Episodes
Thursday Jun 27, 2024
6/23/24 - Nebuchadnezzar’s Testimony - Daniel 4 - Pastor Jason Fritz
Thursday Jun 27, 2024
Thursday Jun 27, 2024
Imagine this: In the midst of darkness filled with late-night indulgences, Nebuchadnezzar finds himself in a dream unlike any other. Instead of the typical fast food inspired visions before bedtime, he encounters a divine revelation. Within his slumber, he sees a magnificent tree, towering and strong, providing food, shelter, and shade to all. As he marvels at this natural wonder, a heavenly voice is heard, commanding it to be chopped down, leaving only a stump. Additionally, he learns that for seven years, a ruler shall dwell as a beast of the wild.
Perplexed by the vision, Nebuchadnezzar turns to the counsel of Daniel, who, upon hearing the details, recognizes its meaning immediately. The majestic tree symbolizes none other than Nebuchadnezzar himself. The interpretation is clear: unless he renounces his sin, shows compassion, and embraces humility, his reign shall come to an end in a very unwelcomed way.
Though granted a year of God’s divine patience, Nebuchadnezzar remains stubborn. So, as prophesied, his mind succumbs to a seven-year fog and his body lives as an animal in the wilderness.
Proverbs reminds us that the king's heart is but clay in the Potter’s hands. When the fog lifts, Nebuchadnezzar's heart swells with gratitude, humbled by the revelation of his rightful place. He worships God.
Tim Keller articulates humility as "The blessed rest of self-forgetfulness.” This is a great explanation of the joy that comes from being liberated out of the pit of self-absorption. Rather than obsessing over our own perceptions or those of others, we live in the truth of our identity in Christ. Only when we empty ourselves can we be filled with God.
Sunday Jun 16, 2024
6/16/24 - Spiritual Fathers - 1 Corinthians 4:15-16 - Pastor Jason Fritz
Sunday Jun 16, 2024
Sunday Jun 16, 2024
Happy Father's Day Dads!
This Sunday, we celebrate the profound privilege and responsibility of being a father. For many, their fathers served as admirable examples, while others may have had different experiences. In today's world, there's often confusion about what it truly means to be a good dad. However, God’s wisdom awaits us in the Bible. This Sunday, we will explore how the apostle Paul considered himself a spiritual father to the believers in the Corinthian church. Paul played a crucial role in their journey to Christ, as he was the one who brought the gospel to them. Unfortunately, a few years later some of them were struggling in their faith. Like a devoted father, Paul's primary concern was their spiritual well-being, and he spoke to them with genuine care and love:
For though you have countless guides in Christ, you do not have many fathers. For I became your father in Christ Jesus through the gospel. 1 Corinthians 4:15
In this verse, the Greek word for "guide" refers to a paid servant who looked after children. These guides were involved in the children's lives for personal gain. Paul contrasts these guides with himself, emphasizing that while there are many who will deliver a message with selfish motives, he, as their spirutal father, acted selflessly. His guidance was rooted in genuine love and concern, making him trustworthy.
Paul's tool for guiding the Corinthians was the gospel of Jesus Christ. This is a powerful reminder that we should be bringing that same gospel into the lives of those around us. Fathers, our primary focus should be on Jesus, always aiming to point our children to Him. It's easy to fall into the trap of moralism, where we focus on our children's behavior and want them to simply "act right." However, our goal should be to consistently direct them towards Christ, fostering a deep, genuine relationship with Him and consistently modeling this ourselves.
Monday Jun 10, 2024
6/9/24 - Faith Under Fire - Daniel 3 - Pastor Jason Fritz
Monday Jun 10, 2024
Monday Jun 10, 2024
If you've been immersed in church culture, the narrative from Daniel chapter three is likely etched in your memory. It recounts the unwavering faith of three young men in the face of adversity. It's a story that challenges us to reflect on our own daily choices.
What—or whom—are we truly worshiping?
This question holds profound significance because what we worship shapes our lives. Worship, at its core, is about assigning ultimate worth to someone or something. In essence, we are all worshipers, directing our deepest devotion towards various objects or ideals.
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego's response to King Nebuchadnezzar is a testament to their unwavering faith: "Our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.” Daniel 3:16-18
Their response exemplifies a rare blend of respect and noncompliance. While acknowledging the king's authority, they place their trust firmly in God. Crucially, they refrain from presuming how God will act. Their stance is clear: "God can save us, but even if He chooses not to, our allegiance to Him remains unwavering."
This encapsulates the essence of biblical faith: the confidence to proclaim, "I know my God is able to deliver me," coupled with the submission and humility to declare, "Yet even if He does not, I will still trust in Him." It echoes the resolve of Job, who said, "Though he slay me, I will hope in him," and reflects the attitude of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. “Not my will, but yours."
As Max Lucado poignantly puts it, "Sometimes God chooses to calm the storm, but if he doesn’t, he is always there to calm his children in the midst of the storm."
While most Christians affirm God's omnipotence, fewer embody a willingness to align their will with His. God isn't a celestial wish-granter or a lucky charm. He is the sovereign Creator, Sustainer, and Orchestrator of all existence. If Genesis 1:1 is true, then everything rests in His hands. And if the resurrection of Jesus is a reality, then we can rest assured—whether in life or in death—God has us covered.
