Solid Ground Church: Recent Episodes
Solid Ground Church
These teachings are from Solid Ground church's Sunday morning gatherings in Rancho Cucamonga, California.
What will Jesus find in your hands when He returns? In Luke 19:11–27, the Parable of the Minas calls every follower of Jesus to faithfully invest what we’ve been given. No one is empty-handed. No mina is too small. In this message, we will unpack:
✅ Why Jesus told this parable right before His crucifixion
✅ What the minas represent in your life today
✅ The difference between faith-filled obedience and fearful inaction
✅ What real accountability looks like when the King returns
Too many people settle for survival when Jesus came to give them life. Real life. Abundant life. The kind that fills your days with peace, joy, and purpose instead of fear, guilt, and burnout. Pastor Mike will issue a wake-up call this week: you don’t have to wait for heaven to begin living. Eternal life isn’t just about what happens after you die—it’s about who you’re becoming right now. If you’re tired of going through the motions, if you feel spiritually numb, if you’re ready to move from just breathing to truly living—this is the message you can’t afford to miss.
Scripture is pretty clear about Jesus’ true calling on our lives. The problem is that you may not be comfortable with it. It won’t lead you to safety or ease, but to the margins—because the poor, the overlooked, and the broken are what His mission is all about. In this message, join Pastor Mike as he reveals how stepping into that mission not only transforms lives around you, but also awakens your own purpose in ways you never imagined.
The word apocalypse can stir up images of chaos—disaster movies, crumbling cities, and a future to be feared. It’s no wonder so many people brace themselves at just the mention of it. But what if there’s more to the story than we’ve been told? In this message, Pastor Mike will uncover a surprising truth hidden in that word—something that doesn’t lead to panic, but to peace. You’ll see the apocalypse in a light you never expected, and it just might change how you face the future.
There had to be a better way, right?
From a human perspective, the death of Jesus feels like a tragic end to an exemplary life. Yet the cross flips our expectations—it’s not the end of hope but the surprising way God brings freedom. In this message, Pastor Mike will explain Jesus’ path to the cross reveals love stronger than fear, healing deeper than guilt, and victory greater than evil itself. You’ll discover how His sacrifice changes everything—and how it can reshape your story today.
The world can be a scary place. There’s not much we can do to change it, but it doesn’t have to change us!
Pastor Mike says there’s a better way to live—one where we don’t wallow in worry. The world tells us the best we can do is manage fear, but Jesus offers us a life where fear is displaced by love, trust, and courage. If you’re tired of letting dread dictate your choices, this message will show you how to experience the freedom of living unafraid.
It’s time to realize that God’s grace is bigger than your failures.
Drift far enough from God, and it can feel like the distance is impossible to close. But this week, Pastor Mike will remind you that the road back is always open, and the God who loves you hasn’t moved an inch. You’ll discover how to lay down guilt, pick up hope, and step into a fresh start that was waiting for you all along.
There’s great value in setting a strong Christian example for our kids, but ultimately, there’s no such thing as hand-me-down discipleship. This week, Pastor Mike will examine the age-old spiritual phenomenon of "generational degeneration" as he reveals why second- or third-generation believers are likely to fall away if they fail to “choose the right chair.” Don’t miss this fascinating look at the importance of making a personal decision to follow Jesus, no matter whose spiritual footsteps we try to follow.
Discover how to live peacefully, purposefully, and publicly in a world that rejects our values.
Christians are called to live in foreign territory without becoming part of it. It’s called the “exile life” and let’s face it – it’s uncomfortable. Some deal with that discomfort by fighting against the culture or withdrawing from it completely. Others give up and try to go along to get along. But, in this message, Pastor Mike explores a third option – one that requires deep conviction, quiet strength, and radical love. Whether you feel like a misfit in the workplace, overwhelmed by culture, or just hungry for a faith that’s bold and grounded, this message is for you.
Next time it’s cold, start a fire in your fireplace and it’ll create light, warmth and a feeling of comfort. Start it on your living room carpet and it’ll burn down your house. The Bible teaches us that sex works the same way. God has a beautiful design for love and marriage, but it’s one that our society has all but forgotten, leading to disharmony, unfaithfulness, broken families and cultural confusion. In this message, Pastor Mike talks to teens and adults about how to follow the Lord’s blueprint for building (or re-building) a healthy relationship, and how to reach out compassionately to those struggling with sin or identity issues.
Pastor Mike says that when we ask God for wisdom, we shouldn’t be surprised if it shows up in some unexpected places. In this message, he’ll teach us how recognize divine insight when it comes our way by opening our hearts to the subtle ways the Lord speaks through Scripture, creation, conversation and more.
Life sometimes presents us with giant questions. So, what happens when we don't find the answers we need, even when we ask God again and again? In this message, Pastor Mike will talk about a man who desperately sought a reason for the disasters in his life and got more of an answer than he bargained for.
“That’s not fair!!” Kids say it to their parents all the time. But if we’re honest, haven’t we grown-ups said much the same to God? In this message, Pastor Mike will tell the story of a man who made that very accusation and got a direct answer. Discover how our reaction to suffering reveals what we really believe about God and learn how an attitude adjustment can change not only our reactions but our reality.
It’s hard to trust God when answers don’t come, but more problems and pain do. But in this message, Pastor Mike will explain why despair is a destination believers have the power to avoid and reveal real-life ways we can keep it together when it feels like our world is falling apart.
When we drift away from God, it’s too easy to convince ourselves that we’ve wandered so far that He might not want us back. This week, Pastor Mike shares the compelling story of a man God used as a living example of why that’s never true. Listen in to discover why, no matter how far we stray, we’re never too far gone for grace.
Too many believers seeking the Bread of Life wind up settling for burnt toast. Pastor Mike says that’s what happens when our devotion is divided between God and… well, anything else. In this message, he talks about a biblical “trial by fire” that teaches us a vital lesson about allegiance to the Lord. Discover how your relationships, your faith, and your senses of purpose and peace can change when you live life wholeheartedly.
