Countryside Covenant Church

One of the most difficult things to do in life is to wait upon God. It is probably safe to say that we have all found ourselves in God's waiting room at some point in our lives. Such is the case with a man named Simeon. He was waiting with anticipation for the first coming of Jesus, the Consolation of Israel. In this message pastor John will share what we Christians can do as we wait with anticipation for the second coming of Jesus this Christmas season. December 07 2025Music: CCLI License 20576625- A Christmas Alleluia | Chris Tomlin, Jonas Myrin | Copyright 2015 Capitol CMG Paragon; S. D. G. Publishing; Son of the Lion; Twelve Lions Music; Worship Together Music

God will often instruct His people to do things that are difficult and don't make sense. Ever have such an experience? If you did, you are not alone. Joseph, the character in our passage, had such an experience. He was instructed by an angel to marry a woman he believed had been unfaithful. But despite his initial reluctance to marry the woman he loved, Joseph obeys the angel's instruction and marries her. How was Joseph able to carry out God's plan for his life despite the public ridicule he would receive for doing so? In this message, pastor John will explain how God's people can be faithful to God's plan for their lives amid the difficult challenges that God calls us to.November 30 2025Music: CCLI License 20576625- A Christmas Alleluia | Chris Tomlin, Jonas Myrin | Copyright 2015 Capitol CMG Paragon; S. D. G. Publishing; Son of the Lion; Twelve Lions Music; Worship Together Music

We all want to experience contentment in life. But all too often, we experience contentment only when our circumstances are the way we want them to be. The apostle Paul was different. He was able to experience contentment in any situation. In this message, Pastor John explains how we can learn the secret of experiencing contentment in any situation as we examine the life of Paul in his letter to the Philippian church. November 23 2025Music: CCLI License 20576625- It Is Well With My Soul | Horatio Gates Spafford, Philip Paul Bliss | Copyright Public Domain

Have you ever been put in a position where you had to resolve a household dispute, but you did not know who was telling you the truth? This is precisely the position Solomon, a wise king, found himself in. In this message, pastor John explains how Solomon's God given wisdom helped him bring about a just decision in a conflict where it was difficult for him to know who was telling the truth.November 16 2025Music: CCLI License 20576625- All the Way My Savior Leads Me | Chris Tomlin, Fanny Jane Crosby, Matt Redman | Copyright 2008 Rising Springs Music; Thankyou Music Ltd; Vamos Publishing; worshiptogether.com songs

Have you ever come across a situation in your life where you felt you needed divine wisdom? Such was the case for a man named Solomon. He had the responsibility of leading God's people as their king - a daunting task that required Godly wisdom. By looking at the prayer of Solomon, pastor John explains how we can successfully acquire divine wisdom for the most challenging times that we face.November 09 2025Music: CCLI License 20576625- O God, Our Help in Ages Past | Isaac Watts, William Croft | Copyright Public Domain

It is often said that patience is a virtue. Yet many believers struggle with exercising patience in their daily lives. In this message, Pastor John gives some practical ways from the Bible that believers can exercise patience during the most challenging seasons of life. November 02 2025Music: CCLI License 20576625- Because He Lives | Gloria Gaither, William J. Gaither | Copyright 1971 Hanna Street Music

Have you been feeling down lately? If you have, you are not alone. There are many people today struggling with feelings of depression and discouragement and are unsure of what to do when they experience such feelings. In this message, Pastor John talks about some of the causes of depression and discouragement as well as how to overcome them from a Biblical point of view.October 26 2025Music: CCLI License 20576625- I Set My Hope on Jesus | Keith Getty, Matt Boswell, Matt Papa | Copyright 2023 Getty Music Hymns and Songs; Getty Music Publishing; Love Your Enemies Publishing; Messenger Hymns

One of the most frequently asked questions people want an answer to is: What happens when we die? In this message, Pastor John attempts to answer this question by using several selected passages of scripture. Note: given that the answer to such a question covers more time than one sermon will allow, Pastor John narrows the scope of the question to what happens to a believer immediately upon death.October 19 2025Music: CCLI License 20576625- Living Hope | Brian Johnson, Phil Wickham | Copyright 2017 Phil Wickham Music; Simply Global Songs; Sing My Songs

