Posts by South Creek
12 Stones

Speaker: Pastor Aaron Perry

We wrapped up our teaching series called "Campfire Stories" in which we are exploring stories in the Old Testament and what we as followers of Jesus can learn from both the people involved and God. We can learn from any story and anyone. We can learn something from everyone, how to be like them or how to be different from them. And every story points to Jesus and the need for Jesus. We explored the story from Joshua chapter 4 when God stopped the water of the Jordan river so His people could pass into the promised land and how he commanded them to make plans to remember. Below are some key take aways from the message.

-Forgetfulness will inevitably lead to unfaithfulness.
-We shouldn’t look to the past to live in it but rather to learn from it.
-The unimaginable is possible when we trust God.
-God will always make a way.
-The best way to remember your rescue is by living a life of righteousness (right relationship with God).

We hope that you take some time to remember God, His goodness, and the moments when He showed up for you!

South Creek
Elijah and Firing the False

Speaker: Pastor Aaron Perry

We are continuing our summer teaching series called "Campfire Stories" in which we are exploring stories in the Old Testament and what we as followers of Jesus can learn from both the people involved and God. We can learn from any story and anyone. We can learn something from everyone, how to be like them or how to be different from them. And every story points to Jesus and the need for Jesus. We explored the 1 King 18, where the prophet Elijah has an epic showdown with some false prophets of a false god. Below are some key take aways from the message.

-Empty promises will produce empty people.
-Nothing is impossible for God.
-No other God’s can stand a chance against our God.
-The allure of an idol will never be satisfying like our savior Jesus.
-False God’s only give empty promises, but the true God fulfilled the greatest promise through an empty tomb.

We hope that you reject the things that distract and divert from focus on Jesus and that you cling to Him and Him alone!

South Creek
The Story of Samson

Speaker: Pastor Aaron Perry

We are in our new summer teaching series called "Campfire Stories" in which we are exploring stories in the Old Testament and what we as followers of Jesus can learn from both the people involved and God. We can learn from any story and anyone. We can learn something from everyone, how to be like them or how to be different from them. And every story points to Jesus and the need for Jesus. We explored the life of Samson and how even though he was called to be set up part (holy) he was led by desires which lead to chaos in his life. Below are some key take aways from the message.

-God’s anointing was always about purpose not perfection.
-Disordered desires are a dangerous driver because many desires tend to direct us to destruction more often than deliverance.
-Sometimes losing everything is the only way to see everything.
-God’s purposes can be accomplished through people regardless of their flaws, failures, and unfaithfulness.
-Strengths not surrendered to The Spirit will sabotage you, not save you.
-Redemption is possible for anyone.

We hope you lean into the Spirit of God who will help order your desires to lead to Christ, rather than chaos!

South Creek
Wrestling with God

Speaker: Pastor Aaron Perry

We continued our new summer teaching series called "Campfire Stories" in which we are exploring stories in the Old Testament and what we as followers of Jesus can learn from both the people involved and God. We can learn from any story and anyone. We can learn something from everyone, how to be like them or how to be different from them. And every story points to Jesus and the need for Jesus. We explored the life of Jacob and how through his wrestling with God learned about humility and intimacy with God. Below are some key take aways from the message.

-Desires will promise us deliverance but often lead us toward destruction.
-Blessing is not a thing we earn, it is something we embrace.
-Grace is something we can only encounter when we get close to God.
-If we miss Jesus, we miss everything.

Going forward, make time to seek intimacy with Jesus. Remember, faithfulness >fame. Abiding > Accomplishments. Surrender > Success. 

South Creek
The God Who Sees Me

Speaker: Pastor Aaron Perry

We kicked off our new summer teaching series called "Campfire Stories" in which we are exploring stories in the Old Testament and what we as followers of Jesus can learn from both the people involved and God. We can learn from any story and anyone. We can learn something from everyone, how to be like them or how to be different from them. And every story points to Jesus and the need for Jesus. We explored how The Bible does not hide "hero's" horrible moments by looking at the story in Genesis 16 in which Abraham and his wife Sarah try to take a short-cut to get to a promise made and how it left a woman named Hagar in a bad place but how God showed up to meet her. Below are some key take aways from the message.

-Short-cuts often sidetrack us.
-You don’t sin in isolation.
-God sees you, no matter who you are, what you have done, or what has been done to you….and He still loves you.
-Trust in God’s Timing.
-No matter what has happened to you, God will rescue you.
-Even when all hope is lost, Jesus will be there.

We hope and pray you trust in God and His process. Know is He has made a promise, He will come through, just hold on and wait!

