Poplar Ridge Christian Church

We all want deep friendships and meaningful community, but what if finding your people starts with becoming the kind of person who shows up for others?In Luke 10:25-37, Jesus tells the story of the Good Samaritan and challenges us to move beyond convenience, comfort, and proximity into a life of compassion and intentional neighbor-love. This message explores what it means to become the kind of friend who notices people, moves toward them, enters their mess, and stays when it’s difficult.You don’t find your people by accident—you become the kind of person who shows up for people.📖 Scripture: Luke 10:25-37📍 Poplar Ridge Christian Church

We have a role to impact the next generation. Join us as we dive into how to do that.

Welcome back to the Let’s Talk Podcast.In this episode, we’re talking about a brand new ministry season at Poplar Ridge Christian Church.Matt shares about stepping into a new associate pastor role focused on groups, connections, and helping people move from simply attending church to truly finding community and belonging.We also spend time reflecting on the last several years in student ministry — the relationships built, lessons learned, challenges faced, and the impact those years had on both students and leadership.In this episode:Transitioning into a new ministry roleLessons from years in youth ministryWhy biblical community mattersThe future vision for groups and connectionsHelping people take next steps in their faithThanks for listening to the Let’s Talk Podcast. Be sure to like, subscribe, and share with someone who may be encouraged by this conversation.

Yesterday, we looked at Jesus’ words in Matthew 7:24–27 and were reminded that every home is built on something. The storms of life will come, but homes built on the foundation of Christ can stand strong. Our prayer is that our homes would become the safest places on earth—not because they’re perfect, but because they’re filled with the love, grace, peace, and truth of Jesus. When we build our marriages, parenting, relationships, and daily lives on Him, we create homes that are steady even in the middle of life’s storms.

In 2 Timothy 2:1–2, Paul the Apostle reminds Timothy that faith is meant to be passed on. The greatest legacy we leave may not be money, success, or accomplishments but what happens inside our homes. The conversations around the table, the prayers whispered at night, the example we set, and the faith we model all shape the next generation. This message is about building a home where faith lasts longer than we do.

Happy Mother's Day! Today we talk about how to lead faithfully in your home.

Paul tells timothy to put more wood on the fire. His faith has ben passed down from grandmother, to his mother, and now to him. He has a gift to preach but he has to fan the flame by practicing the gift God has given him.

Join us to listen in to our new youth minister, Elijah Grubbs, as he speaks about returning to Poplar Ridge and stepping into a new role.

Jesus didn’t shame Peter, He restored him. Your failures don’t cancel your purpose.

After the resurrection, Jesus cooked breakfast. God often meets us not in the spectacular but in everyday life.

Doubt doesn’t disqualify you from faith.In this message from John 20:24–31, we look at Thomas—the disciple who struggled to believe. While others had seen the risen Jesus, Thomas wasn’t there, and he had questions. Real questions. Honest doubt.But instead of pushing him away, Jesus met him right where he was.If you’ve ever wrestled with doubt, questioned your faith, or felt unsure about what you believe, this message is for you.Jesus isn’t afraid of your questions—He steps into them.

An empty tomb turned grief into hope. Because Jesus rose, your past, your shame, and even death itself no longer have the final word.

Jesus stood before earthly power yet carried heavenly authority. The cross was not forced upon Him He chose it for you.

Join us as we launch a new podcast called Let's Talk! We will have conversations with staff, leadership, and key leaders in our church a long with discussing upcoming series or other important topics about things happening at Poplar Ridge! This episode will be introducing you to our newest hire John Leffler!

In John 18, everything seems to fall apart. Jesus is betrayed, arrested, and surrounded by chaos, yet nothing is actually out of control. Even in the darkest moment, He is fully aware, fully surrendered, and fully in charge.If you have ever felt blindsided, hurt, or like life is unraveling, this message is for you. What feels like chaos to us is never chaos to God.Discover how to trust God when life does not make sense and why your worst moment is not the end of the story.

The night before everything changed, Jesus spoke peace into anxious hearts. In a world full of uncertainty, His promise still stands today: you are not abandoned. Discover the comfort and confidence found in trusting Him.

📍 Poplar Ridge Christian ChurchContentment often feels just out of reach. In this sermon, we look at Paul’s words from Philippians 4 and discover what it means to be content in every season. True contentment isn’t found in circumstances or possessions, but in Christ alone. This message invites us to rethink where we place our confidence and what it truly means to live a blessed life.

Many people view giving as an obligation, but Scripture paints a very different picture. In this message, we explore the joy of giving and how generosity reshapes our hearts. Paul reminds us that God loves a cheerful giver and promises that generosity leads to abundance, not just in resources, but in gratitude and purpose.

Following Jesus was never meant to be a solo journey. In this message we explore how discipleship is formed in community and lived out on mission. Jesus calls us not only to follow Him personally, but to walk together and help others follow Him too.

