Columbus Evangelical Church Sermons

God’s Word is not optional; it’s essential. Just as our bodies need food, our souls need Scripture. In this session we’ll discover how daily time in God’s Word nourishes our faith and equips us to stand strong.

Prayer isn’t a ritual to check off, but a conversation with our Father. Jesus teaches us to pray with focus, trust, and dependence on God. This session helps us move from duty-driven prayers to life-giving dialogue with Him.

Even Jesus didn’t walk alone—He had Peter, James, and John by His side in key moments. We need trusted, close friends who know us deeply and walk with us through both highs and lows. This session will challenge us to find and invest in our “Core 3.”

Faith grows best in community. Beyond our closest friends, God places us in the wider church to encourage, challenge, and support one another. In this session we’ll see how living connected to the body of Christ deepens our walk with Him.

Jesus calls us not only to grow personally but to go outward in service. This session explores what it means to step beyond our comfort zones—whether across the street or across the world—to serve others in Jesus’ name. We’ll see how living missionally expands our faith and reflects God’s heart for the nations.

Mission doesn’t always mean traveling far—it starts where you live. In this session, we’ll discover how to serve our families, neighbors, and coworkers with the love of Christ. By embracing mission at home, we bring the gospel into everyday spaces and make Jesus known right where He’s planted us.

Families can be messy. Broken relationships, painful choices, and people we love who seem determined to go their own way—Jacob knows exactly what that's like.In Genesis 33–35, a miraculous family reunion is followed by one of the darkest chapters in Genesis, as Jacob realizes he can't fix the hearts of his own sons. Join us as we discover what happens when God calls Jacob back to Bethel and why the hope of this story isn't that people become heroes—it's that God is. The same God who transformed Jacob is still in the business of redeeming and reforming broken people today.

What do you do when you know what God wants you to do... but you're terrified to do it?Jacob has spent twenty years running from his past. Now God is calling him to face the very thing he's been avoiding. On the night before that encounter, Jacob wrestles with God and receives a new name, a permanent limp, and a life-changing lesson about faith, fear, and dependence on God.Join us as we explore one of the most powerful encounters in Scripture and discover why God's greatest work often happens when we obey Him while we're still afraid.

Jacob desires Rachel, Leah longs for acceptance, Rachel craves significance, and Laban chases security through wealth. Every character in this story is pursuing something good—but when good things become ultimate things, they become dangerous things. In this message, we uncover the idols beneath the surface of Genesis 29–31 and discover why the things we think will satisfy us never seem to be enough. The hope of the story is not that these people were good; it’s that God is faithful and able to rescue hearts that are chasing the wrong saviors.

Jacob is running from the wreckage of his own choices—guilt, fear, broken relationships, and a future that seems beyond repair. But at rock bottom, God meets him with grace, not rejection. In this message, we explore Jacob’s dream of the stairway to heaven, why he never climbs it, and how it points directly to Jesus. If you’ve ever wondered whether God still wants you after you’ve made a mess of your life, this message is for you.

In this message, we take an honest look at Jacob—and the truth is, he’s not the hero we might expect. He manipulates his brother out of his inheritance, deceives his aging father, and leaves a trail of family dysfunction in his wake. So why would God choose someone like him? Because God isn’t in the business of picking perfect people—He’s in the business of reforming scoundrels. From Abraham to Isaac to Jacob, the Bible is full of flawed, broken people who encounter a faithful God who transforms them from the inside out. And that same grace is still at work today. This message will challenge how you see biblical “heroes”… and how you see yourself.

This weekend we are honored to welcome Adult & Teen Challenge to our church. During the service, you’ll hear powerful testimonies from students whose lives have been transformed through the hope of Jesus Christ. Their team leader (Ryan Clubb) will also be sharing a special message of freedom, restoration, and the power of the Gospel. Come expecting an encouraging and impactful morning as we celebrate what God is doing in changing lives.

Mother’s Day can bring joy, grief, gratitude, anxiety… and for many parents, one big question: “How do I trust God with my kids?”This Sunday we’ll explore the powerful and deeply personal words of Psalm 139 and discover how David learned to trust God in the middle of fear, loss, anxiety, and the brokenness of this world. Join us for a message of honesty, hope, and deeper trust in God.

Reading the Bible is just the start—living it is the goal. In this message, we explore how to move from understanding Scripture to applying it in everyday life. Learn key insights for turning observation and interpretation into action, keeping your applications centered on Jesus, and using Godly wisdom to make your faith practical and transformative.

Did you know the whole Bible points to Jesus? In this message, we explore 1 Peter 1:10-12 and 2 Peter 1:20-21 to see how Scripture has a dual authorship—human and divine—and how every story, law, and prophecy ultimately centers on Christ. Learn how reading the Bible with Jesus at the center transforms every passage from words on a page to life-changing revelation.

