Avenue Church

What if I want to invite someone to church, but I feel awkward, unqualified, or afraid they’ll say no? The answer is simpler than you think: just offer the same invitation Jesus and the early disciples did—“Come and see.” You don’t have to know every answer; your experience with Jesus is worth sharing, and rejection isn’t really about you anyway. This message calls us to move from a welcoming culture to an inviting one, remembering that we create the moment, but Jesus does the transforming work.

This message exposes the altar of self—pleasure, control, comfort, and success—through Saul’s “monument” moment in 1 Samuel 15, showing how good gifts become false gods when they serve and protect us. Romans 1 warns that when we disconnect God from His gifts, our worship drifts and our hearts grow dark and confused. The way back is clear: recognize it, repent quickly, and replace it with worship, putting God back on the throne (1 John 5:20–21).

Why does money feel so powerful over our peace and decisions? Because money is a good gift that turns into a god when we trust it to give us what only God can—security, identity, and control (Romans 1:21–25; 1 Tim. 6:10, 17). Jesus warns that life isn’t measured by what we own, and “bigger barns” can still leave us spiritually bankrupt (Luke 12:15–21). This message exposes the altar money can build in our hearts—whether through pride or anxiety—and shows how stewardship and generosity break its grip. The goal isn’t more wealth; it’s a richer relationship with God.

Where should a Christian place their hope when politics feels like everything is at stake? Not in a party or a politician, but in the God who reigns over every kingdom (Daniel 2:20–21). This message shows how God designed authority, how our hearts distort it, and why Jesus refused to be used as an earthly king. When we treat politics as ultimate, we drift into idolatry (Romans 1:21–25)—but when we live as citizens of heaven first, we lead with conviction, compassion, and confidence.  

Can love become an idol? Yes—when a good gift takes God’s place in your heart and becomes what you trust for wholeness (1 John 5:21; Romans 1). This message exposes how love gets disordered when it shifts from commitment to feeling and from action to possession—turning people into saviors they were never meant to be. The answer isn’t to love less, but to love God first so you can love others rightly (1 John 4:10–12, 19).

Why do we keep so many “options” open spiritually—just in case? Because our hearts instinctively look for something we can see and control, even if it’s not the true God (Acts 17:16–32; Romans 1:21–25). This message exposes how modern idols aren’t statues—they’re anything that takes our affection, devotion, and trust away from God. We’ll dig into the “dark rooms” of the heart where hidden idols live (Ezekiel 8; 14) and ask honest questions that lead us back to freedom. The way forward is simple and powerful: confession names it, repentance releases it, and worship replaces it (1 John 5:20–21).

Is it possible to pray the right prayer—and still refuse the next step? In Gethsemane, Jesus prayed, “Abba, Father… take this cup… yet not my will, but Yours,” and then He got up and moved forward (Mark 14:35–36; Matt. 26:45–46).  At some point, you have to stop circling in the garden and step into what God has already made clear. What’s your next step—faith forward, or fear stalled?

What do you do when you want God’s will… but you also want control? In Mark 14:32–42, Jesus prays in Gethsemane, “Not my will, but Yours,” showing that tension isn’t a lack of faith—it’s the battleground of surrender. This message helps you name your “power move,” trade control for trust, and learn how honest prayer and surrendered resolve lead to freedom, clarity, and rest.

What do you do when what you want and what God wants don’t match? In Mark 14:32–42, Jesus steps into the garden of Gethsemane and prays an honest, gut-level prayer: “Abba… everything is possible… take this cup… yet not my will, but Yours.” If even Jesus experienced the tension of desire and obedience, what does that mean for the decisions, fears, and pressures you’re carrying right now? This message explores the tension of two wills—the pull of the flesh versus the leading of the Spirit—and shows how, in the tension, we can pray honestly, surrender fully, and take the next step with confidence that God is a Father you can trust.

How do we trust God when what He asks feels impossible? This week, we trace Abraham’s journey from simple obedience to deep confidence in God’s character.  God strengthens our faith through time under tension and provides exactly what He asks us to surrender. Be encouraged to trust God’s direction even when you can’t yet see the destination.

What do you do when your resources feel like they’re running out? Let's unpack Elijah’s encounter with the widow at Zarephath and how God used her small act of obedience to release daily provision. Let's break the scarcity mindset and learn to depend on God’s word even when circumstances look bleak. Seek God first and respond with a handful of obedience.

