Explore every episode of the podcast The Garden Church

Ever wrestle with big questions about faith, church, or life? This week, we’re diving into your questions. From God’s justice to church models, generosity, and healing from past wounds, Pastor Nolan offers honest and hope-filled answers rooted in Scripture and practical wisdom.

It’s a Sunday of clarity and connection—where bold questions meet biblical truth. Let’s explore how these conversations shape our faith and unite us as a community walking out God’s greater story together. Don’t miss this engaging and transformative experience!

If you enjoyed this sermon, check out The Skeptics & Saints Podcast!
This is where bold questions meet thoughtful discussions—controversy, theology, culture, and apologetics collide. From challenging skeptics to encouraging saints, this podcast tackles tough topics, unpacks Scripture, and engages real conversations about following Jesus in a broken world. Whether you’re questioning faith or seeking to grow in it, The Skeptics & Saints Podcast is a space to deepen understanding and discover the claims of Jesus.

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What if the most life-changing moment in history wasn’t marked by power or prestige but by a breathtaking announcement in the stillness of night? In Luke 2:8-20, shepherds—ordinary, overlooked, and unprepared—are swept into the center of God’s extraordinary plan.

This message invites us to rediscover the raw wonder of that night: heaven breaking into darkness, a Savior born in humility, and the unstoppable joy that follows. It’s not just a story; it’s an invitation to step into the light, embrace the message, and carry it forward. This Christmas, experience the thrill of God’s perfect plan unfolding.

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!
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What 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. 

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!
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Faith sees what others can’t. It’s the audacity to move forward when the world hesitates.

This message unpacks the journey of the wise men, who followed a star woven into creation’s fabric, a Scripture that whispered clarity amidst mystery, and a story that faced relentless sabotage. Their radical obedience and surrender to Jesus turned an ancient journey into a timeless blueprint for faith today.

Are you willing to confront the pride that blinds, embrace Scripture that illuminates, and surrender to the One who is worthy? It’s time to go all in. Faith isn’t safe—it’s revolutionary.

What if the freedom you’ve been chasing is found in surrender?
In a culture obsessed with autonomy and self-determination, obedience feels like a relic of the past. We celebrate independence with phrases like “You do you” or “Be your own hero,” but could this mindset be robbing us of something greater? The Bible teaches that obedience isn’t a limitation—it’s the pathway to God’s blessing and purpose.

Through Joseph’s story, we see a radical trust in God that defied fear, pride, and logic. His quiet integrity and willingness to obey positioned him for a role in God’s larger story—a story that brings freedom, not restriction. Obedience isn’t passive; it’s an act of faith that unlocks power, purpose, and spiritual growth.

Ready to embrace the paradox of obedience? Dive into this message and rediscover the beauty of surrendering to God’s perfect plan.

In this week’s message, we continue The Story of the Ages series with a deep dive into Luke 3, exploring John the Baptist's powerful call to repentance and the significance of preparing the way for Jesus. John’s message is not just an ancient call to a specific people but a divine invitation for all of us today to turn from sin and embrace the transformative grace of Christ. Together, we'll reflect on the profound truth: Jesus changes everything, and He calls us to bear fruits that reflect a life aligned with Him.

Are you bearing fruits in keeping with repentance? As we move toward 2025 and God’s vision for this church, let’s seek Him boldly, pray fervently, and live out the Gospel in ways that show the world Jesus changes lives, including our own.

Join us as we unpack how repentance reshapes our lives, how we can live out the fruits of true heart change, and how we are all part of God’s greater story—a story that invites us to step boldly into our role as His Church.

Every single one of us craves a life of significance. We want to build something that lasts, something that echoes beyond our brief time on this earth. You’ve likely felt the tension between investing in what matters most and getting swept up in the rush of day-to-day life.

