GenesisChurch.LA Sermons

You can fix what’s visible and still be broken underneath.Pastor Rory teaches from Gospel of Mark 9 on why real healing starts at the soul—not the surface—and how Jesus works from the inside out.

In Acts 7, Stephen makes a bold statement: God doesn’t live in buildings—and never has.In this message, Pastor Rory challenges location-based religion and calls us into a Spirit-led life where worship moves beyond walls and into everyday living. Through the Holy Spirit, we don’t just go to church—we become the place where God dwells.The question is simple:Are you holding onto what God did, or stepping into what He’s doing now?Key Takeaway:What changes the world isn’t religion behind walls—it’s Spirit-filled people who refuse to stay behind them.**Because of some technical difficulties during the service, portions of this audio have been affected. Thank you for bearing with us!**

About 45% of your life runs on autopilot.What if your faith does too?In “Religion on Repeat,” Pastor Rory explores how easy it is to fall into patterns of spiritual routine without real heart change. Looking at Stephen’s message in Acts 7, this teaching challenges the difference between tradition and truth, behavior and transformation.You can know all the right things…Do all the right things…And still miss what God is doing.If you’re tired of going through the motions, this episode will help you break the cycle and rediscover a faith that actually changes you.

The Outside Lane | Jesus Over Religion - Week 2Ever feel like you’re on the outside when it comes to faith?In this message from Acts of the Apostles 7, we look at Joseph’s story and discover a powerful truth: you can be outside the system and still inside God’s story.Comparison steals, pressure reveals, but purpose prevails—and through it all, God is with you.If you’ve been feeling behind or overlooked, this message will help you reframe your season and keep running your race.

What if the biggest barrier between people and God… isn’t sin, but religion?In this message, Pastor Rory walks through Acts of the Apostles 6–7 and the story of Stephen—the first martyr of the early church—to expose how religion can complicate what Jesus came to simplify.Religion builds systems.Jesus brings relationship.From Abraham in Mesopotamia to the empty tomb, this message shows how God has always been moving toward people—not waiting for them to get it right first.If you’ve ever felt like you had to clean yourself up before coming to God, this message will reset your perspective.Key Themes:Religion closes doors, but Jesus opens themGrace crosses every line and meets you where you areFaith requires movement—not just belief“It is finished” means the work is already doneThis Easter message is a clear invitation: stop jumping through hoops and step into a real relationship with Jesus.

Closer Than You Think | Pastor Rory ChanceHave you ever felt like God was distant… like your prayers weren’t getting through or His presence had faded?In this message, Pastor Rory challenges the idea of an “intercom God”—a God who is far away and only responds when we say the right words, build the right system, or reach a certain level spiritually.Looking at Exodus 33, the wilderness journey, and Jacob’s encounter in Genesis 28, we uncover a better, truer picture of who God really is:— Always present — even when you can’t feel Him— Always pursuing — even when you feel stuck or unworthy— Always accessible — closer than a whisper, ready when you callIf you’ve been walking through a dry season, questioning where God is, or wondering if you’ve drifted too far—this message will re-center your perspective and remind you of a foundational truth:God isn’t somewhere else. He’s already here.Tune in and rediscover the nearness of God.

Is God really jealous?In this message, guest speaker, Anahy Saterfiel, confronts a common misconception and uncovers the truth behind God’s “jealousy.” It’s not insecurity—it’s covenant love.Discover how modern idols quietly compete for your devotion, why we tend to treat God transactionally, and what it looks like to fully trust Him as the one true God.

Have you ever made a deal with God?Many of us live with an unspoken belief: if I do my part, God will do His. But what happens when life doesn’t turn out the way we expected?In this message, Pastor Rory challenges the idea of a “Gameshow God” and reframes a deeper truth—God doesn’t exist to serve us; we exist to serve Him.Discover how to trust God even when:His ways don’t make senseThe problems feel bigger than the promisesLife doesn’t go as plannedThis episode will help you anchor your faith, not in circumstances, but in the unchanging character of God.

Many people don’t reject God — they reject a version of God they were handed.In Week 2 of Second Hand Savior, Pastor Rory explores how our assumptions about God are often shaped by second-hand experiences rather than Scripture. Looking at Exodus 34, we discover God’s own description of His character: compassionate, faithful, just, patient, and full of unfailing love.God doesn’t ignore sin — but He isn’t waiting to snap at sinners either. His mercy is deeper than we imagine, and His justice is more loving than we realize.If you’ve ever struggled with who God really is, this message helps replace distortion with truth and reveals the heart of a Savior who offers real second chances.Genesis Church | Pastor Rory Chance

In this episode of the Genesis Story Podcast, Rory and Brittani continue the conversation from the Bless This Mess series by talking about the difference between peacekeeping and peacemaking in our families and relationships.Peacekeeping avoids tension. Peacemaking does the harder work of addressing what’s broken so real healing can happen.Together they unpack practical ways to bring peace into messy relationships—setting healthy boundaries, having honest conversations, and speaking truth that restores instead of divides. If your family, friendships, or home life feels complicated right now, this conversation offers biblical wisdom and practical steps toward lasting peace.

