Imagine a church where we sacrifice everything we can't keep to make a lasting a lasting impact on a generation we may not see.

Advent is a season of waiting, longing, and hope. In this Advent series, we slow down and tell the truth about the world as it is, fractured, weary, and aching for peace, while holding onto the deeper promise of the world God is bringing into being. Walking through key passages from Isaiah and the story of Jesus, these messages explore what it means to trust God's presence when it feels hidden, to hope when circumstances feel broken, and to believe that God is still at work even when renewal seems impossible. Advent reminds us that God does not wait for ideal conditions to act. He comes near, enters the ache we live with, and grows peace in places that look too broken to restore.

Advent is a season of waiting, longing, and hope. In this Advent series, we slow down and tell the truth about the world as it is, fractured, weary, and aching for peace, while holding onto the deeper promise of the world God is bringing into being. Walking through key passages from Isaiah and the story of Jesus, these messages explore what it means to trust God's presence when it feels hidden, to hope when circumstances feel broken, and to believe that God is still at work even when renewal seems impossible. Advent reminds us that God does not wait for ideal conditions to act. He comes near, enters the ache we live with, and grows peace in places that look too broken to restore.

Ever faced a moment when you knew the right thing to do, but also knew it would cost you something? This message explores that tension through the story of Nehemiah, a man whose life was comfortable, influential, and secure until he heard a report that broke his heart. From a place of distance and safety, Nehemiah chose to say yes to God's call to step into brokenness he did not create, taking responsibility rather than deflecting it. His yes pulled him out of comfort and into a story much larger than himself. As the story unfolds, we see how Nehemiah's obedience cost him his comfort, his career, and his sense of control. He leaves the security of the Persian palace, risks his position with the king, and steps into uncertainty without guarantees of success. Like Dietrich Bonhoeffer decades later, Nehemiah models a faith that refuses to stay safe when faithfulness requires courage. This is not reckless obedience, but prayer-soaked trust that chooses faithfulness over self-preservation. For most of us, a costly yes won't involve rebuilding a city wall or confronting an empire. It will show up in ordinary places: relationships, work decisions, acts of service, or steps of faith we've been delaying. This message invites us to pray long enough to gain clarity, then place the outcome in God's hands. Because clarity doesn't always come all at once, and certainty rarely comes before obedience. Sometimes your yes is costly. Say yes anyway—because every costly yes we give flows from the costly yes Jesus already gave.

Advent is a season of waiting, longing, and hope. In this Advent series, we slow down and tell the truth about the world as it is, fractured, weary, and aching for peace, while holding onto the deeper promise of the world God is bringing into being. Walking through key passages from Isaiah and the story of Jesus, these messages explore what it means to trust God's presence when it feels hidden, to hope when circumstances feel broken, and to believe that God is still at work even when renewal seems impossible. Advent reminds us that God does not wait for ideal conditions to act. He comes near, enters the ache we live with, and grows peace in places that look too broken to restore.

The book of Acts tells the story of how the risen Jesus continues His work through the power of the Holy Spirit. In this sermon series, Grace Hill Church walks through Acts to explore how God shapes ordinary people for an extraordinary mission, forming a Spirit-filled community marked by courage, generosity, justice, and hope. Each message invites listeners to see themselves in the story: called, empowered, and sent into the world to live for God's kingdom. Whether you are curious about faith, returning to church, or seeking a deeper understanding of Scripture, these teachings offer a thoughtful, honest, and gospel-centered look at what it means to follow Jesus in real life.

The book of Acts tells the story of how the risen Jesus continues His work through the power of the Holy Spirit. In this sermon series, Grace Hill Church walks through Acts to explore how God shapes ordinary people for an extraordinary mission, forming a Spirit-filled community marked by courage, generosity, justice, and hope. Each message invites listeners to see themselves in the story: called, empowered, and sent into the world to live for God's kingdom. Whether you are curious about faith, returning to church, or seeking a deeper understanding of Scripture, these teachings offer a thoughtful, honest, and gospel-centered look at what it means to follow Jesus in real life.

