Skeptics & Saints

👉🏼Part 1: CLICK HEREWhat does it look like to follow Jesus without losing yourself to the world? 👀🔥In this episode of Skeptics & Saints, Nolan sits down with Miguel to unpack a raw, powerful testimony, from church kid to the hardcore metal scene 🎸, from drugs, ego, and chaos… to a life completely transformed by Jesus ✝️Miguel shares how he lived the tension so many feel: one foot in church ⛪ and one foot in the world 🌎 Chasing influence, identity, and escape, he found himself deep in a culture that slowly pulled him away from his convictions 😔 But through consistent community, the truth of the gospel 📖, and a moment of surrender, everything changed 🙌Now serving in ministry, Miguel is reaching the very people he once ran with, proving that no one is too far gone and no story is beyond redemption 💥🌱🗺️🌵Take Ground: Pray with us and consider giving toward what God is building.Give here 👉 https://thegardenaz.churchcenter.com/giving🌎 Learn More: www.thegardenaz.com 🕒 Sundays at 8:00 AM | 9:30 AM | 11:00 AM  | 12:30 PM📲 Stay Connected: Instagram: @thegardenazYouTube: @TheGardenChurchAZ Facebook: The Garden Church 🎙️ Skeptics & Saints Podcast – Apple: Listen Here Spotify: Listen Here 📖 The Garden Church Sermon Podcast – Apple: Listen Here Spotify: Listen Here

⛪️ Sundays Message: Click HereHow do you reach people far from God… without losing your faith in the process? 👀🔥This episode dives into the real tension Christians face: balancing a bold, outward life of evangelism with a deep, rooted walk with Jesus. Scripture warns that bad company corrupts good morals ⚠️, yet Jesus clearly calls believers to go into the world and make disciples 🌍✝️. So how do you live in both realities at once?We break down:• Why new believers are often the most effective evangelists 🔥• The importance of a season of consecration to build a strong foundation 🙏• How to stay in the world without becoming like it ⚖️• The difference between influence and being influenced 🧠• A practical framework for keeping your faith strong while reaching others 💪Using passages like 1 Corinthians 5 and 15, along with real-life examples, this conversation gives a clear, biblical path forward 📖Stay to the end for 3 practical steps to help you live on mission without compromising your walk with Christ 🚀✝️🌱🗺️🌵Take Ground: Pray with us and consider giving toward what God is building.Give here 👉 https://thegardenaz.churchcenter.com/giving🌎 Learn More: www.thegardenaz.com 🕒 Sundays at 8:00 AM | 9:30 AM | 11:00 AM  | 12:30 PM📲 Stay Connected: Instagram: @thegardenazYouTube: @TheGardenChurchAZ Facebook: The Garden Church 🎙️ Skeptics & Saints Podcast – Apple: Listen Here Spotify: Listen Here 📖 The Garden Church Sermon Podcast – Apple: Listen Here Spotify: Listen Here

🌱🗺️🌵Take Ground: Pray with us and consider giving toward what God is building.Give here 👉 https://thegardenaz.churchcenter.com/giving👀 Nephilim, demons, and… did Jesus preach to spirits in prison?!We dive into Genesis 6, unpack the Nephilim, and wrestle with one of the most debated questions in Scripture, are these giants, angels, or something even darker? Then it escalates… Why do demons suddenly flood the New Testament? Are unclean spirits connected to the Nephilim? And what do Peter, Jude, and even early Christians actually believe? 🤯But here’s the twist: this isn’t about feeding conspiracy theories… it’s about waking up to spiritual reality.⚠️ Don’t get obsessed with demons. Get serious about prayer.🎧 Jump in, think deeply, and learn how to stand firm in a real spiritual war.🌎 Learn More: www.thegardenaz.com 🕒 Sundays at 8:00 AM | 9:30 AM | 11:00 AM  | 12:30 PM📲 Stay Connected: Instagram: @thegardenazYouTube: @TheGardenChurchAZ Facebook: The Garden Church 🎙️ Skeptics & Saints Podcast – Apple: Listen Here Spotify: Listen Here 📖 The Garden Church Sermon Podcast – Apple: Listen Here Spotify: Listen Here

🌱🗺️🌵Take Ground: Pray with us and consider giving toward what God is building.Give here 👉 https://thegardenaz.churchcenter.com/giving🎙️ Tongues, Nephilim, & Neo-Paganism… yeah, we went there.In this episode, we dive into some of the most controversial and confusing topics in modern Christianity:👅 Speaking in tongues, is it real, is it for today, and what does the Bible actually say?🧙‍♂️ Neo-paganism, crystals, magic, and the spiritual undercurrent behind them🧬 Nephilim, demons, and what early Jews and Christians actually believedWe’re wrestling with Scripture, church history, and the reality that not all spirituality is from God.👉 Are demons the disembodied spirits of the Nephilim?👉 Why are people suddenly obsessed with this stuff again?👉 Is our culture drifting back into neo-paganism?Drop your questions in the comments, we’re likely doing a Part 2 👇And don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share if you want more conversations like this.🌎 Learn More: www.thegardenaz.com 🕒 Sundays at 8:00 AM | 9:30 AM | 11:00 AM  | 12:30 PM📲 Stay Connected: Instagram: @thegardenazYouTube: @TheGardenChurchAZ Facebook: The Garden Church 🎙️ Skeptics & Saints Podcast – Apple: Listen Here Spotify: Listen Here 📖 The Garden Church Sermon Podcast – Apple: Listen Here Spotify: Listen Here

