The Weekly Word from Burns

When a heavily armed mob of hundreds shows up in the middle of the night to arrest one unarmed teacher, it’s easy to assume the teacher is the one in danger. But if you look closely at the arrest of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, you'll notice something surprising: everyone is terrified except Jesus. In this episode, we dive into the harmonized Gospel accounts of the night Jesus was betrayed. From Judas's kiss to Peter's swinging sword, the garden was full of panic. Yet, in the midst of the chaos, Jesus stood fearless. He wasn't a helpless victim; He was a sovereign King holding all the cards, demonstrating unbelievable power, radical protection for His friends, and a staggering amount of restraint.

When You're in the Oil Press: Lessons from Gethsemane As we begin our Lenten journey toward the cross, we start in a place of profound heaviness and ultimate surrender: the Garden of Gethsemane. But Gethsemane wasn't just a random grove of trees. It is a deeply significant biblical landmark—the exact mountain where King David wept, where Ezekiel watched God’s glory depart, and where Jesus passed the ultimate test that Adam and Eve failed in Eden. The word Gethsemane translates to "oil press," a place where olives are crushed to produce life-giving oil. In this Lenten kickoff message, we explore the crushing pressure Jesus faced as he sweat blood, wrestled with exhaustion, and pleaded with the Father. More importantly, we look at what His darkest night teaches us about surviving our own seasons of intense pressure, sorrow, and testing. In this episode, we explore: The deep Old Testament history of the Mount of Olives and why Jesus chose to face His trial there. The spiritual and emotional reality of the "oil press" when life feels overwhelming. Practical, grace-filled lessons for navigating your own Gethsemane—from relying on flawed friends to accepting that honest grief is holy. How to find the courage to take the next terrifying step forward when you feel stuck in the dark. Join us as we step into the garden and prepare our hearts for the road to Calvary.

Over the next six weeks, we’ll be tracing the steps of Jesus all the way from His agonizing prayers in the Garden of Gethsemane to His final moments on the cross. But before we take that journey, we have to prepare. In this episode, we dive into the intense, 40-day baptism preparations of the early church, explore the true purpose of fasting, and discover how staring at the reality of our own mortality (Memento Mori) might just be the best way to cut through the noise of modern life. It turns out, remembering our end actually teaches us how to live—and love—better today.

Jesus says His sheep know His voice—so why is it so hard for us to hear Him? This week, we look at the difference between the Good Shepherd and the imposters (the thief and the hireling). Plus, an experiment and a lesson on "body language" from our sign language interpreter. In this episode: The "Blindfold Test" (Live Sermon Illustration) The difference between the Shepherd’s voice and the Robber’s voice. How to "hear" Jesus without audible words.

Is God’s will a specific dot you have to hit, or a circle you get to live in? Many of us live with a functional theology that God is a micromanager, obsessing over our non-moral choices. But a closer look at Scripture—from the Garden of Eden to the Council of Jerusalem in Acts 15—reveals a God who values our freedom and maturity. This week, we unpack the distinction between God's Moral Will (His commands) and His Permissive Will (our freedom). If you are stuck in analysis paralysis, seeking a sign, or afraid of making a mistake, this message offers a liberating truth: We are living in the "seem," and that is exactly where the Spirit walks with us.

If the Devil is the "Father of Lies," then discernment is the Christian's most essential survival skill. But how do you hone it? In this episode, we move beyond the "don't lie" Sunday School lesson and tackle the harder question: How do we keep from getting duped? Whether you’re evaluating a preacher, a podcast host, or a political candidate, these 10 biblical markers provide a roadmap for finding the truth: The Ripple Test: What does this person leave in their wake? The Pressure Test: What comes out when they are squeezed? The Profit Test: Who actually stands to gain from their message? ...and 7 more essential audits for the modern world. Plus, we look at the only person in history who passes every single test with flying colors.

