The Chapel Sermon Podcast

Scott, Ellie, and Denvil dive into a heartfelt and thought-provoking conversation about how God meets us in our grief, brings healing in the midst of pain, and gently leads us from difficult seasons into places of renewed hope and purpose.

Scott Chapman, Ellie Dole, and Jamie Wamsley sit down to talk about obeying God and what happens when we compromise God's desires for our own comfort. Join us for this real, raw conversation. 

Scott Chapman, Ellie Dole, and Freddy Villarreal sit down to explore the well-known story from 1 Samuel, when Samuel hears God’s voice for the first time. They dive into how God speaks to all of us (even kids), how to recognize His voice, and what to do when you feel He’s speaking through you to someone else. This is an episode you won’t want to miss.

Scott, Ellie & Tammy sit down for a real, honest conversation about what it looks like to pray desperate prayers and surrender to God's will when we don't see prayers answered the way we hoped.

Scott Chapman, Ellie Dole and Blake Dole sit down to talk about the Easter message, the Shroud of Turin, and the evidence of God in their lives. Join them for this fun and fact-filled conversation that brings the resurrection to life! 

Join Scott Chapman, Ellie Dole, and Putty Putman as they unravel the intricacies of ministry, church planting, and Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem on Holy Week. 

Join Ellie and Scott for a rich conversation on the power of your story and why it matters in God’s kingdom. In this episode, they unpack how to explore your testimony, share it with authenticity, and step into the healing God wants to bring to your story — because as He heals you, He also uses your story to help others come alive to Him.

In this episode Scott and Ellie discuss the first message of the "Come and See" series, exploring how evangelism can be simple, experiential, and rooted in inviting others to encounter Jesus. They reflect on the feeding of the 5,000, the meaning of manna, everyday generosity, and how small acts of blessing lead to spiritual abundance. Listeners are challenged to bless someone daily until Easter and to live the ways of Jesus—inviting others to "come and see" through authentic compassion, hospitality, and surrendered living.

In this episode of the Beyond the Message podcast, the hosts, Ellie Dole and Scott Chapman, and guests Anthony Taylor and Sarah Chapman, explore what forgiveness really means—drawing from Jesus’ healing in Matthew 9 and personal stories. They discuss the emotional cost of forgiveness, the difference between forgiveness, healing, and reconciliation, and practical steps for surrendering pain to God.

Ellie Dole and Scott Chapman explore Ephesians 4:15 and introduce a four-quadrant matrix for speaking truth and love in relationships — call-out, cave-in, check-out, and connect. They discuss how truth + love create trust, how fear and identity shape communication, and practical steps for slowing down, asking questions, and listening well. The episode applies the quadrant to marriage, friendship, parenting, and leadership, and highlights the Spirit’s role in guiding honest conversations. They close by previewing next week’s message on forgiveness.

We are starting a new discussion in our Beyond the Message podcast series. as we talk all about relationships. Join Ellie Dole and Scott & Tammy Chapman as they share personal stories (including a surprising "man of honor" moment), discuss family differences, the art of setting boundaries, trust, male headship, and how faith shapes healthy relationships.

Hosts Ellie and Scott explore what the Bible means by heaven, the intermediate state, and the new heaven and new earth. They unpack Jesus’ kingdom language, resurrection bodies, judgment, relationships, work, and the hope of restored creation. Conversational and practical, the episode invites listeners to rethink heaven not as an evacuation but as a renewed, people-centered world where God’s presence reigns and relationships matter.

Week four of the Signs of the Times podcast explores Matthew 25's parable of the sheep and the goats, with hosts Ellie, Freddy, and Jamie unpacking how Jesus centers compassion as the measure of faithful living and what judgment means for believers and nonbelievers. The episode connects salvation by grace with biblical faith as lasting allegiance, addresses tough questions about heaven and hell and late conversions, and urges listeners to let the reality of eternity shape how they live and serve today.

Pastors Jamie Wamsley and Scott Chapman join after Freddie's message on the return of Christ to reflect on rapture culture, differences in end-times interpretation, and the pastoral need for humility and balance. They explore how uncertainty about timing should shape how we live today — from meaningful evangelism and growing holiness to embracing the Kingdom gospel with hope rather than fear.

