Beacon Church Podcast

What do you do when you’ve prayed, believed, and nothing seems to change? In this message from our Pray Like Jesus series, guest pastor Stephen Francis explores why Jesus calls us to keep praying even when the answer hasn’t come. Through Mark 9, we see that prayer isn’t a last resort, but a way of depending on God for the power and faith we don’t have on our own. When circumstances feel impossible, we’re challenged not to settle for “it is what it is,” but to keep praying, keep believing, and trust that God is still at work.Prayer Guides: Abiding Prayer -https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5e640e458182c82e0a471fb5/t/69acdfc03e622b3b31f82674/1772937152768/Abiding+Prayer+Guide.pdfAsking Prayer -https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5e640e458182c82e0a471fb5/t/69ace0452e9ae05322ca319e/1772937285891/Asking+Prayer+Guide.pdfTimestamps:00:00 – Why prayer matters13:09 – Strongholds that only prayer can break20:54 – “I believe, help my unbelief”28:55 – Keep praying, keep believing37:22 – Making prayer part of everyday lifeLinks:Connect: https://www.beacon.church/connectSubscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@beacon_church?sub_confirmation=1Website: https://www.beacon.churchInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/beacon.church/

As we close out our series on the Lord’s Prayer, we look at what Jesus meant by “lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.” From everyday irritations to life-altering trials, this message explores how testing can shape us, why prayer was never meant to be practiced alone, and the hope we have knowing that evil does not get the final word.Timestamps:00:00 — Prayer and the real work of the church06:24 — The hope of God’s Kingdom09:40 — “Lead us not into temptation”13:20 — Why prayer is meant to be communal23:47 — Understanding temptation, testing, and trialsLinks:Connect: https://www.beacon.church/connectSubscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@beacon_church?sub_confirmation=1Website: https://www.beacon.churchInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/beacon.church/

The Lord’s Prayer can become so familiar that we miss just how much is packed into it. In this message, we look at the Kingdom of God as the story running through Scripture—and what it means for us to become part of what God is doing right where we live, work, and show up every day.Timestamps:00:00 — Praying the Lord’s Prayer04:12 — When something powerful becomes too familiar10:24 — What does “Your kingdom come” actually mean?19:25 — Jesus and the Kingdom of God23:36 — Becoming a beachhead for the KingdomLinks:Connect: https://www.beacon.church/connectSubscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@beacon_church?sub_confirmation=1Website: https://www.beacon.churchInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/beacon.church/

What if loving others well starts with learning to see yourself the way God sees you? In “The Command You Missed,” we look at Jesus’ call to love your neighbor as yourself and what healthy self-love actually means. This message explores how receiving God’s love, getting honest about where you are, and releasing shame can change the way you see yourself—and the way you love the people around you.Timestamps:00:00 – The Command You Missed06:40 – Loving Your Neighbor as Yourself14:10 – Get Honest: Where Are You?20:00 – Be Here With Him25:47 – Let Go of the Weight You’re CarryingLinks:Connect: https://www.beacon.church/connectSubscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@beacon_church?sub_confirmation=1Website: https://www.beacon.churchInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/beacon.church/

What does it really mean to pray, "Give us this day our daily bread"? In this message,June explores how this simple line from the Lord's Prayer teaches us to trust God one day at a time, even when life feels uncertain. Looking at Israel in the wilderness, the life of Jesus, and our own struggles with security, success, and the future, we're reminded that God isn't just interested in meeting our needs—He's forming us into people who depend on Him.Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction & why "daily bread" still matters today07:45 – Israel in the wilderness and God's daily provision16:40 – What the Exodus teaches us about following Jesus30:35 – A simple prayer to practice every dayLinks:Connect: https://www.beacon.church/connectSubscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@beacon_church?sub_confirmation=1Website: https://www.beacon.churchInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/beacon.church/

