Bluffton Community

Primary Scripture: Colossians 1:28-29What the message hopes to accomplish: Believers are called to make disciples. Jesus gave this commission to his disciples before he ascended into heaven and his disciples passed this command down to their disciples. Paul helps us to see that we make disciples by warning and teaching others about all the Jesus has commanded but we don't do this alone. Jesus encouraged his disciples that he would be with them through the Holy Spirit and Paul reminds us that it is the Holy Spirit's energy and power working in us that allows us to be On Mission. When you say YES to Jesus, you receive the power of the Holy Spirit and the result is joining God on His Rescue Mission to save not-yet believers from sin and death!

Pursue w/ Bluffton Community | Episode 4With special guest Kally Cotter.

Pursue w/ Bluffton Community | Episode 3

Pursue Podcast - Episode 2

20260503 | Connection Card - https://blufftoncommunity.churchcenter.com/people/forms/1218011

Primary Scripture: Ephesians 4:17-5:5What this message hopes to accomplish: As we wrap up our series 4 Questions Everyone Should Ask...and Answer, we focus on the question "Why Am I Here?" Ephesians makes it clear that we are here to imitate our creator. As we put our eyes on Christ we will become more and more like him, and this is why we are here!

Primary Scripture: Ephesians 2:1-10What the message hopes to accomplish: Paul clearly identifies the gospel in the second chapter of Ephesians. Despite our sinful nature which separates us from God, Jesus Christ loved us enough to die for us so that we could be reunited with Him. Because of Jesus we are made alive in Christ when we believe, when we put our faith in his atoning work on the Cross. This message hopes to communicate clearly that God calls us to choose him first through repentance, then by going public in baptism, and finally by joining Him in his rescue mission to save people from sin and death by sharing the good news that Jesus came to save each one of us!

Primary Scripture: Ephesians 1:1-14What this message hopes to accomplish: In this passage Paul helps us answer the question "Where do I belong?" by helping us see we belong "In Christ". Jesus has redeemed, or purchased, us with his blood on the Christ and because of that we belong to him. Whether we have placed our faith in Jesus as our Lord and Savior, our leader and forgiver, his death was the payment for our sin. Now we are called to receive God's mercy, his grace, by faith trusting that Jesus' life, death, and resurrection paid for our sins. We are not our own, we have been bought with the blood of Jesus so now we may receive eternal life in Christ by trusting in Him!

Primary Scripture: Ephesians 1:16-23What this message hopes to accomplish: To help believers and not-yet believers know that their identity is found in the resurrection of Jesus Christ! The resurrection confirms that the Holy Spirit, the power that raised Jesus from the dead, communicates to us that we are called, valued, and empowered. Through the Holy Spirit we may see the truth about Jesus' resurrection and who we are in Christ!

Primary Scripture: Ephesians 6:18-20What this Message Hopes to Accomplish: Help believers prepare themselves to expand the Kingdom of Heaven through prayer and sharing the good news. Paul encourages believers to pray at all times, in the Spirit, and for each other. This is how followers of Christ join the fight, taking up the sword of the Spirit which is the word of God and speaking the Truth in love over their friends, family, community, and church!

Primary Scripture: Hebrews 13:15-16What this message hopes to accomplish: This message looks at how the struggles we all face aren’t something we can fix just by trying harder or getting our lives together but something Jesus has already stepped into and made a way through. Walking through Hebrews 13:15-16, it shows how Jesus fulfilled what all the old sacrifices were pointing to, and how that changes everything about how we relate to God. Instead of striving to earn His love, we’re invited to trust what He’s already done for us. From there, praise becomes less about a religious routine and more about a response something that shows up not just in what we say, but in how we live, care for others, and express gratitude. At the end of the day, it’s all about discovering the kind of life that grows out of what Jesus has already done.

We're so excited to launch our new church podcast called Pursue w/ Bluffton Community. In Episode 1, hosted by Kyle Place along with Elders Marty Cotter and Ben Thiel, we'll hear about how Ben and his wife Sarah's recent trip to Israel impacted their life and how Pastor Ben sees this experience impacting the church! Thank you so much for joining us for our first episode as we learn how God pursues us and how we can continue to pursue a deeper relationship with him knowing, loving, and relying on God every day, enjoy!

