Element Christian Church of Santa Maria

Never Read A Bible Verse* without context Easter

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 05 Apr 2026 01:36:44 -0700

There are many signs that surround Jesus’ crucifixion in Matthew 27:45-54, such as Jesus' cry of abandonment ("My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"), and three hours of supernatural darkness at midday as Jesus bears the weight of humanity's sin.

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Colossians Week 12: Guarding the Gospel

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 29 Mar 2026 01:36:44 -0700

The Gospel is the announcement of what Jesus did to save and restore us through His birth, life, death, and resurrection. Our salvation is found in no other place than the work of Christ on our behalf. There are many in the world throughout the ages that have turned the Gospel from good news to bad news by moving its focus away from Jesus and onto someone or something else. This is why it is important to guard the truthd of the Gospel.

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Colossians Week 11: Maturing Disciples

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 22 Mar 2026 01:36:44 -0700

After finishing Chapter 1 of Colossians, today we take a side excursion to jump deeper into Paul’s understanding of discipleship. The Bible contains truths that, when lived out, can yield deeper fulfillment than we could have ever imagined. What we look at today will hopefully help us honestly figure out where we are on our discipleship journey and hopefully be excited for the next steps.

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Colossians Week 10: The Preeminent Revealed Mystery

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 15 Mar 2026 01:36:44 -0700

Paul sees his own sufferings as part of Jesus’ afflictions. He is drawing on this ancient Jewish belief that the great suffering we pass through leads us into the age to come. Jesus has already brought us to the Kingdom of God in our lives, but there is still a struggle in tension with the “present age.” There is still suffering to be undergone. This is not an addition to Jesus’ suffering; rather, it is how we live in light of what Jesus did—growing into maturity in Christ in all circumstances.

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Colossians Week 9: A Preeminent Reconciliation

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 08 Mar 2026 01:36:44 -0800

The suffering we see, or personally experience, in this world can lead to numerous questions about God and our lives. In Colossians 1:24-25, Paul makes a statement that some have taken out of context, where they believe our sufferings are added to the work of Jesus; that is blatantly false. Jesus’ work is complete, but that doesn’t mean all suffering is removed from the world.

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Colossians Week 8: A Preeminent Reconciliation

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 02 Mar 2026 01:36:44 -0800

When we come to the understanding of our reconciliation with God through the work of Jesus, it can be both exciting and painful. It is exciting because of God’s love and grace extended to us in Christ, but it can also be painful as we acknowledge the reason we needed that reconciliation—our sin. Paul believes that the purpose of God’s work is to reconcile the whole creation to Himself. In doing so, Paul will give words to our condition.

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Colossians Week 7: The Preeminence of Jesus Part 4

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 22 Feb 2026 22:49:39 -0800

Over the last few weeks we have looked at what it means that Jesus is preeminent in all things—heaven, earth, and our lives. Today we will recap all of these ideas with one of the clearest descriptions of who Jesus is.

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Colossians Week 6: The Preeminence of Jesus Part 3

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 15 Feb 2026 22:49:39 -0800

Today we are (continuing) to look at a section of the New Testament that has one of the highest views of Jesus (Christology). C.S. Lewis wrote, “I am trying here to prevent anyone saying the really foolish thing that people often say about Him: I’m ready to accept Jesus as a great moral teacher, but I don’t accept his claim to be God. That is the one thing we must not say.” Many people say they love the teachings of Jesus, but when you tell them the actual teachings of Jesus, they get confused or angry because Jesus’ own words can speak for themselves.

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Colossians Week 5: The Preeminence of Jesus Part 2

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 08 Feb 2026 22:49:39 -0800

This is our second week looking specifically at what it means that Jesus is over all things (the Creator, the supreme, the highest). This is one of the main reasons that Paul writes the letter to the Colossian church the way that he does—to show the preeminence of Jesus. Colossian 1:15-20 teaches us that Jesus is God in one of the clearest manners, and that He is the firstborn over all creation.

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Colossians Week 4: The Preeminence of Jesus Part 1

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 01 Feb 2026 22:49:39 -0800

We are going to take a few weeks to look at Colossians 1:15-20 as it is one of the highest Christological statements anywhere in the Bible. Yes, we celebrate Christmas, Easter, Good Friday, but sometimes forget how great Jesus is even in the midst of those holidays. Paul starts like this Col 1:15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.

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Colossians Week 3: A Preeminent Prayer For A Knowledgeable Walk

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 25 Jan 2026 22:49:39 -0800

In Colossians Paul will deal a lot with the issue of syncretism. Syncretism is where the church “synchronizes” with the world around it, sometimes so much so that it ceases to look like Jesus. Syncretism was becoming an issue in Colossae because they were beginning to combine Christianity with what was known as Gnosticism. Paul starts off redirecting them back to Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and God the Father Himself. He then tells them WHAT he is praying for them and WHY. Paul will offer a prayer for knowledge and for their local church to walk with Jesus in a way that is both powerful and thankful.

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Colossians Week 2: The Preeminence of the Gospel

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 18 Jan 2026 22:49:39 -0800

Paul’s address of concerns in the book of Colossians reveals a view of Jesus’ preeminence. In Colossians you see one of the highest portrayals of Christ. This high view of Jesus comes from what we call the Gospel. Gospel means a joyful announcement of something that is impacting those who hear it in a positive way.

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Colossians Week 1: A Preeminent Introduction (First Impressions)

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 11 Jan 2026 22:49:39 -0800

Colossians is a letter written by the Apostle Paul to a church he had never visited. The church in Colossae was planted by a disciple of Paul named Epaphras. Paul is writing this letter to introduce himself and correct a problem(s) in the church at Colossae.

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Thailand Trip Recap Sunday

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 04 Jan 2026 22:49:39 -0800

A special Sunday to get a glimpse of how the Gospel is being lived out in Thailand.

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NRABV Pt 2 - Week 15: Be Perfect

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 28 Dec 2025 22:49:39 -0800

Jesus uses the “antithesis” statements in the Sermon on the Mount to highlight how the Jewish people were taking the Old Testament law out of context. The law had become a list of ways to show obedience, instead of having obedience from a heart’s disposition toward God. It is in this context Jesus calls believers “to be perfect like their heavenly Father is perfect.” Perfect is not in the literal sense here, rather the Greek word “teleios” which describes believers journeying to “maturity” and “completeness” in our walk with the Lord. Jesus’ purpose in calling believers to perfection is not to act “more” morally upright, it is to remind us to act in response from a heart that is saved by grace. We must remember that we have been adopted into God’s family through Christ’s work on the cross, that He merited for us what was impossible for us so that we can grow to resemble our Father more every day.

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NRABV Pt 2 - Week 14: Love the Sinner, Hate the Sin

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 21 Dec 2025 22:49:39 -0800

The popular phrase, "Love the sinner, hate the sin," while not found in Scripture, can be lived out in wisdom, but also prone to potential misuse. The Scriptures present sin (wandering off the path, broken, blemish, rebellion, owing a debt, going astray, lawlessness, impurity) as widespread, damaging, and deserving of serious struggle. Sin isn’t only future punishment, but is a present destructive power—separation from God and others. Christians should hate all sin, especially their own, asking God for conviction and pursuing confession, accountability, and forgiveness.

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NRABV Pt 2 - Week 13: Don’t Love the World, but Love the World?

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 14 Dec 2025 22:49:39 -0800

The entire Bible must be kept in mind when looking at passages in different books. There is an apparent contradiction (to some people) between 1 John 2:15 (and its command to not to love the world) and John 3:16, which says that God loved the world. The word "world" has two distinct meanings: the material universe (creation, humanity, nature) which Christians should love as God does, and "worldliness," a system of thinking that treats the material world as ultimate reality. Christians are called to love the world in the first sense by honoring human dignity (since all are made in God's image), caring for creation, reaching the lost with compassion, and living for God's glory, but to reject worldliness (the mindset that this life is all there is).

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NRABV Pt 2 - Week 12: Saved Through Childbearing

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 07 Dec 2025 22:49:39 -0800

There is so much confusion over Paul’s instructions about women in 1 Timothy 2:11-15. By examining the cultural and religious context of Ephesus, we can get a broader picture of what he had been trying to say. Culturally, Paul was addressing specific problems arising from the collision between Jewish synagogue practices, pagan Artemis worship, and early Christian communities. The passage about women being "saved through childbearing" is most likely a targeted response to former Artemis worshippers who needed proper theological education and assurance that Jesus, not Artemis (the goddess of midwifery), would protect them in childbirth.

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NRABV Pt 2 - Week 11: All My Sins On The Jumbotron

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 30 Nov 2025 22:49:39 -0800

Matthew 12:36-37 is often misunderstood out of context to mean that all of our sins ("every careless word") will be put on display for all to see on judgment day. This verse, in context, is spoken to self-righteous Pharisees who attributed Jesus' miracles to Satan…it was about their rejection of God's work—not a universal principle that our sins will be publicly displayed.

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NRABV Pt 2 - Week 10: The Neighbor

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 23 Nov 2025 22:49:39 -0800

Many people who have looked at the parable of the Good Samaritan have misunderstood its central point. The story isn't primarily about identifying who qualifies as our "neighbor" that we should help, but rather about examining how we function as neighbors to others. When Jesus asks "Which of these three proved to be a neighbor?" He shifts the focus from defining limits on our love to challenging us to embody neighborly love without boundaries. Biblical mercy involves both compassion and action, rooted in God's mercy toward us while we were His enemies. Just as the Samaritan helped his ethnic enemy, Christians are called to show practical love even to those they might consider adversaries.

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NRABV Pt 2 - Week 9: Divorce

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 16 Nov 2025 22:49:39 -0800

While divorce is painful and not God's original design, it is not an unforgivable sin. In Matthew 19 marriage is described as a covenant relationship where "two become one flesh" rather than a consumer relationship that can be easily terminated. God's purpose in marriage is not happiness but holiness – teaching us to love like Christ loves us, even when it's difficult. There is hope for those who have experienced divorce; God still offers grace and redemption. God can redeem even the most broken situations. God's love is unconditional and the cross provides both forgiveness for sins committed and healing for sins suffered.

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NRABV Pt 2 - Week 8: Truth and Love: Can We Hold Both? Part 2

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 09 Nov 2025 22:49:39 -0800

Recently there are those who have argued that Jesus affirmed transgender identity using Matthew 19:12 (about eunuchs). In Matt 19:12 Jesus was discussing marriage and celibacy after teaching on divorce, not gender identity. Maximum glory comes from two distinct but equal genders working together, not from one gender or multiple genders. Like all things, we need both truth and compassion; we need to step away from harsh judgment and from uncritical acceptance. Letting feelings determine reality does not ultimately lead to the flourishing of life. As Christians, we must speak truth in love, support struggling individuals in community, and model healthy gender expression while recognizing that all people bear God's image and need His grace.

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NRABV Pt 2 - Week 7: Truth and Love: Can We Hold Both? Part 1

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 02 Nov 2025 22:49:39 -0800

A message talking about homosexuality is something people need to hear, not hear about (if that makes sense). We need to emphasize compassion while maintaining truth. The Bible isn’t primarily about homosexuality, but about God’s redemptive story, starting with Genesis 1 and the creation narrative.

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NRABV Pt 2 - Week 6: Gathering Together

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 26 Oct 2025 22:49:39 -0700

Hebrews 10:24-25 ("not neglecting to meet together"), was frequently cited during COVID to argue for in-person church attendance. However, this misses the deeper Biblical context. In the New Testament era, churches were small house gatherings where everyone knew each other intimately (which is different from today's mobile, anonymous church culture where people can attend services while remaining essentially unknown). The passage is primarily about living in authentic Christian community.

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NRABV Pt 2 - Week 5: Receiving Jesus

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 19 Oct 2025 22:49:39 -0700

Two verses—John 1:12 and Revelation 3:20—are commonly used together to teach that salvation comes through asking Jesus into your heart. However, understanding these passages in context reveals a different message. John 1:12 defines "receiving" Jesus as believing in who He is—your Messiah, Savior, and Substitute—not a prayer formula. It's about trusting His work for you at Calvary. Revelation 3:20, written to the church at Laodicea, isn't a Gospel invitation at all. It's addressed to believers who have become self-sufficient and lukewarm, leaving Jesus on the outside of their lives.

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NRABV Pt 2 - Week 4: Hate Yo Parents

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 12 Oct 2025 22:49:39 -0700

In Luke 14:25-27, Jesus uses shocking language—calling His followers to "hate" their families—to emphasize that discipleship requires total allegiance to Him above all else. The Greek word translated "hate" (miseo) is comparative, meaning we're to love Christ more than even our closest relationships. Jesus isn't anti-family; He's calling us to properly order our loves.

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NRABV Pt 2 - Week 3: For Us, Not To Us

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 05 Oct 2025 22:49:39 -0700

Today we re-start a series addressing how Christians and non-Christians alike misinterpret Scripture by reading verses out of context. Many of our issues with the Bible stem from cultural misunderstanding rather than textual problems.

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NRABV Pt 2 - Week 2: The Way The Truth The Life

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 28 Sep 2025 22:49:39 -0700

John 14:6, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" is often misunderstood about Jesus trying to keep people out of what they perceive to be heaven (our own personal pleasure factory). Instead, Jesus is trying to reframe our understanding of how we approach God from ritual and sacrifice to Jesus’ sacrifice for us. When Jesus claimed to BE these three things, He was making a revolutionary statement that relationship with God now comes through Him personally, not through law-keeping. Heaven isn't a "pleasure factory" but rather restored relationship with God, and while Jesus's exclusivity offends modern culture, it's actually inclusive - anyone can come to the Father through Christ, whereas previously only the high priest could enter God's direct presence.

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Philippians Week 34: The Joy of Reasonableness

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 21 Sep 2025 22:49:39 -0700

Ending the book of Philippians, we should reflect on what we have learned over the last 34 weeks. For instance, we are to stand fast in one spirit, to strive together for the faith of the Gospel, to be of one mind, to shine as lights in the world, and to know we are a part of God’s grand symphony of grace. We’ve been encouraged to rejoice in the Lord, and to not place confidence in the flesh. Paul has urged us to follow his example of knowing Christ and the power of His resurrection. He has also reminded us that our true citizenship lies in heaven, and of the hope that results from that understanding. Paul exhorted us to stand fast in the Lord, to let Jesus guard our hearts, and to meditate on things that are worthy of praise. He taught us that Jesus, who began the work of salvation in us, would carry that work on to completion. We also learned of Christ’s great example of humility, where he humbled himself, took on flesh, and became a servant. Finally, we learned what true contentedness looks like and that true joy comes not from our circumstances, but from our relationship with Jesus and in the sustaining power of the Gospel.

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Philippians Week 33: The Joy of God's Glory, True Fellowship, and Grace

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 14 Sep 2025 22:49:39 -0700

Today we finish the book of Philippians and there are two main themes: God’s glory and Christian fellowship. Paul ends his letter with, “To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.” This closing emphasizes that God’s glory is the ultimate purpose of all things. He reminds us that God Himself is the most God-centered being in the universe.

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Philippians Week 32: The Joy Of Gospel Accounting

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 07 Sep 2025 22:49:39 -0700

In Philippians 4:14-19, we explore the fundamental difference between transactional accounting and Gospel accounting. Paul thanks the Philippians for their financial support during his imprisonment while introducing a radical perspective on why and how we give. Rather than viewing their gift as creating obligation or debt (as was customary in Greco-Roman culture), Paul frames their generosity as participation in God’s economy—a system that operates on grace rather than transaction.

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Philippians Week 31: The Joy Of Contentment, Part 2

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 31 Aug 2025 22:49:39 -0700

Knowing Proper Ambition – Selfish ambition can be understood as a “motivation to elevate or to put one’s own interests before another’s.” Paul says, “In humility count others more significant than yourselves.” There is a good type of ambition and it is the motivation to see God’s glory shine and people come to know Him. It was ambition for God that led Paul to spread the Gospel to the ends of the earth. Romans 15:20 It has always been my ambition to preach the gospel where Christ was not known…

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Philippians Week 30: The Joy Of Contentment, Part 1

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 24 Aug 2025 22:49:39 -0700

Paul writes that he has “learned” to be content whether in plenty or in need, with the source of his contentment being Christ who strengthens him. Our society often confuses wanting (which can be healthy) with coveting (which enslaves us). True contentment isn’t found in achieving our dreams or accumulating wealth, but in understanding our worth comes from God alone.

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Philippians Week 29: Thinking About Things Worthy of Praise

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 17 Aug 2025 22:49:39 -0700

Paul’s instruction in Philippians 4:8-9 challenges believers to carefully examine what occupies their thoughts. Rather than simply adopting cultural values, Paul takes six Hellenistic virtues and reframes them through the lens of the Gospel. He is relating truth to those who knew and understood their culture in a way that shows all truth is God’s truth.

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Philippians Week 28: The Joy Of The Nuclear Option

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 10 Aug 2025 22:49:39 -0700

Paul’s teachings in Philippians 4:4-7 provide a foundation for stability in an increasingly unstable world. Unlike modern approaches that focus on techniques and methods for dealing with anxiety, Paul presents the Gospel as our “nuclear option” - applying the big eternal truth to small daily circumstances.

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Philippians Week 27: The Joy Of Joy

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 03 Aug 2025 22:05:00 -0700

Philippians 4:4-5 explores Paul’s recurring theme of joy that “bubbles out” even in the midst of his imprisonment. Paul doesn’t simply command joy as an emotion we must manufacture; rather, he roots joy in the truths of the Gospel. Unlike the world’s pursuit of happiness through self-fulfillment, Christian joy comes from recognizing we were designed for relationship with God. When we understand that “the Lord is at hand” (present with us) and trust in His goodness, we can experience joy that transcends our current circumstances and helps us view life in light of eternity.

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Philippians Week 26: The Joy Of Spiritual Laser Beams

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 27 Jul 2025 22:05:13 -0700

2025, like most years, hasn’t been easy. Yet God remains at work—we may have been “roughed up,” but in His hands, we are neither forgotten nor abandoned.

Paul wrote Philippians while imprisoned in conditions of unspeakable horror: overcrowded prisons with suffocating air, sleepless nights in chains, underground chambers devoid of light, corroding iron shackles, and appalling filth. Yet Paul wasn’t deterred by these devastating circumstances. Instead, he found something far more devastating: the life he used to live before Christ.

Paul demonstrates three key principles: what he left behind, what he pressed toward, and how we can follow his example.

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Philippians Week 25: The Joy Of Phronesis

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 20 Jul 2025 09:58:00 -0700

Philippians 4:1-3 serves as the culmination of Paul’s argument from the previous chapter. Throughout Philippians, Paul has emphasized the importance of phronesis - “a pattern of thinking, feeling, and acting” shaped by the Gospel. In these verses, Paul addresses a specific conflict between two women in the Philippian church, Euodia and Syntyche, urging them to “agree in the Lord” - to adopt the same mind of Christ in their relationship. Paul doesn’t take sides, dismiss their concerns, or force an artificial friendship; rather, he calls them to view their disagreement through the lens of the Gospel.
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Philippians Week 24: The Joy Of Maturity

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 14 Jul 2025 09:58:44 -0700

Today we will see how Paul addresses the way believers should handle disagreements within the church, emphasizing that mature Christians seek God’s guidance together through prayer when differences arise. Paul calls the Philippians to imitate his example and the examples of other faithful believers like Timothy and Epaphroditus, who embodied Christ-like humility and service. He warns against following “enemies of the cross” - those who claim to be Christians but reject the Gospel’s true meaning, serving their own appetites, glorying in shameful things, and focusing solely on earthly matters.
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Philippians Week 23: The Joy Of Pressing On

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 06 Jul 2025 21:36:14 -0700

Philippians 3:12-16 explores Paul’s understanding of what truly matters in the Christian life. Paul teaches that we should not focus on externals (appearance, possessions, status, etc.) but on knowing Christ deeply. Paul openly shares his past - including his religious credentials and even his persecution of Christians - but views it through the lens of the Gospel.
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Philippians Week 22: The Joy That Jesus is LORD

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 06:40:47 -0700

In our confused and chaotic culture where truth seems relative and basic Christian beliefs are controversial, we need clarity. The answer to cultural confusion is found in one profound truth: Jesus Christ is Lord.
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Philippians Week 21: The Joy of Transformation

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 22 Jun 2025 11:06:00 -0700

David Martyn Lloyd-Jones once said that Philippians 1:6 may very well be described as the fundamental (or key) verse to all of Paul’s letter to the church in Phillipi. He said it’s one of those “magnificent, fundamental, profound statements which lead us into the very depths of Christian doctrine and Christian theology.” In this verse we have a window into the Biblical teaching of salvation; the whole doctrine of salvation kind of compressed into just one little verse.

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NRABV* - Father’s Day: Singleness

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 16 Jun 2025 12:57:03 -0700

Father’s Day can be hard for those who aren’t fathers or those who are single. This Father’s Day we are talking about singleness and how it can be a blessing and not a curse. Yes, marriage and fatherhood is beautiful, but singleness can be as well.
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Philippians 20: The Joy Of Resurrection

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 08 Jun 2025 11:06:00 -0700

Paul makes a passionate declaration in Philippians 3:10-11 about knowing Christ and the power of His resurrection. The Christian doctrine of resurrection has two essential components: it is both a historical fact to be believed and a personal experience to be lived. When we separate these aspects, we end up with “form without power”—either intellectual orthodoxy without relationship, or vague spirituality without an historical foundation.
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Philippians 19 : The Joy Of A Proper Resume

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 02 Jun 2025 08:39:53 -0700

In today’s verses Paul shows a dramatic shift in how he viewed his credentials and accomplishments. Paul lists his “resume” of religious qualifications (his pure Jewish lineage, strict Pharisaical adherence to the law, and zealous persecution of the church), but then declares all of these achievements as “rubbish.” Rubbish is a polite translation of a crude Greek term. Our most fundamental need is righteousness, but our righteousness becomes our most profound problem when we rely on it instead of Christ.

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Philippians 18: The Joy Circumcision

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 25 May 2025 21:54:51 -0700

In Philippians 3:1-3, Paul continues his message about unity and humility in Christ while warning believers to “watch out” for those who would add requirements to salvation. Paul will speak about the issue of circumcision to address deeper questions of identity and belonging in God’s family. Paul says that there are schemes from people that want to detract us from the work of the Gospel. These people are described as:

• Dogs – This would refer to those of impure mind

• Evildoers – This refers to workers of evil or those who labor for that purpose.

• Mutilators of the flesh – These are people that Paul has talked about who push law and not grace as the prerequisite for being in God’s family.

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Philippians 17: The Joy Of Being An Example

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 18 May 2025 18:54:52 -0700

Paul presents Timothy and Epaphroditus as living examples of the Christian humility he has been teaching. After discussing concepts like humility, unity, and pouring out our lives for Christ, Paul now provides concrete examples of what these principles look like in action.

• Timothy demonstrates genuine concern for others’ welfare rather than self-interest.

• Epaphroditus literally risked his life in service to Paul and the Gospel.

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Mother’s Day: God’s Got It!

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 11 May 2025 09:18:00 -0700

Mothers are a gift! Thank you, mothers, for the care and support you provide to your children. Your time, encouragement, wisdom, and prayer for your kids is a blessing – whether you receive a ‘thank you’ or not! May God give you peace and joy today.

All of us, mothers particularly, have numerous expectations placed on us and some that we place on ourselves. These expectations develop from life experiences, from comparing ourselves to others, from all sorts of sources – and they create for us an ideal picture of what we think our lives should look like. For mothers this might include expectations of having well-behaved, well-mannered kids who are successful in their social, sport, academic, and other endeavors (and are always happy and healthy too). For others, our personal expectations may have to do with financial or relationship goals or career milestones or… the list goes on. Whatever they may be, the expectations we have for our personal lives can drive us away from the good life God has for us.
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Philippians 16: The Joy Of Pouring

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 05 May 2025 09:08:41 -0700

Today we will focus on Paul’s words in Philippians 2:17-18, being “poured out like a drink offering,” as well as how we are to “shine like lights” in the world. Paul likens the darkness of the world to what we witness at night; we—with Christ in us—are to shine brightly amidst the brokenness all around us. When sailors were lost at sea, they used the stars to orient themselves and know their place in the world. In the same way, we, as God’s people, are to shine into this dark world.
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Philippians 15 - The Joy Of Shining

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 27 Apr 2025 08:24:00 -0700

If you were able to look through the last few weeks of Philippians, you would see this progression to where Paul lands today. He has spoken about Christ’s humility saving us, how we seek to restore relationship with one another, and now he says we can/should do that without grumbling or complaining. Paul tells us to live this way, because in so doing, we will shine as lights in the world. The NIV translates this poetically with, “Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky…”
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Parables: Easter - Hidden Treasures

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 20 Apr 2025 08:24:00 -0700

As usual, our Easter message will not be a typical Easter message. We are reflecting back to a series we did last year on the Parables of Jesus. Today you will see Jesus use two short parables to illustrate the immense value of the Kingdom of God. In the first, a man discovers a treasure hidden in a field, then joyfully sells everything he has to buy that field. In the second, a merchant finds a pearl of great value and likewise sells all he has to acquire it.
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Philippians 14 - The Joy Of Working Out

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 14 Apr 2025 10:25:49 -0700

In Philippians 2:12 Paul says a line that has caused much speculation today: “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” This line is in the midst of an entire letter that starts and ends elsewhere. Paul has already told us about how God’s family is meant to live with one another. Paul uses the word “therefore” to remind us that he is basing what he is saying on what he has already shared about Jesus: Phil 2:1 So if there is any encouragement in Christ—it starts with Jesus!
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Philippians 13 - The Joy Of Emptying

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 07 Apr 2025 15:00:12 -0700

We live in an age of reality TV, YouTube ‘vloggers,’ and social media influencers who keep telling us about their “lives” or their “inmost thoughts,” but what you get is only what they want you see. In Philippians today, we get the ultimate revelation of Jesus. We not only get a picture of who Jesus is and what He did, but we get to see His heart as well. He was God, but He was also man. He became a servant and died on a cross. This text not only tells us about Him, but it tells us His mindset. (Phil 2:5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus…) I think God shows us what He does today in order to transform our mind and melt our hearts.
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Philippians 12 - The Joy Of Humility

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 31 Mar 2025 12:00:59 -0700

Last week we talked about having “one mind” that is to be “centered in Christ.” One mind isn’t like invasion of the body-snatchers where the hive mind takes over. It refers to the unity that is borne out of being centered on the Gospel. There will be many places we see things differently, but we unify around the essentials of who Christ is and our salvation in Him alone. Jesus is Lord and we surrender ourselves to His grace. Looking not to our own interests, but to others, comes from a humility that understands how Jesus saves us.
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Philippians 11 - The Joy Of One Mind

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 23 Mar 2025 13:29:27 -0700

In Philippians chapter 1 we saw Paul detailing his hardship and how he continued to persevere…until verse 26 where Paul speaks about his struggle and how he defined life: for me to LIVE is Christ (meaning every breath he takes was because of God’s goodness)…and then he says TO DIE is gain (that if this fleshly existence ended, Jesus is still faithful and in control). In verse 26, Paul stops focusing on his own trials and starts to talk about the Philippians’ trials. It’s important to remember Paul’s letters did not originally have chapter or verse breaks. Chapter 2 is not a new thought; it is a continuation. Paul starts with the word “so” Phil 2:1-2 So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.
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Philippians 10 - The Joy of a Clear Sign

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 16 Mar 2025 14:13:42 -0700

Paul starts the first part of Philippians by talking about his emotions and struggles; he will then spin it back to talk about the Philippians’ struggle (which is actually the same struggle). Paul has idea stacked on idea stacked on idea that points to our life in Christ, our life with one another, and the Kingdom of God.
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Philippians 09 - The Joy of Citizenship

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 09 Mar 2025 20:59:52 -0700

Paul has spoken to the Philippians about his suffering and hardship. We saw how Paul walked through and defined what real life truly is (Phil 1:21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain). Paul may only see a glimmer of what God is doing, but he also doesn’t expect to see the whole picture; he knows God is so much higher and greater than he could imagine. In the first 26 verses of Chapter 1, Paul has been talking about his own struggle and feelings. Starting in verse 27, Paul turns the tables and says, “This is no longer about my suffering…it is about yours.”
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Philippians 08 - The Alchemy of Joy

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 02 Mar 2025 19:48:52 -0800

Paul writes the letter to the Philippian church while chained to guards in Rome. He reminds the Philippians how to find joy even in difficult circumstances. He will demonstrate that with the right definition of life (“to live is Christ”), any circumstance can be transformed by God into something meaningful. Like an alchemist turning lead to gold, God uses our trials both for His glory and our spiritual growth. Paul shows that true joy comes not from our circumstances, but from having Christ as our ultimate purpose and prize.
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Philippians 07 - The Joy Of Jesus Being Preached

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 23 Feb 2025 14:30:53 -0800

From prison in Rome, Paul writes about how his imprisonment has actually served to advance the Gospel. Through being chained to rotating guards from the elite Praetorian Guard, Paul had unique opportunities to share Christ. Even when others began preaching Christ from wrong motives like envy and rivalry, Paul still rejoiced because Christ was being proclaimed. His response demonstrates putting the Gospel’s advance above personal comfort or recognition, showing how to find joy in Christ being made known regardless of circumstances.
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Philippians 06 - Still Joyfully Praying in Affection

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 17 Feb 2025 10:36:41 -0800

There is a lot in today’s message as we explore Paul’s deep affection for the Philippian church and his prayer for their spiritual growth. There are three types of affection Paul demonstrates and four aspects of prayer for the church. Paul’s relationship with the Philippians exemplifies true gospel partnership, showing how Christian love combines deep affection with growing knowledge and wisdom.
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Philippians 05 - Faithful to Complete It

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 10 Feb 2025 19:38:22 -0800

Paul has a profound confidence in God’s continuing work in believers’ lives. God’s grace isn’t just for salvation’s beginning, but it carries through to completion. Paul’s certainty rests not in human effort, but in God’s faithful character and promises. As one writer says, “Imperfect people who dare to believe in the grace and mercy of God are the very ones who have the credibility to say these things to others.”
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Philippians 04 - A New Way of Life Part 3: What Kind of Joy

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 03 Feb 2025 21:46:02 -0800

Today we will explore the theme of true Christian joy as revealed in Philippians. Paul demonstrates that authentic joy isn’t dependent on circumstances but flows from our relationship with Christ. Paul wrote to the Philippians with joy despite having experienced persecution and imprisonment in their city. Paul’s joy comes from understanding God’s grace and our position in Christ, not from our performance or circumstances. Joylessness in Christians has often damaged the perception of Christianity; we are called to display Christ’s joy as we partner together in the Gospel.
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Philippians 03 - A New Way of Life Part 2: Grace and Peace

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 27 Jan 2025 10:48:11 -0800

Today we will take another look at a new way of life “in Christ.” There is a transformative power that comes from God’s grace that results in peace in our lives. Paul’s greeting isn’t just a formal introduction but encapsulates the essence of the Christian experience. Grace is defined as favor granted to an undeserving person by an unobligated giver, while peace (shalom) represents complete harmony with God, others, and creation. We can understand God’s grace by seeing both the depth of our sin and the height of God’s mercy. This dual vision creates a spiritual explosion in our lives, breaking down barriers of self-righteousness and enabling us to extend grace to others.
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Philippians 02 - A New Way of Life Part 1: Saints and Slaves

podcast@ourelement.org — Tue, 21 Jan 2025 15:39:04 -0800

Servants is the word for slave, and saint means “set apart ones.” The introduction to Philippians leads us to ask what should a Christian life look like (or what is a Christian). Many answers to that question tend to be very self-centered or works centered. The true answer is that we are saved by the sheer grace of God, we are Servants and Saints. People will use this phrase, “A Christian is a sinner saved by grace,” and while true, there isn’t a place in the Bible where we are told to first and foremost identify ourselves as a “sinner.” That is not our identity.

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Philippians 01 - The Little Rome

podcast@ourelement.org — Tue, 14 Jan 2025 02:20:19 -0800

As we start this series looking at the letter to the Philippian church, we have to start with Paul’s first encounter with the city as found in Acts 16. Philippi was known as “The Little Rome” and was a privileged Roman colony that prided itself on Roman culture and customs. They stylized their city after Rome, followed all Roman decrees, and wanted to be Rome. Part of their special privileges was that they were exempt from paying the heavy taxes that citizens in other cities paid. They were also excused from certain military service while receiving military protection, since Philippi was an outpost for Roman soldiers and many retired there.

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The Carols Week 6 - Auld Lang Syne: The God Who Remembers

podcast@ourelement.org — Tue, 07 Jan 2025 07:59:18 -0800

We know Christmas was last week, but we are still working through our series on “The Carols.” Today we will look at O Come, All Ye Faithful. In a world of uncertainty, Peter’s epistle reveals a profound message of joy rooted in Christ’s victory. Christians are “elect exiles” - chosen by God and living in a challenging world, yet called to rejoice with an “inexpressible joy” that transcends circumstances. God knows His people, sanctifies them through the Holy Spirit, redeems them through Jesus Christ, and provides an eternal inheritance. Unlike fleeting worldly happiness, this joy is anchored in Christ’s complete victory over sin and death. Believers are invited to place Jesus at the center of their worship, experiencing a joy that comes from God’s eternal grace.
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The Carols Week 5 - Triumphant Joy: O Come All Ye Faithful

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 30 Dec 2024 10:07:43 -0800

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The Carols Christmas Eve - 12 Days of Christmas

podcast@ourelement.org — Fri, 27 Dec 2024 17:42:20 -0800

Merry Christmas Eve! Tonight we will explore the somewhat
controversial significance of “The 12 Days of Christmas” carol. The
song, which seems like a silly list of expensive gifts (totaling over
$200,000 in 2023), may actually contain deep theological meaning.
Though the song’s exact interpretations may vary, its purpose was
to teach Christian faith fundamentals. Most importantly, it points to
how God never forgets us, even when we forget Him.

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The Carols Week 4 - O Come O Come Immanuel

podcast@ourelement.org — Thu, 26 Dec 2024 13:56:45 -0800

Today we will look at the theological depth of the Christmas carol “O Come O Come Emmanuel” through the lens of Matthew 1:22-23. We will focus on the understanding of “Immanuel” (God with us) and its significance in God’s redemptive plan. Jesus, being fully God and fully man, came to rescue us from sin and adopt us into God’s family. The incarnation shows us that we weren’t created to serve a distant God but to walk with a loving Father.

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The Carols Week 3 - Hark, Herald, And Reconciliation

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 15 Dec 2024 23:06:00 -0800

Today we will look at the theological depth behind “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” and its scriptural foundations. The angels’ announcement to shepherds show God’s pattern of subverting power dynamics by revealing Himself to the broken and outcast. Through Christ’s birth, work, life, death, and resurrection God reconciles sinners to Himself, making us new creations. The good news is that God knew all our failures yet chose, loved, and called us anyway, bringing true reconciliation and peace through Christ.
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The Carols Week 2 - King Forever, Ceasing Never

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 08 Dec 2024 21:59:40 -0800

Today we look at the profound truth that Jesus is the eternal King who never ceases to reign by connecting verses in the book of Matthew to the carol “We Three Kings.” The story of the wisemen and Herod’s response to Jesus’ birth are two completely different responses to Christ’s kingship. True fulfillment comes only through submitting to Christ’s eternal kingship, not through pursuing temporary satisfaction to other “kings” of our lives (career, relationships, success).
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The Carols Week 1 - Joy To The World

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 01 Dec 2024 20:23:38 -0800

Today we look at the connection between Psalm 98 and the Christmas carol “Joy to the World.” While originally written with Christ’s second coming in mind, this hymn captures the profound joy that comes from both Christ’s first arrival and anticipated return. Praise propels us toward mission, as our authentic joy becomes a witness to others.
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Parables Week Eleven- The Worst Renters

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 25 Nov 2024 08:45:32 -0800

In today’s parable, Jesus talks about wicked tenants, speaking to the deep-seated human tendency to reject God’s authority. The parable illustrates how we often act as if we’re the owners of our lives, rather than tenants entrusted with God’s gifts.

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Parables Week Ten - Feasts and Wealth

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 18 Nov 2024 16:01:30 -0800

An important factor in the context of today’s parable was Jesus’ growing popularity and influence, which made certain religious leaders jealous. Jesus was invited to dinner at a religious leader’s home on the Sabbath and put to a test: a crippled man was brought to Jesus—would He heal him on the holy day of rest? Jesus heals the man (and before they can get too offended) launches into a parable about a party and how people jockey for the best position rather than live in humility.
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Parables Week Nine - Bad Managers

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 10 Nov 2024 20:20:58 -0800

Today’s parable throws many people off track. We tend to think that Jesus is saying one thing when He is really saying something else entirely. The important part of the parable of the “shrewd manager” can be easily misunderstood without the cultural context of who Jesus is talking to.
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Parables Week Eight - Shameless Prayer

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 03 Nov 2024 19:00:50 -0800

Abraham Heschel wrote, “The real issue with prayer is how one understands God.” It’s not about the words, the form, the structure, or the formula; people have a hard time with prayer because we fail to have a proper view of God.
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Parables Week Seven - The Persistent Widow and Unjust Judge

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 27 Oct 2024 18:40:04 -0700

Jesus tells a parable about an unjust judge and a persistent widow to teach His disciples about prayer and persistence. The judge, who neither fears God nor cares about people, repeatedly ignores a widow’s plea for justice. However, due to her relentless persistence, he eventually grants her request to avoid being bothered further.
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Parables Week Six- The Pharisee and the Tax Collector

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 20 Oct 2024 21:25:29 -0700

Jesus tells a parable about two men who went to the temple to pray: a Pharisee and a tax collector. The Pharisee, considered righteous by society, prays confidently, thanking God that he’s not like other sinners. He lists his good deeds, such as fasting twice a week and tithing everything he gets. In contrast, the tax collector, despised by society, stands at a distance, not even lifting his eyes to heaven. He beats his chest and prays, “God, be merciful to me, a sinner!”
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Parables Week Five - Who Do You Eat With? Luke 15

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 14 Oct 2024 10:01:01 -0700

This sermon explores Jesus’ response to the Pharisees and scribes who criticized Him for eating with tax collectors and sinners. Jesus answers with three parables: the Lost Sheep, the Lost Coin, and the Prodigal Son. The focus is primarily on the parable of the Prodigal Son.
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Parables Week Four- Tree Climbing Luke 19:1-10

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 07 Oct 2024 15:22:47 -0700

Last week we did a quick look through this passage about Zacchaeus. Today, we will take this real story and turn it into a parable for us and our life in the Kingdom of God.
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Parables Week Three - ZACCHAEUS LUKE 19:1-10

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 30 Sep 2024 10:28:07 -0700

Zacchaeus was despised by his community, yet Jesus sought him out and initiated relationship. This visible act of grace precedes any visible change in Zacchaeus’ behavior, highlighting a crucial aspect of the Gospel: God’s acceptance is not a reward for our righteousness, but the very power that enables our transformation.

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Parables Week Two - Rich Man & Lazarus: The Summum Bonum

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 22 Sep 2024 18:01:45 -0700

Parables are (very broadly), “a fictitious narrative that would generally refer to something that might naturally occur, by which spiritual and moral matters might be conveyed.” There is no end to the speculation that centers on the parable that Jesus tells today. People get caught up in various theories, asking, “Is it really a parable or a true story? Is Jesus trying to tell us what the afterlife looks like? Is this a commentary about wealth and poverty being reversed in the future life?”

This is not a parable (primarily) about riches and poverty, though there are many things in Luke 16 that can relate to how we see our money and stuff. There is more going on and we must take a step back and look at the picture language and ultimately Jesus’ own work in the world.

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Parables Week One - Intro: Aggadah Kingdom Stories

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 16 Sep 2024 10:43:39 -0700

Jesus didn’t teach in parables because He couldn’t figure out a better way to preach. These narrative form illustrations and stories have been used by rabbis for ages. The Jews called storytelling used to illustrate a message AGGADAH; it was creating word pictures to bring a deeper understanding of God and the world. Aggadah, to the Hebrews, were known as parables to the Greeks. Even a short statement by Jesus [“Consider how the wild flowers grow. They do not labor or spin…” (Luke 12:27)] was considered Aggadah.
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1 Timothy: Doctrine Matters | Week 10 - Fighting For The Gospel

podcast@ourelement.org — Wed, 11 Sep 2024 17:38:23 -0700

As Paul brings his first letter to Timothy to a close, he reminds Timothy that this life will feel like—and is—a battle. We are not to run after our own glorification, but to flee those things and pursue righteousness. Paul wants Timothy to see the difference between a Gospel culture and a religious culture. While we have peace with God because of the Gospel, our lives are currently in the midst of a battle.
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1 Timothy: Doctrine Matters | Week 9 - Understanding The Gospel and Wealth

podcast@ourelement.org — Tue, 03 Sep 2024 11:20:46 -0700

Money (wealth) is one of the hardest things for most people to get their heads and hearts around. Greed is insidious, and we often don’t notice when it gains control over our lives. Jesus will even remind us to “watch out” in regard to money, because he knows of our blindness. 1 Tim 6:6-10 seems to address people who don’t have a lot of money yet want it, and 1 Tim 6:17-19 seems to be for people who do have a lot of money and still think they need more. Money, by either its absence or presence, can poison our life—not because money in itself is good or bad, but because of our focus upon it.

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1 Timothy: Doctrine Matters | Week 8 - Honor Others in the Gospel

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 26 Aug 2024 13:01:41 -0700

Today Paul moves into how we live and honor one another in the body of Jesus. A proper doctrine—set of beliefs—honors those around us. Defining honor, in how Paul discusses, it would simply mean: ascribing worth through action.
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1 Timothy: Doctrine Matters | Week 7 - Examples in the Gospel

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 19 Aug 2024 11:44:25 -0700

When the Apostle Paul instructed Timothy to be an example, Timothy was in a tough spot. As a young man, he was pastoring a church—that most likely had not called him—of people who despised his youth and inexperience.
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1 Timothy: Doctrine Matters | Week 6 - Reasoning Out the Gospel

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 12 Aug 2024 11:45:39 -0700

When it comes to correct doctrine and Biblical reasoning, it is important to understand that we (humankind) brought sin into the world and through the Gospel, God—who made the world in the first place—is remaking it through Jesus. We are never called to abandon our humanity, but rather to celebrate its rescue, redemption, and remaking. Today we can easily forget humanity has brought a fallenness to the world.
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1 Timothy: Doctrine Matters | Week 5 - Mystery in the Gospel

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 04 Aug 2024 23:43:52 -0700

1 Tim 3:16 is a short poem that is full of doctrine. It captures the richness of early Christianity in the way it challenged both the popular ‘mysteries’ and the rule of Caesar.
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1 Timothy: Doctrine Matters | Week 4 - Family in the Gospel

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 28 Jul 2024 23:27:48 -0700

We believe that God has taught us through the Scriptures (continually), through His Spirit (presently), and that the proclamation of the Good News will go on for eternity. What we believe is important, because it will affect how we live every moment of our lives.

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1 Timothy: Doctrine Matters | Week 3 - Praying for the Gospel

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 21 Jul 2024 18:26:15 -0700

Doctrine is about what God has handed down to us—ultimately pointing to the good news of what Jesus did and is continuing to do. Proper doctrine will translate into how we live our lives, how we interact with others, how we worship God, and how we pray. Prayer is more than asking for things, but today we want to look at what we should be asking for:
Healthy churches will pray for the advancement of the Gospel.
God’s desires should be our prayers.
We learn God’s desires by looking at the Scripture, understanding correct doctrine, and abiding in Jesus.
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1 Timothy: Doctrine Matters | Week 2 - Celebrating the Gospel

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 21 Jul 2024 18:31:44 -0700

Paul writes what he does in 1 Timothy because he understands what the Bible says about sin and grace. Only the Gospel deals with us—as we are—and leads us to grace at the same time. Because of Jesus, we can acknowledge our sin and yet not be destroyed by it. Paul tells Timothy to continue to contend and celebrate the Gospel.
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1 Timothy: Doctrine Matters | Week 1 - Defending the Gospel

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 08 Jul 2024 10:36:26 -0700

In the first part of Paul’s letter, he doesn’t talk about all the details of false teaching, but the implications of it for the Church. False teaching always undermines the true Gospel. Jesus + anything is not the Gospel. The Gosfeedpel is that Jesus’ sacrifice is sufficient.
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Ephesians Week 24 - Prayer As Weapon And Armor

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 30 Jun 2024 18:37:01 -0700

Paul ends all his talk about the armor of God by focusing us on prayer. He ends with “finally” as he winds up his letter and reminds us of how to walk in God’s strength. This is a reminder that our strength comes from God, as He is able to do more than we could ever ask or imagine. The armor we wear is God’s armor and not our own.
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Ephesians Week 23 - What to Wear Into Battle

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 24 Jun 2024 12:11:57 -0700

Last week in Ephesians, we explored spiritual warfare and what it means to be strong “in the Lord.” Some people think that it takes a lot of faith to believe in the spiritual realm, but not believing in it requires just as much faith. Christianity is not superstitious in that there are demons behind every problem; many of our issues are self-caused (due to our sinfulness).
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Ephesians Week 22 - The Unseen Realm

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 17 Jun 2024 04:14:31 -0700

As Paul rounds out the book of Ephesians, he ends with the word “finally.” He has one more thing of vital importance he wants to tell the Ephesians (and by extension, us): Eph 6:10-11 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.
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Ephesians Week 21 - God’s Test Tubes

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 10 Jun 2024 08:36:35 -0700

In the later parts of Ephesians, the Apostle Paul shows us what trusting and following Jesus practically looks like in various relational scenarios. Paul takes most of his words from the previous weeks and moves them into the real world. As we explore these things and gain more clarity, our lives begin to change as a deeper understanding of God dawns on us.
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Ephesians Week 20 - The Laying Down of a Life

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 02 Jun 2024 21:44:56 -0700

Today in Ephesians we walk through some verses that people often read out of context. When we do not read the Scriptures in context, it leads to many misunderstandings of the text. Looking more closely, we can find great encouragement and wisdom in Paul’s words. Today we will talk about husbands, wives, and the word submission.
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Ephesians Week 19 - Walk as the Wise

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 27 May 2024 14:29:09 -0700

One of the main ideas throughout Paul’s words is that we want to honor God before a world of people who dishonor Him. This goes with Paul’s words today in Ephesians 5:16: making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. We know we live in a world where the majority of people live in darkness; one of the reasons we live for God in outward expressions of faith is that we want to live in a way others can see the light of God in the midst of the darkness.
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Ephesians Week 18 - Darkness and Light

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 27 May 2024 14:29:22 -0700

Today in Ephesians, Paul reminds us that as great as our salvation is, it doesn’t stop at the moment of our conversion. We are told to put off the old self and put on the new, to continually be renewed and transformed through the work of the Holy Spirit. Throughout chapters 4-6, Paul will show us what it looks like to live this way.
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Ephesians Week 17 - What Must Not Be Named

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 13 May 2024 07:12:34 -0700

As the book of Ephesians progresses, Paul speaks more and more about the practical ramifications of following Jesus in our lives. Paul starts to speak about the things that directly pull us away from a deep relationship with Jesus—namely, our sin. We often surrender to things other than Christ, which leads to hardened hearts and forgetfulness about the saving grace of Jesus.
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Ephesians Week 16 - The Imitation Game

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 05 May 2024 21:21:51 -0700

Paul will teach us in Ephesians how to work, communicate, speak honestly, and labor well. He talks about relationships, bitterness, and forgiveness. What makes Christianity different from other religions is our motivation. Christian life flows out of a new understanding of who we are in Christ. We can’t live the Christian lifestyle externally unless we have put on the new self. This “new self” is given to us as a new identity once we are adopted into the family of God through salvation. The Holy Spirit changes us by changing our heart so that it begins to want what God wants.
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Ephesians Week 15 - Bitterness

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 29 Apr 2024 13:03:04 -0700

Everything at the end of Ephesians 4 is related to our family identity in Christ. Because we are family, we tell the truth, use our anger correctly, don’t steal from one another, don’t put one another down, and don’t live in bitterness. These actions are borne out of our new identity in Christ. When Paul says to “put on the new self,” it means to remember and live in alignment with this new identity.

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Ephesians Week 14 - Trust the Nudge

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 21 Apr 2024 22:31:39 -0700

In Ephesians 4 Paul will talk about the spiritual “people” gifts of Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors/Shepherds, and Teachers (APEST). Paul picks these gifts here (because there are more gifts in other books of the Bible) for a purpose, that purpose is to help us see Jesus better.
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Ephesians Week 13 - Old And New

podcast@ourelement.org — Thu, 18 Apr 2024 16:52:12 -0700

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Ephesians Week 12 - The Why Of Spiritual Gifts

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 08 Apr 2024 16:53:12 -0700

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Not So Little Women - Magdalene

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 31 Mar 2024 22:47:20 -0700

Luke's Gospel highlights female disciples and gives us three names from among that group: Mary Magdalene, Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod’s steward, and Susanna.

Mary Magdalene’s story is an Easter story.

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Ephesians Week 11 - Unified in Calling, Conduct, and Confession

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 24 Mar 2024 21:11:48 -0700

As Paul starts this section of his letter, he moves his focus to our lives and the unity that Christians are supposed to have inside the church. We are to love one another as Christ has first loved us. Within the Church, we will have people of different political views, different tastes in music, differing parenting styles, different food choices, and different ways we enjoy connecting. In every local church there will be different personalities and people from different social statuses; the only way we will ever come together and have our differences be secondary is if (and when) we worship Jesus first.
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Ephesians Week 10 - Paul’s Prayer Revisited

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 18 Mar 2024 15:24:29 -0700

In the second half of Ephesians Chapter 3 Paul prays (again) for us to walk in power and love. Most of the first 3 chapters of Ephesians is about doctrine, but that doctrine is shown to us through Paul’s prayers. Paul continues to praise God and pray for this church. For Paul, prayer and action are not opposite ends of the scale of Christian activity, he saw much of his actions come directly out of his time in prayer.
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Ephesians Week 9 - The Wonder of it All

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 11 Mar 2024 13:04:09 -0700

In today’s passage, Paul reminds us how salvation entails being brought into God’s family. We are to be unified in our love and worship of Him; only by getting our eyes off ourselves and on Jesus will we ever see true and lasting unity. It’s important to remember that our very security in God’s family is a result of the work of Jesus Himself.
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Ephesians Week 8 - Family Remembrance

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 04 Mar 2024 10:20:28 -0800

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Ephesians Week 7 - God’s Poem

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 26 Feb 2024 07:37:24 -0800

Today we are going to walk through one of the most profound things in the Bible, being saved by grace through faith…and then being sent out to be God’s workmanship in the world. Ephesians 2:1-3 shows us what we are saved from: our trespasses and sin. Ephesians 2:4-7 shows us what are saved through: God’s mercy and kindness (we go from spiritual death to life). Ephesians 2:8-10 shows us what we are saved for: a life of faith and good works.
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Ephesians Week - From. To. Through

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 19 Feb 2024 11:47:45 -0800

While Ephesians 1 sees salvation from God’s point of view, Chapter 2 examines salvation more from a human point of view. Chapter 3 will combine both perspectives so that the following chapters (4-6) are very practical in their theology. The truth is we cannot live practically unless we know what we believe; doctrine is important.
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Ephesians Week - From Mystery to Clarity

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 11 Feb 2024 20:19:17 -0800

We have spent the last 4 weeks looking at Paul’s prayer about who God is and what He does in the world. While Paul normally starts his letter with a greeting before launching directly into how he is praying for a particular church or people, in Ephesians, He focuses on who God is first.
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Ephesians Week 4 - Paul’s Prayer Part 3: Already and Not Yet

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 05 Feb 2024 09:24:06 -0800

Ephesians 1:3-14, in the Greek text, is one sentence and one prayer. Paul seems so excited about God that he doesn’t have time for punctuation! He starts and ends with “praise God,” and in the middle, he proclaims who God is and what He has done. Paul is trying to get us to see the magnificence of Jesus as the King over all things.
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Ephesians Week 3 - Paul’s Prayer Part 2: The Mystery of His Will

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 29 Jan 2024 00:49:15 -0800

When it comes to a book like Ephesians, our brains and rational leanings almost do us a disservice. We are in a world of deep theological truths, but can get distracted by certain words and phrases (e.g., election, predestination, etc.).
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Ephesians Week 2 - Paul’s Prayer Part 1

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 21 Jan 2024 17:00:57 -0800

Before Paul gets into his specific prayers for others, he establishes the appropriate context for all Christian prayer, reflection, and exhortation: The worship and adoration of the God who has lavished His love upon us.
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Ephesians Week 1 - To The Saints Who Are Faithful

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 15 Jan 2024 12:34:53 -0800

“To the saints who are in Ephesus, and are faithful in Christ Jesus,” is to whom the letter of Ephesians is addressed. The letter itself is written in a more formal way than some of Paul’s other writings, which tend to have a rapid-fire pace. Ephesians has a trajectory to it that shows us salvation from God’s point of view in Chapter One, salvation from a human point of view in Chapter Two, and how those both come together in Chapter Three.
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Not So Little Women Week 15 - Hannah

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 08 Jan 2024 07:35:46 -0800

Yes, it is 2024 and we are doing one last message in our Not So Little Women series by looking at a forgotten mother named Hannah. Hannah is the mother of the prophet, Samuel, who would go on to become the most known prophet in ancient Israel. Samuel will anoint Israel’s first king, Saul, and their greatest king, David. Aside from Samuel’s legacy, however, we see Hannah is an amazing woman who teaches us what true trust in God looks like.
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Not So Little Women Week 14 - Martha

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 01 Jan 2024 09:10:30 -0800

The Not So Little Women series focuses on stories of different women in the Bible. Today, we look at Martha, on of Jesus' disciples.

