Shows
All Things New with Jeff AckenbackAll Things New: Just Do ItYou can live your entire life saying "I need to do this..." without ever starting. "I need to do better," "I need to help more," "I need to try..." Once you realize that, start right away. You won't feel ready, and you won't be who you will become...but starting is trying and trying is succeeding.2021-01-2530 min
All Things New with Jeff AckenbackAll Things New: The First StepWhen you realize you've done something wrong, admit it. Don't blame others, even if they had a role...but take the blame, then accept the consequences, learn...and move forward...like David did, who did things far worse than any of us.2021-01-1831 min
All Things New with Jeff AckenbackSunday, January 17 AM Sermon - Swan SongBe ready. Be like Jesus.2021-01-1723 min
All Things New with Jeff AckenbackAll Things New: RegardlessIt is common (and easy) to always say, "Someone else can help...I need to work on myself," but it's far better to work on yourself AND help others.2021-01-1126 min
All Things New with Jeff AckenbackAll Things New: A Fresh StartEverything begins with a fresh start. :) 2021-01-0418 min
All Things New with Jeff AckenbackAuld Lang Syne: There'll be peace when you are done...In the end, if you do your best to live a life loving God and others, there will be peace. In the meantime, do your best to bring that peace to your life and the lives of others through the way you treat them.2020-12-2829 minAll Things New with Jeff AckenbackSunday, December 27 - AM - "'Twas the Day after Christmas..."Carry the hope and love from Christmas all year, especially to others.2020-12-2729 min
All Things New with Jeff AckenbackJeff Reads the Classics*: A Cosmic Christmas by Max LucadoCosmic Christmas is an extended version of the Christmas story, but told from the angel Gabriel's perspective. 2020-12-2241 min
All Things New with Jeff AckenbackAuld Lang Syne: EndgameMost people have heard of "Armageddon" (the final Biblical battle, not the Bruce Willis movie...although it is also good), but few realize that it's over before it starts. In one line, John describes the battle lines being set, in the next, Jesus is standing victorious...because nothing can stand against Jesus. With that in mind, we should love each other, treat each other with respect, and show the truth of that victory each day.2020-12-2132 min
All Things New with Jeff AckenbackAuld Lang Syne: Angels of MusicFor John, seeing Jesus again was beyond description...and then he immediately was also shown the perfection of heaven. Much of Revelation is confusing, but when you look at it in those terms...a man doing his best to describe things beyond description, it makes a little more sense. 2020-12-1321 min
All Things New with Jeff AckenbackAuld Lang Syne: Stranger ThingsJohn was the last of the original disciples. He'd seen everyone he knew and loved die around him, and as he sat alone in exile, he probably had many questions about his life. Jesus, though, showed him that his usefulness was never ending...that he still had a purpose, a chance to do good. He showed him what is to come, not to scare him or lead him to scare others, but to assure him that love is at the center, and as long as there is life, there is hope.2020-12-0724 min
All Things New with Jeff AckenbackFor Good: No Good Deed...There are two ways to look at doing good: 1. No good deed goes unpunished...in which you feel like doing good is a chore or something that simply doesn't even work; 2. No good deed goes wasted...no matter how anyone accepts or rejects the good you do, a seed is planted, and there IS a change.2020-11-3025 min
All Things New with Jeff AckenbackFor Good: Two Roads...In the end, we either choose to do good or choose not to...to help or not to help. Obviously there are a lot of things that go into each decision, and it isn't possible to help everyone...but we should do our best to treat others as we would want to be treated, including helping anyone we are able to help.2020-11-2327 min
All Things New with Jeff AckenbackFor Good: Common GroundFinding common ground with someone doesn't mean you suddenly believe/live/act like them. It doesn't even mean you think they're right. It just means that you understand they are a person, that how they feel matters, and that you are called to love them. Doing good can definitely be mission trips, giving to charity, etc...but sometimes it's as simple as just not being hateful.2020-11-1629 min
