The Blueprint: Diversity in Unity

In this episode of The Blueprint, Pastor Trent shows us the where, why, who, and what of the church's calling. God's design for Christians is that diversity in unity would lead to maturity.

The New Testament letter to the Ephesians is a “blueprint.” Through the Apostle Paul, the living God lays out a divine model of theology, community, ministry, family, and life for Christians from diverse backgrounds. This is exactly what the Church (and our church) needs! In this letter, the saints who are “faithful in Christ Jesus,” find a vision for building, integrating, and applying the gospel into every area of life.

The Blueprint: Power In Here

The New Testament letter to the Ephesians is a “blueprint.” Through the Apostle Paul, the living God lays out a divine model of theology, community, ministry, family, and life for Christians from diverse backgrounds. This is exactly what the Church (and our church) needs! In this letter, the saints who are “faithful in Christ Jesus,” find a vision for building, integrating, and applying the gospel into every area of life.

In this episode of The Blueprint, Pastor Trent brings us to the midpoint of the letter to the Ephesians. After two verbose chapters of redemption and reconciliation in Christ, the Apostle Paul bows his knees to pray for the Church -- not that big things would done "out there" but that power would be at work "in here" for the church.

The Blueprint: Don't Lose Heart

When fear rises in the face of suffering, when difficulty comes in the Christian life, when challenges arise in gospel ministry… We need coaches like the Apostle Paul help us to “not lose heart.” In this sermon, Pastor Trent unpacks three reasons to not lose heart.

The Blueprint: What Does God Want?

The New Testament letter to the Ephesians is a “blueprint.” Through the Apostle Paul, the living God lays out a divine model of theology, community, ministry, family, and life for Christians from diverse backgrounds. This is exactly what the Church (and our church) needs! In this letter, the saints who are “faithful in Christ Jesus,” find a vision for building, integrating, and applying the gospel into every area of life.

From the introduction to Ephesians, Pastor Trent summarizes the letter as whole and shows God's plan to "sum up" all things in Christ. In the Lord Jesus, God the Father has put on the table his plan to unite all things in King Jesus. This is the only hope for our fallen and fragmented world.

Jonah: Lessons in Compassion

The epic of Jonah is timeless. Throughout history people from all walks of life have been drawn to this story, but we believe the message of Jonah is prefect fit our present moment. Jonah’s exaggerated expressions and larger than life swings in mood will resonate with you. Jonah’s association with religion yet spiritual and racial bigotry will sound all too familiar to you. Jonah’s journey to the depths and the display of the LORD’s grace will invite you under the waters — the place where many of us still need to go.

What should be made of this fishy tale? The story of Jonah has been the subject of scientific skepticism, moral derision, and simplistic application through the ages. In reflection on the epic of Jonah, Pastor Trent offers four lessons in compassion and the portrait of Jonah as a true prophet of the Lord God.

Jonah: Compassion and Critique

The epic of Jonah is timeless. Throughout history people from all walks of life have been drawn to this story, but we believe the message of Jonah is prefect fit our present moment. Jonah’s exaggerated expressions and larger than life swings in mood will resonate with you. Jonah’s association with religion yet spiritual and racial bigotry will sound all too familiar to you. Jonah’s journey to the depths and the display of the LORD’s grace will invite you under the waters — the place where many of us still need to go.

In the final chapter of Jonah, the Lord appoints all things necessary to provoke Jonah to honesty. The radical mercy of God is beyond what the prophet can stomach. Pastor Trent helps us see that the compassion of the Lord God is strong enough to weather critique, complaint, and coldness.

Jonah: Character and Compassion

The epic of Jonah is timeless. Throughout history people from all walks of life have been drawn to this story, but we believe the message of Jonah is prefect fit our present moment. Jonah’s exaggerated expressions and larger than life swings in mood will resonate with you. Jonah’s association with religion yet spiritual and racial bigotry will sound all too familiar to you. Jonah’s journey to the depths and the display of the LORD’s grace will invite you under the waters — the place where many of us still need to go.

In this sermon, Pastor Trent asks, “Can God... does God change His mind?” As widespread praise breaks out in Nineveh, Jonah makes an angry protest against the character of the Lord. Chapters 3 and 4 make room for age old questions and make clear biblical truth: God is unchanging, but he changes his mind. In contrast to fallen human authorities, God is wonderfully dynamic, present, and benevolent in his sovereignty.

Jonah: Let Revival Come

The epic of Jonah is timeless. Throughout history people from all walks of life have been drawn to this story, but we believe the message of Jonah is prefect fit our present moment. Jonah’s exaggerated expressions and larger than life swings in mood will resonate with you. Jonah’s association with religion yet spiritual and racial bigotry will sound all too familiar to you. Jonah’s journey to the depths and the display of the LORD’s grace will invite you under the waters — the place where many of us still need to go.

"Revival" means different things to different people, but what did it mean in Nineveh? The people of Nineveh from the "least to the greatest" turned from their evil ways to fear the Lord. In this sermon, Pastor Trent defines revival, describes its effects, and challenges us to desire that the living God would visit us with surprising mercy.

