PODCAST · religion
Vertical Church Teaching
by Vertical Church
The Vertical Teaching Podcast features the weekly teaching from Vertical Church. Each episode is rooted in Scripture and designed to help you encounter God, follow Jesus, and experience freedom. Through clear, biblical teaching, we open God’s Word together and explore what it means to live as disciples of Jesus in everyday life. Whether you’re catching up on a Sunday you missed or revisiting a message to go deeper, these teachings will help you grow in faith, align your life with the truth of Scripture, and live a life that is vertical toward God and outward toward others.
Episodes
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Death Is Not The End | John 11:17-27 | Nathan Hughes
Death is a reality we all face, yet for many of us, it’s a subject filled with fear, uncertainty, and pain. So how do we face death, walk through grief, and find peace when we lose someone we love? In John 11, Jesus meets Martha in the middle of her grief after the death of her brother, Lazarus....
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You’re Not the Center | John 13:1–35 | Nathan Hughes
Scripture: John 13:1–35 What happens after we encounter Jesus? Throughout this series, we’ve seen people searching for a place that feels like home. Nicodemus searched through religion. The Samaritan woman searched through relationships. The man at Bethesda had spent decades trapped by his...
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When Your Story Becomes Your Excuse | John 5:1-9 | Nathan Hughes
GET UP | WEEK 3 Scripture: John 5:1–9 Question: How do I actually follow Jesus? At the pool of Bethesda, Jesus meets a man who has been unable to walk for thirty-eight years. He knows the man’s circumstances and asks a question that reaches beyond them: “Do you want to get well?” This message...
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Thirsty Hearts | John 4:1–42 | Meghan Petyak
THIRSTY HEARTS | Welcome Home — Week 2 We all have a thirst that we’re trying to satisfy. Success. Approval. Control. Relationships. Money. Comfort. Achievement. Even good things can become dangerous when we ask them to give us what only God can give. In John 4, Jesus intentionally travels…
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Born Again | John 3:1-21 | Nathan Hughes
WEEK 1: BORN AGAIN Scripture: John 3:1–21 Nicodemus had almost everything people use to convince themselves they are okay: education, morality, influence, religion, and biblical knowledge. Yet when he came to Jesus, Jesus didn’t tell him to try harder or learn more. He told him, “You must be born...
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The True and Better King | 1 Samuel 18 | Nathan Hughes
THE TRUE AND BETTER KING A Tale of Two Kings SCRIPTURE: 2 Samuel 7:8–16; Luke 1:31–33; Luke 22:19–20 Throughout this series, we’ve followed the lives of two of the most famous kings in Scripture: Saul and David. It would be easy to walk away thinking the lesson is simply that Saul was a bad king...
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Spears and Caves | 1 Samuel 18 | Nick Hughes
What happens when someone else’s hurt becomes a weapon aimed at you? In 1 Samuel 18 and 24, Saul throws the spear—but David refuses to throw it back. Through jealousy, wounds, trauma, temptation, and revenge, David’s story shows us that evil wins when it successfully reproduces itself in us. The...
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God Looks at the Heart | 1 Samuel 16 | Nathan Hughes
What matters most isn’t what people see—it’s what God sees. In 1 Samuel 16:1–13, Samuel arrives at Jesse’s house looking for Israel’s next king. Like everyone else, he is immediately drawn to what looks impressive. But God reminds him of a truth that changes the way we see ourselves and others:...
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The Price of Pride | 1 Samuel 15 | Nathan Hughes
In 1 Samuel 15, Saul doesn’t completely reject God’s command. He simply decides which parts he will obey. That’s what makes selective obedience so dangerous. In “The Price of Pride,” we continue our A Tale of Two Kings series by looking at Saul’s failure to fully surrender to God. Saul obeys when...
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When Fear Takes Over | 1 Samuel 9 | Nathan Hughes
What happens when fear takes over? Saul looked like everything Israel wanted in a king—strong, impressive, and capable. But beneath the surface was a heart increasingly controlled by insecurity and fear. When the pressure mounted and God asked him to wait, Saul chose control over trust. In Week 2...
