Menlo.Church - Sermon Audio

Slavery is one of the most difficult and controversial topics in the Bible—and a common reason skeptics question God's character. We explore the historical and cultural context of slavery in biblical times, how Scripture has been misunderstood and misused, and what God's heart for justice and human dignity really is. Join us as we unpack what the Bible actually says—and doesn't say—about slavery, and how Jesus redefines freedom. Connect with Us | Text Us: (650)600-0402

Slavery is one of the most difficult and often misunderstood topics in the Bible. In this message, we explore the historical and cultural context of slavery in both the Old and New Testaments to uncover what the Bible really says. Did God allow slavery? Does Scripture condone oppression? Or is there a deeper redemptive thread running through the text? Connect with Us | Text Us: (650)600-0402

We play pass the question with 8 dad's on our staff chatting through some of the though topics about being a dad while taking turns asking for and giving advice. Are you wondering how to connect with your kids? Advice for the newborn phase? What about driving, or balancing your hopes and expectations? This is for you! Connect with us | Text Us: (650)600-0402

Join us for a conversation with a group of fathers from different backgrounds and at different stages of life and parenting. No matter what emotions you carry with you on Father's Day, you will discover new hope and some humor along the way in this disarming and engaging discussion. Connect with Us | Text Us: (650)600-0402

We close out our Sound Mind series with unpacking anxiety and trauma while giving clear steps to make positive changes and hold fast to peace. Connect with Us | Text Us: (650)600-0402

Are you carrying stress, anxiety, or emotional burdens that feel too heavy to bear? In this powerful message, we dive into 1 Peter 5:7 and explore what it truly means to cast your cares on God, because He cares for you. Whether you're overwhelmed personally, professionally, or spiritually, this sermon offers practical tools and biblical truth to help you let go of anxiety and trust God's deep love and care. Connect with Us | Text Us: (650)600-0402

This week we continue our Sound Mind series with a deep dive into peace - with practical tips on how to curate a peace-filled perspective and posture. Rachelle Summers is back and shares some practical ways to focus on peace, and Phil tells us one of his tells. Connect with Us | Text Us: (650)600-0402

In this special episode we celebrate Scott Palmbush for this extraordinary service to Menlo Church. Scott has left a lasting mark on Menlo through his 18 years on staff - leading at every campus, overseeing our multisite strategy, and pastoring all who encounter him. We take time to thank him, reflect and hear about what is next. Connect with us | Text us: (650)600-0402

Jesus speaks of a peace He imparts to us, one that the world cannot give. This message will delve into the nature of this divine peace and how it can calm our troubled hearts. How can we embrace the peace Jesus offers amidst life's challenges?​ Connect with Us | Text Us: (650)600-0402

In this special episode Candice Thompson (MMFT, LMFT) join Phil and Mark to unpack where faith and mental health meet - and why it is not an either/or but a both/and. Candice shares her background and perspective on parts of the intersection of faith and therapy that some may see as at odds with each other, and Phil sheds light on the history behind the church and mental health, as well as sharing a bit more of his mental health journey. For more resources around mental health, see our Sound Mind series. Connect with Us | Text Us: (650)600-0402

We crack open the conversation of the intersection of mental health and the church, unpacking how they are not at odds with each other. Phil talks a little more about his journey with mental health and we look ahead to where our Sound Mind series is taking us. Connect with Us | Text Us: (650)600-0402

The "Sound Mind" series explores how the way of Jesus can integrate our mental, physical, and spiritual together in healthy and healing wholeness. In a world filled with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty, Scripture offers us a foundation of peace and renewal. This series will highlight biblical teachings and promises addressing mental health and common misconceptions around Christians and mental health support. Fear is real—but so is God's presence. In this encouraging message, we explore how God's nearness gives us strength, not by removing our fear, but by walking with us through it. Drawing from Isaiah 41:10, 2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV), and Psalm 23:4, we're reminded that God has not given us a spirit of fear—but of power, love, and a sound mind. Connect with Us | Text Us: (650)600-0402

