Messages at Covenant

Let’s listen in.LINKS + RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE:• Scripture References: Isaiah 43, verses 16-21• Find out more about Covenant Church at ⁠covenantchurchwv.com

LINKS + RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE:• Scripture References: • Find out more about Covenant Church at ⁠covenantchurchwv.com

In this message from the Onward series, “Wisdom From the Wilderness”, Pastor Joel explores how seasons of transition and uncertainty can feel like being “stuck in the ice” — unsure how to move forward and tempted to go backward. Drawing from Israel’s wilderness journey, he reminds us that God often uses difficult seasons not to punish us, but to teach, shape, and prepare us for what’s next. The message challenges both individuals and the church to move forward in faith, trust God’s direction, and embrace the future He is preparing. Let’s listen in.LINKS + RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE:• Ernest Shackleton• John Kotter book "A Sense of Urgency"• Download the free study guide, complete transcript, and show notes here.• Scripture References: Numbers chapters 13-14; Deuteronomy 8, verses 1-5• Find out more about Covenant Church at ⁠covenantchurchwv.com

In this message, Pastor Joel Rainey challenges us to let go of the comfort of the familiar and trust God with the future He is calling us into. Looking at Israel’s journey through the Red Sea in Exodus 14, reminds us that real freedom requires courage, faith, and a willingness to move forward instead of looking back. Whether in our personal lives or as a church, God often calls us beyond what feels safe so we can fully experience His purpose and power. Let’s listen in.LINKS + RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE:• “Hinge Moment”, “Red Sea Moment”• Hernán Cortés 1519• Download the free study guide, complete transcript, and show notes here.• Scripture References: Exodus 14, verses 10-31; Exodus 5, verse 21; Exodus ch. 15, ch. 16, ch. 17; 2 Corinthians 5, verse 7; Exodus 7, verse 5• Find out more about Covenant Church at ⁠covenantchurchwv.com

This Mother’s Day message celebrates the sacred calling of motherhood and the lasting impact of a mother’s love, prayer, and faithfulness. Through scripture and personal stories, we are reminded that God values consistency over perfection and uses mothers in powerful ways to reflect His nurturing heart to their children and families. Let’s listen in. Let’s listen in.LINKS + RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE:• Thomas Edison• Find a complete transcript here• Scripture References: Isaiah 66, verse 13a; Psalm 23, verses 1-4; Proverbs 31, verses 3-31; Joshua 1, verse 9; 1 Thessalonians 5, verses 16-18; James 5, verse 16; Isaiah 49, verses 15-16; Psalm 23; Colossians 3, verses 23-24; 1 Corinthians 1, verses 23-31• Find out more about Covenant Church at ⁠covenantchurchwv.com

Transitions are a part of every season of life—and even good transitions often begin with loss. In Joshua 1, verses 1–9, God speaks to Joshua and reminds His people that while one season may be ending, God’s purpose is still moving forward.Some of life’s hardest changes are not detours or distractions, but a divine strategy God uses to move us toward the next level of growth, faith, and purpose. God never ends a season for His people without beginning something new and meaningful ahead.This message explores how God prepares us to move faithfully through seasons of change by developing three important dispositions:Versatility — adapting when God shifts our seasonTrust — believing God is faithful even when the future feels uncertainCourage — stepping forward confidently because God goes with usNo matter what season you may be leaving behind, God is still present, purposeful, and leading you onward. Let’s listen in.LINKS + RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE:• Henry Cloud “Necessary Endings”• Download the free study guide, complete transcript, and show notes here.• Scripture References: Joshua 1, verses 1-9; Numbers 20; Genesis 12; Deuteronomy 31; Hebrews 13, verse 5• Find out more about Covenant Church at ⁠covenantchurchwv.com

We all experience anxiety and stress in our lives. Some stress can be helpful, like when it pushes us to grow—but other stress can feel overwhelming. So what do you do in those moments? Today’s message offers practical tools for navigating stress, with the greatest help available—God. Let’s listen in.LINKS + RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE:• Biblical figures: Moses, Elijah, Hannah, Job, Jonah, Martha, Jesus• Henry Ford, "Whether you think you can, or you think you can't—you're right."• Find a free study guide & complete transcript here• Scripture References: 2 Corinthians 10, verse 5; Romans 8, verses 38–39; 2 Timothy 1, verse 7; Psalm 91• Find out more about Covenant Church at ⁠covenantchurchwv.com

It’s easy to get stuck in a comparison trap in our lives. To look at others and wonder if I’m on the right path and fulfilling my God given purpose. Today’s message encourages us to stay focused, trust God’s plan, and embrace what God has for each of us. Life is sure to bring difficult times - even these God can use for a reason later in life, perhaps to encourage others who find themselves experiencing the same struggles. Let’s listen in…LINKS + RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE:• “Pilgrim’s Progress” book by John Bunyan• Find a free study guide, show notes, & complete transcript here• Scripture References: John 21, verses 20-23; Luke 5; Galatians 6, verses 4-5; Romans 12; Isaiah 6; Psalm 19, verse 21; Hebrews 12, verses 1-2• Find out more about Covenant Church at ⁠covenantexperience.com

All sin separates us from God. Some sins—pride, envy, wrath, sloth, greed, lust, gluttony—can destroy us. Today we’re going to conclude by talking about living in the power of virtue. We want to avoid the assumption that the answer to vice is simply to exhibit virtue… to “just be good.” Living in victory over your brokenness does not come from a better you, it comes from a new you who is transformed by Jesus through the Holy Spirit. Three commitments to help us learn how to live in that power are found in the book of Colossians: live in your new identity, put vice to death, and be faithful in renewal. Let’s listen in…LINKS + RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE:• Recommended reading for this series• Message series on spiritual disciplines “Airplane Mode”• Message series on the book of 1 John “One Another” • The Prodigal son mindset - Luke 15• Gnosticism• Skip Heitzig• Download the free study guide, complete transcript, and show notes here.• Scripture References: Matthew 23, verses 25-26; Romans 12, verses 1-2; Colossians 3, verses 1-10; Galatians; Romans 6; Luke 15; 1 John• Find out more about Covenant Church at ⁠covenantexperience.com

