We often desire change in our lives—whether spiritual transformation, better health, stronger relationships, or greater purpose—yet we resist the sacrifice required to achieve it. Pastor Dorrell examines 2 Corinthians 5:17 to argue that becoming a "new creature" in Christ demands intentional relinquishment of old patterns, habits, and even good activities that hinder spiritual growth. Drawing from Hebrews 12:1, Philippians 3:13-14, and the example of Martha in Luke 10, he illuminates the principle that progress requires exchange: something must die for something new to flourish. The sermon challenges listeners to audit their lives honestly and ask what they must release—whether sinful attitudes, anxious thoughts, or benign distractions—to pursue what God has called them to do.

We live as though we have unlimited time, yet every moment slips away irretrievably. How do we live with intention when time is our scarcest resource? Pastor Dorrell examines Galatians 6:9-10 to argue that time functions as a finite currency that demands deliberate stewardship. Drawing on Paul's exhortation to seize divine appointments (kairos moments) and live circumspectly, the sermon illuminates three essential practices: living selectively by prioritizing what matters eternally, living productively by investing in people and relationships, and living awarely by recognizing the seasons and opportunities God places before us. You are challenged to awaken to the preciousness of today and act intentionally to make your life count for eternity.

How are you spending the most valuable resource you possess? Pastor Dorrell confronts the modern tendency to squander time on meaningless pursuits, challenging believers to recognize that every second is a gift with eternal consequences. Through the apostle Paul's contrast between two Greek concepts of time—chronos (quantitative, passing time) and kairos (qualitative, redemptive moments)—Dorrell argues that Christians are called to transform ordinary moments into eternal investments. Rather than passively allowing life to slip away, believers must awaken to divine appointments and intentionally exchange their time for purchases that honor God and impact others. The sermon calls listeners to redeem their time through spiritual disciplines, relational investment, and purposeful service, ensuring that the moments of their lives become treasures stored in heaven.

Change is inevitable—yet it often leaves us anxious, uncertain, and grasping for stability. How can we navigate a rapidly shifting world without losing our footing? Pastor Joshua examines Hebrews 13:8 to argue that Jesus Christ's unchanging nature provides the anchor we need in an ever-changing life. By reflecting on God's faithfulness in the past, recognizing His presence today, and trusting His sovereignty over the future, believers can release fear and worry to embrace obedience and peace. This year, commit to trusting God with your unknowns, surrendering your anxieties, and living each day in confident reliance on His unchanging character.

Have you ever felt the tension between serving God out of genuine love and merely going through the motions of religious duty? Guest speaker Jason Jett examines Mary's extravagant act of worship—anointing Jesus' feet with costly perfume—to reveal what authentic devotion looks like. While others dismissed her sacrifice as wasteful, Jesus affirmed that love expressed for Him is never wasted. Jett argues that unwasted love requires three commitments: giving regardless of cost, serving regardless of humility, and doing what is right regardless of criticism. As you reflect on how you've invested your time and resources, consider whether your life reflects a love for Christ that transcends worldly judgment, and challenge yourself to expand the portion of your life devoted entirely to His kingdom.

How do we maintain spiritual stability when life swings dramatically from blessing to crisis? Jason Jett confronts the tension between life's extreme highs and lows—using vivid South Dakota weather patterns and the apostle Paul's testimony as illustrations. Drawing from Philippians 4:10-13, Jett argues that Christ's continually renewing strength is sufficient for every circumstance, and that believers must learn two essential disciplines: practicing gratitude during abundance and cultivating trust during hardship. The sermon challenges listeners to develop daily dependence on Christ's strength so that when life's extremes arrive, they are spiritually prepared to face them with thanksgiving and trust.

What does it mean when God seems silent in your life? Pastor Dorrell examines the four-hundred-year prophetic silence that preceded Jesus's birth, arguing that silence does not signify God's absence but rather His purposeful work behind the scenes. Through the Christmas narrative, he illuminates how the angelic announcement at Bethlehem shattered centuries of quiet with hope, joy, and the declaration that the Savior had arrived. Listeners are challenged to recognize that in their own seasons of darkness and waiting, God is actively working toward an eventual moment of praise, victory, and redemption.

What does it mean that Jesus Christ descended from a cursed bloodline, and how does His adoption as Joseph's son solve an impossible theological problem? Pastor Dorrell examines Matthew's genealogy to reveal that Jesus Christ uniquely satisfies both the royal and legal claims to David's throne, despite the curse on Jeconiah's descendants. Through the inclusion of Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, and Bathsheba—women of questionable reputation—the sermon argues that God's sovereignty orchestrates redemption through human failure and sin. If God can weave Christ's lineage through fourteen generations of imperfection and still produce the Messiah, then He can redeem your mistakes, forgive your failures, and graft you into His family through the blood of Christ.

