Today Rick and Svea acknowledge Galatians is a difficult book to understand, especially if we don't have an understanding of the Old Testament. They talk about tools to help gain understanding and spend some time discussing "the law". Topics Discussed in this Episode: 00:00 Intro 01:32 Galatians is a hard book to get through and understand. Use too…

This episode is focused solely on answering your questions. We've received four very different questions and today we're putting out this bonus episode to answer them. Topics Discussed in this Episode: 00:00 Intro 00:50 Question 1 - In Galatians 2 Paul specifically says gentiles don't need to be circumcised after following Christ - but yet he direc…

In this episode Rick and Svea dig really deep into gospel fluency vs gospel gibberish. The gospel isn't just trusting Jesus for salvation, it's trusting Jesus for and with the rest of your life. Topics Discussed in this Episode: 00:00 Intro 00:57 Garrison Keillor and fake spring. 02:29 "You foolish Galatians..." 04:49 The Christian life is NOT trus…

In week two of our Galatians study Rick and Svea discuss conflict, the freedom we have in Jesus, and gospel fluency. Topics Discussed in this Episode: 00:00 Intro 01:40 Answering your questions: Does Galatians give a hierarchy of how we should relate to other people? 07:16 Galatians chapter 2. 09:33 Addressing conflict with other Jesus followers. 1…

As we kick of our new series on the book of Galatians, Rick and Svea discuss false gospels and answer a listener question. Topics Discussed in this Episode: 00:00 Intro 03:23 Whose approval are you seeking? 06:37 An example of appropriate and missing the gospel. 10:03 The specific problems the Galatian church faced - adding to the gospel. 14:10 We'…

We're putting a bow on The Lion's Share series. Today we scrutinize our own church and discuss our ministry method. Topics Discussed in this Episode: 00:00 Intro 01:06 Turning the focus on how Autumn Ridge handles money. Being transparent. 03:29 Where is the organization: more than enough, just enough, less than enough? Our strategy. 10:58 Year-end…

Today Rick and Svea talk about their own struggles with greed and simplicity and the New Testament framework of faithful giving and generous giving. Bible passages referenced in today's episode: 1 Timothy 6:17-19; 1 Corinthians 9:13-14; 2 Corinthians 8:1-5 Topics Discussed in this Episode: 00:00 Intro 01:13 This message pushed Rick to wrestle down …

Today Rick and Svea dig deep into the essence of the prosperity gospel, it falsehoods, and the various expressions of the prosperity gospel. Topics Discussed in this Episode: 00:00 Intro 01:47 Intro to the prosperity gospel. 02:50 The real essence of the prosperity gospel. 03:42 Live Q&A after most Saturday services (when Rick preaches). 04:22 From…

In the first half of the episode Rick and Svea share where their vulnerabilities lie regarding money. In the second half they dig into contentment. Topics Discussed in this Episode: 00:00 Intro 01:12 Rick's history with Football. 04:25 Rick and Svea wrestle through how calendars and money demonstrate who or what has our hearts. 07:05 Svea talks abo…

In this episode, Rick and Svea unpack some of the ideas behind "Just Enough." Topics Discussed in this Episode: 00:00 Intro 00:27 Review of 2024 04:45 The Lion's Share. 07:37 The tension and awkwardness of a money message series. 08:20 Wanting for people not from people. 12:53 Resisting the temptation to sit the series out. 15:00 The topics this se…

Rick and Svea close out Jonah talking about traps, windows and mirrors, God's judgement in the Old Testament, and how we can apply the themes of Jonah to life after elections (this episode was recorded on Election Day, 2024). Ultimately, it boils down to this week's sermon topic: Unrelenting Grace. Topics discussed in this Episode: 00:00 Intro 01:2…

The roles are reversed: Rick asks Svea about her message on Jonah and we get insight into what didn't make it into the message this past week. Topics discussed in this episode: 00:00 Intro 01:33 Believing God is gracious, compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love at the heart level banishes fear, heals hurts, and melts anger. 04:00 How do …

