Mid Tree Church

The episode explores the transformative power of spiritual discipline from the perspective of Christian identity, emphasizing that our worth is rooted in God's love rather than our performance. The discussion ranges across various disciplines, such as Scripture reading, solitude, prayer, fasting, worship, and giving, all illustrating how these practices shape our faith and help us grow closer to God.• Highlighting the importance of discipline from Hebrews 12 • Discussing the foundational principle of identity over activity • Emphasizing the role of Scripture in spiritual nourishment • Exploring the necessity of solitude for spiritual health • Analyzing the significance of prayer in daily life • Delving into fasting as a means of spiritual realignment • Recognizing worship as both lifestyle and expression • Encouraging giving as an extension of faith The call to action for listeners is to reflect on their own lives and implement these disciplines to deepen their relationship with God. If you want to learn

Want to truly understand the nativity story? Join us as we seek to shed new light on this age-old tale. We journey through the books of Luke and Matthew, tracing the steps of Joseph, Mary, and Jesus from Nazareth to Bethlehem, and then to Egypt, unraveling prophecies along the way. Together, we bust common myths, revealing a more faithful understanding of what happened on that first Christmas.We also reflect on the purpose-filled travels of the holy family, drawing rich connections to prophecies in Proverbs, Jeremiah, and Revelation. Each location—Nazareth, Judea, and Bethlehem—holds a deeper significance, pointing to Jesus as the prophesied ruler and "bread of life." This isn't just a story about the past; it's a blueprint for recognizing God's plans in our lives today. Even the smallest movements can lead to profound outcomes, and Jesus' life exemplifies the faith and purpose we can strive to emulate.Finally, our discussion turns to faith as a journey of trust through yesterday

Discover the true depth of the nativity story with our exploration of its rich historical and spiritual context. We promise to challenge your understanding of the Christmas narrative, sharing insights into the loneliness experienced by Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds. Together, we'll uncover how God’s message through this story is a remedy for isolation and a beacon of hope for all people.Ever wondered if Jesus was actually born in the winter? Join us as we dissect the roles of the shepherds and wise men, questioning traditional notions and suggesting a more accurate historical timeline for Jesus' birth. By examining the inclusivity of God's message, we highlight how it transcends societal and racial barriers, continuing to resonate with profound relevance today. You’ll find our discussion on the symbolism of the guiding star and its universal invitation to Jesus fascinating and eye-opening.As we reflect on the significance of the incarnation, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of how trusting

Have you ever wondered how reimagining a nativity scene could lead to profound theological insights? Join us on a reflective journey through the Advent season as we explore the isolation and eventual unity of biblical figures like Mary, Joseph, and Zachariah. Through personal anecdotes and a touch of humor, we take a fresh look at the Christmas story, fostering a childlike faith and openness to divine surprises.Embrace the joy and mystery of God’s pacing as we dive into the themes of expectation and divine timing. By comparing Zachariah and Elizabeth’s story to our own holiday hustle, we highlight the divine wonders that often defy our sense of fairness and timing. This episode encourages a shift from efficiency-driven tasks to savoring the anticipation and wonder inherent in the Advent season, offering a deeper appreciation of God's miraculous plans.Imagine celebrating Christmas not just as a season but as a year-round mindset. Inspired by Ebenezer Scrooge's transformation, we discuss the importanc

What if your nativity scene isn't telling the real story of Christmas? Join us on a journey to "Fix Your Nativity," where we challenge traditional depictions and explore the profound truths behind the birth of Jesus. Through a fresh lens, we reevaluate common misconceptions and dive into the authentic narratives found in Matthew and Luke. This transformative series invites you to reconsider each piece of your nativity setup, transforming them into powerful reminders of God's abundant grace. With resources like Bible Gateway's Christmas story timeline, you'll gain a richer understanding of how these biblical accounts intricately connect.Journey through the loneliness and fear that marked the first Christmas, and discover how pivotal figures like Mary, Joseph, and Elizabeth navigated God's plans in solitude. As the holiday season becomes a whirlwind of activity, we reflect on the quiet moments that began it all, where God spoke individually to Mary and Joseph. By embracing the

