Iowa City Church Podcast

In this sermon we continue our summer sermon series, Come Follow Me, as we journey through the Gospel of Mark. In Mark 4, Jesus tells one of His most well-known parables—the Parable of the Soils. While the seed remains the same, the condition of the soil determines whether it takes root and produces a harvest. Through this simple yet powerful story, Jesus invites us to look beyond the surface and examine the condition of our own hearts. As we follow Jesus together, we'll discover that the greatest obstacle to spiritual growth isn't the power of God's Word—it's our willingness to receive it. Is our faith becoming shallow? Are the worries and distractions of life choking out what God wants to do in us? Or are we cultivating hearts that are ready to hear, trust, and obey? Join us this Sunday as we discover what it means to become the kind of people who bear lasting fruit for the Kingdom of God.

In this episode of Come Follow Me, we continue our journey through the Gospel of Mark by exploring one of the most surprising aspects of Jesus' ministry: the people He chose to follow Him. When the long-awaited Messiah arrived and the Kingdom of God broke into the world, Jesus didn't begin by recruiting kings, religious elites, or cultural influencers. Instead, He called ordinary fishermen and working-class people to become His first disciples. Why would Jesus build His Kingdom through a group of blue-collar fishermen? What did He see in them that others overlooked? As we examine Mark's account, we discover that Jesus has always delighted in using ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary purposes. His invitation was not based on status, power, or credentials, but on a willingness to trust Him and follow Him. This message is a powerful reminder that the same Jesus who called fishermen on the shores of Galilee is still calling people today. No matter your background, abilities, or past, Jesus invites you to join His mission and be part of what He is doing in the world.

In a world filled with bad news, uncertainty, and endless distractions, the Gospel of Mark opens with the greatest news ever announced: Jesus Christ has come. In this message, we launch our summer series, Come Follow Me, by exploring the life-changing good news that stands at the center of the Christian faith. Discover why Jesus is the answer to our deepest needs for hope, forgiveness, purpose, and peace, and why His invitation still echoes today: "Come, follow Me." Whether you're a longtime believer or simply exploring faith, this message will challenge and encourage you to take your next step with Jesus.

I was baptized as a baby—is that enough? In this message, we explore one of the most common and sensitive questions people ask about faith and baptism. Rather than relying on tradition or personal experience, we turn to Scripture to discover God's purpose and design for baptism. Join us as we examine what the Bible teaches, why baptism matters, and how understanding God's Word can bring greater confidence in our relationship with Jesus Christ. Whether you're exploring this question for yourself or seeking to better understand a different perspective, this message offers biblical clarity, grace, and encouragement.

What happens when we die? It's one of life's biggest questions—and one that every person must eventually face. In this message from our Asking For a Friend series, we explore what the Bible teaches about life after death, why the resurrection of Jesus changes everything, and how the promise of eternity reshapes the way we live today. Discover the hope, confidence, and assurance that followers of Jesus can have in the face of death. Because of Christ, death is not the end of the story—it is the doorway to something far greater.

Many Christians wonder, "If I follow Jesus, why do I still struggle?" In this message from Luke 5, we discover that Jesus didn't come for people who have it all together—He came for people who know they need Him. Explore the difference between forgiveness and transformation, and find hope that God is patiently at work bringing healing and change to every area of our lives.

In this message from our Asking For A Friend series, we tackle one of the most difficult and emotional questions people wrestle with: Why would a loving God allow hell to exist? Looking closely at the teachings of Jesus, this sermon explores what hell is, why it exists, and how God's justice and love work together. Most importantly, this message points us to the hope of the gospel and the heart of a God who desires people to be saved through Jesus Christ.

Why does a good God allow evil and suffering? If God is all-powerful, couldn't He stop it? And if He loves us, why doesn't He? In Part 5 of our Asking For A Friend series, we wrestle with one of the most difficult and personal questions people ask about faith. This message explores what the Bible teaches about evil, suffering, free will, and the heart of God toward those who are hurting. Whether you're walking through pain yourself or trying to help someone who is, this conversation offers biblical truth, honest perspective, and lasting hope.

