Solid Ground Church

There are moments when you know exactly what happened. You remember what was said. You have the facts. And you’re right. But what if being right still isn’t enough? In this episode of Groundwork, Mike explores a subtle relationship trap that can turn certainty into conflict—and why sometimes the most important part of a situation isn’t nearly as obvious as we think.

Some seasons of discouragement are easy to explain. Others are harder to name. You may look fine on the outside, keep doing what needs to be done, and still feel like something inside you has gone flat. When that happens, it’s easy to wonder whether you’re tired, stuck, drifting, grieving, or just not as strong as you thought. In this episode of Groundwork, Mike Collins offers a biblical and practical way to understand those low seasons without panic or shame. If you’ve been feeling down and can’t quite explain it, this conversation will help you slow down, pay attention, and take a wiser next step with God. Learn more about Groundwork: https://sgbic.com/groundwork Solid Ground Church: https://sgbic.com Need prayer or want to connect? Text us at 909.487.8855

Adult life can be full of people and still feel lonely. You may have coworkers, neighbors, family, church acquaintances, text threads, and a busy schedule — but still wonder if anybody really knows what you’re carrying. In this episode of Groundwork, Mike Collins talks about why friendship can feel harder as we get older, why small talk often doesn’t become real connection, and why being noticed isn’t the same as being known. He also reflects on biblical friendship, the different ways men and women often approach connection, and the small faithful steps that can help us move toward belonging. This conversation is for anyone who has ever felt alone in a room full of people — and for anyone who wants to become the kind of person who helps someone else feel less alone. View the Groundwork playlist: https://sgbic.com/groundwork

Why do so many sincere believers still feel spiritually dry? In John 3, Nicodemus comes to Jesus with genuine faith and honest questions. He knows the Scriptures. He believes the right things. Yet something isn’t connecting. Jesus responds with a phrase that has echoed for centuries: “You must be born again.” But what if being born again isn’t about trying harder or becoming a slightly improved version of yourself? What if it’s about something deeper — something that reshapes not only your inner life, but your relationships, your belonging, and your purpose? In this message, we explore why information isn’t enough to transform us, why faith can’t thrive in isolation, and why new life in Christ moves us beyond self-improvement into something far more substantial. If you’ve ever felt like you’re managing your faith instead of truly living it… If you’ve grown weary of trying to remake yourself… If you’ve wondered whether your everyday life really matters in God’s story… This conversation invites you to rediscover what it means to receive new life, belong to a spiritual family, and live with meaningful purpose right where you are.

Why does the internet reward outrage? In this episode of Groundwork, Mike Collins and his daughter Ella explore “rage bait” — content designed to provoke anger because anger drives engagement. They unpack how algorithms amplify negativity, why outrage spreads so quickly, and how you can disengage without being consumed. Your attention is sacred. What you linger on will shape you.

Many of us live with a quiet, persistent sense that we don’t quite measure up—not because anyone says it out loud, but because we’ve learned it over time. In this new Groundwork episode, Pastor Mike explores why feelings of inferiority can seem so reasonable, where they come from, and why even knowing the truth about our identity in Christ doesn’t automatically silence them. Scripture doesn’t tell us to fight our feelings—it gives us a different authority to trust. This conversation is for anyone who stays quiet instead of stepping forward, assumes others matter more, or has learned to keep themselves small to stay safe. Groundwork is a long-form conversation about following Jesus in real life—honest, thoughtful, and grounded in Scripture. ▶ Groundwork playlist: https://sgbic.com/groundwork ▶ Solid Ground Church: https://sgbic.com

We live in a world that constantly pressures us to perform, achieve, and prove ourselves. From an early age, we’re told that being impressive is what makes us valuable. But when Jesus called his first disciples, he didn’t look for the most qualified or accomplished. He called fishermen—ordinary people who were simply willing to follow. In Becoming Available, we explore Mark 1:16–20 and discover a powerful truth: God does more with people who are available than with people who are impressive. This message looks at: Why Jesus doesn’t call the qualified—but qualifies the called How immediate obedience can change lives What it means to be interruptible in a busy, driven culture How availability creates space for divine appointments Following Jesus isn’t about having it all together. It’s about being willing to say yes—sometimes at once—and trusting him with the rest.

