The Exeter Valley Church Podcast: Recent Episodes
Exeter Valley Church
In a culture that glorifies hustle, productivity, and constant striving, what if one of the greatest acts of faith is simply learning to stop?
In this message, Pastor Ralph Garcia explores the biblical theme of Sabbath—not as a burden of legalism, but as God's gracious invitation to trust Him. From creation, to the wilderness, to Hebrews 4, discover how the rhythm of rest points us to the finished work of Christ and becomes a weekly declaration that God is our Provider.
This message will challenge you to move beyond self-reliance, embrace God's gift of rest, and experience the freedom that comes from trusting Him with your time, your work, and your life.
Scripture References:
- Genesis 2:2–3
- Exodus 16
- Hebrews 4:1–11
- Colossians 2:16–17
- Romans 14:5–6
- Matthew 11:28–30
Whether you're exhausted, overworked, or simply longing for a deeper rhythm of life with God, this message is an invitation to step into the promise that still remains: "There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God." (Hebrews 4:9)
Pastor Ralph Garcia shares about the Power of Prayer and students share testimonies from Newday Camp 26'.
As we continue our series, "A Summer of Power" guest speaker Noah Sarr leads us in our study on the power of prophecy.
In this Episode Guest Teacher Matt Flummer talks about the power of our testimony. We learn that testimony is not just our conversion story, but it's sharing about what God has done in history, what God has done in our personal past and what God is doing in our life right now.
We receive the declaration that there are no "boring" testimonies. Christ hung on a cross and gave His life so that we all could be free from the power of sin and death. Certainly, that is not a boring story. Be encouraged by this message.
As followers of Jesus, we've been given the power of the Holy Spirit—but how do we learn to recognize God's voice in a world filled with competing voices? In this message, we explore the Power of Discernment through James 1:19, learning what it means to be quick to listen, slow to speak, and how God's Word, the Holy Spirit, and biblical community help us distinguish truth from deception. Discover practical ways to test every spirit, grow in spiritual maturity, and confidently follow the voice of the Good Shepherd.
After seven months in Exodus, we launch our summer series, A Summer of Power, by looking at The Power of Blessing.
From the beginning, God has been speaking life, identity, and purpose over His people. In Exodus, God called Moses before He sent him, promising, “I will be with you.” At Jesus’ baptism, the Father spoke identity and delight over the Son before His public ministry began: “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”
In this Father’s Day message, we explore what biblical blessing really means, how it differs from our culture’s shallow ideas of being “blessed,” and why the words we speak over one another matter so deeply. Blessing is not flattery, hype, or empty positivity. It is speaking the good of God, the truth of God, and the calling of God over someone’s life.
Whether you are a father, a spiritual father, a mentor, a parent, or simply a follower of Jesus, this message is a call to receive the Father’s blessing in Christ and become someone who speaks life over others.
Be blessed by this message from Tim Ramage as we close out our series on the book of Exodus.
In Exodus 33–34, Moses makes one of the boldest requests in Scripture: “Show me Your glory.” But instead of giving Moses another miracle, God reveals His character—compassionate, gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.
In this message, Pastor Ralph explores how God’s presence is the true reward, why Israel mourned at the thought of going forward without Him, and how God’s glory is ultimately revealed in Jesus Christ. From Sinai to the face of Christ, we see that the greatest gift God can give is not provision, success, or even the Promised Land—the greatest gift God can give is Himself.
The Golden Calf | Exodus 32
What do we do when God feels silent, the waiting feels long, and fear starts telling us a different story?
In this message from Exodus 32, we look at the story of the golden calf and the deeper warning underneath it. Israel had been rescued from Egypt, carried through the Red Sea, fed with manna, given water from the rock, and invited near at Mount Sinai. God had been faithful. But when Moses delayed, the people defaulted to what was familiar — something visible, manageable, and controllable.
This message explores how crisis does not usually create our idols; it reveals where our hearts have already been trained to run. From fear and control to comfort, success, image. We explore the truth that even good desires can be put in the wrong order and we are invited to let Jesus search our hearts and reshape our loves.
The good news is that God does not abandon His people in the wilderness. The remedy is always Jesus — the true Passover Lamb, the greater Mediator, and the One who carries us when the idols we carry cannot save us.
Key Scriptures: Exodus 32:1–8, Psalm 139:23–24, Philippians 3:7–21.
When you hear the word commandments, what do you think of?
For a lot of us, it feels like rules and restriction. But what if that’s not the full picture?
In this message, we walk through Exodus 19 and see a God who pursues, rescues, and invites His people into relationship before ever asking anything of them.
This isn’t just about rules—it’s about a love that goes first.
A love that leads.
A love that invites us into something better.
What are you really searching for?
This Easter message explores the journey we’re all on—from hiding to seeking, and ultimately being found. From the garden to the cross to the empty tomb, Scripture reveals that what we’re looking for isn’t found in what we chase, but in who we come to.