In this sermon podcast we tackle one of the most important—and often misunderstood—questions of the Christian faith: What's the deal with the Trinity? In a culture where God is often reduced to a vague feeling or distant idea, the Bible reveals something far more personal and powerful. God is not just one being to believe in—He is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit: one God in a perfect community of love. And what you believe about God doesn't just shape your theology—it shapes your entire life. Join us as we explore how the Trinity isn't just a doctrine to understand, but a relationship to step into. Through Jesus, you can truly know God. Through His sacrifice, you are invited into His family. And through the Spirit, God is with you right now. Whether you've been following Jesus for years or you're still exploring faith, this message will help you see God more clearly—and experience His love more deeply. We hope you find this helpful!

In Part 3 of our Asking For a Friend series, we explore a question that continues to surface in conversations about faith: Don't all religions lead to God? It's an honest and important question—one that deserves thoughtful, biblical clarity. Whether you've wrestled with this personally or are engaging with others who are exploring what they believe, this message will help you better understand what Jesus teaches and why it matters. Daniel McCoy, our worship minister and a regular part of our teaching team, brings a clear and compelling perspective to this topic—pointing us to the truth that leads to life.

*]:pointer-events-auto [content-visibility:auto] supports-[content-visibility:auto]:[contain-intrinsic-size:auto_100lvh] R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" data-turn-id= "request-WEB:97e308ed-7690-47b1-983f-b02812c825c6-2" data-testid= "conversation-turn-6" data-scroll-anchor="false" data-turn= "assistant"> In this sermon podcast, we launch a brand new sermon series called Asking For a Friend—where we take on some of the toughest and most honest questions people are asking about life and faith. And we're starting with a big one: Can I trust the Bible? Whether you've wrestled with that question yourself or know someone who has, this is a conversation that really matters. We believe the Bible is God's Word to us—our foundation for how we live, think, and follow Jesus—but is it actually trustworthy? In this message, we explore three key reasons we can trust the Bible: its accuracy, its reliability, and its relevance for our lives today. If you've ever had doubts, questions, or simply want a clearer understanding of Scripture, this conversation is for you.

What if the resurrection of Jesus isn't just something we celebrate once a year—but something that reshapes how we live every single day? In this message, we wrestle with a big and honest question: Can a rational, intellectually honest person really believe that Jesus rose from the dead? And if the answer is yes, then it leads to an even more personal question: What does that mean for my life? Together, we explore the historical reality of Jesus—His life, His crucifixion, and the claim of the empty tomb—and consider the implications if it's all true. Because if Jesus really did rise from the dead, then this isn't just a story—it's the turning point of history. It means hope is real. It means your past doesn't have the final word. It means your life can be transformed. No matter how uncertain things may feel, the story doesn't end in fear—it ends in resurrection.

Have you ever noticed how much space God takes up in the book of Exodus? After rescuing Israel from slavery, God gives detailed instructions for building the tabernacle—a sacred place where his presence would dwell among his people. From the garden of Eden, to the tabernacle, and ultimately to Jesus, the story of the Bible reveals something remarkable: God desires to live in relationship with us. He doesn't stay distant—he draws near. In this message, we explore how Jesus is the true tabernacle—the place where God meets with his people—and what it means to intentionally make space for his presence in our lives today. In a world where our schedules, attention, and hearts easily become crowded, we're confronted with a simple but powerful question: Are we making space for Jesus? Join us as we open God's Word and discover what it looks like to center our lives around the presence of God.

*]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" tabindex="-1" data-turn-id= "request-WEB:6a15e48a-3181-4d25-804b-e0d5a142895e-0" data-testid= "conversation-turn-2" data-scroll-anchor="true" data-turn= "assistant"> Well, that didn't take long. Just weeks after entering into a covenant with the God who rescued them from slavery, the Israelites turn away and bow down to a golden calf. It's easy to read that story and wonder how they could fall so quickly. But the deeper question is this: Is idolatry just an ancient problem—or do we still struggle with it today? In this message, we explore what the golden calf reveals about the human heart and why we are so prone to replace God with lesser things. As we continue our journey through Exodus, we'll discover God's call to return to wholehearted devotion—even in a world full of competing idols.      