This Easter message centers on the global and transformative significance of the resurrection of Jesus, emphasizing that Christianity is not built merely on moral teachings but on a historical event that defines everything—if the resurrection is not true, then faith, preaching, truth, and hope are all meaningless; but if it is true, it changes everything for every person. Drawing from 1 Corinthians 15, the message underscores that the resurrection validates Jesus’ identity, secures forgiveness of sins, guarantees eternal life, and establishes Christ’s present and future reign. It challenges listeners to wrestle honestly with the reality of the resurrection, recognize its life-altering implications, and respond personally—either by surrendering to Christ or rejecting Him—while encouraging believers to live with unwavering faith, purpose, and confidence, knowing their lives and labor are not in vain because Jesus is alive! Let’s listen in…LINKS + RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE:• “A Skeleton in God’s Closet” book by Paul L. Maier• John Walvoord; C.S. Lewis• Swoon Theory; Hallucination theory; Stolen Body theory; Decomposition theory• Download the free complete transcript and show notes here.• Scripture References: 1 Corinthians 15, verses 12-28 & 58; Romans 4, verse 25; Zachariah 9, verse 10• Find out more about Covenant Church at ⁠covenantexperience.com

On this 40th anniversary of Covenant Church, this message highlights the importance of recognizing that where we are today is the result of the faithfulness of those who came before us—people who said “yes” to God, stepped out in faith, and built a foundation for future generations. As we reflect on its past and looks toward an uncertain future, it emphasizes unchanging truths that anchor believers in every season: God is faithful, humanity is imperfect, and the mission of the church remains the same—to faithfully live out the gospel in a changing world. Rather than clinging only to the past or focusing solely on what’s ahead, believers are called to hold both in tension, learning from past faithfulness while stepping forward in obedience today. Ultimately, it is a call for this generation to trust God, engage the world around them, and live faithfully so that those who come after will be able to stand on their legacy and continue the work. Let’s listen in…LINKS + RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE:• Neil Howe “The Fourth Turning”; Leighton Ford; Matt Chandler• Download the free complete transcript and show notes here.• Scripture References: Deuteronomy 29, verses 2-13; Isaiah 6; Romans 11; Jeremiah 29• Find out more about Covenant Church at ⁠covenantexperience.com

All sin separates us from God. Some sins—pride, envy, wrath, sloth, greed, lust, gluttony—can destroy us. Jesus gives us virtues that overcome these vices.This 8-week series examines the Seven Deadly Sins not to shame, but to reveal our need for grace. Each week shows how these sins infiltrate life, harm relationships, and distance us from God—and how Jesus provides the way out. The final week focuses on virtue and victorious life in Christ.In today’s message, gluttony isn’t just overeating but a heart issue—seeking comfort and fulfillment in physical things instead of God. Our bodies belong to God and are meant to honor Him, calling us to practice self-control and find true satisfaction in Him rather than in overindulgence. Let’s listen in…LINKS + RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE:• Recommended reading for this series• Dwight L. Moody; Charles H. Spurgeon; Augustine of Hippo; C. S. Lewis; Hedonism; Ultra Processed Foods (UPF); National Institutes of Health “Obesity & Nutrition”• Download the free study guide, complete transcript, and show notes here.• Scripture References: Proverbs 23, verses 20-21, 29-35; 1 Corinthians 6, verses 12b-13a, 19-20; Proverbs 21, verse 17; 1 Corinthians 6, verse 20b; 1 Corinthians 10, verse 31• Find out more about Covenant Church at ⁠covenantexperience.com

All sin separates us from God. Some sins—pride, envy, wrath, sloth, greed, lust, gluttony—can destroy us. Jesus gives us virtues that overcome these vices.This 8-week series examines the Seven Deadly Sins not to shame, but to reveal our need for grace. Each week shows how these sins infiltrate life, harm relationships, and distance us from God—and how Jesus provides the way out. The final week focuses on virtue and victorious life in Christ.This week we continue our series on the 7 Deadly Sins by looking at lust. Like every God-given desire, sexual desire can become distorted, and in our culture today those distortions run deep—impacting not only our spiritual lives but our communities as well. In this message we talk honestly about the struggle with lust while also pointing to the hope and freedom found in Christ. No matter where you are in the struggle, you are welcomed here.Let’s listen in…LINKS + RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE:• Recommended reading for this series• The Cleveland Clinic; C.S. Lewis ”The Four Loves” (1960); Tim Keller • Download the free study guide, complete transcript, and show notes here.• Scripture References: Matthew 5, verses 27-30; Proverbs 6, verse 25; Romans 2, verse 15; Proverbs 5, verses 18-20; Romans 1, verse 25; 1 Corinthians 6, verses 13b-15• Find out more about Covenant Church at ⁠covenantexperience.com

Today’s message is about striving vs. abiding in Jesus. Are you pushing yourself through self-effort to achieve or become something, or are you dwelling in what is already present in Him?It’s easy to say we’ll follow Jesus when life is comfortable—but will we still follow when His voice challenges us?This message explores the parallel between the Shepherd and His sheep, and how we are called to trust, follow, and remain in Jesus.Let’s listen in…LINKS + RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE:• Find a free study guide, show notes, & complete transcript here• Scripture References: John, verses 60-69; John 15, verse 4; Proverbs 3, verses 5-7; John 10, verses 27-30; Romans 10, verse 13 • Find out more about Covenant Church at ⁠covenantexperience.com

