Welcome to the Fountain of Life Center podcast! We are a church led by Russ Hodgins and exists to reach people with the Gospel and equip them to be fully-devoted followers of Jesus Christ.

This week's message, “Growing in Relationships,” is part of our series Grow on Purpose — a journey focused on intentional spiritual growth and living out our faith with purpose.Healthy relationships don't just happen — they're cultivated. Whether it's our relationship with God, our family, our church community, or the people we encounter every day, growth requires intention, humility, grace, and love. In this message, we explore what Scripture teaches about building Christ-centered relationships that strengthen our faith and reflect God's heart to the world.

Pastor Russ brings a message on how worship is more than a song—it is a lifestyle of gratitude, surrender, and holy hunger that transforms us into Christ's likeness. As we cultivate daily, wholehearted worship, we invite God's presence, experience personal transformation, and walk in spiritual victory.

Part 6 of our Grow on Purpose series challenges us to rethink greatness as Pastor Russ unpacks what it truly means to grow in serving — because we are not saved by serving, but for serving. Discover how serving the broken, your church, and your home isn't just something you do — it's who you are in Christ.

Part 5 of Grow on Purpose features John Zick, AG National Director of CALLED, sharing a powerful message on Fulfilling Your Purpose—living with an eternal focus, owning your unique call, and investing in the next generation God has entrusted to us.

In Part 4 of our Grow on Purpose series, guest speaker Pastor Dave Boudwin challenges us to grow in our witness. Each of us carries a powerful story of what Jesus has done in our lives—and that story was never meant to stay silent. As believers, we are sent with a mission to reflect Christ and help rescue others the same way Jesus has rescued us. This message will encourage and equip you to live boldly, love intentionally, and share your faith with purpose.

Because of this weekend's winter storm, our Sunday service was moved to Saturday—and we're so grateful we were able to gather and worship together as a church family.In this message, we continued our Grow on Purpose series with Growing in Community, featuring a meaningful dialogue with the Fountain of Life pastors. Together, we talked about the importance of being present with one another, building authentic relationships, and strengthening the Body of Christ as God intended.Whether you're watching live or on demand, our prayer is that this message encourages you to stay rooted, connected, and growing in community.Thank you for worshiping with us.

Spiritual growth isn't automatic or instant—it's intentional. In Part 2, we discover that true growth is centered on a person, not performance. As we behold Jesus through His Word, prayer, and daily dependence, we are transformed from the inside out—growing deeper in faith, character, and trust as we pursue knowing Him more.

*Due to technical difficulties, a portion of this message is unavailable. We appreciate your grace and are grateful to share the remaining portion with you.In the first message of our Grow on Purpose series, we're learning what it means to truly grow in God's grace. Spiritual growth isn't about performance or trying harder—it's about depending on what Christ has already done for us. When we understand and embrace God's undeserved favor, it changes how we respond to failure, deepens our relationship with Him, and transforms the way we treat others. Join us as we take the first step in growing on purpose, experiencing the freedom, power, and life-changing impact of God's grace.

In “Increase Your Expectations,” Pastor Russ calls the church to reexamine what we're really believing God for as we enter the new year, confronting a culture of shallow resolutions with a deeper, faith-filled pursuit of Christ. Anchored in Hebrews 11, the message reveals God's heart as a loving Father who delights in rewarding those who diligently seek Him—not with empty religion, but with His presence, power, and provision. This message challenges us to move past complacency, rekindle holy passion, and step into 2026 expecting transformation not by chance, but by pursuit.

We conclude Stories of Christmas with “Joseph — The Story of Obedience,” a powerful message showing how courageous obedience in moments of crisis becomes faith in action. Through Joseph's example, we're reminded that obedience isn't a negotiation—it's the pathway to God's peace, purpose, and blessing.

Christmas Stories — The Shepherds: The Story of Wonder invites us to stand in awe of a Savior who first revealed Himself not to the powerful, but to the overlooked—reminding us that God still meets the forgotten with life-changing good news. Four days before Christmas, we discover the wonder of an invitation that includes everyone and transforms hearts from the inside out.

