Blaze Church

Greed whispers that more possessions will bring security. But Jesus warns, “Watch out!” because life doesn't consist in an abundance of possessions. In Luke 12, He tells of a man whose wealth made him feel secure but left him empty before God. True security comes not from stuff but from trusting Jesus. To silence greed's whisper, we live simply, manage wisely, remember eternity, trust God's provision, and practice generosity. Jesus invites us to lasting security in Him.

What if the greatest threat to your faith isn't rebellion, but indifference? In Revelation 3, Jesus confronts the church in Laodicea not for denying Him, but for their lukewarm devotion—proof of spiritual sloth. Sloth isn't laziness; it's apathy toward God's calling. It disguises itself as busyness, self-care, or comfort, but leads to a life without purpose. Jesus calls us to repent, be zealous, and come back to Him. He disciplines those He loves and invites us into real rest, not counterfeit comfort. Where have you allowed sloth to creep into your life? Jesus is knocking—how will you respond?

What do you do when you feel angry? Anger isn't a sin—it's a signal. But if left unresolved, it becomes wrath, and wrath destroys. God gives us a four-step framework to deal with anger: Conversation (talk to God), Examination (ask why you're angry), Opportunity (choose what is right), and Warning (guard against sin). Like Cain, we often justify our emotions and ignore God's call. But Jesus, our true older brother, didn't act in wrath—He acted in love. Today, surrender your anger at the cross and receive the healing only Jesus offers.

Rachel and Leah's story in Genesis 29–30 shows how envy can turn sisters into rivals. One longed for love, the other for children—each believing they needed what the other had to feel valuable. Envy convinces us we're lacking and makes it hard to celebrate others. But God offers a better way. Envy says, “I want what you have,” but contentment says, “I trust what God has given.” Through repentance and gratitude, God uproots envy from our hearts. Like Leah, when we say, “This time I will praise the Lord,” our hearts shift. The Gospel reminds us—our worth is secure in Christ.

Pride distorts our God-given purpose. Genesis 11 shows humanity building a tower to make a name for themselves, forsaking their identity, value, and mission. But God, in mercy, intervened. In Acts 2, He reversed Babel—sending the Holy Spirit to restore what pride destroyed. Now, through Jesus, we receive a new name and a renewed purpose. Just like the crowd in Acts 2, we're invited to respond: “What shall we do?” The answer—repent, be baptized, and receive the Holy Spirit.

In this opening message of Deadly Desires, we explore the power of desire through James 1:13–18. Desire itself isn't evil—it's a gift from God—but when twisted by temptation, it gives birth to sin and, ultimately, death. Temptation comes from the world, the enemy, and often our own flesh. While our sinful nature lures us away, God offers new birth through Jesus Christ, our High Priest, who was tempted yet never sinned. Because of Him, we can now come boldly to God's throne. As we worship, we reflect: Where am I trying to satisfy a God-given desire in a sinful way?

You might be at church on Easter because of tradition, curiosity, or just hoping for something real. The truth is—we're all searching. In Mark 16, women came to the tomb grieving, expecting a dead body, and facing a problem they couldn't solve. But God had already moved the stone. Jesus rose. He's alive—and He's still calling people by name, even those who've failed. Easter means your search can end. Jesus offers peace, purpose, and a new beginning.

Palm Sunday reminds us that we all crown something as king—but only Jesus is truly worthy. Through His triumphal entry, we see that Jesus is the Man who understands our needs, the King who rules with humility, and the Savior who came to rescue us. Unlike worldly kings who demand from us, Jesus invites us to trust Him, serve others, and receive salvation. As the crowd cried “Hosanna”—“save us now”—Jesus entered not to take a throne, but to carry a cross. This Passion Week, we are challenged to ask: Who gets the crown in your life?

In Mark 14:1–11, we see a woman pour out costly perfume on Jesus, sparking outrage from others—but Jesus calls it beautiful. Her motive was pure love, while Judas's was selfish gain. As Passover approached, Jesus was preparing to be the true Passover Lamb, giving His life to save us. The woman's worship was a response to His worth, not a performance. This sermon challenges believers to evaluate their own motives in following Jesus. Is it love? Gratitude? Or something else? In response, we are invited to repent and return to the heart of worship—where it's all about Jesus.

