The Podcast
Each week our pastors study diligently to deliver practical, thought-provoking messages from the Word of God.
Featured Series:
The timing of Christ's return has sparked endless speculation, but what if our curiosity about the 'when' causes us to neglect the 'what' of our present lives? Examining Jesus' teachings in Matthew 24:36-51, Pastor Ben argues that Christ intentionally redirects his disciples' questions about eschatology toward the urgency of practical faithfulness. The sermon's thesis asserts that since no one knows the day or the hour, true readiness is not about cracking a timeline but about being a 'faithful and wise servant' who is consistently stewarding their God-given assignments. Listeners are ultimately challenged to assess their own lives and persevere in service so they may be found 'so doing' when the end comes.
Why does Jesus promise happiness to those who mourn? We instinctively avoid sorrow, often ignoring or excusing our sin rather than facing the grief it causes. Pastor Dorrell examines Matthew 5:4 to argue that the “mourning” Jesus blesses is not general sadness, but a specific and necessary grief over our personal sin. Building on the foundation of being “poor in spirit,” he demonstrates that this honest grief is the essential prerequisite for receiving the profound comfort of the Holy Spirit. This message challenges the listener to courageously confront their own sin, to grieve it honestly, and to thereby discover the unparalleled joy and comfort that God promises to the mournful.
How do we truly measure spiritual maturity? In a world focused on impressive talents and outward success, Christians can mistakenly elevate spiritual gifts, leading to pride, comparison, and division. Examining the iconic chapter of 1 Corinthians 13, Pastor Ben confronts this miscalculation. He argues that Paul presents "a more excellent way," demonstrating that without charity—a radical, selfless love in action—all other spiritual demonstrations are ultimately empty and amount to nothing. This love, perfectly embodied by Christ, is the supreme virtue and the true evidence of the Spirit's work. Listeners are challenged to stop being a mere reflection of a selfish world and instead become a clear window through which others can see the love of Christ.
Have you ever felt a heavy burden to act, yet God seems silent? We hate waiting; it makes us feel powerless and anxious, tempting us to force a solution on our own timetable. Examining Nehemiah's four-month wait before King Artaxerxes, Pastor Daniel argues that the initiative for opening doors belongs to God, not us. The sermon illuminates how true faith is demonstrated not by rushing ahead, but by patiently praying and actively preparing for the opportunity God will provide. While we wait, God is not inactive; He is working on our hearts and on the hearts of those in authority to bring about His perfect will. This message challenges listeners to trust God's sovereignty in the waiting, allowing Him to build the strength and courage needed for the work He has prepared.
Why do the high standards of Christian character, like the Beatitudes, often feel so unattainable? Many believers strive to be meek, merciful, and pure in heart, only to find their own spiritual resources completely depleted. Examining the first Beatitude, Pastor Daniel argues that this feeling of inadequacy is not a failure, but the essential starting point for a vibrant faith. He illuminates what it means to be "poor in spirit"—a continuous realization of our own spiritual insufficiency and complete dependence on God. This posture of humility is presented not as a weakness, but as the foundational prerequisite for receiving God's strength and grace. Listeners are challenged to cultivate this spiritual poverty through a more sincere and fervent prayer life.
When we attend a church service, is our primary role to receive a blessing, or to be a blessing? We often focus on what we get out of worship, but what is our obligation to others in the room? Examining the disorder in the Corinthian church, Pastor Dorrell analyzes 1 Corinthians 14 to argue that the purpose of the gathered assembly is the mutual edification of believers and a clear witness to outsiders. He contends that intelligibility and love must govern our worship, moving the focus from individual experience to corporate well-being. The worship service is therefore a shared responsibility, not a performance for spectators. This message challenges each believer to consider their active role, consciously contributing to an environment where others are built up and can plainly see that God is truly present.
In a culture that promotes an isolated, self-focused life, how should a Christian practically respond to the immense grace of salvation? Is a private faith enough? Pastor Dorrell examines Romans 12:3-8, arguing that the first and most reasonable act of worship following salvation is active participation in a local church community. He posits that a truly transformed life moves beyond self-interest to embrace the 'other orientation' God requires, where gratitude is expressed by humbly using one's unique gifts for the mutual edification and unity of the body of Christ. Listeners are challenged to reject spiritual isolation and commit to serving others within their church, recognizing this as the primary expression of a life transformed by the gospel.
