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  • TWL - 7DeadlySins- S8E2

    TWL - 7DeadlySins- S8E2
    2026/09/24
    Truth Worth Living is back this week with the second installment in our series on the seven deadly sins, and before we ever get to pride, envy, gluttony, lust, anger, greed, or sloth themselves, there's a question worth settling first: why call any sin "deadly" at all? This episode digs into where that label came from, what the Bible actually says about sin and death, and why these seven still matter for believers who already know their eternal future is secure in Christ. Where the List Came From The seven deadly sins were compiled by Pope Gregory the Great, and his framework rests on a Roman Catholic distinction between venial sins, which are minor and don't rupture a person's relationship with God, and mortal sins, which do and require the sacrament of confession to repair. That distinction leans on 1 John 5:16-17, where the Apostle John writes about "a sin that leads to death" and sin "that does not lead to death." It's a genuinely curious passage, and this episode walks through two ways to read it: as a reference to physical death, or as support for the mortal-versus-venial framework. What We Actually Believe Here's the key correction: sin doesn't come in two tiers of eternal consequence. Romans 6:23 is plain that "the wages of sin is death," full stop, for every sin, not just seven of them. The episode makes the case that when John talks about "sin that leads to death," he has physical death in view, not a spiritual rupture that only some sins can cause. No sin has the power to strip a believer of eternal life, because that would make sin stronger than the cross. That said, the list still deserves our attention. Pride, envy, gluttony, lust, anger, greed, and sloth won't cost a Christian their salvation, but they will drain spiritual vitality and pull us away from the life God has called us to in Christ Jesus, which is exactly why they're worth studying one at a time. The Better Path to Restoration So what do we do when we find ourselves tangled up in one of these sins, or any sin? We don't need a confessional booth. Because Jesus is our great High Priest, we can go straight to God. First John 1:9 promises that "if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." That's the whole plan: confess, receive forgiveness, and let your spiritual vitality be restored. As you go about your week, take a moment to sit with that truth. Sin is serious, all of it, and it deserves to be named and confessed rather than excused. But forgiveness through Christ is real, complete, and always available the moment we bring our sin to him honestly. If this episode helped clarify something you'd been wondering about, share it with a friend or a family member, and join us again next week as we begin working through the list itself, starting with the deadly, debilitating sin of pride.
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    7 分
  • Regert - 9.20.26 - EP2

    Regert - 9.20.26 - EP2
    2026/09/22
    Regret has a way of showing up uninvited. It sits quietly in the back of our minds, reminding us of the decision we wish we could take back, the words we wish we hadn't said, the year we wish we could live over. In week two of our series on regret, we look honestly at why we make the decisions we do, and we ask a question that might surprise you: what if chasing your own happiness is actually the thing causing your regret, not preventing it? Happy Is Not the Goal We live in a culture obsessed with personal happiness, but the word itself comes from an old root meaning "chance" or "luck." True happiness, in that original sense, depends entirely on circumstances we cannot control. Chasing it is like chasing the wind. Solomon proved this the hard way. In Ecclesiastes 2, he built houses, planted vineyards, gathered wealth, hired musicians, and denied himself nothing his eyes desired. His conclusion in verse 11 is sobering: "Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done and what I had toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind." The wisest man who ever lived tried every path to happiness and came up empty. If personal happiness were the answer, he would have found it. Looking Up and Looking Out So if the pursuit of our own happiness leads to regret rather than away from it, what's the better question? Scripture points us somewhere unexpected. In Deuteronomy 24:5, God gave newly married men a year free from other duties, not for their own comfort, but "to bring happiness to the wife he has married." And in Jesus's parable of the bags of gold, the faithful servants who put their master's resources to good use hear him say in Matthew 25:21, "Come and share your master's happiness." In both cases, happiness comes as a byproduct of serving someone else, not as the goal itself. That leads us to the real question to ask before any decision: whose happiness does this decision serve? Mine, or God's and others'? A Better Kind of Wisdom This doesn't mean we never make decisions for ourselves. We have to eat, rest, and care for our own needs so we're able to serve others well. But if every decision is ultimately about our own happiness, we're setting ourselves up for the very regret we're trying to avoid. The wise path is the one that looks outward: toward God and toward the people He's placed in our lives. Jesus himself is the model for this. He didn't come to secure his own comfort; he lived, died, and rose again looking out for us. When we trust him and follow his example, we find something happiness alone could never give us: a life with purpose that doesn't collapse when circumstances change. The Path Beyond Regret Here's the good news in all of this: God doesn't just want to help us make wiser decisions going forward, he also offers healing for the regrets we already carry. That healing starts with a relationship with Jesus Christ, whose death and resurrection secure our future and free us to stop striving for a happiness we were never meant to control. Wisdom says it's not about our happiness, it's about the happiness of the God we serve and the people we're called to love. This week, take a moment to reflect on your own decision making. Are you asking, "Will this make me happy?" or are you asking, "Whose happiness does this decision serve?" Talk with your family about the difference between the two, and consider one decision this week you could make for someone else's good rather than your own comfort. If this episode encouraged you, share it with a friend who might be wrestling with regret of their own, and join us next week as we continue exploring God's plan for a life beyond it.
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    38 分
  • TWL - 7DeadlySins- S8E01

