Hope City Church Sarasota FL

How do you protect your heart from the attacks of the enemy?In Week 3 of our Born For Battle series, we explore the Breastplate of Righteousness from Ephesians 6 and discover how living in alignment with God's truth protects our minds, emotions, desires, and choices from Satan's schemes. Pastor Peter unpacks the difference between striving for perfection and resting in the righteousness that Jesus has already won for us through the cross.

Do you believe God loves you... but secretly think He's disappointed in you?Many Christians know that God loves them, yet live as if He's frustrated, distant, or simply tolerating them. But what if that's not who God is at all?In this message from Romans 8, Pastor Peter explores one of the most hope-filled promises in Scripture: "If God is for us, who can be against us?" Together we'll discover how creation, the cross, and Christ's ongoing work for us all reveal the true heart of God.

In this message, we explore one of the most comforting truths found throughout Scripture: God is Near. Whether you're carrying grief, anxiety, disappointment, unanswered prayers, or simply wondering where God is in your current season, this message will remind you that God has not abandoned you.Through the stories of Bryce Crawford, Peter walking on water, and the promises found in Psalm 145, we'll discover that God is near to the brokenhearted, near to the humble, and near to those who call on Him. Even when we can't see Him working, He is present, faithful, and actively moving in our lives.

What if we've been reading David and Goliath too fast?In Week 2 of Stuff They Didn't Teach You In Sunday School, we slow down and learn how to actually study the Bible instead of just skimming familiar stories. Through the story of David and Goliath, we explore the power of observation in Scripture and discover how repeated voices shape belief, how fear tries to define identity, and how God often works in unexpected ways.This message will help you:Learn 5 key observation questions for Bible studyUnderstand the deeper meaning of David & GoliathSee how Jesus is the true Deliverer in the storyGrow in confidence when reading Scripture

What if the Bible was never meant to just inform you, but transform you? In Week 1 of our series “Stuff They Didn't Teach You In Sunday School,” we dive into Genesis 22 and the story of Abraham & Isaac to discover how Scripture reveals God, exposes what's happening inside of us, and teaches us how to truly trust Him. Learn the 4 Formation Questions that can change the way you read the Bible forever.

In this powerful message, we wrap up the Fighting for Light series by diving into one of the most important conversations around mental health—identity. So many of us spend our lives trying to prove our worth through success, approval, or performance… but what happens when those things fail?Looking at the story of Elijah in 1 Kings 19, we see how even someone used mightily by God can lose sight of who they are when fear, exhaustion, and disappointment take over. But the truth is this: Your identity isn't something you achieve—it's something you receive.In Christ:Your worth is not determined by your outcomesYour identity is not based on your past or your painYou are already loved, chosen, forgiven, and secureThis message is a reminder that you don't have to fight for approval anymore. You can live from the truth of who God says you are.If you've ever struggled with insecurity, comparison, or feeling like you're not enough—this message is for you.

What do you do when you feel… nothing?In Week 3 of our Fighting For Light series, we talk about something many people experience, but few talk about: emotional numbness. You may still be showing up to life, but inside you feel disconnected, tired, or flat. This message dives into the story of Elijah in 1 Kings 19 and reminds us that even the strongest, most faithful people can hit a wall.We'll unpack how depression and numbness often grow where exhaustion, fear, isolation, and disappointment stack up—and how God meets us with care before correction. If you've been feeling off, distant, or worn down, this message is for you.Healing doesn't always come in a moment—it often begins with a whisper.

Grief doesn't always stop you—it just makes everything heavier.In Week 2 of our Fighting For Light series, we talk about Grief & Loss and how God meets us in the middle of our pain—not after we've figured it out. Looking at the story of Elijah in 1 Kings 19, we're reminded that you can love God and still feel overwhelmed.If you've been carrying something heavy—loss, disappointment, or brokenness—this message is for you.Key Truths: • God meets you in your grief • Faith gives your pain somewhere to go • Presence matters more than perfect wordsYou don't have to carry it alone.

