Abundant Life Church

Following Jesus isn't just for the easy, mountaintop moments — it's a journey that calls for resilience through both joy and hardship. In Acts 17:5–14, Paul faces fierce opposition in Thessalonica, and yet he presses forward, refusing to give up. Drawing from 1 Thessalonians 3, we'll explore how Paul encouraged the young church to stand strong in the face of suffering.This message reminds us that we are all destined to face trials, all tempted to give up, and all desperately in need of encouragement and prayer. God calls us to a faith that endures whatever it takes — not because we're strong on our own, but because He strengthens us to keep going.Support the show

God is on the move—pursuing hearts with His Word and transforming lives with His power. In this message from Acts 17:1–9, we see how the Gospel turned Thessalonica upside down, not just through persuasive words, but by the power of the Holy Spirit. As Paul preached Christ, lives were changed, resistance rose, and revival began. Drawing insight from 1 Thessalonians, we're reminded that when hearts are open and the Spirit is moving, everything changes. Discover how God is still pursuing people today—and how He wants to use you in that pursuit.Support the show

"Joy in Our Purpose" explores how true joy is found when we live out the reason we were created. We were made in the image of God to reflect His character and bring His goodness into the world. But sin distorted that purpose, leaving many searching for meaning. The good news is that through Jesus, our purpose is restored— and with it, deep and lasting joy.This message walks through how we rediscover joy through repentance, grow in joy through righteousness, and live in joy as we run the race God has marked out for us. Whether you're seeking direction or longing for a sense of fulfillment, this message will encourage you to live with passion, clarity, and purpose.Support the show

We all enjoy the happy times of life, but God's word teaches us that we can have Joy even during the trials we face.  This week, Pastor Devin shares how Joy increases through healthy, authentic relationships with people around us.  Join us as we continue in the teaching series called “JOY”.Support the show

God has created us to need certain things to live and function.  We all need water to drink, and food to give us nourishment for our bodies.  But we sometimes don't realize that God created our brains to require Joy.  Joy?  What is that?  Is that just being happy, or entertained?  Join us as pastor Devin starts a news series on the importance of JOY!Support the show

In today's message, we will uncover how the enemy, though defeated at the cross, continues to work by distracting believers with misplaced expectations and temporary solutions. Just like the two disciples on the road to Emmaus, we often struggle to recognize Jesus in the midst of our confusion, clinging to false hopes instead of God's eternal promises. Through this story in Luke 24, we learn the importance of identifying where our hope has gone wrong, surrounding ourselves with godly counsel, inviting Jesus into every part of our lives, and ultimately sharing the transformation with others.True hope is not found in what we think Jesus should do, but in who He is—and when we allow Him to shift our perspective, our hearts can burn with fresh faith, ready to testify to His goodness.Support the show

This Easter, we're diving into Matthew's account of the resurrection and discovering how everything changes when Jesus rises from the grave. Fear gives way to faith. Sorrow gives way to joy. Worship flows from the reality of seeing the risen Savior. Come experience how the resurrection isn't just a moment in history—it's a movement that still changes hearts today.Support the show

As we take time to look at the plot to kill Jesus but the religious rulers of his day, it serves as a metaphor for us. Jesus said, "They hated me, and they will hate you." Everyone who follows Jesus has a target on their back. The enemy's plot is to kill, steal, and destroy everything good in our lives. Will we be ready for it? Are we aware of the different ways the Enemy plots against us?Support the show

The conspiracy against Jesus wasn't just a plan to arrest Him—it was a rebellion against His authority. In this message, we'll uncover how the religious leaders rejected God's call, resisted real faith, and ultimately refused the very One sent to save them. But even in their rejection, Jesus declared Himself the cornerstone—a firm foundation for all who believe. Join us for part two of “The Great Conspiracy” as we explore true obedience and how receiving Christ changes everything.Support the show

We start a new sermon series called The Great Conspiracy, as we take a behind-the-scenes look at the story of the betrayal of Jesus.  We will start with the reason for the plot against Jesus in His final days. From the temple to the courtroom, from religious leaders to everyday hearts, this series uncovers the schemes, masks, and motives that led to the cross—and still live on today. Join us as we expose the lies, confront the truth, and discover that what looked like a conspiracy… was actually God's plan all along.Support the show

