Episodes

  • Trusting God in the Long Game

    Trusting God in the Long Game
    Dec 28 2025
    While Pastor John was out of town, Pastor Nathan opened Scripture in Hebrews 11 to remind us that faith is not passive optimism, but confident trust that moves us forward even when we cannot see the full picture.

    This message challenges the idea that discipleship is reserved for church leaders and invites every believer into active participation in the work God is doing. We reflect on what it means to be equipped as part of the body of Christ, why transformation happens together, and how ongoing growth requires honest self-examination and alignment with Jesus.

    Discussion Questions:

    1) How does Hebrews 11 reshape the way you think about faith being “blind” or uncertain?
    2) Where do you see a gap between believing something and actually living it out?
    3) What does it look like for you to be equipped for ministry rather than waiting for others to act?
    4) When you ask, “Do I look more like Jesus today than I did yesterday,” how do you honestly answer?
    5) How does being part of a local church change the way you pursue faith and growth?
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    Less than 1 minute
  • Why All the Gifts?

    Why All the Gifts?
    Dec 14 2025
    Why do we do what we do at Christmas?

    This message explores the meaning behind gift giving by looking at the gifts the Magi brought to Jesus. Gold, frankincense, and myrrh were not random or symbolic gestures alone. They proclaimed Christ as King, honored Him with worship, and pointed to His future sacrifice.

    Christmas challenges us to consider what we are giving Jesus in response to God’s greatest gift. True celebration is not found in excess or obligation, but in worship, obedience, and offering our lives back to the Giver.

    Discussion Questions:

    1) Why were the Magi’s gifts significant and costly?
    2) How does gift giving point us back to God’s generosity?
    3) What does it mean to worship Christ with purity and intention?
    4) How does the gift of myrrh connect Christmas to the cross?
    5) How can believers use their God-given gifts to serve others?
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    Less than 1 minute
  • Why All the Lights?

    Why All the Lights?
    Dec 21 2025
    Why do we light everything at Christmas?

    This message explores the meaning behind Christmas lights and how they point us to the true Light of the world. Jesus stepped into a dark and broken world to bring hope, clarity, forgiveness, and life. Through Scripture and story, we are reminded that Christmas is about more than tradition. It is about a choice to step out of darkness and into the light of Christ.

    Discussion Questions:
    1) Why do you think light is such a powerful image throughout Scripture?
    2) What does John 3 reveal about humanity’s response to light?
    3) How does Jesus bring clarity to life when things feel uncertain?
    4) What keeps people from fully stepping into the light of Christ?
    5) How can your life reflect Christ’s light to others this season?
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    Less than 1 minute
  • Shake Your World

    Shake Your World
    Nov 30 2025
    In the final message of our Pray Bold series, Pastor John teaches from Acts 4, showing how the early church prayed in a way that was God-centered, courageous, and active. Their prayers were rooted in who God is, strengthened by boldness, and followed by obedience.

    We are invited to pray the same way. Prayer is not passive. Prayer clarifies God’s call, strengthens our hearts, and reminds us that we do not walk alone. As we move deeper into this season, this message encourages us to continue growing in prayer and to step forward into what God has already asked us to do.

    Use the questions below for reflection or small group discussion.

    Discussion Questions

    1) What does it look like for you to “remember who you are talking to” when you pray?
    2)Where do you sense God inviting you to pray with boldness rather than timidity?
    3) What is one thing God has already called you to do that you may have put on the shelf?
    4) How can prayer help you let go of fear or worry in this season?
    5) Who can you ask, “How can I pray for you?” this week?
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    Less than 1 minute
  • Why All the Colors?

    Why All the Colors?
    Dec 7 2025
    In this message, Pastor John begins our Christmas series by exploring the question: Why all the colors? Christmas is filled with green, red, gold, silver, and multicolored lights, but each one has a story to tell.

    Green points to the life Jesus brings in a world that often feels dark and weary.
    Red calls us to remember His sacrifice that makes salvation possible.
    And the colors of Revelation remind us of the hope, beauty, and future God has prepared for His people.

    Use the questions below to reflect on how the colors of Christmas can draw your heart back to Jesus and open the door for meaningful conversations with others.

    Discussion Questions

    1) What Christmas traditions help you remember the meaning of the season and why?
    2) How does the color green remind you of the life Jesus brings?
    3) What does the color red reveal about the cost of our redemption?
    4) When you think about the bright colors of Revelation, how does that shape your hope for the future?
    5) What is one way you can use the symbols of Christmas to start a conversation about Jesus this week?
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    Less than 1 minute
  • It Makes a Difference

    It Makes a Difference
    Nov 23 2025
    In Week 4 of our Pray Bold series, Pastor John helps us understand how prayer truly makes a difference in our everyday lives. Isaiah 40 teaches us that God gives strength to the weak, renews the weary, and lifts us above the things that weigh us down.

    Prayer does not always change our situation immediately, but it changes us. It anchors our focus, renews our hope, and brings us back to the God who knows our needs and gives us strength.

    Use the questions below to reflect on the message or guide your small group discussion.

    Discussion Questions
    1) Where do you feel most worn out or weary right now, and how might prayer renew your strength?
    2) What does it mean for God to help you “soar” in your circumstances?
    3) How has God strengthened you in the past when you have prayed?
    4) What is one area of your life where you need to seek God first this week?
    5) How can prayer help shift your perspective when life feels heavy or overwhelming?
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    Less than 1 minute
  • The Language of Prayer

    The Language of Prayer
    Nov 16 2025
    Prayer is more than saying the right words. It is the daily practice of coming before God with honesty and trust. In this week of our Pray Bold series, Pastor John teaches the simple and powerful guidelines Jesus gives us for prayer.

    We explore what it means to keep prayer real, keep it simple, and keep at it even when it feels difficult. God hears your voice, loves your heart, and invites you to draw near with confidence.

    Use the questions below for reflection or small group discussion.

    Discussion Questions

    1) Which part of prayer feels hardest for you right now: honesty, simplicity, or consistency?
    2) When do you tend to make prayer more about performance than relationship?
    3) What helps you stay consistent in prayer when God feels silent?
    4) How can you pray more intentionally for the people Jesus loves?
    5) What is one prayer habit you could add, change, or restart this week?
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    Less than 1 minute
  • Does It Make a Difference?

    Does It Make a Difference?
    Nov 9 2025
    In Pray Bold – Week 2: Does It Make Any Difference? Pastor John reminds us that prayer is powerful, even when we don’t see immediate results.

    God hears every prayer. He may not answer in our timing, but His timing is always right. Through prayer, He grows our faith, builds endurance, and strengthens our trust in Him.

    This message invites us to keep praying boldly and trust that God is always working, even when it’s hard to see.

    Reflection Questions

    1) What makes prayer feel hard or discouraging for you?
    2) How can you tell when God is working even if you don’t see immediate results?
    3) What do you think God might be developing in you during seasons of waiting?
    4) How do patience and persistence strengthen our faith?
    5) How can you encourage someone else who feels like their prayers aren’t being heard?
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    Less than 1 minute