Ever feel ordinary, overlooked, or stuck waiting for something to happen? Join us as Pastor Mike dives into the remarkable story of David—the shepherd who became a king—and discover how God loves to take ordinary lives and turn them into extraordinary stories. You'll walk away encouraged, inspired, and equipped with practical ways to trust God's timing, embrace your purpose, and anchor your hope in promises that never fail.
If you want to accomplish big things, start by thinking small—as small as a mustard seed. Guest speaker John Dixon (Crest Community Church, Riverside) explains why the church's strength lies not in its size or resources but in the radical obedience and love of its members. Discover how small gestures, supercharged with love, can lead to monumental change both in your individual life and in the broader community.
When Christians pray, we often ask for the Lord’s blessings. This week, Pastor Mike will focus on some of the heavenly blessings we already have, but sometimes don’t experience. He’ll present and unpack key questions that’ll help you diagnose any disconnects and plug in to a promise God made to his people way back in the book of Numbers. You’ll learn to experience God's protective care, feel His comforting presence in your daily life, and find true peace that transcends circumstances.
What if holiness wasn’t just about avoiding sin, but about spreading grace? In the Old Testament, impurity multiplied like muddy shoe prints on white carpet, but in Jesus, God engineered a reversal, making holiness contagious. In this message, Pastor Mike will diagnose the way the Lord redefined holiness and taught us to propagate healing and transformation through person-to-person contact. Discover how to become a fully-infected carrier of the “Grace Contagion” as you join us.
Does God deliberately turn some people against him? After all, the Bible says that the Lord “hardened” Pharaoh’s heart. If that’s the case, where do free will and human responsibility kick in? Pastor Mike will clear up the controversy in this message as he talks about how God can use even human rebellion to accomplish his purposes and outlines ways we can keep our own hearts open to the Lord.
The book of Leviticus (“Vayikra” in the original language) has an undeserved reputation for being difficult and boring. But in this message, Pastor Mike will connect the dots from this ancient text to the words of Jesus, teaching us that God is near, cares for His people, and desires to guide us toward a life of love, justice, and holiness. Discover how to live your life as a “portable Temple” in a world that desperately needs to see our faith in action.
Join Pastor Mike as he unpacks the meaning behind some of the names the Bible uses to describe God. Along the way, you'll uncover a deeper understanding of your own identity, learn to embrace your unique place in the universe, and find a kind of peace so heavenly that it makes no earthly sense.
The church is the center of God’s mission in the world. God works through His people—through what they already have—to bring hope, healing, and transformation.
Have you ever felt like what you have to offer isn’t enough? In John 6:1-14, we see a young boy bring his meager lunch—five loaves and two fish—and place it in Jesus’ hands. What happens next is nothing short of miraculous: Jesus feeds over five thousand people and still has twelve baskets of leftovers. This story isn’t just about a miracle; it’s a powerful reminder that God doesn’t ask us for what we don’t have. He asks us to trust Him with what we do have, no matter how small it may seem. In this sermon, we’ll explore how God can take our ordinary offerings and use them in extraordinary ways to meet needs, bless others, and display His power. What’s in your hands today that Jesus can multiply? Join us as we discover the incredible potential of placing what we have in the hands of God.
Matthew 5:13-16 isn’t just a nice metaphor—it’s a calling to actively engage the world with God’s love, truth, and justice. Without living as salt and light, believers lose their impact, faith becomes hollow, and the world lacks a clear picture of God’s goodness. But when we live out this calling, God’s presence shines through us, drawing others toward hope, healing, and transformation.
Some people say that rules were made to be broken. Others say “the rules are the rules for a reason.” Then, Jesus comes along and says, “People, it’s not even about the rules!” So, what does he mean? That all the boundaries are gone and we can just live any way we want? No, Pastor Mike says it’s something even better than that. Join him as he explains.
Ask people how life is going and they might just might tell you, “It’s all good!” But if we’re honest, sometimes, life feels anything but good. It’s more like challenging, confusing, or downright unendurable. We may even wonder if God has left town or if he’s just ignoring us. But we’ll find out in this special Mother’s Day message from Pastor Marie why the opposite is true… and how we can avoid developing "spiritual leprosy" when we’re facing pain and loss.
Focusing our faith on religious rituals and expressions is like looking at a beautiful sculpture and worshipping the chisel. It’s a classic example of missing the point. Jesus offers us something deeper and more meaningful than empty religion. Join Pastor Mike as he explains what it is.
It doesn’t matter if you’re right on time. If you’re waiting at the wrong place, well, you’re gonna be there a while. The same is true when you’re waiting for a miracle. The time might be right; the need may be great. But if you’re not where God wants to meet you, you might be on your own. This week, Pastor Mike will explain why getting properly positioned for divine intervention often comes down to following one simple direction.
Being a true disciple means following Jesus—even when his footsteps lead straight out of our comfort zone and into unfamiliar territory. How do we learn to do that? This week, Pastor Mike explains why it's a lot like becoming a bricklayer.
Sometimes, an insult can actually be a compliment if you think about it in the right context. Pastor Mike will talk about one of those today. revealing how it can change the way you see yourself, help you discover your purpose in life and find the power to live it out.
The are times in life when a second chance isn't enough... or even a third or fourth chance. This week, Pastor Mike explores why we often settle for a do-over when only a complete transformation will do.
In this special Easter edition, Pastor Mike reveals why the resurrection of Jesus in the world's only source of real, tangible hope.
Palm Sunday pageants often feature children waving palm branches, just like people did when Jesus made his triumphal entry into Jerusalem on his way to the cross. But this week, Pastor Mike will focus on another important symbol from that historical moment—one that speaks volumes about our pride, self-sufficiency and need for control.
This week, Pastor Mike will talk about a blind man who knew there was something he needed even more than eyesight. The answer will give you a sharper focus on the power of prayer and persistence.
