Open Heaven
A Biblical Theology of Sex
December 3, 2023 • Matt Ulrich
The Open Heavens series continues, as Pastor Matt Ulrich takes us through the often confusing words in 1 Corinthians 7:1-7. Sex is an amazing gift from God, but we have hijacked its meaning for our own selfish purposes. What voice are you listening to in regards to sex? We must relearn what we have heard about sex, and align it to how scripture has defined it.
Single and Content
November 26, 2023 • Brooke Bauzon
The Open Heaven series continues as Pastor Brooke Bauzon shares the heart behind 1 Corinthians 7. Singleness does not mean one is incomplete. When you're dominated by cultures values, you will always live in anxiety. But when you are devoted to kingdom values, you will always live in abundance. In every relationship, we are called to live in undivided devotion to Jesus!
Sexuality and Identity
November 19, 2023 • Andrea Sarafan
This week Pastor Andrea Sarafan continues our look at 1 Corinthians, the Open Heaven series, with chapter 6. Sexuality and Identity is such a difficult topic in the times we are in. We have all been created as sexual beings, and likewise we have been deceived by the culture around us. One of the lies we believe is that God is holding out on us. Sexuality is part of us, but it is not the heart or core of us. Intimacy with God is what we truly need to thrive in life. We are promised fulfillment through Him alone.
From Lawsuits to Love
November 12, 2023 • Oscar Roche
Our Open Heaven series continues with 1 Corinthians 6:1-8. Pastor Oscar Roche titles this message, From Lawsuits to Love. The people of biblical Corinth were so much like we are today. How does a gospel-shaped community deal with grudges? The lawless things can become so huge. We are challenged to be wise in the truth, and forgiving with grace, to live in an open heaven.
Godly Confrontation
November 5, 2023 • Matt Ulrich
Our motives matter! Pastor Matt Ulrich continues the Open Heaven series with a difficult look at 1 Corinthians 5. As disciples of Jesus, we are called to be transformed agents of transformation. When confronting sin, we must do so the way Jesus would, with grace. What is the heart behind confrontation? It always must be done in love.
Redefining Greatness
October 29, 2023 • Mike Patz
As we continue the Open Heaven series, Pastor Mike Patz challenges us to Redefine Greatness. The church in Corinth was enamored with success and celebrities. In 1 Corinthians 4, we find that greatness isn't what you think. When the world is turned upside down, greatness is getting low like a servant. True success is found in taking up the towel and serving others. We are called to bend lowly like Jesus.
The Judgment Seat of Christ
October 15, 2023 • Mike Patz
Because of the death and resurrection of Jesus, we have an Open Heaven today. Pastor Mike Patz continues this series with the reality of 1 Corinthians 3:9-15, The Judgement Seat of Christ. So much like we are today, the Corinthian Church was obsessed with wisdom. The lives we live on earth cannot be founded on worldly wisdom. The day of the Lord is coming, and we must live under the judgment of God, not the approval of people. How are you preparing for that day? Jesus is the only foundation, and when He is our foundation there will be peace.
What Does It Mean to Be “Spiritual”?
October 8, 2023 • Mike Patz
Are you a person who lives naturally, supernaturally or in the flesh? Pastor Mike digs more into the book of Corinthians as we continue our Open Heaven series. Paul is describing immaturity in the Corinthian church, which is valuable for us to process as those following Jesus in the 21st century.
How to Unlock Divine Power
October 1, 2023 • Mike Patz
How do we unlock divine power? Pastor Mike Patz continues the Open Heaven series by breaking down 1 Corinthians 2:1-2. The temptation in our day is to be an activist while going quiet about the name of Jesus. We can't compete with the lofty ways of the world! When we have God we don't need anything else. It is never going to be enough to engage in human strength; we must unlock divine power.
What Is the Message of the Cross?
September 24, 2023 • Mike Patz
Today Pastor Mike Patz continues the Open Heaven series by asking, "What is the Message of the Cross?" In 1 Corinthians 1:18-31, we see that Christ crucified is the manifestation of the wisdom of God. For the first century world, the belief was that wisdom was everything. So in this generation, how do you unlock the potential of a great life? "Let those who boast, boast in the name of the Lord!"
Division Blocks an Open Heaven
September 17, 2023 • Mike Patz
When Jesus shed His blood and died on the cross, a veil was torn between earth and heaven. In this series, Open Heaven, Pastor Mike Patz calls us to believe that there is now a reality that we can become the children of God. What blocks the open heaven? In 1 Corinthians 1: 10-17, we see that the gospel opens heaven wide, but division blocks it. If we want an open heaven, we must have a unified church. What is the source of that division is there division in your heart? That division must be removed for true freedom and blessing to come.
In Corinth or in Christ
September 10, 2023 • Mike Patz
Pastor Mike Patz begins our new series on 1 Corinthians, Open Heaven, with a look at chapter 1. The church in Corinth was a disaster! The apostle Paul writes to this body of believers, and what we have today is a precious gift, with an address of the Mess, Message, Method, and Messiah to the current church. The gospel is not moral advice to try harder; it is an eternal announcement of what Jesus has already done!