But what if you’ve been invited into a story that doesn’t end? What if, right now, we have an opportunity to shape lives, change families, and leave a legacy that will outlast us? That's what we're doing as we launch an initiative called: A Bigger Story. It's an effort to harness the wild move of God happening among us by moving toward a more permanent facility.

We have a vision to create a space where lives are transformed, families are strengthened, and hope is restored. It's not just about building a place; it’s about building the future. And it’s about your role in it.

In Luke 1:26–38, we witness a breathtaking moment where heaven meets earth. The angel Gabriel brings an extraordinary message to an ordinary girl, Mary, in the humble town of Nazareth. God's plan to redeem humanity unfolds through her as she is called to bear the Messiah, Jesus—the Son of the Most High, whose kingdom will never end.  

Mary’s initial fear and questioning turn into a beautiful surrender, reminding us that God doesn't need the worthy but the willing to accomplish His eternal purposes. This passage invites us to marvel at God's faithfulness to His promises, embrace the truth that nothing is impossible with Him, and respond with the same humility and trust that Mary exemplifies.  

This story is not just about Mary’s calling; it’s an invitation for all of us to step into God’s bigger story, trusting that He can use us—brokenness, questions, and all—to build something that echoes into eternity.

In John 2:1–12, Jesus' first miracle is more than an act of provision; it heralds a new era of grace, joy, and spiritual renewal. This first miracle isn't just about provision; it's a declaration of a new era—one of abundant grace, joy, and deep cleansing for our souls. Through symbolic water jars meant for purification, Jesus demonstrates His power to meet our deepest needs, cleanse our hearts, and fill our lives to overflowing with His love.

This passage invites us to step into the fullness of His grace, to reflect on our need for transformation, and to trust Him as the true source of renewal. Don’t miss this powerful moment where the ordinary becomes extraordinary through Jesus!

Life often brings moments where we find ourselves longing to hear from God. We all crave a sense of His presence and guidance. In John 1:43-51, we see the story of Jesus calling Philip, who then shares this life-changing news with Nathanael. Even with initial skepticism, Nathanael is drawn to meet Jesus and ultimately encounters God in a powerful, personal way.

This passage invites us to think about how God speaks to us today. As we study this together, let’s explore the way God reveals Himself and consider how we might respond when He calls.

Why settle for the world’s version of acceptance when Jesus offers something far more radical? He disrupts our ideas of validation, identity, and purpose with a personal invitation that isn’t based on talent, perfection, or achievement. Through this invitation, Jesus not only reshapes our priorities but rewrites our identities, calling us out of our comfort zone, igniting a new purpose, and empowering us to lead others into the transformative freedom that only He can offer.

In a world consumed by self-image, where every scroll, post, and click pulls us further into the culture of personal branding and validation, we find ourselves more disconnected and anxious than ever. Could it be that true freedom lies not in being noticed, but in stepping aside? In "The Art of Being Forgotten," we explore the powerful paradox of selflessness, turning to the lives of John the Baptist and other humble leaders who found deep, lasting fulfillment in lives dedicated to something beyond themselves. John the Baptist, known not for self-promotion but for his relentless focus on Christ, shows us what it means to make way for a purpose greater than our own. Rather than seeking fame, he lived to magnify Jesus, embracing a life that pointed to something—Someone—eternally more significant than his own story. 

What if God revealed Himself to you—personally? In the chaos of our world, Jesus enters as the eternal Word, the Logos, bringing order and light where there is darkness. The God who created everything didn’t stay distant—He became flesh, full of love and truth, to make Himself known to us. In a world that’s blind to the light, will you receive Him or resist Him? This message is an invitation to experience the radical transformation that comes when God speaks order into your chaos and light into your soul.

What if you could meet someone who knew Jesus—personally? Not just someone who heard about Him, but someone who walked beside Him, shared meals with Him, and witnessed His greatest miracles firsthand. John offers us that rare glimpse into the life of Christ.