In this first message of the series, we look at Mary—the young woman whose quiet “yes” to God changed the world. Her story reveals that surrender isn't weakness, but the doorway to God's purpose. Through her fears, questions, and faith, we learn what it truly means to trust God when His plans interrupt ours.

Pastor Russ delivers a powerful message titled ‘Even If,' exploring how faith stands firm in the midst of life's hardest trials. He encourages believers to rejoice, pray, and give thanks in every circumstance, trusting in God's unshakable joy and sovereign plan even when outcomes differ from their hopes.

Even in grief, God is still moving, working in ways we may not see yet. In our pain, His presence becomes our strength, reminding us that He remains faithful and trustworthy through it all.

“Take a Hike” reminds us that trusting God means noticing the ways He leads us, even when the path feels unclear. It teaches that faith is a process that grows as we surrender control and trust His timing.

God has made everything beautiful in its time -- The Bible tells us there's a time for everything, yet we've been given the mind of Christ & made in the image of God, equipping us to face whatever life throws our way. We were not made to worry, but run the race that's set before us in confidence through Christ.

The body of Christ has a responsibility to lift and hold one another up in encouragement and edification, all while honoring each other. Our trust belongs in the Lord, knowing that the plans He has for us will prosper us and not harm us. We should not forsake the gathering of the church as the Word says--it's where we're fed, grown, and encouraged in our walk.

“Do You See It” reminds us that God is always working, even when His plans don't look like what we expected. What may seem painful or confusing in the moment is often the very thing He's using to shape us and bring about our good.

We are called to love God's people with grace, humility, and unity — putting Christ above all differences. True biblical love means serving and caring for one another as members of one body.

Choosing eternity with Jesus means valuing everlasting life with Him over the fleeting pleasures of earth. Gaining true peace, joy, and fulfillment that last forever.

“Idle Worship” warns that an idle heart drifts toward idols, but a devoted heart reflects God. What we behold shapes us, so we must turn from false dependencies and delights to true fellowship with Christ through His Spirit.

We're in our series Fellowship with Jesus and this is Week 6: Love in Action. Pastor Russ unpacks what agape love really means—love revealed in Christ, love that drives out fear, and love that compels us to love one another. Discover how we look most like Jesus when we love like Jesus.

Join us as we continue our series Fellowship with Jesus! In 1 John 2, John warns believers about the attacks on our relationship with Jesus, reminds us of the proof of that relationship through the Holy Spirit, and calls us to preserve it by abiding in Christ. Stay anchored, stay faithful, and stay abiding!For more information visit www.flcnj.org

In our series 1 John: Fellowship with God, Pastor Kim Goss shared the powerful truth that we are God's children. Through His love and adoption, we have full access to the Father, and with that identity comes the responsibility to live in righteousness, love others, and walk in obedience to His commands.

This week in Week 3 of Fellowship with Jesus, we're unpacking 1 John 2:3–17 to see how real faith shows up in our obedience to God, our love for others, and our rejection of the world's empty promises.

Join us for week 2 of Fellowship with Jesus as Pastor Russ unpacks what it really means to “walk in the light.” Discover how God's light drives out darkness, how confession brings freedom, and how the blood of Jesus continually cleanses us from all sin.

Pastor Russ begins our new series Fellowship with Jesus by exploring the opening verses of 1 John. Written by one of Jesus' closest disciples, this letter invites us into a personal, life-changing relationship with Christ—not just belief, but deep fellowship. This message confronts the question at the heart of our faith: Who is Jesus?—and reveals why the answer changes everything.

Join us for a timely message from Pastor Matt called Traps, Taxes, & Taking Sides. In a world full of political division and pressure to pick a side, we'll see how Jesus responded when He was put in the same situation. This message will challenge us to think about where our loyalty really lies and what it means to truly follow Jesus. Don't miss this powerful reminder that we belong to God above all else.

You have more authority than you think.In this final message of The Unseen Battle series, Pastor Russ shares how to activate the power Jesus gave you to resist the enemy and walk in victory. You're not fighting for victory—you're fighting from it.

This Sunday's message, In God We Trust…With All Our Stuff, from guest speaker Brian Campbell, explores how God uses the time, talent, and treasure already in our hands to build His kingdom. Discover how trust and obedience can turn everyday “stuff” into seeds for supernatural harvest.

