PODCAST · religion
Merge.Church
by Merge.Church
Welcome to our podcast of Merge.Church in Van Buren, Arkansas, led by Pastor Jacob Howell. We desire to help everyone, everywhere discover new life in Christ by creating a warm and welcoming family home where you can feel the love and forgiveness that Jesus offers to all. Wherever you are today, we pray that you would be encouraged, challenged, and inspired to take your NEXT STEP in you relationship with Jesus. For more information, visit https://merge.church/
Episodes
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LOVE | Part 2 | Pastor Jacob Howell
In part two of this three-part series - KNOW. LOVE. LIVE. - the message emphasizes that true love is a sacrificial choice to serve others rather than a fleeting emotion. Drawing from the imagery of Jesus washing His disciples' feet in John 13, the message highlights that believers must first be...
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KNOW | Part 1 | Pastor Jacob Howell
As Merge celebrates its ninth anniversary, we kick off a new three-part series unpacking our core mission: to KNOW, LOVE, and LIVE for Christ. Week 1 focuses on what it means to truly know God personally, reminding us that eternal life is a relationship with Jesus rather than just knowing facts...
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Joseph | Part 6 | Pastor Jacob Howell
In part 6 of “Joseph,” the message explores how God lovingly confronts the unresolved issues in our lives that He intends to redeem. Just as a car's warning light should not be ignored, we cannot simply bury our past and expect it to heal on its own. Through the reunion of Joseph and his…
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Joseph | Part 5 | Pastor Jacob Howell
In Genesis 41, Joseph’s journey from the prison to the palace reminds us that God is always working—even when we can’t see His timing or understand His route. Through forgetfulness, failure, faithfulness, and frankness, Joseph learns to trust God’s providence and remain ready for the moment God...
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Joseph | Part 4 | Pastor Jacob Howell
In Part 4 of our series on Joseph, we explore how our decisions shape the direction of our lives—even when our circumstances are outside of our control. Joseph’s story reminds us that difficult seasons don’t cancel God’s purpose, and that faithfulness means choosing obedience even when the…
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Joseph | Part 3 | Pastor Jacob Howell
In Part 3 of our series on Joseph, we see that being in an unwanted place doesn’t mean we’re in an abandoned place. Even as a slave in Egypt, “the Lord was with Joseph,” using both favor and hardship to prepare him for what was ahead. Joseph’s story challenges us to be faithful in every season,...
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Joseph | Part 2 | Pastor Jacob Howell
In Part 2 of the Joseph series, we see how visible character can provoke opposition, rejection, and even hatred. Joseph’s story challenges us to remain faithful to God rather than living for approval, comfort, or acceptance. We also confront the danger of a calloused heart—learning to see people...
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Joseph | Part 1 | Pastor Jacob Howell
In Part 1 of this series, we look at Genesis 37 and the power of allegiance to shape our character. Joseph’s story reminds us that our true allegiance is revealed not by what we claim, but by where we go, what we protect, and whose voice we obey. As Joseph’s character is being built, his…
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Thessalonians | Part 14 | Pastor Jacob Howell
In the final words of 1 Thessalonians, Paul calls us to live with a Spirit-open life—one that listens, discerns, obeys, and trusts God’s transforming work. We may resist the Spirit, but God remains faithful to sanctify us through and through. The goal isn’t simply to be used by God, but to become...
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Thessalonians | Part 13 | Pastor Michael Wilburn
In 1 Thessalonians 5:12–18, Paul gives the church practical instructions for how to live in community: honor those who lead, care for people according to their needs, choose grace over revenge, and stay connected to God through rejoicing, prayer, and gratitude. This message challenges us to…
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Thessalonians | Part 12 | Pastor Jacob Howell
In Part 12 of our 1 Thessalonians series, we discover that the Christian life is a spiritual battle that was never meant to be fought alone. Looking at Ephesians 6 and 1 Thessalonians 5, this message explores how prayer keeps us connected to our Commander, encouragement keeps us connected to our...