All sin separates us from God. Some sins—pride, envy, wrath, sloth, greed, lust, gluttony—can destroy us. Jesus gives us virtues that overcome these vices.This 8-week series examines the Seven Deadly Sins not to shame, but to reveal our need for grace. Each week shows how these sins infiltrate life, harm relationships, and distance us from God—and how Jesus provides the way out. The final week focuses on virtue and victorious life in Christ.Today we focus on greed as a deadly sin rooted not in wealth itself but in a heart of disordered desire and scarcity. Pastor Joel argues that modern consumer culture fuels constant craving, convincing us we never have enough. Challenging the myths that greed only affects the rich or can be virtuous, the message warns that greed ultimately destroys individuals and societies. Using Scripture, especially the parable of the rich fool, it calls believers to choose contentment and generosity, finding true satisfaction in God rather than in accumulating more.Let’s listen in…LINKS + RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE:• Dr. Rebecca DeYoungGlittering Vices and other recommended reading for this series• Avarice (Greed)• Thomas Aquinas, Clement of Alexandria (150-215 AD), Wallstreet movie, Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand, The Wealth of Nations by Adam Smith• Plutocricy• Augustine of Hippo“…our hearts are restless until they rest in you”• CS Lewis“He who has God and everything else has no more than he who has God only.”• Download the free study guide, complete transcript, and show notes here.• Scripture References: Luke 12, verses 15-21; 1 Timothy 6, verses 6-10; Proverbs 15, verse 27; Proverbs 11, verse 28; Proverbs 15, verses 16-17; 2 Corinthians 9, verse 7 • Find out more about Covenant Church at ⁠covenantexperience.com

All sin separates us from God. Some sins—pride, envy, wrath, sloth, greed, lust, gluttony—can destroy us. Jesus gives us virtues that overcome these vices.This 8-week series examines the Seven Deadly Sins not to shame, but to reveal our need for grace. Each week shows how these sins infiltrate life, harm relationships, and distance us from God—and how Jesus provides the way out. The final week focuses on virtue and victorious life in Christ.Today we continue our this series with a focus on "sloth" or what today we call "laziness."  God made us for work, but He also made us to ENJOY our work!  In a culture that worships leisure, its no wonder our population struggles with increasing physical and mental health problems.  Learn how a disciplined life and a strong work ethic can be produced through living the Gospel. Let’s listen in…LINKS + RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE:• Recommended reading for this series• Acedia (Sloth)• Zootopia film, Dorothy Sayers, Lou Holtz, Evagrius of Ponctus, Henry Ford • Download the free study guide, complete transcript, and show notes here.• Scripture References: Proverbs 21, verses 25-26,; chapter 12, verse 27; ch. 19, verse 24; ch. 26, verse 13 & 16; ch. 20, verse 4; ch. 19, verse 15; ch. 6, verses 10-11; Ephesians 5, verse 1; 2 Thessalonians 3, verse 10; Colossians 3, verse 23; Ecclesiates; Psalm 27, verse 14• Find out more about Covenant Church at ⁠covenantexperience.com

All sin separates us from God. Some sins—pride, envy, wrath, sloth, greed, lust, gluttony—can destroy us. Jesus gives us virtues that overcome these vices.This 8-week series examines the Seven Deadly Sins not to shame, but to reveal our need for grace. Each week shows how these sins infiltrate life, harm relationships, and distance us from God—and how Jesus provides the way out. The final week focuses on virtue and victorious life in Christ.This week we study wrath—distinguishing righteous anger from the "anger of man" James says fails God's purposes. We live in an "age of rage": social media, traffic, and daily life normalize quick temper and revenge. That's dangerous. How do we choose kindness? Let’s listen in…LINKS + RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE:• Recommended reading for this series• Schadenfreude: "the desire to take pleasure in the misery of another person"• John Chrysostom (347-407 AD)• Download the free study guide, complete transcript, and show notes here.• Scripture References: Ephesians 4, verse 6; James 1, verses 19-20; Matthew 5, verses 21-26; Proverbs 19, verse 19; Proverbs 15, verse 1; Proverbs 24, verse 17; 1 Timothy 2, verse 8; 2 Corinthians ch. 5• Find out more about Covenant Church at ⁠covenantexperience.com

All sin separates us from God. Some sins—pride, envy, wrath, sloth, greed, lust, gluttony—can destroy us. Jesus gives us virtues that overcome these vices.This 8-week series examines the Seven Deadly Sins not to shame, but to reveal our need for grace. Each week shows how these sins infiltrate life, harm relationships, and distance us from God—and how Jesus provides the way out. The final week focuses on virtue and victorious life in Christ.Envy can be described as the inability to be happy for anyone who has something you want. It is a disposition of the heart focused on resentment, comparison, insecurity, entitlement, and jealousy. Envy can stay hidden, and it’s the one sin no one really enjoys. In essence, envy is an attitude of rebellion against providence. The good news is, envy can be defeated! Let’s listen in…LINKS + RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE:• Recommended reading for this series• Joseph Epstein “…envy is no fun at all”• Download the free study guide, complete transcript, and show notes here.• Scripture References: Proverbs 14, verse 30; Proverbs 27, verse 4; 1 Samuel; Phillipians 4, verses 11 & 13• Find out more about Covenant Church at ⁠covenantexperience.com