Sunday we we raised enough to buy land. About 2.8 million. In this unique episode we talk about how much was raised and some of the significance of that number, when we’ll announce location, when we get a building, and what happens next!One impotant correction from the closing story: Nolan meant brain *tumor* not brain *cancer*.🌱🗺️🌵Take Ground: Pray with us and consider giving toward what God is building.Give here 👉 https://thegardenaz.churchcenter.com/giving🌎 Learn More: www.thegardenaz.com 🕒 Sundays at 8:00 AM | 9:30 AM | 11:00 AM  | 12:30 PM📲 Stay Connected: Instagram: @thegardenazYouTube: @TheGardenChurchAZ Facebook: The Garden Church 🎙️ Skeptics & Saints Podcast – Apple: Listen Here Spotify: Listen Here 📖 The Garden Church Sermon Podcast – Apple: Listen Here Spotify: Listen Here

🔥 Is the Next War on the Horizon? Christians, Iran, and the U.S. – What Should We Think? 🤔In this explosive episode of Skeptics & Saints by The Garden Church, we dive headfirst into the hot-button issue: What should Christians really think about the rising tensions between Iran and America? 🇮🇷🇺🇸 We unpack the complex history of Iran, the Islamic Revolution, and the role of the Ayatollah—while wrestling with how Christians should view rising tensions between Iran and America. 🇮🇷🇺🇸  🎙️ Join us as we challenge assumptions, explore the heart of Islam, and reveal a radical Christian posture—one that just might change how you see global conflict. Don’t wait—click now and dive deep! 🎙️ ⏳ #WarAndFaith #ChristianPerspective #GlobalCrisis #SkepticsAndSaintsTake Ground: Pray with us and consider giving toward what God is building.Give here 👉 https://thegardenaz.churchcenter.com/giving🌎 Learn More: www.thegardenaz.com 🕒 Sundays at 8:00 AM | 9:30 AM | 11:00 AM  | 12:30 PM📲 Stay Connected: Instagram: @thegardenazYouTube: @TheGardenChurchAZ Facebook: The Garden Church 🎙️ Skeptics & Saints Podcast – Apple: Listen Here Spotify: Listen Here 📖 The Garden Church Sermon Podcast – Apple: Listen Here Spotify: Listen Here

Take Ground: Pray with us and consider giving toward what God is building.Give here 👉 https://thegardenaz.churchcenter.com/givingYou want your kids to love God—but if you’re honest, your home runs more on chaos than Scripture. Between sports, screens, homework, and exhaustion, the Bible often gets squeezed to the margins. You feel it. You want deeper conversations, stronger conviction, and a home shaped by truth—not just good morals. But how do you actually build a Bible culture without being weird, rigid, or unrealistic? In this episode, we’re talking about why it matters more than ever—and at the end, we’ll get practical and show you exactly how to start creating a Bible culture in your home this week.Child Dedication Registration: https://thegardenaz.churchcenter.com/registrations/signups/3283954🌎 Learn More: www.thegardenaz.com 🕒 Sundays at 8:00 AM | 9:30 AM | 11:00 AM  | 12:30 PM📲 Stay Connected: Instagram: @thegardenazYouTube: @TheGardenChurchAZ Facebook: The Garden Church 🎙️ Skeptics & Saints Podcast – Apple: Listen Here Spotify: Listen Here 📖 The Garden Church Sermon Podcast – Apple: Listen Here Spotify: Listen Here

Take Ground: Pray with us and consider giving toward what God is building.Give here 👉 https://thegardenaz.churchcenter.com/givingHow do you actually know God’s will… without freezing, forcing doors, or waiting for a lightning bolt from heaven? ⚡👀In this episode of Skeptics & Saints, Nolan sits down with Elijah Walling, the Garden’s new Student Pastor, to talk calling, crossroads, and the tension between God’s sovereignty and your real-life decisions. From Bible college to church planting, broken homes to bold obedience, this conversation cuts through spiritual clichés and asks the harder question, What does faithfulness actually look like right now?We dig into the Kingdom of God, not as a vague future hope, but as a present mission. Building, sending, discipling, risking. No bunker theology. No passive Christianity. Just real people saying yes when God opens doors.If you’re stuck, restless, or sensing God stirring something new, this one’s for you. 🔥👑🎧 Listen in. Reflect honestly. Then rise up and build.🌎 Learn More: www.thegardenaz.com 🕒 Sundays at 8:00 AM | 9:30 AM | 11:00 AM  | 12:30 PM📲 Stay Connected: Instagram: @thegardenazYouTube: @TheGardenChurchAZ Facebook: The Garden Church 🎙️ Skeptics & Saints Podcast – Apple: Listen Here Spotify: Listen Here 📖 The Garden Church Sermon Podcast – Apple: Listen Here Spotify: Listen Here

Do angels still show up, or is that just Bible-era mythology? 👀🕊️In this no-filter episode of Skeptics & Saints, we go straight into the deep end, angels, demons, spiritual warfare, exorcism, dreams, money, mission, and why the supernatural seems way more active on the front lines of faith than in comfortable Christianity.From prison doors flung open in Acts, to Jesus appearing in Muslim dreams, to why Satan cares a lot about your wallet 💸, this conversation challenges the idea that faith is meant to be safe, tame, or private. We ask hard questions, tell wild stories, and argue that God’s power shows up where God’s mission is embraced.Are you grieving the death of someone you love? Find hope and healing at GriefShare Group: https://find.griefshare.org/groups/288994Tuesdays 6:30pm, February 24 - May 5🌎 Learn More: www.thegardenaz.com 🕒 Sundays at 8:00 AM | 9:30 AM | 11:00 AM  | 12:30 PM📲 Stay Connected: Instagram: @thegardenazYouTube: @TheGardenChurchAZ Facebook: The Garden Church 🎙️ Skeptics & Saints Podcast – Apple: Listen Here Spotify: Listen Here 📖 The Garden Church Sermon Podcast – Apple: Listen Here Spotify: Listen Here

