Multiply Church Podcast

In 1 Peter 3:1–7, Peter gives a gospel-shaped vision for marriage that cuts against both ancient power structures and modern self-centeredness. He shows that wives are called to cultivate inward beauty rooted in hope in Christ, and husbands are called to lead like Jesus through understanding, honor, and deliberate care.This passage is often misunderstood, but Peter is not promoting oppression, passivity, or superiority. He is showing us how the gospel forms men and women into people of humility, courage, love, and self-giving service. In marriage, Christlike submission and Christlike leadership become a living witness to the beauty of the gospel.Whether married, single, parenting daughters, or simply learning to follow Jesus faithfully, this sermon invites us to ask: Where is my hope? What kind of beauty am I cultivating? And am I honoring others in a way that reflects the heart of Christ?

In a world where authority is often questioned, goodness is misunderstood, and suffering feels meaningless, how are followers of Jesus supposed to live?In this message from 1 Peter 2:13–25, we’re reminded that our identity in Christ reshapes everything. Because we belong to Jesus, we live differently. We submit to authority with wisdom and trust, do good in a watching world, endure suffering with purpose, and reflect Christ in all things.We're not talking about blind obedience or passive faith but about living with an “audience of One,” trusting that God is at work even in the hardest moments, and following in the footsteps of Jesus, our example, Savior, and Shepherd.If you’ve ever wrestled with injustice, struggled under authority, or wondered how your life points to Christ in everyday moments, this message will encourage you to live with confidence, clarity, and hope.

In this sermon, we walk through 1 Peter 1:22-2:12 and explore what happens when the gospel doesn’t just inform our lives but actually takes root in us. Peter shows us that the same Word that saved us is the Word that now shapes us, leading us to love deeply, hunger for God, and live differently in a watching world.This message is a call to move beyond surface-level faith into a life marked by sacrificial love, steady growth in the Word, and a clear identity built on Jesus as our cornerstone. As we keep coming to Christ again and again, He forms us into a people who reflect His goodness and proclaim His glory in everyday life.

What if everything about your life could change starting today? In this powerful message from 1 Peter 1:13-25, we discover how a living hope in Jesus transforms the way we think, live, and love. This isn’t about trying harder or being better. It’s about stepping into the life God has already secured for you. As you learn to set your hope fully on Christ, walk in true freedom from your past, and love others from a genuine heart, you’ll begin to experience the kind of life God designed you for.

What kind of hope actually holds when life starts falling apart?In this message from 1 Peter 1:1-9, we explore the unshakable reality that Jesus Christ is our living hope. Not a fragile, wishful optimism, but a confident, resurrection-rooted hope that steadies us in suffering, secures our future, and anchors our identity as God’s people.Written to believers scattered, misunderstood, and under pressure, Peter’s words remind us that being “elect exiles” means we may feel out of place in the world, but we are never out of place with God. Through the mercy of the Father, the finished work of the Son, and the ongoing work of the Spirit, we’ve been born again into something eternal, imperishable, and unbreakable. If you’re walking through trials, wrestling with doubt, or wondering if your faith can actually last, this message is for you.Because if Jesus is alive, then your hope is too.

What does it actually mean to know God—not just know about Him, but to truly know Him?In this message, we walk through the entire book of Ezekiel and uncover the heartbeat behind it all: “Then they will know that I am the Lord.”  From a stunning vision of God’s glory to the sobering reality of spiritual drift, this sermon traces five movements that reveal who God is and what He’s doing in the world. Along the way, we see how apathy toward God quietly leads us away from Him, how His sovereignty meets us even in the chaos, and how real transformation doesn’t come from behavior change—but from a new heart.At the center of it all is Jesus.He is the true temple, the One who brings us back from exile, the King who reigns, and the Savior who gives life to dry bones. This isn’t just a message about Ezekiel—it’s a call to examine your own heart.Are you drifting? Trying to stay in control? Settling for what God gives instead of God Himself?Whether you feel close to God or spiritually dry, this message is an invitation to know Him, enjoy Him, and walk with Him.

In this passage from Ezekiel, God gives a powerful picture of His plan to redeem and restore His people. What was once divided will be made one. What was once broken will be healed. What was once scattered will be gathered again.Through the image of two sticks becoming one, God reveals His promise to unite His people under one King, establish an everlasting covenant of peace, and dwell with them forever.This promise ultimately finds its fulfillment in Jesus, the true and greater Son of David, who brings together one people from every nation and restores them into a lasting relationship with God.In this sermon, we explore the beauty of God’s redemptive plan: one God accomplishing salvation, one united people, one eternal King, one covenant of peace, and one dwelling where God lives with His people forever.The one true God unites one people under one King through one everlasting covenant so that they may dwell with Him forever.

In Ezekiel 37, the prophet is led into a valley filled with dry bones, a haunting picture of death, loss, and hopelessness. Yet in the middle of that valley, God asks a surprising question: “Can these bones live?”In this message, we walk through the powerful vision of the Valley of Dry Bones and what it reveals about God’s ability to bring life where there is none. Spoken to a people who felt forgotten in exile, this passage reminds us that God has not abandoned His people and that no situation is too far gone for His restoring power.More than a story about ancient Israel, this vision points forward to the gospel. Just as God breathed life into the bones, He brings spiritual life to those who were once dead in sin through Jesus Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit. This sermon invites us to remember that the God who raises dry bones is still at work today. He restores hope, gives new life, and calls His people to share the story of how He has brought them from death to life.