The book of Acts tells the story of how the risen Jesus continues His work through the power of the Holy Spirit. In this sermon series, Grace Hill Church walks through Acts to explore how God shapes ordinary people for an extraordinary mission, forming a Spirit-filled community marked by courage, generosity, justice, and hope. Each message invites listeners to see themselves in the story: called, empowered, and sent into the world to live for God's kingdom. Whether you are curious about faith, returning to church, or seeking a deeper understanding of Scripture, these teachings offer a thoughtful, honest, and gospel-centered look at what it means to follow Jesus in real life.

The book of Acts tells the story of how the risen Jesus continues His work through the power of the Holy Spirit. In this sermon series, Grace Hill Church walks through Acts to explore how God shapes ordinary people for an extraordinary mission, forming a Spirit-filled community marked by courage, generosity, justice, and hope. Each message invites listeners to see themselves in the story: called, empowered, and sent into the world to live for God's kingdom. Whether you are curious about faith, returning to church, or seeking a deeper understanding of Scripture, these teachings offer a thoughtful, honest, and gospel-centered look at what it means to follow Jesus in real life.

The book of Acts tells the story of how the risen Jesus continues His work through the power of the Holy Spirit. In this sermon series, Grace Hill Church walks through Acts to explore how God shapes ordinary people for an extraordinary mission, forming a Spirit-filled community marked by courage, generosity, justice, and hope. Each message invites listeners to see themselves in the story: called, empowered, and sent into the world to live for God's kingdom. Whether you are curious about faith, returning to church, or seeking a deeper understanding of Scripture, these teachings offer a thoughtful, honest, and gospel-centered look at what it means to follow Jesus in real life.

The book of Acts tells the story of how the risen Jesus continues His work through the power of the Holy Spirit. In this sermon series, Grace Hill Church walks through Acts to explore how God shapes ordinary people for an extraordinary mission, forming a Spirit-filled community marked by courage, generosity, justice, and hope. Each message invites listeners to see themselves in the story: called, empowered, and sent into the world to live for God's kingdom. Whether you are curious about faith, returning to church, or seeking a deeper understanding of Scripture, these teachings offer a thoughtful, honest, and gospel-centered look at what it means to follow Jesus in real life.

Scripture References:Joshua 2:1-13Matthew 1:5Hebrews 11:31Hebrews 12:2Proverbs 16:9

Scripture References:Acts 7:58–8:3Acts 9:1–19Acts 26:13–18Matthew 5:43–48Psalm 83:13–16Ephesians 3:18–19

Scripture ReferencesNumbers 22:5–31Deuteronomy 2:9Deuteronomy 23:42 Peter 2:15 Primary SourcesWenham, Gordon J. Numbers: An Introduction and Commentary. Vol. 4. Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1981.Wiersbe, Warren W. Be Counted. “Be” Commentary Series. Colorado Springs, CO: Chariot Victor Pub., 1999.Matthews, Victor Harold, Mark W. Chavalas, and John H. Walton. The IVP Bible Background Commentary: Old Testament. Electronic ed. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2000.

Scripture References:Acts 6:8–7:1Acts 7:35–39Acts 7:51–53Acts 7:52Matthew 5:17Hebrews 4:152 Corinthians 5:21Galatians 3:13Hebrews 10:11–14Acts 7:55–56Hebrews 1:3Ephesians 1:201 John 2:1Hebrews 7:25Acts 7:59–60Luke 23:34Acts 8:1Genesis 50:20Romans 8:28 Primary SourcesMcCaulley, Esau. The New Testament in ColorWright, NT. The Challenge of ActsKeener, Craig S. The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New TestamentWitherington, Ben, III. The Acts of the Apostles: A Socio-Rhetorical CommentaryKeller, Timothy J. The Timothy Keller Sermon Archive, 2012-2013. New York: Redeemer Presbyterian Church

Scripture References (NASB 2020):Acts 6:1–7Deuteronomy 15:7–11James 1:27Amos 8:4–7Isaiah 10:1–2Galatians 3:28Matthew 25:35–40Luke 4:18–19Revelation 7:9–10Galatians 6:21 John 3:16–18Micah 6:8Primary SourcesMcCaulley, Esau. The New Testament in ColorWright, NT. The Challenge of ActsKeener, Craig S. The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New TestamentWitherington, Ben, III. The Acts of the Apostles: A Socio-Rhetorical Commentary