Who was Martha? – She was a disciple of Jesus. Martha was from Bethany, a 2-mile walk from Jerusalem. She was the sister of Mary (of Bethany) and Lazarus. Martha was a ‘get things done’ person and likely had a gift for hospitality.

What is her story? – While hosting Jesus at her home, Martha became frustrated with her sister ‘sitting at the feet of Jesus’ while she served Jesus. Jesus spoke truth in love to Martha - teaching her that women and men both can be His disciples, and that ‘being with’ Him supersedes ‘doing for’ Him. Much later, Martha proclaimed her belief in Jesus as Messiah, witnessed Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead, and served a meal in Jesus’ honor.
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Not So Little Women Week 13 - Mary

podcast@ourelement.org — Tue, 26 Dec 2023 10:49:08 -0800

Merry Christmas Eve. We tend to see Mary and Joseph as people who were overflowing with blessings because God had provided them with the miraculous birth of Jesus. Instead, the reality is that they had just as many questions as we would about a “virgin birth.” Mary and Joseph most likely lived with rumors and innuendos following them most of their life.
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Not So Little Women Week 12 - Ruth

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 18 Dec 2023 13:52:00 -0800

In the genealogy account of Matthew’s Gospel, we see that we can’t understand Christmas or the birth of Christ without first understanding Jesus’ family tree. If you look at ancient family trees and genealogies, there are almost never any women in them, but in Jesus’ genealogy, there are quite a few women named. Ruth is one of those women (as well as Tamar, Rahab, and Bathsheba).

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Not So Little Women Week 11 - Tamar

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 11 Dec 2023 12:52:40 -0800

We often prefer to learn lessons from people we like or have an affinity toward. We do not often think that we can learn lessons from those whose lives or choices are “questionable.” All too often, we want to write off the ugly parts of the Bible and only focus on the happy places…or reframe the narratives so people do not look as bad as they actually are. The Bible is not a book that shows us superhuman heroes; it shows us the failures of all humankind and how we, as modern readers, are complicit because we do the exact same things. The Bible’s thrust is to show us that it is only Jesus who can save us, because only He is truly good.
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Not So Little Women Week 10 - Deborah

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 04 Dec 2023 22:07:11 -0800

Deborah was the only female judge in the Old Testament book of Judges. Her story is the dream we should have for all the children at Element: that they would grow up to know God, walk with God, lead others to know God, and to speak honestly and truthfully.
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Not So Little Women Week 9 - Abigail

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 27 Nov 2023 14:12:02 -0800

Today in our Not So Little Women series, we look at a woman named Abigail who was married to a “worthless” man named Nabal. We meet a few men in this story, yet all of them look terrible and make bad decisions. The only time we see them come back from the brink is when Abigail speaks wisdom into their folly.

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Not So Little Women Week 8 - Esther

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 20 Nov 2023 15:29:58 -0800

When we see things that look sexist or misogynistic in the Bible, we must understand that those things came about because of the Fall. Rather than a reflection of God’s heart/character, such things reflect the damage of sin in our world and our own rebellion against God. Misogyny is a distortion of God’s original intent and design. Therefore, it’s important to understand God’s redemptive work, as opposed to blaming Him for the faults of sinful people.

The book of Esther is meant to show God’s providential care of His people. Providence is “the foreseeing care and guidance of God over the creatures of the earth.” God is not specifically mentioned in Esther, and the absence of His mention is especially striking.
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Not So Little Women Week 7 - Vashti

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 12 Nov 2023 21:45:27 -0800

Today in our Not So Little Women series, we are looking at Vashti, a Babylonian queen who was married to the Persian king, Xerxes.

• Who is Vashti? Xerxes had many wives and concubines; God shows us what happened to Vashti, one of the relatively unknown wives. The Babylonian rabbis cast Vashti in a negative light, saying she was a “wicked Jew-hater.” The rabbis of Erez Israel (meaning from the land of Israel) portrayed her in a mostly positive manner. They describe Vashti as a “scion of a royal dynasty and deported herself with the proper honor and nobility.”

• What happened? Almost all Jewish scholars agree that Vashti was commanded to come before King Xerxes and all of his inebriated officials wearing only her royal crown (naked). Xerxes treats Vashti like prioerty, not like a wife. Esther 1:12 But when the attendants delivered the king’s command, Queen Vashti refused to come. Vashti refuses to come and is most likely punished with death. The king’s ego suffers a blow, and he passes laws (while intoxicated) decreeing that all women must obey their husbands.

• What do we learn from Vashti? Honor. She spoke and acted in accordance with her principles, and she lived and died for the sake of it. You see Vashti fulfill her role as a queen and member of the royal household until it violated honor.
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Not So Little Women Week 6 - The Samaritan Woman

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 05 Nov 2023 20:43:17 -0800

Today we’re looking at Jesus’ remarkable encounter with the Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well in John 4. It’s the longest conversation recorded in the Bible that Jesus has with anyone—man or woman. He disrupts the status quo by speaking with her, crossing cultural and gender boundaries. In this encounter, we witness the boundless nature of God’s grace and love. Jesus challenges us to break down our own prejudices and expectations and to see the worth of every soul.

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Not So Little Women Week 5 - Rahab

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 30 Oct 2023 09:10:44 -0700

We are doing a series, called Not So Little Women, where we look at the stories of different women in the Bible. Today we look at an unlikely ancestor of Jesus, Rahab.

Who was Rahab? – Rahab was a prostitute living in the city of Jericho when the Israelites were about to invade and conquer the land.
• What is her story? – When Joshua sent two spies to scout out Jericho before attacking, Rahab hid the spies and helped them escape, lying to the authorities about their whereabouts. She made the spies promise to spare her and her family when the Israelites attacked. When Jericho was conquered, Rahab and her family were spared, as promised, and she was allowed to live among the Israelites from then on.
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Not So Little Women Week 4 - Rebekah

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 23 Oct 2023 08:39:13 -0700

We are doing a series, called Not So Little Women, where we look at the stories of different women in the Bible. Today we look at a matriarch of Israel, Rebekah.

• Who was Rebekah? – She was Isaac’s wife, the granddaughter of Abraham’s brother, and the mother of Jacob and Esau.

• What is her story? – Through specific answers to prayer, God chose Rebekah for Isaac’s wife. Isaac prayed for Rebekah and she conceived twins, Jacob and Esau. Years later, Rebekah instructed Jacob, her favorite son, to deceive his father Isaac so he would receive Esau’s blessing. As a result, Esau planned to murder Jacob, Jacob was sent away for 20 years, and Rebekah never saw her beloved son again.
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Not So Little Women Week 3 - Jezebel

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 16 Oct 2023 20:03:12 -0700

We are doing a series, called Not So Little Women, where we look at the stories of different women in the Bible. Today we look at an evil woman named Jezebel.

• Who was Jezebel? – She was the daughter of Ethbaal, king of the Sidonians. She worshiped false gods and led Ahab in the same direction.

• What is her story? – She was raised in a cult and then offered in marriage to King Ahab in Israel. As soon as she became queen, she persuaded her husband to promote the worship of various false gods—including Baal and Asherah—among the people of Israel. She orchestrated the murder of the priests of God and conspired to rule Israel through her offspring.
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Not So Little Women Week 2 - Eve

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 08 Oct 2023 19:36:56 -0700

Through the end of the year we are doing a series on stories about women in the Bible. We want to see how God uses all of us for His glory and our good; today we spend time looking at Eve, “the mother of all the living”(Gen 3:20).
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Not So Little Women Week 1 - The Female Man

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 01 Oct 2023 19:04:25 -0700

When reading the scriptures, some people walk away feeling like women are shown to be less than men in their worth or calling. There is much division today about how gender, roles, and God’s calling all intersect. We can see that before the Fall, however, men and women were called to complement each other instead of be in competition with each other. Even in Christian circles, many have lost sight of what the Scriptures actually say about women.
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Forgive Week 11: The Practical Extension of Forgiveness

podcast@ourelement.org — Tue, 26 Sep 2023 16:29:52 -0700

This sermon marks the end of our 11-week series on forgiveness. Throughout this series, we have seen how forgiveness is a reflection of the gift God has given to us through Jesus— grace and mercy from the Cross in response to our sinful rebellion. This series ends on a practical note of what it means to extend forgiveness and pursue reconciliation with others, including when we have wronged others and when we are the one who has been wronged. It is important to understand that forgiveness is a commitment that precedes an emotional change—feelings like anger can be righteous and healthy as we understand the cost of wrongdoing against us. However, we are called to confront sin lovingly and work toward restoration with those who wrong us. Jesus calls us to overcome evil by not repaying evil with evil, blessing those who persecute us, forgiving without revenge, maintaining relationship (if possible/safe), meeting needs, and acting humbly. The ability to be humble comes directly from our understanding of the Cross, as we see how we are also sinners in need of forgiveness and reconciliation with God.
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Forgive Week 10: Living Forgiving Others

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 18 Sep 2023 08:16:58 -0700

When someone wrongs us, Jesus says we must “pay attention to ourselves” and be aware of our own tendency toward resentment and unforgiveness. The Gospel challenges us in that we must identify with the wrongdoer as a fellow sinner in need of grace. Forgiveness means we inwardly pay the debt of the wrongdoer ourselves instead of seeking revenge; this is a reflection of what Jesus has done for us through the cross. Complete, Biblical forgiveness is willing the good of the wrongdoer as we seek their restoration. One assumption that informs this is that evil is separate from the person who has committed evil. We see in Scripture how God works redemptively in places of evil and brokenness to bring about good. Reflecting on Christ’s sacrificial love humbles us out of pride, affirms us out of inferiority, and inspires us to forgive. When we understand the costliness of grace, it transforms our hearts to be more forgiving.
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Forgive Week 9: Living In Our Own Forgiveness

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 11 Sep 2023 13:24:44 -0700

This sermon focuses on understanding the difference between true guilt (for objectively wrong deeds) and false guilt (disproportionate feelings). Secular approaches to “self-forgiveness” fall short because they leave out our vertical relationship with God that was broken by sin. True repentance before God involves fully owning our sin without blame-shifting, self-pity, or self-flagellation. It requires confessing the wrong and forsaking it through changed attitudes and actions. Through repentance, we move from being weighed down by guilt to rejoicing in God’s forgiveness. Many struggle to forgive themselves, because they don’t grasp the depths of their own forgiveness in the Gospel. However, Scripture shows us that we can have humility about our sin and confidence in God’s grace. Understanding Christ’s substitutionary death for us empowers us to turn from sin and live in the forgiveness we’ve received.
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Forgive Week 8: Our Need

podcast@ourelement.org — Tue, 05 Sep 2023 09:45:56 -0700

This week’s message focuses on the role of guilt/shame in understanding our need for forgiveness. Many today seek to avoid or dismiss the concept of guilt or shame, or even attempt to cover it through their own efforts. A Biblical worldview clearly names and describes the implications of the Fall—humankind’s rebellion against God and the unraveling of our world—and depicts how we are unable to rescue ourselves. As a result of this rupture, we are faced with shame and anxiety as we grapple with our own brokenness. However, the Gospel is truly good news, as it tells us Jesus doesn’t just make us righteous through His sacrifice, but is also working to bring restoration and shalom. Our forgiveness and reconciliation of one another can be seen as part of this restorative work. When we can humbly admit our need before God and receive His grace, we can more eagerly move toward each other in love.
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Forgive Week 7: Restoration of Community

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 27 Aug 2023 21:27:39 -0700

This week’s message on biblical forgiveness focuses on how forgiveness aims to restore community. God’s forgiveness of us individually is meant to be reflected in our own relationships with other broken people. Scripture calls us to rebuke those who sin against us, but also to forgive endlessly. This combines confronting wrongs while being willing to reconcile when the other party is willing.

The Passover shows that all are guilty and substitution is the only way to satisfy justice and love—Jesus’ death is that substitution for us. Mark 11 and Luke 17 give a nuanced view - we can forgive inwardly even without the offender’s repentance, yet full reconciliation requires their repentance. These passages show how forgiveness entails an inward attitude and an outward action. Both are vital—inner forgiveness alone risks enabling harm, while outward forgiveness alone risks being transactional. Forgiveness promotes justice by confronting evil out of love, like Jesus’ command to love our enemies. This distinct love reflects God’s gracious love toward us. Restoring community requires learning to live in the grace we’ve received.
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Forgive Week 6: Justice and Love

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 21 Aug 2023 07:23:26 -0700

This week’s message focuses on balancing justice and love when forgiving others. Scripture condemns seeking revenge, hating others, and bearing grudges against those who wrong us. Instead, it calls us to rebuke those who do wrong while also loving them. True forgiveness requires both justice and love - if we only forgive without confronting the wrongdoing, we enable further harm, but if we only seek justice without forgiving, we risk vengeance.
The doctrine of substitutionary atonement shows God’s commitment to justice against sin, while also offering forgiveness through Christ’s sacrifice. This models how we should pursue justice and forgiveness. The cross inverts oppressive power dynamics. Out of love, we must help perpetrators see their wrongdoing while praying for their repentance and restoration. Forgiveness and justice together provide the chance for real repentance. Pursuing both is difficult but vital for living out biblical forgiveness.
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Justice: The Foundation of a Christian Approach to Abuse by Jacob and Rachael Denhollander

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 21 Aug 2023 07:23:48 -0700

A reading of the white paper “Justice: The Foundation of a Christian Approach to Abuse”, written by Jacob and Rachael Denhollander.
Read by Nicole Pruett
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Forgive Week 5: Love and Fury

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 13 Aug 2023 23:08:51 -0700

As we’ve discussed in this series, the vertical dimension to forgiveness is our starting point. It is God’s own extension of mercy to us that serves as the motivation for our forgiveness of others. An important aspect of this vertical dimension is the nature of God’s love. In His perfect love, God demonstrates wrath against sin, which is an affront to His perfect holiness—we also see how sin hurts those God loves. This anger toward sin shows us that anger is not inherently wrong, but for us, it can often be the result of entitlement or self-interest. The cross puts our anger in perspective, as we remember that God, who suffered the ultimate offense of our sin, lovingly spared us from His wrath. We can also demonstrate justice and mercy as we acknowledge the cost of sin yet move toward others in love and restoration.
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Forgive Week 4: Other Regarding Ethic

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 06 Aug 2023 22:19:08 -0700

This week’s message explores how Christianity introduces an ethic that challenges our innate self-centeredness. Because of who Jesus is and how He has loved us, we are compelled to sacrificially love others. We go from self-regarding to self-giving as followers of Jesus. It’s understandable, then, that forgiveness would be especially difficult for a self-regarding people. Because we have been transformed by the grace of Jesus, however, we are empowered to forgive others and reflect the love of God. It is because of God that we can truly love others and even love forgiveness, even though it is costly.
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Forgive Week 3: Misunderstood Forgiving

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 31 Jul 2023 08:54:30 -0700

This week’s message explores different models/views on forgiveness that are popular today. Those that refuse to understand the costliness of grace (as shown by the Cross) distort the reality of what forgiveness entails. As opposed to forgiveness being blind, transactional, therapeutic, weaponized, or withheld, forgiveness is a reflection of God’s own forgiveness of us in Jesus. In Jesus, we see that forgiveness is costly, sacrificial, and restorative. The Gospel grants us both humility (because of how we have sinned against God) and assurance of His full forgiveness and restoration of us.
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Forgive Week 2: Who is the Servant and Who is the King

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 23 Jul 2023 21:07:14 -0700

In this week’s message, we explore the parable of the unforgiving servant in Matthew 18. We can learn a lot from this parable, as we see that we have been forgiven of an impossible debt by a generous King. We also see that King, God, desires for us to extend the same mercy He has shown us to others. Realizing the gravity of our own wrongs will destroy any sense of entitlement and humble our hearts. If we are unable to extend forgiveness to others, however, it reveals that we have not understood, or even worse, we have not been truly transformed by the grace and mercy God has shown us. In either case, we are not experiencing the full effect of the Gospel in our lives, and it is not being demonstrated to others.
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Forgive Week 1: Can We Even Learn What It Means To Forgive?

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 17 Jul 2023 19:48:30 -0700

This message marks the first in a series of 11 messages on the topic of forgiveness inspired by Tim Keller’s book Forgive. As we progress through the series and come to understand what forgiveness looks like in our own lives, we have to start with a broader exploration of what forgiveness even is - renouncing revenge and being open to reconciliation. Many people, inside and outside the Church, have different opinions of what forgiveness is, but we must come to understand how it is portrayed in Scripture.

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Galatians Week 26: Boast in the Cross

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 10 Jul 2023 09:09:21 -0700

If we look to use Galatians for its intended purpose, we can gain so much valuable understanding from it. The end of the letter is more than a wrap-up; it is a reiteration of the letter’s entire aim. Galatians 6:14 is one of the best verses in Galatians and most of the Bible, because it explains the meaning and the power of the cross. (NIV) “May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.” It seems that this WHOLE letter, the WHOLE last 26 weeks is a call to boast in the cross of Christ alone! We can only boast in the cross, however, if we truly understand what it means.
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Galatians Week 25: Sowing and Reaping

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 03 Jul 2023 09:35:38 -0700

Galatians 6:6-10 is technically part of Galatians 6:1-5; both passages are two parts of the same thought. Last week we talked about being nothing and something; the week before that, we spoke about burdens and loads. All these concepts are meant to go together—just as we, as parts of the same body of Christ, come together.

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Galatians Week 24: Everything and Nothing

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 26 Jun 2023 10:06:17 -0700

God sends His Spirit to dwell in us so that we are no longer orphans, but family; we become adopted children of God. We must continually return to the means by which we were saved—the Gospel. One of the greatest ways others can see the transformation of the Gospel in our lives is how we love one another. Gal 5:26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another. This is how we are to live together as the family of God.
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Galatians Week 23: Lay Down Your Burdens.

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 19 Jun 2023 08:26:46 -0700

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Galatians: Works of the Flesh VS Fruit of the Spirit

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 12 Jun 2023 08:51:36 -0700

Galatians 5:16-25 is one of the most well-known passages in Galatians as it talks about “the fruit of the Spirit.” Tim Keller wrote that he doesn’t think there is any better passage in all the Scriptures than Galatians 5 in showing us what spiritual life results in.
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Galatians: Reminders, Encouragement, and Warnings

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 05 Jun 2023 10:09:57 -0700

Churches can be messy places because they are full of people. God knows His church is messed up because it is full of people, people He purchased with the blood of Jesus. Todd Wilson writes, “Clearly, God is convinced the church is a mess worth making!”

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Galatians: The Motivation

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 29 May 2023 00:06:05 -0700

In these verses, the Apostle Paul will write about wisdom by showing how looking at the end of our journey can influence our present—our motivation. Why do we do what we do? Why is motivation so important to how we live? To put it simply, foolish people and wise people can start off with the same goals, but foolish people give up because they focus on the now and not the finish line. We can become easily discouraged by the “now,” where things can seem hard and circumstances may not work out the way we want. Wise people know that it doesn’t matter where we start; it matters where we end. Wisdom knows to trust God faithfully in all circumstances because that brings longevity.
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Galatians: For Freedom’s Sake

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 22 May 2023 15:44:22 -0700

For thousands of years, fellowship with God had been established through observance of the Law, but the Law was always a time of winter—a time of waiting. There are different modes of travel that are appropriate during the winter season. If you try to use winter modes of travel (e.g., snowshoes, snowmobiles, etc.) during springtime (when everything has melted), you will get stuck and no longer be able to travel. Similarly, the false teachers in Galatia wanted the Galatians to use the Law in a season where it was no longer needed—through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus fulfilled the Law.
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Galatians: Two Sons. Two Covenants.

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 14 May 2023 13:35:31 -0700

Galatians is a book written to churches where false teachers came in and began to contradict Paul’s original Christian message.

• The false teachers were saying: “Believe in Jesus, obey the law, and as a result, you’ll be saved.”
• Paul said: “Believe in Jesus, be saved, and as a result, you will want to obey God.”

There is a huge difference between belief + obedience = salvation and belief + salvation = obedience.
you.

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Galatians: Come to Freedom

podcast@ourelement.org — Wed, 10 May 2023 20:03:25 -0700

Galatians is a book about grace and how we so often misunderstand it. Today, Paul breaks his tone with the Galatians and reveals part of his heart, because it is necessary for him to emotionally convey what he is thinking and feeling. He starts with an appeal to friendship Gal 4:12Brothers, I entreat you, become as I am, for I also have become as you are…and will end with a desire to change his tone of the entire letter Gal 4:20 I wish I could be present with you now and change my tone, for I am perplexed about you.

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Galatians: Gospel Ministry

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 01 May 2023 22:53:18 -0700

Paul’s admonition today in Galatians is to stop worshiping false gods (or “elementary principles of the world”). In our current mindset, it may be easy to think, “Of course we shouldn’t worship false gods.” All too often, however, we easily fall into the trap of doing so. False gods (or elementary principles) do not just include pagan rituals or Norse mythology; false gods include anything we focus on that leads us away from Jesus and the truth of the Gospel.
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Galatians: Worthless Elementary Principles

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 24 Apr 2023 08:08:06 -0700

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Galatians: Adoption, Paul’s Two “Sents”

podcast@ourelement.org — Wed, 19 Apr 2023 21:53:36 -0700

The book of Galatians, unlike some other books in the New Testament, is not written to a specific church. Rather, Galatians is written to an area that contained multiple churches who were all having the same problem: people claiming to have authority were coming in and steering these churches toward a form of legalism. These false teachers believed that the only way for the people in these Galatian churches to be children of God was for them to follow the same rules they followed (e.g., circumcision and dietary restrictions). The churches in Galatia started to become confused and didn’t know what to do, because they wanted to please God. Paul catches wind of what is going on and writes this letter, telling them they are saved by grace—not works—and to trust in the provision of Christ.

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Prayer: Jesus’ Prayer

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 09 Apr 2023 20:37:34 -0700

At the end of 2022, Element went through a 13-week series on prayer. We said that, “Prayer is a continuing conversation that God has started through His Word and provided by His grace, which eventually becomes a full encounter with Him.” Prayer starts with God revealing Himself to us through His Spirit and His written word. In response, we can know Him and enjoy and experience relationship lived with Him.

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Galatians - Week 13 - Babysitters, Maturity, Baptism, And Family

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 03 Apr 2023 00:18:50 -0700

The Jewish people held Moses as the greatest messenger of God’s will and blessing because he brought the Law to the people. Paul will say something both amazing and offensive at the same time:

Moses was a mediator
Moses was a terrible mediator

When Moses showed up (as a mediator), he made things worse, because the Law only revealed the depth of our sin; the Law was powerless to actually save us.
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Galatians - Week 11 - Two Paths: To Blessing Or Curse

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 26 Mar 2023 22:30:39 -0700

In Galatians 3:6-14 Paul shows the disaster that can happen when people go down the path of religious law-keeping in order to find righteousness or acceptance before God. Paul has been on this journey before with many others, and he knows how to keep us on the path, as too often, we get lost seeking God’s acceptance of us.
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Galatians - Week 12 - Why Then The Law

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 20 Mar 2023 16:59:20 -0700

The Law of Moses, as found in the first five books of the Bible, has been a hotbed of debate ever since God gave it to us. There are those today who say that in order to be a Christian, you must also follow the law (just like they said to the Galatians). Paul has been arguing that we are saved by the mercy and grace of God through faith in what Christ did for us at the cross. False teachers said, “First, believe in Jesus Christ; second, obey God’s law; then, third, you’ll be saved.” Paul taught, however, “First, believe in Jesus Christ; second, you’re saved; and third, as a result, you will want to obey God.”
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Galatians - Week 10 - The Spirit’s Power

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 12 Mar 2023 18:36:47 -0700

How we live the Christian life is a topic of endless books, seminars, camps, and conferences; in Galatians Paul speaks of living in the Spirit’s power. When he speaks of the Spirit’s power, he is referring to God the Holy Spirit and the restored relationship that is provided in Christ. When we understand the truth of the Gospel, we have a transformative and supernatural power to live for Christ in real ways.
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Galatians - Week 9 - Justified Sinners

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 06 Mar 2023 07:02:05 -0800

Up to this point in Galatians, Paul has been recounting his story of how and why he preaches grace and the Gospel. He has been giving a couple of stories about his life, his interactions with the church in Jerusalem, and his confrontation between Peter and himself. This confrontation was about the nature of the Gospel, the essence of the Christian faith, and what a Christian really is.
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BONUS EP: Meet Kevin Kaub, HS + Minister

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 06 Mar 2023 07:09:13 -0800

In this long form bonus episode, Aaron and Michael interview Kevin, our new hire for High School and post graduation ministries. This get-to-know you episode is for you to hear Kevin’s journey getting here and his heart for ministry.

CLICK HERE TO EMAIL KEVIN

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Galatians - Week 8 - More Important, More Complex, and More Liberating

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 27 Feb 2023 16:52:02 -0800

Truth is a big deal in our culture, but the truth we adhere to is often personal truth based on what we feel, and not on what is objectively true. Christianity believes there is absolute truth and it is found in Jesus. That claim has caused a lot of people to shy away from Christianity, because we are often taught that if someone claims they have absolute truth, it undermines others’ freedom.
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Galatians - Week 7 - Hypocritical Actors

podcast@ourelement.org — Tue, 21 Feb 2023 06:39:13 -0800

In this section of Galatians, there is an encounter that feels like one of the most awkward moments in the early church: Paul goes after Peter for separating himself from Gentiles he was eating with previously. After a group of Jewish men show up in Antioch, Peter reverts to the old ways of keeping distance from those who were not Jewish.
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Galatians - Week 6 - Eager To Do

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 13 Feb 2023 19:32:17 -0800

In an effort to bring unity, Paul speaks of his travels to Jerusalem and what the leaders there thought of his ministry (they validated it). He ends with this line: Gal 2:10 Only, they asked us to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do. An issue at the beginning of Galatians 2 was whether the Gospel Paul preached among Gentiles was sufficient, or whether something needed to be added to it. While the church leaders in Jerusalem agreed with Paul about the sufficiency of the Gospel, they did make a request: They asked Paul to remember the poor!
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Galatians - Week 5 - Seeing Grace

podcast@ourelement.org — Tue, 07 Feb 2023 19:17:09 -0800

Paul has a passion for the Gospel. It is why he continues to tell his own story about what God did and continues to do. Sometimes it is easy to talk about the need for grace in our lives, but it is another thing to see or believe how much we really need that grace. Paul has been telling his story of coming to understand God’s grace in Galatians 1. He will do a 3-year time jump in chapter 1 by talking about how he first met Peter and James. Today he continues his telling of his story and will pick up approximately 14 years from where he was in the last chapter.
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Galatians - Week 4 - Our Story In His Story

podcast@ourelement.org — Tue, 31 Jan 2023 08:33:24 -0800

We all have a grid for how we view our life—the things that happen around us and the things that happen to us. At Element we are constantly trying to get people to see their lives through the larger narrative of God’s story. Very often, we tend to narrate life through the lens of our past. All of our joys, sorrows, ups, and downs filter through and inform how we interpret the world around us. If we place ourselves at the center of our story, then our vision will be skewed by life’s events. If our stories can be re-narrated with God at the center, everything we have ever gone through can have a new and different purpose—a redemptive purpose.
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Galatians - Week 3 - Whose Approval Matters

podcast@ourelement.org — Tue, 24 Jan 2023 03:47:23 -0800

The Apostle Paul was an interesting case in his authority as an Apostle. He was one of the most learned men in the history of the church, being trained by the best scholars of his day, but when it came to the Gospel message it was Jesus who took all that learning and applied it in real ways. Paul was independent of most influences of his day, but not independent of God’s influence.
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Galatians - Week 2 -Not The Gospel

podcast@ourelement.org — Tue, 17 Jan 2023 20:10:51 -0800

In week one we started by talking about what the Gospel is, who Paul was writing to, and Paul’s apostleship and authority. People have now arrived in the area of Galatia who are trying to tear Paul’s teaching down by saying he was a secondhand apostle and wasn’t actually sent by Jesus.
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Galatians - Week 1 - The Gospel

podcast@ourelement.org — Tue, 10 Jan 2023 07:31:32 -0800

Galatians is a book about God’s grace as seen specifically in the Gospel. This book was the central theological work that brought about what we now call “The Reformation.” Martin Luther’s commentary on Galatians says, “…tyrants and enemies of ours may accuse and frighten us, but they dare not condemn us, for Christ, whom God the Father has raised from the dead is our righteousness and our victory.” Many people, when they start Galatians, skip the intro and jump to verse 6, but we must start at the beginning.
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Prayer Week Thirteen: Paul’s Prayer Part 2

podcast@ourelement.org — Sat, 31 Dec 2022 11:30:14 -0800

Last week we looked at Paul's prayer in Ephesians 3. Today we want to flesh that out in how we truly view God. We want to become a people who know that the reason we pray is not to get things from God, but to know Him better. Prayer is often misunderstood because we think it is about getting from God rather than being with God; this is why Paul prays that we would be reminded who God is.

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Prayer Week Twelve: Paul’s Prayer Part 1

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 12 Dec 2022 18:43:43 -0800

Statistics and surveys today tell us that most people in America (and around the world) say that they are spiritual but not "religious." They are not interested in what would be called "institutional religion." They also say they value "spirituality" and are "spiritual" themselves. It is important in this series to understand what "spiritual-ness" actually is and is not. Paul's prayer, which we look at this week, focuses on the point that we should expect and seek profound, life-changing spiritual experiences of the love and joy of God.

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Prayer Week Eleven: Daniel’s Prayer

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 05 Dec 2022 12:10:06 -0800

Daniel is one of the most famous Bible heroes of all time. He prays to God and recognizes where his country failed, but also where God showed Himself as faithful. The book of Daniel, historically speaking, is written while the nation of Israel is in captivity in the nation of Babylon. Daniel was probably, scholars say, somewhere in his middle school years when he went to Babylon and yet you see a strong commitment to God in Daniel's life. How does Daniel pray?
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Prayer Week Ten: Heman’s Prayer

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 28 Nov 2022 20:20:27 -0800

During the last few weeks of this series on prayer, we want to look at examples of how people prayed in the Scriptures so that we can have insight into what real prayer looks like. Today we look at a prayer by Heman that is dark; as a matter of fact, the last word in the Psalm is darkness. There is a reason we want to study a dark prayer like this. Growth, for us, happens most often in the darkest times when we are faced with the question: "Where are we looking for salvation?" When times are dark, we must pray in the midst of it and pray through it, this will allow our prayers to be honest and real.
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Prayer Week Nine: Abraham’s Prayer

podcast@ourelement.org — Tue, 22 Nov 2022 06:05:14 -0800

This week we begin to make a transition from talking about what prayer is, to how certain people in the Bible prayed.

We have walked through unanswered prayers, real prayer, the "Lord's Prayer," ceaseless prayer, and what "praying in the Spirit" means. Now we want to see how some people in the Bible actually prayed and what their examples can show us. The Bible says real spirituality is not just believing in God or even talking to God; real spirituality is responding to a living God who speaks, has spoken, and acts in the world. God has come to reveal Himself in real ways. Real "spirituality" is knowing the God who comes and shows Himself to us through His word.

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Prayer Week Eight: Praying in the Spirit

podcast@ourelement.org — Tue, 15 Nov 2022 17:34:59 -0800

Praying in the Spirit can sound other-worldly and spooky, but that is what the Scriptures tell us to do. The Greek word for "pray in" means "by means of," "with the help of," "in the sphere of," and "in connection to." Praying in the Spirit does not refer simply to the words we are saying, but it refers to how we are praying. Praying in the Spirit is praying according to the Holy Spirit's leading.
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Prayer Week Seven: Unceasing Prayer

podcast@ourelement.org — Tue, 08 Nov 2022 20:48:12 -0800

One of the dangers in “spiritual life” is thinking that we know what the Scriptures are saying when we don’t; we at times get so used to Bible language that we fail to stop and think, “What did the writer mean by that?” This is why an understanding of prayer is so important, because prayer is always connected to a very deep truth: God is always present, which means He is right wherever and whenever we are.

What should we pray about in unceasing prayer? Everything.
When should we pray? All the time, unceasingly.
Where/when should you pray? Anywhere, anytime.

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Prayer Week Six: Elements of Prayer: A.C.T.S

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 31 Oct 2022 08:31:57 -0700

People everywhere have at least some difficulty knowing how to pray. We tend to default to the way we have heard others pray. Because we've heard people being "eloquent" as they pray, we think God wants us to step up our vocabulary to a higher level, so we try to learn the new spiritual dialect, but God wants to have a relationship with us as we are.

Today and this week we are going to take a look at a METHOD of prayer that became popular several years ago, called the ACTS Method. It is meant to help us guide our prayer time and bring some balance to it at the same time.

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Prayer Week Five: The Lord’s Prayer

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 24 Oct 2022 06:53:28 -0700

It is interesting that Jesus' disciples never asked Him to teach them how to prophesy or preach, but they did ask Him to teach them how to pray. Most often, Jesus taught others how to pray by simply praying. He would pray where the disciples could see and hear Him, but He also went off to pray by Himself (sometimes at the most inconvenient times) and the disciples had to take care of themselves. That alone time was important for Jesus in how He modeled a life with God in front of the disciples.
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Prayer Week Four: Real Prayer

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 17 Oct 2022 14:31:39 -0700

Some people pray and are constantly wondering if God hears them. If and when we do pray, we usually expect God to interact with us in a way that we find acceptable. When He doesn't, we may think there is something wrong with the relationship or with God Himself. We are told that God is like a Father, which is wonderful, but some people view that relationship as one where God must always give us the answers we are seeking. Prayer, for some people, simply becomes a way to avoid the anxiety and responsibility of making a choice. As a Father, God knows that there are many times we will grow more when we have to think about what truly glorifies Him, asking others for wise counsel, and choosing to take responsibility. As a good parent, God is wise and will make sure that His children learn to choose the correct course, because there is no other way to grow character.

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Prayer Week Three: Unanswered Prayer

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 09 Oct 2022 22:20:32 -0700

Unanswered prayers can be challenging for us on an individual level. They can be especially challenging in a group/community setting, where different opinions/interpretations of why they've gone unanswered come to the forefront. This sermon challenges the misconceptions we often have and shows us how we can offer Gospel encouragement to one another in the midst of our waiting-when we've yet to see/hear an answer from God or when He doesn't respond in the way we would like.
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Prayer Week Two: What Prayer is Not

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 03 Oct 2022 08:48:58 -0700

In order for us to have a deep relationship with God, we must know and trust who He is in His person. Too often, we make up who we want God to be and then worship that image as God. Rather than living in the truth that we are made in His image, we try to remake God in our image and that never goes well. One of our biggest obstacles to prayer is that often we are praying for what we want rather than what God wants for us.
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Prayer Week One: What is Prayer

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 26 Sep 2022 19:45:58 -0700

This week kicks off our sermon series dedicated specifically to prayer. There are many ideas about what prayer is or isn't throughout the world, and prayer can seem overwhelming or intimidating to a lot of people. However, the Christian faith is centered on a personal God revealed in Jesus Christ, and we are allowed to approach Him anytime and in full honesty through prayer! Prayer is not about our work, vocabulary, or righteousness; rather, it is about God's work in our hearts. As with any relationship, communication is central. By knowing who Jesus is and experiencing His grace, we are drawn into prayer with Him. It is also through prayer that we continually encounter Him and grow in faith and maturity.
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Talking Element S4E1 - What/Why I Journal. With Christie Marangi

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 26 Sep 2022 19:48:55 -0700

Christie and Aaron sit down and discuss why she began journaling and how it has helped. Offers some simple ways to begin journaling for others.
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NRABV*: Seventeen: 2 or 3 Gathered Together

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 19 Sep 2022 07:07:57 -0700

Church discipline sounds controlling; yet Jesus teaches us that in love and grace confrontation may need to happen. Why should one Christian confront another?
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Talking Element S3E8 - Question about 1 John 3:9

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 19 Sep 2022 07:07:29 -0700

Aaron and Russ Sharer sit down to discuss 1 John 3:9, and how this series (Never Read A Bible Verse *without context) has helped Russ.

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NRABV*: Sixteen- Mission

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 12 Sep 2022 07:01:56 -0700

Matt 28:19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…

God has called His people to be on mission for Him in the world, but what does that mean? Kevin DeYoung says, “The mission of the church is the task given by God for the people of God to accomplish in the world.” We make disciples by bearing witness to Jesus and what He is doing as the Son of God.

• Mission is not just for other people that aren’t us.
• Mission is how all of us are called to live.
• Mission is not an intangible goal; it is normal life lived in new ways.

Many people feel that the term “mission” is so far above them. For some, mission is only feeding the homeless, painting a house, or taking someone a meal; mission can be those things, but mission is simpler and deeper than that at the same time. The mission that we are on is to make disciples. It is us being able to understand the Gospel in tangible ways so that we come alongside each other in order to help one another live each moment in Christ.

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NRABV*: Fifteen- God Won’t Give Us More Than We Can Handle

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 05 Sep 2022 19:43:12 -0700

Starting with Jesus and going down the line, the Bible is mostly about people whose faith in God not only does not prevent their suffering but very often causes their suffering. No one consoles someone else in the Bible with, "God won't give you more than you can handle."
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NRABV*: Fourteen- Don’t Be Anxious

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 28 Aug 2022 20:37:29 -0700

Anxiety is real and can have a myriad of causes; if you struggle with it, please understand that you are not alone. The Greek word for anxious in Philippians 4:6 literally means to “have cares”; it has the connotation of letting your thoughts be overly focused on one thing. A lot of the advice in our world regarding anxiety is unhelpful, but Scripture offers much wisdom in how a healthy view of God can help us alleviate our own anxieties and worries. Rather than turning our gaze inward, our focus should be on God. In Matthew 6 (the Sermon on the Mount), Jesus teaches us a few lessons:
1) Anxiousness can come from a lack of faith—while our salvation is secured by trusting Jesus, our practical unbelief can contribute to worry.
2) Anxiousness can come from a confused priority—Jesus reminds us that all the things we need to exist will be given to us.
3) Anxiousness can come from a lack of focus—If you are constantly thinking about tomorrow, you will fail to live today as God intends you to….for His glory.
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NRABV*: Thirteen- I Can Do All Things

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 22 Aug 2022 12:33:53 -0700

This week, we continue to explore how reading Scripture out of context can lead us to wrong or dangerous conclusions. The verse Steve covered (Philippians 4:13) has often been used to boost morale or celebrate human accomplishments, centering the focus on us and what we can do (with God’s help, of course). Essentially, it has been interpreted as a “Christian” version of, “You can do anything you put your mind to.” This can be problematic when things don’t go the way we want them to—does that mean we are in sin, don’t have enough faith, or that God is not as powerful as we thought?

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NRABV*: Twelve- Jesus Knocking

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 15 Aug 2022 07:12:15 -0700

We live in a time and place of significant material blessings. Because of this, it can be deceptively easy for us to live as if we don’t really need anything from God—to live as practical atheist—becoming complacent and self-reliant in our relationship with God. This is what happened to the Church in Laodicea. They trusted in wealth rather than in Jesus, and in doing so, they lost their zeal and fellowship with Him. Jesus is shown on the outside of the church, standing at their door knocking; this is an invitation to believers, not unbelievers. Jesus is speaking to His church that became self-sufficient and complacent. They have become lukewarm rather than being hot or cold. They’ve become ineffective for God’s kingdom. They are blind to their true condition.
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Talking Element S3E7 - Question about Sharing Jesus with a Friend

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 15 Aug 2022 07:10:48 -0700

Aaron and Joy Snyder sit down to discuss her question, “I have a friend who is a Jehovah’s Witness, how do I talk to her about Jesus?

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NRABV*: Eleven- Women Part 2

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 08 Aug 2022 21:31:59 -0700

When Jesus dies for our sin and rises from the grave, He sends His Holy Spirit to be our advocate, our counselor. The Holy Spirit is not just limited now to prophets, the Spirit now dwells in those who have placed our faith in Jesus. In the New Testament we see Jesus’ followers start to change the world, men and women both. The first people Jesus revealed Himself to after the resurrection were women, which scholars today say is some of the best evidence for the resurrection.
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Talking Element S3E6 - Question about CareNet Pregnancy Center & Dobbs Case

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 08 Aug 2022 21:45:50 -0700

Aaron sits down with Christina Sultan, the director of CareNet Pregnancy Center to discuss the Dobbs case, abortion, and what CareNet does and is doing.

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Talking Element S3E5 - Question about How to Study the Bible

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 31 Jul 2022 22:39:00 -0700

Aaron uses the internet to show some tools to help you study the Bible.

What does it mean? How can we learn and understand verses that are confusing?

Do you have questions? Email questions@ourelement.org

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NRABV*: Ten- Women Part 1

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 01 Aug 2022 13:32:38 -0700

Genesis 1:27 “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them…” These words were unique in the ancient world, men do not bear or reflect the image of God any more than women. All humankind is made in God’s image.

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NRABV*: Nine - Work Out Your Own Salvation?

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 25 Jul 2022 21:37:48 -0700

The main story of the Bible says that we CAN’T save ourselves, that we can’t work for our salvation. So why does the Apostle Paul say, “as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling…”? Is this contradictory or could it be something else?

Three principles to remember, to help us study our Bibles in context:
1. Remember The Big Picture
2. Remember The Way Words Work
3. Remember The Context
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NRABV*: Eight- Government

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 18 Jul 2022 12:13:12 -0700

Romans 13 leaves many Christians scratching their heads with questions. In Romans 13:1-7 we are told that there is no Authority appointed apart from GOD, that anyone who resists God’s appointed authority’s, resists GOD, and to be subject to those in authority because that pleases God. In submitting to that authority, we pay taxes, honor, and respect as if we are paying it to God Himself. The two overarching themes in Romans 13 are:
1. The only legitimate authority is God.
2. Human authority is only legitimate when appointed by God.

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NRABV*: Seven- Judging

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 18 Jul 2022 12:14:30 -0700

What is Heaven? One writer says that Heaven is, “The full manifestation of what it means to bow the knee to God in full submission to Him for eternity.” Heaven is true and real life with God, it is not about us. People today tend to define a “heaven” that is focused on ourselves and not a true Heaven that is focused upon Christ. But if Heaven wasn’t focused upon Christ, it would be Hell.
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NRABV*: Six- Slavery

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 18 Jul 2022 12:14:18 -0700

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Talking Element S3E4 - Question about Mental Health & Reading the Bible

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 26 Jun 2022 22:39:27 -0700

Aaron & Jason sit down to discuss Jason’s journey of life and mental health, as they *unqualifiedly* respond to the question, “How do you know how to read the Bible to help you through mental health when you feel like you don’t fit in this world and you don’t belong, and can’t just pull verses?”

What does it mean? How can we learn and understand verses that are confusing?

Do you have questions? Email questions@ourelement.org

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NRABV*: Five- Hell Works

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 26 Jun 2022 22:39:19 -0700

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Talking Element S3E3 - Question about John 4:13-14

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 20 Jun 2022 07:59:23 -0700

Aaron & Janelle sit down to discuss her questions, -John 4:13-14 “Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the father may be glorified in the son. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.”

I have asked for healing for relatives and friends but it has never happened – yet there are miracles for some but not for others – I am confused. Is it because there is a plan for people that cannot be changed? If this is clear as mud – sorry – these are just the questions I have.

What does it mean? How can we learn and understand verses that are confusing?

Do you have questions? Email questions@ourelement.org

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NRABV*: Four- Creation

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 20 Jun 2022 07:56:43 -0700

What is God’s aim in telling the creation narrative the way He does? It is correcting the understanding of His people, so they know that there is ONE TRUE GOD who made everything. God telling the story in Genesis makes some important distinctions from the other stories His people may have been indoctrinated to in Egypt. Other creation stories all portray the gods as violent deities who fight with each other; they don’t care about human beings at all. Genesis tells of a God who is entirely unlike any other gods:
1. There is ONE single God who has made relational promises to be with His people.
2. The God in the Genesis narrative doesn’t need ANYONE ELSE to help in creation.
3. God creates mankind in His IMAGE, meaning they have dignity and worth. He doesn’t NEED us to provide for Him, He provides for us.
4. The God of ALL creation entrusted His image bearers with the task of caring for the creation rather than creating them to serve His whims.

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Talking Element S3E2 - Question about Ephesians 5:22-24

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 12 Jun 2022 18:42:32 -0700

Aaron & Janet sit down to discuss her question, What’s the context behind “wives submitting to their husbands”? Some people take it so literally….. is it really meant that way?

What does it mean? How can we learn and understand verses that are confusing?

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NRABV*: Three- Not Our Ways

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 12 Jun 2022 18:37:38 -0700

When Isaiah speaks of God’s thoughts being above ours, it can be seen as a secret type of knowledge that is inaccessible to us simple-minded humans; instead, it is speaking about the mercy of God being inaccessible to us sinful hearted humans. God sees all the places our lives take turns that are unexpected to us. There are times when we are left scratching our heads that we will sometimes be told, “His ways and thoughts are higher than ours.” While this line of thought does appeal to the truth that God is sovereign, Isaiah 55 cannot be used as a proof text for that reasoning.
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Talking Element S3E1 - Question about John 20:22-24 (Season Premiere)

podcast@ourelement.org — Fri, 10 Jun 2022 08:38:46 -0700

Aaron & Michelle sit down to discuss questions around John 20 where it says, And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld.”

What does it mean? How can we learn and understand verses that are confusing?

Do you have questions? Email questions@ourelement.org

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NRABV*: Two- The Bible in Context

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 06 Jun 2022 05:21:47 -0700

Many misunderstandings about the Bible start with misunderstanding what the Bible actually is:
1. The Bible is a library, not a book. The Bible is 66 books in two parts (old testament and New Testament) combined under one cover. The Bible is the PRIMARY way God still speaks to us today.
2. The Bible was written for us, but not to us. The Bible is FOR all people at all times and all places to know God and gain wisdom. But it was not written TO us in terms of modern language or contemporary culture with our assumptions in mind.
3. Never Read a Bible Verse – Out of Context. Every Bible verse fits within a larger narrative framework.
4. All the Bible Points to Jesus. We do not see Jesus’ name in the OT, but the whole story line centers around Him as God’s promised savior from Gen 3 onward.
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NRABV*: One - Does the Bible Make Atheists?

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 30 May 2022 10:31:57 -0700

There are some Christians who say that those who don’t believe the Bible or trust in Jesus, “just need to read the Bible,” but what happens if they do read the Bible and it has the opposite effect? Could the Bible make people atheists if they read it cover to cover? Penn Jillete (from Penn and Teller fame) is an atheist and once said, “Reading the Bible is the fast track to atheism.” Instead of being outraged by the comment, we should instead ask what he means and why he said it.
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James: A Faith That Works - Part Nineteen: James 5:19-20 - Speaking the Gospel

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 23 May 2022 07:31:15 -0700

James, throughout his letter, deals with confusion, discipline, the need for confession of sins, and he will end with a push to restore (bring back) those who have wandered. James never shies away from calling sin “sin,” or “wandering” sin, but he reminds us that God has a greater purpose in one another’s lives, a purpose beyond judgment. The New Testament tells us to weep over those who are wandering, pray for them, speak truth into their lives, and when necessary bring discipline.

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James: A Faith That Works - Part Eighteen: James 5:13-18 - Common Prayer

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 16 May 2022 08:12:23 -0700

James talks about prayer and the reasons we must be a people who are known by it in today’s verses. Prayer is, in its simplest form, communication with God, talking with Him. It is not meditation or reflection, it is communication with the one who created us. Prayer can be silent or audible, in private or public, formal or informal. In James 1 he says we offer our “prayers” in trust that God hears us. John 16 we are told to pray in Jesus’ “name.” In Romans 8 we are told that we pray by the power of the God’s Spirit.
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James: A Faith That Works - Part Seventeen: James 5:12 - The Piling on of Words

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 09 May 2022 11:50:39 -0700

Today, James tells us something that Jesus first said, “let your yes be yes and your no be no.” How easy is it now to add a few words to a statement trying to strengthen what we say? How often do we try to quote statistics (that may or may not be true) or use words like “they say…” when we don’t know who “they” are? When James talks about oaths it would mean to invoke some supernatural power in support of what we are saying.

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James: A Faith That Works - Part Sixteen: James 5:7-15 - Suffering and Hope

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 02 May 2022 06:15:33 -0700

Patience is one of the fruits that the Holy Spirit brings when we are filled by and led by God. Today our whole society is built around not being patient, yet James says it is vital in the life of those who follow Jesus. Patience enables us to stand with God in situations we do not understand.

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James: A Faith That Works - Part Fifteen: James 5:1-6 - The Dangers of Wealth

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 25 Apr 2022 12:18:09 -0700

Money can be dangerous, one writer says, "The heart is deceptive. A love of money is deadly, and it's only the gospel that can deliver us from this." The default position of our hearts is usually one that thinks we are doing well; James reminds us that we need to check our hearts (what we do with money in this case) to see what you truly love.

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Easter 2022: Doubting Doubts

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 17 Apr 2022 21:05:17 -0700

In our world today, people have a lot of questions about God. When we do not face our doubts or fears about our beliefs, we lack a truly genuine faith (trust). When we work through honest (not self-serving) doubts, that effort can begin to grow our trust in God. Too many people think that in order to believe in Jesus, they have to turn their minds off…we see in the example of Thomas that is just not true!

Today we deal with the real doubts of one of Jesus’ own disciples, the man eternally dubbed as “Doubting Thomas.” Thomas is a story not about how we can get rid of all our doubts, but what to do with our doubts. By seeing Jesus for who He is, and not who we try to make Him out to be, we can experience deeper trust in who He is.

