JW - Sunday Messages from Jacob's Well Church

We were made for covenant, not chaos. In this message, we begin rediscovering the power of covenant—where love and commitment meet to create the foundation for flourishing families, churches, and nations. Through the lens of the Ten Commandments, we see how God's timeless truths are not just ancient rules, but a path to real freedom, written on our hearts through Jesus.

What if the empty tomb wasn't just a symbol of hope—but the turning point of your entire story? In this Easter message, Pastor Paul unpacks the deeper meaning behind the resurrection of Jesus and the gifts it offers to every one of us. Whether your life feels stuck in tragedy, weighed down by fear, or wandering without direction, the risen Christ invites you into something greater. Something lasting. Something true. Come discover the three gifts of the empty tomb—and what they might mean for your story.

The disciples thought they knew what Jesus came to do—but His words in the upper room turned their expectations upside down. In this message, we're invited to wrestle with disappointment, rethink what we truly need, and discover the kind of joy that can't be taken away.

Jesus didn't leave us on our own—He gave us the Holy Spirit to guide, comfort, and empower us. In this message, we'll look at who the Spirit is, how He works in our lives, and what it means to walk with Him daily in truth, love, and power. Also, Pastor Paul's Making Room update!

Feeling anxious or overwhelmed? In this message, we're invited to slow down, name what we're feeling, and experience comfort for the troubled heart. Through a simple spiritual practice, we'll learn how to notice God's presence, rest in His promises, and find peace in who He is.

Of all the things Jesus asks of us, the most difficult—and most defining—is His command to love one another. Not a sentimental, feel-good love, but a costly, courageous, and sacrificial love that reflects the way He loves us. In this message, we're invited to rediscover what real love looks like, especially when it's hard, undeserved, or painful. 

Have you ever stepped into something new, convinced you'd be great at it, only to be humbled by how hard it really was? Whether it's parenting, marriage, a new job, or even just a hobby like golf, we all encounter moments where our confidence meets reality. In this message, Pastor Brian shares his personal journey of learning humility and grace—lessons shaped on the football field, in parenting, and through the quiet example of Jesus washing His disciples' feet. Discover how embracing the postures of love, humility, and submission can reshape not only how we serve others but how we become more like Christ.

What does it mean to live a life that truly matters? In his message Lifted Up, Pastor Paul shares a personal story about growing up in a big old house with hidden stained-glass windows—beautiful, but covered up and kept in the dark. He uses this image to remind us that God created each of us to be glorious, like stained glass that shines when light passes through it. But that kind of beauty and purpose isn't found by holding on to our own desires. It comes when we choose a life of service, sacrifice, and daily surrender to God. 

Fear, frustration, and pain—negative emotions we often try to push down and just press on with life. But what if true healing only comes from facing these emotions, not running from them? In this message, Pastor Paul talks about facing our painful emotions with faith, letting Jesus transform them, and finding real peace, joy, and healing in Him. As we enter Lent, a season marked by ashes and renewal, this is our chance to bring our struggles into the light once and for all. Jesus knows our pain—He walked through suffering and gave His life to overcome it.

Quick fixes won't save you—discover the secret to deep healing. In this message, a powerful man's struggle with pride and brokenness unveils an unexpected invitation to let go, humble yourself, and embrace a transformative journey with God. Are you ready to confront your hidden wounds and experience true, lasting change?

Through the story of Elijah and Elisha, we see how God's presence shapes and commissions us, calling us to deeper faith and transformation. Whether through a fiery chariot or a still small voice, God's glory is meant to be experienced, not just observed. This message explores how God meets us in the ordinary and empowers us for the extraordinary.

How clearly do you see the world around you? In this message, we explore the powerful biblical metaphor of sight—both physical and spiritual. When we rely only on what we see with our eyes, fear and uncertainty can cloud our vision. Pastor Paul explains how spiritual sight allows us to recognize truth, see God's presence in our lives, and understand that He is fighting for us.

Evil is real, and it thrives when it goes unchecked. In a world that often calls what is wicked good and what is good intolerant, we must stand firm in discerning truth. But recognizing evil isn't enough—we must turn our hearts toward righteousness. Scripture warns us that unchecked sin leads to destruction, but God, in His mercy, always offers a way back. No one is beyond redemption. True repentance—turning away from darkness and back to God—restores what evil seeks to destroy. The call is clear: pursue the good, stand for truth, and embrace the grace that leads to life.

