Elevation Point Church

Sometimes life with Jesus can feel confusing — His Word says one thing, but our reality feels completely different. This message explores the tension between what we believe and what we experience. Even when we don't understand what God is doing, we're still called to trust and remain committed. Faithfulness isn't about having all the answers — it's about staying the course, even in the questions.

In Matthew 16:21–24, Peter thought he was helping Jesus—trying to protect Him from suffering. But instead of supporting His mission, Peter became a distraction from it. In this message, we explore how even well-meaning people and good intentions can unintentionally pull us off course from God's calling. Sometimes the most dangerous distractions aren't evil—they're just misaligned. Learn how to recognize when love, comfort, or fear are disguising themselves as wisdom, and how to stay focused on what God is really calling you to do.

Have you ever wanted to do the right thing but still found yourself falling short? In Romans 7, Paul reminds us that we're not alone in that struggle—the battle between our intentions and our actions is real. This message speaks to the tension we all feel and points us to the only one who can rescue us from it: Jesus. Even when we don't get it right, His grace is still greater.

Life can hit hard—so hard that you wonder if you'll ever recover, if you'll ever feel whole again. Maybe you've been there, or maybe you're there right now, questioning everything and barely holding on. This message is a reminder that it's okay to not be okay, and you don't have to pretend to have it all together. But with God's help, you don't have to stay stuck—healing, hope, and restoration are possible.

When Jesus changes your life, it should be obvious—not just in what you say, but in how you live. This message challenges us to let our transformed lives speak for themselves, showing the world the power of His grace through our actions. True faith isn't just confessed with words; it's displayed through a life that looks more and more like Jesus. Let your life be the proof of the change only He can bring.

This Mother's Day, we're looking at the powerful yet often overlooked story of Jehosheba in 2 Chronicles 22:10–12—a woman whose quiet courage preserved a royal child and protected a promise. In a time of danger and darkness, her decision to hide Joash may have seemed small, but it was a pivotal piece in God's larger plan, ultimately preserving the lineage of Jesus. In this message, It All Adds Up, we're reminded that nothing in our lives is wasted. Every action, every sacrifice, every unseen moment of faithfulness—especially those that feel small or hidden—has purpose. Whether you're a mother, a mentor, or simply someone trying to live faithfully, your role matters more than you know. God is using every detail to build something bigger than we can see.

God often works behind the scenes, preparing us for moments that may seem sudden but are divinely orchestrated. This message challenges us to stay spiritually ready, obedient, and faithful in the waiting so we don't miss the opportunities He's preparing. When God's timing arrives, those who have prepared in private will be positioned to walk boldly into His purpose.

Ever felt like life hit you with more problems than you could possibly handle—fires everywhere, and not enough water to put them out? From chaos at home to work stress, car trouble, and family drama, it's easy to slip into survival mode and try to fight every battle on our own. But the truth is, when we take matters into our own hands, we often end up out of position and making things worse. In this message, we're learning how surrendering the fight to God opens our eyes—not just to one solution, but to everything we need to face what's ahead.

Easter reminds us that even those closest to Jesus wrestled with doubt. The disciples heard His promises, yet it wasn't until they saw the empty tomb—and the risen Jesus—that belief fully took root. In this message, we explore the tension between faith and sight, and how Jesus meets us in our moments of uncertainty, just as He did with His followers. Resurrection isn't just a story—it's an invitation to believe His promises, even before we see.

We are often looking for direction, resources, opportunities, fulfillment, and more in our lives. We wonder how it will happen, when it will happen, and where it will happen. But the Lord always has a plan. He always has everything perfectly laid out, even to the most finite detail. Once He speaks something, we can know that it will happen as we follow each and every instruction along the way. While it may not always appear so, as we follow, we find that everything was just as He said it would be.

No matter how heavy the burden you're carrying, Jesus wants you to know that rest isn't just possible—it's available. Rest isn't something you have to earn or achieve; it's freely offered by Jesus. Life is constantly moving, filled with responsibilities, worries, and an endless to-do list—work, relationships, parenting, friendships, church, fitness, travel—the demands never stop. We often get caught up in the cycle of doing more, believing that stress equates to holiness. But the truth is, stress does not make us more righteous. The more we push ourselves to handle everything alone, the further we drift from the life Jesus intended for us. Religion may tell us that our worth is measured by how much we do, but Jesus never did. Instead, He extends an invitation: when the weight of life feels overwhelming, take it easy—hand it over to Him.

