SMCC Messages: Recent Episodes
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Welcome to the weekly podcast of SMCC messages. At SMCC, we strive to provide hopeful and helpful messages. Each week you'll be able to hear one of our communicators unpack a timeless truth from the Bible in one of our sermon series. To learn more about SMCC, visit https://www.smccutah.org or download the SMCC app. You can also visit https://www.smccutah.org/give to support the ministry of SMCC or take your next step at https://www.smccutah.org/nextsteps.
Worry grows when life feels uncertain and out of our control—but what if the cure isn’t gaining more control, but learning to trust? In part two of Lions and Flames, Pastor Eric Nelson explores Daniel 2, where Daniel faces an impossible situation and discovers that God’s wisdom, power, and kingdom are greater than even the most powerful rulers on earth. Discover how what God has already revealed through Jesus can give us confidence in the unknown and why lasting peace comes from trust, not control.
In a world that constantly pulls us in different directions, the book of Daniel challenges us to live with convictions that stand firm against the current of culture. This message explores how Daniel's unwavering identity in God enabled him to remain faithful, influence a powerful nation, and show that true discipleship is built through intentional, pre-decided obedience. Discover how strengthening your convictions today prepares you to faithfully follow Jesus, even when going against the flow comes at a cost.
In this Student Sunday message, Sean Klein challenges us to consider who is shaping the next generation and reminds us that faith is always one generation away from being forgotten—or faithfully passed on. Looking at the stories of Joshua, Judges, and Deuteronomy, he explores how spiritual drift happens, why intentional discipleship matters, and how parents, grandparents, mentors, and the entire church can model an authentic faith in everyday life. This message is a powerful call to invest in the next generation, recognizing that the ordinary moments of today can have an eternal impact on tomorrow.
Pastor Eric Nelson explores the powerful question, "What's your top card?"—the core identity that shapes how you see yourself and live your life. Through Colossians 3, he contrasts the unstable identities built on performance, feelings, or others' opinions with the unshakable identity found in Jesus Christ, showing how the gospel doesn't just change our behavior—it gives us a completely new story. Discover the freedom that comes from delighting in who God says you are and allowing your identity in Christ to become the foundation for every part of your life.
This week, we explore the surprising connection between repentance and joy, discovering that repentance is not about earning God's love but responding to it. Through Jesus' parables of the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the prodigal son, we see that heaven celebrates every person who turns toward God with overwhelming joy. Join us as we discover that knowing the living Jesus and the depth of His love is the doorway to experiencing the lasting joy He invites us into every day.
How do you make wise decisions when you can't clearly see God's plan for your life? This message explores the difference between God's revealed will and His unfolding plan, offering practical biblical guidance for making decisions through Scripture, wisdom, and trust in Him. Discover how walking faithfully with God each day allows His purpose for your life to become clear over time.
This weeks message explores James' teaching that our words are one of the clearest indicators of what's happening in our hearts. Looking to Jesus' words on the cross, we discover that lasting transformation doesn't come from trying harder to control our speech, but from surrendering our hearts to Him and allowing His grace to heal us from the inside out. When the gospel changes our hearts, it also changes our words, empowering us to speak life, grace, and truth to those around us.
In this message, we explore Jesus’ call for His followers to embody both grace and truth, emphasizing the serious responsibility of teaching and influencing others in the faith. Drawing from James 3:1 and key biblical examples, we examine how to interpret Scripture faithfully through sound biblical principles, Christ-centered humility, and the wisdom of the early church. Finally, we discuss how believers can uphold biblical truth while extending grace, kindness, and hope to those with differing perspectives.
In this message from Fire From Heaven Pt. 4, we explore where true resilience is found through the story of Elijah after his greatest victory on Mount Carmel. Elijah’s journey reveals how exhaustion, isolation, and negative thinking can leave us vulnerable, while God restores us through relationships, healthy rhythms, and His gentle presence. Ultimately, this sermon reminds us that biblical hope—the confident expectation of God’s promises—is the foundation of lasting resilience.
This week in our Fire From Heaven series, we explore Elijah’s dramatic showdown on Mount Carmel and the question that still confronts us today: what is truly real, and what only appears to be? As Elijah rebuilds God’s altar, drenches the sacrifice, and prays a simple prayer—“God, make yourself known”—God answers with fire from heaven, exposing the emptiness of false gods and revealing Himself as the one true God. Ultimately, this message points beyond Mount Carmel to the cross, where Jesus became the sacrifice for us, absorbing the fire of judgment so that we could be purified, restored, and brought into the presence of God.