In this message, Mackenzie confronts the powerful influence of the narratives we tell ourselves. Through the story of Elijah and his encounter with God, we see the tension between negative self-beliefs and the truth of God's gentle, loving voice. So, what are the stories shaping your life today? Are they rooted in fear, doubt, and inadequacy—or in the transformative truth of who God says you are? Reframing these narratives through Scripture can lead to freedom, purpose, and a deeper relationship with Jesus– IF, we let God's voice be the loudest in our lives.

Have you ever felt like the ordinary parts of life don't matter to God? In this message, you'll see how God is present in both the mundane and the miraculous. Through the story of Elijah and the widow, Pastor Paul shows how God works through every moment to provide, guide, and include us in His greater plan. Be encouraged that nothing in your life is too small for His care!

What are you offering your life to? Reflecting on the truth that each day we place our time, energy, and resources on an altar, we are reminded to examine where we invest ourselves. In a world of competing "altars" that demand much but deliver little, we're called to fully devote ourselves to God—the true source of life, purpose, and peace.

We kick off the year with anticipation, diving into the life of the prophet Elijah in our new series When Fire Falls. Elijah, an ordinary man empowered by God, witnessed miracles, confronted kings, and showed unwavering faith. Yet, as James reminds us, Elijah was "just like us." Through his story, we're invited to trust God for the extraordinary in our lives. As we lean into prayer and worship this season, let's open our hearts to God's refining fire and the power of His presence.

In this message, Pastor Paul explores Jesus' declaration, "I am the Bread of Life," showing how only He can satisfy our deepest hunger. Through John's Gospel, we're invited to embrace the eternal fulfillment found in Christ alone. 

Have you ever felt lost? Executive Pastor Brian Faught brings a powerful message from John 14, where Jesus declares, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” We're reminded that Jesus is not just one of many paths but the only way to true purpose, abundant life, and eternal hope. 

Who's leading your life, and are they worth following? In The Good Shepherd, we hear how Jesus leads with love, sacrifice, and care—offering a better way for us to live and lead. This message shows us how to tune out the voices that steal and destroy and instead follow the voice of the One who knows us by name and gives us life to the fullest.

As Advent begins, what does it mean to truly celebrate this season? Pastor Paul invites us to reflect on the art of celebration—not just feasting with food but celebrating with joy and hope rooted in Christ. We'll explore the profound truth of Jesus as the great "I Am," the God who is beyond all understanding yet came close to us. Come rediscover the beauty of His love, the power of His promises, and the joy that makes this season worth celebrating.

What are you chasing after in life? In this, the final week of our Close series, we explore the story of Nicodemus in John 3—a man risking everything to meet Jesus in secret. Confronted with the truth of spiritual rebirth, he begins to realize that the things we pursue in life, which seem so important, often leave us empty. Only through Jesus can we find the renewal and purpose we were created for. We conclude this powerful series by discovering how closeness to God truly changes everything.

What do you really want? In this message, we explore this question through the story of a man stuck for 38 years, both physically and spiritually. Jesus's question, “Do you want to be healed?” invites us to confront our own areas of stagnation. Too often, we settle for what's comfortable or place our hope in the wrong things, missing the deeper healing only Jesus can offer. This message challenges us to trust Him, take a step of faith, and experience the wholeness we truly long for.

Do you ever feel vulnerable as a parent? Parenting can leave us feeling exposed, yet it also brings profound meaning, focusing our lives on love and dependence on God. In this message, we'll explore what it means to bring our children—with all their struggles—to Jesus, the only one who fully understands our heartache and hopes for them. Join us as we unpack a powerful story of a desperate father who finds healing and hope in Jesus and discover how we, too, can approach God with our family's deepest needs.

Have you ever felt lost in the dark, not sure where to find hope or clarity? In this message, "The Light of Understanding," Grace Subiaga shares the story of a blind man healed by Jesus, showing how even our toughest struggles can open our eyes to a deeper truth. Grace shows us how Jesus's light guides us, heals us, and brings us closer to God, even when life feels darkest. You'll be encouraged to look for His light right where you are.

How angry would you have to be to throw a stone at someone's head? In this message, we reflect on what it means to cast stones—not just physically, but with our words, actions, and silence. In a world filled with anger and fear, we often justify our stone-throwing behavior. But Jesus shows us a different way. Come and explore the powerful story of forgiveness, grace, and the wisdom to put down the stones we carry.

This week, Pastor Paul dives into the messy reality of family—where misunderstandings, jealousy, and rejection often hit hardest. Even Jesus dealt with complicated family dynamics, and His response offers us a powerful example. How do we set boundaries with love? How can we extend grace when family hurts us? And what does God ask of us in the middle of it all? To find out how Jesus navigated these challenges and how we can apply His wisdom to our own lives, don't miss this week's message—it's one you need to hear!

