The Garden Weekly Sermons: Recent Episodes
The Garden Church | Bakersfield
We are a growing family passionately pursuing God in Spirit and Truth, to see lives and communities transformed through Jesus Christ.
Happy Palm Sunday!
On Palm Sunday, Jesus begins the final stage of his journey for our salvation. He goes into the Temple in Jerusalem, overturns the tables of the money-changers, and resets the priorities of the sacred place – a house of prayer, healing, and children offering praise and worship. In a day when many consider the Church irrelevant and worthy of constant criticism, this Sunday we will examine Scripture with the question, "What did Jesus think was a church to die for?"
This week at The Garden, Pastor David Goh and Pastor Will Gutierrez shed light on the importance of sowing into the future.
Genesis 28:11-19 NIV
“When he reached a certain place, he stopped for the night because the sun had set. Taking one of the stones there, he put it under his head and lay down to sleep.” “He had a dream in which he saw a stairway resting on the earth, with its top reaching to heaven, and the angels of God were ascending and descending on it. There above it stood the Lord, and he said: “I am the Lord, the God of your father Abraham and the God of Isaac. I will give you and your descendants the land on which you are lying. Your descendants will be like the dust of the earth, and you will spread out to the west and to the east, to the north and to the south. All peoples on earth will be blessed through you and your offspring. I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.” When Jacob awoke from his sleep, he thought, “Surely the Lord is in this place, and I was not aware of it.” He was afraid and said, “How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God; this is the gate of heaven.” Early the next morning Jacob took the stone he had placed under his head and set it up as a pillar and poured oil on top of it. He called that place Bethel, though the city used to be called Luz.”
God’s heart is that we become “deeply rooted” and fruitful (Psalm 80:8-9). To thrive, we must be “rooted in love” (Ephesians 3:17) – and this takes place as we connect and commit to each other. This Sunday, as we continue to focus on bringing to completion the new Worship Center, we want to emphasize the importance of investing in relationships. God’s purpose is not the draw a crowd to the Garden, but to build a family. We will be providing time within the service for us to take a closer look and sign up for Garden Rooted Groups.
The Garden is celebrating its one year anniversary of its marriage. Pastor Will Gutierrez and Pastor David Goh speak about what been birthed from this transition, what they see for the future of The Garden, and how you can partner with us to fulfill God’s plan of the expansion of The Garden.
The pressure of perfectionism is opposite to the life of grace. Yet, so is an attitude of half-hearted effort, sloppy work and lukewarm commitment. 1 Peter 2:9-12 shows us how those who receive mercy respond by showing our world the excellencies of our God.
“God isn’t calling you to wrestle with him; He is calling to you rest with him” - Pastor Will Gutierrez
Pastor Will Gutierrez wraps up his sermon series, “Give it a New Name” this week. Diving into Genesis 32: 24-28, Will preaches on knowing your identity in Christ.
Pastor David Goh and Pastor Will Gutierrez talk about unlocking your gifts as we continue our Heart for the House series.
This past Sunday God continued to highlight the past generation and the generations to come. What a beautiful service.
“When so much is changing that nothing seems the same, how do we gain the comfort and confidence to see life through God’s perspective?”
Psalm 16 helps give us insight in how we can find stability in seasons of uncertainty. Let’s choose to lean into His presence in order to see His divine purposes become a reality our lives and in Bakersfield.
Listen to this timely message by Pastor David Goh!
This past weekend, we hosted the KNOWN Conference with speakers from our own House! The theme of the conference was 1 Corinthians 8:3 “But if anyone loves God, he is known by God.” This week’s message was a combination of short power-packed messages from each speaker.
Listen and be encouraged by this fiery panel of women.
We must know our God-given identity which is in Christ Jesus. This identification is documented in heaven and in the scriptures.
What of the only thing required of us, is to know Him? May we be a people who care less about “the calling” and more about The One who has called us.
Social Media is the lead for determining our culture and who we are as individuals. I call out that we have let social media dictate our identity but God is the creator and keeper of our identity. We seek Him to know the truth of who we are and no longer partner with others versions.
“No” Is a complete sentence. This powerful, kind, and helpful word “no” has been a hard word for people to say. With proper tools this elusive word can become much easier to use.
It's crucial for Christians to know the armor they have in Christ, especially in today's world!
If you pursue God, you will find Him, and when you find Him, you will know Him. And as you know Him more and more, you will become like Him. The mandate for Christ followers is to reflect Jesus to the world and to stand firm in culture.