In this message from Exodus 19, we explore one of the most important moments in Israel's story—when God meets His people at Mount Sinai and clearly defines what a relationship with Him looks like. Before giving commands, God reminds Israel of His grace: He rescued them from slavery, carried them through the wilderness, and brought them to Himself. Then He invites them into a covenant relationship where they will be His treasured possession, a kingdom of priests, and a holy nation. Just as every meaningful relationship eventually asks the question, "What are we?", God also calls us to define our relationship with Him. Through Jesus, the new covenant makes that relationship clearer than ever. The question we're left with is simple but profound: God has defined His relationship toward us—how will we define our relationship with Him?

In this sermon we'll be walking through Exodus 15–17 and discovering an important truth: the wilderness isn't about comfort—it's about becoming God's people. After rescuing Israel from Egypt, God didn't lead them straight into ease. He led them into testing. Not to harm them, but to shape them. In the same way, God often uses seasons of difficulty in our lives to form our trust, deepen our dependence, and shape our hearts to love Him more fully. If you've ever wondered why God allows certain struggles or why the journey feels harder than expected, this message will encourage you. God is not distant in the wilderness—He is forming you there. Join us as we open God's Word, and allow Him to continue shaping us into the people He has redeemed us to be.

In this sermon we continue our important series through the book of Exodus. When we read about something amazing in the Bible--like God parting the sea and leading former slaves to freedom--how should we respond? Is it mainly something that should make us feel good? Is it a hint that God wants to part the seas in our life--winning the battles we hope to win? As we walk through Exodus 14, we will look at what the parting of the Red Sea really does mean for our lives. 

In this sermon we explore Exodus 11–12, a powerful story of God's rescue and mercy. In a moment of great fear and uncertainty, God made a way for His people to be saved and brought out of slavery. This passage reminds us that the Lord sees His people, knows their suffering, and faithfully provides deliverance when there seems to be no way forward. We'll also look to Jesus, the Lamb of God, whose blood was shed so that judgment would pass over us and new life could begin. Whether you're feeling weary, uncertain, or longing for hope, in this sermon we want to provide a space to hear again of God's grace and to be reminded that our safety and salvation are found in trusting Him. We would love for you to worship with us as we sing, pray, and listen for what God wants to speak into our lives.

God's people often find themselves in moments that feel overwhelming and impossible. When Moses obeyed God and confronted Pharaoh, the result was not immediate freedom, but deeper hardship: the same number of bricks, now without straw. Many of us know what that feels like. What do we do when following God seems to make life harder, not easier? In this sermon, we'll look at how God meets His people in seasons of exhaustion and frustration, and how we can continue to trust and follow Him—even when we feel we have nothing left.

In this sermon we are continuing our sermon series through Exodus with part two of the story. We'll look closely at Moses' reluctance to step into God's mission for his life—leading God's people out of slavery. Even after God promised to be with him and to work powerfully through him, Moses was convinced God had chosen the wrong person. His plea was simple and honest: "Please send someone else." At the heart of Moses' hesitation is something many of us can relate to. Before this moment, Moses had already tried to rescue his people—and he had failed badly. What do we do when God calls us to something we've already failed at? Listen to this teaching and discover how God meets us in our fear, our doubt, and even our past failures.

As we step into a new year, we're asking an honest and important question: What does it really mean to follow Jesus? In this sermon we'll look at Jesus' words to the church in Laodicea in Revelation 3—a loving but challenging call to move beyond comfortable, halfway faith and into a life of full surrender. Whether 2025 was a year of joy, struggle, growth, or disappointment, this message speaks directly to where we are and where Jesus is inviting us to go next. Following Him was never meant to be "part-way"—it's an all-in invitation to real transformation, freedom, and life with Him. You'll hear a hopeful and grace-filled reminder that Jesus doesn't walk away from us when we struggle—He stands at the door and knocks. He offers forgiveness, clarity, rest, and renewal to anyone willing to open the door and follow Him fully. If you've felt spiritually stuck, lukewarm, or ready for something different this year, we would love for you to give a listen to this encouraging and challenging teaching about what it means to really follow Jesus. 