The Gospel of John is a book unlike any other. It’s not just a retelling of Jesus’ life—it’s the inside story, written by His closest friend. John’s perspective shakes up everything we thought we knew about Jesus. He challenges us to look beyond the surface and see the world through the holes in Jesus' hands—the one thing left untouched by His resurrection glory. Whether you’re a skeptic, a seeker, or someone whose faith feels routine, this message is a bold invitation to experience the radical, nail-pierced love of the living Christ.

Have you ever felt like you're just drifting through life, wondering if there’s something more? Deep down, we all want a mission—a reason to get up in the morning. What if that wasn't on accident, but part of our design? And what if there was a mission that’s bigger than anything this world offers, one that could transform your life today? In this teaching from Colossians 4:17, we'll explore the mission you were made for, and the ministry you were specifically given.

Life can be tough, and disappointment often feels like a heavy weight that we can't shake off. Whether it’s the pain of infertility, the heartache of divorce, or the struggle of loneliness, we all have seasons that test our faith. But what if your disappointment could be transformed into a source of strength?

Do you feel overwhelmed by setbacks? Are you navigating a journey of grief, loss, or shattered dreams? Wondering how to find hope in the midst of hardship?

In this sermon, we’ll explore how to redefine disappointment through God’s presence, purpose, and promise. Jesus meets us in our pain, offering a powerful reminder that we are never alone.

In a world obsessed with hookup culture, swiping right, and casual relationships, singleness is often dismissed as a flaw to be corrected or a void to be filled. But what if your time of singleness isn't a burden but a blessing? What if it’s not a waiting room for marriage but a powerful season to grow in undivided devotion to the Lord?

In this sermon, we dive into 1 Corinthians 7:32-38 to uncover the unique opportunities that come with singleness. Whether you’re single by choice or circumstance, this message will challenge you to see your singleness as a weapon in God’s hands rather than a waste in yours.

Marriage is the foundation of every family and families are the fabric of society. The decline of society today is a direct result of the deteriorating state of marriages. How is your marriage doing? It's not an easy but it is a holy task. In Ephesians 5 we find hope and practical instruction for marriage. Listen to this teaching to learn more. 

Many awakenings and revivals have taken place in church history. Seasons where an extraordinary outpouring of God's Spirit was felt through the preaching of the Gospel and mass salvation. Could it happen today?

We can't spark a move of God, but we can live in a way that reflects the hearts of those who participated in them. In Acts 19 we see God use Paul to upend a region with the power of the Gospel. In this message Nolan Tjaden illuminates three important aspects of the movement that we should embrace today.

Parenting is hard. So many of us have days we feel like failures. But there few opportunities given to mankind that are as weighty. So how do we parent well? We need the wisdom of God’s Word. In this teaching, Justin Doyle opens up Judges 2 to offer a biblical perspective and helpful insights on parenting.

The  world says masculinity is toxic. We're convinced good men are the key to renewed families.  Tragically, few men have been given a vision for whole, humble, courageous masculinity. Most have been handed an inheritance of brokenness, anger, insecurity, and shame. Question: What about you? What were you handed? What mess have you created?

Men striving to lead face: countless pressures, endless distraction, a sinking economy, and a daily battle with the world the flesh and the devil...no big deal!
 
TAKE BACK YOUR FAMILY.
No matter what you've been handed, God can use you in the lives of your kids. God offers forgiveness to mend you and principles to strengthen you. We'll unpack them Sunday. We'll offer a powerful resource too!

When have you moved to find a better home? There is deep homesickness in the human heart--and the worldview of the Bible says one day that deep ache will be satisfied in a better city called the New Jerusalem. The Bible claims Jesus will return and bring us into our ultimate home. This message reveals the beauty, urgency, and imminence of Jesus' return. Lean into Revelation 22:1-21 in this teaching.