Scripture References (NASB 2020):John 10:10Acts 4:32–37Acts 5:1–2John 8:44Matthew 6:241 Timothy 6:9–10Matthew 7:152 Corinthians 11:3Acts 5:3Matthew 7:15–23Galatians 5:16–21 Primary SourcesMcCaulley, Esau. The New Testament in ColorWright, NT. The Challenge of ActsKeener, Craig S. The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New TestamentWitherington, Ben, III. The Acts of the Apostles: A Socio-Rhetorical Commentary

Scripture References:John 15:20Mark 10:29–302 Timothy 3:12Acts 14:23Acts 3:13–17Acts 4:1–22Mark 13:11Acts 4:23–31Psalm 2:1–2

Sometimes the Spirit's work doesn't come in the spectacular, but in the interruptions we'd rather ignore. In Acts 3, Peter and John are on their way to pray when they stop for a lame man at the temple gate. What follows is both a miraculous healing and a bold witness to Jesus. Kara Moses helps us see that the Spirit still prompts ordinary people today—nudging us to pay attention, to say yes, and to trust God with the outcome. This week's message invites us to loosen our grip on our plans and practice Spirit-led availability, because you never know what God might do through a simple act of obedience.

Scripture References (NASB2020): Acts 2:1–47Genesis 2:7Psalm 42:1–2Matthew 10:28Matthew 11:29Mark 8:36–37Genesis 1:26–27 Primary SourcesMcCaulley, Esau. The New Testament in ColorWright, NT. The Challenge of ActsKeener, Craig S. The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New TestamentWitherington, Ben, III. The Acts of the Apostles: A Socio-Rhetorical Commentary

Scripture References:Acts 1:4–5Acts 2:1–41Ezekiel 36:27Exodus 19:18Luke 3:161 Corinthians 3:16John 14:16–18Acts 2:6–11Genesis 11:1–9Revelation 7:9–10Isaiah 49:6Acts 2:3–4, 17–18Joel 2:28–29Matthew 28:18–201 Corinthians 11:23–26 Primary Sources:McCaulley, Esau. The New Testament in ColorWright, NT. The Challenge of ActsKeener, Craig S. The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New TestamentWitherington, Ben, III. The Acts of the Apostles: A Socio-Rhetorical Commentary

Scripture References:Acts 1:3, 6–8Luke 24:36–431 Corinthians 15:3–8Luke 4:43Matthew 13:31–33John 1:1–3Colossians 1:16John 3:16Isaiah 55:8–9John 18:36Matthew 28:18–202 Corinthians 5:20Luke 9:23Galatians 5:16Colossians 3:12–17Primary Sources:McCaulley, Esau. The New Testament in ColorWright, NT. The Challenge of ActsKeener, Craig S. The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New TestamentWitherington, Ben, III. The Acts of the Apostles: A Socio-Rhetorical Commentary

Scripture References (NASB2020):Matthew 9:35–38Matthew 23:37Isaiah 6:81 Corinthians 3:6John 15:5Psalm 127:1Romans 10:14–15James 1:221 Peter 2:9

Scripture References (NASB 1995):Matthew 9:35–38John 3:16John 1:1–3Colossians 1:16John 4:28–30Mark 5:18–20Ecclesiastes 11:4–61 Corinthians 3:6–9Romans 10:14–15Psalm 40:3

Scripture References (NASB 1995):Matthew 9:35–38John 1:14Psalm 23Ezekiel 34:11–16Hebrews 4:15 Primary SourcesKeener, Craig S. Matthew. Vol. 1. The IVP New Testament Commentary SeriesMcCaulley, Esau. The New Testament in ColorMorris, Leon. The Gospel according to Matthew. The Pillar New Testament Commentary.France, R. T. Matthew: An Introduction and Commentary. Vol. 1. Tyndale New Testament CommentariesKittel, Gerhard, Geoffrey W. Bromiley, and Gerhard Friedrich, eds. Theological Dictionary of the New TestamentDavis, Jim, Michael Graham, Ryan P. Burge, and Collin Hansen. The Great Dechurching: Who's Leaving, Why Are They Going, and What Will It Take to Bring Them Back?. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2023.Brooks, David. How to Know a Person: The Art of Seeing Others Deeply and Being Deeply Seen. Penguin Random House, 2023.

