http://theaterchurch.com/media Video messages from National Community Church in Washington, DC. National Community Church Sun, 25 Jul 2010 13:00:22 -0400 Your integrity is your destiny.  Sun, 25 Jul 2010 12:00:22 -0400 National Community Church http://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/17266932/1n0rph/video/sd/480p~Shadrach-Meshach-and-Abednego-Mark-Batterson In a city full of people trying to change the world, but disillusioned with bureaucracy, you have to find a way to maximize your potential. Nathan gives us a prime example of confrontation in relationship and shows us how to influence influencers.  Sun, 18 Jul 2010 12:00:58 -0400 National Community Church http://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/16848014/1n0rph/video/sd/480p~Nathan-Joel-Schmidgall Every past experience is preparation for future opportunities. It was his encounters with lions and bears that prepared David to face the giant. Sun, 11 Jul 2010 12:00:45 -0400 National Community Church http://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/16340176/1n0rph/video/sd/480p~David-Mark-Batterson Are you building altars to God or monuments to yourself?  Sun, 04 Jul 2010 20:30:11 -0400 National Community Church http://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/15715298/1n0rph/video/sd/480p~Samuel-Mark-Batterson We ask God to reduce the odds against us but God often allows the odds to get longer so that He receives all of the glory.  Sun, 27 Jun 2010 12:00:47 -0400 National Community Church http://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/15240206/1n0rph/video/sd/480p~Gideon-Mark-Batterson We need a sense of passion not a sense of obligation in the church today. Sun, 20 Jun 2010 13:19:27 -0400 National Community Church http://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/15061718/1n0rph/video/sd/480p~Passion-Christine-Caine Self-examination is a lost spiritual art. This message will help you learn the art and make sure you are “in the faith.” Mon, 14 Jun 2010 00:55:33 -0400 National Community Church http://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/14701951/1n0rph/video/sd/480p~Heresy-Mark-Batterson When we misunderstand the Gospel, we will mistreat people. And when we mistreat people, we misrepresent the Gospel. In 1 Corinthians, Paul encourages the church to be united in heart, mind, and purpose. Sun, 06 Jun 2010 12:00:10 -0400 National Community Church http://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/14501544/1n0rph/video/sd/480p~Division-Heather-Zempel A history of the early church that will change your perspective of church.  Sun, 30 May 2010 12:00:06 -0400 National Community Church http://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/14253200/1n0rph/video/sd/480p~Persecution-Mark-Batterson Pentecost brought us the birth of the church and God’s corporate blessing.  But don’t settle for being an onlooker to what God is doing corporately.  Seek Him for an individual filling of the Spirit...a personal Pentecost. Sun, 23 May 2010 12:00:17 -0400 National Community Church http://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/13687883/1n0rph/video/sd/480p~Personal-Pentecost-Joel-Schmidgall We often look for miracles everywhere but where they are to be found: within our reach.  God doesn’t want us to experience miracles once in a lifetime. He wants us to experience them everyday as we recognize opportunities to meet the needs of others and become part of their miracle!  Sun, 16 May 2010 12:00:49 -0400 National Community Church http://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/13205870/1n0rph/video/sd/480p~The-Miracle-is-in-the-House-Mark-Batterson Pastor Mark continues our Miracles series, talking about Elijah and the miracle on Mt. Carmel. Sun, 09 May 2010 12:00:40 -0400 National Community Church http://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/12752450/1n0rph/video/sd/480p~Miracle-on-the-Mountain-Mark-Batterson The sections of Scripture that seem the most boring to us may reveal significant truths about the sovereignty, goodness, and faithfulness of God. Not to mention they might be the most exciting parts to those who were actually living the story. The distribution of land might not seem overtly miraculous to us today, but to the Israelites, it was a demonstration of God’s faithfulness to his promises-- down to the most minute details. Mon, 03 May 2010 00:51:37 -0400 National Community Church http://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/12101920/1n0rph/video/sd/480p~Miracle-in-the-Mundane-Heather-Zempel If you want to experience the miracle you need to keep circling Jericho Sun, 25 Apr 2010 12:00:55 -0400 National Community Church http://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/11387415/1n0rph/video/sd/480p~The-Battle-of-Jericho-Mark-Batterson Sometimes God’s most amazing miracles are simply getting in the way of where we want to go. They feel like detours. And we get frustrated. But God uses them to not just reroute us but change us.  