All Things New with Jeff AckenbackFor Good: K(no)w BetterJesus called a tax collector to be a disciple, which can seem strange enough to us...but back then, tax collectors were considered scum, below human. In order to do good, you first must see people as more than a number, then recognize that, while they are no better than you, you are also no better than them. Know better, do good.2020-11-0925 min
All Things New with Jeff AckenbackFor Good: Numb3rsEveryone knows that it's better to "do good" in the world, but the problem comes to how we see each individual. If you see someone as just a number, an opponent, a problem....then problems arise. However, once you realize every person is more than that, you begin to realize that all of us have value, that all of us are and should be loved.2020-11-0225 min
All Things New with Jeff AckenbackHaunted: Sink or SwimFear of success doesn't sound like something "normal," but it really is. Because it's not the success itself that can be scary, but what comes next. "Will they always expect it?" "Will I have to do this all the time?" Yet, what other people think ultimately doesn't matter. That's easy to say, but it's still important to remember that you define you. Do your best, be your best, and love each other.2020-10-2523 min
All Things New with Jeff AckenbackHaunted: HelplessEveryone fears loss of some kind, but we often deny it...even run from it. It's hard to appear helpless...but the longer we deny that fear, the worse it gets as it goes from loss, to doubt, to even losing hope. Be willing to share, to talk, to help...and to accept help.2020-10-1924 min
All Things New with Jeff AckenbackHaunted: Against All OddsThere will be times in our lives where it feels like the odds are stacked against us, like it's not worth it to even try. However, trying is succeeding, and as long as there is life there is hope. 2020-10-1223 minAll Things New with Jeff AckenbackSunday Morning Sermon - To Know Him is to Love Him (And everyone else, too!)Hardly anyone admits to hating someone else, but our actions and words often betray us. In order to truly know God, we must know His love, AND also show that love to everyone. Seriously. Literally everyone.2020-10-1129 min
All Things New with Jeff AckenbackHaunted: In the Dark...One of the most common fears is the fear of the unknown. We fear what might happen, what people might do....what's out there "in the dark." There is always a way through, though...a way to continue going forward...as we accept help, then help others to do the same.2020-10-0424 min
All Things New with Jeff AckenbackIf/Then: The ChoiceThe baseline for our faith should be to treat others as we want to be treated, but we live in a world where that doesn't happen as often as it should. As Christians, we should do our best to follow that, to treat others with kindness, with respect, with love...and the impact will amaze us.2020-09-2825 minAll Things New with Jeff AckenbackBonus: Faith on the Lawn - September 24 - "...I'm just disappointed..."I have no idea if people ever read these, but I want to take the time to finish the Beatrice anecdote. I missed her first birthday, BUT a couple of weeks later, I was able to see her first steps on zoom. 2020-09-2518 min
All Things New with Jeff AckenbackIf/Then: Prison BreakOften, we look for ways to "pass the buck" and avoid responsibility. However, as a great philosopher once said, "with great power, comes great responsibility." If we claim to follow Jesus, then we accept His power...giving us a huge responsibility to make a difference, not to pass the buck.2020-09-2123 min
All Things New with Jeff AckenbackIf/Then: The Telltale HeartWe live in a world where many people feel like the ends justify the means, even if it comes at the cost of other people. Sometimes, there are even negative consequences to doing the right thing, which makes it even harder to not just go with the "short term happiness" mindset. However, even when it's difficult, it's best to do what you can to help others, to be kind, to treat others as you'd want to be treated.2020-09-1429 min
All Things New with Jeff AckenbackIf/Then: Everyone's a Hero...Everyone feels like the central character in their own story, because we all see things, literally, from a first person point of view. However, there's a huge difference between being the central character and being a hero. Our lives connect with others in many ways, and how we treat them can go a long way in how their own lives go, as well as how those lives connect with others, and on and on and on...2020-09-0629 minAll Things New with Jeff AckenbackBonus: Faith on the Lawn, September 3 - "All you need is..."Unconditionally love everyone.2020-09-0419 min
