Great Oaks Students Podcast

Kicking off a brand new series called In the Presence, this message lays the foundation for everything we need to understand about Jesus Christ. Before diving into his miracles and teachings, we take a step back to ask the most important question: Who is Jesus, really? From his identity as fully God and fully man, to the historical evidence behind over 27,000 manuscripts that confirm his life and ministry, this message builds the case that Jesus is not just a religious figure but the most documented and significant person in all of human history - and that changes everything.

In the final week of the In the Beginning series, we fast-forward through thousands of years of Old Testament history to discover something incredible - Jesus wasn't an afterthought. Through the prophecies of Isaiah, Daniel, and Micah, written 500 to 800 years before the birth of Christ, God revealed the who, where, when, and why of Jesus coming to Earth. From a virgin birth in Bethlehem to a death at exactly the right moment in history, every detail was mapped out long before it happened, pointing to one undeniable truth: salvation was always God's plan for us.

In week 6 of the In the Beginning series, we dive into one of the most well-known stories in all of Scripture - Noah and the flood. When God looks out over a world so consumed by wickedness that it breaks his heart, he finds one man, Noah, who is still walking faithfully with him. This message challenges students to be that one person who stands out — the light in their school, their home, and their community — because even in the darkest places, one faithful person can change everything. Like Noah, our gratitude and our pursuit of God matters more than we know.

In week 5 of the In the Beginning series, we pick up in Genesis 3 where God confronts Adam and Eve for their disobedience and hands down consequences that still affect us today. From the curses placed on the serpent, the woman, and the man, to Cain's murder of Abel in Genesis 4, this message traces how sin doesn't just stay contained - it spreads, it grows, and it lives in all of us. But even in the middle of a broken world, there is hope, because our God is one who sent his Son to take on the sin we could never pay for ourselves.

This week, the In the Beginning series continues as we step into Genesis 3 and the moment sin first entered the world. Through the story of the serpent tempting Adam and Eve, we see how Satan uses the same tactics today: questioning God’s Word, twisting the truth, and promising things that ultimately fall short. This message challenges students to understand how sin damages our relationship with God, how blame and shame entered the human story, and why God still calls out to us even when we try to hide.

This week, the In the Beginning series continues with a deeper look at one of the most misunderstood figures in the Bible: Satan. By exploring Scripture from Ezekiel, Isaiah, Revelation, and the New Testament, this message explains who Satan really is, how his rebellion began, and how he still operates in the world today. Through biblical teaching and practical application, students are reminded that while the enemy uses lies, fear, and deception, God ultimately holds all authority and the victory has already been won.

This week, we continue the In the Beginning series by looking deeper at the creation of humanity and what it truly means to be made in the image of God. As we revisit Genesis 1 and 2, we see that God intentionally handcrafted male and female differently, breathed His own life into us, and created us for relationship with Him first. Through Scripture and cultural application, this message reminds students that we are not accidents, not mistakes, and not self-defined; we are intentionally designed by a perfect Creator who does not make errors.

This week, we kick off a brand new series by going all the way back to Genesis 1 and the creation story. As we walk through the first pages of Scripture, we see that God is intentional, orderly, and purposeful in everything He creates - from light and land to humanity itself. This message challenges students to understand that creation wasn’t random or accidental, but designed with meaning, and that we are not here by chance - we are the intentional creation of a relational God who made everything with purpose.

This week, we wrap up the More Than a Big Fish series by diving into Jonah chapter 4 and the surprising ending of the story. After seeing an entire city repent and be spared, Jonah responds not with celebration but with anger. Through Scripture and honest application, this message challenges us to examine where our anger is pointed, how easily we value comfort over people, and why God’s mercy extends to everyone - even the ones we think don’t deserve it. It’s a powerful reminder that the story of Jonah isn’t about a fish or even about Jonah - it’s about a merciful God whose heart is always for people.

This week, we continue the More Than a Big Fish series by diving into Jonah chapter 3 and the power of obedience after repentance. After running from God and hitting rock bottom, Jonah is given a second chance - and this time, he obeys. We see how one moment of surrender can impact an entire city, how no one is too far gone to turn back to God, and how God’s plan doesn’t change even when we mess up. This message challenges us to trust God’s direction, walk the narrow path, and believe that God can use anyone who is willing to say yes.