In Christ are hidden all the treasures of wisdom, life, and freedom—and through His death and resurrection, what was once hidden is now revealed.
Jesus didn’t just perform miracles—He came to rescue, redeem, and restore.
If you’ve been searching for hope, peace, or purpose, this message is an invitation to discover that what you’ve been looking for has been found for you in Him.
What do you do when God calls you forward—but you don’t yet see the provision?
On Palm Sunday, Jesus sends His disciples to find a colt He didn’t have… and trusts it will be there when they arrive. In this message, we explore what it means to walk in that same kind of faith—trusting that God’s provision is often waiting on the other side of obedience.
From the humble, burden-bearing King to the powerful moment where Jesus weeps over Jerusalem, this sermon invites us to move beyond celebration into deeper trust, surrender, and reverence.
What if what you need… is already waiting where God is leading?
What happens when faith moves from something you’ve heard… to something you truly know?
In this final message from our Wilderness series, we explore the powerful moment when Moses shares his story and Jethro responds, “Now I know.” From testimony to revelation, and from revelation to response, we see a clear pattern that still shapes our lives today.
This message unpacks:
- The power of your personal testimony
- Why revelation always calls for a response
- The biblical call to baptism
- And the identity God speaks over His people—chosen, royal, and set apart
You were not just saved from something…
you were brought into something—identity, purpose, and mission.
Right after God provides water from the rock, Israel faces an unexpected attack in the wilderness. In this sermon we explore the powerful story of Moses, Aaron, Hur, and Joshua during the battle with the Amalekites in Exodus 17, and the leadership wisdom Jethro gives Moses in Exodus 18.
This passage reveals important lessons about spiritual warfare, leadership, and the role of community in the life of God’s people.
In this message we explore:
• Why the enemy targets the weak and vulnerable
• The importance of leaders who are known and tested in community
• The role of intercession and spiritual covering in spiritual battles
• How God protects His people through shared leadership
• How Moses lifting the staff points forward to Jesus lifted on the cross
As Moses stands on the hill with his hands raised while Joshua fights in the valley, we see a powerful picture of how God’s people fight battles together.
And ultimately, this moment in the wilderness points forward to another hill—where Jesus was lifted up to win the war against sin and death.
Moses stood on a hill to win a battle.
Jesus climbed a hill to win the war.
The wilderness exposes what comfort hides.
In this message, we look at the three tests Israel faced in Exodus — and how they reveal bitterness, appetite, and misplaced reliance in our own hearts. But God doesn’t test to destroy — He tests to form.
Most importantly, we see how Jesus re-entered the wilderness and passed the test we could not.
If you’re walking through a desert season, this message will anchor you in the One who is the Bread, the Water, and the faithful Presence of God.
Waiting is one of the hardest—and most common—parts of life. In this message, we explore what it means to wait well through the lens of Scripture and the everyday realities we all face. From impatience and rushing God’s timing to learning how faith, love, and hope shape us while we wait, this sermon invites us to see waiting not as wasted time, but as a meaningful season of formation.
Drawing from James 5, the story of Abraham, the perseverance of Job, and ultimately the example of Jesus, we discover that patience is not passive—it’s love-fueled faith anchored in trust. Waiting well means staying rooted, resisting shortcuts, and continuing to walk with God even when the promise hasn’t arrived yet.
If you’re waiting for healing, direction, breakthrough, or fulfillment, this message is an encouragement that you’re not alone—and that some things truly are worth waiting for.
Guest speaker Jason Reynolds catches us up on where we've been in this series and how it has shown up in his life as a professional farmer.
Tune in for insightful connections and deep convictions that will inspire you to keep your gaze upward and fixed on the Father.
In this message, we continue our series My Job Depends on AG by exploring the deeply biblical—and often overlooked—principles of rootedness and hiddenness.
Using the language of agriculture, Scripture reminds us that real transformation doesn’t begin with what’s visible, but with what’s happening beneath the surface. Just as roots grow underground long before fruit appears, spiritual growth is formed in unseen places—through humility, obedience, discipline, and abiding in Christ.
We look at how Jesus Himself lived a life of hiddenness, spending 30 years in quiet formation before three years of public ministry, and what that reveals about God’s design for lasting fruit. This sermon challenges our culture’s obsession with visibility and invites us into a slower, deeper way of following Jesus—one where character is formed before influence, and intimacy with God matters more than public approval.
You’ll hear about:
- Why transformation without roots doesn’t last
- The biblical connection between humility, soil, and growth
- The two types of “hiddenness” Scripture speaks about
- How what we sow in secret shapes what we reap in public
- Why abiding in Christ is the only way to sustain true fruitfulness
If you’ve ever felt overlooked, impatient for growth, or pressured to produce before you’re ready, this message is an encouragement: what God grows in secret is what sustains us in public.