All Things New with Jeff AckenbackMood: Hollywood EndingHow you feel is how you feel, and what makes you sad makes you sad. Don't let anyone shame you for grieving or rush you, but always be willing to accept love, help, and doing what you can to take the time you need in moving forward. As hard as it is to lose someone or something you love, as long as there is life, there is hope.2020-08-3128 min
All Things New with Jeff AckenbackMood: DrowningWe all have worries, stresses, things that seem to constantly eat away at our mind throughout the day. There's no way around having them, but it is possible to learn to handle them better, to seek help, to do your best to think of a "best case" for every "worst case" scenario running through your mind.2020-08-2320 min
All Things New with Jeff AckenbackMood: Defying GravityWe all feel pressure from temptation, but sometimes even moreso from our peers. It's important to remember two things: 1. If/when you mess up or give in, that doesn't end your life. Learn from it and move forward, better than before. 2. Anyone pressuring you to be someone else or do something you're not comfortable doing...they're not you. They won't live your life or deal with what you deal with for consequences. Be you.2020-08-1729 min
All Things New with Jeff AckenbackMood: When in Doubt...Often when we feel doubt, whether it's in our faith, ourselves, or something else entirely, we feel shame or even pull away from whatever it is "until we are better." But in doubt, we have a chance to seek answers, to find our way forward...to listen to and share with others, building something truly special and standing. 2020-08-1029 min
All Things New with Jeff AckenbackBonus: Faith on the Lawn - "Short on height, tall on hope"No matter what people say, no matter what obstacles you face, don't give up. Have hope and look for the way forward, accepting help along the way.2020-08-0712 min
All Things New with Jeff AckenbackMood: The Monster WithinEveryone get's angry sometimes. The key, though, is understanding why, working on it, taking the time and effort to not bottle things up...and doing our best to move forward in peace with everyone we meet.2020-08-0328 min
All Things New with Jeff AckenbackThe Exiles: The Long Road BackThe road back is never without opposition or danger or problems...whether they're from our own making or not. When we are recovering from grief, starting a new life, or returning from an exile...the important part is not "being seen as right" or "having things how we want," but instead to love God and love others, to live that out in the way we act, the way we treat others, the way we live.2020-07-2731 min
All Things New with Jeff AckenbackThe Exiles: Good GriefOften, we are told (or tell others) how, when, and how long to grieve...but it's something that is different for everyone and every situation. More than that, it's an important time to come to terms with yourself, with what you're grieving, and to learn from God.2020-07-2031 min
All Things New with Jeff AckenbackThe Exiles: Rock BottomAs much as I wish I could say otherwise, you WILL face tragedies, defeats, failures, and heartache along the way. However, hitting "rock bottom" is not an end, but a chance at a new beginning. It may take time to deal with it, to mourn, to re-plan, but as long as there is life, there is hope.2020-07-1327 min
All Things New with Jeff AckenbackThe Exiles: Out of SightEven after witnessing so many amazing miracles of God, the Israelites still turned from Him when it became too hard to wait. In our own lives, we often live in an "out of sight, out of mind" way, too...but even when God isn't in our sight, we are in His...completely and totally loved.2020-07-0631 min
All Things New with Jeff AckenbackOnce Upon a Time: For GoodWe each have a limited amount of time on this earth, but more than that we have a limited amount of time in other people's lives. Since we don't know when either of those "times" are up, we should all do our best to always seek to make a difference FOR GOOD.2020-06-2927 min
All Things New with Jeff AckenbackOnce Upon a Time: The Grapes of WrathWe often feel like what others receive (or even have) diminishes what we already have...but that's not the case at all. Instead of focusing so much on the lives of others, focus on how you can be more like Jesus in your own life, helping others to see the way towards heaven.2020-06-2230 min
All Things New with Jeff AckenbackOnce Upon a Time: Living ForgivenessForgiveness is a difficult concept for most of us, because we tie it so closely to "forgive and forget" and "you have to earn it." Forgiveness, though, means that you are letting yourself off the hook of holding grudges...beginning the process of healing. It doesn't mean letting people run all over you, just that you are moving forward. 2020-06-1525 min