Have you ever wondered what God's 10 year plan is for you? The 2016 trend was nostalgic for a lot of people. It got Nolan and Lindsey thinking about the last ten years--how they got into ministry and what He has done in and through their lives. In this episode they explore the crazy story that God through their lives and how you can find your own purpose and calling. Lean in, grab a coffee, and consider what God can do in and through you.

What if the Church isn’t a social club, but a dangerous place where heaven breaks into earth? ⚡️🏛️In this episode, we dive headfirst into Acts 5 and the unsettling story of Ananias and Sapphira to uncover three truths about the Holy Spirit: God’s presence is personal, powerful, and it now lives in His people. Why did God judge so suddenly? Why doesn’t He still? And what does deception have to do with death?From Eden to the Temple to you, this episode reframes the Church as the new dwelling place of God, not metaphorically, but actually. When God’s presence moves in, things change. Fear awakens. Healing erupts. The Church expands.🌎 Learn More: www.thegardenaz.com 🕒 Sundays at 8:00 AM | 9:30 AM | 11:00 AM  | 12:30 PM📲 Stay Connected: Instagram: @thegardenazYouTube: @TheGardenChurchAZ Facebook: The Garden Church 🎙️ Skeptics & Saints Podcast – Apple: Listen Here Spotify: Listen Here 📖 The Garden Church Sermon Podcast – Apple: Listen Here Spotify: Listen Here

Is the Bible actually full of contradictions… or are we just bad readers? 🤔📖From Judas’ death to faith vs. works, angels at the tomb, and Jesus’ words about His return, critics love to say Scripture doesn’t add up. But what if the tension isn’t proof of error, but an invitation to think deeper, read slower, and trust wiser? 🔍🔥In this conversation, we define what a real contradiction actually is, walk through the most common examples people point to, and show how context, authorial intent, and ancient writing styles dissolve most “gotchas.” Faith doesn’t grow by ignoring hard texts, it grows by facing them honestly.👉 Listen in, bring your doubts, and learn how to respond when someone says, “The Bible is full of contradictions.”🌎 Learn More: www.thegardenaz.com 🕒 Sundays at 8:00 AM | 9:30 AM | 11:00 AM  | 12:30 PM📲 Stay Connected: Instagram: @thegardenazYouTube: @TheGardenChurchAZ Facebook: The Garden Church 🎙️ Skeptics & Saints Podcast – Apple: Listen Here Spotify: Listen Here 📖 The Garden Church Sermon Podcast – Apple: Listen Here Spotify: Listen Here

Real questions deserve real answers. 🔥📖In this no-filter Q&A, Nolan and Skyler tackle the actual questions people are asking, not the safe ones. Why did our view on tithing genuinely change over time? 👀💰 Do aliens exist? 👽 What do you do when you’re faithful, disciplined, doing “all the right things”… but still don’t hear God’s voice? 😶‍🌫️ How does leadership and elder accountability actually work at The Garden? And yes, we go there, faith, politics, and whether Christianity equals voting Republican 🇺🇸✝️This conversation is honest, thoughtful, and grounded in Scripture, not slogans. If you’ve ever felt tension between conviction, culture, and church, this one’s for you.🎧 Listen in, wrestle honestly, and keep asking better questions.🌎 Learn More: www.thegardenaz.com 🕒 Sundays at 8:00 AM | 9:30 AM | 11:00 AM  | 12:30 PM📲 Stay Connected: Instagram: @thegardenazYouTube: @TheGardenChurchAZ Facebook: The Garden Church 🎙️ Skeptics & Saints Podcast – Apple: Listen Here Spotify: Listen Here 📖 The Garden Church Sermon Podcast – Apple: Listen Here Spotify: Listen Here

Ever wondered what the book of Acts is actually doing from start to finish? 📖🔥In this episode of Skeptics & Saints, Nolan and Skyler dive into Part 2 of our intro to Acts, unpacking how Acts 1:8 is not just a memory verse, it’s the built-in outline of the whole book. From Jerusalem to Judea and Samaria to the ends of the earth, we trace how persecution, revival, and one wild conversion (Saul ➝ Paul) turned the world upside down.We talk mission, maps, riots, bacon, and why too few Christians are known for actually reaching lost people. 🌍👉 Drop your favorite or most confusing passage in Acts in the comments, and don’t forget to subscribe, like, and share this with a friend who loves nerding out over the Bible. 🌎 Learn More: www.thegardenaz.com🕒 Sundays at 8:00 AM | 9:30 AM | 11:00 AM  | 12:30 PM📲 Stay Connected:Instagram: @thegardenazYouTube: @TheGardenChurchAZFacebook: The Garden Church🎙️ Skeptics & Saints Podcast –Apple: Listen HereSpotify: Listen Here 📖 The Garden Church Sermon Podcast –Apple: Listen HereSpotify: Listen Here