One of the most difficult things to control in life is the human tongue. James describes this human instrument as an unruly evil full of deadly poison. In this message, Pastor John offers some practical ways that we as believers can successfully control our speech in an ungodly culture.October 12 2025Music: CCLI License 20576625- Take My Life and Let It Be Consecrated | Frances Ridley Havergal, Henri Abraham Cesar Malan, Michael Adler | Copyright Words: Public Domain; Music: 2003 Adler, Michael

Jesus' command to love one another is one of the great commandments that Jesus gave to His disciples. In fact, it was their love for one another that marked them out as His followers to an unbelieving world. The same holds true for His followers today. In this message, Pastor John shows us how we can fulfill Christ's command to love one another in a broken world.October 05 2025Music: CCLI License 20576625- Not What My Hands Have Done | Buddy Greene, Horatius Bonar | Copyright Words: Public Domain; Music: Rufus Music; Hill Spring Music

Dr. DeVern Schwenn gives a powerful testimony and autobiography of his coming of faith story, having grown up in a small rural part of South Dakota. September 28 2025Music: CCLI License 20576625- Since I Have Been Redeemed | Edwin Othello Excell | Copyright Public Domain

Pastor John shares a powerful testimony on temptation, relating it to Jesus Christ's temptation in Matthew chapter 4.March 23 2025Music: CCLI License 20576625- I Will Wait For You (Psalm 130) | Jordan Kauflin, Keith Getty, Matthew Merker, Stuart Townend | Copyright 2018 Getty Music Publishing; Jordan Kauflin Music; Matthew Merker Music; Townend Songs

Worldly values would like us to believe that happiness and life fulfillment require us to make temporary sacrifices, in order to get long term success and comfort. However, worldly values miss the point in placing value on success and comfort instead of the ultimate value of Jesus and His message in our lives. Instead, we Christians look to Jesus Christ's words in Mark 8, where he speaks to us about sacrificing our ourselves daily, to follow Him. Pastor John explains that freedom is found in following Jesus, but not without personal sacrifice. March 16 2025Music: CCLI License 20576625- I Have Decided To Follow Jesus | Eugene Thomas, Unknown | Copyright Words: Public Domain; Music: 1986 Curb Word Music

Resurrection of the dead is a frequent theme in the Bible, and the resurrection of Jesus Christ is centrally significant to faith for Christians. In Luke chapter 7, we read of Jesus raising a widow's son from the dead. What happened when God visited His people during a funeral procession?March 09 2025Music: CCLI License 20576625- I Will Wait For You (Psalm 130) | Jordan Kauflin, Keith Getty, Matthew Merker, Stuart Townend | Copyright 2018 Getty Music Publishing; Jordan Kauflin Music; Matthew Merker Music; Townend Songs

The phrase "Walking with God" has significant meaning in our lives and is also a central theme in the Bible. What does that mean for a paralytic and how does this intersect with forgiveness in scripture? What happened when those in positions of authority challenged Jesus' claim to forgive sins on earth?March 02 2025Music: CCLI License 20576625- Christ Our Hope In Life And Death | Jordan Kauflin, Keith Getty, Matt Boswell, Matt Papa, Matthew Merker | Copyright 2020 Getty Music Hymns and Songs; Getty Music Publishing; Jordan Kauflin Music; Love Your Enemies Publishing; Matthew Merker Music; Messenger Hymns

Experiences at Christian youth Bible camps can be a fun and foundational time in the lives of followers of Jesus Christ. Activities and personal connections at camp often provide lifelong friendships, and help youth to understand what it means to have a close personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Guest speaker, Phil Tolbert, speaks about Jesus' "Great Commission", relating it to how we can have a lifelong transformation of our life by serving God and sharing Him with others. February 23 2025Music: CCLI License 20576625- I'll Go Where You Want Me To Go | Carrie E. Rounsefell, Charles Edward Prior, Mary Brown | Copyright Public Domain

In Matthew chapter 9, Pastor John explores two miracles where the touch of Jesus brought restoration. What happened when a leader within God's covenant community demonstrated both faith and impurity in a time of desperate need?February 16 2025Music: CCLI License 20576625- He Will Hold Me Fast | Ada Ruth Habershon, Matthew Merker | Copyright 2013 Getty Music Publishing Matthew Merker Music

