http://www.watermark.org en no ℗ & © 2013 Watermark Community Church 720 You don't have to earn God's love. God knows everything you have ever done or will do, and He loves you anyway. Good works won't make Him love you more, and your failings don't make Him love you less. http://www.watermark.org/media/god-loves-you-anyway/2609/ http://s3.amazonaws.com/Wccaudio/20130521Porch.mp3 Tue, 21 May 2013 00:00:00 -0500 Case Hubbart Those who trust in Christ are no longer slaves to this world; they are heirs to the King. As heirs, we are to take part in the Father's business. After the message, JP talks with Mary Frances Bowley, author of "The White Umbrella," about the current problem of sex trafficking and what we can do to end it. http://www.watermark.org/media/from-slavery-to-royalty/2603/ http://s3.amazonaws.com/Wccaudio/20130514Porch.mp3 Tue, 14 May 2013 00:00:00 -0500 Jonathan Pokluda We often try (and always fail) to earn God's approval by following the law. If we are trying to earn salvation through our actions, then we are not trusting in Jesus' work on the cross. Includes Shane Barnard (of Shane & Shane) telling the story behind the song "Embracing Accusations." http://www.watermark.org/media/not-good-enough/2587/ http://s3.amazonaws.com/Wccaudio/20130430Porch.mp3 Tue, 30 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0500 Jonathan Pokluda We all at times feel that we need to perform for God--to do good works, or to be sin-free in order to be acceptable. However, a person is made right with God based not on how they behave but on what they believe. God doesn't want you to habitually act like you are following Him; He wants to have a personal, moment-by-moment relationship with you. http://www.watermark.org/media/performance-anxiety/2582/ http://s3.amazonaws.com/Wccaudio/20130423Porch.mp3 Tue, 23 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0500 David Marvin God is writing a story with your life. He wants to use that story to reach others with the good news and free them from bondage. Your role is to know your story, understand how to tell it, and be faithful in sharing your story with others. Your story is not about you. It's His story. http://www.watermark.org/media/mystory/2570/ http://s3.amazonaws.com/Wccaudio/20130416Porch.mp3 Tue, 16 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0500 Jonathan Pokluda In Dallas as in Galatia, people try to add to the gospel. Salvation is free; if you add any requirements that must be met in order to earn it, then it is no longer good news. And if you trust in yourself or your own actions to earn salvation, then you are by definition not trusting in Jesus--and have missed the gospel entirely. http://www.watermark.org/media/the-simple-gospel/2553/ http://s3.amazonaws.com/Wccaudio/20130409Porch.mp3 Tue, 09 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0500 Jonathan Pokluda For most singles, pornography is a problem that is destroying your marriage before it starts. God does offer healing, if you truly want to be healed. But healing requires confession and prayer within community, removing access to temptations, and pursuing Jesus above all. http://www.watermark.org/media/looks-that-kill/2541/ http://s3.amazonaws.com/Wccaudio/20130402Porch.mp3 Tue, 02 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0500 Jonathan Pokluda Depression is a growing epidemic in the U.S., and is especially prevalent within Generation Y. We look at 6 stresses that have the potential to bring us to a breaking point, how to deal with the stresses, and how to survive the breaking point. God may give us more than we can handle, but He does not give us more than He can handle. http://www.watermark.org/media/depression/2523/ http://s3.amazonaws.com/Wccaudio/20130326Porch.mp3 Tue, 26 Mar 2013 00:00:00 -0500 Jonathan Pokluda Being constantly busy can cause us to neglect relationships and leave no time for the things that are truly most important to us. We need to allow margin in our schedules. God emphasizes this through His commandments about rest, and even in the way He created nighttime and sleep. http://www.watermark.org/media/busyness/2517/ http://s3.amazonaws.com/Wccaudio/20130319Porch.mp3 Tue, 19 Mar 2013 00:00:00 -0500 David Marvin Money is the chief source of anxiety for most Americans, even though we are the richest nation and are virtually guaranteed to have at least the basic necessities of life. No matter how rich we are, we think that having more money will make us happy. But all material possessions will one day be gone. By giving generously now, we can store up eternal treasures in heaven. http://www.watermark.org/media/financial-worry/2513/ http://s3.amazonaws.com/Wccaudio/20130312Porch.mp3 Tue, 12 Mar 2013 00:00:00 -0500 David Marvin Worry is worthless. Worrying about something does not change its outcome, and does not add anything positive to your life. Worrying is also a faith issue; it shows that we are not believing that God is in control and knows what is best for us. Instead of worrying, we should trust in God's provision and seek His Kingdom first. http://www.watermark.org/media/worry/2501/ http://s3.amazonaws.com/Wccaudio/20130305Porch.mp3 Tue, 05 Mar 2013 00:00:00 -0600 David Marvin Left to ourselves, we all have a tendency to drift towards destructive actions or choices. To keep from being carried away by the currents of this world, we need to listen to and follow God's instructions. We can do that by daily spending time reading and learning from God's Word. http://www.watermark.org/media/rooted-spiritual-disciplines/2479/ http://s3.amazonaws.com/Wccaudio/20130226Porch.mp3 Tue, 26 Feb 2013 00:00:00 -0600 David Marvin Sometimes things don't go as planned. We dream of "happily ever after," but end up disappointed because our expectations are unrealistic. The way to prevent disappointment, despair, and divorce is to fully pursue God and trust that He knows best. http://www.watermark.org/media/dating-disappointments/2454/ http://s3.amazonaws.com/Wccaudio/20130219Porch.mp3 Tue, 19 Feb 2013 00:00:00 -0600 Jonathan Pokluda Sex is powerful. God designed