The Holy Spirit doesn’t fill us to sit still—He fills us to go. 🌍Right before His ascension, Jesus gave a promise and a purpose: “You will receive power… and you will be my witnesses.” That same power that shook the early church still fuels believers today. But too many Christians live powerless lives because they’ve confused comfort for calling.This episode unpacks what it really means to walk in the Spirit’s power—courage instead of fear, conviction instead of compromise, mission instead of maintenance. 💥✨ You don’t just receive the Holy Spirit to feel Him; you receive Him to reveal Jesus.🌎 Learn More: www.thegardenaz.com 🕒 Sundays at 8:00 AM | 9:30 AM | 11:00 AM  | 12:30 PM📲 Stay Connected: Instagram: @thegardenazYouTube: @TheGardenChurchAZ Facebook: The Garden Church 🎙️ Skeptics & Saints Podcast – Apple: Listen Here Spotify: Listen Here 📖 The Garden Church Sermon Podcast – Apple: Listen Here Spotify: Listen Here

📖 What if the Book of Acts isn’t just history, it’s the blueprint for revival today?In this first episode of a two-part deep dive, Nolan and Pastor Skyler crack open the Book of Acts to prepare for a new series at The Garden. This isn’t just an intro—it’s a compelling look at what made the early church powerful, messy, and unstoppable.You’ll learn:Why Acts is the right book for this cultural momentThe real identity of Theophilus (and how he’s like modern gospel patrons)How church persecution, holy chaos, and revival often go hand in handWhat it cost (literally) to write the New Testament—and why giving still mattersHow Luke wrote with Spirit-filled precision and historic credibility🎙 Whether you’re a Bible nerd, a church skeptic, or someone wrestling with your calling, this episode will ignite your vision for what the Church can be.🌎 Learn More: www.thegardenaz.com 🕒 Sundays at 8:00 AM | 9:30 AM | 11:00 AM  | 12:30 PM📲 Stay Connected: Instagram: @thegardenazYouTube: @TheGardenChurchAZ Facebook: The Garden Church 🎙️ Skeptics & Saints Podcast – Apple: Listen Here Spotify: Listen Here 📖 The Garden Church Sermon Podcast – Apple: Listen Here Spotify: Listen Here

Should Christians celebrate Halloween or is it demonic?In this episode of Skeptics and Saints, Nolan and Skyler take a deep dive into the theology, history, and cultural meaning of Halloween. From ancient Roman festivals where Christians were killed for not bowing to false gods, to neighborhood trick-or-treating in Spider-Man costumes, the conversation spans everything from first-century martyrdom to modern-day conscience.They unpack: • Why early Christians were called “atheists”  • The difference between spiritual, meaningful, and communal holidays • What to do when Christians disagree over participation • Whether celebrating Halloween compromises your witness or creates one • The dark side of legalism and disunity in the ChurchRelevant Scripture:1 Corinthians 8–10, Colossians 2:16–17, Romans 14, Ezekiel 37Whether you’re lighting a candle for Reformation Day, carving pumpkins with your neighbors, or staying in with the lights off, this episode gives you a thoughtful, gospel-centered way to navigate the season.🌎 Learn More: www.thegardenaz.com 🕒 Sundays at 8:00 AM | 9:30 AM | 11:00 AM  | 12:30 PM📲 Stay Connected: Instagram: @thegardenazYouTube: @TheGardenChurchAZ Facebook: The Garden Church 🎙️ Skeptics & Saints Podcast – Apple: Listen Here Spotify: Listen Here 📖 The Garden Church Sermon Podcast – Apple: Listen Here Spotify: Listen Here

After a short break, Skeptics & Saints is back! 🙌 In this powerful episode, Nolan sits down with longtime friend Skyler Elmer, who just joined The Garden Church as a Teaching Pastor.Skyler shares his incredible story — from being an atheist who mocked Christians, to finding faith, to becoming a pastor and teacher of God’s Word. Together, Nolan and Skyler reflect on their early days of basement Bible studies, hard lessons from ministry, and the importance of humility, prayer, and quick obedience in leadership.They also unveil something big: The Garden’s new vision for an in-house Bible college and seminary — training disciples, pastors, and future church planters to handle God’s Word with both depth and devotion.🔥 Topics Covered:- Skyler’s journey from atheism to faith- Lessons from ministry: humility, prayer, obedience- Why The Garden is building an in-house seminary- The danger of shallow theology & progressive drift- How the Holy Spirit leads in real, tangible ways- The future of biblical training in the local church🙏 Pray For:Skyler, Stephanie, and their kids as they settle into life and ministry at The Garden.🌎 Learn More: www.thegardenaz.com 🕒 Sundays at 8:00 AM | 9:30 AM | 11:00 AM  | 12:30 PM📲 Stay Connected: Instagram: @thegardenazYouTube: @TheGardenChurchAZ Facebook: The Garden Church 🎙️ Skeptics & Saints Podcast – Apple: Listen Here Spotify: Listen Here 📖 The Garden Church Sermon Podcast – Apple: Listen Here Spotify: Listen Here

