Eagles View Church

Today, we gathered to face one of the most challenging realities of our faith: the presence of suffering and the question of why God allows pain, even for those who love Him. We began by celebrating the good news of God's work through our church family—both locally and globally—reminding ourselves that every good thing is a gift from God's grace. Yet, as we continued in our “Forged” series, we turned to the hard truth that life is not always as we plan, and sometimes God's path for us includes pain, disappointment, and unanswered prayers.Drawing from 2 Corinthians 12, we looked at the life of Paul, a man who experienced both extraordinary blessings and deep suffering. Paul's “thorn in the flesh” is a powerful reminder that even the most faithful followers of Jesus are not exempt from hardship. Paul pleaded with God to remove his suffering, but God's answer was not what he expected. Instead of removal, God offered His sustaining grace: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” This is a truth that runs throughout Scripture—God does not always change our circumstances, but He changes us in the midst of them.We explored the analogy of photography, where negatives are necessary to produce positives. In the same way, the negatives in our lives—the pain, the disappointments, the thorns—are part of the process God uses to develop us into the image of Christ. We are not promised a life free from suffering, but we are promised God's presence and His grace to sustain us. The story of Job, the suffering of the apostles, and ultimately the suffering of Jesus Himself all point to a God who redeems pain and uses it for His glory and our good.The challenge for us is not to avoid suffering, but to lean into it, trusting that God is forging something beautiful even in the darkroom of our pain. We can choose to become bitter, battered, or better. The invitation is to allow God's grace to meet us in our weakness, to let our suffering become a platform for His power, and to remember that this is not the end—heaven is ahead, and God's redemption is sure.Chapters :[00:00] - Welcome[01:00] - Celebrating God's Work Through Our Church[03:30] - The Apollo 13 “Successful Failure” and God's Unexpected Plans[05:45] - Prayer for God's Comfort and Guidance[08:01] - Rethinking “Why Do Bad Things Happen to Good People?”[10:38] - The Reality of Sin and God's Grace[12:40] - Paul's Suffering and the “Thorn in the Flesh”[15:40] - Wrestling with God's Refining Process[18:27] - The Analogy of Negatives and Positives in Life[21:11] - The Darkroom: How God Develops Us Through Pain[25:32] - Suffering in the Story of Scripture[27:39] - Paul's Visions, Blessings, and Humility[32:28] - God's Grace in Weakness[54:10] - Choices in Suffering: Bitter, Battered, or Better[01:04:11] - Closing Prayer and Invitation

On this Memorial Day weekend, we reflected on the idea of a “wake-up call”—those moments in life when God, out of love, confronts us with truth that is hard to hear but necessary for our growth. Using Paul's relationship with the church in Corinth as our guide, we saw how even the most faithful can face seasons of pain, misunderstanding, and the need for hard conversations. Paul, after pouring his life into the Corinthians, learned that his integrity was being attacked by outsiders, and the church he loved did nothing to stop it. Instead of ignoring the issue, Paul wrote a severe, heartfelt letter—one that was painful to write and painful to receive, but absolutely necessary for the health of the community and for their spiritual growth.We explored how God often uses these moments of confrontation—whether through others or through circumstances—to forge us, much like metal is shaped in fire. Sometimes, the pain we experience is not the result of random suffering, but of God's purposeful, redemptive work in our lives. The question is not whether we will face these wake-up calls, but how we will respond: will we receive them and grow, or will we resist and remain unchanged?Through stories of real people—one battling addiction, another struggling with character issues, and even my own experience as a teenager—we saw that the wake-up call is not the end, but the beginning of transformation. Godly sorrow, the kind that leads to repentance and change, is different from worldly sorrow, which only brings regret and death. God's desire is not to punish, but to rescue, to bring us back from destructive paths and into abundant life.We ended with the story of the prodigal son, a reminder that when we finally respond to God's call and turn back to Him, He runs to meet us with open arms. No matter how far we've wandered or how deep the mess, our Father celebrates the return of rebels. The invitation is simple but profound: don't ignore the wake-up call. Lean into the forging, trust God's love, and take a step toward Him today.[00:00] - Welcome[02:55] - Paul's Transformation and Mission[06:57] - The Strategic Importance of Corinth[09:07] - Attacks on Paul's Integrity[10:43] - The “Severe Letter” and Hard Conversations[13:08] - The Pain and Necessity of Confrontation[15:28] - The Forging Process: God's Purpose in Pain[17:35] - When Suffering Is Self-Inflicted[19:06] - Responding to God's Wake-Up Call[20:11] - Paul's Agony and Waiting for Titus[22:04] - The Weight of Reputation and Fear[23:28] - Real-Life Wake-Up Calls: Stories of Addiction and Growth[33:25] - The Joy of Repentance and Change[34:04] - Redemptive Pain vs. Worldly Sorrow[39:20] - Parenting, Discipline, and Redemptive Pain[47:12] - Godly Sorrow and True Repentance[52:01] - The Prodigal Son: God's Heart for Return[53:08] - Invitation to Respond and Prayer[57:03] - Closing Prayer and Blessing

