Studies That Strengthen

Have you struggled with how to pray—or have you just never stopped to consider how you're praying? I have. Jesus doesn’t just give words in Matthew 5–7—He exposes the heart behind them. He confronts performance and calls us to something deeper: a life of humility, sincerity, and dependence on the Father. Because it’s not just why we pray—it’s knowing HIM that shapes every word.

We’ve just come out of the Triumph—seeing Christ as the One who leads, who conquers, and who brings His people with Him. But if He leads… how do we actually walk with Him? We’re beginning a new series: “When You Pray.” And we’re starting at the foundation—the history of prayer and why it matters that we understand what prayer truly is. Because prayer isn’t just something we do… it’s something that has been woven through every generation of God’s people. From the beginning, it has been the way we respond to Him, depend on Him, and commune with Him. If we don’t understand what prayer is, we’ll struggle to actually enter into it. This first episode will ground us—so that everything we build from here flows from truth, not assumption. #WhenYouPray #PrayerLife #FaithJourney #KnowHim

Luke and Lauren Stevens share personal insights on what it looks like to pursue holiness together, how the Spirit convicts, refines, and strengthens unity, and why sanctification is not just an individual journey, but a shared one within the home. This conversation is both honest and encouraging, reminding us that God is actively at work in our marriages and families, even in the ordinary and unseen moments. Whether you're married, raising children, or simply desiring to grow in Christ within your relationships, this episode will point you back to the faithful, ongoing work of the Holy Spirit.

What is the end of sanctification? Glorification!

Join us for a powerful and encouraging conversation with Pastor Derek Sesco as we explore the lifelong journey of progressive sanctification. In this episode, Pastor Derek walks us through how Scripture actively shapes, refines, and transforms believers over time—not instantly, but faithfully, day by day. Together, we unpack what it means to grow in holiness, how God uses His Word to convict and comfort, and why the process of becoming more like Christ is both challenging and deeply hopeful. Whether you're in a season of struggle or steady growth, this episode will remind you that God is continually at work in His people, using His truth to conform us to the image of His Son. Tune in and be encouraged—your transformation is part of His perfect plan.

In this episode, we dive into the powerful and often misunderstood topic of progressive sanctification—the ongoing work of God in the life of a believer. What does it really mean to grow in holiness? Is sanctification something we achieve, or something God accomplishes in us? Join us as we unpack how transformation happens over time, not through striving, but through abiding in Christ. We explore the tension between our daily struggles and God’s faithful work, showing how every moment—whether victory or failure—is used by Him to conform us into the image of Jesus. If you’ve ever felt stuck, discouraged, or unsure about your spiritual growth, this conversation will encourage you to trust the process and rest in the One who is completing the work He began in you. 👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with someone who needs this reminder today. #Sanctification #ChristianGrowth #FaithJourney #AbideInChrist

Today we’re talking about positional sanctification—the powerful truth that when we are united with Christ, our standing before God changes completely. This isn’t about our daily progress or spiritual performance, but about the position God places us in through the finished work of Jesus. In Christ, we are set apart, declared holy, and brought into a new identity before we ever begin the lifelong process of growing in holiness. In this episode, we’ll explore what it means to be sanctified in Christ and how understanding our position transforms the way we live.

In this episode of the “CHAINged” series, we explore the powerful, yet humbling, realities of justification and reconciliation and what they mean for those who have been captured by Christ. Once enemies of God, we have now been declared righteous and brought near through the finished work of Jesus. Like prisoners in a triumphal procession, our lives now testify to the victory of Christ. This episode unpacks how being “CHAINged” IN Him means our guilt is removed, our relationship with God is restored, and our lives now display His triumph.

