Explore every episode of the podcast New Hope Bend

What does Jesus ask of those who want to follow Him? In this message from our Come and Follow series, we explore Jesus’ powerful invitation in Matthew 4:18-22 as He calls ordinary fishermen to leave their nets and follow Him. Jesus does not call perfect people—He calls ordinary people into extraordinary allegiance. Following Christ is more than admiration, belief, or church attendance; it is surrendering every area of life to His authority. We’ll examine the cost of discipleship, the things we must be willing to leave behind, and the greater purpose Jesus calls us into. If you've ever wrestled with obedience, control, comfort, identity, or what it truly means to be a disciple of Jesus, this message will challenge and encourage you to take the next step of faith. Join us as we discover that when Jesus says, “Follow Me,” the only faithful response is to drop the nets and follow.

What does Jesus actually ask of you? In John 1, Jesus doesn’t call people to casual interest or distant admiration. He invites honest seekers to “come and see,” but that invitation always requires movement. Many people want enough Jesus to feel comforted, forgiven, or inspired, but not enough Jesus to surrender to His authority. Yet Jesus never called people to admire Him from a distance — He calls people to follow Him. This message walks through John 1:35-46 and explores how Jesus welcomes questions, confronts motives, and invites people into deeper surrender. Andrew, Philip, Peter, and Nathanael all show us that you do not need to know everything before taking the next step of faith. Christianity can handle honest investigation, but eventually the invitation of Jesus demands a response.

James gives us a clear picture of a life shaped by prayer in every circumstance—not as a last resort, but as the first response. Whether in trouble, joy, or sickness, prayer is the ongoing lifeline between God and His people. It is not transactional or merely functional, but deeply relational—drawing us closer to God as we acknowledge who He is, submit to His will, bring our needs before Him, confess sin, and ask for protection and guidance. Prayer is not dependent on perfect people but on a powerful God who hears, and even ordinary faith, like Elijah’s, can lead to extraordinary movement when it is persistent and rooted in trust. James then turns toward restoration within the community of faith. Believers are not meant to drift in isolation or be ignored when they wander, but to be pursued with truth, love, prayer, and invitation back into relationship with God and His people. Spiritual drift is usually slow and subtle, and the response is not judgment or shame, but faithful pursuit—speaking truth in love and helping one another return. Healthy Christian life reaches upward in prayer and outward in care for others.

In this message titled “Money and Patience,” Student Ministries Pastor Connor walks through James 5:1–12, where James confronts two major areas of the human heart: money and pressure. This isn’t just a warning about wealth or a simple call to “be patient”—it’s a reminder that money reveals what we trust, and pressure reveals what we believe about God. When money becomes ultimate, it distorts how we treat people and what we rely on for security, but James reminds us that God hears the cries of the oppressed and will bring justice in His timing. On the other side, James calls believers to stand firm in seasons of waiting and suffering, refusing to grumble or give up because the Lord is near. And in the middle of it all, he challenges us to live with integrity—where our words are simple, honest, and trustworthy. Ultimately, this passage invites us to live with undivided devotion: trusting God with our money, our waiting, and our words.

In this message from James titled “Stop Playing God,” Student Ministries Pastor Connor walks through the tension James highlights between judging others and controlling our future. As part of the New Hope series through the book of James, this sermon challenges the subtle ways we step into roles that were never meant for us—becoming judges of others and kings of our own plans. James 4 reminds us that when we speak against others or try to control tomorrow, we are unintentionally placing ourselves in God’s position. But only God is both Judge and King. Instead, we are invited to remember that Jesus died for the very people we are tempted to judge, and to live with humility, discernment, and love. We’re also reminded that while we can make plans, we cannot control outcomes. Life is fragile and uncertain, and James calls us to surrender our future to God—living with open hands and obedient hearts. The challenge is simple but deeply countercultural: pray before you plan, and obey what God has already made clear. If you’ve ever struggled with judgment, control, or anxiety about the future, this message will invite you back into trust, humility, and surrender.