We're back with Signs of the Times Week 2 — a deep dive into end-times topics including the tribulation, various rapture views, the Antichrist and the abomination of desolation, the millennium, and how believers persevere. Pastors Denvil Lee, Scott Chapman and Ellie Dole unpack scripture, address questions about deconstruction and doubt, and encourage staying centered on Jesus as the hope in both present struggles and the promised return.

This episode launches the 'Signs of the Times: Beyond the Message" series, exploring Jesus' teachings in Matthew 24–25 and what they mean for life today. Pastors Scott Chapman, Jamie Wamsley, and Ellie Dole discuss historical context, the temple, the idea of 'birth pains', and how to live with faith and mission amid uncertainty. They also address modern questions—from the role of technology and global gospel spread to unusual phenomena like UFO reports—emphasizing humility, discernment, and the call to keep the kingdom of God at the center of daily life.

The journey of coming alive to God is not just a single moment of revelation but rather an ongoing experience of discovering and encountering him in new ways. We come alive to God in countless ways as we move from merely knowing truths about him to experiencing God as real and personal. Along the way, he continually invites us to take steps of faith and fully embrace the work he is doing in our lives. This week, we looked at the role humility plays in the experience of coming alive to God. True humility goes beyond putting others first; it’s about aligning our hearts with the Father’s. It involves surrendering to God’s will, as demonstrated by Joseph in Matthew 1:18-25. Despite the risk of public shame and ridicule, Joseph humbly chose to take Mary as his wife, embracing the social consequences. But more than that, his decision reflected deep trust in God’s promises and a willingness to be part of the greater story God was unfolding—the coming of the Messiah. Like Joseph, we often face the tension between protecting our reputation and accepting God’s invitation. This is the struggle between pride and humility. Pride causes us to turn inward, relying on ourselves and distancing us from God and others. In contrast, humility opens us up to God’s work, acknowledging that we cannot save ourselves. Scripture reminds us that humility is rooted in reverence for the Lord (Proverbs 22:4) and a deep desire for God to work in our lives. It is a posture that invites God’s kingdom to break into our circumstances in unexpected ways. By stepping into humility, we allow God to lift us up, trusting in his strength rather than our own.

The journey of coming alive to God begins with the invitation in Revelation 3:20-21, where Jesus offers to enter our lives and transform them, giving us the ability to see from heaven’s perspective. This transformation unfolds through revelation, relationship, and revival—shifting from merely knowing about God to experiencing life with Him. The key is becoming a people who hear from God and respond in obedience. The key to coming alive to God is learning to hear Him more clearly. Many Christians are already communicating with God, often without realizing it—whether through prayer, when they pour out their hearts and feel peace or comfort in return, or through worship, where they sense God’s nearness. The real question isn’t whether we are hearing from God, but how we can hear Him more clearly. Hearing God requires a heart that actively seeks Him—not just to study Scripture but to encounter Him personally. Listening intentionally, obeying what we hear, and stepping forward in faith open the door to deeper relationships and spiritual growth. God directs us as we move, but obedience is essential to discerning His voice. Today, the invitation is to welcome God fully—no matter how broken life may feel. His love and power are greater than any mistakes or failures, and He is ready to walk with us in every area of life: marriage, parenting, work, and finances.

Does the Christianity we choose to live out matter? This is the question we explored this week as we continued in our series, The Hope of Revival. In John 15:1-11, Jesus uses the metaphor of the vine and branches—where Jesus is the vine, his followers are the branches, and God the Father is the gardener—to emphasize the importance of abiding in him. Abiding requires us to live in a close relationship with Jesus, allowing his words and perspective to shape and transform us and following his commands to love God and others. The byproduct of abiding is the fruit of a kingdom-filled life: blessings, wisdom, freedom, miracles, transformation, and lasting joy. We are often tempted to chase after the fruit, seeking miracles, answered prayers, comfort, and peace rather than focusing on abiding. But the key to bearing fruit is abiding on the vine and letting God do the work of producing fruit. As we abide in Jesus and allow him to transform us, God works through us, bringing beauty from the ordinary and displaying his love to the world.

In Genesis 32:22–32, we read about Jacob wrestling with God. This was more than just a physical battle—it was a deep spiritual struggle. Jacob realized that without God, he had no hope, and so he clung to him. After this encounter, God gave Jacob a new name—Israel, meaning "one who wrestles with God" or "one for whom God fights." This name change marked a significant transformation in Jacob's relationship with God, shifting from self-reliance to complete dependence on him. Jacob was forever changed after experiencing God in this powerful way. Just like Jacob, you can come alive to God! 