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Give Them What They Want | 1 Samuel 8 | Nathan Hughes
What if the most terrifying thing God could say is, “Okay. Have it your way”? In 1 Samuel 8, Israel demands a king so they can be “like all the other nations.” Their request seems reasonable, but underneath it is a deeper problem: they are rejecting God as their King and looking somewhere else…
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Defiant Faith | Habakkuk 3 | Nathan Hughes
What does faith look like when God doesn't change your circumstances? In the final message of our Habakkuk series, we discover that biblical faith isn't pretending everything is okay—it's choosing to trust God even when life gives you every reason not to. Habakkuk's journey mirrors so many of…
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Work Your Wait | Habakkuk 2:1-4 | Nathan Hughes
Work Your Wait | Habakkuk 2:1–4 Waiting is one of the hardest parts of following God. When life feels stalled, prayers seem unanswered, and God's timing doesn't make sense, it's tempting to take control ourselves. But what if waiting isn't wasted? What if it's where God does some of His deepest...
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God is Working in the Chaos | Habakkuk 1:5–2:1 | Nick Hughes
What do you do when God doesn't make sense? In Week 2 of our Habakkuk series, Nick walks through Habakkuk 1:5–2:1, where the prophet wrestles with one of the hardest questions in Scripture: How can a holy God use an even more wicked nation to accomplish His purposes? Habakkuk cries out over the...
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Wrestle, Don't Run | Habakkuk 1:1-4 | Lawson Stewart
Habakkuk 1 | Wrestle... Don't Run Key Scripture Habakkuk 1:1–7 Big Idea God isn't afraid of your honest questions. Faith isn't pretending everything is okay—it's bringing your pain to God and choosing to stay close, even when His answers are difficult. Main Points 1. God welcomes honest…
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Hope That Endures | Daniel 12 | Nathan Hughes
Daniel 12 | Hope That Endures How do you keep trusting God when life doesn't make sense? The book of Daniel closes not with every question answered, but with a call to remain faithful. Daniel sees visions of suffering, spiritual warfare, resurrection, and the end of history—but God's final words…
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Bold Faith | Daniel 6 | Nathan Hughes
In Daniel 6, we meet an elderly Daniel who has faithfully served God through changing kings, collapsing empires, and shifting cultures. His circumstances have changed, but his character has not. The message challenges believers to understand that bold faith is not about being loud or...
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The Unseen Battle | Daniel 10 | Meghan Petyak
Daniel 10 marks a major shift in the book of Daniel as God pulls back the curtain and gives us a glimpse into the unseen spiritual realities taking place around us. After three weeks of mourning, fasting, and seeking understanding, Daniel encounters a heavenly messenger whose appearance leaves…
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Pride Turns Men Into Monsters | Daniel 4-5 | Nathan Hughes
PRIDE TURNS MEN INTO MONSTERS Daniel 4:19-37 In Daniel 4, King Nebuchadnezzar receives another troubling dream. He sees a massive tree that provides shelter, fruit, and blessing to the world. Yet a messenger from heaven announces that the tree will be cut down, leaving only a stump behind. Daniel...
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Even If... | Daniel 3 | Nathan Hughes
Episode Outline 1. The Pressure to Conform Nebuchadnezzar's golden statue The command to bow The pattern of culture: Conformity becomes normal Normal becomes celebrated Dissent becomes condemned Faithfulness becomes visible 2. Babylon's Strategy: Just Compromise a Little "You can worship your…
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Power But No Peace | Daniel 2 | Nathan Hughes
CONVICTION WITHOUT COMPROMISE — WEEK 2 Daniel 2 | Power But Not Peace Main Theme Human kingdoms rise and fall, but the Kingdom of God stands forever. Key Scripture Daniel 2 Daniel 2:1–3 Daniel 2:10–12 Daniel 2:16–19 Daniel 2:20–21 Daniel 2:32–35 1. POWER BUT NO PEACE Nebuchadnezzar had power,...