In this episode, we follow the Apostle Paul as he makes an unexpected departure from Troas to Macedonia as recorded in Second Epistle to the Corinthians 2:12–13. Despite what seemed like an open door for ministry, Paul walked away—not because of a lack of opportunity, but because he was being directed by the sovereign will of God. What do we do when God leads us without explanations, confirmations, or the signs we often seek? This conversation explores the deep confidence believers are called to have in God's providence—trusting that He is guiding our steps even when circumstances feel unresolved or unclear. Join us as we examine: • Why Paul left a fruitful moment in Troas • What kind of confidence and faith does it take to just "move". • Living by trust in God’s will rather than by visible signs • What fragrance does the knowledge of God emit from us through these actions? God is not calling us to figure it out—He is calling us to follow. Listen now and be encouraged to rest in the confidence that the Lord is leading, even when you cannot yet see why. And through His leading, spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of God EVERYWHERE from Troas to Macedonia.

What does Paul mean when he says we are the “aroma of Christ” to God? In this first episode of a two-part teaching, we begin unpacking the powerful imagery found in 2 Corinthians 2—where the knowledge of God is described not just as truth to be heard, but as a fragrance that is spread everywhere. This episode explores how regeneration is the starting point of that aroma. Before we can carry the fragrance of Christ, we must first be made alive by Him. We’ll walk through the biblical process of new birth, how God awakens hearts that were once dead, and why the gospel is both life-giving to some and offensive to others. Join us as we begin tracing how salvation is entirely the work of God—and how those He renews become living evidence of His triumph and grace. Part 2 will continue by looking at what it means to live as that fragrance in the world.

What happens when Christ doesn’t just invite… but conquers? In the opening episode of our new series Chainged, we begin with The Takeover, rooted in Paul’s words from 2 Corinthians 2:12–14. Writing to a troubled Corinthian church, Paul pulls from a powerful and unsettling Roman image—the triumphal procession. A victorious general parades captives through the streets, chained and displayed, as proof that the battle is over and allegiance has changed. Paul boldly applies this image to the gospel. In this episode, we explore what it means for Christ to “lead us in triumph.” Is this a celebration—or a surrender? Are we spectators in the procession… or captives claimed by a conquering King? As the aroma of victory fills the streets, we’re forced to wrestle with a sobering truth: when Jesus takes over, nothing remains neutral. This episode lays the historical, cultural, and theological foundation for the Chainged series, where we will walk through the triumphal procession in depth—uncovering what it meant in Paul’s world and what it means for our lives today. Because the gospel doesn’t just free us. It chains us—to Christ.

As we transition from Season 2 into Season 3, this episode serves as a bridge—grounding us in the historical and spiritual backdrop of Corinth and the church the apostle Paul was addressing in his letters. Corinth was a wealthy, influential, and morally complex city, shaped by commerce, culture, and constant movement of people and ideas. The church planted there reflected its surroundings—diverse, gifted, yet deeply challenged by division, pride, immorality, and confusion about what it meant to live faithfully in Christ. Paul’s letters were not written in abstraction, but in response to real people, real struggles, and a real gospel mission unfolding in a difficult place. In this episode, we walk through the background of Corinth, the pressures facing the early church, and the pastoral heart behind Paul’s words. Understanding the world they lived in helps us better grasp the weight of his instruction, correction, and encouragement—and prepares us for the themes we’ll explore in Season 3. This conversation sets the stage for what’s ahead, reminding us that the gospel does its most powerful work not in ideal conditions, but in broken ones—and that the challenges faced by the Corinthian church are not as distant from our own as we might think.

In this episode, we reflect on the sacred truths God entrusted to the mother of Jesus and the remarkable promises she carried in her heart. From the angel’s announcement to the quiet moments of pondering all these things, Mary was given knowledge that revealed not only who her Son was, but what He came to accomplish. While Scripture does not tell us every detail of what Mary understood, it does show us that God allowed her to know enough, as she needed to know it. This episode reminds us not to limit what God may reveal according to His will, and to stand in awe of the depth of His purposes fulfilled through Christ. Join us as we look at Mary’s faith, her understanding of God’s promise, and how her story encourages us to trust God even when we see the picture in parts.