We’ve all experienced relationships in which we’re afraid to make mistakes, constantly worrying that one wrong move could lead to serious consequences. Whether we impose these expectations on others or have them placed on us, this performance-driven mindset—where we feel we must be perfect to gain approval—inevitably leads to relational disaster.  This week, we looked at the story of Abram and Sarai in Genesis 12. Despite being called by God to bless the nations, Abram gets caught up in a web of deception, lying about Sarai and allowing Pharaoh to take her as his wife. The parallels to Genesis 3 are striking. Just as Adam and Eve took what was pleasing to their eyes, so did Pharaoh. Abram, acting deceitfully, mirrored the role of the snake. Yet, while the snake was cursed, God did not curse or abandon Abram. Even after Abram found himself in similar circumstances a few chapters later, God upheld his promises, offering an abundance of grace. Exodus 34:6-7 tells us that God is full of compassion, slow to anger, and abounding in love and faithfulness. Abram didn't deserve God's blessing, but God gave it freely. God's grace to Abram and us surpasses anything we can imagine. It is a constant, unwavering posture of love, not dependent on our performance.  When grace abounds, it eliminates the need to perform to gain approval. When we experience God’s grace, it transforms us, and when we carry grace into our relationships, it transforms them as well.

This week, as we continued in our series, Some Assembly Required, we looked at the life of Israel’s last judge, Samson. In Judges 14, Samson was getting married. During the wedding feast, he posed a riddle to his guests, which led his wife to betray him by revealing the answer to the Philistines. Samson reacted violently, setting off cycles of vengeance and conflict in his life. This pattern continues in Judges 15-16 as Samson’s life is marked by further betrayal. His relationship with Delilah, who the Philistines bribed, leads to his ultimate downfall when she learns the secret of his strength—his uncut hair—and cuts it while he sleeps. Samson is then captured, blinded, and imprisoned by the Philistines.Betrayal is the intentional violation of trust, often involving broken commitments and exploiting a relationship for selfish gain. Samson experienced significant betrayal throughout his life. Instead of addressing his hurts, he reacted with anger, leading to cycles of bitterness and revenge. Like Samson, we may feel justified in seeking vengeance, but such actions only perpetuate further cycles of destruction.As followers of Jesus, we cannot engage in cycles of hate while simultaneously inviting the kingdom of God into our lives. Jesus calls us to break the cycle of hurt through forgiveness. Forgiveness is not about forgetting the wrongs done to us or excusing bad behavior. Rather, forgiveness is the key to walking in freedom and finding true peace. Forgiveness is the process of seeking from God what we feel we need from the other person. When we receive this from God, we can extend forgiveness to those who have wronged us without expecting anything in return. Forgiveness enables us to pursue reconciliation or separation in a way that honors God and allows us to walk in freedom.

Building strong, lasting relationships requires a solid foundation. Just as with anything well-built, relationships endure when built with care and intention. Last week, we explored the story of Ruth and how viewing others from God's perspective was key to forming deep connections. This week, we examined the story of Ruth's grandson, David, and the relationships between David, Saul (Israel’s first king), and his son, Jonathan. Saul wanted to pass the crown to Jonathan, but God had chosen David as the next king, filling Saul with jealousy and rage. Jonathan, however, responded with humility. He recognized God's hand on David and supported him, even helping him find strength in God during difficult times. Jonathan's relationship with David was marked by trust in God and a willingness to give rather than take. God calls us to approach relationships differently than the world does. In Matthew 5:43-44, Jesus challenges us to love those who are for us and those who are against us. Saul’s relationships were driven by self-interest, and when he didn’t get what he wanted, he sought control rather than trust in God’s plan. Jonathan’s faithfulness and selflessness in his friendship with David are a powerful testament to how relationships thrive when we set out to give rather than receive. While the world’s economy teaches that giving diminishes what we have, God's economy is one where giving leads to greater abundance. When we love others from the overflow of God’s love, we are never left lacking; his love will consistently replenish us. God’s incredible design for relationships deepens our connection with others and him, allowing us to love freely and live fully.