All Things New with Jeff AckenbackOnce Upon a Time: LostThe thing most missing in the world, not just today but throughout time, is often the ability to put ourselves in other people's shoes. It's vital that we treat others as we'd want to be treated, to help those who need it, and to always stand for what's right, regardless of what it means politically.2020-06-0824 minAll Things New with Jeff AckenbackWho Am I?: This is UsGod loves everyone, regardless of race, belief, sex, etc....everyone. And nothing can ever separate any of us from that love. For those of us who accept it, who believe and follow Jesus, it's vital to show that love to everyone, whether or not we agree with or like them. Love God. Love Othersr.2020-06-0127 min
All Things New with Jeff AckenbackStevie's Sidequests - Level 11Simply put, be the change you want to see in the world. (Pretty sure I made that up...so...don't google it)2020-05-3111 min
All Things New with Jeff AckenbackWho Am I?: AfterYou will mess up at some point. This isn't an excuse so you can go do whatever you want, but a truth that none of us are perfect. So the question becomes...who are you after you mess up?2020-05-2527 min
All Things New with Jeff AckenbackStevie's Sidequests - Level 10A glimpse behind the curtain of my life mixed with some big words and hopefully big ideas.2020-05-2416 min
All Things New with Jeff AckenbackWho Am I?: Like JesusBeing tempted by something does not make you weak or a failure, it makes you human. Learn what your temptations are, learn who you are, and do all you can to be better the next day than you were the day before. Grow, learn, keep trying your best. You are worth it.2020-05-1834 min
All Things New with Jeff AckenbackStevie's Sidequests - Level 9The return to possible normalcy...on a slow, step by step basis. Plus, more about my life than you'd ever hoped to find out! Aka something!2020-05-1717 min
All Things New with Jeff AckenbackWho Am I?: The StandThe important part of the story of Daniel in the Lion's Den isn't the miracle of the lion's not eating him...it's the strength and courage that he showed in standing up for what he believed, regardless of the consequences. All of us will have moments in our lives where we have to choose to stand or sit, and it is in those times that we begin to learn who we are.2020-05-1131 min
All Things New with Jeff AckenbackStevie's Sidequests - Level 8A bad week hopefully leads to a good outpouring of podcasting honesty and advice. You be the judge!2020-05-1015 min
All Things New with Jeff AckenbackWho Am I?: The Lonely RoadEveryone knows the story of David and Goliath, but even in his victorious moment, David had several points when he could have chosen differently or even could have given up. We know the story, though, because he kept moving forward, kept believing, and didn't let those who didn't believe in him stop him. It's hard to do anything when it feels like no one believes in you, but with faith, with preparation, with hope, not even that can stop you.2020-05-0430 min
All Things New with Jeff AckenbackStevie's Sidequests - Level 7From a discussion of my morning ritual with Stevie to a random Facebook stroll to the true meaning of negativity and why it's not all bad....these are the days of our lives.2020-05-0221 min
All Things New with Jeff AckenbackHope Rising: The Hero's JourneyWe so often say "be like Jesus," without stopping to think about how to do it. Throughout his life on earth, he was forgiving, merciful, loving, and truthful....regardless of what was going on around him. We are called to do the same.2020-04-2736 min
All Things New with Jeff AckenbackStevie's Sidequests - Level 6Getting hacked led me (and by extension you) down a path of money, the things we buy, and who we are.2020-04-2619 min
All Things New with Jeff AckenbackHope Rising: Being HumanBeing human can be a gift and a curse, all at the same time. On the one hand, we are able to love, forgive, hope...but on the other, we often can give in to anger, greed, even hatred. Through his ministry, but especially in the final days, Jesus shows us the importance of never becoming what you're fighting against...of doing your best to be an example of the good in humanity.2020-04-2036 min
All Things New with Jeff AckenbackStevie's Sidequests - Level 5From Stevie's bad week to the meaning of legacy, this week is about what you can do, regardless of how many people know you.2020-04-1820 min