Today we're diving into the powerful story of the Philippian jailer in Acts 16:25–34. Even in the darkest places—like a prison cell—God is still working. Through worship, faith, and trust in the mission of Jesus, Paul and Silas helped bring salvation and hope to a man and his entire household. Join us as we explore how we can trust God's Word, stay on mission, and believe in the Holy Spirit's power to change hearts—no matter the circumstances. There is hope for everyone, everywhere, and we all get to be a part of God's work!Support the show

What do you do when life knocks you down? Paul and Silas were doing the right thing—helping people and sharing hope—when they were suddenly beaten and thrown into prison. But instead of giving up, they did something unexpected: they started singing. What happened next was unbelievable. This message is all about how worship can bring peace in chaos, strength in struggle, and even open doors we never thought possible. If you've ever felt trapped by your circumstances, you need to hear this. Join us in person, watch or listen!Support the show

Lydia was just one woman, but when God changed her life, the impact spread to her family and beyond. What if God wants to use you in the same way? Many people struggle believing God can use their life.  The issue isn't if God can but if we will be willing.  Join us as we dive into Acts 16:11-15 and discover the incredible power of one transformed life.Support the show

Peter's story reminds us that our failures aren't the end of our story, they're often the beginning of God's redemption. Even after Peter denied Jesus three times, Jesus didn't see just his mistakes, He saw his potential for redemption. This message stresses that we, like Peter, may struggle to see past our own failures, but God sees the future we can have with His help. Pastor Scott encourages us to release our past mistakes, accept God's forgiveness, and trust in Jesus' power to transform our future.Support the show

Ever wonder if your spiritual walk has drifted off course? Join us for "Mission Refocus" as we examine Acts 15-16, where the early church navigated challenges while staying true to their God-given purpose. Discover how Paul and his companions deepened believers' faith, identified future leaders, crossed cultural barriers, and followed divine guidance—even when it contradicted their plans. This message will help you evaluate your spiritual priorities and realign with God's mission for both your life and our church community.Support the show

When Paul and Barnabas disagreed about John Mark, it led to one of the most challenging moments in early church history. But from their story, we discover timeless wisdom for handling conflict in our own lives. Join us as we explore how God works through our disagreements, teaching us to recognize our blind spots, own our part in conflicts, and trust His bigger plan. We'll see how even when paths must part, our mission remains clear. Whether you're facing workplace tensions, family disputes, or church conflicts, this message from Acts 15 offers hope and practical guidance for moving forward with faith and purpose.Support the show

In this message, we dive back into Acts 15 to uncover a game-changing approach to spiritual decision-making. You'll discover five powerful guideposts that can transform how you navigate life's complex choices. Whether you're wrestling with big decisions or seeking clarity in the gray areas, these timeless principles are as relevant today as they were in the early church. Don't miss this practical guide to finding God's direction and seeing how Spirit-led decisions can lead to real breakthrough in your life and our church community.Support the show

Throughout history, the Church has served as the cornerstone of Christian faith and community. While most believers understand the value of gathering together, conflict within the church can shake even the strongest foundations. When disagreements arise, frustration often follows, leading some to step away from fellowship altogether.In Acts 15, we discover how the early church faced its first major crisis. Their response provides us with timeless wisdom for handling conflict today. As we explore this pivotal moment, we'll learn valuable principles for maintaining unity without compromising truth. Join us as we discover how one ancient church dispute can help us strengthen our fellowship today, remembering that we are truly One Church with One Mission.Support the show

Just like a building is not complete until its final inspection, we are not complete until the day we stand before God. While we are here on earth, we have the responsibility to continue the sanctification process, becoming more like Christ. This is a process that takes work. But don't worry. You don't do this alone.Support the show

If you are going to do a home project, you will most likely visit a Home Depot, Lowes, or ACE hardware. If you don't purchase the right materials, you will make multiple trips to the hardware store until you get the right material for the project.  Pastor Devin continues in his “Build” Series by asking, “What materials will you build with?” What we build our lives with directly correlates to how we will endure. Join us as we read from 1 Corinthians 3:10-15.Support the show

When a house or building catches our eye, we usually appreciate its architecture, design, or maybe its outside appearance. One can walk into a home and appreciate the layout, space, or decorations. However, no one enjoys a house or building for its foundation.In Part 3 of our “Build” message series, Pastor Devin focuses on digging the foundation. We can focus so much on what others “see” in us, but in reality, what is happening in our lives that no one notices makes all the difference. Join us for this challenging and timely message.Support the show