In this sermon we're launching a brand-new Christmas series called Seeing Christmas with Fresh Eyes, and we're kicking it off by looking at a story we think we already know—Mary's. We've heard the Christmas story so many times that we forget how shocking, unexpected, and downright messy it really was. But when we pause and look again with fresh eyes, we discover a God who writes stories differently than we would… and a God we can trust even when our own lives take sharp, unexpected turns. Mary's encounter with the angel wasn't calm or polished—it was confusing, frightening, and full of consequences she didn't choose. Yet in the middle of her questions, she anchored herself to one unshakeable truth: "For no word from God will ever fail." And with remarkable faith, she prayed, "I am the Lord's servant. May Your word to me be fulfilled." Her response reminds us that when life feels unpredictable or overwhelming, we can hold tightly to what God has spoken over us—His promises, His character, and His unfailing love.  

Thanks for joining us as we continue our series Our Church, exploring what it looks like to live as disciples of Jesus and make an eternal impact with our time, talents, and resources. In this sermon, we'll focus on the spiritual discipline of generosity—discovering how the way we use what God has given us reveals whose Kingdom we really belong to.

This week on the Iowa City Church sermon podcast, we continue our Our Church series with a message called "Shaped for a Purpose." In this sermon, we explore how God has uniquely designed each of us—through our Spiritual gifts, Heart, Abilities, Personality, and Experiences—to live a life of meaningful service. When we discover our SHAPE, we begin to understand the specific calling God has placed on our lives. You'll hear how Jesus modeled purposeful service and why embracing the way God crafted you leads to deeper joy, clearer direction, and a more vibrant faith. The big idea of the message is simple but powerful: "Discover your SHAPE, boldly embrace your calling, and experience the joy of living on purpose with Jesus." If you're longing to understand how God can use your everyday life to make a real difference, this is a message you won't want to miss. Tune in and be encouraged to step into the purpose God created you for.

In this episode of the Iowa City Church Podcast, we continue our Our Church series by focusing on one of the most vital yet often misunderstood spiritual disciplines—repentance. Repentance isn't just a one-time decision to follow Jesus; it's a daily practice of turning our hearts back to Him so that His Spirit can shape us into His likeness. As followers of Jesus, we're called to holiness—a life set apart for God. That transformation happens as we regularly recognize our sin, confess it, and return to Christ's grace. In this message, we'll explore how repentance leads not to guilt or shame, but to renewal, restoration, and growth in Christlikeness. 🎧 Listen to this week's message to learn how to practice repentance in your everyday life through honest confession, community accountability, and the Lord's Supper—a rhythm that continually draws us back to the cross. Be encouraged and challenged by this powerful truth: holiness grows where repentance is practiced.

Created to Worship Worship isn't just something we do on Sundays—it's a way of life that centers our hearts on God's greatness and reminds us who we are in Christ. In this message, Daniel McCoy helps us explore what it means to worship "in spirit and in truth" and how this rhythm of worship transforms our daily walk with Jesus. Whether you're a longtime believer or simply curious about following Christ, this teaching is a powerful reminder that we were created to worship—and when we do, God meets us in ways that renew and strengthen our souls. From our "Our Church" series at Iowa City Church.

Abiding in Prayer Life can sometimes feel like we're paddling hard against the wind—trying our best but getting nowhere. Yet God never intended for us to move through life on our own strength. In this message, Pastor Tom reminds us that prayer is how we lift the sails of our hearts to catch the power and direction of the Holy Spirit. Discover how to move from striving to abiding, and experience the peace and strength that come when we stop paddling and start praying. From our "Our Church" series at Iowa City Church.

🎙️ Sermon Podcast: "The Lord's Supper" — Part 7 of Our Church This week at Iowa City Church, we're focusing on one of the most meaningful practices Jesus gave His followers — the Lord's Supper. In this message, we'll discover why this sacred meal is central to our worship and how it helps us remember Jesus' sacrifice, renew our relationship with Him, and unite as one body. Whether you've been walking with Jesus for years or are just beginning to explore faith, this message will remind you of the grace that saves and sustains us. Join us as we open God's Word, lift our voices in praise, and reflect on the beauty of Communion together as a family of faith. 🕘 Recorded live at Iowa City Church — 9:00 & 10:30 a.m. services