We often face situations where following God's way feels difficult, slow, or even inconvenient. In those moments, it's tempting to take matters into our own hands, seeking quick relief or immediate results. However, when we prioritize our own wisdom over God's direction, we may experience temporary satisfaction, but it often comes with long-term consequences. God's way may not always be easy, but it is always best. When we trust His timing and direction, even when it's uncomfortable, He leads us to lasting peace, provision, and purpose. The challenge is to surrender control and believe that God's plan is worth the wait.

It's easy to think we're following Jesus, but if our words are out of control, we're deceiving ourselves. Scripture reminds us that out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks—so if our speech doesn't align with what we claim is in our hearts, something isn't right. Controlling our words isn't easy; it's much simpler to follow Jesus in church than to guard our tongue in daily life. But the difficult thing is often the right thing. As followers of Jesus, it's our responsibility—not our friends', family's, or even God's—to ensure that our words reflect the example Christ set for us.

In the rush of our daily lives, it's easy to become so consumed with our schedules, responsibilities, and distractions that we fail to recognize Jesus' presence right in front of us. Just like Martha in Luke 10:38-42, we can be so busy doing things for Jesus that we miss simply being with Him. In this message, we'll explore how busyness can crowd out our awareness of Christ and how we can intentionally slow down, refocus, and make space to hear His voice. Jesus is always near—are we too busy to notice?

It's easier to overcome the fear of man when you have assurance that everything will work out, but that's what makes the faith of the three men in Daniel 3 so remarkable—they had no guarantee that God would save them from Nebuchadnezzar. Too often, we anchor our hope in the “what if.” What if God heals? What if He delivers? What if He answers? What if things improve? We tend to base our faith on what we expect God to do, and while that's not necessarily wrong, it raises an important question—one that I believe shaped their unwavering trust: What if He doesn't? What if nothing changes? What if, years from now, we're still facing the same struggles? What if the plans we hold onto never come to pass?

No matter how far we stray or how badly we fall, God's love remains relentless. He never turns His back on us or decides we are beyond redemption. Instead, He continually pursues us, offering grace upon grace and countless second chances. In our lowest moments, we may feel like there's no hope of turning things around—as if we've gone too far or waited too long. But with God, it is never too late. His arms are always open, ready to receive us when we humble ourselves, recognize where we've fallen short, and choose to follow His leading once again.

We all make mistakes—none of us are perfect. There are times we wish we could undo our past actions, but that isn't always an option. However, while we may not be able to erase the past, a fresh start is always possible. No mistake is too great for God to redeem and bring about a better outcome. In this message, we explore how Jonah navigated his way back from his own missteps and experienced a powerful turnaround through God's grace.

God is always speaking, guiding, and directing us. Yet, in the midst of life's noise, we often choose when to follow His voice. Sometimes, we convince ourselves He isn't saying what we don't want to hear. While God's direction may not always be easy or preferred, His Word is always clear. This message will challenge us to silence the distractions, discern His voice, and faithfully obey His call.

We often find ourselves in situations where decisions must be made. Many times, we start off on the right foot by praying and asking God for guidance, which is always a great beginning. However, inevitably, God's opinion isn't the only one we hear. If you've lived long enough, you've likely discovered that there's always someone eager to share their opinion—whether it's a family member, a friend, a co-worker, or even a complete stranger. Consider the story of David. God gave him clear direction, but his men advised him against following it. What's worth noting here is that David didn't even ask for their opinions, and his men weren't bad people—they simply had a perspective that conflicted with God's direction. The problem doesn't necessarily arise from others sharing their thoughts or even from us asking for advice. Trouble begins when we prioritize what people say over what God has already spoken.

Often, when we pray, we come to God with our own expectations—how, when, and what we want Him to do. This can lead to frustration and disappointment because God doesn't always act according to our will; in fact, He seldom does. But our prayers shouldn't depend on whether God meets our expectations. Instead, prayer is meant to draw us closer to Him, trusting that His plan—always better than ours—will unfold in His perfect timing.