We often equate being "blessed" with fleeting happiness or earthly prosperity, and view the Kingdom of Heaven as a distant, future hope. What if this understanding misses the point of Jesus's most famous sermon? In this introduction to the Beatitudes, Pastor Daniel examines Jesus's radical definition of blessedness. He argues that being "blessed" signifies possessing the deep, stable favor of God that comes with being a citizen of heaven—a citizenship that is a present reality, not merely a future promise. Jesus's message establishes that wherever His reign is present, the Kingdom is there. Listeners are challenged to live as practicing citizens of heaven now, embracing the responsibilities and characteristics that define this heavenly kingdom.
In this message, Pastor Dorrell examines 1 Corinthians 12 to address the proper understanding and use of spiritual gifts within the church. Using the Apostle Paul's instruction to the divided Corinthian church, he explains that while believers possess a wide variety of gifts, they all originate from the same Spirit for a unified purpose. Pastor Dorrell uses the powerful analogy of the body to illustrate that every single member, regardless of how prominent or hidden their function may seem, is essential for the health and effectiveness of the whole. This sermon challenges the tendency to undervalue one's own contribution, reminding us that God has uniquely and supernaturally equipped every person to play an indispensable role in building up the local church.
As a church grows, it's tempting to believe that your individual contribution isn't necessary. Pastor Dorrell confronts this dangerous assumption by looking at the tribes of Reuben and Gad in Numbers 32, who initially wanted to sit out of the fight. This message explores how non-participation is not a neutral act, but one that can discourage the entire body and hinder the work God has for the church. Discover why God expects every member to be an active contributor and how your unique involvement is not only noticed but is crucial for the health, spirit, and success of the ministry.
In this message, Pastor Dorrell explores the dynamic nature of God's grace, drawing from 1 Corinthians 15 to illustrate that it is not a dead-end gift to be kept, but a powerful blessing meant to flow through us. He explains how we are called to be conduits, extending the same hope and goodness we have received to the people around us. This sermon unpacks the practical ways we can labor in God's grace—through meaningful connection, words of encouragement, and contagious joy—challenging us to rethink Christian growth as a transformative force that not only changes us but also enriches the lives of others.
In this message, Pastor Dorrell examines 1 Corinthians 11, where the Apostle Paul confronts a church facing destruction not from outside forces, but from internal decay. Using the Corinthians' divisive and self-centered behavior during the Lord's Supper as a case study, Pastor Dorrell highlights the spiritual dangers of indifference and treating church as a consumer experience. He challenges us to move beyond simply attending services and instead embrace our role as active members of the body of Christ, called to serve, encourage, and care for one another. This sermon is a call for honest self-examination and spiritual "recalibration," urging us to close the gap of indifference and truly live as a church family.
Drawing from the dedication of the Tabernacle in Numbers chapter 7, Pastor Dorrell examines the timeless principle that anything of value requires ongoing maintenance and investment. Just as the leaders of Israel brought offerings to provide for the place of worship, so too must the church be sustained by the continuous, shared participation of its people. Pastor Dorrell explains that this provision extends beyond finances to include our presence, our service, and a thoughtful, joyful attitude. This message explores how our collective investment in the spiritual life of the community creates an environment where God’s presence is pleased to dwell.
In a culture that increasingly seeks to blur and erase gender distinctions, Pastor Dorrell turns to 1 Corinthians 11 to explore the biblical foundations for masculinity and femininity. He examines Paul's instructions to the Corinthian church, not as an outdated cultural mandate for head coverings, but as a timeless principle for honoring God's created order. Contrasting the Bible's clarity with the modern agenda promoting gender confusion in media and education, this message is a call for Christians to thoughtfully embrace their God-given identities. It encourages men and women to reject cultural passivity and instead live out their distinct, complementary roles in a way that brings glory to God and provides a clear testimony to a watching world.
