Episode 10 - How to Talk About Lust & Pornography
February 28, 2023 • Scott Kedersha, Derek Davidson, Gabrielle McCullough
In Part 2 in this series on porn, we discuss how to discuss our struggles with community and the importance of confession in marriage. Scott, Derek, and Gabrielle share authentic, biblical, and practical thoughts on confession and community. https://amzn.to/3z6y3uq, by John Elmore https://amzn.to/3izwhcp, by Jonathan “JP” Pokluda & Jon Green https://www.regenerationrecovery.org/ Becoming Something https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-203-a-conversation-with-a-former-p-rn/id1454045768?i=1000601686641 (feat. Joshua Broome)
Fool Proof Counsel
February 12, 2023 • Jonathan Pokluda • Proverbs 14:12, Proverbs 16:25, Proverbs 28:13, James 5:16, Revelation 12:11
Have you ever taken a trip and gotten lost? If so, how did you find your way back? There are two paths in life: the path of isolation and the path of community. As we continue our series, Fool Proof, JP teaches us that isolation, while easy, is extremely destructive, whereas community, while difficult, is where wisdom, health, and life can be found. 1) In isolation we conceal, but with confession we heal 2) In isolation we derail, with correction we prevail 3) In isolation we're distressed, with wise counsel we find success
Perception Management and The Pause
Jonathan Pokluda • Acts 5
Have you ever been in a situation where you managed information or your actions in order to get people to perceive you a certain way? Are there people in your life who’s opinions matter more to you than others? As we continue our series, Stories from Acts, JP teaches through Acts 5 the story of Ananias and Sapphira, and what we can learn from their sudden and seemingly extreme death. 1) Surrender marks a true believer 2) Imposters scheme in selfishness 3) Perception management is a serious sin
Authentic Community
March 6, 2022 • Scott Kedersha • 1 John 1:5–10, Proverbs 29:25, Romans 8:1, James 5:16, John 8:12
Have you ever collected or owned something that you thought was valuable, only to later realize it was inauthentic and fake? As we start our new series, Life Together, Scott Kedersha teaches our first building block of community: authentic. KEY TAKEAWAYS -The bigger we become as a church, the smaller we must become so that everyone can be known and cared for. We do this through life groups. -To be authentic means to be real, genuine. To be who you say you are. -John repeats the idea that “Jesus is the light” all throughout his teaching. Without Jesus, we won’t see things on this earth clearly. He is the light we need to see things as they really are. -Authenticity starts by addressing our sin. -God hates when we minimize our sin. -Authenticity is necessary for fellowship. -These three words & questions are a great way to build authenticity in your life group: 1) Input - How are you feeding your soul? 2) Output - How are you feeding others? 3) Confession - How have you fed your flesh? -Going to life group and not confessing your sin and not being authentic is a terrible hobby and use of time. -Authenticity is necessary for forgiveness. -Is there a part of your life that you don’t want other people to see? Bring it into the light! -How to confess: Confess early. Confess at the thought level. Confess at the temptation level before it even becomes sin. -How to confess: Confess often. Confess everything you don’t want others to know. -How to confess: Confess in detail. Share 100%, not 98%. -The 30-seconds after someone confesses are extremely important. Your response to their confession will dictate whether they share more or they hide. Thank them, listen to them, ask them questions, pray for them. -What are you keeping from others? What are you hiding? What are you afraid to share? -The goal is not to be the most authentic person in the room. The goal is to become more like Jesus. RECOMMENDED RESOURCES -Scripture to study: 1 John 1:5-10; John 8:12, 9:5, 12:46; Proverbs 29:25; Romans 8:1; James 5:16; Proverbs 28:13 -Sermon: Authentic (sermon series: Fresh Start)
How Did I Get Here?
May 30, 2021 • Scott Kedersha • Proverbs 7, Proverbs 14:12–13
Have you ever been in a tough place brought on by your own decisions? Have you wondered how you got there? Was it all at once, or over a period of time? Scott Kedersha teaches us about temptation and sin by examining the adulterous woman in Proverbs 7. KEY TAKEAWAYS -Walk in the way. -As Christians, we want to protect the teachings and the way of the Scriptures. -We should be cautious of anything that distracts or pulls us from the way of Christ. -Don’t fall into the trap of learning a lot about God and the Bible and simply becoming a smarter sinner. -Do not be led astray. -Do your friends lead you more toward sin or God? -Where are you most tempted? What do you think will bring you life outside of God? -We all struggle with sin. All of us. Don’t buy the lie that you are alone and the only one who struggles. -Sin always over promises and under delivers. Always. -Know what’s at stake. -Affairs don’t start in hotel rooms. They start when you decide to keep things from your spouse. They are one thousand small decisions leading to one big decision. -Know where you are tempted. Know your ditches and how the enemy will take you out. Have a death grip on these things.
Distractions on the Journey Home
November 29, 2020 • Jonathan Pokluda • Philippians 3:15–21, Philippians 4:1–3
Have you ever been distracted before? We all have! Where and when are you most prone to be distracted? As we continue studying the book of Philippians, JP teaches us about the dangers of being distracted in our relationship with Christ and our journey toward heaven. KEY TAKEAWAYS -If you have put your faith in Christ you are on your way home. -The mature in faith model the way. -Don’t take advantage of your salvation. You were made for a http://purpose...don’t simply coast once you’ve accepted Christ as your Savior. -The Christian life is like a marathon. In a marathon, if you want to grow and get faster you surround yourself with fast people. The same is true in the Christian life. -Life is hard. Don’t make the mistake of trying to do it http://alone...that will only make it harder. -Where in life are you most prone to do whatever you want? To follow your stomach and appetite rather than the ways of Christ and Scripture? -The distracted are destined for destruction. -Are you ever entertained by the things that put Christ on the cross? -The Scriptures are clear: you have desires for things that will kill you! You are called to wage war against those desires. -What are you denying yourself right now? What are you denying yourself so that you can pursue holiness? -The mantra of the satanic bible is to do whatever you want. -The reason the cross is offensive to people is that it’s the greatest act of selflessness in the history of the world. -Selflessness is a bad PR campaign, but how much better would your parenting, marriage, friendships, and work be if you were selfless? -The very thing we strive after and collect on earth with be asphalt in heaven. -Get along in the gospel to the finish. -When we have the same mind as Christ we should learn to agree with one another. -Disunity in the church is almost always an example of immaturity. -Don’t wait until you are ready to deal with http://conflict...you will never be ready, you must move toward it! -Most of the time the church splits it is satanic. We put our preferences in place of our pursuit of paradise. -Time doesn't heal all wounds. Surgery does, and there are usually scars. -We are not home yet and we won’t be until we are fully in the presence of Jesus. Don’t be distracted by the temporary things on this earth. MENTIONED OR RECOMMENDED RESOURCES -Suggested Scripture Study: Philippians 3:15-4:3; 1 Corinthians 11:1; 1 Peter 2:11; 1 John 2:15; 1 Corinthians 9:27; Hebrews 13:14 -Sermon: Joy in Knowing Jesus -Sermon: Ordinary Obedience