Pastor Eric Nelson continues the Fire From Heaven series by examining Elijah’s confrontation with the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel. Through the failed rituals, desperate devotion, and ultimate silence of Baal, this message exposes how modern idols—such as money, success, control, and approval—promise fulfillment but ultimately abandon those who trust in them. Discover why false gods always disappoint and how Jesus reveals Himself as the only Savior who hears, responds, and never leaves His people.
In this episode of On The Fence, Pastor Eric Nelson dives into the story of Elijah’s showdown with the prophets of Baal in 1 Kings, revealing how every culture creates its own idols—things we look to for meaning, security, and identity apart from God. From success and money to appearance and relationships, “Fire From Heaven Pt. 1” challenges listeners to examine the counterfeit gods that eventually leave us spiritually dry and empty. Through the drought in Israel and Elijah’s bold question, “How long will you waver between two opinions?”, this message calls us to recognize the showdown between the gods in our own lives and choose who we will truly follow.
In this episode, we explore “The Test of Wisdom” through the lens of Proverbs 21, unpacking the difference between worldly success and true biblical wisdom. We talk about how money, habits, and generosity reveal whether we are living reactively or intentionally, and why automation and planning can shape us into wiser, more generous people over time. Ultimately, this conversation challenges listeners to stop living like stagnant ponds and start becoming life-giving rivers by aligning their lives and finances with God’s design.
This Mother’s Day message explores the beauty and purpose of biblical womanhood in a culture that constantly pressures women to “do it all.” Through Scripture and the stories of women like Ruth, Mary, the Proverbs 31 woman, and the woman who touched Jesus’ robe, we discover that true identity and worth are not found in performance, but in being rooted in God’s image and living with courageous presence. Whether you’re a woman seeking freedom from exhaustion or someone wanting to better support the women in your life, this message offers clarity, encouragement, and hope.
In Parenting With Purpose Pt. 3, Josh White explores what it looks like when grace—not performance—rules the home. Rooted in John 1:16–17, this message unpacks how confession becomes the catalyst for change, love becomes the focus over behavior, and knowing God becomes the goal rather than striving to “arrive.” Discover how embracing God’s unconditional grace can transform the way we parent, relate, and grow together.
Parenting is more than instruction—it’s a ministry shaped by the condition of your own heart and the relational patterns you model. In this message, we explore five key relational competencies—respect, attunement, development, attachment, and acceptance—and how Jesus perfectly demonstrated each one. As you lead your family, discover how loving God fully transforms the way you love others and equips your children for a lifetime of faith.
Parenting is like helping your kids pack for a journey they’ll one day take without you—and if you’re not careful, it’s easy to load them down with the wrong things or lose your way entirely. This episode reframes parenting through the lens of the Gospel, reminding us that we are ambassadors of Christ raising apprentices, not owners, friends, or scorekeepers. With practical guidance, we explore how to equip our kids by shaping their head, heart, and hands—so they’re prepared to follow Jesus in every part of life.
This sermon explores the question of where Jesus is now after His resurrection, addressing skepticism around the Ascension and examining what the Bible actually teaches about it. It presents the Ascension as a symbol of Jesus’ victory and authority, a return to His throne rather than a disappearance, while also reframing heaven as God’s present, overlapping reality with earth rather than a distant place. Ultimately, it argues that the Ascension is both a preview of the future union of heaven and earth and a credible claim with no clear motive for being invented.
In a world full of fragmented stories and endless “choose your own adventure” paths, this Easter message invites you to rediscover the one true story that makes sense of it all—the gospel. Through the resurrection of Jesus, we see that Christianity isn’t just an idea, but the grand narrative of reality that can hold the weight of your life and give you a place within it. The question is no longer whether the story is true, but how you will respond to the empty tomb and step into a story that changes everything.
This Palm Sunday message explores the powerful contrast between the way of earthly kings and the way of Jesus Christ, revealing a King who enters not with force, but with humility and peace. Through the lens of Gospel of Mark 11, we see how expectations of power and control collide with a Savior who conquers through sacrifice and love. Ultimately, this sermon challenges us to examine how we “show up” in our own lives—whether we reflect the kingdom of control or the kingdom of Christ.
In this episode, we unpack Mark 9 and discover how Jesus flips our definition of success—showing that real transformation doesn’t happen on the mountaintop, but in the valley. Through powerful stories and Scripture, we’re reminded that Jesus didn’t come as a ladder for us to climb, but as God who came down to meet us in our weakness. If you’ve ever wrestled with doubt or felt stuck trying to measure up, this conversation will point you back to a faith rooted not in trying harder, but in trusting someone greater.