All sin separates us from God. Some sins—pride, envy, wrath, sloth, greed, lust, gluttony—can destroy us. Jesus gives us virtues that overcome these vices.This 8-week series examines the Seven Deadly Sins not to shame, but to reveal our need for grace. Each week shows how these sins infiltrate life, harm relationships, and distance us from God—and how Jesus provides the way out. The final week focuses on virtue and victorious life in Christ.Who or what you center your life on matters. If anything other than the Creator is central, it leads to chaos. Pride sparks that chaos. It’s the root of the other deadly sins—deep, subtle, and hard to spot. Remove pride, and the odds of falling into the other sins drop significantly. Let’s listen in…LINKS + RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE:• Recommended reading for this series• David Brooks“Road to Character”• Parenting series “Release the Arrows” & “Building Warriors”• Lewis B. Smedes “Love within Limits”• “Humblebrag”• Sign up for baptism on 2/15/2026• Download the free study guide, complete transcript, and show notes here.• Scripture References: Deuteronomy ch. 5 & 6; Matthew ch. 6; Proverbs 16, verse 18; Proverbs 30, verses 11-14; Proverbs 11, verse 12; Proverbs 15, verse 25; Proverbs 30, verse 13; Proverbs 19, Luke 18, verses 9-13; Phillipians 2, verses 2-7; John ch. 8; Matthew ch. 8 & 21; Mark 10, verse 45; Mark ch. 10; 1 Peter 5, verse 5b• Find out more about Covenant Church at ⁠covenantexperience.com

All sin separates us from God. Some sins—pride, envy, wrath, sloth, greed, lust, gluttony—can destroy us. Jesus gives us virtues that overcome these vices.This 8-week series examines the Seven Deadly Sins not to shame, but to reveal our need for grace. Each week shows how these sins infiltrate life, harm relationships, and distance us from God—and how Jesus provides the way out. The final week focuses on virtue and victorious life in Christ.The concept of the "deadly sins" goes all the way back to Aristotle, but the Christian perception originated in the fourth century with a group known as the "desert fathers." These men, seeking freedom from the corruption of the world, committed to a hermitic life in the desert of Africa (mostly Egypt). But when they arrived in the desert, they discovered the corruption had followed them there! Out of this experience came the understanding that sin isn't primarily "out there" but "in here." And today, you and I have 1700 years of experienced shoulders to stand on as we fight these tendencies in our own souls. These men discovered the depth of their own sin in the desert, and in that same place they also discovered that the power of the Gospel could lead them into lives of virtue and victory.Let’s listen in…LINKS + RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE:• Glittering Vices by Rebecca DeYoung and other recommended reading for this series• Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant• Timothy George: “4 Groups of Sin” 1) immorality 2) idolatry 3) animosity 4) Intemperance• Download the free study guide, complete transcript, and show notes here.• Scripture References: Galatians 5, verses 15-26; Romans 7; Hebrews• Find out more about Covenant Church at ⁠covenantexperience.com

Looking toward our future, we should ask ourselves these questions: Who are we becoming? What are we going to accomplish? And what is God calling us to leave behind for the next generation?As we think about 10 years from now, how do we measure success? By a church’s preparation for the future and stewardship of its resources. Let’s listen in…LINKS + RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE:• Message series coming 1/18/26: “Lethal: 7 Deadly Sins”• 40 Days of Prayer & Fasting• Song by Wayne Watson “For Such a Time as This”• Download the free study guide, complete transcript, and show notes here.• Scripture References: Matthew 25, verses 1, 14-30; Revelation 21, verse 8; Psalm 24, verse 1• Find out more about Covenant Church at ⁠covenantexperience.com

We learn in the book of Habakkuk that God’s promises require patience, that everything comes back to faith, and that joy can transcend our circumstances. When everything is stripped away in your life and God doesn’t fix your difficulties, will He still be enough? Let’s listen in…LINKS + RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE:• Find a free study guide, show notes, & complete transcript here• Scripture References: Habakkuk chapter 2, verses 2-4 & chapter 3, verses 17-19; Genesis 18, verse 14; Isaiah 6, verse 8; 1 Kings 18, verse 21; Joshua 24, verse 15; Matthew 16, verse 15; Luke 6, verse 46; John 21, verses 15–17; Mark 8, verse 36; Lamentations 3, verses 25-26; Romans 1, verse 17; Galatians 3, verse 11; Hebrews 10, verse 38; Philippians 4, verses 10-13; Psalm 73, verses 25-26; Isaiah 40, verses 30-31• Find out more about Covenant Church at ⁠covenantexperience.com

In today’s message, we look at the book of Habbakuk and about the difficult subject of when God doesn’t make sense. In the uncomfortable seasons of life, while we wait, God wants us to turn to Him and dig deeper into relationship with Him. Let’s listen in…LINKS + RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE:• Find a free study guide, show notes, & complete transcript here• Scripture References: Habakkuk chapter 1, verse 1 – chapter 2, verse 1; Psalm 46 • Find out more about Covenant Church at ⁠covenantexperience.com

As we look at the book of Galatians in the Bible, we ask ourselves why do we celebrate Christmas? We celebrate because we are adopted children of God, we have been set free from sin, and because of what Jesus has done! Let’s listen in to this Christmas Eve message…LINKS + RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE:• Pax Romana; Koine language; Roman Roads• Download the free study guide, complete transcript, and show notes here.• Scripture References: Galatians 4, verses 1-7; Galatians 1, verse 6 & 8; 2 Peter 4• Find out more about Covenant Church at ⁠covenantexperience.com

Today’s message points to the birth of Jesus and how it should awaken a passionate faith in believers. Three things about passionate faith: it begins with God’s passionate love for us, it does hard things, and it moves us to action. Let’s listen in…LINKS + RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE:• Find a free study guide, show notes, & complete transcript here• Scripture References: Deuteronomy 6, verse 5; Luke 2, verses 10-11; John 3, verses 16-17; Luke 1, verses 34-38; Matthew 1, verses 24–25; Luke 2, verses 8–17• Find out more about Covenant Church at ⁠covenantexperience.com