What can the story of Abraham teach us about trust and faith in the face of unimaginable challenges? Join us as we explore the compelling narrative of Genesis 22, where Abraham's faith is put to the ultimate test. By drawing parallels between Abraham's journey and the anticipation of Thanksgiving, we uncover the integral role of preparation in building faith and highlight how leaving behind the familiar can lead to divine blessings. This episode promises to provide insights into embracing life's uncertainties with hope, grounded in God's unwavering promises.Abraham's journey to the mountain of provision is more than just a story of sacrifice; it's a profound lesson on obedience and trust in divine provision. As we examine this narrative alongside Jesus' path to the crucifixion, we see God's method of shaping believers through tests and challenges. Just as God provided manna in the Exodus, He leads us to rely on His provision over earthly securities. Through these storie

Discover the profound intersection of generosity and faith as we explore whether an all-powerful God truly needs our involvement in His plans. Join us as we navigate the teachings of Jesus, examining the themes He emphasized during His ministry, from marriage and money to the power of prayer. With the backdrop of Jesus's entry into Jerusalem and the symbolic act of fetching a colt, we challenge the conventional understanding of divine necessity and invite you to reflect on your own spiritual journey.Through biblical narratives like Exodus 35 and the Israelites' transformation from receivers to givers, we highlight the vital role of human participation in God's divine story. Unpack the mystery of the phrase "the Lord has need" and consider why God, despite His omnipotence, calls upon us to contribute to His kingdom. As we reflect on the Israelites' journey from slavery to freedom, we emphasize the heart's intent in giving, urging a shift from materialistic measures to open-he

What if the labels we're given don’t define our true potential for change? Join us as we unravel the story of Zacchaeus, a wealthy tax collector often dismissed by society, yet eager to seek Jesus and transform his life. Through an insightful exploration of his story in Luke 19, we challenge you to reflect on how you are truly remembered—beyond mere appearances—and embrace the profound transformative power that comes from seeking grace and redemption.You'll hear personal stories that resonate with Zacchaeus’ journey, illustrating the impact of grace and the joy found in redemption. Imagine a world where no one is given up on, where each individual is offered a chance to make amends and embrace change. We explore the importance of allowing room for transformation in our relationships, as demonstrated by Zacchaeus' radical decision to right his wrongs. This episode serves as a reminder of the unwavering hope present in every opportunity for change and redemption.Finally, we invite you to reflect

What if the path to eternal life is obscured by the very comforts we hold dear? Join us as we unravel the compelling story of the rich young ruler in Luke 18, where a simple question leads to profound revelations about wealth, faith, and salvation. Through personal anecdotes and reflective insights, we challenge ourselves to recognize the divine truths often hidden in plain sight, drawing parallels to our own spiritual journeys and readiness to embrace the path God has laid before us.As we turn the pages of this narrative, the intricate dance between material wealth and spiritual devotion comes into focus. How does our reliance on comfort and luxury shape our faith in God? By examining Jesus' encounter with the rich young man, we explore the possibility of aligning our hearts with God's kingdom despite the pull of worldly possessions. This episode invites us to reassess our dependencies and consider how grace, though unearned, calls us to strive for excellence in serving others and embracing a life

Ever wondered how the power of persistent prayer can reshape your faith journey? Tune in as we explore the teachings of the parable of the persistent widow from Luke 18, revealing how unwavering prayer aligns us with God's timing and justice. Discover how this biblical story becomes a blueprint for maintaining hope and patience, even when divine responses seem elusive. We'll challenge the common expectations of prayer as a simple wish list and instead emphasize its role in deepening our connection with God.Picture this: a spontaneous hunting trip turns into an unexpected lesson in faith and family. I share a personal story with my son Ames, which highlights the beauty of being present and appreciating the blessings God gives us every day. This narrative serves as a reminder to recognize past blessings and trust in God's plan, even when life's outcomes are unpredictable. Reflect with us on whether God will find faith within us upon His return and how our trust in divine sovereignty shapes o