There are seasons when faith feels real—but not very useful. We still believe. We still show up. But nothing about our everyday lives seems all that different. In this message, Pastor Mike explores Jesus’ words about being salt and light and what they reveal about the purpose of faith. Jesus never called his followers to be impressive, loud, or performative. He called them to be useful—present, distinct, and shaped from the inside out. Together, we’ll reconsider what faithful living actually looks like in ordinary places: at work, at home, and in our relationships. Rather than blending in or standing out for the wrong reasons, Jesus calls us to a way of life that quietly makes a difference. If you’ve ever wondered whether your faith is meant for more than private belief or public display, this message offers a grounded, practical vision of following Jesus in a way that actually works in real life.

What do you do when your faith doesn’t disappear—but it does go quiet? Spiritual dry spells happen to more people than we admit. Prayer feels flat. Scripture doesn’t land. God feels distant, even though you’re still showing up. In this episode of Groundwork, Mike Collins talks honestly about what spiritual dryness looks like, why it happens, and how to walk through it without panic, guilt, or pretending. Drawing from Scripture, personal experience, and the story of Elijah after the prophets of Baal, Mike explores how exhaustion, grief, unconfessed sin, depression, and even medical factors can all contribute to seasons where faith feels dry. Rather than offering quick fixes, this conversation provides practical, gentle handholds for recognizing what’s really going on beneath the surface and rediscovering a grounded, resilient faith. This episode is for anyone who has wondered whether feeling distant from God means they’re doing something wrong—and for anyone who needs reassurance that dry seasons don’t mean God has stepped away.

In a world that never slows down, it’s becoming harder to hear the voice that matters most. In this message, Pastor Mike shares a personal story of pressure, pain, and burnout—and how God used it to teach him a deeper lesson about attentiveness. Drawing from 1 Samuel 3, we’re reminded that God still speaks, but listening requires stillness, humility, and a posture of trust. This message explores: Why busyness and hurry drown out God’s voice How pain and disruption can become invitations from God What it really means to pray, “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening” How God calls us by name—and waits for our response If you’ve felt overwhelmed, distracted, or spiritually dry, this message is an invitation to slow down, listen, and rediscover God’s gentle guidance. Join us in person or online each week. For more information about Solid Ground Church, visit sgbic.com

In this special episode of Groundwork, host Mike Collins introduces a moving dramatic retelling of a true story, originally shared by Forrest Arnold. After a year filled with serious illness, financial strain, and unanswered prayers, one family approaches Christmas with almost nothing left—except faith. What unfolds is not just a story about provision, but about how God brings life, hope, and meaning even when circumstances feel impossible. This episode invites us to rethink what a miracle looks like: Is it always immediate? Is it always dramatic? Or does it sometimes grow quietly, over time? The story concludes with a powerful symbol—a tree once thought dead, planted in faith, and later found to be alive. The tree featured was the actual tree, filmed just one day before it was removed to make room for new construction. If you’re navigating uncertainty or waiting for God to move, this story offers a gentle but profound reminder: God can be trusted—even when the outcome isn’t what we expected. 🎙️ Groundwork is a podcast from Solid Ground Church, hosted by Mike Collins, exploring faith, Scripture, and the real-life journey of following Jesus. 🔔 Subscribe for new episodes 🌐 Learn more at https://sgbic.com

What if science doesn’t weaken faith—but helps grow it? In this episode of Groundwork, Mike Collins talks with scientist and professor Dr. Bill Ranahan about the remarkable beauty and complexity uncovered by scientific discovery—and how those discoveries can lead to deeper faith, not doubt. Drawing from cancer research, biology, and the rhythms of everyday life, Bill shares how closely studying the natural world has consistently pointed him toward purpose, meaning, and trust in God. From the design of the human body to the simple acts of breathing and resting, this conversation invites listeners to see science not as a threat to belief, but as a window into wonder. This episode is especially for those who feel worn down, overwhelmed, or uncertain—and who are looking for a way to reconnect curiosity, awe, and faith in a noisy world. In this episode: Why science and faith don’t have to be enemies How studying the body reveals intention and care What everyday human processes quietly teach us Rediscovering wonder as a pathway to trust Letting curiosity lead us toward meaning, not fear Guest: Dr. Bill Ranahan Scientist & Professor, Oral Roberts University If this episode encouraged you, please subscribe, share, and leave a review. It helps others discover Groundwork and keeps these conversations going.