it that way to fulfill a purpose in marriage. Any time we use it outside of its intended purpose, there are powerful consequences. Despite what our culture may say, purity is important--and it is possible. Regardless of your past, you can begin to pursue God's ideal now. http://www.watermark.org/media/dating-and-sex/2447/ http://s3.amazonaws.com/Wccaudio/porch_20130212.mp3 Tue, 12 Feb 2013 00:00:00 -0600 Jonathan Pokluda The problem with "following your heart" is that your heart often wants the wrong things, and can lead you in the wrong direction. Before you follow your heart in dating, you must inform your heart of where you want to end up: in a God-honoring marriage. Find somebody who is heading for the same destination, and protect your heart from those who are going the wrong way. http://www.watermark.org/media/dating-directions/2441/ http://s3.amazonaws.com/Wccaudio/porch_20130205.mp3 Tue, 05 Feb 2013 00:00:00 -0600 Jonathan Pokluda When it comes to dating, most people today have their sights set on the dating experience itself, rather than on the end goal of marriage and a family. Because of this, they focus on fleeting things such as physical beauty or excitement. If you instead set lasting qualities like godliness and character as your target, you will develop a love that does not fade. http://www.watermark.org/media/dating-on-target/2432/ http://s3.amazonaws.com/Wccaudio/porch_20130129.mp3 Tue, 29 Jan 2013 00:00:00 -0600 Jonathan Pokluda Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain. To help Dallas young adults build something meaningful with their lives, The Porch ministry commits to three things: teaching transformational truth from the Scriptures, helping people connect to other Christ-followers, and sending them out to serve a world in need. http://www.watermark.org/media/sturdy-2013/2422/ http://s3.amazonaws.com/Wccaudio/porch_20130122.mp3 Tue, 22 Jan 2013 00:00:00 -0600 Jonathan Pokluda The Christmas story is the story of God's rescue plan for His people. Foreshadowed throughout history, it is the story of the God who created the galaxies pursuing you, and sacrificing His Son so that you may know true love and experience true life. http://www.watermark.org/media/come-thou-long-expected-jesus/2385/ http://s3.amazonaws.com/Wccaudio/Porch_20121211.mp3 Tue, 11 Dec 2012 00:00:00 -0600 Jonathan Pokluda Good works do not help you earn salvation, but they can help you share the good news of salvation with others. As the saved, we are to be a salvation army, standing in the gaps and actively using love and good deeds to attract others to the gospel. http://www.watermark.org/media/good-and-the-gospel/2376/ http://s3.amazonaws.com/Wccaudio/Porch_20121204.mp3 Tue, 04 Dec 2012 00:00:00 -0600 Jonathan Pokluda The desire to do something great with your life is God-given. But focusing on your own greatness and trying to make a name for yourself is ultimately temporary and meaningless. God is better than life or anything in it, and the only way to have a lasting, meaningful impact is to make His name more famous. http://www.watermark.org/media/a-name-for-yourself/2366/ http://s3.amazonaws.com/Wccaudio/Porch_20121127.mp3 Tue, 27 Nov 2012 00:00:00 -0600 David Morrison What does it look like to be a child of God? Titus 3 reminds believers who they are now, and who they once were. We should no longer live as children of the world, because there is no life or lasting joy in those temporary desires and pleasures. http://www.watermark.org/media/gods-children/2353/ http://s3.amazonaws.com/Wccaudio/Porch_20121120.mp3 Tue, 20 Nov 2012 00:00:00 -0600 Case Hubbart Grace is a gift above and beyond what you could deserve. Paul tells Titus that God's grace -- Christ's sacrifice for us -- is the secret to change and reminds us of the glory that is to come. We know that it is by grace through faith we are saved, but did you know it is grace that helps you overcome sin? http://www.watermark.org/media/grace-the-ultimate-gift/2342/ http://s3.amazonaws.com/Wccaudio/Porch_20121113.mp3 Tue, 13 Nov 2012 00:00:00 -0600 Jonathan Pokluda The world is watching. Your behavior as a Christ-follower has a direct impact on how others feel about Christ. Titus 2 encourages all believers to live beyond reproach, and act in such a way that non-believers will find the message of our Savior more attractive. http://www.watermark.org/media/setting-an-example/2334/ http://s3.amazonaws.com/Wccaudio/Porch_20121106.mp3 Tue, 06 Nov 2012 00:00:00 -0600 David Marvin You may say that you believe something, but what do your actions say you believe? Paul sent Titus to Crete, a place somewhat similar to Dallas, as an agent of change. Young adults can change the world around them, but only if they allow Christ to truly change their own lives first. http://www.watermark.org/media/the-way-and-the-wayward/2315/ http://s3.amazonaws.com/Wccaudio/Porch_20121030.mp3 Tue, 30 Oct 2012 00:00:00 -0500 Jonathan Pokluda What is an elder? And why are they important? Paul begins the book of Titus explaining the qualities of this leadership role, but how does that apply to young adults? David Marvin sat down with Todd Wagner and Kyle Thompson, two elders at Watermark, to discuss the importance of integrity in leadership--not only in the church, but in our everyday lives. http://www.watermark.org/media/integrity-in-leadership/2308/ http://s3.amazonaws.com/Wccaudio/Porch_20121023.mp3 Tue, 23 Oct 2012 00:00:00 -0500 David Marvin, Todd Wagner, Kyle Thompson Our prayers tend to be rather small and self-focused. But God is able to do anything, no matter how big the ask. Let us pray, as the first Christians did, that God would enable us to speak with great boldness, and that every young adult in Dallas would be saved. http://www.watermark.org/media/why-pray/2297/ http://s3.amazonaws.com/Wccaudio/Porch_20121016.mp3 Tue, 16 Oct 2012 00:00:00 -0500 David Marvin More than any other life stage, young adults have the ability, availability, and desire to change the world. Revolutions and revivals have consistently been led by young adults. Now is the time to use your life to