Second Hand Savior – Week 1: Second Guessing GodPastor Rory ChanceHave you ever inherited a version of God you didn’t choose?In week one of Second Hand Savior, Pastor Rory challenges us to examine the beliefs we’ve been handed — from church culture, family experiences, disappointment, or religious tradition — and ask a hard question: What if the God you struggle to serve isn’t God at all, but a secondhand version of Him?Looking at Israel’s story in Exodus, we see how distance distorts, fear reshapes perception, and hearts manufacture substitutes when relationship is replaced with religion. But God refuses to remain secondhand. In Exodus 34, He speaks for Himself — revealing His true character as compassionate, gracious, and faithful.This message is an invitation to move from borrowed faith to personal encounter. Stop second guessing God. Come closer. Hear Him for yourself.

Bless This Mess 4 | The PeacemakersPeace doesn’t just happen. It’s built.In the final message of Bless This Mess, Rory and Jocelyn unpack the difference between peacekeepers and peacemakers—and why avoiding conflict never produces real peace. Looking at Abraham’s messy family story and Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:9, they show how healthy boundaries, hard conversations, forgiveness, and speaking faith can transform the atmosphere of a home.If your relationships feel tense, strained, or stuck, this episode will challenge you to stop waiting for peace—and start making it.Scriptures referenced: Genesis 12, 13, 16, 22 | Matthew 5:9 | Ephesians 4:15 | Colossians 3:13 | Hebrews 3:13

Bless This Mess | The Truth and the Whole TruthGuest Speaker: Pastor Justin Cummings

In this message, Pastor Jim Kilgore teaches why forgiveness is more than emotional—it’s spiritual. Unforgiveness doesn’t stay in the past; it can trap your soul, open a foothold for the enemy, and let bitterness take root (Luke 17:1; Ephesians 4:26–27; Hebrews 12:15).You’ll hear a clear definition of forgiveness: releasing the right to collect what you’re owed, and why the cross is both the power and pattern for living free (Romans 12:17–19; Colossians 3:13). This episode closes with practical steps to forgive daily and a simple prayer to help you release the debt and reclaim peace.From Pastor Jim Kilgore — 2.8.26

Bless This Mess | The RebuildersGod specializes in working with real people in real relationships—and bringing blessing through what looks broken. In Week 1 of Bless This Mess, Pastor Rory teaches from Genesis 12, Isaiah 58, and Haggai 1 to show what kind of hearts God uses to restore ruined places. You’ll hear a challenge to move beyond empty religion and become a Rebuilder: get over yourself, get in someone else’s corner, and get started on the work. If you’re ready to stop living around the ruins and start rebuilding what’s been damaged, this message is for you.

Faith can get “stiff” over time—especially after disappointment, fear, or long seasons of playing it safe. In Mark 2–3, Jesus uses the picture of new wine and old wineskins to show that what God wants to pour out next requires a faith that can still stretch.In this episode, Pastor Rory walks through how faith creates space for the new, how the enemy rebrands truth to limit what we receive, and three ways to grow flexible faith: Feed it with truth, fix your focus, and flex it again—even where things have withered.Key Scriptures: Mark 2:18–22; Mark 3:1–5; Mark 9:23–24; Matthew 14:30–31

What do you do when you’re in a dry place—and your best plans can’t fix it? In Week 2 of Make Room for the New, Pastor Rory teaches from 2 Kings 3 where God gives an unexpected command to a thirsty army: “Dig ditch after ditch.”This message will reframe how you see prayer and fasting. Prayer isn’t a last resort—it’s a first response. And digging ditches is the hidden work of faith that creates space for God’s provision to stay, not pass you by.If you’ve been praying and wondering why nothing seems to be happening, this is your reminder: pray first, dig deep, and watch & wait. You may not see wind or rain… but God can still send water.Scriptures: Leviticus 26 • 2 Kings 3 • Philippians 4 • Jeremiah 33 • 2 Chronicles 7

Make Room for the New | New Year, New OilGod is doing something new—but are you making room for it?In this message, Pastor Rory unpacks Leviticus 26 and the story of Samuel in 1 Samuel 16 to reveal a powerful truth: sometimes we can’t receive what God is doing now because we’re still holding onto what He did then.This sermon will encourage you to:Let go of expired seasonsStop mourning and start movingSee your situation through God’s perspectivePour your oil on what God is forming nextIf you’ve felt stuck, discouraged, or hesitant to move forward, this message will help you step into the new season God has prepared for you.🎧 Listen now and ask God: “What do I need to clear out to make room for the new?”

