Black Rock Church Sermons

We're all invited to follow Jesus with our lives. Today, we get to celebrate the decision of those in our church to follow God with the rest of their lives.

This morning's message looks at Paul's words in Philippians 4:6-7 as an encouragement to pray and share with God all the things on our heart and mind, not only to see God change circumstances, but as a way to change us and to know that He cares for us. Prayer is relational in nature because it builds our trust and connection with the Lord. We can pray about everything and learn to be anxious for nothing.

Hey everyone, and welcome to the Black Rock Podcast— we're so glad you're here. In this episode, we're diving into the heart of our church's vision: to inspire hope and ignite faith in every person we meet by connecting them to God through Jesus. It's more than a statement — it's a calling that shapes how we love, serve, and live every day. So grab a seat, maybe a snack, and get ready to explore what this vision means for you and our community. Let's chat and chew.

This week we continue the series Pathway to Peace by looking at Philippians 4:5. This verse is a reminder that as followers of Jesus we live in God's grace and presence as a reality everyday. When we understand God's goodness to us and His nearness with us, it changes everything for us.  We need to learn to rest in His grace and presence in all we face as a stepping stone to living in a pathway to peace. 

We live in an increasingly stressful world and are becoming increasingly anxious people. Today's message gives an introduction to Phillipians 4:4-7 where Paul outlines a powerful pathway to peace. Today we will dive deeper into verse 4 where Paul exhorts us to “Rejoice always.” What was Paul saying and why is it even more important than ever in today's world? Come learn the power of rejoicing and gratitude.

Many of us are walking around dehydrated and unsatisfied. In today's sermon we will explore what it means to be satisfied by Jesus and how our satisfaction in Him can bring life transformation. 

Imagine the incredible work God could accomplish when we open our hearts wide—making Room for More of Him in our lives—and extend that same welcome to even more people at Black Rock Church. Over this past year, we've witnessed God move in extraordinary ways through our church family, and now we're thrilled to unveil our bold vision for creating even greater space—Room for More of God—in the days ahead.

This message focuses on Jesus's core nature as a servant-king and how we can follow His example by serving others. We explore the powerful lesson of Jesus washing His disciples' feet and discuss how it calls us to serve with humility. We will also discover how serving at Black Rock Church allows us to live out our faith and truly follow Jesus.

Imagine the incredible work God could accomplish when we open our hearts wide—making Room for More of Him in our lives—and extend that same welcome to even more people at Black Rock Church. Over this past year, we've witnessed God move in extraordinary ways through our church family, and now we're thrilled to unveil our bold vision for creating even greater space—Room for More of God—in the days ahead.  

This week, we'll explore Jesus' parables in Luke 15: the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the lost son. Each story highlights different aspects of lostness and presents a stark contrast between worldly and divine economics. While the world may accept various losses, God views every loss as significant. Join us as we reflect on the value of each soul and our call to compassion in seeking the lost within our communities.  

Experience the transformative power of Jesus's declaration in John 11: "I am the resurrection and the life." Discover how faith in Christ offers the ultimate "win-win"—an abundant, blessed life today plus the promise of eternity with God in heaven, freeing us from the fear of death and anxiety of life.  

Join Pastor Josh and Andes as they explore the profound significance of Holy Week, guiding listeners through the transformative events that marked Jesus' final days—from His triumphant entry into Jerusalem to the ultimate victory of His resurrection on Easter Sunday. Let's chat and chew!

The crowd shouting “Hosanna” as Jesus entered Jerusalem expected Jesus to be a political leader rescuing them from oppressive Roman rule. But Jesus was better than expected. Instead of offering political victory for a few people, Jesus offers spiritual and personal victory for all humanity. Join us in celebrating all that Jesus offers humanity on this Palm Sunday.  

As we get older, no one wants to be seen as immature. Not in the way that we speak, in the way we work, or even in the way we appear. How do we know if we are holding onto immature beliefs when it comes to our faith? To get a better understanding for believers today, we turn to the book of 1 Corinthians, where we will contrast the immature believers of the Corinthian church with the maturity the apostle Paul was calling them to in his letter.

Today, we will hear from our Global Partners and the work God is doing through them and the places they serve.  

Welcome to Foundation Builders Podcast where we explore the timeless truths of faith while sampling delicious cookies along the way! In this final episode, we reflect on one of the most important Biblical truths: Every person is eternal. We will all live forever—either in the presence of God or apart from Him. Understanding this reality brings believers a deep sense of peace about our eternal destiny and drives us to share the love of Christ with others, using all we have to make Jesus known. Thank you so much for joining us on this journey. It's been a joy to grow our foundation of faith together. Grab a cookie can lets chat.