follow Jesus and to call others to do the same. http://www.watermark.org/media/why-us/2279/ http://s3.amazonaws.com/Wccaudio/Porch_20121009.mp3 Tue, 09 Oct 2012 00:00:00 -0500 Jonathan Pokluda All major religions, and even our own consciences, agree on a basic list of things that are right or wrong. However, every single person has felt the guilt of breaking these rules. Only Christianity offers a savior, Jesus, who has done for us what it is impossible to do on our own. http://www.watermark.org/media/why-jesus/2266/ http://s3.amazonaws.com/Wccaudio/Porch_20121002.mp3 Tue, 02 Oct 2012 00:00:00 -0500 David Marvin Our postmodern society tries to claim that all viewpoints are equally valid, and that we should be "tolerant" of every worldview or religion because they are all true. However, since they each explicitly contradict and exclude each other, it is impossible for more than one way to be true. If someone is on a destructive path, the loving thing to do is to share the truth with them. http://www.watermark.org/media/why-not-tolerance/2256/ http://s3.amazonaws.com/Wccaudio/Porch_20120925.mp3 Tue, 25 Sep 2012 00:00:00 -0500 Jonathan Pokluda Millenials are known for their lack of commitment: either not committing to anything, or not keeping the commitments they make. God, who always keeps His word, emphasizes in the Bible that we are to keep our commitments. Blessings come when we do commit in relationships, our careers, and our church community. http://www.watermark.org/media/why-commit/2241/ http://s3.amazonaws.com/Wccaudio/Porch_20120918.mp3 Tue, 18 Sep 2012 00:00:00 -0500 Jonathan Pokluda Our generation is known for being self-centered. Many young adults are narcissistic or have a sense of entitlement, and value fame because it places us at the center of worship. Only God is worthy of being in the center, and whoever wants to be truly great must be the greatest servant. http://www.watermark.org/media/why-not-me/2231/ http://s3.amazonaws.com/Wccaudio/Porch_20120911.mp3 Tue, 11 Sep 2012 00:00:00 -0500 Jonathan Pokluda Do you want God, or do you want God to give you something? Some, like the prodigal son, rebel against God by chasing after the worldly things they want. But others, like the elder son in the parable, work at pleasing the Father for the same reason: to get the worldly things they want. Both ways miss truly knowing the Father, which is the only thing that can fully satisfy. http://www.watermark.org/media/the-real-prize/2214/ http://s3.amazonaws.com/Wccaudio/Porch_20120828.mp3 Tue, 28 Aug 2012 00:00:00 -0500 Jonathan Pokluda To become great at anything, you need a little bit of talent and a whole lot of training. If you have the wrong priorities, or simply don't consider the consequences of your actions, you may be training yourself for the wrong things. In 1 Timothy, young adults are encouraged to diligently train themselves to be godly, so that they can fully utilize their gifts in ways that impact eternity. http://www.watermark.org/media/in-training/2210/ http://s3.amazonaws.com/Wccaudio/Porch_20120821.mp3 Tue, 21 Aug 2012 00:00:00 -0500 Jonathan Pokluda We have each been forgiven of an unfathomably large debt, and are therefore called to forgive anyone who has wronged us. That means forgiving the debt, not just the event--forgiving someone not for what they did, but for everything that was taken from us in the process. http://www.watermark.org/media/forgiveness/2199/ http://s3.amazonaws.com/Wccaudio/Porch_20120814.mp3 Tue, 14 Aug 2012 00:00:00 -0500 David Marvin The results of the stewardship challenge are revealed, as people share stories of how they have used the money that they were entrusted with and how their own views of money have changed. http://www.watermark.org/media/celebration/2195/ https://s3.amazonaws.com/Wccaudio/Porch_20120807.mp3 Tue, 07 Aug 2012 00:00:00 -0500 Adam Tarnow We all have an inherent desire to be more generous, but fear often holds us back. We may be afraid of examining and changing our priorities, or fear that some unexpected expense may come up. However, God promises that our needs will be met, and that what we give will be replenished so that we can give more. The risk, then, is not that we will give too much, but that we will miss out on the joy that comes from being generous. http://www.watermark.org/media/generosity/2191/ https://s3.amazonaws.com/Wccaudio/Porch_20120731.mp3 Tue, 31 Jul 2012 00:00:00 -0500 Adam Tarnow Faithful stewardship does not happen accidentally; it requires taking action and being intentional. Specifically, you need to guard your heart by regularly discussing your financial situation with your community, and having them help you process big spending decisions. It also requires that you diligently track your expenses and compare them to your spending plan. http://www.watermark.org/media/intentionality/2185/ https://s3.amazonaws.com/Wccaudio/Porch_20120724.mp3 Tue, 24 Jul 2012 00:00:00 -0500 Adam Tarnow We get off track in our stewardship of money whenever we become discontented. We don't like the story we are living in, and buy things that we don't need because we like what those things say about our lives. The cure for this discontentment is not consumption, but Christ. Good stewardship requires not just resisting the urge to buy, but refocusing our hearts on Him. http://www.watermark.org/media/contentment/2179/ https://s3.amazonaws.com/Wccaudio/Porch_20120717.mp3 Tue, 17 Jul 2012 00:00:00 -0500 Adam Tarnow What is your relationship with money? The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it. Therefore, we do not actually own anything; it all belongs to God, and we are just stewards of what He has entrusted to us. As stewards, we are to use those resources as God would, to accomplish His purposes. http://www.watermark.org/media/stewardship/2175/ http://s3.amazonaws.com/Wccaudio/Porch_20120710.mp3 Tue, 10 Jul 2012 00:00:00 -0500 Adam Tarnow There is a spiritual battle going on, constantly, and we are a part of it--either fighting the battle, or being defeated by it. The enemy uses lies and deceit as his weapons, affecting what