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James: A Faith That Works - Part Fourteen: James 4:13-17 - Forgetting God

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 11 Apr 2022 07:49:24 -0700

James asks a lot of hard questions throughout his short letter, questions that are very practical to our lives today. He shows us that how we live in the world (false wisdom or true wisdom) are both built on a view of God and how He behaves in the world. Today, James will make us look at our lives in regard to arrogance and how we think we have ultimate control over all of our circumstances.

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James: A Faith That Works - Part Thirteen: James 4:1-12 - More Grace

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 04 Apr 2022 09:15:25 -0700

There are 3 primary tools in regard to growing in true wisdom:
The Scriptures – The point of the Scriptures is Jesus.
The community of the church – If we want to walk in true wisdom, we surround ourselves with people who love Jesus and submit to His Word.
Those who are further along than us in “the faith” and in life – We should seek guidance, in humility, from others who have lived more of “life.”

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James: A Faith That Works - Part Twelve: James 3:13-18 - Works and Wisdom

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 04 Apr 2022 09:05:53 -0700

James, in the previous verses, has talked about how true and real Christianity will come out in our words, actions, and hearts. In James Chapter 2 he finished speaking about the poor and our heart issues, now he moves that to our words (our speech). James shows that walking with Christ comes through a humility, our salvation is not about our self-sufficiency, but Christ’s sufficiency.

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James: A Faith That Works - Part Eleven: James 3:1-12 - What Our Words Reveal

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 21 Mar 2022 08:46:45 -0700

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James: A Faith That Works - Part Ten: James 2:14-26 - Faith and Works

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 14 Mar 2022 08:59:52 -0700

James makes us ask ourselves hard questions about whether we truly believe what we say we believe; the book is a great look at whether we are truly followers of Christ. At the end of most of these weeks in James there is supposed to be introspective thinking; asking if we truly belong to Jesus or not. James does his best to show us the reality of what it means to trust and follow Jesus.

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James: A Faith That Works - Part Nine: James 2:1-13 - Favoritism

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 07 Mar 2022 07:13:56 -0800

If you go to most dictionaries today, they will define religion as, “an organized system of beliefs and rituals centering on a supernatural being or beings.” Is that all religion is or meant to be, an organized system of beliefs or rituals?

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James: A Faith That Works - Part Eight: James 1:26-27 - Pure Religion

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 28 Feb 2022 06:35:21 -0800

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James: A Faith That Works - Part Seven: James 1:22-25 - Taking The Mirror With Us

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 21 Feb 2022 17:00:44 -0800

James continues in a linear line tying all the pieces of his letter together as he moves forward. Looking at the last 3 weeks we see James moving us into the reasons why we read and listen to God’s word and how it leads to being born again. James 1:18 “Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.” Then he moves us to James 1:21 “Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.” The word of God is meant to produce in us a change because of the Gospel. Being made new, or being born again, makes a connection between the word of God, being born again, and the new life we now live.

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James: A Faith That Works - Part Six: James 1:19-21 - Slow to Speak, Quick to Listen

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 14 Feb 2022 06:36:50 -0800

E. May Grimes, “Speak, Lord, in the stillness, While I wait on Thee; Hushed my heart to listen In expectancy.”

Being quick to listen was very important to a Jewish people because, when James was written, there was no printing press. The Old Testament scriptures were not something every family had a copy of in their homes. They were an oral culture when James was written, and they had to listen. If people didn’t listen, they would usually end up being impoverished in their walk with Christ. Listening to God has huge implications for when/if we read the Bible and listen to it.

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James: A Faith That Works - Part Five: James 1:16-18 - Every Good Gift

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 06 Feb 2022 13:48:00 -0800

The book of James is written to a people who loved God and yet were dispersed in the world because of trouble and trials. The trials were literal (as many of them were hauled into court) and metaphorical (as it spoke about the hardship of daily lives). James speaks about the trials, and turns us towards understand two types of grace that God brings into our lives.

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James: A Faith That Works - Part Four: James 1:12-15 - Trials, Tests & Temptations

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 30 Jan 2022 16:09:53 -0800

While God allows us to go through trials (so that He would be glorified and we would grow in wisdom), He never tempts us to sin in those circumstances. All trials inherently test us in how we respond. Will we respond out of our own foolishness or in the wisdom God offers? Every trial and difficult circumstance ultimately exposes our own desires.

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James: A Faith That Works | Week Three: The Paradox of Suffering James 1:9-12

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 24 Jan 2022 05:59:30 -0800

There are trials in our lives where God is being good and growing us. Parents many times today will not deal with kids at their weak points because they don’t want to deal with a meltdown, but our heavenly Father will push on our weak points in order to grow us. Trials are inevitable and trials can bring wisdom.

Note: Please excuse the short audio glitch in the middle of the recording. It’s not you, it’s us. I mean… Aaron can talk fast, but not *that* fast.

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James: A Faith That Works - Part Two

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 17 Jan 2022 08:53:38 -0800

The reading of James 1:5-8 can be scary if we do not understand the context of James’ words. Many people have read these verses and thought that they were never allowed to have any doubts or worries because God would not listen to them when they did. But what we see is that faith is the word for trust and faith consists of more than intellectual beliefs. Faith is meant to inform the way we live our lives and the way we respond to circumstances (even difficult and challenging situations).

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James: A Faith That Works - Part One

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 10 Jan 2022 08:45:58 -0800

This week launches our 19 week series through the book of James, a book written by Jesus’ own half-brother. James moved from seeing Jesus not just as a family member, but as God and Savior. In his opening verses, James encourages readers to “count it all joy” as we come face to face with trials and suffering. The word “count” (NIV says “consider”) has at its root the idea of being first, meaning when you face trials, before you focus on the trial, think about what it means. He doesn’t say, “Consider your trials joy.” He says, “Count it all joy….when…” James is commending the conscious embrace of a uniquely Christian understanding of every trial: that all things can grow us and glorify God.

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Songs of Ascent Week 17: Hallelujah (Praise the Lord)

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 03 Jan 2022 08:53:00 -0800

Psalm 135 would have been sung after the ascent to Jerusalem. It’s a psalm that encourages true worship in which praise is the inevitable expression of a relationship with the living God and creator of the universe. God’s people would be reminded of the abundant reasons they have for praising and blessing “the name of the Lord,” and that our God is worthy of all praise.

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Songs of Ascent Week 16: Recap - Discipleship is a Journey

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 27 Dec 2021 09:04:42 -0800

Merry Christmas Element! Before we get to the new year, we are taking one more look at the 15 steps of discipleship we see in the Songs of Ascent.

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Songs of Ascent Week 15: Psalm 134 - Hope

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 20 Dec 2021 20:11:20 -0800

The reason we end all of these Songs of Ascent with the idea of hope is that hope is what those taking this journey were ultimately looking for. They traveled to Jerusalem for the feasts, the holidays, to remember who God is and what He had done…but they also remember what God promised He would do. When we look back at all that was written and said in the Hebrew Scriptures, we see God promising to come and rescue His people through no merit of their own. That should bring us hope because we have all failed miserably, all too often. Peterson writes, “God gets down on his knees among us, gets on our level and shares himself with us. He does not reside afar off and send us diplomatic messages; he kneels among us. That posture is characteristic of God.” Because God came to save us, we get to go out and get down on the level of those around us in a way that makes God’s love tangible.

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Talking Element S2E13. Stories of Community: Hope with Aaron & Michael (Series Finale)

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 20 Dec 2021 20:14:01 -0800

Michael and Aaron sit down and discusses the final Psalm in the Songs of Ascent series, and what’s next for Talking Element.

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Songs of Ascent Week 12: Psalm 131 - Humility

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 12 Dec 2021 17:36:55 -0800

Psalm 131 explores the idea of Humility. It is a prayer-song that some people are reluctant to recite or sing, because its claims are so bold! But it comes to us, not as a command to be humble, but as the honest prayer and testimony of a person who has spent his adult life working on humility through his failures and successes. An honest person knows that he or she is not perfectly humble, but this Psalm gives us a challenge to keep working at it. Rather than seeking our own greatness, we are challenged to be satisfied with having the Great Jehovah in our lives at all times. We, along with Israel, are to hope in Him now and forevermore!

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Songs of Ascent Week 14: Psalm 133 - Community

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 06 Dec 2021 12:18:03 -0800

Jesus tells us that the world around us will know that we are His disciples by how we love each other: John 13:35 By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” Having true love for one another is the only way we will ever live in true community with one another. Why is it so important to God that His people live in community? Because it means we are living as we were created, image bearers of Him. God’s solution to the problems in the world is meant to be lived out in tangible ways in the church (church meaning not a place you go or a service you attend, but a body of people who become family that find their reality in Him). Jesus came to restore us to God’s family with people where no one is perfect, but everyone is welcome.

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Songs of Ascent Week 13: Psalm 132 - Obedience

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 28 Nov 2021 20:06:37 -0800

Psalm 132 is meant to be a reminder of how our obedience comes about: it comes from God first being faithful to us. We obey, live by the Holy Spirit’s guiding, because we understand how great, worthy and good God is. We are told in the scriptures that Jesus came to fulfill the law, everything we couldn’t measure up to, He lived the perfect life of obedience for us. He wants to return us to who we were meant to be, image bearers of God! This is why the scriptures are big on obedience. Obedience to God increases the freedom that matters most to human beings, and we obey God because God alone in all the universe is worth obeying.

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Songs of Ascent Week 11: Psalm 130 - Prayer

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 22 Nov 2021 12:38:16 -0800

When the Bible speaks of God declaring us “righteous” it is a term that denotes relationship. God extends relationship—and in turn, His righteousness—to us, because He is faithful. Peterson writes, “God sticks to his relationship. He establishes a personal relationship with us and stays with it. The central reality for Christians is the personal, unalterable, persevering commitment God makes to us. Perseverance is not the result of our determination, it is the result of God’s faithfulness.” Through this relationship anchored in the work of Christ, we are granted the ability to speak with our redeemer freely. It is through prayer we are called to come before God, converse intimately, and process all of life with the understanding He is present, loving, and faithful—even as we recognize our own brokenness and wrongdoings. As we cry out to God, we acknowledge our finiteness, His sovereignty, and our need for a loving Creator to depend on. As our feelings shift with our circumstances, we can rest in the truth of who God is and allow Him to remind us of His unshakable presence.

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Talking Element S2E11. Stories of Community: Prayer with Michelle, Michael & Aaron

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 22 Nov 2021 12:38:22 -0800

Aaron, Michelle and Michael sit down and talk about Prayer and our Agape meals.

LINK TO AGAPE SIGN UP:
https://ourelement.churchcenter.com/people/forms/311388

LINK TO TRIDUUM SERIES REFERENCED:
https://www.ourelement.org/media/messages/serie/10035-triduum

00:00 Intro
00:36 Our Hopes for Agape Meals
05:50 How do we point people to Hope?
13:10 Prayer

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Songs of Ascent Week 10: Psalm 129 - Perseverance

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 15 Nov 2021 07:42:41 -0800

Anything truly meaningful in life will come to a place that requires perseverance, this includes discipleship. We don’t persevere because it makes us worthy of a relationship with God, we persevere because of the Gospel. We are saved by grace, but perseverance will flow out of that grace. In Psalm 129 the pilgrims sing these words on the way up to Jerusalem, they took the journey. We live after Jesus came, instead of going up we realize that God came down to rescue us. Our worth before God is not based on how well we persevere, it is based upon how He persevered for us. This teaches that a Christian suffers with hope and perseveres with hope! True perseverance only comes when we understand the Gospel.

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Talking Element S2E10. Stories of Community: Perseverance with Jason Hylton

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 15 Nov 2021 07:33:40 -0800

Michelle sits down with Jason to talk about persevering through loss and hardship. How community plays a role and how it has affected how he leads the congregation in worship through music.

00:00 Intro
01:14 Psalm 129
02:48 Areas Jason has dealt with hardship
11:28 How it has affected leading the congregation

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Songs of Ascent Week 9: Psalm 128 - Blessing

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 08 Nov 2021 09:02:40 -0800

We must trust that God intends good for us. Robert Roberts says “in a Christian context, there must be gratitude, but in order to be truly grateful, we must believe we are receiving something we did not earn, merit, or deserve.” Eugene Peterson writes, “Being a Christian is what we were created for. The life of faith has the support of an entire creation and the resources of a magnificent redemption.” What he means is that God has repeatedly blessed His children, even though we have run away from Him. God shows up over and over, most notably in the person of Jesus. The meaning behind the cross is blessing, salvation for a lost people. The cross reminds us that God’s purposes are accomplished even in the middle of suffering all the things we don’t equate with “blessed.” What we know is this: God dealt with sin once and for all at the cross.

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Songs of Ascent Week 8: Psalm 127 - Work

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 31 Oct 2021 15:16:28 -0700

The beauty of how we speak of the Gospel is that our salvation isn’t by our work, it is by Jesus’ work for us. Because He died we find rest in Him. We live, we work, we raise families and when it all feels overwhelming Jesus says (in Matthew 11:28) “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Jesus will also tell us, “Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me…” Jesus is not saying, “Don’t work.” He’s saying, “Work with me and for me.” When we see what He did for us out of love, by working with and for Him we will be liberated. This is why the New Testament says that all we do is for the glory of God. We are to ultimately love of our work because we love Jesus and we do it all in a redeemed way. Our work first honors God and then others because Jesus did the ultimate work for us on the cross.

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Songs of Ascent Week 7: Psalm 126 - Joy

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 25 Oct 2021 19:37:30 -0700

No matter where we find ourselves, we trust that God is good and will bring His good to us. The focus of Psalm 126 is on God and what He has done and will do again. The Bible speaks of joy, not like we experience on our own, but the kind that is characterized by God. The whole Old Testament’s sacrificial system was put into place so we could be returned to relationship with God again, to the joy and hope and redemption we were meant to live in. It is why everything in the Bible points to the eventual coming of Jesus because God did not and does not leave us in our brokenness of sin and rebellion. Jesus says in John 15:11 These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. God brings us new life, life full of life and joy.

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Talking Element S2E8. Stories of Community: Work with Jesse Dominguez

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 31 Oct 2021 14:45:12 -0700

Michael sits down with Jesse to talk about about story and dealing with loss and being angry with God and how God is always faithful. And Aaron and Michelle talk about work.
00:00 Intro
00:42 Jesse’s Story
08:38 Aaron and Michelle join to ramble about work, rest and our need for Jesus to be our source of life.

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Talking Element S2E7. Stories of Community: Steadfastness with Clarence Harlow

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 25 Oct 2021 18:48:29 -0700

Sarah sits down with Clarence to talk about life struggles and how he finds Joy in the midst of crazy busy work schedule, his wife temporarily living in another state, and experiencing the loss of their son. And Michael and Sarah discuss what Gospel reminders have brought them joy recently.

00:00 Technical Issues Explanation
00:25 Intro
02:04 Psalm 126 - Joy
12:46 Gospel Joy with Michael
17:49 Bonus Sneak Peak

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Songs of Ascent Week 6: Psalm 125 - Steadfastness

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 18 Oct 2021 13:08:32 -0700

One of the sad things about people who call themselves Christians, is that they are afraid of their worries and doubts. Too many people try to push any doubts out of their minds as if even having a doubt is a sin (as if it makes us not steadfast in our trust in Christ). Being steadfast doesn’t mean we don’t have questions, it means that we believe that ultimately we know (whether we fully understand it or not) who the ultimate answer truly is. Faith in God is not faith untroubled by anxiousness or doubt, it is a faith in spite of it. An elderly woman asked the great church reformer, Martin Luther, about faith though she has doubt, he said “tell me, when you recite the creeds, do you believe them?” She says “yes, most certainly,” his response was “then go in peace, you believe more and better than I.”

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Talking Element S2E6. Stories of Community: Steadfastness with Allison Anderson

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 18 Oct 2021 13:03:52 -0700

This week, Michelle sits down with Allison and discusses what steadfastness has looked like in her life, and specifically the past couple of years of marriage and moving to rural Texas to be with dying father.

00:00 Intro
01:31 Psalm 125
2:45 Allison’s story

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Songs of Ascent Week 4: Psalm 123 - Serving

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 03 Oct 2021 15:45:41 -0700

The people making the ascent to worship God in these Psalms of Ascent endured multiple hardships. They walked and prayed what they did because they knew that God is a rescuer of those who cry out. We know that He is the God of the Passover, the God of the Exodus, and ultimately of Easter; the God of slavery, death, life, freedom. The cross is where the reality of our image bearing becomes a restored reality. Peterson writes, “If God is worth our attention at all, he must be a God we can look up to—a God we must look up to…The moment we look up to God (and not over at Him, or down on Him) we are in the posture of servitude.” As servants we serve Him as peacemakers, calling the world to understand not only who made them, but how they were made to live.

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Talking Element S2E3. Stories of Community: Worship with the Allen & Janet

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 03 Oct 2021 15:37:30 -0700

This week, Christie sits down with Jessica and Robert to see how Serving and Community go hand in hand for this couple. And Michael reads a story.
Download GC Handbook: https://audio.ourelement.org/training/2021_GC Handbook_final.pdf

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Songs of Ascent Week 3: Psalm 122 - Worship

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 27 Sep 2021 18:39:35 -0700

From the very beginning of the Scriptures, we see that God built us to be worshippers, it goes deeper than our DNA; worship is the fabric of our existence. Creation was made to glorify God because when God is most glorified, we live in the most joy. Once we begin to understand that our lives do not make sense apart from worship, we will take more seriously what we worship. There is a quote that has been attributed to Ralph Waldo Emerson, “A person will worship something, have no doubt about that. We may think our tribute is paid in secret in the dark recesses of our hearts, but it will come out. That which dominates our imaginations and our thoughts will determine our lives, and our character. Therefore, it behooves us to be careful what we worship, for what we are worshipping, we are becoming.” Chaim Stern wrote, “The gods we worship write their names on our faces.”

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Songs of Ascent Week 2: Psalm 121 - Trust

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 19 Sep 2021 17:21:40 -0700

There is no literature, ancient or modern, that is more realistic and honest in facing the harsh facts of life than the Bible. The Scriptures never once portray a life lived worshipping God as free of difficulties or pain. As a matter of fact, our God comes in the person of Jesus and is despised and rejected for us, to rescue us from our own rebellion. What God promises is that He will be with us even in the midst of our struggles. Peterson writes, “On every page of the Bible there is recognition that faith encounters troubles.” In The Lord’s Prayer Jesus says, “deliver us from evil;” that prayer is answered every day in the lives of those who walk in the way of faith.

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Talking Element S2E3. Stories of Community: Worship with the Allen & Janet

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 27 Sep 2021 18:39:26 -0700

This week, Michelle sits down with Allen and Janet to see how Worship and Community have grown over the past year. And Michael makes a meta appearance.
Download GC Handbook: https://audio.ourelement.org/training/2021_GC Handbook_final.pdf

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Talking Element S2E2. Stories of Community: Trust with the Judy Lees

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 19 Sep 2021 17:21:24 -0700

This week, Michelle sits down with Judy Lees and sees where God has grown her trust in Him this year. And Michael makes an appearance to discuss what Gospel Community is.
Download GC Handbook: https://audio.ourelement.org/training/2021_GC Handbook_final.pdf

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Songs of Ascent Week 1: Psalm 120 - Repentance

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 13 Sep 2021 21:01:27 -0700

The Songs (or Psalms) of ascent are 15 psalms that pilgrims would sing or recite on their way to Jerusalem to celebrate the feast days.

This is week one of our series: discipleship starts with repentance.

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Talking Element S2E1. Stories of Community: Redemption with the Gees and Storytellers GC

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 12 Sep 2021 14:39:58 -0700

This week, Michael, Michelle and Jon sit down and discuss Michelle’s new role, where Element is headed with Gospel Communities, as well as where they succeeded in repentance within Gospel community, and where they missed the mark.

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12.6) Habakkuk (The Minors)

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 06 Sep 2021 09:43:57 -0700

This week we look at the minor prophet: Habakkuk.
What truths about who God is do you tend to forget?
What things about God do you need to have repeated?
Talk about what it would be like for you to walk “on the heights” with Jesus.

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Episode 49 of 'Talking Element' – The Minors: 12.6) Habakkuk with Russ Sharer

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 06 Sep 2021 09:33:41 -0700

Questions Discussed:
- What’s our next series and next for Talking Element
- How has God brought Russ to better understanding the Gospel?
- Assumptions of what God should do.
- Rejoicing: repeat, remind
- How do we not focus on the priorities not salvation worthy?

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12.5) Habakkuk (The Minors)

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 29 Aug 2021 22:30:36 -0700

-What things do you find that you remember the most (past failures, past happiness)?
-Do you ever find yourself, in the midst of trouble, remembering what God did in Jesus for you?
-How could we (practically) remind one another of the Gospel in trying times?

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Episode 48 of 'Talking Element' – The Minors: 12.5) Habakkuk with Ed LindsayEpisode 48 of 'Talking Element' – The Minors: 12.5) Habakkuk with Ed LindsayEpisode 48 of 'Talking Element' – The Minors: 12.5) Habakkuk with Ed Lindsay

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 29 Aug 2021 22:19:34 -0700

Questions Discussed:
- Ed’s Journey
- Remembering and Reminding yourself of who God is and what He has done
- What things do you wish to have seen God do?
- How can we practically remind each other of the Gospel?

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12.4) Habakkuk (The Minors)

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 23 Aug 2021 21:11:45 -0700

Take some time to think about what lies at the heart of every human culture. Why do we tend to focus on ourselves, so readily, instead of God?
What does it mean that “the line between good and evil runs down the center of every human heart?”
How do we forget who God is when we think our answers to the worlds problems are our answers and not “His name going forth?”
What would you, right now, say is God’s ultimate goal for the world?

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Episode 47 of 'Talking Element' – The Minors: 12.4) Habakkuk with Erik Marangi

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 23 Aug 2021 20:50:02 -0700

Questions Discussed:
- Why Justice to all?
- God’s Sovereignty vs our choices
- Who do we look at as worse than ourselves?
- How do we make the Lord known in all the earth, and that He is on His throne?
- How do we get hope?

Help us plan by answering this two-question questionnaire! (https://forms.gle/rREzyE7ws3nwj6B38)

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12.3) Habakkuk (The Minors)

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 13:31:29 -0700

This week we look at the minor prophet: Habakkuk.
In what ways do you boast?
Where do you take pride in your achievements?
How (or why) is living by faith alone difficult?

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12.2) Habakkuk (The Minors)

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 09 Aug 2021 19:57:13 -0700

This week we look at the minor prophet: Habakkuk.
What things do you have questions about now that you would like to fast forward a few years and see how they work out?
How has God been faithful in your life?
What things are you still waiting to see what He will do?

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Episode 46 of 'Talking Element' – The Minors: 12.3) Habakkuk with Lori Stotko

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 13:25:11 -0700

Questions Discussed:
What is Righteousness and Faith?
What things have you put your faith in other than Jesus?
How has pride come in the way, and why is it difficult to live by faith alone?

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Episode 45 of 'Talking Element' – The Minors: 12.2) Habakkuk with Jeremy Denton

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 09 Aug 2021 19:50:40 -0700

Questions Discussed:
What things do you have questions about now that you would like to fast forward a few years and see how they work out?
How has God been faithful in your life?
What things are you still waiting to see what He will do?

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12.1) Habakkuk (The Minors)

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 02 Aug 2021 00:15:23 -0700

This week we look at the minor prophet: Habakkuk.
Where do you see wickedness in our own country right now?
Have you ever gotten mad at how Christians act in the world and asked God, “Why do You let Your people act like this?
How have you acted unjustly?

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Episode 44 of 'Talking Element' – The Minors: 12.1) Habakkuk with Aaron and Michael

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 02 Aug 2021 00:15:41 -0700

Questions Discussed:
Why 6 weeks on Habakkuk
How Habakkuk relates to our culture today.
Do Christians lament in a proper way?
How can we be more honest with what we see in culture and within the church?

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11) Micah (The Minors)

podcast@ourelement.org — Tue, 27 Jul 2021 18:10:05 -0700

This week we look at the minor prophet: Micah.
Do you tend to over-focus on Jesus as humble and weak, or as powerful and strong?
What difference does this make to your life when you sin…when things go wrong,
or when you need help?

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10) Nahum (The Minors)

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 19 Jul 2021 10:32:39 -0700

This week we look at the minor prophet: Nahum.
Talk about those in your life who you would say have “beautiful feet,” who brings (or have brought) good news to your life?

What was that news and does it differ from THE good news as found in the Gospel?

What is the difference between judgment and wrath?

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Episode 43 of 'Talking Element' – The Minors: 11) Micah with Eric & Shawn Carlberg

podcast@ourelement.org — Tue, 27 Jul 2021 18:10:59 -0700

Questions Discussed:
- How has God used pain to bring new life?
- What would God say to us through a prophet today?

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Episode 42 of 'Talking Element' – The Minors: 10) Nahum with Jonathan Whitaker.

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 19 Jul 2021 10:37:48 -0700

Questions Discussed:

- Talk about those in your life who you would say have “beautiful feet,” who brings (or have brought) good news to your life?
- How do you share with non-believers the judgement/wrath and the goodness/grace of God?

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9) Zechariah (The Minors)

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 12 Jul 2021 21:06:47 -0700

This week we look at the minor prophet: Zechariah.
Think/Talk about all the ways Satan is portrayed in our world. When we see him as an accuser or prosecutor, how can focusing on the Gospel get rid of our guilt and shame and teach us to live in new life instead?

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8) Malachi (The Minors)

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 05 Jul 2021 18:54:50 -0700

This week we look at the minor prophet: Malachi.

Talk about the good and bad that you see in the world right now.

With that in mind, answer the question: How has God loved you?

Then answer this question: How have you loved and honored Him?

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7) Amos (The Minors)

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 27 Jun 2021 20:40:00 -0700

This week we look at the minor prophet: Amos.
How can the message of Amos bring you comfort when you encounter injustice?

How does God want us to respond when we realize that we have corrupted our worship or our love for the people in our lives?

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6) Obadiah (The Minors)

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 13 Jun 2021 21:39:00 -0700

This week we look at the minor prophet: Obadiah.

Think/Talk about what your “high places” are, from which you gaze down at others.
How does the Gospel enable you to see your “high place?”
How can you in humility come down and engage (and even protect) others you have looked down upon?

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Episode 41 of 'Talking Element' – The Minors: 6) Obadiah with Matthew DeKorte.

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 13 Jun 2021 21:39:00 -0700

Questions Discussed:
- How do we all naturally fall into our ‘high places’ and judge others?
- How do we remember the Gospel in the midst of our ‘high places?

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5) Zephaniah (The Minors)

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 06 Jun 2021 23:15:32 -0700

This week we look at the minor prophet: Zephaniah.

Think and talk about the most unlikely people you think would ever show up to a church service.
How could you begin to see, treat, and welcome others like Christ, instead of like a Pharisee?
How have you become complacent in welcoming others in how you live for Christ?

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Episode 40 of 'Talking Element' – The Minors: 5) Zephaniah with Jaydeen Morris.

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 06 Jun 2021 23:03:52 -0700

Questions Discussed:
- How the Morris’ got connected once moving back to the area.
- What is the ‘Day of the Lord’?
- Who are the most unlikely people to show up to a church service?
- God’s restorative Love, and how the church can be agents of that restorative love.

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4) Jonah (The Minors)

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 30 May 2021 20:17:00 -0700

This week we look at the minor prophet: Jonah.

Talk about all the things that frustrate and make you angry in the world. Do you want them to simply agree with you or come to trust Christ? How could God be pursuing those you disagree with…and how could He be using you to be Jonah to them?

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Episode 39 of 'Talking Element' – The Minors: 4) Jonah with Wesely Newman.

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 30 May 2021 20:06:00 -0700

Questions Discussed:

- Wesley’s deep-sea excursions

- Talk about all the things that frustrate and make you angry in the world. Do you want them to simply agree with you or come to trust Christ? How could God be pursuing those you disagree with…and how could He be using you to be Jonah to them?

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3) Haggai (The Minors)

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 23 May 2021 13:54:19 -0700

This week we look at the minor prophet: Haggai.

Consider your ways in terms of your faith and your priorities. What do they reveal is at the center of your worship?

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Episode 38 of 'Talking Element' – The Minors: 2) Haggai with Patric Earnest.

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 23 May 2021 13:00:28 -0700

Questions Discussed:
- Patric’s first experience with Element

- How God has grown understanding of giving and has always provided

- Consider your ways in terms of your faith and your priorities. What do they reveal is at the center of your worship?

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2) Joel (The Minors)

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 16 May 2021 12:54:12 -0700

This week we look at the minor prophet: Joel.

Are plagues always a judgment of God? Why do you think God is more interested in a Heart change than He is in a behavioral or outward change in His people?

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Episode 37 of 'Talking Element' – The Minors: 2) Joel with Mark Pruett.

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 16 May 2021 12:47:35 -0700

Questions Discussed:
- Mark's piano play skillz
- What is worship and where does it come from?
- Rending of hear hearts not our clothes.

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1) Hosea (The Minors)

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 09 May 2021 19:10:25 -0700

This week we look at the minor prophet: Hosea.

Reflect on all the different marriages you have seen. How are the most incredible moments in the most incredible marriages in the history of the world only dim hints at God’s love for us?

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Episode 36 of 'Talking Element' – The Minors: 1) Hosea with Jackie Guggia.

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 09 May 2021 18:50:38 -0700

Happy Mother's Day!

Questions Discussed:
- What was it like having Aaron for a kid? Favorite Memories?
- What can we learn about God’s character from the book of Hosea?

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Week Nine: Nehushtan, John 3:16 {The Greatest Story Ever ReTold}

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 02 May 2021 14:35:15 -0700

We have a problem; our hearts are not centered on God. As a result of not being centered on God there is an infinite discontent and dissatisfaction that our lives have built up with everything. In Numbers 21 we are being shown a correlation of what is happening in Israel’s bodies is exactly what was happening in their souls. We have an unquenchable, all-consuming thirst that will eventually (if there’s not some supernatural intervention in our life) lead us to believe that nothing is good enough.

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Episode 35 of 'Talking Element' – GSErT. Week 9: Nehushtan, John 3:16 with Steve Pruett.

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 02 May 2021 14:27:46 -0700

Questions Discussed:
- Recap Steve’s Lent Journey and his driving.
- Our human sickness and God’s provision for saving and healing us.
- How do we perform spiritual healing on our friendships?
- How do we stop blame-shifting?

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Week Eight: Water From Rocks and Blood From Stones {The Greatest Story Ever ReTold}

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 25 Apr 2021 15:29:20 -0700

“If there is no judge in the world, there’s no hope for the world, because evil will win. If there is no judge, what hope is there for the world?...[BUT]…If there is a judge, what hope is there for us?”

We are hopelessly lost unless there is a judge, and His name is Jesus. In Christ we have a way for God to deal with evil and suffering in the world without wiping us out. We must move our eyes from ourselves to the cross.

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Episode 34 of 'Talking Element' – GSErT. Week 8: Water From Rocks and Blood From Stones with Eric Djafroodi.

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 25 Apr 2021 15:23:09 -0700

Questions Discussed:
- Salvation: Decisive and Process, and how that has looked in your life.
- Eric shares his story.
- How God uses the mundane in our lives.
- God’s Justice and meeting our needs in the Gospel.

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Week Seven: Honor and Shame Part 2 {The Greatest Story Ever ReTold}

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 18 Apr 2021 20:34:00 -0700

By God’s Spirit we are able to cry out “Abba, Father.” God’s Spirit redirects us to see God as who He is, a loving Father who has brought us into His family; one people, one family. It is meant to shape us differently than our earthly families have shaped us. Being in God’s family should shape us to be like Him. Being like Christ will change how we interact with our biological family and church family. The beautiful result of the Gospel is that God makes us one family. Jesus came to die for us and rise from the grave to make it a reality.

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Episode 33 of 'Talking Element' – GSErT. Week 7: Honor and Shame Part 2 with Mike Harman.

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 18 Apr 2021 20:29:31 -0700

Questions Discussed:
- Mike’s journeys with shame

- Mike’s heart for redemption groups. Learn more at ourelement.org/redemption

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Week Six: Honor and Shame Part 1 {The Greatest Story Ever ReTold}

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 11 Apr 2021 22:26:12 -0700

The type of culture much of the Bible was written in was one that focused upon honor and shame. American culture is what is known as an individualistic culture. An individualistic culture tends to be a right/wrong culture (innocence versus guilt). An honor/shame culture is not focused on an individual, but the community. Right and wrong in both cultures will be viewed differently, but God will use both types of cultures to speak of Himself and draw us to Himself.

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Episode 32 of 'Talking Element' – GSErT. Week 6: Honor and Shame Part 1 with Mike Harman.

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 11 Apr 2021 16:27:21 -0700

Questions Discussed:
- Differences between honor and shame culture and right and wrong culture.

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Lent. Life. Job. Week 8: God – Mediator and Savior.

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 04 Apr 2021 13:52:33 -0700

Last week it may have felt like we came to the end of the book of Job as we rounded out the last chapter and saw the change in Job. We saw all that God was doing, at least as far as we could understand it. It led to asking how we would begin to live if we truly understood who God is in His person. How would our suffering change when we trusted God more than our circumstances?

In the end we get to see a type of resurrection in Job’s view of not just God, but of life itself. Job starts to honor what his culture would have seen as unworthy and not strategic in regard to family and life. Job starts to live and see the world around him differently once he understood better who God is! The same could be true for us as well, if we become silent before God and start to listen!

More info about our Lent Journey through Job: www.ourelement.org/lent

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Episode 31 of 'Talking Element' – Lent. Life. Job. Week 8: God (2). With Cory Morris.

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 04 Apr 2021 13:42:13 -0700

Questions Discussed:
- What desires has God given you that makes you come alive?

More info about our Lent Journey through Job: www.ourelement.org/lent

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Lent. Life. Job. Week 7: God – Revealer and Comforter

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 28 Mar 2021 13:39:54 -0700

If you are following along in time with Element in this journey, the message today comes on what we call Palm Sunday. Palm Sunday is when Jesus rides into Jerusalem on Sunday, the first day of the week, in order to reveal Himself. Some think it was to claim the title of Messiah at this time. Others think that as Passover sacrifices were usually chosen the Sunday before, Jesus was here presenting Himself as the sacrifice that would later take place during the week.

More info about our Lent Journey through Job: www.ourelement.org/lent

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Episode 30 of 'Talking Element' – Lent. Life. Job. Week 7: God (1). Kelly Borjas.

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 28 Mar 2021 12:29:22 -0700

Questions Discussed:
- Kelly shares about her struggles of miscarriages and how she wants God to show up in difficult times.

- Aaron shares about their similar struggles.

More info about our Lent Journey through Job: www.ourelement.org/lent

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Lent. Life. Job. Week 6: Elihu – A Call To Repentance

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 21 Mar 2021 14:57:28 -0700

At the beginning of the book of Job, God points to Job as a godly man, instead of Job’s three friends; it is something that is supposed to stay in our minds as the story unfolds. Job’s three friends are not a picture of our enemies’, they are a picture of believers who misunderstand God and criticize others without relying on God’s guidance.

Elihu does not sugar-coat his understanding of God and he will say that God himself can bring and allow nightmares, pain, suffering, and even death, but he will point to the larger purpose for these things. He also reminds them that ultimately God’s ways are beyond our powers of perception.

More info about our Lent Journey through Job: www.ourelement.org/lent

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Episode 29 of 'Talking Element' – Lent. Life. Job. Week 6: Elihu. With Sabin Brock.

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 21 Mar 2021 11:10:53 -0700

Questions Discussed:
- Sabin shares his story of call to repentance and coming to faith in his life.

More info about our Lent Journey through Job: www.ourelement.org/lent

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Lent. Life. Job. Week 5: The Friends Part 3 – Zophar – “You’re an idiot and know nothing.”

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 14 Mar 2021 10:54:08 -0700

As we have gone through each week looking at Job’s life and the responses of his wife and friends, we have seen the idea that suffering does not simply lead to negativity in our lives, but that suffering can lead us into a deeper relationship with God. We can grow in our faith and our trust of who God is by walking through hardship. We must be willing to look at our responses to the things we don’t like that happen in our lives and allow the truth of the Gospel to have its way in us.

So far, in these weeks, we have looked at the very negative ways that Job’s friends and his wife have misunderstood who God is in His person. The same thing will be true today of Job’s “friend” Zophar…but there is also a bit of truth in what his friends say as well. That part of the problem in our world today, and in Job’s day, is we tend to think that truth is either “all in” or “all out,” but it is more complex than that.

More info about our Lent Journey through Job: www.ourelement.org/lent

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Episode 28 of 'Talking Element' – Lent. Life. Job. Week 5: The Friends (3). With Marianne Carlberg

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 14 Mar 2021 10:53:51 -0700

Questions Discussed:
- Marianne’s favorite Element Memory
- How has pain and tragedy caused you wonder about God and made you more dependent on Him?
- Where do you find silence in your life?
- What bad advice have you given?
- What do you say when someone feels they deserve the pain and calamity in their life?

More info about our Lent Journey through Job: www.ourelement.org/lent

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Lent. Life. Job. Week 4: The Friends Part 2 – Bildad – “You are sinful, you deserve it.”

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 07 Mar 2021 11:09:15 -0800

In speaking of our goals during this Lent journey, the ideas of prayer, self-denial, repentance, and giving to the poor and needy can become legalistic extremes if we don’t understand the Gospel. Many Americans love the ideals of hard work and self-determination. While hard work and taking responsibility are not bad things, if they become all we focus on, we start to sound like Job’s friend Bildad.

More info about our Lent Journey through Job: www.ourelement.org/lent

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Episode 27 of 'Talking Element' – Lent. Life. Job. Week 4: The Friends (2). With Christie Marangi

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 07 Mar 2021 11:09:04 -0800

Questions Discussed:
- In what ways has culture influenced our Theology?
- Christie shares trials and calamity in her life and what God has shown her about His nature.

More info about our Lent Journey through Job: www.ourelement.org/lent

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Lent. Life. Job. Week 3: The Friends Part 1 – Eliphaz – Empty Platitudes.

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 28 Feb 2021 11:23:17 -0800

Today, Job’s three friends show up. The do an amazing thing as they silently mourn with Job for 7 days. But then they speak. Today we look at Eliphaz and the empty platitudes he delivers.

More info about our Lent Journey through Job: www.ourelement.org/lent

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Episode 26 of 'Talking Element' Elder Take Over. Element Elders Answer Your Job Questions.

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 28 Feb 2021 11:22:52 -0800

Questions Discussed:
- Job…Blameless and upright?
- I know there are many times throughout the Bible when we clearly see God's wrath like in Sodom and Gomorrah or on the whole Earth when He flooded the earth. In those instances, the Bible says there were no righteous people. It was just. But, most of the time, it seems like God plays more of a passive role in our lives meaning that He allows bad things to happen in our lives rather than making or causing these things to happen. With Job, it feels like bad things were happening and God actively plays a part in Satan's actions against Job. "Have you considered my servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, who fears God and turns away from evil?" God even acknowledges to Satan that Job was a "blameless and upright man". How is this just? Are we possibly missing a piece of the story that would offer more context or is it simply a cultural difference?
- When you said God is in complete control and Satan can only do what God permits Satan to do… how are we to reconcile that statement of God’s control/sovereignty with God not being the source or author or cause of evil (which James 1:13-14 and 1 John 1:5 are clear to present)? This seems tough to reconcile given our lesson in Job where God’s decision to permit Satan to touch Job’s possessions and family resulted in the death of servants and Job’s children (and presumably friends at the party, etc)…

“It still doesn’t answer why God allowed Satan to have his way with Job’s kids and life, but no harm will be done with him.”

- Why, since God had the ability to create us and allow us to live in heaven, did he instead create us and allow us to live on earth, knowing there would be pain and suffering and hurt and heartache? All of that could have been avoided if this step was skipped.

- Is there more scripture on God allowing Satan having his way like he does with Job?

More info about our Lent Journey through Job: www.ourelement.org/lent

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Lent. Life. Job. Week 2: The Spouse – “Curse God and Die, this is too much to bear.”

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 21 Feb 2021 15:27:53 -0800

Today we look at how Job’s wife responds to all the calamity that has befallen them. We can learn 3 truths:

1) Our enemy will try to belittle God by destroying your joy.
2) God works for our joy in Him
3) God Limits Satan’s Power

And 3 applications:

1) Believe that God is God even when we suffer
2) Be OK with weeping and mourning when suffering does come.
3) Trust and Treasure God’s Goodness

More info about our Lent Journey through Job: www.ourelement.org/lent

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Episode 25 of 'Talking Element' – Lent. Life. Job. Week 2: The Spouse. With Doug Brown.

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 21 Feb 2021 15:26:49 -0800

This week Doug shares about times of calamity in his life, and how he and his wife have responded and grown.

More info about our Lent Journey through Job: www.ourelement.org/lent

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Life. Lent. Job. Week 1: The Accuser – “He only worships you because he has the perfect life.”

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 14 Feb 2021 12:29:14 -0800

Week one of our Lent. Life. Job. series. Where we look at the Accuser, who says, "He only worships you because he has the perfect life.”

More info about our Lent Journey through Job: www.ourelement.org/lent

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Episode 24 of 'Talking Element' – Lent. Life. Job. Week 1: The Accuser. With Pete Newman.

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 14 Feb 2021 10:43:13 -0800

Questions Discussed:

- What has God done and or is doing in your life?
- What questions have you had for God over the past year?
- What in your life have you lost, and how did you respond?
- What has strengthened your faith in who God is?

More info about our Lent Journey through Job: www.ourelement.org/lent

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Week Five: The Long Way Around {The Greatest Story Ever ReTold}

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 07 Feb 2021 11:46:24 -0800

Has God ever done something that doesn’t make sense to you? The truth is that God rarely takes His people on the most direct route. More important than many of our destinations, is who we become along the way. A true relationship with God must start in a place of trust that God knows what He is doing.

More info about our Lent Journey through Job: www.ourelement.org/lent

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Episode 23 of 'Talking Element' – TGSErT 05: The Long Way Around. With Joy Snyder.

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 07 Feb 2021 11:26:02 -0800

This week, both Joy and Michael share about the ways God has brought them the long way around in life, and what they have learned and how God has grown them.

More info about our Lent Journey through Job: www.ourelement.org/lent

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Week Four: Plank, Specks, Pearls, and Pigs Part 2 {The Greatest Story Ever ReTold}

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 31 Jan 2021 15:38:17 -0800

We are called to be a people who entrust not only ourselves, but others into God’s care. When we cease to trust God to take care of us (what we eat, drink and wear), we will naturally not trust others to His care and fall very easily into judging. We must trust that God holds all things and then be willing to speak His pearls when it is appropriate.

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Episode 22 of 'Talking Element' – TGSErT 04: Plank, Pearls, and Pigs Pt2. With Jenna Heuchert.

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 31 Jan 2021 15:32:37 -0800

Questions Discussed:

- How do you discern when to be silent vs speaking truth?
- Is there a time to define your role in conversation?
- When have others given you their pearls and you have ignored them?
- Have you had someone you’ve loved but needed to stop pushing truth and trust God, instead?
- Jenna’s Tony Dungey story personal examples.
- How can we be better as a church to have more of a multigenerational people invest in our youth?

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Week Three: Planks, Specks, Pearls, and Pigs Part 1 {The Greatest Story Ever ReTold}

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 24 Jan 2021 11:26:56 -0800

Sometimes one of the greatest prayers we can pray is not, “Lord, change them,” it is, “Lord, change me and my attitude.” The focus on God’s rescue of us should lead us to the place where we cease thinking how great we are and start to live as if Jesus is great. The Gospel is the only way we will ever take responsibility for our own life and not walk away dejected.

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Episode 21 of 'Talking Element' – TGSErT 03: Plank, Pearls, and Pigs Pt1. With Ashley Slocum.

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 24 Jan 2021 11:23:29 -0800

Questions Discussed:

- Ashley’s history with judging & journey
- What does it mean to judge?
- How have you experienced that judging and blaming hurts relationships, families, and love?
- Why is it easier to judge others and not ourselves?
- Do you use the gospel to try to straighten others out, to just be better?

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Week Two: Restoration {The Greatest Story Ever ReTold}

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 17 Jan 2021 12:09:55 -0800

The cross was Rome’s ultimate form of rejection and we see in Isaiah 53:5 that Jesus would be despised and rejected not just by the Jewish nation or the Romans, but all of us. The story of the Woman at the Well isn’t about the woman or us, it is about Jesus…the most rejected person in the Bible is God Himself. At the cross, our rejection of God and God’s acceptance of us comes together by a miracle of His grace.

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Episode 20 of 'Talking Element' – TGSErT 02: Restoration. With Mike Harman.

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 17 Jan 2021 12:07:30 -0800

This week we explored ways we have all suffered from rejection, and ways God brings healing.

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Week One: Community {The Greatest Story Ever ReTold}

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 10 Jan 2021 10:52:00 -0800

We all try to hide our failures because we want to be loved, but that hiding is what keeps us from experiencing true love. We hide because we think if someone truly knew us there is no way they would love/like us. But we can never truly love one another without being fully known.

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Episode 19 of 'Talking Element' – TGSErT 01: Community; with Donald Weiting

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 10 Jan 2021 10:47:25 -0800

Questions Discussed:
- Aaron’s goal for this new series.
- What deeper understanding of community can we learn?
- Family and Gospel Community. Irrational commitments.
- We need to be known in order to belong – why don’t we want to be known?
- How can Element be better at being a place for the lonely?

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Walk in the Spirit Part 2 (The 3rd Wheel: Misunderstanding the Spirit)

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 03 Jan 2021 16:32:41 -0800

Big Idea: “Walking” in the Spirit is how the Bible describes our practical daily living guided by, under the control of, and in dependence on the Holy Spirit Who lives in us. It is meant to be the norm for every believer, and this message serves as a “Quick-Start Guide” to get us started on, and growing in our walk in the Spirit.

How Do We Walk in the Spirit? Four Practical Steps
-By Resting in God’s Work (Hebrews 4:9-11)
-By Looking to God’s Word (Psalm 119:105; Hebrews 4:12)
-By Yielding to God’s Will (Romans 12:1,2; Romans 6:11-14)
-By Keeping in Step with God’s Spirit (Galatians 5:16,25; Romans 8:4-5)

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Episode 18 of 'Talking Element' – 3rd Wheel Week 8: Walk in the Spirit Pt 2 With Jeff and Steve Pruett

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 03 Jan 2021 16:27:48 -0800

Questions Discussed:
- How have you come to understand Walking in the Spirit?

- Do you have a specific time you rested in God’s work instead of your own, and how did that look practically?

- Discussion “yielding to God’s will.”

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Walk in the Spirit Part 1 (The 3rd Wheel: Misunderstanding the Spirit)

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 27 Dec 2020 10:51:14 -0800

Big Idea: Every step of the way, Walking in the Spirit is better. Better for us individually, better for us as a community of believers, and better for the world around us.

Definition: “Walk in the Spirit”is a metaphor for the practical day-to-day way we conduct our lives as followers of Jesus. We Walk in the Spirit when we are in step with, under the control of, and depending on the power of the Holy Spirit.

Why Walk in the Spirit?
I. Because we can’t live the Christian life on our own.
A. We can’t bear God’s fruit without God’s power.
B. We were never designed to walk on our own.

II. Because it is the only way to find freedom from slavery
A. Slavery to our desires
B. Slavery to rule-keeping

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Episode 17 of 'Talking Element' – 3rd Wheel Week 7: Walk in the Spirit Pt 2 With Jeff and Steve Pruett

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 27 Dec 2020 10:48:00 -0800

Questions Discussed:
- Have you ever found yourself begging or bargaining with God for some spiritual change in your life?
- Have you ever worked hard in order to please God so that He’d give in to your request?
- Discussion on “my best doesn’t work.”
- Discussion on freedom of slavery.
- Are conflicts a good indication of we are walking in the Spirit

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Jesus and the Spirit (The 3rd Wheel: Misunderstanding the Spirit)

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 20 Dec 2020 10:56:54 -0800

Today, the last Sunday before Christmas, we will look at how Jesus saw and interacted with the Spirit. What does a life full of the Holy Spirit actually look like? It looks like Jesus.

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Episode 16 of 'Talking Element' – 3rd Wheel Week 6: Jesus and the Spirit With Guest: Mike Harman

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 20 Dec 2020 10:50:37 -0800

Questions Discussed:
- Mike’s journey of growing and understanding the Spirit
- Abiding presence and expecting the Holy Spirit to work
- What would help us to be more expectant?
- What personal areas could we be more expectant with?
- What types of sources of power do we as people rely on, other than the Holy Spirit?
- What does a life dependent on the Holy Spirit’s power look like?

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Mission of the Spirit (The 3rd Wheel: Misunderstanding the Spirit)

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 13 Dec 2020 10:36:38 -0800

The topic of the Holy Spirit, studying and talking about Him is very difficult to wrap our minds around in modern America. When most people talk about the Spirit of God we tend to fall into 3 categories:
- We don’t really know if we belong to God…but we WANT to know more.
-We are sure we belong to God and believe that God’s Spirit resides in us, but don’t know what it means to walk in His ways and want to learn
- We are experienced Christians and wonder why, after all these years, we aren’t any further along our walk or relationship with Jesus.
Many times we wonder if we aren’t hearing the Spirit correctly if He is the one who is truly guiding and leading us.

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Episode 15 of 'Talking Element' – 3rd Wheel Week 5: Mission of the Spirit With Special Guest

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 13 Dec 2020 10:30:19 -0800

Questions Discussed:
- Introduction to Hillary
- How has the Spirit of God dealt with you in conviction?
- Conviction of sin, Christ’s Provision and Judgment
- Reshaping of our Identity: how can we trust Jesus’ in our new identity?
- Does the thought of Jesus dying on the cross so thrill you…?
- How has the Holy Spirit invited you join His mission?

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Filled with the Spirit Pt. 2 (The 3rd Wheel: Misunderstanding the Spirit)

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 06 Dec 2020 11:24:27 -0800

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Episode 14 of 'Talking Element' – 3rd Wheel Week 4: Filled with the Spirit Pt. 2 With guest: Sarah McCool

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 06 Dec 2020 11:16:07 -0800

Questions Discussed:

- Sarah shares her experience with a more charismatic church growing up.
- Describe in more detail the “means” of the Spirit.
- How have you seen others search for that “spiritual connection’ knowing that they were made for ‘more?’
- How do we discern between valid and invalid spiritual experiences?
- What advice do you give to someone who wants to read the Scriptures but doesn’t know where to begin and or is overwhelmed by it?

Links:
The Jesus Storybook Bible: Every Story Whispers His Name (https://tinyurl.com/y6mxe7bs)
ESV Gospel Transformation Bible (https://tinyurl.com/y2y5jb2g)

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Filled with the Spirit Pt. 1 (The 3rd Wheel: Misunderstanding the Spirit)

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 29 Nov 2020 10:42:06 -0800

The Holy Spirit, because He is a person, guides us into truth and authenticity in how we live our lives. The truth Jesus refers to in John 16:13 is the ultimate truth of the Gospel, but it is also the authenticity that is meant to mark our lives. The Apostle Paul says in 1 Thessalonians 5:19 Do not quench the Spirit. This has the idea that we are not to try to stop what God’s Spirit is trying to do in us.

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Episode 13 of 'Talking Element' – 3rd Wheel Week 3: Week Three: Filled with the Spirit Pt. 1 With guests: Mike & Carrie Foster

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 29 Nov 2020 10:39:14 -0800

Questions Discussed:

- What has your understanding of the Spirit been, and how has it changed over the years?
- What comes to mind when you hear, “Being filled with the Holy Spirit?”
- Thoughts on the 3 points: Life of Excess, Life of Stimulation, Life filled with Joy.