Be encouraged to slow down, go deep, and remain rooted in Jesus—the source of life, strength, and lasting fruit. 🌱
Pastor Ralph kicks off our new year's series, 'My Job Depends on AG'
If you've spent any time in the Central Valley of California you've seen this iconic sticker on the back of trucks. We are diving into the many ways that into what happens in the world of Agriculture and how that correlates to the human heart.
This episode we talk about what real transformation and growth looks like and what Jesus has to say about the soil conditions of our hearts.
Be blessed and encouraged by this message from Pastor Ralph Garcia, from January 4, 2025!
Listen in as we dive into the vision, desire and plan God has to dwell amongst His people. This reality, of God with us, Immanuel changes everything.
Pastor Ralph Garcia opens our advent series with a message about being homesick for our true home and touches on the fact that God with us is not just a Christmas story, it is the story of the entire Bible.
The sound of the Pharaoh's chariots invoked fear in the Israelites as they were cornered near the Red Sea. Then God did the miraculous, He parted the Red Sea and allowed the Israelites to escape on dry ground.
In this sermon we learn how God's chariot army is also pursuing us, not to harm us, but to rescue us. If you've had trouble discerning the sound of chariots this message is for you.
Matt Flummer takes us through the first five plagues as described in Exodus, Chapters 7-10.
Be encouraged by these powerful baptism testimonies from our family service on 10/19/25.
Pastor Ralph Garcia teaches from Exodus 3:14–15, where God reveals His name to Moses. Discover how this moment unfolds into a greater revelation — one that finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus, the Great I AM.
Pastor Ralph Garcia delivers a message on fighting the "right fight" and a broad overview on the book of Exodus as we dive deeper into our series.
Be blessed and encouraged by this sermon message from Pastor Ralph Garcia on August 31, 2025!
Jesus came as a baby the first time. He arrived quietly, distant cries from an infant is all that was heard. He rode into Jerusalem on a Donkey. The Bible tells us that when He returns a second time, the whole world will see it. This time He won't ride in on a donkey. Jesus will be the rider of the white horse, fire in His eyes returning for His bride! Pastor Ralph Garcia delivers this message on August 24, 2025.
Be blessed and encouraged by this sermon message by Pastor Ralph Garcia on August 3, 2025.
Be blessed and encouraged by this sermon message by Joseph Rosales, from July 20, 2025!
Be blessed and encouraged by this sermon message from Pastor Ralph Garcia on July 13, 2025!
Noel shares some wisdom from the apostle Paul to help guide us into and beyond this transition.
Noel and Mark share stories from their own lives as well as scripture to show us how God has impacted their lives through Radiant Church.
Travis Aicklen answers an important question for our time in transition: What does it mean to be a Radiant Church?
Noel announces to the church his plans to transition out of leadership and hand the church over to a successor. In his message to the church, he reminds them that God gives each of us roles to play, the church is built on His leadership rather than any human's hands.
In Genesis 4 we read the story of Cain and Abel. In this teaching, Noel shows us what it means to have a true, heart of worship.
On this Easter Sunday, Noel shows us how from the moment sin entered the world God had a plan to send Jesus to defeat it.
God looked at his creation and called it very good, but then sin entered the world through Adam and Eve.
Michael takes us through the biblical story that explains so much of what's broken in our world.
Noel talks about how sexual intimacy in marriage can be enhanced by understanding what the Bible teaches us about it.
John Moore shows us what we can learn from a God who took time to rest and delight in his creation.
Noel takes a moment to talk about the purposeful work God gave us in the creation account.
Noel uses a beautiful and personal illustration on why and how we should commit ourselves to the local church.
In this first message in our study of the book of Genesis, Noel points us to a God who created the entire world.
Noel talks about what PARTNERSHIP is at Exeter Valley Church, what the Bible has to say about the topic, why we value PARTNERSHIP, and how we do it at Exeter Valley Church.
Jesus said that "whoever does the will of the Father is his brother, sister, or mother". Paul called us the "household of God". Elsewhere in scripture we see these familial themes reverberated.
Noel shows us what it means to be a Family on Mission with God in part 4 of our Values series.
In this message Noel shows us what it means to be a Spirit Filled Church, what the Bible has to say about the gifts of the Spirit, and why we're contending for the Spirit's power at Exeter Valley Church.
Noel leads us through a 4 part series on the distinct values we hold as a church. In this message he shows us what the Bible is, why we can trust it, and how we can live lives of obedience.
Mark Condie (Elder, Radiant Church Tulare) teaches us how Jesus is the greatest gift we have ever received.
Pastor Noel Piepgrass brings us into God's Perfect Plan for giving in the past, present, and going into the year 2025.
In this final message from the book of Ephesians, Michael Seaward teaches us how to wage war in the spirit according to the Apostle Paul.