When have you sought a new home or new life in a new location? When have you felt homesick? There is a deep and inescapable longing for home in the human heart. Why is that there? For the follower of Jesus, it's easy to setup life as though this is it. But we are resident aliens made for a better world. So how should we approach today? We are called to live the heaven life backward into the present. We get a glorious vision of eternity in Revelation 21. Lean in as Jonesy takes us through this text.

New Here Night!

This topic is often ignored but vital for our souls. We weren’t made for safe spaces and the coddling of our minds. We were made for a God whose awe-striking magnitude moves something deep within us and drives out into an adventure with Him. Are you aimless? Are you bored by life? Find in God the terrifying majesty your soul thirsts for.

Do you ever feel that you're beyond hope? Or do you ever feel like there's someone you know who will never find life change in Jesus? This week we got to hear from Josh White. Josh is a leader whose voice is a unique gift to the Church, in this message he powerfully spurs us toward radical love and evangelism!  In this message he preached 1 Corinthians 1:23 "We preach Christ crucified". In it you'll hear heart-wrenching stories of grace and regain the belief that as long as there's breath in our lungs there's hope for our souls.

New to The Garden and want to get connected?

Join us for  NEW HERE NIGHT by using THIS LINK!

When have you chased after things in the world and found that nothing truly satisfies?

According to the bible: The whole of history is a tale of two spiritual cities:

• BABYLON- the worldly city of man marked by self indulgence, chasing wealth, sexual immorality and power.
• NEW JERUSALEM - the heavenly city of God, self-denial, humility, love, and joy.

But here's the thing...

Babylon and all of its lust and power is temporary.
Jerusalem and it’s truer beauty + higher virtues is eternal.

Revelation 18 asks: Which city are YOU a part of? The message today inisits→ COME OUT OF THE CITY OF DEATH AND INTO LIFE. Come out of the city that promises things that will never satisfy. And enter in to the city that offers deeper and lasting joy.

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Join us at NEW HERE NIGHT!

The world lures us towards all kinds of shiny things, but nothing ever seems to satisfy. What if we weren't made to find ultimate satisfaction in the world or what it offers? In this message, Justin Doyle unpacks Revelation 17. It describes in visceral terms the seductive and destructive nature of the world and offers us the better way of Jesus.

NEW HERE NIGHT

Do you take God seriously? God's judgement is a topic many people avoid or dislike. But without a God of holiness and power, our faith is anemic. In this passage we see that God is not to be trifled with, and because of that we need His saving. So what is the meaning of judgement? Who is in danger of it? How do we escape it? In this teaching through Revelation 16:1-21 we find the answer to these questions and more.

What makes you angry? The human experience is marked by injustice, bitterness and chaos. What can bring resolution, stillness, order in the chaos? In Revelation 15 we see God unravels all injustive, stills chaos, and brings good news to the nations. God alone can bring and end to evil and renewal to the world--and you and I are invited into the story.

As the world gets darker, it's also more ripe for renewal. There is so much power in the Gospel to change hearts, shape lives, and save souls across the world. That's what we find in the vision of Revelation 14. Lean in as Nolan walks us through the power of the Gospel for Revival.

When has life felt like a battle? We feel that way because there is a real spiritual war under the surface. This is not a mystical concept but practical and everyday reality. Where is your battlefield? But God provides real weapons to win this war. Listen to this teaching on Revelation 12-13 and the Mark of the Beast to learn more.

What story shape reality? Everyone believes some kind of story about where the world came from. What story accounts for the things that we see going on all around us? Is it the story of atheism that says it's all random? Is it the story of New Age which says humanity is perfect and divine, able to create his own reality? The Bible enters in and says none of that accounts for the chaos in the world around us. Instead the story of reality is spiritual warfare. There's been a war raging and human beings are caught up in that war.

In our culture today, it looks bad for the church. The fastest growing religion is no religious affiliation. Every year in the U.S. more churches are dying than are planted. But you were born for this moment!