we believe about God and about ourselves. We are to fight against such lies with truth from God's Word, with the righteousness and salvation that come from God, and with faith and the peace that comes from trusting God. http://www.watermark.org/media/spiritual-warfare/2173/ http://s3.amazonaws.com/Wccaudio/Porch_20120703.mp3 Tue, 03 Jul 2012 00:00:00 -0500 Jonathan Pokluda Submission is not a popular word, but the Bible clearly commands us to submit ourselves to God and to those He has put in authority over us. Submitting yourself to the Spirit's promptings, to the wise counsel of those you are in community with, and to correction from church leaders can prevent you from choosing to go the way that might seem right to you in the moment, but in the end leads to death (Proverbs 14:12). http://www.watermark.org/media/the-s-word/2168/ http://s3.amazonaws.com/Wccaudio/Porch_20120626.mp3 Tue, 26 Jun 2012 00:00:00 -0500 Jonathan Pokluda Time is the most valuable possession you have. The Bible calls us to make good use of the time we have on earth. What are you doing with your time? Evaluate which things you need to stop doing, start doing, or simply keep on doing in order to spend your time wisely. http://www.watermark.org/media/time-of-your-life/2162/ http://s3.amazonaws.com/Wccaudio/Porch_20120619.mp3 Tue, 19 Jun 2012 00:00:00 -0500 David Marvin When we live in the darkness, it is easier for us to hide behind our hurts and sins. But God wants us to be children of light. When we notice a gap between who we want to be and who we are, it's time to expose the darkness and step into the light that we are in Christ. http://www.watermark.org/media/getting-lit-up/2156/ http://s3.amazonaws.com/Wccaudio/Porch_20120612.mp3 Tue, 12 Jun 2012 00:00:00 -0500 David Marvin Every single commandment in Scripture can be summed up in one rule: love your neighbor as yourself. Love is the intent behind everything we are asked to do, and the one thing that is to distinguish us as Christ followers. To be free to love, we must get rid of anything that masters us, forgive others, and create margin in our lives. http://www.watermark.org/media/walk-in-love/2154/ http://s3.amazonaws.com/Wccaudio/Por_20120605.mp3 Tue, 05 Jun 2012 00:00:00 -0500 David Marvin Followers of Jesus are called to put off their old selves, no longer living in the ways of the world. We are to be different, and to be made new. That transformation does not come from willpower or from striving to change our behavior; our behavior is always going to follow our beliefs. If you donÃ��Ã�¹t like your behavior, examine your beliefs and remind yourself of what is true. http://www.watermark.org/media/changed-by-truth/2151/ http://s3.amazonaws.com/Wccaudio/Por_20120529.mp3 Tue, 29 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500 Jonathan Pokluda God has given each of us gifts and we are to use those gifts to build up the body of the church. By identifying what your gifts are and deploying those gifts in the right way, you can find true fulfillmentas you accomplish the very things that you were literally created to do. http://www.watermark.org/media/gifts-in-the-game/2148/ http://s3.amazonaws.com/Wccaudio/Por_20120522.mp3 Tue, 22 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500 Jonathan Pokluda Ephesians 4 calls us to live in unity and work together as one body, or one team. Unity requires us to be humble, gentle, and patient with each other, and to proactively resolve conflicts. It also requires commitment, as you cannot be part of a team until you join it. http://www.watermark.org/media/team-sports/2142/ http://s3.amazonaws.com/Wccaudio/Por_20120515.mp3 Wed, 16 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500 Jonathan Pokluda God works in mysterious ways. Through a small nation of chosen people, He provided a Savior and a Gospel that would allow all people to intimately know Him. Though perfect and powerful, God empowers imperfect people to spread that good news to others. And though believers may experience suffering, that suffering can be their greatest opportunity to trust Christ and display His truths to the world. http://www.watermark.org/media/the-mysteries-of-god/2123/ http://s3.amazonaws.com/Wccaudio/Por_20120501.mp3 Tue, 01 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500 Jonathan Pokluda We all want to belong somewhere and to fit in with the "in crowd". Jesus has broken down the walls that separate us, and has built us an earthly home within the church body - a church which we ourselves are an essential part of. http://www.watermark.org/media/included/2122/ http://s3.amazonaws.com/Wccaudio/Por_20120424.mp3 Tue, 24 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500 Jonathan Pokluda Until being made alive in Christ, every one of us is considered dead in sin. Though physically alive, those who follow the ways of this world and the desires of their sinful nature are described in Ephesians as being spiritually dead in sin. God's grace alone can bring us out of that death and into true life, allowing us to follow His ways and experience His plans for us. http://www.watermark.org/media/the-living-dead/2108/ http://s3.amazonaws.com/Wccaudio/Por_20120417.mp3 Tue, 17 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500 Jonathan Pokluda Ever feel like you should be "doing better" in your walk with God, and that you need to pray more, read the Bible more, or behave better? This focus on performance can lead us to miss the fact that God loves us immensely, and has chosen us and sacrificed for us so that we can be His children and His heirs. Our relationship with God is to be one where we can tenderly call him "Abba, Father." http://www.watermark.org/media/our-abba/2094/ http://s3.amazonaws.com/Wccaudio/Por_20120410.mp3 Tue, 10 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500 David Marvin Since God is all-powerful, praying to Him is the single most strategic thing we can do to change this city for Him. As His children, and as believers who live in a relationship with Him, we can confidently approach God in prayer. Ask God to use you