Mid Tree Church

Why are relationships so complicated? Why do our deepest desires sometimes feel impossible to satisfy? The answer might surprise you: God designed you this way on purpose.In this profound exploration of Song of Solomon 3:1-5, we dive into what appears to be a young woman's midnight dream of searching city streets for her beloved. But beneath this passionate pursuit lies a universal truth about human longing that resonates across centuries.God isn't surprised by your desires—He created them. Looking back to Genesis, we discover that longing predates sin. When God declared "it is not good for man to be alone," He first created the desire in Adam, then deliberately extended that longing by having him name all animals before bringing him Eve. Adam's response? "At last!"—the cry of a longing fulfilled.Whether you're seeking love, purpose, belonging, or security, these desires reflect Eden's echo in your soul. The problem isn't the longing itself but where we look f

The Song of Solomon might seem like an unlikely text for Mother's Day, yet it reveals profound truths about God's perfect timing that speak to our deepest relationships and longings. Through ancient wedding customs, we discover a beautiful picture of Christ's pursuit of His people.When the bridegroom comes "leaping over mountains" to claim his bride, we glimpse the eagerness of a lover who has prepared everything for their future together. In biblical times, betrothal was followed by a waiting period while the groom prepared rooms in his father's house - a powerful parallel to Jesus' promise: "In my Father's house are many rooms... I go to prepare a place for you."The seasonal imagery throughout this passage reminds us that God orchestrates our lives through different chapters - sometimes winter's waiting, sometimes spring's renewal. For those experiencing Mother's Day with complicated emotions - whether celebrating motherhood or carrying the we

What does God really think about beauty? Far from the awkward silence many expect from the church on this topic, the Bible speaks candidly and powerfully about physical attraction, self-image, and how we view one another.In this exploration of Song of Solomon, we discover a woman who feels insufficient despite receiving lavish praise from her beloved. "I am dark but lovely," she confesses – acknowledging both her beauty and what she perceives as imperfection. This duality mirrors our spiritual condition: simultaneously bearing God's image yet marked by brokenness. When she compares herself to common wildflowers, her beloved counters with stunning affirmation: "As a lily among brambles, so is my love among young women." He doesn't just see her beauty; he celebrates what makes her exceptional.This ancient text reveals a profound truth for modern relationships: there's a significant difference between lying and choosing to see the best in someone. The couple engages in a beauti

When was the last time you heard a sermon series on the Song of Songs? For most Christians, this passionate, romantic book remains unexplored territory—too scandalous, too sensual, or simply too puzzling to tackle in church. But what if this ancient love poem contains exactly the wisdom our relationships desperately need?Solomon, considered the wisest man who ever lived, wrote 1,005 songs during his lifetime. The Song of Songs represents his masterpiece—the greatest among them all. Despite being just eight chapters that take only ten minutes to read, this book delivers profound insights about God's design for human passion, intimacy, and commitment.What makes this book particularly remarkable is its female-centered perspective. The woman speaks more than half the time (53%), with her beloved speaking a third, and the surrounding community offering commentary throughout. Through her eyes, we witness a love characterized by three essential elements: chemistry (the passion that draws two people together), c

The confusion of Easter morning might be the most relatable part of the resurrection story. Three different groups encountered the risen Christ, yet each initially failed to grasp what was happening. The faithful women found an empty tomb and were "perplexed." The disciples heard their report and dismissed it as "an idle tale." Two followers walked with Jesus himself for hours without recognizing him. Why would God allow such confusion?Luke's account reveals a profound pattern: spiritual sight doesn't come through physical eyes but through understanding Scripture. The women didn't recognize Jesus until they "remembered his words." The Emmaus road travelers' hearts "burned within them" as Jesus explained the Scriptures. The disciples finally believed when Jesus "opened their minds to understand the Scriptures." This Easter narrative offers incredible hope for skeptics and believers alike. God seems perfectly comfortable with our questions an

Tucked within the Old Testament lies a prophetic masterpiece so extraordinary that theologians have dubbed it "the fifth gospel." Isaiah 53, written seven centuries before Christ's birth, presents a portrait of the coming Messiah with such precision that it reads like an eyewitness account of Calvary.This Palm Sunday message unveils five surprising truths about the suffering servant that challenge our human understanding and illuminate the wonder of God's redemption plan. From the servant's assured victory despite his appalling appearance to the shocking reality that those he came to save would largely reject him, each truth builds a comprehensive picture of how God would reconcile sinful humanity to himself.At the theological heart of Isaiah's prophecy stands the doctrine of substitutionary atonement—the servant bearing our griefs, carrying our sorrows, being pierced for our transgressions, and crushed for our iniquities. The language is unmistakable; our sin placed on him so th