How much time do you have left? That's a question we rarely want to face, but it's one that brings clarity and urgency to how we live. Life is fragile, unpredictable, and fleeting—like a tent that wears out, sags, and eventually must be taken down. Paul, writing to the Corinthians, understood this deeply. He endured suffering, near-death experiences, and relentless hardship, yet he remained resilient. Why? Because he fixed his eyes not on what is temporary, but on what is eternal. He knew that the pain and pressure of this life are real, but they are not the end of the story. Instead, they are forging us, shaping us into the image of Christ, and preparing us for something far greater.Paul's perspective was anchored in the resurrection of Jesus. Because Jesus conquered death, everything changes. Our grief is real, but it is not hopeless. Our bodies are breaking down, but an upgrade is coming—a permanent, glorified body, handcrafted by God Himself. This world, with all its groaning and brokenness, is not our home. It's a tent, not a house. The longing we feel, the ache for things to be made right, is not despair but hope—a groaning for what God has promised.In the meantime, we are not left alone. The Holy Spirit is God's guarantee, His earnest deposit, that what He has promised will come to pass. We live in the “already, not yet”—forgiven, adopted, and empowered now, but still waiting for the fullness of what's to come. Every day, every second ticking by, is not just time running out, but time drawing us closer to Jesus. Our heavenly focus fuels our earthly faithfulness. We are called to live with purpose, to use our time, talents, and treasures for things that last, knowing that one day we will stand before Christ—not for condemnation, but for evaluation. The most important question is: Are you ready? Do you know Jesus as your Savior? Are you living to please Him, or just yourself? The seconds are ticking. Let's live with eternity in view.[00:00] - Welcome[01:47] - Facing Our Mortality[04:56] - Why Talk About Death?[06:30] - The Power of an Eternal Perspective[08:40] - Grieving with Hope[09:53] - Paul's Suffering and Resilience[11:51] - God's Timing and Our Fragility[20:41] - The Reality of Aging and Loss[22:26] - The Weight of Tragedy in a Growing Church[31:54] - The Tent: A Metaphor for Our Bodies[35:12] - The Temporary vs. The Permanent[36:46] - The Universal Experience of Decay[40:41] - Groaning and Longing for What's Ahead[50:31] - The Holy Spirit: Our Guarantee[54:43] - Home Is with Jesus[57:45] - Living to Please Christ[01:02:34] - Are You Ready?[01:03:52] - Closing Prayer and Invitation