Not everything is as it seems. Whether it’s a $27.50 Magna Carta that turned out to be priceless or a "trustworthy" person who turns out to be false, we are facing a crisis of discernment. Gullibility isn't a spiritual gift. Discernment is! So how do we move beyond naivety and learn to see things as they really are? This sermon looks at... The Harvard Mistake: Why even experts struggle to distinguish the real from the fake. The Flaw of Intuition: Why "feeling right" is a dangerous way to judge truth, news, or religious messages. Solomon’s Actual Prayer: Looking at 1 Kings 3, we see that Solomon asked for something more specific than just generic "wisdom." The Training Plan: Discernment isn't just a gift you’re born with; according to Hebrews 5:14, it is a skill honed by constant practice and righteousness, a gift given by God, and a gift given by our faith community. Key Scripture: Hebrews 5:14, 1 Kings 3:9, Isaiah 11:3-5

Is the picture I'm looking at real or was it generated by AI? Is this relationship real or is it just superficial and convenient? Is this leader really looking out for our best interest or is he just charismatic and engaging? Is my faith real and genuine or is it my parent's faith? Is this idea really true - or does it just have a veneer of truth? Those are the questions we're looking at in 2026. The world is facing a crisis of discernment. We don't know what's real and what's fake. It's never been easier to be duped. So join us as we study the things that are really REAL in 2026!

It feels like we just started 2025, yet here we are at the finish line. Why do we treat life like a test we can cram for the night before? In this final sermon of the year, we explore the danger of "cramming" for spiritual growth and the alternative Jesus offers: the quiet power of "little by little." If you are feeling pressure to make massive changes for the New Year, this message on the miracle of compound faithfulness is for you.

"O Come All Ye Faithful" sounds like an incredible invitation to worship, and it is... ...but are we actually all that faithful?  Join Chuck Ramseur this week as we study the incredible invitation of Jesus, not just for the faithful, but for the unfaithful, too.

How do we speak to a world that doesn't know the Bible? We follow Paul's example in Athens. In this sermon, we explore Acts 17 and the art of finding "good dreams" in our culture that point to the true story of Jesus. We discuss how even a simple story like Rudolph can remind us of the One who was "despised and rejected by men" yet chosen by God to save the world. Join us for this study on Acts 17 and Isaiah 53.

This week, join Chuck Ramseur, James Hinkle, Greer Hinson, and Matthew Hiatt was we look at how one of the world's most popular Christmas songs (a song that was actually written about the second coming) points us to Jesus!

Plato once said that if you want to change the laws of a state, you first change its music. Every December, our culture instinctively changes its playlist. From Mariah Carey to Bing Crosby, we fill the airwaves with songs that—whether they realize it or not—reveal a deep hunger for the Incarnation. In this first episode of our new series, Christmas Playlist, we look at a carol written in 1849, a year defined by war, political tension, and the frantic gold rush. In the midst of that chaos, Edmund Sears wrote "It Came Upon the Midnight Clear." It is a hymn that challenges us to do the one thing the holidays often make impossible: "Hush the noise." Are you shouting over the stress of the season, or are you quiet enough to hear the angels sing?

Ezekiel has been a hard road. We've seen wheels within wheels, dry bones, and difficult prophecies. It feels like a book that is miles away from the grace of the New Testament. But what if we told you that Ezekiel is actually full of Jesus? In the finale of our Strange Faithfulness series, we are connecting the dots between the prophet in exile and the Savior of the world. We explore why they share the title "Son of Man," what the massive vision of the Temple actually means for us today, and how a valley of dry bones preaches the resurrection. Ezekiel ends with a powerful name for the city of God: Jehovah Shammah—"The Lord is There." It turns out, Ezekiel’s strange journey was always pointing us toward Immanuel. Join us as we see how God strengthens His people and promises to never leave them.