All Things New with Jeff AckenbackHope Rising: UnbreakableEven as he was suffering through horrible beatings, Jesus showed love for those around him. Even when he was dying on the cross, he showed forgiveness to those around him. Even when he was being verbally assaulted by the same people he was dying for, he showed grace to everyone. On Easter, we celebrate the resurrection, but the best way to celebrate is to live like he did in those moments every day.2020-04-1330 min
All Things New with Jeff AckenbackStevie's Sidequests - Level 4Find out how some rambling about different alternate reality fictional works became a talk about having hope for your future...2020-04-1020 min
All Things New with Jeff AckenbackHope Rising: BeyondWhen Jesus rose from the dead, he could have forced people to listen, to change, to see him. Instead, he met with those who needed to feel his presence and told them to go and teach, to go and be better, to go and love.2020-04-0630 min
All Things New with Jeff AckenbackStevie's Sidequests - Level 3Treat others like you want to be treated...but still make Purdue jokes. :) 2020-04-0119 min
All Things New with Jeff AckenbackAlways Keep Fighting: Every Rose has its ThornStruggling with depression is a daily battle, and there will be times you feel like you're losing. However, as long as there is life, there is hope, and as long as you are fighting, you're winning. You are enough, keep fighting.2020-03-3037 min
All Things New with Jeff AckenbackStevie's Sidequests - Level 2Just a quick convo about several different things with no discernible theme running through it! How can you pass this up, now?2020-03-2613 min
All Things New with Jeff AckenbackAlways Keep Fighting: Always Starting OverOften, when something traumatic happens to us, we sweep it under the rug or (because it doesn't match up to what others may be facing) we don't seek help. However, if something matters to you, it matters. And you are worth the time it takes to get help, to deal with things, and to move forward.2020-03-2230 min
All Things New with Jeff AckenbackStevie's Sidequests - Level 1A few words about disappointment.2020-03-2014 min
All Things New with Jeff AckenbackAlways Keep Fighting: EnoughOne of the hardest things to deal with is your own image of yourself. No matter what others see, we always see all the flaws. No matter what, though, you are enough. You are worth it, and you are worth getting help. Don't give up. Always keep fighting.2020-03-1527 min
All Things New with Jeff AckenbackAlways Keep Fighting: What If?Most people feel nervous at some point, but anxiety is a completely different issue. There are times that something small brings more anxiety than you've ever felt, and that can be a defeating feeling. However, it's important to remember that you are not alone, that people do care, and that there is nothing wrong with you...just something you struggle with...but it is not the end. Always keep fighting.2020-03-0225 min
All Things New with Jeff AckenbackLoveWorks: The WaySometimes Christians throw around the phrase "relationship with Jesus" without explanation or even understanding occasionally. However, having a relationship with Jesus means talking to him, listening to him, spending time with him...doing everything you can to be like him. Christianity is not about "things not to do," but about having that relationship and treating others as you would want them to treat you. Love God, Love others.2020-02-2426 min
All Things New with Jeff AckenbackLoveWorks: Family MattersFamily relationships can be the best and most challenging of all. When you're with someone 24/7, you see each other at your best and worst. The most important thing, though, is to communicate, stay as calm as possible, and be just as willing to forgive as you are to seek forgiveness.2020-02-1730 min
All Things New with Jeff AckenbackLoveWorks: The LadderWhen it comes to dating, it feels like we always have to be with "someone." However, there's nothing wrong with being single. In fact, it helps you to prepare yourself and what you want in a partner, to be sure you're both looking for the same things and have the same values. You are enough, no matter when or if you date.2020-02-1045 min
All Things New with Jeff AckenbackLoveWorks: FriendsAlways be friendly, loving, and understanding...but also make sure your closest friendships are trustworthy, loyal, and built on the same faith you have. 2020-02-0321 min