In a world that feels like it’s constantly on fire, many of us are quietly asking the same question: When is Jesus going to come back and make things right? Has God forgotten His promises—or us? In this message, Pastor Mike invites us to see waiting through a different lens. God’s apparent delay isn’t neglect or indifference—it’s mercy. Every moment of waiting is an opportunity for repentance, restoration, and rescue. This sermon challenges the idea that patience means passivity. Instead, Scripture calls us to active patience: living faithfully, loving generously, and pursuing holiness while we wait. If you’re feeling weary, restless, or tempted to lose hope, this message will reframe the waiting and call you to live with purpose, urgency, and eternal perspective. God isn’t slow. He’s merciful. So don’t waste the waiting.

Every December seems to promise “peace on earth,” yet most of us feel more like we’re living in “panic at the mall.” We race, we spend, we wrap, we perform… and somewhere between the errands and the expectations, our souls quietly run out of steam. But what if the real gift of Christmas isn’t one more thing to do — but the rest your heart has been craving? In this message, Pastor Mike Collins unwraps a truth that runs from Creation, through Israel’s longing, all the way to Bethlehem and an empty tomb: God has always been inviting His people into rest — the deep, soul-level, life-restoring kind that nothing in this world can manufacture.

The holidays are filled with lights, music, nostalgia, shopping, pressure, and expectations—and it’s easy for Christmas to drift into overwhelm or commercialism. In this special episode, Mike sits down with “Santa Claus” (with a little help from a friend!) to explore the true origins of Saint Nicholas, how the Santa legend grew into a cultural icon, and what distinguishes the Gospel from our culture’s obsession with wish-fulfillment. Then the conversation shifts into something deeper and far more practical: How do we keep Christmas meaningful? How do we enjoy the fun without losing sight of Jesus? And how do we navigate the season when life is hurting, stressful, or emotionally heavy? Drawing from Scripture, childhood memories, family traditions, and years of pastoral experience, Mike and Steve discuss real-life ways to bring balance back into the holidays—without becoming legalistic or joyless. From reading the Christmas story before opening gifts to using decorations as visual reminders of biblical truth, this episode is full of ideas your family can adapt and make your own. They also address one of the most overlooked holiday realities: What do you do when Christmas feels painful instead of joyful? Whether you’re grieving a loss, emotionally exhausted, or simply overwhelmed by a busy calendar, this conversation offers hope, perspective, and practical steps for finding peace in a season that often feels anything but peaceful. Topics Include: • The surprising Christian origins of Santa Claus • How commercialism reshaped the Santa story • The crucial difference between “being good” and receiving God’s grace • Wish fulfillment vs. real fulfillment • How to keep fun traditions without losing spiritual focus • Using Scripture and symbols to make Christmas meaningful • Setting healthy boundaries during a busy season • Navigating Christmas when you’re grieving or hurting • Why you’re not alone—and where to find support Scriptures Mentioned: • Luke 2 • John 1 Links & Resources: • Solid Ground Church — https://sgbic.com • Contact / Prayer Requests — https://sgbic.com If this episode encouraged you, please follow the podcast, leave a review, and share it with a friend. Your support helps others discover Groundwork. Merry Christmas!