The Power of the Turn (Ezekiel and Repentance) What do you do when you miss your exit in life? Do you keep driving and hope for the best, or do you stop and recalculate? The word "repentance" often feels intimidating, but the Prophet Ezekiel had a simpler word for it: Turn. This week we strip away the religious confusion about a "church word" and see repentance as not a punishment or a one-time event, but a radical directional change that leads to life. In this episode, you will learn: Why repentance is not the same as "I'm sorry I got caught" or trying to "un-ring a bell." The difference between restitution (Zaccheus) and the true heart of the turn (the Prodigal Son). Why C.S. Lewis called saw repentance as more like a physics equation than an arbitrary checklist item. How we, as individuals and as a community, need to stop and check our direction to walk toward God's promises. If you feel stuck or worry about mistakes you can’t undo, this message is your roadmap to finding the path back home. Press play and learn how to make the critical turn toward life.

What is the "Good News" that can feel like "Bad News"? In this powerful message from Ezekiel 18, Matthew tackles a tough Biblical tension: personal accountability vs. generational sin. The exiled Israelites had a popular proverb: "The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children’s teeth are set on edge." They believed they were paying the price for their ancestors' mistakes. But God says, "No more." Discover the core truth of Ezekiel 18: The Good News: God holds every soul responsible for their own choices, freeing you from carrying your family's guilt. The Bad News: If we are all individually accountable, who among us is truly righteous? The Ultimate Good News: Why God takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked and how the path of repentance—fully realized in Christ—offers immediate and eternal life. We close with the true story of a soldier who fought a war for 30 years after it ended, urging us to stop neglecting the good news that is already ours. Don't live another day fighting a battle that Christ has already won. Tune in and embrace the radical mercy of God. Scripture References: Ezekiel 18, Exodus 20:5, Romans 3:10-23, James 2:10

Giving bad news is a heavy burden, one that shatters a person's world into a "before and after." But it is sometimes the most essential message we can receive. This week, we confront the raw, uncomfortable message of the prophet Ezekiel. Empowered by God's Spirit, Ezekiel had to deliver a terrifying, undeniable diagnosis to Israel: their wickedness was the source of their pain, and judgment was at their door. Join us as we explore the extremes God used to get their attention, including: The Bizarre Sign Acts: Lying immobile for over a year, a terrifying recipe for bread, and a public haircut that was an instant call to the police. The Shocking Parable: A close look at the "R-rated" allegory of Ezekiel 16, which depicts God's people as an abandoned infant rescued by love, who then descends into unspeakable betrayal and moral cancer. The Mirror of Judgment: We confront the hard truth of Ezekiel 16:49, which reveals Sodom's core sins—pride, excess, and neglect of the poor—and asks how our modern world compares. Ezekiel shows us that denying the bad news only makes things worse. This is a challenging message that holds nothing back, but only when we truly understand the severity of our condition can we be brought, like the prodigal son, to our senses—and to the speechless grace God offers on the other side. Press play if you’re ready to hear the truth that leads to life. Scripture Focus: Ezekiel 3–16

Where does God hang out? (Hint: Not just church.) Who does he hang out with? (Hint: Not just "church people.") What does he really look like? (Hint: Not Gandalf.) Many of our ideas about God are too small, too safe, and just plain wrong. This Sunday, we're letting Ezekiel 1 be a "wrecking ball" to our bad theology. Join us as we kick off a new sermon series on the majorly weird (and majorly important) prophet, Ezekiel.

What do joining the military, becoming a citizen, and starting a new job all have in common? They all have an "initiation ritual"—a swearing-in ceremony. Following Jesus is no different. We call it baptism. While it's easy to get lost in arguments about how, when, or why it's done, this message reminds us of the one thing every Christian group agrees on: it's the powerful, beautiful, and essential step of belonging. Discover how baptism is a story that didn't start in the New Testament, but at the dawn of creation, and what it means to "put on Christ" and walk in newness of life. Listen to move past the arguments, rediscover the biblical power of baptism as a symbol of unity and new life, and find grace-filled answers to practical questions like, "Do I have to be perfect?" and "What if I'm not sure I 'did it right'?"