We all long for confidence. While it's easy to find fleeting confidence in things like the perfect outfit, a kind compliment, or mastering a skill, these sources are temporary and often depend on ever-changing circumstances. As followers of Jesus, however, we have access to a confidence that never wavers. This constant confidence isn't rooted in how we feel, how we look, or whether we feel prepared or good enough. Instead, it's anchored in prayer. When prayer becomes our priority, it unlocks a wellspring of reasons to remain steadfast and confident, no matter what challenges life brings our way.

We all seek answers in life—answers to our problems, our purpose, and our deepest questions. Often, we look in different places: relationships, careers, achievements, or even within ourselves. Sometimes, we convince ourselves that we already have the answers, only to realize that relying on our own wisdom leaves us feeling lost, confused, and trapped in a cycle of unmet expectations, broken promises, and unfulfilled goals. The truth is, the answers we seek—the ones that bring true peace, clarity, and direction—can only be found when we turn to the One who holds every answer. Only the Lord offers the sustainable, life-giving guidance we need to break free from the cycle and live with purpose and fulfillment.

It's human nature to want to understand everything. To understand why things are happening when they are, how they are, with whom they are. We're often ok with not understanding for a brief moment, but we become anxious when a moment turns into a month or year(s). If we could only understand, then we'd be on board with God's plan. But what if we never truly get to fully understand? What if our lives will always feel more full of questions than answers? What if it seems it will never truly make sense? Can we still trust? Can we still believe? Is there still hope?

God has a way of using what we've been through to create a purpose that's better than we expected. When he does, He calls for us to use the trials we've overcome as a source of encouragement and peace for others. By sharing what God has done in our lives, we reflect His love and bring hope to those facing similar battles. Learn how your story can be a light in someone else's darkness and a reminder of God's unending grace and purpose.

In this week's message, we explore how our peace is often disrupted when we forget to reflect on God's faithfulness. It's easy to let today's struggles or comparisons to others overshadow the countless ways He's already provided for us. Join us as we rediscover the power of gratitude and reflection, shifting our focus from problems to provision, and from comparison to contentment in Jesus.

Have you ever envisioned your day, your year, or even your life going one way, only to have things turn out completely different? Sometimes, these moments leave us struggling to find a single reason to be thankful. We know there must be something good to hold onto, but in the midst of challenging circumstances, it can be hard to see past the pain or disappointment. This message explores what it means to choose gratitude in all seasons—not just when things are easy. We'll challenge the mindset that says, “I'll be thankful when things get better” and discover how God calls us to a gratitude that isn't dependent on life's ups and downs. Real thankfulness isn't about waiting for good days but learning to see God's faithfulness through every situation.

In this sermon, we'll explore how our struggles are not signs of a distant or uncaring Jesus, nor of punishment for our mistakes. Instead, sometimes the storms we face are designed to build our faith. Looking at Peter's experience on the water, we'll see that he was doing just fine walking toward Jesus—until doubt crept in. Just as Peter began to sink when he wavered, we, too, face times when our trust in Jesus feels shaky. Jesus challenges us with a choice: do we trust Him fully or let doubt pull us under? This message will encourage us to embrace faith, even when life's storms feel overwhelming, knowing Jesus is right there with us, inviting us to keep our eyes on Him.

Have you ever had someone suggest that you should just give up? Or maybe you've felt that way yourself—wondering if it's time to let go, if you're asking too much, or if your dream is simply out of reach. We've all been there. Anyone who's ever reached for something great has had that moment of doubt, standing on the edge, thinking, “This feels impossible. This is too much. Maybe this is just crazy.” Yet, it's often in those very moments that God meets us, reminding us that with Him, all things are possible. When we feel the weight of the unknown, we're faced with a choice: do we let doubt hold us back, or do we lean into God's strength, trusting that His plans are greater than what we can see?

No matter how long we've been carrying the weight of our struggles, today could be the day Jesus transforms everything. His timing is perfect, even when it feels delayed or uncertain. In a single moment, He can bring healing, breakthrough, or peace to the situation we've been battling for so long. Make up your mind to keep showing up because Jesus is always working, and today could be the day He brings the change we've been praying for.

Many of us believe that when God is at work, every detail—where to go, what to do, the timing—will be laid out clearly before us. While we want this to be true, it's not quite the case. Although God knows the full plan from beginning to end, we rarely have the privilege of seeing the entire picture ahead of time. He offers us guidance through instructions and reassurances through His promises, but He often withholds the finer details. This requires us to walk in faith, trusting Him step by step, even when the path ahead is not fully visible or understood.