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Conviction without Compromise | Daniel 1 | Nathan Hughes
CONVICTION WITHOUT COMPROMISE Daniel 1 Series Theme Living as exiles in a culture that does not reinforce the ways of God. Historical Context David reigns — 1000 BC Solomon builds the Temple — 960 BC Kingdom divides — 930 BC Assyria destroys Israel — 722 BC Babylon attacks Judah — 605 BC Daniel…
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Formation = Focus | Philippians 4:10-13 | Nathan Hughes
PHILIPPIANS 4:4–9 “What Has Your Attention Is Shaping Your Life” Big Idea: Your life moves in the direction of your focus. Whatever consistently has your attention will eventually shape your affections, your thoughts, your behavior, and your life. WHAT YOU FOCUS ON GROWS Philippians 4:4–6 • Paul...
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No Confidence in the Flesh | Philippians 3:1-14 | Nathan Hughes
Title: No Confidence in the Flesh 1. The Subtle Nature of Pride Pride is sneaky—you don’t always see it It hides in: Strength Weakness Spirituality At its core: Where is your confidence coming from? Big Idea: Spiritual maturity begins where confidence in self dies and confidence in Christ takes…
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The Way of Jesus | Philippians 2:1-11 | Nathan Hughes
The Way Is Jesus | Philippians 2:1–11 Sermon Notes Outline INTRO Paul is writing to a church he deeply loves Unity is the defining mark of the Church The world will know we belong to Jesus by how we love one another Question: What are churches actually known for today? I. THE CALL TO UNITY...
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A Life Worthy of the Gospel | Philippians 1:27-30 | Meghan Petyak
Title: Living a Life Worthy of the Gospel Text: Philippians 1:27–30 1. The Tension of the Gospel We didn’t earn it. We didn’t qualify for it. But once we receive it—we represent it. Illustration: Wearing a shirt/logo → your behavior changes because of what it represents Key truth: “Worthy” does…
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Philippians Week 1 | Philippians 1:1-6 | Nick Hughes
Paul opens his letter to the church in Philippi not with correction, but with deep affection, gratitude, and confidence. He remembers them with joy—not because they were perfect, but because they were partners in the gospel. In this message, we look at what it means to be a people shaped by…
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The Grave is Bankrupt | Mark 16:1-7 | Nathan Hughes
The grave isn’t just empty—it’s bankrupt. If Jesus is alive, then sin, shame, and death no longer have authority over your life. Main Movements 1. Devotion Shows Up (Even Without Understanding) The women stayed when others left They saw Jesus die and knew where He was buried They returned not...
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The King on A Cross | Mark 14-15 | Nathan Hughes
This sermon walks through Mark 14–15 and brings us face to face with the reality of what Jesus endured leading up to the cross. In the garden of Gethsemane, we see a deeply human moment—Jesus is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. But what weighs on Him most is not the physical pain to...
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Redefining Greatness | Mark 10:35–45 | Nathan Hughes
In this message, “Redefining Greatness,” we explore Mark 10:35–45 and the powerful contrast between the world’s definition of success and Jesus’ vision for a life that truly matters. James and John approach Jesus asking for positions of honor, revealing a deep, human desire for status…
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Who Do You Say I Am? | Mark 8:27–38 | Nathan Hughes | Vertical Church
Who is Jesus—really? In Mark 8:27–38, Jesus asks His disciples a question that every person must eventually answer: “Who do you say I am?” At Caesarea Philippi, a place filled with pagan temples and competing gods, Jesus challenges His followers to see past culture, opinion, and preference to...