If you’ve ever found yourself stuck in the same conflict over and over again, James 4 offers a hard but freeing truth: the real issue might not be the other person—it might be what’s happening inside of you. In this message, Conflict Comes from Within, we unpack how our unmet desires, pride, and divided loyalties fuel tension in our relationships. James challenges believers to stop blame-shifting and start looking inward, exposing how craving control, comfort, or being right can quietly take God’s place in our hearts. But the message doesn’t stop at conviction—it leads to hope. Through repentance, humility, and drawing near to God, there is a way out of the cycle. If you’re tired of constant conflict and ready for real peace, this teaching will help you identify the root and take practical steps toward lasting change.

This week in James 3:13–18, we look at the difference between earthly wisdom and godly wisdom. In a world where knowledge is everywhere, James reminds us that wisdom is not measured by how much we know, but by what our lives produce. True wisdom is seen through gentleness, humility, peace, mercy, sincerity, and the fruit of a life surrendered to God. Earthly wisdom is driven by envy, selfish ambition, and disorder, but wisdom from heaven produces Christlike character and a harvest of righteousness. This message is a powerful reminder to examine the kind of wisdom shaping our homes, relationships, decisions, and daily lives. If you want to grow in biblical wisdom, Christian maturity, spiritual discernment, and Christlike character, this teaching from James offers a clear and practical picture of what that looks like.

This week at New Hope, we looked at James 3 and the sobering truth that our words are never “just words.” The tongue is not neutral—it reveals the condition of the heart, carries spiritual weight, and has the power to shape marriages, families, friendships, churches, and futures. James reminds us that while the tongue is small, it can steer the entire direction of a life or set great damage in motion like a spark in a forest. But this message is not just about behavior modification or better communication tips—it is about surrender. We cannot truly tame the tongue without first surrendering the heart to Jesus. Real maturity shows up in the way we speak, especially when we are stressed, hurt, angry, or triggered. This message calls us to repentance, dependence on the Holy Spirit, and a commitment to speak life instead of tearing others down. If your words have been shaping division, criticism, gossip, sarcasm, or pain, there is grace to change and a better way forward in Christ.

Easter is not just a tradition, a family moment, or a spring celebration—it is the announcement of the most life-changing event in history: Jesus rose from the grave. In this Easter message from Luke 24, we look at the truth that Christianity rises or falls on the resurrection of Jesus. If the tomb is empty, then hope is alive, forgiveness is real, death is not final, and your past does not have to define you. This sermon challenges us to stop looking for life in dead places, remember what Jesus said, and respond to the risen Christ with repentance, faith, and surrender. If you have ever wrestled with doubt, disappointment, guilt, or questions about who Jesus really is, this message is for you. Jesus is not just worth admiring—He is alive, trustworthy, and able to change everything.

Good Friday is not a casual moment in the Christian life. It is the day we slow down and look honestly at the cost of our salvation. In this message, we reflect on the cross not as a symbol we have made familiar, but as the place where Jesus willingly suffered for sinners. Good Friday reveals the horror of our sin, the depth of Christ’s love, and the response the cross demands from every heart. Jesus was not helpless, overpowered, or trapped—He went to the cross on purpose. At Calvary, God’s justice and mercy met in blood, and we are invited not just to observe the cross, but to bow under it, repent, and cling to Christ. This sermon walks through Isaiah 53 and Luke 23 to show that Jesus was pierced for our transgressions, prayed forgiveness over His enemies, saved even while suffering, and proved that His love is costly, saving, and deeply personal. Before Easter Sunday fills us with joy, Good Friday first calls us to truth, surrender, gratitude, and worship.

This Palm Sunday message reminds us that Jesus did not come to fit our expectations, serve our agenda, or be admired from a distance. He came as King. While the crowd praised Him publicly, many still misunderstood Him, wanting rescue on their terms instead of surrender to His rule. Palm Sunday confronts us with the same question today: do we truly want Jesus as King, or only as useful? Real faith is not just celebrating Jesus in public while resisting Him in private. It is surrender, obedience, repentance, and trusting the King we cannot control. Jesus came not just to change circumstances, but to transform hearts, bring true peace, and call us to follow Him fully.

In this message from James 1:19–27, we’re reminded that hearing God’s Word is not the same as obeying it. Many people want comfort from Jesus without true transformation, but James calls believers to move beyond simply listening and begin living out what Scripture teaches. Spiritual maturity is revealed in how we respond under pressure—being quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger. It also requires a humble posture toward God’s Word, allowing it to shape our lives rather than just inform our thinking. James warns that hearing without obedience leads to self-deception, but those who put God’s Word into practice experience the freedom and blessing it brings. The Bible isn’t meant only for information—it’s meant for transformation.

