We can't see God's plans and why bad things happen in our lives. So instead, let's focus on what we CAN see. Pastor Dave helps us realize what that is.

On a scale of 1 to 100, 100 being the best, how would you rate yourself in goodness? The phrase "He/she is such a good person" is pretty common, and there is usually a common understanding when it is said about someone. But what makes someone "good" in God's eyes? Sometimes we blame the devil for...

In the sixth episode of this eight-part series, we'll look at Hannah's life after she gave Samuel to the Lord. What can we learn about a mom's sacrifice and the blessings that await?

In the fifth episode of this eight-part series, we look at what God tells us about Eli's sons. Spoiler alert: it's not good. God wants us to know him and to follow him. We'll explore what that means.

God's Old Testament people, the Israelites, chose to create an idol in the form of a golden calf and worship it. This may sound stupid to us, but at times we are just like the Israelites. History repeats itself all too often. Our culture has made an idol out of having fun and getting lit; the Isr...

06.14.24. Asking us to submit is seen as the most offensive idea of our day. To submit to political power, the "head of the household," or organized religion betrays America's strongest and highest value of "my truth." But the God of love, law, and order disagrees. He calls us to submit to him, t...

06.21.24. Say “damn” in mixed company and few will blink. Say “doctrine” and most will stare. According to contemporary culture, doctrine is something archaic, oppressive, and unhealthy for our souls. But Pastor Mike pushes us today to think about doctrine more critically as we ask ourselves, "Wh...

"Dirty words" in the Bible? Yes, and you may be surprised what the words are.

Pastor Mike and Amber Albee Swenson discuss Pastor Mike's new upcoming sermon series, "Dirty Bible Words." They also work into the conversation how Amber may be running for president, how Pastor Mike's love of peach ri...

06.07.24. "Forgiveness" might not seem like an offensive word until we think about what it actually means: giving grace to people who deserve only punishment. Culture would prefer to cancel, label, and dismiss the guilty, but God’s f-word interrupts our system of justice and offers the grace of s...

People are told to be self-aware of their thoughts and feelings. There is an even deeper self-analyzation that can take place though: self-analyzing one's spirit. Never underestimate the importance of regular self-examination, questioning one's motives, sins, and being real on where your relation...

06.02.24. At the very end of the book of Job, God shows up to talk to Job, who needed an answer to why he had to suffer and endure such unfathomable pain. But spoiler alert: Job never gets an answer. That's because, Pastor Mike says, we need to remember who we are and who God is. . . Transcript: ...

In the fourth episode of this eight-part series we'll examine the song Hannah's sang after giving her child to the Lord. This amazing woman of faith has a lot to teach us about who God is and how we look at the world.

05.24.24. When we're in pain or when tragedy has struck, it's natural to ask, "Why?" But, Pastor Mike warns, demanding an answer to that question can be dangerous. Because when we incorrectly answer it or insist on trying to find out why, it can all go wrong. Instead, reading through the book of...

What’s the deepest connection that can be forged that can unite us across cultures and continents? Let’s challenge the narratives of division perpetuated by the media and society. In a world seemingly torn apart by race, gender, geographical boundaries, and superficial affiliations, this episode...

In the third episode of this eight-part series, we learn that the desire of Hannah's heart was to have a son. But when she had a son, she gave him to God. What are the desires of your heart? How do they glorify God?

If you're not married, what are you looking for in a spouse? If you are married, what advice would you give?

Submitting to another person is not weakness.

What would happen if the next time you argued with your spouse you put them first?

God gave instructions to men about how to treat their wives. The only job they have is to love them.

It can get messy when you follow Jesus and call out your loved ones. But Pastor Jon encourages, don't be afraid of the mess.

Sometimes God has us bring a difficult message that needs to be heard. But, Pastor Jon says, you need to do something yourself first.

Do you feel unqualified to help your loved ones in need? Don't let that stop you, Pastor Jon says, because you're actually the perfect person for the job. In fact, you've already been chosen for the job.

Is there someone in your life who is hurting right now and needs your help? Pastor Jon wants you to be a judge to that person—but not a courtroom judge.