David Jansson shows us what it means to be Christlike, regardless of where you are on the corporate ladder.
Noah Sarr teaches this week on how grace can help us in the home and the importance of the child-parent relationship.
This Sunday Noel showed us some fundamentals of Christian political participation and led us in prayers for our nation, our leaders, and our communities in the light of the coming election.
As part of our study in the book of Ephesians, Noel shows us what Paul means when he commands his audience to be filled with the Holy Spirit.
Noel shows us what the Bible teaches about the godly use of alcohol and the dangers of drunkenness.
Joseph joins us to show us the difference between the wisdom of God and the wisdom of man and how to walk in it.
In his sermon, Michael shows us the darkness that’s in us, the reasons we have to live in the light, and how Christ can lead us to it.
Noel shows us what Paul means when he discourages sexual immorality and points us to God’s good design for sex.
In Ephesians 4 Paul shows us what life in God’s family looks like. In this message guest Nathan Scheele teaches us how to be fit for the life to come.
In Ephesians 4:17-24 Paul shows us how we can put off our pre-Christian way of living and step into the ultimate life with God that we were created to live.
In Ephesians 4, Paul is talking about unity in the body when he decides to also affirm the diversity of the gifts Christ has given his church. In this passage Joseph shows us how Christ has given each member gifts to be used for the building up of the body.
Ephesians 4 starts with a section on unity in the church. In this message Noel takes three verses and shows us how God’s desire for his church is oneness.
In Ephesians 4, Paul begins to describe what a life marked by grace looks like. In this sermon Noel shows us how the gospel empowers us to walk in humility, gentleness, patience, and love.
Noel sits down with Joseph Rosales’s to talk shop about the need for new churches and what Joseph has learned so far in his residency.
On our first Sunday in a new building, Noel shares some stories about how participation has fueled the mission of the church since day one.
In part two of this sermon on why we give, Michael Seaward shows us why giving is good for the giver.
In this sermon on why we have sermons, church planting resident Joseph Rosales shows us the glory, the grounds, and the gifts of preaching. Check it out!
In Part 2 of our series on why we do what we do when we gather, Michael shows us what the Bible really says about our money.
In part 1 of this series on the basics of church gatherings, Noel kicks us off with a message on the most essential element of our activity as a church, why we gather. In this message Noel points us to the gospel truth that when we gather we get God, we get each other, and we get individual transformation.
Ephesians 3 ends with Paul praying one of the most powerful prayers in scripture. In this message, Megan Piepgrass shares about how God has worked in her life over time to move the deep truths of God from her head to her heart.
In Ephesians 3:1-13, Paul tells his audience how God has reconciled us to one another in Christ and knit us into the family we call the church. Noel shows us 3 implications for the church.
Paul compares our state before Christ to that of a foreigner. In this message, Church Planting Resident Joseph Rosales shares how God saved him out of incarceration, substance abuse, and personal tragedy and brought him into the family of God by grace.
In Chapter 2:1-10, Paul lays out the gospel by saying that Christ has brought us from death to life by his grace. Furthermore, this is the gift of God through faith, not by works! Noel shows us what's so amazing about grace and how we can get it wrong if we're not careful.
In this first message in a series on the first three chapters of the book of Ephesians, Noel shows us how God’s plan has initiated the Christian story and how this plan brings us into a family.
Noel sits down with Noah Sarr to talk about living on mission with God. Noah shares how God has used him as a Medical Provider, Husband, Dad, and Partner of Exeter Valley Church.
On Easter Sunday Noel shows us not just what happened at the resurrection but why it’s so meaningful for us. (key text, 2 Cor. 5:17-21)
In this passage, Jesus faces the most brutal, humiliating death a man could face in the ancient world. Noel shows us the meaning of Christ’s death and the forgiveness and freedom it buys us.
Noel sits down with Joseph for a conversation about his testimony and all things evangelism and church planting.
Jesus has been handed over to Pilate, the Roman Governor with authority to carry out the punishment the Jewish leaders desire. In this sermon Noel teaches us how we’re prone to choose a different Jesus than the messiah of the New Testament and how we can faithfully interact with a politically secular world.
In this episode Noel and Michael chat about Michael’s sermon on Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. In this conversation they take a dive into issues of Jesus’s humanity, God’s wrath towards sin and his love towards sinners.
In this message, Noel shows us how Judas’s shame brought about his self-destruction. We too battle shame, but we have hope in Jesus who sets us free!
In Part 4 of our series on Jesus & the End of his life from Matthew 26-28, guest Joseph Rosales showed us how Jesus demonstrated perfect self-control in the midst of a really stressful situation.
In part 3 of this final series in the book of Matthew, Jesus is betrayed by Judas and arrested. In this passage, the trial of humanity is put on display and we learn that we’ve all played a part in the death of the Christ.
In this scene from the Garden of Gethsemene, the gospels depict Jesus’s overwhelming sorrow as he faces the reality of his impending death.