to accomplish His purposes, and it is guaranteed that He will. http://www.watermark.org/media/power-through-prayer/2078/ http://s3.amazonaws.com/Wccaudio/Por_20120403.mp3 Tue, 03 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500 Jonathan Pokluda Ephesians 1:3-14 teaches that we, as believers, have been chosen by God and adopted as His children. We are not chosen because of who we are, what we have done, or what we are capable of doing; rather, God chooses us because of who He is, what He has done for us in Christ, and what He plans to do through us with His Holy Spirit. http://www.watermark.org/media/chosen-by-god/2067/ http://s3.amazonaws.com/Wccaudio/Por_20120327.mp3 Tue, 27 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0500 Jonathan Pokluda The story of the early church in Ephesus illustrates how the Gospel can transform a city, and how we can be part of a movement to do the same in Dallas today. We can each have a huge impact on those around us, but only if our own lives are first transformed by the truth contained in Scripture. http://www.watermark.org/media/a-movement-of-truth/2053/ http://s3.amazonaws.com/Wccaudio/Por_20120320.mp3 Tue, 20 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0500 Jonathan Pokluda All of us are experts at deceiving ourselves. We lie to ourselves in order to justify doing what we really want to do, leading to the decisions we later regret. When we bring those lies into the light and examine our true motives, that truth can set us free to make the right choice. http://www.watermark.org/media/whats-the-real-reason/2044/ http://s3.amazonaws.com/Wccaudio/Por_20120313.mp3 Tue, 13 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0500 David Marvin The Gospel is not just that Jesus died on a cross for the forgiveness of sins; it is that He then rose from the grave to live again. This truth of the resurrection applies to our own lives, as we are to put to death our old sinful selves and then live as new creations. John Elmore talks in practical terms about how we can be freed from slavery to sin and daily choose to live with Christ. http://www.watermark.org/media/raised/2034/ http://s3.amazonaws.com/Wccaudio/Por_20120306.mp3 Tue, 06 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0600 John Elmore Right now, you are in the process of becoming who you will be in the future - for better or for worse. In this final episode of the series, we talk about the unwanted baggage that people can bring into the marriage bed. We then look at God's original plan for marriage, and how it gives us a picture of His ultimate plan for us. http://www.watermark.org/media/the-ultimate-honeymoon/2012/ http://s3.amazonaws.com/Wccaudio/Por_20120228.mp3 Tue, 28 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0600 Jonathan Pokluda How do we find freedom from the trap of sexual immorality? The pleasures that we initially want the freedom to pursue often end up enslaving us, in a cycle that we seem powerless to stop. There is hope - and true freedom - when we realize who we are in Christ, the price that has been paid for us, and the steps required to break the cycle. http://www.watermark.org/media/sexual-freedom/1999/ http://s3.amazonaws.com/Wccaudio/Por_20120221.mp3 Tue, 21 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0600 Jonathan Pokluda In this epislde we define sexual immorality from the Bible and look at how it impacts Dallas Singles today. Healing from the reckless ways of premarital sex, pornography and masturbation starts with surrender. http://www.watermark.org/media/reckless-driving---sex-gone-wrong/1988/ http://s3.amazonaws.com/Wccaudio/Por_20120214.mp3 Tue, 14 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0600 Jonathan Pokluda In this episode, we hear the story of one of the leading authorities on the theology of homosexuality. This is a must-listen for all parents and anyone who struggles with sexual sin. This is also a great resource for anyone who has loved ones in the gay lifestyle. Ricky Chelette does an excellent job explaining that nature of sexual struggles and their origin. He has an amazing message of hope and shows, from the scriptures, God's design for sex. http://www.watermark.org/media/same-sex-bonding/1980/ http://s3.amazonaws.com/Wccaudio/Por_20120207.mp3 Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0600 Ricky Chelette, Jonathan Pokluda It seems that while God's goal for us is holiness, our goal for ourselves is pleasure. Sometimes these objectives point us in the same direction. In this episode, however, we see that in reference to sex as a single person, these goals war against each other. http://www.watermark.org/media/sex-the-problem-of-pleasure/1957/ http://s3.amazonaws.com/Wccaudio/Por_20120131.mp3 Tue, 31 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0600 Jonathan Pokluda Listen how the faith of three men sustained them in the most difficult of situations as we examine Daniel 3 and observe three things that always happen as a result of living by faith. We can say we trust in the Lord; we can believe we trust in the Lord, but if we do not actually put our trust into action, we are missing out on the true life that comes through our faith. http://www.watermark.org/media/finding-life-through-faith/1951/ http://s3.amazonaws.com/Wccaudio/Por_20120124.mp3 Tue, 24 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0600 Jonathan Pokluda Why did God come to live here? How did so many people who were anxiously waiting His arrival miss it? How do we prioritize work, worries, and woes over Christmas? http://www.watermark.org/media/satisfied-with-christmas/1929/ http://s3.amazonaws.com/Wccaudio/Por_20111213.mp3 Tue, 13 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0600 Jonathan Pokluda In this episode of the "Satisfied" series, we take a look at the source of our satisfaction, we ask why we should be satisfied in and through suffering, and we discuss the kind of suffering that we should never be satisfied by. http://www.watermark.org/media/satisfied-in-suffering/1921/ http://s3.amazonaws.com/Wccaudio/Por_20111206.mp3 