Following Jesus is more than a label. It is a way of life. In this message from 1 Peter 2:21, we explore how Jesus sets the example for us and what it means to walk in His steps through our words, choices, and everyday actions. This sermon invites us to move from belief to imitation as we follow Christ.

Scripture: Luke 9:23–26Description:Jesus is honest about the cost of discipleship. In Luke 9:23–26, we wrestle with the hard question of surrender, sacrifice, and daily obedience—and why following Jesus, even when it costs us something, leads to real life.

When Jesus called the first disciples, He didn’t ask for a résumé. He asked for their trust. In Matthew 4:18–22, we explore what Jesus is really inviting us into when He says, “Follow Me,” and what it means to leave what’s familiar to walk with Him.

Christmas is the story of God coming near. In John 1:1–14, we’re reminded that Jesus didn’t remain distant or detached. He stepped into our world, our pain, and our brokenness.This message explores how God’s love was made visible in Jesus and how that love invites us to receive Him, trust Him, and reflect His love to others.📖 Scripture John 1:1–14📍 Poplar Ridge Christian Church

Joy is more than a feeling—it’s a response to what God has done.📖 Scripture: Luke 2📍 Poplar Ridge Christian Church

Peace can feel hard to find, especially during the busiest and most stressful season of the year. This message looks at the angel’s announcement in Luke 2 and reminds us that true peace isn’t found in circumstances but in the presence of Jesus.

Sometimes doing the right thing still lands you in a hard place. In Acts 16:22–34, Paul and Silas are beaten, chained, and thrown into prison—yet at midnight, they’re praying and singing. Instead of panic, they choose prayer. Instead of despair, they choose worship. And God shows up in power.This week we’ll talk about how to depend on God when you feel stuck, trapped, or hurting—and how prayer in your “prison moments” can not only set you free, but impact the people around you.

We say “God, we depend on You,” but often we live like everything depends on us. In this episode, we walk through Acts 12:1–17 and see the early church facing persecution and loss, yet choosing to depend completely on God in prayer.You’ll be challenged to rethink what dependence looks like in your life, your family, and your church—and to believe that God still opens doors no one else can open.

Most of us treat prayer like a last resort—and when we finally pray, we play it safe. In this episode, we look at Acts 4:23–31 and learn how the early church prayed bold, specific prayers in the face of real opposition.We’ll talk about what bold prayer looks like, how to be honest about your fear and still ask God for big things, and why the Holy Spirit loves to meet us when we pray with courage.Scripture: Acts 4:23–31Series: More Than We Can HandleMessage: Week 2 – When Prayer Is the First Response (Praying Boldly)

Join us as we recap Colossians!

Relationships can be complicated—but they don’t have to control you.In Colossians 3:18–4:1, Paul shows us how to let Jesus shape the way we love, lead, and live with others. Whether it’s in your home, your friendships, or your workplace, following Jesus changes the way you show up.When Christ is at the center, everything else starts to fall into place.🎧 Watch or listen now to learn what it looks like to go all in with Jesus in every relationship.

Everybody wants to win—but what if the only way to win is to die?In Colossians 3:1–17, Paul shows us what it takes to be part of the winning team with Jesus. Winning starts when we stop standing on the sidelines and start dying to our old selves so we can live fully alive in Christ.Here’s how to live like a true winner:1️⃣ Get in the Game — Shift your mindset. Seek things above.2️⃣ Kill What’s Killing You — Don’t leave sin half-dead. Finish the job.3️⃣ Put On Your New Jersey — Live from your new identity in Christ.4️⃣ Play Like Christ — Love, forgive, and lead like Jesus.5️⃣ Keep Winning — Stay in rhythm through God’s Word, prayer, and gratitude.The truth is simple: if you want to win, you have to die to yourself. But what you gain is life, freedom, and victory in Christ.🎧 Listen now or watch the full message to learn how to live like you’re on the winning team.

Faith isn’t something you drift into—it’s something you decide to grow in. In Colossians 2:8–23, Paul challenges us to stop letting culture, comfort, or convenience shape what we believe. Jesus has already done the work. Now it’s our turn to live it out.

Join us as we welcome back Caleb Gilmore and Celebrate 183 years of ministry!

Ever wonder what God is really up to? In Colossians 1:24–2:7, Paul uncovers the “mystery” that changes everything—Christ alive in you. Find out how that truth fuels your purpose, your growth, and your courage to keep following Him.

Our culture offers a thousand “saviors,” but Colossians 1:15–23 declares Jesus as the image of the invisible God—the only One worth building your life on. Learn why He’s supreme over creation, your past, and your future.

What happens when Jesus really takes first place in your life? In Colossians 1:1–14, we see that Christ isn’t an add-on—He’s everything. Discover how the gospel changes your perspective, your priorities, and your peace when you go all in with Him.

