WHAT DO I DO ABOUT GOD'S WILL? PART 2: God Doesn't Care About The What!

Sunday, November 10th, 2013
Ken Elsner, Lead Pastor

We've all been there.  Asking questions.  "Where should I go to school?" "Should I get married?" "Who should I marry?" "Is this a good career?" "Where should I live?" "How many kids should we have?" The list is virtually endless.  As we ask the questions, God might come up.  "What's God's will for ________?" We wrestle with it.  We struggle.  And sometimes we feel that we get an answer and sometimes we don't.  So, what do we do about God's will?  Can we actually know His will for our lives?  It's seems like a big hairy concept to try and understand.  That's why we're going to tackle it over the next few weeks.

Part 2

BRINGING SEXY BACK PART 4: Reverse Engineerings

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27th, 2013
Ken Elsner, Lead Pastor

"I promise to _________" Whether at your own wedding or attending a wedding, you've heard some variation of this. Fill in the blanks. Entering into marriage is full of vows and promises to be someone the other person wants...eventually. The problems is that vows and promises don't work. We will fail. We will disappoint the other person. What if we focused right now on the end goal? What if we "reverse engineered" what we want our marriage to look like? Starting today!

Part 4

BRINGING SEXY BACK PART 3: Let's Talk About Sex...

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 20th, 2013
Ken Elsner, Lead Pastor

How did you hear about sex? Was it "The Talk" from a parent? Sex Ed class? Friends? Movies? How were you effected by the conversation? Now that you're an adult, what's your view of sex? Made for marriage? Purely physical, nothing more? It's gross! If you love the person it's ok? What does culture say? Do you think that the church should speak about sex? Ya, I know, a lot of questions! But it's a big, big topic. One that deserves more attention to it then we tend to give it. So that's what we're going to do. This will be a PG 13 conversation.

Part 3

BRINGING SEXY BACK PART 2: "The One" Myth

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 13th, 2013
Ken Elsner, Lead Pastor

Hollywood spends hundreds of millions on getting us to believe that love happens at first sight. That love can overcome any obstacle. That there is "one" perfect person out there for you. You just have to be patient. Ever wonder about that? Ever wonder when it will be your turn? When will that perfect man or woman enter your life? Or maybe you're in a relationship or marriage right now that is off course, and you're questioning if you made the right choice? That maybe they're aren't "The One." Here's a thought. Maybe the questions we're asking are all wrong. Maybe it isn't about finding the perfect mate.

Part 2

BRINGING SEXY BACK PART 1: Re:Vision

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 6th, 2013
Ken Elsner, Lead Pastor

Do you have any role models when it comes to dating or marriage? Do you have a vision for what a dating relationship should look like or what your marriage should look like? It seems that most of culture looks to those that are famous and making it into the spot light when it comes to relationships. Brad and Angelina. Kanye and Kim. Jay-Z and Beyonce. Prince William and Kate. Relationships and marriages these days have become increasingly disposable. Almost secondary. It's time that we take back something that God has cherished since the very beginning. So, for the next few weeks we're going to tackle dating, love, sex and marriage. We're going to try and "Bring Sexy Back." We need a renewed vision of all these things. We need a fresh start. Whether your single, dating or married, this will apply at some level.

Part 1

PERSPECTIVE PART 4: Say That Again

Sunday, September 29th, 2013
Ken Elsner, Lead Pastor

I don't know about you, but when bad things to me or to those close me, I find it difficult to be thankful. Joy doesn't come easy. In fact, I tend to go the opposite direction. I question. I get mad. Angry. And yes at times I doubt God's plans. Does that ring any bells? Bring back any memories? We're wrapping up our series this weekend and this is what we're talking about. Finding joy regardless of circumstance. Peace in the midst of the trial. Thankfulness rather than worry.

Part 4

PERSPECTIVE PART 3: Owned

Sunday, September 22nd, 2013
Ken Elsner, Lead Pastor

Question. Have you ever been owned by something or someone? Meaning, that you believed in that thing or belief or cause or that person so much that you would do anything for it/them? How did that intensity of belief make you feel? What did it cause you to do? Was it healthy? Or was it destructive? Now, what if I told you that that belief and those actions really don't mean anything when it comes to eternal things? What if I told you that until you get a proper perspective of why we do the things that we do, we will always flounder, always "work" in vain? This weekend at Aroma, we're going to talk about what it looks like to be "owned" in a way that will forever change your life and how you live it out.