Today is a day to honor the incredible women in our lives, especially our mothers, who have not only given us physical life but have also often been the ones to share the life-changing truth of a relationship with Jesus. Their faithfulness and resilience have left a legacy that continues to shape us and our church. As we celebrate them, we also reflect on what it means to be resilient people—those who, when knocked down by life, don't stay down but bounce back, not in our own strength, but because of the treasure God has placed within us.Resilience is not just about enduring hardship; it's about the art of bouncing back. Using the imagery of a tennis ball and an egg, we see that while everyone gets knocked down, not everyone gets back up. The difference is not in the strength of the container, but in the value and power of what's inside. Paul, writing to the Corinthians, reminds us that we are like fragile clay jars, but within us is the greatest treasure—the gospel, the very presence of Jesus Christ. This treasure gives us forgiveness for our past, security for our future, and power for today.Paul's life was a testimony to resilience. He endured beatings, shipwrecks, hunger, and emotional burdens, yet he never gave up. Why? Because he understood the value of the treasure within him and the ripple effect his faithfulness would have on others. Ministry is not just for pastors or missionaries; every believer is called to pour into others—at home, at work, and in every sphere of life. The pain and setbacks we experience are not pointless; when surrendered to Christ, they become platforms for His glory and opportunities for others to see what true faithfulness looks like.The key to resilience is not focusing on our own fragility, but on the surpassing power of God at work in us. Our present troubles, though real and painful, are small compared to the eternal glory that awaits. We are called to fix our eyes not on what is seen and temporary, but on what is unseen and eternal. In our weakness, God's strength is made perfect, and our faithfulness leaves a legacy that outlasts our lives.[00:00] - Welcome[01:00] - Honoring Mothers and Their Spiritual Legacy[03:19] - The Art of Bouncing Back: Tennis Ball vs. Egg[06:30] - Paul and the Church at Corinth: Context and Struggles[08:53] - Hard Conversations and the Risk of Truth[10:32] - Religion vs. Relationship with Jesus[12:27] - God's Mercy and the Call to Never Give Up[14:48] - Pressed but Not Crushed: Paul's Couplets[17:19] - Ministry as Every Believer's Calling[19:37] - Disappointments and Setbacks in Ministry[22:35] - Paul's Resume of Resilience[28:26] - The Treasure in Fragile Clay Jars[32:36] - The Gospel: Forgiveness, Security, and Power[38:48] - Athletic Imagery: Wrestling and Boxing in Faith[40:22] - Nikki's Story: Real-Life Resilience[50:30] - The Ripple Effect of Faithfulness[52:29] - Shifting Perspective to the Eternal[54:00] - Invitation to Receive the Treasure and Prayer

Today, we gathered to celebrate the transforming power of God, especially as we witnessed many in our church family taking the step of baptism—a visible sign of moving from spiritual death to life. Life often delivers unexpected blows, and sometimes we find ourselves in seasons of darkness, confusion, or pain. The story of Captain Scotty Smiley, who lost his sight and faced deep spiritual and emotional darkness, reminds us that even in our most broken places, God meets us. Scotty's journey shows that we have a choice: to remain in bitterness or to invite Jesus into our pain, allowing Him to forge something new and redemptive from our suffering.We are all pressed and crushed by life's circumstances at times, much like an orange in a press. The Apostle Paul, writing to the church in Corinth, knew this firsthand. He experienced overwhelming pressure, persecution, and even despair. Yet, he teaches us that God is the source of all comfort, and that comfort is not just for us—it's meant to be shared with others. Paul's honesty about his struggles, his anxiety, and his moments of weakness is a powerful reminder that even the strongest among us are human and in need of God's strength.Paul's example also challenges us to praise God in the midst of our pressure. Praise is not a casual act; it is spiritual warfare, a declaration of trust in God's character even when circumstances are hard. Sometimes, the hardest thing to do is to surrender control, to admit that things are beyond our ability, and to trust God to work in and through our trials. We are also reminded not to let tomorrow's worries rob us of being present with the people God has placed in our lives today. Our pain and comfort are not wasted; God desires to use them to encourage and comfort others.No matter how long the night feels, morning is coming. God's comfort is real, and He often brings it through the presence and encouragement of others. As we receive His comfort, we are called to pour it out into the lives of those around us, becoming vessels of hope and healing in a hurting world.Chapters[00:00] - Welcome[01:00] - Celebrating Baptisms and New Life[02:13] - Scotty Smiley's Story: From Darkness to Hope[05:45] - Meeting God in Brokenness[08:06] - Life After the Fire: New Vision and Purpose[10:14] - The Orange Press: Pressed but Not Destroyed[12:14] - Paul's Letter to Corinth: Comfort in Crushing Times[17:06] - Corinth's Importance and Paul's Investment[19:28] - Hard Conversations and Church Conflict[25:16] - The Power of Praise in Pressure[31:53] - Paul's Crushing Trials in Asia[35:47] - Surrendering Control and Admitting Need[38:08] - Missed God-Moments: The Cost of Worry[43:12] - Being Present with People Today[48:02] - Paul's Humanity and Our Weakness[52:48] - Waiting for Morning: Hope in the Dark[55:39] - Comfort Shared: Pouring Into Others[57:18] - Invitation to Faith and Prayer[59:22] - Closing Prayer and Blessing