Is counseling unspiritual… or essential? In this episode of Groundwork, Pastor Mike Collins sits down with Kris Anderson, founder and clinical director of Building Bridges Christian Counseling, for an honest conversation about emotional triggers, spiritual healing, boundaries, marriage patterns, and how to know when it’s time to reach out for help. Some Christians feel guilty seeking counseling. Others depend on it immediately. Kris helps us understand the intersection of theology, psychology, and the work of the Holy Spirit, showing that God cares deeply not only about what we think—but also about how we feel. Whether you’re navigating conflict, feeling stuck, or simply curious about how Christian counseling works, this episode provides clarity, hope, and practical tools for real life change. Topics Include Why Christians disagree about counseling What “triggered” really means Understanding your emotional history How psychology and theology overlap What makes counseling distinctly Christian What boundaries are—and what they’re not How to break lifelong patterns When to know counseling is working Steps for getting “unstuck” Guest Info Kris Anderson Founder & Clinical Director Building Bridges Christian Counseling https://BuildingBridgesCC.com Connect With Solid Ground Church Visit us at https://sgbic.com Share your questions or topic suggestions—we’d love to hear from you!

What really makes someone a Christian—and how far can churches differ before they drift outside the boundaries of historic faith? In this deep and practical conversation, Pastor Mike sits down again with Dr. Kevin Mannoia—global church leader, theologian, and longtime friend of Solid Ground—to explore one of the most misunderstood topics in the Christian world: ecumenical unity. Why has the word “ecumenical” become controversial? What actually unites Christians across denominations? Where is the line between Christian diversity and a different faith altogether? And how can we appreciate the breadth of the global Church without losing clarity about Jesus at the center? Using the powerful metaphor of “the House of God—one foundation, many rooms,” Dr. Mannoia helps us understand: Why unity isn’t liberal, modernist, or dangerous How cultural “barnacles” distort biblical words like evangelical and ecumenical What truly binds the global Church together (hint: it’s not style, structure, or denomination) Why Jesus—His person, mission, and centrality—defines the boundaries of the household How to appreciate other Christian traditions without losing clarity about the gospel Why humility, curiosity, and mission matter more than institutional labels You’ll hear stories of cross-denominational friendship, surprising spiritual encounters, and even a moment when the Holy Spirit met Pastor Mike in an unexpected place with an unexpected blessing. This conversation will stretch your mind, deepen your faith, and help you better understand the beautiful diversity of the global Body of Christ—without losing the center that holds us all together.

What if the stereotypes about Gen Z are completely missing the point? In this episode of Groundwork, Pastor Mike Collins talks with Dr. Jim DellaNeve—Boeing systems architect, Pepperdine adjunct professor, and coauthor of Working with Gen Z—to unpack what today’s youngest adults are really experiencing at home, at church, and at work. Drawing from a national study of 800–900 Gen Z participants, Jim reveals surprising insights about work ethic, mental health, digital life, parenting trends, and what Gen Z genuinely needs from leaders, mentors, and families. If you’re a parent, teacher, pastor, manager, or anyone who wants to understand this generation, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom. 🌿 Episode Highlights Why many stereotypes about Gen Z don’t hold up under actual data What growing up as “Glow Kids” (screen-immersed from birth) does to identity and anxiety How social media reshapes comparison, FOMO, and rest Why Gen Z values constant feedback—and thrives under clear coaching How changes in parenting have shaped confidence, independence, and real-world readiness Practical steps to help Gen Z build relational skills, spiritual depth, and healthy tech habits 📚 Resources Mentioned Working with Gen Z – Santor Nishizaki & James DellaNeve 👉 https://sgbic.com YouTube Channel: https://sgbic.podbean.com Instagram: @sgbic 💬 Join the Conversation What’s one thing you’ve learned about Gen Z that surprised you? Share your thoughts, and don’t forget to follow the show so you never miss an episode of Groundwork! #GroundworkPodcast #GenZ #NextGeneration #ChristianPodcast #FaithInRealLife #SolidGroundChurch