Through Jesus, we are adopted as God's children, heirs to His love and joy. This truth fills us with unshakable confidence—we are never alone. Knowing God's love transforms us, drawing us closer to Him in prayer and inspiring us to love others.  

Welcome to Foundations, the podcast where we mix sweet treats with deep conversations about faith. In this episode, we're diving into the incredible truth of being loved children of God. What does it really mean to be His child? Are all people truly children of God? We'll unpack these questions while enjoying some cookies and reflecting on how God's love shapes our lives.Grab a cookie, and let's get into it! TRUTH: Through Jesus, we are adopted as God's children, heirs to His love and joy. This truth fills us with unshakable confidence—we are never alone. Knowing God's love transforms us, drawing us closer to Him in prayer and inspiring us to love others.

Through Jesus, we are adopted as God's children, heirs to His love and joy. This truth fills us with unshakable confidence—we are never alone. Knowing God's love transforms us, drawing us closer to Him in prayer and inspiring us to love others.

Welcome to the Foundations Podcast, where we blend faith and fun, one cookie at a time! This week, we're exploring a powerful truth that touches each of our lives — the fact that we all have a sin problem and desperately need a Savior. But here's the good news: Jesus, in His incredible love, died for us, and He wants to have a personal relationship with each one of us! So grab a cookie, sit back, and join us as we talk about the hope and excitement that come with knowing Jesus is the answer to our deepest needs. Let's get into it!

John 3:16 is one of the most well-known and frequently quoted verses in the Bible. When we truly reflect on its message, we are overwhelmed by the depth of God's love for us. This verse also presents us with a choice: to receive God's gracious forgiveness or to remain in our brokenness. But when we accept His grace, it transforms us from the inside out—empowering us to love and serve others selflessly.  

Welcome to The Foundations Podcast, where faith and flavor collide! Each week, we gather to share a cookie, dive into thought-provoking discussions, and explore the deep questions of faith that shape our lives.Today we're tackling a challenging topic—Sin, and whether people, are by nature, rotten to the core? In this week's episode, we're not just unpacking, but also examining the effects on sin in every area of life. So grab your favorite cookie, and join us as we explore the foundations of faith with some sweet treats and deep thoughts. Let's get started!

Understanding our sinful nature can be surprisingly encouraging, as it sheds light on why we face struggles in life and why people sometimes act in selfish or hurtful ways. Recognizing our own sinfulness fosters humility, helping us become less judgmental and more compassionate and loving toward others. This week, we'll explore what it truly means to have a sinful nature and how God graciously offers to transform it into something beautiful.  

We're diving into a powerful and comforting topic: the Trinity and the incredible character of God. We'll explore the three distinct persons of the Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—and how they each play a unique role in our lives and our church. Whether you're new to these concepts or have been reflecting on them for years, today's conversation will remind you of the amazing love God has for each of us. Let's get started!

We often don't realize how big and powerful God is. It is largely because we are distracted by so many other things and don't really focus on God. He often becomes smaller in our eyes. This message helps us “Refocus” on God in worship and prayer, and in all He is as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.  

Welcome to the second episode of the Foundations Podcast. The podcast where we try cookies and talk through a life built on Christ. Be part of the conversation as we discuss the Bible being God's Word and our guide. We also unpack Pastor Josh's comment " ..the Bible is true and my thoughts and feelings are often wrong. " If you haven't listened the accompanying Sermon from 2//9, please do so first.

Most people believe that the Bible has some good things in it, like telling people to love each other. What if the Bible doesn't just say a few good things but is the divinely inspired Word of God? Truly believing that the Bible IS God's Word will impact how.

Welcome to the first episode of the Foundations Podcast. The podcast where we try cookies and talk through a life built on Christ. A place where we don't take ourselves too seriously, but we take the Gospel very seriously. Join us as we discuss the Bible and how it can strengthen the foundation of our lives. Plus, we get real with Pastor Josh, Black Rock Church's newest senior pastor, as he shares some vulnerable moments from his life.     ► WHAT'S NEXT ✘ Resources : https://www.blackrock.org/foundationbuilder/ ✘ Guests: https://www.blackrock.org/guests/ ✘ Events & Info: https://www.blackrock.org/info/ ✘ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BlackRockChurch ✘ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackrockchurch/  

How do we strengthen our foundation to handle whatever life brings? We often get discouraged because we don't have enough discipline to do what we know we should. What if we examined our beliefs? Do we believe what we say we believe? What if our beliefs determine our behavior? Which then determines who we become. How can we let God transform our beliefs? Thus enabling us to become who God created us to be.  