Our spiritual mother’s and father’s ran their race faithfully. What about you? The baton of the Gospel has been passed to you and the question is will you carry it fearlessly? Will you carry your cross? Will you preach the Gospel? Will you stay faithful in spite of the obstacles?

Maybe you don’t see the need for God’s authority in your life. But without God's benevolent authority our world is sliding into insanity. Without Jesus, all our striving to manufacture a society of righteousness will only produce more chaos. The deepest human need today is for Jesus to be enthroned at the center of society. Are you committed to Jesus and His Kingdom? What does that look like? In Revelation 10:1-11 we see how. Watch this teaching by Nolan Tjaden to learn more.

This world is an occupied territory. The enemy has taken captive the souls of men and women and hijacked media to advance his cause. The problem is most of us are so distracted that we’ve been lulled into spiritual slumber. Revelation 9:1-21  is a wake up call designed to rattle us out of sleep and mobilize us to action. How do we engage in Spiritual Warfare? Listen to this teaching by Nolan Tjaden to learn more.

Are you a doer? Why should I pray when I have so much work to do? In this passage we see that prayer IS the work! Prayer has the power to shake the earth. Are you taking hold of this game-changing resource. All followers of Jesus are invited into the mysterious thunder of prayer. 

Listen to this teaching in Revelation 8:5-13 to learn more.

When the world around you unravels, where are you going to look? There's only two options: the temporal or eternal. Everything in this world will fail you but God has power not available that the world can't offer. We access Him through prayer. But does Prayer Really work? 

Revelation 8:1-4 answers that and many other objections to prayer we'll look at this teaching and the next. Today’s message is on the power of prayer in an unraveling world.

We hear words like "Salvation" and they sound like strange religious terms you hear from a spooky catholic priest on TV. But if we pause and unpack them we discover their power!

WHAT IS SALVATION?
WHAT DO I NEED TO BE SAVED FROM?
WHO CAN SAVE ME AND HOW?

This message digs into the rich biblical meaning of a beautiful, life-changing concept. This would be a PHENOMENAL talk to send to a friend who doesn't know much about Christianity. What skeptic could you send this to?

Want to learn more about The Garden? VISIT NEW HERE NIGHT!

Want to be baptized next baptism? LET US KNOW!

There is a difference between love that’s sugary and love marked by loyalty. It’s the difference between wedding day love and the love that sits at the side of a loved ones death bed; between the friendship you have with buddies at the dive bar and that of a band of brothers willing to risk their lives for one another.

Do you want to love people like that?

You must experience loyal love before you can extend loyal love. Maybe you’ve NEVER experienced this kind of love. And even hearing about it makes you feel discouraged. But if you encounter Jesus today this love can take hold of you and ultimately come through you.

The goal is not just to live but to pour your life out for Jesus.

If there is no God there's nothing really worth pouring yourself out to. It all fades away in the end. But if Jesus is who He said He was, there's something deep and eternal with giving yourself to. So how do you live poured out? There are powerful insights in Revelation 6:9-17 that will pour into you.

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COMMIT TO A SERVICE
STEP UP TO SERVE KIDS

This episode is the story of  the first year of planting roots in the West Valley.

Pre-launch was a story of Gospel-risk, beautiful community, and the collective ownership of the mission by humble, Jesus-centered people .

Post-Launch has been like re-living the book of Acts!

The Holy Spirit is moving in the West Valley. In this conversation with Nolan and Lindsey, we pause and reflect on what He has done and look forward to where we're going.

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GO TO NEW HERE NIGHT!
GIVE TO THE MISSION!

The end is coming! Buuuut we can't know when...

Instead of predicting precise details of the end times, the book of Revelation puts forward life-changing truths in the midst of our everyday struggles. Specifically pain. 

What are you going to do with the problem of suffering and hardship? In the famous passage about the four horsemen of the apocalypse, we see that Jesus is the hope you need in a hellish world.