Do you ever feel like your spiritual life is sputtering, not operating at its full potential? Pastor Dorrell compares this to a car running poorly because of water in the gas tank. Drawing from the instructions for the Nazarite vow in Numbers chapter 6, he explains how dedicated seasons of seeking God can remove the things hindering our faith. By exploring the principles of surrendering pleasures, yielding control, and avoiding defilement, this message provides a practical framework for intentionally drawing closer to the Lord and positioning yourself to experience His guidance, clarity, and blessing in a new way.
In this message, Pastor John examines the pivotal moment in Luke chapter 5 when Jesus calls Simon Peter, a seasoned fisherman, to a new and greater purpose. Using the account of the miraculous catch of fish, this message explores what it means for us today to "leave our nets"—the familiar routines, securities, and even the hard work of our daily lives—to answer Christ's call. Pastor John draws parallels between the toil of fishing and the challenges of sharing the gospel, emphasizing that becoming "fishers of men" is the most important work we can do. This sermon encourages us to consider our own weaknesses and potential, just as Christ saw Peter's, and to purposefully step out in faith to make a difference for eternity.
In this message from 1 Corinthians 10, Pastor Ben addresses the human tendency to test the limits of Christian liberty. Using the historical example of the Israelites in the wilderness, he issues a compelling warning: our position in Christ does not make us immune to the destructive consequences of flirting with sin. Pastor Ben challenges us to change our fundamental question from, "What am I allowed to do?" to "Does this bring glory to God?" This sermon calls for a mature faith that stops fixating on the boundaries of sin and instead reorients itself to a passionate pursuit of God's presence in every area of life.
Pastor Daniel examines the counterintuitive principle of generosity found in Proverbs 11:24. While worldly logic suggests that holding on to what we have leads to security, the Bible presents a paradox: scattering leads to increase, and withholding leads to poverty. Using the analogy of a farmer sowing seed, this sermon illustrates how we create the environment we live in through our actions. Discover how a strategic, generous life—giving your time, resources, and heart—is the true path to being blessed and receiving the very things you desire most.
Guest speaker Mike Mutchler uses the story of King Joash and the prophet Elisha in 2 Kings 13 to deliver a powerful challenge about the one thing every Christian and every church must possess to see God work miracles: passion. This message examines the danger of limiting God through half-hearted effort and calls believers to serve, worship, and share the gospel with a fervent excitement that cannot be contained. Drawing from decades of personal ministry experience, Pastor Mutchler encourages the church to keep fanning the flames of passion to ensure its impact is felt for generations to come.
In this message, guest speaker Mike Mutchler explores the profound connection between faith and generosity. Drawing from 2 Corinthians chapter 8, he examines the example of the Macedonian churches, who, despite their deep poverty, begged for the opportunity to give to the work of the gospel. Mike Mutchler challenges us to see our giving not as an obligation, but as a grace from God and a vote for His plan to reach the world. He encourages us to embrace a "scary faith"—trusting God beyond our own perceived abilities and budgets—because what God can do through a willing heart far exceeds what we can do on our own. Discover how your willingness to give can have an eternal impact, allowing people from every nation to hear the good news of Jesus Christ.
In this sermon, Pastor Dorrell explores the unique and challenging laws found in Numbers chapter 5, which address defilement, restitution, and jealousy within the camp of Israel. He explains how these case studies illustrate a powerful spiritual principle: sin acts like entropy, a force that naturally breaks down order and creates chaos. The message highlights that sin is not merely a personal failing but a destructive contaminant that threatens the health, order, and holiness of the entire community. Listeners are challenged to counteract this spiritual decay by recognizing sin's destructive power, dealing with it through confession and restitution, and actively cultivating right relationships to preserve the life-giving order God intends for His people.
Drawing from the vision of heaven in Revelation 7, guest speaker Michael Jones explains why every Christian must have a global vision. He reveals that the diverse multitude worshipping before the throne is the culmination of God's unchanging plan: to evangelize, baptize, and disciple people from every nation. This message challenges believers to see that their God is a global God and to actively find their part in His worldwide work through practical steps like intentional prayer, generous giving, and missional living.