In this message, we unpack three vital pieces of the armor of God—the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit. Learn how faith intercepts the fiery arrows of fear and doubt, how salvation protects your mind and secures your identity in Christ, and how the Word of God is your weapon to fight back against every lie of the enemy. Spiritual warfare is real—God has given you everything you need to stand firm in the battle.

In this message, Dressed for Battle, Pastor Russ helps us discover how to stand strong in spiritual warfare by putting on the armor of God—truth, righteousness, and peace—as described in Ephesians 6. Learn how to defend against the enemy's lies and walk in confidence, fully equipped for the unseen battle.

Every day, we face a battle most people never see—the battle within. In this message, The Unseen Battle, discover how the enemy builds strongholds in our minds and how God's Word gives us the power to demolish them and walk in victory.

In part one of The Unseen Battle, we uncover the reality of spiritual warfare and how the enemy strategically targets our faith. Learn how to recognize the real enemy, rely on God's power, and use the spiritual weapons He's given us to stand firm and overcome.

A dynamic panel discussion led by NJ Next Gen Director Andy Lynn, featuring Fountain of Life's NextGen pastors and leaders as they share stories, vision, and insights about how God is moving in the next generation and the church's role in supporting and equipping them.

In the final message of our Dangerous Prayers series, Pastor Greg Blain shares how being led by God's presence brings rest, identity, and distinction. Learn what it means to follow the Spirit's leading in every part of your life.

Are you ready to pray a dangerous prayer? In this message, we explore what happens when you say, “Here I am, send me,” and fully surrender to God's call—no conditions, no holding back.

"Speak to Me" is a bold and faith-filled prayer that invites God to speak directly into our lives. In this message, we learn how to be still, listen for His voice, and respond with willingness and obedience.

This week, Pastor Russ brings a raw and powerful word in part two of our Dangerous Prayers series: “Break Me.” It's not an easy prayer—it confronts our pride, sin, and comfort. But it's in brokenness that God begins His deepest work. If you've been asking God for revival, breakthrough, or a deeper relationship with Him… this message is for you.

Pastor Russ kicks off our new series, Dangerous Prayers, with a message called "Search Me." Get ready to pray boldly, trust deeply, and invite God to transform your heart!

Experience the hope, life, and victory found in the resurrection of Jesus. In this powerful Easter message, Pastor Russ unpacks the meaning of the Third Day—when God steps into our crisis and changes everything.

Experience a powerful Good Friday message as seven pastors reflect on The 7 Last Words of Jesus—His final sayings before the cross, revealing His love, sacrifice, and the hope of resurrection.

In "The Pressing Place," Pastor Russ takes us to the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus faced unimaginable pressure and anguish—yet chose surrender over escape. Discover how God meets us in our own pressing places with strength, purpose, and the courage to face what's next.

Join us for a powerful message from our guest speaker, Pastor Don James, NJ Network Superintendent, as he challenges us with the question: “Are You Being Neighborly?” Get ready to be encouraged and inspired to live out the love of Christ in your everyday relationships.For more information visit www.flcnj.org

This Sunday, Pastor Matt will bring a powerful message as we close out To Be Continued… Ready to Answer. We'll dive into what it means to be fluent in the Gospel and prepared to share our faith with confidence. Don't miss it! #ReadyToAnswer

Join us for Week 6 of our series, To Be Continued… A Life That Preaches! Preaching isn't just for the pulpit—our lives tell a story every day. In this message, we'll explore how a life of humility, complete surrender, and focus on the mission speaks louder than words. What is your life preaching? #ALifeThatPreaches #ToBeContinued

When crisis hits, what you truly believe is revealed. In Acts 16, Paul and Silas faced suffering, yet their faith remained unshaken—leading a jailer to ask, “What must I do to be saved?” How we respond in trials can point others to Christ. Don't miss this powerful message!

Tune in as Pastor Russ dives into Week 3 of our "To Be Continued" series!

Join us online as Pastor Russ shares a powerful message in our To Be Continued series: Building Bridges. Discover how Jesus calls us to break down barriers, reach those who feel excluded, and be bridge builders for the Gospel. Don't miss this life-changing word!

Join us for part one of our new series, To Be Continued…A Study on the Book of Acts.