While good relationships are often seen as the cornerstone of a fulfilling life, navigating them has become increasingly challenging for many of us. Technology, rather than fostering genuine connection, often isolates us and distorts our understanding of community. We are constantly bombarded with curated images of others' seemingly perfect lives, leading us to desire an illusion rather than reality. Simultaneously, our society has made taking offense into a national pastime, placing even more strain on our relationships. The Bible offers timeless principles that have the potential to revolutionize how we interact with others if we put them into practice. The story of Ruth is a powerful example of this. Despite being penniless and in a foreign land, Ruth remained loyal to Naomi and boldly approached Boaz, asking him not only to marry her but also to care for Naomi. Boaz’s response is remarkable—he saw Ruth’s true character and kindness, protecting her reputation and looking beyond her external circumstances. His ability to see her as God did mirrors how his own father looked past Rahab’s past and saw the person God had created her to be.  When we seek to see others the way God does, it transforms our relationships. By asking God to show us the strengths, gifts, and potential in those around us, we can call out the goodness he has placed within them. When we see someone as God does, it inspires them to live according to the purpose for which they were created. You never know when your words might be the encouragement someone needs to believe in God’s purpose for their life—because you saw them and believed in them.

Are you living with the end in mind? As followers of Jesus, our future is secure—death holds no power over us. Embracing this truth transforms our lives, empowering us to make a difference in the world. Living with the end in mind frees us from fear and anxiety, allowing us to fully become who God created us to be. As we do this, we witness God's kingdom at work and realize that investing in worldly pursuits is like putting money into a failing stock, while investing in God's kingdom brings eternal impact and rewards. For the Apostle Paul, this meant living with one clear purpose: to bring the gospel of the kingdom of God to the Gentiles. Despite all the brokenness he encountered during his ministry—including starvation, slavery, violence, and poverty—Paul remained unwavering in his belief that God’s kingdom was the solution to all human suffering. He preached the gospel wherever he went, helping others see beyond the pain of the world to the hope found in Jesus—a hope that doesn’t fade, that death cannot steal, and that transforms us and the world around us.

This week, Freddy continued in our series, Glory to Glory, looking at Acts 21-27, which highlights three key themes: Paul's unwavering dedication to spreading the gospel, God's steadfast faithfulness to Paul, and the persistent opposition Paul faced. Despite numerous trials, Paul’s commitment to God never wavered. He continued to share the gospel whether he was put on trial, driven from a city, or standing before rulers like Agrippa, Festus, or Felix. The message of Jesus was not just something he believed—it was an integral part of who he was. Paul shows us that while we cannot always control our circumstances, we can find peace in any situation when our identity is firmly rooted in Jesus.Whatever you are going through, rather than seeking relief through other means—be it social media, distractions, or substances—turn to Jesus, who can offer true comfort and transformation. When we cry out and invite Jesus into our lives, he sees, knows, and acknowledges our pain. In Acts 23:11, we read, "The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, ‘Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.’" Even in our darkest moments, God stands near, offering courage and guidance to us just like he did for Paul. Regardless of where you find yourself, if you are willing to cry out and invite Jesus in, he will meet you where you are and comfort you like nobody else can. You're not alone; he is with you!

Hardship can come for various reasons—sometimes because we've made mistakes, sometimes because we've done the right thing as Christians, and sometimes simply because we live in a fallen world. When experiencing hardship instead of blessings, many people question their faith and wonder if God is still present, leading some to abandon their faith. Paul, however, did not view hardship as a sign of God's abandonment or a reason to walk away from his faith. Instead, he saw hardship as an opportunity to bring God's kingdom into a fallen world. This perspective calls for a shift from expecting blessings to knowing that hardship doesn't diminish the presence or power of God's kingdom.  No amount of resources, education, or legislation can eliminate hardship or bring lasting change—only God's kingdom can do that. The church is called to be an oasis in a barren world, where lives are visibly transformed by God's presence. The entire message of Christianity is the kingdom of God coming into our lives, changing us, and transforming the world around us. Whatever you are facing, you don't face it alone—God is with you and desires to bring his kingdom in your life and walk with you through every season!