Pulling one thread can unravel a whole sweater… and taking a Bible verse out of context can unravel God’s message. In this message, we explore 2 Timothy 2:15 to discover how reading the Bible in context helps us handle God’s Word correctly, understand the bigger story, and avoid misinterpretation. Learn how to zoom out, see the weave, and read Scripture the way God intended.

How can your heart posture change the way you read the Bible? In this kickoff message, we explore Matthew 22:34-46 and John 3:1-17 to discover how humility, a desire to know God, and a willingness to obey transform not just what we read—but how we experience God through Scripture. Learn how approaching the Bible with the right posture can unlock its life-changing truth.

Was Thomas really “doubting”… or just being honest? In this Easter message, we explore how doubt, evidence, and faith collide in one of the most relatable moments in the Gospels. Why would a made-up story include a skeptical disciple? What counts as reasonable doubt? And what do you do when Jesus says, “Stop doubting and believe”? If you’ve ever wrestled with questions about the resurrection, this message is for you. Come discover how Jesus meets us in our doubts—and calls us to a decision.

On the road to Emmaus, two disciples walk in confusion and grief—until a stranger joins them.He listens. He asks questions. And then… He begins to unfold the story.Starting with Moses and all the Prophets, this stranger reveals how the Messiah had to suffer—how the cross was never an accident, but always the plan. Every promise, every shadow, every sacrifice pointing to this moment.But who is this stranger?This Good Friday message traces the powerful story of Luke 24:13–35, uncovering the Old Testament threads that lead straight to the cross—and ultimately to Jesus Himself. In the breaking of the bread, their eyes are opened… and everything changes.Join us as we discover why Good Friday was necessary—and how the stranger on the road is the Savior we’ve been waiting for.

What did Jesus really mean when He said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life”? In this message, we wrestle with one of the most bold and exclusive claims ever made. Is Jesus just a way… or truly the way? What is truth in a world full of confusion? And what kind of life is He offering? Through the questions of Thomas, Philip, and Judas, we uncover a deeper reality—one that goes beyond what we can see. A reality where heaven and earth collide… and where Jesus stands as the bridge between them. This isn’t just theology—it’s an invitation to see clearly, believe deeply, and experience real life.

When Jesus’ friend Lazarus dies in Gospel of John 11, it raises an obvious question: Why didn’t Jesus just heal him? Instead, Jesus allows Lazarus to die—and then makes one of the most powerful claims in the Bible: “I am the resurrection and the life.” By raising Lazarus from the dead, Jesus reveals something far greater than a miracle. He points to a deeper truth: death is not the end of our story. In this message, we'll explore how this incredible moment reveals Jesus’ true identity and points us forward to His ultimate victory.

In Gospel of John 10, Jesus makes two shocking claims: “I am the Gate” and “I am the Good Shepherd.” At first they sound like simple metaphors, but in the context of the Old Testament, they carry a far bigger meaning. Jesus isn’t just offering guidance—He’s claiming to be the only way into God’s flock and the Shepherd God promised would come to save His people. No wonder the crowd instantly became divided. Some said He was demon-possessed, while others asked, “Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?” The same question still confronts us today: Who do we believe Jesus really is—and if He calls us to follow Him, will we listen to His voice?

In John 7–9, Jesus declares He is “the Light of the World,” escalating tensions with the Pharisees to a breaking point. Leading up to this claim, a man born blind is miraculously healed, yet the religious leaders still refuse to see the truth right in front of them. Why does the blind man recognize Jesus… while those who claim to see remain in darkness? Discover the powerful meaning behind Jesus’ claim and what it reveals about spiritual blindness, truth, and who Jesus really is.

If someone walked up to you and said, “I am bread,” you’d probably think they were crazy. But when Jesus says it in Gospel of John chapter 6, He’s making a stunning and intentional claim.Set against Passover, the Exodus, and Israel’s wilderness hunger, Jesus reveals that He is the true manna, the greater Moses, and the fulfillment of the entire Old Testament story. What happened in Exodus 16 was only a shadow. The reality is standing right in front of them. And just like Israel, we’re faced with a decision: life or death, belief or rejection, grumbling or worship. In this message we’ll discover what Jesus truly means when He says, “I am the Bread of Life” and why it changes everything.

What does child like faith look like? Let's take a glimpse at what the Scriptures say, and be open to returning to this type of faith. Jesus was not silent on the importance of having faith that is simple, joyful and trusting--our kids (and Special K Residents) could teach us a thing or two about changing and becoming like a little child with our faith.