    TWL - 7DeadlySins- S8E01
    2026/09/17
    Seven Deadly Sins | Truth Worth Living We don’t like talking about sin—but ignoring it doesn’t make it any less destructive. In this new season of Truth Worth Living, we’re beginning a study through the Seven Deadly Sins: Pride, Envy, Anger, Greed, Sloth, Gluttony, and Lust. While this traditional list is not presented together in one passage of Scripture, each represents a very real spiritual danger addressed throughout God’s Word. Over the coming weeks, we’ll examine how these sins take root in our hearts, the damage they can cause, and how followers of Jesus can remain alert and resist temptation. Peter learned firsthand how easy it is to believe we are stronger than temptation. Later, he warned believers: “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” — 1 Peter 5:8 (NIV) Join us as we seek to become informed, alert, and sober-minded so that we can recognize sin, resist the enemy, and faithfully follow Jesus. Truth Worth Living Understanding God’s Word so we can live in God’s will.
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    7 分
  • Regert - 9.13.26 - EP1

    Regert - 9.13.26 - EP1
    2026/09/15
    Rain never stopped anyone from getting a good word today, and this one's worth every drop. Pastor kicked off the new series "Regret" by pointing at a scene most of us have replayed in our own lives, even if it never made SportsCenter: a coach who calls the wrong play at the worst possible moment. That was the story of Super Bowl 49, the goal-line interception, and the coach who stood at the podium afterward insisting he had "no regrets," even though his face told a different story. A 2004 survey found only 11% of Americans claim to have no regrets, and a follow-up found most of those people weren't being honest. The truth is simpler and a little harder to admit: we all have regrets, and we're probably headed for more. The Side Effects of Every Decision Every decision we make carries the risk of regret, the same way a prescription drug carries a list of side effects. Some choices are low impact, like picking the wrong movie for date night. You'll hear about it, but you'll survive. Others are high impact: career moves, relationships, finances, faith. Those regrets stick because they reshape our lives. The good news is that God offers a defense against them. James 1:5 says, "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault," and it will be given to you. Wisdom isn't a reward for the spiritually elite; it's a gift for anyone who asks. The Throne of Grace But what about the regrets we already carry? That's where the offense comes in. Hebrews 4:15-16 describes Jesus as a high priest who "is not unable to empathize with our weaknesses," because he was tempted in every way we are, yet without sin. Because of that, we're invited to "approach God's throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." A throne reveals what a king values most, and God's throne is a throne of grace. Grace deals with the sin behind our regrets. Mercy deals with the misery that regret leaves behind. Together, they mean we don't have to keep carrying what Jesus already came to lift. The Heart We Can't Trust So why do we keep making decisions we know we'll regret? Because, as the prophet Jeremiah wrote, "The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?" Jeremiah watched king after king in Israel ignore wise counsel because their hearts were already set on a bad decision, and the consequences were devastating. Our hearts aren't just dishonest; they're deceitful, mixing truth and half-truth until a bad choice feels reasonable. That's why the question to ask before any high-impact decision isn't "what do I want," but "can I trust what I'm telling me?" Four Steps Toward Wisdom The path forward has four simple steps: admit that your heart can deceive you, get honest about what's really true in the decision ahead of you, stop and pray for wisdom, and ask God to heal the heart itself, because only he can change it. That last part matters most. We can't fix our own hearts. But when we place our faith in Jesus, God turns a heart of stone into a heart of flesh, one that actually desires his glory instead of its own short-term comfort. Whatever regret you're carrying today, whether it's a decision from years ago or one you're circling right now, you don't have to face it alone or pretend it isn't there. Take a minute this week to sit with Jeremiah 17:9 and Hebrews 4:15-16 side by side, and ask God honestly whether you can trust what your own heart has been telling you. If this message meets you where you are, share it with someone who's been quietly carrying their own regret. You might be the reminder they need that grace and mercy are both still available at the throne.
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    41 分
  • Moses - EP13 - 9.6.26