The Lord has ways of getting his point across, even when subtle signals aren't getting the job done. This week, Pastor Ryan explains how God still speaks as he tells the story of an unlikely spokesperson who miraculously admonished a man headed in a dangerous direction.
The miracles Jesus performed not only changed lives but taught lessons. This week, Pastor Mike talks about the raising of Lazarus as he explores what we can learn when God does something :"inconceivable."
Believers may differ on platforms and propositions but, this week, Pastor Mike will explore some of the key biblical guidelines that should drive our decisions--no matter your party preference.
Differences of opinion are one thing. But this week, Pastor Mike talks about the poison of letting politics get personal.
Pastor Mike continues his look at why we need to base our votes on Kingdom values rather than any party or platform. It's a discussion designed to unite believers with even the most diverse perspectives.
The question of how Christians should vote is too important to boil down to a list of candidates and propositions. This week, Pastor Mike begins a look at the biblical values that should drive the decisions we make about our ballots.
Living in community is wholesome, healthy... and hard. Join Pastor Mike as he talks about biblical principles for building healthy relationships, even in the face of complications and conflicts.
A strategic time out can be the key to winning a football game. This week, Pastor Mike will reveal the part it can play in spiritual victories as well.
Imagine a football game with no boundary lines. Chaos! This week, Pastor Mike explores the benefits of living life within limits as he presents practical ways to overcome anxiety.
Just like you put out a fire with water, you can wipe out chaos with calm. This week, Pastor Mike begins a look at what it means to be a “non-anxious presence” and explores ways to navigate life's challenges with a serene heart.
Pastor Mike explains why being "dis-illusioned" might be the best thing that could happen to you as he talks about having the right kind of hope.
Like kids waiting for Christmas, all of us long for the arrival of deliverance and the departure of pain. This week, Pastor Mike explains how the advent of Christ helps us hold on to hope during the in-between time.
Christmas movies are often more about fantasy than fact, but they have at least one thing in common with real life: you'll miss the best parts if you let yourself doze off. This week, Pastor Mike will explain why we need to stay awake spiritually to experience the wonders God is doing in and around us.
Psychologists and leadership experts tells us that the best predictor of future behavior is past behavior. Here’s the good news: Pastor Mike says the same thing is true of God. Join him as he explains how remembering the Lord’s faithfulness can get you through the troubles you’ll face today… and tomorrow.
A birth certificate is a vital record you shouldn't be without. But this week, Pastor Mike will talk about an even better way to prove who you really are.
Most everyone wants to experience peace, but relatively few are willing to help make it happen. This week, Pastor Bill Flanders outlines practical, biblical ways to become proactive peacemakers.
To say our culture values self-reliance and individualism is an understatement. But Pastor Mike says only complete dependence on God provides the prescription for peace and the antidote for fear.
Many people who say they worship God don’t actually know what the word means. This week, Pastor Mike will explore three important characteristics of worship that makes a genuine connection with the Lord.
Jesus taught us that getting right with God involves getting right with the people around us. This week, Pastor Mike will explore the social dimension of salvation as he discusses the balance between grace, love, acceptance and accountability.
Following Jesus is a challenge under the best of circumstances. But failure can make fellowship with the Father seem like an unreachable goal. This week, Pastor Ryan will talk about how the relentless love of Jesus can help us experience redemption and build resilience.
Truly believing the Bible is more than just agreeing with its teachings. This week, Pastor Mike will talk about the importance of putting its principles into practice as he explains how Scripture can not only change our minds, but our hearts and lives as well.
To most people, being neighborly means waving and smiling as you pass by the people who live around you. But it meant far more to Jesus. This week, Pastor Mike will explain why the real picture is far bigger than we imagined, as if we were looking through the wrong end of a telescope.
This week, Pastor Mike will highlight the importance of hospitality, demonstrating how breaking bread together can foster deeper connections, promote understanding, and open our hearts to the transformative power of fellowship.
Sharing a meal is an enjoyable social custom. But Pastor Mike says it can also be a key part of world-changing evangelism. Find out how something so simple can have such a profound impact.
The sweetest things in life eventually turn sour if we try to keep them for ourselves.This week, Pastor Ryan outlines practical ways that a heart of hospitality can turn everyday moments into two-way blessings.
Long before hospitality became a label for the hotel industry, it was standard practice among God's people. This week Pastor Mike will challenge us to revive that mindset as he explains how God baked the idea into the very DNA of creation.
Persecution has plagued Christians through the centuries. This week, Pastor Mike will share age-old biblical advice about how to stand strong as our culture grows more hostile toward our faith.
Pastor Ryan talks about the important connection between our confidence in God and the choices we make about following Him.
No one knows what tomorrow holds. At least, no one on earth. But Pastor Mike says that God not only knows our future but has made us precious promises about what it'll be like.
People say that life consists of the choices we make. But this week, Pastor Mike will explain why it’s really more about who chose us–especially when we feel like exiles living in a foreign, hostile culture.
Trees not only provide shade, they also teach us important lessons about how God wants us to grow. This week, Pastor Mike will explore the roots of this common metaphor and point out principles designed to deepen our faith and devotion.
The most important legacy we leave to our children can't be measured by cash or property. This week, Pastor Mike will talk about passing the baton of faith to the next generation both at home and at church.
Finding the quickest way from point A to point B may be a great strategy at the checkout lanes, but Pastor Ryan says it can be a disastrous way to live your life. This week, he'll explain why understanding the "rhythms of grace" can keep you energized and focused when it really matters.
We live in a fast-paced world. But this week, Pastor Mike will reveal the hidden costs of hurry and explain why changing our rhythm of life can make us healthier, happier and more effective.
When we were young, the rules that our parents laid down for us may have felt frustrating. But it’s amazing how sensible they became when we grow up and have kids of our own. This week Pastor Mike will talk about one particular biblical rule we seldom follow because it seems more like a burden than a blessing.