The prophesy of a Messiah in old testament scripture was interpreted by some as God sending one who would bring about political peace for the Jewish people. In reality, the Messiah, Jesus, brought about a personal peace for those who believe in Him and focus on His message in their daily lives, even during the toughest personal storms. What happened when the followers of Jesus were forced to be separated from Him because of political pressure?February 09 2025Music: CCLI License 20576625- Hold Me Savior | Ben Shive, Bryan Fowler, Sandra McCracken, Skye Peterson | Copyright 2024 Beehive Songs, Getty Music Hymns and Songs, Getty Music Publishing, Hymns Of Hers

When God acts in our lives to restore, He expects that we give all glory in His praise. What happened when Jesus met 10 lepers while passing through Galilee and Samaria enroute to Jerusalem? February 02 2025 Music: CCLI License 20576625 - Near The Cross | Fanny Jane Crosby, William Howard Doane | Copyright Public Domain

Radical transformation in the life of one who turns from sin, is a typical theme in Christian testimonies. In Mark chapter 5, we learn of a demon-possessed man who could not escape evil influences until Jesus' word freed him. What happened when Jesus encountered a demon-possessed man living in a pagan land? January 12 2025 Music: CCLI License 20576625 - O Church Arise | Chris Tomlin, Keith Getty, Kristyn Getty, Stuart Townend | Copyright 2016 Getty Music Publishing, S. D. G. Publishing, Thankyou Music, Twelve Lions Music, Worship Together Music

Struggles in life, or the storms of life, are fearful and difficult to endure. With Jesus in our boat, we can have faith that he will calm the storm or give us courage to face the wind and waves. What happened when Jesus stilled a raging storm in the lives of His followers? January 05 2025 Music: CCLI License 20576625 - Still | Reuben Morgan | Copyright 2002 Hillsong Music Publishing Australia

After the Passover celebration in Jerusalem, Joseph and Mary departed for Nazareth where they discovered that their child, Jesus, was not in the group of travellers. What happened when the boy Jesus was on the threshold of becoming an adult? December 29 2024 Music: CCLI License 20576625 - Thou Didst Leave Thy Throne | Emily Elizabeth Steele Elliott, Timothy Richard Matthews | Copyright Public Domain

In the small town of Nazareth, God sent his angel, Gabriel, to bring a special message to the young girl named Mary. What happened when God's messenger first shared the news concerning the miraculous birth of Jesus? December 22 2024 Music: CCLI License 20576625 - Hark! The Herald Angels Sing | Charles Wesley, Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy, William Hayman Cummings | Copyright Public Domain

A long journey for Joseph and Mary walking from Nazareth to Bethlehem and then no room in the inn. What happened when Mary gave birth to her firstborn Son? December 15 2024 Music: CCLI License 20576625 - Let's Worship and Adore Him | unknown and Tom Fettke | Copyright Words: Public Domain; Music: 1997 Integrity's Hosanna! Music, and Curb Word Music

Ignorance is bliss, or so the saying goes. But when God steps in to tear away the veil of ignorance in Luke 1, His people were in awe and marveled. What happened when members of God's covenant community came to celebrate a miraculous birth? December 08 2024 Music: CCLI License 20576625 - Go Tell It On The Mountain | Eugene Thomas, John W. Work Jr. | Copyright Words: Public Domain; Music: 1997 Integrity's Hosanna! Music, and Curb Word Music

In a time when the people of Israel were lacking in hope, God brought good news to Zechariah the priest. What happened when God's messenger first shared the good news of a miraculous birth? December 01 2024 Music: CCLI License 20576625 - O Come, O Come Emmanuel | John Mason Neale, Thomas Helmore | Copyright Public Domain

In 2 Samuel 18, Pastor John speaks about King David's messenger when David learns of a victory in battle, a battle which also takes the life of his son. If one has the responsibility of sharing the good news of God's deliverance, what must be understood by the messenger? November 24 2024 Music: CCLI License 20576625 - Alleluia | Jerry Sinclair | Copyright 1972 Manna Music, Inc.