Primary Scripture: Matthew 15:29-39What we hope this message accomplishes: Jesus performs a very similar miracle in comparison to the feeding of the 5000, this time with a Gentile crowd of 4000. Jesus mentions that he is unwilling to let the crowd go away hungry, "lest they faint along the way." What Jesus is communicating is that it is his teaching that truly satisfies and when we find our satisfaction in him alone we will have what we need to overcome weariness and when we are about to lose heart. Have you turned to Jesus as your forgiver and leader? Do you trust that Jesus alone is enough to finally and fully satisfy your needs? Jesus IS enough because he came to accomplish the work necessary for our salvation, by placing our faith in him we receive eternal life and the will of God is accomplished!

Primary Scripture: Matthew 15:21-28What We Hope This Message Accomplishes: To call people—regardless of background, struggle, or perceived worth—to approach Jesus with persistent, trusting faith, knowing that true satisfaction is found in His mercy, not in status or entitlement.

Primary Scripture: Matthew 15:1-20What We Hope This Message Accomplishes: The Pharisees pursue righteousness through rules and traditions, yet their hearts remain far from God. Jesus exposes the danger of substituting external religion for internal transformation. Jesus calls His followers to embrace the truth of God’s Word over man-made systems, reminding us that satisfaction is found in a heart aligned with God, not in religious performance.

Primary Scripture: Matthew 14:22-36What We Hope This Message Accomplishes: This passage reveals that circumstances test where we seek security and satisfaction. Fear grows when trust fades, but peace comes when eyes remain fixed on Christ. Jesus proves Himself tried and true—not by removing every storm, but by meeting His people in the middle of them. Lasting satisfaction is found in trusting His presence, not in calm conditions.

Primary Scripture: Matthew 14:13-21What We Hope This Message Accomplishes: Following their return from ministry Jesus takes his disciples into a desolate place. It is in the desolate place that he helps them see that he is enough, alone. When we have what we need we tend to rely on ourselves, but when we lack the proper resources Jesus shows his true power in providing abundant satisfaction. Where can you go to escape the noise and "abundance" the world offers to allow Jesus to remind you he truly is enough and brings true satisfaction that is final and filling!

Primary Scripture: Matthew 14:1-12What We Hope This Message Accomplishes: This passage reveals a sobering truth: power gained apart from God never brings peace. Human authority cannot quiet a guilty conscience, cover sin, or satisfy a restless soul. True satisfaction is not found in control, but in surrender to the truth, something John the Baptist embodied and Herod rejected.

Primary Scripture: Matthew 28:16-20What this message hopes to accomplish: to remind the church that making disciples is not a suggestion but a direct command from the risen King. The sermon explains that biblical discipleship begins with Jesus’ authority and is more than simply gaining knowledge—it is a costly, life-surrendering commitment to follow Christ, deny oneself daily, and help others do the same. It emphasizes that without discipleship believers remain shallow, but through intentional disciple-making the church grows deep roots of maturity and faithfulness. The call is practical: first be a disciple, abide with Jesus, imitate Him, obey His Word, and live fueled by the gospel. This hopes to be a clear reminder that discipleship starts not with what we do for Jesus, but with what He has done for us through His cross and resurrection, inviting all people to come to Christ and follow Him fully.

Primary Scripture: Luke 9:23-27What we Hope this Message Accomplishes: Jesus calls us to make disciples, but what is a disciple, and how do I become one? In Luke 9, Jesus clearly teaches to be a disciple was a costly venture. True disciples deny themselves, take up their cross (daily), and follow Him. In this message we look at what it means to do these three things and most importantly why it's worth the cost! Thank you for joining us online today, stay safe, stay warm!

Primary Scripture: Romans 12:1-2What we hope this message accomplishes: We are called to surrender to God and resist Satan and his schemes. Paul reminds us that we can choose to present our bodies as a living sacrifice rather than conforming to the patterns of this world. In this message we are encouraged to "take inventory" of God's faithfulness to help us choose surrender!