In this message from The Real Jesus, Pastor Kelly challenges our tendency to customize Jesus to fit our preferences, reminding us that the real Jesus calls us to both confession and surrender. Through Peter’s story, we see that recognizing Jesus as Lord isn’t enough if we misunderstand the kind of King He truly is, a suffering Savior who came as our substitute. This sermon invites us to let Jesus reshape our expectations and follow Him fully, even when it costs us everything, trusting that in losing our lives, we actually find them.
This message explores the acronym H.A.L.T. — hungry, angry, lonely, and tired — and how these moments often leave us most vulnerable to temptation and regret. Looking at Mark 6 and the feeding of the 5,000, we discover that Jesus is the Good Shepherd who meets our deepest needs with compassion, provision, and rest. When our appetites for meaning, connection, and peace rise to the surface, Jesus invites us to return to Him as the one who truly satisfies our souls.
In this message from Mark 4, Pastor Eric explores the story of Jesus calming the storm and the deeper question we all ask in crisis: God, don’t you care? Through the chaos on the Sea of Galilee and the power revealed at the cross, we see that the real Jesus is limitless in power, wisdom, and love. When life feels out of control, this sermon invites you to trust the One who has already calmed the ultimate storm for you.
In Week 4 of The Real Jesus, Pastor Sean Klein challenges the idea that “ignorance is bliss” and reveals how, spiritually, ignorance can actually become a prison. Walking through Mark 2, we explore three powerful images, The Doctor, The Bridegroom, and The Gift, to uncover how the Pharisees misunderstood Jesus, religion, and even their own need for grace. This message invites us to confront where religion has distorted our view of God and rediscover the healing, joy, and freedom found in a real relationship with the God-King.
In this message from The Real Jesus, we explore what our deepest wishes reveal about our hearts, and how Jesus often meets us in ways we don’t expect. The paralyzed man’s friends came hoping for healing, but Jesus first offered something greater: forgiveness, fulfillment, and a restored relationship with God. This sermon invites you to ask, "What do you really want?" and to see that Jesus doesn’t just grant wishes; He fulfills them.
In this sermon from Mark 1:16–34, Pastor Kelly explores the authority of the real Jesus—the One who calls ordinary people, silences darkness, and brings healing where brokenness lives. Through powerful stories of discipleship, spiritual resistance, and Jesus’ unmatched power, we’re invited to examine the rival authorities competing for our trust. Ultimately, this message asks one defining question: will we give Jesus our yes and crown Him as King over every part of our lives?
Pastor Eric kicks off a brand-new series through the Gospel of Mark by calling it “the greatest introduction of all time”—an opening that reveals Jesus as the Messiah, the Son of God, and the Lord who has come near. In Mark 1, we meet John the Baptist as the forerunner, witness Jesus’ baptism and the Trinity on display, and hear the first words Jesus speaks: “The time has come.” This message is an invitation to course-correct toward the real Jesus, the God-King whose good news changes everything.
What does it really mean to pursue justice in a broken and polarized world? In this message, Trevor explores a biblical vision of justice rooted in God’s character—one that seeks redemption over condemnation, expands our circle of concern through relationships, and calls us to make one problem our own. Ultimately, this sermon points us to Jesus as the clearest picture of justice lived out through mercy, compassion, and sacrificial love.
What does it really mean to be a man in a culture full of confusion and contradiction? In this message, Pastor Eric Nelson explores biblical masculinity as male strength harnessed under God’s control and deployed in God’s story. Rooted in Genesis and lived out through worship, work, relationship, and protection, this sermon calls men to move from passivity or aggression into purposeful, life-giving strength.
In part two of What It Means to Be, we explore what it means to live as an influencer—examining the voices we welcome into our lives and the impact we have on others. Through Scripture, we discover how maturity, discernment, and delight in Jesus guard us from unhealthy influence and empower us to build others up. This message reminds us that true influence isn’t about platforms or popularity, but about joyfully reflecting Christ in everyday life.
What does it really mean to be Spirit-filled in a world full of noise and conflicting voices? In this message, Pastor Eric Nelson walks through Scripture to show who the Holy Spirit is, what His role is in our lives, and how the fruit and gifts of the Spirit always point us back to truth and to Jesus. Discover how living Spirit-filled isn’t about hype or weirdness, but about clarity, unity, and a life that consistently glorifies Christ.
