The Avenue Community Church

Sermon - Pastor Tim Johnson | Romans 14:1-23

In a world bursting with opinions, preferences, and cultural collisions, how do we remain united as followers of Jesus? In this powerful and practical sermon, Pastor Tim dives deep into Romans 14, unpacking how Christians can faithfully navigate the "gray areas"—those nuanced matters of conscience not clearly outlined in Scripture.

With clarity, humility, and humor, this episode explores:

• Why authority is God-ordained—even when imperfect

• How the gospel impacts both society and the local church

• What it means to truly live for God's glory in everyday choices

• Why judging others’ convictions can sabotage gospel community

• Four "Gray Rules" to guide Christians through cultural tension

From political frustration to dietary debates, this message will challenge you to reflect on your own heart, honor differences in the body of Christ, and pursue unity over uniformity.

Whether you're wrestling with hot-button issues or simply trying to walk faithfully among fellow believers, this is one of those sermons you’ll want to share and revisit.

"Stop fighting over opinions. Be convinced in your own mind. Do everything in faith—for the glory of God."

Sermon - Pastor Tim Johnson | Romans 13:1-14

In this timely and soul-stirring message from Avenue Community Church, we explore what it means to live a life in step with the rhythm of God’s grace. Drawing from Romans 13, Pastor Tim teaches that true submission to authority and radical love aren’t just theological ideas—they’re spiritual sheet music meant to be lived out in harmony.

Are you playing the right notes? At the right time? With the right feel?

Using vivid metaphors from music and personal stories of missed beats and studio sessions, this sermon unpacks how our faith should manifest in practical ways—how we treat the lowly, our enemies, and even those in authority. It's a call to stop dragging behind, put off the deeds of darkness, and clothe ourselves in Christ.

This isn’t gentle discipleship—it’s a wake-up call. Time is short, and our lives should loudly echo the song of redemption, justice, and mercy.

Sermon - Pastor Tim Johnson | Romans 12:9-21

In this powerful episode, we journey deep into Romans 12:9–21, unpacking what it truly means to live a life transformed by the gospel. This isn’t your average Sunday message — it’s a wake-up call to live with sincere love, to cling to what is good, to hate what is evil, and to actually do what we say we believe.

From heartfelt stories about first dates at Waffle House to the raw reality that our faith can’t stay stuck in our heads, you’ll hear why real Christianity is more than personal forgiveness — it’s an invitation to radical community, sacrificial love, and practical hospitality.

You’ll be challenged to ask yourself: Does my life reflect genuine love or empty platitudes? Am I ready to share what I have, welcome the unlikely, and be a living sacrifice?

This episode will encourage you, convict you, and remind you that every command God gives is backed by His grace. So lean in, be ready to laugh, squirm, and shout “Amen!” — because following Jesus changes everything.

🔥 Key Takeaways:

• How Romans shifts from dense theology to everyday application

• Why sincere love must be active, not phony

• The surprising power of radical hospitality

• Why obedience is the pathway to a truly blessed life

Press play and get ready to let your faith take action — one sincere, transformed choice at a time.

Sermon - Blake Bergeron | Ephesians 5:8–14

In this heartfelt message, Blake Bergeron invites us to see our lives — and the darkness we face — through the lens of Scripture, science, and story. From Gandalf’s glowing staff in the depths of Moria to the first light spoken into existence in Genesis, Blake weaves together powerful images that remind us: the darkness cannot overcome the light.

Drawing on Ephesians 5:8–14, Blake shares honest reflections about fear, hope, and the calling to be light in the darkest places — whether that’s in our workplaces, classrooms, or everyday moments that test our faith. He reminds us that even when we feel surrounded, our light — small as it seems — pushes back the shadows and invites others to see Jesus.

Listen in for a message that’s equal parts story, Scripture, and soul care — and walk away encouraged to keep your eyes open, your heart steady, and your candle burning bright.

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Sermon - Lee Adams | Matthew 16:13-19

In this heartfelt message, Elder Lee Adams of Avenue Community Church invites us to remember who we are and what we stand for. With honesty and vulnerability, Lee shares his personal journey through seasons of struggle and sleepless nights—and how God’s deliverance, though imperfect in our eyes, is always real.

Drawing from Matthew’s Gospel and the church’s five core values—Worship, Witness, Work, Wed, and Walk—Lee challenges us to recalibrate our faith, to remember our identity in Christ, and to live it out together in our city, no matter how broken it seems.

Be reminded that the gates of hell will not prevail, that God is building His church right where we are, and that He calls us to partner with Him in unity, service, and truth. Whether you’re a long-time member, a visitor, or just exploring what church could be, this message will encourage you to walk in faith, love, and purpose—together.