    Moses - EP13 - 9.6.26
    2026/09/08

    One of a Kind

    Every pastor will tell you the same thing: nobody teaches you what to say when you're standing with a family in the valley of the shadow of death. It's the part of ministry we dread most and, oddly, the part that teaches us the most. The teacher in Ecclesiastes put it plainly: "It is better to go to a house of mourning than to go to a house of feasting, for death is the destiny of everyone, and the living should take this to heart." This week, as we came to the end of Moses's story in Deuteronomy 34, we sat with that same truth. Moses died, just as we all will. But the way he lived, and the faith that carried him there, is worth a long, careful look.

    A Mountain and a Promise

    At 120 years old, Moses climbed Mount Nebo, a roughly 4,500 foot ascent with no trail, to look out over the Promised Land he would never enter. God showed him "the whole land, from Gilead to Dan," all the way to the Mediterranean Sea, and told him plainly, "I have let you see it with your own eyes, but you will not cross over into it." Moses had lost his temper years earlier and robbed God of glory, and this was the consequence. But here's the beautiful part: that failure never altered his relationship with God. They were just as close as before. God himself buried Moses in an unmarked grave, and the people grieved for thirty days before finally reflecting on his life and moving forward into the land he'd led them to. Scripture sums him up simply: "Since then, no prophet has arisen in Israel like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face." He was one of a kind, and the intimacy he shared with God is something we can still aspire to today.

    Faith That Shaped His Identity

    Hebrews 11 gives us Moses's eulogy, and it shows us exactly how that intimacy was built. First, his faith determined his identity. "By faith, Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh's daughter." Understand what that meant: Moses had already become great in Pharaoh's house, educated, decorated, and set up for a life of power. All he had to do was stay quiet and enjoy it. Instead, he chose to be identified with God and with God's enslaved people rather than with the palace that made him. That's the choice in front of all of us. Joshua later put it this way: "Choose you this day whom you will serve." Moses chose, and so must we.

    Faith That Shaped His Values

    Second, Moses's faith determined what he valued. He "chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin," regarding "disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than all the treasures of Egypt." He knew the pleasures available to him in Egypt were real, but temporary, and that chasing them would leave him thirstier, not satisfied. He understood something Jesus would later say plainly: if you want to find your life, you have to lose it. Only in laying ourselves down for God's glory do we find the satisfaction we're all searching for.

    Faith That Shaped His Resolve

    Finally, Moses's faith determined his resolve. He "left Egypt, not fearing the king's anger," and he "kept the Passover and the application of blood" even though nothing about painting lamb's blood on a doorpost made sense to anyone watching. That's resolve: persevering in our convictions and keeping God's commands even when the world around us says it's foolish. Moses obeyed anyway, and that obedience pointed forward to something greater. The blood on the doorpost that saved the firstborn of Israel points us to Jesus, the Lamb of God, whose blood saves us from sin and death.