We're diving into one of the most important parts of following Jesus — sharing the good news. Jesus calls us to be sowers of the gospel, but many of us wonder where to start or how to do it naturally. In this message, we'll unpack what it means to be a "sower" in today's world and how everyday moments — conversations, acts of kindness, and relationships — can become powerful opportunities for God to work through us. You'll also discover two simple, practical tools to help you share your faith with confidence and authenticity — no pressure, no awkwardness, just real conversations that point people to Jesus. Whether you've been following Christ for years or you're just beginning to share your faith, this message will encourage and equip you to join God's mission right here in Iowa City and beyond. 🌱

In this teaching from Iowa City Church we'll begin learning together how to share the gospel in simple, everyday ways. The first step isn't complicated—it's prayer. Before we talk about Jesus with anyone, we can begin by praying for them, asking God to open doors and prepare their hearts. Prayer is something we can all do, and it's where sharing the good news really begins. To learn more, give a listen to part four of Our Church.

In this episode, we continue our fall teaching series Our Church, where we're looking closely at who we are, what we believe, and how we live as a Jesus church in Iowa City. Each week has been about going deeper into what really defines us as God's people. In this sermon, we'll talk about one of the most powerful and defining moments in a Christian's life: baptism. Baptism isn't just a ritual or a tradition—it's the moment of clarity where we declare, without question, our allegiance to Jesus. It's how we draw the line, mark the relationship, and step forward into a new life with Him. Whether you've been following Jesus for years, or you're still exploring what faith means for you, this message will encourage and challenge you. Give a listen as we discover together what makes baptism such a beautiful and life-changing moment in our walk with Christ.

In this episode of Our Church, we continue exploring what makes the church unique—our purpose, our beliefs, our values, and our mission. This week we dive into what it means to be the light in the darkness, right here in Iowa City. Jesus gave us a clear mission: love God, love people, and make disciples. It may sound simple, but living it out has the power to transform lives and bring hope where it's needed most. We'll talk about how everyday faith, small acts of love, and living on mission with Jesus can push back the darkness in powerful ways. If you've ever wondered why the church matters or what role you can play in God's mission, this conversation is for you. Be encouraged, challenged, and inspired to shine the light of Christ in your family, your workplace, and your community.

Throughout this series, we are taking a closer look at what defines us as a church family and why those things matter. Last week we laid the foundation, and now we're excited to build on that as we move into part two. This week we'll be focusing on one of the most important questions for any church: Why is the Bible our primary authority? In a world filled with competing voices, opinions, and influences, we believe that God's Word provides the truth and guidance we need to shape how we live, how we serve, and how we operate as a church. Together we'll explore what the Bible says about its own authority and why trusting it makes all the difference in our faith and our community.

In this sermon launch a brand-new series called Our Church, where we'll explore who we are as a church family, what we value, and the mission God has called us to. We will begin with the truth that in God's Kingdom, it's the small things that make the biggest impact. Just like James Clear's story from Atomic Habits, we will see that lasting transformation doesn't come from one big moment, but from small, faithful habits practiced consistently. Jesus illustrated this with the parable of the mustard seed (Matthew 13:31–32), reminding us that what seems small in our eyes can grow into something much greater in God's hands. In Acts 2, we will look at how the very first church practiced these small but powerful rhythms: devotion to the apostles' teaching, fellowship, the breaking of bread, and prayer. These weren't religious checkboxes but life-giving habits that helped disciples stay connected to Jesus, be transformed by Him, and stay on mission with Him. When the early church devoted themselves to these rhythms, needs were met, communities were changed, and people came to know Jesus daily. The same will be true for us—our devotion to these practices is how God will grow His Kingdom through ordinary people like us. The challenge for us will be simple: don't just attend church—be the church. Commit yourself to learning from God's Word, building genuine fellowship, remembering Jesus through Communion, and practicing prayer. These may seem like small things, but in God's Kingdom, they are the big things. Just as the early church changed the world through devotion to these rhythms, God will bring transformation in your life, your family, our community, and beyond when we do the same. To learn how this can apply to your life, take a few minutes and check out, Being The Church. 