All Things New with Jeff AckenbackPerspective: The Whole StoryOften, both with people and the news, the temptation is to build the facts around the story, instead of building a story around the facts. It's hard to know anyone or anything's full story, but it's up to us to do our best to try to understand, to try to look for more, to show Jesus in how we live, in how we treat others, and in what we do.2020-01-2724 min
All Things New with Jeff AckenbackPerspective: Upside DownIt's easy to assume that people fall on hard times by their own actions and decisions, but sometimes it's because of circumstances beyond their control. Even if those are the reasons, though, it is vital to remember that everyone has worth....to treat others as we'd want to be treated in situations where we truly need help.2020-01-2027 min
All Things New with Jeff AckenbackPerspective: The LineNo Christian would say "I hate...(insert name here)," yet with politics, with social media, even with personal interactions, so many cross the line into anger and hatred without realizing it. It is a very thin line between stereotypes, anger, dislike....and actual hatred. Always try to see the perspective of others, always ask, "is it right that I'm angry about this?"2020-01-1328 min
All Things New with Jeff AckenbackPerspective: The Road So FarThe Prodigal Son is one of the more well-known parables in the Bible, but if you were to stop it at various points...the meaning would change dramatically from the endpoint. Our life is the same. Everyone has periods of good, of bad...of joy, of sadness...but to be defined by just one "paragraph" is not how we would want to be treated, so it can't be how we treat others.2020-01-0625 minAll Things New with Jeff AckenbackChristmas Eve: The OutsidersThis is a standalone recorded from the 9:00 Christmas Eve service. I'll be posting a non-sermon episode between now and the New Year.2019-12-2535 min
All Things New with Jeff AckenbackParenthood: The God FatherWhen it comes to the Christmas Story, Jesus is (rightfully so) the first person thought of, followed by Mary, then maybe the wise men, shepherds...a few donkeys, and a cow. Joseph is often completely lost in the shuffle, yet he still did his best for God, which is all any of us can do. Regardless of whether or not people notice, we are here to do our best, to serve, and to be like Him.2019-12-1626 min
All Things New with Jeff AckenbackParenthood: There's Something about MaryMary was a young girl, between the ages of 12-14, so when she was visited by an angel and told what her life would be, it is incredibly amazing that she continued to stand there and listen. She faced her fears, her worries, the things people would and did say about her, and she said simply, "I am a servant of the Lord." It didn't mean she wasn't scared, quite the opposite actually, but through her amazing faith, she was able to stand bravely, to show courage, and to be the type of person we all should hope to be...2019-12-1023 min
All Things New with Jeff AckenbackA Thankful Heart: A Matter of TimeSometimes it can be hard to feel like you can make a difference or even help someone. However, you may be in just the right place and be just the right person to have the greatest impact. Be kind, be helpful, be compassionate, not just when it's easy....but always, no matter what everyone else around you is doing and saying.2019-11-2528 min
All Things New with Jeff AckenbackA Thankful Heart: Won't You Be My Neighbor?One of the most famous parables in the Bible is that of the good Samaritan. It's not just about the fact that he stopped to help someone in need, though, but the more important part is that he stopped to help someone who probably hated him. Instead of defining who you're neighbor isn't, we should all do our best to treat everyone as a neighbor.2019-11-1821 min
All Things New with Jeff AckenbackA Thankful Heart: Sticks and StonesThanksgiving is about more than food, more than family...even more than Black Friday. Regardless of your feelings on the holiday itself, it's important for us to do our best to seek to understand others, where they come from...to think about their stories. All year, we should do our best to show compassion, empathy...to treat others like we want to be treated.2019-11-1121 min
All Things New with Jeff AckenbackDisciple: The Giving TreeWhen it comes to giving, things can get tricky. There's so much that goes into it, but the most important thing is to have a generous heart, whether it's with your money, your time, your talents...anything you can give to help others.2019-11-0424 min
All Things New with Jeff AckenbackDisciple: Great Power, Great ResponsibilityA big part of being a disciple is setting the right priorities. Most things in life will fall away, but a life with God at the center will always have at least a strong foundation.2019-10-2823 min