What if the things in your life that feel too far gone aren't beyond Jesus?This Easter message walks through three gardens—Eden, Gethsemane, and the empty tomb—to show how God restored what sin broke. Sin isn't just a rule problem, it's a relationship problem. But through Jesus' surrender, death, and resurrection, what was once dead can come back to life.No matter where you are—feeling disconnected, worn down, or just going through the motions—there is hope. Jesus doesn't just make things look better… He brings them back to life.

What's feeding your soul?In this powerful message, we go Back to Basics and rediscover how to hear from God daily—even when you feel distant. Just like our bodies need daily bread, our souls were designed to be nourished by the Word of God. But in a world full of noise, distractions, and quick content, it's easy to settle for what's convenient instead of what truly satisfies.Through Psalm 1, Psalm 23, and the words of Jesus, we're reminded that who you listen to shapes who you become. The question is: are you being led by the algorithm… or by the Shepherd?This message will help you: • Build a daily rhythm of meeting with God • Learn how to recognize God's voice • Understand how God's Word transforms your life • Take practical steps to grow spirituallyIf you've been feeling distant, distracted, or spiritually dry—this is your moment to reset.

Have you ever lost something valuable—and felt the relief and joy when you finally found it?In this powerful message from Hope City Church, we dive into Luke chapter 15 and discover the heart of God for those who are lost.Jesus makes it clear: lost people matter to Him. Through the parable of the lost sheep, we see a God who doesn't stay in the “holy huddle,” but actively seeks, finds, and saves.This message challenges us to ask:Are we living on mission or just attending church?Do people who don't know Jesus feel welcomed by us?Have we forgotten what it was like to be lost?The truth is, every one of us has fallen short (Romans 3:23), and we all need a Savior. But the good news is this: Jesus didn't wait for us to clean ourselves up—He came after us.Key Takeaways:The church is not a holy huddle—we are called to live on missionLost people are valuable to JesusWe are called to love and pursue others like He does

In this message from our Back to Basics series, we explore the powerful truth that greatness in God's kingdom comes through serving, not status. While the world encourages us to chase titles, recognition, and success, Jesus shows us a different way—a life marked by humility, service, and significance. Looking at Matthew 20:26–28 and Acts 6, we see how the early church grew and thrived when ordinary believers stepped up to meet real needs. Serving wasn't just something they occasionally did—it was who they were.In this sermon you'll discover:Why success impresses people for a moment but serving impacts people for a lifetimeHow the early church organized around service to multiply the missionThe difference between volunteering and living as a servantHow God can use your gifts, experiences, and willingness to change livesThe church was never meant to be a place where a few people serve and everyone else watches. Every follower of Jesus is called to make a difference.

In this message from the Back to Basics series, we rediscover what Jesus actually designed the church to be. In a culture where platforms, personalities, and preferences can shape our view of church, Scripture calls us back to something deeper.Looking at Acts 2, we see the original blueprint of the church: a devoted people centered on Jesus, committed to one another, and living on mission. The early believers didn't treat church as an event to attend—they treated it as a family to belong to.This message challenges us to move beyond casual faith and into real commitment: • Trusting Jesus • Going public with baptism • Getting planted in the churchBecause platforms build crowds, but God's design builds people.

In Week 4 of Love & Other Complicated Things, we tackle a topic many avoid but God clearly speaks about — intimacy in marriage.From roommates to lovers, how do couples rebuild connection? What if familiarity has quietly replaced appreciation? And how do we protect something God called good before sin made it complicated?Rooted in Genesis 2, Proverbs 5, Song of Songs, 1 Corinthians 7, and Ephesians 5, this message reminds us:• God designed intimacy for connection, not shame• Meaningful marriages don't assume love — they learn it• Intimacy grows where intention goesWhether you need to protect intimacy, rebuild it, or heal from past pain — the most meaningful days in your marriage can still be ahead.Don't settle for familiar. Fight for meaningful.