South Creek
Abiding in Jesus

Speaker: Pastor Jerry Ausbrook

We had the joy of hearing from Pastor Jerry Ausbrook as we opened God's Word to unpack what it means and what it looks like to Abide in Jesus. Below are some key take aways from the message.

-Abiding in Christ (the True Vine) brings us a new life that cannot be generated or produced on our own. It’s a continuation of the resurrection power within us.
-This is the source that reaches the hearts of those around us and eventually will bring them to new life in Christ.
-Gratitude helps us stay connected to Christ; prayer keeps us connected to the life-giving source in Christ Jesus. It gives us what we don’t have on our own.
-Some of the healthiest plants that are bearing fruit had seeds that germinated in dark places.

We hope and pray you continue to connect to the True Vine and that you will grow to look more like Him!

South Creek
Defiant Joy

Speaker: Pastor Aaron Perry

We wrapped our teaching series called "Joy-Full" in which we have been walking through the New Testament book of Philippians in which Paul writes to a church to encourage them to be joyful regardless of their circumstances as he is in a Roman prison. We focused on how we choose a defiant joy, meaning a joy that doesn't just play defense, but it goes on the offensive because defiant joy is what a hopeless world needs. Below you will find some of the key take away from the message in which we unpacked chapter four.

-You cannot be content until you surrender to Jesus.
-What you consume will either bring you joy or steal your joy.
-The antidote to an anxious heart is an abiding spirit.
-If you want to be full of joy, take care of your conflicts.

So, remember this week to pursue this time of joy. Try to practice the five keys we said would lead to defiant joy in your life.

  1. Pray about everything.

  2. Thank God for Everything.

  3. Only consume that which helps you be with Jesus or become like Jesus.

  4. Forgive people in the same what Christ has forgiven you.

  5. Daily Surrender to Jesus.

South Creek
Joy in the Journey

Speaker: Pastor Aaron Perry

We continued our teaching series called "Joy-Full" in which we are walking through the New Testament book of Philippians in which Paul writes to a church to encourage them to be joyful (he uses the words joy or rejoice 16 times) regardless of their circumstances as he is in a Roman prison. We focused on how growing in our joy is a daily choice that we experience by not merely chasing our desires but by keeping our eyes on Jesus. Below you will find some of the key take away from the message in which we unpacked chapter three.

-Live with eternity in mind and you will have joy.
-Faith comes from following Jesus one step at a time.
-Don’t trade momentary happiness for eternal joy. Don't allow the temptation of the immediacy to sabotage gift of eternity.
-Maturity as a follower of Jesus is actually living out what you know.
-Joy chooses to keep moving forward.
-Status cannot solve your salvation problem.

Remember that accomplishments were never meant to be our identity. Accomplishments will bring short-term happiness. but remember abiding in Jesus will bring eternal joy.

Eternal Joy > Short-Term Happiness

South Creek
Joy in Unified Humility

Speaker: Pastor Aaron Perry

We continued our new teaching series called "Joy-Full" in which we are walking through the New Testament book of Philippians in which Paul writes to a church to encourage them to be joyful (he uses the words joy or rejoice 16 times) regardless of their circumstances as he is in a Roman prison. We focused on how humility and unity can be important ingredients in living a joyful life. The Gospel of Jesus Christ will unite people like nothing else will. Below you will find some of the key take away from the message in which we unpacked chapter two.

-Our unity is not about uniformity but Christlikeness.
-Unity with Christ is the only way to have unity with others.
-Our attitudes reflect our true allegiance.
-The outcome of obedience to Christ is overflowing joy.
-What we have in common (Jesus) is more powerful than what makes us different.
-The way to higher joy is lowering oneself.

The world says joy is about indulging in all your desires, Jesus shows us joy comes from humility. I hope this week you choose joy by choosing Jesus. And remember any journey with Jesus will provide you with joy, no matter the circumstances. Trust Him.

South Creek
Joy Even in Chains

Speaker: Pastor Aaron Perry

We began a new teaching series called "Joy-Full" in which we are walking through the New Testament book of Philippians in which Paul writes to a church to encourage them to be joyful (he uses the words joy or rejoice 16 times) regardless of their circumstances as he is in a Roman prison. The Bible points us to this reality that joy comes from our hope and our hope comes from Jesus. Below you will find some of the key take away from the message in which we unpacked chapter one.

-Obstacles should not rob you of joy nor should it redirect your obedience.
-Your faithfulness can encourage the faithfulness of others, especially in challenging times.
-You will never feel full of joy until you have decided to be full of faith.
-Jesus was a man of sorrows so we could be people of joy.

