Messages by Brent Clark
Come Alive
Even when death and despair surround us, it’s never too late for Jesus to resurrect the dead things in our lives. Pastor Brent explores the book of Ezekiel, demonstrating the hope we can still hold when everything seems lost. Can dry bones still live?
Faith in Action
The story of Abraham in the book of Genesis teaches us what faith is and what it isn’t. Faith isn’t just belief; it’s action in response to God’s call. It invites us to look inside ourselves, asking if following Jesus is truly better and worth it. Take a look at this message from Pastor Brent as we continue this Lenten series!
Temptation and Sin
We join in exploring Scripture passages outlined in the Lectionary with churches around the world in this new series, Beauty for Ashes. Pastor Brent begins by addressing the temptation we witness in the Gospel of Matthew. Ultimately, we can only grasp the magnitude of God’s love when we understand the magnitude of our own sin and weaknesses.
Conversations
The corruption and pain we’ve discussed over the past few weeks does not negate the importance of sharing our faith in Jesus anyways. However, we need to approach those conversations with love and a desire to build authentic relationships. We conclude the Asking for a Friend series with a panel discussion addressing that very issue.
Diversity
Whether we like it or not, our cultural, ethnic, and racial backgrounds have a profound impact on the way we perceive the world and Jesus. Rather than ignoring that influence, we have the opportunity to learn more about God’s heart and character through His diverse creation. Listen to a conversation between several Ashworth members about their faith and experiences in light of their cultural contexts.
Uniformity or Unity
How can Christians preach a message of unity and reconciliation when the church is so divided? Pastor Brent explores the difference between unity and uniformity in the context of the gospel. Working towards unity in the church context is not easy, but it allows communities to see the image of God in others in greater ways.
Abuse in the Church
How do we reconcile the character Jesus embodied with the broken church we see today? Pastor Amy and Pastor Brent guide a discussion regarding abuse in the church, specifically spiritual abuse, sexual abuse, and abuses of authority. Hope and healing is possible, but it starts with recognizing and owning the flaws embedded in our churches’ cultures and systems. Sermon Manuscript [Introductory video shows headlines of abuse in the church] Amy: How do you feel? Sad, dread? Brent: Angry? Amy: Angry?…
Heresy & Truth
In the midst of difficult conversations about life and faith, where do we find our basis for truth? Pastor Brent continues our new series by exploring the concept of heresy and its impact on spiritual communities, offering practical insight to discern what is essential and what is not.
How to Answer
How should we prepare to have tough conversations about faith? Are we even answering the questions the people around us are asking? Pastor Brent begins our new series about how to share the message of Jesus in an ever-changing world.
Soul Check Sunday
As we celebrate a new year, we take a moment to reflect upon all God has done in our lives personally and communally in 2022. Reflect and look ahead with us through worship and a reflective spiritual formation practice.
Christmas Worship Online
Merry Christmas! Join us in celebrating the birth of our Savior with this brief holiday devotional.
King Jesus
We conclude our Crowned series with the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, Jesus. Jesus’ reign does not look like those of the kings and queens we’ve studied thus far. He is powerful yet meek, authoritative yet compassionate, and righteous yet grace-filled. What would it look like if you crowned Jesus in your life today?