Mon, 19 Apr 2010 02:25:41 -0400 National Community Church http://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/10804056/1n0rph/video/sd/480p~The-Talking-Donkey-Mark-Batterson In the desert somebody trusts God and miracles happen. What are we having for supper? Sun, 11 Apr 2010 15:43:14 -0400 National Community Church http://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/10238120/1n0rph/video/sd/480p~Miracles-in-the-Desert-Dr-Dick-Foth God is in the resurrection business. It’s not over till God says it’s over. Sun, 04 Apr 2010 12:00:15 -0400 National Community Church http://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/9803812/1n0rph/video/sd/480p~The-Resurrection-Mark-Batterson God can turn your biggest mistakes into His greatest acts of redemption. Sun, 28 Mar 2010 12:00:21 -0400 National Community Church http://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/9350377/1n0rph/video/sd/480p~Tears-of-Failure-Mark-Batterson When all else fails, the mercies of the Lord are new every morning.  Sun, 21 Mar 2010 12:00:19 -0400 National Community Church http://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/8887790/1n0rph/video/sd/480p~Tears-of-Mercy-Mark-Batterson The message of Jeremiah is that idolatry will always enslave us and exile us, but God’s plan is to redeem us and restore us. God wants our hearts so much that he will go to extremes unfathomable to the human mind to win them. Sun, 14 Mar 2010 12:00:32 -0400 National Community Church http://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/8371921/1n0rph/video/sd/480p~Tears-of-Exile-Heather-Zempel Jeremiah was known as “The Weeping Prophet” and gives us an incredible example to follow when being a friend to those going down the wrong path. We have a calling to be a prophetic voice but also to experience and walk with them through their pain. Sun, 07 Mar 2010 21:35:41 -0500 National Community Church http://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/7836517/1n0rph/video/sd/480p~Tears-of-Disappointment-Joel-Schmidgall This message explores the cause and effect of suffering.  Sun, 28 Feb 2010 22:03:30 -0500 National Community Church http://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/7412813/1n0rph/video/sd/480p~Tears-of-Suffering-A-Study-in-Job-Mark-Batterson This message kicks off our read long Bible reading challenge: From Garden to City. Pastor Marks takes an indepth look at Psalm 119. Sun, 21 Feb 2010 04:40:03 -0500 National Community Church http://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/7017300/1n0rph/video/sd/480p~Garden-to-City-Mark-Batterson Pastor Mark casts vision for 2010 and 2020 Sun, 14 Feb 2010 04:19:43 -0500 National Community Church http://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/6725089/1n0rph/video/sd/480p~Vision-Take-Two-Mark-Batterson This series will help you dream God-sized dreams! You will learn how to discover your personal vision from God in take one. Take two will invite you to be a shareholder in the corporate vision of National Community Church.  Sun, 07 Feb 2010 21:39:04 -0500 National Community Church http://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/6244602/1n0rph/video/sd/480p~Vision-Take-One-Mark-Batterson Truth and Grace Mon, 01 Feb 2010 00:16:48 -0500 National Community Church http://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/5936413/1n0rph/video/sd/480p~Two-Things-That-Change-Life-Dick-Foth It’s not enough to love God heart, soul, and mind. Strength is the final frontier. That is where love turns into a verb.  Mon, 25 Jan 2010 01:36:46 -0500 National Community Church http://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/5615627/1n0rph/video/sd/480p~The-Strength-of-Christianity-Mark-Batterson The Battle is won or lost in the mind.  Your future, for better or for worse, starts with your thoughts. You’ve got to take every thought captive and make it obedient to Christ.  Sun, 17 Jan 2010 12:00:36 -0500 National Community Church http://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/5296392/1n0rph/video/sd/480p~The-Mind-of-Christianity-Mark-Batterson Is your soul empty? Learn how to recapture your childlike wonder and find rest in a relationship with Christ. Sun, 10 Jan 2010 23:00:59 -0500 National Community Church http://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/5010939/1n0rph/video/sd/480p~The-Soul-of-Christianity-Mark-Batterson Does your heart break for the things that break the heart of God?  When you give your heart to Christ He gives His heart to you.  