We're exploring perhaps the weirdest passage in the entire Bible through the acronym W.E.I.R.D. The "W" stands for 'Warped Wife-Wooing' where nefarious spiritual beings, referred to as 'the sons of God,' took human women as wives. This act is presented as a great sin and a fall of spiritual beings, paralleling humanity's fall in Genesis 3. The message highlights how both falls involve 'looking and taking,' revealing the expressway-sized connection between our eyes and heart, where envy leads to lust and actions outside of God's will. To combat the anxiety, envy, and unhappiness that arise from covetousness, discipline your eyes and set your mind’s eye on Jesus, who alone brings true joy and contentment.

This episode features four videos which can be watched in order here:
1. Peanut in the Peanut Butter
2. Suel Forrester the Substitute Teacher
3. 4 Proofs of the Resurrection
4. Joe Rogan and Michael Shellenberger

Will you make the bold leap from evidence to faith? In this Resurrection Sunday message, we explore how Thomas moved from demanding proof to making a profound declaration of faith. The sermon first highlights Thomas’s bold personality as he dared to voice the questions and fears the other disciples were too afraid to mention. We then see the bold proof that Jesus gave to Thomas, proving that faith and evidence are not mutually exclusive. Finally, we are challenged by Thomas’s bold profession to move beyond mere investigation and into a committed belief in the Messiah, even while navigating the reality of lingering doubts. Don't wait for the absence of all doubt to make the bold leap from investigating the evidence to professing faith in Jesus Christ.

Guest preacher Adam Brill joins Grace 242 to explore the concept of wisdom as presented in Job 28, which acts as an "interlude" within the book of Job, bridging historical narrative and poetic dialogue. It contrasts human efforts to acquire valuable material possessions with the unattainable nature of true wisdom through human means. Wisdom ultimately comes solely from God, found in fearing the Lord and shunning evil. Adam leaves us with an encouragement toward biblical literacy and understanding of scriptural context.

Painting: https://ibb.co/wv0YyXH

In this episode, Peggy and Pastor Bill discuss the Peggy's painting which you can view here. Peggy's painting vividly contrasts worldly wealth and possessions (depicted in black and white) with the true riches found in Jesus Christ (represented in color). Peggy shares her personal journey from believing worldly success was the ultimate goal to realizing its emptiness, learning that all earthly "trappings" pale in comparison to Christ's humble sacrifice. The sermon emphasizes that through Jesus's humility—the King of the cosmos stooping to become a baby boy in a manger—we are freed from the oppressive need to pursue material wealth and instead embrace a life of true humility and purpose in Him.

In this special Christmas Eve episode of A Better Story, guest Taylor Englund joins us to explore the cosmic magnitude of the Christmas story. Moving beyond the traditional narrative, we dive into the fascinating historical theory that Jesus was actually born on September 11, 3 B.C., aligning with the Jewish Feast of Trumpets. Tune in to discover the true identity of the Magi, the astronomical evidence behind the Star of Bethlehem found in Revelation 12, and how the heavens themselves heralded the arrival of the King of kings.

Notice: This message interviews one of Grace 242's covenant partners about the sketch he made of Jesus. View those images here. 

Like the character Riley in the movie Inside Out , every human has emotions, feelings, and attitudes; they are part of the human experience. But how do we ensure these emotions are healthy? This sermon, part of "The L Fruits of Jesus" series, explores the fruit of level-headedness.

This message examines Level-Headedness through three "L"s:

The Lordship of Level-Headedness: This explores what it means to place our attitudes, feelings, and emotions under the lordship of Jesus Christ. It examines the two "ditches" churches often fall into: replacing scripture's authority with feelings or removing emotions from discipleship entirely, which can lead to being spiritually mature while remaining emotionally immature.

The Likeness of Level-Headedness: Looking at Ephesians 4:24, this "L" discusses what it means to be "created to be like God." While God has emotions, He is impassible (His state doesn't change). Jesus, however, fully shared the human emotional experience to redeem and restore the image of God in us. In this section, Pastor Bill contrasts depictions of emotionless Jesus with a sketch that Bob from Grace 242 did. Those images may be viewed here.