Jesus loved hanging out with people others labeled unacceptable. This week, Pastor Mike will talk about dealing with labels people put on us and reconsidering the ones we put on others.
The way people act these days, it’s common to wonder, “what were they thinking?” Of course, we each have people who ask the same question about us! This week, Pastor Mike will talk about how to respond either way as he continues his look at the criticisms people leveled at Jesus.
Criticism can help us grow, but sometimes it says more about the person doing the criticizing than it does about us. This week, Pastor Ryan tells the story of some people whose fault-finding agenda got in the way of a bonafide miracle.
Living in the love of Jesus gives us plenty of reason for celebration. So, why are many believers hidden away inside a shell of fear, shame or guilt? This week, Pastor Mike suggests ways we can shed our armor and experience the joy of salvation.
The Bible teaches that God can use anybody, no matter how many problems in their past. This week, retired pastor Bill Flanders uses the Old Testament story of Gideon and his own life journey to prove that your history doesn't determine your destiny.
For a baby, growing up is practically automatic. Not so much for adults dealing with the consequences of spiritual or personal immaturity. This week, Pastor Ryan talks about what it talks to grow beyond childish habits and hangups.
This week, Pastor Ryan tells the biblical story of an unlikely person God used to accomplish His will and explains how we can become one of them.
Challenges that terrify some people actually strengthen others. What makes the difference? Pastor Mike says it's a matter of putting your fear in the right place.
Human attempts to address life’s biggest questions are usually complicated, confusing… and wrong. This week, Pastor Mike goes back to the source for a fresh look at what God has to say about the human condition, our needs, our resources and our options.
Our culture is all about upward mobility but God's definition of success is based on the exact opposite. Join Pastor Mike as he explores the ultimate example of the strength it takes to be humble.
If Jesus promised us “rivers of living water,” why are we often reluctant to pour some of it into the lives of those around us? This week, Pastor Ryan explores some practical ways we can invest our hearts and connect with others.
Pastor Mike says that when we share our faith, we need to be clear about what we're inviting people into. This week, he'll talk about the spiritual principles that can make our appeal more appealing.
The attitudes we keep on the inside eventually show up on the outside, usually through what we say or how we say it. This week, Pastor Ryan will explore some practical, biblical keys to kinder communication.
In chess, part of the strategy is to position your pieces where they'll do you the most good. This week, Pastor Mike will tell a story that about how God often does the same with us and explains what we should do to help win the game by touching and changing lives.
Some people seek to please God because they fear HIs punishment. Others seek His rewards or the approval of other people. But this week, Pastor Mike will talk about something much deeper that drives our devotion.
Pastor Ryan explains why forming healthy spiritual habits can jump-start your spiritual growth.
Hasty decisions can lead to mistakes, but Pastor Mike says delays can be deadly when our spiritual growth is on the line. This week, he’ll tell the story of one biblical character who procrastinated his way to disaster and reveal three steps we can take to avoid the same result.
Being a real Christian makes us different, but not because temptation disappears or our willpower turns into a superpower. This week, Pastor Ryan will talk about how the Lord actually changes us from the inside out as he takes a look at what the Bible calls “sanctification.”
Change may be inevitable, but how change affects us is a choice. This week, Pastor Mike will talk about how we can make sure that the unexpected twists and and turns of life drive us closer to God, not further away.
These days, if you tell someone that you follow Jesus, they may think you’re just a fan of his Instagram posts. This week, Pastor Mike outlines the three key components of real discipleship.
Other people’s sins often seem more obvious (and obnoxious) than our own. But this week, Pastor Mike explains why we all need forgiveness as he talks about how to show compassion without compromising God’s standards.
We want the Lord to answer our prayers. Now it’s our turn to answer his! This week, Pastor Mike talks about how to develop closer connections with others and explores what it means for God’s people to be unified, not uniform.
God loves to amaze His children. But Pastor Mike says we may sometimes prevent that from happening by expecting too little. This week, he’ll talk about how watching out for a heavenly surprise can reignite our sense of wonder.
Even if your life is so far off course that you feel like you can never find your way back to faith again, Pastor Mike says that it’s never too late to make a U-turn. Join him as he maps out the only course that'll lead you home.
Memories of days gone by can be precious. But Pastor Mike says they can also be dangerous. This week, he’ll explain how nostalgia can turn into a trap that keeps us stuck and blinds us to the possibilities God has packed into our future.
No matter what it says on your driver’s license, your real home doesn’t have a zip code. Join Pastor Mike as he talks about what it really means to “come home for Christmas” and explains how to the follow the only road that’ll lead you there.
Even though the Christmas decorations look great, what really makes a house a home is something more than any architect or designer can imagine—including the house itself! This week, Pastor Mike talks about how to the kind of environment where you and your loved ones can truly thrive.
While we spend time worrying about running out or missing out, God stays faithful. Join Pastor Ryan as he talks about living in the overflow of God’s goodness and being truly thankful for HIs provision.
Pastor Mike says it’s shockingly easy to miss something right in front of us… including the most important things for which we should be thankful. Join him as he talks about some practical ways to focus on what really matters this Thanksgiving.
Life seems to be getting more complex by the day. But Pastor Mike says the truth that’ll get us through is still as simple as ever. Join him this week and re-discover what’s so good about the Good News.
As we prepare for the coming election, many people wonder who will wind up in charge. This week, Pastor will explain why that question was settled long, long ago as he talks about living up to our calling as citizens of heaven.
Like pets who look like their masters, we often end up sharing the characteristics of the people we associate with. This week, Pastor Ryan will explain how to recognize who we resemble and change the reflection if we don’t like what we see.
Everybody serves someone or something. The good news is that we get to choose our master. This week, Pastor Mike explains how to make (or change) our choice.
Just when you think you have life figured out, God just might come along and re-write your reality. Join Pastor Mike for a look at a man who literally “saw the light” and discover what we can learn from his experience.