In a world that confuses love with sentiment and struggles to give love as it should be given, how can we understand love's true nature? Pastor Dorrell examines Isaiah 9:6 to reveal that God's promise of love was not merely declared from heaven but incarnated in Jesus Christ—the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. Through these four titles, the sermon argues that Christ addresses humanity's deepest needs: guidance in confusion, strength in weakness, unconditional belonging, and peace amid chaos. Listeners are challenged to receive this ultimate gift of love and allow Christ's peace to transform their hearts and minds this Christmas season and beyond.

We often approach the Christmas story with sentiment and comfort, but what if its deeper message confronts us? Pastor Dorrell argues that Matthew 2 presents not merely a tale of Jesus's humble birth, but a theological challenge about kingship and authority. Using Herod's violent resistance to the news of a newborn king, the sermon illuminates how human hearts naturally resist submission to Christ's sovereign claim over our lives. The central thesis is stark: Jesus came not only as Savior but as King, demanding complete obedience and radical surrender—not as suggestion, but as the authoritative word of a ruler. Listeners are challenged to examine whether their lives give obvious evidence that a king truly rules over them, or whether they have domesticated Christ into a comfortable deity rather than the sovereign Lord he actually is.

In a world consumed by political turmoil, relational brokenness, and spiritual despair, where can we find genuine hope? Pastor Dorrell examines Isaiah's prophecy of light breaking into darkness, arguing that while humanity constantly seeks external solutions—political leaders, economic prosperity, technological advancement—our deepest need is spiritual. Through the incarnation of Jesus Christ, God offers not merely improved circumstances but transformation of the human heart. The sermon illuminates how Christ functions as Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace, providing the only true source of salvation and peace. Listeners are challenged to surrender their hearts to Jesus as the foundational solution to all darkness, making Him the starting point for genuine life change.

Do you feel torn apart by too many obligations, constantly anxious despite your attempts at better organization? Pastor Dorrell argues that our chronic busyness and accumulation of possessions fundamentally trouble our souls in ways that mere efficiency cannot solve. Drawing from Ecclesiastes 7:29 and the account of Martha and Mary in Luke 10, he contends that God designed us for singular focus and simplicity, not endless multiplication of responsibilities and things. The sermon challenges listeners to ruthlessly eliminate hurry, declutter their lives—finances, schedules, homes, and digital noise—and reorder their existence around their truest priority: intimacy with God and the peace that follows.

We often reduce Christmas to sentiment and tradition, yet we struggle with pride, conflict, and self-centeredness in our daily lives. How can the birth of Christ transform the way we treat one another? Pastor Dorrell argues that Paul presents Christ's incarnation not merely as theological wonder but as a practical model for Christian humility. By examining Philippians 2, he demonstrates that Jesus—though equal with God—emptied himself, took the form of a servant, and humbled himself completely. This self-reduction stands as the antidote to the strife and vainglory that fracture churches and families. Listeners are challenged to adopt the mind of Christ by becoming smaller in ego, larger in service, and committed to lifting others above themselves.

How can a carpenter born in obscurity transform the entire course of human history? Pastor Dorrell examines Isaiah's prophecy about Christ's humble, unremarkable appearance to argue that Jesus represents history's most improbable source of hope. Despite being born in poverty, dying as a criminal, and leaving behind no earthly possessions or monuments, Jesus has become the dominant figure of Western civilization, inspiring art, science, medicine, education, and the very values of human dignity and compassion. The sermon challenges listeners to consider what Jesus's transformative power has accomplished in their own hearts and calls them to contribute actively to his enduring legacy through authentic discipleship and faithful witness.

Do you find yourself spiritually depleted despite your best efforts to follow Christ? Pastor Dorrell examines Matthew 14:21-23 to reveal how Jesus modeled a critical spiritual discipline that most modern Christians neglect: solitude. Drawing from Christ's pattern of withdrawing to quiet places after seasons of ministry, Dorrell argues that intentional solitude is not a luxury but a necessary spiritual discipline that recharges our capacity to serve, clarifies God's direction, and transforms us into the likeness of Christ. He challenges listeners to establish a rhythm of daily, weekly, or seasonal alone time with God—whether through morning quiet time, solitary walks, or extended retreats—as an essential investment in spiritual growth and personal renewal.

Why do we accumulate possessions, chase promotions, and fill our schedules with endless tasks, yet feel no deeper satisfaction? Pastor Dorrell confronts the epidemic of spiritual emptiness that Solomon identified thousands of years ago—the disease of pursuing life apart from God. Using Ecclesiastes 6, he argues that abundance without God produces three devastating symptoms: the inability to enjoy what we have, meaningless labor that feeds only the body, and a life that impacts no one. The antidote is radical: insert God and people into the equation of your life. Choose to love those around you and receive their love in return, recognizing that happiness is not sold separately from relationship with God and genuine human connection. This holiday season, stop waiting for perfect circumstances and decide right now to make your life about people and the Lord.