From a scriptural context, rebellion against God's Holy Word comes in many forms. In 2 Samuel 18, Pastor John describes expected consequences for rebellious behavior by those in positions of authority. What happened when the servants of God's chosen king met the king's rebellious son? November 17 2024 Music: CCLI License 20576625 - Doxology | Louis Bourgeois, Thomas Ken | Copyright Public Domain

Today, Christians throughout the world are persecuted for delivering a life-saving message. In 2 Samuel 17, friends of King David were also hunted while trying to deliver a life-saving message. How can we as Christians have success in escaping from our enemy's plans to attack us, the church, who make up the King's body? November 10 2024 Music: CCLI License 20576625 - Under His Wings | Ira David Sankey, William Orcutt Cushing | Copyright Public Domain

In 2 Samuel 17, God uses David's friend Hushai to thwart the plans Ahithophel and Absalom, while foreshadowing the betrayal of Jesus Christ. How can Christ's friends have success in defeating the enemy's plans to attack the King's body, the church? November 03 2024 Music: CCLI License 20576625 - I Have Decided To Follow Jesus | Eugene Thomas, Unknown | Copyright Words: Public Domain; Music: 1986 Curb Word Music

In 2 Samuel 16, Pastor John describes Absalom's advisor, Ahithophel, as a betrayer of God's chosen king, David. What happened when the one who betrayed God's chosen king, advised the king's enemy to rule over God's people? October 27 2024 Music: CCLI License 20576625 - Stand Up Stand Up For Jesus | George Duffield Jr., George James Webb | Copyright Public Domain

In 2 Samuel 16, David and his men find themselves weary in the wilderness where God provides refreshing blessings through Ziba, even though David is chastised and humbled by cursing comments from Shimei, as they are fleeing from Absalom. What can we expect to happen when God's chosen leaders encounter political rivals that are making false claims about them in a time of crisis? October 20 2024 Music: CCLI License 20576625 - It Is Well With My Soul | Horatio Gates Spafford, Philip Paul Bliss | Copyright Public Domain

In 2 Samuel 16, we learn that God's chosen leader, David, encounters a politically motivated individual with deception in his heart. What can we expect to happen when God's chosen leaders encounter political rivals that are making false claims about their financially benefactors in a time of crisis? October 13 2024 Music: CCLI License 20576625 - Christ Our Hope In Life And Death | Jordan Kauflin, Keith Getty, Matt Boswell, Matt Papa, Matthew Merker | Copyright 2020 Getty Music Hymns and Songs; Getty Music Publishing; Jordan Kauflin Music; Love Your Enemies Publishing; Matthew Merker Music; Messenger Hymns

In 2 Samuel 15, we learn of Absalom's deception towards King David and how David responds. What can we expect to happen when those restored to prominent positions within the church conspire to bring down those in leadership over them? October 06 2024 Music: CCLI License 20576625 - There Is A Higher Throne | Keith Getty, Kristyn Getty | Copyright 2002 Thankyou Music

In 2 Samuel 15, we learn of Absalom's deception towards King David and how David responds. What can we expect to happen when those restored to prominent positions within the church conspire to bring down those in leadership over them? September 29 2024 Music: CCLI License 20576625 - There Is A Higher Throne | Keith Getty, Kristyn Getty | Copyright 2002 Thankyou Music

In 2 Samuel 14, Absalom's restoration without repentance does not bode well for his future relationships. What happens when those in positions of authority reluctantly restore a person who has been expelled from the church? September 22 2024 Music: CCLI License 20576625 - Grace Greater Than Our Sin | Daniel Brink Towner, Julia Harriette Johnston | Copyright Public Domain

In 2 Samuel 14, Pastor John speaks about the return of Absalom to Jerusalem, and the difference in King David's repentance compared to Absalom. What can we expect to happen when those in positions of authority are reluctant to restore a person who has been expelled from the church? September 08 2024 Music: CCLI License 20576625 - Freely Freely | Carol Owens | Copyright 1972 Bud John Songs, Inc.

It is sad and painful when something bad happens to a friend or family member. Even more so, it is also sad and painful when another harbors hate in their heart to plot revenge on behalf of that friend or family member. What does God want us to know when a person filled with hate seeks revenge for a horrible thing done to someone you love within your family? September 01 2024 Music: CCLI License 20576625 - There Is A Redeemer | Melody Green | Copyright 1982 Ears To Hear Music

In 2 Samuel 13, we read of the disgraceful behavior of Amnon, King David's son. Sister Tamar is devastated and the effects of Amnon's behavior reach far beyond them both. What is God saying to us when flagrantly disgraceful things are being done within God's covenant community? August 25 2024 Music: CCLI License 20576625 - Cleanse Me | Mike Britt | Copyright 2000 Curb Dayspring Music

As Christians, we lean into the Holy Spirit for help in avoiding temptation and sin. What can we expect to happen when God exposes the sins of His chosen leaders? August 18 2024 Music: CCLI License 20576625 - It Is Well With My Soul | Horatio Gates Spafford, Philip Paul Bliss | Copyright Public Domain

