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From a message by Jon Alsdorf
In a world that tells us we're cosmic accidents with meaningless lives, Scripture declares something radically different: you were created with divine purpose. Before God created everything you can see and even what you can't see, He knew you and had a plan for your life. Your existence matters, and the work you do during this lifetime will have eternal significance. Why Are We Still Here After Salvation? Have you ever wondered why Jesus doesn't take us to heaven immediately after we accept Him? The answer is simple: you have a purpose here. Until you fulfill that purpose, God keeps you here as His agent of transformation in this world. Like David, who "achieved God's purposes in his generation and then died," our goal should be to accomplish what God has called us to do before we go home to heaven. The Great Commission and Great Commandment Our mission as believers flows from two foundational statements Jesus gave us. The Great Commission (Matthew 28) calls us to "go and make disciples of all nations," while the Great Commandment (Matthew 22) instructs us to "love God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength, and love your neighbor as yourself." These aren't individual assignments but collective missions for the church. We're like a northbound train with a clear destination and purpose: to produce action-driven disciples of Jesus Christ. What Makes a Disciple "Action-Driven"? Being a disciple isn't just about attending church or staying busy with religious activities. Jesus didn't come so we could have fuller schedules—He came so we could have fuller lives. An action-driven disciple is someone who not only hears God's Word but actually does what it says. In Luke 6:47-48, Jesus illustrates this perfectly: "Everyone who comes to me and hears my words and does them... is like a man building a house who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock." The key phrase here is "dug deep"—this represents the hard work of building our lives on a solid foundation. The Foundation of Discipleship: Digging Deep Building a strong foundation requires patience and careful work. Just like constructing a house, the foundation work isn't glamorous, but it's essential. When we "dig deep" spiritually, we're doing the hard work of establishing our lives on Christ, the solid rock. Using the word "DEEP" as an acrostic, here's what an action-driven disciple looks like: D - Demonstrates the Power of God's Word God's Word is "living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword" (Hebrews 4:12). It's not just any book—it's a powerful, even dangerous thing in your life because it will root out what doesn't belong and transform you from the inside out. The Word of God bears fruit in receptive hearts—thirty, sixty, even a hundredfold return on what's planted. But this power is only activated when we become "doers of the word and not hearers only" (James 1:22). Simply listening to God's Word without acting on it deceives no one but ourselves. E - Engages Faith by Serving Others' Needs "Faith apart from works is dead" (James 2:26). We engage our faith by serving the needs of others with genuine love. Paul instructs us to "let love be genuine" and "contribute to the needs of the saints." This isn't about loving with empty words but with authentic actions that meet real needs. Jesus said people would know we're His disciples by our love for one another—not by our buildings, programs, or eloquent words, but by how we genuinely care for each other. E - Expresses Love Through Actions "Little children, let us not love in word or talk, but in deed and in truth" (1 John 3:18). Words are cheap and easy to manipulate with. True love is expressed through patient, kind actions that don't insist on their own way. The famous "love chapter" in 1 Corinthians 13 describes love as patient, kind, not envious or boastful, not arrogant or rude. This kind of love "bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things." Action-driven disciples strive to love like Jesus because they know that God is love, and He wants to recreate us in His image. P - Ponders and Participates in Living Out Truth Philippians 4:8-9 gives us both something to think about and something to do. We're called to think about "whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable." But thinking isn't enough—we must also "practice these things." Action-driven disciples are intentional about what they feed their minds and how they exercise their faith in daily life. More Than Just Being Busy An action-driven disciple isn't someone who's simply busy with church activities. It's someone who demonstrates God's power, engages their faith through service, expresses love through actions, and both ponders and participates in living out truth. These disciples are responsive to God's Word and the Holy Spirit's working in their lives. They believe God is actively working around them and calling them to participate in changing the world and building His church. Life Application This week, examine your discipleship honestly. Are you merely a "hearer" of God's Word, or are you actively "doing" what it says? Choose one area from the DEEP acrostic where you need to grow:
Ask yourself these questions:
Remember, becoming a Christian and becoming a disciple go hand in hand. God's purpose for your life involves taking away what He doesn't want for you and adding all that He does. This transformation may not always be pleasant, but it's always worth it. The question isn't whether God will work in your life—it's whether you'll cooperate with His work or resist it.