Scripture References:Matthew 9:35–38, Luke 4:18–21, Mark 1:14–15, Isaiah 61:1–3, 1 Corinthians 15:1–4, Romans 10:14–15, Deuteronomy 6:6–7Primary Sources:Keener, Craig S. Matthew. Vol. 1. The IVP New Testament Commentary SeriesMcCaulley, Esau. The New Testament in ColorMorris, Leon. The Gospel according to Matthew. The Pillar New Testament Commentary.France, R. T. Matthew: An Introduction and Commentary. Vol. 1. Tyndale New Testament CommentariesKittel, Gerhard, Geoffrey W. Bromiley, and Gerhard Friedrich, eds. Theological Dictionary of the New TestamentDavis, Jim, Michael Graham, Ryan P. Burge, and Collin Hansen. The Great Dechurching: Who's Leaving, Why Are They Going, and What Will It Take to Bring Them Back?

Scripture: Matthew 9:35, Romans 10:14–15, John 20:21Primary Sources:Keener, Craig S. Matthew. Vol. 1. The IVP New Testament Commentary SeriesMcCaulley, Esau. The New Testament in ColorMorris, Leon. The Gospel according to Matthew. The Pillar New Testament Commentary.France, R. T. Matthew: An Introduction and Commentary. Vol. 1. Tyndale New Testament CommentariesKittel, Gerhard, Geoffrey W. Bromiley, and Gerhard Friedrich, eds. Theological Dictionary of the New TestamentDavis, Jim, Michael Graham, Ryan P. Burge, and Collin Hansen. The Great Dechurching: Who's Leaving, Why Are They Going, and What Will It Take to Bring Them Back?

Scriptures: 1 Corinthians 15, Revelation 21:1–5, John 20:11–17, Matthew 5:16

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:12–26, Galatians 3:28, Romans 12:4–5, Ephesians 1:22–23, Ephesians 4:4–6, Colossians 1:18

Scripture References:John 14:16–17, 2 Corinthians 3:17, Acts 5:3–4, Romans 8:9, Genesis 2:7, John 3:5–6, Romans 8:11, 1 Corinthians 6:19–20, Psalm 139:13–14, Ezekiel 37:1–14

Scriptures:Mark 15, Acts 1, Romans 5:8, Galatians 2:20, 2 Corinthians 5:21, 1 Corinthians 15:3–4, John 19:10–11, Acts 2:23, Psalm 24, Genesis 2:15, Matthew 12:36, Leviticus 19:34, Romans 13:1, Psalm 139:13–14, 1 Corinthians 6:19–20Primary SourcesWhat is a Christian Anyway?- Glenn PackiamThe Nicene Creed- Kevin D. YoungThe Nicene Creed: An Introduction- Phillip CareyPracticing Christian Doctrine- Beth Felkner-Jones

What if your story didn't begin with shame or strength, but with Jesus? In this message, Pastor Jason explores the powerful truth behind the line from the Nicene Creed: “Through him all things were made.” From your body to your neighbor to the planet itself, everything in creation bears his fingerprints. This episode is a call to remember our Maker, reject cultural counterfeits, and reclaim our role as caretakers, not consumers of all that Jesus made and still holds together.

In a world full of fake promises and shallow saviors, how do we know who to trust? This week, Pastor Jason unpacks Hebrews 1:1–4 and the bold claim of the Nicene Creed: that Jesus is not a created being, but the eternal Son of God—begotten, not made. With stories, cultural insight, and gospel clarity, this message challenges us to reject the knockoff versions of Jesus and worship the One who alone can save.

In a world overflowing with choices, allegiances, and competing voices, what does it mean to confess, "We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth"? This week, we explore the first article of the Nicene Creed and the invitation it offers us to re-anchor our lives in the one true God. Left to ourselves, we are prone to create idols, good things turned into ultimate things that eventually collapse under the weight of our hopes. But the Creed reminds us: there are not many powers to trust, only One, and He is enough. If you've ever felt scattered by the noise of modern life, or frustrated by the ways lesser allegiances have hollowed out much of the church's witness, you're not alone. This message offers both a warning and a hope: we don't have to keep building altars to things that can't save us. We can find our way back to the Source, the Sustainer, and the only Savior who will never fail. Join us as we uncover the grace, strength, and security that come from trusting the One and Only God.