What does real forgiveness look like,especially when the hurt runs deep? In this message from our Pray Like Jesus series,we explore Jesus' teaching on forgiveness in the Lord's Prayer and discover that forgiveness isn't about excusing what happened or pretending the pain wasn't real.Instead,it's choosing to release others into God's hands because we've first experienced His forgiveness.As we let go of bitterness,we make room for God's healing,protect our hearts from becominghardened,and reflect the grace we've already received through Christ.Timestamps:00:00 – Why forgiveness is central to the Lord's Prayer12:57 – What happens when we refuse to forgive27:26 – What forgiveness is—and what it isn't34:31 – How praying for your enemies transforms your heartLinks:Connect: https://www.beacon.church/connectSubscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@beacon_church?sub_confirmation=1Website: https://www.beacon.churchInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/beacon.church/

What does it really mean to pray, "Give us today our daily bread"? In this message from our Pray Like Jesus series, we discover that Jesus isn't simply teaching us to ask God for what we need, but to trust Him one day at a time. Looking at God's provision in the wilderness and Jesus' declaration that He is the Bread of Life, this message reminds us that our deepest need isn't more security, success, or possessions—it's a daily dependence on Christ. As we learn to trust God's provision, we're also invited to become people of generosity, allowing His blessings to flow through us so others can experience His love and care.Timestamps:00:00 – Why Jesus teaches us to pray for daily bread10:22 – Learning daily dependence through God's provision in the wilderness18:57 – Jesus, the true Bread of Life28:15 – From receiving God's provision to becoming a blessing to othersLinks:Connect: https://www.beacon.church/connectSubscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@beacon_church?sub_confirmation=1Website: https://www.beacon.churchInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/beacon.church/

What does it really mean to pray, "Hallowed be Your name"? In this message from our Pray Like Jesus series, we explore how the Lord's Prayer begins by shifting the focus away from ourselves and back to God. Looking at what it means to treat God's name as holy, we're challenged to examine who is really at the center of our hearts and how that shapes the way we pray, live, and represent Jesus to the world. Ultimately, this message reminds us that prayer isn't about performance or saying the right words. It's about reorienting our hearts around the One who is unlike any other and trusting in the finished work of Christ.Timestamps:00:00 – Why prayer isn't about us09:08 – What "Hallowed be Your name" really means18:19 – How God's holiness reshapes our priorities, prayer, and presence41:38 – Jesus, the perfect example of humility and holinessLinks:Connect: https://www.beacon.church/connectSubscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@beacon_church?sub_confirmation=1Website: https://www.beacon.churchInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/beacon.church/

Prayer isn't about saying the right words. It's about knowing the One you're talking to. In the first message of our Pray Like Jesus series, we explore why Jesus begins the Lord's Prayer with "Our Father" and how understanding God's heart changes the way we approach Him. Whether prayer feels natural or difficult, this message invites you to discover the relationship that prayer was always meant to build.Timestamps:0:00 Introducing the Pray Like Jesus series4:22 Why Jesus teaches us to pray "Our Father"8:18 What we assume when we approach God15:42 Why prayer can feel so difficult28:17 The invitation to approach God with confidenceLinks:Connect: https://www.beacon.church/connectSubscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@beacon_church?sub_confirmation=1Website: https://www.beacon.churchInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/beacon.church/

Real hope isn't found in better circumstances. It's found in Jesus working through His people. As we wrap up our Church 101 series, this message explores God's vision for the local church and why ordinary people, united around His mission, become a source of hope for their neighborhoods, families, and the world.Timestamps:0:00 Building the Beacon update8:40 Why the local church matters13:46 The mission of Beacon Church18:29 God can do immeasurably more29:37 What worship is really aboutLinks:Connect: https://www.beacon.church/connectSubscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@beacon_church?sub_confirmation=1Website: https://www.beacon.churchInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/beacon.church/

Following Jesus means more than believing the right things. It means learning to carry the weight of others. In this message, we look at the life of Joseph and discover how integrity, doing good in difficult circumstances, and extending forgiveness can become powerful ways God uses us to serve the people around us.Timestamps:0:00 Father's Day and the language of spiritual family3:41 What it means to carry the weight of others11:20 Joseph betrayed by his brothers19:30 Integrity in difficult seasons31:42 The power of forgiveness and reconciliationLinks:Connect: https://www.beacon.church/connectSubscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@beacon_church?sub_confirmation=1Website: https://www.beacon.churchInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/beacon.church/