All Things New with Jeff AckenbackDisciple: SacrificeOften, when we see a need for help, we want to go and do things in the way we want, to make others exactly like us...but that's not the example Jesus set for us. When he washed the disciples' feet, Judas, who would betray him, was there, and Jesus treated him in the exact same way. He helped others, teaching us to treat others as we'd want to be treated, and also to be willing to accept help ourselves.2019-10-2122 min
All Things New with Jeff AckenbackDisciple: The Family BusinessWhen it comes to being a witness, the best way is to always live your life as an example. The way you treat others, the way you live your life, the way you act daily...are all far more powerful than your words, which will come in time.2019-10-1422 min
All Things New with Jeff AckenbackDisciple: Living on a PrayerEverything in life has a beginning, and for our faith, everything starts with prayer. We pray when things are good, when things are bad...we pray for forgiveness, for help. We pray for those we love, for those we don't even like...and for those who hate us. Because through prayer, we grow closer to Jesus, closer to being his disciple.2019-10-0724 min
All Things New with Jeff AckenbackSupernatural: UnlimitedOften, we don't feel like we have much to offer. It's easy to feel like you don't have enough talent, enough money, enough fame...enough anything...but through Him we have unlimited potential, and even the smallest of gifts can be multiplied in amazing, miraculous...supernatural ways.2019-09-3023 min
All Things New with Jeff AckenbackSupernatural: Through the FireThere are times that the best option for you and for those in your life, those you may not even know, is for you to stand up for what you believe in, for what you think is right. In those times, you may be applauded, you may be hated...but the mos important thing is to do it because of what's right, not because you want to tear someone down or judge them. Shadrach, Meschach, and Abednego had strong beliefs about only praying to God, not the king, but when they stood before him, they were respectful, ye...2019-09-2329 min
All Things New with Jeff AckenbackSupernatural: The CrossingAfter being freed from slavery in Egypt, it didn't take long for the Israelites to forget that God was there. It's something we all tend to do when faced with troubles all around. However, God didn't fail them, as he literally parted the Red Sea to provide them a way out. When we run into something difficult, we often want to just charge through with no thought. However, if we just stop and patiently wait, pray, and think about it, it can help a lot not only us but those observing.2019-09-1624 min
All Things New with Jeff AckenbackSumner Playlist: In the EndBeing smart has nothing to do with being wise, and without good judgment, wisdom doesn't matter a great deal either. There are times in our lives where everything is awful, sometimes almost beyond the ability to handle. In those times, it's important to reach out for and accept help, to remember that as long as there is life...there is hope.2019-09-0225 min
All Things New with Jeff AckenbackSummer Playlist: From Now OnMany of you have heard of David (as in David vs. Goliath) and know a little about his life. Something that is sometimes overlooked, though, is that once he was king, David messed up royally. He stole the wife of another man...who was fighting a war in David's army...then conspired to kill that man, in order to cover up his crime and keep the wife for himself. Doesn't match up too well with the David from the "and Goliath" story, right? Well, even though he did awful things and covered them up, once he was confronted, he admi...2019-09-0225 min
All Things New with Jeff AckenbackSummer Playlist: Carry on my Wayward SonOne of the most well known passages in the entire Bible is Psalm 23. Many, even those who have never been to church, can quote parts of it...or at least recognize it when they hear it. It's about more than recognition, though, it's about looking within and learning from what you're going through, especially when it's scary. No matter what you face, there's still a path through it...and no matter how it feels, you are never alone.2019-09-0223 min