I hope you choose joy by choosing Jesus. And remember any journey with Jesus will provide you with joy, no matter the circumstances. Trust Him.

South Creek
There's No Place Like Home

Speaker: Pastor Aaron Perry

During our teaching time we unpacked the idea that there are three people we often encounter: saints, skeptics, and sinners. Below you will find out about who they are, what the need, and what their invitation is from an empty tomb.

Saints
-They think they can do enough to earn their salvation.
-Saints need a renewed mind.
-The invitation of an empty tomb is that Jesus’ work is enough.
-Jesus is the only way.

Skeptics
-They aren’t sure they need a savior or that there is a God, or that God is good.
-Skeptics need a heart changing encounter with Jesus.
-The invitation of an empty tomb is that Jesus is The Truth, and you can try Him and test Him.
-Jesus is the Truth.

Sinners
-They aren’t sure they are worth of forgiveness or could really change.
-Sinners need the courage to turn towards a gracious God.
-The invitation of an empty tomb is forgiveness.
-Jesus is the way to life.

The invitation to all is go home and be with your Father. Jesus is our way home. Home is not places, it is love. It is Jesus. It is all possible because He lives. The invitation of an empty tomb is new life but remember, new life is only possible by laying down your old one.

South Creek
How to Live

Speaker: Pastor Aaron Perry

We finished our teaching series called "The Narrow Path" in which we have been exploring Jesus' "Sermon on The Mount" as we journey to Easter. We explored how Jesus final bits of teaching in the Sermon on The Mount on how we build our life and interact with others. Below are some of our key take aways from the message.

  • The Light always exposes what is on the inside.

  • Hypocrisy holds you back from holiness.

  • God wants good for you.

  • Fruit always tells the truth.

  • Storms are not merely possible, they are inevitable.

  • Only Jesus can hold you together through the storm.



As we are at the beginning of Holy Week, remember to trust Him, Seek Him, and know that a lot can change in a week.

South Creek
Treasure + Trust

Speaker: Pastor Aaron Perry

We continued our teaching series called "The Narrow Path" in which we will be exploring Jesus' "Sermon on The Mount" as we journey to Easter. We explored how Jesus calls us to trust Him and live in a way that builds up treasure in heaven. Below are some of our key take aways from the message.

  • Our motives are often mirrors of our hearts.

  • If someone did an audit of your life, where would your heart be?

  • We cannot have dual allegiances.

  • God’s track-record of faithfulness is perfect.

  • The antidote to worry is surrender.

  • Dependance on Jesus delivers us from our desires to be in control.

  • If we don’t live open handedly, the things we own will eventually own us.

Friends, remember...Worry and wealth will not bring you peace, but Jesus will. Worry and wealth will not protect you, but Jesus will. Worry and wealth will not bring your life, but Jesus will. Worry and wealth will not last, but Jesus will. Worry and wealth will not save you, but Jesus will. Remember that Jesus is more than enough. So, trust Him.

South Creek
The Lord's Prayer

Speaker: Pastor Cole Maxwell

We continued our teaching series called "The Narrow Path" in which we will be exploring Jesus' "Sermon on The Mount" as we journey to Easter. We explored how Jesus' teaching on giving to the poor, prayer, and fasting . Below are some of our key take aways from the message.

  • Giving, fasting, and prayer were never meant to be public performances but rather private postures of love and devotion.

  • Giving might not change the world, but it will change you.

  • Prayer might not always change circumstances, but it will change you.

  • Fasting might not feel rewarding in the moment, but it will transform your heart over time.

So, as you engage with Jesus remember that He doesn't desire a performance, He desires intimacy with you!

South Creek
Revenge + Loving Enemies

Speaker: Pastor Aaron Perry

We continued our teaching series called "The Narrow Path" in which we will be exploring Jesus' "Sermon on The Mount" as we journey to Easter. We explored how Jesus calls us to a better way that revenge and how hating our enemy is not compatible with His heart. Below are some of our key take aways from the message.

-Revenge never brings wholeness.
-Revenge does not redeem brokenness, it multiplies it.
-Righteousness and revenge are not compatible. Jesus desires redemption, not retribution.
-God’s love and grace goes beyond those we deem to be deserving of it. We are not the gatekeepers of God’s Grace.
-The love of enemy is the litmus test of Christlikeness.

The radical love of Jesus should lead us to radically love all people, even our enemies. We challenge you to embody that radical love because Jesus first loved you. Remember that loved people, love people.