The holidays can bring out the best in us — and sometimes, the worst in our families. One minute you’re catching up over coffee, and the next, someone’s brought up that topic — the parenting critique, the church debate, or the political zinger that changes the mood at the table. If you’ve ever wished you could walk into those gatherings with calm instead of tension, this episode is for you. Pastor Mike Collins talks with Kris Anderson, a Christian counselor from Building Bridges Christian Counseling, about how to approach family stress with wisdom and grace. Together they unpack how to set boundaries, manage triggers, and show love even when conversations get complicated. 🌿 Resources Mentioned Building Bridges Christian Counseling (Kris Anderson): https://buildingbridgescc.com Boundaries by Dr. Henry Cloud & Dr. John Townsend (https://www.amazon.com/Boundaries-Updated-Expanded-When-Control/dp/0310351804) Solid Ground Church Resources: https://sgbic.com 🙌 Connect with Us: 📺 Watch more Groundwork episodes → https://sgbic.com/groundwork 🌐 Visit our website for sermons, resources & community info → https://sgbic.com ▶️ Solid Ground Church YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@solidgroundbic 🎧 Listen to Groundwork and Sunday messages on Podbean → https://sgbic.podbean.com or your favorite podcast app.   💬 Join the Conversation Who’s the “difficult person” you’re praying for this holiday season? How can you show up with grace and peace this year? Share your thoughts below — and don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share to help someone else find hope and healing this Christmas. #GroundworkPodcast #FaithInRealLife #FamilyHarmony #HolidayStress #Boundaries #KrisAnderson #BuildingBridgesCC #ChristianCounseling #Forgiveness #FaithAndFamily #SolidGroundChurch #MikeCollins #sgbic

It starts with a click… then a secret… and before long, it steals your peace, your time, and your real relationships. Pornography isn’t just a problem “out there.” It’s in our families, our churches, and our hearts. But just as there’s a way in — there’s a way out. In this courageous conversation, Pastor Mike Collins talks with Brian Hoerning, a longtime member of Solid Ground Church and mentor with Standing Stone Ministries, about how God delivered him from decades of sexual addiction and turned his story into a ministry of hope. Brian shares what really fuels addiction, how trauma and shame feed the cycle, and how healing begins when we bring both God and community into the struggle. This episode offers hope, practical steps, and grace for anyone caught in the trap — or walking with someone who is.   🌿 Resources Mentioned Standing Stone Ministries: https://standingstoneministry.org How in the World Do I Help a Sex Addict? by Brian Hoerning https://www.amazon.com/how-world-help-sex-addict/dp/1726778401 Solid Ground Recovery Ministry: https://sgbic.com   🙌 Connect with Us 📺 Watch more Groundwork episodes → https://sgbic.com/groundwork 🌐 Visit our website for sermons, resources & community info → https://sgbic.com ▶️ Solid Ground Church YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@solidgroundbic 🎧 Listen to Groundwork and Sunday messages on Podbean → https://sgbic.podbean.com or your favorite podcast app.   💬 Join the Conversation You’re not alone. If you or someone you love is struggling, reach out. There’s hope, help, and a path to healing through Christ. Share your story or encouragement in the comments — and don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode to help others find freedom.   #GroundworkPodcast #FreedomInChrist #PornAddictionRecovery #FaithInRealLife #StandingStoneMinistries #SolidGroundChurch #BrianHoerning #MikeCollins #HopeAfterAddiction #sgbic

How do we hold uncompromising convictions without becoming unloving? Dr. Kevin W. Mannoia, Professor of Ministry and former University Chaplain at Azusa Pacific University, along with decades of global church leadership and reconciliation work, joins Pastor Mike Collins to explore how Christians can engage conversations on sexuality and culture with both compassion and clarity. From writing The Christian Declaration on Marriage to navigating dialogues with cultural leaders and alternate perspectives, Dr. Mannoia encourages a posture of listening, humility, and relational witness. This episode challenges us to embody grace and truth in a polarized world without compromising biblical values. 🌿 Resources Mentioned Dr. Kevin W. Mannoia — www.kevinmannoia.com Gracefully Engaging the LGBT Conversation → https://kevinmannoiacom.wordpress.com/2021/01/29/gracefully-engaging-the-lgbt-conversation/ 🙌 Connect with Us 📺 More Groundwork episodes → https://sgbic.com/groundwork 🌐 Sermons, resources & community → https://sgbic.com ▶️ YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@solidgroundbic 🎧 Podcast feed → https://sgbic.podbean.com 💬 Join the Conversation What does it look like to speak truth in love when the stakes feel high? Engage with us — share, comment, and join the journey of faithful witness. #GroundworkPodcast #KevinMannoia #LGBTQandFaith #GraceAndTruth #ChristianLeadership #EngagingCulture #SolidGroundChurch #MikeCollins