⁉️ Yep, we’re asking the question: Who is the church really for? The seasoned saints? The skeptical outsider? 🤨⚡This conversation will break down into three parts:1️⃣ What Paul says in 1 Corinthians 14 about building up the unbeliever2️⃣ Why Spirit-filled and Bible-rooted aren't enemies but essential allies3️⃣ How to invite your friends to church with confidence and compassionIn this episode, we dive deep into how church can be a space that speaks to both the convinced and the curious. 📖🔥🎧 Tune in and let’s rethink how we do church—for the lost, the skeptical, and the called.🌎 Learn More: www.thegardenaz.com🕒 Sundays at 8:00 AM | 9:45 AM | 11:30 AM📲 Stay Connected:Instagram: @thegardenazYouTube: @TheGardenChurchAZFacebook: The Garden Church🎙️ Skeptics & Saints Podcast – Apple: Listen HereSpotify: Listen Here 📖 The Garden Church Sermon Podcast – Apple: Listen HereSpotify: Listen Here

⁉️ Yep, we’re asking the question: Who is the church really for? The seasoned saints? The skeptical outsider? 🤨⚡This conversation will break down into three parts:1️⃣ What Paul says in 1 Corinthians 14 about building up the unbeliever2️⃣ Why Spirit-filled and Bible-rooted aren't enemies but essential allies3️⃣ How to invite your friends to church with confidence and compassionIn this episode, we dive deep into how church can be a space that speaks to both the convinced and the curious. 📖🔥🎧 Tune in and let’s rethink how we do church—for the lost, the skeptical, and the called.🌎 Learn More: www.thegardenaz.com🕒 Sundays at 8:00 AM | 9:45 AM | 11:30 AM📲 Stay Connected:Instagram: @thegardenazYouTube: @TheGardenChurchAZFacebook: The Garden Church🎙️ Skeptics & Saints Podcast – Apple: Listen HereSpotify: Listen Here 📖 The Garden Church Sermon Podcast – Apple: Listen HereSpotify: Listen Here

⁉️ Yep, we’re asking the question: Who is the church really for? The seasoned saints? The skeptical outsider? 🤨⚡This conversation will break down into three parts:1️⃣ What Paul says in 1 Corinthians 14 about building up the unbeliever2️⃣ Why Spirit-filled and Bible-rooted aren't enemies but essential allies3️⃣ How to invite your friends to church with confidence and compassionIn this episode, we dive deep into how church can be a space that speaks to both the convinced and the curious. 📖🔥🎧 Tune in and let’s rethink how we do church—for the lost, the skeptical, and the called.🌎 Learn More: www.thegardenaz.com🕒 Sundays at 8:00 AM | 9:45 AM | 11:30 AM📲 Stay Connected:Instagram: @thegardenazYouTube: @TheGardenChurchAZFacebook: The Garden Church🎙️ Skeptics & Saints Podcast – Apple: Listen HereSpotify: Listen Here 📖 The Garden Church Sermon Podcast – Apple: Listen HereSpotify: Listen Here

WHY DID GOD ALLOW TEXAS FLOODS TO HAPPEN? 🌊💔When disaster strikes, it shakes us. We ask the question that haunts every human soul: Where was God? In this raw and honest message, we wrestle with the problem of pain, not with cheap clichés, but with the deep truths of Scripture. From Job’s agony to the groaning of creation, from the cross of Christ to the promise of a restored world, this episode explores how a good and sovereign God can allow tragedy and still be worthy of our trust. 🙏If you’ve ever struggled with grief, doubt, or loss, this is for you.🎧 Listen now. Find purpose in pain. Find God in the storm. 🌧️➡️🌤️🌎 Learn More: www.thegardenaz.com 🕒 Sundays at 8:00 AM | 9:45 AM | 11:30 AM📲 Stay Connected: Instagram: @thegardenazYouTube: @TheGardenChurchAZ Facebook: The Garden Church 🎙️ Skeptics & Saints Podcast – Apple: Listen Here Spotify: Listen Here 📖 The Garden Church Sermon Podcast – Apple: Listen Here Spotify: Listen Here

📌 Church hurt is real. The betrayal. The bitterness. The breakdowns in trust. But here’s what’s also real: the healing Jesus offers through His Church, not outside of it.This message doesn’t minimize your pain. Instead, it confronts it with truth and leads you toward hope. From Genesis to Matthew, from David’s laments to Jesus’ promises, we learn that while people fail, Jesus doesn’t and He hasn’t given up on His bride. 👑💍You may have been wounded in church… but you’ll be restored in Christ. ❤️‍🩹🕊️ Don’t let your pain push you away from the very place God designed for your healing.🌎 Learn More: www.thegardenaz.com 🕒 Sundays at 8:00 AM | 9:45 AM | 11:30 AM📲 Stay Connected: Instagram: @thegardenazYouTube: @TheGardenChurchAZ Facebook: The Garden Church 🎙️ Skeptics & Saints Podcast – Apple: Listen Here Spotify: Listen Here 📖 The Garden Church Sermon Podcast – Apple: Listen Here Spotify: Listen Here

WHY WOULD GOD WANT US TO LIVE FOR HIS GLORY?For the skeptic, it can feel strange to learn that we are supposed to live for the glory of God and confusing to hear phrases like "God is about God".  The Christian might even wonder what separates the God of Christianity from Allah of Islam. Allah demands worship, bowing, and obligatory prayers. What makes the God of the bible different?What we'll expose in this episode is how necessary realizing that we're in a God-centered reality is. It hopeful, healing, and humbling to re-orient your life around God.If you wrestle with the idea of worship, or want to step into spiritual maturity, this episode is for you!Subscribe so these teachings come straight to you!