It's usually an exciting time when a building project starts.  Dreams of the newly completed project give initial energy and hope. As we enter this new year, we believe God wants to BUILD something in our lives!However, before something is built properly, the site must be cleared and prepared.  The same is the case in our lives.  When God wants to build something in us, he first needs to remove the junk that doesn't belong.  This isn't as fun as seeing something get built.  But it is essential.Support the show

As we head into 2025, ask yourself this question: How will this year be different? Will you set any goals? The word for 2025 for Abundant Life Church is "Build." It has nothing to do with building a building or a physical location. It has everything to do with us being a people who continue to allow God to build our lives as he sees fit. Join us as we focus on receiving 'the plan' that God has for us.Support the show

As Christmas approaches, we are flooded with commercials, marketing, and influence, telling us what they think we need.  We will spend time with friends and family, who bring their opinions and perspectives on life.  On top of that, we will soon be entering a new year, which forces us to look at our goals and priorities for the next season of life.But as we read the Christmas story, we see two young teens following God's will for their lives when everyone told them to live differently.  Join us as we are reminded of Joseph's faith as he chose to ignore the fear of what others thought of him and obeyed God. Support the show

Pastor Devin continues in our Christmas series called “Fear Not.” There are many things we can be afraid of in this world. Threats in the world, death, financial issues, conflict, etc. However, we can also be afraid of God's plans for our lives.In this message, we will look at the story of Mary, the future mother of Jesus. The Angel of the Lord tells her not to be afraid that she has found favor with God. Sometimes, it's scary when God chooses us to serve him, and we struggle to receive the call. Join us as we look at Mary's example of obedience. Support the show

Fear is a natural human emotion that helps us with self-preservation or prevents us from doing something crazy that would cause pain. However, like other emotions, fear must be kept in check. Fear can sometimes run wild when we think of ‘what could happen,' even though it didn't happen. The coming of Christ, celebrated at Christmas time, is the coming of peace, joy, hope and love.   It is not the coming of fear.  As we look at the Christmas story this season, we are going to look at four different times the angels said, “do not fear.”  Join us as we start our new series called “Fear Not.”Support the show

Pastor Devin continues in the series “Pray” as he looks at the importance of prayer in guiding our lives.  The Apostle Paul prayed for the church in Colossae that God would give them knowledge and direction.  If Paul prayed for direction for those he loved, why shouldn't we also pray for direction?  Join us as we look at Colossians 1:9-11.Support the show

Does God hear my prayers? Have you ever asked that question, or felt that maybe your prayers go unheard? In this message, we will look at what Psalms says about the value of unstoppable prayer. We will allow the promises of God's word to encourage us and breathe fresh life into our faith as we continue to trust God for ourselves, for our families, and for our communities.Support the show

Sometimes, in churches, we can get caught up in doing things we have done for a long time while forgetting their true meaning. Baptism is one of those traditions. We see someone go under the water and come back up, and everyone claps, and we celebrate. But why do we do this? What is the biblical significance? Join us as we pause to examine why Jesus was baptized and why he has called his followers to be baptized. Support the show

Join us this week as we continue our series on prayers that Paul prayed. This week we will be talking about praying for unity in the church. We are called to live in unity with one another and to be praying for our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. Unity is not uniformity, but true unity points us right back to God and is a great testimony to those outside the church about what really matters.Support the show

As we close out our ‘Send' series, Pastor Devin reminds us that we will never be a sending church if we are unwilling to pay the price.  There is a price to pay as we take up our crosses and follow Jesus to where he is calling us to go.  Is the good news worth this price? I thought the grace was free.  How do we reconcile these ideas?  Join us today as we are called to ‘pay the price.'Support the show

We don't enjoy doing things we don't know how to do.  If we don't know how to play a sport, or how to paint a picture, we probably won't want to participate.  Sometimes, this can be the case with prayer.  We don't feel confident in how to pray, which leads us to not pray.Pastor Devin starts a new series called Pray.  As we learn to follow Jesus, we must learn to talk with God.  Sometimes, we worry about having the proper form or technique for praying.  Instead, by looking at Paul's prayers for the churches, we will look at what we should be praying for that moves the heart of God.  Support the show