Part 3

PERSPECTIVE PART 2: Finding Humility

Sunday, September 15th, 2013
Ken Elsner, Lead Pastor

I love talking about humility. It's such a paradox of a concept. When we think that we are becoming humble, we're in fact, very far away from it. It's tough to achieve. Impossible to master. And yet, we're called to pursue it with everything in our being. Think about a time when you met someone who was exhibiting humility. What did you think about them? Did you want to spend more time with them? Be more like them? In his letter the church at Philippi, Paul talks about what true humility looks like. It's overwhelming. It's life changing. If you're up for it, I dare you to come to Aroma this Sunday morning and experience something bigger than you. Bigger than me!

Part 2

PERSPECTIVE PART 1: How Extreme Do You Love?

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 8th, 2013
Ken Elsner, Lead Pastor

A Series on the Book of Philippians
How well do you love the people around you? How do you show your affection? How do you show your loyalty? Maybe a better question is, "How extreme does your love get?" Do the people around you. Your friends. Your family. Those closest to you. Do they really and truly know that you love them? How far are you willing to go to show that love? This week at Aroma, a lot is going on. We're changing our location and our time. Starting this Sunday we will begin meeting at Eagle Ridge Elementary School at 10:00 am. This will be our new home and meeting time, which gives us an amazing opportunity to reach into the Lone Tree community. Invite a friend or two and come ready to dig into Paul's Letter to the Philippian Church.

Part 1

OH %!@# Part 7: Lunatic Or God?

Sunday, August 11th, 2013
Ken Elsner, Lead Pastor

Have you ever believed in something so much that you were willing do whatever it takes to see it fulfilled? What would that look like? Would you be willing to walk away from a good, stable job for a riskier, but more fulfilling one? How about moving to another country? Could you walk away from a long term relationship because you know that it's toxic? How far could you go for what you believed in? How far would you go for what you were being called to? Could you walk away from your family because of your faith? Did you know that Jesus said in the Bible that he came to bring a sword, not peace? Did you know that he said that if you didn't leave everything for him, that he wouldn't know you? Pretty extreme stuff! Hard to hear. That's what we're talking about at Aroma this coming Sunday night.

Part 7

OH %!@# PART 6: What Are You Looking At?

Sunday, August 11th, 2013
Ken Elsner, Lead Pastor

Have you ever believed in something so much that you were willing do whatever it takes to see it fulfilled? What would that look like? Would you be willing to walk away from a good, stable job for a riskier, but more fulfilling one? How about moving to another country? Could you walk away from a long term relationship because you know that it's toxic? How far could you go for what you believed in? How far would you go for what you were being called to? Could you walk away from your family because of your faith? Did you know that Jesus said in the Bible that he came to bring a sword, not peace? Did you know that he said that if you didn't leave everything for him, that he wouldn't know you? Pretty extreme stuff! Hard to hear

Part 6

OH %!@# PART 5: Are You Willing?

Sunday, August 11th, 2013
Ken Elsner, Lead Pastor

Have you ever believed in something so much that you were willing do whatever it takes to see it fulfilled? What would that look like? Would you be willing to walk away from a good, stable job for a riskier, but more fulfilling one? How about moving to another country? Could you walk away from a long term relationship because you know that it's toxic? How far could you go for what you believed in? How far would you go for what you were being called to? Could you walk away from your family because of your faith? Did you know that Jesus said in the Bible that he came to bring a sword, not peace? Did you know that he said that if you didn't leave everything for him, that he wouldn't know you? Pretty extreme stuff! Hard to hear.

Part 5

OH %!@# PART 4: Sell It All

August 4th, 2013
Ken Elsner, Lead Pastor

Do you own anything? TV? iPhone? Car? House? Clothes? Dishes? Dog? Cat? Probably some of these if not all of them. All of us have stuff that belongs to us, stuff we enjoy having. Does any of it own you? It rules your life. Your actions. Your thoughts. Hitting a nerve yet? There's a story in the Bible about a young, wealthy leader, who approaches Jesus about how to get to heaven. This young man had done most of things that his religion taught him to do. Jesus' response to this young man was disturbing. It was extreme. It made this young man go OH %!#@.

Part 4

OH %!@# PART 3: Enemy Territory

July 28th, 2013
Ken Elsner, Lead Pastor

Have you ever been hurt by someone? I mean, really hurt? Where the pain just lingers. The bitterness festers? You wonder if the scars will ever heal? One day Jesus was teaching and made a statement that rocked everyone. He said, "Love your enemies!"  Now think about that hurt. Think about the wound. Don't you just want to say "OH %!@#, Did Jesus Really Just Say That?" I know that I have ... many times. Here's the thing. Jesus knows us so well, that when he made that statement it was for our own good. That if we didn't love and forgive our enemies, that we could possibly waste our lives away in bitterness and resentment.  Pastor Mark Driscoll said it this way, "There is only one continuum when someone hurts us, forgiveness or bitterness." Where are you?

Part 3

OH %!@# PART 2: Do You Love Me?