"Why do you seek the living among the dead?" This question from the angels at Jesus' empty tomb challenges everything we assume about death, life, and how forgiveness operates. When confronted with the resurrection, we must reconsider our understanding of reconciliation and forgiveness.Our natural instinct when wronged is to establish boundaries and limits. Peter approached Jesus with this very mindset, asking, "Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?" He sought permission to draw a line in the sand. Jesus responded by transforming the question entirely, shifting from a limit to a lifestyle of forgiveness.The story becomes deeply personal when we consider Peter's own failure. After boldly declaring his loyalty, Peter denied Jesus three times beside a charcoal fire. Yet after resurrection, Jesus intentionally prepared another charcoal fire on the shore, creating the perfect setting for reconciliation. Before Peter even swam

In the midst of his greatest suffering, Jesus offers us the most profound lessons about forgiveness. While inches away from the cross, after being mocked and beaten, Jesus shows more concern for others than for himself.Through just three statements spoken from the cross, Jesus revolutionizes our understanding of forgiveness. His first words, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do," reveal that forgiveness is something Jesus offers freely, even to those actively causing him harm. This forces us to confront uncomfortable questions: Have we truly forgiven others, or have we merely stopped thinking about them? Is there someone we claim to have forgiven while secretly maintaining a record of their wrongs?When Jesus tells the repentant thief, "Today you will be with me in paradise," we see forgiveness practiced fully. Notice how Jesus interrupts his communion with the Father to welcome one more sinner into the kingdom. The criminal's simple request—"Jesus, remember me&qu

The crucifixion stands as history's ultimate demonstration of sacrificial love—a moment when the sinless Son of God willingly suffered what was rightfully ours to give us what could never be ours through our own efforts.Journeying through the religious and political trials Jesus endured reveals a profound truth: the Creator of the universe stood silent before His accusers, accepting false charges, mockery, and brutal treatment that our sin deserved. Though declared innocent multiple times by both Pilate and Herod, the crowd demanded His crucifixion instead of Barabbas, an actual insurrectionist and murderer—a powerful picture of the substitution at the heart of our salvation.This "great exchange" offers believers five extraordinary gifts purchased at the cross. Through expiation, our sin is completely removed, liberating us from crushing guilt and shame. Through propitiation, God's righteous anger toward sin is fully satisfied, assuring us that no sin is too grievous to be forgiven. Throug

The garden of Gethsemane reveals encouraging truths about suffering that can transform how Christians navigate their own pain. Two profound insights lie hidden in this familiar passage: Jesus knows the solution before we even encounter the problem, and God deliberately preserved the details of Jesus' suffering so we would know our pain is never foreign to him.• Jesus went to pray "as was his custom" even facing his darkest hour• An angel strengthened Jesus, yet he remained in agony• Supernatural support from God doesn't always end our difficulties but enables us to endure them• Five elements of a (non-exhaustive) Christian doctrine of suffering: it's promised, unites us with Christ, equips us to comfort others, deepens our dependence on God, and produces spiritual growth• Suffering has purpose—it produces endurance, character, and hope• Jesus moved from confidence to conflict and back to confidence again• Peter's denial was met not with rejection but with Jesus' gaze of love

What does it mean to truly be great in God's kingdom? In this powerful exploration of Luke 22:24-30, we discover Jesus confronting his disciples in a moment of profound disconnect—they're arguing about who's the greatest while Jesus prepares for his imminent sacrifice.The contrast couldn't be more striking. While the disciples jockey for position, Jesus redefines greatness through the lens of service: "The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them... But not so with you." This countercultural teaching challenges our deepest assumptions about leadership, success, and significance.Most of us approach serving others with what might be called a "cut the check" mentality—keeping our distance, maintaining comfort, preserving our status. Jesus, however, demonstrates incarnational service. He didn't merely send help from heaven; he entered our world, walked our paths, felt our pain, and ultimately gave his life. True greatness isn't found in receiving service

The tension between control and betrayal during the Last Supper reveals deep truths about human nature and divine fate. We explore Judas Iscariot’s decisions and the significance of Jesus’s sacrifice through the lens of Luke 22.• Key events leading up to the Last Supper • The significance of Passover in the context • The motivations behind Judas's betrayal • Jesus's transformative teachings at the meal • Understanding the new covenant introduced by Jesus • The call to heartfelt introspection for believers • The implications of Jesus's sacrifice for our lives • The importance of authentic faith over appearances • The assurance of God's control throughout the narrative  If you want to learn more about the MidTree story or connect with us, go to our website HERE or text us at 812-MID-TREE.

This episode explores Jesus's teachings from Luke 21 about the end times, focusing on the need for believers to hold onto hope and maintain an active faith. We discuss how individual posture influences our response to a chaotic world, and emphasize the church’s role in bringing fearlessness to those in need.• Reflection on inner posture and its impact on faith • Contextual background of Jesus's last teachings • The importance of anticipating Jesus’s return • Faithful ways to respond to end-time anxieties • The call to a fearless church amid global distress • Seven key realities about the end times • Encouragement towards personal engagement and community • Watchfulness and preparation for Jesus's return If you want to learn more about the Mid Tree story or connect with us, go to our website HERE or text us at 812-MID-TREE.