In this reflective message, we pause in the quiet space between Christmas and the new year to thank God for His greatest gift, honestly say goodbye to past seasons, and realign our identity with what He says is true. Through Scripture, stories, and guided moments of prayer, we’re invited to agree with God about who we are and where He’s leading us. Together, we learn how to close the year with gratitude, honesty, trust, and a simple, faith-filled “please.”
On this Christmas Eve, Pastor Eric invites us to see the familiar nativity story from a surprising angle—revealing Christmas as a cosmic battle, not just a sentimental holiday. Drawing from Revelation 12, this message shows how the birth of Jesus marks God’s decisive rescue mission against evil, with heaven breaking into earth in a moment of ultimate victory. This sermon reframes Christmas as a story of hope, courage, and peace rooted in the truth that the battle has already been won.
In this message from week three of Open Heaven, Pastor Eric explores a question many people ask at Christmas: What does knowing Christ actually feel like? Rather than chasing spiritual highs or emotional moments, Scripture reveals that the Christian life is rooted in ongoing fellowship with God—an everyday alignment of our head, heart, and hands with His truth. When that fellowship is real, emotions like joy and peace follow naturally, grounded in the objective reality of who Jesus is and what He has done.
Most of life’s most significant moments happen on the other side of a door—and Jesus says, “I am the door.” In week two of Open Heaven, Pastor Eric shows what it actually looks like to live under an open heaven through the stories of Nathanael and Stephen: believing God is still transforming lives, and learning to join, pray for, watch for, and celebrate God’s work in ordinary places. Because heaven is open, ordinary moments can become an extraordinary life.
In this message, Pastor Eric launches our Christmas series Open Heaven by exploring why the “magic of Christmas” is really the longing of humanity for God’s world to break into ours. From Genesis to the manger, he shows how the story of Scripture reveals heaven opening through the incarnation—God coming down the ladder to us. Discover how Christmas is not fantasy but ultimate reality, and why heaven is open and God is near right now.
In the finale of The Seven Woes, Pastor Kelly McCoy unpacks Jesus’ final warning to Israel’s leaders and shows how every woe is really a loving wake-up call. Through humor, challenge, and deep compassion, this message exposes the traps of moral superiority, ignored warnings, and rejected love—and points us back to a God who longs to gather us close. In the end, Jesus makes it clear: He has shown us His heart, and now the response is ours—it’s your choice.
In this message, Pastor Eric Nelson exposes the danger of white-collar sin—the subtle, socially accepted, image-driven behaviors that quietly corrode the soul. Drawing from Jesus’ warning about whitewashed tombs in Matthew 23, he reveals how outward polish can hide inner decay, and why only God can truly wash us white from the inside out. Discover the freedom that comes not from performing for approval, but from embracing the grace that heals, restores, and makes us whole.
In this message, Pastor Dave Nelsen exposes the trap of image management, polishing the outside while ignoring the inside. Jesus’ 5th Woe reminds us that true goodness comes only from the cleansing work God does in the heart, not from our performance or reputation. Discover the freedom of letting God clean what no one else can see and living from the inside out.
In this week’s message, Pastor Trevor Lovell unpacks how even good habits like giving can become hollow when driven by selfish motives. Using John Steinbeck’s The Pearl and Jesus’ words in Matthew 23, he challenges us to see that generosity is meant to form our hearts, not feed our pride. True giving flows from love and relationship — not from rules or the need to look righteous.
In this message from The Seven Woes series, Pastor Eric unpacks what Jesus meant when He warned the religious leaders about “swearing” and taking oaths. We often think fixing our swearing means cleaning up our vocabulary, but Jesus is actually inviting us to examine how we use God, our words, and our promises. This episode challenges us to be people whose “yes” means yes, whose “no” means no, and whose lives reflect the God who always keeps His word.
Discover the meaning of Jesus’ “woe” in Matthew 23, a compassionate alarm that exposes religious hypocrisy, misguided devotion, and the difference between performance and authentic discipleship. This sermon in our Seven Woes series unpacks the mask of hypocrisy, the trap of legalism, and the cure found in Jesus alone, by grace through faith. Listen for practical steps to repent, re-center on the gospel, and grow in grace, truth, and real devotion.
Pastor Trevor kicks off The Seven Woes series with a mountain-trail encounter that frames Jesus’ warnings as compassionate alarms, not condemnation. Walking through Matthew 23, he exposes performance-based religion and invites us to humility that opens, rather than slams the door to God. Discover how recognizing our need for a Savior moves us from spiritual ruin into the joy and peace Jesus offers.