Life often feels like a relentless fire—a refining process that none of us can escape. Just as a blacksmith forges a sword through heat, hammering, and shaping, so too are we shaped by the trials and hardships we face. These moments of pain, loss, and difficulty are not signs of God's absence, but rather opportunities for Him to work deeply within us, transforming us into instruments for His purpose. The reality is that living in a broken world means we will all experience suffering, disappointment, and grief. The sooner we accept this truth, the sooner we can move forward in faith, rather than getting stuck in surprise or bitterness.Looking at the life of Paul, we see a man who endured constant opposition, physical suffering, and emotional exhaustion. Yet, in the darkest moments—when he was alone, discouraged, and at a crossroads—Jesus met him with words of comfort and purpose: “Don't be afraid, for I am with you.” God's presence does not always remove the fire, but it assures us that we are never alone in it. We are invited to participate in this refining process, choosing resilience over resistance, and faith over fear.Our response to suffering is crucial. We can allow bitterness and despair to take root, or we can lean into God's promises, trusting that He is at work even when we cannot see it. The fire is not meant to destroy us, but to perfect us—to make us more like Christ. In the midst of pain, we are called to stay on mission, to refuse to numb out or escape, and to remember that God is already working in the places we find most difficult. Our greatest impact often comes not from our moments of strength, but from our faithfulness in the fire.God's promise is not that we will avoid hardship, but that He will be with us through it all. He can turn our greatest trials into our greatest testimonies, using our pain to comfort and encourage others. As we participate with Him in the refining process, we become instruments in His hand, shaped for His glory and the good of those around us.

Easter at EVC | Hope for the HopelessPastor Bart brings a powerful Easter message reminding us that the resurrection of Jesus is the turning point for every life marked by pain, disappointment, or despair.Whether you're walking through anxiety, loss, relational struggles, or feeling stuck in the past—there's hope because Jesus is alive. Drawing from 1 Peter 1, we're reminded that through the resurrection, we are born again to a living hope—one that reframes our present pain, frees us from our past, and secures our future.You'll also hear the deeply moving story of Johnny and Britney Rogers—how Jesus met them in the darkest season of their marriage and is transforming their lives from the inside out.

Experience a powerful message as Pastor Bart brings Jesus' final moments to life—building a cross on stage as he shares the weight of His sacrifice for us.