Jesus teaches that all earthly things are temporary, and true faith lies in trusting Him. As we reflect on the message of Luke 21, we explore themes of suffering, opportunity, and enduring faith in the face of life's uncertainties.• Disciple's admiration for the Temple and Jesus' counterpoint • The widow’s offering as a lesson in true devotion • Urgency of discerning truth amidst distractions • Viewing suffering as opportunities for witness • Hope in eternal promises amid life’s challenges • Importance of faith over material stability If you want to learn more about the Mid Tree story or connect with us, go to our website HERE or text us at 812-MID-TREE.

We venture into the fascinating dynamics between Jesus and the religious leaders of His time, exploring themes of authority and sacrificial generosity. By unpacking Psalm 110, we unravel the Messiah's unparalleled authority, reshaping our perspectives on faith and giving. Through the inspiring example of the poor widow's quiet act of generosity, we are reminded of the true essence of giving and faith. Join us in this enlightening journey where we embrace our weaknesses and God's gracious provision, all while sharing a light-hearted laugh about a baptism setup hiccup reflecting our readiness to support each other in faith. If you want to learn more about the Mid Tree story or connect with us, go to our website HERE or text us at 812-MID-TREE.

Have you ever found yourself awestruck by the wisdom of someone so much that it changes your entire perspective? Will shares his experiences of being starstruck by influential figures like David Crowder and John Piper, drawing parallels with the profound impact of Jesus' teachings in Luke 20. Through his famous advice to "render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's and to God the things that are God's," Jesus not only silenced his critics but left an enduring message of how we should navigate tricky interactions with wisdom and grace. We explore the importance of turning admiration into actionable change, inspired by Jesus as a model for managing difficult relationships.Imagine using your opponent's strength against them, not in a fight, but in a conversation. This week, we unravel how Jesus, much like a skilled judoka, masterfully navigates conflicts, such as the contentious issue of paying taxes to Caesar. His approach introduces a 'third way,' demonstrating the gos

Authority and hope intersect in our latest discussion about the delicate balance between following God’s will and grappling with human authority. We encourage listeners to explore their feelings about authority while reflecting on the importance of recognizing God’s sovereignty in all aspects of life.• Exploring personal experiences with authority figures • Navigating the current perception of authority in society • Questioning the stability of hope in changing times • Analyzing Jesus' parable of the tenants and the vineyard • Understanding reactions to authority: acceptance versus rebellion • Reflecting on the grace offered to those who wrestle with authority • Calling for a personal assessment of one’s own authority structures If you want to learn more about the MidTree story or connect with us, go to our website HERE or text us at 812-MID-TREE.

The episode emphasizes the importance of church community and the call to actively shepherd one another through life's challenges. It discusses the roles of church members and leaders, the value of church membership, and the necessity of speaking truth in love to foster spiritual growth.• Exploring the divine call to shepherding within the church • Understanding the roles of leaders and members in ministry • The significance of church membership for accountability • The relational dynamics of speaking truth in love • Encouragement for members to engage actively in community • Emphasizing spiritual maturity amidst cultural challenges • The collective commitment to grow and develop as a unified body May we celebrate the delights and the difficulties of life. May we be mature and held firm when the world around us is not, would You fill our voices with truth against all of the lies of the world? If you want to learn more about the Mid Tree story or connect with us, go to our website HERE or text us at 812-M

This episode reveals the powerful impact of active participation in church communities, emphasizing that attending is not enough. Listeners are encouraged to embrace their roles, contributing their time, talent, and treasure to foster a family-like environment where service is central to experiencing God’s love.• Reflection on Romans 12 and Acts 20 • Sharing statistics about church engagement • The risks of complacency in faith communities • Exploring the biblical call to service and commitment • The significance of community and family in church identity • Challenging listeners to identify their unique contributions • Emphasizing the joy of serving as a response to God’s love • Encouraging financial stewardship aligned with genuine heart • Practical steps for getting involved in the church family • Reinforcing that everyone has a place and a role to play If you want to learn more about the Mid Tree story or connect with us, go to our website HERE or text us at 812-MID-TREE.

The episode explores the delicate balance between love and duty, particularly reflecting on the Apostle Paul's emotional farewell to the church in Ephesus. It examines how a vibrant community demands both solid theology and genuine connection among its members, urging listeners to actively engage with their faith and each other.• Relationship dynamics of love and avoidance• Paul's emotional farewell to the Ephesians•Importance of serving with humility •Struggles and authenticity in community life •The power of truth-telling in spiritual accountability•Lifelong growth beyond Sunday attendance •The overarching mission of mutual support and love If you want to learn more about the Mid Tree story or connect with us, go to our website HERE or text us at 812-MID-TREE.