In Ezekiel 36:16-38, we see the whole story of Scripture come into focus from defilement and exile to cleansing, renewal, and new creation. God confronts the depth of His people’s sin and the way it distorted His holy name among the nations. Yet even in judgment, He reveals a deeper commitment: He will act for the sake of His name by restoring, cleansing, and transforming His people from the inside out.This sermon traces how God promises not just a return from exile, but a new heart, a new spirit, and His very presence dwelling within His people. What the law could not produce, God Himself will accomplish through the gift of His Spirit. Ultimately, this promise finds its fulfillment in Jesus Christ—where wrath is poured out, mercy is secured, and dead hearts are made alive.If you’ve ever felt the weight of sin, the ache of brokenness, or the longing for renewal, this message invites you to see the God who restores what is ruined. He is faithful to His name, powerful to cleanse, and committed to making all things new.

What happens when the leaders meant to protect God’s people start protecting themselves.In Ezekiel 34, God brings a covenant lawsuit against the “shepherds” of Israel. Kings, priests, prophets, and elders who were called to know, feed, and guard the flock had instead consumed it. They ruled with force. They neglected the weak. They drove people away. And in a stunning twist, the leaders who were supposed to reflect God’s compassionate rule began to resemble Pharaoh himself.But this passage is not just about ancient leadership failure. It exposes a deeper issue that still confronts us today: hard hearts and disordered loves. When leaders stop seeking the LORD, they start serving themselves. When people crave visible power more than God’s rule, everyone suffers.Yet even in judgment, there is hope. God still calls them “My flock” and “My sheep.” He promises to remove corrupt shepherds and prepare the way for a greater Shepherd-King who can truly rescue, restore, and win our hearts.This sermon invites us to examine our own affections, our understanding of leadership, and our need for a new and greater love that displaces pride, fear, and self-protection. Only the true Shepherd can gather what has been scattered and give us new hearts.

In this sermon from Ezekiel 33, we explore how God calls His people to turn and live. Though judgment is real, God makes clear that He takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked but desires repentance that leads to life. The tragedy is not that God failed His people, but that they became apathetic, hearing the Word without doing it. This message calls us to refuse spiritual indifference, become doers of the Word, and live as watchful followers of Jesus who guard our own hearts and lovingly watch over one another in light of the gospel.

Where false gospels promise peace and prosperity without truth, God calls His people to stand firm as Word-filled exiles who refuse comforting lies and proclaim Christ alone.In Ezekiel 13, the Lord exposes the danger of attaching His name to messages He never gave. The false prophets spoke confidently, quoted spiritual language, and promised peace, but their words flowed from their own desires rather than from God’s Word, leaving people reassured but unprepared for judgment. God tears down these false assurances, not to shame His people, but to rescue them from trusting lies that cannot save.This same pattern continues today in modern Word of Faith and Prosperity Gospel movements, which mirror the errors of Ezekiel’s false prophets by promising blessing, success, and victory apart from repentance, suffering, and submission to Christ. These messages sound hopeful and often use Scripture, but they reshape the gospel around human outcomes rather than God’s glory. Ezekiel 13 calls us to reject these comforting lies, examine the voices we trust, and build our lives on Jesus alone, the true Prophet and sure foundation who offers real peace that stands when the storm comes.

What happens when God’s people keep the language of worship but slowly reshape who God is?In Ezekiel 8–11, God gives the prophet a devastating vision, not of pagan temples in Babylon, but of corruption and divided worship inside the temple itself. Idolatry hasn’t replaced worship. It has quietly redefined it. God is still named, but no longer trusted. Devotion continues, but hearts have been reorganized around comfort, control, pragmatism, and personal preference.In this sermon, we walk through Ezekiel’s vision of the departing glory of God and confront how cultural forces like individualism, consumerism, pragmatism, and syncretism still reshape faith today. We see how spiritual drift rarely begins with outright rebellion, but with subtle reorientation. And we hear the sobering truth that worship can continue even after God has been pushed to the margins.Yet this passage is not only a warning. It is also a promise.Even as God’s glory leaves the temple in judgment, He speaks hope. He promises to be a sanctuary for His people in exile. He promises new hearts, His Spirit, and a future where He Himself will dwell with and within His people. That promise finds its fulfillment in Jesus, the true temple, the faithful Son, and the presence of God restored forever.This message invites us to examine what stories are shaping how we see God, how we approach the church, and what we expect faith to give us. And it calls us back, not to better religion, but to renewed hearts, undivided worship, and communion with the living God.

Big IdeaBecause Christ has spoken, suffered, and stood in our place, Word-filled exiles live and proclaim the Word as faithful watchmen to a watching world.SummaryGod calls Ezekiel to stand as a watchman, faithfully warning God’s people of real danger while trusting God with the response. In Ezekiel 3-5, we see that faithfulness means speaking God’s Word clearly, living lives that visibly support that Word, and trusting God to be both just and merciful. This sermon invites us to see Jesus as the true Watchman who bore judgment for us and to embrace our calling to point others to Him with both our words and our lives.Main Points:As faithful watchmen to a watching world, we preach Christ crucified and risen. (Ezekiel 3:16-27)As faithful watchmen to a watching world, our lives bear witness to Jesus. (Ezekiel 4)As faithful watchmen to a watching world, we trust God to be just and the Justifier. (Ezekiel 5)Reflection Questions:How often do I live as someone entrusted with God’s Word, and how often am I pointing people to Jesus with my words?If someone followed my life for a week, what would they learn about following Jesus?Who in my life needs to hear both the seriousness of sin and the hope of Christ, and when will I share it with them?How It's Helpful:Especially helpful for anyone feeling hesitant to speak about Jesus, uncertain how faith connects to everyday life, or burdened by the weight of living faithfully in a watching world.