The Labor of Level-Headedness: This section provides practical application based on Ephesians 4:22-24. We are to "throw off" the old nature, "put on" the new, and let the Spirit "renew our thoughts and attitudes." The key question is whether we are submitting our emotions to the Master or letting our emotions master us. The goal is not to be emotionless , but to direct our emotions for God's glory.

Have you ever had a social situation where you had to deal with a one-upper? One-upping, or pride, is the way of the world, but the way of Jesus is the exact opposite: lowliness or humility. Disciples of Jesus are instructed to have the same attitude as Christ. This message explores the "L" fruit of lowliness through three questions:

1. What is Humility? Humility is not thinking more of yourself (overt pride/vain conceit) or thinking less of yourself (covert pride/selfish ambition). Rather, humility is thinking accurately and truthfully about yourself.

2. How to Practice Humility? We practice humility by having the same attitude as Christ Jesus and making ourselves of no reputation. Jesus made Himself of no reputation by serving, obeying, and dying. We are called to serve others (taking the position of a slave), obey God's plan, and die to ourselves—to our name, reputation, plans, preferences, and desires.

3. Why Value Humility? Disciples of Jesus value humility because it is the fruit of life. Pride is the fruit of death, as seen in Adam and Eve's rebellion to spread their own reputation. In contrast, Jesus's perfect humility is our life and our salvation.

Disciples of Jesus are learners—the learning never stops! This week, we dive into the second "L" fruit of Jesus, the fruit of Learning, and explore the two ways disciples are called to learn and grow in Christ. Romans 12:2 gives us two ways of learning, both starting with the letter "I":

1. Information: This method, associated with Hellenism, focuses on the renewal of your mind. Disciples are called to be faithful learners by meditating on God's Word, looking for a daily God nugget, and internalizing media that is pure and commendable.

2. Imitation: This method, associated with Hebraism, focuses on not being conformed to this world, but imitating Christ. Just as an apprentice learns by observing and patterning their life after their rabbi, disciples learn by apprenticing themselves to Jesus, who says, "learn from me".

Ultimately, disciples don't conform to the world; we conform to Christ by renewing our minds and apprenticing ourselves to the gentle Master, Jesus

Scripture Reading: Matthew 22:35-40, Matthew 7:17-20, Matthew 7:13-14

Series: The “L” Fruits of Jesus

When observing the lavish lifestyle of a televangelist, it’s easy to question the "fruit" of their ministry. Jesus Himself said we would identify people by their fruit. So, what fruit should we expect to see in the life of a disciple?

This sermon kicks off a new series, "The 'L' Fruits of Jesus," by focusing on the most foundational fruit: Love. We explore the two critical axes of Christian love. The vertical axis is loving God, which is demonstrated not just by hearing His word, but by our obedience to it. The horizontal axis is loving others, which requires traveling the "narrow road." This difficult path specifically challenges us to love our enemies and to speak the truth in love , even when the world redefines what "truth" and "love" mean.

In the 1970s, Xerox invented the future of computing with the graphical user interface (GUI) and the mouse, but failed to realize the gold mine they were sitting on. They squandered their best resource, which Apple and Steve Jobs eagerly capitalized on to revolutionize the world. Christians often treat prayer the same way Xerox treated the GUI—as our most powerful, yet least utilized, weapon. Discover the three prompts that awaken us to the power of prayer: 1. Its intimacy 2. Its difficulty, and 3. Its consistency. Learn what it means to pray "in the Spirit" and align yourself with what God is already doing.

The third component of the church's blueprint found in Acts 2:42 is the sharing of meals. Jesus provides the model for how we should approach the table, teaching us how to E.A.T. 

• E - Example of Jesus: The early church shared meals because Jesus constantly shared meals. He was so often at the meal table that his accusers called him a glutton and a drunkard.
• A - Accepting the Outsider: A key part of Jesus's example was accepting those who were considered outsiders, like tax collectors and sinners. When Jesus dines with a tax collector named Levi, it forces us to choose our reaction: the pride of the Pharisees who sneer at Jesus's choice of company, or the humility of Levi who recognizes that if Jesus welcomes sinners, he welcomes us. 
• T - Table Task: Jesus used the table to carry out his discipleship mission. We are called to do the same by leveraging our tables for mission. We can do this by practicing spiritual disciplines, having spiritual conversations, and extending hospitality to others around our tables. The table is mission control for the family and a primary tool for discipleship.