AI, the Antichrist, and the Discipled ChurchThe same tech that can disciple the nations… can deceive them.AI isn’t neutral. It’s not just crunching data, it’s shaping beliefs. It can translate your sermon into Swahili while you sleep… or slowly form your theology while you’re not paying attention. In a world of convenience, prompts are replacing prayer, and machines are molding minds.This message is a wake-up call for pastors, parents, leaders, and everyday believers. What if AI isn’t the Antichrist but the tool he’ll use? What if worldview formation is happening… and most Christians aren’t even in the room?Who’s discipling your soul, Jesus or the algorithm?

When Faith Doesn’t Feel SafeWhat if your biggest spiritual breakthrough doesn’t come when everything is polished and planned, but when it’s messy, risky, and full of unknowns?Four weeks ago, our church stepped into a new auditorium. Nothing went perfectly. Teams were confused, gear glitched, and we scrambled to adjust in real time. And somehow, 62 people were baptized, including 16 who didn’t plan on it.Faith isn’t about control. It’s about stepping into what you can’t see and trusting that God will show up.What step is God calling you to take even if it doesn’t feel safe?

Let’s be real—Mormons are out-hustling most Christians in evangelism. But what if you could learn to fish for souls the way Jesus taught His disciples—naturally, logically, and humbly?This bold message challenges passive faith and calls us back to the mission: to actually lead people to Jesus. Not with weird scripts or forced conversations, but with Spirit-empowered authenticity and gospel clarity. Whether you’ve never shared your faith or you’re just out of rhythm, this is your invitation to throw your net on the other side of the boat.🌎 Learn More: www.thegardenaz.com 🕒 Sundays at 8:30 AM | 10:00 AM | 11:30 AM📲 Stay Connected: Instagram: @thegardenazYouTube: @TheGardenChurchAZ Facebook: The Garden Church 🎙️ Skeptics & Saints Podcast – Apple: Listen Here Spotify: Listen Here 📖 The Garden Church Sermon Podcast – Apple: Listen Here Spotify: Listen Here

In this episode of Skeptics & Saints, Nolan and Lindsay unpack the massive transition happening at The Garden—a move to a new school, a surge in attendance, and a front-row seat to a move of God in real time. But this isn’t just about logistics. This is about embracing the Jesus adventure, being “logged on” to the Holy Spirit, and stepping into your role as a church planter—whether you realize it or not.💡 What does it mean to live on mission instead of just consuming church?🔥 How do we respond when God shifts our plans?👶 Why even our kids are part of the movement?This is more than a transition—it’s a call to jump into the story God is writing in the West Valley. Are you in?🌎 Learn More: www.thegardenaz.com 🕒 Sundays at 8:30 AM | 10:00 AM | 11:30 AM📲 Stay Connected: Instagram: @thegardenazYouTube: @TheGardenChurchAZFacebook: The Garden Church 🎙️ Skeptics & Saints Podcast – Apple: Listen HereSpotify: Listen Here 📖 The Garden Church Sermon Podcast – Apple: Listen HereSpotify: Listen Here

We live in a grind culture that exalts hustle, self-protection, and personal achievement over everything. The world tells us to chase success, build our own platforms, and seek recognition. But Jesus shows us a radically different way: Serving.True maturity isn’t measured by knowledge or status—it’s measured by a heart that’s willing to roll up its sleeves and serve others. There is no true spiritual growth without serving. Jesus Himself, the King of Kings, took the form of a servant, humbled Himself, and ultimately gave His life for us (Philippians 2:5-8). If we claim to follow Him, then we are called to live like Him.Saved people serve people. The heart that has been wrecked by the gospel doesn’t sit on the sidelines—it pours itself out, without complaining, without hesitation, without entitlement.You never look more like Jesus than when you serve.Are you willing to step into the grind—not for yourself, but for the Kingdom?🌎 Learn More: www.thegardenaz.com🕒 Sundays at 8:30 AM | 10:00 AM | 11:30 AM📲 Stay Connected:Instagram: @thegardenazYouTube: @TheGardenChurchAZFacebook: The Garden Church🎙️ Skeptics & Saints Podcast – Apple: Listen HereSpotify: Listen Here 📖 The Garden Church Sermon Podcast – Apple: Listen HereSpotify: Listen Here

Deconstruction. It’s become a buzzword, a movement, and for many, a path away from Christianity. But before you walk away from faith, are you sure you know what you’re leaving behind?From Josh Harris, who once led purity culture and later renounced his faith, to Abraham Piper, who turned deconstruction into a viral movement, we’ve seen a pattern: tearing down faith without rebuilding anything in its place. But deconstruction doesn’t have to mean destruction.In this episode, we unpack the real questions behind deconstruction—where it leads, what it exposes, and how Jesus Himself challenged false faith without abandoning truth. Are you questioning bad theology, or just leaving Christianity because of bad experiences? Have you mistaken broken Christians for a broken Christ?Doubt isn’t the enemy of faith—it’s an invitation to a deeper one. Before you deconstruct, ask this.🌎 Learn More: www.thegardenaz.com🕒 Sundays at 8:30 AM | 10:00 AM | 11:30 AM📲 Stay Connected:Instagram: @thegardenazYouTube: @TheGardenChurchAZFacebook: The Garden Church🎙️ Skeptics & Saints Podcast – Apple: Listen HereSpotify: Listen Here 📖 The Garden Church Sermon Podcast – Apple: Listen HereSpotify: Listen Here