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Poverty Mindset | Mark 6:30-44 | Nathan Hughes | Vertical Church
Introduction The disciples are exhausted from ministry. Jesus invites them to a quiet place to rest, but the crowds follow them. When the disciples see the need, they immediately focus on what’s missing. A poverty mindset begins by focusing on what’s missing. A Kingdom mindset begins by focusing…
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Authority over Demons | Mark 5:1-20 | Nathan Hughes | Vertical Church
Week 5: Invading Enemy Territory Text: Mark 5:1–20 Jesus tells His disciples, “Let’s go to the other side.” That detail matters. The “other side” of the Sea of Galilee was the region of the Gerasenes, part of the Decapolis—Gentile, Roman-occupied territory. No self-respecting Jew, especially not…
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He Calms the Storm | Mark 4:35-41 | Nathan Hughes | Vertical Church
I. The Setup — Obedience Leads Into a Storm Jesus initiates the journey: “Let’s cross to the other side.” They obey—and encounter chaos. Obedience does not exempt us from storms. The storm is real, violent, and life-threatening. II. Understanding Fear Fear activates survival instincts (fight,...
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The Paralyzed Man | Mark 2:1-12 | Nathan Hughes | Vertical Church
Series: Bankrupt the Grave Week 3 Title: He Forgives First Text: Mark 2:1–12 Big Idea: Jesus addresses the deepest need first. Healing the body is powerful—but forgiveness of the soul is eternal. I. The House Is Full — The Word Comes First Jesus returns to Capernaum and the crowds pack the house....
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Healing the Shame Within | Mark 1:40-45 | Nathan Hughes | Vertical Church
Bankrupt the Grave – Week 2 Description: In Mark 1, we meet a man whose life has been defined by shame. Isolated. Rejected. Forced to announce his brokenness everywhere he goes. But when he risks everything to get close to Jesus, one touch changes everything. This message isn’t just about…
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The Kingdom is Near | Mark 1:15 | Nathan Hughes | Vertical Church
The Gospel of Mark opens with urgency because Jesus is not announcing a distant hope, but a present reality. His first message is clear: “The time has come. The kingdom of God has come near.” Before any miracle, teaching, or confrontation, Jesus declares that God’s reign is breaking into the…
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Essentials... Make An Impact | Nathan Hughes
Series: Essentials Week 4: Make an Impact Big Idea: Making an impact isn’t about equal amounts—it’s about equal surrender. Following Jesus expands our capacity, grows our generosity, and calls us to join His mission with our whole lives. Transformation is not static. When we follow Jesus, our…
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Essentials... Experience Freedom | Nathan Hughes
Series: Essentials Week 3 Title: Experience Freedom Big Idea: Freedom is not found where truth is absent. Freedom is found where truth and grace collide. Jesus confronts sin, but removes condemnation. WEEK 3 - EXPERIENCE FREEDOM We all want freedom, but we often define it incorrectly—as the…
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Essentials... Follow Jesus | Nathan Hughes
Encounter is not the destination—it’s an invitation. Following Jesus requires surrender, reordered desires, and a willingness to leave what’s familiar behind. ESSENTIALS WEEK 2 - FOLLOW JESUS This message builds on the truth that every encounter with God leads to a choice. While culture…
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Essentials... Encounter God | Nathan Hughes
Series: Encounter God Week 1 Title: Encounter God Primary Scriptures: Exodus 3; John 4 Big Idea: One true encounter with God can change everything. I. Humanity’s Search for God Throughout history, people have chased sacred places and spiritual experiences. The assumption: if we get to the right...
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The Advent Of: Joy | Nathan Hughes
Big Idea: Responsibility is not a burden God puts on you—it is a gift He puts in you that produces joy when you live it out. The angels announced the birth of Jesus not to kings or crowds, but to shepherds quietly doing their jobs in the fields. They weren’t chasing excitement. They weren’t...
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The Advent Of: Peace | Nathan Hughes
Series: The Advent of ____ Week 1 Title: The Advent of Hope Main Scriptures: Proverbs 13:12, Isaiah 40:1–5, Luke 1:30–32, Galatians 4:4, John 14:3, Romans 15:13 Big Idea: Hope is not a wishful feeling—hope has a Name, perfect timing, and a promised future. Jesus is our Hope, our Living Hope, and...