Primary SourcesWhat is a Christian Anyway?- Glenn PackiamThe Nicene Creed- Kevin D. YoungThe Nicene Creed: An Introduction- Phillip CareyPracticing Christian Doctrine- Beth Felkner-Jones

In today's teaching, we return to the empty tomb in Luke 24 to rediscover the power of Jesus' words when everything else feels lost. Through the stories of Bonhoeffer, Polycarp, and the women at the tomb, we're reminded that resurrection hope doesn't begin when everything is fixed—it begins when we remember what Jesus has already said. If you're feeling weary, uncertain, or walking through a valley, we invite you to cling to the unshakable promises of the Risen Christ.

On Palm Sunday, Jesus rides into Jerusalem not as a coming king, but as THE King—humble, unexpected, and unlike anything the crowd hoped for. In this teaching, Jason unpacks how the colt, the cheers, and even creation reveal who Jesus truly is. But five days later, the same crowd that shouted “Hosanna” cries “Crucify him.” Why? Because Jesus refuses to be the King we want—He insists on being the King we need.

Kara's message this week is from Luke 15-- the story we know as the Prodigal Son. But it's not just a story about one lost son. It's a story about two very different kinds of people-- both equally in need of grace. Kara's message will challenge your assumptions, soften your heart, and help you experience the grace of God in a deeper way-- not just so you can receive it, but so you can mirror it. Because grace isn't something we hoard... It's something we pass on. If you've ever wondered how God could welcome certain people... or if you've ever doubted that He could still welcome you-- this message is for you.

In today's teaching, Jason dives into the concept of courage, drawing inspiration from the Cowardly Lion in The Wizard of Oz. Much like the lion, many of us know courage is necessary in our lives, but we often struggle to find it. Jesus' journey to Jerusalem in Luke 13 serves as a powerful example of courage in the face of threats, bullies, and the unknown. Through examining Jesus' responses to the threats from Herod, His confrontation with bullies, and His embrace of sacrifice despite the future pain ahead, Jason challenges us to reflect on our own courage. He reminds us that real peace requires courage, and that God is always on the side of the oppressed. Will we choose to be peacekeepers or peacemakers, embracing the courage that Jesus modeled for us?

Who are the people we gravitate toward? And who do we tend to overlook? In today's teaching, we examine Jesus' radical teaching in Luke 6:17-26 to see who is truly blessed in the kingdom of God. While the world values success, wealth, and influence, Jesus flips the script—declaring the poor, the hungry, and the persecuted as blessed. We'll explore how this challenges our natural biases, the way we interact with others, and how we can mirror Jesus' upside-down values in our own lives. Are we willing to step outside our comfort zones to love and engage with those society often dismisses?

Today's teaching focuses on Jesus' temptation in the wilderness, as recorded in Luke 4:1-13. Temptation is something we all face, and whether we give in or stand strong, the consequences are real. But how did Jesus resist temptation? And what can His example teach us about standing firm in our faith? Join us as we learn how to mirror Jesus' overcoming of temptation and find strength to resist the forces that try to lead us astray.

This week we are exploring how the voices and influences in our lives—whether they be from social media, newsfeeds, political affiliations, or even friends—shape our worldview and ultimately guide our paths. We are looking at Luke 6:39-49 to help us reflect on how following the wrong voices can lead us into destructive patterns, and how critical it is to intentionally examine the voices that we listen to daily. We hope today's teaching encourages you to take a closer look at the voices shaping your own life and take practical steps toward following Jesus more intentionally.

In this episode of Grace Hill Church's podcast, we explore one of Jesus' most challenging commands: love your enemies (Luke 6:27-36). This radical, self-sacrificing love isn't based on feelings but on action—breaking cycles of retaliation and mirroring Christ's heart. In a culture driven by division and outrage, Jesus calls His followers to embody costly love, not the cheap, conditional love the world offers. Tune in to this week's teaching to consider the life-changing power of loving your enemies—because in doing so, you'll never look more like Jesus.