Primary Scripture: Acts 4:23-31What We Hope This Message Accomplishes: Bluffton Community has always valued praying BOLD prayers. This message hopes to shed light on what praying BOLD prayers looks like. From the passage in Acts we see that bold means plain, honest, blunt prayers. God does not require deep, impressive, theologically rich prayers he simply wants us to talk to him praying bold prayers trusting His will to give us what we need even when it's not always what we want.

Primary Scripture: Joshua 1:1-9What We Hope This Message Accomplishes: God reminds Joshua in chapter 1 verse 8 that remaining obedient to God's word leads to enjoyment. The goal of this message is to help people see that spending time in the word of God leads to a deeper relationship with their creator and is one of the best things they can engage in every single day. This message also aims to help people practically develop the practice of spending time in God's word every day!

Primary Scripture: Luke 3:23-38What We Hope This Message Accomplishes: People would understand that God’s timing and our timing are often very different. God was willing to wait hundreds and thousands of years to accomplish His plan through Christ. He is still patient today. This understanding would lead people to allow the Holy Spirit to grow His patience in them as they trust God daily in their lives.

Primary Scripture: Luke 2:1-20What We Hope This Message Accomplishes: People would have a fresh perspective on what happened at Christmas: God gave us his word! Jesus is the Word of God and by coming He proved that God always keeps his word. When the shepherds encountered the angels and heard the angel chorus they didn't celebrate the angels, they went to experience the word of God that had been spoken to them. This Christmas we are reminded to celebrate God's word, to treasure God's word, and to share God's word with all people!

Primary Scripture: Isaiah 9:6-7What We Hope This Message Accomplishes: People would see the specific promises God made regarding His Messiah and how He fulfilled them in Christ. This message should highlight God’s faithfulness to keep His word, but also that He is able to keep His word. Understanding this would lead people to trust God in other areas of their lives where God has made promises. What other promises has God made that people (not-yet believers and believers) should know and count on this Christmas season?

Primary Scripture: Matthew 1:21What We Hope This Message Accomplishes: People would know that the primary reason Jesus came to earth in the flesh was to save us from our sins. There’s quite a bit to unpack with this truth. From there, we hope seekers would cross over into genuine faith. We also hope that believers would rejoice in God’s salvation and enjoy what Jesus has provided for them.

Primary Scripture: Matthew 1:22-23What We Hope This Message Accomplishes: People to know that God is near—not far off and distant— and to sense that in their own lives and feel His nearness. People far from God would want to draw near through faith in Jesus Christ. Believers would be equipped with biblical practices to maintain a close relationship with God daily. What causes people to sense the closeness of God?

Primary Scripture: John 20:31Thank you for joining us for a panel discussion about sharing our faith with others and inviting them to follow Jesus as we enter into the Christmas season!

Primary Scripture: Matthew 13:53-58Summary: Jesus went to Nazareth, teaching in the synagogue. Some people were amazed. Others took offense at Him. Jesus did not do many miracles because they lacked faith.Key Themes: Responses to Jesus, Honor, FaithDesired Outcomes: People would see that what they believe about Jesus is central to saving faith. People would want to know who Jesus is from the Bible as opposed to other sources. Not-yet believers and believes would enjoy faith in Christ.

Primary Scripture: Matthew 13:47-52Summary: Jesus told one more parable to His disciples about letting net down into the lake to catch fish. The fishermen separated the good fish from the bad fish. This represented the end of the age when the angels separate the wicked from the righteous. Then Jesus made a striking statement: teachers of the law who become disciples are like people who rediscover their home.Key Themes: Parables, Judgment, TransformationDesired Outcomes: People would understand that this life is not all there is. People would want to say Yes to Jesus. Not-yet believers would say Yes to Jesus and believers would help people say Yes.

Primary Scripture: Matthew 13:44-46Summary: Jesus told two more parables. One was about a treasure found in a field and the other about a pearl found, presumably in a market. The response was the same: selling all a person had to purchase it.Key Themes: Parables, Searching, Joy, Total SurrenderDesired Outcomes: People would see the value of walking with God through faith in Christ. People would sense joy when they think about a relationship with God. People would willingly give away their very lives to enjoy God.