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Who is the Spirit? (The 3rd Wheel: Misunderstanding the Spirit)

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 22 Nov 2020 11:10:36 -0800

The Holy Spirit is a person, He is God. We say He is the “Third person of the Trinity,” but “third” has nothing to do with preeminence or who is better or more powerful. One writer calls the Holy Spirit He becomes a “divine resident of the Christian’s heart.” Jesus never refers to the Holy Spirit as an “IT,” He doesn’t say the Holy Spirit is like an energy or a force, but the Holy Spirit is a person. If you think the Holy Spirit is a force you will go about “trying to get it” rather than submit to Him.

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Episode 11 of 'Talking Element' – 3rd Wheel Week 1: Spirit. With guest: Jon Gee

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 22 Nov 2020 11:01:04 -0800

Questions Discussed:

- Why is a series on The Spirit so important?
- Do you see the Holy Spirit present and active in the middle of your life?
- What has changed in your life knowing He is present all the time?
- Was there a time your heart fought the Holy Spirit’s conviction?
- How do discern if it the Spirit prompting/speaking or yourself?
- Clarification of the Holy Spirit being an advocate here on earth for us.
- Advice for those who don’t hear/feel the Holy Spirit’s prompting.

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Spirit (The 3rd Wheel: Misunderstanding the Spirit)

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 15 Nov 2020 12:35:07 -0800

The Holy Spirit is often misunderstood in Christianity today. Many people in Christianity take one of three stances toward the Holy Spirit. Either He is overlooked, misunderstood, or simply ignored.

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Episode 11 of 'Talking Element' – 3rd Wheel Week 1: Spirit. With guest: Jon Gee

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 15 Nov 2020 12:29:42 -0800

Questions Discussed:

- Aaron’s hopes for this new series for Element
- How do you explain spirit and Holy Spirit?
- What are some teachings that the conservative side focus on or don’t focus on when discussing the Holy Spirit?
- What if we don’t see evidence of the indwelling Holy Spirit?
- How can we grow in worship of/to the Holy Spirit?
- Homework in growing in understanding and worship of the Holy Spirit

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Where Did Paul (And Where Do We) Go From Here - Acts Part 2 Week 43

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 08 Nov 2020 13:34:39 -0800

The message of Acts is that God has sent us to “Herald Evangelion,” meaning: to tell the good news. The best news of all is that Jesus is Lord! He lived sinlessly yet died the death that we deserve so that our names can be written in the book of life. We are citizens of God’s Kingdom; Children of the Creator. That motivation should directly shape how we live and how we proclaim who God is and what He has done, so as many people as possible might come to put their faith in Him.

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Where Ever We Are - Acts Part 2 Week 42: Acts Acts 28:28-31

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 01 Nov 2020 13:37:17 -0800

As we close out the book of Acts, we see that the story doesn’t end with Paul: it still continues to us today. We are God’s SENT people right where He has us today. We are CALLED to live as God’s missionaries to those who do not know Him. We can do this by…

1. Living provocatively so others want to know what is different about us:
a. In how we work.
b. In how we handle disappointment, persecution
or pain.
c. In our generosity.
2. By seizing opportunities to share the Good News of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection with those who need to hear it.
3. Embracing God’s sovereignty as a gift.
4. Discovering our calling where God has us right now.
5. Living sent on mission in our volunteering, generosity and faith as we invest in our cities, families, and serving the common good of all.

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Whether in Chains or Free - Acts Part 2 Week 41: Acts Acts 28:17-28

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 25 Oct 2020 14:22:31 -0700

Paul used every opportunity to live for Jesus in the present. He reframes all of his life, and all of the Scriptures, in light of the Gospel (Jesus’ work on the cross on our behalf). Jesus freely chose to become weak, like us, in order to live the life we should have lived and die the death we all should have died.

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Encouraging One Another- Acts Part 2 Week 40: Acts Acts 28:11-16

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 18 Oct 2020 14:11:53 -0700

“Encouragement” means to edify, build up or repair each other. The New Testament commands Christians to encourage one another, which brings about things such as hope, unity, joy, fruitfulness, perseverance and certainty of Christ’s return. The Gospel is the greatest encouragement which reminds ourselves and each other.

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Snake Charmer Gospel- Acts Part 2 Week 39: Acts Acts 28:1-10

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 11 Oct 2020 14:49:00 -0700

It is far too easy for Christians to view their life through a lens of karmic justice. It is also far too easy to live in a works-based approach to faith and life. This is why when bad things happen it does not necessarily mean we deserved it, it can mean that God wants to grow us. God knows our pain and is our Shepherd through all that happens.

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Lifestyle Evangelism - Acts Part 2 Week 38: Acts Acts 27:39-44

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 04 Oct 2020 12:35:51 -0700

Paul lives his life devoted to putting God on display all the time. His commitment has an impact on people who do not know or trust Jesus. His lifestyle is that of evangelism: always displaying Jesus through his words and actions in all situations.

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Knowing Who to Listen to - Acts Part 2 Week 37: Acts Acts 27:1-38

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 27 Sep 2020 15:32:10 -0700

Paul’s continuing journey now leads to a shipwreck…for the Glory of God. The waters that rage and the storms of life are no match for the creator God who has full dominion over all things. The Old Testament is full of reminders how God works to preserve the world by keeping the forces of evil at bay. This comes to complete fulfillment with Jesus: the incarnate God – the perfect revelation.

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Hasty Words - Acts Part 2 Week 36: Acts 26:30-32

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 20 Sep 2020 16:07:37 -0700

Paul bears witness to Jesus in all aspects of his life, including his trials. Paul both listens to others and speaks of God’s redemption with a simple message through the detours of life. What we learn, is that we can be honest about ourselves because the Good News is that God Himself is the one who cleans us up and uses all our weakness for His Glory.

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Except For These Chains - Acts Part 2 Week 35: Acts 26:27-29

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 13 Sep 2020 14:22:51 -0700

By God’s Grace, we have been set free from our chains to self. This freedom comes as the result of the Gospel, Jesus’ life, death and resurrection. One of the reasons Paul so consistently speaks of the resurrection is that it is evidence of the new life in Christ we can have today. Even though Paul is in chains and on trial, he is the free-ist person in any room he steps into because he is no longer bound by slavery to sin.

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Do You Believe - Acts Part 2 Week 34: Acts 25:13-26:29

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 06 Sep 2020 14:56:00 -0700

Paul, yet again, shares his story about meeting Jesus. Paul will share who he was before and who he is now, in Christ. Paul now identifies his sin and how much grace he has received from God.

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Dusting for God’s Fingerprints - Acts Part 2 Week 33: Acts 25:1-12

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 30 Aug 2020 13:25:37 -0700

The apostle Paul knew God’s plan for him to eventually go to Rome to be a witness. He also knew that suffering was in his path. Paul doesn’t give up on his attempts to improve his situation, but he is able to celebrate along the way as he sees God’s hand moving him in the direction of His will.

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Words About Self-Control - Acts Part 2 Week 32: Acts 24:24-27

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 23 Aug 2020 12:48:03 -0700

Paul speaks about self-control, righteousness and judgement and how the cross deals with each. Paul’s point isn’t that a Christ follower is without sin, but that when led by the Holy Spirit, a believer is quick to admit when wrong and understands God’s grace and rescue. The Holy Spirit gives fruit such as self-control when we die to ourselves and live for Christ.

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A Cheerful Defense - Acts Part 2 Week 31: Acts 24:1-23

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 16 Aug 2020 13:18:19 -0700

Even though Paul is on trial for baseless claims, he still makes his defense gladly because he knows he is right where God wants him to be. Paul trusts that God is the creator who will one day call the whole world to account, that Jesus is sure, and no matter what happens to him, he can glorify God in how he responds and handles it.

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Rash Vows - Acts Part 2 Week 30: Acts 23:12-35

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 09 Aug 2020 14:24:37 -0700

In spite of all the hardships, the book of Acts is showing us God’s faithfulness to His people. The fact that Paul is now a prisoner may appear to us as a hindrance to the spread the Good News, but God is in control. Today’s text shows that though we are unable to save ourselves, by God’s mighty sovereign hand, He provides a way for us to have salvation.

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When Personal Holiness Overshadows Godliness - Acts Part 2 Week 29: Acts 22:23 - 23:11

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 02 Aug 2020 17:01:09 -0700

In Paul’s day, there were major dividing issues between the Sadducees and Pharisees over the issue of resurrection and new
life. Ultimately, Paul was on trial because of the Messiah’s (Jesus’) resurrection and the new realities it introduced.

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Persecution for the Gospel - Acts Part 2 Week 28: Acts 21:37-22:29

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 26 Jul 2020 17:38:40 -0700

Much like the parable of the prodigal son, the Jewish community paralleled the older brother, while Paul paralleled the younger brother (who left and returned). What we find in today’s passage is the Jews persecuting Paul because of his proclamation of God’s good news in Christ to the Gentiles. The shared promises, patriarchs, covenants and Messiah were meant for all people.

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No Good Deed - Acts Part 2 Week 27: Acts 21:27-36

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 19 Jul 2020 12:54:30 -0700

The Apostle Paul was accused of subverting Judaism by teaching against the people, the law and the temple. Understanding these accusations are key to understanding not only the book of Acts but the Gospel as well. They are the same accusations that were made against Stephen in Acts Chapter 6 before he was executed, and they are by-and-large the same accusations made against Jesus. We need to understand what God’s Word says about the people, the law and the temple because neither Paul, Stephen nor Jesus taught against those things, but rather, they taught the true and proper understanding of those things.

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All Things To All Men Part 2 - Acts Part 2 Week 26: Acts 21:17-26

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 12 Jul 2020 17:59:43 -0700

Jesus died to set us free from the wrath of God and the loveless limits of the law. Paul shows us, in dealing with both the Gentiles and the Jews, that Salvation does not come from laws or rituals – rather it comes from Jesus’ work on our behalf. Paul loves and desires for both Gentiles and Jews to love Jesus and be saved.

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Hardship Doesn’t Mean God Said No - Acts Part 2 Week 25: Acts 21:1-16

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 05 Jul 2020 14:35:49 -0700

We often view times of hardship as not being God’s will or plan for us, but that isn’t the case. The greatest example we have is Jesus’ hardship (His life and death) which brings about salvation. Paul, likewise, knows that his trust in God is not in vain, though he suffered for the name of Jesus.

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A Great Goodbye - Acts Part 2 Week 24: Acts 20:7-38

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 28 Jun 2020 17:13:07 -0700

Hard goodbyes to great friends are a good thing when they are rooted in the Gospel. A hard goodbye to a great friend means that a great friendship was built. Great friendships, which are grounded in the Gospel, are built intentionally through shared time, shared truth, shared service, and shared suffering. As the Gospel changes friendships, it brings unity, support, and strength, which is deeply needed in our lives and culture today.

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The Way of The Way - Acts Part 2 Week 23: Week 23: Acts 19:21-20:6

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 21 Jun 2020 21:49:39 -0700

In Ephesus, Paul and the early disciples changed the economic landscape of the whole city by presenting a new way of living. They were called ‘The Way’ because the Christian life was a way of living that encompassed all of life: love, forgiveness, and worship. Today, we too are called into The Way, following God’s example of what He has already done, empowered by the Holy Spirit.

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Fear or Faith - Acts Part 2 Week 22: Acts 19:11-20

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 14 Jun 2020 16:19:52 -0700

The birth of the church in Ephesus was chaotic, but the power of God overshadowed it and brought peace. As people came to believe in Jesus their fear was turned into true worship of God. A generation later the church of Ephesus had “lost their first love,” and their focus became inward; as they grew, they lost their passion and impulse. God wants us to see the vibrancy and the Holy Spirit’s power and Christ’s resurrection and Salvation for us!

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Baptism of the Spirit - Acts Part 2 Week 21: Acts 19:1-10

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 07 Jun 2020 13:08:37 -0700

The trajectory of Acts shows us how God is bringing the world back to Himself through His own redemption. Paul, in the city of Ephesus, spends his time talking to three groups: those waiting for the Messiah, Jewish leaders, and the Greeks (Gentiles). Paul was concerned with the Holy Spirit’s work both in the lives of individuals as well as the whole community.

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Community of Faith - Acts Part 2 Week 20: Acts 18:12-28

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 31 May 2020 14:16:04 -0700

Luke shows that the story of the Gospel going forward is much bigger than Paul or Peter, as it is God’s story; Jesus is the main character. Today see that 1) The community of God (the church) springs up right where people already are, 2) The community disciples each other, and 3) It takes all kinds of people to live and walk together as we grow faith in Jesus.

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Fear Not - Do Not Be Silent - I Am With You - Acts Part 2 Week 19: Acts 18:1-11

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 24 May 2020 13:24:58 -0700

There is much to learn from how God responds when Paul reaches a point of being exhausted, tired and depressed. God promises three things 1) Fear not, 2) Do not be silent, and 3) I am with you. These promises are written for our benefit so we would understand and trust God.

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Gospel in a Cultural Context - Acts Part 2 Week 18: Acts 17:16-34

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 17 May 2020 13:29:12 -0700

The culture into which Christianity was born was just as skeptical and hostile to the claims of Christianity as ours is today. Because of Paul’s desire for the people in the world to know Christ, he heads into the marketplace to share the good news of God’s complex love. Tim Keller points out that Paul’s reasoning in the market place shows: 1) The cultural power of the Gospel 2) The intellectual power of the Gospel and 3) The personal power of the Gospel.

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Mother's Day 2020: Covid 19 and Moms

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 10 May 2020 12:32:46 -0700

I have asked a few moms to share with you. Some you may know, some you may not, but they are all part of Element. I asked them to speak about their real lives right now in the C19 world.

Joy for Jesus and for Paul was an understanding of life that encompassed both elation and depression…because God is sovereign and rules over all things. We can FEAR NOT, not because we not HAVE FEAR, but because God is with us. God has good for us and life itself is headed toward a good that can be neither imagined nor stopped no matter what virus comes our way. As someone else wrote, “The great illusion is that joy and peace are primarily feelings that depend on our circumstances.”

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The Gospel’s Provoked Response - Acts Part 2 Week 17: Acts 17:16-34

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 03 May 2020 13:53:55 -0700

Because of His understanding of the Good News, Paul was motivated by the Holy Spirit to speak truth to the people of Athens. This provocation led him to have a heart for the intellectuals who were morally empty as well as for the common people who were worshiping created idols.

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Government and the Gospel - Acts Part 2 Week 16: Acts 17:1-15

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 26 Apr 2020 12:42:58 -0700

The book of Acts shows how the Roman government and many officials responded to the commotion that the message of the Gospel was making in the world. Paul will suffer hardships at the hands of the government as well as experience its protection. Because of suffering at both the hands of the people and the government, Paul will start to relate the message of the Gospel in terms of our “Suffering Savior” because he understands that in the Christian life we will be subject to suffering.

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Suffering for Doing Good - Acts Part 2 Week 15: Acts 16:16-40

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 19 Apr 2020 16:35:54 -0700

God’s servants are not protected from suffering that will come with the proclamation of the Good News - which is: that Salvation is achieved not by any of man’s works, but by grace alone. We need to recognize, acknowledge and believe Jesus is LORD of our lives and that it is Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection through which God invades our dark spaces and says, “You are mine.”

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No One: John 14:6 - Easter 2020

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 12 Apr 2020 12:50:59 -0700

When Jesus said in John 14:6, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me,” those words meant something in His cultural context. When Jesus and John the Baptizer said “repent,” it meant something in their cultural context. It is important for us to understand how we speak of God’s words into our current cultural context as well.

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Tradition Versus Traditionalism - Acts Part 2 Week 14: Acts 16:16-18

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 05 Apr 2020 16:57:53 -0700

Reading Scripture alongside tradition is different than reading Scripture through a lens of tradition. God wants us to be a people who trust the words of Scripture over our own opinions that we have turned into traditionalism.

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A World of Maps - Acts Part 2 Week 13: Acts 16:6-15

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 29 Mar 2020 23:21:20 -0700

God uses everyday situations to change Paul in how he trusts God. Paul goes from a “self-referenced follower of God” to a “Christ-referenced person” as God changes him from being fearful to trusting, possessive to receptive, controlling to expectant, and divisive to expansive.

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All Things to All Men Part 1 - Acts Part 2 Week 12: Acts 16:1-5

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 22 Mar 2020 17:46:39 -0700

Paul champions “saved by grace alone,” but in order to be culturally relevant to the non-Jesus believing Jewish community, he and Timothy will follow a custom that will help them make inroads. Paul’s aim in making himself a “slave to all” is three-fold: to win others, to save others, and to be a
partaker of the benefits of the Gospel.

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As Iron Sharpens Iron - Acts Part 2 Week 11: Acts 15:34-41

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 15 Mar 2020 21:00:38 -0700

Christians continually need to be “re-gospeled:” reminded of what God has done for us in Christ. This brings about a continual transformation of our hearts and lives, because like Paul and Barnabas, we tend to forget who we are, who God is, and what He has done for us.

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Preaching Grace and Freedom - Acts Part 2 Week 10: Acts 15:22-35

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 09 Mar 2020 10:13:26 -0700

Love one another and adjust your lives to make space for one another – just as the Gospel welcomes us in, so should we welcome those around us as well.

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Gospel is Freedom From the Law - Acts Part 2 Week 9: Acts 15:1-21

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 01 Mar 2020 20:43:42 -0800

The law that was set up in the Old Testament was designed to point us to our need for a Savior. We can still fall into the same traps as the Pharisees by adding rules, structures, or guidelines that destroy the good news.

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Rejoicing in What God is Doing - Acts Part 2 Week 8: Acts 14:24-28

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 23 Feb 2020 20:30:01 -0800

The Gospel is both good and bad news – bad in the fact that it shines a light on the devastation of our sin, and beautifully good in the fact that it engulfs suffering and brings true joy because of what Jesus did for us. We can rest knowing that evil is defeated which brings hope, rejoicing, and fuels us to spread the Gospel as much as we can.

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From Worship to Stoning - Acts Part 2 Week 7: Acts 14:8-23

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 17 Feb 2020 12:56:36 -0800

If you love God to any degree, there are those who will not like it because you are reflecting God’s light into darkness. Suffering most often leads to the Gospel going further than we could have imagined.

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Opposition To The Gospel - Acts Part 2 Week 6: Acts 14:1-7

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 09 Feb 2020 21:10:24 -0800

Paul preaches until it is prudent to leave. We can learn a lot about how to deal more graciously with opposition.

10 things that will help us all deal more graciously with opposition:

1. Don’t Be Surprised
2. Calm Your Outrage
3. Repent When Needed
4. Keep Loving Each Other
5. Love Your Enemies
6. Trust God and Do Good
7. Share Your Hope
8. Be Respectful
9. Remember Your Christian Family
10. Remember the Gospel We Speak Of!

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The Gospel In A Cultural Context - Acts Part 2 Week 5: Acts 13:44-52

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 02 Feb 2020 19:39:37 -0800

God’s Good News is for all people. Paul spent time studying the culture so he can speak the unchanging Gospel Truths contextually – just like we are to do today.

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The Gospel For Hebrews - Acts Part 2 Week 4: Acts 13:13-43

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 26 Jan 2020 20:57:25 -0800

Paul speaks the same Gospel message in different contexts by learning His audience and explaining it in a way that they can understand.

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The Strategies of a “Church on Mission” - Acts Part 2 Week 3: Acts 13:4-12

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 19 Jan 2020 21:10:52 -0800

As God sends us out “On Mission” as He sent the first missionaries, it is good to remember that it’s the power of God’s Word, used by God’s Spirit, that brings people to the Savior. Our job is to be wise like serpents (good strategy) and harmless as doves (gracious approach), as we gently help people to see their need for Christ.

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The Marks of a “Church on Mission” - Acts Part 2 Week 2: Acts 13:1-4

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 12 Jan 2020 20:35:30 -0800

The Holy Spirit prompts the missional church to send missionaries out into the world with the message of Salvation.

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What Has Gone Before - Acts Part 2 Week 1: Acts 12:24-25

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 05 Jan 2020 16:45:46 -0800

Big Idea: We are empowered to live on mission and to cease being spectators.

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33. The Last Reflection

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 29 Dec 2019 21:01:58 -0800

Today we pause before we start our new series next week by taking one last reflection of 2019 in the book of Ecclesiastes.

Sounds of Christmas (Christmas Eve 2019)

podcast@ourelement.org — Tue, 24 Dec 2019 23:26:00 -0800

The sounds of Christmas that surround Joseph’s life tells us, “It’s worth it. God keeps his promises.” And that is why I can say to you tonight, Merry Christmas.

4. Isaiah's Song: Luke 1:18-25 (Songs of Christmas)

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 22 Dec 2019 22:17:35 -0800

The details that surround the birth of Jesus are important because they speak of God’s nature and character (meek and lowly). The exact date of His birth has no significance whatsoever, which may be why God chose not to mention it. The fact is that Jesus was born, that He came into the world to atone for our sins, that He was resurrected to eternal life, and that He’s alive today. This is what we should celebrate with our gifts, celebrations, and songs. We are told in the Old Testament Zechariah 2:10 “Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion, for behold, I come and I will dwell in your midst, declares the Lord.” The New International Version says, “‘Shout and be glad, O Daughter of Zion. For I am coming, and I will live among you,’ declares the LORD.” That is exactly what Jesus did in what we celebrate as Christmas.

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3. Mary's Song: Luke 1:46-55 (Songs of Christmas)

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 15 Dec 2019 14:43:01 -0800

We are looking at the songs, poems, and words that were sung or spoken over the events that led to what we would call the “first Christmas.” The Gospel of Luke gives very specific details about the event: Jesus was wrapped in “swaddling clothes,” and placed in a “manger.” These details speak of the nature of God and His character: meek, humble, and true. The wonderful point of Jesus’ birth is that He came into the world to atone for our sins, He was resurrected, and that He’s alive today. That is what we celebrate in the holidays of Easter and Christmas; it is cause for celebration every day, not just once a year.

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2. The Angel's Song: Luke 2:12-13 (Songs of Christmas)

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 08 Dec 2019 20:06:21 -0800

God brings glory to Himself by being the power, the authority, and the presence by which all things happen. When God redeems and rescues, He calls the weak and the broken, so He is most glorified. The whole idea of what we celebrate at Christmas was the fulfillment of God’s promises to us. The world is fallen and broken, and we are not simply victims of the messed-up world, we have participated in messing up the world; the scriptures call this sin and rebellion. This is why Jesus came, to rescue us as we could never rescue ourselves.

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1. The Song of Zechariah: When God Gives You A Time Out (Songs of Christmas)

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 01 Dec 2019 20:05:58 -0800

Zechariah was an Old Testament Priest, waiting for the Promised Redeemer. Though he and his wife were elderly, and unable to have children, he prays for a son. An angel appears, and tells him his prayer has been heard, and his wife will bear a son who will not only be an answer Zechariah’s personal prayer, but who will play a part in answering the prayers of the nation of Israel. But instead of just believing and being thankful, Zechariah wants proof. The Lord responds with a 9-month “time- out”, where Zechariah is not able to speak. God answers his prayer anyway, and the moment Zechariah names the child “John,” in obedience to the angel’s original words, his voice comes back, and his first words are considered a prophetic “song,” which came to be known as the “Benedictus.”

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32. Beyond Vapor to Truth - Ecclesiastes 12:9-14

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 24 Nov 2019 19:14:35 -0800

Today we end the book of Ecclesiastes by looking at Solomon being wise enough to speak of his vulnerabilities. He spent the entire book pointing out all the ways he had failed God’s call in his life. He shows that wisdom is found in those who are willing to admit their failures and trust God in life for truth.

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31. Beyond Vapor to Beauty - Ecclesiastes 12:1-8

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 17 Nov 2019 20:34:31 -0800

Today in the book of Ecclesiastes Solomon continues to talk about youth and beauty versus getting old. He will point out how getting older is more painful for some and less painful for others depending on the focus.

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30. Culture Addicted to Vapor - Ecclesiastes 11:7-10

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 10 Nov 2019 20:40:44 -0800

Solomon starts the section of Ecclesiastes that we are looking at today by being hopeful and encouraging. It is a departure from how he communicates the previous chapters of the book. He will say that when life and its rhythms flow in the perfect direction, life is (and can be) very beautiful. He says, “There are days that life is unbelievably sweet and the sun feels good to your skin.”

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29. Day Dreaming Vapor - Ecclesiastes 11:1-6

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 03 Nov 2019 20:46:22 -0800

Wise people help those in need, but the larger concept that Solomon moves us toward today is the idea that we will never lack for excuses to not help one another (or to work in general). There will always be something we can point to that will give us a reason to not step into the things that we know we should be doing. Sometimes it is even tempting to wonder if anything we do for God really matters, for example, when we pray for a friend and they don’t get better or we share the gospel and it doesn’t seem like anyone believes. The Book of Ecclesiastes is now moving us to push beyond what we see, to trusting what God does with our faithfulness.

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28. Working Smarter Than Vapor Part 2 - Ecclesiastes 10:8-20

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 27 Oct 2019 21:01:00 -0700

Today in Ecclesiastes, Solomon continues his push for us to listen to and live within wisdom. There is an infinite number of categories by which people can be classified in how they live. In much of the wisdom literature, of which Ecclesiastes is a part of, the division is among only two: the wise and foolish. Wise people are those who live their lives in rhythm with God rather than resisting His will.

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27. Working Smarter Than Vapor Part 1 - Ecclesiastes 10:5-7

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 20 Oct 2019 21:01:30 -0700

Today in Ecclesiastes, Solomon will write in a way that will hopefully get our imaginations to see how bad folly, or being foolish, is in our lives. He will use the analogy of perfume and say that nothing may have been wrong with the fragrance of a perfume to start off, but it had attracted a swarm of flies. Some of the insects had died, and the stench of their carcasses had turned the perfume rancid. Wisdom is sweet, like fragrant perfume, but it doesn’t take much foolishness to turn the smell into something sour because folly stinks. Derek Kidner commented, “It is easier to make a stink than to create sweetness.”

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26. Vapor Freak Out - Ecclesiastes 9:17-10:7

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 13 Oct 2019 19:55:54 -0700

Today in Ecclesiastes you will see some things that are philosophical, some that are practical, and some that are theological, but they all deal with foolishness and wisdom. Vapor/vanity are the words that are also translated as “meaningless” and most of the things we freak out about are meaningless. Today we like to classify people in a myriad of ways, Solomon (and the wisdom literature) classifies people in 2 categories: wise and foolish.

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25. Listening Over The Vapor - Ecclesiastes 9:11-16

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 06 Oct 2019 17:32:05 -0700

This is week 25 of our walk through the book of Ecclesiastes. In Ecclesiastes 9 Solomon will talk about death and joy, injustice and pain, what we need to remember and what we forget. The idea being that God is good enough to provide joy before death and we should embrace it as long as we can. While we have life, we also have the opportunity to make the most of our days and maximize the lot in life God has given us. The day will arrive when death overtakes us and our labors come to an end, so until that day comes we should be ambitious about our jobs, homes, families, friends, churches, and ministries because we have no idea what God may do in us and through us tomorrow.

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24. Life In The Midst Of Vapor - Ecclesiastes 9:1-10

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 29 Sep 2019 23:35:00 -0700

In Ecclesiastes we are following Solomon’s quest to find the meaning of life, the more he looked into the things around him the more he struggled to make sense of his world. Solomon was like someone who chased the sun and no matter how far he ran the sun was still the same distance away. The early church father Augustine summarized Ecclesiastes’ message like this: “Solomon gives over the entire book of Ecclesiastes to suggesting, with such fullness as he judged adequate, the emptiness of this life, with the ultimate objective, to be sure, of making us yearn for another kind of life which is no unsubstantial shadow under the sun, but substantial reality under the sun’s Creator.”

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23. God Over Vapor - Ecclesiastes 8:14-17

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 22 Sep 2019 22:17:29 -0700

Today in Ecclesiastes we are going to look at what the fear of God means, and how God stands over our meaninglessness. Ecclesiastes is a look at how the wisest man in the world ended his days in reflection of all he accomplished; he comes to the conclusion that following God is the only way to truly live. Solomon keeps reminding us that what we build with our hands under the sun is like a vapor and that only life with God lasts. We trust God for what He reveals and also trust Him for what we don’t understand.

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22. Hope in More Than Vapor - Ecclesiastes 8:10-13

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 15 Sep 2019 20:15:00 -0700

This is the second part of Element’s look at the book of Ecclesiastes. The series title is “The Existential Hangover” because the word ‘existential’ philosophically is concerned with human existence. The book of Ecclesiastes deals with the questions of our lives and what we put our time and energy into and then asks, “now what?” The book is about the headache that comes from getting everything you thought you ever wanted under the sun and then realizing it doesn’t fulfill you because it is all temporary. Ecclesiastes is meant to be advice on real, practical, everyday living and to lift up an ideology that looks beyond this mortal shell to what goes on into eternity.

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21. Transformation Instead of Vapor - Ecclesiastes 8:1-9

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 08 Sep 2019 20:15:59 -0700

Welcome back to the book of Ecclesiastes. We spent the first part of this year going through this philosophical Old Testament book that centers itself on questions of life, wisdom, and God. The author of Ecclesiastes is King Solomon who is constantly asking questions about where our focus lies: on things “under the sun” (meaning the realm which we create) or the eternal.

Solomon will use the words “Yet when I surveyed” to push us to face, with brutal honest self-examination, what life without God is truly like. This is why we called the series “The Existential Hangover.” The word “existential” relates to existence; the big question of the book being NOW WHAT? I had it all, bought it all, did it all, accomplished it all and now what? The writer of the book “had it all” in the realm of the created and says “I now want to tell about that which exists beyond the realm of what we create.”

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Fourteen: Holy Spirit In Us | I Believe in Miracles

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 01 Sep 2019 10:33:00 -0700

God doesn’t want us to wonder about how things will turn out for those who trust Jesus. He is so committed to making sure we know that Jesus’ payment on the cross was enough to pay for our sins that He has also given us His Spirit inside of all of us who trust Him to guarantee our eternity and remind us that we belong to Him. The miracle is that the Creator puts His own Spirit inside of His creature (us) to assure us that we will never have to be apart from Him again because of our sin. He stamps our adoption into His family as “complete” and shows us each day how to live in the freedom of belonging to Him forever.

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Twelve: Manna in the Desert | I Believe in Miracles

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 18 Aug 2019 20:31:49 -0700

God doesn’t zap us into maturity, He leads us in a process. At times that process can be painful, arduous, and long, but it’s a process in which we are not an object to Him; we’re His people. We cooperate, we participate in a personal process of growth. Manna was about relationship with God and others, we can’t live without God and we were not meant to live without each other. We are meant to gather with people who are on the same journey we are and talk about it, to lift each other up when they fall down, admonish each other, and help each other think about Jesus more as we gather what God has daily given us. We are reminded to remind one another of all that has come into our hands through God’s miraculous grace.

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BONUS: Samson | Archetype

podcast@ourelement.org — Tue, 06 Aug 2019 12:18:14 -0700

You might have heard of Samson as a kid, seen a cartoon, fantasized about his great strength, but none of it does justice to how much of a knucklehead this guy was. I have a hard time even understanding why he would be talked about in Hebrews 11 as an archetype of faith…unless we can properly understand the word faith a bit better and who God is.

Ten: Plagues on Egypt | I Believe in Miracles

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 04 Aug 2019 20:03:40 -0700

The overarching message of the Bible is the story of God’s redemption of all His creation. The miracles recorded in the Bible were for the primary purpose of accomplishing that redemption AND making it clear who God is (His nature and His glory) to all people of every generation. For us today, when we think of God as a Savior, we point to the cross and to Jesus as our Savior and Lord. When we celebrate communion each week, we’re reminded of what Jesus did on the cross that permanently defines God’s saviorhood for all time. However, if you were to ask an Israelite in the OT how he knew God is a Savior and Redeemer, they would point to the Exodus where God delivered His people from Egyptian slavery.

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Eight: Healing the Lame | I Believe in Miracles

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 21 Jul 2019 21:44:57 -0700

Today, as the church, we are to be God’s ambassadors to the world, what the world will see of God is how we now live. Healing for the world will come as God’s blessings flow out from us as His people. We are called to pour out our money, power, and opportunity as genuine sacrifice to Jesus in this world. If our giving leads to trouble or genuine sacrifice, that should not surprise us. One commentator said, “The healing of the world comes through the sacrificial death of the church.” He says that God brings life to people around us the same way He brought life to us… Where we sacrifice for others like Jesus sacrificed for us. How we navigate life will show those around us that we have a joy that goes beyond the pleasures of this life or the pain of the grave! Our suffering is not about our sin, but God’s glory. God’s purpose for trial is not punitive for us, but redemptive for others.

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Six: The Miracle of Miracles | I Believe in Miracles

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 07 Jul 2019 19:42:16 -0700

In the New Testament, God sometimes used supernatural miracles to help people in need, but also:

- To prove that Jesus was the Son of God, the promised Messiah.
- To confirm the authority of Jesus,
- To prove that His words were true,
- To show that He had Divine Power in several realms.

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Four: Jonah | I Believe in Miracles

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 23 Jun 2019 20:42:44 -0700

The book of Jonah brings all of us under the conviction that we love the things that God has given us (homes, cars, hobbies, health, friends, etc.) more than the great city we live in. There are spiritually blind people whom we pass every day and ignore because our minds are consumed with ourselves. The question that Jonah leaves us to ponder is who would we be if God simply left us to ourselves and stopped running after us? If Jesus had not come, died, and risen after 3 days, where would we be? Lost and alone. If we don’t make this personal, we will miss the point of Jonah: that we are Jonah.

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20. The Vapor of Who We Are - Ecclesiastes 7:20-29

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 09 Jun 2019 20:04:37 -0700

The theme of this week is that there is no man or woman on earth who is wholly and completely righteous. No one has ever been righteous on their own merit except for Jesus. Solomon is reminding us that wisdom is found in being honest enough to acknowledge that we all have failures; these failures should point us and remind us of our continuing need for Jesus.

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19. Circumstances of Vapor - Ecclesiastes 7:14-19

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 02 Jun 2019 20:24:28 -0700

This week we will take a look at blessings and sufferings and how our belief about those things dictate how we respond to God, others, and ourselves. Solomon talks about how wisdom comes from God, but he understands that wisdom in and of itself will not spare people from suffering. Wisdom can and will allow people to respond well to situations instead of being made worse by our initial reactions.

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18. Sober-Minded Vapor Management - Ecclesiastes 7:1-13

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 26 May 2019 20:32:35 -0700

We are in week 18 of the Old Testament book of Ecclesiastes. The writer of Ecclesiastes continues to return to the idea of satisfaction within our lives and how that can actually happen.

Satisfaction does not occur because we have enough stuff; it occurs when we find ourselves and our identity in God Himself. The word secular comes from the Latin word, saeculum, which means “the now” or a piece of time. It is how Solomon in Ecclesiastes speaks of understanding -- if this life “under the sun” is the only life that is real, then all of it is meaningless. The best commentators agree that the purpose of Ecclesiastes is to express when we identify with the man-made things in this world (with no God involved), in the end, life becomes entirely devoid of meaning and purpose.

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17. The Operation of Vapor - Ecclesiastes 6:10-12

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 19 May 2019 20:47:02 -0700

We are in week 17 of our sermon series on the book of Ecclesiastes. This week is the last of four weeks that have gone together to provide an overall view of life, money, and satisfaction. The overarching theme of the past few weeks has been the following question, “Have you ever thought about how much you need God?”

Many times we do not live in a place where we consistently remember how much we need to trust Jesus and His grace over us. Most of the time we live our lives and only think about God when something or someone falls apart around us. We do not live with a consistent, Gospel-centered life of surrender; trusting in the person of Christ.

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Two: The Miracle of Life (Mother's Day) | I Believe in Miracles

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 12 May 2019 20:41:00 -0700

Today, Aaron interviews Christine Soltan, Executive Director of CareNet Pregnancy Center in Santa Maria. Read more about CareNet at their website: https://www.carenetsm.com/

16. Satisfaction of our Vapor - Ecclesiastes 6:1-9

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 05 May 2019 20:46:00 -0700

We are in week 16 of our sermon series of Ecclesiastes. Solomon, the writer of Ecclesiastes, has been on a roll about satisfaction in life not coming from man-made things, but from God Himself. The more we try to make the temporary things in our lives INTO eternal things the less and less they will satisfy. The existential hangover is about attaining everything we think we want to make our existence meaningful only to wake up the next morning and realize it didn’t fulfill us. What do you do when you get everything you thought you wanted, and you actually accomplish ALL of your dreams…now what?

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15. Enjoyment of Vapor - Ecclesiastes 5:13-20

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 28 Apr 2019 20:46:38 -0700

Today we are in week 15 of our look through the book of Ecclesiastes. Solomon keeps steering us back to our understanding of what is truly meaningful in life. It is not what we produce (though it can add to it), it is what we receive from the hand of God. Satisfaction doesn’t come from things, it comes from our God who can (and does) bless us with the ability to enjoy things. Today Solomon is going to continue his look at money and how we use it (or it uses us).

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One: The Miracle of Forgiveness (Easter) | I Believe in Miracles

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 21 Apr 2019 20:41:00 -0700

Easter is a day that centers on the resurrection of Jesus. It is a day of celebration and hope because God was and is true to His promises. Instead of looking at the reasons for the Resurrection, today we are looking at the miracle of forgiveness. We are a people who consistently turn from who and what God calls us to be: His image bearers in the world. Even though we have broken relationship with God, Jesus comes to bring restoration to that broken relationship through the miracle of forgiveness.

Forgiveness is an interesting concept because to truly want forgiveness we must agree with someone else that we have done something wrong. This is why it is so hard for many in western culture to get their heads around the concept of sin. We consistently tell ourselves that our actions against God are not as bad as they actually are. This is where the miracle of forgiveness comes in; God forgives us in Christ for our sins against Him and others before we truly understand the depth of what our sin actually is. His Spirit then guides us as we are surrendered to Him to grow into people who not only understand our sin, but also our great forgiveness, restoration, and reconciliation with God Himself; it enables us to live in hope and joy again.

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14. The Riches of Vapor - Ecclesiastes 5:8-12

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 14 Apr 2019 20:41:56 -0700

Ecclesiastes is about living in a way that honors God first. Ultimately that is what will bring us satisfaction. It starts with our hope in the person of Jesus as He rescues, saves, and makes all the difference.

Jesus tells us that if anyone is in Christ they are a new creation; they are His children, and they are precious. When we build our satisfaction on others we find dissatisfaction, because only Jesus can sustain the weight of our expectation. Only Jesus knows how bad we are and is prepared to completely redeem us. This is why Solomon keeps coming back to the idea that our satisfaction must be found in God or our lives turn into meaningless messes. We have a whole new way of looking at all of our messes as we perceive them through the lens of Gospel; the good news of what God has done to rescue us in JESUS.

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13. Vows of Vapor - Ecclesiastes 5:1-7

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 07 Apr 2019 11:27:00 -0700

Solomon turns his attention to worship. Worship comes from Latin and it means – to ascribe worth to. It could almost be said as the word “worth-ship.” In the Christian context, Worship is knowing who God is and responding to Him as He has revealed Himself. It is getting our worth-ship/worship out of the realm of the created into the realm of the eternal, focusing on the one who is already worthy. Unfortunately, we tend to worship all sorts of created things rather than our Creator.

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12. Vapor Comparison - Ecclesiastes 4:9-16

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 31 Mar 2019 21:50:00 -0700

We are in week 12 in our series on the book of Ecclesiastes. Ecclesiastes is a look at an old man surveying his life and realizing that everything apart from God is meaningless because there is no purpose in life if there is no God. Solomon will make a lot of comparisons throughout the book, he will make these comparisons to help us understand what is actually better in life. Trusting God, community, friendships, good food, and wisdom are all better than their counterparts of loneliness, foolishness, despair, and vapor.

Today Solomon starts to run full force at our need for friendships with one another, he will do this in practical ways by speaking about safety and security.

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11. Envying Vapor - Ecclesiastes 4:4-8

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 24 Mar 2019 11:27:00 -0700

Today we are in Ecclesiastes Chapter 4 where Solomon will talk about work and rest in the context of life “under the sun.” The book of Ecclesiastes keeps coming back to center on the idea of what happens when you get everything you ever thought you wanted, when you attain whatever goal you set for yourself, and then you wake up the next morning and you are still you…what do you do then? It shows how life and our work seems to fall apart on a constant basis which makes the writer call it all “meaningless” or “vapor” or “vanity.”

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10. Vapor, Dust, and Hedges - Ecclesiastes 3:18 - 4:3

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 17 Mar 2019 11:27:00 -0700

Ecclesiastes is a book that covers the topic of what gives life meaning and purpose and where that meaning and purpose is found. Some people see the book as being a very grim outlook on life, but it is simply giving us a look at reality of life outside of the understanding of God. The author of this book experienced more success, accumulated more wealth, experienced more pleasure, and essentially was better at just about anything (in his own mind), but he found that all of his pursuits were meaningless and ended with death…he seems to be the only one honest enough to admit it.

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9. Wickedness and Justice - Ecclesiastes 3:16-17

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 10 Mar 2019 11:27:00 -0700

Welcome to Element! We are going through the book of Ecclesiastes which is the words of King Solomon near the end of his life looking back with regret over the choices he has made. This book is philosophical in nature and looks at the question, “what matters in this life?” Today we look at Solomon’s words about wickedness and justice, but not from the normal perspective of how there is evil in the world (we will cover that later in Ecclesiastes). Today we look at evil and injustice from our perceived expectations.

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8. Man (Vapor) vs God (Reality) - Ecclesiastes 3:9-15

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 03 Mar 2019 11:27:00 -0800

Many philosophers from Aristotle to Kant have believed that in order to be happy people must be living virtuous lives. Aristotle believed that a virtue was simply the means (the middle) between two extreme vices, whereas Kant believed to enjoy something lessens its inherent virtue. Kant believed that it was more virtuous to do something out of duty rather than enjoyment. This belief of Kant has snuck its way into Christianity, which leads many Christians to not find enjoyment in God, but instead love Him or believe in Him because it is duty.

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7. Seasons of Vapor - Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 24 Feb 2019 11:27:00 -0800

Ecclesiastes 3 takes a hiatus from all the talk about meaninglessness and provides more reflection on time. Aaron started his sermon with God’s name, Yahweh, which literally means “to be.” He has been and always will be who He is; God doesn’t change. This “being-ness” means a few things:
(1) God is self-existent and therefore He is not dependent on anything else for His own existence.
(2) God is the creator and sustainer of all that exists, including time.
(3) God is unchanging in His being and character. He is not in the process of becoming something different from what or who He is.
(4) God is eternal in His existence.
From God’s name we gather that He exists and will continue to exist.

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6. Working on Vapor - Ecclesiastes 2:18-26

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 17 Feb 2019 11:27:00 -0800

Today we will finish chapter 2 in the book of Ecclesiastes and begin to move further into slightly less depressing chapters. Up till this point we see that Solomon hates life under the sun because all he sees is death. Death will be the end to all his wisdom, all his strivings, all of his pursuits. It is why Ecclesiastes pushes us to seek answers to Solomon’s questions in the rest of the Scriptures. Seeking answers leads us to Jesus who offers something else “under the sun.” He brings the Gospel, which is the good news that in Jesus our wisdom isn’t the only or best wisdom. He has come to rescue us from our self-focused and self-centered way of life so our perspective sees beyond the sun to truly see the son and be made new again.

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5. The Focus on Vapor - Ecclesiastes 2:12-17

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 10 Feb 2019 11:27:00 -0800

This week Solomon is trying to wrestle with the idea of “if I am so smart then why am I not happy?” He lived his life with a wisdom that believed he would be able to figure out life and find satisfaction.

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4. Our Own Hangover - Ecclesiastes 2:1-11

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 03 Feb 2019 11:27:00 -0800

As we keep saying, a big push in the book of Ecclesiastes is the question, “What is the meaning of life?” Do we live our lives as if they are expressions of gifts we have ALREADY received or do we live like we are always searching for something? If you are having a hard time figuring that out, Ecclesiastes is a great starting point to have an awareness that all we have and have been through is from the hand of God. When that truth begins to click we enter into the realm of the eternal. Joy doesn’t have a beginning and end just like peace doesn’t have a beginning and end. When the temporary takes over our life we become lost, it becomes vapor.

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3. Wisdom is a Vapor - Ecclesiastes 1:12-18

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 27 Jan 2019 11:27:00 -0800

We are doing a series in the book of Ecclesiastes that we are calling the “Existential Hangover”. Existential refers to “relating to existence” or the question, “What is the meaning of life?” We run after many things in life (stuff, relationships, a new identity) thinking that those things are the point, and yet in the end they are all meaningless. Solomon calls them a vapor, something that is briefly here then dissipates. Ecclesiastes is about the day after you get all the things you thought you ever wanted and yet you are still you. The book raises questions and contrasts “life under the sun” meaning our experience, what we create without God, and what God actually does.

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2. Progress is a Vapor - Ecclesiastes 1:1-11

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 21 Jan 2019 11:27:44 -0800

In Ecclesiastes Solomon will relate much of our life to metaphorically driving around a cul-de-sac (or round-about) trying to find meaning. He tries to get us to ask questions that are bigger, “than what you are doing this weekend or next year;” the questions he asks center around our entire life and ultimately eternity. This is why he uses the phrase “under the sun” to get us to see that there is more beyond what we experience “under the sun,” there is beauty in how God invades our space to bring life again.

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1. The Teacher's Hangover

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 13 Jan 2019 20:47:00 -0800

This week we start a new short 33 week sermon series on the book Ecclesiastes. This book is widely popular and often misunderstood. Ecclesiastes asks one of the most important and most frequently asked questions in all of human history: what is the meaning or purpose of life?

Ecclesiastes sounds like it could be a thoroughly depressing book as it starts out with words, “meaningless, meaningless, all is meaningless.” The book however must be seen in light of all the rest of the Scriptures, because the rest of the Scriptures actually answer Solomon’s most perplexing question of meaning in life. This book is narrated by the “teacher,” his job is to disrupt us and our thought processes because he doesn’t want to just affirm truths that we already know, but provide a space for honest dialogue and reflection. The teacher forces us to wrestle with what we believe to be true instead of spoon feeding truth to us.

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Empowered to Serve

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 06 Jan 2019 20:47:00 -0800

Jesus has not only secured the future for those of us who have trusted Him as our savior, he has given us a new identity and new abilities to be able to serve Him in exciting ways. God gives us the superhuman ability to love others in at least 3 ways:

1. Superhuman Love Forgives Freely.
2. Superhuman Love Welcomes Warmly.
3. Superhuman Love Serves Selflessly.

Action Steps:
1. Write down the name of someone you need to love by showing forgiveness: _______________
2. Write down the name of someone you could invite into your life this week: _______________
3. Write down one way you could use your gifts to serve others in the church or the people around you: _______________

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Secure Enough to Serve

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 30 Dec 2018 20:47:00 -0800

Jesus knew who He was, where He was going, and that His time here on earth was short.
If you were secure in those same truths about yourself, what are some differences it could make:
In your willingness to serve others?
In your attitude in serving others?
In your level of effort in serving others?

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We 3 Kings 5: King Jesus (Christmas Eve)

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 24 Dec 2018 20:47:00 -0800

Christmas Eve 2018, merry Christmas Element. Tonight I am going to finish a series we started 4 weeks ago called We 3 kings. We started talking about the wise men who came to Jesus’ birth, then we talked about Israel’s first king Saul, their greatest king David, and their wisest king Solomon. Tonight we will bring this whole thing together in talking about the ultimate King, Jesus…the one who rules and reigns over everything, but yet He came poor, humble and was born in a feeding trough for animals.

We 3 Kings 4: King Solomon

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 23 Dec 2018 20:47:27 -0800

Solomon was the son of King David and considered to be the wisest man who has ever lived (other than Jesus). What we see in Solomon’s story is that his wisdom didn’t save him from himself or his his spiral into sin. The Bible speaks of how Solomon’s downfall occurs because he clung to many foreign women “in love,” but not to God Himself. Our heart is the innermost, unseen core of who we are, the place of secret thoughts, desires, and perceptions. Our hearts need to change, and that is what God wants to do. If we live for desire, we will end up being a slave to that desire. Solomon is like us, we are people who are saved by the grace of God and yet we throw aside all the favor that God has bestowed upon us and run after whatever idol it is that we think we need at the time to make us feel fulfilled. We, like Solomon, cast aside the true joy that fellowship with God brings. Yet, when we truly love Jesus we begin to arrange our lives around God’s great grace and calling over us.

Jesus is called the wisdom of God in human flesh. How can trusting Jesus for true wisdom (instead of ourselves) lead to a more free and full life?
What desires have you lived for that have ultimately hurt in the end?
How can God’s wisdom and restorative grace speak into the places where desire has led you astray?

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We 3 Kings 2: King Saul

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 09 Dec 2018 19:07:00 -0800

Saul was the first king in Israel and his downfall came because of his own self-deception. Saul shows how easy it is to become self-deceived. We first begin to shift blame with words like, “It’s not my fault!” Next, we seek to justify our actions as being okay when they aren’t. Elisabeth Elliot said her father would tell her and her brother growing up, “There’s no use singing Jesus praises when you’re being disobedient.” The human heart has an incredible capacity for self-deception, and that was King Saul’s story... as well as our own. What went wrong with Saul is what goes wrong in us: we forget that God is the one who gives us our worth and value, we forget that God delights in us as His children, and we forget that He has given us His favor in Jesus.

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We 3 Kings 1: The Three Kings

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 02 Dec 2018 19:07:57 -0800

The three wise men who came to Jesus as an infant can be seen as Magi, Wise Men, or Kings. As Magi we can see the larger picture that contrary to popular wisdom of the time God has come in the flesh to a broken humanity to rescue and save us. God doesn’t live uninterested up in the “heavens,” God has come here, to our plight in Jesus, to rescue us. If you see them as Wise Men we can also realize the fact that Jesus is the wisdom of God sent to us in a world darkened by our own sin. He reveals God to us because He is the revelation of God Himself. If you picture them as actual kings it can be a reminder that Jesus is the King of all kings and He is the King that God had promised who would rule forever in truth, justice, mercy, love, and grace.

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12. The Dance of God | The Reason For God Chapter 14 and the Epilogue

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 25 Nov 2018 14:48:49 -0800

The cross and resurrection are the center of the Gospel message; they are what God determined to do to save us. Romans 5:9 Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. God’s anger burns towards sin because it destroys the life He made His creation to live within. One Bible dictionary says, “It is rather a personal quality, without which God would cease to be fully righteous and his love would degenerate into sentimentality. His wrath, however, even though like his love it has to be described in human language, is not wayward, fitful or spasmodic, as human anger always is. It is as permanent and as consistent an element in his nature as is his love.”

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11. The Cross & Resurrection | The Reason For God Chapter 12 & 13

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 18 Nov 2018 20:31:00 -0800

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9. Clues & Knowledge of God | The Reason For God Chapter 8 & 9

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 11 Nov 2018 20:31:00 -0800

Since God, by definition, is infinite, and human beings are finite, God would have to reveal Himself to man in such a way that we could know Him and relate to Him. He has done this through “general revelation” where God communicates about Himself to all people at all times and in all places. He also does this through “special revelation” where God communicates particular things about Himself to particular people at particular times. General clues and knowledge about God’s existence and power are seen in the existence of the physical universe as well as in human beings. It’s only the Biblical view of creation that adequately explains the mysteries of our world. By it, we know where the Big Bang came from, why the universe is fine-tuned for organic life and why the laws of nature are so predictable. It explains why our intuitions about the meaningfulness of beauty, love and human dignity are to be expected...because they come from a God of beauty, love, peace and justice in whose image we have been created. By it, we also understand that the violence and hate that we see in our world exists because we as people are broken by sin and need to be redeemed. Through it we realize that God has not been vague about Himself, but He has specifically revealed Himself in His Son Jesus; through whom He provides that redemption by making all things new.