In this sermon we wrap up our August series, Does God Really Love Me? by talking about something that touches all of us at some point—anxiety. When life feels out of control and the world seems to be falling apart, it's easy to wonder if God really loves us or if He's even paying attention. But the good news of Scripture is that nothing can separate us from God's love in Christ Jesus. His love is steady, faithful, and unshakable—no matter what we face. If you've ever felt anxious, overwhelmed, or questioned God's goodness, you're not alone—and you won't want to miss this message. Together we'll look at how God's covenant love can bring peace even in the middle of life's storms. We'd love for you to to take a few minutes and listen to part five of Does God Really Love Me?  

Have you ever had those moments where you just don't like yourself very much? Maybe you replay past mistakes, wrestle with insecurities, or feel like you'll never measure up. I think we've all been there. And when we're stuck in that place, it's easy to wonder: If I can't love myself, how could God possibly love me? That's exactly what we're going to talk about this Sunday in our series Does God Really Love Me? with the message: Does God Really Love Me When I Can't Love Myself? I believe this is going to be a really encouraging sermon for you. We're going to look at what God actually says about His love for us—love that isn't based on how well we perform or how we feel about ourselves, but on who He is. My hope is that you'll walk away knowing deep down that God's love is bigger than your doubts and stronger than your struggles. I'd love for you to be there, and maybe even invite someone who needs this reminder too.

We've all been there. At some point in your walk with God, you've probably had questions. You've probably wondered why prayers seem unanswered, why life feels unfair, or why following Jesus can feel so hard in a world going a different direction. Those moments of doubt can be unsettling — not just because they shake our faith, but because they make us wonder, "Does God still love me if I'm not 100% sure about Him right now?" In This Sermon, we're going there. We're taking an honest look at doubt — what it is, why it happens, and why it doesn't make you a second-class Christian. From Thomas to Peter to John the Baptist, Scripture is full of people who wrestled with questions. And in every case, Jesus didn't push them away. He met them right in the middle of their uncertainty and reminded them of His love. Your doubts don't scare God, and they certainly don't disqualify you from His care. If you've ever questioned God's goodness, this one's for you. We'll discover together that God's love doesn't shrink when our faith shakes. In fact, those moments can become opportunities for God to reveal Himself in fresh, life-changing ways. To learn more, check out sermon number three in our series, Does God Really Love Me?

 In part two of our sermon series, we're diving into one of the most honest and necessary conversations the church can have: Does God really love me when I'm depressed and anxious? If you've ever felt the crushing weight of depression or the unshakable grip of anxiety, you know how hard it can be to believe that God hasn't walked away. Maybe you've asked yourself, If I were stronger in faith, I wouldn't feel this way… right? This message will break through the lies depression and anxiety whisper, replacing them with the unshakable truth of God's character and His unwavering love for you—no matter what you feel. Through real-life biblical examples like Elijah, David, Job, Jeremiah, and even Jesus, we'll see that God is not repelled by our pain—He meets us in it. We'll explore why so many believers mistake emotional numbness for spiritual distance, and how guilt and shame distort the truth of God's compassion. This isn't a sermon filled with pat answers or empty platitudes. It's an invitation to be honest with God, anchor your identity in Christ, lean into community, seek help without shame, and speak truth over your soul—practical steps rooted in Scripture that can help you experience His love in the darkest valleys. Whether you're in the thick of depression and anxiety yourself or you love someone who is, this message will equip you to see God's heart more clearly and respond with compassion instead of condemnation. We'll be reminded that feelings are not the foundation of faith—God's unchanging nature is. If you've been looking for hope, clarity, and a fresh reminder that you are never beyond the reach of His love, this sermon is for you. Remember, The absence of feeling is not the absence of God. His love is steady, even when your heart is shaky. 

With this sermon we kick off a brand new sermon series centered around one of the most common spiritual questions: Does God really love me, even when I've done bad things? Many people—Christians included—struggle with feelings of guilt, shame, or inadequacy that distort their view of God's love. Whether it's due to religious trauma, performance-based theology, or underdeveloped faith, these barriers can lead people to believe God only loves the "good" version of them. The pastor emphasizes the need to replace these unhealthy perspectives with the truth found in Scripture: God's love is unconditional and rooted in His character, not our behavior. Turning to Romans 5, the message unpacks the reality that God demonstrated His love for us while we were still sinners. Paul writes that even in our powerlessness, brokenness, and rebellion, Christ died for us. This isn't a hypothetical or symbolic gesture—it's a historical demonstration of divine love. The sermon uses this to challenge the belief that God's love is earned. Instead, love is poured out through grace, which we continually stand in as we walk with Jesus—even amid suffering, struggle, or failure. This grace-based relationship produces hope, character, and a deeper experience of God's love, regardless of past mistakes. To move forward in that love, we will discover practical steps rooted in Scripture: giving allegiance to Jesus, practicing godly repentance, and regularly confessing sin. Through these actions, believers are reminded of their secure standing in Christ—free from condemnation and alive in the Spirit.