What if the clutter in your home is really crowding out your heart? In this inspiring conversation, voice actress Chris Anthony Lansdowne—best known for Adventures in Odyssey and Barbie—joins Pastor Mike Collins to explore how simplicity and organization can become a path toward freedom, faith, and emotional healing. Chris shares how God turned her love for organizing into a ministry that helps people release the weight of “too much,” rediscover peace, and make space for what truly matters. Together, they talk about the practical side of decluttering and the spiritual truth behind it: when we clear our homes and hearts, we create margin to love others and let God move freely in our lives. 🌿 Resources Mentioned Chris Anthony Lansdowne: Facebook | Instagram (@ChrisAnthonyLansdowne) Adventures in Odyssey Focus n the Family 🙌 Connect with Us 📺 Watch more Groundwork episodes → https://sgbic.com/groundwork 🌐 Visit our website for sermons, resources & community info → https://sgbic.com ▶️ Solid Ground Church YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@solidgroundbic 🎧 Listen to Groundwork and Sunday messages on Podbean → https://sgbic.podbean.com or your favorite podcast app. 💬 Join the Conversation What’s one area of your life you could simplify to make more room for God and others? Share in the comments below — and don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share to encourage someone else today! #GroundworkPodcast #SimplifyYourLife #ChristianPodcast #FaithInRealLife #AdventuresInOdyssey #ChrisAnthonyLansdowne #MinimalismAndFaith #DeclutterYourSoul #SolidGroundChurch #MikeCollins #sgbic

If you’ve ever felt the gap growing between you and your kids—or if family time has turned into screen time—this conversation will bring hope, laughter, and practical guidance. Pastor Mike Collins sits down with Dr. Vance Nichols, head of Alta Loma Christian School, to unpack real-life strategies for strengthening relationships across generations. You’ll learn how to communicate through the noise, reclaim meaningful time, and anchor your family in faith that lasts. You’ll hear wisdom drawn from 40 years of Christian education and parenting—insights on how to bridge generational language gaps, guide kids through the noise of modern culture, and rediscover the joy of connection at home. Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, or mentor, you’ll come away encouraged that God is present in every season of family life. 🔗 Resources Mentioned Alta Loma Christian School — https://sgbic.com/groundwork 🌐 Visit our website for sermons, resources & community info: https://sgbic.com ▶️ Solid Ground Church YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@solidgroundbic 🙌 Connect & Continue the Conversation 💬 Share your thoughts — How are you creating intentional time with your family? 👍 Like, 🔔 Subscribe, and share this episode to help more families grow stronger in faith. ❤️ Need support or want to get involved? Visit SGBIC.com for upcoming events, family resources, and Sunday messages. #GroundworkPodcast #ChristianParenting #FamilyFaith #SolidGroundChurch #DrVanceNichols #ParentingWisdom #FaithInAction #SGBIC

What will Jesus find in your hands when He returns? In Luke 19:11–27, the Parable of the Minas calls every follower of Jesus to faithfully invest what we’ve been given. No one is empty-handed. No mina is too small. In this message, we will unpack: ✅ Why Jesus told this parable right before His crucifixion ✅ What the minas represent in your life today ✅ The difference between faith-filled obedience and fearful inaction ✅ What real accountability looks like when the King returns

Too many people settle for survival when Jesus came to give them life. Real life. Abundant life. The kind that fills your days with peace, joy, and purpose instead of fear, guilt, and burnout. Pastor Mike will issue a wake-up call this week: you don’t have to wait for heaven to begin living. Eternal life isn’t just about what happens after you die—it’s about who you’re becoming right now. If you’re tired of going through the motions, if you feel spiritually numb, if you’re ready to move from just breathing to truly living—this is the message you can’t afford to miss.

Scripture is pretty clear about Jesus’ true calling on our lives. The problem is that you may not be comfortable with it. It won’t lead you to safety or ease, but to the margins—because the poor, the overlooked, and the broken are what His mission is all about. In this message, join Pastor Mike as he reveals how stepping into that mission not only transforms lives around you, but also awakens your own purpose in ways you never imagined.