"How long, O Lord?" From the brokenness of our world to the secret doubts in our own hearts, we all ask this question. This week, Chuck Ramseurs takes a magnifying glass to Psalm 13 and the confession of a struggling believer: "I am no longer sure I am in Jesus... I just don't know anymore." By examining Jesus' own struggle in the wilderness (Luke 4) and his controversial praise for the foreign widow and the Syrian general Naaman, this sermon forces us to confront a vital question: To whom, or to what, do we truly pledge our allegiance? Discover the difference between simple belief and a costly, all-in devotion. Learn why a Samaritan woman's faith and a Syrian's allegiance were praised by Christ—and how God's own radical, unwavering allegiance to you means His grace is bigger than your hang-ups. Listen in for a powerful reminder that your doubts, failures, and misunderstandings are covered, and your true security is found not in perfect knowledge (orthodoxy) or perfect practice (orthopraxy), but in a surrendered heart.

Are you tired of grand, empty religious gestures? Do you suspect that what you do on Sunday matters less than how you live on Tuesday? This week, we dive deep into Micah 6:8, the most famous summary of God’s will, and discover the "little things" that truly matter: doing justice, loving kindness, and walking humbly with God. The prophet Micah asks: What does God want? Thousands of rams? Rivers of oil? Your firstborn child? He rejects all of it, saying that all the grand ceremonies and sacrifices in the world are meaningless if we miss the bigger picture. We’ll explore the consistent message of the Old Testament prophets—from Amos’s call for justice to roll down like waters, to Jeremiah’s demand to stop oppressing the widow and the sojourner. We discuss the difference between Orthodoxy (right belief) and Orthopraxy (right action), and why the prophets say orthopraxy matters even more. Finally, we’ll take a hard look at modern failures to execute justice—from the political theater to the rise of "Social Justice Warrior" as an insult—and find the only source of true righteousness: Jesus Christ. If you’ve ever felt that church was distracting you from your actual life, this episode is for you.

Jesus said the one who is faithful in little will be faithful in much. We’ve been talking about the small, intentional habits that make a big difference in following him, and this week's "little thing" is all about food! Did you know some of the Bible's most important moments happened over a table? From the Road to Emmaus to the final chapters of Revelation, God uses meals to open our eyes and bring us together. Listen now to discover the powerful, even spiritual, act of sharing a meal with someone this week, and how this simple act can change your life (and the world!).

Did you know the Bible's passages on giving aren't about tithing laws, but disaster relief? Join us as we look at the early church—from the generous Barnabas, whose giving earned him the nickname "Son of Encouragement," to the incredibly poor but sacrificial Macedonians. We’ll explore the seven paradoxes of giving and learn why generosity is an act of faithfulness in everyone's reach.

Today, we're diving straight into one of the most challenging passages in the entire Bible: 1 Samuel, chapter 15. It's a text that features God giving a command so brutal and absolute it makes even the most faithful among us wince. If you find yourself asking, “Why would God ever say that?”—good. We hope you're uncomfortable. We'll be exploring the story of King Saul and his disastrous, self-serving failure to follow a difficult order. We're going to talk about partial obedience, the dangerous habit of blaming others for our own compromise, and why building a monument to yourself is never a good idea. And finally, we’ll uncover the core truth that Samuel delivers to the failed king—a truth that still defines our relationship with God today: why obedience is always better than any sacrifice we can offer. Trust us, you don't want to skip this one. Pull up a chair, grab your Bible, and let's get into this hard lesson from a hard text.

The biblical figure Samuel is impressive: He was the last judge of Israel, anointed two kings (Saul and David), and even made a dramatic post-mortem appearance in scripture. But the truly amazing part of his story is how it began. In this powerful episode, we explore the simple, yet profound, act that defined Samuel's life: listening. You'll discover the surprising depth of the Hebrew word for "hear" and why it's a foundation for all faithfulness. We also look at the high cost of not listening, drawing a shocking parallel between a simple o-ring failure and the tragic Challenger disaster. If you struggle to shut out the noise and truly listen—to God or to the world around you—this message is a crucial reminder that your willingness to listen could be the "o-ring" that prevents a disaster. Tune in to find out why the greatest thing you can do this week is simply say, "Speak, LORD, your servant is listening."