Serving others sounds simple until life gets busy, painful, or complicated. In this message, we explore how Jesus chose to serve even when He had every reason not to, and what that teaches us about following Him today. Discover why serving isn't just something Christians do, it's one of the primary ways we become more like Jesus.Timestamps:1:29 When shame keeps us from serving5:07 Jesus' final night and the example He set10:35 Why Jesus washed His disciples' feet13:23 What the church is really built on15:56 Building others without burning outLinks:Connect: https://www.beacon.church/connectSubscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@beacon_church?sub_confirmation=1Website: https://www.beacon.churchInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/beacon.church/

Sharing your faith doesn’t have to be complicated. In this message, we explore a simple and practical framework for living on mission every day through prayer, listening, hospitality, service, and story. Discover how small acts of faithfulness can open doors for meaningful conversations and help others encounter the hope of Jesus.Timestamps:0:00 The church is a mission, not an attraction6:59 Introducing the BLESS framework15:00 Listen to people’s stories19:47 Why sharing a meal matters32:16 Be ready to share your storyLinks:Connect: https://www.beacon.church/connectSubscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@beacon_church?sub_confirmation=1Website: https://www.beacon.churchInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/beacon.church/

It’s possible to like the idea of church without fully stepping into the life God calls us to. This message explores what it means to be saved, shaped, and sent, and why following Jesus was never meant to be a spectator sport. Discover how God transforms ordinary people into ambassadors of hope, purpose, and reconciliation in the world around them.Timestamps:0:00 The difference between being interested and being all in4:31 Christianity is not a spectator sport6:18 Saved, shaped, and sent13:22 How God makes all things new16:15 What it means to be Christ’s ambassadorLinks:Connect: https://www.beacon.church/connectSubscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@beacon_church?sub_confirmation=1Website: https://www.beacon.churchInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/beacon.church/

Communion is more than a ritual. It’s a reminder of the story we’re living in and the kind of people we’re called to become. This message explores how the table of Jesus reshapes the way we see God, community, sacrifice, and one another, and why the way we love people may be the clearest picture of the gospel they ever see.Timestamps:000 The meaning behind communion201 The story of “Bill” and what church communicates827 The problem inside the Corinthian church1415 The heart of the gospel explained2228 Why people need to see the gospel lived outLinks:Connect: https://www.beacon.church/connectSubscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@beacon_church?sub_confirmation=1Website: https://www.beacon.churchInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/beacon.church/

What if the goal of life isn’t to arrive safely at the end, but to live fully on purpose?This message explores the deeper story of humanity, the calling to reflect God’simage in the world, and what it looks like to move from simply attending church tobecoming part of a community that brings hope, healing, and purpose to others.Timestamps:4:11 – Every life is a one-way ticket8:22 – Why we all wrestle with meaning and purpose16:17 – The deeper battle behind the human storyLinks: Connect: https://www.beacon.church/connect Subscribe:https://www.youtube.com/@beacon_church?sub_confirmation=1 Website:https://www.beacon.church Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/beacon.church/

What if church was meant to feel less like an event and more like a family? In thismessage kicking off our new series Church 101, we explore what the churchactually is, why it matters, and how community, belonging, and spiritual growthwere always meant to work together.Timestamps:3:59 – What the church actually is8:20 – New birth, hope, and spiritual family13:09 – A holy craving for growth16:21 – Why family is the church’s dominant metaphorLinks: Connect: https://www.beacon.church/connect Subscribe:https://www.youtube.com/@beacon_church?sub_confirmation=1 Website:https://www.beacon.church Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/beacon.church/

Feeling like you don’t belong is something everyone experiences, but what if that’s not your identity anymore? This message from Ephesians 2 shows how Jesus brings outsiders in, breaks down barriers, and invites us into real connection that looks like family, not just familiarity.