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The Advent Of: Hope | Meghan Petyak
Series: The Advent of ____ Week 1 Title: The Advent of Hope Main Scriptures: Proverbs 13:12, Isaiah 40:1–5, Luke 1:30–32, Galatians 4:4, John 14:3, Romans 15:13 Big Idea: Hope is not a wishful feeling—hope has a Name, perfect timing, and a promised future. Jesus is our Hope, our Living Hope, and...
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Thanks & Giving Part 2 | Nick Hughes
Series: Grateful Week 2 Title: Hospitality Main Scripture: 1 Peter 4:8–10 BIG IDEA: Hospitality is what happens when the love God pours into us gets poured out of us. When we are filled with gratitude, what comes out looks like hospitality. WEEK 2 - HOSPITALITY I. The Context of 1 Peter Written…
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Thanks & Giving Part 1 | Nathan Hughes
Series: Grateful Week 1 Title: I Am Grateful Scripture: Philippians 4:4–7; Philippians 2:28; Philippians 4:11–13 Big Idea: Gratitude is what makes peace possible. I. The Context of Gratitude Paul writes Philippians not from comfort but from a Roman prison cell. He’s chained to uncertainty yet...
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Rooted | Do We Really Need the Church? | Nate Hughes
Series: Rooted Week 10 Title: Do We Really Need the Church? Scripture: Hebrews 10:24–25, 1 Peter 2:9, Galatians 6:10, Matthew 12:46–50, Romans 12:9–16, Romans 12:1–2, Acts 2:41–42 Big Idea: You can’t follow Jesus apart from His body. The church isn’t optional—it’s essential. I. God’s Design for…
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Rooted | The Story of All of Us | Nate Hughes
Series: Rooted Week: 9 – The Story of All of Us Big Idea: God’s story of redemption becomes our story of transformation—and together, we tell the story of Jesus to the world through our lives, our words, and our generosity. WEEK 9_ EVANGELISM I. God’s Story — Creation, Fall, Redemption Creation...
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Rooted | Kingdom Currency | Nate Hughes
Series: Rooted Week: 8 – Kingdom Currency Scripture: Matthew 6:19–21, 24; 1 Timothy 6:10; Luke 12:15; Deuteronomy 8:17–20; 2 Corinthians 9:6–8, 11; Proverbs 23:4–7 Big Idea: You can’t serve two masters. Money is not evil—but when it becomes your master, it will control your heart. God invites us…
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Rooted | Shalom | Nate Hughes
Series: Rooted Week: 7 – Shalom Scripture: Luke 10:25–37; Jeremiah 29:4–7; Titus 3:4–5; Micah 6:8 Big Idea: God calls His people to embody mercy personally and shalom collectively—bringing His peace, justice, and renewal to the world. But we can’t extend true mercy or live in true shalom until...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
The Vertical Teaching Podcast features the weekly teaching from Vertical Church. Each episode is rooted in Scripture and designed to help you encounter God, follow Jesus, and experience freedom. Through clear, biblical teaching, we open God’s Word together and explore what it means to live as disciples of Jesus in everyday life. Whether you’re catching up on a Sunday you missed or revisiting a message to go deeper, these teachings will help you grow in faith, align your life with the truth of Scripture, and live a life that is vertical toward God and outward toward others.
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Vertical Church
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How many episodes does Vertical Church Teaching have?
Vertical Church Teaching currently has 422 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Vertical Church Teaching about?
The Vertical Teaching Podcast features the weekly teaching from Vertical Church. Each episode is rooted in Scripture and designed to help you encounter God, follow Jesus, and experience freedom. Through clear, biblical teaching, we open God’s Word together and explore what it means to live as...
How often does Vertical Church Teaching release new episodes?
Vertical Church Teaching publishes regularly with 422 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
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You can listen to Vertical Church Teaching on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Vertical Church Teaching?
Vertical Church Teaching is created and hosted by Vertical Church.
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