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From a message by Jon Alsdorf
Living in Colorado, we're surrounded by breathtaking beauty - the Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Mesa Verde, countless mountains and hiking trails. Yet many locals never visit these wonders, taking them for granted until a visitor reminds them of the treasure in their backyard. Similarly, we can become so familiar with worship that we forget its profound beauty and purpose. What Is Worship Really About? To an outsider, our worship gatherings might seem strange - people coming together to sing, pray, and focus on someone they can't see. But worship isn't about entertainment, musical preferences, or even making ourselves feel better. It's Not About Us One of the most important principles to understand is that it's not worship until it's not about us . If worship is about us, it becomes idolatry rather than true worship of God. We don't worship because we like the music style or because we need emotional comfort - though these things may happen as byproducts. The Foundation of Worship We worship God for three fundamental reasons:
When we come to worship, we enter the intersection of these three realities - who God is, what He's accomplished, and how it has changed us. This convergence creates something powerful and life-changing. God Is Holy - Set Apart and Unique Understanding God's Holiness The word "holy" literally means "set apart." God is utterly unique, unlike anything in creation. He didn't emerge from this universe - He created it and exists completely separate from it. As Psalm 99 declares three times: "Holy is He." “The Lord reigns; let the peoples tremble! He sits enthroned upon the cherubim; let the earth quake! 2 The Lord is great in Zion; he is exalted over all the peoples. 3 Let them praise your great and awesome name! Holy is he!" (Psalm 99:1-3, ESV) What God's Holiness Means for Us Here's the amazing truth: because God is holy, He has made us holy through Jesus. What seems impossible from a human perspective - making sinful people pure and set apart - God accomplishes through Christ's sacrifice. Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work. (2 Timothy 2:21, ESV) We have become "a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation" (1 Peter 2:9). This isn't something we achieve - it's something God has done for us through Jesus. God Is Mighty - Powerful Beyond Measure The Power of Our God Scripture repeatedly calls God "Almighty" and describes His incredible power. Psalm 89 paints a vivid picture of His might: 8 O Lord God of hosts, who is mighty as you are, O Lord, with your faithfulness all around you? 9 You rule the raging of the sea; when its waves rise, you still them. (Psalm 89:8-9, ESV) God spoke the entire universe into existence. He parted the Red Sea, delivered His people from Egypt, and performed countless mighty works throughout history. Victory Through God's Might But the greatest display of God's power wasn't just in creation or the exodus - it was in raising Jesus from the dead. Through this ultimate demonstration of might, God won victory for all who believe. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 15:57, ESV) …in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. (Romans 8:37, ESV) God Is Worthy - Deserving All Praise God's Inherent Worth David captures this beautifully in Psalm 8: "O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! " God is worthy of worship simply because He exists. His worthiness doesn't depend on what He does for us - though He does incredible things. Guilt Removed, Righteousness Given God's worthiness becomes even more amazing when we consider what He's done about our unworthiness. He has completely removed our guilt through the cross. 13 And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, 14 by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. (Colossians 2:13-14, ESV) The phrase "all our trespasses" should be circled in your Bible. When Satan reminds you of your failures, remember this truth - God has forgiven ALL. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. (2 Corinthians 5:21, ESV) We don't just receive forgiveness - we receive Christ's own righteousness. The Power of True Worship More Than Singing Worship is incredibly powerful. When believers gather to worship God in spirit and truth, something profound happens. Even unbelievers can witness this and sense there's something more going on than meets the eye. Creating Space for God Our goal isn't to create the perfect musical experience or make everyone happy with song choices. Instead, we aim to create an atmosphere with the fewest barriers, allowing the Holy Spirit to work as we focus on who God is, what He's done, and how He's transformed us. Life Application This week, challenge yourself to approach worship differently. Instead of focusing on musical preferences or personal comfort, intentionally enter worship by remembering:
Ask yourself these questions:
When you truly grasp who God is and what He's accomplished for you, worship becomes not just something you do on Sunday, but a natural response to the incredible reality of your relationship with the Creator of the universe. From a message by Jon Alsdorf