Rick and Svea grapple with a number of important themes from Jonah this week: God's provision Jonah is full of biblical parallels Obedience Topics discussed in this episode: 00:00 Intro 00:59 Lots of fun aspects and different connections in the text a more casual reading may miss. (Such as the fish in Jonah switches from masculine to feminine in He…

Rick and Svea make light of finally getting to "the whale" and how this is often given the lion's share of the messaging about Jonah when it's really an insignificant element of the story. This week's episode drips with challenges to go deeper and looking at what the text is actually saying. Topics discussed in this episode: 00:00 Intro 01:33 Svea …

This week Rick and Svea look at Jonah 1:1-16. Jonah acts as an enemy of God and yet God shows him grace. They draw out a number a parallels between Jonah and Jesus and how they differ in their motivation. Topics discussed in this episode: 00:00 Intro 01:42 Where is the line? 06:51 Rick gets honest - some of his backstory. 10:29 God sets his heart o…

In the weekend message introducing the book of Jonah, Rick stated there are two common views to interpreting the story of Jonah: historical narrative or primarily parable. In this episode Rick and Svea discuss a question posed to them: Does Jesus' reference to Jonah in Matthew 12, when foretelling his own death and resurrection, support a particula…

Rick and Svea introduce us to the book of Jonah and its timeframe in history. This is a book filled with comedy and satire; in many ways hundreds of years before its time, and yet is has profoundly important questions and themes it wants us to deal with. Note: this episode was recorded prior to the first message being given. Topics discussed in thi…

In this episode Rick and Svea try to bring light, not heat to the discussion of politics. Svea recommends watching the message on which this episode is based before listening to the podcast. Find the video here: https://youtu.be/KHN2c6-z-Ow Topics Discussed in this Episode: 00:00 Intro 01:09 Discussion of Politics and Churches and Church Leaders 04…

Welcome to a new season of Church Is Messy! Rick and Svea kick the season off with a bang and delve into a number of questions and topics related to our recently completed series, Gifted, on the Holy Spirit. Topics discussed in today's episode: 00:00 Intro and Rick and Svea's Summer Highlights and Lessons Learned. 05:53 Recap of the Ghosted message…

Rick and Svea discuss a topic about which they both feel passionate: spiritual formation. What is it? How is it different than discipleship? Is it even a biblical term? Listen and catch the vision for why they're so excited about spiritual formation. Want to take your next step? Check out our classes: https://autumnridge.churchcenter.com/groups/cla…

What are two topics we've been told to avoid talking about if we don't want an argument? Religion and Politics. Rick and Svea dive head-first into the issue of politics. Take a look at the list of topics below and you'll see there isn't much they didn't touch on. Be sure to check out the resources so you can be informed as you make your own determi…

In this bonus episode between seasons, Rick and Svea discuss large recurring themes in familiar Old Testament stories. A lot of the discussion revolves around the content of the Bible being so amazing and such a big deal, God communicated it in the best way possible for all communities, all generations, and all cultures with everything in these sto…

Pastor Caleb Smith joins Rick and Svea on today's episode. They dig into what is perhaps one of the most debated stories Jesus ever told, The Parable of the Dishonest Manager in Luke 16. Show Notes 00:00 Intro Rick's story from the gym trying a new workout and being less than shrewd 03:13 Many preachers skip this parable because it can throw people…

Today's Topic Rick and Svea discuss one of Jesus' most famous stories, The Prodigal Son found in Luke 15:11-32. Topics Discussed in this Episode 00:00 Intro - Rick's late caffeine morning. 01:39 Talking about the word, "Lost." 04:21 Love requires we be sensitive about the language we use, especially around those who have not yet come to faith in Je…

Rick and Svea reverse roles today. He puts Svea in the "hot seat" as they discuss the genius of the stories in Luke 15:1-10. In these parables, Jesus simultaneously speaks to, and shows compassion toward, two groups of people who viewed themselves as being at opposite ends of the spectrum. Topics Discussed in this Episode 00:00 Intro 01:14 Mother's…