Primary Scripture: Matthew 13:36-43Summary: Jesus shifted from talking to the crowds to talking with the disciples in a house. They asked him to explain the parable of the weeds in the field. He did. Jesus described what appears to be a time of judgment.Key Themes: Parables, Final Judgment, End TimeDesired Outcomes: People would understand that believers understand some things that not-yet believers do not because of their relationship with Jesus. People would want to be rescued from final ultimate separation from God. Not-yet believers would say Yes to Jesus and believers would help people say Yes.

Primary Scripture: Matthew 13:31-35Summary: Jesus told two more parables to the crowd: about a mustard seed and yeast. Mustard seeds begin small but grows into one of the largest garden plants. A small amount of yeast can affect a large amount of dough. Matthew explain that Jesus used parables to fulfill an Old Testament prophecy.Key Themes: Parables, Small to Large, Growth, Effect, ProphecyDesired Outcomes: People would believe that God can take small steps of faith and use them significantly. People would want to experience the kingdom of heaven. Believers would trust God to complete the work He begins.

Primary Scripture: Matthew 13:24-30Summary: Jesus told a parable about a man sowing good seed and his enemy sowing weeds in that same field. The solution: let the weeds and wheat grow together until harvest time.Key Themes: Parables, Good/Evil in the World, JudgmentDesired Outcomes: People would see that God is patient and merciful. Not-yet believers would choose to say Yes to Jesus. Believers would share the Good News with urgency because judgment will come.

Primary Scripture: Matthew 13:1-23Summary: Jesus told a parable about a farmer scattering seed and what happened to the seeds in different soils and environments. The disciples ask why He used parables. Then Jesus explained what the parable meant.Key Themes: Parables, Responses to the Good News, ProphecyDesired Outcomes: People would understand that the Good News requires a response. Believers would feel joyful that God has opened their eyes and ears to “the secrets of the kingdom of heaven.” Believers would share the Good News with others and trust God with the results.

Primary Scripture: Matthew 12:46-50Summary: Mary and Jesus’ brothers asked to speak with Jesus. In response, Jesus asked who His family was? “Pointing to his disciples,” Jesus answered His own question.Key Themes: Family, Obedience to GodDesired Outcomes: People would see that God is a believer’s first and greatest love. Believers would want to walk in alignment and obedience to God. Believers would praise God that they are a part of His family be grace through faith and not by works.

Primary Scripture: Matthew 12:15-37Summary: Matthew quoted Isaiah 42:1-4 showing that Jesus was God’s “chosen servant” prophesied about hundreds of years in advance. Immediately following is the account of the Pharisees attributing Jesus’ miraclesto the power of Beelzebul (Satan). They missed it.Key Themes: Miracles, Prophecy, Spiritual Realm, Jesus’ IdentityDesired Outcomes: People would learn to discern between works of God and works of Satan. People wouldwant to read the OT to see how it points to Jesus. people would take time to discover who Jesus truly is.

Primary Scripture: Matthew 12:38-45Summary: The Pharisees asked Jesus for a sign (though He had just healed a demon-possessed man). Jesus promised them the “sign of Jonah.” The Pharisees stood in the presence of One greater than the prophet Jonah or the wise Solomon. They stood in the presence of God… and they missed it.Key Themes: Death and Resurrection, Judgment, Spiritual PossessionDesired Outcomes: People would discover that repentance is the way to genuine faith. The Holy Spirit would be pleased to set people free from sin and bondage. People would turn to faith in Jesus as the Son ofGod.

Primary Scripture: Matthew 12:1-14Summary: The Pharisees were hyper-focused on Jews keeping the law, especially the Sabbath. Twice, it seems like Jesus broke the Sabbath and led people into unrighteousness. In reality, it was religion that kept peoplefrom truly experiencing God.Key Themes: Sabbath, Law-keeping/Religion, Divinity of JesusDesired Outcomes: People would learn the origins and purpose of Sabbath. The Holy Spirit would open eyes to the truth that Jesus is God. People would throw down religion and step into genuine faith.