South Creek
Anger Lust + Divorce

Speaker: Pastor Aaron Perry

We continued our teaching series called "The Narrow Path" in which we will be exploring Jesus' "Sermon on The Mount" as we journey to Easter. We explored how Jesus cares not just about our actions but also hearts, as He unpacked some teaching on anger, lust, and divorce. Below are some of our key take aways from the message.

-Jesus deeply cares not just about your actions but also your heart.
-Internal disfunction will always lead to external issues. Internal issues will lead to eternal issues if you don’t let Jesus heal you.
-Jesus cannot make you righteous unless you can learn to respect and reconcile with others.
-You will cut yourself off from God if you don’t cut out the things in life that lead you to sin and turn away from God.
-Jesus wants to get to the root of your issues by being the thing you are Rooted to.

So, spend time with Jesus. Ask Him to examine your heart. Ask Him to change your heart.

South Creek
Salt + Light

Speaker: Pastor Aaron Perry

We continued our new teaching series called "The Narrow Path" in which we will be exploring Jesus' "Sermon on The Mount" as we journey to Easter. We explored our call for the church to be salt + light and how Jesus puts us into right relationship with God (aka Righteous). Below are some of our key take aways from the message.

-Righteousness is only possible through Jesus
-We can only be made right not by our actions but by our abiding in Jesus.
-Followers of Jesus must live out a new life that is compelling, that is actually transformational.
-Darkness is just absence of light. Light was created to deliver us from the darkness.
-Jesus has made you right, so go save some people by showing them the light.

Remember this week as Rich Villodas says, "The greatest danger for Christians in every generation is being indistinguishable from the world." We must be different as Rich would go on to say, "To be in the world but not of it requires a faith that is deeply present in the world but radically different from it.” We must walk by faith so we can be different and holy. As we do, we can be a light to a dark and desperate world. So, let's take the advice of Madeleine L'Engle, "We draw people to Christ, not by telling them how right we are and how wrong they are, but by showing them a light that is so lovely that they can't help but ask the source of the light."

South Creek
The Beatitude

Speaker: Pastor Aaron Perry

We began a new teaching series called "The Narrow Path" in which we will be exploring Jesus' "Sermon on The Mount" as we journey to Easter. We began by unpacking "The Beatitudes" and what "The Good Life" looks like in Jesus's Kingdom. We especially looked at how they can help us change our posture and perspective. As Mark Scandrette wrote, “The Beatitudes name nine distinct areas of human struggle that Jesus addresses in his teaching. Our first instincts (in our circumstances) are to be anxious, avoidant, competitive, apathetic, judgmental, evasive, divided, retaliatory, and afraid. The Beatitudes invite us into a new way of life, into a path of recovery.”

The beatitudes invite us to a change of perspective not a life of perfection. They teach us that true blessing does not come from circumstances or scenarios, it comes from Jesus and His Kingdom. They point us to reality that "The Good Life" is found not in success and status; it's found in humility and sacrificial love.

So, seek to embrace and embody this Kingdom posture.

South Creek
The Church

Speaker: Pastor Aaron Perry

We wrapped up our series called "Family" by talking about the Church aka the family of God. Our goal was to answer four questions: 

What is the Church? The word “church” is a translation of the Greek word ekklesia, which is defined as “an assembly” or “called-out ones.”

Why is it like Family? Language, function, and shared values + Mission.

What's it’s mission + Purpose? Love people, share the Good News, embody the Kingdom, and make Disciples

Why Does it matter? It’s about people and people matter to God.

We as the people, the family of God, must try to love others well. Just has Jesus said in the Gospel of John, "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.  By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
May the way we love lead many others back to The Father.

Practical ways to engage in The Family of God (Church)
-Attend regularly
-Find a way to use your gifts (Serve)
-Find a smaller circle
-Give to help fuel the mission
-Invite others
-Pray for the body often

South Creek
Raising the Next Generation

Speaker: Pastor Aaron Perry

We continued our series called "Family" in which we are exploring this idea of the family of God and how God uses family to spread His Good News. We had dived into our call to raise up the next generation! Jesus calls all His followers to be part of the raising up of the next generation. We are called to raise resilient disciples of Jesus. If we want to raise resilient disciples, we have to give them TIME.

  • Teach

  • Invite

  • Model

  • Encourage



We must teach the next generation about the REAL Jesus. We must invite the next generation to follow Jesus and live out the purpose He Has for them. We must model what Christ-like living looks like. We must encourage them to be who God created them to be.

So, if you have a next gen person in your life, give them meaningful and consistent attention. Give them meaningful ways to work out and live out their faith. Don’t hide or compartmentalize your walk with Jesus.

South Creek