What do you do when God feels distant, the culture feels hostile, and obedience feels costly?In Ezekiel 1-3:15, God pulls back the curtain and shows His people something they desperately need to see. He is still on the throne. He is still speaking. And He is still sending His people into hard places with His Word and His Spirit.In this sermon, we walk with Ezekiel from the glory of God to the calling of God. We see a holy and sovereign King who meets His prophet in exile, fills him with His Word, and sends him to speak even when people will not listen. This message calls us to slow down and behold God’s glory, to be shaped by His Word, and to live as faithful witnesses in a broken world.If you have ever wondered whether your faithfulness really matters, this sermon is for you.

What does it look like to live faithfully when the world around you doesn’t share your values, hopes, or loves?In this message from Jeremiah 29, we explore what it means to live as Word-Filled Exiles. God’s people are not called to withdraw, revolt, or assimilate, but to build lives where He has sent them, seek the good of their cities, and pray faithfully for the people and places around them. This sermon invites us into the quiet, countercultural power of ordinary faithfulness. Showing up. Living with integrity. Loving our neighbors. Trusting God with the long haul.Ultimately, this passage reminds us that exile is not the end of the story. God promises His presence, a future, and a hope. And that promise finds its fulfillment in Jesus, the One who entered our exile to bring us home.Whether you feel disoriented, weary, or simply unsure how to live faithfully in this moment, this message offers a hopeful, grounded vision for following Jesus right where you are.

As we ended our Advent series, we turned to Psalm 42 and listened to the ache beneath our waiting.This sermon explores what it means to live with longing instead of silencing it, and how Scripture invites us to aim our thirst toward Jesus rather than relief, control, or answers. Psalm 42 gives language to weary souls who feel overwhelmed, questioned by fear, and worn down by waves that do not seem to stop. It also shows us how to preach hope to our own hearts, how to remember God in exile, and how to trust His presence even when nothing feels resolved.At the center of it all is this simple but steady truth: hope is not a feeling or a finished story. Hope is a Person. He is with us now. He is coming again. And His name is Jesus.If you find yourself thirsty, tired, anxious, or waiting for God to feel near again, this message is an invitation to stay turned toward Jesus, to bring honest lament, and to rest in the One who sings over His people and meets them in the middle of the storm. 

In this Advent sermon, we step into the holy tension of waiting and fulfillment. Isaiah’s promise of a light breaking into deep darkness becomes more than a Christmas verse. It becomes the story of God’s long rescue. This message explores how Jesus came not only to save, but to restore, reveal, renew, and form a people who embody the future He is bringing. Advent reminds us that the world is aching, but not abandoned, and that whatever claims power over us must bow before the Child who carries the government on His shoulders. Tune in and be encouraged to wait with hope, live with expectancy, and remember that the One who came is the One who is coming again.

Advent invites us into a different kind of story. It slows us down, recenters our hearts, and reminds us that we are a people who live between two arrivals. In this message from Titus 2:11 to 14, we explore how grace has already appeared in the first coming of Christ, how grace is shaping us right now in the tensions and struggles of everyday life, and how our future hope transforms the way we wait.This sermon calls us to honest longing, patient formation, and expectant joy. With relatable stories and practical ways to practice Advent throughout the week, it helps us step into the season not with hurry or pressure, but with hope. Advent teaches us to look back with gratitude, live in the present with grace, and look forward with confidence as we await the One who will come again.

Sorry for the recording error! The first couple of minutes are missing from the recording. You can see what you missed below:Big Idea:The gospel forms faithful people, preserves a faithful church, and exalts a faithful God.Paul begins with Phoebe, a woman of remarkable Christlike maturity. He calls her a diakonos and a prostatis—a servant and patron who used her resources, influence, and courage to advance the gospel. She likely carried the letter to Rome and helped believers understand it. Phoebe demonstrates generosity, hospitality, steady character, and a “whenever, wherever, however” willingness to serve.Paul urges the church to welcome and honor her. She is a model for all disciples, showing that gospel maturity is about service, not status. In a world obsessed with platform and reputation, Romans 16 highlights faithfulness, humility, and ordinary obedience. God delights to use imperfect but faithful people to advance His mission.Paul then warns the church to watch out for those who cause divisions and distort the gospel. A healthy church is not suspicious, but it is spiritually awake. Destructive influences divide what Christ unites, create burdens where Christ removes them, and serve themselves rather than Jesus. They use smooth talk and flattery to manipulate rather than build up.This leads Paul to the heart behind church discipline. Discipline is not punishment or shame; it is a loving, patient, grace-filled process aimed at restoration, discipleship, and protection. It begins privately, moves slowly and relationally, involves others only when necessary, and keeps the door to restoration open.Paul calls believers to be wise about what is good and innocent about what is evil—clear-eyed, Scripture-formed, humble, and gentle. And he anchors discernment in hope: “The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.” Victory is secured in Christ, and the atmosphere of all discernment must be saturated with grace.Paul ends Romans with a doxology. God is the One who strengthens His people. We do not become holy by willpower; we stand by the finished work of Christ, who lived, died, rose again, reigns, and will return. God sustains, establishes, and keeps His church.The gospel is God’s eternal plan—once hidden, now revealed in Jesus, made known to all nations. From Abraham to the church, God has always had a global mission. He uses ordinary disciples empowered by an extraordinary God to accomplish His purposes.Paul praises “the only wise God,” whose plans cannot fail, whose story cannot be derailed, and whose purposes stand forever. Romans begins with sin and ends with worship. The gospel carries us from ruin to praise, from rebellion to glory.Romans 16 shows the kind of people shaped by the gospel, the kind of discernment needed for unity, and the God who faithfully holds His church. We cannot become Phoebe-like people, practice loving discernment, or stand in unity without Christ. At the Lord’s Table we remember His life, death, resurrection, and return—the foundation and future of our hope.To the only wise God, through Jesus Christ—glory forever. Amen.