In One Day, we explore Jesus' teaching in Mark 13:32–37, where He speaks of His return. Though we don't know the day or hour, we're called to stay spiritually awake—alert and active. Jesus reminds us that the Father alone knows the timing, and that's where our hope lies. While life's trials and treasures may lull us to sleep, we're urged to keep our minds set on things above. The return of Jesus isn't meant to cause fear, but to inspire faith, obedience, and urgency. One day, He will return—and until then, we live with trust and purpose.

In Mark 11, Jesus examines a fig tree and the temple, expecting fruit but finding none. The tree looked healthy from a distance, but up close, it was barren. The temple was meant to be a house of prayer, but instead, it was a marketplace. Jesus still inspects His Church today. Are we just putting on a good appearance, or are we truly bearing fruit? Are we living with faith, love, and generosity, or have we made faith about ourselves? The good news is that Jesus took the curse of sin upon Himself so we could be made new—so we could grow and bear real fruit. If Jesus inspected your heart today, what would He find? Would He see faithfulness? Would He see fruit?

We spend our lives avoiding suffering, chasing status, and seeking love—yet none of it truly satisfies. Jesus offers a better way. In Mark 10:35-45, He shows that true life comes through humility, leadership through serving, and love through sacrifice. He didn't just teach this—He lived it, giving His life as a ransom for many. The world's way is broken, but Jesus' way leads to life. Will you follow Him?

Life is full of moments—some we wish would last forever and others we pray would end. But moments fade; Jesus remains. The Transfiguration (Mark 9:2-8) reveals Jesus as the radiance of God's glory, not just a teacher or prophet. Peter wanted to build a tabernacle to contain the moment, but Jesus is the true tabernacle, making a way for us to stand in God's presence. In every season, we must look to Jesus, stay silent before Him, and listen to His words. Faith isn't built on moments but on the unchanging Christ. Hold onto Jesus—He alone remains.

Jesus once asked His disciples a question that still echoes today: "Who do you say I am?" It's one thing to know about Jesus, but truly following Him transforms everything. This question isn't just about recognizing His life and works—it's about surrender, identity, and a faith that reshapes every part of who we are. As we step into this moment in Scripture, we'll wrestle with what it really means to follow Jesus, not just in name but in action. So, who do you say He is? Your answer might change everything.

We all try to look clean—through good deeds, reputation, or comparison—but deep down, we know we're not as pure as we seem. Like dirt under our nails, sin isn't just on the surface; it comes from within. The Pharisees washed their hands, but their hearts remained filthy. No amount of effort can scrub away our guilt. The good news? Jesus doesn't ask us to clean ourselves—He makes us clean. Like Joshua in Zechariah 3, God removes our filthy garments and clothes us in righteousness. True purity isn't earned; it's received. Stop using soap—let Jesus make you new.

Life can leave us exhausted, empty, and searching for more. In Mark 6, Jesus reveals Himself as the True Shepherd, offering rest, provision, and life. He invites the weary to come away and rest, yet when faced with thousands of hungry people, the disciples only see lack—but Jesus creates abundance. He is the Better Moses, leading His people to green pastures. Jesus, the Bread of Life, doesn't just sustain us—He completely satisfies. Will you trust Him? Come to the table—your Shepherd has prepared the meal.

Delays can be frustrating, but delays can grow our faith. Jairus and the bleeding woman both experienced painful waiting, yet their faith led them to Jesus. In seasons of delay, we must make three choices: Desperation—recognizing our need for Jesus, Dependence—trusting His power and timing, and Direction—continuing to walk with Him even when the answer seems delayed. Jairus came for a cure but witnessed a resurrection. When delays feel unbearable, remember: God is never late. Keep trusting, keep walking, and you'll see His power in His perfect time. Will you trust Him in the delay?