Our "Koinonia" flow from "Koinonia" with God.Philippians 2:1

What if the hardest parts of your story are actually where God does His best work? In this message from our Won’t You Be My Neighbor? series, we walk through John 9 and see how Jesus steps into a man’s life and completely rewrites his story, shifting the focus from blame and labels to what God is going to do. Instead of a simple cause-and-effect view of life, this message reveals how God works through suffering, not just around it, using even the broken parts of our lives for something meaningful. As the man’s sight is restored, his faith is formed, moving from knowing about Jesus to trusting Him personally. The invitation is simple but challenging: trust that nothing in your life is wasted, and that God can redeem every part of your story to draw you closer to Him.

In this message from the Won’t You Be My Neighbor? series, we explore Jesus’ parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10 and the deeper question behind it: not just who our neighbor is, but how we often try to justify ourselves instead of living with true compassion. The sermon highlights how fear, busyness, and competing priorities can keep us from loving others well.

This Easter, we’re starting a new series by rethinking what it means to be a neighbor in a disconnected world. From the familiar influence of Mister Rogers to the life and message of Jesus, we’re invited to see how compassion, inclusion, and everyday relationships can shape our lives—and the lives around us. This is a simple idea, but it has the power to change more than we think.

Psalm 42

Every disciple of Jesus fights for sanctification.

Sanctification is the antidote. Sanctification is the process of pressing sin the world, the flesh, and the devil out of our souls and out of our spheres.

Nehemiah 6 : 15 - 16

Nehemiah 9

What you realize is the story of Gideon isn't really about Gideon. It's about God — a God who never forgets his people and a God who can triumph despite our fear and our weakness.Judges 6: 1-3,6, 15, 16Judges 7: 2-3, 16-17

Nehemiah 8

Nehemiah 5

Nehemiah 12: 43-45

Pray in the face of bad newsNehemiah 1:4, Nehemaih 4:4, Nehemiah 6:9Pray when you need directionNehemiah 1:1, Nehemiah 2:1Pray when you failNehemiah 1:6Pray for something bigger than yourselfNehemiah 1:11

Nehemiah 1: 1- 11God takes broken things and He restores them. He renews them. This is the whole story of the Bible from Genesis 3, When we broke it to the very end, when the new city of Jerusalem comes down out of heaven from God and the restoration of all things happens. No more tears when we take our weapons and we beat them into plowshares.

Matthew 5:14You are the light of the world. 

Merry Christmas!

We are meant to know who we are by being known.

Psalms 50 : 3 - 4, 7

Beacon 20th Anniversary

Anxiety shows up at the intersection of importance and impotence. when things are important, we value them. We see them as being important, and yet we see ourselves as being impotent to protect those things from threats. That's where anxiety lives.

Being thankful because his loss became our life. And that's the Thanksgiving story that always going to be worth telling.

1. Be Angry2. And do not sin3. Ponder in your own head's and be silent

1. Expression2. Examination3. Re-ImaginationPsalm 77:3

The philistines left the land of Israel because of the fuze that Jonathan and his armor bearer set.

I must become lesser. He must become greater. That's the essence of surrender.

Be a model in such a way. Live with kind of integrity and the kind of truth telling, with the kind of compassion and understanding be a grace filled voice in their life to bring them back into the presence of Jesus, and then give them a kick to get them out to do everything that Jesus has for them to do.

A cord of three strands is not easily broken, and we can accomplish so much more together as a church than we ever could alone. So the journey is not just about a building it's about what we're building , which is each other.

Jonathan's faith was rooted in a deep trust that God was going to show up in an impossible. situation.

Jesus is saying that when the world sees us in the center of that burning fellowship between the father and the son, it will come to believe that he is who he says he is. That's the invitation.

Solomon got to live in a palace and Jeremiah lived in a hole. God has his ways of working those things out. But what I do know is it has nothing to do with how valuable you are to him. Because the issue of our value was settled on a cross.

1. The Great Commandment - Love2. The Great Compassion - Do3. The Great Commission - Go4. The Great Collaboration - Together