Tue, 06 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0600 Jonathan Pokluda Many of us are missing a small yet significant aspect of our relationship with God as we grow in maturity. This small thing is having faith like a child. Saving faith and greatness in the Kingdom of God are described as being that of a child. What has to happen in your life so that you can become more child-like in your faith with the Father? http://www.watermark.org/media/satisfied-with-the-father-through-faith-like-a-childs/1911/ http://s3.amazonaws.com/Wccaudio/Por_20111129.mp3 Tue, 29 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0600 Ryan Nixon Are you happy with how God has made you? Is He happy with how you are using the gifts He gave you? When we don't like the gifts we've been given, too often we miss the reason we have them. http://www.watermark.org/media/satisfied-with-your-talents/1906/ http://s3.amazonaws.com/Wccaudio/Por_20111122.mp3 Tue, 22 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0600 Jonathan Pokluda Have you oftentimes heard that we should be satisfied in Jesus, and thought to yourself, "What does this even mean? How do I do that?" In this episode, we will define what it means to be truly satisfied, how God does satisfy, and practically how we find this in God. http://www.watermark.org/media/how-to-be-satisfied/1889/ http://s3.amazonaws.com/Wccaudio/Por_20111115.mp3 Tue, 15 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0600 Jonathan Pokluda Why do we expect to be satisfied in a place that wasn't meant to satisfy us? Why do we pray for a life that doesn't need God? We see an altogether different calling in scripture, a calling to set aside the things of the world and live with eternity in mind. This episode calls us to trade in an ordinary, worldly life for His extraordinary Kingdom. http://www.watermark.org/media/living-unsatisfied/1855/ http://s3.amazonaws.com/Wccaudio/Por_20111108.mp3 Tue, 08 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0600 Jonathan Pokluda Every now and then you hear a story that must be retold. The Gospel is just that: the greatest story EVER told, the unstoppable force that changed the world. In this episode we explore this story, the story each of us has been given, and why we have to open our mouth and tell this life-changing, true story. http://www.watermark.org/media/the-greatest-story-ever-told/1854/ http://s3.amazonaws.com/Wccaudio/Por_20111103.mp3 Thu, 03 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0500 Jonathan Pokluda What is the Bible? Can it be trusted? What do I do with it? In this episode, Watermark Equipping Pastor Blake Holmes will answer these questions and more. Watch/listen to find out why these are the days to know Godâ��s Word. http://www.watermark.org/media/these-are-the-days-to-know-gods-word/1853/ http://s3.amazonaws.com/Wccaudio/Por_20111025.mp3 Tue, 25 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0500 Blake Holmes These are the days to determine if we have life - eternal life. This life is found in Christ alone by believing in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The evidence in our lives that helps us know that we have this life is a right and growing belief and a right and growing behavior. Do you have the life of Christ within you? Today is the day to answer that question! http://www.watermark.org/media/these-are-the-days-to-have-life/1852/ http://s3.amazonaws.com/Wccaudio/Por_20111018.mp3 Tue, 18 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0500 Ryan Nixon Todd examines ten "these are the days" statements that cover nearly every aspect of the young adult's life. These exhortations include where life can be found, how life should be lived, what to do with your life now, what will absolutely become of your life later, the most important question you have to answer in life, and what you should be doing with today in light of all of it all. http://www.watermark.org/media/these-are-the-days-to-take-advantage-of-being-young/1851/ http://s3.amazonaws.com/Wccaudio/Por_20111011.mp3 Tue, 11 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0500 Todd Wagner There's no time like the present, and we are promised no time but the present. In this episode we examine how we as believers are to live in these days. The church of Christ is one that has shaped not only eternity but history, and today the Church has an opportunity to resist what is "natural" by walking by the Spirit to serve and love in an extraordinary and "unnatural" way! http://www.watermark.org/media/these-are-the-days-to-love/1850/ http://s3.amazonaws.com/Wccaudio/Por_20111004.mp3 Tue, 04 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0500 David Marvin Love can be one of the most powerful motivators in life. However, sometimes this good desire is perverted by our inability to wait patiently for it. When our lustful desires overwhelm our patience we are often left in a mess that can only be cleaned up with the strength of God. http://www.watermark.org/media/what-a-beautiful-mess/1849/ http://s3.amazonaws.com/Wccaudio/Por_20110927.mp3 Tue, 27 Sep 2011 00:00:00 -0500 Jonathan Pokluda We may know Christians should date differently than the world, but do you know why? Is it merely obedience, fear of consequences, or something else? In this episode, we start at the beginning, realizing what we were created for and how this should impact the way in which we do everything. http://www.watermark.org/media/redeeming-dating/1804/ http://s3.amazonaws.com/Wccaudio/Por_20110920.mp3 Tue, 20 Sep 2011 00:00:00 -0500 Jonathan Pokluda God takes our junk and uses it for His glory and our good when we walk in the light. This is Victor Marx's amazing story. Victor is a leading black belt who was recently indoctrinated into the Martial Arts Hall of Fame. He balances skills and humility in telling the amazing journey God has had him on. http://www.watermark.org/media/anything-is-possible/1774/ http://s3.amazonaws.com/Wccaudio/Por_20110906.mp3 Tue, 06 Sep 2011 00:00:00 -0500 Victor Marx We've been pressured to find our prince charming or rescue our