This week, Alec continues the More Than a Big Fish series by diving into Jonah Chapter 2. From inside the belly of the fish, Jonah shifts his perspective and realizes that what felt like punishment was actually God’s provision. This message challenges students to recognize how God provides even in uncomfortable or unexpected situations, how He meets us when everything else is stripped away, and why turning back to Him is never too late. Through Jonah’s prayer, students are reminded that salvation comes from the Lord alone - and no matter how far they feel from God, He is always ready to rescue, restore, and renew.

This week, Alec dives into Jonah Chapter 1 to challenge students to think about how they respond to God’s call. While most know Jonah for the giant fish, this message explores the bigger story: God gives each of us a path and a purpose, and our choices matter. Through Jonah’s flight from God, the storm at sea, and the unexpected rescue God provides, students are encouraged to examine their own hearts, hear God’s voice clearly, and take steps toward obedience, even when it’s difficult.

As we begin 2026, Alec challenges the idea of self-made change by reminding us that real transformation doesn’t happen without God at the center. Using Jesus’ teaching about new wine and new wineskins, this message shows why trying to carry old habits, mindsets, and patterns into a new season will always fall short. Through Scripture and practical application, students are encouraged to stop relying on their own strength and instead allow God to renew their hearts, prayers, and purpose for the year ahead.

In the final sermon of this series, Alec closes the God IS series by unpacking what it means for God to be our banner. When life feels overwhelming and battles come from every direction, it’s easy to fight in our own strength or lose sight of who we belong to. Through Scripture and real-life application, this message reminds students that victory doesn’t come from trying harder, but from standing under God’s authority, identity, and protection, trusting Him to fight the battles we were never meant to fight alone.

This week, Alec continues the God IS series by unpacking one powerful truth: God is our peace. In a generation overwhelmed by anxiety, depression, and constant noise, we look at Jehovah Shalom - the Lord who meets us with peace right where we are. Through Scripture and real-life application, this message shows how God’s peace isn’t temporary or circumstantial, but a perfect peace that guards our hearts and minds when we take authority over our thoughts and trust Him fully.

This week, Alec continues the God IS series by unpacking one powerful truth: God is our Healer. From Jehovah Rapha in Exodus to the healing ministry of Jesus and modern-day testimonies, this message reminds us that God’s healing power didn’t stop in the Bible - it’s still active today. If you’ve ever wondered whether God still heals physically, spiritually, and emotionally, this episode will challenge you to trust Him beyond your limits and believe that He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

This week, we launch a brand-new series called God IS, exploring the unchanging character of God and how He moves in our lives. Alec breaks down three foundational truths: God is deeply personal, God is perfectly just, and God is unchanging - showing us why we can trust Him no matter what we face. If you’ve ever wondered how God works, what He thinks of you, or why His character matters, this episode lays the foundation for everything we'll learn in the weeks ahead.

This week, Alec wraps up the Unwavering Faith series with a powerful look at the life of Job - and what it teaches us about suffering, faithfulness, and the mystery of God’s plans. Through Job’s heartbreak, his friends’ accusations, and God’s thunderous response from the whirlwind, we learn that even when we don’t understand the “why,” God is still just, still sovereign, and still working all things together for good. If you’ve ever wrestled with pain, doubt, or the question “Why do bad things happen to good people?”, this episode will help you see the bigger picture and hold on to faith that never wavers.

This week, guest speaker David Velasquez shares his powerful testimony of God’s rescue and redemption. From loneliness, anger, and doubt to an encounter with the peace of Jesus, David’s story reminds us that no one is too far gone for God’s love. If you’ve ever wondered whether God still sees you, this message will show that He not only sees you - He’s been with you all along.

This week, Alec walks us through the story of Job - a man who lost everything yet refused to turn his back on God. When tragedy, loss, or pain hits your life, how will you respond? Through Job’s example, we learn that true faith praises God not just in the blessings but in the suffering, trusting that His goodness never changes, even when life does.

This week, Pastor David teaches us how to boldly share our faith by telling our One Story - the unique testimony of what Jesus has done in our lives. Using 1 Peter 3:15 and Acts 1:8, Pastor David reminds us that everyone has a story worth sharing and that Jesus is always the hero of it. Tune in to discover how your personal story connects to God’s greater story and how He can use it to change lives around you.