We continue our sermon series Summer in the Sand, where we explore how God works in the lives of people navigating sandy and difficult places—just like He did throughout Scripture. From the Israelites wandering the desert to prophets and apostles sent on uncertain journeys, the wilderness has always been a place of challenge and transformation. In this series, we're discovering that God is still at work in our lives today, even when the path ahead seems unclear or uncomfortable. In this sermon, we journey with Philip in Acts chapter 8 as he heads out on the road to Gaza. There, he encounters an Ethiopian dignitary wrestling with questions about God. In a seemingly random moment, God orchestrates a divine appointment that leads to life-changing transformation. Just like Philip, we too are called into unfamiliar or inconvenient situations—places where we may not understand the "why" but are asked to trust and obey. Will we be open to God's leading, or will we cling to comfort and miss His power at work? 

In this episode we continue our sermon series, Summer in the Sand: learning from wilderness journeys in the Bible. For this sermon we will move to the sandy wilderness near the city of Nineveh where the Old Testament prophet Jonah, still recovering from his traumatic fishing story, contemplates his next move.  God had called the prophet Jonah to preach a message of repentance to the city of Nineveh, a place filled with people he deeply despised. Jonah resisted, not because he feared failure, but because he feared success—he knew that if the Ninevites repented, God would show them mercy, and that thought was unbearable to him. Yet God's lesson to Jonah was clear: His love and compassion extend to all people, even those we consider enemies. Jonah's story confronts us with a tough question—do we struggle with the same problem? Is it difficult for us to love those who have wronged us, even when God's heart is for their redemption? If God loves our enemies enough to pursue them with grace, shouldn't we at least be willing to do the same? This is a difficult teaching, but one that could radically transform your faith. Take a few minutes and check out Jonah chapter four and see what God wants you to do.

In this episode we continue our sermon series, Summer in the Sand: learning from wilderness journeys in the Bible. For this sermon, our ministry resident Gabe Solis preaches about Israel's wilderness wanderings in the sand as described in the Old Testament book of Exodus. After rescuing Israel from slavery in Egypt, God didn't lead them straight to the Promised Land—instead, He led them into the wilderness. This was no accident. The wilderness was God's chosen place for transformation, where He would teach His people to trust Him fully and obey His voice. Away from the security of Egypt and the distractions of the world, Israel had to rely on God for everything—food, water, direction, and protection. In that barren place, God revealed His faithfulness and tested their hearts, not to punish them, but to grow their relationship with Him. The wilderness was where God shaped them into His people, calling them to walk by faith, not by sight. It sounds like things haven't changed. God continues to lead his people; you and me, into the "wilderness" so that He can shape us into His people. To discover what this can look like in your life check out Gabe's sermon, we know you'll find it to be helpful!

In this episode, we continue our sermon series, Summer in the Sand: learning from wilderness journeys in the Bible. In this edition, we find Moses wandering around the wilderness sand of Midian tending his father-in-law's sheep. While plodding through the sand, far from the power and prestige of Egypt, God called him through a burning bush to lead His people out of slavery. Though Moses felt inadequate and unsure, God assured him that He would be with him and would equip him for the task. In the same way, God often calls Christians while they are going about their everyday lives, and though the mission may seem overwhelming, He promises to provide the strength, guidance, and resources needed to fulfill His purpose. God's call always comes with His provision, and He equips those He calls. To learn more, check out Travis Roehm's teaching from the book of Exodus.