Michael Seaward shows us why this agony was so intense and what we can learn from the prayer it led Jesus to pray.
In episode 10 Noel and Megan sit down to discuss all things pertaining to The Lord’s Supper.
In the first part of a 7 week series on the end of Jesus’ life from the Gospel of Matthew, Noel shows us how Jesus instituted the Lord’s Supper as a means of demonstrating God’s plan of salvation through his atoning work on the cross.
In Episode 9 of the podcast, Noel stats down with Worship Leader Monica Stahl to talk about all things worship!
Travis Aicklen, leader of Confluence Churches in California and Radiant Visalia, visits to encourage us with a word from the book of 2 Timothy.
In Episode 8, Noel sits down with Glenn to chat about the good, the bad, and their own personal stories in pursuit of the gift of prophecy.
In part 3 of the Unpacking the Gifts series, Noel teaches us what the Apostle Paul had to say about the Spiritual Gift of Prophecy. In this message, he lays out some details and gives some ground rules for how we can pursue this gift together as a church.
Noel and Glenn sit down to talk about the gift of tongues and its implications for the church.
In part 2 of this “Unpacking the Gifts” mini-series, Noel shows us how the gift of tongues can be a gift that edifies the believer and the church.
In Episode 6, Noel sits down with fellow planters Travis Aicklen and Jerrod Turner to talk about starting new churches.
In the first part of a series on the Gifts of the Spirit, Noel takes us through several key passages in Paul’s first letter to the Corinthian churches.
On Christmas Eve 2024, Noel shows us how Jesus Christ is the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world and our reason to worship!
In Part 3 of this Advent-Themed Series on Worship, Noel shows us how the presence of God can shape our corporate times of worship.
Noel and Lori sit down to talk about Matthew 26:1-13 and insights gained from her sermon at Exeter Valley Church a few weeks back.
Full sermon can be found on our Apple Podcasts page.
In the second part of our Advent-Themed Worship series, Noel shows us how the Bible instructs us to bring our praises to God.
Noel Piepgrass kicks off this advent-themed teaching series on worship by looking at examples from the Christmas story and Paul’s letter to the Romans.
In Matthew 26:1-13, Jesus has just concluded his public ministry and has returned to the friendly confines of a friend's home in Bethany. While there, a woman pours out expensive perfume on him in an act of love and adoration. While his disciples aren't sure this was such a great use of valuable perfume, Jesus praises the act. Friend of Exeter Valley Church Lori Riley, shows us how this act isn't a waste, it's worship.
In Matthew 25:14-30, Jesus uses a parable to show his disciples how God expects them to live. Noel teaches us how our view of God can lead to fear which gets in the way of investing in God’s kingdom.
Noel and Megan Piepgrass sitdown to chat about Jesus story on the future Judgment Day in Matthew 25:31-46.
In Matthew 25:31-46, Jesus gives the final words of his public teaching ministry. As he concludes this sermon known as the Olivet Discourse, he describes the day of his return. In this teaching, Noel Piepgrass shows us that Jesus will come to judge true disciples from false based on how they have treated the "least of these".
If you don't have a church home or you'd like to be a part of a kingdom expansion in Exeter, CA please join us in person on Sunday mornings at 9:30 AM at the Exeter Memorial Building.
In Jesus’s famous Parable of the Talents (or “bags of gold” as the NIV translates it), we see his call to multiply the resources God has given us, whether they be many or few. Pastor Noel and Andy sit down to discuss the deeper implications of living our lives for Kingdom expansion.
In Matthew 24 and 25, Jesus gives what we have been calling his Sermon on Signs. In this sermon, Jesus answers his disciples' questions about the end of the world. It brings up a whole bag of questions that don't necessarily fit in a Sunday sermon so Pastor Noel sits down with Glenn Power of Radiant Church, Visalia, to discuss. 10/18/23
In Matthew 24:36-25:13, Jesus continues his Sermon on Signs with 4 stories about how to find oneself ready upon his second coming. Noel Piepgrass shares how readiness involves Accepting Jesus as Lord, Adopting Jesus's way of living, and Advocating for Jesus to the world around us. (The first 10 minutes of this recording were not recorded live and had to be added in afterward.)
In Matthew 24:1-35 Jesus teaches his disciples what they can expect at the end of the age. In this message, Noel Piepgrass shows us how Jesus wants us to live in an age that can feel like the end is near.
In Matthew 23, Jesus talks to his disciples about hypocrisy. His words are harsh and poignant, but they are given in love to his disciples as warnings against the perils of false religion. Noel Piepgrass shows us how we can get off track when what we practice doesn't match what we preach.
In Matthew 22:34-46, Jesus takes on a question from the Pharisees. In their question, they ask, of all the law, what is the greatest commandment? Michael Seaward shows us how Jesus keeps it simple even though simple is hard. In it, we learn once again, that we need Jesus as Lord and Savior.