You become part of the coup de compassion that started at Calvary two thousand years ago.  Sun, 03 Jan 2010 17:55:04 -0500 National Community Church http://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/4693470/1n0rph/video/sd/480p~The-Tribe-of-the-Transplanted-Mark-Batterson what choices do you need to make? What goals do you need to set? What habits do you need to establish? Sun, 27 Dec 2009 21:00:04 -0500 National Community Church http://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/4385526/1n0rph/video/sd/480p~Cast-Your-Bread-on-the-Water-Mark-Batterson We find meaning in the Christmas season when we can learn to embrace the interruptions that come across our path.  Mary experienced the ultimate interruption in the incarnation, so we will look into her response for wisdom. Sun, 20 Dec 2009 21:53:49 -0500 National Community Church http://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/4111845/1n0rph/video/sd/480p~The-Scandal-of-the-Virgin-Birth-Joel-Schmidgall God is bigger than any scandal in your past.  When you have been saved by God’s grace, your future is always brighter than your past.  Why?  Because God is bigger than your mistakes.  Sun, 13 Dec 2009 12:52:31 -0500 National Community Church http://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/3827761/1n0rph/video/sd/480p~The-Scandal-of-the-Genealogy-Mark-Batterson We have domesticated a story of Christmas that was filled with Scandal.  We need to restore the scandal of yesterday and reverse the scandal of today through the challenge of giving. Sun, 06 Dec 2009 14:42:55 -0500 National Community Church http://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/3797202/1n0rph/video/sd/480p~The-Scandal-of-the-Nativity-Joel-Schmidgall Prayer is the way we take things out of our hand and put them into the Almighty hands of God.  Sun, 29 Nov 2009 20:26:14 -0500 National Community Church http://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/3301928/1n0rph/video/sd/480p~Prayer-Mark-Batterson Altars remind us of where we’ve been and where we’re going. Altars remind us of who we are and who God is.  Many of us wander through life because we don’t have altars that serve as spiritual milestones in our lives.  This message will help you discover the why, what, and how of altar making. Sun, 22 Nov 2009 16:31:11 -0500 National Community Church http://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/2991466/1n0rph/video/sd/480p~Altars-Mark-Batterson No one can worship for you or like you.  The way you worship God is absolutely unique.  And your life was meant to be part of the cosmic worship chorus that is being sung by all of creation.  Play your part.  Sun, 15 Nov 2009 12:21:25 -0500 National Community Church http://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/2685238/1n0rph/video/sd/480p~Worship-Mark-Batterson We have devalued the currency of grace by accepting it’s merit without seeking it’s giver.  We will explore the role of confessing our sins and confessing our righteousness for the deepening of our faith in God. Sun, 08 Nov 2009 12:00:20 -0500 National Community Church http://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/2463659/1n0rph/video/sd/480p~Confession-Joel-Schmidgall Baptism is the dramatic re-enactment of an epic spiritual story. A story in which we die to ourselves and are raised to new life in Christ. The ritual of baptism has been practiced by the church throughout its history and is the way we publicly declare a commitment to Jesus and mark the beginning of a changed life. Sun, 01 Nov 2009 12:00:02 -0500 National Community Church http://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/2231109/1n0rph/video/sd/480p~Baptism-Heather-Zempel Tithing isn’t a money issue. It’s a trust issue.  Tithing = Trusting.  And when you begin to tithe you’ll discover that God can do more with 90% than you can do with 100%. Sun, 25 Oct 2009 12:00:53 -0400 National Community Church http://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/2001501/1n0rph/video/sd/480p~Tithe-Mark-Batterson We all need a place to go back to: the home you grew up in, a favorite vacation spot, the place where you got engaged.  Spiritually speaking, communion is a pilgrimage back to the foot of the cross.  It’s the place we go back too. It’s the place where we are reminded that Jesus loves us enough to die for us.  Mon, 19 Oct 2009 01:40:37 -0400 National Community Church http://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/1853456/1n0rph/video/sd/480p~Communion-Mark-Batterson What do you do when you find yourself where you don’t want to be?  What do you do when you don’t know where to turn or what to do?  What do you do when you’re in an impossible situation?  Get ready for a miracle!  