In week 2 of our Close series, we explore how God is constantly speaking to us and how listening to Him transforms our lives. Using the story of the woman at the well, Pastor Paul shows how her encounter with Jesus changes everything when she opens her heart to His voice. She moves from isolation to becoming a powerful force in her community, simply by responding to God. As we gather, we expect to hear from God and be reminded that when we truly listen, He uses us in ways beyond our imagination.

Discover the closeness that God offers through Jesus as we dive into the Gospel of John. Pastor Paul explores the profound mystery of a transcendent God who became human, stepping into our world to invite us into an intimate love relationship with Him. This isn't about rules or rituals; it's about being known, seen, and loved by God. Pastor Paul challenges us to reflect—are we close to Jesus, truly following Him, or is He a distant thought? 

We are invited to explore how we can make space in our hearts and lives for the work God is doing in and through us. Drawing from the story of the woman at Jacob's Well, we see how Jesus broke through barriers to reach those on the margins and how we are called to do the same. As our church continues to grow, we are challenged to embrace stewardship—not just of our resources, but of our time, talents, and opportunities—as we create room for more people to encounter Jesus and experience life transformation.

This Sunday, Pastor Paul concludes our Escape Into Reality series with the message, Light, Life, Belief, Part 2. In this powerful final week, he shares a "spiritual prescription" that addresses our deepest fears, anxieties, and mental health struggles—a prescription that leads us to joy. Through the lens of John 1, Pastor Paul unpacks how Jesus, the Logos, is the ultimate reality, grounding us in truth and transforming our perspective. He also dives into the connection between faith and obedience, emphasizing that true belief isn't just about what we claim but is demonstrated in how we live. Obedience is the key to unlocking the joy and peace Jesus promises, showing us that faith without action leads to dissonance, but when we align our lives with God's truth, we find lasting joy and well-being.

This week in the "Escape Into Reality" series, Pastor Paul explores the powerful themes of light, life, and belief from John 1. In a world where truth is often distorted, Jesus—the Word made flesh—reveals what is real, grounding us in the truth. As the light of the world, Jesus exposes what we hide in darkness, freeing us from what enslaves us. Through Him, we find life in relationship with God and belief through obedience. Living in His light brings joy, clarity, and true freedom. Join us as we step into the light of Christ and rediscover reality.

This week Pastor Paul invites us to dive deep into the profound concept of the "Logos," as revealed in the Gospel of John. In this message, we are reminded that Jesus is the Logos—God's spoken word, logic, and reality brought to life. Pastor Paul unpacks how the Logos is not just a philosophical idea, but the very embodiment of truth, reason, and order, making sense of a world often caught in chaos and delusion. He challenges us to ask ourselves: Are we listening to God's voice? In a culture filled with distractions, it's time to escape into the true reality found in Jesus. Join us as we reflect on how the Logos brings clarity, light, and life to a world that desperately needs it.

In the final week of our Be Our Guest series, guest speaker Dr. David Clark discusses how people often know a lot about God but struggle to truly feel close to Him. He tells a story about a seminary student who, despite his knowledge, was afraid of God. Dr. Clark explains that our early relationships shape how we connect with God, and issues like anxiety or keeping others at a distance can block us from feeling His love. He encourages us to move beyond just knowing about God by practicing spiritual habits, connecting more deeply within our church, and being open to feedback, all to build a deeper, gut-level relationship with God.

In this back-to-school message honoring teachers, Brian Sullivan, Head of School at Venture Academy, highlights the profound influence teachers have on students and families. He draws parallels between their impact and the teachings of Jesus, emphasizing how exceptional teachers use compassion, creativity, and personal connection to inspire and guide. Effective teaching involves more than transferring knowledge; it builds confidence and supports students through challenges. Teachers empower their students by recognizing their potential and providing encouragement, leaving a lasting impression that shapes students' lives well beyond the classroom.

In this message, guest speaker Dr. David Clark challenges us as believers to think critically about our faith, demonstrating that Christianity is not based on circular reasoning but is supported by clear thinking and evidence. He guides us through Psalm 19 to show how the natural world reveals God's existence and connects scientific discoveries, like the Big Bang, to reinforce the belief that the universe's beginning points to a divine cause. Dr. Clark strengthens our faith by encouraging us to embrace good reasoning and evidence as foundations for our belief in God.

In this message we explore Psalm 46, focusing on how God is our refuge and strength in times of trouble. Pastor Sean Miller discusses the importance of being still and knowing God, illustrated by the story of Jesus calming the storm, showing how faith and inner peace help us overcome fear. And finally we discuss the impact of technology on our mental health. We look at practical advice on seeking God's guidance, reassessing our relationship with technology, and aligning our thoughts with God's promises.