When we think about worship, many of us immediately picture Sunday morning services with singing and music. But worship is far more comprehensive and powerful than we might realize. At its core, worship is expressing love to God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength - just as Jesus described in Mark 12:30 when asked about the greatest commandment. The Foundation of Biblical Worship Jesus taught us that "God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth" (John 4:24). This means our worship should be guided by the Holy Spirit and grounded in God's Word. While Scripture gives us rich descriptions of worship throughout the Psalms and other books, it doesn't prescribe one specific way to worship. This allows for beautiful variety across cultures while maintaining unity in our focus on God. Four Essential Principles of Worship Worship Is Formation - You Become Like What You Worship Here's a truth that might surprise you: you were created to worship, and you will worship something. Every person is a worshiper by nature. If you don't worship God, you'll worship something or someone else. The Psalms warn us about this reality: "Those who make them become like them, so do all who trust in them" (Psalm 135:18). When we worship idols - whether ancient carved images or modern substitutes - we become like what we worship. Modern Idols That Shape Us Our culture is filled with idols that promise much but deliver nothing: Money and Materialism promises security and control but leaves us never satisfied, anxious, and emotionally distant. We become calculating and hard when money becomes our god. Image and Approval promises identity and belonging but makes us unstable, performative, and inauthentic. We become addicted to validation and fear people more than God. Power promises safety and influence but makes us controlling, manipulative, and resistant to surrender. We lose the ability to trust others. Pleasure and Comfort promises happiness and ease but leaves us undisciplined, easily bored, and unable to endure any suffering. When we worship God instead, we become more like Him - alive, compassionate, steadfast, humble, and holy. God is the only one who delivers on His promises. Worship Is Warfare - Declaring Allegiance in Enemy Territory Why Worship Creates Conflict When we worship God, we're making a declaration in enemy territory. We're stating our allegiance to heaven while living in a world that worships other gods. This is why throughout history, proclaiming the Gospel has often led to riots and persecution. Every religion seeks to destroy the idols of other religions. As Christians, we're called to stand against falsehood and demolish the works of Satan. But those who worship other idols have the same goal - to destroy what threatens their gods. You Are God's Image Bearer You were created in God's image, and you bear His image in this world. This makes you a target for those who worship other gods. The cultural battles we see around us are often attempts to destroy or desecrate the image of God that you carry. Worship Is Obedience - Submitting to God's Will and Word Following Biblical Commands for Worship Throughout Scripture, we find commands about how to worship: "Lift up holy hands," "Clap your hands, all you people," "Sing to the Lord a new song." These aren't suggestions - they're acts of obedience. When we raise our hands in worship, we're practicing surrender - the same gesture children make when they want to be held. When we clap our hands, we're joining the band, recognizing that we're all participants, not an audience watching a performance. God Is the Audience In worship, we're not the audience - God is. We're all participants in offering praise to Him. This perspective changes everything about how we approach worship gatherings. Worship Is Sacrifice - Surrendering Yourself to God Abraham's Ultimate Act of Worship When God asked Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac, Abraham's response reveals the heart of worship as sacrifice. He told his servants, "We will go up there, we will worship, and then we will return to you" (Genesis 22:5). Abraham trusted God completely, even in the most difficult circumstances. Your Life as a Living Sacrifice Paul writes in Romans 12:1: "Present your bodies as living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship." The sacrifice isn't the energy it takes to sing or how long you can stand. You are the sacrifice - your life, heart, work, family, time, and talents. When we bring our whole selves to God rather than to the idols of this world, He shapes and forms us to be more like Jesus. Life Application This week, examine what you're truly worshiping. Look at where you spend your time, energy, and thoughts. What promises are you believing? What are you hoping will bring you security, identity, or happiness? Challenge yourself to identify any idols in your life - whether materialism, image, power, or pleasure - and consciously choose to worship God instead. Remember that worship isn't just Sunday morning singing; it's a daily surrender of your entire life to God. Questions for Reflection:
From a message by Jon Alsdorf
Easter is more than just a cultural holiday or a reason to gather with family. It's the celebration of the most significant event in human history - the resurrection of Jesus Christ. While many people participate in Easter traditions, not everyone understands why this day matters so profoundly. The truth is, Easter proves three crucial things that can transform your life forever. What Does the Resurrection Actually Prove? When we examine the resurrection of Jesus, we're looking at something unprecedented in human history. Death has a perfect track record - everyone dies, and everyone stays dead. Except for Jesus. This singular event wasn't expected by anyone, not even His closest followers. The women who went to the tomb weren't expecting a resurrection; they were planning to properly prepare His body for burial. Jesus Is Exactly Who He Said He Was Throughout His ministry, Jesus made extraordinary claims about His identity. He repeatedly told His disciples that He would be crucified and rise again on the third day. The prophets had foretold these events centuries earlier, with Isaiah 53 reading like an eyewitness account written 700 years before it happened. “Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.” (John 