What does it truly mean to be healed? Journey with us through the compelling narrative of Jesus and the ten lepers from Luke 17:11-19. We unravel the profound distinction between physical healing and spiritual wholeness, as exemplified by the Samaritan leper who returned to express gratitude. By reflecting on his actions, we uncover the layers of faith, gratitude, and divine recognition that still resonate powerfully today. This story isn't just an ancient tale; it's a lesson that challenges both believers and skeptics to acknowledge and appreciate the miracles in our everyday lives.As we navigate this passage, we invite you to consider the transformative power of faith. How does the kingdom of God manifest in our daily experiences, and why do worldly distractions often blind us to this presence? Through an exploration of Jesus as the high priest offering more than just temporary relief, we examine how faith encourages a deeper spiritual connection. Our discussion delves into the contrasting respons

Imagine driving straight into the sunlight with a filthy windshield, struggling to see the road ahead. What hidden issues in our lives might be clouding our vision and preventing us from reflecting the grace and image of Christ? Join us as we navigate the profound teachings of Luke 17, where we confront the realities of temptation, forgiveness, and faith, challenging conventional perspectives and urging a deep introspection of our own spiritual journeys.We're diving into the heart of Jesus' teachings on the inevitability of temptation and the moral weight of guiding others astray. We explore the severe warnings against causing someone to stumble and the critical role of community responsibility. From the disciples' heartfelt request for increased faith to the call for mutual accountability, we examine how embracing these challenging teachings can foster personal and communal growth.Duty, service, and humility are woven into the fabric of our lives, yet often overlooked as extraordinary acts. We

What if the story of a wayward son could offer profound insights into the essence of forgiveness and redemption? Join me, Larry, an elder at Midtree, as we uncover the hidden depths of the parables in Luke 15. Through the lens of societal and religious dynamics of Jesus' time, including the perspectives of tax collectors and religious leaders, we unravel the contrasting attitudes between the two brothers and the boundless grace extended by the father.Drawing parallels between spiritual care and the attention needed for herd animals, like my Nigerian dwarf goats, we highlight the parables of the lost sheep and the lost coin. Just like my goats needing gentle guidance, those who are spiritually lost require compassion and understanding. Jesus exemplifies this tender approach, diligently seeking out and valuing each individual. Our conversation emphasizes the call for believers to guide others back to their faith community with empathy, ensuring no one feels isolated or forgotten.Celebrating God's grac

Can the way you use your wealth determine your eternal destiny? Join us as we explore the profound parable of the rich man and Lazarus from Luke 16:19-31, uncovering the stark contrasts between opulence and destitution and its eternal ramifications. This episode promises a thought-provoking discussion on how our earthly choices resonate into eternity, urging us to reflect on our resources and priorities.As we delve into the rich man’s luxurious life symbolized by his rare purple garments and his apathy towards Lazarus, who suffers at his gate, we unravel the depths of divine justice and compassion. Lazarus, named and cared for by God despite his poverty, serves as a poignant reminder of the eternal significance of the marginalized. We juxtapose this with the rich man’s anonymity and his desperate plea from the afterlife, emphasizing the vital importance of compassion, justice, and love for our neighbors.Drawing inspiration from CT Studd’s resonant quote, "Only one life, 'twill soon be past, only wha

Marriage, divorce, and remarriage—what do these mean through the lens of scripture? Today, we dive into exploration of these deeply personal topics, framed by the teachings of Jesus as captured in Luke 16. We invite you to reflect on your own experiences with divorce and the profound spiritual insights presented in the Bible. How does stewardship and trust in God intersect with the sanctity of marriage? Join us as we uncover the answers together.We journey through the societal and religious contexts of Jesus' time, delving into his responses to the Pharisees’ questions about divorce. We expose the misuse of divorce certificates for personal gain, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding the sanctity of marriage. With examples from dowries to marital laws, we highlight the exploitation and selfishness that can pervade relationships, urging listeners to recognize marriage as a divine act of stewardship. Every detail matters to God, and this episode underscores His profound care for every aspect of our li