Is Your Love Loud or Quiet? You know the big, flashy stuff: speaking in tongues, moving mountains, making grand gestures. The Apostle Paul said those acts mean absolutely nothing without love. But if love is the most important thing, how can you truly tell if you have it? This week, we dive into the difference between love as a feeling and love as an action. Using the framework of the 5 Love Languages and the powerful simplicity of scripture, we challenge the idea that serving God and people requires huge, loud acts. Instead, we learn to embrace the power of the quiet cup of water. Discover how to "turn your little omelet in the pan for the love of God" and find profound meaning in the smallest, most humble acts of service. If you've ever felt that your everyday life is too mundane to matter, this message is for you. Press play to learn how serving quietly is the loudest demonstration of love there is.

Do you struggle to pray consistently? Do you wonder if your prayers are truly powerful? We often think of prayer as a lever—something we have to push hard enough, long enough, or just right to get God to act. But what if we're focusing on the wrong thing? In this powerful episode, we use the simple machine of the lever and fulcrum to explore a completely fresh perspective on prayer, straight from the teachings of Jesus in the Gospel of Luke. Drawing inspiration from Archimedes and St. Therese of Lisieux, we make the case that the power in prayer doesn't come from your technique, your persistence, or your magical words. It comes from the stability and nature of your fulcrum: God Himself. In this episode, you will discover: The "Sheldon Cooper" Test: Why simple machines, like the lever, prove that leverage is key to achieving the impossible. A Shift in Focus: Why Jesus, when teaching his disciples to pray, constantly pointed to God's character (the Fulcrum) rather than our effort (the Lever). The Bad Neighbor and the Bad Judge: What two strange parables in Luke 11 and 18 reveal about your own theology and your confidence in God's willingness to listen and act. The Power of Relationship: How viewing prayer as conversation, not performance, can transform your struggle into an ongoing, joyful relationship. Stop trying to find the perfect formula for prayer. Start thinking about who you're talking to. Listen now to realize that prayer isn’t powerful because we say the right words. Prayer is powerful because God is powerful.

Do you ever feel like your words don't matter? Think again. In this episode, we're diving into one of the most daunting leadership jobs in history—leading the cranky, rebellious Israelites—and the powerful three-word strategy God gave Moses to prepare his successor, Joshua: Charge, Encourage, and Strengthen. We often dismiss talk as cheap, but what if your voice has the power to create? We'll break down the biblical idea of corrupting words versus building up words and explore how those little eye-rolls and dismissals can do more damage than a major insult. Discover the simple but profound practice of speaking life into the people around you. You’ll hear stories of how a few words saved Stephen King’s career and launched J.K. Rowling’s empire, and learn how to use your words as a means of grace that fits the moment. It’s time to stop underestimating your tongue. As Proverbs says, "Death and life are in the power of the tongue." Tune in to learn your next little step that can make a massive difference. Press play and learn how to Charge, Encourage, and Strengthen with the power of your words.

"He didn't leave home intending to slay a giant. He just showed up for his brothers, and God took care of the rest." What if the most impactful step you could take in life was also the simplest? Join us this week as we dive into a message inspired by the unforgettable faithfulness of Jim and Louise Dormer and the stories of David, Mary, and Zaccheus. It's a journey from the quiet presence at a funeral home to the dramatic clash with Goliath. Discover why showing up—whether for worship, celebration, or burden—is not just an act of kindness, but a defining spiritual moment. It's amazing how many good things happen just because you showed up. Tune in to learn the simple, yet profound, challenge: What does it truly mean for you to be present?