The "Sound Mind" series explores how the way of Jesus can integrate our mental, physical, and spiritual together in healthy and healing wholeness. In a world filled with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty, Scripture offers us a foundation of peace and renewal. This series will highlight biblical teachings and promises addressing mental health and common misconceptions around Christians and mental health support. Fear is real—but so is God's presence. In this encouraging message, we explore how God's nearness gives us strength, not by removing our fear, but by walking with us through it. Drawing from Isaiah 41:10, 2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV), and Psalm 23:4, we're reminded that God has not given us a spirit of fear—but of power, love, and a sound mind. Connect with Us | Text Us: (650)600-0402

This week Phil EuBank makes his return to the podcast to celebrate the 18 baptisms we had across our different campuses, dive into the meta of a sermon within a sermon, and help clarify the difference between baptisms and who they are for! Connect with us | Text Us: (650)600-0402

What does baptism really mean, and why is it such an important step in the Christian faith? In this sermon, we explore the significance of baptism as a public declaration of faith in Jesus. You'll learn the difference between water baptism and Spirit baptism, and gain clarity around terms like "baptism of the Holy Spirit," often heard in charismatic traditions. Connect with Us | Text Us: (650)600-0402

This week we get schooled in why Dr. Jo Vitale prefers tea over coffee, in addition to unpacking the mystery of the trinity - God being Father, Son and Holy Spirit. This is Dr. Jo's last week with us and if you would like us to pass on an encouraging message text us at (650)600-0402.  

In Dr. Jo Vitale's last weekend with us, we explore the foundational Christian doctrine of the Trinity—God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Learn how Scripture reveals one God in three distinct persons, each fully divine and united in purpose. We'll address common questions and misconceptions, use relatable analogies, and highlight key Bible passages that point to the Trinity in action. Whether you're new to faith or seeking a deeper understanding, this message will help you grasp the mystery and beauty of the Triune God. Connect with us | Text us: (650)600-0402

Communion! That's right the weird church lady Dr. Jo Vitale rejoins us to get triggered by American naivety, and still manage to dive deeper into communion, why we do it, why it matters and how relationship with Jesus is available to all. Want more of Dr. Jo? | Connect with us!

Dr. Jo Vitale leads us this morning to explore what communion really means—or why churches pass around bread and juice on Sundays? In this message, we break down the meaning of the Lord's Supper in a way that's easy to understand, no matter your background. You'll learn where this tradition comes from, why it's important to Christians, and how it symbolizes Jesus' love and sacrifice. Connect with Us | Text Us: (650)600-0402

Ministry at a multisite church like Menlo comes with constant movement - join us as Phil EuBanks leads a conversation about the shifting of roles for Matt Summers and joining us for the first time on the podcast, Jennifer Blatnik. Connect with Us | Text Us: (650)600-0402

Do you think singing in church is weird? Why does almost every church do it? This week sit down with Dr. Jo Vitale to get to know her, and dive deeper into the idea of worship and expand on some of the ideas from Jo's recent message. Allison Li, our Menlo Park Worship Director, is with us as well! Connect with Us | Text Us (650)600-0402

Dr. Jo Vitale leads is in a message about how worship is our weapon for a worrying world. Explore why Christians sing together in worship and how it helps us connect with God. This sermon will delve into the biblical foundations of worship, its historical development, and its impact on personal and communal faith. If worship is a universal human expression, how different do you celebrate your favorite artist or team compared to how you celebrate God in your life? What would it take to change that? Connect with us | Text Us: (650)600-0402

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Dr. Semeon Mulatu, a respected pastor, leader, and visionary in the Ethiopian church. He shares his inspiring journey of faith, the challenges and triumphs of leading churches across Ethiopia, and what it means to serve God in a rapidly changing culture. Discover the rich spiritual heritage of Ethiopia, the role of the global church, and how Dr. Mulatu's story can encourage your own walk with Christ. Whether you're a church leader, mission-minded believer, or simply curious about what God is doing around the world, this conversation is full of insight, hope, and practical wisdom.  

