One of the most vulnerable things we can do is place our trust in someone or commit ourselves to something. Whenever we are faced with commitment, questions and fears often begin to swirl in our minds. What if they let me down? What if it isn't enough? What if things don't turn out the way I hoped? Commitment can feel risky because it requires us to release control and entrust ourselves to someone or something beyond ourselves. Every one of us wrestles with commitment in some way. Rather than fully committing, we often try to keep one foot in and one foot out. We convince ourselves that this gives us a sense of security—that if things go wrong, we can simply say, "I knew it wouldn't work." Yet this kind of divided allegiance only keeps us from experiencing the fullness of what God desires for us. Jesus calls us to wholehearted trust, and the longer we try to live in the middle ground, the more our hearts drift away from Him. As we continue our journey through Psalm 119, we will see the psalmist repeatedly place his confidence in God's Word. It is through trusting the Lord and delighting in His Word that he experiences its wisdom, joy, and life-giving power. Together, we will explore what it means to fully trust God's Word, consider the cost of wholehearted commitment, and discover the greater joy and freedom found on the other side of surrender. Join us this Sunday at 8:00 or 11:00 AM as we discover why releasing control and entrusting ourselves to the Lord is not only one of the hardest steps of faith we can take, but also one of the most rewarding. We would love to worship with you as we learn together what it means to wholeheartedly trust the God who is always faithful. - Pastor Brandon For this week's Scripture and notes: http://bible.com/events/49627411

In times of war, one of the most important questions is this: Who has the greater power? If you were entering a battle, you would want to know that the strength behind you far exceeds the strength of the enemy before you. The reality is that we, too, are in a battle. Scripture reminds us that we are engaged in a spiritual war against the kingdom of darkness. That raises an important question: Do we have the power to stand against the enemies that surround us? The psalmist wrestled with this very question. Throughout Psalm 119, we have watched him face relentless opposition. He has been vulnerable, afflicted, and at times felt as though he were at the brink of death. Yet through every trial, he continually places his hope in God's Word. Rather than relying on his own strength, he trusts in the promises and faithfulness of the Lord. As we continue our journey through Psalm 119, we will discover that God's Word is far more than a collection of promises—it is the powerful revelation of the God who spoke the universe into existence. The same Word that created all things continues to sustain, strengthen, and transform His people today. When we place our faith in God's Word and in the God who stands behind it, we experience His power at work in our lives. Join us this week as we explore the power of God's Word and discover how it is living, active, and sufficient for every battle we face. Together, we'll be reminded that our confidence is not found in our own strength, but in the God whose Word never fails. - Pastor Brandon For this week's Scripture and notes: http://bible.com/events/49627409

The question of evil is one of the most difficult questions Christians face. As we look at the brokenness of the world around us, it is easy to become discouraged and wonder what God is doing. Like the psalmist in Psalm 13, we may find ourselves crying out, "How long, O Lord?" At times, it can seem as though the world is spinning out of control, leaving us to wonder where God is at work in the midst of it all. As we continue our study of Psalm 119 this week, we find the psalmist still wrestling with the affliction brought on by the "arrogant" and the "insolent" who oppose and mock him. Yet we also see the psalmist honestly acknowledging his own weakness and suffering. Rather than abandoning him in his affliction, God—whose steadfast love (HESED) never fails—uses even life's hardships for His glory and for the good of His people (Romans 8:28). The psalmist trusts that, even in the darkest moments, God is at work, using suffering to shape, restore, and draw him closer to Himself. That same hope is available to us today. When life feels uncertain and tragedy seems ever-present, we can turn to God's Word and to the God who inspired it. In Him we find lasting hope, unshakable peace, and the assurance that He is working all things according to His perfect purposes. Join us this week as we wrestle with the difficult question, "Why does God allow evil to exist?" We will approach this question not as skeptics seeking to discredit God, but as His children, longing to find comfort, wisdom, and hope in the presence of a gracious Father who delights in meeting us in the midst of our struggles. -Pastor Brandon For this week's Scripture and notes: http://bible.com/events/49615482