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10. The Problem of Sin | The Reason For God Chapter 10 & 11

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 04 Nov 2018 20:31:13 -0800

We have spent the past 9 weeks talking about certain objections to Christianity and faith in Jesus. This week in the book, Keller transitions from questions and arguments against faith into reasons FOR faith. Christians haven’t always been the best at separating culture vs Gospel and
there have been some large theological rifts in the history of the church. Sometimes rifts are useful in hammering out what we truly believe, but sometimes rifts elevate a tradition above the truth of Jesus.

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8. Taking the Bible Literally | The Reason For God Chapter 7

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 28 Oct 2018 22:51:00 -0700

People today like to say, “You can’t take the Bible literally” meaning you can’t really trust what it says. Many people have heard the claim that the Bible was/is a collection of myths and stories that “the church” itself manipulated in order to bring about their desired theology. The idea is that it wasn’t Jesus changing our view of God (and then His disciples writing about it); it was THE CHURCH changing Jesus to fit with their power structure. The truth is the Bible is filled with narrative, concrete details, historical figures, political activity, and details about social and religious life that can be verified and trusted.

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7. Science & Christianity | The Reason For God Chapter 6

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 21 Oct 2018 15:16:00 -0700

Today we will talk about Science and Christianity because many people say things like, “I can’t have faith in something I can’t see.” The word we translate in the Bible as “faith” is the Greek word “pistis” and it means TRUST. Christianity is a truth claim about historical events that can be investigated just like any other event of history. SCIENCE is man’s interpretation of nature and THEOLOGY is man’s interpretation of the Bible. There’s no contradictions between NATURE and the BIBLE, the problems come between science and theology.

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6. Hell | The Reason For God Chapter 5

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 14 Oct 2018 21:57:00 -0700

Today in our Reason for God series we are talking about the biblical concept of a place called Hell. In the book, Keller will talk a lot about how the doctrine of Hell isn’t as bizarre as modern hearers think, it’s actually not only practical, but logical. Where divine judgement for our culture is one of Christianity’s most offensive doctrines, it can also be shown to be one of the greatest testimonies about God’s righteousness, justice, and grace.

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5. Injustice | The Reason For God Chapter 4

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 07 Oct 2018 21:57:00 -0700

Today in our Reason for God series we are going to cover the objection to Christianity that Christians are hypocritical liars who only care about themselves and that makes Jesus unworthy of following. Most people who take a position against Christianity do so because of some personal interaction that they have had with a Christian (or a church). They perceive Christians as a bunch of hypocrites and the thought is that there are more Christians that are hypocrites than not. We must address the behavior of Christians to the world in which we live because the actions of Christians are many times an issue.

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4. Straight Jacket or Freedom? | The Reason For God Chapter 3

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 30 Sep 2018 21:57:12 -0700

Tim Keller quotes Emma Goldman as saying that Christianity was, “The leveler of the human race, the breaker of man’s will to dare to do…an iron net, a straight-jacket which does not let him expand and grow.” Many people hold views like this of Christianity: that Christianity is straightjacket of sorts, and most Christians don’t know how to rationally answer them. Today we are going to talk about how some people see Christianity as a straightjacket that confines and stifles creativity.

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3. Suffering In The World | The Reason For God Chapter 2

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 23 Sep 2018 22:54:40 -0700

Keller quotes Philosopher J.L. Mackie who said, “If a good and powerful God exists, he would not allow pointless evil, but because there is much unjustifiable, pointless evil in the world, the traditional good and powerful God could not exist. Some other god or no god may exist, but not the traditional God.” By “traditional God” he means the God that we proclaim on a given Sunday. The argument of Mackie is a false one. Just because we can’t see a reason in human suffering at times doesn’t mean that there isn’t one!
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2. Exclusivity | The Reason For God

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 16 Sep 2018 16:14:23 -0700

John 14:6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. Jesus’ statement is pretty exclusive and is considered to be one of the most controversial statements He made; even in the culture of His day. In Rome you were allowed to worship any God you wanted as long as you also worshipped Caesar; Christians and Jews said “No, we will worship God alone.” It is why Rome labeled Christians as Atheists, because Romans would worship all the other gods and Christians would only worship one..
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1. Belief Among Skeptics | The Reason For God

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 09 Sep 2018 20:13:43 -0700

In the past few decades, faith in God has been presented as mere belief in something invisible that we have to muster up that over looks facts. Many religious people have said that faith is “believing in something you can’t see, it’s something you feel.” But the truth is that nowhere does the Bible describe faith like that. The word we translate in the bible as “faith” is the Greek word “pistis” and it means TRUST.
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Proverbs 19: A Joyful Life

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 02 Sep 2018 19:16:44 -0700

God wants us to enjoy Him... and through enjoyment of Him enjoy life. One of the best ways we as a people can be missional is by being people that find joy in life. Knowing who God is, and being satisfied with just that, is the only way to stop sinning; it is the love of God that changes our hearts.

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Proverbs 18: Work, Laziness, Sluggard Part II

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 26 Aug 2018 22:52:58 -0700

Many of us have mistakenly found our identity in what we do for a living versus to whom we belong. Salvation does not come through our work, even though God intends for us to work, salvation comes from Jesus work for us.

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Proverbs 17: Work, Laziness, Sluggard Part I

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 20 Aug 2018 09:13:57 -0700

Sometimes work is hard, but with due diligence it is God who will bring satisfaction to our labor. It is by God’s grace that we are what we are. It is helpful to understand that all work gets done by God’s grace and our hard work, both. Work and grace are meant to be friends, it is God’s grace that enables us to work hard and well. Work is not a necessary evil, it is a blessing. We get the idea of work from God who is a working creator. Work is more than what you get paid to do.
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Proverbs 16: Enough

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 12 Aug 2018 15:49:11 -0700

This Sunday’s message was about the idea of Contentment. Like the other things we are learning in Proverbs, this one is Counter Cultural, in that the culture around us discourages it, but God delights in it, and encourages us to be content with what we have.

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Proverbs 15: Money 2.0

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 05 Aug 2018 20:50:44 -0700

If you have to choose money or wisdom, choose wisdom. If we are wise we can always make money, but if we get more money and don’t have any wisdom, we will lose it all.

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Proverbs 14: Money 1.0

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 29 Jul 2018 20:51:00 -0700

This week we look at a topic that is very near to our hearts, the topic of money! Did you know that 10% of the Bible’s verses are about money and approximately 25% of what Jesus said is related to money one way or another?

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Proverbs 13: Pride

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 22 Jul 2018 20:51:01 -0700

Pride can take shape even in the most positive environments. Helping others can turn into pride as we start to think no one can do it as well as we can. It can be a relationship with someone else simply because you love to be adored. It can be wanting the right job for the reason of being adored or so others will respect you. Pride does everything for itself and not for others.
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Proverbs 12: Wisdom, Anger, Fools

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 16 Jul 2018 12:14:19 -0700

If you are continuing to act foolish, please know that your foolishness
does not separate you from God, but instead you are offered grace
and invited to live in true wisdom with God.
DOWNLOAD PDF SERMON NOTES HERE

DOWNLOAD PDF SERMON NOTES HERE

Proverbs 11: Anger

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 08 Jul 2018 21:54:43 -0700

John Chrysostom, an early Christian preacher, summarized the biblical understanding of anger this way, “He that is angry without cause sins, but he who is not angry when there is cause sins. For unreasonable patience is the hotbed of many vices.”

DOWNLOAD PDF SERMON NOTES HERE

DOWNLOAD PDF SERMON NOTES HERE

Proverbs 10: Friendship

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 01 Jul 2018 17:48:40 -0700

This week we look at what counter-cultural friendships look like and how they are unique, how to discover a friend, how to forge a friendship once discovered, and where we get the power for friendship. The 4 marks of true friendship are:
- Constancy - a friend has chosen you not to make you a means to an end, but an end in yourself.
- Carefulness - friends give the gift of emotional connection voluntarily.
- Candor - truth telling.
- Counsel - graceful truth telling with reassurance and sweetness.

It is only the Gospel of Jesus Christ that makes true friendship possible. Friendships based in Christ can be radical and exhilarating at the same time. Don’t be afraid to reach out in friendship.
DOWNLOAD PDF SERMON NOTES HERE

DOWNLOAD PDF SERMON NOTES HERE

Proverbs 09: Singleness

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 24 Jun 2018 22:52:26 -0700

Jesus was God in human flesh and as such He was the perfect human being, yet He was single. His lack of sexual activity in no way reduced his humanity. Jesus enjoyed friendships with single and married men and women and committed His life to the Father’s glory.

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DOWNLOAD PDF SERMON NOTES HERE

Proverbs 08: Counter Cultural Fatherhood

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 18 Jun 2018 21:32:08 -0700

King Solomon taught his sons to Be Wise, Be Humble, and Be Faithful. Yet, Solomon’s life contradicted his teaching because his heart was divided. We need an undivided heart to truly live as God intended, a heart that only God can cultivate in us. Only then can we live in wisdom and lead our children to live wisely.

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DOWNLOAD PDF SERMON NOTES HERE

Proverbs 07: The Fool

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 10 Jun 2018 22:02:45 -0700

Today we are discussing the Fool. The best way to describe a Fool today would be someone who is out of touch with reality. When the Bible talks about a Fool, it is not speaking about one area of life alone (because a lot of people are ‘Fools’ in one area.) When the Bible talks about a Fool, it’s talking about someone who is out of touch with two basic fundamental facts about reality:
• That there is a created order to the world.
• We are to live within that created order.

What Proverbs teaches us is that we cannot live any way we want and think there are no consequences in our lives. If you try to act as if there’s no order
to the world and live any way you want (make up the rules as you go), then you are a Fool.

Proverbs tells us there are varieties of Fools. Proverbs gives 3 essential types of Fools.
• Simple Fools - Proverbs 14:15 The simple believes everything, but the prudent gives thought to his steps. A simple fool is not someone
who is unsophisticated, it means that you can’t discern between good and bad ideas.
• Obstinate Fools. Proverbs 15:5 A fool despises his father’s instruction, but whoever heeds reproof is prudent. A simple Fool believes everybody, the obstinate believes nobody but himself.
• Ruthless Fools. The simple fool is devastated by criticism. The obstinate fool shrugs off criticism. The ruthless fool pays you back because they are run by overwhelming pride.
In Galatians 3 the Galatian Christians were turning away from the gospel of grace and Paul calls them “Foolish Galatians.” There is only one true
antidote to foolishness: the proclamation of the gospel of the cross.
DOWNLOAD PDF SERMON NOTES HERE

DOWNLOAD PDF SERMON NOTES HERE

Proverbs 06: The Heart

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 04 Jun 2018 14:16:19 -0700

Today we cover the issue of our hearts because our hearts lead us into trouble. If we fail to understand our hearts we will continue follow them and not produce a God honoring culture. The word for heart and its derivatives are used over 900 different times in the Bible. Our hearts shape us and consequently we shape culture then culture completes the circle by shaping our hearts. We have to take responsibility because we are the ones who are helping create the culture in which we live.

In Proverbs the heart is the seat of understanding (2:2), learning (2:10), memory (3:1-3), faith (3:5), obedience (4:4, 10:8), rebellion (5:12), planning (6:14,16:1), imagination (6:18), lust (6:25), will (7:25), perversity (11:20:17:20), deceit (12:20, 26:24), folly (12:23), anxiety (12:25), hope (13:12), joy (13:25, 15:30), hurt (14:10), grief (14:13), peace (14:30), wisdom (14:33, 23:15), happiness (15:13), discernment (15:14, 16:21, 18:15), cheerfulness (15:15, 17:22), contemplation (15:28), pride (16:5, 18:12, 21:4), speech (16:23), rage (19:3), motives (21:2), purity (22:11), folly (22:15), friendship (23:7), gladness (23:15), envy (23:17), violence (24:2), reasoning (24:32), sadness (25:20), evil (26:23), sins (26:25), joy (27:9), and hardness toward God (28:14)…

The scriptures teach that we are transformed by Jesus. One of the ways that happens is the renewal of our hearts and minds. The Bible (and Proverbs) says the root problem is our hearts. Proverbs will draw a line between the CONDITION of the human heart, to the LIVING of human life, to the FORMING of human culture. The heart is a poetic way of saying who we are; it is our essence, our nature. We are not just mind, body or spirit; we are our hearts.

What we must do as a people is open our hearts to Jesus. When we open our hearts, the Holy Spirit comes in gives a new heart that is continually cleansed of its calloused condition. We begin to live a life of joy as our heart beats in rhythm with the heart of God who has created us for life and joy in Him.
DOWNLOAD PDF SERMON NOTES HERE

DOWNLOAD PDF SERMON NOTES HERE

Proverbs 05: Fear of the Lord Part 2

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 28 May 2018 12:01:08 -0700

Last week we talked about what is meant when the Bible says to “fear the Lord.” There are two words for fear in the Old Testament, one means terror and the other one means reverence. In the New Testament the context of a passage will determine what is meant by the word and what type of fear it is. Tim Keller wrote, “The fear of God, the holy fear, is an inward condition of awe and amazement before the glory and the wonder and the power and the grace of this God.”

There are cultural effects of fearing God and not fearing God properly. When we don’t properly “fear” God our lives begin to suffer and it leads to a misunderstanding of our knowledge. Not fearing God leads to us running to our own desires because we think we are the king. Not fearing God also leads us to a place where we start to create our own truth, and listen to others above Him.

When we have a proper fear of God we begin to listen to what He says; we trust Him in all things. Proverbs reminds us that we don’t follow God because of what we get out of it, Proverbs tells us many positive things that can come by loving God first.

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DOWNLOAD PDF SERMON NOTES HERE

Proverbs 04: Fear of the Lord Part 1

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 20 May 2018 19:58:24 -0700

There are different words used for fear in the scriptures, one type means terror and the other type means reverence. In the Old Testament it’s not that hard to tell the difference because the words are easily identified, but in the New Testament we always have to look at the context of how the words are used to understand it correctly.

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DOWNLOAD PDF SERMON NOTES HERE

Proverbs 03: Mother's Day

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 14 May 2018 09:55:44 -0700

A Conversation with Jon & Michelle Gee of their first Mother's Day after the twins were born.

Proverbs 02: Counter Culture Part 2

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 06 May 2018 18:16:11 -0700

Collectively seeking God, trusting His grace, and living in His wisdom is how we will birth this new culture around us. We need to look beyond where we are as church, as a culture, and by God’s grace see where we need to be.

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DOWNLOAD PDF SERMON NOTES HERE

Proverbs 01: Counter Culture Part 1

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 30 Apr 2018 23:28:43 -0700

We are starting a new series today that takes a trek through the book of Proverbs. Proverbs is not a linear book that travels a straight path from A to B, it is a textual/topical book with wisdom shared from various sages who lived during the Old Testament time period. Proverbs is about wisdom that teaches us to live in true freedom. As followers of Jesus we aren’t against the culture in which we live, we are for creating something that honors Jesus in all things.

One of the first things wisdom brings is humility (not arrogance). Becoming wise means you have probably made many mistakes in life and that tends to make you humble. True wisdom comes from God and causes humility, unity, good deeds, and the forward proclamation of the Good News of what God has done.

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DOWNLOAD PDF SERMON NOTES HERE

Didn't See That Coming 16: Eternity

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 23 Apr 2018 19:38:11 -0700

This week, we finish our series on the Gospel, the definitive news about what God has done to save us, by talking about our lives in terms of eternity. Part of what makes Christianity unique is its certainty of a material future that is God’s future for us. God made creation good and promises to restore it, and us, by His grace, love, and the work of Jesus. The certainty of Jesus coming for our sake should override all other things in our lives; it should cause us to rest in hope and trust of who God is.
This Week's Gospel Statement:
“The Gospel is the good news of the present and future love of God that teaches us to live eternity now by worshipping Jesus in all ways, including loving others by living in redemptive relationship with them no matter the race or culture.”

Didn't See That Coming 15: Mission as Witness

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 15 Apr 2018 23:11:29 -0700

This week, we talked about how the reality of both Jesus’ life and the Gospel are real and tangible for us living in the “real world.” So often we want God to come and remake our entire lives so all of our mistakes simply disappear, but Jesus comes and walks with us through our mistakes so that we learn and grow from them. God doesn’t take away our consequences for our sin; He takes away the eternal penalty for our sin by removing our shame and adopting us into His family.

This Week's Gospel Statement:
“The Gospel is the good news that Jesus came as God in the flesh to proclaim the final word of grace and truth to all the world, that salvation is found in Him and Him alone.”

Didn't See That Coming 14: New People, New Identity

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 08 Apr 2018 21:56:02 -0700

This week, we talked about how the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus was not the end, but the continuation of the Gospel. The Gospel is ongoing in how God works in the world. We are not a people who are missing out, or have missed out, on anything…we are a people who have all the riches of God in our hands, and we get to distribute freely and generously in terms of money, time, joy, hope, and reconciliation.

This Week's Gospel Statement:
“The Gospel is the good news that Jesus died and rose from death for our redemption and He promises a future hope in Him where there is nothing we will miss in this life that does not find its fulfillment in Him, because we will have all eternity to experience Him.”

Didn't See That Coming 13: Resurrection (Easter 2018)

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 02 Apr 2018 10:51:14 -0700

This week was Easter, and we talked about resurrection and new life (you probably saw that coming). When we talk about resurrection—the “He is not here, but has risen”—we have to talk about what the Gospel means for us today. Too many people today think the Gospel is about what happens after we die; we think resurrection is life after this life. Resurrection, for sure, includes those things, but it transcends life after death; it is eternal life that starts now, today. Resurrection is something that lies at the heart of the Christian story, the Gospel—it is so much more than “life after death.”

This Week's Gospel Statement:
“The Gospel is the powerful news that by conquering death and resurrecting from the grave, Jesus is redeeming both individual lives and the whole earth back to the way of life God intended it to be; He has given us authority and power to partner with Him to renew all things by His Spirit.”

Didn't See That Coming 12: Dying For Us

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 25 Mar 2018 15:18:28 -0700

This week in the church calendar is called Holy Week or Passion Week, and is celebrated as the time leading up to the cross and crucifixion of Jesus. The cross becomes the culmination of all salvific human history, because it is the moment, at least in human time, that the sin of all of us was laid upon Jesus. There is nothing more important than the death and resurrection of Jesus. Without Jesus, there is no eternal life, no forgiveness of sin, and no relationship with a good and holy God. The Gospel is the good news that it is God who reconciles us to Himself; we don’t pay for our sin—Jesus does.

This Week's Gospel Statement:
“The Gospel is the good news that Jesus has come in fulfillment of all of God’s promises in the Old Testament to provide a way for us to come into the Kingdom of God by removing our sin through dying on a cross and rising from the grave; He has restored and redeemed us to be His people in the world by His sacrifice.”

Didn't See That Coming 11: The Gospel Welcomes Us All

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 18 Mar 2018 14:52:03 -0700

This week we looked at how Jesus, as God in the flesh, welcomed all people into His family. Many religious people, then and now, tend to view people with issues as beneath them or unworthy of their time or respect. In the ancient world, this could happen because someone was poor or even the wrong gender (female, in case you were wondering)…something most people had no control over.

This Week's Gospel Statement:
“The Gospel is the good news that even though we have segregated ourselves from God and others, God has not left us in that state; Jesus has come and liberated us through His death and resurrection to restore our broken relationship with God and others.”

Didn't See That Coming 10: Light of the World

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 11 Mar 2018 21:52:51 -0700

This week we talked about God’s call in our lives to return to our original purpose, being His image bearers and light in the world. All the prophets God sent included a “return” as part of their message. This return was a call to come home and be restored (just like the story of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15); this theme is consistent with the entirety of Scripture.

This Week's Gospel Statement:
“The Gospel is the good news that though we have lived and walked in darkness, our God has restored us to Himself because of the work of Jesus; He now sends us out to be His light in the world.”

Didn't See That Coming 9: God Made Flesh

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 04 Mar 2018 22:36:35 -0800

This week, we looked at what Israel lost in their exile and how this affected their hope and expectations of the Messiah. When Israel received a human king they started to behave like the cultures around them, and not like a “set apart” nation (exactly as God said they would). Through this assimilation, their disobedience continued to grow.

This Week's Gospel Statement:
“The Gospel is the good news that our God has called us out of the slavery we have placed ourselves in and given us a calling, an identity, and a new hope centered in the person of Jesus Christ.”

Didn't See That Coming 8: A Broken Dynasty

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 25 Feb 2018 21:43:41 -0800

Our culture places huge emphasis on freedom from external constraints (e.g., freedom of speech, 2nd amendment, “don’t tread on me,” etc.). However, our culture also has a poor understanding of freedom for—meaning being set free for a purpose. “Freedom for” encapsulates the ultimate design; it acknowledges that we are not the center of the universe, and that there is a God that is not us. God has created us to live in relationship with Him, and freedom comes when we live in line with how He created us to be. What do you think of when you hear the word “freedom.” What about “obedience” or “disobedience”?

This Week's Gospel Statement:
“The Gospel is the Good news that even though we have destroyed our lives with our own selfishness, Jesus has come not just to redeem, but restore us to be those who live in His kingdom where He rules and reigns forever.”

Didn't See That Coming 7: A King That Wasn’t God

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 18 Feb 2018 23:19:54 -0800

This week, we explored Israel’s transition from a theocracy to a nation ruled by a human king. While the entirety of Scripture highlights God’s plan for redemption through His people, it’s important to remember that Israel exists among many different cultures. These surrounding cultures influenced Israel, resulting in Israel wanting a human king to demonstrate power and influence to the surrounding nations.

This Week's Gospel Statement:
“The Gospel is the Good news that God is ruling and reigning and He has restored us to relationship and life with Him, so we would be His image-bearers of who He is to the world by words and actions.”

Didn't See That Coming 6: A Country

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 11 Feb 2018 22:32:40 -0800

This week we continued to look at the Exodus story. So far, we have learned about people’s ruin, the culture of death, and the restoration by the power of the Gospel. We heard about God delivering His people out of Egypt, and this week, we talk about God leading His people to a place called Sinai, which is on the way to their country. (This is all due to God’s grace and no one saw it coming).

This Week's Gospel Statement:
“The Gospel is the good news that through Jesus’ rescue and redemption of mankind, we are sent to be His message of redemption to the world.”

Didn't See That Coming 5: Redemption: The Exodus

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 04 Feb 2018 22:49:53 -0800

DOWNLOAD DIDN'T SEE THAT COMING DIGITAL BOOK HERE

This week, we rocketed out of the book of Genesis and plunged into the Exodus story, where we learn of the Israelites’ enslavement by the Egyptian people. During this horrible time of oppression, the Israelites cry out to God and God hears their cry and is moved to action. This is a remarkable picture of an empathetic God that is active in our redemption, and it is a powerful theme that is presented throughout Scripture.

In the first four weeks of this sermon series, we began to understand that sin does not just pertain to individuals. Sin is something that moves from the individual to a society at large, and that is how the stage is set for the Exodus. We see the atrocities of systemic evil at work, and a redeemer is desperately needed to rescue those harmed by sin.

This Week's Gospel Statement:
“The Gospel is the Good news that God has established His Kingdom that cannot be shaken and has restored for us citizenship in that Kingdom where we now live in a present and tangible way which helps bring that Kingdom to this earth.”

Didn't See That Coming 4: Call and Promise

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 28 Jan 2018 12:22:28 -0800

DOWNLOAD DIDN'T SEE THAT COMING DIGITAL BOOK HERE

In our series about the Gospel, Didn’t See That Coming, we just finished the flood narrative, which is designed to show us that God gives us grace when we don’t deserve it. It is to serve as a reminder that we are sinful and prone to forgetting the good and loving character of God. This week, we talk about people messing up again and forgetting God’s promises to His people; once more, God displays His graciousness by blessing them anyway.
This Week's Gospel Statement:
“The Gospel is the good news that God has remembered us in our lost state and has come to redeem, rename, and restore us from our brokenness to be in renewed, life-giving relationship with Him and others.”

Didn't See That Coming 3: Covenant Promise (The Flood)

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 21 Jan 2018 22:25:50 -0800

DOWNLOAD DIDN'T SEE THAT COMING DIGITAL BOOK HERE

The story of the flood can conjure mixed emotions because it entails so much death and so much grace at the same time. It is part of our favorite Sunday School stories, probably because of the animals and not the fact that, essentially, all of humanity dies. The story of the flood introduces us to three theological constructs:
- Total depravity: Which means our thoughts, actions, and lives are corrupted and stained by the sin of the fall.
- Grace: That God gives us favor because He is good, not because our actions are worthy of praise.
- A covenant-keeping God: That God remembers us and cares for us.
This Week's Gospel Statement:
“The Gospel is the good news that though the inclination of our hearts is bent towards ourselves and our own glory, Jesus has come to us in grace and love to restore us to live for His glory and invites us into His mission which focuses us outward from our own lives to live in and help usher in the Kingdom of God.”

Didn't See That Coming 2: One Flesh and One Fall

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 15 Jan 2018 08:34:16 -0800

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This week we delved into the Fall in Genesis 3, where we see the tov (good) and shalom (peace) God created disrupted by sin. It is a tragic contrast to the paradise described in the first couple chapters of Genesis, with the consequences still seen today. As bleak as sin and death are, we can know that God’s work entails restoration, renewal, and reconciliation through Jesus, and that is the hope of the Gospel.
“The Gospel is the good news that Jesus Himself has come into the brokenness humanity created, He died for what separated us from God, others, and life;
He has promised to renew all things, including us.”

Didn't See That Coming 1: In His Image

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 07 Jan 2018 13:22:39 -0800

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This week, we kick off our new series exploring the story of the Gospel throughout the entirety of Scripture. Today's Gospel Truth:
“The Gospel is the good news that in Jesus, God came to restore and renew humanity to what He meant for it to be - image bearers who love and serve Him and others in humility.”

Grace (New Year's Eve 2017)

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 31 Dec 2017 22:38:12 -0800

The Christian life, our service, is not lived to earn the favor of God, it’s lived in response to the favor of God. we serve, we work, we follow Jesus not to earn grace, but in response to grace!

Jingle All The Way 5: Adoption (Christmas Eve 2017)

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 24 Dec 2017 09:51:21 -0800

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John Piper calls adoption the Heart of the Gospel. He writes, “The deepest and strongest foundation of adoption is located not in the act of humans adopting humans, but in God adopting humans. And this act is not part of his ordinary providence in the world; it is at the heart of the gospel.”

Galatians 4:4-6 But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!”

The word “Abba” is the most intimate word for “dad” (it derives, most say, from a baby’s first words), yet Paul combines it with the word “Father” to show the far reaching implication of the statement.

What does it mean that God has adopted you?
How could the truth of being wanted and chosen by God change our view of not only ourselves, but how we interact with the world around us?

Jingle All The Way 4: Embarrassing Families

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 17 Dec 2017 22:48:16 -0800

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We all have people in our lives who are hard to deal with in terms of personality. Some people are stressed, some are disappointed, some are hazardous, and some are embarrassing. We need to be able to see ourselves in each of these people types because at some point, we have been each of these. God has extended His grace to us in the midst of our personal issues and we in turn should extend grace to others.

Jingle All The Way 3: Hazardous Families

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 10 Dec 2017 22:23:04 -0800

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This week, in our series "Jingle All The Way," where we look at the stresses of Christmas, we look at family members or people who are Hazardous.

Before you start thinking, “Hey, it’s Christmas time! Let’s talk about all things merry and bright!” keep in mind that with the reality of Jesus’ birth, God provided a way to restore not just our eternal hope for salvation, but our view of family. Restored relationship with God is the ultimate gift…we can’t get more of a merry Christmas than that!

Synonyms for hazardous include: Risky, Dangerous, Unsafe, Lethal and Insecure.

Jingle All The Way 2: Disappointed Families

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 03 Dec 2017 11:12:35 -0800

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Tis the season…for all things merry and bright and family and drama…or is it? This Christmas here at Element, we are focusing on what God says about family. After all, because of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, God has adopted us into His perfect family and that is cause for rejoicing (and maybe even a few jingle bells!). Last week we talked about stressed out families and how God chooses to redeem our families because of who HE says we are: His precious children.

Brokenness exists in creation, in our hearts, and in our families; as Christians, we will not see perfect healing until we see Jesus face to face. Until we actually get to our “happily ever after” with Jesus, how do we deal with stress, disappointment, safety risks, and embarrassing situations? The answers to these questions are not fairy tales but real, year-round, Christmas miracles.

Jingle All The Way 1: Stressed Out Families

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 26 Nov 2017 19:41:48 -0800

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Our very first study in our new home is a short Christmas series about families and different ways we encounter the holidays. Today we talk about stressed out
situations and families.
We tend to look back at the birth of Jesus (and the first Christmas) as a completely serene and peaceful event, we even sing songs about
Jesus’ birth where we say, “All is calm, all is bright.” When we read the scriptures we actually see that everything surrounding the birth of Jesus
was a stressful event for everyone involved.

• Mary and Joseph encounter a pregnancy before the actual wedding vows
• Joseph was not the father of this baby
• Joseph was prepared to divorce Mary
• An angel appears to Joseph to tell him to stick with Mary
• The town doesn’t get this angelic visit, so Joseph and Mary get judged for the rest of their lives

Ruth - The Story Within The Story Week Thirteen: Gleanings from Ruth

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 19 Nov 2017 21:06:08 -0800

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The story of Ruth is all about God’s story… and God’s story is all about Jesus. Sure, we can call this Gleanings of Ruth, but I think we can also call the story Gleanings from Element! At Element there is really only one message every Sunday morning, and that is Jesus. The truth is that Jesus lived, died, and rose again for us; He is making all things new, even today. He made Naomi new again, He made Boaz new again, He made Ruth new again, and He makes us new again even today, because that’s what Jesus is all about. He is present and working in our lives to bring about Redemption; inviting us back into a relationship with Him.

Ruth - The Story Within The Story Week Twelve: It’s All About Jesus – Ruth 4:18-22

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 12 Nov 2017 23:30:25 -0800

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Today we finish the narrative from the book of Ruth. Ruth is a book that teaches us that in God’s redeeming work in our lives NOTHING IS WASTED. For God; every situation, every circumstance, and every poor decision we have made can all be redeemed in light of the good news of Jesus. We may not understand how He will redeem it while we are in the middle of our heartache and pain, but when we surrender all we are to Him, Jesus does a miracle. God uses it all to bring about His purpose and His glory.

Ruth - The Story Within The Story Week Eleven: The Redeemer – Ruth 4:13-17

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 05 Nov 2017 21:45:53 -0800

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Over the past 10 weeks, we have looked closely at redemption from a few perspectives. What it looks like to be redeemed, who provides redemption, and why it matters in our hearts, our families, and our communities. We have seen the non-miraculous story of a brave, humble, and faithful immigrant widow bring the one true God into the mundane details of life and what happens next is all part of the greatest love story ever told. Remember how this small Old Testament book is a story within The Story? Let’s spend a little more time looking at Ruth together and observe how her “happily ever after” secured our eternal happy ending to The Story.

Ruth - The Story Within The Story Week Ten: Planting Roots Ending – Ruth 1,2,3

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 29 Oct 2017 21:59:14 -0700

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If you are newer to Element, we have been in journey called “Planting Roots” over the last three years. This journey focused on generosity, God’s leading, and finding Element a permanent home. In amazing providential care, God has done all of these things in renewed ways over the last 3 years; many times these “ways” were unexpected, but still a blessing.
In the most technical sense, today is the end of that three year journey we started. We will actually have our official Planting Roots closure on November 19th with our Agape service at our new property, but if you were following strict timelines, today is three years. We can see how all of this relates in the book of Ruth: journeys, hard work, blessing, growth, and God’s providence which brings about great joy in His people.
In the Scriptures we see that God blesses us to be a blessing in others’ lives, this can happen no matter how much, or how little, we think we have. Boaz is rich, but he is righteous and gives to those around him in how he cares and distributes his wealth. Ruth is poor, but she is righteous and gives and cares for those around her by how she works and distributes what she gleans. They both have a view that sees God’s care for them in a way that causes them to look beyond their own desires and needs and to the welfare of others. The beauty of the book of Ruth, when looking at Ruth and Boaz, is that we all have the same opportunity, whether we are poor like Ruth or rich like Boaz, to help those around us in practical ways because Jesus has first saved and loved us.

Ruth - The Story Within The Story Week Nine: Redemption – Ruth 4:1-12

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 22 Oct 2017 22:20:57 -0700

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When you hear the term “Redeemer,” usually we’re talking about Jesus (and all redemption really is because of Him) but today we see how redemption is something we are all apart of and have the ability to extend to each other. Boaz and Ruth are examples to us of this redemption, Boaz is a Christ-like hero, Ruth embodies the humility and faithfulness of Jesus. Boaz does the right thing for the right reasons. Ruth is more than a pretty face: she is wise, diligent, and kind…just like the one true God she believes in. We’re well into our series where we study the book of Ruth and this week we take a first pass at what redemption is, who is a Redeemer, and why this matters to us and to Ruth.
A redeemer, in that culture, was an extended family member (in this case through Naomi’s deceased husband Elimelech) that would come in and pay off a debt in order to bring a family member back.
A redeemer had 2 functions:
• to redeem people
• to redeem property.

Ruth - The Story Within The Story Week Eight: The Threshing Floor (Woman Tips) – Ruth 3

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 15 Oct 2017 22:01:56 -0700

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Last week we looked at practical tips for men from the text in how Boaz treats Ruth, today we will look at the very practical ways that Ruth navigates and honors a burgeoning relationship with Boaz, and Jesus. The things that stand out about Ruth are indicated in the text as follow:
• Ruth is a person of character (Ruth 2:11).
• Ruth is respectful, but honest (2:10).
• Ruth acknowledges and thanks Boaz (2:13).
• Ruth works hard and well.
• Ruth made an effort to be attractive to Boaz (3:3).
• Ruth places herself in front of Boaz (3:3).
• Ruth gave Boaz some space (3:3).
• Ruth let’s Boaz know her expectations (3:9).
• Ruth asks to be taken care of (3:9).
• Ruth is a “worthy woman” (3:11).
• Ruth trusts Boaz (3:13).

Ruth - The Story Within The Story Week Seven: Keeping Close (Man Tips) – Ruth 2:14-23

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 08 Oct 2017 22:01:15 -0700

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Today we will look at the very practical ways that Boaz honors Ruth (and others) in ways that are strong and masculine, while not being chauvinistic. Boaz is a great catch for Ruth based on 15 indicators in the text.
• His character (Ruth 2:1).
• Boaz isn’t afraid to show that he knows God! (Ruth 2:4)
• He NOTICES. (Ruth 2:5)
• Boaz honors what is front of him.
• Boaz provides friendship and community. (Ruth 2:8)
• Boaz protects Ruth.
• Boaz tells Ruth her character is beautiful. (Ruth 2:11)
• Boaz honors her publicly.
• Boaz prays for her. (Ruth 2:12)
• Boaz comforts her. (Ruth 2:13)
• Boaz offers grace.
• Boaz feeds her. (Ruth 2:14)
• Boaz serves Ruth.
• Boaz treats Ruth with respect and in turn treats Naomi with
respect. (Ruth 2:14)
• Boaz invests in those around him. (Ruth 2:15)

Ruth - The Story Within The Story Week Six: The Wages God Pays? – Ruth 2:8-13

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 01 Oct 2017 19:43:19 -0700

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Ruth is a book that gives us stories within stories! Ruth might be a short book in the Old Testament, but it is a big part of God’s sweeping redemption story being told throughout all of the Bible. Sinclair Ferguson wrote that “all great narrative…is composed of a problem, an unraveling of it, and a solution to it.” This is true of not only the book of Ruth, but of our lives as well. We have a central problem called sin, we are unraveling, and Jesus comes to rescue and save us.

Ruth - The Story Within The Story Week Five: Work, Rest, and Noticing – Ruth 2:1-7

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 24 Sep 2017 15:21:29 -0700

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Ruth is about God’s goodness in the ordinary, the mundane, the hard, and the “normal.” Nothing in the book of Ruth is miraculous; no dreams, no visions, no miracles. But the same all powerful God who rescued the entire nation of Israel by parting the Red Sea for Moses is the same gracious God who gives a single widow a home, a family, and a community.
God’s bigger story of redemption is unfolding for Ruth and for us. We see God’s providential hand both in Ruth’s challenges and in
our own hard things, our own ordinary, mundane circumstances. We have learned so far in the book of Ruth that God is good. God is
kind, and God is actively listening to His people.
This week we see how “character” gets notice by three main people in the story: Naomi, Boaz & Ruth.

Ruth - The Story Within The Story Week Four: Unstuck – Ruth 1:19-22

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 17 Sep 2017 14:24:26 -0700

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As we close out the first chapter of Ruth today, we start to see the book of Ruth showing more and more God’s bigger story of Redemption. Last week, we began to go deeper into the theology that God is sovereign, good, and kind; He keeps His word no matter what! Before we get to the next part of Ruth, we must first understand that all of Ruth’s history is a redemptive love story.

Ruth - The Story Within The Story Week Three: Sovereign, Good, and Kind – Ruth 1:6-18

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 10 Sep 2017 11:36:37 -0700

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This week we will hopefully begin to understand that God is sovereign and good, two attributes which are shown in His kindness displayed to His people. When we think of God we hopefully think of Him as loving, gracious, compassionate, just, righteous, strong, creative, and ultimately kind. We’ve seen a lot of not so kind things happening even in the first few verses of Ruth 1, but the central idea behind God’s kindness is that He keeps His word no matter what.

Ruth - The Story Within The Story Week Two: Dialog of Identity – Ruth 1:1-5

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 03 Sep 2017 18:04:37 -0700

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We learned last week that Ruth’s story is meant to remind us that our past doesn’t have to decide our future. There used to be a phrase that was spoken a lot: “it’s all in the name.” This week we see that that is overwhelmingly true! God is faithful and the heart of the Gospel is that everything that comes to you is either from the hand of God or has passed through the hand of God.

Ruth - The Story Within The Story Week One: Providence – Ruth 1:1

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 27 Aug 2017 21:35:10 -0700

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The story of Ruth is meant to remind us that our past doesn’t have to decide our future and whatever curse you may feel upon your life can and will be broken by the grace of God. Jesus, because He is God, can bring hope to any situation because the Gospel is true and all things rest in the providential hand of God.

Eighteen: Burned or Buried (What In The World? Part 2)

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 20 Aug 2017 17:58:05 -0700

God is big enough to handle it when we are faced with ideas or things that make us say “What in the world?!” This week is no exception. But this week, there is no black and white answer. This week’s What in the World question is: “The Catholic Church just released direction to Catholics about what they can and can’t do with cremated ashes in order for the soul to be ready when Jesus returns. I thought the body is just a shell that gets left behind. What does it matter what is done to it – burial or cremation? Scattered ashes vs buried vs hung on the mantle. What does the bible actually say about this and what do Christian churches believe vs the Catholic Church?”

Seventeen: The Poor Fig Tree (What In The World? Part 2)

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 13 Aug 2017 17:48:25 -0700

This week’s question is, “Why did Jesus curse the fig tree in Mark 11:12? It says that figs were not in season. There must be more to this than it appears.”
In Mark 11 Jesus uses a living example, in a fig tree, to illustrate not just His own power and authority, but also what the deadness of cold religion brings. Too often in our own lives we settle for less than eternal life because our own idea of religion is more important to us than God. We have leaves, like a tree, but our leaves reflect us and we don’t bear any real fruit that tastes like the Gospel of Jesus.

Sixteen: God, Money, Needles & Camels (What In The World? Part 2)

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 06 Aug 2017 18:52:51 -0700

Today we look at the question of Jesus being called “good” in the midst of a question about eternal life. In Jesus’ answer He will talk about camels, needles, and God being able to do the impossible. This week’s What in the World question is: “In Mark 10:17-27 I am confused. Does Jesus imply that He isn’t good? Does He say it is bad to have riches? AND what is the eye of a needle?”

Fifteen: Three Day Temple Building (What In The World? Part 2)

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 30 Jul 2017 23:54:28 -0700

Today we are in week 15 and this is the question we are answering today: “It has always bothered me that Jesus said stuff like destroy this temple and I will raise it again in 3 days,” and not expect that people would think He’s a nut! They had no way of knowing He was referring to His body, so why didn’t He say it more clearly?”

Fourteen: Does God Regret? (What In The World? Part 2)

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 23 Jul 2017 16:33:36 -0700

The consistency of God is important because it guarantees that the promises of God, made 2000 + years ago, are still applicable to us today. God’s consistancy leads us to trust Him and we do not have to worry about Him changing His mind or regretting what He has said. He is good despite the ever changing nature of humanity and we do in the world.

Thirteen: Anger & Genocide (What In The World? Part 2)

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 16 Jul 2017 18:11:40 -0700

If God is a God of love, as clearly shown by Jesus, the What in the World question is: [then why] “did God command genocide?” This week’s question comes about because of a focus in our culture where people want to discount God’s sovereign goodness. Many people today see a disparity between the God of the Old Testament and who Jesus portrays God to be in the New Testament. This disparity is not something Jesus Himself would have said was there as He held the Old Testament as authoritative and true, and that God has always been the same “yesterday, today, and forever.”

Twelve: Jesus' Faltering Resolve (What In The World? Part 2)

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 09 Jul 2017 23:17:44 -0700

We believe that God inspired and led human beings to write the Bible as His revelation to us; meaning that all of Scripture is written by Him for our teaching, reproof, correction, and for training us in righteousness. And yet this all knowing, all powerful, all loving God forsakes His own son on the cross. This week’s What in the World question is: “When Jesus says, “My God My God, why have you forsaken me?” Why did He say it? Was it faltering resolve? Was He questioning God’s love? Was He regretting God’s choice to Sacrifice Him?” What in the world?!

Eleven: Concubines (What In The World? Part 2)

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 02 Jul 2017 16:50:53 -0700

At the end of last year, Element did a series that answered some questions about scripture that people have commonly asked. As the series ended, we asked the people of Element to write down their own questions that we would answer in 2017. This week’s question deals with one of the most bizarre stories recorded in Scripture. Here is the question: “[In] Judges 19-21. There is a Levite and he throws his concubine to a group of rapists. He then dismembers her body and sends the pieces to all of Israel and incites a war. Why is this in the Bible? How does it represent God and His grace?”
While we may ask “What in the world?!” we also believe that all of the Bible is written by God for our teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.

Ten: Lot's Daughters & Needing a Plan B (What In The World? Part 2)

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 25 Jun 2017 14:28:41 -0700

In our current What in the World Part 2 series, we are answering questions you had asked us at the end of last year. Sometimes, when we read the scriptures, there are questions about the text that we don’t know how to ask (or maybe verbalize); this series was a way to try to answer some of those lingering questions.

It seems the questions that many have about the scriptures come from personal experience and pain. Here is this week’s question: “What is the
deal with Lot’s daughter sleeping with him? As an abused daughter, I wonder why God would allow that in the bible. Nothing else is said, like it is no big deal. This gives weak minded fathers the ability to think it is OK?”
First, the bible nowhere condones this type of behavior, the story is recounted in the Scriptures for a purpose. Second, it is a good question because our present understanding of these ancient narratives will affect how we live out the good news of what Jesus came to do in our lives.

Nine: Lost Children & Angels (What In The World? Part 2)

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 18 Jun 2017 13:18:52 -0700

In our current What in the World Part 2 series, we are answering questions you had asked us at the end of last year. This was the question this week: We lost our son 11 years ago and so many even now still tell us we have an angel in heaven. Can this be explained? I have always felt it was that we have a saint not an angel. Where in the Bible is this concept explained? Our son was silently born and was not baptized, is this an issue?

Eight: Envious Rejoicing (What In The World? Part 2)

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 11 Jun 2017 12:52:06 -0700

This week’s question is: “Why is Paul rejoicing that people are proclaiming Christ out of selfish ambition?” Last week Aaron reminded us that the story of the Bible is about an ultimate love story between a kindly intentioned Creator and us, His creation. All of the Bible is written by God and is for our teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness. Our Creator’s words written through the Apostle Paul have an important message for us even (and maybe especially) when we wonder, “What in the world?”

Seven: The Bible & Homosexuality (What In The World? Part 2)

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 04 Jun 2017 16:59:34 -0700

At the end of last year, Element did a series that answered some common questions about scripture that people have commonly asked. As the series ended, we asked the people of Element to write down their own questions that we would answer in 2017. Here we are in Part 2 of this series and the question, “What does the Bible say about homosexuality?” is definitely one of those topics that makes us take a deep breath as we think, “Hmmmm!” Kevin DeYoung’s book, What Does the Bible Really Teach about Homosexuality? is a great resource for this challenging topic.

There are 1189 chapters in the bible, with over 30,000 verses, and only a dozen or so will deal directly with homosexuality. That does not mean the “traditional” view of marriage is based on nothing more than a few fragments; it means there was a way of life that was accepted for millennia
and most didn’t feel the need to create a case for a marriage being between a man and a woman because it was simply a given in Jewish and Christian realms. The controversy today was not dreamed up by evangelicals; the blogs and books written by “traditionalists” are only entering the conversation because it was started by others.
This dialog is a good thing if we can all approach it with grace for one another in how we talk about it and treat one another.

Six: Smoking Pot & Flaming Torches? (What In The World? Part 2)

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 28 May 2017 23:22:46 -0700

In our current What in the World Part 2 series, we are answering questions you had asked us at the end of last year. This is week 6, and this was the question: In Genesis 15:17 it says that a smoking fire pot and flaming torch passed between the halves of the animals Abraham cut in half at God’s direction. What is the significance of the fire pot and torch moving between the halves? It’s a good question because our present understanding of covenant and redemption takes shape during this moment.

Five: Was Jesus a Zealot? (What In The World? Part 2)

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 21 May 2017 13:59:47 -0700

We are continuing our What in the World Part 2 series where we answer your questions about the Bible in an in depth setting. We also encourage you to check our website www.ourelement.org/blog for more What in the World questions that we answer in written form. Today’s question comes from a book that was on the New York Times bestseller list called, “ZEALOT, The Life and Times of Jesus of Nazareth” written by Reza Aslan. In the book ZEALOT the author makes the claim that most of what we understand about Jesus is false and that Jesus wasn’t the savior of the world, He was simply a zealot that the early church deified. The question that was asked is, “Was Jesus a Zealot?”

Four: Parenting (Mother's Day 2017) (What In The World? Part 2)

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 14 May 2017 22:55:54 -0700

What happens every day in our homes defines what normal is for our families! It may be normal for you to eat a hamburger every Friday night, it might be normal for you to get ice cream every Tuesday after school, it might be normal for your family to have a game night each week (where you shut off the TV), but we must make sure to make Jesus a normal part of our family life. We must become a people who make worshiping Jesus a normal attitude of our hearts; not a special event set aside for a specific time once a week. Every parent will leave a personal legacy, the most important thing for your children to see in you is an authentic relationship with God through Jesus Christ.

Note: .mp3 version contains the audio from 5 videos throughout the message. To watch, visit ourelement.org or our Vimeo page: https://vimeo.com/ourelement

Three: Jesus Writes (What In The World? Part 2)

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 07 May 2017 15:31:49 -0700

Today’s question is this, “John Chapter 8, which discusses Jesus writing in the sand, I thought to myself, “What in the world” did He do that for?”
The truth is that we do not have anything Jesus actually wrote Himself. If you look through all of the Gospel accounts you will only see Him write this once (in John 8), and He wrote in the sand on the ground (which is a very temporary medium). The question that was asked was “Why” not “What,” which is good because we have no way of knowing the “What,” but we can speculate as to the “Why.” Our speculation should not be taken as knowing the mind of God; it is based upon Jesus’ character and His interactions with people.

Two: Holy Spirit Blasphemy (What In The World? Part 2)

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 30 Apr 2017 15:28:53 -0700

This is Week 2 in our “What in the World?” Part 2 series where we tackle different biblical passages or questions that make us say “What in the world does that mean?” The question this week is: “What in the world is the Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit?” In the New Testament, Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit is also called the unpardonable or unforgivable sin. As we will
see, by the very words of our Lord Jesus Himself, He states that there is an unforgivable sin, and it is to blaspheme or speak against the Holy Spirit.

One: Sister Wives (What In The World? Part 2)

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 23 Apr 2017 16:15:27 -0700

At the end of last year, Element did a series that answered some common questions about scripture that people commonly have. At the end of that series, we asked Element to write down their own questions that we would answer in 2017. Here we are, and here is one of the first questions that was asked: “In Genesis, lots of dudes are lying about their wives being their sisters and then God blesses them… but they lied? What in the world?”

15: Authority to Lay Down and Take Up - John 10:17-18 [Easter]

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 16 Apr 2017 13:49:25 -0700

Anyone can die, but only the Son of the Father could resume His existence at will. The entire Gospel is motivated by the will of the Father, Jesus’ love for the Father, and the Father’s love for us; not because we are worthy, but because He is good. Easter is about Jesus’ authority to resurrect and call all of us to Himself. When we submit to His authority we become sheep who hear/listen to His voice.

14: Authority to Send on Mission - Matthew 9:35-38

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 09 Apr 2017 16:58:48 -0700

Matthew rounds out His two chapters that focus on the authority of Jesus by reminding us that Jesus has sent His people out on mission with and for Him. He tells us to pray that the “Lord of the harvest” would send His workers out into that harvest…those workers are us. In an agricultural metaphor, Jesus is saying that God has done the work in people’s hearts before we ever go out and reap the harvest. When we pray for others to be drawn to Jesus, we must understand that we are part of the process.

13: Authority Over Possession - Matthew 9:32-34

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 02 Apr 2017 14:23:20 -0700

Most people want to shy away from anything that deals with demonic oppression or possession in the Scriptures. In our modern world, we don’t want to seem like we are weirdos so we try to ignore and to deny things like demons. There are those on the opposite end of the spectrum who want to blame everything on demons as well, from failed relationships to job loss.

12: Authority Over Faith - Matthew 9:27-31

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 26 Mar 2017 19:10:46 -0700

We have to understand that it is NOT our faith that saves us, it is the OBJECT of our faith. What does Jesus mean when he says “According to your faith be it done to you?” It means that they actually believed in Him as the Messiah. It was the OBJECT of their faith, Jesus, that was the factor behind the healing of their blindness. They are crying out for Him to heal them and they call Him, “son of David,” that is a messianic term; they believed Jesus was the Messiah.

11: Authority Over Life and Death - Matthew 9:18

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 19 Mar 2017 14:10:22 -0700

Without meaning to be morbid, today we will talk about issues of life and death all the while looking at Jesus as the Resurrection and the Life. The New Bible Dictionary states, “From one point of view death is the most natural of things: ‘man is destined to die once’ (Heb. 9:27). It may be accepted without rebellion: ‘Let me die the death of the righteous’ (Nu. 23:10). From another, it is most unnatural. It is the penalty for sin (Rom. 6:23), and is to be feared as such. Both points of view are found in the Bible; neither should be overlooked.”

10: Authority Over Restoration - Matthew 9:18-26

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 12 Mar 2017 16:00:58 -0700

Today, in part, we will look at the question of Jesus’ seeming confusion over who touched Him during a healing and what it really means, but we will also examine His authority over what makes a person clean and unclean. We will look at how Jesus intends to restore people into community because the community around us matters.

