Conflict is something we all experience, whether it’s within ourselves, in our relationships, or in the world around us. In this sermon Brian (one of our Ren elders) explores how we can respond to conflict as Christians, reminding us that conflict isn’t always bad and can sometimes lead to growth. Through the struggles of Paul and Jesus, he shows us that doubt, temptation, and difficult emotions don’t make us failures. Instead, we can be honest about what we’re experiencing, lean on others, and bring it to God through prayer. Ultimately, conflict can become an opportunity to trust God more deeply and learn to respond in ways that reflect Christ.
Salt of the Earth: Hospitality
Anyone can throw a dinner party or host a friend for the weekend, but biblical hospitality is different. In this message Vicky explores how, at the heart of the gospel, is an unimaginable hospitality driven and motivated by God's love. It is because of this love that we are not welcomed by God as a paying customer, a passing visitor, or as an annoying disturbance, but as family, to dwell in God's own house as His child.
We examine how this love was expressed in action throughout Jesus' ministry, and then consider how love is the key ingredient in our hospitality too. Love will help us offer hospitality without grumbling, with a generosity that we cannot muster on our own, and most importantly, broadly and widely, even to the stranger in our midst. When done with love, giving and receiving hospitality will be imbued with purpose as we allow space for God's restoration, goodness and peace to be imparted.
Salt of the Earth: Church
Pastor Scott continues the Salt of the Earth series with a compelling look at why the local church matters so much. He challenges us to move beyond simply attending church and to become fully devoted participants who serve, give, pray, and bring our unique gifts to build up the body. Scott reminds us that the church is imperfect, but when every member plays their part in the power of the Holy Spirit, something beautiful and powerful can happen. This message is an invitation to overcome lukewarmness, prepare our hearts, and believe for gatherings where people encounter the living God and leave changed.
Salt of the Earth: Friendship
Mark takes a fresh look at friendship and why it matters far more than we often realize. Drawing from Scripture and the works of C.S. Lewis, he explains that the best friendships seem to happen almost unexpectedly, when people discover a shared passion or a kindred spirit. Unlike romantic love, friendship isn’t about being absorbed in each other. Rather, it’s about enjoying something together and making that enjoyment even richer. Most of all, Mark reminds us that these special relationships are a gift from God, so we should recognize them, treasure them, and see them as a reflection of God’s own love.
Salt of the Earth: Words
Words have the power to wound, heal, discourage, and give life. Every one of us has experienced their impact. This recording begins with a brief testimony from Josi about the power of words, followed by Pastor Scott's message from our Salt of the Earth series. Drawing from Scripture and personal stories, Pastor Scott explores why our words matter so deeply to God and how they reveal what's happening in our hearts. You'll be encouraged to cultivate a heart that overflows with grace, so your words become a source of life and hope to those around you. This is a timely message that will challenge the way you think about the words you speak every day.
Salt of the Earth: Pleasure
Pastor Scott continues our Salt of the Earth series by exploring what the Bible teaches about pleasure. God created us to enjoy His good gifts, but we're called to make sure our hearts are ruled by love rather than the pursuit of pleasure. Through practical examples and biblical wisdom, this message encourages us to enjoy God's blessings with gratitude, moderation, and an eternal perspective. It's a timely reminder that the greatest joy is found not in living for ourselves, but in following Jesus and serving others.
Salt of the Earth: Suffering
Why does suffering happen? How can we still stay faithful to our call to be the 'salt of the earth' in our greatest trials?
In this message, Vicky explores these questions through the illustration that Jesus gave of the wise man who built his house on the rock, and the foolish man who built his house on sand in Matthew 7:24-27. Through it we learn how suffering is inevitable and comes in many different forms for different purposes. Ultimately we see that there is only one way to withstand the storms of life; to build our lives on Jesus, our solid rock. In the second half of the message, Vicky shares different practical responses to suffering found in the Bible that can help sustain us in our darkest hours.
Salt of the Earth: Thought Life
What if the biggest spiritual battle you face isn't happening around you, but inside your own mind? In this message, Pastor Scott explores how our thoughts shape our lives, why so many of us wrestle with fear, shame, anxiety, and lies, and what it really means to "take every thought captive." More than a call to think positively, this sermon reveals how the Holy Spirit can transform us from the inside out, healing even the deepest patterns of thinking. If you've ever felt trapped by your own thoughts or longed for lasting peace, this message will encourage you with the hope that God can truly renew your mind.
Salt of the Earth: Identity
In this message, Pastor Scott explores one of the biggest questions we all wrestle with: our identity. He unpacks why so many of us build our sense of worth on things that can never truly satisfy and shows what changes when we stop letting our past, our mistakes, or other people's opinions define us. Instead, we'll discover the life-changing truth about the identity God has already given us. If you've ever struggled with insecurity, shame, or wondering where your true worth comes from, this message offers hope, freedom, and a fresh perspective that could change everything.
Salt of the Earth: Ordinary Activities
Pastor Scott reminds us that while we spend so much of life chasing exciting moments, most of our days are made up of ordinary tasks, and those moments matter to God as well. In this message, he shares how everything from washing dishes to pulling weeds can become acts of worship when done with gratitude, excellence, and love for Christ. If you’ve ever felt stuck in the routine or frustrated by the mundane, this conversation offers a fresh perspective that can change the way you see everyday life.