When Goliath steps onto the battlefield, who are you standing with—frozen like the Israelites or moving with faith like David? In this message from 1 Samuel 17:41–58, we explore the courage it takes to run quickly toward the battle God calls you to, trusting Him to fight for you.Are you standing on the sidelines in fear?Or are you stepping forward with bold faith?Learn what it looks like to trust God, step into His plan, and let Him lead the charge. This sermon is part of our David and Goliath series—because the battle belongs to the Lord, but the question is: who are you with?

We live in a world that screams “not enough”—not enough money, not enough time, not enough of you. But what if God has already given us everything we need? Learn how to live with confidence that God’s provision is always more than enough.

The toughest battles often come without warning. Learn how David’s story can prepare you to face your giant—even when it shows up on an ordinary day.

Do you feel stuck in the same sin cycle? Jesus offers more than forgiveness—He offers freedom. Learn how the Gospel empowers us to live differently through the Spirit. It’s time to stop surviving and start walking in victory.

Shame doesn’t have the final word—Jesus does. In this week’s message, we explore how the Gospel doesn’t just save us—it restores us. Discover how to let go of shame and walk in the grace and identity Christ freely gives.

We all want to be strong enough to handle life. But what if strength isn’t the real key to victory? In this message, we dive into the life of Samson—someone gifted with supernatural strength who still failed because he didn’t surrender his heart.Discover why God cares more about your faithfulness than your talents, and how true strength comes from trusting Him, not yourself.👉 Learn more or join us at Poplar Ridge Christian Church: www.poplarridgechurch.com

Have you ever felt like your past, your family story, or your mistakes put you on the outside of God’s plan? Jephthah in Judges 11 was rejected by his own people because of where he came from—but God still called him to lead.In this message, we see how God can redeem broken beginnings, how dangerous it is when we try to bargain with God, and how our faith needs to rest in who God is, not in what we can promise Him.👉 Join us at Poplar Ridge Christian Church or learn more: www.poplarridgechurch.com

Ever feel like you’re not strong enough, brave enough, or ready enough to be used by God? In this message, we walk through the story of Gideon in Judges 6-7—someone who doubted, hesitated, and felt small… but God chose him anyway.Discover how God specializes in using ordinary people for extraordinary purposes, and how your faith—no matter how shaky—can open the door to victory.👉 Watch more or plan a visit: www.poplarridgechurch.com

“Before There Were Kings – Make Room: When Obedience Opens Doors for Others” From Judges 4–5, we see how Deborah’s faithfulness opened the way for Jael’s courage—and ultimately, for Israel’s freedom. We're reminded that we often enjoy shade from trees we didn’t plant. Your obedience might not be for you—it might be the open door someone else is waiting for.🛠️ Topics Covered: What real obedience looks likeWhy legacy faith mattersHow God uses unexpected people in unexpected waysWhat it means to “make room” in your life, your church, and your story💬 “You may not be the final act of God’s plan, but your obedience might open the curtain.”📍Poplar Ridge Christian Church | www.poplarridgechurch.com

What if God does His greatest work through the people who stay in the shadows? In this message, we look at Othniel—Israel’s first judge—and how God used his quiet, consistent obedience to bring peace. When flash fades and trends shift, faithfulness still stands.📍 Join us at Poplar Ridge Christian Church in Piney Flats, TN.🌐 Learn more or plan your visit: www.poplarridgechurch.com

In Luke 2, the Messiah is missing — but the moment becomes a turning point for understanding honor and obedience. This Mother’s Day, we explore what this unusual family moment teaches us about respecting those God placed in our lives — especially our mothers.🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this message with someone who needs it today.📖 Scripture: Luke 2:41-52

Graduation is a milestone — but it’s also the starting line for a new chapter. In this message from Hebrews 11–12, Matt Mangrum challenges us to stop comparing and start running the race God marked out for us. You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to be faithful.Whether you’re a graduate or simply stepping into a new season, this message will help you let go of distractions, fix your eyes on Jesus, and run your race with endurance.👉 Subscribe for more messages like this.📖 Scripture: Hebrews 11:1–12:3🎓 Graduation Sunday Message

Peter thought he had blown it for good. After denying Jesus, shame could’ve had the last word—but Jesus had a better plan. In this powerful message from Poplar Ridge Christian Church’s Last Week: Close Encounters series, we step into John 21 and see how Jesus meets us after our failures, not to shame us, but to restore us. Your story isn’t over.🔥 Scripture: John 21:1-19🌟 poplarridgechurch.com

Before the disciples, before the world even knew… Mary saw Him first. In this Easter message at Poplar Ridge Christian Church, we uncover the raw, emotional, and deeply personal encounter Mary Magdalene had outside the empty tomb. It wasn’t just history—it was healing. Her story still speaks to the forgotten, the faithful, and those searching for hope today.🌅 Scripture: John 20:1-18Find more details at poplarridgechurch.com