Have you ever started reading the Bible with good intentions, only to fizzle out somewhere in Leviticus? Or maybe you’ve never opened it because it feels outdated, confusing, or irrelevant. If you’ve ever struggled to stay consistent with Bible reading, you’re not alone.In this episode, we break down why reading the Bible often feels so difficult—and more importantly, how to fix it. We’ll unpack why spiritual discipline without delight feels like a chore, but delight without discipline leads nowhere. You’ll learn:✅ Why Bible reading isn’t about checking a religious box—it’s about transformation✅ How to shift from feeling obligated to read the Bible to actually desiring it✅ The crucial role of Scripture as the foundation for everything in the Christian life✅ Practical steps to start small, stay consistent, and develop a Bible-reading habit that lasts✅ Honest answers to common struggles—confusion, boredom, and inconsistencyBible reading isn’t about duty—it’s about delight. The more you engage, the more you see its beauty. 🌎 Learn More: www.thegardenaz.com🕒 Sundays at 8:30 AM | 10:00 AM | 11:30 AM📲 Stay Connected:Instagram: @thegardenazYouTube: @TheGardenChurchAZFacebook: The Garden Church🎙️ Skeptics & Saints Podcast – Apple: Listen HereSpotify: Listen Here 📖 The Garden Church Sermon Podcast – Apple: Listen HereSpotify: Listen Here

As the new year begins, many believers ask: Should Christians set goals and make resolutions? Is planning for personal growth biblical, or is it just a worldly mindset? In this episode, we take a deep dive into what Scripture says about goal-setting, stewardship, and real progress in the Christian life.We’ll discuss how goal-setting isn’t about identity but about faithfulness, the difference between self-improvement and overcoming sin, and why action-based goals are more effective than chasing results. We’ll also talk about the balance between avoiding comfort and preventing burnout, along with practical strategies for long-term consistency and sustainability.Whether you’re looking to build better habits, grow in discipline, or lead with greater vision, this episode will equip you with a biblical framework for setting and achieving goals in a way that honors God.🌎 Learn More: www.thegardenaz.com🕒 Sundays at 8:30 AM | 10:00 AM | 11:30 AM📲 Stay Connected:Instagram: @thegardenazYouTube: @TheGardenChurchAZFacebook: The Garden Church🎙️ Skeptics & Saints Podcast – Apple: Listen HereSpotify: Listen Here 📖 The Garden Church Sermon Podcast – Apple: Listen HereSpotify: Listen Here

Think Mormonism is just about family values and quirky traditions like celestial planets and “holy underpants”? Think again. In this episode, we peel back the layers to uncover the shocking history and doctrines that reveal why Mormonism isn’t just different—it’s dangerous.Did you know Joseph Smith was a convicted conman before founding the LDS Church?Or that he manipulated women into marriage with threats of damnation?What about the fact that Mormon theology rewrites Christianity entirely, claiming God was once a man and humans can become gods?We’re diving deep into the history, theology, and practical consequences of Mormonism’s false claims. You’ll hear about coercion, counterfeit scripture, and doctrines that leave people burdened and spiritually exposed.This episode isn’t about attacking people—it’s about exposing deception and pointing to the freedom found in the real gospel of Jesus Christ. Tune in to Skeptics and Saints for a conversation that will challenge everything you thought you knew about the Mormon Church.🌎 Learn More: www.thegardenaz.com🕒 Sundays at 8:30 AM | 10:00 AM | 11:30 AM📲 Stay Connected:Instagram: @thegardenazYouTube: @TheGardenChurchAZFacebook: The Garden Church🎙️ Skeptics & Saints Podcast – Apple: Listen HereSpotify: Listen Here 📖 The Garden Church Sermon Podcast – Apple: Listen HereSpotify: Listen Here

What does it take to plant a church from the ground up? In this episode of Skeptics & Saints, Justin Doyle sits down with Nolan and Lindsey to share the story of The Garden’s beginnings. Nolan and Lindsey open up about the doubts they wrestled with, the sacrifices they made, and the unwavering conviction that led them to step into the unknown. From casting a vision to navigating the practical realities of building a faith community, this episode sheds light on the joys and struggles of following God’s call to plant a church.Whether you’re curious about church planting, looking for inspiration to step out in your own faith journey, or simply want to hear how God works through ordinary people, this conversation is for you. What bold step of faith might God be calling you to take?🌎 Learn More: www.thegardenaz.com🕒 Sundays at 8:30 AM | 10:00 AM | 11:30 AM📲 Stay Connected:Instagram: @thegardenazYouTube: @TheGardenChurchAZFacebook: The Garden Church🎙️ Skeptics & Saints Podcast – Apple: Listen HereSpotify: Listen Here 📖 The Garden Church Sermon Podcast – Apple: Listen HereSpotify: Listen Here

Ask a question HERE!Titles can carry weight, but do they reflect the heart of leadership? In this episode of Skeptics & Saints, we unpack why The Garden prioritizes team-driven leadership over personal titles. Drawing from Matthew 23:8-10, we’ll explore how true leadership in the church is rooted in humility, shared responsibility, and pointing people to Christ as the ultimate Head of the Church.🌎 Learn More: www.thegardenaz.com🕒 Sundays at 8:30 AM | 10:00 AM | 11:30 AM📲 Stay Connected:Instagram: @thegardenazYouTube: @TheGardenChurchAZFacebook: The Garden Church🎙️ Skeptics & Saints Podcast – Apple: Listen HereSpotify: Listen Here 📖 The Garden Church Sermon Podcast – Apple: Listen HereSpotify: Listen Here