If the resurrection of Jesus is true, it changes everything. It can move you from heartache to hope, from weeping to worship. In this teaching, we zoom in on a scene around the throne room of God, where we see the resurrected Jesus celebrated, and the meaning of the death and resurrection explained. There's power in what Jesus did that will change your life today--it can move you from weeping to worship.

The fastest growing worldview today is "no religious affiliation". Every corner of culture screams "right now is all you have". But John sees a vision in Revelation 4 that tells a totally different story: right now counts forever. 

Behind reality is the throne room of God. From flying creatures to glowing rainbows, the throne room is something to behold! There are insights we gain from a glimpse of God's throne room that offers new meaning to both skeptics and saints. Listen to this teaching by Nolan Tjaden to find out why right now counts forever.

Eschatology is the study of last things. Everyone has an eschatology, even atheists. Bertrand Russel said humanity is destined “to extinction in the vast death of the solar system” so you should build your life on the “foundation of unyielding despair”. Christianity offers something infinitely better. 

Sadly many Christians, especially young Christians are functionally agnostic about the return of Christ. In today's teaching, Nolan Tjaden makes a case that Christ's return is not a sleepy doctrine for religious debate but a seismic truth that awakens the hearts of the spiritually dead.

Today we’re eavesdropping on a letter from Jesus to a church that had lost her taste for Jesus. There was a detached, numbness inside of the church of Laodicea toward Jesus, a numbness brought on by their interest in themselves and thus disinterest with Him. Jesus is so disturbed by their lukewarmness that he says it’s actually He that will spit THEM out of his mouth!

Have you grown cold and apathetic toward God? In this teaching, Nolan Tjaden walks through Revelation 3:14-22 that you might discover or rediscover the worth of Jesus.

Are you an effective evangelist? In this passage we find two powerful principles for being an effective and unflinching witness to Jesus. 

Jesus promised his followers in the ancient city of Philadelphia an open door to advance the Kingdom. What if you could impact eternity? Listen to this teaching to learn how.

Are Christians to avoid culture or engage it? Often, in a right desire to live honorable lives Christians, followers of Jesus err by losing all touch with those who don't yet know Jesus. But rather than hiding away on defense, the Church is called to be an influence. Jesus calls us to be on offense. 

In the letter to the church of Philadelphia, Jesus says He is going open for them a door for the Gospel. Imagine if you too could experience God opening a door for the Gospel in your spheres of influence! How does this happen? Nolan Tjaden explores several important elements.

Do you know someone who walked away from Jesus because of Church hurt? Data reveals that the number one reason people say they disbelieve in God is the hypocrisy of Christians. Christian hypocrisy hurts people.

That's why in Revelation 3:1-6 Jesus addresses a church marked by a better reputation than character. The church of Sardis seemed to be alive but in actuality was dead.

How do we know if we're spiritually alive? How do we deal with our own hypocrisy? In this message, we'll see how we can see our souls and city made authentic and alive through the Gospel.

From fact checkers to deep fakes to fake news to lies surround us everywhere today. But that's nothing new. And fake bible teachers and false prophets are no exception. But the truth is lies aren't always insidious. Sometimes they feel really good and really tempting. Jesus writes to a church that feels like that. Thyatira is tempted by the idea that they can follow Jesus and embrace any kind of sexuality. A false prophetess is teaching them as much. But in this passage we find power to idenitify and resist the  lies and become uncompromising followers of Jesus.From fact checkers to deep fakes to fake news—lies surround us everywhere today. But that's nothing new. And fake bible teachers and false prophets are no exception. 🗣️

Lies don’t always seem insidious. ❗️
Sometimes they feel really good and really tempting. 

Jesus writes to a church that feels like that. ✉️

Thyatira is tempted by the idea that they can follow Jesus and embrace any kind of sexuality. A false prophetess is teaching them as much. But in this passage we find power to identify and resist the lies and become uncompromising followers of Jesus.

Give our most recent podcast a listen or pop over to our YouTube channel to watch! 🎙️📺