09: Authority Fulfilling The Law - Matthew 9:14-17

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 05 Mar 2017 18:09:04 -0800

Parables are illustrations or stories that Jesus used to convey deeper spiritual concepts. In the Greek world, parables were well known; the word “parable” even comes from a Greek source. Rabbis for ages used the idea of parables not just for moral storytelling, but they used to use it as broadly as possible. Parables became fictitious narratives that would generally refer to something that might naturally occur by which spiritual and moral matters might be conveyed.
• In Matt 6 Jesus says, “Consider the lilies of the field.”
• In Luke 12 Jesus says, “Consider how the wild flowers grow.”
Jesus creates word pictures so we would understand more of God, the world He made, and how to live in it.

08: Authority - Mercy Not Sacrifice - Matthew 9:9-13

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 26 Feb 2017 17:28:40 -0800

When Jesus says in Matthew 9:13 “Go and learn what this means, ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’” It does not mean that sacrifice is bad, it means that the scriptures are about understanding what truly separates us from God and then how to live the life of God in the world. Through the saving gift of Jesus’ death and resurrection, God is saying to His people that “I desire to show mercy to you, I do not desire to demand a sacrifice of atonement from you.” God deals with us in mercy because of His sacrifice. Jesus paid our debt to make us clean before God. Jesus restored relationship with us. Jesus wants us to live wholeheartedly for God, because God’s whole heart toward us is mercy.

07: Authority Over Sins - Matthew 9:1-8

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 19 Feb 2017 14:34:29 -0800

Saying Jesus has authority is more practical than catch phrases or platitudes; it will directly relate to how we interact with others in the world around us. Jesus lived and taught in a way that amazed those around Him because of His authority; He taught in a way that was different than their normal teachers. So far we have seen Jesus prove His authority by healing sickness, calling disciples, calming nature, and casting out demons. Today we are going to see that Jesus has authority over the forgiveness of sins, something only God could do.
This passage is about two things—one is about community and caring for those who are suffering, and the second is about Jesus’ forgiveness of our sins.

06: Authority Over Spiritual Forces - Matthew 8:28-34

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 12 Feb 2017 18:20:41 -0800

Hollywood loves a good demon story, unfortunately, they get the facts all wrong about what demons do and how they act. Movies which portray demons as the great enemy of God exaggerate their power and influence. In the scriptures, you see the main thing demons attempt is to try to destroy the image of God that man was created be.

05: Authority Over Nature - Matthew 8:23-27

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 05 Feb 2017 11:45:01 -0800

We are looking at Jesus’ authority over 15 different areas in the next 15 weeks. We do this because we often say we are under Jesus’ authority, but we don’t like it, or refuse to live like it. Today Jesus shows His authority over nature. This sounds like a biggie, especially for us in California; authority over nature is bigger than we typically imagine.

04: Authority Calling Disciples - Matthew 8:18-22

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 29 Jan 2017 15:04:03 -0800

After the Sermon on the Mount the crowds are amazed at Jesus’ teaching because He speaks with such Authority. Matthew chapters 8-9 shows us that authority. Today we see Jesus’ authority in how He calls disciples to follow Him.

In Matthew and Luke, Jesus seems to do the opposite of what most people would consider as “warm and friendly”; He actually seems to push people away. In churches today, we preach Jesus like He is chocolate and stand amazed that some people don’t want the “chocolate Jesus.” When people intentionally go to Jesus and tell Him they want to follow Him, His response is more often than not, “you better think about that before you commit.”

03: Authority Over Sickness - Matthew 8:14-17

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 22 Jan 2017 15:09:56 -0800

Wisdom in our lives will be shown by how we trust Jesus’ authority not just in the world around us, but over our very lives. The scriptures teach that the key to wisdom is loving God above everything else; 1 Corinthians 8:1 also teaches that knowledge puffs up but love builds up…

02: Authority In Spoken Words - Matthew 8:5-13

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 15 Jan 2017 14:07:42 -0800

In the Gospel of Matthew, chapters 8-9, he shows fourteen distinct ways that Jesus showed His authority. These chapters come directly after the Sermon on the Mount where Jesus speaks and teaches the crowds with authority, so much so that they were amazed. Matthew shows us that it is not only Jesus words that have authority, but also His life in how He responds to every situation with complete confidence and grace.
In this story today we learn of a centurion (a Roman military figure that had at least a hundred soldiers under his own Authority), come to Jesus and ask for help. For us, this would be like asking someone you completed disagree, or someone you are sure would not help you, for assistance.

01: Authority Over Leprosy - Matthew 8:1-4

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 08 Jan 2017 13:50:45 -0800

At the end of the Sermon on the Mount Matthew talks about people being astonished because Jesus spoke as one who had authority (Matthew 7:28- 29 And when Jesus finished these sayings the crowds were astonished at his teaching for he was teaching them as one who had authority). In the following two chapters (Matthew 8-9) he goes on to give us 14 ways Jesus proved this authority by His actions. In Matthew 8-9, Matthew is trying to get us to see that it is not only the authority of a King, but also the authority of our great God.
In America today we seem to have a problem with authority because we don’t like anyone having the ability to say what is right or wrong for our lives other than ourselves.

Grace Works: Galatians 2:16-20 - (Collection)

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 01 Jan 2017 15:02:52 -0800

This gospel of grace is amazing, and is made possible because of the goodness of our God. We’ve been reconciled to God, no longer needing to earn or perform for His love and acceptance. Now we have the privilege of testifying to His gospel of grace. Being reconciled we now have a ministry of reconciliation; we get to testify about God’s love and grace, and invite others into this amazing story of God reconciling a people to Himself.

Ten: Jesus' Family - Matthew 1 (What In The World?)

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 18 Dec 2016 20:05:03 -0800

Matthew starts off his Gospel account with the genealogy of Joseph (the adoptive father of Jesus). This would have an interesting effect on his original readers because it would remind them, and us, that men (and women) will often try to hide their sin. The genealogy is a way to remind readers that everyone has failed and that we need a Messiah. We see that God has redeemed broken situations and His grace shines through by looking at some of Jesus’ family history.

Nine: Don't Touch? - 1 Corinthians 7:1-4 (What In The World?)

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 11 Dec 2016 22:16:47 -0800

Just like our great God gave His Son for our sins so that we can be redeemed and understand the truth and grace into which He calls us, so we cannot have a redeemed view of sex and intimacy without a redeemed heart/life.

Eight: The Submission Hold - Ephesians 5:22-32 (What In The World?)

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 04 Dec 2016 22:41:37 -0800

The entire point of good loving marriages is to remind us of our good and loving God. We submit to Him, we respect Him, we love Him because He first loved us by coming and redeeming us from our broken way of life. Jesus is the one we look to first.

Seven: Submitting To The Government - Romans 13:1-7 (What In The World?)

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 27 Nov 2016 18:30:09 -0800

Try and keep a level head this week. Remember if someone disagrees with you it is not because they are stupid, chances are it’s because they care about different things passionately.

Six: Wipe the Dust Off - Luke 10:1-12 (What In The World?)

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 20 Nov 2016 21:12:16 -0800

Tim Keller writes that Jesus says to us, “I want you to reweave the fabric of the world, where it’s ripping, or where it’s fraying. I want you to get out, and I want you to meet their needs and fill their hearts so they then can do the same thing.”

Five: Why Is Jesus So Harsh? - Luke 14:25-33 (What In The World?)

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 14 Nov 2016 13:19:48 -0800

Today we look at the supposed harshness of Jesus calling us to “hate” our father and mother. Many people think of Jesus as a nice guy who did a whole bunch of miracles, hugged people, fed people, welcomed people, and gave people a perpetual ‘thumbs up,’ but if we look throughout scripture we find that Jesus says some pretty intense things. When we look at who Jesus truly was and is we have to re-examine how we view Jesus. Yes, Jesus loves us (and that is an amazing truth), but He says a lot things that cut right through the idea of ‘buddy Christ.’

Four: Born Again - John 3:3 (What In The World?)

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 06 Nov 2016 22:31:27 -0800

Jesus had a thorough understanding of human nature. When we read the words of the exchange between Jesus and Nicodemus we must realize that His words are also meant for us as well. Jesus knows us better than we know ourselves because we are afraid to be honest with ourselves about how bad we really are, this is why Jesus relates salvation to being born again and starting fresh.

Three: Dismemberment Theology - Mark 9:42-50 (What In The World?)

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 30 Oct 2016 12:04:09 -0700

All sin can be an act of commission (committing sin) or omission (seeing what should be done but turning away from our responsibility). These are the paths of sin that Jesus tells us to avoid at any cost. What do we to do? Cut off our hands? Cut off our legs? Pluck out our eyes? Save ourselves the pain and just give up and end it all? Of course not. Jesus is calling us to be aware of the things that can cause us to stumble – the things that can pull us away from God.

Two: Why Can't God "Just Forgive?" - Mark 2:1-12 (What In The World?)

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 23 Oct 2016 19:21:31 -0700

In Genesis, God creates everything, including man, and lays out what is good for man to see. God then tells the man the consequence of sin, breaking relationship with God: he will die. You sin, you die...simple. In Genesis, God separates for the man what is light and dark, truth and lies. God makes the distinction between life and death for the man. This explanation of what constitutes life and death includes the idea that man is free to live and love God and His creation in any way the man sees as most useful.

One: Mud Me Two Times - Mark 8:22-26 (What In The World?)

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 16 Oct 2016 14:26:49 -0700

Jesus knew what the man saw when He was healing him, Jesus asks the question He does in Mark 8 for a purpose, to teach His disciples (and us). It is Jesus who rescues and Jesus who saves. The truth is that we are blind because of our own sin, but the beauty of the Gospel is that Jesus died and rose in our place to bring us back to God so we can be a people who truly see again.

Acts 36: A Mission, A Witness (Acts 1:1-12:25)

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 09 Oct 2016 10:05:27 -0700

Jesus ascended and sent the Spirit so we would be His witnesses to the entire world, including to our own neighborhoods and workplaces. We need to understand that we have been sent to live on mission with and for Him. We probably will not understand everything He calls us into as part of His mission, but we can and should trust Him.

Acts 35: A Message That Outlives Us (Acts 12:20-25)

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 03 Oct 2016 09:04:49 -0700

Welcome to Element, and congratulations! You made it through Element’s sermon series on the first half of the book of acts—except for a recap next week! This week we look at pride, God’s glory, and His enduring love. Acts 12 starts with Herod killing James, an apostle, and ends with God killing Herod. It is a pretty big turn of events!

Acts 34: A Savior That Delivers Us (Acts 12:1-19)

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 25 Sep 2016 16:30:59 -0700

We are near the end of the first half of the book of Acts! We have seen the early church witness the power of God moving in miraculous ways throughout the book. Today we are looking at a Savior that delivers us.

Chapter 12 in the book of Acts starts with the death of James. This is a time of intense persecution for the church. Peter was sure to be next, but the church prayed earnestly for Him, and God delivered him.

Acts 33: An Urgency of Presence to One Another (Acts 11:19-30)

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 18 Sep 2016 14:10:38 -0700

Most people understand being a “good Christian” as following Jesus, knowing Jesus, and relating to Jesus. This has led many people to the (wrong) conclusion that they can be a “good Christian” without being connected to a church. Today, 80 percent of Americans say they can be what Jesus intended them to be without being connected to a church, a body of believers. The truth is, Jesus lived and breathed and did everything He could to create a community of people called the church.
- Ephesians 1 says He rules all things for the church.
- John 17 says He sanctified Himself for the church.

The church is a big mess with all kinds of craziness, but we can’t get rid of it, because Jesus died and rose for it.

Acts 32: A Witness That Astounds Us (Acts 11:1-18)

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 11 Sep 2016 13:58:15 -0700

Our God is a God who testifies to us about Himself. He draws us, engages us, and moves us to a place where we have to do something with Him. Jesus performed some amazing miracles to get the people He called “stubborn” through the Old Testament scriptures to change, grow, and truly be the promised blessing they were meant to be. C.S. Lewis is quoted as saying that “if the Gospel is true, then your conversion doesn’t even begin until your notions of goodness, religiosity, and morality are completely challenged and undone.” He essentially says, “If the gospel is true, the ones who think they’re spiritually okay are not. They’re in the most trouble. The ones who say, ‘I’m not spiritually okay,’ are the ones who understand it.”

There was a division that happened when Peter went back to Jerusalem to talk about God saving Gentiles; this division could have ripped the church apart. Peter explains that he, himself, was amazed at what God was doing. Because of Peter’s testimony, the early church started to see the reality of what salvation meant and how it comes to pass. When Peter was done with witnessing about what God had done in these people, the early church was also amazed. Acts 11:18 When they heard these things they fell silent. And they glorified God, saying, “Then to the Gentiles also God has granted repentance that leads to life.”

Acts 31: A Wisdom To Be Lived In (James 1:5)

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 04 Sep 2016 21:46:04 -0700

The bible says there are two ways to live: the way of the wise or the way of the foolish. We can all have the same knowledge, but wisdom is how we live out that knowledge. Here is the wisdom test: put a mark between 1-10 (1 being unwise, 10 being wise) of how God would rate you.

Acts 30: A Salvation that is Bigger Than Us (Acts 10:44-48)

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 28 Aug 2016 14:14:03 -0700

The early church father Augustine once said the real problem we have in our lives is not the rules we are breaking or not breaking, but “inordinate love,” meaning we love the wrong things...or even love the right things wrongly. As an example, you can love your nation (which can be a good thing), but if you love your nation more than anything in the world (including God), that can lead to racism and militarism. Augustine says there isn’t anything wrong with loving your nation; it’s when we love God less than anything else (children, job, spouse). He says the only way that we will ever be healed is if we love God more than anything (including ourselves).

Acts 29: A Common Vision (Acts 10:1-43)

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 21 Aug 2016 14:47:45 -0700

Today we return to focusing on Peter after a few weeks looking at Paul’s salvation story. As a reminder, Element is going through the book of Acts because we want to come face to face with what Jesus called the early church to be, how they at times fell short, and how they learned from their mistakes. We are looking at these things so you can know what a church is called to be in the world today!

Acts 28: A God That Goes Ahead of Us (Acts 9:32-43)

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 14 Aug 2016 14:22:03 -0700

Acts 27: A Grace That Welcomes Us (Acts 9:26-31)

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 07 Aug 2016 13:59:24 -0700

Today, we are talking about a Grace that Welcomes Us and essentially giving a recap of everything that has happened in the book of Acts up to this point. Acts 9 is about helping the church (and us) understand the far reaching welcoming hands of God.

Acts 26: A Passion That Speaks Through Us (Acts 9:19-25)

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 31 Jul 2016 15:09:29 -0700

Today is week 26 of our series through the first half of the book of Acts. In Acts we see the beginnings of the early church, what God did, and how He moved His grace forward. Our hope is that if you someday move away from the area you will know what things to look for in a church because of what we study in this series. A church should love Jesus, teach truth, but also be humble enough to admit its mistakes and strong enough to stand by the vision that God gave it.

Acts 25: A Discipline That Restores Us (Acts 9:1-19)

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 24 Jul 2016 14:12:56 -0700

Element is currently going through the first half of the book of Acts; this is week 25. Today we are looking at Jesus’ conversion of Saul of Tarsus into Paul the Christian and follower of Jesus. We do not say that “Paul found Jesus,” because that is not how it works, we are the ones that are lost and it is God who finds us by shining forth His light into our souls. Many times this leads us to say that, “We found Jesus,” but it was not Jesus who was lost; it was us, and we are saved by His great grace.

Acts 24: A Baptism That Unifies Us (Acts 8:26-40)

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 17 Jul 2016 21:29:29 -0700

We are nearly two-thirds of the way through our verse by verse journey in the first half of the book of Acts. We are slowly making our way through the book of Acts in order to help us better understand the early church, their calling, their ministry, and their mission so we will also be able to use that knowledge to inform us about how a Church should ideally operate.

Acts 23: A Spirit That Humbles Us (Acts 8:9-25)

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 10 Jul 2016 13:56:53 -0700

Acts 22: Words That Scatter Us (Acts 8:4-8)

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 03 Jul 2016 09:57:15 -0700

We are continuing our sermon series through the first half of the book of Acts in order to better understand the beginnings of the Church and Jesus’ call to mission. We want to know what the Church should look like and understand that we can trust God even when we don’t understand what is going on. This week we look at how Christianity began to scatter and spread out. This scattering was not because the early church liked to travel, but the fact that God commanded the church to GO.

Acts 21: The Perceived Worst of Us (Acts 8:1-3)

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 26 Jun 2016 14:17:45 -0700

We are in our series in the book of Acts, this is week 21. Today we get to the beginnings of “what happens next,” how the church starts to go forward after one of their most beloved members, Stephen, dies. There are so many pieces to this that it will take us a few weeks to get through…we will put it together, as they say, “piece by piece.” Today we will look at a guy named Saul of Tarsus, who later becomes the Apostle Paul.

Father's Day 2016 - Growing Up Hagel

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 19 Jun 2016 10:33:57 -0700

No matter what life circumstance you come from, being a parent should be first centered on Jesus before anything else. Our relationship with our children should flow out of our relationship with our God.

Acts 20: A Calling that Kills Us (Acts 7:54-60)

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 12 Jun 2016 14:11:52 -0700

We finish Stephen’s story of his trial in front of the religious leaders this week by seeing the outcome of his confrontation: death. When Stephen defends his position to the Jewish Ruling Council he does it by retracing the Jewish heritage and history to the people who thought they knew it the best. Stephen tells their history in a way that would have been unfamiliar to those who thought they knew the story. He tells the story through a lens that shows God sending prophet after prophet and God’s people rejecting those prophets. Stephen’s critique is a rejection of their power and that they are missing the true prophet right in their midst, Jesus.

Acts 19: A Theology That Informs Us (Acts 7:1-53)

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 05 Jun 2016 15:47:02 -0700

Welcome to week 19 of the book of Acts, we are just over halfway through with our series that is covering the first half of the book. We are looking at the early church in order to better identify how to serve and love Jesus as they did. It is important to remember that Acts is both prescriptive and descriptive, meaning some sections teach us what to do while other sections simply describe events that took place. Today we look at Stephen’s first and last sermon recorded in scripture. Stephen was not aware that he would be speaking to the Jewish council, but he knew his Bible and was able to deliver a powerful message.

Acts 18: A Peace That Speaks For Us (Acts 6:8-15)

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 29 May 2016 14:06:22 -0700

We are in our series walking through the book of Acts; we have made it through 18 weeks (including this morning’s message). Element is walking through the book of Acts in an effort to look deeper into how the church started and what today’s church should be striving toward. Today, we get to look at a peace that speaks for us.

In today’s text the opposition to the message of the Gospel is taken to new levels as a brand new deacon, named Stephen, is directly attacked about his views of hope in the person of Jesus. Eventually, they even drag Stephen before the Jewish Council and bring false witnesses against him in an effort to silence him.

Acts 17: Leadership That Grows Through Mistakes (Acts 6:1-7)

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 22 May 2016 13:09:44 -0700

We see in this passage from Acts a Pharisee named Gamaliel. Gamaliel was the grandson of one of the greatest Rabbi’s in Jewish culture; Hillel. He does not really know what to do with the Apostle’s message of preaching in Jesus’ name because he says “for if this plan or this undertaking is of man, it will fail, if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them.” Gamaliel did not take a stand, he simply said the words he did in order to not rock the boat and to see how events would play out.

Acts 16: A Lifestyle of Mission (Acts 5:29-42)

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 15 May 2016 22:23:43 -0700

Mother's Day 2016 - Jon & Michelle's Story

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 08 May 2016 17:39:50 -0700

While Mother’s Day should be a time of celebration and appreciation, it can remind others of hurt, frustration, and loss. Each of us faces hardship in certain areas and seasons of our lives, and it is important to know how to frame those experiences in light of the Gospel. Jesus knows us and truly empathizes with our suffering in a way no one else can. While He does not promise us an easy, comfortable life (John 16:33), He does promise us that He has overcome and will be with us always (Matthew 28:20). We may be tempted to believe that God is not good when we face difficult times, but the character of God is steadfast and unchanging--He is good and defines what is good for us. By surrendering our own desires (no matter how good) for His, we can learn to trust Him as we face the uncertainties of life.

Acts 15: A Joy In Our Identity (Acts 5:17-42)

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 01 May 2016 21:47:18 -0700

This is week 15 of our 37 week journey through the book of Acts. On the side of these notes you will see an overview of each of the weeks we have covered so far. Today will put much of Acts 5 together as we discuss a joy that comes from understanding our identity in Jesus.

How would you describe Christianity? This week we look at having a joyful identify in Christ. In Acts 5 we see that people are being loved by God, people are being saved (non-Christians are becoming Christians), people are healed, and people are being delivered. The Apostles, in Acts 5:17-42, get into trouble because their faith has gone public and they are doing miracles while inviting others to learn and hear about Jesus.

Acts 14: A Hope That Heals Us (Acts 5:12-16)

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 24 Apr 2016 15:16:43 -0700

Element is in our series that is going verse by verse through the first half of the book of Acts. Today is week 14 of our 37 week journey. This week we look at the encouragement and hope of Christ that leads to our healing in multiple ways. The book of Acts is about what God is doing in His church, when we understand what God not only has done but is doing, we are better able to understand His hope that heals us.

Acts 13: Accountability That Exposes Us (Acts 5:1-11)

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 17 Apr 2016 21:44:38 -0700

This is our 13th week going through the book of Acts. We are studying the book of Acts in an effort to better understand what Jesus calls the church to be and how He expects it to function. Most churches won’t do everything perfect, or even well, at times, but we can strive to be what Jesus has called us to be.?

Today we are talking about the difficult subject of accountability and being exposed in our weakness while trying to hide our sin. In the book of Jeremiah God reminds us “Am I a God at hand, declares the LORD, and not a God far away? Can a man hide himself in secret places so that I cannot see him? Declares the LORD. Do I not fill heaven and earth Declares the LORD?” (Jeremiah 23:23)

Acts 12: Membership That Accounts For Us (Acts 4:32-37)

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 10 Apr 2016 21:06:43 -0700

This is Acts week 12 and we have been going through many paces of the early church in an effort to better focus ourselves on what the church should be today. There are identifiable markings of what the church should be that come out of the Bible, this week we will be talking about church membership.

Membership of a club usually involves the question, “what do I get out of this?” We often find ourselves seeking to belong to a group that has the highest benefit to us and the smallest commitment. We bring this mindset into all areas of our lives; work, relationships, even the church. Many people use membership as an excuse, “well I don’t have to do this, I am a member, I am a V.I.P. I should be served.”

Acts 11: Community That Encourages Us (Acts 4:23-31)

podcast@ourelement.org — Sat, 02 Apr 2016 16:56:25 -0700

We are in our series on the book of Acts! This is week 11 and we are looking at the amazing nature of the community that Jesus calls us to be part of.

Often times our personality does not arise in isolation, the majority of who we are happens because God uses people to form people. This idea in psychology is called “The Looking Glass Self,” the way other people view us and treat us is one of the largest indicators of who we become. Provers 27:17 says, “Iron sharpens Iron, and one man sharpens another.” This is why what happens between you and another person is never merely human to human interaction, it is spiritual. God’s Spirit longs to be powerfully at work in every encounter. If you have friends that love Jesus, that love for Him should be infectious and eventually you might begin to live that way too.

The Soul (Easter 2016)

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 27 Mar 2016 22:43:23 -0700

The word “soul” is something everyone recognizes, we may even have opinions about it, but don’t exactly know what to say. Almost all religious, philosophical, mythological, and even psychological traditions have a certain notion of the “soul” even if they wouldn’t use that exact word.

The idea of a soul has confused the best minds for thousands of years. Thomas Aquinas, who is considered one of the greatest theologians in the history of the church (born 1125 AD), believed every living creature had a soul, but only human beings souls were immortal and that made us different. Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle didn’t have the word “soul” in their language and essentially called the psyche what we would define as a soul (the essence of a person).

Acts 10: A Name that Confronts Us (Acts 4:1-22)

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 20 Mar 2016 14:03:46 -0700

Element is taking the better part of 2016 to walk through the first 12 chapters of the book of Acts in order to focus us on what Jesus calls the church to be like in the world. In Acts 3:11-26, the Apostle Peter preaches the second sermon recorded in the early church…and he speaks primarily about God’s revealed truth.

Peter shows us two things about truth.
1) There is such a thing as final truth and it is found in the Scriptures.
2) The Scriptures are not simply a book, they are all about a person, Jesus.

Acts 9: Truth That Challenges Us (Acts 3:11-26)

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 13 Mar 2016 18:50:54 -0700

Acts 8: Compassion That Is Bigger Than Us (Acts 3:1-10)

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 06 Mar 2016 14:47:28 -0800

Element is spending the next few months in the first half of the book of Acts in order to help grow us deeper into the type of church Jesus is calling us to be.
Read Acts 3:1-10. How do you tend to view stories about healing?

One of the things Peter does is look intently at the man who was crippled before healing him. In John 5 Jesus heals a man who didn’t really want to get better, the man used his infirmity to gain a sympathetic ear to his plight. Getter better is not always what we truly want in our lives. Many times we want our circumstances to change, but we don’t want our responsibility to change. When Jesus (in John 5) and Peter (in Acts 3) bring about these healings, the two men have two very different reactions. One doesn’t say thank you and brings trouble upon Jesus, while the other goes directly into the temple and praises God.

Acts 7: Generosity That Defines Us (Acts 2:42-47)

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 28 Feb 2016 20:49:51 -0800

Element is going through the first half of the book of Acts over the course of the first nine months of 2016. Part of the reason why we do this is we want to be a “better” church, a body of believers focused on Jesus and what He is doing in the world through us. Today, most people’s criteria for finding a church is, “I don’t want it to be boring,” but that is a horrible way to find a church. We want to see what the bible says about the church so we know what we are supposed to be about. By the end of this series we will hopefully see a little over 30 characteristics of what the church should be about. Today, we are looking at a Generosity That Defines Us.

Acts 6: Preaching That Changes Us (Acts 2:14-41)

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 21 Feb 2016 21:12:42 -0800

Element is going through the first half of the book of Acts over the course of the first nine months of 2016. Part of the reason why we do this is that we want to be a “better” church, a body of believers focused on Jesus and what He is doing in the world through us. Today, most people’s criteria for finding a church is, “I don’t want it to be boring,” but that is a horrible way to find a church. We want to see what the bible says about the church so we know what we are supposed to be about. By the end of this series, we will hopefully see a little over 30 characteristics of what the church is called to be.

Acts 5: Worship That Reminds Us (Acts 2:1-13)

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 14 Feb 2016 14:39:46 -0800

This is week 5 of our 37-week journey through the book of Acts. Acts will do three main things for us as a church body:

1. Enable us to see the beginnings of the church and Jesus’ call to mission.
2. Enable us to understand what to look for in a church body should we ever move out of the Santa Maria Valley.
3. Enable us to understand that when we live on mission with and for Jesus we won’t understand everything He is doing, but we can trust Him.
Today we want to look at how our worship is to remind us of what Jesus sent His Spirit to do in us.

Acts 4: A Heritage That Informs Us (Acts 2:1-12)

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 07 Feb 2016 14:51:38 -0800

We are taking about two thirds of this year to cover the first half of the book of Acts. We are attempting to bring about a few things by covering this book in detail:
1. To see the beginnings of the church and Jesus’ call to mission.
2. To help you, because many of you are people in transition, we understand that many of you will not spend the rest of your life in Santa Maria so we want you to have a good idea of what to look for in a church wherever you go.
3. Understanding that when we live on mission for Jesus we won’t understand everything He is doing, but we can TRUST Him.

Acts 3: Guidence That Leads Us (Acts 1:12-26)

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 31 Jan 2016 21:37:36 -0800

The book of Acts details the beginnings of the early church, their stumbles, their questions, but most importantly, the leading of Jesus by His Spirit which was sent to guide. That same Spirit is the one that leads and guides us as well.

Right after Jesus’ ascension, He told his disciples to wait for the Holy Spirit. Waiting is never easy; when the disciples waited, they did something wonderful, they prayed. In the scriptures it is hard to find waiting without the accompaniment of prayer.

Acts 2: A Resurrection & Ascension that is Promised to Us (Acts 1:1-11)

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 24 Jan 2016 17:12:05 -0800

Welcome to week two of Acts. This series will take us through September as we learn about the founding of the early church and the original Apostles. The book of Acts is constantly re-centering us on Jesus as the focal point of all creation and our lives.

Acts 1: A Call To All of Us (The Gospel of Luke)

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 17 Jan 2016 11:44:04 -0800

Welcome to a new year and Element’s new sermon series on Acts. This series will take us until the end of September, so strap yourselves in, get comfortable, we will be here for a while! Today we are not starting with Acts 1, we are reviewing the entire gospel of Luke to help us gain pertinent background information to start the series.
Luke wrote a historical account of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ…and Acts paints the picture of a detailed account of how Christianity spread throughout the Roman Empire. Both of the books, Acts and Luke are written to the same person: Theophilus, who Luke addresses as “most excellent.”

Epiphany 3 - Wedding at Cana: To Show

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 10 Jan 2016 20:44:54 -0800

Isaiah 25:6 On this mountain the LORD of hosts will make for all peoples a feast of rich food, a feast of well-aged wine, of rich food full of marrow, of aged wine well refined.

Epiphany 2 - Jesus at the Temple: To Reveal

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 03 Jan 2016 20:55:43 -0800

Today we're going to look at the only biblical story of Jesus as a child. We know this story is true, because when Luke was writing his Gospels he relied heavily on eyewitness accounts (Luke 1:2). Luke would trace these stories, and people's accounts of Jesus very carefully and make sure that everything was backed up by multiple people who where there. So while I'm sure he had notes on a ton of stories about the complete life of Jesus Luke only included what was important and had multiple eye witness accounts to it.

This story has multiple areas to look at that reveals the kind of Servant Jesus is and how he lived a Fully Human life growing up just as we all do today.

Epiphany 1 - Wise Men: To make Known

podcast@ourelement.org — Wed, 30 Dec 2015 12:03:40 -0800

We are coming out of the liturgical season of Advent – the season of hope, love, peace, and joy—the season of anticipation of the coming king. As most of you know who attended element this past month, we did 4 weeks on advent to help build anticipation and reflection to the coming of Christ. Advent culminates with Christmas, but now, Christmas has passed.

The season of Epiphany is highlighted by three instances; the journey of the magi, Jesus at the Temple when he was 12, and Jesus’s first public miracle of turning water into wine. All three of these events are instances that God chose to reveal his nature to us.

Advent Week 5: Christ

podcast@ourelement.org — Wed, 23 Dec 2015 21:50:25 -0800

This week wraps up our Advent journey, so it is a great opportunity to reflect on the past few weeks as a GC. People often have mixed reactions about the end of the holiday season and the approaching New Year, so it’s a good idea to check in with one another.

Advent Week 4: Peace

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 20 Dec 2015 15:27:34 -0800

The 4th week of Advent typically centers on peace. Sunday morning we looked at the Magnificat, Mary’s response to hearing the Gospel, as well as other possible responses to the Gospel message (centrality, wonder, fear, and truth). It’s crazy to think that Mary was the first person to learn of God’s specific plan! This discussion is a great opportunity to refresh your GC on the meaning of the Gospel.

Advent Week 3: Joy

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 13 Dec 2015 21:53:03 -0800

This week of our Advent journey focuses on joy. Joy is often depicted in our culture as an overwhelming emotion, but it is something much greater for followers of Jesus. For the Christian, joy is a permanent state, the result of knowing a loving God that has rescued us. Advent is an especially great season of joy, because we take time to remember the very act of God being born into the world.

Advent Week 2: Love

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 06 Dec 2015 22:23:17 -0800

This week of the Advent season focuses on love. Love is a huge concept, and there are many different views of what love is and what it should look like. 1 John 4:8 tell us, “Anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love.” We have a model of what true love looks like in the person of Jesus. At Christmas, we celebrate the incarnation of Christ—when He humbled Himself and became fully human in an act of love.

Advent Week 1: Hope

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 29 Nov 2015 21:19:23 -0800

This week, we begin our Advent journey together. To mark this shift in seasons, you may want to do something fun as a Community….share a meal (other than the Agape meal you shared last week) or do something festive. This is a new “appointed time” that is worth celebrating! The holidays are a great time to reach out to those outside your Community as well, so remember to be intentional about inviting them into your celebrations.

CH10 Serpent (Legends of the Fall)

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 23 Nov 2015 21:30:49 -0800

This is our last week in our series called “Legends of the Fall,” where we look the “bad” guys or bad stories in the Bible. Throughout this series we have seen how we are like many of the “bad” guys we have talked about. Today we look at Lucifer, or the Devil.

CH9 Zacchaeus (Legends of the Fall)

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 15 Nov 2015 15:56:54 -0800

Today, we look at the shortest bad guy in the Bible, Zacchaeus. He is one of the guys that people love because of the story, but he started off bad. He was a chief tax collector. Zacchaeus was a person who became a member of the ruling class by exploiting the poor in order to benefit himself. Tax collectors would extort extra money from those paying taxes to further benefit themselves. The poor hated tax collectors, just like the Occupied Wall Street movement hates Wall Street today, with the difference that no one could protest. When Jesus shows up, He calls Zacchaeus by name, giving him value.

CH8 Balaam (Legends of the Fall)

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 08 Nov 2015 15:48:53 -0800

This week we look at Balaam and his talking Donkey!

Balaam is a pagan prophet, a seer, and a diviner. He is a smart guy who knows how to “see” the future based off reading patterns in animals. He had to know animals, flight patterns, and even claimed he was able to look at the liver of a dead animal to help predict the future. He was also believed to have claimed to be a sorcerer that could influence human events to bring about his desired outcome. Balak, King of the Moab people, wants Balaam to help him destroy the Israelites because he fears them.

CH7 Judas (Legends of the Fall)

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 01 Nov 2015 16:16:11 -0800

In Legends of the Fall we are taking 10 weeks to look at the villains in the bible, those that everybody considers the “bad guys.” We are looking at how we are not as different from them as we might think. Today, we take a look at THE BETRAYER, Judas Iscariot.

The most infamous traitor in Scripture, other than the Devil, is Judas Iscariot, the betrayer of Christ. Judas is a guy that we love to hate, we often think we are so much better than him, but in reality we have all betrayed Christ in one way or another.

CH6 Absalom (Legends of the Fall)

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 25 Oct 2015 22:24:48 -0700

During the summer we did a series titled Coloring Book All-Stars (about the heroes you would find in children’s bible coloring books). We are now in a series titled Legends of the Fall (about all the bad guys in the bible). We travel through these two series in an effort to be able to see how the people in the bible are just like us, lost and in need of God’s redemption.

CH5 Amnon (Legends of the Fall)

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 18 Oct 2015 22:42:26 -0700

We are in a series called “Legends of the Fall,” which is all about the “bad” people or the “bad” stories in the bible and how it relates to who we are. We tend to want to look at “bad” guys in a story and say “that could never be me because I’m really a good person,” but we are exactly like those bad guys. Today we look at an incestual story of rape; we look at Amnon.

It is important to remember that the story of Amnon immediately follows the story of David and Bathsheba. Even though God forgives David for his sin, there is still a price that get’s paid (not to God, but when we model bad behavior to our kids). The prophet Nathan in 2 Sam 12:10-12 warned David of what was going to happen for not leaving a proper legacy for his children. David’s sin of sexual abuse now its way directly into his family. We have a tendency to think that our sin only affects us, but it does not, sin permeates all aspects of our life and community.

CH4 David & Bathseba (Legends of the Fall)

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 11 Oct 2015 15:58:41 -0700

Today we look at the story of David and Bathsheba. There are two stories people remember about the life of King David, his highest triumph (when David slew the giant Goliath) and his lowest personal defeat (when David gave in to personal temptation and slept with a woman who was not his wife). For every Goliath we seem to be able to defeat, there is a temptation, like Bathsheba, waiting to take hold of our hearts.

CH3 Babel (Legends of the Fall)

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 04 Oct 2015 23:55:34 -0700

Today, we look at the Tower of Babel. The people of Babel were proud of their tower, but the language in the Bible
shows that God was not impressed with their works. Genesis 11:5 But the
LORD came down to see the city and the tower that the men were building.
Sometimes we are so impressed with our own works that we think God has to
also be impressed, but no matter how good we think we are, we cannot earn
God’s favor.

CH2 Cain (Legends of the Fall)

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 27 Sep 2015 12:30:28 -0700

This week, we look at the first murder in the world and find out how Cain is exactly like us. Thankfully, identifying with one of the “bad” characters in the Bible points us in the direction of Jesus, our Redeemer!

CH1 Adam & Eve (Legends of the Fall)

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 20 Sep 2015 12:04:12 -0700

The first “legend” of the fall is actually two people, Adam and Eve, our first parents. Many times they are cast in a positive light, but all that we know of our fallen world begins with them, it is why Aaron called them “patient zero.”

CH12 Jesus (Coloring Book All-Stars)

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 13 Sep 2015 15:59:48 -0700

Welcome to the last week of coloring book all stars, the series where we take a look at some of the most popular stories, or people, in the Bible. We realize that some of your personal favorites may not have been covered during this series, but that is OK, you get to tell your friends, families and kids about them. This week we look at who Jesus is and why who He is becomes so important to our concept of faith.

CH11 Joseph (Coloring Book All-Stars)

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 06 Sep 2015 17:32:38 -0700

This is week 11 of coloring book all-stars where we look at figures in the bible who are larger than life, who (usually) make it into the coloring books that kids love to scribble on. This week we look at Jacob’s favorite son, JOSEPH!

Genesis 37:3 Now Israel loved Joseph more than any other of his sons, because he was the son of his old age.

CH10 Moses (Coloring Book All-Stars)

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 30 Aug 2015 19:57:25 -0700

We are in our series called Coloring Book all-stars about the biggest (or biggest stories) in the bible...the ones you typically find in kids bible coloring books. Today we are going to look at a biggie (other than Jesus), MOSES. Moses is a guy almost everyone likes, Jews, Christians, and even Muslims.

Moses was an Israelite by birth, but the story of Moses is largely a story of God’s calling. God called Moses (a murderer) to be LIKE God, and to deliver the Israelites from the hand of Pharaoh. The story of the Exodus is the story of redemption; God hears our cries and intervenes on our behalf.

CH9 Gideon (Coloring Book All-Stars)

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 23 Aug 2015 23:50:02 -0700

Welcome to Coloring Book All Stars Week 9. We are taking 12 weeks to look at “heroes” in the Bible, those you would see in the pages of kids coloring books, comic strips or even cartoons. These are the stories and people we have lifted up to place of near perfection. We’re taking a close look at how the Bible shows them as messed up men, people as messed up as we are. This week we look at Gideon.

CH8 Noah (Coloring Book All-Stars)

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 16 Aug 2015 15:33:06 -0700

We are in the middle of a series called Coloring Book All-Stars, where we look at the most popular stories and characters of the Bible (outside of Jesus) and begin to understand them in a more human context. It is Element’s hope that we will no longer idolize these characters, but view our “heroes” as broken people who have received God’s grace. This week, we look at the story of Noah and the great flood.

CH7 Daniel (Coloring Book All-Stars)

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 09 Aug 2015 21:44:07 -0700

This week we are looking in the book of Daniel, specifically the story of Daniel and the lion’s den. We learn once again that the book of Daniel is largely about issues of the heart. Daniel, like Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego finds himself in an uncomfortable situation because he refuses to deny the one true God.
This story starts off with Daniel blessing the new king. Daniel recognizes he is called to be a blessing because God has blessed him.

CH6 Shadrack, Meshack & Abednego (Coloring Book All-Stars)

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 02 Aug 2015 21:54:10 -0700

This week we are looking in the book of Daniel, specifically the story of Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego and the fiery furnace. We learn that this story is a story about identity and control, not just a cool example of faith when a believer is being tested.

CH5 Naaman (Coloring Book All-Stars)

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 27 Jul 2015 11:16:12 -0700

Today will be different as we are looking at a non-Israelite. Some of you may have heard of him, but many of you probably haven’t. You may be wondering why this man is a Coloring Book All-Star if we don’t know who he is…the answer is that Aaron thinks he should be one, so he is including him. His name is Naaman and the story takes place in 2 Kings 5. The story is full of surprises and odd requests, but it is also a story of God finding His people.

CH4 Elijah & The Prophets of Baal (Coloring Book All-Stars)

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 19 Jul 2015 16:41:46 -0700

This week we look at the story of Elijah and the false prophets of Baal. The story of Elijah is ultimately a story about the God of the universe who wants to reveal Himself to us despite the fact that we betray Him and put our faith and hope in false gods. In the Story of Elijah there are many different characters; God, Elijah, Baal, the prophets of Baal, Ahab, and the people of Israel.

CH3 Samson (Coloring Book All-Stars)

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 12 Jul 2015 21:58:27 -0700

When I read the story of Samson, the first question that comes into my mind is naturally, “How far is too far?” When we read the story of Samson we learn that no sin is innocent; every compromise leads deeper into a lifestyle that dishonors God and moves us further into our own personal hell. Sin also tends to affect and infect not only the individual, but the whole community.

Samson is a Coloring Book All-Star, but when we truly read his story you will see why being a Coloring Book All-Star does not make someone a hero.

CH2 David & Goliath (Coloring Book All-Stars)

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 05 Jul 2015 21:49:12 -0700

David and Goliath feels to us like the rise of the underdog stories we all know and love. David, fits the mold for a Coloring book all-star.

David was a 10-12 year old boy who, in a tournament of champions, faced Goliath the giant who held the philistine heavy weight belt, and killed him. When we read this story we often tend to think of David as the most epic tween ever. The interpretation of the story focusing on David is lacking, it was not David who killed Goliath, but God used David to destroy an insurmountable opponent.

CH1 John The Baptizer (Coloring Book All-Stars)

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 28 Jun 2015 20:59:49 -0700

Today we start with John the Baptizer— not John the Baptist. Often times when people read the Bible they will use upward comparisons, this means we tend to deify the people in the Bible giving them legendary status. However, when we do this we often neglect to look at their flaws and forget they are human. By understanding the “All-Stars” flaws we will hopefully gain a better understanding of God’s grace which will allow us to understand how Jesus is also working in our lives just like He was working in theirs.

Father's Day 2015

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 21 Jun 2015 22:17:10 -0700

We can be better Children here on earth by listening to our Heavenly Father (God), by obeying our Father (God), by loving our Father (God), and by praying to our Father (God). This is why our priorities are so important and why being an image bearer of Christ under the direction of the Father is so important. How we serve our families, and ultimately live on mission, comes out of our understanding of who God is, that He is our Heavenly Father. If our priories aren’t in check, then we quickly become lost.

09 Pharisee University: Open Hands Or Closed

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 14 Jun 2015 21:00:07 -0700

The scriptures present believers with a great volume of information to consider. Some issues the Bible is firm and others are left to the interpretation of the reader; the former are called closed handed issues and the latter are called open handed issues.

08 Pharisee University: Keep The Undesirables Out

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 07 Jun 2015 21:27:35 -0700

When we center our lives on the person of Christ, our grace expands, our love expands, and most importantly, we become less exclusive and our circle expands to be as large as Jesus’.

07 Pharisee University: Projection And Envy

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 31 May 2015 19:03:24 -0700

Figure out where God has gifted you, embrace it, love it, and live in it. Jesus redeemed us from our lost way of life, from our wanting what others have and judging those who don’t have what we have. We use all He has given us to glorify Him and serve one another.

06 Pharisee University: Legalism Above Mercy

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 24 May 2015 23:55:37 -0700

The idea of a pure church only finds its purity in Christ...not ourselves. Thankfully Jesus is the one who taught that first.

05 Pharisee University: Idealism Over Jesus

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 17 May 2015 20:39:36 -0700

If we do not want to become Pharisees we must develop the ability to (1) learn from the past without idealizing the past, and (2) speak the truth in love.

Mother's Day 2015

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 10 May 2015 21:39:38 -0700

2 Timothy 1:7 says that God gave us a spirit not of fear, but of power, love, and self-control. Many times parenting is scary, especially for new parents that aren’t totally sure of what they are doing. No parent wants to hurt or crush their child. However, when we live our lives in fear instead of walking in God’s freedom, we do exactly that--we crush those around us. We set up little gods or idols for ourselves that cannot handle the weight of godhood; they cannot bring lasting satisfaction or real salvation.

04 Pharisee University: Unity Is Not Uniformity

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 03 May 2015 21:18:42 -0700

We are sent to the world to make disciples, not make them all look the same. The heart cry of our culture today is unity, and yet the only way for our world to come together is in Jesus.

03 Pharisee University: Unlikely Disciples

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 26 Apr 2015 13:24:44 -0700

All believers are somewhere between having the desire to follow Him and decidedly surrendering our lives to Him above all else. And this is where we can be in danger of becoming like Pharisees.

02 Pharisee University: The Greatness of Pride & Arrogance

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 19 Apr 2015 22:11:39 -0700

We don’t need self- help, self-esteem, or more of self, we need Jesus…until we understand that, we will always be hopelessly lost Pharisees.

01 Pharisee University: Pharisee 101: The Syllabus

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 12 Apr 2015 23:55:12 -0700

Today when we say, “Pharisee,” it usually conjures up all sorts of negative connotations. While those negative associations will mostly be what we cover in this series, I also want you to understand that the Pharisees, of all the religious orders at the time of the resurrection, were the ones who had the most members who ended up following and surrendering their lives to the risen Christ.

Triduum: Sunday (Easter 2015)

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 05 Apr 2015 21:02:56 -0700

Friday Jesus was executed.
Saturday was the day of silence on the earth.
Sunday the world changed, not just for Jesus’ early followers, but for all of us because Jesus rose from the grave.

Triduum: Saturday

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 29 Mar 2015 21:23:32 -0700

The focus of Good Friday is when we focus on the day our sins get paid for by Jesus dying our death for us on a cross, Easter Sunday is our joyous hope and celebration that comes together into loud celebration…but there is no holiday day for Saturday…Would it be called “quiet day” “patience day”

Often you don't hear a message about a Saturday…there is only one church father who ever really wrote one, but we don't even know who it was…what he says about Saturday is recorded in the book "The Liturgy of the Hours" 1600 years ago: "Something strange is happening - there is a great silence on earth today, a great silence and stillness. The whole earth keeps silence because the King is asleep. The earth trembled and is still because God has fallen asleep in the flesh and he has raised up all who have slept ever since the world began. God has died in the flesh and hell trembles with fear."

Triduum: Friday

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 22 Mar 2015 21:25:19 -0700

John Ortberg asks in his book, Who Is This Man, “How did Friday end as Friday? Why did Jesus die? How did this man (meek and mild, blesser of little children, friend of sinners) end up being executed as an enemy of the state?” Friday ends with 3 crosses erected outside of Jerusalem. Two of these crosses have thieves nailed to them, while one is already empty, yet it has a sign over it that reads: Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews. It’s in Aramaic, Latin, and Greek.

In the ancient world of Jesus’ day there were twelve major players that led to Jesus’ death on cross: Rome, The Crowds in Jerusalem, the thieves who were crucified with Jesus, Pilate, Chief Priests, Pharisees, Zealots, Essenes, Herod, Crowds at the Temple, Caesar. Twelfth Player in the story: Jesus. King of Kings, Lord of lords, crucified for our sins: Jesus.

Churches of Revelation: 7 Laodicea - Lukewarm Vomit.

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 15 Mar 2015 22:02:52 -0700

Laodicea sat between two cities; one with hot water, and the other with cold. Both of these cities produced good water, but the water source in Laodicea was terrible. It wasn’t hot or cold, it was lukewarm, reddish in color, and induced vomiting. Like the city’s water, the church was lukewarm and Jesus was on the verge of vomiting them out of his mouth

Churches of Revelation: 6 Philadelphia - Doors, Keys and Pillars.

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 08 Mar 2015 23:19:20 -0700

The church in Philadelphia was commended for their endurance in following Jesus even in the midst of trials. When Jesus encourages this church He calls the Jews who are making their lives hard a “synagogue of Satan.” The word for Satan means “adversary” or “accuser,” Jesus’ words were not an a attack against Jews in general, but a reference to Jews in Philadelphia who denounced Jewish Christians before Roman officials for not being “true Jews.” In Philadelphia, as in other places, Jewish Christians were being excommunicated from their synagogues for following Christ. Jews were exempt from participation in the emperor worship cult, but Jewish Christians, because of their exclusion from the Jewish community, did not enjoy the same legal protection.

Churches of Revelation: 5 Sardis - The Complacent Sleeping Beauty.

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 01 Mar 2015 23:11:33 -0800

This week we looked at the church in Sardis. We learned that Sardis was wildly successful; they were innovative and had great wealth. However, the people in Sardis were over-confident in their city and held the belief that they could never be conquered. History tells us the city was conquered twice by surprise because the city had “fallen asleep.”

Churches of Revelation: 4 Thyatira - The CoExist Church.

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 22 Feb 2015 21:23:54 -0800

This week, we looked at the church of Thyatira. Jesus starts off his message to Thyatira with a remembrance of who He is (the Son of God) and that He sees all (eyes of fire) and that He is immovable (feet of burnished bronze). He then gives one sentence of praise before moving into the area of sin that both Thyatira and the current church (Element included) fall into -- the sin of tolerance.

Churches of Revelation: 3 Pergamum - Discernment Zero.

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 15 Feb 2015 23:44:55 -0800

This week, we looked at the Church in Pergamum. The first thing we learned about this city is that its residents were incredibly religious. They worshiped SO MANY gods it was almost suffocating. If you entered the city of Pergamum you would see temple after temple and people offering gifts, money, and time to these gods in order to please them. Much of their service to these gods was based out of superstition and fear, as these gods were seen as capricious (capricious means: given to sudden and unaccountable changes of mood or behavior. We would call this “fickle” or “unpredictable”). People in Pergamum would sacrifice out of fear because they never knew what mood the gods were in at any moment.

Churches of Revelation: 2 Smyrna - Wax & Mirrors.

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 08 Feb 2015 21:24:35 -0800

Smyrna was a harbor city (a beach town) that was well known for its temple to the “Mother Goddess” and its provincial imperial cult temples. Smyrna had paved streets, a library, and a gymnasium which led many to want to visit this city of wealth and prestige.

Smyrna could have been a lot like the American Church today, in a position of relative comfort, but could see persecution looming on the not so distant horizon. The church in Smyrna was faced with the same question we are faced with today, will we mirror the culture or will we mirror the Gospel?

Churches of Revelation: 1 Ephesus - First Love & Bomb Shelters.

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 01 Feb 2015 21:12:02 -0800

Revelation 2:1-7 This passage tells the history of a church that was filled with the passion of the gospel, but a generation later, the church has become self-focused. Many scholars will point out that THIS CHURCH started because they understood that the world needed to hear the good news of Jesus, THEY WERE BOLD fresh and creative, but somewhere they lost that passion and impulse.

Prodigal God Part 05 - Who Are You LIke?

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 25 Jan 2015 22:26:05 -0800

Today we are wrapping up our first sermon series of the year, The Prodigal God. This series has examined the Parable of the Prodigal Son, found in Luke 15, as well as the parable of the lost coin and the lost sheep (also found in Luke 15). We have looked at the parable of the prodigal son from three different perspectives; the father, the older brother, and the younger brother.

Prodigal God Part 04 - The Father.

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 18 Jan 2015 22:33:47 -0800

In today’s message we went through the story again, but we tried to do it with an eye on the father. The story of Luke 15 is a story about the father and his character. Luke 15:11 And he said, “There was a man who had two sons. Luke 15:20 his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. Luke 15:22 But the father said to his servants, Luke 15:28 His father came out and entreated him, Luke 15:31-32 And he said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. It was fitting to celebrate and be glad…

Prodigal God Part 03 - The Older Brother.