When temptation matures into sin, and shame tries to cover it up instead of repenting with a humble heart, likely more sin and pain will result. What can we expect to happen when God's chosen leaders have sinful encounters in times of spiritual conflict? August 11 2024 Music: CCLI License 20576625 - Grace Greater Than Our Sin | Daniel Brink Towner, Julia Harriette Johnston | Copyright Public Domain

Sometimes our kind gestures are misunderstood by unbelievers. In 2 Samuel 10, King David's kind gesture resulted a battle and a lesson for other nations in the area. What can we expect to happen when God's chosen king shows his (hesed) faithfulness to rulers who oppose his rule? August 04 2024 Music: CCLI License 20576625 - Even Now | Leah Paschall, Michael Farren | Copyright 2021 Farren Love And War Publishing; Integrity's Alleluia! Music; Leah Paschall Music

From 2 Samuel 9, we catch a glimpse of God's compassion through the actions of King David with Mephibosheth. What can we expect when God's chosen king shows loyalty to the person he has made a covenant with? July 28 2024 Music: CCLI License 20576625 - As You Go | Mark Altrogge | Copyright 2011 Sovereign Grace Praise

In 2 Samuel 8, we read of how King David faithfully led Israel with God's blessing. What can we expect to see when God's chosen leader begins to establish God's kingdom over the nations? July 21 2024 Music: CCLI License 20576625 - My Jesus I Love Thee | Adoniram Judson Gordon, William Ralph Featherstone | Copyright Public Domain

In 2 Samuel 7, we learn that King David has plans to build a house for God, but God has much larger plans for King David and His people. What is God saying to us when He promises to establish a royal dynasty for His chosen king? July 14 2024 Music: CCLI License 20576625 - Rejoice The Lord Is King | Charles Wesley, John Darwall | Copyright Public Domain

As Christians, we are called to respect God and His Holy Word, and joyfully worship Him in reverence and respect. In second Samuel, Pastor John speaks on the contrast of how several individuals respected and worshipped God through their actions and words, related to an incident occurring during the transport of the Ark of the Covenant. July 07 2024 Music: CCLI License 20576625 - Only A Holy God | Dustin Smith, Jonny Robinson, Michael Farren, Rich Thompson | Copyright 2016 CityAlight Music; Integrity's Alleluia! Music; and Integrity's Praise! Music

Struggles in life are every person's destiny. For Christians, looking back on times of trouble often reveals moments when our faith is tested and results in growth. What is meant to have mustard seed sized faith? June 30 2024 Music: CCLI License 20576625 - Faith Of Our Fathers | Frederick William Faber, Henri Frederick Hemy | Copyright Public Domain

The political landscape of our day is unsettling to say the least. It was also unsettling in the time of David, as he was rising to power in Israel. In this three-part series from Pastor John, you will see how closely the two time periods match politically and what we could expect to see in our own days. June 23 2024 Music: CCLI License 20576625 - Still My Soul Be Still | Keith Getty, Kristyn Getty, Stuart Townend | Copyright 2008 Thankyou Music

On this Father's Day Sunday, Pastor John speaks from John 4 regarding a father's desperate plea for Jesus to heal his ill child. What is God's word saying to us when Jesus heals a child in a place where He is not honored? June 16 2024 Music: CCLI License 20576625 - Still My Soul Be Still | Keith Getty, Kristyn Getty, Stuart Townend | Copyright 2008 Thankyou Music

The political landscape of our day is unsettling to say the least. It was also unsettling in the time of David, as he was rising to power in Israel. In this three-part series from Pastor John, you will see how closely the two time periods match politically and what we could expect to see in our own days. June 09 2024 Music: CCLI License 20576625 - Because He Lives | Gloria Gaither, William J. Gaither | Copyright 1971 Hanna Street Music

The political landscape of our day is unsettling to say the least. It was also unsettling in the time of David, as he was rising to power in Israel. In this three-part series from Pastor John, you will see how closely the two time periods match politically and what we could expect to see in our own days. June 02 2024 Music: CCLI License 20576625 - A Mighty Fortress Is Our God | Bruce Greer, Frederick Henry Hedge, Martin Luther | Copyright (Words: Public Domain); Music: 1997 Integrity's Hosanna! Music; Curb Word Music