Faith doesn’t have to be complicated. As Paul closes 1 Thessalonians, he reminds us that following Jesus isn’t about mastering everything, it’s about trusting Jesus. We'll see how a life of joy, gratitude, perseverance, and hope flows from one simple truth: the One who calls you is faithful. This message invites us to lay down the pressure, stop overcomplicating faith, and rest in the promise that Jesus will do what He said He would do.

The end times don’t have to be terrifying. In 1 Thessalonians 5:1–11, Paul reframes the future, not as something to fear but as something to prepare for with confidence. In this message, we’ll discover how knowing Jesus transforms uncertainty into peace, anticipation into hope, and why the future is only intimidating if you don’t know who’s in control.

Ever had a hard season that feels like it will never end? The Thessalonian church did too. In the middle of suffering and loss, Paul points them to a future that changes everything. In this message from 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18, we explore how Christians face death honestly, but with a hope that’s stronger than the grave.

What if the goal of following Jesus isn’t rule-keeping… but real life? This message digs into the difference between God’s design and the world’s cheap substitutes. From holiness to everyday choices, Paul exposes how sin sells knockoffs that promise satisfaction but always leave us empty. And he invites us into something better... restoration, freedom, and a life that actually fulfills.

Paul doesn’t sugarcoat it... he promises hardship, opposition, and pressure. So why would anyone sign up for that? In this message from 1 Thessalonians 3, we wrestle with an uncomfortable truth: the very things we try to avoid (suffering, adversity, resistance) are often the tools God uses to shape heroes of the faith. When life feels crushing, has God forgotten you… or is He forging something stronger than you ever imagined?

By the world’s standards, the Thessalonian church looked like a failure—just like their crucified Savior. But what if losing is actually what victory looks like in God’s kingdom? In 1 Thessalonians 2, Paul reminds us that following Jesus means embracing weakness, rejection, and sacrifice. This message explores how Jesus redefines success, why opposition doesn’t mean defeat, and how looking like a failure may be the clearest sign that we’re actually walking in His victory.

When life gets hard, it’s easy to believe your faith doesn’t matter. But in 1 Thessalonians 1, Paul shows us the opposite. Writing to a suffering church, he reveals how God used their hardship to inspire believers everywhere. This message invites us to stand firm, trust God’s purpose, and remember that we face fierce opposition… but it’s worth it.

Life doesn’t always fit into neat categories. Some seasons are filled with joy and grief, hope and heartache—sometimes all at the same time. As we reflect on a complicated year, Psalm 31 reminds us that God invites our honesty, even in seasons of confusion and pain. In this message, discover how David’s prayer gives voice to both anguish and trust, and how it can help us navigate life when the answers aren’t simple.

The first Christmas gifts weren’t toys or decorations, but treasures filled with meaning and purpose. When the wise men traveled from afar to worship Jesus, they brought gold, frankincense, and myrrh—gifts that reveal who this child truly is and what He came to do. On Christmas Eve we explored the surprising significance behind these gifts and how they point to Jesus as our King, our Priest, and our Savior. As we celebrate His birth, we’ll be reminded that the greatest gift of Christmas isn’t something we give to God, but what God has given to us through Jesus.

Join us this Sunday for a heartwarming Kids Performance that will bring joy to your Christmas season! Our talented children will present "Humphrey's First Christmas," a delightful story that captures the wonder and meaning of Christmas through the eyes of a lovable camel.

Today we focus on the Candle of Hope. This candle reminds us that God’s promises aren’t just history, they are pointing us toward a future yet to come. Together, we’ll explore what it means to wait faithfully, to long for the Messiah’s return, and to live in the tension between the brokenness we see now and the glory that’s coming.

As we step into the season of Advent, we are reminded of God's unfailing promises and His divine plan unfolding through history. The Old Testament is rich with ancient prophecies that point to the coming of Christ, providing hope and anticipation for the Savior's arrival. Our passage this week foretells the birth of a child who will bring light to those in darkness, establishing a kingdom of peace and righteousness. We'll look closer at this ancient prophecy and see how it prepares our hearts for Christmas.

Thankfulness sounds simple, but how do we talk about gratitude when life feels heavy, confusing, or unfair? Especially coming off a message about tragedy, the idea of giving thanks can feel like mixing oil and water. But scripture calls us to be thankful in every circumstance, not because of them. In this message, we’ll explore how shifting our focus from the size of our problems to the greatness of our God can transform gratitude from something forced into something natural and real.

Life’s hardest moments often leave us asking, “Why would God allow this?” In this message we'll discover how Jesus never promised a life free from pain, but He did promise peace and victory in the midst of it. Join us as we explore how the darkness of Friday and the silence of Saturday gave way to the victory of Sunday morning — and how that same hope can carry us through our own times of loss and heartbreak.

As we celebrate our church's centennial, we are reminded of God's unwavering faithfulness through the years. Just as Joshua 4:19-24 recounts the Israelites setting up stones to remember God’s help, we too reflect on how He has guided and blessed our community. Join us in honoring this milestone, as we give thanks for the past and look forward with hope and trust in His continued presence.