As we celebrate the wins of 2025, we turn our hearts toward 2026 with the word Preparation. In this episode of the Genesis Story Podcast, Brittani sits down with Pastor Rory and Jocelyn to reflect on God’s faithfulness over the past year and share how He is preparing our church for what’s ahead. This encouraging conversation invites listeners to look back with gratitude and step forward with faith into the next season God is unfolding.

Waiting can wear down your faith—especially when prayers feel unanswered and promises feel delayed. In this message, Pastor Rory reminds us that waiting doesn’t mean God is inactive. Through the stories of Simeon and Anna, we discover how God uses waiting seasons to shape our faith, renew our hope, and prepare us for what He’s promised.If you’re in a season where it hasn’t happened yet, this message is for you.

Fear of people is one of the quietest faith-killers in our culture. In this message, Pastor Rory explores how living for approval can trap us, limit our obedience, and keep us from God’s purpose.Looking at Joseph’s story in the Christmas narrative, we see how a difficult yes—chosen in faith—can lead to a life of lasting impact. Discover how trusting God over people leads to freedom, confidence, and an evergreen faith that endures every season.

In this episode, Pastor Rory kicks off our new series Evergreen, exploring how to build a faith that stays alive in every season—especially the difficult ones.Drawing from the Wise Men’s journey in Matthew 2, this message speaks to anyone who feels uncertain, stuck, or unsure of what God is doing. When the “star” disappears and clarity fades, God is still leading… and you can still keep walking.If you’re navigating transition, loss, confusion, or a winter-season of the heart, this message will lift your faith and remind you:You are seen. You are guided. And you can thrive where you are planted.genesischurch.la

In this week’s message, Pastor Justin Cummings unpacks the life-changing question Jesus asked His disciples: “Who do you say I am?” From Abraham to Peter, we see that God calls us by our future, not our failures. Discover how to let God redefine your identity, rename your past, and release you into who He says you are.

In Grow a Garden, Pastor Rory unpacks the law of the harvest and how the seeds we sow today shape the landscape of our future and legacy. What you sow grows, what you cultivate matters, and God promises a harvest—if we don’t give up (Gal. 6:9).A timely, encouraging word for anyone feeling weary in the process. 🌿

Welcome back to the Gen Story Podcast!🙌In this episode, we dive into conversation about Pastor Rory’s new series “Love What You Leave” — a look at legacy, regret, and building something that outlives you. We talk about being handed broken things, setting boundaries, choosing a different path for your family, giving grace to past generations, and growing your legacy seed by seed.Legacy isn’t about what’s gone; it’s about what’s left. 🌱

Love What You Leave | Brick By Brick Week 3In this message, Pastor Rory reminds us that legacy is not built in an instant — it’s built through steady, faithful steps over time. Drawing from the book of Nehemiah, we learn how boundaries, gatekeeping, and perseverance shape what we hand down to the next generation. If you’ve ever felt like your progress is slow or unseen, this message will encourage you: God is building something in you that will outlast you.Hit play, lean in, and let’s keep building — brick by brick.

What runs in your family can stop with you.In this week’s message, “Facing Generational Giants,” Pastor Rory unpacks how patterns get passed down — and how one decision can change the destiny of an entire family.Parents leave patterns. Patterns leave problems. But decisions determine destinies.Listen now on The Genesis Story Podcast.#LoveWhatYouLeave #GenesisChurch

🎙️ Love What You Leave | Week 1 — “Better Late Than Never”What if it’s not too late to start leaving something that lasts?In this week’s message, Pastor Rory Chance kicks off our new series Love What You Leave with the story of Samson — a man who had divine strength, big potential, and even bigger regrets.Samson’s life reminds us that you can win battles and still lose your legacy if you live for moments instead of meaning. But even after all his mistakes, Samson discovered one powerful truth: God still writes redemption stories.It’s never too late to give God what’s left — your time, your talent, your heart — and see Him turn regret into legacy.Listen now and learn how to stop living reactionary, start living intentionally, and leave the trail better than you found it.