In Part 3 of Sharing Jesus Through Biblical Womanhood, Candice Sesco continues the conversation by focusing on the vital role of biblical womanhood within the home and God’s intentional design for both men and women. Drawing from Titus 2 and Genesis chapters 3 and 4, this episode explores how the fall impacted family roles, why God’s design still matters today, and how living according to His order brings clarity, peace, and a powerful witness for Christ.

The way we live our lives and shine the truth of Christ MATTERS! Discover God’s beautiful design for biblical womanhood through the practical strategy found in Titus 2. In part two of this teaching , guest Candice Sesco shares how older and younger women can walk together in faith, passing on truth, wisdom, and godly example for everyday life. A conversation full of encouragement, purpose, and hope for women seeking to live out the gospel in their homes, churches, and communities.

In this powerful episode, Eula Harper shares a heartfelt and compelling message on the biblical theme “Dead in Sin, Alive to Christ.” Drawing from Scripture, she unpacks what it truly means to be transformed by the gospel—moving from spiritual death to the vibrant, resurrected life that Christ offers. Eula walks listeners through the weight of our condition without Jesus, the grace that meets us in our brokenness, and the identity we receive when we are made alive in Him. With clarity and conviction, she invites us to see salvation not as a distant idea, but as a present, personal, life-altering reality. Whether you’re exploring faith, longing for renewal, or seeking a deeper understanding of your identity in Christ, this message will challenge, encourage, and refresh your spirit.

In a culture with countless voices defining identity, purpose, and womanhood, we turn to the unchanging truth of Scripture. In part one, with guest Candice Sesco, we explore what it means to live as women shaped by God’s Word—women who reflect Christ in our character, our homes, our relationships, and our influence.

You will be my witness--through your past. Sometimes sharing Jesus requires us to be vulnerable. To lead others to Christ is the goal, right? To shine hope to the hopeless and point them to the ONE who changes EVERYTHING. Let's talk about the saving power of Jesus with special guest Aimee Cancel!

What does witnessing through disabilities even mean? Pastor's Josh and Sara Morgan from Fairmont, WV join us as we discuss the call of God to be a witness EVEN through the challenges of parenting two disabled children. We forget, sometimes, that the witness continues--even then.

"You will be my witness", Jesus said. But how does the witness look and sound when you are facing your own personal loss?

You will be my witness. What Does that mean?? Why is it important that we do this great work for the KINGDOM?

Sorcery is sneaky. Are our "lucky charms" and daily looking to the stars for answers pleasing unto God? Or would looking to HIM for ALL answers be best? And how about Emnity? What is that??

The process of sanctification in a believers life is meant to lead others to Christ--it's not just for your purification and glorification in HIM! How do we produce salt and light in our lives to ultimately lead others to Christ and be kingdom minded? Joe Preece from Oceana, WV leads us in this powerful study!

Following our Step By Step Series, we talk about the common things of our lives that can turn to idolatry...even though we are unaware it has gotten to that point. Remembering that Jesus is our God, and NOTHING else. Not people, not things, and not places. Dopamine is what we chase, don't we? Let's remember that Christ died to fill every part of our lives in every way!

Part two of the "Step By Step" series leads us into the meaning of Paul's urge to the Galatian church to walk BY the Spirit and not fulfil the lusts of the flesh!

We are kicking off Season 2! Join us as we start this season with a series of studies on Galations 5. Part 1 breaks down what it means to be IN CHRIST.

Season one was packed FULL of inspiration and growth! From The Unlikely Call of God to Never Thirst Again, the Holy Spirit led this season. For us, it was more than a season...it was THE GOSPEL that saves. Join us as we highlight the learning points of Season One and enter rest to prepare for Season Two!

Our first Q and A session brings questions of God's forgiving power, the fruits of the Spirit, and more!

Pastor Derek leads us in a discussion and study of "What Is The Gospel" and WHY it is important to share. If you've ever struggled with knowing what to share about Jesus, this episode is for you!

