The book of James is a letter of wisdom full of short wisdom speeches and metaphors that helped the early church follow the teachings of Jesus. As we study this book together, you’re going to see that James' letter is primarily influenced by the book of Proverbs and Jesus' teachings from the Sermon on the Mount. In chapter one, James gives an overview of almost every topic he will talk about. Then in chapters two through five he will expand on each of these topics. Listen in as Pastor Neal Benson teaches about finding joy in our trials and our position in life and how to not be deceived by the things of this world.
In John 15, Jesus uses an agricultural example to teach a spiritual lesson about remaining rooted in Christ. As time passes, those remaining in Christ will undergo deep transformation as they are formed in His image. The disciplines and the formations we’ve studied over the last ten weeks are powerful tools in shaping us, but without remaining in Christ the formation they bring may be fleeting. Listen in as Pastor Neal Benson focuses on abiding in Christ in the final sermon of the "Formed" sermon series!
A recent study found that 71% of Americans say the Bible is the word of God. Another study tells us that only 48% of Americans interact with their Bible three to four times a year. In Psalm 1 we learn the value of Scripture and how the blessed person is formed through spending regular time in Scripture. One of the primary reasons that people don’t read their Bible is they don’t think it’s applicable. In Psalm 19 we read that the Law of the Lord is perfect. We learn that God’s precepts are trustworthy. Listen in as Pastor Neal Benson teaches us how regular time in God’s word forms the direction of my life.
This summer at Coastline, we’re talking about being formed in our relationship with Jesus. Part of that formation involves fasting. Most of us would prefer to talk about anything but fasting. Fasting reminds us of our vulnerability. Fasting reminds us of our relationship with food. When we stand before God hungry, we suddenly know who we are. We are ones who are poor that are called to be rich in ways we don’t understand in this world. We are the ones who are broken who have been mended by the grace of Jesus. We are the ones who are empty that are longing to be filled not with the perishable but with the imperishable food of God. Listen in as Neal Benson shares how fasting continually sets our minds back on the Lord.
This week in our Formed sermon series, we'll see that the Holy Spirit is the key to all transformation. Regardless of the means God uses or the spiritual discipline involved, it is the work of the Holy Spirit that brings about formation. We however, must do our part and allow the Holy Spirit to do his part. Listen in as teaching pastor, Doug Meye, explains that gospel authenticity invites the work of the Holy Spirit.
Our community is a very powerful tool in our spiritual formation. It will inevitably make us more or less like Jesus. Listen in as Community Life Pastor, Teller Emmer, talks about how we become the average of the people we spend the most time with. Is our community making us more like Jesus, spurring us on to love and good deeds? Or do we become a different person when we are with them, acting one way on Sunday and another with our friends or at work?
When you talk about worship in a church the first thing that most people think about is worship through music. But when we look at the entirety of Scripture, we read that worship is more than singing. In Psalm 96 we are instructed to sing a new song to the Lord; however, Psalm 96 is about more than singing. It shows us that worship includes singing, sharing the good news of Jesus, and giving. Listen in as Pastor Neal Benson teaches us that worship is not about what we feel, but who we know.
Listen in as Blaze McEntee preaches on the spiritual discipline of prayer. In his message, he answers three questions regarding prayer: Who are we praying to? Is there a right or wrong way to pray? and When should we pray? Throughout the message we see God’s heart for His people to come to Him in truth and authenticity. Be encouraged as you hear about God’s desire for us to continually draw near to him through prayer.
Who are you becoming? The life that Jesus invites us into isn't saying yes to Jesus for heaven, then no to Jesus for the rest of our lives. Instead, it's a life of constantly growing, being filled, maturing, and becoming like Jesus. Transformation is possible, promised, and even expected, but not inevitable. It takes effort and practice. In this week's Formed series, guest speaker, Bert Alcorn, dives into the spiritual discipline of practice. Listen in and learn how being conformed into the image of Jesus takes participation and intentionality on our part.
Moses’ childhood was convoluted by today’s therapy standards. He was born into a Hebrew family in Egypt during a time when it was dangerous for Hebrew families to have children due to a law that stated all baby boys were to be put to death at birth. Despite this, Moses survived, was raised in the palace in Egypt and groomed for leadership. He lived between two worlds but neither was truly his home or where he belonged. Listen in as Pastor Neal Benson teaches on Exodus 2-3 about how Moses’ life was shaped in solitude.