Why does accumulating more possessions often leave us more restless rather than more satisfied? Pastor Dorrell confronts the cultural epidemic of discontent by examining Solomon's grand experiment in seeking happiness through wealth, pleasure, and power. Using Ecclesiastes, he argues that true satisfaction cannot be purchased or obtained externally—it is a spiritual gift found only through connection with God. The sermon reveals how possessions without God are like toys without batteries: promising but powerless. Listeners are challenged to shift their focus from acquiring the next thing to genuinely enjoying what they already possess, recognizing that contentment comes not from changing circumstances but from cultivating a heart rooted in God's provision.

Many of us live with a persistent sense of dissatisfaction, believing happiness will arrive only when circumstances improve or we acquire more. Yet gratitude—far from being a natural response to abundance—is a spiritual discipline that transforms how we perceive and experience life. Pastor Dorrell argues that deliberate thankfulness is not merely an emotional state but a command from God and a foundational practice for nourishing the soul. Drawing from 1 Thessalonians 5:18, he demonstrates how recognizing God's benefits, understanding our role as His beneficiaries, and consciously choosing gratitude reshapes our perspective and unlocks joy regardless of external conditions. Consider adopting gratitude as a daily spiritual practice, deliberately finding something to thank God for in every circumstance, and watch how your heart—and consequently your life—transforms.

In a culture that constantly pulls us toward compromise and spiritual dryness, how do we maintain vitality in our faith? Guest speaker Chuck Gourley uses Psalm 1 to reveal that the righteous person thrives by remaining planted near the source of living water—Jesus Christ—rather than by following the counsel of the ungodly, standing with sinners, or sitting with the scornful. Through the metaphor of a tree flourishing by a river, Chuck Gourley argues that spiritual fruit, endurance, and success flow naturally from consistent meditation on God's Word and daily communion with Him. He challenges listeners to examine their spiritual proximity to Christ and to recommit to a life of deliberate, day-and-night devotion to God's commands, trusting that He will produce lasting fruit in His season.

Why is gratitude so difficult for us, and why do we so easily default to complaint? Guest speaker Chuck Gourley argues that thanksgiving is not merely a holiday sentiment but a divine command that transforms our spiritual identity and witness. Drawing from 1 Thessalonians 5:18, he illuminates how gratitude functions as an overflow of the Holy Spirit's work within us—an attitude rooted in Christ's provision that inevitably spills into our interactions with others. He examines the specific blessings we possess in Christ: His constant presence, forgiveness, sufficient grace, and salvation. Chuck Gourley challenges believers to move beyond obligatory thanks to cultivate a genuine spirit of gratitude that reshapes perspective, produces joy, and testifies to God's goodness throughout every circumstance of life.

When God calls you to an impossible task, how do you respond? Guest speaker Furgus Tunnell examines the feeding of the five thousand to argue that God does not ask us to solve problems through our own strength, but rather to surrender what we have and trust Him to multiply it. Using the children's home ministry as a concrete example, he demonstrates that the disciples' focus on their lack—five loaves and two fishes—blinded them to Jesus's sufficiency. The sermon's central thesis challenges believers to identify the "impossible task" God has placed before them and to step forward in faith, offering their limited resources for His use. You are invited to surrender your five loaves and two fishes, whatever they may be, and witness how God transforms inadequacy into abundance.

Most marriages operate on reciprocity: we love our spouse when they love us, serve them when they serve us, and withdraw affection when they disappoint us. But what if the foundation of marital love shifted entirely? Pastor Daniel argues that Christian marriage must be God-centered rather than self-centered or even spouse-centered. Using 2 Corinthians 7:1 and Jesus's radical teaching in Luke 6:32-35, he contends that our primary motivation for loving and serving our spouse should be reverence for God, not the quality of their character or their treatment of us. When we recognize our spouse as God's beloved child, our heavenly Father becomes invested in how we treat them. You are challenged to examine whether your marriage is motivated by self-interest, reciprocal affection, or genuine fear and love of God—and to realign your daily interactions accordingly.

What happens when a church possesses talent, wealth, and spiritual gifts yet lacks the binding force that holds it together? Pastor Dorrell confronts this paradox through Paul's closing exhortation to the Corinthian church: "Let all your things be done with charity." The sermon argues that love—not intellect or ability—is the fundamental solution to every relational and spiritual problem. By examining Paul's diagnosis of the Corinthian church's failures (division, arrogance, selfishness, and pride), Pastor Dorrell illuminates how agape love functions as the governing principle for all Christian conduct, from the mundane to the consequential. He challenges listeners to make love their defining characteristic, filtering every word, decision, and action through the lens of another's highest good, even when doing so demands sacrifice.