On Celebration Sunday, Pastor Eric looks back on 27 years of SMCC and the past July–June season, pairing stories like the Jeepson family with transparent numbers to show how God is changing lives. Teaching through Psalm 100, Acts 14, Numbers, and Deuteronomy, he calls the church to worship with joy, practice gratitude, and contribute as part of God’s ongoing story. The message casts vision toward 2030 and culminates in baptisms—an invitation for everyone to take a next step with Jesus.
In the finale of At the Table, Pastor Eric shows how God turns an operating table of wounds into a King’s table of healing, anchoring the message in 2 Samuel 9 and Mephibosheth’s unexpected seat of grace. We explore Jesus’ invitation to the unworthy and the adopted heirs who “always eat at the King’s table.” Hear powerful stories from Jenny, Kim, and Josh, and find hope if you’ve ever thought, “I don’t belong here.”
Week 4 of “At the Table” zooms in on Jesus’ words to the criminal on the cross (Luke 23) and the breathtaking promise: “Today you will be with me in paradise.” Pastor Eric demonstrates how this moment reveals the heart of the gospel, Jesus is full of grace and truth, and why we all need both for genuine life transformation. Expect a clear, practical framework to locate yourself on the grace-truth grid and to live like Jesus in your closest relationships.
Serving is at the heart of what it means to follow Jesus, and this week’s message unpacks why. Pastor Kelly McCoy explores Acts 6 and John 13 to show that the church thrives when every table is set and served by someone willing to say “yes.” Discover how stepping into service can move the mission forward and bless both you and those you serve.
Jesus changed lives around tables, and He still does today. In this message, Pastor Eric explores how God uses different environments, tables of wisdom, encouragement, and accountability, to grow us in unique ways. Hear stories from Micaiah and Terry as they share how men’s and women’s ministries at SMCC create space for genuine connection, growth, and life change.
Kicking off our At the Table series, Pastor Eric Nelson shows how tables aren’t just for meals; they’re where connection, confession, forgiveness, and life-changing moments happen. We trace Jesus’ transformative table moments (with Levi, in Simon the leper’s home, at the Last Supper, and breakfast on the beach) and hear from leaders from SMCC about saying yes to His invitation. You’re invited to move from the treadmill to a seat of grace, and to find purpose by setting the table for others through everyday hospitality.
Pastor Trevor Lovell explores why “attention is the beginning of devotion,” showing how what we fixate on shapes our joy, and why the Bible invites us to aim our attention at what is truly beautiful (Philippians 4:8). Tracing a “genealogy of beauty” from Scripture to modern culture, he exposes the pitfalls of beauty-obsession and points us to the gospel as the ultimate shalom story that transforms us from the inside out. Practical next steps help us build beauty into our lives, guard against “beauty sickness,” and delight in the God who is beautiful beyond comparison.
In the final week of our Christ Crucified series, Pastor Ben Helton reminds us that the cross not only saves us but also shapes us. Through Galatians and Philippians, he demonstrates how a cruciform life entails surrendering our own efforts and allowing the Spirit of God to form Christ within us. This message challenges us to live out the gospel with humility, sacrifice, and service, reflecting Jesus in every part of our lives.
We all ache, physically, emotionally, and spiritually, and no amount of self-help or distraction can truly heal what’s broken within us. In week three of the Christ Crucified series, Pastor Eric unpacks how the cross of Jesus goes beyond symptoms to address the root of our deepest wounds, offering restoration to God’s intended design. Discover how Christ heals us through His sacrifice, His people, His Spirit, and the promise of ultimate renewal.
In part two of Christ Crucified, Pastor Eric explores the power and multi-faceted beauty of the cross, like a diamond, answering the question, “What does God really think of me?” Walking through six facets: justification, redemption, reconciliation, regeneration, victory, and worship, he shows how the gospel meets our deepest needs. Rooted in 1 Corinthians 1, this hopeful message invites listeners to behold Christ and respond with a simple prayer of trust.
In this message from Pastor Eric Nelson, we explore the depth and meaning of the cross through the lens of atonement. Using the imagery of a kaleidoscope, we see how Jesus’ death reveals the beauty of salvation, justice, love, and reconciliation. Discover what Jesus truly finished on the cross and why it changes everything for those who believe.
In this special Student Sunday message, we share the heart, mission, and vision behind Student Ministry at SMCC. Hear powerful stories of life change, the importance of adult investment, and how each of us can invite Jesus into our passions. Discover how you can take your next step in faith, just like our students do each week.
In this message from our Summer Tour series, Ren Richardson tackles one of the Bible’s most difficult questions: How can a just God bring such devastating judgment? Through the story of Hagar, the widow's offering, and God’s heart for the vulnerable, we discover that His justice flows from His deep love and grace. Join us as we explore how the God who sees everything also defends those no one else sees.