The letter of Romans strengthened the ancient church, brought reformation to the dark ages, has brought hope for 2000 years, and can change your life! This is a special four part series that spans the year of 2025. Today we are concluding this year-long study of the book of Romans. In these final verses, everything we're about to read is so fantastic, it's hard to believe it's true on a normal day. Let’s look at three questions embedded in three promises in chapter 16: 1) Do you believe God’s promise of reinforced faith? 2) Do you believe God’s promise of revelation that sustains? 3) Do you believe God’s promise of His coming glory?Let’s listen in…LINKS + RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE:• Recommended reading for this series• 40 Days of Prayer & Fasting• Charlie Kirk• Neopragmatism• “Faith happens when the unexplainable meets the undeniable” quote by J.D. Greear• Download the free study guide, complete transcript, and show notes here.• Scripture References: Romans 16, verses 25-27; Romans 1, verse 1; Philippians 1, verse 6; Genesis 3, verse 15; Genesis 12; Romans 3, verse 23• Find out more about Covenant Church at ⁠covenantexperience.com

The letter of Romans strengthened the ancient church, brought reformation to the dark ages, has brought hope for 2000 years, and can change your life! This is a special four part series that spans the year of 2025. In Romans, Paul has been teaching us about the unity of the Body of Christ—not as uniformity, but as a recognition of our God-given differences, which can span everything from political affiliation to personal preferences. In chapter 16, Paul takes an interesting turn and reminds us that unity is never completely free of conflict. We often assume that peace means the absence of conflict, or that unity means we never disagree. But true unity takes work—pressing through conflict and handling it in the right way.Let’s listen in…LINKS + RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE:• Recommended reading for this series• Amanda Ripley’s book “High Conflict: Why We Get Trapped and How We Get Out”• Download the free study guide, complete transcript, and show notes here.• Scripture References: Romans 16, verses 17-23; Titus 3, verse 10; Matthew 10, verse 16• Find out more about Covenant Church at ⁠covenantexperience.com

The letter of Romans strengthened the ancient church, brought reformation to the dark ages, has brought hope for 2000 years, and can change your life!As we near the end of the book of Romans, we look at what it means to love the body of Christ. Chapter 16 answers the question, “How does God use the entire body of Christ to spread the gospel?” The names in this chapter are the embodiment of who Jesus wants all of us to become - United, powerful, and an effective body of believers, who genuinely love each other. Three challanges for you: love your leaders, love each other, and love the world together. Let’s listen in…This is a special four part series that spans the year of 2025. LINKS + RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE:• Recommended reading for this series• Click here if you’re interested in serving at Covenant Church• Stephen Neill, "Nothing is more notable than the anonymity of these early missionaries" ‍• Tim Keller, Genesis 2, “not good for man to be alone”• Nikolaus Ludwig von Zinzendorf (1700–1760) was a key figure in the Moravian Church, who, with the quote "Preach the gospel, die and be forgotten”• Download the free study guide, complete transcript, and show notes here.• Scripture References: Romans 16, verses 1-16; John 17; Genesis 2• Find out more about Covenant Church at ⁠covenantexperience.com

Guest speaker, Pastor Kevin Brown, brings a message that he prays will leave us encouraged, “rattle our cage”, and cause God to take up more residence in our heart. Everything that we have is borrowed, it all belongs to God and we steward it for Him. It’s not enough that we hear truth from pastors, leaders in the church, and small groups… we need to apply it to our lives. And that means we have to take action! Pastor Kevin Brown is lead pastor and co-founder of the Perfecting Ministries. Let’s listen in…LINKS + RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE:• Find out more about Pastor Kevin Brown and The Perfecting Church• Glocanet and KDSC• Download the free complete transcript here.• Scripture References: 2 Kings 6, verses 1-7; Psalm 24, verse 1; Ephesians 4; 1 Samuel 2, verse 30• Find out more about Covenant Church at ⁠covenantexperience.com

The letter of Romans strengthened the ancient church, brought reformation to the dark ages, has brought hope for 2000 years, and can change your life!We’ve started at the beginning of this year in the first chapter of Romans where we learned “Bold Faith” saves, wins, and lives. Today we start the final part, without which everything else fails: Bold Faith That Loves! As we are starting to wrap up this series, sharing and giving are what Paul talks about in Romans 15, verses 30-33. What does “Prayer-Filled Living” look like? There are three parts to this: communal focus, unified joy, and eternal peace. Let’s listen in…This is a special four part series that spans the year of 2025. LINKS + RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE:• Recommended reading for this series• Download the free study guide, complete transcript, and show notes here.• Scripture References: Romans 15, verses 30-33; John 13, verse 35; Luke 22, verse 44; Acts; John 17; Acts 17• Find out more about Covenant Church at ⁠covenantexperience.com

The letter of Romans strengthened the ancient church, brought reformation to the dark ages, has brought hope for 2000 years, and can change your life!Pastor Chris continues with the message of “Living Sacrificially” in the Romans series. What does it look like to live sacrificially? We’ll look at how it brings maturity, is only done in Christ alone, and it means partnering in the mission. Let’s listen in…This is a special four part series that will span the year of 2025. LINKS + RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE:• Recommended reading for this series• Download the free study guide, complete transcript, and show notes here.• Scripture References: Romans 15, verses 14-29; Colossians 3, verse 16; John 15, verse 15• Find out more about Covenant Church at ⁠covenantexperience.com