When we go through storms in life where do we take our fear? Fear is a natural emotion that should cause us to go to God. But often we allow fear to disrupt the trust we have or don't have in God. We can end up taking our fears to unhealthy places. The disciples that night were afraid of the storm but even more terrified when Jesus calmed the storm. Why was this so scary for them? Well, that night a different storm inside them needed to be confronted. It was the storm of their sinful hearts and only Jesus, who was fully man (asleep on the boat) and fully God (having divine control over nature) could defeat this ultimate storm of sin. As we remember his sacrifice we can be sure that God cares about us so much that He sent His Son so no one will perish.

In The New & True Family of God, we explore how Jesus redefined family through faith and obedience. Misunderstood by His own family, Jesus modeled grace, love, and unwavering faithfulness. He called us into a new family, bound by obedience to God's will, not bloodlines. While earthly families may misunderstand our faith, we respond with trust in God, forgiveness, and peace. Through Jesus' perfect obedience, even to the cross, we are adopted as children of God, united into His family. Blaze Church is called to be the family our community needs, reflecting God's love through unity, grace, and obedience.

In Mark 2:1-12, Jesus demonstrates His authority to forgive sins, revealing our greatest need—spiritual restoration. Often, we approach Jesus with immediate needs like healing, provision, or guidance, but He looks beyond the surface to address the deeper issue: sin. The paralytic sought physical healing, the scribes clung to self-righteous judgment, and the crowds marveled at the miracle but missed the message. Jesus challenges us to trust Him not just as Healer or Provider, but as Savior. By meeting our unseen need for forgiveness, Jesus offers more than we expect, calling us to faith, humility, and reliance on His authority.

In Mark 1:1-20, Jesus' arrival declares the Kingdom of God: a revolutionary kingdom with a King, a message, and a people. Jesus is the Messiah and Son of God, affirmed by the prophets, John the Baptist, and God the Father. His message, “The time is fulfilled, the kingdom is at hand; repent and believe,” invites us to leave self-built kingdoms and trust in the Good News. Calling ordinary fishermen to follow Him, Jesus shows that His kingdom is for everyone. As we begin this year, will you surrender your “nets” and follow Jesus, the King who brings true purpose?

As we approach a new year, we reflect on God's faithfulness, drawing lessons from Israel's crossing of the Jordan River in Joshua 3–4. Like the Israelites, we prepare for new seasons by seeking God, consecrating ourselves, and trusting His Word. The priests stood in the river, mediating a path into the Promised Land, foreshadowing Jesus, our ultimate High Priest, who stood in the chaos of sin to bring us eternal life. Just as Israel built memorial stones to remember God's deliverance, we reflect on His goodness through communion, our memorial of Christ's ultimate sacrifice, and look forward with hope.

In "The Gift of Peace" (Luke 2:8-17), we see that true peace is not something we achieve but a gift God gives through Jesus. The angels' announcement to the shepherds—ordinary, overlooked people—reveals that God's peace is for all who receive it. Jesus, the Savior, Christ, and Lord, came to restore peace between God and humanity. Like the shepherds, we must respond to the invitation to behold Him—to see Jesus as our Prince of Peace. His peace calms our hearts, reconciles us with God, and equips us to share His peace with others. Peace is possible because Jesus came.

The message, The Gift of Forgiveness, explores how Jesus offers forgiveness, not as something we earn, but as a life-changing gift. It contrasts mistakes—accidental errors—with sin, a deliberate rebellion against God. Using Romans 5 and 7, the sermon examines sin's reality, power, and our inability to save ourselves. Through Adam, sin and death entered the world, but through Jesus, grace and life abound. Forgiveness is costly—Jesus bore our debt through His death and resurrection. The message challenges listeners to swallow their pride, admit their need, and receive this gift that restores us to God and transforms our lives.