Rick and Svea talk about Rick's last weekend message about focusing in on our mission. Topics Discussed in this Episode 00:00 Intro 00:50 What was the purpose of this past sermon? Why was it applicable to our church? 01:23 Discussion of changes in our church and in other churches - post-COVID, senior pastors, men and women in leadership, worship se…

On this episode, Pastor Otis Hall joins Rick and Svea in the studio to continue the weekend’s discussion on James 1:27 and how that verse can propel us into action to care for our society’s most vulnerable. Topics Discussed in this Episode 00:00 Intro 01:17 We looked at a passage in James that gave us insight into the fostering world. 02:26 James 1…

Today, Pastor Caleb Smith joins Svea in the studio as they close out our discussions on family by looking at parenting and parental influence. Topics Discussed in this Episode 00:00 Intro 01:36 An exceptional message that spoke to people of many different categories of people who have parental influence whether or not children are a part of home li…

Today's Topic Rick and Svea talk about singleness, dating, and loneliness. They discuss Jesus and his singleness, guarding against being defined by another person, and not choosing a path that leads away from Jesus. Topics Discussed in this Episode 00:00 Intro. 00:52 Nerding out on church history. 04:58 Fighting against alienating singles - Svea's …

Today, Rick and Svea examine Ephesians 5 and what Paul says (and doesn’t say) about marriage, our presuppositions, and our culture. By applying this chapter to all relationships, what can the family of believers learn about the gospel way of life? Topics Discussed in this Episode 00:00 Intro 00:42 Welcome to new listeners 02:40 Church should be a c…

1 Timothy Message Series 1 Timothy Chapter 6 Rick and Svea swap chairs as Svea preached the message on 1 Timothy 6 this week and Rick asks her clarifying questions. Topics Discussed in this Episode 00:00 Intro and recap of the message. 02:54 Discussion of what slavery was like in the NT times. 08:57 Not every single verse in the Bible points to how…

1 Timothy Message Series 1 Timothy Chapter 5:17-25 Today, we live up to “Church Is Messy” as we dive into the topic of accountability. How do we rightly hold people accountable? How do we respond when we’re being held accountable? How do we respond to anxiety-producing situations? Roll up your sleeves and get ready for a little messiness. Topics Di…

1 Timothy Message Series 1 Timothy Chapter 5:1-16 While the first half of 1 Timothy 5 is often viewed as a tutorial on caring for widows, this week Rick and Svea discuss what may be surprising themes this section is dripping with: leadership in challenging situations and what confrontation in the way of Jesus looks like. Topics Discussed in this Ep…

In this episode, Pastors Rick Henderson and Svea Merry discuss 1 Timothy 4 and the issues of church leadership, reliance on the Spirit vs our conscience, understanding spiritual growth, and primary and second issues of Christianity. 00:27 Intro - Recap of the series, intro to 1 Timothy 4, and transitioning from 1 Timothy 3 01:28 If people watch us …

1 Timothy Message Series 1 Timothy Chapter 3 In this discussion on 1 Timothy 3, Rick and Svea answer your questions about our attitudes toward leaders who taught us something we now disagree with, the interpretation that is inherently connected to Bible translation, specific words and phrases in 1 Timothy 3, and leaning into our own shortcomings as…

1 Timothy Message Series 1 Timothy Chapter 2:11-15 Join us for an in-depth discussion on 1 Timothy 2:11-15. Rick and Svea dive into the differences of interpretation, a brief history that brought us to this discussion, and a recognition that men and women are different. Topics Discussed in this Episode 00:00 Intro. 01:43 Context: 1 Timothy 2:11-15.…

1 Timothy Message Series 1 Timothy Chapter 2:1-10 Join us for an in-depth discussion on 1 Timothy 2:1-10. Rick and Svea tackle embracing humility and mutual submission and the far-reaching implications of the gospel for men and women. Additional Resources https://autumnridge.church/1-timothy/ Topics Discussed in this Episode 00:00 Welcome and Intro…