6:35, ESV). This is an impossible claim unless you're actually the Son of God. He also proclaimed: "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12, ESV). Only God could fulfill such a promise. Perhaps most boldly, Jesus stated: "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6, ESV). This flies in the face of cultural relativism, declaring that there is only one way to God - through Jesus Christ. The resurrection validated every one of these claims. It proved that Jesus wasn't just another religious teacher or prophet, but exactly who He claimed to be - the Son of God. Jesus Has the Authority He Claimed to Have Throughout His earthly ministry, Jesus demonstrated authority over sickness, demons, nature, and even death itself. He fed thousands with a small amount of food, healed people with just a word, and cast out evil spirits that His disciples couldn't handle. In John 17:1-3, Jesus prayed: "Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you, since you have given him authority over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.” (ESV). But it was the resurrection that demonstrated His ultimate authority - power over death itself. Jesus said: "For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life that I may take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again.” (John 10:17-18, ESV). If you belong to Jesus, you belong to the One who has authority over everything. Nothing is too big for Him, nothing overwhelms Him, and nothing takes Him by surprise. Jesus Does What He Says He Will Do God is a promise-keeping God. When Jesus told the religious leaders to "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up" (John 2:19, ESV), He was speaking of His body. He kept that promise perfectly. Jesus promised His followers: "For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.” (John 6:40, ESV). The resurrection was a demonstration of what He wants to do in your life. He also promised: "'In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also'" - John 14:2-3 (KJV). These aren't empty promises. Jesus has demonstrated He has the power to keep them all. What Difference Does the Resurrection Make in Your Life? Understanding what the resurrection proves is important, but the real question is: what difference does it make? If this is truly the biggest deal of all big deals, it should transform your life in practical ways. Your Sins Can Be Forgiven If Jesus didn't rise from the dead, nothing has changed. You would still be trapped in your sin with no hope of forgiveness. But because He conquered death, forgiveness is now possible. "In [the Lord Jesus Christ] we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace” (Ephesians 1:7, ESV). Notice it says "according to the riches of his grace" - not according to your ability to earn it or deserve it. God's grace is immeasurably vast. Whatever you've done, however you've failed, His grace is bigger than your failure. The Scripture declares: "To him all the prophets bear witness that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name. (Acts 10:43, ESV). That word "everyone" includes you. Your Struggles Can Be Overcome The same power that raised Jesus from the dead is available to you. "'…if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you. (Romans 8:11, ESV). You don't have to face life's challenges in your own strength. When that strength runs out - and it always does - you can live by the power of the Holy Spirit. This doesn't mean life won't be hard, but it means you're not alone and you're not powerless. "For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.” (1 John 5:4, ESV). Through faith in Christ, you become stronger than the struggles of this world. As Paul discovered: "I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:12-13, ESV). This isn't about achieving any personal ambition, but about having the strength to face every circumstance life brings. Your Eternity Can Be Secured Perhaps most importantly, the resurrection secures your eternal destiny. "Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them.” (John 3:36, ESV). Notice this doesn't say you will someday have eternal life - it says you have it now. When you trust in Jesus, you immediately move from spiritual death to spiritual life. "Very truly I tell you, the one who believes has eternal life. (John 6:47, ESV). This transformation happens "not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit" (Titus 3:5, ESV). Life Application The resurrection of Jesus Christ isn't just a historical event to commemorate - it's a present reality that should transform how you live. This week, challenge yourself to live in the power of the resurrection. Instead of facing your struggles in your own strength, consciously rely on the Holy Spirit's power within you. If you've never trusted Jesus for salvation, don't let this moment pass. The same God who knew you before creation and saw exactly how your life would unfold chose to go to the cross for you. His grace is bigger than your failures, and His love is deeper than your struggles. Ask yourself these questions:
The resurrection proves that Jesus is who He said He was, has the authority He claimed, and does what He promises. More than that, it means your sins can be forgiven, your struggles can be overcome, and your eternity can be secured. That's what makes Easter the biggest deal of all. |
Apply it!Next Steps is a collection of articles drawn from the sermons of Pastor Jon Alsdorf, and guest speakers, written to help you connect God's Word to real life. Each post is designed to inspire, challenge, and encourage you to live out your faith in practical, everyday ways -- because following Jesus is more than words, it's actions. Archives
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