July 14th, 2013
Jim Barnard

Have you ever felt stuck or felt like a storm cloud was over you, following you everywhere? When that feeling hits, we begin to ask God a bunch of questions... Maybe you're asking those questions right now. Jesus typically responds with a question. He's crafty that way. Join us this week at Aroma Church as Jesus asks us a question (and an answer) that makes us say... Oh %!@#.

Part 2

OH %!@# PART 1: Follow Me

July 7th, 2013
Ken Elsner, Lead Pastor

Did you ever play "Simon Says" as a kid? It was fun until you did something that Simon DIDN'T tell you to do. Then, you were out! Do ever feel like being a Christian is a lot like Simon Says? Instead, it's "Jesus Says." Jesus says, "Read your Bible." Jesus says, "Go to church." Jesus says, "Give money." Do you ever feel like there has to be more? Something more intentional? Well, you'd be right! Jesus did come for more than just a bunch of rules and regulations. Jesus came to change the world. To change how we think and live. So, for the summer we're going to look at some of Jesus' statements, that, if we're honest, have probably caused many of us to say "Oh %!@#, Did Jesus Really Just Say That?" 

Part 1

TAKE A STAND PART 4: Beauty From Ashes

June 30th, 2013
Ken Elsner, Lead Pastor
Everyone loves an underdog story. The ugly duckling turning into a beautiful swan. Families who struggle to care for themselves but helping others, getting new homes. The wild card team winning the championship. A little old nun serving the poorest of the poor in India. Someone going against the grain, against cultural norms, to make an impact on the world. We love the stories. We hunger for them. There's something about how it makes us feel. How it gives us hope.

Part 4

TAKE A STAND PART 2: Fire & Fear

June 9th, 2013
Ken Elsner., Lead Pastor

What keeps you up at night? What do you fear the most? Rejection? Failure? Disappointing someone important? Losing your job? For many of us fear keeps us from experiencing the fullness of life. It keeps us from going out on a limb and try something new. To take a stand for something important, something we believe in. What are you afraid of right now? Are you so afraid that you're unwilling to step into the unknown? This weekend at Aroma, we're in Part 2 of our series Take A Stand. We're going to look at Elijah. He had it made. God's authority. Power. Confidence. Success. And yet, even in the midst of all that, he ran away in fear!

Part 2

TAKE A STAND PART 1: Ya, That's Not Me

June 2nd, 2013
Ken Elsner, Lead Pastor

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to do something important? Life changing important? Ever been asked to do something that was out of your comfort zone? Did you do it? Or did you say no? Much of life happens like we plan, but there may come a time when the unexpected happens. What will your response be? Will you walk away or Take A Stand?

Part 1

CULTURAL WARFARE PART 4: You Are What You Worship

May 26th, 2013
Ken Elsner, Lead Pastor

What makes you tick? What gets you fired up in the morning? Football? Sports? Clothes? Working out? Your kids? Education? Think about it for a minute. What do you worship? What are your idols? Regardless of you what you might think, you worship something, maybe many somethings! Whatever "it" is, it will drive your life. Drive your thoughts. Drive your time. Drive your money. This weekend at Aroma Church, we want to wrap up our series Cultural Warfare and talk about your idols. It should be pleasantly uncomfortable! 

CW Part 4

CULTURAL WARFARE PART 3: It's Not All About You

May 19th, 2013
Ken Elsner, Lead Pastor

We live in a time and space where anything goes. You want to try something ... people will encourage you. "You deserve it!" "You've earned it!" You wantto focus on your needs. Go for it! Regardless of circumstance. Regardless of consequence. Our culture tells us it's ok. Everyone has needs. Everyone has desires. The problem is that as our world becomes increasingly more selfish and self-centered, we lose our humanity. We lose our identity. We lose what we were created for. Come out this weekend to Aroma Church and hear about a different way to live.

CW Part 3

CULTURAL WARFARE PART 2: What Happens In Corinth...

May 12th, 2013
Jim Barnard

There used to be a well known saying in the 1st century of “what happens in Corinth... stays in Corinth!” This was the city to come to if you wanted to get ‘crazy’ in ancient Greece. What a perfect place for Paul to plant a church! The problem is that it's sometimes hard for the church to avoid looking like the culture around it and it can make the church stink. In 1 Corinthians 5-7, Paul gives us a balanced approach to solving the cultural warfare in our midst. It’s a lesson we can’t ignore, especially if we want to have an impact on “what happens in Denver...