Everyone is searching for purpose! Discover four aspects of the purpose Jesus offers: it's for the ordinary, it can feel overwhelming, it's empowered by the Holy Spirit, and it requires a faithful response. God's purpose is not for the elite but for all, as shown through Mary's story. Jesus' purpose often feels too big but is made possible through the Spirit. True purpose comes when we surrender to God's will. Jesus came to bring a purpose that can't be found in anything else—offering salvation, eternal life, and a life lived for His kingdom.

This Christmas season, Blaze Church explores The Gifts of Christmas, beginning with the gift of God's Presence. Through Jesus, God chose to be with us, walking in our joys and struggles, offering peace, comfort, and forgiveness. Matthew 1:23 and Psalm 139 reveal God's intimate nearness, even in our mess. By confessing sin, prioritizing time with Him, engaging in worship, and reflecting on Scripture, we can embrace His presence daily. Christmas reminds us that through Jesus' sacrifice, God is always with us, calling us to draw near. Let's eliminate distractions, embrace His grace, and experience the fullness of "God with us."

In Beating Burnout, Part 3 of the Peace of Mind series, we explore how chronic stress can lead to emotional, physical, and spiritual exhaustion. Using Elijah's journey in 1 Kings 19, we identify four decisions that contribute to burnout: overexertion, isolation, negative thinking, and forgetting God. Yet, God's response to Elijah's despair is compassionate, offering rest, nourishment, and His gentle presence. The message concludes with Jesus' invitation in Matthew 11:28-30, calling the weary to experience His unforced rhythms of grace.

What are you ruled by? In the story of the twelve men who were sent to report on the conditions of the land of Caanan, ten of them came back with a perspective that was based in fear. Two of the men had faith and a positive outlook. They all saw potential, but most of them refused to take the risk. For you to function at your best, you need to step out, trust God and take a risk. When you are ruled by only what you see in front of you, you miss out on what God is saying and doing. But if you look past what is right in front of you, you will see the promises of God! Will you choose to be ruled by fear or faith?

This message in the Peace of Mind series explores anxiety and how to find peace. Facing overwhelming odds, Jehoshaphat sought God, fasted, gathered his community, and prayed with full dependence on the Lord. When we feel anxious, we are invited to turn to God in similar ways: through intentional prayer, fasting, and relying on supportive, faith-filled community. Ultimately, this sermon reminds us that our battles belong to God, and we can worship Him with confidence, knowing He is in control and His peace is available to us.

In the first message of the Peace of Mind series, we examine Jesus' teaching on worry, rooted in trusting God as our Father. Jesus tells us not to worry because God, our loving Father, knows our needs and values us deeply—more than even the birds He provides for. When we forget this relationship, we fall into “value amnesia,” doubting our worth and security. Jesus calls us to seek God's Kingdom first, surrendering control and finding peace in knowing that our Father cares for us.

In this sermon titled "Living in the End Times," part of the You Asked For It series, the message addresses common misconceptions about the end times, emphasizing hope over fear. Drawing from Matthew 24 and 1 Thessalonians 4-5, it explores the biblical context of Jesus' teachings on the destruction of the temple and His eventual return. The message encourages living as "children of light," ready for Christ's second coming without trying to predict dates. The sermon concludes with a call to action through the Landmark Vision and communion, symbolizing the hope of Christ's return and His future kingdom.

In this message, we celebrate Blaze Church's incredible journey since 2015, reflecting on God's miraculous work in our community. Sharing our faith is not just a "good thing" for followers of Jesus to do — it is a command of Jesus. Through the story of the Good Samaritan, we explore practical steps to notice people, recognize their needs, and take action to make Jesus known. You'll also hear an exciting vision for the future, including our Landmark renovation project, building a church in Uruguay, and supporting church renovations in France. Together, we'll commit to advancing God's Kingdom through faith and generosity.

As parents, we must remember that our children belong to God. We must be intentional about teaching our children and we need wisdom! In this message, we look at the book of Exodus where Moses' parents had to make a big decision and trust God. We'll discover how to apply this truth in our own homes. Whether you are a parent or not, this message will encourage and strengthen your faith in God to trust Him always!