We often fall into the mindset that if we display a few of the fruits of the Spirit, we are truly being led by the Spirit. However, the Holy Spirit calls us to embody all the fruits—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Being led by the Spirit isn't about selectively living out certain virtues but allowing the full spectrum of the Spirit's work to shape every aspect of our lives. When we neglect some of these fruits, we limit the Spirit's transformative power, settling for a partial reflection of what God intends for us. True spiritual growth means embracing and cultivating each of these qualities.

Life isn't always perfect, and challenges are inevitable. Yet, balancing faith means understanding that while we may face storms, we can remain unbothered, knowing God is with us. He doesn't promise a life without hardships, but He does promise His presence through it all. In trusting Him, we find peace, strength, and reassurance that no matter what comes our way, He is guiding us through every step.

Change can come suddenly when God is at work. In moments we least expect, He can open doors, shift our circumstances, and lead us in new directions. What may feel like an unexpected disruption is often God moving swiftly to align us with His greater purpose. His timing is perfect, and though we may not always be prepared for the suddenness of change, we can trust that He is in control. When God moves, it's a reminder that nothing is beyond His power, and He can transform our lives in an instant for His glory.

Many of us have experienced the loss of things we once believed were essential for the changes we sought in our lives. It could be opportunities, relationships, or circumstances we thought we couldn't do without. But in these moments of loss, Jesus teaches us that the answer isn't found in what was taken away. Instead, it's in how we allow Him to transform that loss into growth. Through Him, we can find purpose, healing, and strength. The true value lies not in what we once held onto but in the lessons and faith we gain as we trust Jesus to guide us through, shaping us into who we're meant to be.

Have you ever prayed for God to do something, only to find yourself upset when He actually does it? The truth is, God's ways are not our ways, and that often leaves us feeling stressed, frustrated, and confused. We want God to move on our behalf, to bring about change in our lives, but we want Him to do it in a way that aligns with our own plans. When we cling too tightly to our own methods, we risk becoming bitter in the midst of a miracle. We might find ourselves thinking, "God, I asked for change, but this isn't what I meant." God, however, doesn't move in the ways we want — He moves in the ways we need.

We often find ourselves uncomfortable with the messiness of our lives, struggling to embrace the chaos and imperfections that seem to overshadow our sense of order and control. Yet, it is in this very mess that God can work profoundly, transforming our struggles and setbacks into opportunities for growth and grace. Through the turbulence of our lives, divine purpose can emerge, turning our broken pieces into a story of redemption and hope. Embracing this reality can help us find peace, knowing that our imperfections are not barriers but gateways for a greater, purposeful journey.

Often, we find ourselves seeking identity in various support systems and crutches, such as careers, relationships, achievements, or material possessions. These external sources may provide temporary validation and a sense of belonging, but they are ultimately fragile and fleeting. Our true identity, however, lies in Jesus Christ, who offers an unshakeable foundation. In Him, we are accepted, loved, and valued not for what we do or possess, but for who we are as children of God. Embracing this identity in Jesus brings a profound and lasting sense of purpose and peace, freeing us from the constant striving for approval and security in the world around us.

Have you ever been told something true about yourself that wasn't flattering and hurt your feelings? It's hard to argue with the truth, even when it stings. We often try to dismiss such truths, but their pain doesn't make them any less real. In Joshua 13:1, Joshua was old, which many saw as a disqualification for leading into battle. However, God said, “It's true that you're old, but it's not a disqualification. There are STILL very large areas of land to be taken over.” We all encounter facts that seem to disqualify us from a victorious life, and unfortunately, we often believe them. We think we're too old, too young, inexperienced, overly experienced, married, unmarried, have kids, or don't have kids. The truth is, anything about us can be twisted into a reason to disqualify us and make us feel like it's over. But God is saying today, “you're not finished yet.”

We all desire to feel strong and capable in our daily lives. No one wants to feel weak. The reality, however, is that we all have weaknesses. While we often hide from or ignore our weaknesses, they are nothing to be ashamed of. Instead, we should embrace and acknowledge them, finding strength through the Lord. In Him, the Holy Spirit strengthens our weak areas and reinforces our strengths. We may feel weak, but as followers of Jesus, we are stronger than we appear.