Guest speaker Michael Jones explores the powerful motivation behind the Apostle Paul's ministry from 1 Corinthians 9: "for the gospel's sake." He challenges believers to embrace their personal responsibility in sharing the good news by examining the necessary sacrifices. Using the imagery of a disciplined athlete competing for an eternal prize, Jones illustrates why we should willingly set aside our personal freedoms and conveniences. This message calls every Christian to build bridges, understand the people they are trying to reach, and be prepared to step out of their comfort zone, all for the ultimate purpose of winning others to Christ.
Pastor Dorrell examines Numbers chapter 3, exploring the divine organization of Israel around the Tabernacle and the specific role given to the Levites. This detailed structure highlights a crucial principle: God must be the center of our lives. Using the Levites' duty to guard the Tabernacle and the sobering account of Nadab and Abihu offering "strange fire," this message challenges the modern tendency toward a casual, self-styled faith. It calls us to consider how we approach God, urging a return to reverent, thoughtful, and sincere worship that is rooted in the truth of God's holiness, not our own comfort or preference.
In this message from the book of 3 John, Isaac Mardirosian examines what authentic Christianity looks like in our daily lives. By contrasting the faithful charity of Gaius with the prideful preeminence of Diotrephes, he illustrates how our treatment of others, especially missionaries and fellow believers, is a direct reflection of our personal relationship with God. The sermon challenges us to move beyond simply knowing the right words to truly knowing the Shepherd, urging listeners to faithfully demonstrate their love for God by actively encouraging and supporting fellow helpers of the truth.
In this message, Pastor Dorrell examines the principle of sacrifice from 1 Corinthians 9, explaining that for the gospel to advance, a "necessary transaction" must occur. Using the apostle Paul as the ultimate example of one who gave up everything to "gain" others for Christ, this sermon investigates the cost of missions. Pastor Dorrell challenges us to consider what personal comforts or resources we are willing to set aside so that people around the world might have the chance to hear the good news and be saved.
Continuing the series in the Book of Numbers, Pastor Dorrell examines the specific, orderly instructions God gave for the Israelite encampment in chapter 2. This detailed arrangement around the central Tabernacle reveals a core attribute of God: He is a God of order, not chaos. This principle of divine structure extends from the precise balance of the universe to the design for our own lives. Pastor Dorrell explores how applying this concept of keeping God at the center brings necessary order to our personal walk, our families, and our commitment to the local church, ultimately challenging us to consider what truly sits at the hub of our lives.
In this concluding message from the series on Proverbs 4, Pastor Daniel examines the practical application of living a life of wisdom. Building on the foundational instruction to "keep thy heart with all diligence," this sermon unpacks Solomon's advice on how to guard the control center of your life. Discover three critical areas that require intentional focus: the words you speak, the direction of your gaze, and the path your feet take. Learn how making conscious, deliberate choices in your communication, focus, and actions can lead to an established life that is secure, honors God, and prepares you not just for today, but for eternity.
In our Christian freedom, it's easy to focus on our rights and what we are permitted to do. But what if true spiritual maturity is found in willingly setting those rights aside? Pastor Dorrell examines 1 Corinthians 9, where the Apostle Paul uses his own life as a powerful example of deference. Paul gave up his right to financial support, choosing to work and even go hungry, so that nothing would stand in the way of the Gospel's message for the Corinthian church. This sermon introduces the principle of "relative sacrifice," challenging us to consider how we can live for something bigger than ourselves. It is a call to intentionally lay down our preferences and comforts for the well-being of others and the advancement of the Gospel, reminding us that we are running a race not for a temporary prize, but for an incorruptible crown.
In this introduction to the Book of Numbers, Pastor Dorrell examines the often-overlooked story of Israel's 40-year journey in the wilderness. Using the analogy that after the "wedding" at Sinai comes the "marriage," this sermon explores the real-life journey of faith with all its challenges. Focusing on the census in the first chapter, the message unpacks God’s call for His people to be counted, signifying a universal expectation of commitment and participation. This sermon challenges believers to embrace the responsibility that comes with being part of God's family, highlighting that the rewards of belonging, fellowship, and shared victory far outweigh any sacrifice required.