Have you ever paused to consider all that God has graciously given you? Every day, we are surrounded by countless blessings—from the basic needs He faithfully provides to the simple gift of waking up each morning. Scripture reminds us that "every good and perfect gift is from above" (James 1:17). When we reflect on God's goodness and generosity, how should we respond? Last week, we saw the psalmist facing both external pressures and internal struggles. Yet even in the midst of hardship, he never loses hope. Instead, he continually turns to God's Word, finding comfort, strength, and assurance in its truth. Through every trial, the Lord has proven Himself faithful, meeting the psalmist in his time of need. As he reflects on God's steadfast care, his heart overflows with peace, joy, and gratitude. How does the psalmist respond to God's faithfulness time and time again? He responds with obedience. The psalmist understands that God desires more than our meditation on Scripture; He desires our response to it. True obedience is an act of worship. It is our way of acknowledging that God alone sits on the throne and that we gladly submit our lives to His loving authority. While obedience is often one of the most difficult aspects of the Christian life, it is also one of the most necessary and rewarding. Join us this week as we discover the joy that comes from walking in obedience to the Lord. Together, we will see that when we faithfully follow God's Word, it not only brings joy to our hearts but also keeps us firmly anchored to the One who is faithful in every season. - Pastor Brandon For this week's Scripture and notes: http://bible.com/events/49615478

When hard times come in life, where do you run for comfort? Trials and seasons of sorrow are an inevitable part of living in a broken world. At any given moment, we are either coming out of a difficult season, walking through one, or heading toward one. In those moments, how we view God and respond to His truth will shape our faith and determine whether we truly lean on Him in times of trouble. As we continue our time in Psalm 119, we see the psalmist facing enemies who plot against him and wrestling with his own weakness during a season of sorrow. Yet, in the midst of his lament and weariness, he turns to the Lord. With a heavy heart, what does he plead for? He asks for God’s Word to remain near to him and for his understanding of it to deepen. The psalmist knows that the words of God reveal the very character of God Himself. In times of trouble, Scripture becomes a source of comfort, strength, and hope that he can cling to. He seeks to remember all that God has done and to understand what God is doing even now. Though chaos surrounds him, he trusts that God is in control. He knows that God is sovereign, and he holds fast to truth as an anchor in the rough seas of life. So, whether you are currently walking through a hard season or will face one again in the future, remember this: God’s Word—and by extension, God Himself—is the anchor that holds us steady. He is near to the brokenhearted, faithful in every trial, and worthy of our trust. Join us as we explore Psalm 119:17-40 this Sunday at either 8 or 11AM service. - Pastor Brandon For this week's Scripture and notes: http://bible.com/events/49615476

Have you ever had a moment when you read an amazing book, listened to a masterfully composed song, or watched a movie that completely captivated your attention and kept you on the edge of your seat? When we encounter beautifully crafted works of art, we cannot help but be drawn into them and experience the range of emotions they evoke. Why is that? Why are we so captivated by certain lyrics or so engaged in the plot of a movie? It is because God has hardwired us that way! We have been endowed with God-given emotions that long to connect with things that stir our hearts. Just as a piece of art reveals something about its creator, Scripture reveals something about our Creator. Scripture is the Word of God and therefore bears His character and nature. So, just as we might dive into a good book to understand the author's intentions, we are invited to dive into Scripture in a way that reveals God's intentions. Scripture is not merely a book written by men; it carries the truth and teaching of who God is, who we are, and the greatest story ever told. It is a book whose depths can never be fully explored and whose applications to our lives are endless. It is a marvelous masterpiece, filled with artistic beauty that should leave every reader in awe of the God who inspired it. Yet it is easy to grow dull or bored with such a long book. I would be lying if I said I don’t have days when reading Scripture feels more like a task than a joy. It is in those moments, when we pause and ask the Holy Spirit for help, that we begin to see once again the beauty of Scripture, the wisdom it contains, and the joy it can bring. Join us this week as we begin our journey through Psalm 119. Together, we will not only discover the beauty of Scripture but also encounter the God who inspired it. - Pastor Brandon For this week's Scripture and notes: http://bible.com/events/49615474