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Thessalonians | Part 11 | Pastor Jacob Howell
In this sermon, we explore how God equips believers to stand firm when fear, doubt, temptation, and discouragement come. Discover the power of the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, the sword of the Spirit, and a life of continual prayer—remembering that we don't fight for victory, but…
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Thessalonians | Part 10 | Pastor Jacob Howell
In 1 Thessalonians 5, Paul reminds us that we are called to live awake—not afraid. As believers, we face a real spiritual battle, but God has not left us defenseless. Discover how the armor of God equips us to stand firm through truth, righteousness, and the peace of the gospel. Welcome to our...
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Thessalonians | Part 9 | Pastor Jacob Howell
In Part 9 of our 1 Thessalonians series, we explore the reality of spiritual warfare through 1 Thessalonians 5:1–11. While the enemy is real, he is not equal to God. Learn how Satan's strategies of deception, doubt, denial, and defiance pull us away from Christ—and how God's truth, love, and hope...
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Thessalonians | Part 8 | Pastor Jacob Howell
In this message from 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18, we explore the hope believers have in the face of death through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Discover how the promise of eternity transforms the way we grieve, live, and view heaven. Be encouraged to fix your eyes on what is eternal, find...
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Thessalonians | Part 7 | Pastor Cody Collier
What does a healthy Christian life look like? In this message from 1 Thessalonians 4:1–12, we explore Paul's challenge to keep growing "more and more" in our walk with Christ. Discover how God calls us to pursue holiness, love others deeply, and live a faithful life that points people to Jesus....
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Thessalonians | Part 6 | Pastor Jacob Howell
In Part 6 of our 1 Thessalonians series, we explore Paul's encouragement to a young church that remained faithful under pressure. This message reminds us that steady faith still matters, God continues to grow what is lacking in us, and Christ calls us to a love that overflows into the lives of...
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Thessalonians | Part 5 | Pastor Jacob Howell
In this message from 1 Thessalonians 3:1–5, we discover how to stand firm when faith is tested. Paul’s love for the Thessalonian church led him to sacrifice his own comfort so they could be strengthened in Christ. Through his example, we learn three powerful truths: we give up what we love for…
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Thessalonians | Part 4 | Pastor Jacob Howell
In Part 4 of our 1 Thessalonians series, we explore Paul’s model for God-honoring ministry—a ministry marked by compassion, conviction, commitment, and confidence in God’s Word. Drawing from 1 Thessalonians 2:7–16, we learn how believers are called to care for others with the tenderness of a...
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Thessalonians | Part 3 | Pastor Jacob Howell
In this message from 1 Thessalonians 2:1–12, we explore Paul’s model for faithful gospel ministry: boldness in suffering, integrity in motive, and gentleness in relationships. Even in the face of opposition, Paul remained courageous because his confidence was rooted in God, not circumstances. He...
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Thessalonians | Part 2 | Pastor Cody Collier
This message from 1 Thessalonians challenges believers to live with integrity by aligning their actions with their words. Through Paul’s example, we see that true gospel impact comes from holy living, sacrificial service, and faithfully standing firm through opposition. When God’s Word is…
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Thessalonians | Part 1 | Pastor Jacob Howell
Gratitude isn’t just a feeling—it’s a gateway to gospel transformation. In this message through 1 Thessalonians 1, we explore how thankful prayer, the power of the Holy Spirit, and deep conviction lead to lives that are visibly changed by Jesus. Welcome to our podcast of Merge.Church in Van…
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Mother's Day | Pastor Jacob Howell
Celebrate Mother’s Day with a powerful message about choosing life, sowing purposeful seeds, and trusting God over fear and feelings. This sermon explores how our choices shape our future, how faithfulness in difficult seasons produces a harvest, and how God’s truth is greater than our emotions.…
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Face to Face | Part 4 | Pastor Michael Wilburn
In this message, we see Jesus restore Peter after his failure, showing that our mistakes are never greater than God’s love and forgiveness. Instead of shame, Jesus offers grace, meets us where we are, and calls us forward with purpose. No matter our past, He invites us back into the...
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Face to Face | Part 3 | Pastor Jacob Howell
In this message, we explore John 21 and the moment the disciples return to fishing—only to come up empty. This message speaks to seasons where what once worked no longer does, reminding us that being busy doesn’t always mean being fruitful. Through Jesus’ simple instruction, we see that...
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Face to Face | Part 2 | Pastor Jacob Howell
In moments of confusion, doubt, and uncertainty, Jesus meets us with peace—not answers first, but His presence. In this message from Luke 24, we see how Jesus steps into chaos, welcomes our doubts, and invites us to experience what’s real. Even when it feels too good to believe, He’s drawing us...