Why do couples drift apart—even when they still love each other?In this Valentine's message, we unpack why connection breaks down and what Scripture says about rebuilding it. From James 1:19–20 to Proverbs 18:2, discover how being quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry can transform your relationships.You'll learn the practical L.E.A.D. framework: • Lower the temperature • Enter their world • Acknowledge emotion • Discern next steps togetherHealthy relationships aren't conflict-free—they're communication-focused. When we choose understanding over winning, and grace and truth over ego, connection grows again.Whether you're married, dating, or simply wanting healthier relationships, this message will challenge you to slow down, listen deeply, and love intentionally.

Love is beautiful—but let's be honest, it can also be exhausting. Why do relationships that start with so much hope end up feeling so heavy?In this message, “Love & Other Complicated Things,” we explore why love feels complicated and how misplaced expectations can drain our relationships. Drawing from 1 John 4, we discover a powerful truth: love doesn't come from effort—it comes from connection. When we ask people to supply what only God can sustain, love breaks under the pressure.This message unpacks: - Why disconnected love doesn't last - How scorekeeping kills healthy relationships - Why loved people love better - How God's love resets the way we love othersWhether you're single, dating, married, or just worn out from trying to love well, this message invites you back to the source. When God is your source, people stop being your substitute—and love becomes a gift again, not a burden.

Most people don't ruin their lives in one big moment—it happens slowly… and then suddenly. In this final week of Binge the Bible: Season 3, we land in the book of Proverbs to uncover why small, everyday decisions matter more than we think.This message explores biblical wisdom—not as information, but as a way of life. Proverbs challenges us to stop asking, “Is this allowed?” and start asking, “Where does this lead?” Because direction, not intention, determines destination.Discover why wisdom starts with reverence for God, why it's a path we walk (not a feeling we follow), and why wisdom grows best in circles, not isolation. If you feel like life drifted instead of derailed, Proverbs offers hope, redirection, and a better way forward—starting with your next step.

What do you do when you want to pray—but don't know what to say?In this message, we walk through the Book of Psalms as God's prayer guide for every season of life. From raw honesty and deep longing to doubt, trust, and unstoppable praise, the Psalms give us words when ours run out.Whether you feel overwhelmed, spiritually dry, confused, anxious, or grateful, this message reminds us that God is not offended by honest prayer—He invites it.You don't have to pray perfectly.You don't have to pray long.You just have to show up honestly.

What do you do when life doesn't make sense? When suffering creates a gap between what you believe and what you experience? In this message from our Binge The Bible series, we walk through the Book of Job and discover that God doesn't always answer our why—but He invites us to trust Him anyway.Job's story confronts three assumptions many of us carry:If I live right, life should go rightIf I understand it, I can control itIf God loves me, He wouldn't allow thisThrough Job's pain, his friends' voices, and God's response from the whirlwind, we learn that suffering doesn't mean God is absent—it often reveals how limited our perspective really is. Faith isn't having all the answers; it's staying in relationship with God when the answers don't come.If you're walking through confusion, loss, or unanswered questions, this message will encourage you to:Stop simplifying or accusing GodBe careful which voices you allow to shape your painBring your suffering honestly to God

When God feels silent, it can be unsettling. In this message from Binge the Bible: Esther – When God Seems Silent, we walk through the book of Esther to discover how God is still working—even when His voice feels quiet.Esther reminds us that silence does not mean absence. God is often moving behind the scenes, positioning His people, forming their faith, and preparing moments of purpose for such a time as this.If you're waiting for answers, clarity, or direction, this message will encourage you to trust God's timing, take the next step of obedience, and believe that your season is not wasted.

What do you do when everything feels broken?In this message from Binge the Bible – Season 3, we open the books of Ezra and Nehemiah to discover how God rebuilds what feels too far gone. After exile, loss, and collapse, God's people return home—not to restoration, but to ruins. And yet, God is still writing the story.This message explores how rebuilding begins with realignment, not repair. Before walls are rebuilt, worship is restored. Before action is taken, prayer leads the way. And lasting restoration doesn't happen alone—it happens in community.Whether you're stepping into a new year feeling hopeful, overwhelmed, or unsure where to begin, this message is an invitation to trust God in the rebuilding process.