The letter of Romans strengthened the ancient church, brought reformation to the dark ages, has brought hope for 2000 years, and can change your life!Pastor Joel continues Part 3 of his message series in Romans, “Bold Faith That Lives.” Last week we talked about some specific actions that we need to take in order to live with one another. Today we continue that thought in this message “Living For Others.” In Romans chapter 15 Paul describes for the us the end result of that. What kind of community are we trying to build? Perhaps the community he describes 2000 years ago is exactly the type of community we need, right now! Let’s listen in…This is a special four part series that will span the year of 2025. LINKS + RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE:• Recommended reading for this series• Download the free study guide, complete transcript, and show notes here.• Scripture References: Romans 15, verses 1-13; Philippians 2; Deuteronomy 32; Isaiah 11; Psalm 117; 1 Corinthians• Find out more about Covenant Church at ⁠covenantexperience.com

The letter of Romans strengthened the ancient church, brought reformation to the dark ages, has brought hope for 2000 years, and can change your life!Pastor Joel continues part 3 of his message series in Romans. How do you get along with people inside the church when you have substantive disagreements? During disagreements, what does it look like to honor each other’s conscience and stay together as a body of Christ? Let’s listen in…This is a special four part series that will span the year of 2025. LINKS + RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE:• Recommended reading for this series• Scripture References: Romans 14, verses 1-23• Find out more about Covenant Church at ⁠covenantexperience.com

The letter of Romans strengthened the ancient church, brought reformation to the dark ages, has brought hope for 2000 years, and can change your life!Pastor Joel continues part 3 of his message series in Romans with looking at what “love of neighbor” means, things labeled “hate” that are actually love, focus on the eternal, and a life of faithfulness. Let’s listen in…This is a special four part series that will span the year of 2025. LINKS + RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE:• Recommended reading for this series• C.S. Lewis• Financial Peace University• Download the free study guide and show notes here.• Scripture References: Romans 13, verses 8-14• Find out more about Covenant Church at ⁠covenantexperience.com

The letter of Romans strengthened the ancient church, brought reformation to the dark ages, has brought hope for 2000 years, and can change your life!Pastor Joel continues Part 3 of his message series in Romans, “Bold Faith That Lives.” He challenges us with what it looks like “Living Under Authority”, including our government authority. We’ll look at four postures: submission, recognition, support, and honor. Let’s listen in…This is a special four part series that will span the year of 2025. LINKS + RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE:• N.T. Wright Jesus and the Powers, Daniel Darling In Defense of Christian Patriotism, and other recommended reading for this series• Martin Luther King Jr.; Caligula; Claudius; Nero• Nik Ripken The Insanity of God• Download the free study guide, complete transcript, and show notes here.• Scripture References: Romans 13, verses 1-7• Find out more about Covenant Church at ⁠covenantexperience.com

The letter of Romans strengthened the ancient church, brought reformation to the dark ages, has brought hope for 2000 years, and can change your life!Pastor Joel continues Part 3 of his message series in Romans, “Bold Faith That Lives.” Living with friends and enemies can sometimes be really challenging. Today we’ll look at how Paul defines love in Romans chapter 12. What does is look like to love others and the world that Jesus died to save? Let’s listen in…This is a special four part series that will span the year of 2025. LINKS + RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE:• Recommended reading for this series• Martin Luther King Jr., Timothy Keller, Mother Emanuel AME Church, Miroslav Volf• National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233• D.A.R.V.O. : Deny, Attack, Reverse Victim & Offender • Download the free study guide, complete transcript, and show notes here.• Scripture References: Romans 12, verses 9-21; John 13, verse 35; Deuteronomy 6; James• Find out more about Covenant Church at ⁠covenantexperience.com

The letter of Romans strengthened the ancient church, brought reformation to the dark ages, has brought hope for 2000 years, and can change your life!Pastor Joel begins Part 3 of his message series in Romans, “Bold Faith That Lives.” This message of “Gospel Life Together” enters us into the book of Romans, chapter 12, verse 1, which starts a pivotal turning point. We find an answer to the question, “What difference does all this make?” We’ll also look at how does this affect our relationship with each other in the body of Christ and our relationshp with wider society? What difference does this make when I go to work tomorrow morning or civil society and government? What is the overall mission for God and us, and how do we maintain unity with each other? So much to cover, let’s listen in…This is a special four part series that will span the year of 2025. LINKS + RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE:• Recommended reading for this series• Discover Ministry Class• Download the free study guide, complete transcript, and show notes here.• Scripture References: Romans 12, verses 1-12; 1 Corinthians 12; Ephesians 4; Acts 6; 1 Timothy 3; Deuteronomy 6; 1 Corinthians 12• Find out more about Covenant Church at ⁠covenantexperience.com

The letter of Romans strengthened the ancient church, brought reformation to the dark ages, has brought hope for 2000 years, and can change your life!This week Pastor Joel wraps up Part 2 of his message series in Romans, “Bold Faith That Wins”. Up until now we’ve looked at things that are to come, and now we enter into a 3 chapter long section that deals with God’s relationship with Israel. Through this we find answers to what it means to be a follower of Jesus? And what is it that Jesus is asking us to do in order to follow him? Let’s listen in…This is a special four part series that will span the year of 2025. LINKS + RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE:• Recommended reading for this series• Antisemitism, Utilitarianism• Multi-Faith Musical Event coming 11/23 - more info to come!• Josh McDowell - putting one’s faith on trial• Download the free study guide, complete transcript, and show notes here.• Scripture References: Isaiah 40; Romans 11, verses 12-36; Revelation 7; Hebrews 3, verse 12 • Find out more about Covenant Church at ⁠covenantexperience.com