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Face to Face | Part 1 | Pastor Jacob Howell
In this message, we explore how Jesus meets us in our disappointment and reminds us of the power of the simple Gospel. Looking at the road to Emmaus (Luke 24), this message shows that we don’t have to fix people or force outcomes—Jesus does the real work. Our role is to show up, walk with others,...
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Easter 2026 | Hope In The Silence | Pastor Jacob Howell
"Hope In The Silence" - Even when Jesus was falsely accused, He chose silence—not out of weakness, but out of confidence and purpose. His silence fulfilled God’s plan, leading to the powerful declaration on the cross: “It is finished.” What looked like defeat was actually victory in motion. When...
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Friends | Part 2 | Pastor Gabe George
Friendship isn’t just about having many people around you—it’s about choosing the right ones. This message explores what true, biblical friendship looks like: rooted in wisdom, honesty, and love that endures through every season. We’re reminded that who we walk with shapes who we become, and that...
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Friends | Part 1 | Pastor Jacob Howell
This sermon centers on the question Jesus asks in Matthew 16: “Who do you say I am?”—challenging listeners to move beyond others’ opinions and personally recognize Jesus as the Messiah and supreme authority over all. It emphasizes the supremacy of Jesus in every area of life—control, identity,...
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Corinthians | Part 4 | Pastor Jacob Howell
This sermon explores 2 Corinthians 1:15–22 and reminds us that while plans may change and circumstances may shift, God’s promises never do. Paul addresses accusations against him by pointing the Corinthians back to the faithfulness of God, emphasizing that every promise of God finds its “Yes” in...
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Follow The Sign | Pastor Marty Sloan
In John 2:1–11, Jesus performs His first miracle at the wedding in Cana, turning water into wine during a moment when everything seemed to fall apart. This sermon explores the “uh-oh moments” in life—times when expectations fail, resources run out, or plans collapse—and how Jesus meets us in…
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Corinthians | Part 3 | Pastor Jacob Howell
How do you respond to criticism? In 2 Corinthians, Paul shows us that true confidence isn’t found in defending ourselves, but in boasting in the Lord. Instead of self-promotion, Paul points to integrity, surrender, and reliance on God’s grace. Our identity in Christ determines our response to the...
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Corinthians | Part 2 | Pastor Jacob Howell
What do you do when suffering feels overwhelming and hope seems out of reach? In this message from 2 Corinthians 1:1–11, we discover that even the Apostle Paul despaired of life itself — yet found unshakable hope in God. This sermon reminds us that God is the Father of compassion and the God of…
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Corinthians | Part 1 | Pastor Jacob Howell
This sermon introduces 2 Corinthians by explaining the conflict Paul faced with false teachers who questioned his authority and used his suffering to discredit him. In response, Paul reminds the church that God often works powerfully through weakness, just as He did through Christ. Focusing on 2...
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Handle With Care | Pastor Michael Wilburn
This sermon, Handle With Care, focuses on the biblical principle of stewardship — recognizing that God is the true owner of everything in our lives and we are called to manage His blessings faithfully, including our time, families, talents, and resources. The message emphasizes that stewardship...
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Gradually Then Suddenly | Part 4 | Pastor Jacob Howell
Spiritual growth doesn’t happen through feelings alone, but through consistent obedience. Jesus teaches that hearing God’s Word without putting it into practice is like building without a foundation. This message reminds us that discipline often comes before desire, and obedience creates the…
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Gradually Then Suddenly | Part 3 | Pastor Jacob Howell
This message reminds us that God’s work is accomplished not by our might or power, but by His Spirit. Drawing from the story of Zerubbabel, we’re encouraged not to despise small beginnings, to face life’s mountains with faith, and to trust God in seasons of gradual progress that often lead to...
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Gradually Then Suddenly | Part 2 | Pastor Jacob Howell
Spiritual growth doesn’t happen overnight—it happens gradually, through consistent obedience and daily disciplines, until God turns it into a “suddenly.” Drawing from Scripture and stories like David’s unseen preparation before Goliath, this message reminds us that maturity is trained, not...