Trials are not proof that God is against you—they are proof that He is forming you. In this powerful message from James 1:1–18, we explore how God uses pressure, pain, and testing to grow perseverance, maturity, and deeper dependence on Jesus. When life feels heavy—whether in your marriage, finances, mind, or body—it’s easy to ask, “Is God mad at me? Did He forget me?” But James reminds us that faith grows up through trials. God is not obsessed with your comfort; He is committed to your development. This sermon unpacks how testing reveals what’s real, how dependence is the response of a mature believer, how pressure exposes false security, and how temptation is a counterfeit form of comfort. If you’re walking through a difficult season, this message will reframe your perspective and anchor you in the unchanging goodness of God. Discover how to move from asking, “Lord, get me out,” to praying, “Lord, do something in me.”

As this Come to Jesus Moment series comes to a close, we’re reminded that we can trust Jesus and walk faithfully in all He has for us.

In this week’s Come to Jesus Moment, we explore the transforming power of forgiveness through Romans 5:6–8 and Luke 7:36–50. What does it really mean that Christ died for us while we were “utterly helpless” and “still sinners”? At a dinner party filled with tension, Jesus confronts pride, exposes hidden sin, and extends radical forgiveness to a broken woman whose love proves she understands grace. Through the story of Simon the Pharisee and the sinful woman who anointed Jesus’ feet, we are reminded that until we see our own sin, we will only see the sin of others. Forgiveness isn’t earned by love — love flows from being forgiven. When we truly grasp that Jesus died for us in our worst condition, worship becomes natural and love becomes evidence. If you’ve ever wondered whether grace applies to you, this message will challenge and encourage you: forgiven people love well.

What does real repentance actually look like? In Luke 19:1–10, we meet Zacchaeus—a wealthy, hated tax collector whose encounter with Jesus proves that repentance is more than words. As the saying goes, “When the heart is right, the feet are swift.” Zacchaeus didn’t just feel remorse—his life changed. He ran, he climbed, he repaid, and he restored. This Come to Jesus Moment reminds us that faith without action is empty, but a transformed heart produces visible fruit. Jesus came to seek and save the lost, and that includes people others have written off. If pride, fear, or image has kept you from fully pursuing Jesus, this message challenges you to stop standing back and start moving forward. Real repentance moves fast—and real grace meets us right where we are.

Prayer doesn’t come naturally to everyone—even those who know how to talk about God. In Luke 11, the disciples watched Jesus pray and realized there was something different about it. After witnessing miracles, healings, and power, it was Jesus’ private prayer life that caught their attention. When they asked Him, “Lord, teach us to pray,” Jesus responded by inviting them into something radically personal: prayer rooted in relationship with a loving Father. In this Come to Jesus Moment, we explore how Jesus reframes prayer—not as performance or pressure, but as trust, persistence, and intimacy with our Heavenly Father. Discover why persistence in prayer matters, how it shapes our hearts, and why prayer is less about getting what we want and more about knowing the God who loves us and meets our deepest need through Jesus.

Storms are unavoidable — but they are never meaningless. In this powerful message from Matthew 14:22–33, we walk with the disciples into the middle of a raging storm and witness Jesus doing the impossible: walking on water, strengthening faith, and rescuing Peter when doubt takes over. This Come to Jesus Moment reminds us that sometimes God allows storms to correct us, grow us, and deepen our trust in Him. Even when we feel overwhelmed, afraid, or far from shore, Jesus sees us, prays for us, and comes to us right on time. If you are facing uncertainty, suffering, or spiritual struggle, this message will encourage you to cry out, “Lord, save me,” and discover the peace, hope, and worship that comes when we place our faith fully in Christ.