In today's message, we explored the profound significance of the cross and the journey Jesus took to Calvary. Reflecting on my childhood encounter with a crucifix, I was reminded of the moment when the reality of the cross first struck me. It was more than just a symbol or decoration; it was a powerful representation of sacrifice and love. This series, "Forsaken," aims to deepen our understanding of the cross, not just as a historical event, but as a transformative experience that impacts our lives today.We delved into the relational, emotional, and physical sufferings of Jesus, emphasizing that His journey to the cross was not just about enduring pain but about demonstrating profound love and obedience to the Father. Jesus was betrayed, denied, and abandoned by His closest friends, yet He chose to walk the path of suffering for our sake. This journey is a call for us to slow down, reflect, and truly grasp the depth of Jesus's sacrifice.The cross is not merely about securing our eternal future; it is about abundant life here and now. Jesus invites us to live a life of meaning, purpose, joy, and peace, despite our circumstances. This invitation is a call to embrace the crucified life, where we deny ourselves, take up our cross daily, and follow Him. It is a life of servanthood, where we empty ourselves and serve others, finding true fulfillment not in self-preservation but in self-giving.We are reminded that we are like Barabbas, guilty and deserving of punishment, yet set free because Jesus took our place. The cross is a symbol of substitution, where the innocent One bore the penalty for the guilty. This profound act of love calls us to surrender control and allow Jesus to be the King of every aspect of our lives. As we prepare for Easter, let us not become desensitized to the cross's significance. May our hearts be tenderized to appreciate the depth of Christ's love and sacrifice. Let us live in the light of the cross, embracing the abundant life Jesus offers, and sharing His love with others.

In this powerful message from the Forsaken: Journey to the Cross series, we witness the emotional, relational, and spiritual anguish Jesus endured as He approached the crucifixion. Misunderstood and betrayed by Judas, Jesus was ultimately abandoned by His closest friends. Despite their bold declarations of loyalty, the disciples scattered in fear.Peter's overconfidence quickly crumbled under pressure as he denied Jesus three times. Yet, Peter's failure wasn't the end of his story. Through grace and restoration, Jesus redeemed Peter's brokenness, turning him into a bold leader of the early church.

In today's gathering, we explored the profound journey of Jesus to the cross, focusing on the theme of betrayal and the characters surrounding Him during this pivotal time. We began by acknowledging the upcoming services and the importance of inviting others to experience the transformative power of the cross service. As we transition into our new series, "Forsaken: The Journey to the Cross," we delve into the relationships Jesus had, particularly with Judas, the infamous traitor.We examined the concept of betrayal through historical figures like Brutus and Benedict Arnold, and even fictional ones like Scar from "The Lion King," to understand the nature of a traitor. A traitor is often someone close, someone trusted, who turns against you. This sets the stage for understanding Judas's betrayal of Jesus.The narrative unfolds with Jesus at Simon the leper's home, where Mary anoints Him with expensive perfume, an act of extravagant love and devotion. This contrasts sharply with Judas's betrayal for 30 pieces of silver, highlighting the different responses to Jesus's presence and mission. We are challenged to see ourselves in these characters: Are we like the religious leaders who resist Jesus because He doesn't meet our expectations? Are we like Simon, grateful and hospitable? Are we like Mary, giving extravagantly? Or are we like Judas, with a price at which we would betray our Savior?The story of Judas is a sobering reminder that we all have a price, a point where our commitment to Christ may falter. Yet, even in betrayal, Jesus offers love and a chance for redemption. At the Last Supper, Jesus extends a final opportunity for Judas to turn back, demonstrating His boundless love and grace. This invitation is extended to us as well, urging us not to walk away into the night but to remain in fellowship with Him.

This message explores what forgiveness is not, how to practice it, and the deeper motivation behind forgiving others. It emphasizes that forgiveness is a vital aspect of whole-life generosity, reflecting God's grace and kindness in our relationships.