princess since we were children. In this episode we look at how this pressure has impacted us. Jonathan examines specific challenges Porch leaders have observed in their peers regarding relationships. We also discuss finding a spouse with minimal heartache and what it means to live "happily ever after". http://www.watermark.org/media/happily-ever-after/1773/ http://s3.amazonaws.com/Wccaudio/Por_20110830.mp3 Tue, 30 Aug 2011 00:00:00 -0500 Jonathan Pokluda Whether we like it or not, we are all in part products of our upbringing. Even if we had great parents, we still adopt some of their sin patterns as our own. More than likely our parents have been the greatest influence on the way we love others. In this episode we look at the importance of checking baggage, both our own baggage, and the baggage of a potential spouse. While we may try to hide our baggage through different methods, the solution to our baggage is found at the cross. http://www.watermark.org/media/baggage-claim/1762/ http://s3.amazonaws.com/Wccaudio/Por_20110816.mp3 Tue, 16 Aug 2011 00:00:00 -0500 Jonathan Pokluda Deep inside us all is a desire to love and to be loved. This is a great thing but when we chase the emotion instead of learning what it means to love, we can set ourselves up for a great deal of pain. It is important to understand love as God has defined it, so we can both love this way and find someone who will love us this way. Regardless, God loves us like this and desires that we love Him like this in return. http://www.watermark.org/media/love-know-how/1757/ http://s3.amazonaws.com/Wccaudio/Por_20110809.mp3 Tue, 09 Aug 2011 00:00:00 -0500 Jonathan Pokluda Many single people want to be married. Choosing a spouse is one of the most important decisions we will make in life. It seems, however, that many search aimlessly for one that they can share life with, rather than knowing what God has said is important. As we kick off a new series, we look at some things to inspect before you "buy". http://www.watermark.org/media/an-educated-buying-decision/1749/ http://s3.amazonaws.com/Wccaudio/Por_20110802.mp3 Tue, 02 Aug 2011 00:00:00 -0500 Jonathan Pokluda As we conclude this series on Philippians, we see one of the reasons for Paul's deep affection for the church in Philippi, one that had generously met his needs while other churches ignored them. In this episode we see how generosity should mark the life of a Christ-follower. http://www.watermark.org/media/generosity-the-conclusion/1730/ http://s3.amazonaws.com/Wccaudio/Por_20110712.mp3 Tue, 12 Jul 2011 00:00:00 -0500 Jonathan Pokluda n Exodus 33 God tells Moses that He will not go with the Israelites to the Promised Land. This is startling news to the leader of the Israelites and Moses' response to this news is nothing short of remarkable. Looking at one interchange between God and Moses, we get a glimpse into the heart of Moses and witness one of his core beliefs about God: anywhere with Him is better than anywhere without Him. http://www.watermark.org/media/the-who/1727/ http://s3.amazonaws.com/Wccaudio/Por_20110705.mp3 Tue, 05 Jul 2011 00:00:00 -0500 Adam Tarnow In Philippians 4 we see how discontentment starts in the mind as Paul exhorts us to think about praiseworthy and excellent things. This thinking leads to living that is in step with Paul?s example. This passage teaches us that contentment has nothing to do with what we have and everything to do with how we think and live. Paul reveals to us here the secret of contentment. http://www.watermark.org/media/the-secret-of-contentment/1724/ http://s3.amazonaws.com/Wccaudio/Por_20110628.mp3 Tue, 28 Jun 2011 00:00:00 -0500 Jonathan Pokluda The book of Philippians is marked by the theme of joy, reminding us to fix our eyes on Jesus. In chapter 4, verses 1-7 we see how the peace of God transforms our identity, our relationships, and our perspective. http://www.watermark.org/media/the-gospel-of-peace/1713/ http://s3.amazonaws.com/Wccaudio/Por_20110621.mp3 Tue, 21 Jun 2011 00:00:00 -0500 Matt Boswell According to the Bible, Christians find themselves in a world that is not there home. However, the temptation for most of us is to try and make this world our home. In this episode we take a look at Paul's word to the church in the city of Philippi in Philippians 3:15-21. Specifically examining what he says it looks like and does not look like to live as citizens of our ultimate home, and to live for home even while we are away from it. http://www.watermark.org/media/coming-home/1709/ http://s3.amazonaws.com/Wccaudio/Por_20110614.mp3 Tue, 14 Jun 2011 00:00:00 -0500 David Marvin We love to commemorate our accomplishments with trophies, medals, and memorabilia. We love to compete for a prize. Too often, however, this desire overflows into our faith and our actions toward God become a performance. When this happens it is important to remember the prize that we are actually pursuing. http://www.watermark.org/media/pursuit-of-the-prize/1694/ http://s3.amazonaws.com/Wccaudio/Por_20110531.mp3 Tue, 31 May 2011 00:00:00 -0500 Jonathan Pokluda In this passage we watch Paul describe the faithfulness of two young adults who cared for him while he was incarcerated. Philippians 2:19-30 offers us five characteristics that mark the young adult who is following Christ. Are these characteristics true of you? http://www.watermark.org/media/5-characteristics-of-christian-young-adults/1690/ http://s3.amazonaws.com/Wccaudio/Por_20110524.mp3 Tue, 24 May 2011 00:00:00 -0500 Jonathan Pokluda In Philippians 2:12-18, Paul says that we are to have a faith that is displayed. This is the working out of our salvation, showing our faith by the way we live and react to life's circumstances. We should live a life consistent with Christ's character not in order to be saved, but because we are. In doing this, we stand apart from the world like stars against a dark night. http://www.watermark.org/media/a-shining-faith/1673/ http://s3.amazonaws.com/Wccaudio/Por_20110517.mp3 Tue, 17 May 2011 00:00:00 -0500 Jonathan Pokluda Deep inside all of us is a desire to be great. If we use this