John Swadley | Revelation 2:1-5

This week kicks off our new series, Marks of a Healthy Church, with a powerful reminder from Revelation 2:1-5. The church at Ephesus had great works, strong doctrine, and perseverance under pressure—but Jesus said they had lost their first love.

Through stories about camping trips, drifting currents, and even cereal-box prizes, Pastor John reminds us that our faith can quickly grow cold if we don’t deliberately stoke the fire of our devotion. First love is marked by passion, sacrifice, and an all-consuming preoccupation with Jesus. Without it, we risk robotic service, dry spiritual lives, and broken relationships.

At the heart of it all, a healthy church is a church that truly, deeply loves Jesus first.

John Swadley | Matthew 4:1-11

This week’s message dives into how God’s Word gives us the real power to change. Too often we try to fight temptation with the wrong tools—like using a tape measure to loosen a bolt—but Jesus shows us the right one: Scripture. When Satan tempted Him in the wilderness, Jesus didn’t argue, explain, or compromise. He simply said, “It is written.”

This sermon challenges us to store up God’s Word in our hearts so we’re ready to face temptation and walk in freedom.

John Swadley | Matthew 7:24-29

In this message from Matthew 7:24–29, we’re reminded that spiritual growth isn’t about stacking up more knowledge—it’s about putting God’s Word into action. Jesus says the wise build on rock, not sand, and the difference is obedience. Hearing His words is step one. Living them out is step two.

Flat faith happens when we only listen but never apply. But when we actually obey Jesus’ commands—loving enemies, forgiving, giving generously—our faith gains strength to withstand any storm. True discipleship is less about information and more about transformation.

At the heart of it all is not just believing something but believing Someone. Our faith is in Him. And the key to continual growth is simple: hear His words, do His words, and watch your relationship with Christ come alive.

John Swadley | 2 Peter 1:16

Is the Bible just a cleverly made-up story, or is it the truth? In this message from 2 Peter 1:16, we’re reminded that Scripture isn’t myth—it’s eyewitness testimony backed by history, prophecy, and life-changing power. From Peter’s bold witness to fulfilled prophecies and the Bible’s raw honesty about human nature, the evidence is clear: God’s Word can be trusted. This sermon challenges us not just to believe the Bible, but to live it.

John Swadley | Luke 15:11-24

In this week’s message, we dive into one of Jesus’ most unforgettable stories—the Prodigal Son. It’s more than a tale of rebellion; it’s a picture of the Father’s heart. The younger son runs wild, loses everything, and expects only rejection. Instead, his father runs to meet him, taking on the shame himself so his boy can come home. That’s the gospel: a God who doesn’t wait for us to clean up, but races toward us with compassion.

But the story doesn’t end there. The older brother shows us another danger—self-righteousness. You can live by the rules and still be far from the Father’s heart. Both sons needed grace, and so do we. The good news? Whether you’re a rebel or a rule-keeper, the invitation is the same: come home.

John Swadley | Psalm 119:97-105

We all drop everything to check a text message, but what if we treated God’s Word the same way? In this opening message of the Text Messages from God series, we’re reminded that Scripture isn’t just ancient words on a page—it’s God’s personal message to us.

Drawing from Psalm 119, we see five life-changing truths about God’s “text”: it protects us, makes us wise, brings us closer to Him, cleans up our lives, and guides our steps. Just as David discovered, God’s Word is not outdated—it’s more relevant than ever, shaping our values, strengthening us against enemies, and lighting the path forward when life feels dark.

The challenge is simple: give time this week to actually read God’s text message. Approach it with an open heart, obey what you understand, and let His words become sweeter than honey and brighter than any screen. God has texted you—are you going to read it?

John Swadley | Acts 19:1-5

Baptism isn’t a church ritual to check off—it’s a celebration of new life in Christ. Pastor John unpacks Acts 19, where Paul meets disciples who had only received John’s baptism of repentance. When they finally heard the truth about Jesus, they were baptized in His name.

Baptism, he explains, is like a wedding ring: it doesn’t make you married, but it shows the world you belong to someone. It’s not salvation, but a public declaration of it. Jesus Himself was baptized, not because He needed saving, but to “fulfill all righteousness”—and He calls us to follow His example.

Baptism is joy, not duty. It’s saying to the world, “I belong to Jesus!”

Jon Smith

Life is full of interruptions—some are divine opportunities, others are devilish disruptions. In this message, we explore the life of Caleb, a man whose “different spirit” kept his faith burning bright for decades through delays, detours, and disappointments. Discover three keys to keeping your fire for God alive: trusting Him completely, persevering patiently, and seizing the moment when opportunity comes. Whether you’re in a season of waiting or ready to climb your mountain, this message will challenge you to live with a faith that doesn’t fade.