We all have moments, seasons, and stories that feel messy—full of mistakes, regret, and brokenness. But what if God isn't finished yet? In this message, we discover how God specializes in redemption, restoration, and transformation. No matter how broken your past feels, God can use it to create something beautiful for His glory. Your mess is not the end of the story—it may be the very place God begins His masterpiece.

In the Christmas season, waiting feels louder than ever—waiting on healing, peace, restoration, answers, breakthrough… and sometimes it feels like God is silent. But silence doesn't mean absence. In this message, Closer Than You Think: Where is God in the Waiting?, we step into the “waiting room” of Scripture and meet Simeon—a man who kept trusting God even when nothing seemed to be happening.Through Luke 2, Isaiah's prophecy, and the promise of renewed strength, you'll be reminded of this truth: Just because you can't see God's work doesn't mean God isn't working. God is near in the waiting, strategic in the silence, and faithful to every promise.If you're tired of waiting, this message is for you: Waiting isn't wasted when God is in it. He's closer than you think.

When life feels heaviest, God can feel the farthest away. In this Christmas message, Closer Than You Think: When God Feels Far, we look at the story of Joseph in Matthew 1 and the promise of Immanuel — “God with us.” Even when you can't feel Him, God is closer than you think, right in the middle of your confusion, stress, and disappointment.Through honest stories, some Christmas fun (yes, even Home Alone), and a powerful look at the birth of Jesus, we'll discover that your breaking point is often God's entry point. His presence isn't based on your feelings, it's based on His promise — and Jesus didn't come just to start a holiday, He came to start your healing.

In this powerful message, Pastor Brandon unpacks Psalm 78:1–8 and shows why every generation plays a crucial role in passing on faith to the next. We dive into why younger generations are often misunderstood, how spiritual apathy creeps into our lives, and what we can do to model a faith worth following.You'll hear real stories of what God is doing through Gen Z and Gen Alpha, the impact of FCA and Hope City Youth, and an interview with Pastor Meagan about raising faith-filled kids.No matter your age or stage, YOU have influence—and the next generation needs it. Let's be a church that fights apathy, builds legacy, and chooses to be FOR the Next Generation.

Welcome to the Hope City Podcast! In this episode, Lead Pastor Peter Gowesky and Worship Director Matt Leicht discuss a question frequently submitted by church members during our current series: Let's Talk About It. How do you navigate finding peace during a season that's out of control? Let's talk about it!As we enter the often chaotic end of the year holiday season, how can you find peace in the middle of the storm? Here's a practical three-step plan for navigating the chaos by putting Jesus first in our lives and trusting Him to carry us through. 

So many of us wonder if our lives really make a difference. We compare ourselves, we battle perfectionism, and we convince ourselves that what we have isn't enough for God to use. But in John 6, Jesus shows us something powerful: He multiplies whatever we surrender.  In this message, Pastor Peter unpacks the story of the boy with the five loaves and two fish—and teaches us how God can do extraordinary things with the ordinary things we place in His hands.  You'll also hear stories from our Heart for the House season and celebrate 10 baptisms—real lives changed because of the faithfulness and generosity of our church family.  If you've ever wondered about your purpose, your impact, or whether God can use what you bring… this message is for you. 

Real talk about three big questions: What is baptism, and do I need it to be saved? How should Christians think about “ranking” sins? And is every spiritual thing actually from the Spirit of God? In this message, we unpack saving grace (Eph 2:8–9), believers' baptism (Rom 6:4; Matt 28:19–20), humility over hierarchy, and how to test “spirituality” (1 John 4:1; 2 Cor 11:14–15).Next Steps:Get baptized: Text HCINFO to 97000 and follow the prompts.