    A Life Worth Emulating

    Moses wasn't perfect. He stumbled and made real mistakes. But his faith was active, not just something he said he believed, and that's what set him apart. As James reminds us, faith without works is dead. So take a moment this week to ask yourself honestly: is your faith alive? Can the people around you look at your choices, your priorities, and your obedience and see that you belong to Jesus? We only get one life to make our mark, and the opportunity is now. If you haven't placed your faith in Christ, there's no better day than today to take that step. And if you already believe, share this episode with someone who needs to hear it, and let Moses's example push you toward a faith that shows up in how you actually live.
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    37 分
  • Moses - EP12 - 8.31.26

    Moses - EP12 - 8.31.26
    2026/09/01
    The Story of Moses and the Message of the Cross In this week's sermon, we delved into the transformative conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus in John 3. This discussion is pivotal because it introduces essential Christian doctrines such as the incarnation, the work of the Holy Spirit, and the necessity of being born again. Jesus, in his dialogue, references the story of Moses lifting the snake in the wilderness, drawing a parallel to his own crucifixion. The Encounter with Nicodemus The sermon begins with Jesus' encounter with Nicodemus, a Pharisee and a respected teacher in Israel. Nicodemus approached Jesus under the cover of night, seeking to understand if Jesus was truly sent by God. In this conversation, Jesus introduces the concept of being "born again," explaining that entrance into God's kingdom requires a spiritual rebirth, not just adherence to the law. A Lesson from the Wilderness The story of Moses lifting the bronze snake, found in Numbers 21:4-9, serves as a precursor to the salvation offered through Jesus. As the Israelites wandered in the desert, they faced the consequences of their disobedience: venomous snakes. When they repented, God instructed Moses to create a bronze snake and lift it on a pole. Anyone bitten by a snake could look at it and live. Key Themes: Faith Over Law: The Israelites' journey highlighted the transition from law to faith. Their survival depended not on their adherence to the law, but their faith in God's provision. Symbolism of the Snake: The bronze snake symbolized the coming salvation through Jesus. Just as the snake provided physical healing, Jesus' crucifixion offers spiritual salvation. Jesus Lifted Up Jesus draws a direct line from this Old Testament story to his own mission. In John 3:14-15, Jesus states, "Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him." This act of being "lifted up" is a foreshadowing of the crucifixion. Points of Reflection: The Cross as Salvation: The cross, like the bronze snake, may seem absurd as a symbol of salvation. Yet, it is through Jesus' death that believers find life. Faith in the Unseen: Just as the Israelites had to trust in the unseen power of God for healing, believers are called to trust in the unseen work of Jesus for eternal life. The Call to Action The sermon concludes with a challenge to the congregation: Look to the Cross: Believers are encouraged to place their faith in Jesus' sacrifice on the cross as the only path to eternal life. Share the Message: Those who have found salvation are urged to share this message with others, lifting up Jesus so that others might be drawn to him. In summary, this sermon beautifully ties the story of Moses to the core message of the Gospel, emphasizing the transformative power of faith and the necessity of sharing this good news with the world. As believers, we are reminded that our journey to the promised land of eternal life is paved by looking to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.
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    42 分
  • Moses - EP11 - 8.23.26