In this week’s message from Romans 15, we unpack Paul’s call for deep unity within the church. Jews and Gentiles had centuries of cultural and doctrinal differences, yet Paul insists that the gospel creates a people who meet one another with humility, patience, and sacrificial love. In this episode, you’ll hear how secondary convictions should never divide believers, how the essentials of the gospel keep us centered, and why Christ Himself is the model for bearing with one another. You’ll also be reminded of our mission to strengthen the church, support global gospel work, and keep our eyes fixed on the God who fills His people with endurance, encouragement, joy, and hope. If you’ve ever wondered how to navigate differences in the church without compromising truth, this message offers clarity, conviction, and gospel-grounded unity.

Romans 14 offers a beautiful and challenging vision of Christian freedom. This sermon explores how the gospel frees us not to live for ourselves, but to live for Jesus and love others well. Rather than arguing over secondary opinions, Paul calls believers to welcome one another, form convictions under the lordship of Christ, and use their freedom in ways that build others up instead of causing them to stumble. Discover how true freedom finds its shape in love, humility, and faith.

In this message, we explore Romans 13:8-14 and the beautiful tension between law and love. What if love isn’t something we achieve but something we awaken to? God's Word reveals how obedience doesn’t flow from guilt, fear, or effort but from resting in the love that has already found us.Through vivid imagery and gospel-centered truth, this message invites us to stop striving, to “float in grace,” and to “put on Christ.” When we awaken to God’s love, we don’t just fulfill the law—we embody it.Discover the freedom of being loved into loving Him and others.

We live in an age of outrage. Politics can divide families, leaders can and do fail, and everyone seems to be shouting for power. So what do followers of Jesus do with Romans 13’s command to “be subject to governing authorities”?In this sermon, we explore how Christians can honor authority without worshiping it, resist evil without losing peace, and stay faithful in a culture unraveling at the seams. Spoiler alert: the answer isn’t found in a political party. It’s found in a Person. Jesus is King! That’s the most political statement you’ll ever need.

What does real Christian love look like? In Romans 12:9–21, we’re reminded that true love isn’t theoretical; it’s practical, self-sacrificing, and Christlike. Flowing from the deep gospel truths of Romans 1–11, this passage shows how transformed people love differently: honoring others above themselves, blessing those who persecute them, and overcoming evil with good. This isn’t sentimental affection; it’s love that mirrors the cross. Discover how genuine love reshapes how we respond to conflict, suffering, and even our enemies.

What if God doesn’t want to be figured out but known? In Romans 11, Paul ends not with tidy answers but with awe, wonder, and worship. In this sermon, we are reminded that doctrine is not the destination; it’s meant to draw us into the mystery, mercy, and magnitude of God. If you’ve ever felt the pressure to “get it all right” before drawing near to Him, this message will free you to rest, delight, and magnify the God who has already run to you.

School shootings. Wars in the Middle East. Christians slaughtered in Africa. Political violence shaking our nation. In moments like these, it’s easy to ask: Has God forgotten His people? Romans 11 answers with power: By no means. God knows His people personally. He destined His people from before the foundation of the world. And He grafts us into the living Root, Jesus Christ. This message will ground you in the unshakable truth that God is still God, His promises still stand, and His people still have hope.

In this episode, we open Romans 10 and explore what it really means to confess with our mouths and believe with our hearts. Faith is more than mental agreement with theological truths; it’s embodied trust, communion with God, and resting in His love. Too often, our image of God is one of distance, disappointment, or disinterest. But the gospel reveals a Father who runs toward His children with open arms. Together, we’ll discover how salvation is not just a past decision but a present reality: living as beloved sons and daughters, secure in Christ, and sent to proclaim His good news to the world.

Nicholas Lyn walks us through Romans 10:1-11, reminding us that salvation is not earned by works but received through faith. With clarity and compassion, he unpacks Paul’s heartfelt longing for Israel’s salvation, the misplaced zeal of works-based righteousness, and the life-changing truth that “if you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”Whether you’re exploring faith, wrestling with doubt, or needing to be reminded of the assurance you have in Christ, this episode is for you. Nicholas doesn’t just teach theology; he helps you see how the gospel meets you where you are and invites you into deep, abiding belief.