Sermon - Michael Thomas | Ephesians 6:16

In this powerful message delivered at Avenue Community Church, guest preacher Pastor Michael Thomas dives deep into the armor of God—focusing on the shield of faith. With biblical insight, personal stories, and cultural relevance, Pastor Michael unveils the unseen war Christians face daily and the God-given weapon that guarantees our victory: faith in Jesus.

From Ephesians to Daniel, from Roman shields to Marvel metaphors, this sermon reminds us that our enemy is real—but our Defender is greater. You’ll learn how faith isn’t just abstract belief, but a spiritual force that extinguishes fear, temptation, shame, and every fiery arrow the evil one launches at us.

Whether you’re battling doubt, addiction, insecurity, or spiritual warfare, this message is your reminder that you are not defenseless. Take up your shield. Victory is yours.

Sermon - Pastor Tim Johnson | Acts 16:6-12]

In this special Father’s Day message, Pastor Tim leads us into a vulnerable, faith-filled conversation about trust, direction, and the Spirit’s guidance—both in our lives and in the life of the church. Drawing from Acts and reflecting on Paul’s second missionary journey, we’re invited to wrestle with questions like: What has God already called us to be faithful to? What is He doing now? and How do we follow when the way ahead seems blocked?

Alongside a major building update for Avenue Community Church, this episode dives deep into discerning God’s will through uncertainty. Whether you’re navigating a personal decision or part of a community seeking clarity, this message will help you release control, embrace faithfulness, and recognize the Spirit’s gentle but firm redirection.

Key Themes:

• Faithfulness before clarity

• Spirit-led redirection vs. human plans

• Building updates as spiritual formation

• Leading with vulnerability and trust

Sermon - Braden Tyler | Genesis 21:1-7

In this powerful episode, we journey through the incredible story of Abraham and Sarah—one marked by promises, waiting, failure, and ultimately, fulfillment. Drawing from Genesis chapters 12–21, the message invites you to step into their shoes and discover what it means to trust God's timing, even when His promises seem delayed or impossible.

You’ll hear how Abraham waited 24 years for the promise of a child, endured deep doubt, and made mistakes—yet was still called righteous. Learn why his faith wasn’t about perfection, but perseverance. Explore how God’s promises weren’t just for them but are for you—fulfilled ultimately in Jesus Christ. And discover the joy of knowing that even when you only see a small portion of the promise now, God is still faithful to complete what He began.

Whether you’re in a season of waiting, wrestling with doubt, or holding on to hope—this episode will reignite your faith and remind you that God's ways are higher, and His promises never fail.

Sermon - Pastor Tim Johnson | Romans 12:1-8

In this powerful and passionate message, we dive into Romans 12:1–8 and explore what it truly means to live in response to the mercy of God. This isn't your coffee-cup Christianity—it's a full-body, all-in calling to non-conformity, humility, unity, and service.

Pastor Tim challenges us to shake off passivity, reject worldly systems, and offer ourselves as living sacrifices. With urgency, clarity, and deep conviction, he unpacks how spiritual growth isn’t about instant deliverance, but steady transformation through vigilance and obedience.

This episode will push you to examine your walk, your worship, and your witness—both outside in the culture and inside the house of faith. If you’re ready for a word that stirs your soul and calls you to real, embodied discipleship, hit play now.

Key Takeaways:

• The weight of the word “therefore” in Romans 12 and why it matters

• The false dichotomy between grace and action

• How to detect spiritual drift and resist conformity

• Why humility is the heartbeat of kingdom community

• What it looks like to serve the body with your time, gifts, and whole life

Call to Action:
Don’t just listen—live it. Share this message with someone who needs a wake-up call, and let’s become the kind of church that embodies truth in every part of life.

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Sermon - Josh Warren | Hosea 11:1-4

Fresh off a month in Tanzania training pastors, Josh Warren brings the heat (and a bit of humor) as he dives into Hosea 11 to unpack the nature of biblical prophecy and God's relentless love. In this powerful episode, you'll explore why prophecy isn't just about predicting the future, but about calling hearts to repentance and trust—then and now.

From golden calves to gospel clarity, from the rebellion of Israel to the faithfulness of Jesus, this sermon invites you to see the continuity of God's story through history and into your own life. What does it mean that Jesus fulfills what Israel could not? How should God's kindness lead us—not to complacency, but to humble obedience?

This message is full of deep insight, honest reflection, and a strong reminder: God has always done the heavy lifting, and He’s still drawing us to Himself.