How can a seemingly dishonest act teach us about faith and trust in God? This episode unpacks one of Jesus' most perplexing parables: the story of the shrewd manager. We dissect the intricate narrative where a manager, fired for mismanagement, uses cunning strategies to secure his future. By understanding this parable, listeners gain insights into human nature, the importance of accountability, and the eternal impact of our choices. Dive deep with us into Jesus' teachings on resource stewardship, trust, and wisdom.Ever wondered why Jesus would commend a dishonest manager? Join us as we explore various scholarly interpretations and theories behind this puzzling commendation. Whether it’s about improving his master's reputation or strategic planning for future favor, we discuss the ethical complexities and pragmatic commendability of the manager's actions. We draw parallels between this parable and other biblical stories, such as the parable of the ten virgins, highlighting the importance of

Are you prepared to face the true cost of discipleship? Join us as we unpack the profound teachings of Jesus in Luke 14:25-35 and John 6:65, where we highlight the significant commitment required to follow Christ. We delve into the necessity of careful planning and dedication in our spiritual journey, and personal stories that underscore the importance of thoughtful preparation and intentionality in all aspects of life, mirroring the depth of commitment needed to follow Jesus wholeheartedly.In this episode, we take on Jesus' challenging statements about prioritizing our devotion to God above all other relationships and commitments, even when it means making hard choices. We explore what it means to "hate" one's family and oneself in a metaphorical sense, shedding light on the radical commitment Jesus demands from his disciples. Our discussion goes beyond the surface, examining the weight of carrying one's cross, whether it's sharing faith with colleagues, overcoming personal vice

Does true honor come from our own ambitions, or is it something bestowed upon us through humility? Join us as we dissect the profound lessons of humility and generosity derived from Luke 14:1-11. We'll challenge you to examine the balance between pride, wealth, self-assurance, and humility in your life, and engage in a practical self-assessment exercise designed to reveal which traits resonate most with you.In our exploration of the parable of choosing seats at a wedding feast, we underscore the significance of placing others before ourselves. Jesus’ teachings to His disciples about serving rather than seeking greatness are spotlighted, urging us to extend generosity without expectations.Lastly, we delve into the spiritual invitation to God's table, stressing the importance of responding with humility and focusing on the deeper messages behind miraculous events. Reflect on the joyous and inclusive nature of God's grace, as we revisit the man with dropsy at the dinner party and the celebratory m

What if the mission of your faith was a lifelong journey that began long before you were born and continues into eternity? In today's episode, we explore this profound idea by distinguishing between "mission" and "missions" within the Christian faith. Join us as Will, our lead pastor, Thomas, our youth pastor, and David Blanchard, the leader of our missions team, offer their unique perspectives, drawing from Revelation 21 and Psalm 96. Discover how the joy and benefits of knowing the Lord should be our primary motivation for mission work, and why our ultimate goal is for all nations to be reconciled to God.We hope you're inspired by real-life stories that illustrate the practical aspects of living out your faith daily. Reflecting on a mission trip to Kenya, we emphasize how simple acts of kindness can create a ripple effect, even in predominantly Muslim countries. Guided by Psalm 96, we discuss the importance of singing to the Lord and telling of His salvation every day. Learn ho

Ever wondered how joy can become the driving force behind the Christian mission? Join us as we uncover the profound connection between happiness and spreading God's word. We'll dive into a humorous story about my pre-episode preparations that will have you chuckling before we explore what it truly means to joyfully expand God's kingdom. We will delve into the power of the Holy Spirit and how a deep enjoyment of God is essential for true evangelism. Our journey takes us through Revelation 21, where understanding our ultimate destination helps us face today's challenges with a renewed spirit of evangelism.The imagery of the new Jerusalem and God's dwelling comes alive as we discuss the end of separation, darkness, and fear. I share a touching story about my young son, Emmett, to illustrate God's desire to dwell intimately with His people. This chapter paints a vivid picture of the church as the bride of Christ, worshiping together in perfect harmony, and highlights the comfort and