In Matthew 22:23-33 Jesus takes on a question about the resurrection from a group of Israel’s religious leaders known as the Sadducees. His answer shows that the life to come will be one of transformed glory for the people of God. By Noel Piepgrass
Giving to Caesar what is Caesar while giving to God what is God's is a complicated task, especially in a politically charged culture. Noel Piepgrass preaches part 2 in hopes of helping us understand how to apply Matthew 22:15-22 within the lens of 1 Peter 2, Romans 13, and the life of Daniel.
In Matthew 22:15-22, the Pharisees send their disciples along with the Herodians to trap Jesus with a tricky question about whether or not they should pay the Imperial Tax to Caesar. Of course, Jesus will not be trapped, and with his famous phrase, "give to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's" he sums up the New Testament's entire teaching on God and Government. By Noel Piepgrass
In Matthew 22:1-14, Jesus tells the last parable in a series of parables about what True-Faith looks like. In this parable about a Wedding Banquet, we learn that true faith is marked by transformation. By Noel Piepgrass
Guest teacher David Jansson, from Radiant Church Visalia, showed us how Jesus's parable in Matthew 21:33-46 is the fulcrum point of the whole story of God. In this parable, Jesus' conflict with the religious leaders comes to a climax and we learn that True-Faith recognizes God's authority.
Matthew 21:23-32 is a story in which Jesus tells a parable about 2 sons. By Noel Piepgrass
In Matthew 21:12-22 we see Jesus cleanse the temple, cure the blind and the lame, and then curse a fig tree. By Noel Piepgrass
Exeter Valley Church meets in the Veteran's Memorial Building on Sundays at 9:30 AM. Come join us!
In Part 2 of our mini-series “Who is Jesus?”, Michael Seaward shows us that Jesus was the Modest King that the people weren’t expecting, but the Old Testament had prophesied. Matthew 21:1-11.
In the first installment of this 3 part mini-series in the Gospel of Matthew, "Who is Jesus?", Noel Piepgrass shows us how Jesus shows mercy to two blind men who recognize him as their Lord and Messiah.
In Matthew 20:17-28, Jesus responds to the request for special treatment made by the mother of his disciples James and John. In this passage, we see Jesus' antidote to misplaced spiritual ambition. By Noel Piepgrass
In Matthew 20:1-16, Jesus tells a parable about a landowner and some vineyard workers. By Noel Piepgrass
In Matthew 19:16-30, a man comes to Jesus asking what he must do in order to get eternal life. Noel Piepgrass
Jesus sums up his teaching on marriage by elevating the call to celibacy and a life of self-denial for the sake of the Kingdom of Heaven. Matthew 19:10-12. Noel Piepgrass
With a location shift on the horizon, Noel Piepgrass reflects on how the people of Israel moved in faith as God lead them into the Promised Land.
In Matthew 19:7-12 Jesus is tested by the Pharisees on his belief about divorce. By Noel Piepgrass
Jesus, when questioned about divorce by the Pharisees, takes us back to the creation account and the meaning of marriage. Matthew 19:1-6. By Noel Piepgrass
In 1 Corinthians 14, the Apostle Paul says the church should eagerly desire the gifts of the Spirit, especially prophecy and then he gives instructions for how to use it. In this teaching, Danny Bartlett, Youth Director at Radiant Church in Visalia, shows us what prophecy is, why it's important, and how it can be practiced in the church.
In Matthew 19:13-15, the disciples rebuke the children who are presented to Jesus, but Jesus embraces them. By Steve Witmer (Radiant Church Visalia)
In Matthew 18:21-35 Jesus tells a parable about a merciful King and an unmerciful servant. By Noel Piepgrass
On Easter Sunday, Noel Piepgrass shares from 1 Peter 1:3-4 how Jesus resurrection brings us into a living hope for both now and later.
In Matthew 18:15-20, Jesus shows his disciples how to confront sin in the body of Christ. By Noel Piepgrass
In Matthew 18:10-14, Jesus tells a parable about a shepherd that leaves his flock to pursue a lost sheep. By Noel Piepgrass
In Matthew 18:6-9, Jesus shows his disciples the important necessity of removing our stumbling blocks. By Noel Piepgrass
In Matthew 18:1-5 Jesus teaches his disciples that in order to become the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven we must become like a child. By guest teacher Andrei Tsvirinko
In Matthew 17:14-20 Jesus heals a demon-possessed man that his disciples could not heal. By Noel Piepgrass.
Matthew 17:1-13. The disciples see Jesus transfigured into glorious form in the presence of the heavenly bodies of Elijah and Moses. By Tim Vink.