The deliverance of the Lord will come in a way you never anticipated or expected. Sun, 11 Oct 2009 10:09:18 -0400 National Community Church http://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/1607413/1n0rph/video/sd/480p~Between-an-Egyptian-Army-and-a-Red-Sea-Mark-Batterson As we kick off the Ritual series, we explore the meaning and importance of the first ritual implemented in Scripture. Sabbath is a celebration of the provision of God, creation of God, freedom of God, and salvation of God. Sun, 04 Oct 2009 16:27:26 -0400 National Community Church http://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/1497678/1n0rph/video/sd/480p~Sabbath-Heather-Zempel What are you building your life’s foundation on? Sun, 27 Sep 2009 12:00:11 -0400 National Community Church http://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/1417338/1n0rph/video/sd/480p~The-Wise-and-Foolish-Builder-Mark-Batterson As Christians, our job is to plant seeds. It’s God’s job to bring the increase. But most of us want to flip those jobs and we become frustrated with the results when things don’t work out. So our calling is simple: plant seeds and let God do the rest! Sun, 20 Sep 2009 12:00:50 -0400 National Community Church http://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/1260623/1n0rph/video/sd/480p~Parable-of-the-Seed-Joel-Schmidgall Few things compare to the thrill of a good investment. You only wish you had invested more! No one will regret an ounce of energy or second of time or penny of money invested in the kingdom of God. Are you sold out? Sun, 13 Sep 2009 12:00:33 -0400 National Community Church http://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/1111441/1n0rph/video/sd/480p~The-Pearl-of-Great-Price-Mark-Batterson In the Parable of the Great Feast, we learn that we have been invited to the table of the master—how can we not come? And there is still room for more—how dare we go alone? Evangelism is as simple as being like Jesus with the people he would have been with and inviting them to the table. Sun, 06 Sep 2009 13:00:36 -0400 National Community Church http://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/1065431/1n0rph/video/sd/480p~The-Table-Heather-Zempel If you plant yourself in the right place and let your roots grow deep, your impact will exceed your expectations. Sun, 30 Aug 2009 12:00:33 -0400 National Community Church http://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/1009199/1n0rph/video/sd/480p~Show-Me-the-Fruit-Mark-Batterson How often do we miss God’s blessing because we give up too soon? God commanded the Israelites to march around Jericho seven times so that the city walls would fall down. The prophet Elisha told Naaman to wash in the Jordan River seven times to be healed of his leprosy. Elijah prayed for rain seven times before a cloud appeared. What would have happened if they had given up after six times? Sun, 23 Aug 2009 12:00:31 -0400 National Community Church http://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/938905/1n0rph/video/sd/480p~Persistent-Prayer-Mark-Batterson How many of us bury our gifts or talents, and then we criticize the church for not taking care of others or us? But God finds pleasure in the presence of success and faithfulness, not the absence of mistake. So let us rise up! Sun, 16 Aug 2009 12:00:10 -0400 National Community Church http://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/876708/1n0rph/video/sd/480p~Rise-Up-Joel-Schmidgall God is not fair; he is generous. In the Parable of the Vineyard, Jesus illustrates the extravagant, unexpected, irrational, and illogical grace and generosity of God. Sun, 09 Aug 2009 12:00:50 -0400 National Community Church http://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/854033/1n0rph/video/sd/480p~Gracious-Unfairness-Heather-Zempel God’s forgiveness of us is contingent upon our forgiveness of others.  If we don’t forgive others we put ourselves in a spiritual prison.  The only way to be set free is to forgive. Sun, 02 Aug 2009 12:00:51 -0400 National Community Church http://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/751843/1n0rph/video/sd/480p~The-Irrationality-of-Unforgiveness-Mark-Batterson Pastor Joel concludes the A18: Neighborhoods series by casting vision for 10 and 10 in 2010. Ten international trips and 10 local service projects in 2010. The mission of Acts 1:8 challenges us to take the Gospel to our neighborhoods, the unwanted places, and the nations. Sun, 26 Jul 2009 10:00:46 -0400 National Community Church http://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/699194/1n0rph/video/sd/480p~Strategy-Joel-Schmidgall This weekend, we are blessed to hear from our Zeb Mengistu, pastor of Beza International in Ethiopia, who helps us understand that the visible world we live in flows