    Moses - EP11 - 8.23.26
    2026/08/25
    Moses' Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day In this sermon, we explore the trials faced by Moses as described in Numbers 20. The narrative draws a parallel between Moses' challenges and the children's book, Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day, emphasizing how cumulative adversities can lead to significant trials. The Context of Moses' Bad Day Moses, nearing the end of his journey with the Israelites, faces a series of overwhelming challenges: Miriam’s Death: Miriam, Moses’ sister and confidant, had recently passed away, adding personal grief to his burdens. The Israelites’ Complaints: The people he led were discontented, questioning why Moses brought them to a barren land with no water. Proximity to the Promised Land: The Israelites were near the Promised Land, but the stress of the final stretch was palpable, leading to heightened tensions. The Key Scripture: Numbers 20:1-12 Numbers 20 details the specific events of this day. The Israelites, frustrated by the lack of water, confront Moses and Aaron with complaints. In response, God instructs Moses to speak to a rock to bring forth water. However, Moses, overwhelmed by anger, strikes the rock instead, disobeying God’s command. Lessons on Anger and Obedience Anger Management: Moses' story underscores the danger of letting anger dictate actions. His anger led him to strike the rock, an act of disobedience that cost him entry into the Promised Land. Trust in God: The sermon emphasizes the need to trust in God’s plan, even when circumstances seem out of control. Moses’ failure was rooted in his inability to trust God fully in that moment. The Power of the Tongue: Referencing James 3:2, 5-6, the sermon highlights how the tongue can ignite great conflict. Moses’ words, calling the Israelites "rebels," fanned the flames of his anger. Consequences of Disobedience: Despite God’s grace in providing water, Moses faced consequences for his actions. This serves as a reminder that while God is gracious, obedience is crucial. Practical Applications Turn to God in Prayer: In moments of anger, seek God’s guidance and strength to maintain control. Stay Quiet: Often, holding one’s tongue can prevent the escalation of conflict and preserve relationships. Rely on God’s Sovereignty: Trust that God is in control, even when life feels chaotic. Conclusion Moses' story in Numbers 20 serves as a powerful lesson on the importance of obedience, trust, and managing our emotions. As believers, we are encouraged to rely on God’s grace and wisdom to navigate our own "terrible, horrible, no good, very bad days." By doing so, we can avoid the pitfalls of anger and embrace the peace that comes from faith and obedience. For those seeking to deepen their relationship with Christ, the sermon concludes with an invitation to embrace Jesus as the "living water," offering hope and eternal life.
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    34 分
  • Moses - EP10 - 8.16.26

    Moses - EP10 - 8.16.26
    2026/08/18
    Moses and the Journey to the Promised Land Main Passage: Exodus 33 In this sermon, we explore a pivotal moment in the journey of the Israelites as they face a crucial decision: to enter the Promised Land without God's presence or to remain in the wilderness with Him. This decision highlights the importance of God's presence in our lives. Key Themes The Question of Identity: The sermon begins by prompting us to consider what makes us special. In the context of the Israelites, their identity was deeply tied to God's presence among them. The Golden Calf Incident: Previously, the Israelites had turned to idolatry by worshiping a golden calf (Exodus 32). This act of rebellion led to a significant rift between them and God. God's Proposal: In Exodus 33, God proposes to send the Israelites to the Promised Land with an angel, but without His own presence due to their stubbornness. This proposal creates a dilemma for the Israelites. The Pragmatists vs. The Spiritually Attuned: The sermon contrasts two groups within the Israelites: those who are pragmatic and focus on reaching the land, and those who understand that the journey's true goal is to be with God. Moses' Intercession: Moses plays a crucial role as an intercessor, pleading with God to accompany them on their journey. His relationship with God is unique, described as speaking "face to face, as one speaks to a friend" (Exodus 33:11). Lessons for Today The Importance of God's Presence: The Israelites' situation teaches us that achieving our dreams without God is ultimately unfulfilling. Their willingness to remain in the wilderness rather than proceed without God underscores the value of His presence. Personal Reflection: We are encouraged to reflect on our own lives and consider if there are dreams or desires we hold more dearly than our relationship with God. The sermon challenges us to identify and remove any obstacles that hinder our connection with Him. Faith in Jesus: The sermon concludes by pointing to Jesus as the ultimate mediator who provides the way to God's presence. Through His sacrifice, we can have a direct relationship with God, which is the true source of our identity and significance. Conclusion The Israelites' journey to the Promised Land is a powerful metaphor for our spiritual journey. It reminds us that the true goal is not merely to reach our destination but to walk closely with God along the way. As we navigate our own paths, may we prioritize His presence above all else, understanding that it is His presence that truly makes us special. Reflect on these themes as you consider your own journey and relationship with God. If you find yourself at a crossroads, remember the wisdom of the Israelites who chose God's presence over immediate gratification. Let this be a guiding principle in your life as well.
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    35 分