This final sermon in James highlights the Christian call to pursue heavenly riches and God's presence over earthly comfort and wealth. James 5 emphasizes the power and importance of prayer in every season—whether in trouble, joy, or sickness. We’re reminded that even great figures like Elijah were ordinary people who saw extraordinary answers because they pursued God earnestly. The message challenges us to deepen our prayer life, knowing that when we draw near to God, He draws near to us—and our prayers can be powerful and effective.

This sermon from James 4 explores the deep connection between our actions and the desires of our hearts. Just as water naturally flows downhill, our lives follow the direction of our strongest desires, making lasting change difficult without heart transformation. James teaches that outward behaviors won’t truly change unless we first submit our hearts to God and realign our desires with His. Through humility, repentance, and drawing near to God, we can experience the transformation needed to overcome sin and live in freedom.

In James 3, we are reminded of the incredible influence our words can have. The tongue, small yet mighty, is likened to a fire capable of setting entire lives afire with its destructive power. While taming the tongue may feel as daunting as breaking a wild mustang, it’s vital to remember that our words were never intended to inflict harm. Though no human can tame the tongue alone, transformation is possible through God's wisdom and power. Only He can guide us to turn our speech from a source of destruction to one of peace and healing. Let us seek His help in using our words wisely and lovingly.

As we delve into James 1:19-2:26 this week, we are reminded of the powerful connection between faith and actions. James emphasizes that true faith is not just about hearing the Word but also living it out through our deeds. This passage challenges us to reflect on how our actions align with our faith. Are we quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry? Let us strive to show our faith by what we do, demonstrating love and compassion in our daily lives.

Sometimes followers of Jesus can fall for a powerful and destructive lie. This lie says that if we follow Jesus, we’ll no longer have trouble and trials. Now we may recognize with our mind that this is a lie… after all Jesus himself says “In this world you will have trouble” (John 16:33, NIV). But sometimes our heart can be fooled and blindsided when we encounter trials and hardship. This Sunday, we will explore James 1:1-18, which reminds us of the strength and perseverance that come through faith. James encourages believers to view trials as opportunities for growth. By facing challenges with patience and wisdom, we allow our faith to mature and gain deeper understanding. Join us in reflecting on how these verses can inspire us to embrace life's difficulties and lean on God's wisdom.

The Lord’s answer to Job is supposed to feel overwhelming. It’s like being hit by a water cannon that knocks us to the ground. So why does God go full water cannon on Job? It’s because Job sees his problems as being bigger than God (as if God is not all powerful). It’s because Job thinks that if he can’t understand why God would do something then there must not be a good reason (as if God is not all knowing). It’s because Job thinks God must be busy somewhere else and must have missed him (as if God is not omnipresent). And so Job needs a water cannon to understand just how big our God is. He needs the water canon to understand just how small his problems are in comparison to God... and sometimes we need this water canon too.

This week's message focuses on the role of Job's friends. As we read, we see how they initially come to comfort Job in his time of suffering. However, their well-meaning attempts to explain his misfortune reveal the complexities of providing support during difficult times. We’ll contemplate how we can be better friends by listening and offering empathy, rather than quick answers or judgments. Join us as we explore the balance between offering advice and simply being present for those we care about.

This week's message focuses on the first two chapters of Job, highlighting the character of Job as a man who was blameless and upright. Job is described as someone who feared God and shunned evil, setting an example of integrity and faithfulness. Join us as we explore how Job's steadfastness in his relationship with God can inspire us in our own spiritual journeys.

There are three primary types of wisdom in the Bible. There is the Proverbs style wisdom that describes the way the world ought to work. There is the Ecclesiastes style of wisdom that explores the significance and meaning of life. Then there is the Job style of wisdom for when all other wisdom fails. In this series on Job we’ll explore the wisdom God has for us when we do the right things, for the right reasons, and yet everything seems to go sideways.

On the day Jesus goes to the cross, we see Peter deny Jesus three times. To deny someone once might be an accident. To deny someone twice is pretty bad. But to deny someone three times seems beyond redemption. In John 21, we witness a Peter who feels that he has forfeited his right to be a follower of Jesus. Peter feels like he has betrayed and destroyed his relationship with Jesus beyond repair. Hence, Peter returns to his life pre-Jesus. We find Peter out on a boat fishing. This passage outlines Peter’s redemption and transformation from humiliation into hope. Jesus simultaneously replays Peter’s betrayal (standing by a fire denying Jesus three times) and Peter’s calling story (calling him from fishing to come follow Him). As we look at Peter’s story we’ll witness how Jesus can redeem and transform our own stories from humiliation into hope.