How do we manage time in a way that honors God? In this practical message, you'll discover that effective time management is about prioritization, not merely being busy. Haggai chapter 1 challenges us to assess whether our priorities align with God's, urging us to "think about it" before making commitments. The key to time management is putting God first. We are encouraged to seek godly counsel in decision-making and to recognize that worry does not add value to our lives. God cares about how we use our greatest resource!

Relationships can be complicated, especially when you don't see eye to eye. Pastor Greg Surratt shares practical tips on how to handle disagreements in relationships. He teaches from James 4:1, which challenges us to consider our internal desires as the source of quarrels, and Ephesians 4:1-2 which calls us to live out our Christian faith with humility and gentleness. By embodying the fruits of the Spirit and valuing others above ourselves, we can set a new standard for interactions and create a more peaceful, united community.

Our final core value is Unity: Life Is Better Together. The message emphasizes that God loves unity and calls His people to live in harmony. We need to embrace four key steps for fostering unity: determining your mindset, discovering your purpose, developing your character, and displaying your faith. We also celebrate every Dream Team member, who embodies these principles by serving the church. Our unity is a sign to this world that Jesus is the One who came to save us, and call us to live brand new!

In this message, we dive into Blaze Church's sixth core value: "Generosity Is Our Privilege." Drawing from Acts 20:35 and 2 Corinthians 8-9, we explore the biblical principle that generosity is not about the amount but about the heart behind the gift. True generosity is sacrificial and joyful, and it reflects the grace of the Gospel. As followers of Christ, we give not out of obligation but as an act of worship, acknowledging that God first gave to us. Our generosity blesses others and enables them to praise God, creating an eternal return on investment.

Maturity is a process! In this sermon, "I Have A Next Step," part of the "Family Values" series at Blaze Church, the focus is on the core value of Maturity. Drawing from Luke 8:4-15 and Ephesians 3:16-17, the message emphasizes that spiritual maturity is a continuous journey influenced by the condition of one's heart. Through the Parable of the Sower, the sermon illustrates how different heart conditions affect spiritual growth. We are called to be receptive to the Word of God. Every believer has a next step. God wants to do more in us and through us than we can even imagine. It's time to get off milk and on solid food! We are a collective committed to maturity!

In this sermon, based on 2 Kings 5, we explore the fourth core value of Blaze Church: "Go Low," which emphasizes humility. Through the story of Naaman, a powerful commander humbled by leprosy, we learn that pride is a barrier to God's grace. Naaman's journey from prideful self-reliance to humble obedience illustrates the transformative power of God's grace. The message encourages us to examine areas of pride in our own lives and choose humility, just as Jesus did. By humbling ourselves, we open the door to God's healing and restoration.

Our third value at Blaze Church is Passion: Always Do Your Best! Drawing from 1 Corinthians 10:31 and the story of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5, we highlight the dangers of half-hearted commitment and the need for wholehearted devotion. The message will urge people to pursue excellence for God's glory, both individually and collectively. We discover that deception destroys passion, and devotion drives passion. We also celebrate a major update to our Landmark Vision. We will always do our best at Blaze Church!

What feelings and thoughts rise up when you are around someone different from you? Our second core value at Blaze Church is “Every Person Matters.” This is a messy value; it will cause us to love and value all people, and sometimes that's hard. Drawing from Acts 10, the sermon explores the story of Peter and Cornelius, highlighting how God's plan transcends cultural and ethnic boundaries. Peter's vision and encounter with Cornelius challenge deep-rooted bigotry, illustrating that every person, regardless of background, is significant to God. We are called to share the gospel without discrimination, understanding that Christ's sacrifice offers forgiveness and salvation to all. As believers, we must actively work to make everyone feel valued and included in God's family.

In our series on Blaze Church's Core Values, we begin with “Jesus Over Everything,” inspired by Paul's message in Athens. Paul observed the city's idolatry and addressed its people, affirming their religiosity but pointing to their confusion. He proclaimed that God, the Creator of everything, doesn't dwell in man-made temples. Paul emphasized the need for repentance, revealing the resurrection of Jesus as central to faith. By placing Jesus over everything, Paul illustrated that true worship and salvation come through Christ alone, not through religious practices or idols. This message is foundational for Blaze Church's commitment to prioritize Jesus in all we do.