If you think of your life as a “fixer-upper” that just needs some renovation, think again. Spiritually speaking, it’s better to rebuild from the ground up. This week, Pastor Mike talks about what it takes to experience a fresh start that can change you from the inside out.
The emotional toll of modern life can leave our reservoir of emotional energy as dry and desolate as a drought-stricken lake. But this week, Pastor Mike says there’s a river of resilience waiting to fill and refresh us, provided we don’t cut off the flow along the way.
It’s generally a good thing to mind our own business. But, this week, Pastor Mike explains why the spiritual well-being of our brothers and sisters is our business. Join us for this look at how to confront destructive behavior with compassion and kindness.
There are times when fear can be healthy, keeping us from making foolish, risky choices. But just as often, fear stops us from growing, healing and discovering God’s best for our lives. This week, Pastor Mike will explore the difference as he describes how Jesus taught his disciples to face the unknown with courage.
Loneliness can be a devastating emotion that can lead to depression, hopelessness and worse. But the Bible outlines a surprisingly practical way to overcome feelings of disconnectedness and isolation. This week, Pastor Ryan tells the story of a biblical character who went through this spiritual recovery program.
Anger doesn’t just happen. It has a source… and a solution. This week, Pastor Mike will explore the hidden tendencies that fuel our frustration and offer fresh insights into the Bible’s prescription for peace.
It was hard enough in the old days when the only ones we had to keep up with were the Joneses. Now, social media provides us with an avalanche of people who seem more “er” than we are—richer, smarter, prettier… whatever. Join us this week as Pastor Mike talks about how to avoid the “comparison trap” before the ugliness of envy takes over.
There’s a simple solution for guilt: forgiveness. Yet many of us carry a burden of shame and regret that has the power to paralyze us. This week, Pastor Mike will mark out a path toward freedom as he explains how to stop letting our past pollute our future.
Saying “yes” to God sometimes means saying “no” to others… including ourselves. This week, Pastor Mike begins a new series that’ll teach us how to say “no” to the emotions that compete for control of our lives.
Many people think of God as a giant, cosmic killjoy, determined to extract all the pleasure from our lives. But, this week, Pastor Ryan sets the record straight as he talks about the Lord's desire to give us genuinely joy, peace and fulfillment.
God loves to bless his people, but there’s a purpose behind his provision. This week, Pastor Ryan talks about the difference between being a conduit and a reservoir as he discusses how even small gestures can make a big impact.
When we cry out to God in pain or in need, it sometimes seems like our prayers are just bouncing off the ceiling. This week, guest speaker Todd Rettberg will explain why the Lord can always be counted on, even when he shows up “perfectly late.”
Sooner or later, we all come face to face with our limitations and have to admit that we’re broken. But that’s where the good news comes in. This week, Pastor Mike explains how God goes about taking the shattered pieces of our lives and putting them back together better than new.
Christians who keep asking God for blessings may be missing out on the ones they’ve already received. This week, Pastor Mike explains why being blessed isn’t a state, but a story.
There's nothing like the wide-eyed wonder of a child discovering something we consider commonplace. This week, Pastor Mike will explain how we can live each day with that same sense of joyous anticipation as he reveals why nothing around us is ordinary--including us!
The truth may not always be easy to take, but it’s still the truth. This week, Pastor Ryan explains how an honest approach to spiritual reality can be the anchor that keeps your life from turning into a shipwreck.
If you intend to follow someone, you need to be ready to go when they start moving. This week, Pastor Mike will talk about practical ways to prepare for the journey, including the importance of packing light.
Many people claim to be seeking the truth, but there’s only one path to follow if you ever hope to find it. In this episode, Pastor Mike will talk about what it takes to stay on the right trail.
Wouldn’t it be great to get everything you want in life? Sure it would… as long as those desires don’t destroy you. This week, Pastor Mike will teach us how to identify our truest aspirations and review the Bible’s three-step plan for making them come true.
The Bible teaches that we’re supposed to have love for the world, not love of the world. Pastor Mike says the difference can be hard to understand, but he’ll clear it up for us this week as he points out biblical ways to keep our affections pointed in the right direction.
There are two sides to freedom—one that releases you from whatever holds you back and another that opens up a world of God-given possibilities ahead. This week, Pastor Ryan will reveal four keys to experiencing full and complete liberation in the Lord.
As Christians, we believe that Jesus set us free. But there are different kinds of freedom and the wrong one can turn a treasure into a trap. Join us as Pastor Ryan explains how to spot the difference and make the right choice.
Before the devil can influence the things we do, he has to pollute the things we believe. This week, Pastor Mike will talk about the lies most likely to derail our lives and suggest some practical ways we can we can avoid falling for them.
The struggle to find piece takes place mostly in our mind. This week, Pastor Mike talks about why that battle can be so intense and reveals how we can break our captivity to the lies that hold us back.
If God promised us peace, why are we still experiencing anxiety? This week, Pastor Mike will talk about ways to overcome worry so we can regain and retain the inner calm the Lord intended, even when our circumstances are anything but peaceful.
A three-point shot at the buzzer. A marathon runner’s second wind. A last-minute interception and touchdown. They’re called “game changers” and they’re the things that keep sports fans talking for weeks. But what happens when you’re not playing? Who couldn’t use a game-changer when you’re up against the impossible? This week, Pastor Mike presents a special Easter message about the real-life rescue Jesus performed and why His sacrifice changed everything.
Palm Sunday sermons often focus on the waving branches and the cheers of the crowd as Jesus entered Jerusalem. But, this week, Pastor Mike explores a surprisingly significant part of the story most of us overlook.
Growing into physical maturity is pretty common. Achieving spiritual and emotional maturity? Not so much. Join Pastor Mike as he talks about practical ways to help the young people in our family and community develop into healthy, well-rounded adults.
Our kids inherit our biological DNA naturally. This week, Pastor Ryan points out that passing along spiritual DNA is a different, more intentional process--one that's vital to the growth of a healthy Christian community. Join him as he shares three important keys to connecting across generations.