This week, Alec challenges students and believers alike to stand firm in their faith - even when the fire gets hot. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego didn’t bow to culture, fear, or compromise. They declared, “Even if He doesn’t, we will not bow.”This sermon reminds us that unwavering faith is not about avoiding the fire - it’s about trusting God in it. You’re never too young, too inexperienced, or too small for the Spirit of God to work powerfully through you. And you’re never meant to walk this faith journey alone.You may be young, but there’s no such thing as a “junior Holy Spirit.”Stand firm. Stick together. Stay faithful.

This week, Alec takes us to Mount Carmel and the showdown between Elijah and the prophets of Baal to answer one of life’s biggest questions: Why Jesus? Surrounded and outnumbered, Elijah proves that the one true God always shows up with power, presence, and truth. This message will challenge and encourage you to stand firm in your faith, even when you feel like you’re standing alone.

This week, we kick off a new series called Unwavering Faith. Alec challenges us to stand strong on God’s Word even when the world hates and rejects those who follow Christ. From the words of Jesus in John 15 to modern-day examples of costly faith, this message reminds us that while persecution is real, our hope and victory are found in Christ alone.

This week, guest speaker & church elder Dewayne Norton dives into the story of King David attempting to bring the Ark of the Covenant back to Jerusalem, and how good intentions weren’t enough when they didn’t line up with God’s commands. Through Scripture, we see that obedience is more than sacrifice and that worship isn’t just about songs but about surrendering to God’s way. Join us for a powerful reminder that true worship means living by God’s Word, not just our best ideas.

This week, Alec reminds us that waiting on God is never wasted. Just like Daniel, who fasted and prayed for weeks before receiving an answer, we learn that God hears us the moment we pray - even when the response feels delayed. Tune in for encouragement that while unseen battles may rage around us, God is fighting for you, you are precious to Him, and His timing always brings strength and peace.

This week, we dig into what it really means to obey God - even when it’s hard or doesn’t make sense. Through the story of King Saul’s disobedience and Noah’s faithfulness, we see the difference between partial obedience and full surrender. Tune in for a challenging reminder that obedience is better than sacrifice, and discover how saying “yes” to God leads to His power, presence, and purpose in your life.

In this episode, Alec reminds us that God is always speaking - and He wants us to stay connected to Him. Through daily prayer, time in God’s Word, and letting Him prune what doesn’t belong, we can bear fruit and live in His strength. If you’ve ever felt distant from God or ready to give up, this message is a powerful reminder that apart from Him we can do nothing, but with Him we have everything.

This week, Alec walks us through what it means to build your life (and your heart) on the firm foundation of Christ. Using the blueprint of a home, we explore the spiritual purpose behind every “room,” from the foundation to the private place, the kitchen to the bedroom. If you’ve been building your life on anything other than Jesus, this episode is your invitation to start fresh, with God as your architect.

In this episode, Alec dives into the question: Why do you believe in Jesus? From personal testimonies to physical evidence supporting Scripture, this message is a reminder that faith isn’t blind—God leaves traces of His truth everywhere. Whether you're a lifelong believer, skeptical, or somewhere in between, this episode will challenge and encourage you to see that the evidence of God’s goodness is all around.

This week, guest speaker Jacob Wilkins talks about the anxiety that often comes with big transitions—new schools, future plans, and identity struggles. But instead of staying stuck in fear, we look at what God says about peace, prayer, and thankfulness. Join us as we discover how trusting God, thanking Him, and keeping our thoughts fixed on His promises leads to real, lasting peace.

In this episode, David Martin Jr. explores what it really means to trust God—especially when life feels overwhelming. Through the story of Jesus and Peter on the water, we’re reminded that God is not only sovereign over the storm but present in the middle of it. If you’ve ever doubted, struggled, or started to sink, this episode is for you—because Jesus is faithful, even when we’re not.

In this week's episode, we dive deep into what worship really is—and what it isn’t. Worship isn’t about music, lights, or preferences; it’s about giving God your heart, your focus, and your life. Tune in as we break down the heart of worship, the distractions that compete for it, and how to live a lifestyle that puts God first in everything.