In this week’s message, we walked through one of the most challenging and hope-filled passages in Romans. We learned that God, like a potter with clay, has the right to shape lives and extend mercy as He chooses—and yet we remain fully responsible for our response to Him. Israel’s unbelief does not mean God’s word has failed; instead, it highlights that righteousness has always been by faith, not by works or heritage. We were reminded that zeal alone cannot save us, only Jesus—the cornerstone who will never fail. As we face uncertainty, loss, or even our own striving, the call is to trust God’s goodness, rest in His mercy, and place our hope in Christ alone.

We’ve just begun the second part of our series in Romans! In this message, Zach Beaman walks us through Romans 9:1–18, helping us see God’s sovereign mercy and purpose in choosing His people.

Seek the Lost (Luke 19:1–10)In the final message of our Values series, we look at Jesus’s mission to “seek and save the lost.” Zacchaeus wasn’t searching for salvation, just a glimpse of Jesus, but Christ had already set His eyes on him. In this sermon, we see how Jesus meets us where we are, calls us by name, takes the first step, and changes us from the inside out. Discover the good news that being “lost” is not an insult but a declaration of value, because we only search for what is precious to us.

In 1 Timothy 1:5, Paul reminds us that the goal of our training isn’t performance, programs, or polished answers... it’s love. The goal of training is love: growing in love for God, for each other, and for the faith that sustains us through the messiness of life.In this sermon, we unpack what it means to train believers with a pure heart, a good conscience, and a sincere faith in the middle of life’s messiness. Whether you’ve been following Jesus for decades or just started, this is an invitation to trade performance for presence and grow together toward the ultimate goal: Jesus Himself.

We all long to be loved, but many of us were never taught how to be known. In this message, Pastor JB invites us to break the relational scripts of our past and step into a gospel-shaped community marked by encouragement, presence, and grace. Through Scripture and real-life honesty, this sermon reminds us that the church is not a performance space. It is a family. And families do not function without care. Because we are fully loved by Jesus, we can love one another in everyday, intentional, and imperfect ways. This is more than a value. It is the kind of people we are becoming

In a world that pushes us toward independence, hurry, and performance, what if the Christian life was meant to be lived differently: deeply connected to Jesus and to one another? In this foundational message launching Multiply Church’s core values series, John Baker walks us through Jesus’ words in John 15 and unpacks what it means to truly “abide in Jesus together.”You’ll discover that abiding isn’t about passivity or personal striving; it’s about presence. It’s not just “me and Jesus,” but “us and Jesus.” From Eden to eternity, God’s desire has always been presence. And in this message, you’re invited to slow down, stay rooted, and experience the joy, fruit, and witness that comes from a shared life in Christ.Whether you feel burned out, disconnected, or longing for deeper community, this sermon offers both gospel hope and a practical invitation: make your home in Jesus, together with His people.

In this powerful and relatable sermon, guest preacher Blake Thew walks us through Proverbs 4:5-7, calling us to pursue wisdom, not the world’s version, but the kind that comes from God. With warmth, humor, and clarity, Blake unpacks the weight and worth of wisdom, showing why it’s hard to walk in it and how Christ embodied it perfectly on our behalf.Drawing from personal stories, deep biblical insight, and practical examples, Blake reminds us that true wisdom isn’t just about knowing what to do; it’s about becoming more like Jesus. And the good news? Through the Holy Spirit, we can walk in that same wisdom today.Whether you feel overwhelmed by the world, stuck in foolish patterns, or hungry for more of Jesus, this message will both challenge and comfort you. Listen in and discover how standing under Christ’s yoke is the very path to understanding Him and becoming wise.