You may not have the skills or the desire to become a youth pastor, but that doesn't mean you can't make a significant difference in the live of children and teens. Join Pastor Mike as he explains why reaching the next generation is every Christian's responsibility and describes simple ways we can carry it out.
Long before the environment was on most people’s minds, God was already a master recycler, taking all the problems and pain we experience and using them to bring us healing, wholeness and deliverance. Join us as Pastor Mike helps us discover the “up” side of down times.
People think that being a Christian is about improving their behavior. But this week, Pastor Mike will explain why real change can only come from the inside out. Join us as we learn how to wrestle with God through our toughest issues and obstacles.
Even when it feels like you've been left to face the world on your own, it isn't true! Join Pastor Mike as he explains how God's promise to always be with us can revise our reality.
The internet is packed with "quick fix" solutions to practically any problem. But this week, Pastor Mike explains why shortcuts often lead to disaster when we're too impatient to follow God's ancient paths.
On the surface, you’d think that doubt and faith are opposites. But that’s not necessarily true. Join us as Pastor Mike explains why God is more than patient and loving enough to cope with our questions.
Jesus wanted us to be in the world but not of the world. That’s been a difficult balance for Christians to find. This week, Pastor Mike suggests ways we can lovingly relate with the world around us without compromising our identity in Christ.
It seems like everybody has their own version of truth these days. But, until recently, truth didn’t come in versions! This week, Pastor Mike talks about following the ancient path of objective truth from the only One qualified to define it.
There’s something to be said for knowing who you are. But this week, as Pastor Mike continues to explore the ancient paths of the Christian faith, he’ll talk about the peace and power we can experience when we understand who we aren’t.
History shows us that the Church has been most powerful when it has been least popular. This week, Pastor Mike talks about the temptation to follow culture instead of Christ and suggests ways we can stick to the ancient path of faith.
Our culture looks at the problems we face and says, "try something new." The Bible teaches us to try something OLD instead! Join Pastor Mike as he explains why the "latest and greatest" social trends don't hold a candle to the time-proven principles laid out in God's Word.
God sometimes answers prayers we haven’t prayed yet and meets needs we don’t know we have. This week, Pastor Mike talks about how to recognize and use the resources the Lord has already put “inside the box.”
Gather your family for this re-creation of a real family’s Christmas miracles. (Yeah, miracles—plural!)
What would you do if random groups of shepherds and wise men showed up at your door while you were taking care of your small child? This week, Pastor Mike explains why the Bible puts such a high value on hospitality as he talks about the life-changing impact of treating strangers like family.
The sins and shortcomings of others can be impossible to overlook--especially when they cause us pain or loss. So, instead, the Bible teaches us to strike a healthy balance between the letter of the law and a life of love. This week, Pastor Mike will explain how to do that as he uncovers insights from the story of Joseph.
Pastor Mike retells the story of Mary as he explains how genuine surrender to God positions us to both receive and pass on miraculous blessings.
We sometimes feel like our personal challenges or the world's problems just might wash us away like a tsunami. But this week, Pastor Mike will talk about why being part of God's family gives us more unstoppable power than any wave.
Pastor Ryan outlines four practical ways to experience and express gratitude this Thanksgiving.
We've all had seasons where life seems barren. Everything's empty, nothing's changing, nothing's growing. In this episode, Pastor Ryan explains why our current condition isn't the end of the story as be brings us some lessons from the life of Hannah.
All the hope in the world won't make any difference if you're placing it in something hopeless. In this episode, Pastor Mike will teach us how to target our trust so our healthy expectations can be met, despite the dysfunction around us.
"Stop worrying!" Easy to say, but hard to do. This week, Pastor Mike offers us a prescription for inner peace drawn from the pages of scripture.
Times are uncertain, but God isn't! This week, Pastor Mike talks about why can trust God to take care of us even when our circumstances look hopeless.
Pastor Mike wraps up his journey through the book of James with a look at how prayer can revise our reality and redirect our future.
It’s easy to lose heart waiting for God to come through when your situation looks more impossible by the minute. So, this week, Pastor Mike offers some encouragement that’ll help you hang on during hard times.
There’s nothing wrong with being rich as long as you understand what the term really means. This week, Pastor Mike will explain what constitutes true wealth and reveal why banking on our belongings is a dangerous idea.
Following the cultural trends of our day is more likely to destroy relationships than build them. This week, Pastor Mike will offer ten specific ideas about engaging with others in a positive way as he continues his study through the book of James.
Pastor Mike talks about the root cause of interpersonal conflict and how to beat it by giving up the need to win.
If you believe that common sense isn’t all that common these days, then wisdom has to be even more scarce. But you’ll get a generous dose of it this week as Pastor Mike talks about how to apply godly wisdom to earthly circumstances and see the changes we've been praying for.
Somewhere between what we think and what we say, there’s supposed to be a filter that catches the harmful words before they get out. But Pastor Mike says that filter doesn’t always work the way God wants it to. This week, he’ll talk about the power of the words we use.
The question is as old as the Bible itself: if we’re saved by faith alone, what difference does it make what we do? In this message, Pastor Mike tackles that issue as talks about why it's a matter of balance... and spiritual health.
Everyone has their preferences--what you like on your burgers, what you watch on TV... even where you squeeze the toothpaste tube. But when we value some people over others--whatever the reason--the Bible says we have a problem. This week, Pastor Mike talks about how to recognize our biases and talks practically about what we can do to move past them.
They say that free advice is worth exactly what you pay for it. But this week, Pastor Mike passes along some biblical wisdom that's as good as gold. Join him as he shares some age-old wisdom that can revolutionize the way you face modern-day choices and challenges.
When times get hard, counterfeit faith quickly falls apart. Join Pastor Mike as he explains why it takes the real thing to get us through and reveals what we gain because of the experience.
When times get hard, counterfeit faith quickly falls apart. Join Pastor Mike as he explains why it takes the real thing to get us through and reveals what we gain because of the experience.