Happy Easter everybody! In this unique week we dive into our Easter message with Phil EuBank, then check in on with highlights from each of our campuses! Connect with Us | Text Us: (650)600-0402

This Easter we remember though He was fully God, Jesus humbled Himself to become human, enduring suffering and death on the cross. But death wasn't the end—Jesus rose again, victorious, and is now exalted at the right hand of God. Because of His obedience and love, every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. Connect with Us | Text Us: (650)600-0402

This week Alisha Gibson joins us to shed some insight on how to care for people who feel like they don't deserve forgiveness, Phil expands on what it means for Jesus to go to the cross and die, and Mark shares about the spring season and what it brings. See you at Easter | Connect with us

Today we're exploring one of the most powerful moments in Scripture—Jesus' interaction with the thief on the cross. This encounter reveals the boundless grace and forgiveness of Christ, reminding us that His mercy reaches us even in our final moments. There are no preconditions, no hoops to jump through—just the grace to respond in faith.

Jevon Washington returns to the podcast with a lively episode that felt like part two of his message on raising Lazarus from the dead with asides of smoking brisket, differences in the ocean between Seattle and the Bay, and what to expect from our Good Friday Service. Join us for Easter | Connect with Us

The raising of Lazarus showcases Jesus' authority over death and offers a powerful message of hope and resurrection for all believers. What are the parts of your life or the relationships that you have assumed there is no life left in? What would it look like to trust that Jesus could breathe new life into these areas of your everyday experience? What is a miracle you have experienced and how can it give you hope for the one you are still hoping for now? Join us for Easter | Connect with Us

This week Tim Wong has Allan and Suzanne from Partners (https://wearepartners.org) on to talk about bringing the hope of Jesus to unreached areas. We get to know Allan and his work moving to Morocco to share Jesus and bolster the local churches.

The rich young ruler's encounter with Jesus emphasizes the cost of discipleship. We explore what it means to follow Jesus with our whole hearts, despite the sacrifices required. Following Jesus is free but will ultimately cost us everything as we move from the ‘come and see' of Jesus' ministry to the ‘come and die' of our call to follow Him. What are the things holding us back from a fully committed pursuit of Jesus' way of life? Connect with Us | Text Us: (650)600-0402

This week we sit down with Scott Palmbush to chat more about his message, Aisha shares about burn out, and we talk about ways to check our own lives to make sure the pace we are living at is sustainable and healthy. Connect with Us | Text Us: (650)600-0402

Mary and Martha's story in Luke 10:38-42 reveals the tension between serving and surrendering to Jesus. We often find ourselves choosing one over the other—either getting caught up in doing or struggling to simply be with God. But Jesus invites us to prioritize our relationship with Him, choosing the better part. Connect with Us Text Us: (650)600-0402

This week we get to know Alisha Gibson from our Saratoga Campus a little better and dive deeper into suffering and sabbath. See you at the For The Bay 5k! Connect with Us | Text Us: (650)600-0402

Jesus heals a blind man, illustrating the shift from spiritual darkness to light. This story encourages us to open our eyes to the truth and light of Christ. Are you bold enough to ask Jesus for the healing you need to see what has been difficult to see in your own life? What are the blindspots that you have regularly struggled to cope with or address honestly in your own self-reflection? Connect with Us | Text us: (650)600-0402

This week we chat about cruises, our For The Bay 5k Run, and the cost people may pay while choosing to follow Jesus - and how ultimately freeing that is.  Connect with Us | Text Us: (650)600-0402

What does it truly mean to be born again? In this powerful message, we explore Jesus' late-night conversation with Nicodemus (John 3:1-21), where He reveals the necessity of spiritual rebirth. Just as Nicodemus wrestled with this life-changing truth, we, too, are invited to embrace renewal and transformation through Christ. Check out our Lent Devotional! Connect with Us | Text Us: (650)600-0402