In John 4:27-35, Jesus speaks to a woman, tells her all about herself, and she runs to share this encounter with others. The disciples return, utterly confused, and start talking to Jesus about needing food. Jesus then tells them He has a different food. Despite this, they still didn't understand because they were focused on physical needs, while Jesus was addressing spiritual needs. We frequently find ourselves frustrated, feeling caught in an endless loop of insufficiency. This sense of being stuck can be overwhelming, but perhaps the real issue lies in our focus. Could it be that our frustration stems from seeking fulfillment in the wrong places? Instead of addressing the root of our dissatisfaction, we might be chasing after things that don't truly satisfy our deeper needs. By reevaluating our goals and desires, we might discover that our sense of lack comes not from an external shortage, but from a misalignment of our priorities and values.

Saul's insecurity drove him to the point of insanity, leading him to try to kill the very person who saved his entire army. This is fascinating because Saul's insecurity was so intense that he targeted David, though the real issue was deeper. If it wasn't David, it would have been someone else, as David was merely the manifestation of a deeper problem. Insecurity is often hidden and unrecognized because we have learned to eliminate its triggers. For example, if someone's profile makes us feel insecure, we might delete them as a friend and feel better temporarily, but soon someone else will trigger those feelings again. Many of us are skilled at removing the triggers of insecurity without addressing its root cause. However, if we don't deal with the root of our insecurity, it will persist. Because at the end of the day, it's not about who we are, it's about whose we are.

While many would say they believe in prayer, the reality is that it can also leave us confused at times. No doubt, we've all had times where we prayed for something that we thought was a good thing, but it didn't come to pass. In those moments, it's easy to wonder why. Why would God leave prayers, that we prayed with good intentions and even in faith for, unanswered? Sometimes, it may even feel as if praying is pointless because we've felt letdown time and time again. However prayer, while sometimes confusing, is always powerful. The key is to understand why we pray what we pray and how to position ourselves for God to answer them in His way, not ours. Because while we may have it all figured out in our minds, He always has a better way.

People often question, "If God is such a great God, then why do bad things happen?" Many leave the church almost daily because they were taught to believe that following Jesus would make their problems disappear. But God is able to work in the midst of all situations and circumstances, no matter how difficult, and can bring about good in spite of the bad. It may not be how we envisioned it to go, but God is still in control.

Life often brings unexpected difficulties, testing our resilience and challenging our belief in brighter days and God's promises. In the face of relentless struggles, it's easy to feel disheartened and lose hope. However, it's crucial to remember that each new day carries the potential for a breakthrough. Amidst the uncertainty and hardship, a single moment can transform everything, reigniting our faith and reminding us that perseverance can lead to unexpected and profound changes. So, even in the darkest times, we are to hold on to the possibility that today could be the day when we finally see God do what we've been believing for.

In Romans 5, Paul says that as followers of Jesus we have hope and peace, but these concepts may not mean what we typically think they do. He then delivers a surprising message: we should "glory in our sufferings." Generally, we don't like pain, and that's a sentiment most people share. However, just because we don't like something doesn't mean it's bad. We often view suffering as negative, but sometimes pain can be beneficial. Growth and progress often come from pain! As followers of Jesus, we frequently encounter pain. We face suffering, but what truly matters is persevering through it and understanding that it will be worth it in the end.

We often fixate on the idea that our mistakes should disqualify us from God's love. Similarly, it's just as easy to dwell on others' mistakes and think they too should be disqualified. Both perspectives fail to grasp the vastness of God's love. His love surpasses our misdeeds and those of others. In the end, it's only us who are preoccupied with these mistakes—God is more concerned with our identity as His children.

Jesus pointed out that people are often so preoccupied with criticizing others for insignificant actions that they fail to address their own significant issues. The Pharisees, for instance, were well-versed in the rules, laws, and religious practices, yet they missed what truly mattered. While it's easy to criticize the Pharisees for this oversight, if we're honest, we often face the same struggle. We might have mastered the religious jargon, know when to shout, and understand the rules to follow. However, Jesus emphasized that if our hearts are not aligned with our actions, then those actions are meaningless. He taught that adherence to man-made rules is futile if it doesn't come from a sincere heart.