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Even when death and despair surround us, it’s never too late for Jesus to resurrect the dead things in our lives. Pastor Brent explores the book of Ezekiel, demonstrating the hope we can still hold when everything seems lost. Can dry bones still live? The post Come Alive appeared first on Ashworth Church - West Des Moines.

The Lord does not see things the way we see them, but how do we move from focusing on what we physically see in front of us to the insight only the Lord can provide? Pastor Steve takes a look at four passages of Scripture throughout the Bible as we continue our Lenten series. The post Sight and Insight appeared first on Ashworth Church - West Des Moines.

Is the Lord among us or not? It’s a question you may find yourself asking from time to time. In the midst of suffering, it’s difficult to remember that God is a profound provider. Pastor Amy explores the book of Exodus, ultimately demonstrating that God not only knows we have needs, but He cares about providing for them. The post Suffering and Provision appeared first on Ashworth Church - West Des Moines.

The story of Abraham in the book of Genesis teaches us what faith is and what it isn’t. Faith isn’t just belief; it’s action in response to God’s call. It invites us to look inside ourselves, asking if following Jesus is truly better and worth it. Take a look at this message from Pastor Brent as we continue this Lenten series! The post Faith in Action appeared first on Ashworth Church - West Des Moines.

We join in exploring Scripture passages outlined in the Lectionary with churches around the world in this new series, Beauty for Ashes. Pastor Brent begins by addressing the temptation we witness in the Gospel of Matthew. Ultimately, we can only grasp the magnitude of God’s love when we understand the magnitude of our own sin and weaknesses. The post Temptation and Sin appeared first on Ashworth Church - West Des Moines.

The corruption and pain we’ve discussed over the past few weeks does not negate the importance of sharing our faith in Jesus anyways. However, we need to approach those conversations with love and a desire to build authentic relationships. We conclude the Asking for a Friend series with a panel discussion addressing that very issue. The post Conversations appeared first on Ashworth Church - West Des Moines.

Whether we like it or not, our cultural, ethnic, and racial backgrounds have a profound impact on the way we perceive the world and Jesus. Rather than ignoring that influence, we have the opportunity to learn more about God’s heart and character through His diverse creation. Listen to a conversation between several Ashworth members about their faith and experiences in light of their cultural contexts. The post Diversity appeared first on Ashworth Church - West Des Moines.

How can Christians preach a message of unity and reconciliation when the church is so divided? Pastor Brent explores the difference between unity and uniformity in the context of the gospel. Working towards unity in the church context is not easy, but it allows communities to see the image of God in others in greater ways. The post Uniformity or Unity appeared first on Ashworth Church - West Des Moines.

Unspeakable conflicts, wars, and violence have occurred in the name of Christianity. As a church, how should we respond to such violence? Jesus called us to take up a cross and subversively surrender, not take up arms and take over. The post Violence in Religion appeared first on Ashworth Church - West Des Moines.

How do we reconcile the character Jesus embodied with the broken church we see today? Pastor Amy and Pastor Brent guide a discussion regarding abuse in the church, specifically spiritual abuse, sexual abuse, and abuses of authority. Hope and healing is possible, but it starts with recognizing and owning the flaws embedded in our churches’ cultures and systems. Sermon Manuscript [Introductory video shows headlines of abuse in the church] Amy: How do you feel? Sad, dread? Brent: Angry? Amy: Angry? The post Abuse in the Church appeared first on Ashworth Church - West Des Moines.

In the midst of difficult conversations about life and faith, where do we find our basis for truth? Pastor Brent continues our new series by exploring the concept of heresy and its impact on spiritual communities, offering practical insight to discern what is essential and what is not. The post Heresy & Truth appeared first on Ashworth Church - West Des Moines.

How should we prepare to have tough conversations about faith? Are we even answering the questions the people around us are asking? Pastor Brent begins our new series about how to share the message of Jesus in an ever-changing world. The post How to Answer appeared first on Ashworth Church - West Des Moines.

As we celebrate a new year, we take a moment to reflect upon all God has done in our lives personally and communally in 2022. Reflect and look ahead with us through worship and a reflective spiritual formation practice. The post Soul Check Sunday appeared first on Ashworth Church - West Des Moines.

Merry Christmas! Join us in celebrating the birth of our Savior with this brief holiday devotional. The post Christmas Worship Online appeared first on Ashworth Church - West Des Moines.

We conclude our Crowned series with the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, Jesus. Jesus’ reign does not look like those of the kings and queens we’ve studied thus far. He is powerful yet meek, authoritative yet compassionate, and righteous yet grace-filled. What would it look like if you crowned Jesus in your life today? The post King Jesus appeared first on Ashworth Church - West Des Moines.

King Herod’s role in the Christmas story is one marked by power, greed, and paranoia. Pastor Amy explores how the empire of King Herod differs with the Kingdom Jesus established through his birth, life, death, and resurrection. Will we be people who are influenced by the power and corruption of the empire, or people marked by the humility and love of the Kingdom? The post King Herod appeared first on Ashworth Church - West Des Moines.

As we continue our Crowned series, we explore how God used a beautiful queen of humble roots to save His people. The story of Queen Esther demonstrates how God is present and working even when we may not realize it. The post Queen Esther appeared first on Ashworth Church - West Des Moines.

We begin our Crowned series by taking a look at a tender yet complicated man named King David. Although he came from humble beginnings, his rise to power did not come without consequences and sin. However, his story and relationship with God foreshadows the incredible mercy and grace to come from the arrival of another King, King Jesus. The post King David appeared first on Ashworth Church - West Des Moines.

As we approach Thanksgiving, we celebrate all God has done and is doing at Ashworth Church. Learn about the answer to our fear and negativity and hear stories of hope and encouragement from our congregation. The post Giving Thanks appeared first on Ashworth Church - West Des Moines.

We conclude The Big Picture series by exploring the restoration and renewal that comes at the end of this chapter in God and humankind’s story. Ultimately, The Big Picture is a story about God’s desire to live among His people. The post New Creation appeared first on Ashworth Church - West Des Moines.