Ask a question HERE!Is it biblical to launch a building campaign before appointing local elders? In this episode of Skeptics & Saints, we tackle the timing of elder appointments and the wisdom behind leadership at The Garden. Using examples from Scripture, including Paul’s instructions to Titus, we’ll discuss how godly leadership is built on proven character, accountability, and careful discernment. Learn why this structure prioritizes long-term health over haste and how it reflects a commitment to faithfulness in all we do.🌎 Learn More: www.thegardenaz.com🕒 Sundays at 8:30 AM | 10:00 AM | 11:30 AM📲 Stay Connected:Instagram: @thegardenazYouTube: @TheGardenChurchAZFacebook: The Garden Church🎙️ Skeptics & Saints Podcast – Apple: Listen HereSpotify: Listen Here 📖 The Garden Church Sermon Podcast – Apple: Listen HereSpotify: Listen Here

Ask a question HERE!What do we make of exorcisms and deliverance? Are they relics of biblical times, or do they still happen today? In this episode of Skeptics & Saints, we tackle one of the most intriguing and often misunderstood topics in Christianity: demonic activity and spiritual warfare. Demonic activity is real, as Scripture clearly shows. But how should believers today approach this reality?  We’ll explore what the Bible teaches about the spiritual realm, Christ’s ultimate victory over darkness, and the role of faith and prayer in confronting evil. While acknowledging the reality of demonic forces, we’ll also challenge sensationalized views of exorcism and highlight the supremacy of Christ in spiritual battles.  Whether you’re skeptical, curious, or have personal experiences with this topic, this conversation is for you. Listen in as we unpack the truth, dispel the myths, and point to the hope we have in Jesus, who has already triumphed over every power and authority.  🌎 Learn More: www.thegardenaz.com🕒 Sundays at 8:30 AM | 10:00 AM | 11:30 AM📲 Stay Connected:Instagram: @thegardenazYouTube: @TheGardenChurchAZFacebook: The Garden Church🎙️ Skeptics & Saints Podcast – Apple: Listen HereSpotify: Listen Here 📖 The Garden Church Sermon Podcast – Apple: Listen HereSpotify: Listen Here

Ask a question HERE!Calvinism or Arminianism—how does God’s sovereignty interact with human choice? In this episode of Skeptics & Saints, we dive into one of the most debated topics in Christian theology. Does God choose us, or do we choose Him? We explore the core beliefs of Calvinism and Arminianism, break down key Scriptures, and share why this conversation matters for your faith today.Along the way, Nolan shares a personal story of how this debate shaped his own understanding of God’s grace and what it means to trust Him completely. Whether you lean Calvinist, Arminian, or aren’t even sure what those terms mean, this episode is packed with insight, humility, and practical takeaways.Join us as we wrestle with the mystery of salvation and uncover the beauty of God’s work in our lives. Don’t forget to submit your own questions for future episodes and follow the podcast to keep up with more thought-provoking conversations.🌎 Learn More: www.thegardenaz.com🕒 Sundays at 8:30 AM | 10:00 AM | 11:30 AM📲 Stay Connected:Instagram: @thegardenazYouTube: @TheGardenChurchAZFacebook: The Garden Church🎙️ Skeptics & Saints Podcast – Apple: Listen HereSpotify: Listen Here 📖 The Garden Church Sermon Podcast – Apple: Listen HereSpotify: Listen Here

Q&A Sunday:We want to hear from you! On Sunday, 12/29, Nolan will dedicate the sermon to answering your most pressing questions about Jesus, the Bible, theology, religion, the church, and more. No question is too big or too small—this is your chance to ask what’s on your heart and mind.Submit your questions HERE!Don’t forget to follow Skeptics & Saints wherever you get your podcasts to join the conversation!Apple PodcastSpotifyWhat are the biggest differences between the Lutheran and what we believe at The Garden? In this sneak preview episode of Skeptics & Saints, we explore foundational distinctions like the sacraments, worship styles, and views on tradition. From the real presence in the Eucharist to the role of infant baptism, we’ll unpack the theology and practices that set these traditions apart—rooted in Scripture and centuries of history.This episode offers a glimpse into the thoughtful and engaging conversations you can expect from this podcast. Whether you’re curious about theology, seeking answers, or strengthening your faith, there’s something here for everyone. 🌎 Learn More: www.thegardenaz.com🕒 Sundays at 8:30 AM | 10:00 AM | 11:30 AM📲 Stay Connected:Instagram: @thegardenazYouTube: @TheGardenChurchAZFacebook: The Garden Church🎙️ Skeptics & Saints Podcast – Apple: Listen HereSpotify: Listen Here 📖 The Garden Church Sermon Podcast – Apple: Listen HereSpotify: Listen Here

The Skeptics & Saints Podcast is where we dive deep into the questions that skeptics and saints alike are asking. From controversy to theology, from culture to apologetics, this podcast is going to engage in real conversations to challenge skeptics toward faith and saints towards further growth. We tackle tough topics, explore Scripture, and wrestle with the realities of following Jesus in a world full of brokenness. If you’re looking for thought-provoking discussions, you’ve found the right place.This is a podcast by The Garden Church in Surprise Arizona for Skeptics and Saints to consider the claims of Jesus.🌎 Learn More: www.thegardenaz.com🕒 Sundays at 8:30 AM | 10:00 AM | 11:30 AM📲 Stay Connected:Instagram: @thegardenazYouTube: @TheGardenChurchAZFacebook: The Garden Church🎙️ Skeptics & Saints Podcast – Apple: Listen HereSpotify: Listen Here 📖 The Garden Church Sermon Podcast – Apple: Listen HereSpotify: Listen Here