For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:12 This week, as we continue our series on the life of Paul, we look at Acts 19:11–16, where Paul is in Ephesus—a city deeply entrenched in darkness, with its economy and culture heavily influenced by dark magic, sorcery, and witchcraft. Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, attempted to use Jesus' name to cast out demons and gain authority for his own purposes, but his lack of a genuine relationship with Jesus rendered him powerless. He witnessed Paul drive out demons and thought it was merely about the words he used. He didn’t understand that Paul's authority over darkness stemmed from his deep, personal connection with Jesus. Ephesians 6:12 reminds us that the battle we fight isn’t against flesh and blood but against an enemy that seeks to draw people into darkness through shame, addiction, fear, and bitterness. However, we know that the battle was already won on the cross. It is finished. We don’t fight on our own. When we speak the name of Jesus, it’s not our own authority we are calling on, but his. We have power and authority over darkness because he’s entrusted us with kingdom authority to spread God's love and light. We can be the light and bring the light because the battle is won!

When we believe in Jesus, the gift of the Holy Spirit is given to us. However, sometimes we wait to receive it, postponing the opportunity for God to transform us. It is like having a gym membership but not working out, being enrolled in school but not taking classes, or even getting raises but never seeming to have any money. In Acts 19, Paul asked the people of Ephesus, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” The Greek word for "receive" in this passage is an active word. To receive something is to reach out and grab it, open it, and use it for its intended purpose. We find out later that Paul gauged people’s receipt of the Holy Spirit by the evidence of gifts or fruit of the Spirit. When you receive the Spirit of God, it changes you, giving you the supernatural desire and ability to bring God's glory into the world. He shows up in us to spread his love and goodness to those around us.

If you don’t see something the right way, it will never work the way it is intended. This is particularly true with evangelism. The term evangelism is what we use to describe the process by which we lead people to Jesus or help others back to God. Repeatedly, when Paul goes from place to place sharing the good news of Jesus, he either gets beat up, thrown in jail, or thrown out of town. Unfortunately, some of Paul’s legacy can leave us to believe that evangelism, helping people move towards Jesus, is always painful, frequently difficult, and sometimes comes at a very personal cost. However, in Acts 17, we learn about what Paul experienced in Athens and how it is very similar to what we walk through today as followers of Jesus. When Paul arrived in Athens, he went to the synagogue and spoke about Jesus to anyone who would listen. There, he got into a debate with the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers. Paul wasn’t making sense to them, and they accused him of proclaiming foreign gods. They then had Paul brought before the high council of the city where Paul was on trial with a heavy charge against him. Paul was asked to plead his case and share with the high council about his God. When Paul concluded his speech, a large portion of the council laughed at him, there were others of them that were curious and interested in hearing more, and there were others who were moved to faith in Jesus. There is shared experience in what Paul was doing at that moment and what we are doing in the world today. We, like Paul, are not ministering in a culture that is particularly receptive to our message either. During Paul’s argument, he made points of connection and contrast with the way his audience thought. He was building bridges and demolishing the arguments of his listeners. That is the key to evangelism, allowing God to move through us and meet people where they are—asking the Holy Spirit to allow us like Paul to make points of connection and contrast in the lives of those all around us.

Denvil Lee

This week, we picked up the story of Paul in Acts 14, where Paul and Barnabas healed a crippled man and became instant celebrities, hailed as gods. Paul and Barnabas rejected this glorification, urging the people to worship the living God. As a result, Paul was stoned and left for dead. Despite this, Paul continued to preach, ultimately strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain faithful through hardships.  Paul’s experience mirrors that of Jesus, who went from the height of popularity at the triumphal entry to being crucified days later. Both of their lives demonstrate the fleeting nature of popularity; one moment, you can be on top of the world, and the next, canceled. Unlike those who derive their worth from external validation, Paul exhibited confidence and freedom rooted in his identity in Christ. He was unshaken by persecution or popularity, driven by the truth of the resurrection, which released him from the fear of death or the need for earthly approval. Just like Paul, we, too, can live in freedom –– rooted in our identity in Christ. When we are released from needing worldly validation, we can live for a greater purpose, reflecting the presence of God within us.