Primary Scripture: John 15:26-16:15Focus: Jesus told the disciples that the Holy Spirit would come and lead them in truth. Then He made this profound statement, "It's for your good that I'm going away and the Holy Spirit comes." Why? Jesus was passing ministry on to the disciples and gave them a glimpse into their future. We can do the same thing for the people of Bluffton Community.Desired Outcomes: That people would have a better understanding of the direction of ministry at Bluffton Community. That believers would feel equipped because they have the Holy Spirit living inside of them. That believers would step into ministry, whether with a ministry team at Bluffton Community or through ministry in their personal lives.

Primary Scripture: Matthew 11:28-30Focus: The goal of this message is to remind Bluffton Community that our rest is found in Jesus and as we head into fall, work schedules getting regular after summer, kids going back to school with all of it's activities we must resist the busy life that leaves God behind, and remember to be intentional finding rest in the one whom rest is found.

Thank you for joining us as we take a look at the importance of Small Group ministry at Bluffton Community by hearing from individuals in the church that have personally witnessed the impact of intentionally connecting with others at the church has had on their lives! At Bluffton Community we devote ourselves to the Apostle's teaching, to fellowship, breaking of bread (including the Lord's Supper), and the prayer every Sunday morning and throughout the week in our homes in small groups! Thank you for watching, we hope to see you on Sunday morning at 9am and 11am!

Primary Scripture: Luke 7:20-23Focus: John the Baptizer’s disciples came to Jesus asking a question on behalf of their rabbi, “Are You the Messiah?” Jesus’ response, “Look at the evidence for yourself.” Jesus was actively involved in the lives of people. This is part of what made His ministry so remarkable (aside from the fact that He is the Son of God in the flesh). As our churches grow, we don’t see ourselves moving away from people, but just the opposite, moving closer to people.Desired Outcomes: That people would see themselves as joining God in His rescue mission and using their gifts to grow God’s kingdom.

Primary Scripture: Luke 9:23Focus: Sometimes, Jesus’ invitation to become one of His followers is remarkably different than invitations that are made in churches today. Deny yourself. Take up your cross daily. Follow me. Three short phrases and yet such depth that they challenge us still today. What does this mean and how do we help each other walk with God?

Primary Scripture: John 4:27-42Focus: Every Christian is called to be a minister of reconciliation. God even calls us partners in this work. Christians are chosen, commissioned, equipped, enabled, qualified, and empowered to share the gospel with a lost world. Jesus had a hart for those who would seek Him.Desired Outcomes: That people would understand that sharing the good news of Jesus is the key mission of the church and the Holy Spirit would move them to jump in.

Primary Scripture: Colossians 1:9-14Focus: The Apostle Paul prays for the believers in Colosse. The depth of his care for these believers leads him to big prayers for these believers. The heart of God is exposed as Paul prays for them. God wants all who have left the kingdom of darkness and are now part of the Kingdom of God’s Son to know him fully.

Primary Scripture: Psalm 51Focus: David fell into the wicked sin of adultery with Bathsheba and then had her husband killed to cover his sin. The prophet Nathan confronted David who responded with deep remorse and repentance. David’s prayer shows us confession, repentance, heart change and worship. This prayer lets us struggle with David in his personal failure and teaches us about the character of God.

Primary Scripture: Matthew 6:5-13Focus: Jesus taught his disciples to pray in what is commonly known as the Lord’s Prayer (vs. 9-13). The context of this prayer is as important as the ordering of the things Jesus suggests we pray about. While this prayer is often quoted by rote, these specific instructions from Jesus on prayer are worth slowing down, so that we can hear and respond.Desired Outcomes: Encouragement to pray as Jesus taught us. Recognition that genuine prayer begins with God and His will. Reflection on our own hearts and the need for repentance.

Primary Scripture: Colossians 3:23BIG IDEA: Work is a way to worship God.Message Focus: Even though it may feel like it, work is not punishment from God. Quite the opposite! Workis a gift! Work became more difficult and a key source of identity after sin entered into the world. Praise Godthat even work has been redeemed through the work of the gospel! There is no separation between “spiritual”and “secular.” Now, we can work for God’s glory and use it as a means to invite others into salvation throughfaith in Christ. This is an opportunity to help people learn how to resist worshiping work.Potential Next Steps: Commit your work to God each day. Intentionally serve a co-worker, student, withno expectation of a return.