This message is the second in the series "The 242 Blueprint," which examines Acts 2:42 as a foundational model for the church. This week's sermon focuses on the topic of fellowship, using the analogy of watching football in a living room to explore what it means to be part of the Christian community.

The message outlines three biblical facets of fellowship:

• The Player: Recognizing that we are not isolated individuals but members of a team—the body of Christ. This requires a shift from individualization to incorporation.
• The Position: Every member has a unique function and spiritual gifts to use for the church. This calls for a shift from inaction to involvement.
• The Purpose: The purpose of the church's love for one another is to be so extraordinary that it shows the world who Jesus is. This requires a shift from insularity to invitation.

What do the Leaning Tower of Pisa and a luxury skyscraper in San Francisco have in common? A faulty foundation. Just as a building requires a solid base to stand, so does the church.

We're kicking off a new series, "The 242 Blueprint," based on the four foundational elements of the early church found in Acts 2:42. In this episode, we examine the very first pillar: the apostles' teaching. This teaching wasn't a complex philosophy but a powerful testimony to a single, world-changing event: Jesus is the long-awaited Messiah because He walked out of the grave.

Join us as we explore why this truth was a reliable foundation for the church in the past, is reliable in the present, and will be reliable in the future. We'll discuss how Jesus's resurrection makes truth objective, why this truth is often divisive but always worth fighting for, and how it provides an unshakable hope for our future. This message will challenge you to see the Bible not as a textbook to be studied, but as the living and active story that points to the one we worship: the risen Jesus Christ.

Scripture Reading: 1 Timothy 4:7-10

Pastor Bill returns from his summer sabbatical to give three reflections on training for godliness:

1. Discipline takes effort. 

2. Discipline affects others. 

3. Discipline pays off. 

Coinciding with the start of Lent, we are in a series on Jesus' Sermon on the Mount from Matthew chapters 5-7. 

Today's passage is simultaneously one of the most quoted and least understood sections of scripture.

Please join us in Pastor Bill's challenge to read through the entire sermon, Matthew 5-7, at least once per week. Share your stories and takeaways on our shout out board here: https://t.ly/pvx50

Coinciding with the start of Lent, we are in a series on Jesus' Sermon on the Mount from Matthew chapters 5-7. 

This is probably the most difficult section of an already difficult sermon. How do we shown what we've been shown to our enemies? Four verbs: 1. Remember 2. Look 3. Ask 4. Approach

Please join us in Pastor Bill's challenge to read through the entire sermon, Matthew 5-7, at least once per week. Share your stories and takeaways on our shout out board here: https://t.ly/pvx50

Coinciding with the start of Lent, we are in a series on Jesus' Sermon on the Mount from Matthew chapters 5-7. 

Today's sermon examines the difference between mercy and grace from 4 Standpoints. 

Please join us in Pastor Bill's challenge to read through the entire sermon, Matthew 5-7, at least once per week. Share your stories and takeaways on our shout out board here: https://t.ly/pvx50

Coinciding with the start of Lent, we are in a series on Jesus' Sermon on the Mount from Matthew chapters 5-7. 

What's even worse than someone not knowing Jesus and dying and going to hell? Matthew 7:21-23 tells us. 

Please join us in Pastor Bill's challenge to read through the entire sermon, Matthew 5-7, at least once per week. Share your stories and takeaways on our shout out board here: https://t.ly/pvx50

Coinciding with the start of Lent, we are in a series on Jesus' Sermon on the Mount from Matthew chapters 5-7. 

At the end of His sermon, Jesus contrasts two foundations: the sand and the rock. We examine two sandy foundations and the one solid foundation that we ought to be building on.  

Please join us in Pastor Bill's challenge to read through the entire sermon, Matthew 5-7, at least once per week. Share your stories and takeaways on our shout out board here: https://t.ly/pvx50

Coinciding with the start of Lent, we are in a series on Jesus' Sermon on the Mount from Matthew chapters 5-7. 

Picking up where we left off last week, what are the practical implications for Matthew 7:6? How can we live out Matthew 7:6 in our own lives? Jesus shows us. We must be three animals: 1. Be Snakes 2. Be Dove 3. Be Sheep.