Ancient views often linked suffering to divine judgment: poverty, captivity, blindness, and oppression were seen as consequences of sin or divine abandonment. But today, we see how Jesus challenged this in Luke 4: 18-27 by proclaiming Himself as the one who came to set the oppressed free and bring healing to all— not just the chosen few. His message was initially met with applause, but this soon turned to rage as He shared Biblical stories that confronted their assumptions. Jesus' radical inclusivity remains just as challenging today. Join us for this powerful teaching on the messy, missional mercy of Jesus and how we are called to live it out today. *In this episode, we address real-life examples of mercy in action—stories of outreach, justice, and love in our communities. Some of the stories have been removed from this version of the teaching out of respect for their privacy.*

In this conversation, we'll reflect on how the light of Jesus guides us in three key areas:1. Spiritual Formation over Ideological Formation – Choosing to be shaped by God's truth instead of cultural trends.2. Embrace over Exclusion – Reflecting Jesus' inclusive love, welcoming people of all backgrounds into our community.3. Jesus over Everything – Ensuring that Jesus remains the center of our lives and the light we reflect.

In this special Christmas Eve teaching, we dive into the timeless longing for a Savior. As we await gifts and gatherings, there's a deeper ache in our hearts for something—or Someone—to break through the darkness. Join us as we reflect on Isaiah's ancient prophecy of a child who will bring light to our world and salvation to our souls. From the unexpected vulnerability of a newborn to the powerful victory of the cross, we see how Jesus is the true Savior who fulfills our deepest desires.

Living with Hope in Uncertain Times: A Look at Luke 21In this Advent season, we often focus on the sweetness of Christmas—on the birth of Jesus, the infant in the manger. But in today's episode, we turn to a very different part of Scripture: Luke 21. This chapter takes us beyond the peaceful scenes of Bethlehem and into a challenging, sobering glimpse of the future. Jesus, speaking to His disciples, warns of impending chaos—the destruction of the temple, false messiahs, wars, environmental disasters, and persecution. It's a dark picture, yet it holds a message of hope.As we face the uncertainty of the present, fear often becomes a powerful force in our lives. From media that preys on our anxieties to cultural pressures that stir up dread, it's easy to be overwhelmed. But Advent invites us to shift our focus. It calls us to look forward—to a promised future, even amidst present trials. Just like the progression of light in a sunrise, Advent points us toward the hope that the darkness is not the final word.In this episode, we explore how we can live with hope, even in the face of fear. Through the lens of Jesus' teachings, we discuss:Hope amid institutional failure.Hope when false saviors ariseHope during times of war and political instabilityHope through natural disasters and environmental calamitiesHope despite persecution and loss of religious safetyJoin us for this powerful reflection on living with hope during Advent, as we look to the future with expectation and trust in the promises of our coming King.

Primary Teaching Sources:Foster, Richard. Prayer: Finding the Heart's True Home. HarperOne, 1992.Kinder, Derek. Ezra and Nehemiah: The Old Testament Commentary Series (TOTC). InterVarsity Press, 1984.Bird, Michael F. Evangelical Theology: A Biblical and Systematic Introduction. Zondervan, 2013.Keener, Craig S. The Bible Background Commentary: New Testament. InterVarsity Press, 1993.

Lament is a universal part of the human experience. Life's challenges—whether health, financial, relational, or mental—can overwhelm us, but how can we navigate through these hardships in a way that can brings healing and purpose? In today's teaching, we will draw from the book of Nehemiah to see how lament can lead us from heartbreak to hope. If you are currently walking through hardship and would like someone to pray for you during this time, please visit our website: www.gracehill901.com. We would be honored to pray for you.

Today, we are studying Nehemiah's heartfelt response to a broken world. It's the year 430 BC, and Nehemiah is serving as a cupbearer to the Persian king in the capital city of Susa. The exiles have returned to Jerusalem, but the city's walls are still in ruins, leaving the people vulnerable to attack. Nehemiah, though miles away, hears about the devastation and is deeply moved. He could have stayed in his comfortable life, but instead, he chooses to intercede, to pray earnestly for the restoration of Jerusalem.