Do you ever feel like life is a battle? Some days are tougher than others. We aren't just fighting for victory; we are fighting FROM victory and are called to stand in the Full Armor of God. The armor isn't a different outfit we put on just for battle. Instead, it's another way to visualize ourselves in Christ. Suit Up with the Belt of Truth, Breastplate of Righteousness, Shoes of Peace, Shield of Faith, Helmet of Salvation, and Sword of the Spirit. 

What are the most important relationships in your life? They probably fall into one of these categories: your spouse, your parents, your kids, or your work relationships. We are to bring our identity and righteousness in Christ into those relationships. When we do, they are transformed from relationships of selfish gain to opportunities for humble submission and service as unto the Lord.

If you are in Christ, you are made new and have received a new nature. But that doesn't free you from the need to CHOOSE to follow God's Word and His Spirit. Living intentionally to please God is essential. This is where the spiritual meets the practical. Paul provides some simple (but not easy) ways to live according to our calling as saints. 

Paul wants us to do something with everything he's shared with us in the first three chapters of Ephesians. He wants us to live in a way that reflects our calling in Christ. He doesn't begin with rules; he starts with relationships. The first relationship he emphasizes is with the local church. It is more than an event we attend; it's a body we're connected to. Believers are part of it and have something to contribute. 

What would you do if you were in prison? Paul prayed! Even though Paul was in a Roman prison, he considered himself only a prisoner of Jesus Christ. As he shifts from what we need to know to what we need to do, Paul prays that we would experience, understand, and have the power to live the life we've been called to live!

We've all felt like outsiders at some point in our lives. At the same time, we may have contributed to others feeling like outsiders. The Gospel message is the most unifying message there is. Christ has brought down all the walls of hostility between us and brought us together in peace. 

We are more than just lost without Christ. We are spiritually dead. Apart from Him, we are depraved and deserving of His wrath. BUT GOD - in His goodness and grace — has brought us to life through Christ. Understanding our original condition and our new position in Him is more than encouraging because this is not something we can do ourselves. We are saved by faith through grace.

Paul was a persecutor of Christians who became an apostle, church planter, and author of much of the New Testament. His letter to the church in Ephesus is a highlight in helping us understand the new life we have in Christ and how we should live as a result. 

When life becomes difficult, we can overlook the goodness of God or doubt His presence in our lives. We can even see our situations as unfair or undeserved. There is more to life than we see know, but it can only be experienced in Christ. 

What comes to mind when you think about certain people in your life? Your spouse, ex-spouse, co-workers, anyone that you would consider not "for us, with us, or like us?" What comes to mind when we think about others reveals how much of Christ is in us." This one cuts so get ready!

When you look at yourself in the mirror, what thoughts come to mind? What are those thoughts based on? We are often our harshest critics, and the lie we believe the most about ourselves is "I'm NOT good enough." This lie is mass-produced by a couple of more subtle lies. Find out how to take back the power this has over you.

Have you ever been disappointed in God? Feeling like you have to act right to earn His love? Do your prayers feel unanswered, like He's holding out on you? Do you find it hard to trust God? If you said yes, you are believing the lie "that God is not good. " The truth is God is always good! Even when things don't feel good!

The devil is a liar!! Since the beginning of creation, our enemy has been deceiving and accusing us. But we get to choose who we believe.  What we CHOOSE to believe directs our gaze, perception, desire, behavior, and influence. We are always to choose God's word over anything else because everything contradictory to God's word is a lie. 

The Psalms end with PRAISE. For a Christian, at the end of lament, at the end of doubt, at the end of confession, at the end of fear, at the end of anger...there can only be praise. Praise is a posture and attitude, not just an event. It's what we were created to do for all of eternity. 

Do you ever forget that God knows everything and is everywhere... all at the same time? Psalm 139 reminds us to be aware of God's knowledge of us, His presence with us, and His power within us. When we recognize these truths, living with God's purpose in our lives becomes more meaningful. 

We can't fool God. He knows how we feel and what we want to say to Him. Hiding our feelings and holding our words doesn't help anything. Psalm 42 and 43 challenge us to feel what we need to feel and say what we need to say. We don't stop there! We can praise Him again. 

Confidence in God can be tricky. If we are not careful, we can base our hopes and beliefs on only what we can see. But we are called to believe and hope for the things that we can see. That means we have to be confident about something. What is that? We must be confident in the character of God, even when we don't feel like He's moving. We must choose to have confidence in the absence of evidence and the presence of negative feelings. 