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 11 Jan 2015 22:31:12 -0800

The older brother in the prodigal son parable told himself that he was superior to his younger brother who had squandered his inheritance. The older brother was, most likely also convinced that he was superior to his father who welcomed home a reckless youth. When we are able to convince ourselves that we are better than someone else, it becomes impossible to love him or her. We eventually will start to look down on them and be filled with bitterness and hostility. We will move to the place where we find ourselves resenting them, and maybe even enjoying our resentment.
There are three traits of an older brother: resentment, frequent complaining, and being judgmental.

Prodigal God Part 02 - The Prodigal Son.

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 04 Jan 2015 22:03:31 -0800

This week, Eric discussed the younger son in the prodigal son parable. The parable of the Prodigal Son has been called The Evangelium in Evangelio which means the Gospel within the Gospel. It is as if in Jesus’ parable we have a
microcosm of the cosmic gospel. All the elements are there – a lavish Father, rebellion, repentance, and a homecoming. Along with the Good Samaritan, this is, no doubt, one of the most well-known parables of Jesus in the world. Ralph Waldo Emerson called the Prodigal Son the greatest Biblical story.

Prodigal God Part 01 - The Lost Sheep and Coin.

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 28 Dec 2014 13:11:52 -0800

In the parable of the Lost Sheep and the Lost Coin (Luke 15:1-10), we see God’s plan of salvation, as well as His involvement in seeking out, finding, restoring, and rejoicing in His lost people. Rather than hiring somebody to go out and search for us, God sought us out Himself, because He is personally interested in each one of us. God took it upon Himself to rescue us despite (in spite of our sin) and carry us on his shoulders as a shepherd would with a lamb--taking our sins to the cross. What we could never do for ourselves, He did, and that is amazing grace.

Christmas Eve 2014 - Time Space & Matter

podcast@ourelement.org — Wed, 24 Dec 2014 11:00:00 -0800

Listen to our Christmas Eve 2014 Message here.

45. The Reprise. Matthew 5:3-7:27 - Sermon On The Mount

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 21 Dec 2014 11:31:57 -0800

After approximately one year, Element is concluding the Sermon on the Mount, and what a journey it has been! Simply because the sermon series is ending, it does not provide an excuse not to take Jesus’ words to heart. Remember, Jesus ends the sermon with a call to action.

44. Astonished Authority. Matthew 7:28-29 - Sermon On The Mount

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 14 Dec 2014 21:46:24 -0800

Jesus is hands down the greatest teacher who has ever walked the Earth (granted it is somewhat cheating since He is God). Every time Jesus spoke, he literally blew everyone’s minds! When Jesus speaks, He speaks with power and authority. We learn in the scriptures that Jesus’ authority was not just found in words, but how His words effected reality.

43. We Live In The House We Build. Matthew 7:24-27 - Sermon On The Mount

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 07 Dec 2014 21:26:17 -0800

There are few certainties in our lives others than the fact that we will all experience hardship and trials (I know that is not the most uplifting certainty). When referring to suffering, Jesus calls it the certainty of certainties, we will all go through times of struggle. In Matthew 7:25 Jesus uses the analogy of the rains, wind and floods to depict the conditions of suffering; when we do suffer we have two ways to respond, trust in Jesus as our rock or follow the rest of the worlds advice and build on sand.

42. What's in a Name. Matthew 7:15-23 - Sermon On The Mount

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 30 Nov 2014 22:00:44 -0800

This week, we learned about the power of names, specifically, God’s name. In Exodus, the third commandment God gives us is “You shall not take the name of your Lord God in vain…”

41. Trees And Fruit Part III. Matthew 7:17 - Sermon On The Mount

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 23 Nov 2014 22:17:01 -0800

In the sermon, Aaron talked about Tertullian (a 2nd century church father). Tertullian explained the puzzle of the Trinity as such; In the Roman Empire, the Emperor shared power with his son, declaring him “co-emperor.” In these cases the empire itself was not divided… but each had full imperial authority over all the land. Each was emperor, each was in full possession of imperial power, and that power was not divided…yet one of them was not the other. Tertullian said, “Divinity is shared by the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. There is only one divinity, only one God, just as there is only one empire.”

The Trinity teaches us that God, who is the ONLY God, does not stand alone in solitary splendor, God Himself exists in relationship. God is one, and yet God is one in community. If anyone ever says to you that the doctrine of the Trinity asks you to believe in the nonsensical notion that three can be one, we can answer that, on the contrary, the Trinity is a unique example of what it means truly to be ONE. God’s oneness is such that there is love even within the Godhead itself. God is love, not just in the sense that God loves us, but also in the sense that the inner life of the Trinity is a life of love.

40. Trees And Fruit Part II. Matthew 7:15-20 - Sermon On The Mount

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 16 Nov 2014 21:56:55 -0800

What we believe has fundamental effects on how we live our lives, what we allow to influence us as truth has the same effect. The early church became, rightfully, protective over what was being taught as sacred scripture.

Marcion was guilty of attempting to reduce the Gospel to simply the love of Christ. He removed all parts of the Bible that were Jewish in nature and attempted to conform the Bible to his own worldview (sounds like the culture we live in today, right?) When he neglected the wrath of God he also eliminated the need for grace. Our sin is real, and it is ugly. It is true that God loves us, but if you recall, the wages of sin are death.

Montanus believed that what he felt, thought, and became emotional
over was more important, and held greater truth, than what God had
revealed to humanity through Jesus’ own words and the apostles words.
Our culture today is a “me” based culture that takes this approach to
everything. We say things like “follow your heart” and “do what you feel is
right” in regards to decisions we make…yet the scriptures teach us that
many times that is the worst way to make a decision.

39. Trees And Fruit Part 1. Matthew 7:15-16 - Sermon On The Mount

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 09 Nov 2014 22:30:22 -0800

At the heart of heresies is often our desire to remain in control, the belief that we are good enough without God. Just like the Ebionites, we are tempted to view Jesus as a great teacher, but not our God, and not our redeemer. We have two choices, just like the broad and narrow road we looked at last week. Either we have to abandon our self-will or abandon our hope. The two seem mutually exclusive; when we trust ourselves we lose all hope.

38. Broad And Narrow. Matthew 7:13-14 - Sermon On The Mount

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 02 Nov 2014 21:56:24 -0800

“The gospel on the outside looks incredibly small and cramped, when you get inside, it’s unbelievably spacious. The alternatives to the gospel look incredibly broad, spacious, free and tolerant, but on the inside, they’re cramped and narrow.” Most people don’t like to have the reality of the broad and narrow roads pointed out, we are more than content to live in our own delusions of tolerance, even when tolerance leads away from true life.

37. Rules That Are Golden. Matthew 7:12 - Sermon On The Mount

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 26 Oct 2014 14:35:04 -0700

While Jesus commands us to treat others with the same love and respect we desire, we can easily get caught up in our own behavior.As shared in the sermon, an emphasis on our own works is often the largest threat to our spiritual growth and understanding of grace.

36. Grace Centered Community. Matthew 7:7-12 - Sermon On The Mount

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 19 Oct 2014 20:58:08 -0700

Jesus invites us to change not only how we interact with others, but how we interact with Him. Understanding grace, truth, a good father, and grace centered community.

35. Logs, Specks, Pearls & Pigs. Matthew 7:1-6 - Sermon On The Mount

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 12 Oct 2014 14:30:55 -0700

Judging is about trying to have control, freedom is about entrusting ourselves to Jesus.

Planting Roots Week 5: Treasure: Too Much Stuff. Matthew 6:24 (Sermon On The Mount 34)

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 05 Oct 2014 18:18:16 -0700

The problem with “stuff” is that it not only takes up space in our homes, but also takes up space in our souls. In the book The Power of Habit, it talks about a “Keystone Habit.” A keystone habit is one that, if either implemented or changed, sets off a chain reaction to other habits. It will catalyze new patterns of thinking, desiring and behaving. It’s not an isolated habit. It is connected. The early church was characterized by generosity, setting in motion the habit of giving which has lasted two millennia.

Planting Roots Week 4: Treasure: Tools or Drugs. Matthew 6:24 (Sermon On The Mount 33)

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 28 Sep 2014 22:37:53 -0700

There are approximately 30 parables in the Scriptures, 19 of which either speak directly of money or are told in an economic context. Jesus spoke more about money and generosity than any other subject besides the Kingdom of God. S.E. Lea and P. Webley, in their research study The Biological Psychology of a Strong Incentive, state that “money is a tool, but money is also a drug.” Money lets us pay the bills, keep the lights on, stay fed, and get work done because money is a tool. But money also acts like a drug. Money makes us feel things we would not otherwise feel. It gives us a temporary escape from pain, and it can also give us a momentary illusion of wellbeing.

Planting Roots Week 3: Treasure: Where is Your Treasure? Matthew 6:19-24 (Sermon On The Mount 32)

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 21 Sep 2014 22:27:06 -0700

Ever since the fall, everything is messed up, including our thinking about money and work. In Greek thought, Plato put forth the idea (now widely believed even in Christian circles) that there are two dimensions of reality: the spiritual and the physical.

Planting Roots Week 2: Treasure: Who Are The Rich? Matthew 6:19-21 (Sermon On The Mount 31)

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 14 Sep 2014 22:52:06 -0700

Have you ever asked the question: Who are the rich? Who does a message about generosity and treasure apply to? In our modern American day, who really needs to pay attention to verses like this? If we think through it logically, we should really ask the question, “How do you decide whether or not you are rich?”

Planting Roots Week 1: Prayer, The Fatherhood of God. Matthew 6:9 (Sermon On The Mount 30)

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 07 Sep 2014 23:05:28 -0700

In everything, Jesus should be lifted up first; prayer is the developing of the relationship we have with Jesus so it takes root in our heart and soul.

29. Prayer III. Matthew 6:5, 7, 9 - Sermon On The Mount

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 31 Aug 2014 20:43:39 -0700

In everything, Jesus should be lifted up first; prayer is the developing of the relationship we have with Jesus so it takes root in our heart and soul.

28. Prayer II. Matthew 6:5-14 - Sermon On The Mount

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 24 Aug 2014 22:29:12 -0700

Our God is not shaped by us, we are shaped by Him and His goodness. Our prayers must reflect all of who God has revealed Himself to be within the Sermon on the Mount.

27. Prayer I: Focus Reset. Matthew 6:5 - Sermon On The Mount

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 17 Aug 2014 22:07:44 -0700

How do we actually do life with Jesus? The Scriptures teach that this one of God’s great desires, and because it is one of His great desires He communicates how to do it.

26. Fasting. Matthew 6:16-18 - Sermon On The Mount

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 10 Aug 2014 22:01:16 -0700

Jesus starts the Sermon on the Mount with the fact that we have been blessed. When we get to Chapter 6 of the book of Matthew He then explains how these very same blessings can become a distraction from our true mission when they become our focus. As people, we have mastered taking good things from God and perverting them, so much so that we have taken a blessing like food, and worshiped it. Through fasting we retreat for a period of time from some of these good gifts and seek Christ. Fasting is meant to refocus our affections and help us realize our reward is Christ, not in luxuries He brings us. Jesus gives very practical steps in how to use fasting to draw near to God and not further away from Him. He explains that fasting should be done in a way that doesn’t lift ourselves. Fasting “in secret,” and practicing this spiritual discipline the way God intended, helps us to understand more of our reward in being called to a life with and for Christ.

25. Faith and Doubt Pt II. Matthew 6:34 - Sermon On The Mount

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 03 Aug 2014 21:30:59 -0700

Whenever we are obsessed with the future and refuse to live where God has put us today, it inhibits us from living our present moments to the glory of God.

24. Faith and Doubt Pt 1. Matthew 6:25-33 - Sermon On The Mount

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 27 Jul 2014 17:06:31 -0700

Most issues of faith and doubt come down to our feelings about things, our anxiety. When we truly trust Him our anxiety, begin to diminish.

23. The New Normal. Matthew 6:1-4 - Sermon On The Mount

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 20 Jul 2014 22:41:49 -0700

Information has led to transformation. Jesus is teaching people how to move from New to Normal to Second Nature.

22. Loving Enemies. Matthew 5:43-48 - Sermon On The Mount

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 13 Jul 2014 22:10:02 -0700

We are to mirror God in His moral excellence as well as in other ways. The basic call of a believer in Jesus in this world is to be a reflection of the character of God.

21. Lex Talionis. Matthew 5:38-42 - Sermon On The Mount

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 06 Jul 2014 18:12:54 -0700

In the Old Testament God steps in and gives His people a command that is supposed to put check into how far they are allowed to go in retribution. He tells them An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth, meaning the punishment should not exceed the offense...but as always, Jesus takes it deeper, beyond the law.

20. Oaths Part II - Divorce. Matthew 5:31-32 - Sermon On The Mount

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 29 Jun 2014 16:40:57 -0700

The Bible grounds all love in God’s covenant love for His people as it’s foundation. In contrast with our consumer culture, the Bible teaches that the essence of marriage is a sacrificial commitment to the good of the other.
Watch Eric & Terri's story at: https://vimeo.com/99337996

19. Oaths Part I. Matthew 5:33-37 - Sermon On The Mount

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 22 Jun 2014 21:42:37 -0700

Let your language be an authentic representation of who you are in Christ. The point of language is to communicate honesty…Because our God has communicated clearly in the person of Jesus.

Father's Day 2014

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 15 Jun 2014 23:06:07 -0700

Fathers have one of the most important tasks in all of society and it’s a tremendous responsibility. We are to humbly lead our families by loving our wives, delighting in our children, disciplining when necessary, and preach the gospel to them through our words and actions. We are to be willing to push back against a culture that is slowly trying to usurp the father’s authority in the family and give our God given roles to the public institutions. By the grace of God may we lead our children in the discipline and instruction of the Lord and train them in the way they should go and not become lazy and expect the churches, or schools, to do the parenting for us. We are not just training our kids to be successful, we are fighting for their hearts and minds since they are not just warm bodies but souls as well!

In the end, we are to model God’s grace towards us in the way we parent our own children and point them to our perfect heavenly Father, the one whom we can cry ABBA! Father!

18. Killers and Whores. Matthew 5:21-30 - Sermon On The Mount

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 08 Jun 2014 22:42:40 -0700

What does the God of the universe does with killers and whores? He invites them to dinner and dances with them. It is the ultimate display of grace and our understanding of that fact should be shown in the response of our gratitude.

17. Transforming Relationships. Matthew 5:20-26 - Sermon On The Mount

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 01 Jun 2014 22:29:38 -0700

Jesus paid every last penny we owed for our forgiveness at the moment of the cross, understanding His grace is how all of our relationships will be restored.

16. Fulfilling The Law. Matthew 5:17-20 - Sermon On The Mount

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 25 May 2014 21:12:23 -0700

Jesus is not announcing the termination of the Old Testament’s relevance and authority, He is showing forth the entire point.

15. Salt And Light Part II. Matthew 5:13-16 - Sermon On The Mount

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 18 May 2014 23:36:06 -0700

We are all called to partner with Jesus in the renewing and proclamation of His name and His greatness. His hope, His healing as salt and light in the world.

Mother's Day 2014

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 11 May 2014 21:44:20 -0700

It is abundantly clear in scripture that God is a Father, and as a Father He sets His perfect example in love. He loves us even when we are unlovable, comforts us when we are broken, pursues us when we are wayward, lets us fail when we need to learn the hard way, and uses everything in our life for a teaching opportunity. He is a perfect father who gives His children what they need, not just what they want. As children of the Almighty God, it is our responsibility, duty, and joy to teach others the way God has taught us. This is especially true for those of you who are parents: God has placed a great blessing and a great calling on your life. Be diligent to discipline and graceful in your approach to parenting. Keep Jesus in the center of your life as God, and not the blessing (your children) He has given you. In all things imitate Christ so that many may see your good works and come to know Jesus.

14. Salt And Light. Matthew 5:13-16 - Sermon On The Mount

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 04 May 2014 22:02:18 -0700

Bonheoffer’s once said, “Flight into the invisible is a denial of the call. A community of Jesus which seeks to hide itself has ceased to follow him”

13. Beginning Middle Beginning. Matthew 5:11-12 - Sermon On The Mount

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 27 Apr 2014 22:43:43 -0700

The Beatitudes end where they began, with the Kingdom of God and a proper understanding of persecution.

Rhythm (Easter 2014)

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 20 Apr 2014 22:52:22 -0700

According to a 2004 study, Americans are getting 2 1/2 fewer hours of sleep than people did one hundred years ago. The Centers for Disease Control are now tracking this information; not properly resting can bring on Diabetes and Obesity. Forty million Americans get fewer than 6 hours of sleep per night. In the modern church, we think it is more godly to forget sleep and find more work, but God made us as He did to need to rest. God made us to be finite and fragile.

The point of the resurrection is salvation in Jesus alone; but part of surrendering our lives to Him means that we rest in Him. Jesus did not get out of the grave so we could kill ourselves, trying to run, and ultimately ruin, our lives. He rose so you and I could truly experience His rest physically and spiritually. He made us, we must trust Him to know what is best for all of our lives. Surrendering to Jesus means we also surrender our need to control our lives and learn to rest.

12. So Far So Good. Matthew 5:1-10 - Sermon On The Mount

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 13 Apr 2014 21:15:46 -0700

When your focus is on the person of Christ everything changes, everything is different, and nothing can separate us from that.

Element U Week 6: Larger Framework (EU 201)

podcast@ourelement.org — Wed, 09 Apr 2014 23:23:37 -0700

Larger Framework - Problems of the Biblical Position
Element U is to help give you answers, but remember that Jesus is bigger than this class and our attempts at
answers.

11. The Persecuted. Matthew 5:10 - Sermon On The Mount

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 07 Apr 2014 23:48:04 -0700

When we become a measure of God’s grace to this world Jesus says we can expect negative reactions; that it does not mean we declare a culture war or pick an issue just to get people mad at us, we declare Jesus and love others.

Element U Week 5: Other Worldviews (EU 201)

podcast@ourelement.org — Thu, 03 Apr 2014 10:40:45 -0700

A look at Atheism, Jehovah Witness and notes on Mormonism.

10. Peacemakers. Matthew 5:9 - Sermon On The Mount

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 30 Mar 2014 22:07:21 -0700

Believers are especially equipped for peacemaking, and in doing so reflect their heavenly Father’s character.

10. Peacemakers - Sermon On The Mount

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 30 Mar 2014 21:36:28 -0700

Download this week's Sermon notes that has all of the verses referenced, Sermon notes, and family or Gospel Community discussion questions.

Element U Week 4: The Bible (EU 201)

podcast@ourelement.org — Wed, 26 Mar 2014 23:25:31 -0700

Scripture, why it can be trusted.
Inspiration: means “God’s breathed.”
Inerrancy - means the words are without error.
Infallibility - means the words CANNOT error.
Canonicity - means we have the RIGHT words contained in the Bible.
Archeology - means that the words have been confirmed through archeology.
Prophesy - the words have predicted future events accurately.

9. Our Hearts. Matthew 5:8 - Sermon On The Mount

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 23 Mar 2014 22:12:41 -0700

Peace has been made between us and our maker because of Christ. Jesus invites us to go on an interior journey that sees our hearts for what they are and what they can become in Him.

Element U Week 3: The Resurrection of Jesus Christ (EU 201)

podcast@ourelement.org — Wed, 19 Mar 2014 23:59:29 -0700

The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the most important historical event in the world. It changed history and Christianity stands or falls on the resurrection. As Paul says, if Christ did not rise from the dead, then his teaching is in vain, our faith is futile and we are the most to be pitied. The historical evidence and scholarly respect for the physical and bodily resurrection of Jesus is overwhelming now but it wasn’t always this way.

8. Mercy Full. Matthew 5:7 - Sermon On The Mount

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 16 Mar 2014 21:36:12 -0700

Jesus suffered our wrath and gave us grace because of His great mercy. We do not have to stand before God and justify or vindicate ourselves because Jesus took care of us.

Element U Week 2: The Existence of God (EU 201)

podcast@ourelement.org — Wed, 12 Mar 2014 19:41:25 -0700

Three Main Arguments
1. The Moral Argument
2. The Cosmological Argument
3. The Teleological Argument (“Fine Tuning”)
• Argument is not a fight or quarrel
• True philosopher doesn’t use arguments for the sake of arguing but for the sake of truth
• We use arguments all the time in our lives
• Why Philosophy?

“To be ignorant and simple now--not to be able to meet the enemies on their own ground--would be to throw down our weapons, and to betray our uneducated brethren who have, under God, no defense but us against the intellectual attacks of the heathen. Good philosophy must exist, if for no other reason because bad philosophy needs to be answered.” - CS Lewis, The Weight of Glory (pg 50)
A Christian should be able to give a logos (reason) for belief in the theos (God) of the Bible and this is where philosophy is helpful (1 Peter 3:15).
The goal of an argument is not to prove absolute certainty which leads to skepticism but to try and show what is most probable/plausible and makes the most sense when looking at all options.

7. Hunger and Thirst Part 2. Matthew 5:6 - Sermon On The Mount

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 09 Mar 2014 22:58:31 -0700

The beatitude is not: “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after blessedness?” It is: “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness.” All life dead ends at the cross, and that also is where life begins.

Element U 201: WHAT IS APOLOGETICS: And Why Is It Important?

podcast@ourelement.org — Wed, 05 Mar 2014 22:25:52 -0800

The word for “defense” is where we get our word apology, it means a defense like you would make in a court
of law.

This class will cover how to make a defense to various things such as:
-the existence of God,
-the proof of the resurrection of Jesus,
-the reliability of the scriptures,
-competing systems of thought,
-what some call the “problems” of a biblical position.

6. Hunger and Thirst. Matthew 5:5 - Sermon On The Mount

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 02 Mar 2014 09:52:51 -0800

When we see the suffering in the world and realize Jesus’ heart for the suffering world, we get a glimpse of hunger and thirsting for righteousness.

5. Kingdom of Heaven. Matthew 5:1-5 - Sermon On The Mount

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 23 Feb 2014 20:27:07 -0800

A meek person is not a weak person, the word meek is the Greek word which means a tamed wild animal. When we truly own up to our sin, only then do we become free.

4. Inheriting The Earth. Matthew 5:5 - Sermon On The Mount

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 16 Feb 2014 17:39:18 -0800

Who inherits the earth? It is JESUS, which means you and I do as well. No matter what happens, no matter what people do, no matter what people say, no matter what is culturally acceptable at the moment, we do. Which means we must live like it is ours now, not in a snobbish way, but where wickedness does not have a place in it, and the Kingdom of God is seen in His people.

3. Those Who Mourn. Matthew 5:4 - Sermon On The Mount

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 09 Feb 2014 23:07:10 -0800

True mourning sees ourselves for what we are and what we have done, but also sees Jesus for who He is… our needed savior.

2. Poor In Spirit. Matthew 4:23-5:3 - Sermon On The Mount

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 02 Feb 2014 22:41:18 -0800

Jesus’ announcement, at the beginning of the Sermon
on the Mount, to the crowd of people, is BLESSED
are all the people who have no reason why they should
be blessed.

1. Blessing. Matthew 5:1-2 - Sermon On The Mount

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 26 Jan 2014 11:51:04 -0800

The “blessing” of the Old Testament was a straightforward blessing; the blessing of the New Testament is a divine paradox: an experience of the kingdom’s inner riches amid external poverty and trial.

14 | JESUS Is Inspiring

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 19 Jan 2014 13:53:12 -0800

The Heidelberg Catechism: What is your only comfort in life and in death?
Response: That I am not my own, but belong, body and soul, in life and in death, to my faithful Savior Jesus Christ.

13 | JESUS, Wonderful Counselor

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 12 Jan 2014 22:21:28 -0800

In Isaiah 9:6, Jesus is referred to as the Wonderful Counselor. This means Jesus is well beyond our understanding. He inspires awe in those around, and is never lacking in wisdom or love for us. Jesus counsels his people in a way that is much more profound than how a modern therapist would. The word or deed of Christ in the Gospels frequently both comforts the afflicted and afflicts the comfortable. Jesus knows our suffering, and will walk beside us in our own brokenness.

12 | JESUS Noticed Needs

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 05 Jan 2014 19:18:23 -0800

Luke 4:40 Now when the sun was setting, all those who had any who were sick with various diseases brought them to him, and he laid his hands on every one of them and healed them.

Jesus noticed US, that is why we notice others, for the glory of God. We get to speak of His great salvation that has touched souls physically and spiritually.

11 | JESUS, The Healer

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 29 Dec 2013 21:00:23 -0800

God does for us what we cannot do for ourselves.

10 | JESUS Is Our Redeemer

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 22 Dec 2013 18:09:05 -0800

Titus 3:3-7 "For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life."

09 | JESUS Is Our Savior & King

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 15 Dec 2013 22:58:03 -0800

Matthew asks you: Who is your king? Herod or Jesus
Luke asks: Who is your savior Caesar or Jesus

Luke 2:34-35 Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.”

08 | JESUS Was Humble

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 08 Dec 2013 14:01:07 -0800

Philippians 2:5-8 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

07 | JESUS: Compassion And Truth

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 01 Dec 2013 21:55:48 -0800

Matthew 18:3-4 Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

06 | JESUS Lived In Community

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 24 Nov 2013 13:14:14 -0800

The Gospel: We were all separated from relationship with God because of our own actions, but by the grace of Jesus, He has found us, cleaned us up, and adopted us into His family. We now live our lives for the Glory of Christ, boldly sharing this Good News: that Jesus Has Saved and Redeemed us.

05 | JESUS Gave People Dignity

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 17 Nov 2013 22:10:26 -0800

Why did God love His people? Deuteronomy 7:7-8 It was not because you were more in number than any other people that the Lord set his love on you and chose you, for you were the fewest of all peoples, but it is because the Lord loves you...

04 | JESUS Is Funny

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 10 Nov 2013 16:43:37 -0800

We serve and love a God who has a great sense of humor. Through-out scripture we see God joking around, having fun, and drawing people into repentance through humor. In the history of men no one was as funny as Jesus. Jesus used humor at parties, with His disciples, but His best humor was used in His teaching. He would use humor and sarcasm to call people into repentance. He would joke around with the way religious people lived out the law while teaching how the law should be lived. Through this kind of teaching we laugh and cry realizing that our attempts at gaining heaven on our own power are truly laughable. Through laughing we are drawn to our Father who loves us and brings us hope and joy in spite of our stupidity. Through His joy we learn to take ourselves lightly and God seriously knowing that He is trustworthy and true, and that our salvation is secure in Him, not in our own works. With hearts of worship we praise Him for the joy and humor He brings into our lives.

03 | JESUS Wasn't Safe

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 03 Nov 2013 15:02:36 -0800

Jesus did not say, “I have come that you may have safety and have it abundantly.” He came to give us a big, bold, messy life where we see God’s power unleashed and walk in His authority and live in His victory and shine with His joy.

02 | JESUS: Servant, Leader

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 27 Oct 2013 21:23:09 -0700

World history is speckled with the lives of leaders, kings, conquerors and iconoclasts who shaped their culture, region and even generations. There has been no leader in history who has made such a lasting and far-reaching impact on humanity as our Lord Jesus Christ. Christ served first, obeyed God, sacrificed for his followers, developed leadership in others, and led with unquestionable divine authority. The impact that Christ made as a servant is just a glimpse of the impact He will make when He returns as King!

Element U: GOD CLASHES with Athens

podcast@ourelement.org — Wed, 23 Oct 2013 22:26:32 -0700

What is the chief end of man? Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy Him forever. -Westminster Shorter Catechism

We need to be always preaching the gospel to ourselves. We should spend our entire lives learning the gospel.

01 | Jesus Changed the World

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 20 Oct 2013 22:49:02 -0700

Jerislav Pelikan wrote “Regardless of what anyone may personally think or believe about Him, Jesus of Nazareth has been the dominant figure in the history of western culture for almost 20 centuries. If it were possible, with some sort of super-magnet, to pull up out of that history every scrap of metal bearing at least a trace of His name, how much would be left?”

Element U: HOW CHRISTIANITY IS DYING: and why it is a good thing.

podcast@ourelement.org — Wed, 16 Oct 2013 22:27:08 -0700

Evangelicalism is trying to fight a war on many fronts about pluralism, sexuality, error and compromise. We want you to have a coherence to be able to filter everything, so you can understand our culture better.

Christendom is less about being saved for eternal life and the kingdom of God, and more about living a moral life to build a good society and a great nation. Matthew 7:22-23 On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you...

XIII. Dead People Go To A Better Place.

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 13 Oct 2013 23:56:54 -0700

What does the Bible mean when it speaks of God remembering our sins no more?
It simply means that He no longer responds to us in light of those sins. They no longer derail our relationship with him. They no longer garner his wrath. They are
gone—completely—-from our account.

Element U: TRUTH: Whatever is true for you isn’t true for you!

podcast@ourelement.org — Wed, 09 Oct 2013 22:25:33 -0700

A look at Pre-Modern, Modern & Post-Modern Eras.

XII. I'm A Good Person.

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 06 Oct 2013 22:59:15 -0700

We are not as good as we think we are…and when we believe the myth that we ARE “good people” it ruins the life Christ has for us to live. We must daily die to ourselves and our self gratification and justification and realize that even though we are worse than we believe, God is still better than we can imagine.

Element U: ONE OR TWO: Christians Are the Greatest Threat to World Unity

podcast@ourelement.org — Wed, 02 Oct 2013 22:29:30 -0700

Paul wants Timothy to teach his people the difference between the doctrine of demons and the good doctrine of Jesus Christ. Apparently people in that time (like today) were confused about what the gospel really is.

The cultural attitude of America is changing. Just a few decades ago in America you could walk around and tell the essential Jesus story and most people would understand what you were saying. There was a consciousness that was aware of the basic story of the scripture, but that is not true today. America has changed its spirituality.

The shift is thinking has affected our education system and all forms of media. In the 1960s Bob Dillon wrote these lyrics, “Come mothers and fathers Throughout the land And don’t criticize What you can’t understand, Your sons and your daughters Are beyond your command Your old road is Rapidly agin’ Please get out of the new one If you can’t lend your hand … For the times they are a-changin’.

Today there is a radical change in the direction of western history and most of us were already born into it and do not notice. These changes create a sense of confusion that leads to a confusion about the gospel and what it really is. Many Americans, who call themselves Christians, are actually holding onto and preaching a false gospel with their lives and with their words.

One-ism and two-ism are terms coined by Dr Peter Jones, they are an easy way to remember what happens when our worldview shifts from a biblical worldview to anything else. It is a great and easy way to determine the truth of something you are looking at…

XI. God Brings Good Luck.

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 29 Sep 2013 21:51:26 -0700

From an earthly perspective, things may seem to happen at random, but throughout the whole of Scripture, it is clear that God is in control of all of His creation and even the “random acts” of natural law. He is able to take the free will of both good and evil men, and the wicked intent of demons, and combine them all to accomplish His good and perfect will.

Film & Theology - Star Trek: Into Darkness

podcast@ourelement.org — Fri, 27 Sep 2013 21:43:22 -0700

The Cinema. Today's modern day pulpit... telling today's story through the digital story form. We'll watch these popular movies and follow up with an expository exploration of the narrative themes and spiritual parallels of these movies.

X. God’s Will Is Hard To Find.

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 22 Sep 2013 23:54:27 -0700

God does have a plan for all of us, but it involves lots of freedom, and the details He will bring about all to His Glory. Our job is not so much to find something; it’s to become someone—a reflection of his image and character no matter where we find ourselves.

IX. I Don't Know Enough To Tell People About Jesus.

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 15 Sep 2013 23:02:25 -0700

Andrew didn’t have all the answers, he simply loved Jesus. In John 6 he brings a little boy to Jesus and Jesus feeds 5000 people with this kids lunch. In John 12 Andrew brings some Greeks to Jesus because He knew when people came to Jesus, amazing things happened.

VIII. Christians Shouldn't Judge.

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 08 Sep 2013 22:19:15 -0700

How do we judge? We Evaluate & Protect or Discern & Restore. If we refuse to judge, we miss out on truth. If we judge inappropriately, we pile extra judgment upon ourselves. Our ultimate purpose is never to condemn, that’s God’s prerogative. Our role is to evaluate and protect or to discern and restore.

VII. Hard Times Mean We Are Not In God’s Will.

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 01 Sep 2013 15:53:41 -0700

While trials can be a great source of pain in our life, we should take heart because through trials and hardship, God shows His love in never leaving us. Through our hardship God continues to love and show His grace, and mercy. We need to be a people who aren’t blind to His goodness, but rejoice in Christ always.

VI. Godly Parents Produce Godly Kids.

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 25 Aug 2013 18:01:55 -0700

Children are a great gift and great responsibility from God. We are called to be stewards of what God has given us. We are to raise our children to know about God and to understand His ways. But we have to remember that Proverbs isn’t a book of promises, and Pr. 22:6 does not mean Godly homes parents produce Godly kids.

Film & Theology - Oblivion

podcast@ourelement.org — Fri, 23 Aug 2013 22:11:13 -0700

V. Faith Can Fix Anything.

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 18 Aug 2013 22:01:44 -0700

Whether we have enough faith (maybe just a mustard seed’s worth) to follow God’s instructions or all the faith in the world, our God is big enough to bring us home.

IV. Forgiving Means Forgetting.

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 11 Aug 2013 23:59:18 -0700

What does the Bible mean when it speaks of God remembering our sins no more? It simply means that He no longer responds to us in light of those sins. They no longer derail our relationship with him. They no longer garner His wrath. They are gone—completely—from our account.

III. God Causes Everything.

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 04 Aug 2013 23:33:04 -0700

The Good News of the gospel is NOT that God stops us from making dumb decisions, or that He will fix what we break; it is that He has promised to continue to work for our eternal good no matter how many short-sighted choices we make along the way.

II. Let Your Conscience Be Your Guide

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 28 Jul 2013 23:23:37 -0700

The essence of the Christian faith is not moral people, but people who are connected to God. A conscience is good, but is insufficient for a relationship with God.

Film & Theology - 42

podcast@ourelement.org — Fri, 26 Jul 2013 23:32:51 -0700

I. The Truth Is What I Think It Is

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 21 Jul 2013 21:54:54 -0700

Jesus alone is worthy of being our overwhelming passion, and we will only know the TRUE truth when He is more important in our life than US.

73. The Genesis of Genesis

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 14 Jul 2013 20:25:33 -0700

Genesis has a very different account of creation. In Genesis, it is the spirit of the one God who orders creation. Over the seven days of creation in Genesis, God makes seven speeches. The final one ordains the Sabbath as the holy day. The writer of Genesis deliberately uses language that would be used by a king.

72. Genesis 50:22-26 - Ending in the Beginning

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 07 Jul 2013 21:11:38 -0700

Live with a vision of God’s renewed creation in Christ.

71. Genesis 50:15-21 - The City of Grace

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 30 Jun 2013 16:56:37 -0700

Timothy Keller says we learn 3 things from almost every Genesis narrative.
1. How people were ruined
2. The Culture of Death
3. The Future city of Grace

70. Genesis 49:29-50:14 - A State Funeral

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 23 Jun 2013 21:45:44 -0700

It’s important to see Jesus in 2 forms
• The humility of His incarnation (became a man).
• The glory of His exaltation.

Film & Theology - Oz, The Great & Powerful

podcast@ourelement.org — Fri, 21 Jun 2013 14:56:27 -0700

Sons of God - Father's Day 2013

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 16 Jun 2013 17:19:21 -0700

A man is someone who uses his strength to stand against injustice, protect the princess (your wife) and defend that powerless (your children) and the downtrodden
A man is someone cultivates hope by understanding that he is someone under God's ultimate authority
A man is someone who longs to take the things that God (his father) has taught him, and impart it to others.

67. Genesis 47:13-27 - Money and Stuff

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 09 Jun 2013 23:37:32 -0700

God redeems us and gives us the strength to change. He has already blessed us more than we can ever imagine…

69. Genesis 49:1-28 - Honesty

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 02 Jun 2013 22:38:17 -0700

We do not use the cross as a way to wallpaper over our unrepentant heart to temporarily feel good. We earnestly seek Christ knowing He has forgiven us at the Cross.

68. Genesis 47:27-Genesis 48 - The Blessing

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 26 May 2013 21:20:15 -0700

God calls us to become the kind of people through whom His blessings flow. Bless the people you work with, bless whoever God sends you through the day, bless the next generation; just bless everyone.

66. Genesis 45:8-47:12 - The Klampets Come to Town

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 19 May 2013 22:58:13 -0700

God gives us permission to live and have a plan. We don’t need to live as the rest of our culture does living week to week with no eye towards our legacy. Jesus did not get out of the grave for us to be like everyone else. He called us to be a blessing.

Mother's Day 2013

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 12 May 2013 15:09:40 -0700

Being a mom is NOT an easy job. Being a parent is hard, being a Christian parent in our culture in even harder so I have asked 3 of my friends to join us on Mother's Day. These ladies are from three different walks of life, but they are all Mothers (hopefully one of them will resonate with where you are at).
Jessa, Pam & Amanda share some of their story of being a Christian Mother.

65. Genesis 45:1-8 - A Pile of Rocks

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 05 May 2013 19:22:45 -0700

In the end we must realize that our God, who could have stacked rocks against us, has dropped them. He has sought us, forgiven us, and restored relationship with us…how can we do any less?

64. Genesis 44-45:1 - The Meal to the Reveal

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 28 Apr 2013 23:30:02 -0700

Joseph’s brothers were redeemed to once again share life as a family, the Israelites were redeemed to eat with God on the mountain, and we are redeemed to forever eat meals in Christian community and with Christ Himself.

63. Genesis 43:11-34 - Testing Is Not A Dirty Word

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 21 Apr 2013 21:33:25 -0700

In the Genesis story God has been working on everybody. When everyone actually knows and follows God everything will work out because the closer they grow to Jesus, the closer they will grow together.

62. Genesis 42-43:10 - Sowing/Reaping/Change

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 14 Apr 2013 22:13:08 -0700

We have all been like Judah at some point.
• We have been separated from God (like Joseph and His family) and Jesus died in our place to bring us together,
• We should have been punished like Simeon and the brothers, but Jesus was punished in our place
• We should have DIED, but what we have received, by trusting in Jesus, is His harvest of righteousness.

61. Genesis 41:41-57 - Being A Blessing

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 07 Apr 2013 15:28:16 -0700

We are to be dependent on Jesus, but not in a passive way. We’re active, but not in an independent way. It’s active dependence on Jesus.

Easter 2013 - The Theology of Easter

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 31 Mar 2013 14:20:39 -0700

“…We believe that the central meaning of the Resurrection is victory. Thus our traditional image is more vibrant and noisy, and it rings with a victorious shout. The Resurrection is a victory over sin, death, and the devil, and a victory over the dark forces that enslave us, despise us, and wish to destroy us.”
Resurrection says, He is not here, but has risen which means that tomorrow doesn’t have to be the same as today.

Ascension says, why do you stand looking into heaven? It is not a loss of Jesus’ leadership, but a magnification of it.

60. Genesis 39:22-41:40 - A Test of Character

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 24 Mar 2013 23:27:11 -0700

The great gift of the Christian life is that Jesus connects us to God through the Holy Spirit. The World needs Jesus, the Holy Spirit lives in us, and we need to come humbly and serve and bless those around us so they will learn about God.

59. Genesis 39:1-21 - Unanswered Prayers (Pit, Slave, Jail)

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 17 Mar 2013 21:42:20 -0700

Why does God not answer prayers with a “yes” whenever we ask?
1) You are praying, but the request may be off, and in those times, and God says, “No.”
2) Sometimes the request may not be a bad one in itself, but timing may be off.
3) Sometimes people ask for really good things with really good hearts, and that prayer does not get answered, and there is not a human answer “why”.

58. Genesis 38 - Jesus' Sordid Family's Past

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 10 Mar 2013 23:58:21 -0700

This story shows that there is room in God’s family for the worst of us.

57. Genesis 37:12-36 - The Groan

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 03 Mar 2013 20:32:50 -0800

Because we have a groaning God, we have great hope.

56. Genesis 37:1-11 - Joseph to Jesus

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 24 Feb 2013 20:15:49 -0800

Providence is understating that God made everything and everyone, and He is still involved. Not only is He still involved, He also rules over history.

55. Genesis 36 - The Un-Believers

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 17 Feb 2013 20:40:11 -0800

Better than the gift is the giver of the gifts. Better than the things He gives is the person He is. We need to love not just what God gave, but who He is.

54. Genesis 35:16-29 - It's Never Easy

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 10 Feb 2013 22:28:57 -0800

In the book City of God, Augustine says we need a well ordered heart. His definition of well ordered was “Loving the right thing, to the right degree, in the right way, with the right kind of love.”

53. Genesis 35:1-15 - Remade/Renamed

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 03 Feb 2013 21:52:21 -0800

What do we learn through Jacob’s reorienting his life?
1. We are no one
2. We can change the world
3. This gets done by the power of the God’s Spirit.
Jacob was no one, but God changed the world through him.

52. Genesis 34 - Retaliation

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 27 Jan 2013 22:04:56 -0800

Romans 12:19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.”

51. Genesis 33 - Reconciliation

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 20 Jan 2013 11:16:23 -0800

God does not count our sins against us, which means we have a message to give to people who are lost in sin. That message is a message of Hope, it is reconciliation with others and God.

50. Genesis 32:13-32 - Fight or Flight

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 13 Jan 2013 21:26:06 -0800

We don’t need to second guess what God is doing. We need to trust because we live in dark world and many times we cannot see, so we trust the only one who truly can see.

49. Genesis 32:1-12 - The Prayer of a Righteous Man

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 06 Jan 2013 12:04:42 -0800

For those who love Christ, righteousness is the standard. But there are no human means to achieve righteousness. The Church has long specialized in piety and chastity and temperance in the futile effort to attain righteousness apart from God. God called Abraham a friend and declared him righteous, but why? Abraham believed God and it was counted to him as righteousness. Once again, in His loving pursuit of sinners, God has set the standard then graciously provided the means to achieve it. What will happen in God’s church when His people stop mimicking righteousness and start living it?

48. Genesis 31 - Jacob Runs

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 30 Dec 2012 22:43:07 -0800

In Genesis 31 we see Christ moving, changing, and growing Jacob and his family, while Laban continues to seek only his own selfishness. The inevitable happens when Jacob and his family move away from the abusive Laban. God uses the last 20 years of suffering to produce great character and faith in Jacob, just like He uses the hardships in our life to mold us into the people He made us to be. It is often through times of suffering that our faith is restored and our hope renewed. Through our tough life experiences the goal of scripture is that we should be drawn to repentance because we understand that God is good. Our goal is not to have our problems disappear, but to be more like Christ. We give thanks to God and repent of sin because Jesus forgives, Jesus restores, and Jesus heals.

47. Genesis 30:25-43 - The Great Sheep Keep

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 23 Dec 2012 22:51:59 -0800

God has one plan for this entire creation: He is called Jesus. When Jesus came He did not seek His own comfort, He sought to save us from ourselves and our sin. Yet in saving us, Jesus doesn’t leave us to ourselves, He calls us to become the church; a people who are called out to be His people, His priests, His ambassadors, His blessing.

46. Genesis 29:31-30:24 - It's Not How You Play the Game

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 16 Dec 2012 22:22:39 -0800

Jesus came as King and Lord to conquer Satan, sin, and death. This family (Jacob’s family) becomes the family of promise and it is solely due to grace. These people are not our heroes; they are our examples. We don’t put our faith in them; we put our faith in JESUS.

45. Genesis 29:1-30 - The Trickster Gets Tricked

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 09 Dec 2012 23:27:27 -0800

What happens to Jacob is not karma, it is growth that is forced upon him by a God that loves him more than Jacob could imagine. God is growing him up, teaching him the error of his ways, and building him into the man that God needs Jacob to be.

44. Genesis 28:10-22 - God Is In This Place

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 02 Dec 2012 12:09:28 -0800

James Dunn “The character of Abraham’s faith is determined by the character of the God in whom he believed.”

43. Genesis 27-28:9 - Say My Name

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 25 Nov 2012 23:06:19 -0800

We must be a people who will choose this day who we will serve. Will we serve all the idols we have made with our hands, or will we serve the Lord, the God of scripture...the only God who is alive, knows us by name, and can call us to be who we are supposed to be?

42. Genesis 26 - Isaac and Abimelech

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 18 Nov 2012 13:54:02 -0800

Isaac gets tested over and over again, yet we see God remains faithful and trustworthy. We should be a people striving to live like Isaac (in some ways) and honor God with everything He has given us.

41. Genesis 25:21-34 - Lentil Stew

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 11 Nov 2012 15:40:03 -0800

We must understand that everything that is not Jesus is just Lentils. We must understand that God has given you and I a birthright and says “don’t give up…live your destiny as a child of God.” Don’t give up and accept anything less than Jesus in your life.

40. Genesis 25:19-21 - Yada

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 04 Nov 2012 23:22:33 -0800

No matter what our history is, Jesus came to redeem and restore; that’s grace. Jesus died and rose for His bride. There is no sin in the world He lacks the power to forgive. There is no regret anyone has that He lacks the power to redeem.

39. Genesis 25:1-18 - Legacy

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 28 Oct 2012 20:31:41 -0700

Matthew Henry “If therefore our houses be houses of the Lord, we shall for that reason love home, reckoning our daily devotion the sweetest of our daily delights; and our family-worship the most valuable of our family-comforts...A church in the house will be a good legacy, nay, it will be a good inheritance, to be left to your children after you.”

38. Genesis 24 - Isaac Gets A Bride

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 21 Oct 2012 21:09:42 -0700

God is the watcher; we are the watchee(s). We are the kind of beings who need to be watched over. If no one is watching over our little life then we are doomed. That is why God is also called our watcher.

37. Genesis 22:20-23:20 - Death Comes For Us All

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 14 Oct 2012 21:58:50 -0700

Abraham learned through loss, joy, pain, and hope that their truly is only one hope… and that hope doesn’t make everything turn out the way we want. People still die, the world may seem to pass you by…but My AND YOUR help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth…

36. Genesis 22:1-19 - Sacrifice

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 07 Oct 2012 23:04:42 -0700

God’s original promises to Abraham was not based on Abraham’s specific actions in carrying out the test, but rather was based on the faith and obedience of Abraham that showed through this test.

35. Genesis 21:22-34 - The Plan Is Coming Together

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 30 Sep 2012 21:29:34 -0700

Soren Kierkegaard “The press of busyness is like a charm. It’s power swells…it reaches out seeking always to lay hold of ever younger victims so that childhood or youth are scarcely allowed the quiet and the retirement in which the Eternal may unfold a divine growth.”

34. Genesis 21:8-21 - Child of the Promise, The Story Unfolds Part 2

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 23 Sep 2012 22:44:22 -0700

God makes promises to Abraham that he would have a son. Abraham finally gets his son, but he has another son who was born of another woman (bad decision, you can listen to audio of that message at http://goo.gl/w0oQaweek 27). Today, this distrust of God has ramifications that effect the world even unto today.

33. Genesis 21:1-7 - Child of the Promise, The Story Unfolds Part 1

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 16 Sep 2012 17:08:34 -0700

When God speaks, He fulfills what He says. This is a statement you hear a lot at Element, so much so that we almost take it for granted and almost always over look the very simple and yet extraordinary thought: THAT GOD ACTUALLY DOES SPEAK.

32. Genesis 20 - Rebuked into Humility

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 17 Sep 2012 17:05:36 -0700

The complete picture of an intercessor is found and fulfilled in Jesus. He was God and Man, yet died in our place and rose three days later and now lives as an intercessor between us and God forever.

31. Genesis 19:30-38 - Like Salt In The Water

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 02 Sep 2012 22:52:16 -0700

Jesus, as God, can bring hope to any situation; even Lot’s and even yours.

30. Genesis 19:1-29 - Flee The Wrath To Come

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 26 Aug 2012 11:09:22 -0700

It’s easy to condemn the people of Sodom and Gomorrah when we read this story. Pride, injustice, sexual immorality, and violence were the ways of their people. Whether in great ways or small ways, these are not the ways of the kingdom of God. We are called to forsake the ways of Sodom and Gomorrah, both great and small, and flee to Jesus to save us from the wrath to come.

29. Genesis 18 - Guess Who's Coming to Dinner

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 19 Aug 2012 10:26:24 -0700

Damnation is walking our own way, but salvation is shown as OVER abundance. When the Kingdom of God TRANSFORMS our lives, in understanding of who He is by His own revelation; the abundance of His life in us should work itself out of us in abundance, truth, and grace.

28. Genesis 17 - Circumcision of the Heart

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 12 Aug 2012 12:05:59 -0700

Romans 2:28-29 For no one is a Jew who is merely one outwardly, nor is circumcision outward and physical. But a Jew is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter. His praise is not from man but from God.

27. Genesis 16 - Life Under the Tent

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 05 Aug 2012 22:35:44 -0700

Genesis chapter 16 contains allusions to other important passages in Genesis; by bringing the events of Hagar and Abram into the larger context of these other passages, Moses enlarges the reference of the story beyond Abram and Hagar as individuals and ties their actions to the themes of the book as a whole.

26. Genesis 15:6 - Faith & Righteousness

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 29 Jul 2012 12:11:50 -0700

Throughout the scriptures we are constantly reminded that our faith is in a big God who saves people despite their continued indifference and sin. We are also reminded that our righteousness before God has nothing to do with ourselves and everything to do with Him.

25. Genesis 15 - Between The Pieces

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 22 Jul 2012 11:41:55 -0700

This covenant has called us to believe in Jesus Christ. It has called us to understand that without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sin. We are all covenant breakers, and yet Jesus trades Himself for us.
2 Corinthains 5:21For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

24. Genesis 14:17-24 - Giving

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 15 Jul 2012 21:26:45 -0700

If we don’t understand Jesus, nothing in the scriptures will make sense, especially
when it comes to money and our “things.” God spoke and created everything with
His words; therefore, there is nothing that does not belong to Him. All things were
made for His glory, to reflect His Glory, and be used for His purposes.

Film & Theology - Super 8

podcast@ourelement.org — Fri, 13 Jul 2012 21:22:07 -0700

23. Genesis 14:1-16 - High Noon Western

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 08 Jul 2012 21:03:42 -0700

John Piper wrote that there were Six Reasons for Jesus’ Coming:
1. to ransom many,
2. to call sinners,
3. to give sight to the morally blind,
4. to divide households,
5. to save from divine condemnation
6. to give eternal life.

22. Genesis 13 - Pastorship & Servanthood

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 01 Jul 2012 22:11:41 -0700

Jesus constantly addressed our tendency to be over-impressed with how hard we are trying…that even in our servant-hood we would get prideful. When we truly learn to walk in grace, to understand God better, we will learn to live the call that places others above ourselves.

Film & Theology - The Adjustment Bureau

podcast@ourelement.org — Fri, 29 Jun 2012 22:04:07 -0700

21. Genesis 12 - Hypocrisy

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 24 Jun 2012 23:18:50 -0700

Dallas Willard “Whatever our position in life, if our lives and works are to be of the kingdom of God, we must not have human approval as a primary or even major aim. We must lovingly allow people to think whatever they will.”

Mission Starts At Home - Father's Day 2012

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 17 Jun 2012 23:03:45 -0700

Joseph lived a life trusting and submitting to God, and when God called him and told to that he was to take care of Mary and raise Jesus he dropped everything, got his priorities in order, and simply submitted to God.
As a father (or would be father one day) our main priorities are:
1) Jesus
2) Wife (or husband)
3) Children
4) Providing (work)
5) Everything else (Hobbies, friends, extended family, sports tv…the etceteras).
This is mission in action.