As we continue in the book of Acts, Paul, and Barnabas, share Jesus from city to city.  They are facing persecution, they are seeing people turn to Jesus, their lives are threatened, and they see life transformation, all at the same time. This message is part six in a seven-part message called ‘SEND.' Devin focuses on the most essential thing that believers in Christ and the church must focus on.  Support the show

Special Guest Pastor Eran Holt brings a very relevant word to us today as he preaches from Mark chapter 4. If we want to see breakthrough in the storms of life, we've got to be growing in our faith, our obedience, and in the authority that Christ has given us! Support the show

“I can't do that, it's too risky?”  Have you ever thought that? It is wise to factor ‘risk' into our decisions, but sometimes, our fear of risk keeps us from getting a great reward.Pastor Devin continues his series called “SEND.” The first missionary journey was filled with risk. Is God okay with us taking risks? Maybe the better question is, do we offend God when we don't take risks?  Join us as we examine the ‘Risky Business' of Acts 14.Support the show

As we continue through this current series called “Send,” we look at what it means to make Jesus visible in our communities. When we, as believers, step outside of the church walls and take the gospel to the streets, we have an opportunity to point people to the One who does great things!Join us as Pastor Thomas New brings us through the end of Acts chapter 13, as we learn how we, like Paul and Barnabas, can make Jesus visible in the face of opposition. If we will remain faithful to God, He will remain faithful to us.Support the show

Every now and then, someone might go to a store and forget what they went there for.   As a church, sometimes we forget why we are “on mission.”   We can talk about sending people out, but why are we sending them?In this Message, Pastor Devin is in week 3 of this sermon series called “SEND.”  As we continue to look at Paul's first missionary journey in Acts 13 and 14, the “why” being the “go” is clearly revealed.  The going is because of the gospel!Support the show

What is required for a church to be a sending church?  Should we forsake meeting together in exchange for going?  Have our churches become too ‘attractional' and have ceased being ‘missional'? As we look at the start of Barnabas and Paul's first missionary journey, we see times when they are gathering and times they are going.   This is a model for our churches today to not choose one over the other but to help us see we can be a church that gathers and a church that goes at the same time.Support the show

Have you ever been sent on a task?  To pick up food, to take a delivery to someone, or even to pass a message on to someone on behalf of someone else.  In the book of Acts, there are many people sent into the world with the hope and message of Jesus Christ.Looking back to Acts, how do we apply this to our lives today?  Pastor Devin starts a series called SEND from Acts 13-14.  The series aims to form seven convictions that will cause our church to be a church that sends.  Join us as we ask the first question, “Who is Called?”Support the show

Why?!  This is the question we ask when things happen in our life that we can't understand. There are so many “why” questions we ask, and most of the time, we take our why questions and direct them at God. In this message, we look at the “why” question that is found in Acts 12.  God is clearing working all throughout Acts, yet tragedy still hits the early church.  Why?  Join us as we turn to God's word, and turn to God to the answer to our question.Support the Show.

There are a lot of people around us who can influence us.  We have people who influence us in unhealthy ways and people who are great examples for our lives who inspire us.  Within Christianity, it has been not easy to trust people.  We hear news reports of pastors who fail, we get hurt by people in church, and we don't feel that we can trust people anymore.In this message, Pastor Devin looks at the early church in Antioch.  This church was a great example of God's people living faithfully for God.  He reminds us that the work that God is doing on this earth will be through the power of His Spirit that flows through his people.  If we are going to be a part of the work of God, we must have hope in one another again!Support the Show.

As we celebrate Baptism Sunday, we also look at Acts 11:19 and God's great work in the city of Antioch through faithful believers and Barnabas.  Pastor Devin shares how adversity and even discouragement can create opportunities for God to do greater work than we can understand.  Are you going through a discouraging time?  Join us and receive encouragement from God's word today.  Support the Show.

Pastor Devin continues in Acts 10 in the second part of a message called “Hope for Purpose.”  As we look at God using Peter and Cornelius, we see the work of the Holy Spirit confirming, leading, and empowering everything happening in this story.  Sometimes, it's hard today to believe that God's Spirit is still moving.  We lose our expectations for His work in our lives.  As you listen, allow your heart to stay open to the work of the Holy Spirit for your everyday life!Support the Show.