Main Idea: When God is big, people don’t have to be.Texts: Proverbs 29:25; John 12:42–43; Matthew 10:28; Isaiah 51:12–13; Galatians 1:10–12; Matthew 11:28–30INTRODUCTION: WHERE THIS HITS REAL LIFEPersonal Confession:"This message is personal—not just something I believe, but something I live."Real-Life Scenarios of People-Pleasing:Staying quiet to avoid upsetting othersSaying yes when you should say noObsessing over misunderstood texts or conversationsCarrying the emotional weight of othersSpiritual Diagnosis:This isn’t just emotional fatigue—it’s the fear of man, and Scripture speaks directly to it.POINT 1: THE TRAP OF FEARING PEOPLEText: Proverbs 29:25"The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe."Word Study: Snare = hidden trap; not just danger, but a setupConsequences of Fear of Man:Traps you in overthinkingTraps you in anxietyTraps you in pretendingDeeper Reality:Not just emotional slavery—spiritual idolatryElevating human approval above God's opinionIllustration: John 12:42–43"They loved the glory that comes from man more than the glory that comes from God."Modern Parallel:We believe but stay quietWe compromise out of fear of rejectionPeople become bigger than God in our heartsPOINT 2: WHEN GOD IS SMALL, WE LOSE SIGHT OF OUR CALLINGText: Matthew 10:28“Do not fear those who kill the body… fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.”Context:Jesus sends disciples into oppositionReframes fear—not by erasing it, but relocating itGreek Word Studies:Phobeomai – awe, reverence, respect (not dread)Apollumi – to ruin, waste, or destroy (not annihilate)Isaiah 51:12–13 Reflection:“Who are you that you fear man… and forget the Lord your Maker?”Key Insight:Forgetting God leads to fearing peopleWhen God shrinks, people overwhelmImplications:When God is small, we obey less, love less, hide moreBut there’s a better way—a gospel wayPOINT 3: THE GOSPEL MAKES GOD BIGText: Galatians 1:10–12“If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ…”Paul’s Defense of His Gospel Message:Not man’s gospelReceived through revelation of Jesus ChristDraws a clear line: pleasing people vs. serving JesusGreek Word Study:Peithō – to win favor, seek approvalGospel Effects:Wrecks your old way of lifeRe-centers your worth and future in ChristFrees you from needing human approvalGospel Exchange:Jesus was rejected so you could be acceptedJesus was silenced so you could speakJesus was burdened so you could breathePractical Fruit of Gospel-Fueled Fear of God:Honest communicationRelational clarityEmotional freedomPRACTICE: HOW TO START LIVING THIS WAY1. Ask the Question:“Am I more afraid of their opinion or more in awe of God’s presence?”2. Preach the Gospel to Yourself:“I am fully known and fully loved… I have no one to impress and nothing to prove.”3. Practice Quiet Courage:Say the hard thingGently, clearly, without apologyFaithfulness doesn’t require harshnessINVITATION: JESUS SEES YOUR EXHAUSTIONText: Matthew 11:28–30“Come to me… and I will give you rest.”Word Study:Anapauō – to refresh, renew, restore strengthApplication:Jesus sees your people-pleasing wearinessHe invites you—not with disappointment, but with restCall:Lay down the burden. Let God’s voice become the loudest.CONCLUSION: THE WISDOM GOD IS OFFERING USSummary Wisdom Statement:Live in reverent awe of God, not anxious fear of people. Because only God holds your identity, worth, and future.Takeaways of God-Fearing Wisdom:Recognize misplaced energy and emotional investmentReframe fear of people as misplaced worshipReturn to God as centerRelate to others with freedomRest in Christ’s love and acceptanceFinal Exhortation:The wisdom of fearing the Lord leads to:Life, not performance. Peace, not people-pleasing. Honesty, not hiding.Come to Jesus. Receive His rest. Walk in freedom.Because when God is big, people don’t have to be.

Big Idea:God's Word gives families the wisdom we need to walk in love, listen well, and live for Him.For Kids: Listening Is a SuperpowerProverbs 1:8–9God says that listening to your parents is like wearing a crown or a gold necklace—it’s beautiful to Him. Listening means trusting and doing what’s right, even when it’s hard.Talk about it together:What is one way you can listen and obey quickly this week?Why do you think God says listening to parents is wise and beautiful?Can you think of a time when listening to your parents really helped you?Try repeating this simple truth as a family:"When I listen to my parents, it pleases God."For Parents: Don’t Give UpProverbs 3:11–12; 22:6Parenting can feel exhausting, but your words and example are shaping more than behavior—you’re shaping souls. God sees your faithfulness. You’re not alone.Talk about it together:Parents, where do you need God’s strength most right now?Kids, what’s one way you can show kindness or gratitude to your parents this week?As a family, how can you grow in grace and patience with one another?Remember: You don’t have to be perfect—just present.For the Whole Family: God’s Word Lights the WayProverbs 6:20–23Life without wisdom is like walking through the house in the dark—you’re bound to trip over something. But God’s Word lights the path and shows us the way forward.Try this as a family:Turn off the lights and walk through a room with a flashlight. Then read Proverbs 6:23 and talk about how God’s wisdom helps us see clearly in life.Family Prayer:Jesus, thank You for our family. Help us love each other well, listen with joy, and walk in Your wisdom. Make our home full of Your light, truth, and grace. Amen.

Proverbs 9

In this sermon, we explore what it means to walk in wisdom with our finances. More than a budgeting lesson, this sermon challenges us to see money not as something to spend, but as something to steward for God’s glory and the good of others. We dive into the truths of Proverbs and the New Testament to understand how wise people give generously, save faithfully, work diligently, and live with eternity in mind. Discover how financial faithfulness can become an act of worship—and how Jesus, who gave everything for us, transforms how we give in return.

🚨 DUE TO TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES, ONLY A PORTION OF THIS SERMON IS AVAILABLE. 🚨Today, we were grateful to have Chase Johnson preach from Proverbs 3:1–12, walking us through a powerful word on what it means to live in true peace—not through self-improvement, but by trusting in our Heavenly Father, who delights in us as His beloved children.Message Title: The Fruit of FaithfulnessMain Point: True shalom (wholeness, health, and harmony) comes not through self-help but by trusting the God who calls us sons and daughters.The Father’s CommandsWe’re called to love God and neighbor—not as a way to earn favor, but because we’ve already been loved with hesed (steadfast, covenant love). The fruit? Peace, favor, and formation in love.The Father’s PathsInstead of leaning on our own understanding, we’re invited to trust God with our whole heart—mind, will, and emotions. Trusting Him leads to healing and refreshment, even when life throws curveballs.The Father’s ProvisionWe don’t give because we have a lot; we give because we trust the One who provides. God’s wisdom teaches us to honor Him with our firstfruits—not out of guilt, but out of gratitude.The Father’s DisciplineGod’s correction isn’t punishment—it’s proof of His delight in us. He disciplines us because He loves us, like any good father would.Chase reminded us:“Your Father really loves you. His face is filled with joy and delight. Each morning and night, before and after your sin, He sees you with delight.”Response Challenge:This week, identify one small way you’ve experienced God’s love each day. Declare His steadfast love in the morning and His faithfulness at night (Psalm 92:1–2). Let that delight shape the way you live, love, and trust.As we live out this wisdom together, may we bear the fruit of faithfulness—not by trying harder, but by resting deeper in our Father’s love.