In this message, Climbing Life’s Tallest Mountains, we walk through Matthew 16:21–17:13 and explore how Jesus faced suffering, rejection, and the road to the cross with unwavering purpose and hope. From Peter’s resistance to Jesus’ mission, to the breathtaking moment of the Transfiguration, this teaching reminds us that following Christ often involves hardship — but glory is coming. Discover how God uses mountaintop moments to strengthen us for the valleys, why suffering is not wasted, and how fixing our eyes on Jesus gives us endurance, peace, and joy even in painful seasons. If you’re facing trials, uncertainty, or spiritual exhaustion, this message will encourage you to listen for the Father’s voice and keep climbing with faith.

What really matters in life—and what happens when money takes the lead? In Luke 12, Jesus confronts greed head-on through a startling encounter and a powerful parable that exposes the danger of storing up earthly wealth while neglecting a rich relationship with God. In a culture driven by spending, saving, and striving for more, Jesus reminds us that life is not measured by what we own. This message challenges us to examine where our trust, priorities, and treasure truly lie, especially after the busiest spending season of the year. Discover why greed is an “uncontrolled longing for more,” how surplus can quietly shape our hearts, and why being rich toward God is the only investment that lasts.

What does it really mean to become your best self in a new year? In this message, “A Daily Decision… A Come to Jesus Moment,” we look at Psalm 1 and Jesus’ words in Matthew 7 to discover that lasting change doesn’t come from self-help strategies, resolutions, or motivation alone—it comes from daily time with Jesus. As we choose what influences shape us and delight in God’s Word, our lives become rooted, resilient, and fruitful, like a tree planted by streams of water. This sermon invites us to build our lives on a solid foundation by not just hearing Jesus’ words, but putting them into practice—so that when storms come, we stand strong and grow into who God designed us to be.

In this message Moments with the Master from Mark 1:40–45, we explore the unforgettable encounter between Jesus and a man suffering from leprosy—a moment that reveals Jesus as a compassionate rebel who refused to bow to rules that wounded rather than healed. As we walk through the history, stigma, and emotional devastation surrounding leprosy, we see the depth of isolation this man endured and the radical love Jesus demonstrated in touching, healing, and restoring him. This story invites us to rethink our assumptions about suffering, challenge harmful judgments, and follow Jesus into places of human pain with courage, tenderness, and grace. Whether you’re feeling lonely, unseen, or weighed down by shame, the heart of Christ moves near, heals deeply, and calls us to do the same for others. Keywords: Jesus heals leper, Mark 1 sermon, compassion of Jesus, moments with the Master, Christian encouragement, loneliness and faith, healing and restoration.

Come to Jesus Moment • Seeds of Greatness — In a world driven by status and achievement, Jesus offers a radically different vision of greatness rooted in humility, service, and a transformed heart. In this message, Pastor Steve takes us back to the Upper Room where the disciples argued about who was greatest, even as Jesus prepared to give His life. Through His shocking act of washing their feet and through the surprising, imperfect people in His genealogy—Abraham, David, Tamar, Rahab, Manasseh, Josiah, Peter, Paul, and more—we see that God’s story has always been written with flawed but willing people. Their stories remind us that God works in us, through us, and often in spite of us as He shapes our lives for His purposes. This message invites you into your own Come to Jesus Moment, remembering that Jesus came to seek and save the lost and that true life is found in His name.

In “Called to Follow,” we look closely at Luke 5:1–11 and the powerful moment when Jesus called Peter to leave everything and follow Him. Pastor Steve shares his own come-to-Jesus story and how an unexpected encounter changed the direction of his life. Through Peter’s journey—from the miraculous catch, to his fears and failures, to his restoration in John 21—we see how Jesus meets us with grace and invites us into a deeper, wholehearted commitment. This message challenges each of us to consider what we might still be holding back and reminds us that when Jesus says, “Follow Me,” it’s a call that transforms everything.

Silent Night wasn’t nearly as quiet as we imagine. On the night Jesus was born, ordinary shepherds were doing what they always did—working, watching, and tending their sheep—when heaven broke into their normal routine. In Luke 2:8–20, God chose common, hardworking people to be the very first witnesses of the Savior’s birth, revealing that His good news is for everyone. As angels filled the sky with glory and proclamation, fear turned into faith, and ordinary men became bold messengers. The shepherds searched for Jesus with urgency, found Him just as they were told, and couldn’t stop telling others what they had seen and heard. This message reminds us that encountering Jesus doesn’t just change our schedule—it changes our lives. Have you found Him? And if you have, is His presence still showing in your life today?