Everyone needs to be saved from the guilt of their sins. Belief in the Lord Jesus is the only way to experience salvation and have a right relationship with God. Today, we celebrate our brothers and sisters as they go through baptism: the outward expression of their inward belief in Jesus.  

What did Jesus mean when He asked 12 people to follow Him as His disciples, and what does it mean for us today? Today we will explore those questions in a biblical and historical context.

Today, we have the opportunity to hear a farewell message from Pastor Steve as he closes out his 40 years of service at Black Rock Church.   

In a famous story, Jesus contrasts a wise builder who builds his house on a rock with a foolish builder who builds on sand. Jesus says we can be like the wise builder, having a solid foundation that keeps us strong as the storms of life rage against us. Let's commit to strengthening our foundation in 2025 and becoming the solid person God designed us to be!

We will focus on reflecting on God's faithfulness over the past year. We'll explore how recognizing His work in our lives can inspire hope and expectation for the future. We'll also be challenged to seek God's guidance and ask how He wants to move in the coming year.

If you're honest, the request that tops your Christmas list every year is: “Peace.”  We all need peace inside and there is only one Person who can give it. Join us this Sunday as we discover how to daily experience the inner calm and contentment that comes only from the Prince of Peace.  

Isaiah 9:6 prophesies that Jesus can be our Everlasting Father. Have we put our faith in Jesus so that we can be a child of God who receives the love, protection, support, and guidance of our Heavenly Father?

To show that Jesus wasn't merely a baby born in a manger but rather He was Mighty God! That is, He was not only fully God but also full of God in every way! God has always revealed Himself through His names- His names reveal His nature. All the names of God culminate in the name of Jesus, because Jesus is Mighty God.  

This Sunday we look at how amazing it is that Isaiah prophesied 700 hundred years before the birth of Jesus that a baby would be born into a dark world bringing joy and light. As we enter the busy and often frustrating month of December, it's great to realize we have a God who loves us so much He sent His Son, Jesus, to bring us hope and joy.

This Sunday—be part of a historic occasion as we install Black Rock's new Senior Pastor and Executive Team.  Join us as we re-dedicate ourselves to God and God's work at the threshold of an exciting new chapter at Black Rock!

Those being baptized today have made third decisions when it comes to following Jesus.  They have DECIDED to BELIEVE, SURRENDER and GROW.  We celebrate with those today who have decided to follow Jesus, and there is no turning back.

God has a message for everyone who feels disconnected and distant from Him–it's ‘Come Home!' Join us and hear Jesus calling at your heart's door.  

God has a message for everyone who feels like He's unreachable and unapproachable–it's ‘Call me anytime, and when you do, call me Dad!'  Join us and hear Jesus inviting you into a relationship with God that will change EVERYTHING.  

God has a message for everyone who wonders why they don't seem to experience all God's promised peace and joy in life–it's “You must begin by Trusting Me!”  Join us as we hear God explain how Trusting Him is the only way to the promised land for which we long.  

God has a message for everyone who feels like they are wandering through life without clear purpose–it's ‘If you sense you're wandering without purpose, you probably ARE!' Join us as we hear God literally spell-out the only way to the purpose-filled life for which you long.”  

Join us as we celebrate 175 years of God's faithfulness.

Often we get stuck in our everyday routine and miss the amazing things God is doing around us. What would happen if we took time to listen, then said YES LORD to what God is calling us to? Often we talk ourselves out of what we sense God calling us to, but what would happen if we just listened and said, YES LORD?  

How do you cope with life's challenges? As Christians, we might expect peace and divine control, yet we have a powerful adversary on the prowl who desires to sow discord and discouragement. Well-acquainted with disappointment, Peter offers valuable advice on confronting minor troubles and significant adversities while maintaining faith amidst difficulties.  

Some people say that Love is an emotion. Others say love is a verb, but love is really a condition of the heart. How would you describe your heart condition right now? Let's learn how we can align our hearts to who God is and be more loving at the core of our being.

What should be the defining characteristic of a Christian? The Bible says God is love. It is not part of who God is, but who God IS at God's core. Therefore, if I am a Christian wholeheartedly following God, then love should be more core essence as well.

The worship priorities we choose as older role models have generational ripple effects. Will we pass on a legacy of giving God the glory He is due or a legacy of pursuing the priorities of the world?  

We must make a choice to follow Jesus in all areas of life. If we are not following Jesus, then whom are we following? So many people, places, and things fight for our attention, but Jesus is the only one worthy of it. When Jesus has our undivided attention He uses it to change the world!