Psalm 23 can be familiar and we can sometimes take it for granted, but we can never forget that Jesus is our "Good Shepherd."

It's hard to see those who aren't living for God prosper. This Psalm of Aseph calls us to trust in God's ultimate justice, even when earthly circumstances seem unfair. It emphasizes the value of seeking God's guidance and presence for comfort and understanding during times of doubt. 

The Psalms are an incredibly vivid collection of praises and prayers in poem format that touch every emotion. You can't rush through them. This week, we provide an overview of the Psalms and examine Psalm 1, which offers a description of life rooted in God. 

As Christians, some of our spiritual habits can be practiced alone. However, that doesn't mean we can live out our faith in isolation. Engagement with the local church is essential for our transformation. This involves not only showing up on Sundays but also on Mondays. What step can you take to engage with the community this week?

Bible reading and prayer are not just things that we do as Christians; they are the primary ways we engage with God relationally. Before we seek knowledge, wisdom, revelation, or answers, let's focus on strengthening our relationship with our Heavenly Father. 

Before adding anything else to our schedules and lists, let's create space to hear from God. We live in a culture filled with notifications and busy schedules that makes it difficult to hear from God. This week, we discuss simplicity, fasting, sabbath, silence, and solitude. 

Habits are hard but helpful. They require discipline. If self-discipline is the greatest form of self-love, spiritual disciplines are how we respond to Christ's love. What if we chose to see spiritual disciplines as an opportunity to build our relationship with Christ instead of an obligation to a religious duty or ritual? Do you see spiritual disciplines as an obligation to fulfil or an invitation to connect?

The anchor of our faith is not just in the death of Jesus on the cross, but in His resurrection. We also experience grief, fear, and disappointment in death. Jesus does more than bring comfort, peace, and hope; He gives us new life.

Jesus heals the man who was born blind. This sets off a firestorm of opinions. Why was he born blind? Was he healed? Who gives Jesus the authority? Do you believe who He says He is? Jesus doesn't open blind eyes; he opens our spiritual eyes, too. 

What do you desire most? If it were offered to you, would you accept it or make an excuse for not being able to possess it? After 38 years of sickness, Jesus addresses a sick man's excuses while breaking the fixed religious mindsets of the religious leaders who witnessed Jesus' first public miracle. He also confronts ours. 

Jesus' first miracle wasn't healing, a resurection, or even calming a storm. It was keeping the party going at a wedding. Imagine being the servants tasked with filling the jars with water and offering a cup of water that would miraculously become wine. In this miracle, we are reminded that our lack makes room for God's provision, and our obedience precedes the miracle. 

We often think of miracles as rare moments when God briefly steps into our lives. But the truth is, He is always present, always working. Miracles are extraordinary glimpses of His divine power—meant to stir our wonder and reveal His truth. Yet, how do we wrestle with the tension when the miracle we long for doesn’t come?

One of the most critical aspects of faithfulness is obedience. Partial and delayed obedience is still disobedience. We can live with purpose as much as we decide to walk in obedience to God's word and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Obedience is simple, but it's not easy!

Purpose isn't just something we pursue and fulfill; it’s a gift that the Gospel brings into our lives. We don't have to chase it; we can begin right where we are. In its simplest form, purpose means to "bring glory to God and enjoy Him forever." Let's learn how to start where we are with faithfulness.

Let'd de-compartmentalize our worship. Deuteronomy tells us to bring "everything" to the temple. Paul echoes that we are to offer our entire life to God as a living sacrifice in an act of worship. We should see our opportunities to give as an opportunity to worship. What we worship determines what we hold onto the tightest and what has the tightest hold on us. 

In the New Testament, most giving is regarded as generosity. In 2nd Corinthians 8 and 9, Paul challenges the church to excel in the ministry of generous giving. He points to the "poor Macedonians" as an example of generosity. If we are not careful, we will see our generosity fueled by the amount we can safely give and the reward we seek. But generosity is best driven by a joyful attitude and a step of faith. 

Are New Testament Christians obligated to give tithes? Before it was a law to follow, tithes were given as an act of faith and in response to God's goodness. Jesus affirmed the tithe but emphasized the heart. It's not really about money but about our hearts. Today, giving is a way to show that we are placing God first in our finances.