Monday Jun 03, 2024
6/2/24 - The Everlasting Kingdom - Daniel 2:25-49 - Pastor Hudson Garcia
Monday Jun 03, 2024
Monday Jun 03, 2024
This week, we will receive the long-anticipated revelation and interpretation of King Nebuchadnezzar’s dream. As Daniel began to reveal this dream to the King, it was important to Daniel that the king knew and understood who had revealed this mystery. “but there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries, and he has made known to King Nebuchadnezzar what will be in the latter days.” Daniel 2:28 In this dream, a great and mighty statue resembling a man or god stood before the king. Each section of this statue was crafted from a different metal: the head was gold, the chest and arms of silver, the middle and thighs of bronze, the legs of iron and feet partly iron and partly clay. Despite its large and powerful frame, in the king's dream, a small stone would strike the feet, causing the entire statue to crumble. This collapse is indeed the cause of the King’s anxieties surrounding the dream. Daniel tells Nebuchadnezzar that each section of this statue represents a succession of kingdoms, starting with his own. This dream reveals the truth that no king and no kingdom will last forever – except one. “And in the days of those kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that shall never be destroyed, nor shall the kingdom be left to another people. It shall break in pieces all these kingdoms and bring them to an end, and it shall stand forever, just as you saw that a stone was cut from a mountain by no human hand, and that it broke in pieces the iron, the bronze, the clay, the silver, and the gold.” Daniel 2:44-45 Every kingdom of this world will come and go, but the Kingdom of God will last forever. This has serious implications for how we live today and for our hope in eternity.
Tuesday May 28, 2024
5/26/24 - Wisdom in Crisis - Daniel 2:1-24 - Pastor Hudson Garcia
Tuesday May 28, 2024
Tuesday May 28, 2024
This week, Daniel, and his three friends are once again faced with a difficult situation. King Nebuchadnezzar is troubled in his spirit because of a recurring nightmare and threatens to kill all the wise men of Babylon if they cannot help him. However, King Nebuchadnezzar asked them not only to interpret the dream but also to reveal the content of the dream to him first. No king had ever asked them to do this, as it was seemingly impossible.
“The thing that the king asks is difficult, and no one can show it to the king except the gods, whose dwelling is not with flesh.” Daniel 2:11
This response caused the king to burn with fury and to set a decree to execute all the wise men in the land. When the news reached Daniel, he responded with prudence and discretion. He believed that what seems impossible for man is possible for God. Gathering his friends, they prayed for God's mercy and revelation. That night, God revealed the mystery of the dream and its interpretation to Daniel. Instead of rushing to the king, Daniel took a moment to acknowledge and praise God for His revelation. Daniel proclaims:
“Blessed be the name of God forever and ever,
to whom belong wisdom and might.
He changes times and seasons;
he removes kings and sets up kings;
he gives wisdom to the wise
and knowledge to those who have understanding;
he reveals deep and hidden things;
he knows what is in the darkness,
and the light dwells with him.”
Daniel 2:20-22
This poem reveals an important attribute of God’s character: He is omniscient (all-knowing). This reality of God sets wisdom that comes from Him apart from anything this world has to offer. It was this wisdom that continually set Daniel apart from all the other wise men in Babylonian empire. When you are met with challenges, difficult situations, and decisions, do you rely on the wisdom of this world or wisdom that comes from God?
Monday May 20, 2024
Monday May 20, 2024
Last week, we witnessed Daniel and his three friends being uprooted from everything they knew. Their world was turned upside down as they were taken into the custody of the mighty Babylonian empire. It was common for the Babylonians to educate the best and brightest in their ways. Almost overnight, these teenagers were on the path to immense influence. Upon arriving in Babylon, they encountered the pinnacle of worldly luxury. The city was magnificent and opulent, filled with pagan temples. The king’s palace, which was beyond their wildest imaginations would be their home. Despite the unique temptations they faced, they were prepared, having resolved in advance not to compromise their values.
"But Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself with the king's food, or with the wine that he drank." Daniel 1:8
These young men were offered the same exquisite food the king ate, prepared by the finest chefs with ingredients sourced from far and wide. It was akin to dining at a Michelin-star restaurant - every day. Yet, they chose not to partake because they believed it would corrupt them according to God’s law. Note what the verse above emphasizes - Daniel decided beforehand he would not defile himself with the king’s food. He considered the real possibility that he would be asked to eat what isn’t kosher. When that moment arrived, he would say, "no.” This teaches us a valuable lesson about the importance of our convictions. It begins with a decision firmly rooted in the heart before any action is taken. What about you? Do you have a plan for the daily temptations you face? If there’s one crucial lesson we can learn from the life of Daniel, it is this: Inner conviction will overcome any outward pressure.
Monday May 13, 2024
5/12/24 - The Secret to Motherhood - Mother's Day - Pastor Jason Fritz
Monday May 13, 2024
Monday May 13, 2024
It is widely acknowledged that mothers hold a uniquely cherished place in our lives. Do you realize that Mother's Day ranks as the third most celebrated holiday in America, following closely behind Christmas and Easter? Additionally, it is the third most attended Sunday in churches nationwide. Mother’s Day sees more phone calls exchanged than any other day of the year.