This week, Pastor Mike explains why following Jesus isn't just about following the rules.
Pastor Mike explains why beating the habits and hangups that hold us back doesn't start by changing what we do, but by realizing who we are.
Pastor Mike shares some bad news and good news, explaining why understanding one helps us appreciate the other. It’s a practical look at breaking free from attitudes and behaviors we want to stop, but think we can’t.
How much would you invest in a stock absolutely certain to go nowhere but up? The simple answer: everything! This week, Pastor Ryan talks about why Christians stop short of going “all in” with God—life’s only real “sure thing.”
Pastor Ryan presents a motivational message on how ordinary people can do big things--even hard things--by tapping into the power God is eager to give us.
A big part of growing up is the search for a sense of belonging. If you’re like most adults, finding it can still be a struggle. This week, Pastor Ryan will talk about how to make the connections you long for, both with people and with God.
The old saying goes, “Ignorance is bliss.” But Pastor Ryan says what you don’t know can hurt you… or worse. Join him for this look at a biblical example of how victory often begins with healthy curiosity.
Christianity isn’t about rules; it’s about relationships. But those connections often get complicated. This week, Pastor explores ways we can grow closer to others… including those we tend to overlook.
We all have a mental image of the person we know we should be and most of us are painfully aware that our reality looks quite different. Pastor Mike explains why only God can close that gap for us.
Pastor Mike explores ways to close the gaps separating us from God, other people, and the life we long for.
A dog on a leash can only go so far before getting yanked back. Pastor Mike says the same thing happens to us when we have a collar of resentment around our neck. Join him for this look at how much simpler life can be when we learn to give and receive forgiveness.
Sometimes, recognizing something as a lie doesn’t keep us from falling for it. This week, Pastor Mike talks about ways we can fight back against the false promise that what we have can improve how we feel or who we are.
Pastor Mike offers biblical advice about simplifying and de-cluttering our lives by redirecting some of our desires.
Most people think dreams only come true in fairy tales. But, this week, Pastor Mike explains that God is eager to turn our deepest desires into reality when we get our priorities and attitudes right.
Life seems to be getting more and complex. But, at the most basic level, it doesn’t need to! Join Pastor Ryan as he explains how living a simple, uncluttered life can make you more free, more authentic, more generous and more peaceful.
Thanks to Jesus' resurrection, the Bible promises that we can expect one of our own. But what if we don't have to wait until we die to experience it? Join Pastor Mike as he explains.
With the pandemic slowing down and Spring on the way, people are starting to think about things getting back to “normal.” But Pastor Mike wonders, “What if God has something different in mind—something even better!” Don’t miss this look at why we can trust God to exceed our expectations.
What’s the one, single change that would make the biggest difference in your life? This week, Pastor Mike talks about how to make the right choice and explains how it can send ripples of renewal through your attunes, actions and relationships.
In today’s “hurry-up” world, even vacations can be stressful. “Rest? What’s that?!” This week, Pastor Mike will reveal what it takes to slow down without shutting down as he talks about the secret of living freely and lightly.
Becoming more like Jesus isn’t a destination we arrive at accidentally. This week, Pastor Mike helps to mark out the path we need to follow and explains how to avoid some dangerous detours along the way.
The journey toward spiritual maturity is a bumpy one and doesn’t always go in a straight line. This week, Pastor Mike talks about how we can navigate the twists and turns along the way.
t’s been said that God accepts us as we are but loves us too much to leave us that way. This week, Pastor Ryan talks about how that process works and the amazing ways God rebuilds us from the inside out.
Some people distinguish between good advice and bad advice by measuring how much it agrees with what they already think. But the Bible gives us a more accurate yardstick and, this week, Pastor Mike explains how to apply it to our everyday circumstances.
Often, the things we say out loud don’t line up with the things we say in our head. Join Pastor Mike as he talks about the damage our inner voice can do when it tells us things we have no business believing.
Sometimes, our biggest mistakes come disguised as the chance of lifetime. This week, Pastor Mike talks about the wisdom of adding a second look to your first impulse.
There’s no doubt that we human beings all have our limits. Fortunately, God doesn’t! This week Pastor Ryan talks about the vital step we need to take when our insight, ability or resources aren’t enough.
There are lots of voices—including some very loud ones—competing for our attention these days. How do we identify which one belongs to God? In this episode, Pastor Mike provides the answer as he talks about how to recognize, follow and share the leading of the Holy Spirit.
Some gifts are passed from person to person because nobody wants them. This week, Pastor Mike talks about the gift we literally can’t live without—one we can both keep AND pass on. Join him as reveals how we can get the power and the desire to re-gift the Gospel.
When the Lord gives us blessings and abilities, he expects us to act more like rivers than reservoirs. This week, Pastor Mike will talk about the importance of discovering your gifts and putting them to work by cultivating the “ministry seeds” God planted inside you.
Most all of us are hoping that 2021 will be different. But different in what ways? This week, pastor Mike offers some specific suggestions as he reveals how to connect with the power of a new beginning.
“You’re a mean one, Mr. Grinch,” or so the song goes. In the story, Dr. Seuss explains why: his heart was two sizes too small. This week, Pastor Ryan examines the causes and cure for under-sized hearts as he tells the story of a real-life Grinch from the biblical account of Jesus’ birth.
As life gets more stressful or painful, it’s natural to looks for ways to feel better. But, eventually, the things we cling to for comfort wind up letting us down. This week, Pastor Mike talks about why the manger matters when we really want to be rescued.
In the beginning, God created the world. On the first Christmas, he moved into it… and nothing has been the same since! This week, Pastor Mike explores the significance of what’s called the “incarnation” and explains how Jesus is every bit as present now as he was that day in Bethlehem.
It's not hard to come up with a list of things that make us happy. Unfortunately, most of them will only make us happy for a while. How do we grab hold of long-term happiness and make sure it doesn't slip away? That's what Pastor Mike will teach us this week as he takes a look at finding a healthy balance between duty and desire.