out of an invisible world of spiritual power. While we live in a visible world, true change begins first in the invisible. As we exercise our faith, we can make that change happen. Sun, 19 Jul 2009 10:00:11 -0400 National Community Church http://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/659780/1n0rph/video/sd/480p~The-Invisible-Advantage-Zeb-Mengistu Compassion is counter-intuitive, messy, and costly, but it is the model Jesus set for us to follow. Through the parable of the Good Samaritan, we are challenged to live with humility and hospitality so that the rescuing and redemptive love of Jesus can work in us and through us. Sun, 12 Jul 2009 10:00:52 -0400 National Community Church http://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/627584/1n0rph/video/sd/480p~Compassion-Heather-Zempel You don’t have to pray. You get to pray.  This message will share some practical prayer techniques like praying the calendar and praying the Bible that will help you cultivate a prayer habit in your life. Mon, 06 Jul 2009 03:20:22 -0400 National Community Church http://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/592599/1n0rph/video/sd/480p~Power-Mark-Batterson Worship is bragging to God about God. Evangelism is bragging to others about God. This message challenges us to increase our evangelistic temperature, pay attention to our compassion radar, and practice listening evangelism as we strive to be the salt and light that Jesus described in Matthew 5. Sun, 28 Jun 2009 10:00:15 -0400 National Community Church http://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/556887/1n0rph/video/sd/480p~Presence-Mark-Batterson Jesus calls his followers on a mission to take the Gospel to neighborhoods and nations. As we kick off the A18: Neighborhoods experiment, we seek to follow Jesus’ challenge to embrace the Gospel of the cross, focus outwardly, and bring the Kingdom of God to our neighbors. Sun, 21 Jun 2009 10:00:16 -0400 National Community Church http://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/527880/1n0rph/video/sd/480p~Mission-Heather-Zempel If you try to exalt yourself, God will find a way to humble you. If you humble yourself, God will find a way to exalt Himself. Sun, 14 Jun 2009 10:00:36 -0400 National Community Church http://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/482792/1n0rph/video/sd/480p~God-is-God-Mark-Batterson Yes, many of us know that God’s love is for everyone. But have you ever truly reflected on the fact that God’s love is for you? Sun, 07 Jun 2009 10:00:01 -0400 National Community Church http://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/481139/1n0rph/video/sd/480p~God-is-Love-Craig-Groeschel Do you love the Holy Spirit? Do you love Him like you love the Father or the Son? The Holy Spirit is a Person with a personality. This message will introduce you to one dimension of his personality. He is the Counselor. Sun, 31 May 2009 10:00:33 -0400 National Community Church http://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/358676/1n0rph/video/sd/480p~God-is-Spirit-Mark-Batterson God is jealous for His name and for His people, and that jealousy drove Him to the cross. That knowledge should drive us to our knees in worship. Sun, 24 May 2009 10:00:53 -0400 National Community Church http://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/409638/1n0rph/video/sd/480p~God-is-Jealous-Heather-Zempel A small view of God is our biggest problem. Every other problem is a symptom of that core problem. This message will expand your understanding of and appreciation for the Incomparable One. Sun, 17 May 2009 10:00:42 -0400 National Community Church http://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/269847/1n0rph/video/sd/480p~God-is-Incomparable-Mark-Batterson As we reflect on the mothers in our lives, we can learn a great deal from Jesus and his example of influencing just a few disciples. In a sense, mothers perform similarly tedious work. But not because the work is small, it is gigantic and vastly important. Sun, 10 May 2009 10:00:01 -0400 National Community Church http://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/228935/1n0rph/video/sd/480p~The-Influence-of-a-Mother-Sue-Aughtmon Hear the story of a man who made God the senior partner in his business and how he ultimately gave more than $100 million to the work of the Kingdom. At age 93, Stanley Tam shows us how a faith-led life can lead to many extraordinary experiences. Sun, 03 May 2009 10:00:38 -0400 National Community Church http://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/147727/1n0rph/video/sd/480p~The-Senior-Partner-Stanley-Tam Influence happens every single day in the real world, in your world. Listen to the stories of three NCCers who have learned unique ways to