desire to pursue greatness for us, the results can be eternally tragic. However, if we humble ourselves and allow this desire to push towards Him who is ultimately great, then we will experience ultimate greatness. This path, however, travels through the cross, and many miss it. http://www.watermark.org/media/the-way-to-the-throne/1671/ http://s3.amazonaws.com/Wccaudio/Por_20110510.mp3 Tue, 10 May 2011 00:00:00 -0500 Jonathan Pokluda Paul seems delusional in his response to suffering and opposition. Or maybe he has something figured out. In this episode we will look at Philippians 1:12-26 and talk about how Paul's perspective allowed him to leverage his circumstances for the Gospel. We see how Paul had his mind set on eternity, which allowed him to hold this world very loosely. Paul had his hope set on the right things. http://www.watermark.org/media/a-leveraged-life/1652/ http://s3.amazonaws.com/Wccaudio/Por_20110503.mp3 Tue, 03 May 2011 00:00:00 -0500 Jonathan Pokluda In this episode we set up the book of Philippians and cover the first 11 verses. We look at how a healthy church was born out of three unsuspecting and very different converts. We also see Paul's deep affections for the church at Philippi and how he prayed for their spiritual growth while promising that God is going to finish what He's started. http://www.watermark.org/media/step-into-the-movement/1639/ http://s3.amazonaws.com/Wccaudio/Por_20110426.mp3 Tue, 26 Apr 2011 00:00:00 -0500 Jonathan Pokluda What do Adam, Leviticus 16, Abraham, and The Passover have to do with the crucifixion? A lot. This episode is a must for anyone who wants to better understand the importance of Jesus on the cross and how understanding this event changes who you are. Please listen or watch and see how this event has changed the lives of twenty young adults in Dallas. http://www.watermark.org/media/clues-around-the-crucifixion/1629/ http://s3.amazonaws.com/Wccaudio/Por_20110419.mp3 Tue, 19 Apr 2011 00:00:00 -0500 Jonathan Pokluda Gary Stroope shares how growing up and being raised by humans affects us in positive and negative ways. We need to acknowledge hurt and negative impacts in order to move forward and move towards the perfect father. http://www.watermark.org/media/a-big-dad/1622/ http://s3.amazonaws.com/Wccaudio/Por_20110412.mp3 Tue, 12 Apr 2011 00:00:00 -0500 Gary Stroope We say we serve an awesome God but do we even understand what that means? Our selfishness is often the enemy to our understanding just how awesome God is. In John 3, John the Baptist says that God must become greater and that he (John) must become less. When we have a right understanding of how awesome God is, we fall into place and serve Him. http://www.watermark.org/media/awesome-god/1608/ http://s3.amazonaws.com/Wccaudio/Por_20110405.mp3 Tue, 05 Apr 2011 00:00:00 -0500 Jonathan Pokluda In this episode we discuss three key components for creating a mission statement for your life. Within our mission, God wants us to be intentional about connecting with others, treasure Christ above all else, and to never give up in our relationship with God. http://www.watermark.org/media/whats-your-mission-statement/1597/ http://s3.amazonaws.com/Wccaudio/Por_20110329.mp3 Tue, 29 Mar 2011 00:00:00 -0500 Mike Shelton This episode addresses one of the biggest objections that people have to Christ and His message: that is seems in many ways unfair. However, just because something seems unfair doesn't mean its untrue. According to the Bible, moreover, the last thing we want is fair, but thankfully we serve a God who decided to go way beyond fair and extend mercy. http://www.watermark.org/media/unfairuntrue/1582/ http://s3.amazonaws.com/Wccaudio/Por_20110322.mp3 Tue, 22 Mar 2011 00:00:00 -0500 David Marvin Oftentimes people have objections to Christianity. The interesting thing about these objections is that working through them is generally not the way seekers put their trust in Christ. There are answers, and questions should certainly be asked. But more important than having answers to all of your questions is knowing God. In this episode we look at how knowing Him (through Jesus) is more important than being able to explain God. http://www.watermark.org/media/objection-overruled/1567/ http://s3.amazonaws.com/Wccaudio/Por_20110315.mp3 Tue, 15 Mar 2011 00:00:00 -0500 David Marvin Of the celebrated sins, this is possibly the one most relevant to Dallas. Materialism corrupts our doctrine, our contentment, and our desires. In 1 Timothy 6 we read that we are to pursue God and the things of God above all other things. These are eternal investments with eternal rewards, and are infinitely better than the things of this world. We are to desire eternal things and invest in eternal things, and through Christ we find freedom from materialism. http://www.watermark.org/media/materialism/1540/ http://s3.amazonaws.com/Wccaudio/Por_20110301.mp3 Tue, 01 Mar 2011 00:00:00 -0600 Jonathan Pokluda People-pleasing is celebrated in our culture. Whether it is a popularity contest, a desire to be recognized, or a fear of disappointing others, these are struggles that the Bible addresses. In this episode we look at how this is a trap that we can get stuck in and how it comes from a misunderstanding of God. God, however, helps us out of this trap as we trust in Him. http://www.watermark.org/media/approval-of-man/1522/ http://s3.amazonaws.com/Wccaudio/Por_20110222.mp3 Tue, 22 Feb 2011 00:00:00 -0600 Jonathan Pokluda This is possibly the most celebrated of all the sins we will cover. The world screams at us to be in control of our lives. The Bible, however, has a very different message. It tells us that we are not in control and ultimately as believers we come under God's control. Jeremiah 17 testifies to the death that comes from self-reliance and the life and abundance that come from surrendering to God. God is in control, whether we acknowledge it or not. We might as well pursue His plan. http://www.watermark.org/media/control/1513/ http://s3.amazonaws.com/Wccaudio/Por_20110215.mp3 Tue, 15 Feb 2011 00:00:00 -0600 Jonathan Pokluda