This week, Freddy continued our series on the life of Paul in Acts 13. Ten years have passed since Paul encountered Jesus on the road to Damascus. Paul and Barnabas are in Pisidian Antioch, where they enter the synagogue on the Sabbath and are invited to speak. Paul stands up and summarizes Israel's history, explaining how each step points to Jesus. He teaches that Jesus is the Messiah, but contrary to expectations of a government leader or hero bringing judgment, Jesus came to establish his own kingdom. In this kingdom, everyone has a seat at the table, and there are no insiders or outsiders. Paul urges everyone not to miss out on Jesus, emphasizing that salvation through him is available to all. The Jews saw themselves as the elect and the Gentiles as non-elect, but Paul clarifies that Jesus came for everyone who will say yes to him. Whether you see yourself as an insider or an outsider, we all have the same need and the same solution—Jesus.

Happy Father’s Day, Chapel family! This week, Scott kicked off a new series on the life of Paul. Formerly known as Saul, Paul was a fierce persecutor of the early Christian church. Saul's life took a dramatic turn on his way to Damascus, where he was planning to arrest more believers. A light from heaven struck him, and he heard Jesus say, “Saul! Saul! Why are you persecuting me?” Trembling and blinded, Saul was led by his companions into Damascus, where he waited, fasting and praying. Meanwhile, God appeared to Ananias, a disciple in Damascus, and told him to visit Saul. Despite knowing Saul's reputation, Ananias obeyed God's command, laid hands on Saul, restored his sight, and baptized him. Saul was then filled with the Holy Spirit. Immediately, he began preaching in the synagogues, proclaiming Jesus as the Son of God, completely shocking all who heard him. The Jews in Damascus were amazed at Saul's complete transformation from a persecutor to a preacher of Christ. Saul was headed full steam in the wrong direction—he couldn't have been on a worse path. Yet, God's response wasn't to strike him down, confuse him, or torment him. Instead, God met Saul right where he was, entering his world, addressing him by name, and showing him that He longed for Saul to know him personally. Saul’s story is our story. God can completely change your life and transform any situation you're in. He can enter your world, make his presence known, and instantly alter your circumstances—this is the beauty, greatness, and goodness of God. God deeply loves and values you. He treasures you, cares for you, and is interested in every aspect of your life. God is with you even when you make mistakes or face difficult circumstances. His love can transform any situation, no matter how hopeless it seems.

In Matthew 14:13-21, after hearing about John the Baptist's death, Jesus seeks solitude but is followed by a large crowd. Moved by compassion for the people, he heals their sick. As evening approaches, the disciples worry about feeding the crowd and suggest sending them away to buy food. Jesus instead instructs the disciples to feed the people. They bring Jesus all that they have—five loaves and two fish. Jesus gives thanks, breaks the loaves, and miraculously provides enough food for everyone, with twelve baskets of leftovers collected. This incredible story highlights God’s abundant provision and faithfulness in meeting the needs of his people. Are you currently facing a scary situation? Whatever it is, God has a solution. What does it look like to give God the little you have and trust him to provide what you need? When you give what little you have to Jesus, you will find that he is more than enough. He doesn’t want you to walk alone. He wants to join you, bring the power of heaven, and make the impossible possible in your life!

Have you ever felt stuck? Maybe you have been relationally stuck, caught in cycles of conflict where nothing seems to go right. Financially stuck, with debt growing beyond what you can afford, stripping away your freedom. Or emotionally stuck, haunted by past events, or trapped in cycles of anxiety, fear, self-doubt, or depression.In Mark 5:1-20, Jesus encounters a man who is profoundly stuck. In the region of the Gerasenes, a man possessed by a legion of demons lives among the tombs, exhibiting uncontrollable and violent behavior. When he sees Jesus, he runs to him, and the demons beg not to be tormented. They request to be sent into a nearby herd of pigs, and Jesus consents. The demons enter the pigs, which then rush into the sea and drown. The herdsmen report the incident to the town, and the townspeople arrive to find the formerly possessed man clothed and in his right mind, sitting with Jesus. Jesus’ complete transformation of the man illustrates that Jesus is both great and good. He is ready and willing to deliver you from whatever holds you captive. Freedom comes from emptying yourself and surrendering to his power and love. No matter how stuck you feel, Jesus will meet you right where you are with hope, power, and unconditional love.

Whatever you behold, you become.  Beholding Jesus and how he lived his life is the first step toward being transformed into his likeness. This transformation happens when we go beyond simply studying who Jesus is and allowing his life to shape us. Jesus' life shows us that healing is possible and compels us to pray for healing and miracles. Praying for miracles can sometimes feel risky, especially when we don’t always see those prayers answered. This is where faith comes in. Faith is a conduit between this world and God's kingdom, connecting us to his will and power. Is it God’s will that people be free, healed, and have joy. Therefore, we can pray with boldness for these things. Even when healing and miracles don’t occur as we pray, we can be confident that every prayer makes an impact and brings God’s kingdom to earth.