In today's gathering, we explored the profound impact of our words and how they intertwine with a lifestyle of generosity. We began by celebrating the recent baptisms and the overwhelming generosity shown through the EVC Go Gift offering, which supports local and global ministries. This generosity is a reflection of the grace we have received from God, a theme central to our series on living with open hands.We delved into the power of words, drawing from Ephesians 4, where Paul emphasizes the transformation that should occur in a believer's life. This transformation is not about striving harder but about surrendering to the Holy Spirit, allowing Him to renew our thoughts and speech. Our words have the power to build up or tear down, and as followers of Christ, we are called to be builders, speaking life and encouragement into others.

God has uniquely gifted each of us to serve in the body of Christ, but how are we using our gifts? In this message, Pastor Randy explores Romans 12 and 1 Corinthians 12, where Paul reminds us that we are all essential parts of one body—each with a special role to play. Whether you're a leader, a servant, an encourager, or even the "little toe" behind the scenes, your contribution matters!Join us as we discover the joy of using our God-given gifts to serve both inside and outside the church. Let's live as an active body, not a sedentary one, and step into the calling God has placed on our lives.

Three common obstacles—disorganization, fear, and comparison—often hinder a lifestyle of whole-life generosity. This passage encourages believers to cultivate a spirit of generosity by planning intentionally, trusting God's provision, and focusing on their unique ability to give, rather than comparing themselves to others.

Paul challenges believers to practice generous, sacrificial giving as a response to the graceof God. Just as Christ gave up everything for us, we are called to give joyfully and selflessly, trusting in God's provision and reflecting His love through our actions.

We will discover how recognizing God's incredible generosity toward us inspires us to open our hands and share what we have with others. Through the life change of Lydia and the generous hospitality of the people of Malta toward the Apostle Paul, we'll learn practical ways to reflect God's generosity in our daily lives by meeting the needs of others with open hearts and open hands.

In this message, we will explore how God's lavish grace has chosen, redeemed, and savedus, not because of our works but out of His boundless love. Recognizing this amazing giftcompels us to live lives of gratitude, walking in good works and extending that same grace toothers, as a reflection of God's transformative power in our lives.

We will discover how God used the drought and Elijah's confrontation with the prophets of Baal at Mount Carmel to capture the people's attention, reveal the futility of their false gods, and draw them back to Himself. We are challenged to identify areas in our lives where we may be spiritually stuck, turn back to God wholeheartedly, and step into the renewal and blessings that come from following Him.

We will see how moments of chaos provide an opportunity to turn back to God. We are challenged to respond by seeking Him wholeheartedly, pouring out our hearts in confession, and remembering His faithfulness as our ever-present help in times of trouble.

Pastor Bart begins the New Year by emphasizing the importance of giving God our first moments and focusing on renewal in our lives. He engages the congregation by recalling childhood fears, particularly the fear of being lost, which serves as a metaphor for feelings of confusion, loneliness, and fear that many experience in different life stages. He introduces the biblical figure Jacob, who, during a troubled time in his life, is on the run and feeling lost, alone, and afraid. Jacob's journey leads him to a place called Bethel, where he takes a rest with a rock as a pillow, reflecting the challenges he faces.Pastor Bart explores how, despite Jacob's mess of deceptions and poor choices, God meets him in his hard place. During Jacob's dream, God reassures him of His promises, emphasizing grace and mercy. This moment becomes a pivotal milestone in Jacob's life—a personal encounter that transforms his understanding of God from that of his grandfather and father to his own relationship with Yahweh. Pastor Bart highlights that God's blessings and grace aren't just for us but are meant to extend to others through us. He concludes by inviting the congregation to consider their own milestone moments with God, encouraging them to reflect on how grace and renewal can be a channel of blessing in their lives and the lives of those around them.

We were reminded of the profound peace that Jesus, the Prince of Peace, offers to each of us. This message particularly resonates as we navigate both personal challenges and global uncertainties.