Happiness doesn’t just happen when everything is going well. This week, Pastor Mike explains that it’s a decision we can make in spite of our circumstances. Join him as he reveals the choices we can make to turn happiness into a habit.
This week, Nate Yoder shares with us about his work with the Mennonite Central Committee, and how they are working to reconcile a broken world.
In this series, we will explore how a common mean can be fertile ground for the miraculous.
It's a classic question for Southern Californians, "Do you get to San Francisco via THE one or THE 5?" But, what happens when we find ourselves broken down in the desert?
We often find ourselves in difficult circumstances, but God is always speaking to us with hope, even if we are in those circumstances because of our own choices. No matter what, God has hope for us.
This first talk in our series called, "The Way Maker," focuses on what we do when we are faced with impossible circumstances.
This week, Bishop Perry Engle shared a powerful message with us, and we believe it will encourage you in your journey of faith.
Our ability to grow into the people God wants us to be has a lot to do with our perception of Jesus.
John 17:20-23 NIV 20 “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21 that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22 I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one— 23 I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.
What if our world has relationships wrong? What if there is a better way?
Dallas Willard says, "We intend what is right, but we avoid the life that would make it a reality."
This week we explore what relationships look like with "strings attached."
Community? Sure! So many of us want it, but how do we get there? How do we make it work?
It Comes In Waves is a series about what to do when life seems to be coming at us too quickly. This week, we change the image from waves of water to walking through fire.
We continue our series, "It Comes In Waves." Today, we took a look at how God responded to Moses when things were coming at the leader of the Hebrews too quickly.
July 28, 2019. Today, Pastor Mike begins a new series called, “It Comes In Waves.” When the storms of life come at you on all sides, it can feel like you are drowning. It is good to recognize the hard times and call them out as waves. The key is to be still, take care of yourself, and go deeper with God. Life won’t be like this forever; stuff like this comes in waves. For more information about Solid Ground, please visit www.sgbic.com.
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July 21, 2019. Today, Pastor Ryan concludes our series, “At The Movies” with a look at the movie, “Inside Out.” Emotions control more than we realize. In the Bible, King Saul’s emotions began to control him and his life led to disconnection from God, himself, and others. Queen Esther used her emotions to create connection. Don’t “fake it ‘til you make it.” We were created as holistic beings. We cannot truly know ourselves until we know who God is. For more information about Solid Ground, please visit www.sgbic.com.
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July 14, 2019. Today, Pastor Mike preaches from the book of John. As Christians, we are to live a life of stewardship. We are to act more like owners than renters. In ownership, you are more responsible for more things. What can you take more responsibility for in your own life? Be careful to not fall into unhealthy ownership, which leads to entitlement. Live your life of responsibility with open hands, not clenched fists. For more information about Solid Ground, please visit www.sgbic.com.
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July 7, 2019. Today, Pastor Mike preaches from the book of John about the woman caught in the act of adultery. The Pharisees were trying to trap Jesus in this test. Jesus pushes away her accusers and shows love and compassion. We are all called to be in the game no matter what we have done. Surrender to Jesus and let Him guide you. “Throw up your glove” and He’ll do the rest. For more information about Solid Ground, please visit www.sgbic.com.
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June 30, 2019. Today, Pastor Mike preaches from the book of Mark and the story of feeding the five thousand. We should see the answer in every problem, not the problem in every answer. Jesus used what the disciples could find and multiplied it. Give God what little you have and watch what amazing things can happen. For more information about Solid Ground, please visit www.sgbic.com.
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June 23, 2019. Today, Pastor Mike begins a new series entitled, “At The Movies.” When we begin to follow Jesus, we begin to follow the Master of the Art of Living. We have to follow with everything we have. We must learn to let go of our prideful, image managing spirits and learn from Him. For more information about Solid Ground, please visit www.sgbic.com.
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June 16, 2019. Today, guest speaker, Todd Rettberg, preaches from the book of Joshua about the story of Rahab. Imagine two mirrors: one says all the negative things you think about yourself, the other says all the great things God thinks about you. Which mirror are you believing? God chooses those we would never choose. He gives hope to the hopeless and turns our ugly past into a beautiful future. For more information about Solid Ground, please visit www.sgbic.com.
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June 9, 2019. Today, Pastor Mike preaches from the book of Matthew on the importance of the next generation. Young people have real problems. Many of us are still dealing with problems from our own youth! When you receive a young person, you receive Jesus. The enemy was more threatened by the children praising Jesus than by the miracle He performed! Our biggest impact is reaching our young people. For more information about Solid Ground, please visit www.sgbic.com.
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June 2, 2019. Today, Pastor Mike concludes our “On Mission” series with a new understanding of work. Most people work so that they don’t have to some day. In the ancient world, work was even seen as a curse! But we are called to a different work ethic. In whatever you do, do it for God. Work for the good of the city and see God transform the world. For more information about Solid Ground, please visit www.sgbic.com.
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May 26, 2019. Today, Pastor Mike preaches from the book of Genesis. The moment you become a Christian, you become a full-time minister. Abram gave Lot first choice of whatever land he wanted. There is no shortage of matter in God’s universe. As we work, we are to shape the world around us. The whole world may be overwhelming, but you can change your world. For more information about Solid Ground, please visit www.sgbic.com.
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May 19, 2019. Today, Pastor Ryan Showalter preaches from the book of Luke. When we talk about mission, most people think of going overseas or growing your church numerically. But mission is more than just numbers and distance. It’s about multiplication, spreading the seed of salvation you have to others. As we go about our weeks, every hour is a sacred opportunity to make disciples and be on mission. For more information about Solid Ground, please visit www.sgbic.com.
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May 12, 2019. Today, Pastor Mike preaches about the significance of women. God created both male and female to reflect His character. Jesus elevated women in a culture that put them down. Women are necessary and vital to ministry, the church, and the world. We are better together. For more information about Solid Ground, please visit www.sgbic.com.
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