Do you ever feel awkward talking about faith? We all know faithfulness matters, but what about the little things? This week, we tackle one specific, powerful action: Inviting Boldly. You might think people don't want to come to church—but the research says you're wrong. In fact, most unchurched people would visit if a friend simply asked. Yet, most of us never ask! Stop gatekeeping Jesus's love. Listen in as we explore the seven invitations of Jesus and challenge ourselves to look past our own social circles to invite those who need Him most. It’s time to move past awkward silence and embrace the simple power of the invitation. Press play and be encouraged to make a huge difference with one little word.

When God Stops Time (Joshua 9 & 10) Can your God stop a raging river? Yes. Can he collapse a fortified city? Yes. Can he stop the sun and moon? This week, we confront the most mind-bending miracle in the book of Joshua: the day God literally extended time to ensure Israel's victory. While the enemy kings believed in God's power from a distance, the Israelites themselves struggled to grasp the scale of his ability. If you've ever let your own imagination limit your faith, this sermon is for you. We explore the terrible irony of "Christian atheism"—the subtle way we say we believe in a supernatural God while living as if his power is limited by physics or our problems. Discover why believing in the Resurrection means there's nothing left you can't imagine God doing.

The Fatal Flaw (Joshua 7) How did the army that just toppled the mighty city of Jericho get routed by a tiny, forgotten town? This week, we confront the stunning defeat at Ai. It wasn't about superior strategy or bigger numbers—it was about a single, hidden sin that had a catastrophic impact on the entire nation. Dive into this crucial sermon as we explore the deadly concept of "breaking faith." Discover why a seemingly minor act of greed by one man ("Achan's sin") was called an "outrageous thing," and learn a difficult, yet vital, truth: your relationship with God never just affects you. This message challenges us to examine the foundation of our own lives and community before the next battle arrives.

The Step After the Step (Joshua 4 & 5) You took the step of faith, the miracle happened, and you saw God move... Now what? We all experience "mountaintop moments" with God, only to quickly descend back into forgetfulness and fear. This week, as Israel stands triumphant on the other side of the Jordan, we look past the miracle itself to discover the vital, often-missed second step: Celebration. Join us as we explore how Joshua deliberately shifted his people from the anxiety of walking into a flooded river to the joy of setting up a monument—not for sadness, but for celebration. If your faith life feels too serious, discover the power of celebrating God's faithfulness to fuel your courage for whatever step comes next.

How do you conquer an intimidating, giant-patrolled Promised Land? You start by walking straight into a raging, flooded river. In this powerful message, we dive into the incredible story of Israel crossing the Jordan—a journey that required them to take a physical step into the water before the miracle happened. If you're waiting to "see before you believe," this sermon is for you. Learn why God often asks us to act on faith before he reveals the outcome, and discover three practical ways to find the strength and courage to take that scary, necessary first step into your own promise.

Before the Promise, there was the preparation. Moses is gone, the wilderness wandering is over, and an entire generation stands on the edge of the Promised Land. The baton is passed to Joshua, but how did this "assistant" get ready for the biggest leadership role of his life? Dive into the first sermon of our "Stepping into Promise" series as we explore the surprising power of preparation and the urgent, time-sensitive job of "interning" the next generation—a task far more vital than just academics or athletics. The clock is ticking. What are we doing with our 940 weekends?

What Do Jars, a Rock, and a Trumpet Have in Common?   If you were facing an army, a giant, or a walled city, what weapons would you choose? A missile? A tank? A machine gun? In this message, we dive into five crazy Biblical battles where God's people faced impossible odds armed with the most ridiculous weapons: jars, a rock, a farmer’s oxgoad, and even a pitch pipe! Stop believing the lie that you're not strong enough, smart enough, or rich enough. These stories of Gideon, David, and Jehoshaphat prove that God consistently uses the unconventional and the inadequate to achieve spectacular victories. Discover why your most challenging situation doesn't depend on what you have in your hand, but on Whose hand you're in. Learn to see the power of God unleashed through the things the world would dismiss as foolish.