Who has the right to rearrange the furniture in your house? You! Because you are the owner! Jesus entered the temple in Jerusalem and began turning over tables and driving out the merchants. When questioned about his authority to do such a thing, Jesus responded by declaring that He was the temple that would be destroyed and raised up in three days. When we surrender our lives to Jesus, we give Him the authority to rearrange the furniture in our lives; he calls the shots! As a collective of believers, we are now the temple of God, called to be a house of prayer! Let's embrace this call, surrendering our lives to Jesus and living in community, united in prayer and worship.

Greed is sneaky. That's why Jesus said to watch out for it. Often, we justify our greedy decisions, especially when we feel pain and grief. But if we're honest, no one likes a greedy person. There was a moment when a rich, young leader came to Jesus asking how to receive eternal life. Jesus exposed the greed in his heart. Through their conversation, we discover that while riches can make following Christ harder, when we remember the sacrifice He made for us, we find true spiritual richness. The new kind of wealth that believers have is gospel communities. Generosity truly is our privilege, and it is the way to being refreshed!

In this message, we will discover that priorities are not just about ourselves but that God desires for us to have friendships; real bonds here on earth that point us to His love. When we love others as ourselves we are fulfilling the gospel message. Jonathan understood this when his friend David was being hunted by his Father. Lightning McQueen, in the movie Cars, realizes that life is better when you are not alone. And you and I must realize that Jesus is the best friend we can have. As we live this life to honor God and others, we will live it to the fullest with the right priorities in place! 

Did you know God created all of your emotions and not just the happy ones? Continuing our series, At the Movies, we explore the movie Inside Out in connection with God's word to learn that God created us with a spectrum of emotions, each serving a purpose in our lives. And we will see that just as Riley's emotions worked together in the film, we too should acknowledge and embrace all of our feelings to experience emotional balance and wholeness which helps us connect with God and others. Learn practical steps for processing and expressing your feelings, and see how God can draw us closer to Him and to others through our emotional experiences.

Where do people go when they die? There are a lot of suggestions ranging from reincarnation to nothingness to the afterlife. It is clear that people are curious about what happens when someone dies. The Christian message declares that people either spend eternity in the presence of God or are separated from the presence of God. In this message, we discover what the Bible says about heaven and hell. Believers have hope and confidence in the return of Christ. By using movie clips from Pixar's Coco, we learn that those who surrender their lives to Jesus will spend forever in heaven.

The final charge Peter the Apostle gives in his letter is Stand Firm! Children of God are protected by the mighty hand of God. Knowing this, we can choose humility in a world that celebrates pride. We do not have to carry burdens; Jesus invites us to cast all our cares on Him. The devil wants to devour us. Our response is to live alert and sober-minded. Christ has already confronted and defeated Satan; we do not have to live in fear. Our hope of eternal glory frames our current suffering as momentary. As we live in this world, we stand firm, knowing that our display of Christ's love will cause others to put their hope in Him as well. 

In the book of 1 Peter, the apostle Peter was speaking to Christians in Rome, but his words are for us today as well. We should have the same mindset — a mindset to do the Father's will, a mindset towards eternity. God says: I want you to do my will specifically for you.It's not about you! Be Christlike God sets up boundaries in our life for our good. Jesus gives us a new way of living. Our normal response is “Get back at those who do harm to you.” But Jesus says, “bless those who persecute you.” Suffering gives us an opportunity to honor God and display Christ through the way we respond to suffering.

On Father's Day, we reflect on what it means to be a child of God. Believers are called to exhibit unity, sympathy, love, compassion, and humility. By living these qualities, others should recognize us as God's children, just as people say, "He's his father's son." Even in suffering, we share the hope within us with gentleness and respect. The transformation in Peter, who boldly proclaimed Jesus despite persecution, serves as our model. Let's strive for people to see that we've been with Jesus, embodying His love and grace in all we do.