Today, Curtis kicked off our new series in Proverbs with a message titled “The Beginning of Wisdom.” We explored Proverbs 1 and 9, where Scripture teaches that “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.”We learned that wisdom is more than knowledge or understanding—it’s the ability to discern the best course of action in the complexities of life. We clarified the difference between:Knowledge (facts),Understanding (insight into those facts), andWisdom (applying understanding in real life with discernment).Read a chapter of Proverbs each day. Match the chapter to the day of the month, and ask God for one piece of wisdom to apply in your life.Learn from someone older in the faith. Ask them, “What have you learned about God through the challenges you’ve faced?” Let their insights help shape your journey of wisdom.At the heart of wisdom is a healthy, reverent fear of God—a fear not rooted in terror, but in awe. It’s the fear of missing out on the life God invites us into. This kind of fear draws us near to Him, humbles us, and renews in us the posture of a learner.We also looked at the life of King Solomon, who began his reign by asking God for wisdom. Though he started well, his story reminds us that wisdom must be continually pursued. When we drift from reverence for God, we also drift from the wisdom only He can give.Jesus offers an invitation to walk with Him and learn “the unforced rhythms of grace” (Matthew 11:28–30). And James reminds us that if we lack wisdom, we simply need to ask—God gives it generously (James 1:5).Two ways to respond this week:Imagine the life you could experience if it were marked by God’s wisdom—freedom, joy, and confidence, even in the face of hard decisions and difficult people.Let’s keep walking in wisdom together.

Big Idea:You were created for more than singleness or marriage. You were created for union with God in Christ. That’s the core of your identity—not your relationship status.Key Scriptures:Genesis 1:26–28, 2:18 1 Corinthians 7:17, 23, 25–31 Matthew 22:30 Revelation 19:6–7Main Themes:We’re Designed for Communion with God and Each OtherGod created us for relationship: vertically with Him, and horizontally with others. Whether through marriage, friendship, or the church, we were never meant to walk alone.Our Culture Tells a Small Story, God Tells a Bigger OneThe world says romance completes us, but it’s a lie. No human relationship can fulfill our deepest longings. That ache we feel is for God Himself.Marriage and Singleness Are Sacred CallingsPaul teaches in 1 Corinthians 7 that both marriage and singleness are holy opportunities for undivided devotion to Jesus. Neither is superior—both can be beautiful when lived for Christ.Your Current Season Is Not a Waiting RoomWhether you’re married or single, your life is not on pause. Singleness is not “less than,” and marriage isn’t ultimate. Christ is. And He meets you right where you are.Live Today in Light of THAT DayScripture begins with a wedding in a garden and ends with a wedding by a glassy sea (Rev. 19). That eternal union with Christ reframes how we live right now. Today is for devotion. That Day is our destination.Reflection Questions:What expectations am I placing on marriage or singleness that only union with Christ can fulfill?If I believed this season of life was a sacred calling, how would that change my priorities?How might living in light of That Day reshape the way I live today?Let’s continue walking together with hope, joy, and purpose—lifting our eyes beyond the temporary and fixing our hearts on Jesus, the true Bridegroom.

Big Idea:Jesus invites every mother, no matter her season or story, into His rest, His grace, and His heart.From Matthew 11:28–30, we saw three things clearly:Weary Mom, Jesus Sees You – Just like He met Hagar in the wilderness, Jesus meets you in your exhaustion and whispers, “I see you.”Weary Mom, Jesus Isn’t Asking You to Carry It All – His yoke is light because He carries it with you. You were never meant to carry motherhood alone.Weary Mom, Let Jesus Redefine “Rest” – Rest isn’t found in an empty schedule but in the presence of a Savior who replaces guilt with grace.Weary Mom with Grown Children — Your season may have changed, but your role still matters. Your prayers, presence, and love still carry eternal weight.Husbands and Fathers — You have the honor of encouraging, honoring, and pointing the mother of your children to Jesus daily. Your words and actions matter more than you know.Summary:This special Mother’s Day sermon isn’t about perfection or pressure—it’s about grace. Whether you’re in the chaos of raising young kids, walking through infertility or loss, parenting grown children, or carrying the invisible weight of guilt and exhaustion, this message is for you.Rooted in Jesus’ words from Matthew 11:28–30 and the powerful story of Hagar in Genesis 16, we’re reminded that God sees every mother in every season—and He doesn’t ask her to carry it all alone. Instead, Jesus invites you to come to Him, to rest in His presence, and to be yoked to His strength, not your own.If you’ve ever felt like you’re not doing enough, not measuring up, or barely holding it together, tune in and hear the good news: You are not alone. You are not invisible. You are deeply loved. And in Jesus, there is rest for your soul.Let this message lift the weight, quiet the lies, and remind you of the One who carries you.