This sermon continues our sermon series on the names of Jesus, particularly the name of Jesus as "Everlasting Father," which conveys God's eternal nature and loving relationship with humanity. Bart shared the importance of understanding God as a compassionate figure, especially in light of common father wounds that individuals may carry due to their experiences with earthly fathers. By recounting the parable of the prodigal son, he illustrated how God's unconditional love and grace can heal and restore broken relationships. Ultimately, he encouraged listeners to recognize the true heart of the Everlasting Father and to seek His presence and healing in their lives.

We delved into the meaning and significance of names, both our own and the prophetic names given to Jesus, as depicted in Isaiah 9:6. This message was not only a reflection on the power and importance of names but also an invitation to deepen our understanding of Jesus as our Wonderful Counselor

We explore the profound hope found in the promise of Jesus, both in His first coming and the anticipation of His return. The sermon drew from the powerful prophecy in Isaiah, reminding us of the light that shines in our darkness and the peace that awaits us.

We gathered to honor our veterans and explore the powerful story of a soldier who amazed Jesus with his faith and humility, as recounted in Luke 7v

We examined the story of Mary and Martha from Luke 10:38-42, where Martha is caught up in the busyness of serving, while Mary chooses to sit at Jesus' feet, listening to His teachings. This story illustrates the importance of prioritizing our relationship with Jesus over the distractions of life. Martha's distraction and resentment highlight how easy it is to become consumed by good activities while missing out on the best part—intimacy with Jesus.

We explore the profound story of Jesus raising the widow's son from the dead in Luke 7:11-18. This narrative is a powerful reminder of how Jesus meets us in our darkest valleys, offering hope and life where there seems to be none. The brief yet powerful encounter between Jesus and the widow transformed her life in an unimaginable way.

We will explore the conversation between Jesus and Pilate after Jesus was arrested and detained. This interaction reveals that while politics have significance, they are not the primary concern in the Kingdom of God. We must consider whether we prioritize our neighbor's political views over their eternal destiny. This discussion will emphasize Jesus' authority and focus on the Kingdom of God during this political season.

The story of the Rich Young Ruler

Jesus invites the disciples to have breakfast with him on the beach where he restores and commissions Peter with his long-term purpose. We learn that failure is never final with Jesus and that we are also entrusted with the mission to care for one another.

The Samaritan woman, burdened by a complicated past and broken relationships, encounters Jesus in an awkward yet life-changing conversation. Despite cultural norms and prejudices, Jesus reaches out to her, offering living water that quenches the deepest thirst of the soul. This encounter teaches us about the nature of Jesus, who sees beyond our past and offers us grace and redemption. He meets us in our brokenness, offering a fresh start and a new identity. Message Notes: https://www.bible.com/events/49327917

Nicodemus, a Pharisee and a member of the Sanhedrin approached Jesus at night, acknowledging His divine authority and miraculous signs. Despite his religious status and knowledge, Nicodemus was spiritually blind. Jesus told him that unless one is born again, they cannot see the kingdom of God. This concept of being "born again" can seem strange, but it is crucial for understanding our relationship with God. Message Notes: https://www.bible.com/events/49324329

Jesus went into the darkest of places to bring hope to the hopeless and cleanse the unclean. Today, Pastor Bart shares about Jesus' encounter with a man possessed by demons and how He radically changed his life! Message Notes: https://www.bible.com/events/49321084

Today, Pastor Bart discusses how Jesus often broke down societal barriers, such as those between Jews and Samaritans, to show His love for everyone. The ten lepers, outcasts due to their disease, cried out to Jesus for mercy. Jesus instructed them to show themselves to the priests, and as they went, they were healed. However, only one returned to express his gratitude, demonstrating a deeper understanding of who Jesus was. Message Notes: https://www.bible.com/events/49317838

Today, Pastor Bart kicked off our new series, "Changed," where we will explore different critical conversations people had with Jesus that changed their lives. This week, we look at the story of Jesus and the women with the issue of blood. While everyone else left her on the fringes, Jesus saw her and her life was changed! Message Notes: https://www.bible.com/events/49314235

Servapalooza is one of our favorite days of the year! We love connecting you with our ministries and helping you find your place to serve. We are a church that loves one another and loves serving one another!