Jonah: Below the Waters

The epic of Jonah is timeless. Throughout history people from all walks of life have been drawn to this story, but we believe the message of Jonah is prefect fit our present moment. Jonah’s exaggerated expressions and larger than life swings in mood will resonate with you. Jonah’s association with religion yet spiritual and racial bigotry will sound all too familiar to you. Jonah’s journey to the depths and the display of the LORD’s grace will invite you under the waters — the place where many of us still need to go.

In chapter two, Jonah sinks "down, down, down" to the bottom of sea. The runaway prophet is as good as dead. He has reached the point of no return. But because God’s mercy is more, new life is possible for Jonah— and for us.

Jonah: Running from God

The epic of Jonah is timeless. Throughout history people from all walks of life have been drawn to this story, but we believe the message of Jonah is prefect fit our present moment. Jonah’s exaggerated expressions and larger than life swings in mood will resonate with you. Jonah’s association with religion yet spiritual and racial bigotry will sound all too familiar to you. Jonah’s journey to the depths and the display of the LORD’s grace will invite you under the waters — the place where many of us still need to go.

In the first chapter of Jonah, the runaway prophet tries to flees the presence of the Lord by catching a ship to Tarshish. Pastor Trent opens the epic of Jonah and shares how the gospel is good news for those of us who have run from God.

Ripple Effect: Opening Doors

What opens the door to a gospel ripple effect? In this final message in the Ripple Effect series, Pastor Trent encourages us to pray. Through the cross, Jesus Christ grants us "access" to God in prayer! And yet, there is nothing that shows our inattention toward God like prayer. We need grace and guidance to learn how to "continue steadfastly in prayer" (Colossians 4:2).

Ripple Effect: Being and Doing Good

Our guest, Pastor Charles Shannon of the Mission Church, continues the Ripple Effect series in this message by teaching through Isaiah 1:1-20. People often point to a poor track record of Christians that they know and Christianity historically. Which means for gospel to have a Ripple Effect among us, Christians must have lives characterized by love and compassion. In the words of Isaiah the Prophet, we must, "Cease to do evil and learn to do good."

Ripple Effect: Building Relationships

It doesn't take long to learn that in life, and especially life in the Kingdom of God, relationships matter. A gospel Ripple Effect hinges on the relational method that Jesus taught his disciples: Redemption came TO you that it might continue THROUGH you. In this sermon, Pastor Trent encourages us to love our neighbors and ask, "Whom has God put in the path of my life?" Redemption travels through relationships.

Ripple Effect: Motivation Matters

In this message, Pastor Trent talks about mission and motivation. King Jesus is True Vine who offers us bonafide not bootleg power since he alone is the source of cleansing, life, and joy. In order to sustain a gospel ripple effect, we must embrace the right motivation for mission.

Ripple Effect: The Mission of God

Over the past few messages, Pastor Trent laid out the 1st step toward a gospel Ripple Effect. We must understand and embrace the risen King Jesus. He is the messiah, substitute, and restorer that the world needs! In this sermon, Trent examines the 2nd step toward a gospel Ripple effect -- To understand that God is on a mission and embrace that you and I are the plan for furthering it.

Dynasty: The Return of King Jesus

With over 150 references to “the Kingdom” in the New Testament, the Kingdom of God is perhaps the most central teaching of the Lord Jesus. However, the Kingdom is also the one of the more confusing concepts in the Bible. Is the Kingdom here and present? Is it coming or future? In this four-week series, Pastor Trent gives an overview of the Kingdom of God and how critical it is for our mission as a church plant.

Dominion: The Realm of King Jesus

With over 150 references to “the Kingdom” in the New Testament, the Kingdom of God is perhaps the most central teaching of the Lord Jesus. However, the Kingdom is also the one of the more confusing concepts in the Bible. Is the Kingdom here and present? Is it coming or future? In this four-week series, Pastor Trent gives an overview of the Kingdom of God and how critical it is for our mission as a church plant.

Dwelling: The Reign of King Jesus

With over 150 references to “the Kingdom” in the New Testament, the Kingdom of God is perhaps the most central teaching of the Lord Jesus. However, the Kingdom is also the one of the more confusing concepts in the Bible. Is the Kingdom here and present? Is it coming or future? In this four-week series, Pastor Trent gives an overview of the Kingdom of God and how critical it is for our mission as a church plant.

Definition: The Rule of King Jesus

With over 150 references to “the Kingdom” in the New Testament, the Kingdom of God is perhaps the most central teaching of the Lord Jesus. However, the Kingdom is also the one of the more confusing concepts in the Bible. Is the Kingdom here and present? Is it coming or future? In this four-week series, Pastor Trent gives an overview of the Kingdom of God and how critical it is for our mission as a church plant.

Multiplying Diverse Communities of Disciples

In this two-part series, Pastor Trent explores the core of the mission and vision of Immanuel Fellowship. What has God called us to as a local church? What causes our heart to beat? What are we praying toward and laboring for? Answers to these questions shape our cause and purpose in South Minneapolis. They spur us toward greater diversity — in unity — on mission for Jesus.

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