Please join us in Pastor Bill's challenge to read through the entire sermon, Matthew 5-7, at least once per week. Share your stories and takeaways on our shout out board here: https://t.ly/pvx50

Coinciding with the start of Lent, we are in a series on Jesus' Sermon on the Mount from Matthew chapters 5-7. 

In this seemingly obscure, non-sequential, single-verse teaching, Jesus teaches us not be D.U.M.B. John 6 is an illustration of Matthew 7:6. 

Please join us in Pastor Bill's challenge to read through the entire sermon, Matthew 5-7, at least once per week. Share your stories and takeaways on our shout out board here: https://t.ly/pvx50

Coinciding with the start of Lent, we are in a series on Jesus' Sermon on the Mount from Matthew chapters 5-7. 

Jesus, in Matthew 5:13-16, gives us an equation: Salt + Light = Glorified Heavenly Father. As a part two to last week's message, how can we glorify our Heavenly Father by living as salt and light? There are three Ways. 1. Engage the Wealth. 2. Engage the Word. 3. Engage the World.

Please join us in Pastor Bill's challenge to read through the entire sermon, Matthew 5-7, at least once per week. Share your stories and takeaways on our shout out board here: https://t.ly/pvx50

Coinciding with the start of Lent, we are beginning a new series on Jesus' Sermon on the Mount in Matthew chapters 5-7. 

Jesus, in Matthew 5:13-16, gives us an equation: Salt + Light = Glorified Heavenly Father. In this week we dig into the biblical interpretation of what Jesus means when He likens His followers to Salt and Light. Pastor Bill ends this sermon by riffing on how prone we are to hide our light under a basket rather than living as examples of Jesus in the world. 

Please join us in Pastor Bill's challenge to read through the entire sermon, Matthew 5-7, at least once per week. Share your stories and takeaways on our shout out board here: https://t.ly/pvx50

Coinciding with the start of Lent, we are beginning a new series on Jesus' Sermon on the Mount in Matthew chapters 5-7. 

Today we look at the introductory part of Jesus' sermon known as "The Beatitudes." We explore these attitudes that a disciple of Jesus ought to be through three "S"s: 1. The Sense of the word "Blessed" 2. There's a Surprise of those who are blessed. 3. The Significance for disciples of Jesus. 

Please join us in Pastor Bill's challenge to read through the entire sermon, Matthew 5-7, at least once per week. Share your stories and takeaways on our shout out board here: https://t.ly/pvx50

Coinciding with the start of Lent, we are beginning a new series on Jesus' Sermon on the Mount in Matthew chapters 5-7. 

Today we look at Jesus introduction to the sermon through five body parts: 1. Feet 2. Eyes 3. Ears 4. Head 5. Heart to discover that Matthew 5:3 is the key to the entire sermon. 

Please join us in Pastor Bill's challenge to read through the entire sermon, Matthew 5-7, at least once per week. Share your stories and takeaways on our shout out board here: https://t.ly/pvx50

One of the messages that gets circulated in Christian circles is listening to your heart or, as one author writes, your "inner knowing." In today's message we first look at why we can't trust our hearts. Then Pastor Bill gives four checks for discerning between your own inner voice that cannot be trusted and the voice of the Holy Spirit. Those four checks are: 

1. Does it Align with the Bible?
2. Are You Accounting for Your Own Sinfulness?
3. Who Ultimately Gets the Glory?
4. What Sort of Road Does it Resemble?

One of the mutations that poses as a more Christianly, humble, loving, attitude to have is this idea that nothing is sure. That somehow certainty, surety, and confidence are arrogant and uncertainty, questioning, and prevarication are more loving, more Christlike, more Christian. But this is reversal. David, in Psalm 25 shows us that, especially when we're in crisis, the surety of our faith is not only necessary, but more loving, more Christ-like, and more Christian. 

Scripture Reading: Deuteronomy 27:1-8

Many of us conjure a mental image when we describe skinny jeans Christians who promote a gospel of social justice. But with social justice so in vogue with Christians, what is true, biblical justice?  

Today we contrast the biblical idea of becoming your most authentic self with the self-help mutation that has made its way into the church. 

This is our final week in our Learn to Block series on spiritual warfare. One of our people at Grace 242 insightfully asks, "Why don't Jesus just nuke Satan?" Today we answer that question by looking at three "triple G" or God Getting Glory moments. 