Today, Pastor Bart shares how we can respond amid family brokenness by looking at the story of Abraham. Abraham and Sarah's brokenness started with discontentment and disobedience, but God was with them. Message Notes: https://www.bible.com/events/49305213

Jeremiah's journey teaches us valuable lessons about spiritual breakthroughs. He shows us that it's okay to be honest with God about our feelings, even when raw and unfiltered. He also demonstrates the importance of resisting the temptation to walk away from God's path, even when it seems more manageable. Jeremiah clung to God's promises, even when his circumstances didn't change, and he found strength in worshiping God despite his suffering. Message Notes: https://www.bible.com/events/49300621

Do you ever feel alone? Or maybe you have found yourself emotionally drained and at the end of your rope. Today, we are going to look at Elijah's life, as he found himself in a very similar situation. Message Notes: https://www.bible.com/events/49297516

Have you ever looked at your life and thought, "This is beyond fixing"? Or maybe you struggle to see how good can come from your current situation. We have good news: You are not too broken for God to love and use you for good! In this series, we will explore different characters throughout Scripture who were broken when God decided to take them and do extraordinary things. These weren't perfect people with picture-perfect lives. They were flawed, fractured, and often at their lowest points when God stepped in and rewrote their stories. Message Notes: https://www.bible.com/events/49294831

In today's message, we explored the theme of letting go of the things that hold us back. We were reminded that whether it's sin, unhealthy relationships, or the constant comparison trap of social media, true freedom comes from looking to Jesus and letting go of what harms us. Message Notes: https://www.bible.com/events/49291490

Prayer is our spiritual breathing, keeping us connected to God and empowered by the Holy Spirit to live out our faith authentically. Just as a tool needs air to function, we need prayer to stay connected to God's power and fulfill our purpose. When done in community, it has the power to change everything! Message Notes: https://www.bible.com/events/49288677

Today we are looking into James 5:1-12. In this passage, James talks about the rich, especially those who do not believe in God, and condemns their reliance on wealth and the injustices they commit to obtain it. James uses an Old Testament prophetic style to call out these rich unbelievers for the benefit of the believers listening. He emphasizes that wealth itself is not condemned, but the misuse and unethical acquisition of it are. Message Notes: https://www.bible.com/events/49284553

Today, we explored the profound concept of humility from James 4:10. Humility, a key Christian trait, means putting aside our own needs to lift up Jesus and others. It's essential for both coming to faith and living it daily, as James 4:10 teaches us to humble ourselves before the Lord, who will exalt us in due time. Message Notes: https://www.bible.com/events/49281588

Today, we discussed conflict, its roots, and its manifestations in our lives, including family, work, and the church. We looked at James Chapters 3 and 4 to understand the causes of conflicts and how to address them. James, written by Jesus' half-brother, addresses conflicts among stressed and persecuted Jewish believers. Message Notes: https://www.bible.com/events/49277958

Pastor Bart shares a powerful message on the importance of our words, emphasizing that they can either build up or tear down those around us. He reminded us that our words, much like a small spark, can set the course of our lives and the lives of others, urging us to seek the Holy Spirit's help in taming our tongues and speaking life-giving words. Message Notes: https://www.bible.com/events/49274679

Faith without works is dead, but true faith naturally produces good deeds as we surrender to Jesus and let Him transform our lives. Just like a tree doesn't strive to produce fruit but does so naturally when it has the right roots, our faith in Christ should naturally result in actions that reflect His love and grace.

Today, Pastor Bart shares a heartfelt message about the importance of genuine faith, emphasizing that true belief in Jesus should be evident through our actions and love for others. While we are saved by grace through faith, our lives should reflect that transformation by producing good deeds and showing Christ's love to those around us! Message Notes: https://www.bible.com/events/49267528