Film & Theology - Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium

podcast@ourelement.org — Fri, 15 Jun 2012 22:44:36 -0700

20. Genesis 11:10-12:3 - God's Choice

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 10 Jun 2012 22:29:23 -0700

Predestination is the love of God in action.

19. Genesis 10:1-11:9 - Babel

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 03 Jun 2012 11:13:36 -0700

The builders of the Tower of Babel unite to dishonor God by rejecting the truth of who He is and attempting to replace Him through Pagan idolatry.

18. Genesis 9:18-28 - Fatherhood

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 27 May 2012 19:26:15 -0700

In the end of the flood narrative, Noah dies, it doesn’t sound like a note of hope
• But our hope doesn’t come from this father – but from our Father in Heaven.
• Our hope doesn’t come from Noah’s son, Ham – but from the Son of God, JESUS.
Until Jesus came and died and rose our sin was only covered, like Noah’s sin was
covered, like Adam’s sin was covered; but Jesus takes away our sin.

17. Genesis 9:1-17: Covenant

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 20 May 2012 10:05:50 -0700

The writers of the Old Testament were undone by the notion that God, who is free to do whatever He wanted, would bind Himself, restrict Himself, to the covenant.

Mother's Day 2012

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 13 May 2012 11:16:50 -0700

Just as a mother’s love can be a reflection of God’s love, so can a mother’s anger and wrath be a reflection of God’s anger and wrath. The scriptures are constantly showing that God is not some far off being; He is closer than we could ever imagine. In God’s closeness we better understand His wrath, His love, and ultimately His grace. This too is reflected in our relationship with our mothers. Though God is called “Father” throughout the scriptures, a motherly love many times is the best representation of His grace.

Genesis 16 - What Do You Smell Like?

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 06 May 2012 11:13:43 -0700

The first priority in all things is the worship of God. Noah has great gratitude for his safe deliverance. God doesn’t command a sacrifice; Noah does this on his own initiative.

Genesis 15 - Glory is Easier with Kneepads

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 11:15:27 -0700

Jonathan Edwards “God has respect to Himself, as his last and highest end, in this work; because he is worthy in himself to be so, being infinitely the greatest and best of beings...All that is ever spoken of in the scripture as an ultimate end of God’s works is included in that one phrase, the Glory of God.”

Genesis 14 - God Provides A Way

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 22 Apr 2012 10:40:24 -0700

Last week we learned the pattern of human history after the fall was: be born, sin, and die. It is only through Jesus that we can be born, sin, be born again, and live forever.

In today’s text, God decides to judge the earth with water; by sending a flood. Sin has destroyed humanity and mankind is unwilling to change; so God righteously judges the earth. The consequence of sin is death (as clearly seen in Genesis 6 and 7). Even in judgment, God provides a way to safety, to life, and a way to live in community with God. Noah is the only one who listens to and walks with God, everyone else perishes in the flood. Instead of completely starting over, God in his goodness gives grace to Noah and saves him and his family.
This same grace offered to Noah is offered to us today. People haven’t changed: we are born (we live), sin, and die. Yet God in his love sends his son to die for us, take our judgement, and offers us relationship with Him. Just like in the days of Noah, God provides a way to life.

Genesis 13 - Grace to Grace

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 15 Apr 2012 09:31:18 -0700

This is the pattern for God: He picks Abraham while he is in Babylon. He picks the Apostle Paul (a murderer). He picks pathetic servants and offers grace. Real Christians should never think they are better than anyone. We understand we simply have received GRACE!

Easter 2012 - Where Is There?

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 08 Apr 2012 21:52:16 -0700

Religious and spiritual arrogance, intolerance, and contempt has been a problem throughout the ages; it is also an enormous problem in our world. Arrogance is something Jesus consistently spoke against, yet it was Jesus who said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Those words don’t sound like humble words to us.

Genesis 12 - The Holy Discontent

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 01 Apr 2012 21:42:01 -0700

Contentment is an acquired skill. When we understanding that all of our longing has always been for Him, God will be the one to say “more.” More of who He is, and for all eternity will never plumb the depths of who He is. We are not God; we should stop trying to be…because only then will we find true contentment for our souls.

Genesis 11 - Cain's Connection

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 25 Mar 2012 23:04:33 -0700

“Cain, what have you done?”
…”My sin is more than I can bear”
That is why Jesus came, died, and rose from the dead, because Cain spoke the truth…it IS more than we can ever bear.

Genesis 10 - Brothers Are Babies

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 18 Mar 2012 13:39:59 -0700

Jesus is the son of God. We hope in the son of God, not the son of Eve. Jesus’ love is a cry of hope.

Genesis 09 - Blessings and Curses

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 11 Mar 2012 14:48:25 -0700

God went looking for Adam in the garden and now, today, God comes looking for us. God took on flesh to bring us home. 2 Corinthians 2:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.

Genesis 08 - Rebel Yell (Death and Separation)

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 04 Mar 2012 12:12:15 -0800

In the temptation account, the serpent promised that the man and the woman would know “good and evil,” just as God knew “good and evil.” The man and the woman had believed that when they obtained the knowledge of “good and evil,” they would, on their own, enjoy the “good.” The possibility that they would know only the “evil” and not the “good” is not raised in the narrative prior to their eating the fruit. However, as soon as they ate the fruit, their eyes were opened, and it was not the “good” that they saw and enjoyed.

Genesis 07 - Naked with Fruit and No Shame

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 26 Feb 2012 14:10:04 -0800

Man is put in the garden to worship God and to obey Him. Man’s life in the garden was to be characterized by worship and obedience; he was a priest, not merely a worker and keeper of the garden.

Genesis 06 - Work

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 16:43:41 -0800

GOD DOES HIS WORK TILL IT IS DONE. Phil 1:6 And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. Ultimately God’s actions and work in history reached their climax in the person and the finished work of Jesus Christ.

Genesis 05 - Man Maker

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 10:02:07 -0800

The word human comes from the Latin root for humility. To be the people God intends, in the midst of all the glory that He placed us, is to be a humble human.

Genesis 04 - The Shade of God’s Green

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 15:27:30 -0800

God made man, in part, to steward His creation. We are not to worship creation (the planet), we are to worship Jesus. Many well meaning people have confused love for creation with love for God. Many other people have confused love for God with a disregard for the things God has created. We must be a people who love and worship God and steward correctly the things that He has created.

Genesis 03 - Days and Waste

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 17:56:01 -0800

This is blessing and gift. God allows us to do SOMETHING with His creation...as we are PART of that creation. What God makes, He made for His glory and our joy. It is meant to be a benefit to you and I and today God has blessed us and we in turn respond by blessing Him back.

Genesis 02 - Beginning - God Creates

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 15:28:00 -0800

Genesis is not exhaustive; it doesn’t tell you all there is know, but simply what you NEED to know…especially when it comes to the creation account. It is not a book about dinosaurs and monkeys, it is a book about God…and man.

Genesis 01 - Beginning in the Beginning

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 13:08:12 -0800

Working with God (stewarding, participating in, and guiding creation) this is what God intended from the beginning. The story starts in Genesis and returns to it in Revelation. Hebrew story telling doesn’t go beginning, middle, end...it and goes Beginning, middle BEGINNING.

Gospel Community Sunday

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 22:38:14 -0800

"Church is not an event. It’s a Community.
Mission is not an event. It’s a lifestyle.
We are called to live ordinary life with Gospel Intentionality."
-Tim Chester

Getting In Shape for Your New Life

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 16:54:02 -0800

Growing in Christ-likeness is the result of God’s gracious working as well as our direct efforts.

Logo - Christmas Eve 2011

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 25 Dec 2011 21:56:58 -0800

Christmas Eve Service, 2011

Saints 03 - Saint Nick

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 13:31:02 -0800

Our Great God is a gift giver, offering us love and redemption.
He is our great Shepherd (our senior pastor).
His righteousness makes us saints as well.

Saints 02 - Saint Mary

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 13:13:55 -0800

Mary is a tough subject for Protestants. Protestant Christians do not focus on Jesus’ mother much at all (unless it’s a Mother’s Day sermon). In part, this is an overreaction to the improper emphasis upon Mary among other religious traditions, but in other ways it is a travesty.

Saints 01 - Saint Patrick

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 14:52:49 -0800

The term “saint” in the New Testament comes from the Greek word Hagios. Many times translations do not always represent the true power of words they are translating. In a real sense, because God is pure, that purity would make His priests also pure. Hagios in its true and proper meaning is “to dedicate, to consecrate;” more specifically to consecrate to God. In the New Testament this word also indicates a consecration to God which results in God’s righteousness being laid upon a person.

Apologetics - Why do we have hope?

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 15:35:25 -0800

When we become Christ followers, we accept the gift of eternal salvation from our Creator. Through the process of sanctification God transforms our lives to mirror His image, an image we were created in. In order to understand God’s character it is important that we seek Him regularly through the study of His Word. Acknowledging that the creation is not greater than the Creator, and His ways are greater than our ways, it is imperative for all Christ followers to seek an understanding of God’s ways.

People of Hope 07 - Carry On.

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 17:45:01 -0800

In our lives, you and I will know hurt and uncertain tomorrows. We may suffer and experience tragedy, yet we can face the future expectantly. We may have to wait a while for the full experience of the good that God intends for us, but God is fully committed to every one of His children.

People of Hope 06 - Little Dogs & Little Scraps.

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 13 Nov 2011 13:34:37 -0800

The most hope filled place in the universe turns out to be the humblest and the least exclusive. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are determined that their circle should be ceaselessly inclusive.

Film & Theology - Arthur

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 06 Nov 2011 20:27:37 -0800

Leaders & Followers

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 06 Nov 2011 20:27:05 -0800

Special Guest Speaker: Dave Kraft

People of Hope 05 - Value.

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 30 Oct 2011 11:16:00 -0700

Jesus always compelled those around him to be something MORE than they were. People knew Jesus’ love, grace, and righteousness by simply being around Him. They didn’t feel condemned, they felt called to something GREATER.

People of Hope 04 - Caves.

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 23 Oct 2011 22:27:08 -0700

Through His death upon the cross Jesus has, once and for all, tasted the abandonment from God that we deserve. Though we will know times of dryness and depression with God seeming absent from us, He abandoned His Son so He never leaves or forsake us.

People of Hope 03 - Hope in Winter.

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 12:19:57 -0700

The Old Testament never shifts from the conviction that relationship with God is the ultimate ground of hope. It is God himself who is the hope of Israel. It is only by focusing our gaze on Him that we find a source of confidence and patience.

People of Hope 02 - A Good News, Bad News Story.

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 09 Oct 2011 12:29:13 -0700

In its most basic sense, “hope” is a relational term. It is a great affirmation of trust in God, not because the believer knows what is ahead, but because God is known as wholly trustworthy.
• Psalm 119:49-50 “Remember your word to your servant, in which you have made me hope. This is my comfort in my affliction, that your promise gives me life.”
• Psalm 130:7 “O Israel, hope in the Lord! For with the Lord there is steadfast love, and with him is plentiful redemption.”

People of Hope 01 - HOPE.

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 02 Oct 2011 12:03:15 -0700

The scriptures seldom use “hope” in a doubt-filled way. Instead, hope focuses its attention on God and fills us with eager expectation. No one who learns to hope in a biblical way will ever be overcome by disappointment but will be filled with patience, encouragement, and enthusiasm.

Gift of Singleness

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 25 Sep 2011 16:16:55 -0700

Singleness is a gift, just like marriage is a gift. Instead of viewing singleness as something that we are stuck with, we should view it as a blessing, a period in life where we can fully devote ourselves to God and His work. 1 Corinthians 7:33,34. IF you are single, do you believe any of the lies that the world tells about singleness and dating? IF you are married, are you encouraging these lies or speaking truth?

Summer of Love 16 - Angels and Animals

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 18 Sep 2011 20:40:51 -0700

In bringing to a close the Song of Solomon, there is a final thought we would like to leave with you concerning all we have talked about. Nothing involving sex exists independent of, and disconnected from everything around it. How we act determines the kind of world God calls us to steward.

Summer of Love 15 - Hastening to Love

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 11 Sep 2011 22:01:34 -0700

God’s Love is personal (He Loves You), protective (steps between you and the enemy), powerful (redeems us from sin), possessive (calls you His child), passionate (God pursues His children with great love), it perseveres (He holds us when we fall), and it is priceless (our salvation is secured through Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection). Our love for each other is to echo God’s love for His people.

Summer of Love 14 - The Giving and Test of Love

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 04 Sep 2011 18:08:50 -0700

Worship for a Christian was never supposed to stop at the church doors; it was to be an integral part of every aspect of their lives. For a believer, worship is everything that they do, as everything is to be done in a way that honors God.

Summer of Love 13 - Dance of Mahanaim

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 28 Aug 2011 11:08:31 -0700

God intends that husbands and wives experience true sexual freedom in marriage.

Film & Theology - How to Train Your Dragon

podcast@ourelement.org — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 11:07:47 -0700

Summer of Love 12 - Fighting And Restoration Part 3

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 21 Aug 2011 11:46:31 -0700

We have been given grace; relationships will be restored when we offer that grace to others as well.

Summer of Love 11 - Fighting And Restoration Part 2

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 11:04:00 -0700

The church is the BRIDE of Christ: HE takes time for us. He speaks what He means - He is not vague and doesn’t beat around the bush. He knows our perceptions cloud the truth, which is why He LEADS us into all truth. BUT HE DOES LISTEN, any and every time we speak. And His Spirit feeds back our perceptions verses His reality.

http://vimeo.com/27677304
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ourelement/6040937284/in/photostream

Film & Theology - The King's Speech

podcast@ourelement.org — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 22:57:39 -0700

Summer of Love 10 - Fighting And Restoration Part 1

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 07 Aug 2011 10:52:56 -0700

God loves us and has acted in history to express that love. What does that look like? It looks like Jesus. Jesus is God coming to us in love. Sheer unadulterated, unfiltered love.

Summer of Love 09 - The Responsiveness of Love

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 31 Jul 2011 08:17:40 -0700

God is creator and creative, and when we are spending time with Him we will grow in our creativity, our spontaneity, and our LOVE for each other. Our love for each other comes because He first loved us...so our first priority is LOVING Him.

Film & Theology - Inception

podcast@ourelement.org — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 08:14:57 -0700

Summer of Love 08 - Affirmation & Intimacy

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 24 Jul 2011 12:43:16 -0700

God’s primary purpose of sex is to arouse and satisfy a hunger for intimacy and union as something that should be continually repeated. Sex satisfies that desire, but it also creates a hunger for more—not only more sex, but also for a taste of the ultimate union, the final reconciliation with God. God’s plan is for us to pursue Him and know Him in and through the sexual intimacy that we have with our spouse. Spiritual intimacy is found in the midst of the relational, fleshly delight of union and re-union.

Summer of Love 07 - Bride of Christ. Excitement.

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 17 Jul 2011 21:32:10 -0700

We should be excited about God and his relationship with us, that He forgives sin, that welcomes us home. That excitement must transform into commitment and into a deep commitment with Christ. Just like newly weds are excited to be married, their excitement must transform into commitment or else the relationship won’t thrive, like a marriage should.

Film & Theology - Iron Man

podcast@ourelement.org — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 21:31:30 -0700

Summer of Love 06 - One Flesh

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 10 Jul 2011 13:22:27 -0700

She says “My beloved is mine, and I am his” - He gave himself first to me. She says “My beloved is mine”, which means he went first, and then she says “and I am his”. She gives her whole self to him because he went first; that is biblical marriage.

Summer of Love 05 - Do Not Stir Up Love Until It Pleases

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 03 Jul 2011 20:52:42 -0700

SOS 2:7: I adjure you, O daughters of Jerusalem, by the gazelles or the does of the field, that you not stir up or awaken love until it pleases. - Don’t rush in; allow God His time to work...let dodh come when it should, after marriage when you have a lifetime to explore it in the safety and sanctity of that covenant.

Film & Theology - Tron Legacy

podcast@ourelement.org — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 20:55:07 -0700

Summer of Love 04 - The We

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 26 Jun 2011 10:09:41 -0700

True friends help to reconcile their friends’ marriages, not encourage the fight that keeps them apart.

Father's Day 2011 - A Creed for Fatherhood

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 19 Jun 2011 12:49:26 -0700

As a father, I will love my children no matter the circumstance. I will balance my toughness with my compassion. I will delight in them, creating a fun and happy home. I will be pure in heart and deed, and remain loyal to them. I will lead them as I teach, counsel, and pastor them about God and his gospel. I will actually be there, in their lives, and remain available to them emotionally and practically. I pledge to provide for their needs and protect them from the dangers in a fallen world. This I will do diligently and with humility, seeking an honest, transparent, and forgiving attitude with my children.

Summer of Love 03 - The He

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 12 Jun 2011 22:44:54 -0700

A very strong case from scripture can be made that human marriage is an earthly institution designed to teach us about our intended eternal destiny. We are made for union with God; we are made for love. We may corrupt the vehicle (marriage), even destroy its intrinsic value, and its eschatological worth, but that speaks of our sin, not of God’s intent.

Summer of Love 02 - The She

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 05 Jun 2011 10:46:15 -0700

Marriage is 2 people and Christ - it is mutual love and abandon to each other. Strength comes from this institution God created, and you can have strength. Surrender your pride; learn to grow into what the other needs because that is part of your responsibility in Christ. God’s desire is that you enjoy one another for a lifetime.

Summer of Love 01 - History & Song of Solomon Introduction

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 29 May 2011 22:47:58 -0700

At Element, we believe the purpose of the book of the Song of Solomon is to show that the Bible does not see marriage as an inferior state or a concession to human weakness. Scripture does not see the normal physical love within a marriage relationship as impure. Marriage was instituted before the Fall, by God, with the command that the first couple become one flesh.

Spirit Part 03 - How Much Wine Have You Had?

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 22 May 2011 23:16:00 -0700

In Acts 2 the people were reminded that story of Sinai was still alive – God’s Spirit continues to move and we are to live on HIS MISSION.

Spirit Part 02 - What Did Jesus Have?

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 15 May 2011 10:18:00 -0700

As a believer you have the all embracing inner life of God
• There is no reason to fear, do not be troubled, do not be afraid
• You are to walk in Truth (John 17 Jesus says God’s word is truth)
• Spirit gives us strength to walk in God’s decrees

Mother's Day 2011 - The Blessing

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 08 May 2011 18:35:40 -0700

The scriptures call us to honor our parents and take care of those in our community (including widows, single mothers, and families dealing with illness). On the cross, Jesus looks down and takes care of His earthly mother’s immediate and future needs. He honors and respects Mary because she has been a such blessing in His life.

Spirit Part 01 - Breathe

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 01 May 2011 15:55:43 -0700

Christians confidently affirm the existence of one God, who exists eternally in three persons. The Father and the Son are the most familiar to most Christians. But the Bible’s teaching about the Holy Spirit is deeper than most people comprehend. While the focus of our faith is rightly on Jesus, our Savior, it is freeing to understand the wonderful works of the Spirit, who brings us all the benefits won for us by Christ?

Easter 2011 - Prophet of the Profane

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 24 Apr 2011 10:17:02 -0700

WHY DO WE GATHER? Because in lifting up Christ together it is good on regular
basis to be reminded about how, in Christ, we enter in and God steps over the
threshold, into the common place of the human heart.

Lamentations Part 06 - Remember, Pay Attention, & See.

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 17 Apr 2011 16:09:48 -0700

You may suffer...but our God IS GOOD. He remembers, He pays attention, and He sees. He is the God of covenant faithfulness, steadfast love...and because of Him we will live forever.

Lamentations Part 05 - Poetics Of Diminishment

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 10 Apr 2011 10:53:30 -0700

When you lose something and profound change takes place, we must SPEAK OF IT. LOSS is change and Change is LOSS…even if the change is good and necessary.

Lamentations Part 04 - Set It Off

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 03 Apr 2011 12:31:34 -0700

Lamentations is a book that is like funeral sorrow let loose on the world. It is pain and grief and sorrow for 5 chapters. It is questioning God and hoping someone stops to hear and help. Lamentations in Hebrew is EKAH (HOW).

Lamentations Part 03 - Something New

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 27 Mar 2011 11:18:03 -0700

The most amazing thing about the cacophony of voices in laminations is that it is something God Himself experienced. The messiness of what life really is. And yet in the darkest place…“there is yet hope.” That is the beauty of the gospel…it calls to us in the most brutal and raw of situations and says “God can bring redemption.”

Lamentations Part 02 - Who Can Heal Us?

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 20 Mar 2011 17:42:01 -0700

Three things about healing: 1) There is a relationship between the healing we need and the willingness to step boldly into the presence of God as recipients of that healing 2) There is a relationship between the healing we long for and the community we belong to. 3) There is a relationship between the healing that we long for and our honesty before God.

Lamentations Part 01 - Culture of Denial

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 13 Mar 2011 12:03:02 -0700

Lamentation is a gift God gives people for healing. 2/3’s of the book of Psalms are psalms of lament. God made his people with the ability to speak. The key to easing suffering is not offering warped views of God, it is giving them a place to mourn and ultimately pointing them to Jesus.

Missing Words Part 08 - Follow Me

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 06 Mar 2011 16:48:25 -0800

Following Jesus is not mere words, it is not “inviting Him into your heart,” It is living and walking in the ways Jesus would, being like Him...because for many people you are the closest glimpse of Him they will ever see.

Missing Words Part 07 - Son of Man

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 27 Feb 2011 08:42:34 -0800

John falls at Jesus feet, terrified, but Jesus reaches out and says “John, it’s me Jesus, don’t be afraid.” As Jesus says to you and I, “don’t be afraid. I am the Son of Man and I hold everything (including you) in my hand.”

Missing Words Part 06 - The Shepherd

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 20 Feb 2011 23:53:37 -0800

There is a great Shepherd and He longs to lead us home and offer us purpose even when we cannot hear it or see it. He loves us more than we know. His name is Jesus, He lived, died, and rose from the dead so we can have relationship with the Father again.

Missing Words Part 05 - Stringing Pearls

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 13 Feb 2011 21:47:42 -0800

God packs a lot of what He wants to say into a few words. In Mark 1:9-11God the Father speaks of Jesus as a king, a servant, and His Son, who will become a sacrifice.

Missing Words Part 04 - Gezerah Shavah

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 06 Feb 2011 21:57:51 -0800

What Jesus does with Gezerah Shavah is state that loving your God will be born out in how you love your neighbor. Jesus says: “I’M HERE TO PUT FLESH ON THE WORDS.” THAT IS EXACTLY WHAT HE DOES.

Missing Words Part 03 - Three Seahs of Flour

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 30 Jan 2011 20:34:06 -0800

God causes His people to rise up, to be filled with His presence, wisdom, and understanding. Like a mustard seed can grow into a large tree, the Kingdom of God, in its glory, properly lived out by His people, can transform the world.

2011 Churchwide Meeting

podcast@ourelement.org — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 20:46:32 -0800

Listen to Element's Church-wide Meeting

Missing Words Part 02 - Who God Is

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 23 Jan 2011 22:54:08 -0800

God’s character has always remained constant throughout all of human history. Ages have come and gone, people have changed, and they have tried to place that change upon God. Our great God has always been a God of not only justice, but of righteousness, forgiveness, grace and hope.

Missing Words Part 01 - Hidden But Known

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 16 Jan 2011 22:24:03 -0800

Scripture is all about Jesus. When in doubt, look for Jesus in a passage or narrative. Everything ultimately points to Him as our redeemer and hope.

Jude Part 02 - How do we contend for the Faith?

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 09 Jan 2011 18:00:12 -0800

We saw that Jude starts his letter by pointing out that our salvation from beginning to end is the result of God gracious working in our life. Jude then urges the faithful to “contend for the faith once for all entrusted to the saints. But as we’ve seen through the rest of the letter, God doesn’t do the believing for us. We are responsible to REMEMBER his warnings, and to REMAIN in his love, to REACH OUT to those in error, and finally to REST in God’s ability to save us completely by his glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Jude Part 01 - Grace without Godliness leads to Gehenna

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 02 Jan 2011 18:40:40 -0800

Jude goes to great lengths to describe the lifestyle of sin and ungodliness that characterized the false teachers in the church. They assume that the grace of God revealed in Christ gives them the freedom to do just about anything they want to do. They have no regard for the authority of Christ so they engage in all kinds of sins of the flesh. They are godless, yet they claim to be Christians. Jude doesn’t mince words and he leaves no doubt that they are false teachers proclaiming a false gospel and they are destined for hell.

Meeting God

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 26 Dec 2010 23:09:28 -0800

If you're going to meet God:
You have to meet Him alone.
You have to meet Him for Blessing.
You have to meet Him at the point of weakness.

MADE Part 10 - Softer

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 19 Dec 2010 13:04:32 -0800

Learn to connect the gift—which you already love—with the Giver, whom you want
to love more. You start with what you already like and work your way back to its
source, to God. You taste and see that the Lord is good.

MADE Part 09 - Feed Your Mind

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 12 Dec 2010 17:11:21 -0800

Most people already know more than they need to know...it is simply LIVING what we claim we know that needs to be done. We don’t become doers on our own, as we read the Scripture, we ask the Spirit to help us understand what to do in response. The intersection of what the Scriptures teach and how our lives unfold will give us a never-ceasing stream to actually do what Jesus says.

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hnOPu0_YWhw

MADE Part 08 - The Big Reveal

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 05 Dec 2010 11:22:00 -0800

In one sense, you know yourself better than anyone in the world. You alone have access to your inner thoughts, feelings, and judgments. In another way, you know yourself worse than anyone else can know you. Because we hate being honest with ourselves about ourselves...we all rationalize, justify, minimize, forget, and embellish—and we do not even know when we are doing it.

Giving

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 28 Nov 2010 14:59:05 -0800

We are so consumed with giving in this time of year, we forget to give God what we should be giving Him. Our love, our life, we are to live for Him in everything we do. We are great at quickly accepting the good things that He gives us, but we are slower to give back. We forget to give Him what He deserves: our love, for He first loved us.

MADE Part 07 - Hi Ho! Hi Ho!

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 21 Nov 2010 21:36:04 -0800

One of the things the Holy Spirit does is encourage believers in their work. In reading the scriptures you realize God is still active, even today, and He is working. Work brings pleasure to the image of God in us.

MADE Part 06 - Tough People

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 14 Nov 2010 15:27:18 -0800

People are hard to get along with because we are all evil. Sin is in us and comes out through our words and actions. Sin separated people from each other and God...sin leads to only death. The simple fact is that we all sin.

MADE Part 05 - Worreis, Unite

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 07 Nov 2010 09:37:19 -0800

God is never anxious, worried or afraid. His presence in the midst of our lives should be a calming influence because He knows all that we will face. So today’s question section will be a little different.

Engage The Culture You Live In.

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 31 Oct 2010 10:38:53 -0700

This Halloween: Engage the culture you live in:

1. Don’t turn out the lights and ignore it. Halloween won’t go away. So if you don’t support this holiday, determine to turn a negative into a positive.

2. If you’re staying home: buy some candy, answer the door and when you put candy in the children’s bags be kind and say hi to their parents.

3. If you have children, don’t take fun away from them, go “Trick-or-Treating” with them. How often can you go door to door on a day when almost everyone will answer the door with a pleasant attitude?

4. PRAY! Pray for the safety of the children who will be out on that night, but more importantly pray that the Gospel will go out that night as well—and that through God’s word some lost soul might come to know Jesus.

MADE Part 04 - Being Human

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 24 Oct 2010 10:24:15 -0700

People are okay telling a doctor that their bodies have a problem or telling a mechanic that their car has a problem. Why is it so difficult for people who sin to tell other people who commit sins that they have a sin problem?

MADE Part 03 - Know Your Weakness

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 17 Oct 2010 17:53:22 -0700

Our greatest strength usually brings about our greatest weaknesses. Knowing both will help us better live on mission in the name of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.

MADE Part 02 - Know How You Grow

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 10 Oct 2010 22:11:29 -0700

Just like shoes, hats, pants and shorts, one size dies not fit all in terms of spiritual growth. God made us unique and wants to develop that uniqueness as children who bring Him glory and honor.

MADE Part 01 - You Were Made For More

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 03 Oct 2010 16:33:59 -0700

God created you to simply be you, not anyone else on the planet (or in all of creation). Unfortunately we all seem to think we need to be someone else in order to truly grow into who we think God wants us to be... but only GOD knows who he wants us to be.

Part 16 Pride & Humility - A Closer Look at Haman's Story

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 26 Sep 2010 11:44:28 -0700

Pride is the result of our fallen and deceitful hearts, whereby we look to ourselves and others instead of our God and creator, to find significance, approval and love. Pride puts us in competition with others as we seek our own glory above others and turns our focus onto ourselves. It is based on an unrealistic view of who we really are, and who God really is. Humility is the ability to see the truth about ourselves and about God, and to act accordingly.

Part 15 Esther10 - Called to Greatness

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 19 Sep 2010 22:02:06 -0700

God’s story for humanity will be a good one...but the question really is, “what type of story are you living?” We are all in a story but are our lives something that would inspire us?

Part 14 Esther 9:18-27 - Let Us Celebrate

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 12 Sep 2010 10:49:26 -0700

Mordecai issued a decree to all Jews to defend themselves from those who would attack them. After the defending(or attacking) was done, by the Jews, Mordecai issued another decree to celebrate. By law, Jews were to take two days and celebrate what God had done: how He had saved them from destruction, how He has sent salvation, how He has provided for His people…again. Celebrating God was a large part of the Jewish culture, and Christianity being what Judaism was to turn into, a large part of Christianity should be celebration!

Film & Theology - The Dark Knight

podcast@ourelement.org — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 10:41:15 -0700

Watch and Discuss The Dark Knight

Part 13 Esther 9:1-19 - How Far is too Far

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 05 Sep 2010 23:12:34 -0700

Forgiving is NOT forgetting, forgiving does not always mean reconciliation, forgiveness is a different issue than justice, forgiving is personal, and forgiveness is a process.

Part 12 Esther 8 - God Cares for His People

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 29 Aug 2010 15:50:13 -0700

God has called and given us the strength to be a people about His mission. That mission loves what God loves, honors what God honors, and follows in the paths that God lays out for us. This is lived in very practical ways of husbands loving their wives, wives respecting husbands, parents raising kids, employees and employers treating each other with dignity and respect. But fighting against our true mission, is a side mission that is always calling us away from God and into complacency (a non-mission).

Film & Theology - The Incredible Hulk

podcast@ourelement.org — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 15:48:49 -0700

Watch and Discuss The Incredible Hulk

Part 11 Esther 7 - Divine Comedy

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 22 Aug 2010 17:18:32 -0700

Sometimes we can miss the parallels that Esther truly holds as the comedy threatens to overwhelm the message of why it was placed within scripture. Esther 7 holds great semblance to Jesus taking on our sin by identifying us with Himself in His death and resurrection.

Part 10 Esther 6 - Irony and Peripety

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 15 Aug 2010 18:04:17 -0700

Esther is unaware that the clock is ticking for more than just God’s people. A separate
clock is counting down for Mordecai. Haman has built a 75’ gallows (pole) and plans to
ask the king for permission to impale Mordecai on it first thing in the morning.

Film & Theology - Wall E

podcast@ourelement.org — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 17:58:32 -0700

For Chistianity Today's interview with Andrew Stanton, the writer of Wall E, you can follow this link:
http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/movies/interviews/2008/andrewstanton.html

For Christianity Today's interview with Peter Docter, the writer of UP, you can follow this link:
http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/movies/interviews/2009/petedocter.html

Part 09 Esther 5:9-14 - Revenge and Forgiveness

podcast@ourelement.org — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 16:31:54 -0700

As a people we love revenge, getting even so we feel better. But when we take it on our
own we are saying: “God, I don’t like the way you do your job, get out of my seat.” – We think
our punishment and timing is more proper than God’s…Revenge is a lack of trust in God.

Part 08 Esther 5:1-8 - Subtle and Lovely

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 01 Aug 2010 17:59:13 -0700

The gender war in our current world is destroying God’s intent for men and women and how they are to relate in their interpersonal relationships. As we looked at men failing to live in a godly way in Esther week 3, so today we looked at women who are subtle and lovely.

Part 07 Esther 3 - Self Importance

podcast@ourelement.org — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 13:40:58 -0700

Self importance is having an exaggerated opinion of yourself and it effects everyone. Some people show it outwardly and their lives become about boasting, others keep it buried deep inside but become secretly resentful when others are recognized while they are not.

Film & Theology - Star Trek

podcast@ourelement.org — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 17:56:14 -0700

Film & Theology - Star Trek

Part 06 Esther 4 - The Right Thing

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 18 Jul 2010 09:48:38 -0700

We all come to crossroads in life... do what is right, or do what is comfortable. More often that not the right and Godly thing to do is the most uncomfortable thing. But once we step out into that uncomfortable place, once we step into faith, God takes that and amazing things happen.

Part 05 Esther 2:19-23 - Integrity

podcast@ourelement.org — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 00:04:13 -0700

Everyone has an internal set of rules that they live by. We make up these rules to keep ourselves safe from harm, embarrassment, and sometimes, sin. When someone else has their own set of internal rules, and they differ from our own, we tend to dislike someone else because they have different standards.

Film & Theology - The Prestige

podcast@ourelement.org — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 20:39:59 -0700

Film & Theology - The Prestige

Part 04 Esther 2:1-18 - Esther Becomes Queen

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 04 Jul 2010 14:07:39 -0700

This episode in Esther’s life offers great encouragement and comfort when we find ourselves facing those difficult decisions. Only God knows the end of our story from the beginning! We are called to live in faithful obedience to his word in every situation the best we know how. Even if we make the “wrong” decision, our God is gracious and omnipotent, and he can use our failures, those weak links in a chain of events that will perfect his purposes in us and through us.

Part 03 Esther 1:10-22 - Guys are Crazy

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 27 Jun 2010 18:59:04 -0700

The same issues that plagued men in Esther’s day still plague men today. True masculinity is not found in how well you play sports, how well you can fight, or how many beers a man drink before passing out, it is seen in how they love those around them and how they love and honor their God.

Film & Theology - Sherlock Holmes

podcast@ourelement.org — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 18:56:30 -0700

Film & Theology - Sherlock Holmes

Father's Day 2010

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 20 Jun 2010 16:20:48 -0700

Father's Day 2010

Part 02 Esther 1:1-9 - Story

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 22:14:11 -0700

In the story God tells, HE ENTERS onto the stage as the chief actor. The story doesn’t begin or end with you, it begins and ends with Jesus. This is a story YOU need to be a part of.

Part 01 Esther in History

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 06 Jun 2010 17:28:14 -0700

Esther is an amazing book of scripture (like all books of the Bible) that relates brilliantly to our lives today. The book never actually uses the name of God from front to back but the God’s providence and sovereign hand is seen throughout, if you are looking. Esther starts out at a party and ends with a new Jewish festival...in the end we will see why God should be praised. As people we do crazy things, but God is always to be trusted because His vision is sure and secure. Knowing God has all things in His hands should allow us to practically live our lives in his name every day. The book of Esther is about: alcohol, women, suspense, sex, evil guys, more evil guys, the good guys (who look a bit like evil guys), death, destruction, mayhem, intrigue, revenge, holidays, the Providence of God

Part 19 Ephesians 6:21-24 - It Takes All Kinds

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 30 May 2010 11:23:22 -0700

As Paul closes Ephesians he mentions the great themes of the gospel: peace with one another, faith from God, grace to His people, and undying love for Jesus.

Part 18 Ephesians 6:18-20 - Prayer

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 23 May 2010 10:02:40 -0700

"Paul encourages us to cry out for God’s protection, cry out for God’s encouragement, and cry out for God’s wisdom. We have a part to play in this battle but we must be leaning on God to have any victory at all.

Part 17 Ephesians 6:10-18 - Warfare

podcast@ourelement.org — Tue, 18 May 2010 17:51:25 -0700

Today we live in the time between the times, a time of celebration because Jesus has defeated the Dragon, and a time of anticipation for the day when the Dragon and the stain of his servants and works will be forever cleansed in the new creation.

Mother's Day 2010

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 09 May 2010 17:14:03 -0700

Mother's Day 2010

Part 16 Ephesians 6:5-9 - Slaves and Masters

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 02 May 2010 15:36:44 -0700

Though the New Testament does not explicitly order the abolishing of all slavery,because such a decree would have promoted the abandoning of children and financial debts which would have been sinful, the New Testament does confront sins commonly committed by both slaves and masters which undermined slavery causing it to collapse (i.e. Col. 3:22-4:1; I Pet. 2:18-25).

Part 15 Ephesians 6:1-4 - Dads

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 25 Apr 2010 15:55:34 -0700

God shares one of His most sacred titles with men, Father. God commands his sons to father their children in such a way that they do not embitter and frustrate their children.

Part 14 Ephesians 5:22-32 - Headship

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 18 Apr 2010 22:15:37 -0700

The biblical teaching of authority and respect seems repugnant to our modern ears, which indicates they may be filled with more worldliness than wisdom.

Part 13 Ephesians 5:15-21 - Wisdom and Spirit.

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 11 Apr 2010 15:48:08 -0700

In our lives we will either be guided by wisdom or folly. Many people live foolishly in worship of something or someone (usually themselves and their own lusts) rather than God (Ephesians 5:5). Many do not understand what God’s will is for their life, and subsequently live without purpose, wisdom, or any sense of spiritual urgency.

Easter 2010: The Wieght of Glory

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 04 Apr 2010 19:59:35 -0700

The glory of God is central to the idea of Christianity. We must be about God’s glory because god is most concerned with His Glory.

Part 12 Ephesians 5:3-14 - Leaving a life of sin.

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 28 Mar 2010 16:41:52 -0700

It is sin in our lives that separates us from God, each other, and the kind of life God has intended for us as His people.

Part 11 Ephesians 4:25-5:2 - Bitterness

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 13:48:49 -0700

Bitterness destroys relationships and our souls. Paul pauses in Ephesians to speak about this issue and about how we overcome this sin before this sin overcomes us.

Part 10 Ephesians 4:17-25 - Something Old, Something New

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 16:32:35 -0700

Sin separates us from God and each other. Paul says we must take off our old self and put on our new self.

Part 09 Ephesians 4:7-16 - 5 Gifts

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 18:35:01 -0800

Jesus was a Prophet, an Apostle, an Evangelist, a Teacher and a Pastor. - We look at these 5 different types of leaders in the church.

Part 08 Ephesians 4:1-7 - How We Live

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 21:00:28 -0800

Love comes From God, to God's people, so we would share it with others.

Part 07 Ephesians 3:14-21 - Intimacy Takes Time

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 16:41:43 -0800

Christianity is 3 fold: Knowing God with your mind, Loving God with your heart, and Serving God with your hands.

Part 06 Ephesians 3:1-13 - Meet Paul

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 15:33:28 -0800

Paul reveals his heart - his love for the Gospel, Jesus and God's people.

Part 5 Ephesians 2:11-22 - Remember.

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 18:20:10 -0800

A look at the basic premise of the Christian faith and HOW people go from death to life and from separation to connection.

Part 4 Ephesians 2:1-10 - What God does

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 18:02:25 -0800

A look at the basic premise of the Christian faith and HOW people go from death to life and from separation to connection.

Ephesians Part 3 Ephesians 1:15-23 - Prayer

podcast@ourelement.org — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 17:44:52 -0800

Paul's introduction. Answers the question 'Who Is God?'

Ephesians Part 2 Ephesians 1:1-17 - One Long Sentence

podcast@ourelement.org — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 17:21:08 -0800

Paul's introduction. Answers the question 'Who Is God?'

Christmas Eve 2009: The Snowman

podcast@ourelement.org — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 22:14:58 -0800

Christmas Eve 2009

Ephesians Part 1 - Background to Ephesians

podcast@ourelement.org — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 22:36:11 -0800

In order to understand certain things in Ephesians it is good to know what the city was like. This week we look at all of the thoughts and attitudes that made up the city of Ephesus

Filled with the Spirit

podcast@ourelement.org — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 20:52:58 -0800

Looking at resolutions for the new year

Resolutions

podcast@ourelement.org — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 20:52:40 -0800

Looking at resolutions for the new year

Stuff Week 06 Stuff in the Early Church

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 12:47:17 -0800

How the Early Church used stuff

Stuff Week 05 Jesus on Money

podcast@ourelement.org — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 09:32:14 -0800

A look at what Jesus says about Money. Salvation IS HERE!

Stuff Week 04 Giving

podcast@ourelement.org — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 11:24:05 -0800

A look at what Scripture says about worship and giving.

Emmanuel

podcast@ourelement.org — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 19:59:22 -0800

God With Us

Stuff Week 03 Saving/Investing

podcast@ourelement.org — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 22:21:52 -0800

Myths and Principles about work

Stuff Week 02 Work

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 16:50:32 -0800

Myths and Principles about work.

Stuff Week 01

podcast@ourelement.org — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 15:22:42 -0800

If we view everything we own as ours we will only horde or stuff and become miserable. If we realize everything we have comes from the hand of God...well, that's a whole new ball game.

Empire Week 06: Jesus

podcast@ourelement.org — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:24:49 -0800

The Jewish people end up where they started

Empire Week 05: Babylon

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 17:27:49 -0700

The Jewish people end up where they started

Empire Week 04: Jerusalem

podcast@ourelement.org — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 21:27:40 -0700

Kingdom of Comfort / Empire of Indifferance

Empire Week 03: Sinai

podcast@ourelement.org — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 21:25:55 -0700

Kingdom of Priests

Empire Week 02: Egypt

podcast@ourelement.org — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 10:51:58 -0700

The Anti-Kingdom of God

Empire Week 01: Kingdom of God

podcast@ourelement.org — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 09:18:31 -0700

The Kingdom of God is the most important subject Jesus ever spoke about; God's rule in the lives of men. The most important thing mankind seems to talk about is their own kingdoms, usually built on nothing that resembles God's. This six week series will look at the Kingdom of God and man-made kingdoms and how our sin creates systemic evil that can only be redeemed by the person of Christ.

Movies Television Books - Religulous

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 18:14:12 -0700

A look at cultural movies, tv and books and the truth. We must be informed enough to not only know the truth about Christ, but to help people who have been drawn into the trap of today's movies, tv and books.

Movies Television Books - The DaVinci Code

podcast@ourelement.org — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 22:13:17 -0700

Spiritual Warfare Wk4 Salvation Scripture Prayer

podcast@ourelement.org — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 11:05:49 -0700

We look at the Helmet of Salvation, the sword of scripture and prayer which weaves the armor together.

Spiritual Warfare Wk3 - Armor

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 16:15:43 -0700

We look at the biblical truth around the devil and demons, and what has influenced culture and today's church.

Spiritual Warfare Wk2 - Truth

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 13:55:54 -0700

We look at the biblical truth around the devil and demons, and what has influenced culture and today's church.

Spiritual Warfare Wk1 - The Devil

podcast@ourelement.org — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 10:27:36 -0700

We look at the biblical truth around the devil and demons, and what has influenced culture and today's church.

John Wk40: chapter 21

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 16:31:38 -0700

Jesus institutes His new covenant with man over dinner. He says 'Feed My Sheep' and 'Follow Me'

John Wk39: he Resurrection Pt2

podcast@ourelement.org — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 11:28:04 -0700

Understanding the resurrection will impact your entire life.

John Wk38: chapter 20

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 17:45:18 -0700

We look at Jesus' resurrection.

John Wk37: 19:17-42

podcast@ourelement.org — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 18:14:31 -0700

We look at Jesus' death and burial, God's attributes, and how He reveals Himself to us.

John Wk36: 18-19:16

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 17:43:54 -0700

Jesus' arrest, trial and sentence to death. We look back through the book of John to see what exactly was written about Him - Jesus' Foreknowledge and Sovereignty are complete.

John Wk35: Chapter 17

podcast@ourelement.org — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 11:11:13 -0700

Jesus recaps His ministry. The Father, Son & Spirit send us to be missionaries where we are.

John Wk34: 16:17-33

podcast@ourelement.org — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 17:16:12 -0700

Jesus' death should cause grief - His ressurection bring Joy - His return to the Father brings Love.

Father's Day 2009

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 10:43:54 -0700

Tom shares his story

John Wk33: 16:15-16

podcast@ourelement.org — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 19:39:31 -0700

A look at all John says about the Holy Spirit.

John Wk32: 15:18-16:4

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 09:53:26 -0700

Abide in Christ. We need God, and were created to enjoy Him.

John Wk31: 15:1-17: ch 14

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 11:36:57 -0700

Abide in Christ. We need God, and were created to enjoy Him.

John Wk30: ch 14

podcast@ourelement.org — Tue, 26 May 2009 17:00:59 -0700

Jesus changes the world with 11 guys, and He and the Father send the Holy Spirit

John Wk 29: 13:18-38

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 18 May 2009 10:25:22 -0700

Two betrayals: Judas and Peter. We are simply sent into the world with the purpose and function of Love

Mother's Day 2009

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 11 May 2009 16:51:37 -0700

Adam finds his manhood in Eve, his fitting helper. Jean Holmquist shares.

John Wk 28: 13:1-17

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 04 May 2009 22:55:22 -0700

We are called to DO Ministry. Jesus washes Judas' feet.

John Wk 27 Chapter 12:12-50

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 10:32:03 -0700

What is Jesus' life worth? Jesus' entry into Jeruselem to fulfill the Father's Glory.

John Wk 26 Chapter 12:1-11

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 19:20:32 -0700

Jesus raises a man from the dead. Jesus is the Resurrection & the Life

Easter 2009

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 12 Apr 2009 23:57:52 -0700

"What is that to you?" How often do we lose our Joy because we obsess about something else?

John Wk 25 Chapter 11

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 14:47:44 -0700

Jesus raises a man from the dead. Jesus is the Resurrection & the Life

John Wk 24 Chapter 10:22-42

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 13:01:55 -0700

One Gods

John Wk 23 Chapter 10:1-21

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 14:17:43 -0700

Jesus is the Shepherd, we are the sheep.

John Wk 22 Chapter 9

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 11:49:19 -0700

Jesus heals a blind man from birth. We see how his neighbors, the Pharisses, his parents and how the blind man respond to Jesus' miracle. We see his transformation from dark to light

John Wk 21: 8:31-59

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 16:56:50 -0700

The Son sets you free. Jesus turns the conversation from sin to Himself, because He will give you life.

John Wk 20: 8:12-30

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 10:26:51 -0800

Jesus is the Light coming into the darkness.

John Wk 19: 7:53-8:11

podcast@ourelement.org — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 20:25:16 -0800

Jesus forgives the adulterous woman. We are the mob, holding our stones. Sins of flesh, Sins of the Spirit.

John Wk 18: John 7

podcast@ourelement.org — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 10:09:51 -0800

Who is Jesus? What did Jesus understand about Himself? Who do you say that Jesus is?

John Wk 17: John 6:22-71

podcast@ourelement.org — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 10:37:29 -0800

Jesus speaks to the crowd following, the religious leaders of the day, and His disciples Hard Words. Faith, Belief, Eternal Life.

John Wk 16: John 6:16-21

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 12:56:10 -0800

Trusting the Pilot - Jesus walks on water. John, haven written his gospel last, skips over the part about Peter walking on water, not because of it's importance, but because the story is about Jesus. We look at John and the other gospels.

John Wk 15: John 6:1-15

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 12:49:40 -0800

Barley & Loaves - Jesus takes what little we have and we offer Him, and creates an unprecedented bounty of it.

John Wk 14: John 5:16-47

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 12:54:44 -0800

Light and Heat

John Wk 13: John 5:1-18

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 13:03:07 -0800

God Loves Whiners Too

Joy to the World

podcast@ourelement.org — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 17:50:53 -0800

What brings you Joy?

The Mystery of Christmas

podcast@ourelement.org — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 13:56:07 -0800

Christmas Eve Service

Hannukah

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 21 Dec 2008 12:58:03 -0800

The history of the Jewish Holiday: Hanukkah

John Wk 12: John 4:43-54

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 22:32:14 -0800

Men and their Duty

John Wk 11: John 4:27-42

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 14:36:26 -0800

Learning to tell your story

Hearing God

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 12:50:22 -0800

Learning to recognize the way God guides and speaks to His people

John Wk 10: (John 4:1-26) 2 Kings 5:1-19

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 21:10:06 -0800

A detour from the book of John... a look at the historical context from the old testiment, and perspective to the women at the well.

John Wk 9: John 4:1-26

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 14:18:58 -0800

Women and the well. Jesus offers living water.

John Wk 8: John 3:22-36

podcast@ourelement.org — Sun, 21 Dec 2008 09:46:17 -0800

The best man, the bridegroom and his bride

John Wk 7: John 3:1-21

Sun, 21 Dec 2008 09:46:24 -0800

The Truth

John Wk 6: John 2:12-25

Sun, 21 Dec 2008 09:46:31 -0800

Why do you go to church? What do you take with you?.

John Wk 5: John 2:1-11

Sun, 21 Dec 2008 09:46:37 -0800

An In depth study of the book of John.

Yom Kippur

Sun, 21 Dec 2008 09:46:43 -0800

A look at the Jewish Holiday: Yom Kippur

John Wk 4: John 1:35-51

Sun, 21 Dec 2008 09:46:46 -0800

An In depth study of the book of John.

John Wk 3: John 1:19-34

Sun, 21 Dec 2008 09:46:51 -0800

An In depth study of the book of John.

John Wk 2: John 1:1-18

Sun, 21 Dec 2008 09:47:03 -0800

An In depth study of the book of John.

Wk 1: The One Jesus Loved

Sun, 21 Dec 2008 09:47:08 -0800

An overview of who John is

City In A City

Sun, 21 Dec 2008 09:47:12 -0800

Your elders want you to understand their hearts and what Element is all about.

Parables Wk5- The Theology of Imminence

Sun, 21 Dec 2008 09:47:16 -0800

Parables 2 Wk 5- The Theology of Imminence

Parables Wk4- The Wedding Banquet

Sun, 21 Dec 2008 09:47:20 -0800

Parables 2 Wk 4- The Wedding Banquet

Parables Wk3- The Mystery of the Kingdom of God

Sun, 21 Dec 2008 09:47:24 -0800

Parables 2 Wk 3 The Mystery of the Kingdom of God

Parables Wk2- Everything costs more than You think

Sun, 21 Dec 2008 09:47:29 -0800

Parables 2 Wk 2 Everything costs more than You think

Parables Wk1- Kingdom of God

Sun, 21 Dec 2008 09:47:33 -0800

Parables 2 Wk 1 Kingdom of God

Jonah Ch4

Sun, 21 Dec 2008 09:47:37 -0800

Jonah Ch 4

Jonah Ch3

Sun, 21 Dec 2008 09:47:41 -0800

Jonah Ch 3

Jonah Ch2 The Hound of Heaven

Sun, 21 Dec 2008 09:47:47 -0800

Jonah Ch1 The Hound of Heaven

Jonah Ch1

Sun, 21 Dec 2008 09:47:51 -0800

Jonah Ch1

Woe 7:Blind Guides

Sun, 21 Dec 2008 09:47:55 -0800

Matthew 23:16-22

Woe 6:Tombs of the Prophets

Sun, 21 Dec 2008 09:48:00 -0800

Matthew 23:29-32

Woe 5:Unmarked Graves

Sun, 21 Dec 2008 09:48:02 -0800

Matthew 23:27-28

Woe 4: Converts To Hell

Sun, 21 Dec 2008 09:48:03 -0800

Matthew 23:15

Woe 3: Gnats and Camels

Sun, 21 Dec 2008 09:48:06 -0800

Matthew 23:23

Woe 2: Both Sides of the Cup

Sun, 21 Dec 2008 09:48:08 -0800

Luke 11:33-36

Woe 1: Lifting a Finger

Sun, 21 Dec 2008 09:48:09 -0800

Matthew 23:5-7