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Gradually Then Suddenly | Part 1 | Pastor Jacob Howell
This message explores how God works gradually, then suddenly. Through the story of the Exodus, the domino effect of faith, and the courage of ordinary people. We’re reminded that small, unseen acts of obedience matter deeply to God. What feels insignificant today may be the first domino in a…
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Found Faithful | Pastor Cody Collier
Be Found Faithful. As we step from 2025 into 2026, this message calls us to move beyond good intentions and into faithful action. We are reminded that God doesn’t ask for comparison or perfection—He asks for stewardship. When we stay close to Him, prioritize what He’s doing, and boldly use what...
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Christmas at Merge | Part 3 | Pastor Jacob Howell
The sermon explored the historical and spiritual significance of celebrating Christmas on December 25th - chosen as the darkest, coldest day of the year to symbolize Christ as the light of the world breaking into our darkness. We examined Luke's account of the first Christmas and the angel's...
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Christmas at Merge | Part 2 | Pastor Jacob Howell
The Christmas story reminds us that Jesus came as light into a dark world. We can trust that Jesus shines brightest in our darkest moments. The darkness has not overcome Him, and it never will. Today, consider where darkness feels overwhelming in your life. Financial stress? Relational conflict?...
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Christmas at Merge | Part 1 | Pastor Jacob Howell
This message explores Romans 16:25-27, revealing how the birth of Jesus was God's perfect timing to unlock the mystery of salvation. Like an escape room where all the clues finally connect, Jesus fulfilled over 100 Old Testament prophecies, proving He is the Savior of the world who came for all...
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Don't Waste Your Mist | Pastor Jon Morris
The sermon emphasized our temporary earthly existence and the need for an eternal perspective. Like Paul with his tents, we must recognize the fleeting nature of our bodies and achievements. The key question is: what are we doing with our "mist" while we wait? Welcome to our podcast of…
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The Power of Pursuit | Pastor Jacob Howell
This week we explored Acts 5:12-16, examining why the early church prayed so desperately for signs, wonders, and healing. We discovered that they weren't just open to God doing the miraculous—they were desperate for it because miracles helped lead people to Christ and fulfill the mission of being...
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The Power of Gospel Freedom | Pastor Jacob Howell
The sermon explored Acts 4:32-5:11, examining the radical freedom that comes from authentic belief in Jesus Christ. Through the contrasting stories of Barnabas and Ananias and Sapphira, we discovered that genuine faith transforms our relationship with both people and possessions. When we truly...
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The Power of Boldness | Pastor Jacob Howell
This sermon examines the early church's response to persecution in Acts 4, highlighting the concept of biblical boldness as a spirit-empowered conviction that enables fearless proclamation of the gospel. It emphasizes the importance of prioritizing prayer and unity before action, urging believers...
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Anchored | Pastor Gabe George
What anchors us in life? This message challenges us to reflect on our foundations. Drawing from Psalm 121, it emphasizes that, like ancient pilgrims, we seek help from the Lord on our journey. The lesson from Peter walking on water shows that focusing on Jesus allows us to overcome challenges,...
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The Power To Proclaim | Pastor Jacob Howell
This week we studied Acts 4:1-12, where Peter and John face opposition after healing a lame man and preaching about Jesus. Despite being arrested and questioned by the same religious leaders who crucified Jesus, Peter boldly proclaims that salvation is found in no other name but Jesus Christ of...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Welcome to our podcast of Merge.Church in Van Buren, Arkansas, led by Pastor Jacob Howell. We desire to help everyone, everywhere discover new life in Christ by creating a warm and welcoming family home where you can feel the love and forgiveness that Jesus offers to all. Wherever you are today, we pray that you would be encouraged, challenged, and inspired to take your NEXT STEP in you relationship with Jesus. For more information, visit https://merge.church/
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Merge.Church have?
Merge.Church currently has 157 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Merge.Church about?
Welcome to our podcast of Merge.Church in Van Buren, Arkansas, led by Pastor Jacob Howell. We desire to help everyone, everywhere discover new life in Christ by creating a warm and welcoming family home where you can feel the love and forgiveness that Jesus offers to all. Wherever you are today, we...
How often does Merge.Church release new episodes?
Merge.Church publishes regularly with 157 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Merge.Church?
You can listen to Merge.Church on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Merge.Church?
Merge.Church is created and hosted by Merge.Church.
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