In preparation for our For the Bay 5k Race, we get to hear about the amazing work of Mobilize Love from Co-Founder Chris Huang. We hear how this ministry got started, how it serves thousands of children across the city of San Francisco, and how by joining the the For the Bay 5k you can also support this amazing cause to serve under resourced children.  Connect with us | Text Us: (650)600-0402

This week Phil and Mark chat the beginnings of the season known as Lent, what it is, what it means and dive into the first week of our new series! We also chat parenthood and facebook marketplace searches, and excitedly launch our Lent Devotional, Parent Event and For the Bay 5k Race! Connect with us | Text Us: (650)600-0402

Jesus meets the Samaritan woman at the well, offering her living water that quenches her deepest thirst. This encounter reveals the transformative power of acceptance and truth in our lives. Who are people in your life who offer this kind of patient conversation with you, sharing hope when you feel most hopeless? Connect with Us and Lent Devo | Text Us: (650)600-0402

This week Tim Wong sits down with Richard Lee, Global Senior Officer of Public Engagement at the International Justice Mission, to further unpack how IJM is carrying the message of ending injustice on the global stage. Find out more about IJM here: https://www.ijm.org/

Brett Koerten and Mark Morinishi sit down to close our Formation Machine series, chatting about spiritual formation, how the impacts the next generation and the importance of having people in your life to help guide you. We also get a guest appearance from Tim Wong to share excitement for the For The Bay 5k Race! Connect with Us | Text Us: (650)600-0402

In the final week, we will focus on the role of the church as a counter-cultural community. Living as a creative minority will inform our understanding of how the church can influence culture rather than merely being influenced by it. We'll explore the call to love, not like the world (1 John 2:15-17) but how living distinctly as followers of Christ can impact our broader community. Connect with Us | Text Us: (650)600-0402

In this episode of Menlo Church's Missions Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Nikum Pon to hear his incredible story of resilience, faith, and impact. From his journey through adversity to becoming a transformative leader, Dr. Pon shares how his passion for education is driving reform in Cambodia. Discover how he is shaping the future of Cambodian communities through innovative educational initiatives (Asian Hope) and nonprofit work, all while staying rooted in his mission to bring hope and opportunity to others. Text Us: (650)600-0402

This week Mark is back after welcoming his baby boy into the world, and is joined by Rachelle Summers to chat baby things, discuss the message, and deep dive into all things spiritual formation. Connect with Us | Text Us: (650)600-0402

We'll delve into the importance of spiritual practices in resisting cultural pressures and being formed by Christ. We'll discuss practices such as Sabbath, solitude, and community as essential for slowing down and creating space for God. Colossians 2:8 will guide us in understanding the importance of being rooted in Christ rather than in hollow and deceptive philosophies. Connect with us | Text Us: (650)600-0402

We get the honor to sit down with the founder of Rise Against Hunger, Ray Buchanan, to talk about how it got started, how Menlo has been a tremendous help for so many, and how to continue in our partnership. Text us: (650)600-0402

We live in a culture that feels like the terms and service agreement; we don't read it before we accept it, and before we know it…it's too late to change our mind. This week will focus on the subtle and pervasive ways culture shapes our thinking and behavior. We'll explore the daily systems around us as major forces of spiritual formation; we'll explore how media, technology, and societal norms influence us more than we might realize. We'll look at Paul's admonition in Romans 12:2 to not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of our minds. Connect with Us | Need prayer or encouragement? Text (650)600-0402

This week we recap Baptism Sunday and our recent Rise Against Hunger meal kit event with Phil EuBank and Tim Wong, Director of Missions and Outreach. If you ever had questions about committing to Jesus, or the importance or serving others who desperately need it, this is for you!  Connect with us | Need prayer? Text us (650)600-0402

At a time when separation between groups of people based on their religious customs and traditions was normal and embraced, the early church saw God moving in everyone, regardless of their background. We will be challenged to see God's capacity for that change in all of us today. Connect with us Need prayer? Text Us: (650)600-0402

In our last week of our Startup Faith Series we chat about the importance of having diverse voices in our life, what it means to listen to God, Bonhoeffer, and cook outs. Text Us: (650)600-0402