This is the first sermon in brand new sermon series, Summer in the Sand: learning from wilderness journeys in the Bible. Of course summer is the time when we all take vacation road trips--and some of those journeys might be long, through desolate barren landscapes (Nebraska anyone?). We ultimately know our vacation destination is going to be amazing, however the trek through the wilderness may not be.    We've all had those types of seasons in our lives. We set out on a journey, with a dream destination in mind, however the road to get there is literally a nightmare! Even more unsettling is the fact that it appears God led you into that wilderness. Why would he do such a thing? What are we supposed to learn? Is there a way to finally reach the Promise Land? If this describes your journey, you will greatly benefit from hanging out with us this summer as we look at different people throughout the Bible who learned some valuable lessons from their summer in the sand. To learn more, listen to one of our elders, Jerry Anthony teach on trusting God when it doesn't make sense. 

In this sermon we wrap up our study of how God provides key resources to help develop fresh faith. This last resource is consistently overlooked, yet it's vital in developing something new in our faith journey. The resource? People. And not just any person, but the specific people God puts in each of our paths. As much as we want to think of faith as personal, it's not. Faith doesn't grow in isolation, but through the relationships God divinely orchestrates in our lives. Throughout Scripture and our own journeys, we see how God places the right people at the right time to encourage, challenge, and sharpen our walk with Jesus. Whether it's a mentor who speaks truth, a friend who models Christ-like love, or even a stranger who offers timely encouragement, these relationships are not accidental—they are purposeful. God uses these divine connections to teach us, stretch us, and strengthen our trust in Him. As we recognize and embrace the people God brings into our lives, we begin to see His hand at work in deeper ways, and our faith grows as a result. To discover what God is calling you to do so that your faith can grow, check out episode number five of New: Growing Fresh Faith. 

One of the most important aspects of serving God in ministry is that is provides an essential platform for faith in Him to grow. This happens because ministry moves belief into action, allowing Christians to experience God's work firsthand. As followers of Jesus step out of their comfort zones to serve others, they learn to rely more deeply on the Holy Spirit for strength, wisdom, and guidance. Ministry also exposes believers to real-life challenges and opportunities to love, forgive, and lead like Christ, refining their character and deepening their dependence on God. Through service, Christians not only bless others but are themselves shaped and strengthened in their walk with Christ.  To discover what God is calling you to do so that you faith can grow, give a listen to part four of New, Growing Fresh Faith. 

One of the most important elements of developing fresh faith always leads back to discipline--no one likes to admit it, yet we all know it's true. Discipline is required for there to be any type of growth in our lives; fresh finances, improved physical wellness, emotional or relational health...all of them are dependent upon discipline. As much as we want our faith to be this spontaneous, passionate, organic thing...it just isn't. Faith is developed with spiritual disciplines. A spiritual discipline is a behavior modification that you intentionally  incorporate into your life to better connect with God. What spiritual disciplines do you currently utilize?   Spiritual disciplines are essential for a growing faith in God because they create intentional habits that draw believers closer to Him and deepen their relationship with Christ. Through practices like prayer, Scripture reading, worship, and fasting, individuals cultivate spiritual awareness, strengthen their trust in God, and align their lives with His will. These disciplines help shape character, provide spiritual stability, and foster a deeper dependence on God's presence and guidance, especially during seasons of challenge or doubt. In nurturing these habits, believers grow in maturity and faithfulness, becoming more rooted in God's truth and love. To discover what Jesus says about spiritual disciplines and how they can be a blessing in your life check out episode three of our New series.

For something to grow it's essential for there to be space. Whether it's plants in a garden or buying a toddler new clothes, we always know that we need to make space for growth. For there to be fresh growth in our faith we need to make space for God! However the question then pops up: What is God going to do with that space we create for Him? Jesus helps answer that question with this instruction- "If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you." ~ John 15:7 God's Word needs to fill that space in our lives for our faith to grow. Biblical teaching is essential for deepening one's Christian faith because it provides the foundational truths and guidance necessary for spiritual growth and maturity. Through Scripture, believers gain a clearer understanding of God's character, His promises, and His will for their lives. It equips them to discern truth from error, strengthens their relationship with Christ, and inspires them to live out their faith with conviction and purpose. By regularly engaging with biblical teaching, Christians are not only reminded of God's faithfulness throughout history but are also encouraged to trust Him more fully in their own daily walk.