In this episode, we unpack what it really means to abide in Jesus. It’s not just about believing or trying to be a good person—it’s about staying connected to the source of life. Join us as we explore how abiding leads to real transformation, deeper relationship with God, and practical ways to walk with Him every day.

In this student podcast episode, guest speaker Stephen Velasquez walks through the powerful mystery of the Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—unpacking how God is one in essence but revealed in three distinct persons. From Deuteronomy to the Nicene Creed, discover how Scripture shows a unified God who relates, saves, and invites us into His love. This conversation tackles misconceptions, clarifies heresies, and shows why understanding the Trinity changes everything.

In our final week of our series, Let's Get Practical, Pastor David walks us through how the Bible can transform your life when you actually know how to read it. From practical tips to powerful truths, we’ll learn why the Bible is more than just a book—it's God's living Word for us today. Get ready to grow your faith, hear God clearly, and step into the purpose He has for you!

This week, Pastor David challenges us to take a closer look at our thought life. Our thoughts shape who we become, and negativity can trap us in relational, circumstantial, and spiritual struggles. Tune in as we get practical about fixing our minds on God's truth and choosing faith over fear every single day.

In this week’s episode, Pastor David tackles a big question with an even bigger answer: Will Jesus forgive every sin—even the really big ones? We unpack what Scripture actually says about sin, forgiveness, guilt, and grace. Whether you're carrying shame or just wondering where God's mercy ends, this conversation will remind you of the truth—no sin is too big for Jesus.

This week, guest speaker & lead pastor of Great Oaks Fellowship David Martin dives into his own personal testimony & challenges us all with this question: Do you truly know God, or do you only know about Him?

As we close out our series, Love By Design, Alec Griffith unpacks God’s design for sex, relationships, and purity. While culture distorts sex as meaningless, God created it as a sacred and beautiful gift within marriage. We explore the dangers of hookup culture, the impact of sexual sin, and the power of redemption through Christ. No matter your past, God’s grace offers a fresh start—tune in for a real and honest conversation on pursuing sexual wholeness.

In week 2 of our series, Love By Design, we continue to dive into what the Bible says about dating and relationships. Alec Griffith shares biblical truths about dating with intention, building relationships on sacrifice, and rejecting the unrealistic expectations set by culture. Whether you're dating, single, or preparing for the future, this conversation will challenge you to seek God’s wisdom in your relationships.

This week, we kick off our new series, Love By Design. Join us as we explore what love truly means through the lens of scripture, breaking down misconceptions from culture and media. Alec Griffith unpacks how God’s love is sacrificial, selfless, and the foundation for all our relationships. Don’t miss this powerful conversation on real love, how to model it in our lives, and why it all starts with God!

In the 3rd and final week of our series, Friends & Family, Alec Griffith unpacks the importance of Christ-centered friendships. Learn how to recognize healthy relationships, build strong biblical community, and extend grace to others. Join us for a powerful conversation on faith, accountability, and the friendships that shape us.

In the second week of our series, Friends and Family, we dive into Matthew 12:46-50, where Jesus redefines what it means to be family. True family isn’t just about blood—it’s about those who do the will of the Father. No matter your background, Jesus invites you into His family, offering relationships with eternal value. Join us as we explore what it means to love, forgive, and build true community in Christ.

In the first week of our new series, Friends and Family, Alec dives into why putting God at the center of our relationships matters. We look at Adam and Eve’s story, how sin affects our connections, and how God still pursues us. Tune in and let’s grow together!

In today's episode, Great Oaks Studens' new Student Director Alec Griffith shares his story—growing up without a strong faith, facing deep struggles, and ultimately finding purpose in Christ. Hear Alec's heart as he shares his story of transformation, learning to trust God, and stepping into his calling.

Charles Bobo's final sermon at Great Oaks Students concludes ourThis is the Gospel series, as he explores the Gospel's promise of a godly community in our lives.

What does it mean to be sanctified? This week, Pastor Charles gives us the answer as we continue our series,This Is the Gospel.

This week, Pastor Charles launches a new series,This is the Gospel, exploring the meaning of the Gospel story.

In the second and final sermon in our Christmas series,God With Us, Pastor Charles talks about the humble arrival of God on earth, and how those of least importance were the first to know about His arrival.