1. Incarnation
2. Cross
3. Eschaton

This is our eighth week learning how to block the fiery arrows of the enemy. Revelation 12:10 refers to Satan as "the accuser." Today we look at some of the accusations made against us by the accuser and how they feed a complex of shame within us.  

The accusations we cover are:
1. You’re Too Sinful to Be Forgiven
2. You Haven’t Done Enough to be Saved
3. Your True Self is Unlovable

This is our seventh week learning how to block the fiery arrows of the enemy. Jesus' temptation by Satan in the wilderness reveals several tactics for how Satan tempts us:

1. Satan exploits our priors
2. Satan exploits our methods
3. Satan exploits our distinctions

Today we look at the passage that inspired the series, Titus 2:11-14. How can we live in an evil world? Paul tells us to look beyond this evil world to when Jesus returns. 

In Titus 3:1-7 Paul gives both an answer and a framework of how Christians are to relate to governments, even if the governments are an extension of the evil world that we live in. 

In Titus 1:1, Paul calls himself a “slave” of Christ. You’re either a slave of sin or a slave of Christ so we must cling to our Master Jesus. 

This week we examine the fourth habit: disciples of Jesus learn Jesus. Disciples of Jesus sit at Jesus feet ready to learn. In learning Jesus, we become like Jesus. In becoming like Jesus, our behavior is transformed into the law of Jesus.

This week we examine the first habit: disciples of Jesus bless others. There are three simple ways to bless someone: 1. Gifts 2. Words of Affirmation 3. Acts of Kindness

This week we see that not everyone is an evangelist, but everyone is evangelistic. How can we evangelistically point people to Jesus? We live questionable lives. 

This week we look at King Solomon asking God for wisdom early in his reign as king. What is wisdom and how can we grow wise?

This week we examine a classic story, David verses Goliath. But, even though we know this story well, how do we interpret and apply this to our lives faithfully? 

This week we look at Jacob’s defrauding of Esau. God made the promise to Jacob before he was born. Yet Jacob defrauded and manipulated to get the outcome he wanted. We learn that what God plans, happens. What will our role be in that plan? 

This week we enter into the difficulty of Abraham being commanded by God to sacrifice his son. Abraham passed the test of faith by taking God’s point of view. We can learn from Abraham’s example that, when tests of faith come our way, we need to take God’s point of view.

This week we look at three reasons why the Tower of Babel was a bad thing. The sin of pride animated the Tower of Babel and pride still lurks in our hearts today. How can we root our pride in our lives?

This week we see how the flood is a de-creation event that stands in contrast to the creation events of Genesis 1-2. 

This week we pick up where we left off exploring creation as a functional home story. What is the impact on us when we read Genesis as a function home story? 

This week we see that God’s glory is: 1. Transcendent 2. Terrifying 3. Transforming. In the same way that Moses reflected that he had been with God, what or who are you reflecting? 

Exodus is not about leadership lessons from Moses. Exodus is not about moral lessons from Israel. Exodus is about fellowship with God. 

Today we look at Israel’s idolatry by making 4 observations about the golden calf debacle. 

Exodus is not about leadership lessons from Moses. Exodus is not about moral lessons from Israel. Exodus is about fellowship with God. 

Several times in Exodus we read that “God hardened Pharaoh’s heart.” Was Pharaoh unfairly treated by God? Did Pharaoh even have a choice in whether to let Israel go or not? We’ll explore these questions in today’s message

Exodus is not about leadership lessons from Moses. Exodus is not about moral lessons from Israel. Exodus is about fellowship with God. 

Moses was obedient to God to appear before Pharaoh with the message to let Yaweh’s people go. But even though Moses was obedient, things got worse for Moses and Aaron! What do we do when we’re obedient to God, but things get worse? Exodus chapter 6 holds the answers. 

Exodus is not about leadership lessons from Moses. Exodus is not about moral lessons from Israel. Exodus is about fellowship with God. 

In Exodus we first learn God’s personal name! In this episode, we drill down into the meaning of God’s personal name. 

Exodus is not about leadership lessons from Moses. Exodus is not about moral lessons from Israel. Exodus is about fellowship with God. 

This week we trace the biblical narrative of presence with God and people specifically surrounding meals from Genesis 1 to the covenant celebration meal on Mount Sinai in Exodus 24. This obscure meal holds the key to understanding the book of Exodus.