In this message, “Let's Talk About It: Why Worship Isn't About You (And Never Was)”, we unpack why worship is anchored in who God is and what He has done—not our preferences or moods. Psalm 100 calls us to enter with thanksgiving and praise because the Lord is good and faithful.We explore the difference between vertical (to God) and horizontal (about God) worship, and why both form us as disciples. Worship isn't a playlist—it's a posture that magnifies Jesus above self.

Join Us as Pastor Jason Burns from Access Church wraps up our series, "Here Today Gone Tomorrow"! Today, Pastor Jason talks about living generously and the 3 levels of giving.

Most of us know stress is bad—but what if the biggest source of our stress is the one we choose? In “Debt is Stress,” Pastor Peter unpacks how financial pressure doesn't just drain our wallets—it drains our peace. Discover how God wants to free you from the weight of debt and worry through three powerful prayers: 1️⃣ God, give me self-control. 2️⃣ God, give me understanding. 3️⃣ God, give me a plan.Learn how to move from pressure to peace and find freedom in your finances—and in your faith. Because Jesus didn't just pay your spiritual debt—He invites you to live debt-free in every area of your life.

We're told that more will finally make us happy—more money, more stuff, more success. But what if “more” is just a mirage that keeps moving further away the closer we chase it?In this message, Pastor Peter unpacks what Jesus says about contentment, money, and peace. You'll learn how to break free from the endless cycle of comparison and start building a life that actually satisfies.Discover how to:Find joy when “enough” never feels like enoughTrust God with your plans and possessionsShift your heart from getting more to becoming moreLive with peace, generosity, and purposeThis week isn't about guilt—it's about freedom. God isn't against you having things; He's against things having you.

What does real faith look like when money is tight, the wait is long, and heaven feels silent? In James 5 we see three proving grounds of faith—money, patience, and prayer. Pastor Brandon unpacks why money makes a terrible master but a powerful servant (Jas 5:1–6), how waiting forms us (Jas 5:7–12), and why prayer must be our first response, not last resort (Jas 5:13–20).

Real faith doesn't show off in control—it shows up in surrender. In James 4 we face our biggest fight: the battle within. Pastor Peter unpacks why conflicts start in our desires, how pride pulls against God, and the 5 S's of surrender—Submit, Stand, Sit with God, Say “I'm sorry,” and Serve. Drop the rope, draw near to God, and plan around His will, not around your own. 

Our world is loud—but James 3 reminds us the real issue isn't the noise around us, it's the heart within us. In this message, Pastor Peter unpacks the disproportionate power of our words, why tongue trouble is really a heart problem, and three guardrails to speak life: surrender your heart, submit your mouth, and set a guard.

Real faith doesn't stop in your head or heart—it shows up in your hands. In “James: Faith That Works (James 2),” Pastor Peter unpacks why the church must reject favoritism, how mercy triumphs over judgment, and how Abraham and Rahab prove that genuine faith acts. If you're ready to move from belief to obedience, this message is for you.

When life hits hard, James 1 shows us trials aren't pointless—they're purposeful. In this message, we learn to choose joy, ask God for wisdom, stand firm without doubting, and spot the enemy's playbook: Desire → Deception → Disobedience → Death. Every good gift comes from our unchanging Father, and those who persevere receive the crown of life. Lean in, take notes, and let your faith grow stronger today.

In the finale of our series “The Way Back,” Pastor Mark Cain unpacks 2 Corinthians 5 and shows how God doesn't just take us back—He restores us and moves us forward. Learn how to silence negative self-talk, live as a new creation, and embrace your calling as a minister of reconciliation. We'll explore the Holy Spirit as God's guarantee, the hope of the Bema (Judgment) Seat of Christ, and a transformed perspective toward others—and ourselves.

Pastor Joe Mateer shares how God uses relationships to bring us back when we've drifted from Jesus and the church. From Galatians 6 to James 5, discover why healing, growth, and restoration happen best in community—and how to take your next step today.Key Scriptures: Galatians 6:1–2; John 13:34–35; 1 Corinthians 15:33; James 5:16Big Idea: You become who you spend time with—so choose Christ‑centered community.Next Steps: Join a group • Confess, pray, and heal together • Keep showing up