All Things New with Jeff AckenbackRoad Trip: Recalculating...Whenever I go somewhere, I have two goals: 1. To get there the quickest and shortest way possible. 2. To beat the projected time on the GPS. One of the worst things on a trip is when I see that dreaded "recalculating" pop up, especially if I'm in unfamiliar territory. Sometimes it's important to change course, though. Whether it's road construction, bad traffic, or a realization that the life you're living can be better, more impactful, there are certain times where "recalculating" our destination is a great thing.2019-08-2620 min
All Things New with Jeff AckenbackRoad Trip: StuckBeing stuck where you are is one of the worst feelings, but it's something that all of us have at one point or another. It's easy to allow that feeling, whether it's literal...like not having enough money or time to get away...or figurative, in the sense that we feel like we're in a rut, to break us down into despair. However, even stuck, there are always ways to make a difference, to help...to do good. Sometimes the situation we are in isn't about what we can learn from it, but rather how we can teach others fro...2019-08-2621 min
All Things New with Jeff AckenbackRoad Trip: RunawaysThe temptation to run away from life, especially when something has gone horribly wrong, is something that can be difficult to overcome. Most people know the name Moses and associate it with the Bible, with the ten commandments...even with being a hero. Before all of that, though, Moses murdered someone and, rather than dealing with it, ran away. In his case, he was able to overcome that terrible act and renew his faith and come back home a changed, better man. We don't always have the option to run away physically, even when we want to, but...2019-08-2620 min
All Things New with Jeff AckenbackRoad Trip: Far from HomeEveryone loves to take vacations. As I write this, I'm actually on vacation in Chicago, my favorite city. Our reasons vary, but usually it has something to do with trying new things, getting away from old things like stress (or people), and just trying to relax. There are times, though, that on those trips, something happens that brings about a self-defining choice. It's easy to pretend to be someone else when no one around you knows who you are...easier than it is to read that sentence. No matter where we are or who we are with, though, it's impor...2019-08-2621 min
All Things New with Jeff AckenbackGenesis: Carry OnThere are a lot of people in the world who call themselves Christian and then go on to treat people like garbage in hateful, judging, horrible ways. That's always going to be a hurdle for the rest of us to jump over, but it's also something which reminds of of the importance of being genuine, of being loving...of treating others with respect, regardless of who they are or what they believe.2019-08-2018 min
All Things New with Jeff AckenbackGenesis: For UsRegardless of what you believe, everyone is aware of the crucifixion of Jesus. In this episode, I'll be talking about why he did it...spoiler alert - check the title...and how he handled something so horrifying with grace and forgiveness. All of us face tough times, people hating or mocking us...and it hurts. It's how we respond to that, who we are at the worst points of our lives, that shows everyone else who we truly are.2019-08-2020 min
All Things New with Jeff AckenbackGenesis: Down to EarthEveryone feels like an outcast at some point. Many of us, myself included, feel like one almost all the time. It's easy to go from feeling like that to feeling useless, but everyone has a purpose...especially the outcasts.In this series, we will be looking at the beginnings of faith, of a relationship with Jesus, and of a life lived doing good. For the first 3 series, I'll be uploading each series in its entirety one day each week. In the future, everything will be more of an episode or two per week.2019-08-2017 minAll Things New with Jeff AckenbackIntro 3: The Last IntroThere will be no more introductions after this. This is the final introduction. I promise.2019-08-1901 minAll Things New with Jeff AckenbackIntro 2: Intro HarderBasically, this is the same sort of deal as the first introduction. Don't worry, I only have one more of these, and then we will get to the actual episodes on Tuesday!2019-08-1901 minAll Things New with Jeff AckenbackIntro Take 1Welcome to All Things New with Jeff Ackenback. This is the first of 3 bonus introductions I'm uploading before episode 1. I could absolutely get by with just one or even zero introductions...but I want to give you a brief glimpse into who I am before we get started. I stood in a room alone recording an introduction, and honestly, I couldn't pick between the three. That doesn't mean they're amazing, just that I couldn't pick. Enjoy!2019-08-1901 min