In this Advent message from Pastor Steve we look closely at the often-overlooked human story behind the birth of Jesus by exploring the willingness of Mary and Joseph. Through Matthew 1:18–25 and Luke 2:1–7, we see two ordinary people facing extraordinary circumstances—unexpected pregnancy, public misunderstanding, physical hardship, and profound uncertainty—yet choosing obedience at great personal cost. Mary’s humble surrender, “May your word to me be fulfilled,” and Joseph’s quiet, faithful obedience reveal what true willingness looks like: being ready and eager to trust God even when the path is unclear. As we reflect on the humble birth of Jesus—Immanuel, God with us—we’re invited to ask a deeply personal Advent question: Have we made room for Him? This sermon challenges us to consider whether we, like Mary and Joseph, are willing to follow Jesus daily, surrender our plans, and trust God’s purposes no matter the cost.

In this message from Pastor Steve, we look at the moment when the angel Gabriel breaks hundreds of years of silence to visit a young woman in Nazareth—a humble, ordinary girl named Mary who is greeted as “highly favored.” Together we explore Luke 1:26–56 and the wonder of God choosing Mary to carry Jesus, the Son of the Most High, whose name means “The Lord Saves.” Through Mary’s fear, questions, courage, and surrender, we see how God enters the lives of those who are willing to say, “I am the Lord’s servant…have Your way with me.” This Christmas season, we’re invited to behold the Light, trust God beyond our understanding, and remember that His Kingdom and His promises never fail.

Your workplace is not just where you earn a living—it’s where you can live out your witness. When you shine Christ’s light at work, people see His glory in your everyday faithfulness.

Pastor Connor delivers a message from Colossians 3:23-24. Work becomes worship when we see our true Boss isn’t human—it’s Christ Himself. This week, we’ll explore how to serve God in everything we do with integrity, excellence, and passion.

Pastor Brandon kicks off a new series. Work was part of God’s perfect design before sin entered the world. But work was never meant to be our master. God calls us to enjoy the dignity of work without letting it define our worth.

What kind of legacy will your life leave? John ends with a reminder that faithfulness today shapes someone else’s tomorrow. Our presence, peace, and consistency ripple across generations. A faithful life, even in the small things, builds a foundation that outlasts us.

What does true greatness look like? In a world that measures success by fame, power, or influence, Scripture reminds us that greatness is found in faithfulness. In 3 John, we see a powerful contrast between Gaius, who quietly and humbly serves God and others, and Diotrephes, whose pride and opposition disrupt the church. This week, we’re talking about what it means to walk faithfully in God’s truth, even when no one is watching, and how small acts of service can have an eternal impact. Join us as we learn how to remain steadfast, overcome opposition, and follow Jesus’ example of humility and service.

In 2 & 3 John, we see that real love doesn’t always mean open doors—it sometimes means setting boundaries. John writes with a heart of love, warning the church about deception and urging them to guard their understanding of Jesus. Love without boundaries isn’t compassion; it’s compromise. True growth is not moving beyond Jesus but going deeper into Him, and joy is preserved when we hold fast to Christ together. In this message, we explore how to spot counterfeit love, draw wise boundaries, and pursue fellowship rooted in both truth and love, because real love isn’t neglect—it’s discerning, courageous, and anchored in truth.

When it comes to following Jesus, truth and love cannot be separated. Too often, we lean one way—either holding tightly to truth without love, which makes us harsh and self-righteous, or clinging to love without truth, which makes us sentimental and spineless. But the Apostle John reminds us that real discipleship means walking in both. Truth defines who we are; love is the way we live out truth. Like two wings of an airplane, both are essential—without one, we crash. In this message from 2 John, discover how truth anchors us, how love delivers it, and how the gospel brings both together at the cross. Learn how to become a “truth and love” person so that your faith is not only accurate, but also alive, compelling, and Christlike.

What kind of legacy are you leaving behind? This week we close our Three Kings series by asking a powerful question: Who am I becoming? Through the lives of Saul, David, and Solomon, we’ve seen how power, pleasure, and possessions can either build or break a leader’s life. But God’s blueprint for faithfulness in Deuteronomy 17:14–20 reminds us that legacy isn’t built in a day—it’s built daily.