This week, Jamie kicked off a new series, Behold. In this series, we will examine Jesus’s miracles and explore what they reveal about who God is, what he cares about, and what moves him to action. This week, we looked at John 8, where Jesus is confronted by the scribes and Pharisees with a woman caught in adultery. They try to trap Jesus by asking if she should be stoned according to the Law of Moses. Jesus responds, “All right, but let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!” One by one, they leave. Jesus, left alone with the woman, asks her, “Where are your accusers? Didn’t even one of them condemn you?” “No, Lord,” she said. And Jesus said, “Neither do I. Go and sin no more.” We learn here that God’s posture towards us, even in sin, is not one of condemnation but compassion. Condemnation causes us to turn away from God, whereas compassion causes us to turn towards God. God sees you and every mistake you have ever made and still loves you. When you turn towards God, you will see he hasn't left you for even one moment. He is actively making a way forward for you and is consistently and passionately for you.

The world offers us many things to connect our hope to—political parties, the number of likes and followers, the jobs and positions we hold, and more. Yet, none of these bring lasting, meaningful hope. What our hearts truly need is heavenly hope. Hope that walks with us through our pain, reminding us that God sees us and has goodness in store for each of us. Story after story in the Bible tells us how God showed up for people, came to them, revealed himself to them, spoke to them, fought their battles, forgave them, comforted them, and delivered them. What God did for them, he can do for you. God wants to give you hope you can anchor yourself to no matter your circumstances. Nothing is impossible for God. He knows what you need and loves you so much.

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:8-10 At first glance, these verses can seem contradictory and raise a lot of questions: If salvation is attained by grace alone, why are we called to do good works?  If God is going to make all things right by bringing Heaven to Earth one day, why does it matter how we live today?  How does the world we live in now connect to the world we will live in when Jesus returns? Putty joined us from Arizona this week to look at these questions and more. It’s a common misunderstanding to think that good works unlock revival in our lives. However, scripture teaches the opposite: the outpouring of revival is good work. No matter who you are, where you have been, what your life looks like, or how messy things are for you, there is nothing you can do to earn the love of God—his love for you is already whole and unconditional. He doesn't require your good works; rather, he extends an invitation to a relationship with him, just as you are. When you experience his love and come alive, that’s revival. Revival unlocks the adventure of following Jesus, filled with the good works he’s prepared for you. And the incredible part is that these good works are not just for today – they have an impact that lasts into eternity!

This week, as we continued in our series Revive Me, we looked at the unlikely relationship that formed between Peter and Cornelius in Acts 10. We learned that there are two keys to relationships. When utilized together, they unlock kingdom community in our lives. The first key is purpose. The purpose we are called to is to follow Jesus. When we enter into a relationship with him, we will begin to look and live like Jesus, to listen to his word, and to walk in his ways. The second key is approach. Our approach to relationships should be putting the needs of others above our own. The world teaches us to look after our own good, but the Bible teaches the opposite. Seeking to be like Jesus and prioritizing the needs of others transforms both us and our relationships.  As we put these keys into practice, we will see our relationships fall into one of three categories: community, ministry, and civility.