1 Timothy Message Series 1 Timothy Chapter 1 Join us for an in-depth discussion on 1 Timothy 1. Rick and Svea dig into living the gospel, dealing with false teaching, and our tendencies to add to or subtract from Scripture. Additional Resources https://autumnridge.church/1-timothy/ Topics Discussed in this Episode 00:00 Welcome and introduction. 01…

Today Rick and Svea share the studio with Pastor Otis Hall. In the Parable of the Sower (Matt. 13:1-9), they discuss shifting the focus to looking for the desired result: a good harvest, not just from the perspective of sowing the seed. NOTE: This is the last episode of 2023. Rick and Svea will be back behind the microphones in January 2024 for a n…

So far in this series, we’ve looked at the unexpected messages to four churches in modern-day Turkey. UNEXPECTED MESSAGE: • It’s better to have no church than an unloving church. • It’s better to let a church suffer than to prevent it. • It’s possible for a church to stand up for Jesus while standing against Jesus. • It’s possible for a church to w…

So far in this series, we’ve looked at the unexpected messages to four churches in modern-day Turkey. UNEXPECTED MESSAGE: • It’s better to have no church than an unloving church. • It’s better to let a church suffer than to prevent it. • It’s possible for a church to stand up for Jesus while standing against Jesus. • It’s possible for a church to w…

So far in this series, we’ve looked at the unexpected messages to four churches in modern-day Turkey. UNEXPECTED MESSAGE: • It’s better to have no church than an unloving church. • It’s better to let a church suffer than to prevent it. • It’s possible for a church to stand up for Jesus while standing against Jesus. • It’s possible for a church to w…

So far in this series, we’ve looked at the unexpected messages to four churches in modern-day Turkey. It’s better to have no church than an unloving church. It’s better to let a church suffer than to prevent it. It’s possible for a church to stand up for Jesus while standing against Jesus. It’s possible for a church to wrongly value staying togethe…

So far in this series, we’ve looked at the unexpected messages to three churches in modern-day Turkey. It’s better to have no church than an unloving church. It’s better to let a church suffer than to prevent it. It’s possible for a church to stand up for Jesus while standing against Jesus. Today, we spend quite a bit of time looking at practical s…

It's better to let a church suffer and to prevent it. Today’s episode unpacks suffering, faith, and trust in Jesus. Message Scripture Passage: Revelation 2:8-11 Series Thesis: KNOWING the truth doesn’t change anything. SUBMITTING to the truth changes everything. Topics Discussed Today: 00:00 Intro. 01:54 Recap and overview of the series resources. …

Rick and Svea kick off the new "Dear Church" series with a discussion about symbolism in the Book of Revelation and move on to the difficult topic of a loveless church. Rick then casts a vision for what he thinks a loving church exemplifies. Message Scripture Passage: Revelation 1:17-2:7 Series Thesis: KNOWING the truth doesn’t change anything. SUB…

During the Preseason message series the mission, vision, and goals of Autumn Ridge Church have come up repeatedly. In this episode Rick and Svea dissect the Autumn Ridge Vision, "We want to be a church of all cultures where curious, skeptical, and hurting people love to attend." They talk about practical steps to help achieve this aspiration. Topic…

Pastor Paul McDonald joins Rick and Svea as their discussion closes out the Masterpiece series. About the Masterpiece series Theme Verse: For we are God’s handiwork [masterpiece], created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10 Series Thesis: We are good works of art created to do the art of good…

Caleb Smith joins Svea Merry on the podcast today. About the Masterpiece series Theme Verse: For we are God’s handiwork [masterpiece], created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10 Series Thesis: We are good works of art created to do the art of good works. Resources for this episode Watch the …

Bob Ross, air conditioning, adversity, and pruning. What do all of these have in common? Rick and Svea have a very practical conversation about the latest installment in our Masterpiece series, The Art of Love. About the Masterpiece series Theme Verse: For we are God’s handiwork [masterpiece], created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God pre…