, Stand Strong, where together we learned from the life of Daniel and his friends in the Old Testament. In each message, we discovered Biblical perspectives on culture issues so that we live with conviction, courage, and devotion. Pastor Mike's teaching notes are included to aid you in your own personal study.
As our culture continues to drift, the battle isn't just for sexual freedom, personal expression, or identity. The battle is for truth. Some think a life free from objective, absolute truths or a life where we define our own truth is the best way to live, but a truth less life is a hopeless life. Discover how we can live with Biblical convictions in a world that no longer believes the same thing or agrees on right and wrong.
CONVICTION: Message Notes
We all look for our identity and our place in this world. Some look inside themselves to live as their authentic self. Some look to the opinions, lifestyles, and choices of others to define who they are. Still others look to God and His design of our life to discover who we are and to find a place and purpose in the world. Looking to and living according to God's design requires devotion that leads to courageous living.
COURAGE: Message Notes
What is being accepted today that will be celebrated tomorrow and normalized in years to come. As believers, we must interrupt this cycle in our homes and in our lives. We can also be salt and light to interrupt this cycle in our communities. Our faith isn't relegated to be lived within the walls of the church or within the safety of our homes. Our faith is something we live so that we honor God and others see Him in us.
DEVOTION: Message Notes
TALKING POINTS
The world is changing fast. And it's not just politics, communication, and technology but our whole culture, morality, and attitudes. Christians, in the Western world, have enjoyed the benefit of living in a culture that largely shared our assumptions about what is right and wrong. But now, we can no longer assume that this is the case. Increasingly, believers are finding themselves as a misunderstood minority.
The Talking Points book series was created to help Christians know how to think Biblically, constructively, and compassionately. They serve to help us know how respond with confidence when challenged or questioned.
The Talking Points book series was created to help Christians know how to think Biblically, constructively, and compassionately. They serve to help us know how respond with confidence when challenged or questioned.
Pornography is no longer universally looked down on as bad or unhelpful, but is often seen as something to enjoy without guilt. Christians, however, work to a different perspective—one set by the Bible’s revelation of the true meaning of sex and relationships. This short book surveys the Christian worldview and applies it to the complex issues surrounding pornography, helping Christians know how to think about pornography, with biblical conviction and compassionate understanding for those influenced by it. PURCHASE NOW
The transgender issue and those who support it is the next big social, cultural issue that has dominated the headlines. This short book surveys the Christian worldview and seeks to apply Biblical principles to the many complex questions surrounding gender identity. It provides an overview and a starting point for constructive discussion as we seek to live in a world with different values, and love, serve and relate to transgender people. PURCHASE NOW
Our culture is locked in a battle between two opposing worldviews on abortion. How can we help those who are struggling with the emotional and spiritual fallout from abortion? How should Christians advise those who are feeling pressure to abort their child? What should we be saying in the public arena, and how should we conduct ourselves in conversation? In this short book, Lizzie Ling and Vaughan Roberts survey the Christian worldview and help us to think biblically, speak wisely and act compassionately as we engage with the people, the questions and the heartache surrounding abortion, in a society with very different values. PURCHASE NOW
The freedom of life and death is a hotly debated topic in our culture. From the rights of the unborn to the rights of the suffering elderly, the battle for choice and freedom rages. This short book, briefs Christians on the complex questions surrounding assisted suicide. Roberts surveys the Christian worldview and helps us to apply its principles as we navigate life and death in a society with contrasting values. PURCHASE NOW
TRANSGENDERISM, SCIENCE, AND KIDS
Dr. Meg Meeker's insights and research are valuable tools for those looking to love those who struggle with gender dysphoria. Her thoughtfulness leads parents to face their fears and to help their child patiently deal with the issues at hand.
When kids come to us and say they are gender-confused or dysphoric, we are too quick to advise a dangerous solution – medical transition. Gender dysphoria and confusion is a complex issue. Taking children down the road of “fixing” their dysphoria with hormones and/or surgery will deepen their angst. Eventhough children with gender dysphoria have legitimate feelings and desires, what we must do is fastidiously examine our response to these feelings.
When kids come to us and say they are gender-confused or dysphoric, we are too quick to advise a dangerous solution – medical transition. Gender dysphoria and confusion is a complex issue. Taking children down the road of “fixing” their dysphoria with hormones and/or surgery will deepen their angst. Eventhough children with gender dysphoria have legitimate feelings and desires, what we must do is fastidiously examine our response to these feelings.
KEY TRUTHS
Standing strong starts with a Biblical foundation. These fundamental truths form our thinking and living on issues of culture and change. For parents, these Biblical foundations can help you lead your your kids to know what we are for as believers. This frees them to reject the narrative of the day and to build a Biblical worldview.
BIBLE FIRST
The Bible is Word of God that instructs our lives and informs our convictions (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Godly lives are built on submission and obedience the Bible. Because the Bible is living and active, it doesn't have an expiration date and has authority over all generations (Hebrews 4:12).
PEOPLE
MATTER
People aren't a cause to rally against or a collection of actions to be judged. Every man, woman, and child has been created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). Our creation in God's image declares our value and the design for our life.
Man's fall into sin didn't destroy or remove the image of God. It disfigured it. By the grace of God, the Word of God and the Holy Spirit of God, believers are being transformed from the disfigurement of sin to the perfection of Christ (Colossians 3:9-10).
Man's fall into sin didn't destroy or remove the image of God. It disfigured it. By the grace of God, the Word of God and the Holy Spirit of God, believers are being transformed from the disfigurement of sin to the perfection of Christ (Colossians 3:9-10).
GRACE & TRUTH
When we offend everybody, we’ve declared truth without grace. When we benefit no one, we’ve watered down truth in the name of grace. Jesus came to earth full of grace and truth (John 1:14). It wasn't an either or proposition with Him. Deal with Jesus and you always got both grace and truth.
As believers, we shouldn't condemn people that Jesus would welcome and, at the same time, we should never condone behavior of which Jesus would never approve (John 8:10-11). Truth and grace requires radical relationships and a courageous commitment to truth.
As believers, we shouldn't condemn people that Jesus would welcome and, at the same time, we should never condone behavior of which Jesus would never approve (John 8:10-11). Truth and grace requires radical relationships and a courageous commitment to truth.
PARENTING RESOURCE
BEHIND CLOSED DOORS
Believe it or not, your kids WANT to talk to you about the social and health challenges they’re facing. But are you ready? Jessica Peck, a pediatric nurse practitioner and mom of four, helps parents escape the secrecy and shame surrounding tough conversations and approach them from a Christian foundation.
Covering topics including mental health, social media, suicide, sexting, gender identity, substance abuse (with a chapter focusing on vaping), and more, Jessica Peck's book will encourage and strengthen all parents—married, single, or divorced; grandparents, stepparents, godparents, bonus parents, adopted parents—anyone who is serving a parental role in a teen's life.
Covering topics including mental health, social media, suicide, sexting, gender identity, substance abuse (with a chapter focusing on vaping), and more, Jessica Peck's book will encourage and strengthen all parents—married, single, or divorced; grandparents, stepparents, godparents, bonus parents, adopted parents—anyone who is serving a parental role in a teen's life.