Identity shifts are required for each new season. The way we see ourselves is crucial to our destiny. We can’t see ourselves correctly until the Father speaks to us.
Know HIM - know your true self!
What does your relationship with Jesus look like? Is He your Sunday morning only Jesus? Or is He your every day and every moment, Jesus? There is a new level of intimacy and worship we are being called to. It’s what we are born for.
If you see Him for who He truly is, you will live the full life He died to give.
Listen to this truth-filled message by Pastor Will Gutierrez!
God doesn't promote based on talent, he promotes based on faithfulness. What are you doing with what you have now? Dust off your "mina" and put it to work for the kingdom!
Listen to this urgent message by Pastor David Goh.
When David’s army was preparing to fight the Amalekites, a third of the army was too weary to continue - but the remaining two-thirds were still able to be victorious in battle. Regardless of their status of fighting, everyone received back what was stolen by the enemy. In the same way, whether we feel strong or weak, Christ will fight our battles and reign victorious in the end for all!
Listen to this engaging message by Pastor Will Gutierrez!
With Today’s world full of tragedy and increasing division over social and political issues, Dr. David Goh exhorts us to not be shaken! Matthew 24:6 says, “And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet.” He goes further to teach on how it is our Biblical assignment to speak up! Proverbs 31:8-9 says, “Open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy.” Listen to this message to hear David teach on being a Christian in crises.
Where are you going to find your strength? David strengthened himself in the Lord. When we are in distress, do we worry? Or, do we worship?
Listen to this wild message from Pastor Will Gutierrez!
"Faith is not a sanctified version of denial." So what exactly is faith, and why do we need it? As people of God, we were made to dream big!
Listen to this foundational message from Pastor Mike Petzer!
Jesus is more than enough! When He is in our corner, there is nothing that we are lacking. He is our sustenance - everything else is a supplement to our lives.
Listen to this impactful message from Pastor Anthony Cota!
Identity, intimacy, and intuition are the keys to living a lifestyle of miracles. We get to be the gateways between heaven and earth when we are aware of God’s presence in our midst. Let’s partner with God to see Bakersfield - as it is in heaven!
Listen to this radical message from Pastor Timothy Berry!
Our extraordinary faith in God can lead to “interrupted” miracles in our lives and our identity in Christ gives us access to greater authority in Him. Nothing is too hard for God!
Listen to this fiery message from Pastor Will Gutierrez.
“Religion is all about what you do for God. Christianity is all about what Jesus has done for us.”
We don’t need to prove ourselves to God for Him to love us. He already loves us and He likes us!
Listen to this joy-filled message by guest speaker, Zach Maldonado!
Pastor David Goh reminds us of the authority, boldness, and faith we have been given to re-present Jesus to the lost and hurting. Jesus has given us the same tools He used! Far too often we allow shame and guilt to hinder us from offering (that which has been made feely available to us) through the death and resurrection of Jesus! Listen to this message and be encouraged to use the authority and boldness you have been given!
The “law of liberty” doesn't exist in order to convince God that we're forgiveable. Forgiveness was His idea in the beginning. True righteousness is not making little of sin; but rather making much of our salvation through Jesus!
Listen to this foundation-building message from Pastor Mike!
The Father is madly in love with all of His children! Regardless of where our lives have taken us, His arms are always ready to receive us as heirs - not as servants.
Listen to this perspective-shifting message from Pastor Will!
**God desires to equip all of us with His power and without measure! His compassion can turn the ashes of our lives and the lives around us into beauty.
Listen to this catalytic message from our guest speaker, Marc Dupont!**
**It is time for the church to awaken from her slumber! Just like the Sons of Issachar, we need to know the times and seasons, and what to do with them.
Listen to this fresh word for Bakersfield from our guest speaker, Marc Dupont!**
“This is taking forever!” “This is happening way too fast!” To welcome the work of the Spirit in our lives and our lives together, we must be willing to embrace both the “steadily” and “suddenly” of His movement.
Listen to this faith-inspiring message from Pastor David!
God has His plans for our life, but do our plans line us with God’s plans? How much do we really trust Him? Ultimately, we have a choice in how we partner with heaven in this season and the season to come.
Listen to this raw and authentic message from Pastors Will and Amanda Gutierrez!
What does it mean to be “spirit filled”? The Holy Spirit is such an important part of a believer’s life. He is within us for ourselves and upon us for others.