What example did Jesus show us in his conversation and conversion of the Samaritan woman. Are we observing the great commission in the way Jesus commanded?

Part three of the "Never Thirst Again" series reminds us that PEACE is a gift from God. We believe, he gives, we receive. The very peace of God is given to us upon receiving Christ. A peace that makes no sense! A peace that passes all understanding!

Guest host Pastor Dalton Harper joins us again for part two of the "Never Thirst Again" series. We visit the "what now?" moments in our relationship with Christ. Hard decisions sometimes have to be made. This includes knowing what are the lesser things in our lives, and what are the greater.

Pastor Dalton joins us again for a deep look into the thirst we experience in this life apart from Christ. We look at the Samaritan woman. She was thirsty...that was obvious. Jesus meets her right where her thirst was and gave her a promise that if she would believe of Him, the Messiah, she would never thirst again. Not only her, but all of us. Jesus even bore our thirst in the events of the cross in John 19. He took our "sour wine" into his body and gave us his new wine!

Eula sits down with Bro. Brian Thompson of Beckley, WV. He shares his struggles growing up in an abusive home, being mislabeled, struggling with identity, and suicide. Brian shares that victory came through and by the power of CHRIST JESUS!

Our excuses and reasons will not hold weight when presented to God. Christ has the stability that lies beyond our reasons. Let's talk about how our reasons, although they can be valid, hold us back from experiencing the true grace of God in our lives.

Meet our Mom's! The relationship between parents and children gets rocky, the only sure source of stability and restoration is found in the healing power of Jesus. Eula and Amanda bring their mother's into the mix with a testimony of love, forgiveness, and spiritual growth within the family.

What happens when the fickle mind of man meets the immutable God? James Ch. 1 reminds us to be careful of double-mindedness, knowing that doubt is natural, and faith is a gift from God. When the two meet, which voice will we follow?

What condition are you in? Fair? Good? Serious? Critical? Finding stability can be hard. It's what we all want, right? A stable home, a stable job, a stable LIFE. Join Eula and Amanda as we go to the book of Hebrews to see where true stability lies.

The testimony of Jeri Myers from Clarksburg, WV is a humbling reminder that even when its bad, God is still good. Jeri talks about childhood and adult trauma that left her struggling to find healing that only came through the love of Jesus and His church.

We welcome Pastor Justin Adams, Senior Pastor of New Life Praise Center in Covington, GA, to lead us into a dive into the facts and faith of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Join us as we journey into the Tomb of Joseph where Jesus lay but for a little while! We open up the Spurgeon vault for this one!!

Our new series "The Great Exchange" starts with the death of our Lord, Jesus Christ with special guest Pastor Derek Sesco. Join us as we ask the question "Why did Jesus have to die for our sins?"

Guest Pastors Irvin Lee and Dalton Harper join us for the finale of "The Fighter" series. Join us as we magnify the God who was, who is, and who is to come! Our Fighter never sleeps, never slumbers, but it always interceding on our behalf!

Part 3 of "The Fighter" Series takes us to the unrelenting faith of provision seen in the story of Isaac opening up the wells of his father, Abraham. Isaac was the digger, God was and always is the provider! Then we see the ultimate digger, the vinedresser, who cares for the unproductive fig tree. Repentance activates our faith and the digger can start to work on us!

Our first Testimony Tuesday features Pastor Dalton Harper. Diagnosed with end-stage cancer at only 17 years old, Pastor Dalton shares with us the challenges and triumphs that came with this season of his life.

Part 2 of "The Fighter" Series leads us into the story and lessons of the 3rd link in God's covenant promise, Jacob. What happens when you try to control everything instead of fully trusting in God's plan? The wrestling of surrender.

Part 1 (with guest Candice Sesco) of "The Fighter" series takes us into the disadvantage and advantage of David when facing Goliath. This common story holds detail to increase our faith when facing the necessary battles of our life.