Matthew 16:21-28. Jesus instructs his disciples to deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow him. By Noel Piepgrass
Matthew 16:13-20. Peter confesses Jesus as the Messiah, the Son of the Living God. By Noel Piepgrass
Matthew 16:1-12. Jesus warns of the Yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees. By Noel Piepgrass
Noel Piepgrass teaches from Matthew 15. In these 3 stories, we see the church Jesus is gathering, which consists of people of any ethnicity who have recognized their need for him. This chapter concludes with a beautiful picture of the church gathered.
Pastor Noel shares a vision God put on his heart for 2023. In this message, he describes what it would look like for us to grow as devoted disciples, wonder-filled worshipers, and must-do missionaries. Acts 2:42-47
In Matthew 14:22-33 Jesus shows up walking across the sea in the middle of a storm. In faith, Peter steps out of the boat to come to him but is quickly scared of the wind and waves and begins to sink. In this moment of desperation he reaches out to Jesus to be saved and Jesus gives him his hand. Noel Piepgrass shares that the moral of the story is not merely the power of God over the storm, but the way he uses the storm to invoke our worship.
In Matthew 14:13-21, Jesus performs the most famous miracle of his ministry, the feeding of the 5000. In this story, Pastor Noel teaches us how Jesus uses his disciples to turn a little into a lot.
In Matthew 14:1-12, we find out that Herod has been hearing about the deeds of Jesus. In fact, Matthew tells us Herod actually suspects that John the Baptist has risen from the dead and is the one performing these deeds. In this passage, we learn that John was killed because he took a stand against Herod's illegitimate marriage and sensual lifestyle. Noel Piepgrass shares how we ought to be willing to take a similar stand against our culture's wayward views on gender, marriage, and sexuality.
In Matthew 13:54-58, we see that Jesus' hometown was not all that receptive to him. So much so that he did not perform many miracles there. Noel Piepgrass shows us how their unbelief caused them to miss Jesus's messiahship and how if we're not careful, we too can miss the power of Jesus. (We had a technical glitch that prevented the original real-time recording so this recording was produced in the office afterward).
In Matthew 13:1-23, Jesus begins his sermon of parables with a story about a farmer who's sowing seeds. The seed falls upon 4 different soils and we're told, by Jesus, that each type of soil represents a heart condition. In this sermon, Pastor Noel Piepgrass shares how the heart can be hard, shallow, or distracted and thus unable to receive the seed of the gospel and thrive. Finally, Noel points us to Jesus, the one who makes our soil good as we turn to him through repentance. (sermon credit due, Danny Bartlett, whose work Pastor Noel drew heavily from)
In Matthew 13:31-33; 44-52, Jesus tells a pair of parables about a mustard seed and leaven and a treasure and a pearl. David Jansson, a guest from Radiant Church in Visalia, teaches us in this message that the Kingdom of God is a treasure worth joyfully going all in on and like a seed, something that starts small but miraculously has enormous impact. (The audio starts just a few seconds into his sermon, sorry!).
In Matthew 13 Jesus gives a sermon using parables, short stories with a moral to them. In verses 10-17, we see Jesus quote a passage from the book of Isaiah which effectively communicates to the audience that his use of parables is the most impactful way to help his audience hear and see the mysteries of the Kingdom. In this message, Noel goes on to share his own story and invites the listener into the story God is writing over their own lives and over the life of Exeter Valley Church.
Glenn Power, a friend from Radiant Church in Visalia, teaches on a parable in Matthew Chapter 13:24-30 & 36-43. In this parable, Jesus says the Kingdom of Heaven is like a harvest of wheat in a field full of weeds. Glenn shows us how Jesus's teaching relates to our own salvation, evil in the world around us, and the reality of eternal judgment.
In Matthew 12:50, Jesus says that anyone who does the will of his Father in Heaven is his family. Noel Piepgrass took the opportunity to talk about Exeter Valley Church's Core Identity as a Family on Mission with God. In this message, Noel breaks down some of the implications and imperatives of seeing the church as a family.
In Matthew 12:38-50 Jesus responds to the Pharisee's request for a sign proving his divinity. In detailing his response, Matthew points us to what Jesus calls The Sign of Jonah, a parable about a haunted house, and a short interaction between Jesus and some family members. In these 3 stories, we see a common theme: Jesus is God's Sign. In his life, death, and resurrection we have all the proof we need. The key is our response. Will we make Jesus our Lord? By Noel Piepgrass
In Matthew 12:22-37, Jesus engages the Pharisees in a controversy about his healing of a demon-possessed, deaf and mute man. Threatened by Jesus, the Pharisees claim he's healing by the power of Satan. In this passage Jesus warns against blasphemy of the Holy Spirit and tells a parable about our hearts being like a tree that produces fruit. By Noel Piepgrass
In Matthew 12:15-21, Jesus has just withdrawn from the Pharisees after a controversy over the Sabbath. In this passage, we see his response to injustice and look forward in hope to his second coming when all injustice will be conquered. By Noel Piepgrass
In Matthew 12:1-14, we see Jesus encounter the Pharisees again, this time because of a controversy over His disciples' observance of the Sabbath. As Mike Young teaches us here, Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath and the whole point of the sabbath is our good.