Listen to this fire-filled message from Pastor Will Gutierrez!
Do you sense a change is pending? This season is a pivotal moment which requires our alertness and awareness as never before. The Lord is directing us in new ways, to end up in places that we have never been! He is giving new directions because He has need of us!
Listen to this timely message by Pastor Dona!
Mother’s Day! Amanda Gutierrez, Katie Lemster and Lindsay Long each share a message close to their hearts. They are for everyone - in any season of their life!
Listen to these power-packed messages from three of our own!
What does trusting God actually look like? How do we prevent fear from ruling our lives? Our hope is to be people who can trust God with our hearts, our minds, and our souls - both now, and for our future!
Listen to this fire-filled message from Pastor Will.
Generosity is central to the experience of grace. Instead of experiencing guilt or manipulation with giving; how can we become a “cheerful giver” - like Jesus - and have a growing part in advancing His purposes?
Listen to this perspective-shifting message from Pastor David.
The people in our extended community affect our lives, but the people in our “circle” help shape it. Who is in your circle and why? With Christ at the center of it all, let’s choose to make healthy decisions in all of our relationships.
Listen to this honest sermon from Pastor Will Gutierrez.
God is seeking those who will worship him in Spirit and in Truth. To be devoted to The Word only - without welcoming the activity of The Spirit - easily leads to legalism. To seek only The Spirit - without a devotion to The Word - often leads to living from the flesh.
Listen to this crucial and timely message from Pastor David Goh.
The King is Alive! Pastor Will gives a powerful message about the life we have in Jesus! Listen to his message!
Throughout history, from Genesis to Revelation, God consistently displays his love and longing to dwell with us in relationship. Yet, so few individuals and churches fully respond. What does Scripture teach us about hosting God?
Listen to this message from Pastor David, titled "Hosting God” to hear more.
March 14th, 2021 was the Covenant Ceremony for two church bodies: The Garden and Freedom Sound. We believe Pastor David and Pastor Will uniting is a fulfillment of the heart of God for The Garden, and is a sign of how the Spirit is bringing the divided body of Christ together in this hour.
Listen to this impactful and unforgettable service!
March 14th, 2021 was the Covenant Ceremony for two church bodies: The Garden and Freedom Sound. We believe Pastor David and Pastor Will uniting is a fulfillment of the heart of God for The Garden, and is a sign of how the Spirit is bringing the divided body of Christ together in this hour.
Listen to this impactful and unforgettable service!
The final chapters of Revelation describe a new heaven and a new earth. Throughout the book, we are able to grasp what He has made available to us now through God’s Spirit. Even in the staircase of difficult times before the end of time, we can be the dwelling place of His presence, know His healing, and drink from the river of life.
Pastor David concludes his Sermon Series on "The Revelation: Last Days Now" with: Trumpets and Scrolls: All Things New.
There is so much excitement and anticipation for Freedom Sound to become part of The Garden church family. Many questions have risen, and in this Q&A Pastor David and Pastor Will share their hearts, their journey to this place, and their commitments to each other and to the combined body of believers. For both of these men, this church merge symbolizes a “marriage covenant” and they are in this all the way to the end! The excitement is building for all that’s in store at The Garden! Join us!
In the last days, God is going to unite His Word and His Spirit as two witnesses of God’s truth and power. Pastor David shares how can we be part of a rising light that is greater than the darkness in this message titled: Triumph in Tribulation - The Last Generation.
The greatest crossover to ever happen was when the Father granted the blessings that were promised to his firstborn, Jesus - to us! His sacrifice of love and His faithfulness to deliver all He promised powerfully are shared in today’s message: The Crossover. Listen to this message from guest speaker, Will Gutierrez.
Revelation is packed with action, mysterious figures, sounds and silence. But how do we make sense of the plot? As we begin to explore the third part of The Revelation: "Trumpets and Scrolls," we will find a spiral staircase in which scenes seem to repeat themselves, but everything is progressing to the final generation and the return of Christ. Listen to this message from Pastor David as we continue in our series on Revelation with: Trumpets and Scrolls: Toward the Final Generation.
Discover the key to overcoming instead of being overcome when evil rises all around.
Jesus instructs the churches of Revelation to be uncompromising in their financial, social and sexual lives. Repentance and alignment releases great divine authority to God’s holy conquerors! Listen to this message by Pastor David.