The Aroma of Life 🌸👃   We've walked through Holy Week, experiencing the sorrow, service, and sacrifice. Today, we stand at the empty tomb! Did you know the Bible is a smelly book? From the pleasing aroma of Noah's sacrifice to the holy incense God prescribed, smell is deeply connected to memory and emotion. But what does the Cross smell like? It should smell like blood, sweat, and death. But because of Christ's Resurrection, that's not what we smell anymore! In 2 Corinthians, Paul says, "We are the aroma of Christ... to one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life." Today, we witness a transformation, turning the musty wood of the cross into a fragrant symbol of hope and unfailing love. This is the Easter Message: When you encounter the moments of life that smell like death, the Resurrection means that life might be right around the corner. Celebrate the Risen King with us! Come smell, remember, and find the aroma of life! 

It’s Good Friday—the pivotal moment of Holy Week. Today, we pause for a reflective "Sermon in Song" to sit with Jesus in His darkest hours. In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus was "sorrowful and troubled, even to death." His friends slept, and He begged His Father: "if it be possible, let this cup pass from me." 👉 If you have ever been failed by a friend, begged God for another way, or felt such deep sorrow you thought you could die—Jesus knows exactly what you’ve been through. On the Cross, amidst unimaginable pain, He demonstrated His greatest love: forgiving His insults and looking out for His mother. At His worst moment, He was at His most lovable. This story is the reason we have church. It's the reason we love Him. Take a moment, listen, and truly feel the depth of His sacrifice.

Today, we pause on Maundy Thursday to reflect on Jesus' most radical act of service: washing the feet of His disciples (John 13). We often admire the symbol of foot washing, but Jesus' command was clear: "I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you." We're called to do the reality, not just admire the symbol! From a 3 AM feeding to picking up trash that isn't yours, humble service is what Jesus meant. It’s what you do when someone might whisper, "Isn't that beneath him?" Join us to challenge the idea that service is for other people. As Jesus said, if you want to be like Him, you must be the servant. Listen now and learn how we truly wash feet in the real world.

A Year’s Wages Wasted? Love vs. Logic at the Dinner Table. It’s Holy Week Wednesday, and Jesus is at a dinner party in Bethany—a room packed with people who have literally been brought back from the brink of death: Simon the former leper, and Lazarus the man raised from the dead. Amid this atmosphere of life-changing gratitude, Mary pours out a flask of extremely expensive ointment on Jesus' feet. It was a radical, costly act of reckless worship. But right there in the room, someone snaps: "Why this waste?" Today, we look at the incredible contrast between Mary's extravagant love and the cold, logical indignation of Judas (and the other disciples). This story forces us to face a difficult truth: If you’re not the person falling down in reckless worship, are you the person most likely to betray Him? Find out which category you fall into and why Jesus says: "He who is forgiven little, loves little."

Can You Stay Awake Forever? (Hint: No.) It's Holy Week Tuesday—the last day Jesus walked the earth before the events of the Passion began. Today, we slow down and listen to the longest, most challenging sermon Jesus ever preached: the Olivet Discourse (Matthew 24-25). The disciples were worried about a coming disaster, and Jesus' answer was simple: "Be Ready." But how do you prepare for the end of the world as you know it? Is it a bunker, shelf-stable food, or a stockpile of whiskey and ammo? Jesus tells us about virgins who fell asleep, and warns us about the destruction of Jerusalem and His ultimate return. The lesson isn't about staying awake forever, it's about being ready when you wake up. Discover the simple, powerful act of "readiness" that Jesus demands. It might be the spiritual spring cleaning you need to fight complacency and live well right now.

Have you heard the story of the Cleansing of the Temple? What was going on when Jesus made the whip and turned over the tables? How do we need to make room in our hearts for his message.

