MidTree Church

What's the most important thing you've ever forgotten? Maybe it was an anniversary, a doctor's appointment, or your car keys. We are people prone to forget, which is why God established memorials throughout Scripture to help His people remember His mighty works.

In Joshua 4, we find the Israelites standing at a pivotal moment in their history. After wandering in the wilderness for forty years, they've finally crossed the Jordan River into the Promised Land—on dry ground, no less. God commands Joshua to take twelve stones from the middle of the riverbed and set them up as a...

What rivers of impossibility are you facing right now? The story of Joshua leading Israel across the Jordan offers a surprising message of hope for anyone feeling overwhelmed by life's challenges.

This powerful exploration of Joshua 3 reveals that beneath the dramatic miracle of waters parting lies something even more remarkable - the unseen currents of God's faithfulness flowing through history. Like children playing with beach toys, we often focus on what's happening above the surface while missing the stronger forces moving underneath.

God deliberately chose flood season - the worst possible time - for Israel...

What if your greatest shame became your greatest testimony? The story of Rahab challenges everything we think we know about who belongs in God's family.

Joshua 2 takes us to an unexpected location—the house of a prostitute in Jericho—where two Israelite spies find refuge as they scout the Promised Land. But this isn't just any woman; Rahab is a foreigner who demonstrates extraordinary faith despite her background. With soldiers searching the city for these men, she hides them and makes a stunning declaration: "I know that the Lord has given you the land...for the Lord your...

The journey from the wilderness to the Promised Land represents one of Scripture's most pivotal transitions—and in this illuminating exploration of Joshua 1:1-9, we discover how God orchestrates leadership transitions that advance His unchanging mission.

When Moses dies, God doesn't pause to mourn or reassess. Instead, He immediately commands Joshua: "Moses my servant is dead. Now therefore, arise, go." This remarkable moment teaches us that while leaders may change, God's purposes never falter. Four times in this passage, God commands Joshua to "be strong and courageous"—a refrain that echoes through the ages to every believer faci...

The paradox at the heart of Christian life can feel impossible to resolve: how can we strive diligently for holiness while simultaneously experiencing deep peace? In this final sermon on 2 Peter, we explore the apostle's parting wisdom to believers awaiting Christ's return and a world "in which righteousness dwells."

Peter challenges us with seemingly contradictory instructions: "Be diligent to be found by Him without spot or blemish and at peace." This tension between extreme effort and complete rest captures the unique essence of Christian spirituality. While acknowledging that some spiritual truths are "hard to understand," Peter warns...

Have you ever made Kool-Aid and noticed how the sugary goodness settles to the bottom if left unstirred? That's exactly what happens to our spiritual lives when we forget the urgency of Christ's return. In this powerful message from 2 Peter 3:8-13, we explore how easily Christians can become "settled" rather than "stirred" in their faith.

Peter writes specifically to believers—not unbelievers—warning about scoffers who mock the promise of Christ's return by saying "all things continue as they were from the beginning." These "doubt evangelists" deliberately overlook God's past judgment through the flood and His promised futu...

What happens when knowledge becomes more important than faith? In this penetrating exploration of 2 Peter 2, we confront the uncomfortable reality of false teaching and its destructive influence in our lives.

The sermon begins with a fishing story that captures our relationship with Scripture. Sometimes we throw out a perfect cast net that catches nothing, while a tangled mess somehow brings in fish. Similarly, our approach to God's word shouldn't depend on our expertise but on our willingness to swim under whatever net the Holy Spirit casts.

At its heart, this message examines how false teachers...

At the end of life, what truly matters? In this profound exploration of 2 Peter 1:16-21, we discover that Peter—facing his own mortality—chose not to impart new knowledge but to remind believers of timeless truths they already knew.

Against our culture's obsession with novelty and innovation, Peter presents a radical alternative: the gospel never grows old, no matter how familiar it becomes. He recounts his experience on the Mount of Transfiguration, where he witnessed Christ's glory firsthand and heard the voice of God proclaim, "This is my beloved Son." Yet remarkably, Peter suggests that Scripture provides even...