The volume of prophetic words from both true and false prophets increase with the birth-pangs of the Last Days. God corrected the churches at Pergamum and Thyatira for failing to discern between true and false prophets. What can we take-away from Revelation to equip us to hear God clearly? Listen to this message from Pastor David.
Before the foundation of the earth, God assigned a route that we are to take to accomplish what He has purposed for our lives. To be successful, we must do it His way. God doesn’t have a short cut in mind. The strategy of the enemy has been, and still is, to trick us into short cuts so we will abandon God’s assignment on our lives. Listen to this insightful message from Pastor Dona Putnam.
God commends the church of Ephesus for their perseverance and hard work in a difficult season. But a toll had been taken - they had lost the love they had at first. As we enter this New Year, God is giving his persevering and hard working Church an invitation - repent and turn back to that passion that might have been lost in the midst of being responsible and staying faithful. Listen to this message from Pastor David Goh.
The key to understanding the Book of Revelation is in its opening words, “The revelation of Jesus Christ.” Revelation portrays the Father, Son and Spirit in seven key attributes – all of which are essential to remember as the people of God! Listen to this timely message from Pastor David Goh.
In Genesis chapter 1 God established the principle: Out of darkness and chaos, He commands light to come! He has been preparing the witnessing church to emerge with the voice of truth. It’s time to “Arise and Shine” and demonstrate the life and light of God to the world. Listen to Pastor Dona’s prophetic perspective for 2021 “It’s Time to Shine.”
We celebrate at Christmas how the long-expected Messiah came wrapped in the unexpected: no royal entry, a controversial birth, the overturning of Joseph and Mary’s life plans, celebrated by angels in the heavens, but witnessed by a humble few on earth. What gifts are being presented to us in the unexpected, delay creating, isolated moments of this pandemic? Can we hear the angels’ songs when the long-expected comes wrapped in the unexpected?
Why is it easier for most of us to think of the things we are not thankful for? Do the people closest to us think we are grateful people? Terry Kirkindoll gives some wonderful insight on the importance of giving thanks in all circumstances. In this wisdom-packed message Terry references Jesus’ healing of the ten lepers - where only one comes back to thank Him (Luke 17:11-19). We are to be like to one who expressed gratitude!
The ongoing saga of COVID-19 related shutdowns with the changing rules and regulations, has brought many frustrations and anxieties. It’s led many individuals into a place of isolation. It’s almost as if they are hiding in a cave of seclusion where the only voice that they hear is the echo of their thoughts bouncing off the barren walls. But, sometimes, God does His best work in us while we are in a cave. Listen to this message to hear from Pastor Dona as she shares about four men in a cave and their discovery that “God is in This Place.”
Everyday doors of fresh opportunity are coming towards us… but, we must recognize them and seize them or they will pass us by. The opportunity of a lifetime lasts only for the lifetime of that opportunity! Listen to this message by Pastor Dona to learn how to recognize and navigate the doors of opportunity God has placed before us.
Listen to this message to be led in a time of setting your heart and mind on gratitude, and receive hope through a blessing that comes from God and His Word. The favor of His presence rests upon us, and we decree this grace to increase upon us and future generations.
When we have passion, even for Jesus, without devotion, we experience high emotion but not commitment and follow-through. The passion of the early Church was expressed in devotion to God’s word, to connection, and above all to prayer. If we seek revival and the revelation of God’s power in our day, it begins with devotion to these same things. Listen to this important message from Dr. David Goh.
These unsettling times are providing daily opportunities to share the love and hope of Jesus with others. Instead of repeating the fear that is drenching our society, let’s increasingly represent Jesus in our conversations and communication. Listen to Pastor David Goh’s powerful message titled “Be the Church.” Also, Patty Gray, co-owner of Dream Maker Bath and Kitchen, and our newly elected City Council Member, share’s how she’s been living out her call as a market-place minister.
In this election week in the middle of a global pandemic, don’t let the fear of uncertainty grip your vision! Let’s follow God’s presence with courage wherever He leads, and as a nation live up to our anthem, “the land of the free and the home of the brave.” What might God do in the next season of our lives, if like Joshua, we had the courage to take steps into the uncertain and the unknown? Listen to this inspiring message by Dr. David Goh!