In Matthew 11:20-30, we take a look at a couple of Matthew's portraits of Jesus. Noel Piepgrass gives us a look at Judge Jesus and the Son who Saves by calling the weary and burdened to rest in himself.
In Matthew 11:1-19, John the Baptist sends his disciples to Jesus to ask him if he really is the Messiah. In this message, Noel Piepgrass identifies with the doubts of John and explains how Jesus answers them with both grace and gospel evidence. In his response, we see Jesus give a credible defense that points to his Messiahship.
In Matthew 10:40-42, Jesus wraps up his sermon on mission with a specific word to those who receive other Christians. In this teaching, Noel Piepgrass explains that to receive a Christian brother or sister on mission is the same as receiving Jesus himself or even God the Father.
In part 3 of the "what kind of church is this anyway?" mini-series, Noel Piepgrass talks about the Great Commission and our value for being a church on Mission with God. Key Scripture; Matthew 28:16-20.
One of our values as a church is to be filled with the Spirit of God. In this message Noel Piepgrass shares what scripture has to say about the miraculous gifts of the spirit and how we operate in these gifts in our worship gatherings.
The first in a 3 part series on, "What kind of a church are we anyway?". In this message Noel Piepgrass works out of 2 Timothy 3:10-4:4 to discuss our value as a church for living lives obedient to the word of God. In it he discusses what the Bible is, why it's divinity can be trusted, and how we plan to walk out this value at Exeter Valley Church.
In Matthew 10:24-39, Jesus wraps up his sermon on mission with some instructions for trusting him rather than living in fear. In this passage, we learn that following Jesus involves taking up our cross and letting go of our lives so that we might truly live. By Noel Piepgrass
In Matthew 10:16-23, Jesus gives his disciples a warning about the troubles to come as they continue on mission with him. In this passage we see that in Jesus, pain has a purpose and it comes with a promise. By Noel Piepgrass
In Matthew 10:5-15, Jesus gives his disciples instructions for traveling around proclaiming the good news of His kingdom. By David Jansson
In Matthew 9:35-10:4, Jesus begins a sermon on Mission. This first section focuses on the compassion with which Jesus saw the crowds, his prayer for workers to gather the immense harvest, the authority he gives his disciples, and the community of apostles he formed to carry out his work. By Noel Piepgrass
In Matthew 9:27-34 Jesus heals two blind men and a deaf-mute man under demon possession. In this story we see the importance of not just faith, but our response to Jesus. By Noel Piepgrass
In Matthew 9:18-26 Jesus raises to life the daughter of a synagogue leader and heals a desperate woman of her hemorrhaging disorder. In these healings we see that Jesus responds to faith by bringing freedom from sickness AND death. We also see in this story Jesus willingness to touch women, an often marginalized group, particularly in that ancient context.
In Matthew 9:9-13, Jesus calls the tax collector Matthew to follow him. Matthew follows immediately and invites his unloveable friends to have dinner with Jesus which upsets the Pharisees and begins a controversy. The good news is, Jesus came for the sick, not for the well. He came for sinners like you and me, not the righteous.
In Matthew 9:1-8 a paralyzed man is brought by his friends to Jesus. Jesus forgives the man's sins thus angering the religious leaders nearby. Not only does Jesus engage them in this controversy, he heals the man's paralysis and sends him on his way.
In Matthew 8:23-34, Jesus demonstrates his power over the storm and over the spiritual realm.
In Matthew 8:18-22 Jesus encounters two disciples challenged with what it means to follow him. The prescription is a right ordering of allegiance to Christ before all else.
In Matthew 8:1-17, Jesus has come down the mountain after preaching the Sermon on the Mount. As the crowds follow him, he encounters 3 outsiders and responds with healing.
The immediate reaction to the words of Jesus at the end of his famous Sermon on the Mount was astonishment because of the authority with which he taught. In this message, we see that Jesus was more than a great teacher, more than a prophet, he was in fact the Son of God, the Messiah, and therefore our King. Matthew 7:28-29
In the culmination of his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus emphasizes being not just hearers, but doers of his words. He gives the example of the wise builder who built upon the rock and was sustained through the storm. Matthew 7:24-27. (Noel Piepgrass)
At the conclusion of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, he warned his followers not to get distracted or persuaded by false teaching.
Jesus teaches a type of discernment that doesn’t place ourselves in the position of God and asks us to look ourselves in the mirror before helping a brother or sister with their own sin.
Jesus teaches that our worry reveals our worship and that he can be trusted to provide for us so we should seek first His kingdom. February 27, 2022
Jesus teaches that we can persist before the Father in prayer because he is the giver of good gifts.