The word apocalypse can stir up images of chaos—disaster movies, crumbling cities, and a future to be feared. It’s no wonder so many people brace themselves at just the mention of it. But what if there’s more to the story than we’ve been told? In this message, Pastor Mike will uncover a surprising truth hidden in that word—something that doesn’t lead to panic, but to peace. You’ll see the apocalypse in a light you never expected, and it just might change how you face the future.

There had to be a better way, right?  From a human perspective, the death of Jesus feels like a tragic end to an exemplary life. Yet the cross flips our expectations—it’s not the end of hope but the surprising way God brings freedom. In this message, Pastor Mike will explain Jesus’ path to the cross reveals love stronger than fear, healing deeper than guilt, and victory greater than evil itself. You’ll discover how His sacrifice changes everything—and how it can reshape your story today.

The world can be a scary place. There’s not much we can do to change it, but it doesn’t have to change us!  Pastor Mike says there’s a better way to live—one where we don’t wallow in worry. The world tells us the best we can do is manage fear, but Jesus offers us a life where fear is displaced by love, trust, and courage. If you’re tired of letting dread dictate your choices, this message will show you how to experience the freedom of living unafraid.

It’s time to realize that God’s grace is bigger than your failures. Drift far enough from God, and it can feel like the distance is impossible to close. But this week, Pastor Mike will remind you that the road back is always open, and the God who loves you hasn’t moved an inch. You’ll discover how to lay down guilt, pick up hope, and step into a fresh start that was waiting for you all along.

There’s great value in setting a strong Christian example for our kids, but ultimately, there’s no such thing as hand-me-down discipleship. This week, Pastor Mike will examine the age-old spiritual phenomenon of "generational degeneration" as he reveals why second- or third-generation believers are likely to fall away if they fail to “choose the right chair.” Don’t miss this fascinating look at the importance of making a personal decision to follow Jesus, no matter whose spiritual footsteps we try to follow.

Discover how to live peacefully, purposefully, and publicly in a world that rejects our values. Christians are called to live in foreign territory without becoming part of it. It’s called the “exile life” and let’s face it – it’s uncomfortable.  Some deal with that discomfort by fighting against the culture or withdrawing from it completely. Others give up and try to go along to get along. But, in this message, Pastor Mike explores a third option – one that requires deep conviction, quiet strength, and radical love. Whether you feel like a misfit in the workplace, overwhelmed by culture, or just hungry for a faith that’s bold and grounded, this message is for you.

Next time it’s cold, start a fire in your fireplace and it’ll create light, warmth and a feeling of comfort. Start it on your living room carpet and it’ll burn down your house. The Bible teaches us that sex works the same way. God has a beautiful design for love and marriage, but it’s one that our society has all but forgotten, leading to disharmony, unfaithfulness, broken families and cultural confusion.  In this message, Pastor Mike talks to teens and adults about how to follow the Lord’s blueprint for building (or re-building) a healthy relationship, and how to reach out compassionately to those struggling with sin or identity issues.

Pastor Mike says that when we ask God for wisdom, we shouldn’t be surprised if it shows up in some unexpected places. In this message, he’ll teach us how recognize divine insight when it comes our way by opening our hearts to the subtle ways the Lord speaks through Scripture, creation, conversation and more.

Life sometimes presents us with giant questions. So, what happens when we don't find the answers we need, even when we ask God again and again? In this message, Pastor Mike will talk about a man who desperately sought a reason for the disasters in his life and got more of an answer than he bargained for.

“That’s not fair!!” Kids say it to their parents all the time. But if we’re honest, haven’t we grown-ups said much the same to God? In this message, Pastor Mike will tell the story of a man who made that very accusation and got a direct answer. Discover how our reaction to suffering reveals what we really believe about God and learn how an attitude adjustment can change not only our reactions but our reality.

It’s hard to trust God when answers don’t come, but more problems and pain do. But in this message, Pastor Mike will explain why despair is a destination believers have the power to avoid and reveal real-life ways we can keep it together when it feels like our world is falling apart.