Pastor David Goh asks the question, “Do we really want to attend a church where everyone votes the same, and if so, why?” Maybe for you there is a single issue that far outweighs everything else (for instance, abortion or social injustice). For others, there are multiple biblical priorities to weigh together (such as supporting both the enforcement of law and concern for the immigrant). And what if God places on another believer a call to advocate for a particular priority, which causes them to vote differently from us? Will this divide our unity as Christ’s Body, or increase our conversation? Listen to this timely and thought-provoking message by Pastor David Goh.
Confined, cramped, tight, narrow, restricted – these words immediately create a sense of discomfort. But, throughout Scripture, such narrow places are not final destinations – they are a passage to a spacious place. Psalm 118:5 promises: “When hard pressed, I cried to the Lord; he brought me into a spacious place.” Listen to this insightful and encouraging message from Dr. David Goh.
Terry Kirkindoll highlights what God does in us while we wait is just as important as what we are waiting for. Using a testimony form his youth and Romans 5:3-5 he shares part three in the series, “The Art of Waiting.” Be encouraged by this message and learn how waiting can produce in you, a hope that doesn’t disappoint.
Scripture tells us that waiting on God will refresh and strengthen us. One of the skills learned in the waiting process is strength to stand. Listen to this encouraging message from Pastor Dona to gain biblical insight on this essential skill in our walk with Christ!
Pastor David Goh emphasizes that unless we understand and mature in “The Art of Waiting,” we can grow confused, anxious and increasingly distrusting of God. He using stories from the Bible and from life to explore the reality of what God does in us while we wait, and it’s as important as what we are waiting for.” Listen to this encouraging message.
Pastor David Goh wraps up his sermon series “Jesus Commission” with a sermon titled “Prayer Evangelism.” He reinforces the need for prayer to align our hearts with God’s for those who do not know Jesus as both Savior and Lord. Matthew 9:36-38 says, “When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” This sermon lays out practical, daily steps every believer can take to see their family, friends, neighbors and co-workers come to eternal life in Christ.
Annie Byrne shares earlier this year God told her this is the decade of the ampersand: “The & of God.” When things become difficult and hope is fading God is always on the other side of those circumstances. She declares Ephesians 3:20, “Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us.“ She shares three things that hinder us from continuing down the road to the promise. Listen to this powerful message to be encouraged in your process!
When things seem to be falling apart, spiritual hunger increases in the world. But will spiritual hunger increase within us, increase at this time in the Church? Or are our hearts growing cold and afraid? When we step into times of crisis with the intention to represent Jesus instead of fighting, fleeing or freezing, we will see family, friends and cities come to know Jesus! I feel a great urgency and weight upon this Sunday’s sermon – but also great hope and awakening. - Pastor David Goh
In times of crisis, God’s people step up! A very specific focus of our commission from Jesus is “to preach good news to the poor” (Luke 4:18). Pastor Robin Robinson of Canyon Hills Church introduces the Garden to a new partnership in compassion evangelism. CityServe collaborates with major national corporations and agencies to resource local churches to provide food, household supplies, and furnishings to those in need in their immediate neighborhoods.
Jesus commended his disciples, “You are the ones who have stood by me in my trials.” He then goes on to say, “and I am conferring on you a kingdom…” (Luke 22:28-30). The greatest in this kingdom are not those served, but those who serve others. They love with a commitment that is revealed most clearly in hard times, times when others walk away. The Jesus community follows our Savior, whose life, death and resurrection declared, “In the toughest of times, I’m there for you.” We are called to be “there for each other.” A Church which lives out this love is bringing a Kingdom that transforms our world.
Safety is created for hard conversations when love is the declared purpose at the beginning of a hard conversation. The goal of voicing an injustice is not retribution or vindication, but relationship. Sometime there can be no reconciliation without injustice being addressed, but for followers of Christ, the ultimate aim of pursuing justice is the restoring of relationship between parties. Listen to this insightful message by Pastor David Goh.
God commands a blessing – the anointing of life itself – when his people dwell together in unity (Psalm 133). The Jesus community is a place for the wounded and the sick to find God’s healing. Scripture commands us to “pray for one another that you may be healed” (James 5:16). Pastor David shares some wonderful healing miracles at the Garden. In this time of pandemic, be encouraged that the Lord our Healer is still working miracles!
The disciples were from opposite political views, with conflicting personality types, and a wide array of ethnic and cultural backgrounds. Yet, Jesus called as a community of friends those who were unlike each other as a sign of a divine love that would break the power of demons and change the destiny of the world. From the beginning, it was hard work, but this remains the prophetic mandate to the church of Jesus today. Listen to this challenging message by Pastor David Goh.