Have you ever found your deepest relationships are fragile or struggling due to emotional wounds in your past? In Pastor Sean Miller's first message of our "Be Our Guest" series, we confront this "Crisis of Connection" and explore how God's love can help overcome relational challenges and mend past hurts. We also find practical steps to build deeper connections with others, both here in our church and in our everyday lives.

In this final message in our Hope in a Hostile World series, Amanda teaches through the Apostle Paul's final instructions to the church in Thessalonica, where he encourages them and gives guidance on living a good life while waiting for Jesus to return. Amanda shows the parallels for our own lives—staying hopeful, supporting the leaders in our church, and being kind to each other. She stresses the importance of working hard for the right things, remaining positive, staying in prayer, and being thankful in all things. Finally, she reminds us to be so busy doing good that we avoid falling into sin while showing those in our circles that we love them and care for them.

In Week 4 of our "Hope in A Hostile World" series, we delve into practical ways to pursue purity in every aspect of life, drawing wisdom from 1 Thessalonians and Romans. Matt Rees guides us through the transformative process of sanctification and shows us how to align our lives more closely with God's will. Together, we discover how living in anticipation of Christ's return can help us navigate challenging times with love and hope. Matt also provides practical steps for personal and spiritual growth, encouraging us to live in anticipation of Christ's return.

Hunter Gagner's message for Week 3 of our Hope in A Hostile World series explores how the story of the Gospel permeates the world and how we have the opportunity to be a part of it. Discover how our personal stories can contribute to the greatest story ever told, spreading love and hope through the power of Jesus.

This powerful message challenges us to share our faith fearlessly, to embody Christ's transformative love, and to live a life worthy of our divine calling. Learn to be a courageous witness for Christ, sharing His hope with unwavering conviction and intention.

In this first of 6 messages, long-time local Pastor and our special guest, Jerry Cellan explores the inspiring story of the Thessalonian church as detailed in I Thessalonians 1:1-10. This passage reveals how these early believers, living in expectation of Christ's return, responded with unwavering faith, profound love, and steadfast hope even amidst hostility. Jerry delves into their incredible start, their radical transformation by embracing the gospel message, and how their faith became an example for others far and wide. Together we reflect on how their journey can encourage us, even today. And challenge us, too: What in your life right now is more important than God?

A father's love prepares a child for a life filled with adventure, passion, compassion, resilience, and freedom. Pastor Paul interviews his son Ben, who completed an epic 87-day, 2,000-kilometer canoe expedition from Ely, Minnesota, to Hudson Bay up in Canada. They discuss how this journey reflects the role of fathers in protecting and preparing their children. We explore the gifts of courage, passion, compassion, resilience, and self-control that fathers instill in their children, and learn practical steps to honor and support dads in their vital role.

Are life's challenges weighing you down? In this message, Pastor Brian talks about the act of showing up in alignment with God's values– how this can bring purpose and peace to our daily lives. Through personal stories and the powerful example of Elijah, we'll learn how to hear God's gentle whisper amid our daily chaos. We'll identify practical ways to incorporate the spiritual discipline of solitude into our routines– deepening our connection with God and ultimately discovering the peace of His presence.

Can you imagine holding your breath all day? It seems impossible, doesn't it? Living a fulfilling Christian life without prayer is just as unthinkable. In Week 3 of “Summer in the Son,” we explore the essential role of prayer, described as the heartbeat of our faith and our spiritual muscle memory. Though many struggle with prayer, it holds transformative power. Curious about making prayer as vital as the air you breathe this summer? Watch Pastor Paul's message to learn how.

Ever feel like your spiritual journey takes a vacation as soon as summer rolls around? We've all been there. But what if this summer could be different? In this message, Pastor Paul shows us the secret to keeping our faith vibrant, even when the sun's out and the lake is calling our name. Get ready for a summer of surprising growth and the JOY of a deeper connection with God, with just an intentional step or two each day.

In this message, we reflect on life's changing seasons, confront the challenges of busyness, and seek to understand their impact on our connection with God. Through intentional alignment with God's pace and values, discover how small shifts in daily life can lead to profound spiritual transformation, infusing our journey with purpose and fulfillment. Join us on the path to deeper alignment with God.

In this message we explore suffering and loss through the lens of Job's story. We learn to face hardships with resilience and faith, avoiding despair and oversimplified explanations. By embracing the complexity of God's character and the mysteries of life, we discover the potential for healing and peace amidst adversity.