Big IdeaEvery act of obedience glorifies God and affects eternity.Understanding God’s Sovereignty & Our ResponsibilityOpportunity: God sovereignly appoints opportunities for His purposes to unfold in and through us.Obedience: Our responsibility is to respond faithfully in obedience to God's Word.Outcome: The outcome rests in God's hands, and He ensures His plans are fulfilled perfectly, according to His perfect timing.Obedience in Temptation MattersFrom Song of Solomon 2:15, we saw how the "little foxes" of temptation can spoil what God is growing in our lives. Saying no—even to "small" sins and compromises—builds faithfulness and intimacy with God. Jesus conquered temptation so we can, too.Obedience Reflects Our Love for ChristLuke 16:10 reminded us that small acts of faithfulness shape big faith. Whether it’s forgiving someone or choosing God’s way in everyday life, our obedience flows from love, not obligation.Grace Empowers Our Obedience2 Corinthians 9:8 shows that God gives grace for every good work. You’re not left to obey in your own strength—God supplies what He calls you to do.Obedience Leads to Freedom and Joy1 John 5:3 says God’s commands aren’t burdensome—they’re life-giving. Obedience isn’t about restriction; it’s the path to the full, free life Jesus offers.Our Obedience Is Part of God’s Bigger StoryEphesians 2:10 reminded us that every act of faithfulness fits into God’s eternal plan. Even the ordinary moments matter. You're part of something much bigger than yourself.Bottom LineObedience is a joyful, grace-empowered response to God’s love. It shapes your heart, brings life, and echoes into eternity.Reflection QuestionsWhere in your life are you resisting obedience because it feels small, inconvenient, or costly—and what might God be inviting you to trust Him with instead?How would your daily choices change if you truly believed that obedience leads not to burden, but to joy and freedom in Christ?

This Easter, we celebrated the life-changing truth that Jesus didn’t come to shame you or shut you out—He came to rescue you, give you life, and make you His. In a world where brokenness feels normal and God can seem distant, Romans 8 reminds us that there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.We walked through how we are more broken than we realize, but how Jesus didn’t come to condemn us—He came to be condemned for us. He rose again not just to forgive us, but to be Lord over our lives. Easter isn’t just good news for religious people—it’s good news for anyone willing to surrender and trust in Jesus.The invitation is clear: Jesus is Lord and Savior. Will you trust Him today?

Big Idea: There’s a war raging within us between our desire to follow God and the sin that still dwells in us, but Jesus is our victory!Have you ever felt like you’re stuck in a spiritual tug-of-war—pulled between the person you want to be and the person you keep slipping back into? That’s exactly what Paul describes in Romans 7: the inner battle between our desire to follow God and the sin that still lingers within us.This week’s message walks through the tension we all feel: wanting to do right but falling short, loving God but still battling sin. From being freed from the law through Christ’s death, to understanding the purpose of the law, to naming the very real war waging within our hearts—Romans 7 doesn’t hold back. But the chapter doesn’t end in despair. It ends in hope.There’s victory—not in our own strength, but in Jesus Christ. He’s the one who rescues us from our mess, delivers us from our sin, and gives us the power to keep walking by the Spirit even when the battle rages on.Whether you’re feeling stuck, tired, or defeated in your walk with God, this message reminds us that we don’t have to fight sin alone. Jesus has already won.

Opening Statement:You talk about what you love, and you love what you talk about. You talk about what works for you.Opening Question:So, how much do you talk about God?Texts:Deuteronomy 6:4-9, Luke 6:43-45; 8:4-15, John 4:35-38Main Idea and Application:God intends for us to talk about Him in everyday conversation, which will inevitably lead to sharing Jesus.

Big Idea: Jesus came to give you life now and forevermore, so die to sin in Him. Key Takeaways:> Think of Yourself as Dead to Sin and Alive to God (v. 11)> Don’t Let Sin Control You (v. 12)> Stop Using Your Body for Sinful Things (v. 13a)> Give Yourself Completely to God (v. 13b)Reflection Questions:> How does recognizing your old life as “buried with Christ” impact the way you view your struggles with sin today?> What areas of your life are most vulnerable to sin’s influence, and how can you actively surrender them to God?> What practical steps can you take this week to live as someone who is “fully alive to God” rather than controlled by sin?

Text:Romans 5:12-21Big Idea:You were born into death, but Jesus came to give you life now and forevermore.Takeaways:I. You Were Born into Death Through Adam (vv. 12-14)• In the Garden, humanity was created for life with God, but sin distorted that reality.• Adam’s sin introduced death, which spread to every person like an unavoidable hereditary disease.• Because of Adam’s sin, death reigns in the world, and we are all born to die.II. You Are Born Again to Life Through Jesus (vv. 15-17)• Grace is God’s free gift—something good we don’t deserve.• Just as Adam’s trespass brought judgment and death, Jesus’ obedience brings justification and life.• Jesus not only restores what was lost through sin but lifts us higher—we reign with Him in new life.• His Kingdom of grace replaces condemnation, allowing us to experience eternal life now and forever.III. Jesus Came to Redeem Us from Death to Life (vv. 18-21)• Jesus rescues us from sin and death, not only removing their effects but empowering us to reign with Him.• The law exposes our brokenness, but His overflowing grace restores and empowers us to truly live.Conclusion: You were born into death, but Jesus came to give you life—starting now, not just in the future. God invites you to live with Him today. He not only loves you; He likes you and wants to be with you. He gave His life to be with you. And this is a life He calls you to proclaim to others.