Exodus is not about leadership lessons from Moses. Exodus is not about moral lessons from Israel. Exodus is about fellowship with God. 

In Exodus we first learn God’s personal name! 

As we head into the new year, it’s time to remind ourselves why we exist and what matters most. 

In week 6, we look at how Jesus’ person of peace method for making disciples applies to us.  

As we head into the new year, it’s time to remind ourselves why we exist and what matters most. 

In week 5, we see how Jesus uses the Person of Peace method for making disciples.

As we head into the new year, it’s time to remind ourselves why we exist and what matters most. 

In week 4, we continue diagramming how a disciple of Jesus, needs the power of Jesus. 

As we head into the new year, it’s time to remind ourselves why we exist and what matters most. 

In week 2, we discover that a disciple becomes a copy of Jesus. 

As we head into the new year, it’s time to remind ourselves why we exist and what matters most. 

In week 1, we get really specific about the mission of the church. We distinguish between the Great Commission and the Greatest Commandment. If we’re doing the Great Commission, then the Greatest Commandment will follow. 

This Advent we are taking a deep dive into John 1:14 and what he means by “the Word.” 

In week 3, we pick up where we left off in week 1 as we dive into The Prophetic Word personified and The Written Word personified. 

This Advent we are taking a deep dive into John 1:14 and what he means by “the Word.” 

In week 1, we dive into The Creative Word personified and The Vocal Word personified. 

This fall we are looking into what we believe as people in the Reformed theological tradition.

In week 9, we learn that baptism is a cleansing and a commissioning. We are to live out our baptism every day repenting of our sins and making disciples. 

This fall we are looking into what we believe as people in the Reformed theological tradition.

In week 8, we look at the connection between circumcision in the Old Testament and baptism in the New Testament. 

This fall we are looking into what we believe as people in the Reformed theological tradition.

In week 7 we survey different views of the Lord’s Supper including the Reformed position. Pastor Bill concludes by coaching 3 things to be thinking about when we come to the Lord’s table. 

This fall we are looking into what we believe as people in the Reformed theological tradition.

In week 6 we see how Luther’s Tower Experience led him to understand salvation by faith alone for the very first time in his life. We demonstrate true faith by apprenticing ourselves to Jesus. 

This fall we are looking into what we believe as people in the Reformed theological tradition.

In week 5 we attribute salvation to God’s sovereignty. Salvation is a work that belongs to God and he deserves the glory and merit. 

This fall we are looking into what we believe as people in the Reformed theological tradition.

In week 4 we boil Reformed Theology down to the phrase: High sovereignty of God. What does God’s absolute sovereignty mean for us? 

This fall we are looking into what we believe as people in the Reformed theological tradition.

In week 3 we look at Jan Hus and Martin Luther whose stand for Biblical authority sewed the seeds for our doctrine: Sola Scriptura (scripture alone). 

This fall we are looking into what we believe as people in the Reformed theological tradition.

In week 2, we look at Martin Luther’s life who left a life of religious rituals to enter into a life of relationship with Jesus. 

This fall we are looking into what we believe as people in the Reformed theological tradition.

In week 1, we learn that theology is God-centered as opposed to religion which is human-centered.

Psalm 3 finds David asking for God’s protection while on the run from his son Absalom. 

What's God's mission for his people in 2021? Why do we exist as Christ's church? What's our purpose in this world?

What's God's mission for his people in 2021? Why do we exist as Christ's church? What's our purpose in this world?

What's God's mission for his people in 2021? Why do we exist as Christ's church? What's our purpose in this world?

This week's episode uses lots of visuals you can find the video message here: https://youtu.be/sNSCZSDc34c

What's God's mission for his people in 2021? Why do we exist as Christ's church? What's our purpose in this world?

 What's God's mission for his people in 2021? Why do we exist as Christ's church? What's our purpose in this world?

 What's God's mission for his people in 2021? Why do we exist as Christ's church? What's our purpose in this world?

• Indewlt verses Filled
• Filled with the Force verses Filled with a Person
• Practical Suggestions for Being Filled

Prayer of Examen: https://www.xavier.edu/jesuitresource/jesuit-a-z/terms-e/daily-examen