The letter of Romans strengthened the ancient church, brought reformation to the dark ages, has brought hope for 2000 years, and can change your life!This week Pastor Joel continues Part 2 of his message series in Romans, “Bold Faith That Wins”. Today we look at “Self-Examination.” We are most vulnerable when we are complacent. Too often we get hung up on prophecy instead of life change. And as we examine ourselves in this passage of scripture we should ask ourselves: 1) Have I received Grace? Am I faithful? Am I relying on myself? And where is my trust? Let’s listen in…This is a special four part series that will span the year of 2025. LINKS + RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE:• Recommended reading for this series• Dispensationalism, Supersessionism• Susan Perlman• Download the free study guide, complete transcript, and show notes here.• Scripture References: Romans 10, verse 21 through 11, verse 10; Ephesians 5, verse 11; 1 John 1, verse 6; 2 Corinthians 5, verse 17• Find out more about Covenant Church at ⁠covenantexperience.com

The letter of Romans strengthened the ancient church, brought reformation to the dark ages, has brought hope for 2000 years, and can change your life!This week Pastor Joel continues Part 2 of his message series in Romans, “Bold Faith That Wins”. What is the price of unbelief? We’re afraid of failure because we’ve been baptized in a culture of success. Especially when it comes to sharing our faith with others. But Pastor Joel reminds us that even though we are commanded to share the good news about Jesus, sometimes there is a level of unbelief that only a miracle of God is can reverse. You should take some relief from that! What else does Paul say about unbelief, let’s listen in…This is a special four part series that will span the year of 2025. LINKS + RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE:• Recommended reading for this series• Bill Maher; Richard Dawkins• Download the free study guide, complete transcript, and show notes here.• Scripture References: Romans 10, verses 16-21; Isaiah 52 & 53; Psalm 19; Romans 1 & 2: Deuteronomy 32; Isaiah 65; Matthew 23, verse 37• Find out more about Covenant Church at ⁠covenantexperience.com

The letter of Romans strengthened the ancient church, brought reformation to the dark ages, has brought hope for 2000 years, and can change your life!This week Pastor Joel continues Part 2 of his message series in Romans, “Bold Faith That Wins”. This is a special four part series that will span the year of 2025. LINKS + RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE:• Recommended reading for this series• James Montgomery Boice• Download the free study guide, complete transcript, and show notes here.• Scripture References: Romans 10, verses 14-16; Romans 1, verse 19; Romans 3, verse 20; Romans 3, verses 21-22; Romans 10, verse 13; 2 Corinthians 6, verse 2• Find out more about Covenant Church at ⁠covenantexperience.com

Today’s message challenges us to serve others because Jesus first loved us. Why are followers of Jesus called to serve? Let’s listen in…LINKS + RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE:• Find a free study guide, show notes, & complete transcript here• Scripture References: Philippians 2, verses 1-11; Philippians 1, verse 27; Mark 10, verse 45; 2 Corinthians 5, verse 20; 1 Peter 2, verse 9; Ephesians 2, verse 10; Galatians 6, verses 9-10• Find out more about Covenant Church at ⁠covenantexperience.com

LINKS + RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE:• Find a free study guide, show notes, & complete transcript here• Scripture References: 1 Peter 4, verses 7-11; Hebrews 13, verse 2; Romans 12, verse 13; Leviticus 19, verse 34; Titus 1, verse 8; Luke 14, verses 12-14; Leviticus 19, verse 34; 1 Peter 2, verses 9-10; Ephesians 2, verse 10; Mark 6, verse 34; Matthew 25, verses 34-40• Find out more about Covenant Church at ⁠covenantexperience.com

On occasion we address Covenant Church family questions during the Sunday morning message. We want to engage our folks where they are, and these questions help our pastors be more effective, by understanding where they struggle.There are many decisions Covenant makes, positions we take et al that do not make the difference between heaven and hell, and on which other churches sometimes take a different approach.  Because our church is multi-denominational, we have many rich faith traditions represented among our people. In this last message of this series, Joel talks about the Holy Spirit and how it’s good to have questions about Him. We’ll look at: what does the Holy Spirit do, how do we receive Him, and what are the results of His work? Join in as we listen to answers on difficult questions about our faith, and our church.LINKS + RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE:• Download the free study guide & show notes by visiting and clicking on the button "Download Study Guide"⁠• Find a complete transcript here• Scripture References: John 16, verses 4-15; Galatians 5, verses 16-25; 1 Corinthians 12, verse 1 & 13; Acts 19, verses 2-3; Titus 3, verses 5-6; 2 Corinthians 5, verse 17; Jeremiah 31, verse 33; Romans 6, verse 3-5; Romans 8, verse 9; Ephesians 5 , verse 18; John 14, verse 12 & 16-17• Find out more about Covenant Church at ⁠covenantexperience.com

On occasion we address Covenant Church family questions during the Sunday morning message. We want to engage our folks where they are, and these questions help our pastors be more effective, by understanding where they struggle.There are many decisions Covenant makes, positions we take et al that do not make the difference between heaven and hell, and on which other churches sometimes take a different approach.  Because our church is multi-denominational, we have many rich faith traditions represented among our people. Today we look at culture and separation. We’ll look at an historical framework for how the church has approached this for the last 2,000 years and then we’ll look at the three levels of Covenant’s approach. Join in as we listen to answers on difficult questions about our faith, and our church.LINKS + RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE:• Recommended reading for this message: H. Richard Niebuhr“Christ and Culture”• “Situation Ethics” by Joseph Fletcher; Tertullian; Tolstoy; Abelard; Albrecht Ritschl; Justin Martyr; Thomas Aquinas; Martin Luther; John Calvin• Download the free study guide & show notes by visiting and clicking on the button "Download Study Guide"⁠• Find a complete transcript here• Scripture References: John 17, verse 15; 1 Peter 2, verse 9; 1 John 2, verse 9; Colossians 1, verse 16; 2 Peter 2, verse 4; Mark 12, verse 17; Revelation 21, verse 5; Romans 8, verse 22; 1 Corinthians 9, verses 19-23; 1 Corinthians 6, verses 9-10; Romans 1, verses 29-32; Proverbs 6, verse 27; Romans 14, verse 13, & 17; Colossians 3, verse 20; John 5, verse 39• Find out more about Covenant Church at ⁠covenantexperience.com