In this message from the Summer Tour series, Pastor Kelly McCoy unpacks the eternal security found in Jesus by exploring the question: Can you lose your salvation? Through personal stories, biblical teaching from John 10, and a clear call to trust Jesus fully, Pastor Kelly reminds us that our salvation is not about how tightly we hold on to God, but how tightly He holds on to us. If you've ever doubted your standing with God or wondered if grace is truly enough, this message will encourage and challenge you.
In this message from The Summer Tour Series, Pastor Alec Alvarado explores how church is not just for Christians, but also for those still exploring faith. Using a gym training analogy, Alec challenges believers to keep growing and to create space for others to begin their journey. Whether you’re new to faith or ready for your next step, this message helps clarify the church’s purpose and your role in it.
In this message, Pastor Mike Bell unpacks the Gospel as the royal declaration of Jesus’ reign, a call to discipleship, and the blueprint for spiritual and societal transformation. Discover how the Kingdom of God touches every part of life, from our hearts to our communities and beyond.
In this sermon, Pastor Paul Robie offers a biblical critique of the New Apostolic Reformation, a global movement gaining influence through music, teaching, and modern-day “apostles.” He challenges its core doctrines, including fresh revelation, dominion theology, and the normalization of miracles, by grounding truth in Scripture alone. Pastor Paul reminds us that God’s faithfulness is measured not by answered prayers, but by the finished work of Christ on the Cross and His power shown in the Resurrection.
Pastor Eric Nelson explores how the enemy uses our phones to distract, numb, and pull us away from God’s truth. Through biblical insight, real-life testimonies, and seven diabolical digital schemes, this message challenges listeners to fight back with intentional habits and a gospel-shaped rule of life. Discover how digital detox can lead to deeper peace, stronger relationships, and renewed focus on Jesus.
In a world where our devices increasingly distract, exploit, and define us, Pastor Trevor Lovell calls us to reclaim our soul from the scroll. This message explores how we can turn down digital noise and rediscover devotion, identity, and peace through Jesus. It’s a bold invitation to stop being the product—and start living with purpose, presence, and freedom.
Is your phone just a tool, or has it become your master? In this message, Pastor Eric Nelson kicks off Digital Detox by exploring how digital media doesn’t just distract us, it disciples us, shaping our minds and habits in subtle but powerful ways. Rooted in Scripture and modern research, this talk challenges us to reclaim our attention and take a bold step toward freedom with a 12-day digital fast.
Everyone has a money story, but the best ones start with God. In this message, Pastor Eric unpacks how seeing God as first and best reshapes the way we think about our finances, generosity, and purpose. Before you can get money right, you have to get God right.
What if the authors of the New Testament weren’t telling the truth, or weren’t even trying to? In the final episode of our Authority Issues series, Pastor Mike explores the Bible's historical reliability and examines its writers' motivations, memories, and methods. Discover why the most plausible explanation is that the Bible is trustworthy and life-giving.
In this message in the Authority Issues series, Pastor Eric explores the historical formation of the New Testament and why we can trust it today. Discover the four key tests passed by the 27 New Testament documents, and why no one chose them; they revealed themselves.
In this message from our Authority Issues series, Pastor Dave Nelsen tackles the transmission of the Bible and whether we can trust the words we have today. Through manuscript evidence, historical context, and deductive reasoning, we’ll see how God faithfully preserved His Word across centuries. If the Bible is reliable, it’s not just a book—it’s the foundation for knowing who God is and how we are called to live.
In this kickoff to the Authority Issues series, Pastor Eric explains why the Bible can be trusted, starting with how translations work. He explores the difference between mathematical certainty and historical confidence, showing that faith in Scripture doesn't require blind belief but thoughtful investigation. This message lays the foundation for understanding the Bible as a reliable, life-shaping authority.
This Easter message explores the true meaning of testimony—not as hype or personal opinion, but as bold witness to the risen Jesus. Pastor Eric unpacks biblical examples of eyewitness accounts and invites us to investigate the evidence for ourselves. In life or in death, our calling is to bear testimony to the living Christ.
On this Good Friday, Pastor Eric Nelson takes us through the haunting reality of accusation—both those hurled at Jesus and those we still cast today through our words, doubts, and actions. Exploring the many false testimonies from the Gospels, Eric challenges us to confront the ways we misrepresent Christ in our own lives. As we reflect on the cross, we’re invited to see both the weight of our accusations and the freedom Jesus offers us—freedom from guilt, shame, and condemnation.