Spring cleaning for the soul starts NOW! 🌱 Today, we kick off our Holy Week series by transporting back to Palm Sunday. Forget what you expect from a king—Jesus rides in on a colt, not a war horse, and instead of calling for battle, He weeps. Why? Because He's the weirdest... and best... King the world has ever known. Join us for this first message as we challenge ourselves to stop being lukewarm and give King Jesus the full-coat-on-the-ground reverence He deserves.

Do you ever feel "malformed" by life? 🤔 The Bible is full of stories about people who let pride, comfort, or control warp their faith. We're diving into the powerful stories of Ananias & Sapphira, Peter, and Simon the Magician to see how spiritual malformation happens. But here's the good news: It doesn't have to be permanent. Listen and find out why your story is not over, because God is always in the reforming business.

The term "Spiritual Formation" gets thrown around a lot, but what does it really mean? Simply put, it's submitting to the Holy Spirit to make us more like Jesus. In this message, we explore why this process is the church's ultimate mission. We look at key passages like 2 Peter 3:18, Ephesians 4:11, and Romans 12:2 to understand the stark choice before every person: you are either being transformed or malformed. Are you content with simply "going to church," or do you desire to see Christ fully formed in your life? We examine the simple, unpopular word that underpins all of Spiritual Formation: obedience. Listen as we ask the hard questions about areas like anger, forgiveness, and worry, and commit to the simple, radical decision: Will you choose The Jesus Way? Download and listen to this vital sermon to renew your commitment to growing up "to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ."

Take a listen to the stories of a few men at Burns and how God has worked to form them. What do you notice they have in common?

Ever heard the phrase "faith like a mustard seed?" Of course you have. It's one of Christianity's most ubiquitous, and often misunderstood, sayings. In this powerful message, we dive deep into the Bible to look at Two Tales of the Mustard Seed. You might be surprised to learn that Jesus uses this image in two very different contexts, leading to two distinct—yet absolutely essential—lessons for your life. First, we explore the Parable of the Kingdom, where the tiny seed proves that a little is always enough when it's in God's service. Then, we look at the disciples' embarrassing failure in Matthew 17, where Jesus turns the phrase into a sharp question: If faith can move mountains, why aren't any mountains moving in your life? Stop worrying that you're not enough, and start asking: Do I have any real faith at all? This sermon will challenge you to stop faking it and finally prove it.

What Does It Really Mean to Follow Jesus? Most people have it wrong. Following Jesus is more than going to church, trying to be good, or having a vague sense of "spirituality." We get honest about the three biggest challenges every single Christian faces: We can’t see Him, we constantly get distracted, and let's face it—Jesus was perfect, and we are not. If you struggle to keep up, you're in great company (just look at the original disciples!). Tune in as we explore a simple, powerful truth from Matthew 10:25 and discover why the secret to following Jesus isn't about perfect performance, but about the unfailing mercy of Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit. Stop beating yourself up and learn what it truly means to be a student of the Teacher. Press play to find grace in the journey.

Is the story of the widow's two coins a feel-good story, or a scathing critique? Most of us miss the crucial context. Just moments before watching the widow, Jesus condemns the religious leaders for "devouring widow's houses." In this episode, we explore how this story is a living example of that condemnation. It's the launchpad for a deep look at "human math" vs. "God's math"—the world's way of adding up power, influence, and security versus the kingdom's logic of service, sacrifice, and faith. If you've ever felt that your small acts of faithfulness don't add up to much, this message is for you.

New Year, New Focus: The 2025 Theme Is Here! Sermons can be terrible in all sorts of predictable ways—and the annual look-back/look-ahead message is often the worst offender! In this message, Matthew not only revisits 10 years of past themes (from "Simply Christian" to "Perspective"), but also casts a clear vision for where God is leading us next. Join us as we celebrate the amazing faithfulness of God in 2024 and dive into the simple, powerful truth that will anchor our community in the coming year. This message introduces our 2025 theme, taken straight from Jesus's words in Luke 16:10: "Faithful in Little." Discover why you don't have to save the world, and how being faithful in the very little things God has put in your hands is actually the most significant thing you can do.