influence the people and cultures in the world around them. Sun, 26 Apr 2009 10:00:09 -0400 National Community Church http://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/125058/1n0rph/video/sd/480p~Stories-of-Influence-Influential-NCCers Our guest speaker former NFL MVP Shaun Alexander offers his testimony and challenges us to come to true salvation through confession and belief. Sun, 19 Apr 2009 10:00:10 -0400 National Community Church http://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/81523/1n0rph/video/sd/480p~Confess-and-Believe-Shaun-Alexander It’s not over till Jesus says it’s over. He’s never early. He’s never late. He’s always right on time. He’s also right on eternity. Sun, 12 Apr 2009 10:00:38 -0400 National Community Church http://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/51691/1n0rph/video/sd/480p~I-Am-The-Resurrection-Mark-Batterson Doubt is normal and natural. In fact, doubt can lead to a deeper faith. But at some point we need to make the declaration of faith that Thomas did: “My Lord and My God.” Sun, 05 Apr 2009 10:00:14 -0400 National Community Church http://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/32096/1n0rph/video/sd/480p~Doubting-Thomas-Mark-Batterson If you have “issues” you’ll love this message. Not only will it put your “issues” in perspective, it will give you a picture of what Jesus can do if you give him control of your life. Sun, 29 Mar 2009 10:00:18 -0400 National Community Church http://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/18155/1n0rph/video/sd/480p~Lost-Causes-Mark-Batterson When it comes to relational scars, we are all in a unique situation. We have all suffered from relational scars, and we have all inflicted relational scars. Follow the story of Saul and Ananias to discover some attitudes and actions that can help us move toward hope and healing. Sun, 22 Mar 2009 10:00:26 -0400 National Community Church http://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/18156/1n0rph/video/sd/480p~Relational-Scars-Heather-Zempel The bad news? Some of our most painful scars are the sinful decisions we make that hurt ourselves and others. The good news? God loves us when we least expect it and least deserve. And his grace gives us a new lease on life. Sun, 15 Mar 2009 10:00:38 -0400 National Community Church http://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/18157/1n0rph/video/sd/480p~Sin-Scars-Mark-Batterson We all have scars in our life, physical reminders of painful experiences. In this sermon we take a look at the life of Joseph to learn from his story of restoration and forgiveness. Like Joseph, when you allow your wounds to become scars, your scars can heal. Sun, 08 Mar 2009 10:00:46 -0400 National Community Church http://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/18158/1n0rph/video/sd/480p~God-is-With-You-Joel-Schmidgall God wants to multiply His blessings in your life a hundred fold, but we’ve got to overcome the challenges and meet the challenges presented in this parable. We’ve got to get past the birds, the rocks, and the thorns and allow the Word of God to take root and grow deep in the soil of our hearts. Sun, 01 Mar 2009 10:00:05 -0500 National Community Church http://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/18159/1n0rph/video/sd/480p~Multiplication-Anointing-Mark-Batterson When seeking God in uncertainty, in troubling circumstances or for greater things, the Scriptures give us clear direction. It’s not about being in the right place but becoming the right person. Sun, 22 Feb 2009 10:00:29 -0500 National Community Church http://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/18160/1n0rph/video/sd/480p~The-Way-Joel-Schmidgall When we find ourselves in circumstances that make us feel helpless and hopeless we mistakenly pray for deliverance. We pray that God would get us out of situations instead of trying to figure out what God wants us to get out of those situations. Instead of praying for deliverance we ought to be praying for revelation. God wants to deliver us, but not before we learn the lesson or develop the character he wants in our lives. Sun, 15 Feb 2009 10:00:08 -0500 National Community Church http://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/18161/1n0rph/video/sd/480p~Do-You-Want-to-Get-Well-Mark-Batterson We talk a lot about putting our faith in God, but what God putting His faith in us? No one believes in you more than the Heavenly Father. He doesn’t just see who you are past tense. He sees who you can become future tense. Sun, 08 Feb 2009 10:00:11 -0500 National Community Church http://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/18162/1n0rph/video/sd/480p~You-Havent-Seen-Anything-Yet-Mark-Batterson How do we handle money the “right” way? How