When we drift away from God, it’s too easy to convince ourselves that we’ve wandered so far that He might not want us back. This week, Pastor Mike shares the compelling story of a man God used as a living example of why that’s never true. Listen in to discover why, no matter how far we stray, we’re never too far gone for grace.

Too many believers seeking the Bread of Life wind up settling for burnt toast. Pastor Mike says that’s what happens when our devotion is divided between God and… well, anything else. In this message, he talks about a biblical “trial by fire” that teaches us a vital lesson about allegiance to the Lord. Discover how your relationships, your faith, and your senses of purpose and peace can change when you live life wholeheartedly.

Ever feel ordinary, overlooked, or stuck waiting for something to happen? Join us as Pastor Mike dives into the remarkable story of David—the shepherd who became a king—and discover how God loves to take ordinary lives and turn them into extraordinary stories. You'll walk away encouraged, inspired, and equipped with practical ways to trust God's timing, embrace your purpose, and anchor your hope in promises that never fail.

If you want to accomplish big things, start by thinking small—as small as a mustard seed. Guest speaker John Dixon (Crest Community Church, Riverside) explains why the church's strength lies not in its size or resources but in the radical obedience and love of its members. Discover how small gestures, supercharged with love, can lead to monumental change both in your individual life and in the broader community.

When Christians pray, we often ask for the Lord’s blessings. This week, Pastor Mike will focus on some of the heavenly blessings we already have, but sometimes don’t experience. He’ll present and unpack key questions that’ll help you diagnose any disconnects and plug in to a promise God made to his people way back in the book of Numbers. You’ll learn to experience God's protective care, feel His comforting presence in your daily life, and find true peace that transcends circumstances. 

What if holiness wasn’t just about avoiding sin, but about spreading grace? In the Old Testament, impurity multiplied like muddy shoe prints on white carpet, but in Jesus, God engineered a reversal, making holiness contagious. In this message, Pastor Mike will diagnose the way the Lord redefined holiness and taught us to propagate healing and transformation through person-to-person contact. Discover how to become a fully-infected carrier of the “Grace Contagion” as you join us.

Does God deliberately turn some people against him? After all, the Bible says that the Lord “hardened” Pharaoh’s heart. If that’s the case, where do free will and human responsibility kick in? Pastor Mike will clear up the controversy in this message as he talks about how God can use even human rebellion to accomplish his purposes and outlines ways we can keep our own hearts open to the Lord.

The book of Leviticus (“Vayikra” in the original language) has an undeserved reputation for being difficult and boring. But in this message, Pastor Mike will connect the dots from this ancient text to the words of Jesus, teaching us that God is near, cares for His people, and desires to guide us toward a life of love, justice, and holiness. Discover how to live your life as a “portable Temple” in a world that desperately needs to see our faith in action.

Join Pastor Mike as he unpacks the meaning behind some of the names the Bible uses to describe God. Along the way, you'll uncover a deeper understanding of your own identity, learn to embrace your unique place in the universe, and find a kind of peace so heavenly that it makes no earthly sense.

Pastor Ryan opens up our new Advent Sermon series called "Peace on Earth." 

The church is the center of God’s mission in the world. God works through His people—through what they already have—to bring hope, healing, and transformation.

Have you ever felt like what you have to offer isn’t enough? In John 6:1-14, we see a young boy bring his meager lunch—five loaves and two fish—and place it in Jesus’ hands. What happens next is nothing short of miraculous: Jesus feeds over five thousand people and still has twelve baskets of leftovers. This story isn’t just about a miracle; it’s a powerful reminder that God doesn’t ask us for what we don’t have. He asks us to trust Him with what we do have, no matter how small it may seem. In this sermon, we’ll explore how God can take our ordinary offerings and use them in extraordinary ways to meet needs, bless others, and display His power. What’s in your hands today that Jesus can multiply? Join us as we discover the incredible potential of placing what we have in the hands of God.

Matthew 5:13-16 isn’t just a nice metaphor—it’s a calling to actively engage the world with God’s love, truth, and justice. Without living as salt and light, believers lose their impact, faith becomes hollow, and the world lacks a clear picture of God’s goodness. But when we live out this calling, God’s presence shines through us, drawing others toward hope, healing, and transformation.