On occasion we address Covenant Church family questions during the Sunday morning message. We want to engage our folks where they are, and these questions help our pastors be more effective, by understanding where they struggle.There are many decisions Covenant makes, positions we take et al that do not make the difference between heaven and hell, and on which other churches sometimes take a different approach.  Because our church is multi-denominational, we have many rich faith traditions represented among our people. Today we look at “What About the Women?” What does the Bible teach us about the role of women in the church?Join in as we listen to answers on difficult questions about our faith, and our church.LINKS + RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE:• Recommended reading for this message: Two Views of Women in Ministry; Sandra Glahn, Ph.D., “Nobody’s Mother”; “Jesus & Gender” by Elyse M. Fitzpatrick & Eric Schumacher• Egalitarianism; Complementarianism; Female leaders in the Bible: Priscilla, Phoebe, Junia; Elisabeth Elliot• Want to serve at Covenant? Find out more info here or fill out this form. • Download the free study guide and show notes by visiting and clicking on the download buttons⁠• Find a complete transcript here• Scripture References: 1 Timothy 2, verses 11-15; 1 Corinthians 11, verse 5; 1 Corinthians chapters 11 & 12; Joel 2, verse 28; 1 Timothy 3, verse 1; Genesis 3; Romans; Galatians• Find out more about Covenant Church at ⁠covenantexperience.com

On occasion we address Covenant Church family questions during the Sunday morning message. We want to engage our folks where they are, and these questions help our pastors be more effective, by understanding where they struggle.There are many decisions Covenant makes, positions we take et al that do not make the difference between heaven and hell, and on which other churches sometimes take a different approach.  Because our church is multi-denominational, we have many rich faith traditions represented among our people. In this message we look at the question “Why Do We Baptize That Way?” What is baptism - and why, who, and how should I be baptized?Join in as we listen to answers on difficult questions about our faith, and our church.LINKS + RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE:• Download the free study guide by visiting and clicking on the button "Download Study Guide"⁠• Find a complete transcript here• Scripture References: Matthew 28, verse 19; Romans 6, verses 1-4; Matthew 3, verses 16-17; Colossians 2, verses 11-12; Ephesians 2, verses 8-9• Find out more about Covenant Church at ⁠covenantexperience.com

The letter of Romans strengthened the ancient church, brought reformation to the dark ages, has brought hope for 2000 years, and can change your life!This week Pastor Joel continues Part 2 of his message series in the book of the Bible called Romans, “Bold Faith That Wins”. In chapter 10, verses 1-13, we are reminded that the message of the gospel can change anyone’s life! God doesn’t want part of us, He wants all of us - our knowledge, passion, and obedience. Is this gospel message exclusive? Is it inclusive? This is a special four part series that will span the year of 2025. LINKS + RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE:• Richard Lovelace’s “Dynamics of Spiritual Life” and other recommended reading for this series• The Jesus Storybook Bible by Sally Lloyd-Jones (Author), Jago (Illustrator)• John Piper, ; St. Augustine; Dietrich Bonhoeffer; Martin Luther, “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God” - hymn• Download the free study guide by visiting and clicking on the button "Download Study Guide"⁠• Find a complete transcript here• Scripture References: Romans 10, verses 1-13; Proverbs; Galatians 2; Leviticus; Deuteronomy; Genesis 4, verse 26; 1 Kings 18; Psalm 116• Find out more about Covenant Church at ⁠covenantexperience.com

The letter of Romans strengthened the ancient church, brought reformation to the dark ages, has brought hope for 2000 years, and can change your life!This week Pastor Joel continues Part 2 of his message series in the book of the Bible called Romans, “Bold Faith That Wins”. This is a special four part series that will span the year of 2025. LINKS + RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE:• Recommended reading for this series• Download the free study guide by visiting and clicking on the button "Download Study Guide"⁠• Find a complete transcript here• Scripture References: Romans 9, verses 30 through 10, verse 2; Deuteronomy 28, verse 47; Psalm 147, verses 19-20; Acts 4, verses 10-11; Isaiah 28, verse 16• Find out more about Covenant Church at ⁠covenantexperience.com

The letter of Romans strengthened the ancient church, brought reformation to the dark ages, has brought hope for 2000 years, and can change your life!This week Pastor Joel continues Part 2 of his message series in the book of the Bible called Romans, “Bold Faith That Wins”. This week, Joel continues to look at one of the most controversial texts in the Bible, Romans chapter 9. In verses 14-29 we see a two-fold reminder: 1) Our perception does not determine reality, particularly when it comes to justice. 2) And that the universe does not revolve around me. Remember who you are, who God is, who God makes us to be, and what could have been. This is a special four part series that will span the year of 2025.LINKS + RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE:• Recommended reading for this series• The Abstract of Principles, 1859; Westminster Confession, 1646; Baptist Faith and Message, 1963, 2000; Hymn “Pass Me Not, O Gentle Savior”; C.S. Lewis; Christopher Watkin; Tim Keller; A.A. Hodge• Download the free study guide by visiting and clicking on the button "Download Study Guide"⁠• Find a complete transcript here• Scripture References: Romans 9, verses 14-29; Romans chapters 1-3; Exodus 7, verses 3-4• Find out more about Covenant Church at ⁠covenantexperience.com