do we multiply what we have? Are we spenders or investors? Pastor Dick Foth sheds light on how God helps us discover the answers. Sun, 01 Feb 2009 10:00:22 -0500 National Community Church http://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/18163/1n0rph/video/sd/480p~Life-the-Second-Time-Around-Dick-Foth The prisons of loneliness, negativity and greed each have unique ways of trapping us. We have been granted three strategies to combat them: relationships, prayer and generosity. Sun, 25 Jan 2009 10:00:14 -0500 National Community Church http://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/18164/1n0rph/video/sd/480p~Overcoming-Loneliness-Negativity-and-Greed-Mark-Batterson Our past can imprison us. Our mistakes can keep us down. It’s not about our past, or even the good deeds we do, it’s about what Christ has done. Our primary objective should be to know Him. Sun, 18 Jan 2009 10:00:19 -0500 National Community Church http://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/18165/1n0rph/video/sd/480p~Good-Deeds-and-Bad-Mistakes-Mark-Batterson The greatest prison of all is one in which we allow ourselves to become captive: pride. There are several antidotes to pride. Service, humility, prayer, acknowledging God’s leadership, and having an optimistic outlook unlock the chains of pride and control. Sun, 11 Jan 2009 10:00:10 -0500 National Community Church http://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/18166/1n0rph/video/sd/480p~Positive-Deviance-Joel-Schmidgall What do you do when life imprisons you? Paul knew who his life was about and what his life was about, and that perspective enabled him to find freedom and joy in the midst of difficult circumstances. Sun, 04 Jan 2009 10:00:43 -0500 National Community Church http://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/18167/1n0rph/video/sd/480p~Perspective-Heather-Zempel The Magi and their gifts represent something intangible, yet vastly important. They looked beyond the immediate moment to see who Christ would become. In giving a gift they had to give, they shared a story we had to hear. Sun, 21 Dec 2008 10:00:43 -0500 National Community Church http://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/18168/1n0rph/video/sd/480p~The-Gift-of-Jesus-Joel-Schmidgall Hope is our birthright as Christ-followers. We’ll face challenges and problems like everyone else. But the gift of eternal life puts them into perspective and fills us with hope.  Sun, 14 Dec 2008 10:00:26 -0500 National Community Church http://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/18169/1n0rph/video/sd/480p~The-Gift-of-Hope-Mark-Batterson In John 14:27, Jesus promises us the gift of peace of mind and heart. How do we experience this gift of peace in the midst of the chaos of life? Peace has less to do with the absence of conflict and more to do with inviting the presence of Christ into the middle of the conflict. That’s precisely the peace he brought that we celebrate at Christmas. Sun, 07 Dec 2008 22:00:15 -0500 National Community Church http://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/18170/1n0rph/video/sd/480p~The-Gift-of-Peace-Heather-Zempel It’s the nature of God to give us good gifts. And though we know that, do we really believe in our hearts? Sun, 30 Nov 2008 10:00:03 -0500 National Community Church http://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/18171/1n0rph/video/sd/480p~The-Gift-Mark-Batterson God used the repetitive nature of circumstances to get Elijah’s attention and draw his heart back to the heart of God. In the same way, God uses the repetitive nature of our own lives to draw us to Him. These moments are sacred echoes, where God illuminates something important in subtle, yet repetitive ways in order to encourage and affirm us. Sun, 23 Nov 2008 22:00:30 -0500 National Community Church http://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/18172/1n0rph/video/sd/480p~The-Sacred-Echo-Margaret-Feinberg We live in a world of stories. And we live in a world of self. In this message, we discover how the Story of Scripture can help us move beyond ourselves, reducing self-interest and producing self-controlled lives centered on the needs of others. Sun, 16 Nov 2008 10:00:32 -0500 National Community Church http://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/18173/1n0rph/video/sd/480p~Stories-Dick-Foth Do we need another reformation? The short answer is yes. Every generation does. But it’s not about discovering something new. It’s about rediscovering something old. The Historical Elephant rediscovers the five solas that sparked the Protestant Reformation. Sun, 09 Nov 2008 10:00:02 -0500 National Community Church http://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/18174/1n0rph/video/sd/480p~The-Historical-Elephant-Mark-Batterson