We explore the revolutionary concept that every Christian stands on equal footing with the apostles themselves, not through our own merit, but through the righteousness of Christ.

• God has granted believers "all things that pertain to life and godliness" through knowing Christ
• Many Christians experience a "false start" by trying to earn God's approval rather than beginning with faith
• Faith must come first, followed by supplements like virtue, knowledge, self-control and love
• Our relationship with Christ isn't about striving but about taking what He freely gives
• The Christian life includes "becoming partakers of the divine...

Ever felt like your spiritual growth has hit a plateau? In this exploration of 2 Peter, we discover the apostle's urgent final message written from prison as he faces execution under Nero's persecution. Peter, the disciple who once denied Jesus but ultimately gave his life for the gospel, reminds us that true spiritual growth doesn't require new revelations or secret knowledge—it demands remembering and applying the transformative truths we already possess.

The letter opens with an astounding declaration: everyday believers share "equal standing" with the apostles themselves. This radical equality exists not because of our spiritual achievements bu...

Frustration, bitterness, resentment, anger—emotions we rarely associate with our spiritual lives, yet ones that inevitably surface when our expectations collide with reality. What do we do when God feels distant or his timing seems unbearably slow?

This episode explores the forgotten art of biblical lament—a practice modeled throughout Scripture that offers us a way forward when we're struggling with difficult emotions toward God. Drawing from Jonah's selfish complaint and David's honest lament in Psalm 13, we discover a crucial distinction that changes everything: while both men brought their complaints to God, only one ended with hope and...

The journey from complete brokenness to divine purpose unfolds powerfully in this moving episode opening with Darin Sharpe's raw testimony of redemption. His story begins in rural Georgia, tracks through a devastating divorce that led him to homelessness in New York City's Central Park, and continues through the tragedy of 9/11, imprisonment, and a 12-year battle with meth addiction. The turning point arrives when Darin answers the call to care for his dying parents, gradually softening his heart toward the God he'd been angry with for decades.

Surrender comes in October 2020 when, kneeling on an old mattress in...

What does it mean to truly possess wisdom in a world that often confuses it with mere knowledge? Through an engaging exploration of three biblical figures—Adam, Solomon, and Jesus—we discover a profound progression in the pursuit of wisdom that transforms not just our thinking, but our very relationships.

Adam stands as a sobering warning. In the perfection of Eden, he had everything yet reached for the one thing God withheld, believing it would make him wise. His story reveals the devastating consequences of seeking wisdom apart from God: broken relationships, fear, and spiritual death. As Thom...

What happens when a "perfect" relationship hits its first major conflict? In this powerful examination of Song of Solomon chapter 5, we explore the moment when everything goes wrong between two people who deeply love each other. 

The passage takes us right to the heart of relationship breakdown – he arrives home late, she's prepared for an intimate evening but chooses resentment over reconciliation, and what could have been resolved with a few steps to the door becomes a painful journey through the city streets seeking restoration. It's a story that feels uncomfortably familiar to anyone who has ever cho...

Passion isn't something to hide from or be embarrassed about—it's woven into the very fabric of our design by a God who celebrates intimacy. But what if everything our culture tells us about desire, sex, and fulfillment is backward?

When the young woman in Song of Solomon compares herself to a magnificent procession, wondering if she'll captivate her beloved's attention, she reveals a universal anxiety: Am I enough? Her beloved responds with a literary love letter, repeatedly affirming not just her general beauty but specific qualities that belong uniquely to her. The emphasis on "your" eyes, "yo...

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 no...

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: "...

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 co...

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...

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."...

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...

"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...

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...

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...

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 ele...

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 wi...

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...

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 <...

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 MidTree story or conn...

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...

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...

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 authorit...

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 collecti...

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...

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

I...

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 d...

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 sign...

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 Je...

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 holi...

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.

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