David Messed up. He messed up really bad! The story of David and Bathsheba is one of the really ugly episodes in the Old Testament. Just like David, the holes we dig for ourselves can seem too much to overcome. It’s easy to feel like we are beyond God’s reach. David was clearly at that point. He had worked extremely hard to cover sin after sin. Psalm 51 is David’s response to this moment. It is his repentant and broken spirit before a holy and pure God. It is David asking for what none of us DESERVE or can ever hope to EARN. That is forgiveness and restoration from a perfect and holy God. No matter what you’ve done or where you’ve been, God can heal and restore! In fact, he is ready and waiting! Come join us this Sunday as we dive in to Psalm 51 and study about God’s forgiveness and restoration. - Brad Ronne Key Verses - Psalm 51:10-12 (NIV) - Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. For this week's Scripture and notes: http://bible.com/events/49611597

Jesus never hid the cost of following Him. When He called fishermen from the shores of Galilee, His invitation was more than “come believe in Me.” It was, “Follow Me, and I will send you out…” Following Jesus meant leaving comfort behind, stepping into the work of ministry, and learning to trust Him through pruning, sacrifice, rejection, and perseverance. The same invitation still stands today. In a world where it’s easy to settle for comfortable Christianity, Jesus calls His people to something deeper—to remain in Him, bear much fruit, and join Him in His mission to seek and save the lost. The question is not simply whether we believe in Jesus, but whether we are truly following Him. And while the pruning can be painful, the life He produces through surrendered disciples is worth it. Join us this weekend as we open God’s Word together and re-think what it really means to follow Jesus. Come be encouraged, challenged, and reminded not to lose heart in the process God is using to grow lasting fruit in your life. -Pastor Ben Key Verses: Matthew 9:37-38 (NIV) - Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” For this week's Scripture and notes: http://bible.com/events/49597919

Discipleship is part of the DNA and heart of Mitchell Berean! It is deeply rooted in our history and remains one of the primary areas we feel called to emphasize as a church. While this is true of many healthy churches, when we look at the emphasis of Scripture, it becomes clear that discipleship is one of the central callings of the Christian life throughout the New Testament. Yet even with this clear direction from Scripture, why do we sometimes struggle to live it out? It may be because of busyness, fear, uncertainty, or simply not knowing where to begin. Whatever the reason, God’s Word not only gives us the command to disciple others, but also provides the wisdom, tools, and example we need to faithfully walk it out. We must resist the pull of a culture that keeps us consumed with things that only matter for the moment and instead fix our eyes on what will matter for eternity. Join us at 8 AM or 11 AM as we dive into Paul’s encouragement to walk alongside and learn from those who are further along in the faith. Together, we will also look to Jesus—our ultimate example—and explore what it practically looks like to disciple those around us, including within our own families. Excited to worship with you, - Pastor Brandon For this week's Scripture and notes: http://bible.com/events/49597918

When most people hear the word “missions,” they immediately think about someone traveling overseas to reach unreached people groups with the gospel. While that is absolutely part of missions, the New Testament also shows us another side of it — a church that faithfully encourages, supports, prays for, and walks alongside those who have been sent out. In Philippians 4, Paul rejoices because the church in Philippi refused to let him become “out of sight, out of mind.” They showed concern. They shared in his troubles. They supported him in his needs. Their worship of God overflowed into tangible care for those serving on mission. This weekend in our Re-Think series, we’re going to examine what it means to rethink missions biblically. What if missions is not just about going, but also about faithfully sending, encouraging, supporting, and partnering by sharing the Gospel at home? Join us as we open God’s Word together and discover how every believer has a role in the mission of God. - Pastor Ben Key Verse - Philippians 4:10 (NIV) - "I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it." For this week's Scripture and notes: http://bible.com/events/49597917