In this message wrapping up the Just Jesus series, Pastor Alec unpacks the contrast between Mount Sinai and Mount Zion, revealing the freedom and confidence we now have through Jesus. He reminds us that spiritual maturity isn’t about perfection, but about letting the gospel transform our hearts and shape our lives from the inside out. Whether you’re just starting your faith journey or learning to lead others, this episode will encourage you to stop settling for less and step boldly into all that Jesus offers.
In this message from Hebrews 11, Pastor Eric unpacks the true meaning of faith—not as blind optimism, superstition, or emotion, but as active trust rooted in evidence and revealed through obedience. He challenges common misconceptions about faith and shows how real faith shows up in everyday life, even in difficulty and doubt. With inspiring stories and practical insights, this episode will deepen your understanding of what it really means to live by faith.
Pastor Trevor explores how the shadows in our lives—ideas, systems, and even well-meaning beliefs—often distract us from the true source of substance: Jesus. Drawing from Hebrews 10, he challenges us not to settle for shapes without depth, but to pursue the certainty and assurance found only in Christ. Tune in to discover how Jesus fulfills our deepest longings and offers a better way than religion, irreligion, or anything in between.
Explore the inner voice God has given us all: the conscience—an invisible guide that shapes our choices, convicts our hearts, and influences our journey of faith. Through personal stories and the timeless truths of Hebrews 9, we'll discover how Jesus offers freedom from guilt and a cleansed conscience, empowering us to live authentically for God. Join us as we learn how recalibrating our conscience to Christ can transform our relationship with Him and others.
Dive into a nostalgic reflection on life in the '90s, exploring how perfectly good things—like payphones, floppy disks, and road maps—can become obsolete when something better comes along. Pastor Eric reveals how this idea helps us understand the shift from the Old Covenant to the New Covenant through Jesus. Listen in to discover why counting on the right promises can transform your faith and free you from unnecessary disappointment.
In this sermon, Eric Nelson explores Christian maturity, illustrating how growth involves intentionally expanding our capacity to experience and share more with God. Drawing on personal memories and Hebrews 6, he highlights that maturity is both natural and intentional, challenging listeners to close the gap between their spiritual potential and the time they've been given. He concludes with an encouraging reminder of Jesus' unwavering role in guiding our spiritual growth.
In this episode, Pastor Mike Bell unpacks the book of Hebrews to reveal how Jesus serves as our ultimate High Priest—both the mediator and the perfect sacrifice for our sins. Through powerful insights and real-life applications, he explores Jesus' empathy, obedience, and divine authority, showing why our faith in Him is worth holding onto. Tune in for a message that challenges you to take the next step in your spiritual journey.
Feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, and constantly busy? In this week of Just Jesus, Pastor Eric Nelson unpacks the cycle of anxiety, busyness, and fatigue that plagues so many of us today—and how true rest is closer than we think. Through Hebrews 4, we’ll explore how trusting in Jesus frees us from the relentless need to prove ourselves, giving us the deep, lasting rest our souls crave.
How can you know if you’re truly a Christian? In this message from Pastor Eric Nelson, we explore the difference between false assurances—like church membership or a one-time prayer—and the real proof of faith found in perseverance, obedience, and a heart submitted to Jesus. Through the book of Hebrews, we uncover how our confidence isn’t in our past actions, but in the evidence of a transformed life that continues to trust and rest in God.
Join us for the first episode of our Just Jesus series as we dive into the book of Hebrews and explore why Jesus is better, perfect, and sufficient in every way. In this sermon, we unpack how Jesus surpasses prophets, angels, and traditions, and how we can guard against drifting away from Him. Through rich biblical insights and practical encouragement, this message challenges us to center our lives on Just Jesus—nothing more, nothing less.
In this thought-provoking sermon, we explore the profound spiritual and emotional significance of sex, understanding it as a place where Heaven meets Earth—and where evil seeks to wreak havoc. With honesty and biblical wisdom, we address the beauty of God's design, the dangers of distortion, and the ghosts of fear, anger, and shame that can haunt relationships. Through the power of Christ’s redemption, we find hope, healing, and a renewed vision for intimacy that aligns with God's purpose.
In this episode of Our Best Year Yet, we explore the power of healthy conflict in marriage and how true oneness is built through open communication, shared stories, dreams, and risk. Drawing from Genesis and biblical wisdom, we uncover how couples can weave their lives together with good talk and deep connection. Join us as we learn how to fight well, forgive deeply, and pursue a three-strand unity with God at the center.