Every child knows that no mother is flawless, yet there exists within each of us a sacred space that only a mother can occupy. This bond transcends age and time. I recall the memorable moment when Shaquille O'Neal returned to complete his college education. On his graduation day, amidst a throng of news reporters, there stood Shaq—imposing in stature, swimming in wealth and fame. Yet, as he donned his cap and gown, with a simple gesture his mother straightened his tie on national television. It was a heartwarming reminder that mothers are perpetually watching over us, and somehow, we never wish for that to change. Indeed, there's an undeniable significance to the role they play in our lives.
Nevertheless, it is important to acknowledge that Mother's Day may not evoke joy for every woman. For some, it stirs up painful emotions—perhaps due to infertility, estrangement from a child, or the loss of a son or daughter. However, even amidst such sorrow, many would agree that it is fitting to honor the mothers among us for their unwavering sacrifice and boundless love.
This Sunday, we extend our deepest gratitude to mothers and pay homage to the divine order set forth by God. According to the Bible, mothers occupy a sacred and invaluable role. Moms, we honor you and express our heartfelt appreciation for all that you do!
Monday May 06, 2024
5/5/24 - No Compromise - Daniel 1:1-8 - Pastor Jason Fritz
Monday May 06, 2024
Monday May 06, 2024
Daniel, along with his three companions, exemplified unwavering faith amidst the complexities of public life. Captured by the Babylonians as mere teenagers in the sixth century BC, they found themselves thrust into positions of influence within a pluralistic, secular society that often clashed with their deeply held beliefs in the one true God.
Much like our own time, where faith can feel marginalized and confined, the Babylonian empire presented Daniel and his friends with significant challenges. Their devotion to God was viewed as disruptive in a culture that favored pluralism.
Sound familiar?
Daniel’s life serves as a clarion call for God’s people to exhibit boldness. As a church, we aspire to emulate this courage as we navigate what we can’t always clearly see in the future. The parallels between Daniel’s time and ours are striking. Just as he influenced pagan culture with his unwavering commitment, we are likewise called to exert a Godly influence in our modern world.
These teenagers refused to compromise their convictions and as a result, they enjoyed the favor of God upon their lives. May we too, stand firm in our faith knowing that God’s favor accompanies those who boldly follow Him.
Monday Apr 29, 2024
4/28/24 - Theology Leads To Doxology - Romans 16 - Pastor Jason Fritz
Monday Apr 29, 2024
Monday Apr 29, 2024
I often picture Paul as a seasoned soldier who is all blood and guts. He was constantly fighting the good fight, waging spiritual battles and slaying demons. However, in the final chapter of Romans you see the tender heart within him. This man accomplished great things for God but he did so through strong affectionate relationships with his brothers and sisters in Christ. With his concluding words he turns his attention to them. You can feel the overflowing emotions of love.
"I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant of the church at Cenchreae, that you may welcome her in the Lord in a way worthy of the saints, and help her in whatever she may need from you, for she has been a patron of many and of myself as well. Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, who risked their necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks but all the churches of the Gentiles give thanks as well. Greet also the church in their house." Romans 16:1-5
The word greet appears 19 times alongside 33 names in this final chapter. Paul’s heart for others is an example for us all.
"But we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother taking care of her own children. So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us." 1 Thessalonians 2:7-8
America is a lonely place for many, many people. Research reveals the number one reason why people attend their church regularly - “I was invited by someone who cared.” The church should be the ultimate place to build meaningful and lasting friendships. Can we take Paul’s encouragment and do this? It begins with a smile and kind greeting toward those you don’t know. The world can be cold but the church should be warm.
Monday Apr 22, 2024
4/21/24 - Paul's Passion and Vision - Romans 15:14–33 - Pastor Jason Fritz
Monday Apr 22, 2024
Monday Apr 22, 2024
We are nearing the end of the book of Romans and in chapter 15 Paul begins his closing remarks. If you reflect on the life of this man, you really have to be amazed. Paul is nothing out of the ordinary in stature and presence, over time his body would become disfigured because of the violence brought against him. Yet, he would be one of the most significant individuals in the history of the world. Paul changed the course of Rome and Western civilization, not through the power of an army, but through the power of a message. His calling was to take the Gospel of Jesus where it had never gone before.
God used Paul to spread the message of hope and directed his steps along the way. This happened through much trial and tribulation but with God it is not about the destination, it is about the journey. In the journey we learn, grow and mature. The hardships along the way should cause us to lean on God. In the end, God’s will is accomplished and He is glorified. We focus on the prize; God focuses on the process.
What do you want to accomplish for God in this life? What God-sized dreams do you have? You might not have any, but it is never too late to begin. Without a vision of what you want to achieve, you will never start the journey. God won’t condemn you for not accomplishing what you want to do for Him. Rather he might say, “You didn’t have any desires, so you never even started.” The fulfillment is in His hands, but the initiative is in yours.