This week, Scott continued our series, "Revive Me," focusing on 1 Kings 19 and the prophet Elijah. Like many of us, Elijah struggles with feelings of isolation and loneliness. Filled with despair and fear, he seeks refuge in a cave on Mount Horeb (also known as Mount Sinai, where Moses encountered the burning bush and received the Ten Commandments). God asks Elijah why he is hiding in the cave. Elijah responds by expressing his frustration and feeling like he's the only faithful person in Israel. God then instructs Elijah to stand outside the cave because he is about to pass by. A windstorm, earthquake, and fire occur, but God is not in these powerful events. Instead, God speaks to Elijah in a gentle whisper. The storm, earthquake, and fire would have reminded Elijah of similar events in Exodus 19 before Moses received the Ten Commandments. By coming in a whisper, God reminds Elijah that his ability to connect with God is not tied to displays of power. Instead, God desires a personal relationship with him, inviting Elijah to know him intimately and experience his deep love firsthand. Similarly, God doesn't call us to trust in his power; He calls us to trust in him. God's power is a tool he uses to break the chains of oppression, set people free, and overcome isolation and evil in the world. God's power changes circumstances; it doesn't change hearts. The Bible and our world are filled with stories of people who have seen God’s power on display but didn’t believe in him. It can be tempting to think the only thing we need is God’s power in our lives, but we need God himself even more than his power. We are forever changed when we enter a relationship with God, hear his voice, and experience his love for us.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Matthew 5:6 NIV This week, we looked at two contrasting stories from the Old Testament: Eve, who ate from the forbidden tree and then hid from God, and Abraham, who held nothing back from God, declaring, “Here I am.” When we emulate Abraham's unwavering faith, trust in God’s provision, and stand before God with an open-heart declaring, “Here I am,” we position ourselves for revival. When we attempt to satisfy our physical hunger with wants rather than needs, we often end up feeling unsatisfied and hungry again soon after. Similarly, our spiritual hunger can lead to a longing for purpose, contentment, joy, peace, direction, and many other things. When we turn to worldly pursuits like social media, achievements, and indulgence to fulfill these longings, we experience satisfaction that is temporary and fades quickly. Leaving us looking for something else to fill us. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus teaches that those who hunger and thirst for righteousness will be filled or, in some translations, satisfied. Jesus understands the spiritual hunger within each of us. So, he offers us a solution, righteousness, that will not just quench our desires but satisfy them completely. Righteousness is another way of saying being in a right relationship with God.

John 11:17-27 recounts the story of Jesus arriving in Bethany after the death of Lazarus. Martha greeted Jesus and expressed her faith in him, saying that if he had been there, her brother would not have died. Jesus assured Martha that her brother would rise again, to which Martha replied that she believed in a future resurrection. Jesus then tells her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?”  Jesus is inviting Martha into something profound. He's asking her to reposition herself towards him to experience revival. Revival is what happens when Heaven’s blueprint becomes Earth’s reality. While Martha had placed her faith in the future resurrection, Jesus urges her to put her faith in him, declaring, "I am the resurrection and the life." Without realizing it, we often put our faith in the ways God has worked in the past, our hopes for the future, the church, theology, or even the Bible. However, Jesus is saying that, above all else, we should put our faith in him. He is the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end, encompassing all of time within himself. This means we don't need to look in the past for revival or wait for it in the future; it is here, in our midst, now. Jesus' invitation to Martha is his invitation to each of us: Reposition yourself towards him, and then you will experience revival.

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come so that they may have life, and may have it abundantly. John 10:10 In John 2, ​​Jesus and his disciples were at a wedding in Cana. During the celebration, the wine ran out. If this had become known to the guests, it would have resulted in significant social embarrassment to the hosting family. At the request of his mother, Mary, Jesus performed his first public miracle. He instructed the servants to fill six stone water jars with water, draw some out, and take it to the master of the feast. When the master tasted the water that had become wine, he was amazed because it was of exceptional quality.  The text concludes by saying, “Jesus did this as the first of his miraculous signs.” Signs are intended to inform us and ensure we don't overlook important information. This miracle was not merely about the wine; it was a sign of things to come. When reading the story with this perspective, one of the first details you may notice is, “On the third day.” This story foreshadows Jesus’ resurrection on the third day, and the characteristics of the wine teach us about the life Jesus offers us. Jesus overcame evil, sin, and death to give us resurrection life—an abundant life of amazing quality. It is a life that cannot be manufactured or earned; it can only be received from him when you release your life to him.   

“Then have them make a sanctuary for me, and I will dwell among them.” Exodus 25:8 In the Old Testament, the Temple was where people could experience God—his healing, blessing, and forgiveness. The curtain in the temple separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place. In the Most Holy Place was the Tabernacle, where God's presence dwelt among the Israelite people. Once a year, a priest would enter the Most Holy Place and atone for the people’s sins. When Jesus began his earthly ministry, he declared himself to be the temple, meaning he was now the place where people could experience God. He would be their source of healing, blessing, and forgiveness. At the moment of Jesus’ death, the curtain in the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. While many of us recognize this as symbolizing the full access we now have to God, there are also many more layers to understanding this incredible event.