We need to think critically, biblically and tactfully about every issue facing our country. But the Church exists to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ. All too often, politics get in the way of that message. Our positions can be obstacles for some to find salvation. Sun, 02 Nov 2008 10:00:54 -0500 National Community Church http://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/18175/1n0rph/video/sd/480p~The-Political-Elephant-Mark-Batterson Let’s address our culture’s perception of the Church. Why do people respect Jesus, but disrespect the church? We need to redefine what mission we are called to as Christ followers. Sun, 26 Oct 2008 10:00:52 -0400 National Community Church http://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/18176/1n0rph/video/sd/480p~The-unChristian-Elephant-Joel-Schmidgall The Earth is the perfect environment to sustain human life. Is that a result of evolution or intelligent design? There is a tension between faith and science, but the two are inclusive of each other. The separation of science and faith is a false dichotomy. Sun, 19 Oct 2008 10:00:25 -0400 National Community Church http://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/18177/1n0rph/video/sd/480p~The-Evolutionary-Elephant-Mark-Batterson When we face challenges that seem to contradict the character of God, asking “why” will not help us get through it. But as we face those challenges, it’s how we respond that matters. Sun, 12 Oct 2008 10:00:13 -0400 National Community Church http://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/18178/1n0rph/video/sd/480p~The-Suffering-Elephant-Heather-Zempel What we know is determined by what we see. Our education is determined by what we see or don’t see. But the Spirit of God is our sixth sense. And God wants us to live beyond our ability, beyond what we know. In this message, we discuss whether spiritual gifts are in operation today and what the Bible says about speaking in tongues, words of knowledge and miracles of healing. Sun, 05 Oct 2008 10:00:57 -0400 National Community Church http://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/18179/1n0rph/video/sd/480p~The-Supernatural-Elephant-Mark-Batterson We need to quit living as if the purpose of life is to arrive safely at death. Instead, we need to start playing offense with our lives. The world needs more people with more daring plans. Sun, 28 Sep 2008 10:00:46 -0400 National Community Church http://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/18180/1n0rph/video/sd/480p~Cage-of-Fear-Mark-Batterson Sometimes our plans have to fail in order for God’s plans to succeed. Divine detours and delays are the ways God gets us where He wants us to go. Sun, 21 Sep 2008 10:00:17 -0400 National Community Church http://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/18181/1n0rph/video/sd/480p~Cage-of-Failure-Mark-Batterson The Enemy’s tactics haven’t changed since the Garden of Eden. He tries to neutralize us spiritually by getting us to focus on what we’ve done wrong in the past. Satan uses guilt to turn us into reactionaries. Jesus came to recondition our spiritual reflexes and turn us into revolutionaries for His cause. As long as you are focused on what you’ve done wrong in the past, you won’t have the energy left to dream kingdom dreams. Sun, 14 Sep 2008 10:00:15 -0400 National Community Church http://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/18182/1n0rph/video/sd/480p~Cage-of-Guilt-Mark-Batterson Our assumptions keep many of us from chasing the Wild Goose. As we age, many of us stop believing and start assuming. We stop living out of right-brain imagination and start living out of left-brain memory. And we put eight-foot ceilings on what God can do. Sun, 07 Sep 2008 10:00:21 -0400 National Community Church http://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/18183/1n0rph/video/sd/480p~Cage-of-Assumptions-Mark-Batterson At some point in our journey, most of us trade adventure for routine. While some routines can be good, we have to be careful. Sacred routines become empty rituals that keep us caged. Sun, 31 Aug 2008 10:00:45 -0400 National Community Church http://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/18184/1n0rph/video/sd/480p~Cage-of-Routine-Mark-Batterson Our God-ordained passions can get buried beneath day-to-day responsibilities. Without even knowing it, we start practicing irresponsible responsibility. The Wild Goose Chase begins when we come to terms with our greatest responsibility: pursuing the passions God has put in our heart. Sun, 24 Aug 2008 10:00:54 -0400 National Community Church http://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/18185/1n0rph/video/sd/480p~Cage-of-Responsibility-Mark-Batterson