What happens when you get everything you wanted—but it still isn’t enough? Solomon had wealth, wisdom, power, and peace. His reign marked the golden age of Israel, yet by the end of his life his soul was bankrupt. This sermon from 1 Kings 8–11 explores how success can make you comfortable, prideful, and eventually lead to spiritual drift if you stop depending on God. The blessings of God can quickly become barriers to God if we confuse our brilliance with His blessing. Comfort can replace prayer. Pride can replace humility. Drift can replace devotion. The story of Solomon warns us: when you stop trusting, you start drifting.

When life presses in with endless needs—security, success, relationships, health—we often chase quick fixes without ever asking the deeper question: What do I really need? In this message from 1 Kings 3, we look at Solomon’s defining moment when God asked him, “Ask what I shall give you.” Instead of wealth, power, or long life, Solomon asked for wisdom—a discerning heart to lead God’s people well. Real wisdom begins with humble dependence on God, grows when we admit our weakness, and leads to selfless living rooted in His purposes. What about you? Where in your life do you need God’s wisdom, not just your effort?

When time is short, words become focused—and David’s final public words are no exception. As a battle-worn king, humbled by grace, he points us to the foundation of a godly legacy: anchoring your life in God’s faithfulness, living with courage rooted in God’s Word, and recognizing that your faithfulness now shapes future generations. In 2 Samuel 23:1–5 and 1 Kings 2:1–4, David’s charge to Solomon is not about political power, but about walking faithfully before the Lord with all his heart and soul. Your legacy isn’t something you build when you’re old—it’s being shaped right now by every choice, habit, and relationship. What are you building today?

Worship isn’t just for the strong—it’s for the broken. In this powerful message, we explore how David learned to worship God not from a place of perfection, but from fear, failure, and faith. Whether you feel overwhelmed like David in Psalm 3, ashamed like he was in Psalm 51, or unsure of the future like in Psalm 23, God invites you to bring your whole heart. David’s raw honesty in worship teaches us that we don’t need to perform—we just need to be present. Learn how to worship through your fear, confess what’s broken, and trust God even when life is uncertain. God doesn’t want your performance. He wants your presence.

This week we explore 2 Samuel 13–18 and the heartbreaking ripple effects of unaddressed sin in David’s family. Just like hitting the snooze button delays the inevitable, David continually delays stepping into his role as a father and king—and the consequences are devastating. From Amnon’s violation of Tamar to Absalom’s revenge and eventual rebellion, we see what happens when responsibility is ignored and guilt goes unchecked. David had repented before God, but that didn’t erase the fallout in his household. Our actions—or inaction—teach more than we realize. This message challenges us to stop carrying guilt, step into repentance, and lead boldly, especially as fathers, men, and spiritual leaders. No matter your past, God isn’t done with you. Let’s fix our eyes on Jesus and walk forward in freedom.

What do you do when life isn’t fair — when you're attacked, misunderstood, or mistreated for doing the right thing? This week, Pastor Brandon looks at David’s remarkable response to unjust treatment in 1 Samuel 18 and 24. Instead of reacting with revenge or self-defense, David chooses restraint, humility, and integrity — showing us what it means to be the kind of person God uses. From Saul’s jealousy to David’s courageous mercy, this message explores the difference between opportunity and permission, and how our response in hard seasons shapes our character. Learn how to speak with honor, resist shortcuts to vindication, and trust God's timing. You can’t always control what’s done to you — but you can control your response.

What happens when our passion for God outpaces our obedience to Him? In this message from 2 Samuel 6, we see David’s desire to honor God take a dangerous turn when good intentions override clear instructions. Through the story of the ark’s return to Jerusalem, we learn that God doesn’t want performance—He wants reverent surrender. Worship without obedience is empty. From Uzzah’s tragic mistake to David’s transformation, this sermon explores how holy awe, humble obedience, and heartfelt joy must all work together in true worship. Don’t let your excitement for God outrun your obedience.

We all know the story of David and Goliath—but do we really see it? In Week 5 of our series, we explore how this familiar passage invites us to more than just a moral tale or personal triumph. It's not just about the giants we face—it's about the Champion who stands in our place. This message takes us deeper into the redemptive layers of 1 Samuel 17, where David’s bold faith points forward to Jesus, the One who fights the battle we never could. We aren’t David—we're the fearful Israelites in need of a Savior. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, afraid, or facing something bigger than yourself, this sermon will remind you: It will be okay. Jesus has won.