Many Christians claim spiritual transformation yet show little evidence of genuine change in their daily lives. How can believers move beyond mere profession of faith to authentic spiritual power and growth? Pastor Dorrell argues that spiritual disciplines—particularly fasting—are not optional exercises but essential means of grace that cooperate with the Holy Spirit's sanctifying work. By deliberately denying our fleshly desires, we weaken the old man and strengthen our capacity to resist sin, overcome obstacles, and align ourselves with Christ's character. This sermon challenges listeners to embrace the radical disruption of fasting as a pathway to real spiritual breakthrough and transformation.

Our world claims to value peace while simultaneously waging wars, nursing grudges, and prioritizing personal comfort over reconciliation. But what does it truly mean to be a peacemaker? Pastor Ben argues that peacemakers are those who stop evaluating everything through the lens of self-interest and instead actively pursue reconciliation with God and others, following Christ's sacrificial example. Drawing from Matthew 5:9-12, he illuminates how genuine peacemaking differs fundamentally from passive people-pleasing, and how the Christian's willingness to face persecution for righteousness demonstrates authentic commitment to peace. You are challenged to examine your relationships and ask whether you are truly making peace or merely avoiding conflict for your own comfort.

Many of us struggle to finish what we start—whether in marriage, parenting, faith, or calling—because life's difficulties tempt us to abandon our posts. How do we find the strength to persevere when circumstances grow hard? Pastor Dorrell argues that Paul's final exhortation to the Corinthians reveals three requirements for spiritual survival: watchfulness, mature responsibility, and resolute strength grounded in faith. The sermon contends that true endurance is not achieved through willpower alone, but through a purpose greater than ourselves—our faith in Christ and our commitment to those we serve. You are challenged to identify what God has called you to guard and to stand fast on that ground, drawing daily on Christ's infinite strength to remain faithful.

In a world of constant noise and digital distraction, how can we cultivate a spiritual life that feels alive rather than depleted? Pastor Dorrell argues that modern culture—amplified by technology and relentless connectivity—creates an environment hostile to spiritual flourishing, leaving many believers spiritually atrophied. Drawing on 1 Timothy 4:7-8, he contends that intentional spiritual disciplines are not burdensome obligations but essential practices that create space for God's voice, reorder our misplaced priorities, and transform us from the inside out. The sermon challenges listeners to view fasting, prayer, Scripture meditation, and solitude not as duties to earn God's favor, but as tools to remove obstacles preventing us from experiencing His grace more fully. Commit today to one spiritual discipline that will deepen your connection with Christ and awaken your dormant soul.

What prevents us from experiencing God's presence in our daily lives? Pastor Daniel argues that an impure heart—contaminated by sin, selfish motives, and worldly compromise—blinds us to God's reality and fractures our relationships with others. Drawing from Matthew 5:8, he demonstrates that purity of heart is not merely a moral aspiration but the essential condition for seeing God in nature, history, and most importantly, in the people around us. Using the metaphor of a water filter and David's confession in Psalm 38, Daniel reveals how impurity burdens the soul and obscures our vision of the divine. He challenges listeners to halt their spiritual compromise, confess their sin, and allow God's Word to cleanse their hearts so they might recover the blessing of seeing God and loving others as Christ does.

In a world of endless distractions and subtle spiritual dangers, how do we maintain vigilance in our faith? Pastor Dorrell argues that Paul's final exhortation to the Corinthians—"Watch ye, stand fast in the faith"—addresses our fundamental human tendency toward spiritual carelessness and drift. Drawing on Deuteronomy 8 and biblical warnings throughout Scripture, he demonstrates that we are naturally inclined to forget God's goodness, fail to perceive danger until it's too late, and underestimate the enemy's strategic assault on our relationships, faithfulness, and joy. The sermon challenges believers to reposition their spiritual sentries, maintain constant awareness of potential threats—both from worldly allurements and internal compromise—and protect the blessings God has entrusted to them. Will you commit today to watching out for the subtle ways you might be drifting from your walk with Christ?

Can we maintain spiritual freedom and biblical thinking when our minds are constantly flooded with digital information? Pastor Dorrell confronts the insidious ways smartphones and social media have created a form of bondage that threatens both individual souls and church unity. Using 1 Corinthians 6:12—"All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any"—he argues that while technology itself is morally neutral, our unchecked attachment to devices has compromised our capacity for prayer, genuine relationships, and sound doctrine. Drawing on contemporary research and pastoral experience, Dorrell reveals how digital distraction fragments our attention, isolates us despite promises of connection, and leaves us vulnerable to ideological capture. He challenges listeners to reclaim their souls through intentional boundaries, sustained silence, and renewed devotion to Scripture and face-to-face community.