Part 2

CULTURAL WARFARE PART 1: Your Church Sucks

May 5th, 2013
Ken Elsner, Lead Pastor

Ever get the feeling that churches are constantly competing against each other? Fighting for the attention of people, regardless of the outcome? Believe it or not, it was never supposed to be this way. Jesus' heart was for something different. More connected. More unified. And you know what? The early church, after Jesus, struggled too. So, this weekend at Aroma, we're starting a new series called Cultural Warfare. We'll be looking at a letter that the Apostle Paul wrote. This will be good. Challenging. Encouraging.

CW Part 1

LIES PART 4: No One Is Immune

Sunday, April 28th, 2013
Ken Elsner, Lead Pastor
Ever had the desire to have just one more look at a pretty girl or guy? Or wonder what it would be like to be married to someone else? How about the thought to "borrow" something from work because "They'll never know!"? Ever been alone in a hotel room and have the inkling to see what's on the "adult" channels?  Temptation! It's all around us. Everywhere we look. Everywhere we turn. Culture says it's okay. You deserve to be happy, to be content. But, when you give in to temptation, how often do you actually feel good after giving in? This weekend at Aroma Church we're going conclude our series Lies and talk about the Lie of Temptation.

LIES PART 4

LIES PART 3: WTH, GOD?

LIES
Part 3: WTH God?
Sunday, April 21st, 2013

In light of the events this week in Boston and Texas, we thought we'd dive into one of the big lies that most of the world has come to believe. The lie that when terrible and painful things happen, God is the one that caused them! Is that how you feel? When you watch the news or listen to the radio? Do you find yourself saying, "What the hell, God?" How do you cope? How do you find relief in the pain and confusion? Believe it or not, there is hope to be found.  Maybe not all the answers, but certainly hope. 

LIES PART 3

LIES Part 2: Mob Rules

Sunday, April 14th, 2013
Ken Elsner, Lead Pastor

How do you make decisions? All on your own? With a few handpicked friends and family? Caving in to the demands of those around you? Does God ever enter the equation? Many decisions that are made in our society are made because of the collective will of the culture around us. Many decisions that end up being terrible in the long run. Want to know how to make better decisions? Want to learn how to trust God a little bit more? 

LIES Part 2: Mob Rules

LIES Part 1: Nakedness, Questions and a Snake!

April 7th, 2013
Ken Elsner, Lead Pastor

At some point in our lives we have all told a lie or have had a lie told to us. We are bombarded by culture telling us what we can or can't do. Friends or family telling us our limitations. Questioning our passions. Our beliefs. Do you have doubts? Questions? Fears? Want to know where that started? Want to know how to deal with all the crap that is thrown at us everyday? Want to hear what God has to say about it all? 

LIES PART 1

IAAJ: It's All About Jesus

March 31st, 2013
Ken Elsner, Lead Pastor

Easter, what's the point?  Bunnies? Eggs? Chocolate? Empty Tombs? Jesus?  Here's the deal.  Jesus was before the Easter Bunny!!! I know that's a crazy notion in todays culture of consumerism, but it's true.   Jesus was before everything.  He was there in the beginning.  When the "word" that spoke creation into being...He was there.  Easter is "all about Jesus!" The whole Bible points to Him.  Speaks about Him.

It's All About Jesus

WHAT DO YOU SMELL LIKE? Part 6: Now What?

March 24th, 2013, Ken Elsner, Lead Pastor

We've spent a few weeks talking about values.  Talking about things that matter to God.  The big question now is "Now What?"  How can you engage in this journey that is happening with Aroma Church.  How can you step into what God is calling you to?  While we're just getting going, there are needs big and small.  So often organizations forget to set the stage for the "Now What?" questions.

WDYSL? Part 6

WHAT DO YOU SMELL LIKE? Part 5: Go!

March 17th, 2013, Ken Elsner, Lead Pastor

When you think of the world around you what do you think about? Do you see Denver as merely the place you live or as a place that you want to invest in? When you think about the world beyond Denver and the US do you see places to travel to and explore or as places where you might be able find new friendships or make a difference? Or, do simply think that changing the world is for other people? Did you know that God has a heart for the nations? And that He wants us to have a similar heart! 

WDYSL? Part 5: Go

WHAT DO YOU SMELL LIKE? Part 4: Don't Run

March 10th, 2013, WHAT DO YOU SMELL LIKE? Part 4: Don't Run, Ken Elsner

WHAT DO YOU SMELL LIKE? Part 3: You're Not Alone

March 3, 2013, WHAT DO YOU SMELL LIKE? Part 3: You're Not Alone, Ken Elsner

WHAT DO YOU SMELL LIKE? Part 2: Slow Down

February 17th, 2013, WHAT DO YOU SMELL LIKE? Part 2: Slow Down, Ken Elsner

WHAT DO YOU SMELL LIKE? Part 1: Don't Stink

February 10, 2013, WHAT DO YOU SMELL LIKE? Part 1: Don't Stink, Ken Elsner