Have you ever felt overlooked or forgotten? In this message from 1 Samuel 16, we see how God chooses differently than the world—He looks past appearance and rewards the hidden places of faithfulness. David wasn’t the obvious choice, but he was God’s choice. Through Samuel’s grief and David’s anointing, we’re reminded that obscurity is not punishment—it’s preparation. If you’re in a quiet season, this message will encourage you to let go of the past, build your inner life, and stay faithful in the field—because God uses surrendered hearts, not impressive résumés.

In this week’s message, Pastor Brandon explores one of the darkest chapters in King Saul’s story—and the devastating effects of spiritual compromise. What began as small acts of disobedience grew into full-blown paranoia, fear, and destruction. In 1 Samuel 22, Saul orders the murder of God’s priests at Nob—a chilling picture of how unchecked compromise twists our judgment and hardens our hearts. This sermon unpacks the progression of Saul’s downfall and shows how compromise often begins with distorted reality and mistrust. Left unaddressed, it poisons relationships, severs godly influence, and leaves collateral damage in its wake. Whether you're struggling with insecurity, control, or bitterness, this message offers hope and practical steps to realign your heart with God. Learn how confession, reconciliation, and humility are key to breaking the cycle of compromise and reclaiming spiritual integrity.

Insecurity has a way of quietly eroding the influence God has given you. In this first message of the Three Kings series, Pastor Connor invites us to take an honest look in the mirror—to ask whether we’re leading from a deep confidence in God or from fear of losing control. Through the story of King Saul, we see how fear, pressure, and insecurity can drive us to take matters into our own hands, and how that choice can sabotage the impact God wants to make through us. This message challenges us to rethink what real leadership and spiritual strength look like—not in performance, but in obedience. Whether you're overwhelmed by life's pressures or tempted to prove yourself, God is after your heart, not just your results.

Have you ever wanted something—just because someone else had it? A relationship, a career, a lifestyle, a certain kind of life? That craving for what others have is more than envy—it’s a spiritual warning sign. In this week’s message from 1 Samuel 8, we launch our new series, Three Kings, by exploring Israel’s demand for a king. Tired of being different, they wanted to be “like all the other nations”—and it came at a cost. In this powerful teaching, we reflect on how envy can blind us to God’s blessings, how comparison leads to compromise, and how God sometimes gives us what we want to show us what we truly need. Even when our hearts drift, His mercy remains. This message will challenge you to examine what you’re chasing—and remind you that when you want what the world has, you risk missing what God has. Don’t miss the start of this timely and transformative journey.

What if you don’t have it all figured out? In a world that demands clarity, direction, and a five-year plan, what happens when you're filled with more questions than answers? This week’s message explores the power of faith without certainty. Jesus never asked for perfection—He invited the weary, the burdened, and the questioning. If you’ve ever wrestled with doubt, struggled to understand your next step, or wondered if faith was still for you, this message is for you. Discover why trusting Jesus doesn’t require having all the answers—just a willingness to follow.

What do you do when life feels broken, when God feels silent, and nothing makes sense? In this powerful message from Pastor Brandon, we explore the deep questions of pain, suffering, and faith through Romans 8 and 2 Corinthians 12. Life has a way of breaking us—whether it’s through sudden tragedy, chronic pain, or quiet despair. But amid the brokenness, God doesn't waste our pain—He weaves it into purpose. If you're struggling to hold it all together, wondering where God is in the middle of your suffering, this sermon is for you. Discover how God’s grace meets us in our weakness, how hope is born through hardship, and how nothing can separate us from the love of Christ. Featuring insights from C.S. Lewis and the apostle Paul, this message is a reminder that while the pain is real, it’s not the whole story—and it’s not the end of your story. Watch now to find strength in suffering, purpose in pain, and hope in Jesus.

Doubt isn’t the opposite of faith—it can be a doorway to deeper trust. In this message, we’ll explore how even Jesus’ own followers wrestled with uncertainty, and how God meets us in our questions with grace and truth.