In this episode, Pastor Eric Nelson explores the foundational principle of "leaving" in marriage—shifting loyalties from parents, past, and possessions to build a strong, God-centered relationship. Through personal stories, biblical wisdom, and practical insights, he unpacks how trust grows over time and why prioritizing your spouse is essential for lasting intimacy. Whether you're newlywed or decades into marriage, this message will challenge and equip you to take the first step toward a thriving, unbreakable bond.
In this episode, Pastor Eric Nelson explores the profound mystery of marriage as a living metaphor for Jesus' sacrificial love for His church. Drawing from Ephesians 5, he highlights the transformative power of grace, forgiveness, and mutual service in building a God-honoring and soul-satisfying relationship. Through practical wisdom and heartfelt reflections, Pastor Eric challenges listeners to embrace marriage as a journey of growth, love, and spiritual transformation.
In this episode, Pastor Eric Nelson kicks off the series Our Best Year Yet by exploring how relationships, dating, and marriage often lack intentional direction and purpose. Drawing from Scripture, he reveals God’s clear plan for marriage as a reflection of unity, love, and eternal joy, offering practical insights for couples and singles alike. Whether you’re preparing for marriage, seeking a refresh, or simply curious about God’s design, this series points you toward thriving relationships and invites you to join the upcoming Marriage Weekend for deeper growth.
In this reflective New Year’s message, Pastor Dave Nelson guides us through four essential phrases—Thank You, Goodbye, I Matter, and Please—that can help us close one year and step into the next with purpose and faith. Through gratitude, grief, affirmation, and prayer, this sermon encourages listeners to embrace God’s presence in every season of life. Join us as we reflect, reset, and invite God to lead us into the year ahead.
In this inspiring Christmas sermon, Pastor Eric Nelson shares how a bigger view of Jesus can lead to a better, more meaningful Christmas. Discover who Jesus truly is—Immanuel, God with us, and Savior for us—and how understanding His identity can transform your holiday season. With three simple words—Sorry, Thank You, and Please—you'll be invited to experience a deeper connection with God and find lasting joy beyond the season’s pressures.
In this powerful sermon, Pastor Mike Bell explores Mary’s testimony and her response to God’s extraordinary calling. Discover how Mary’s journey—marked by faith, doubt, and surrender—reflects our own struggles and triumphs in following God’s plan. Be encouraged to embrace God’s favor in your life and step into the impact He has prepared for you.
In this powerful sermon, Joseph’s Reputation: A Manger Invitation, Pastor Eric Nelson explores the tension between character and reputation through the lens of Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus. Faced with betrayal and public shame, Joseph’s story challenges us to prioritize doing what’s right over appearing right. Pastor Eric unpacks how God’s approval can anchor our choices, offering peace and freedom from people-pleasing. Dive into this timely message and discover how choosing character over reputation can transform your life and legacy.
Dive into the heart of the Christmas story with Pastor Eric as he unpacks the unexpected and transformative beauty of the Nativity. Explore timeless truths, the lives of key characters, and how the arrival of Jesus confronts and comforts us, challenging our values and reshaping our perspective. Perfect for anyone seeking deeper meaning this holiday season!
In this message, Pastor Eric unpacks the messy, unexpected realities of the nativity story, exploring how Jesus entered a broken world filled with scandal, power struggles, and irony. By focusing on the Magi, he reveals how those least qualified were invited to worship the King, while those most comfortable were disturbed. This episode challenges us to trust Jesus, let go of what holds us back, and embrace the good news of Christmas.
In this episode, Godly Grievers Kill The Grief Monster, Pastor Trevor Lovell shares a heartfelt personal story of loss and the struggle to trust God in the midst of suffering. Drawing wisdom from the book of Lamentations, we explore how grief, when brought to God, can be transformed into an opportunity for deeper faith and hope. Through biblical teaching, practical insights, and powerful illustrations, Pastor Trevor offers a roadmap for navigating pain without letting it define you. Join us to learn how to lament well, conquer the grief monster, and find comfort in God’s presence.
In this episode, we explore the importance of grief as a healing process, drawing wisdom from the Bible, particularly the book of Lamentations. Discover how acknowledging loss, inviting God into your pain, and finding community support can lead to comfort, growth, and joy on the other side of mourning.
Pastor Trevor discussed making confident life decisions by seeking holiness, which cultivates honor and peace in relationships, drawing from The Midnight Library and 1 Thessalonians. He encouraged viewing holiness not as rigid or shameful but as a pathway to fulfilling God’s will and finding true purpose.
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Final Song - "New Wine" by Hillsong Worship