🎧 Holy Ghost Stories, Week 4 | Ghost PowerEver been faked out by a counterfeit? Fake faith looks the part—but it falls apart fast. In Ghost Power, Pastor Rory Chance shows how the enemy offers spiritual knockoffs, but only the real power of the Holy Spirit can bring freedom, healing, and transformation.From Philip’s showdown with Simon the Sorcerer in Acts 8, we see that God’s power isn’t for performance—it’s for purpose. When you say yes in resistance, stay humble in revival, and let the Spirit move you through the gaps, you’ll experience the same dunamis power that turned cities upside down.Don’t settle for imitation faith. Step into the real thing—the power that changes everything.#GhostPower #HolyGhostStories #GenesisChurch

This week in Holy Ghost Stories, Pastor Rory talks about what happens when the Spirit starts to move through you, not just in you. From Acts 16, we see that not every voice that sounds spiritual is from God—and how discernment helps us tell the difference. When we let the Holy Spirit speak, He brings wisdom, freedom, and power that silence the noise of the enemy.It’s time to stop fearing “weird” and start walking in Spirit-led power.🎧 Listen to “When the Spirit Speaks” now and let God’s voice shape your week.

After years in the grave… it’s ALIVE! 🧟‍♂️The Genesis Story Podcast is back from the dead — resurrected, refreshed, and ready to bring you real stories, real conversations, and real faith from the heart of Genesis Church.In this first comeback episode, we talk about why we’re back, what’s been happening, and what’s next for this space where life and faith meet.🔔 Subscribe so you don’t miss the new season of conversations, inspiration, and behind-the-scenes stories from our Genesis family.#GenesisStoryPodcast #TheZombiePodcast #GenesisChurch #FaithStories #PodcastResurrection

🎙️ The Walking Un-DeadHave you ever felt like something in your life was too far gone — too broken, too dry, too dead? In this message, Pastor Rory reminds us that God still brings life where others see loss. From Ezekiel’s valley of dry bones to the power that raised Jesus from the dead, we see how the Holy Spirit reveals, reforms, and revives.When the Spirit breathes, what once was buried can breathe again.📖 Ezekiel 37:1–14 | Matthew 27:50–53💨 Part of the “Holy Ghost Stories” series from Genesis Church.

🎙️ Holy Ghost Stories | Week 1: A Not So Haunted HouseWhile the world is focused on spooky stories this month, we’re turning our attention to spiritual ones. You’re not a body with a soul — you’re a soul with a body — and God invites you to live beyond what you can see. In this kickoff to our Holy Ghost Stories series, Pastor Rory explores what it really means to live a Spirit-filled life, not a spiritually haunted one. Discover why the Holy Spirit isn’t a force to wield but a friend to walk with, how unseen realities shape our lives, and how to give God the keys to every room of your heart.💀 It’s not about haunted houses — it’s about haunted hearts.🕯️ Message Title: A Not So Haunted House📖 Scripture: John 16 | Matthew 12 | 2 Corinthians 3:6

LIVE BIG 4 | Make Bold MovesBold faith always leads to bold action. In this message, Pastor Rory Chance challenges us to step out of fear and into Spirit-led courage. Drawing from Acts 4, we see how the early church prayed big prayers, trusted God’s power, and made moves that shook the world.This episode will inspire you to believe for greater things, take risks for God’s kingdom, and live with the kind of boldness that leaves a lasting impact.

LIVE BIG 3 | No Empty SeatsGod’s heart is for every seat at His table to be filled. In this message, Pastor Rory Chance unpacks the urgency of Jesus’ invitation and the calling we all share to make room for others. Discover how the gospel compels us to reach beyond comfort zones, invite people in, and live with an open-handed, open-hearted faith.This episode will challenge you to look around your life and ask: Who still needs a seat at the table?

LIVE BIG 2 | Live Big with a Tender HeartSpecial Guest: Jim Kilgore – Ima’s Home for ChildrenWhat does it mean to live big in a world that often values strength over softness? In this powerful message, guest speaker Jim Kilgore shares how a tender heart can actually be the greatest display of strength. Drawing from his work with Ima’s Home for Children, Jim highlights stories of compassion, courage, and faith that challenge us to open our hearts wider and live with generosity, empathy, and love.This episode will inspire you to see tenderness not as weakness, but as a Kingdom way of living that transforms lives.

Have you ever outgrown something—clothes, a stage of life, or even a mindset? Just like we grow physically, God designed us to grow spiritually—out of small vision, small thinking, and small living. In this first message of the Live Big series, Pastor Rory Chance unpacks Numbers 13:25–33 and the story of the spies sent into the Promised Land. We discover how fear, doubt, and limited perspective can shrink our vision, but God calls us to see beyond ourselves into His bigger purpose.This week’s message will challenge you to:Recognize the lies that keep you living smallExpand your faith beyond what seems possibleStep into the bigger vision God has for your life