Messages at Trinity Church

The journey of faith begins with honesty, not perfection. Psalm 120reminds us that God welcomes us just as we are—even in distress and frustration. Reflection Question: What would it look like to be completely honest with God this week?

In the church, we often measure maturity by knowledge, leadership, or spiritual gifts. But Jesus redefines the standard: maturity is measured by love. Love that forgives, serves, sacrifices, and seeks reconciliation. In a divided world, the church is called to be a community of relentless love, bearing witness to the One who laid down His life for us. This week is a call to examine our relationships within the body of Christ. Are we loving well? Are we reconciling when wounded? Are we serving without seeking recognition? Discipleship is not lived out in isolation—it's lived in community. And in that community, love must lead the way.

Obedience Rooted in Love

Sometimes growth feels like loss. This week, we explore how God shapes us through hard seasons—not to punish us, but to prepare us for more. Even the fruitful branches get pruned. Could God be growing something deeper in you? Reflection: Have you gone through a season where something was taken away, but in hindsight, it led to growth? What might God be pruning in your life right now?

Jesus invites us to stay connected to Him, not just believe in Him. In a world driven by hustle and pressure, He offers a better way: abiding. Discover what it means to stay rooted in Christ through every season of life. Text: John 15:1–2, 4–6 Reflection: Where in your life do you feel like you're striving on your own? What would it look like this week to stay connected to Jesus—in your schedule, your stress, and your relationships?

The journey doesn't stop at the empty tomb. Jesus gives His disciples—and us—a mission: to go, make disciples, and share His love with the world. We are both deeply loved and sent out with purpose. Text: Matthew 28:16-20 Reflection: What steps can you take to live as someone who is both loved and sent?

What seemed like the end was only the beginning. The tomb is empty, Jesus is alive, and everything has changed! The resurrection is the ultimate victory, proving that redemption is real, and new life is possible. Text: Matthew 28:1-15 Reflection: How does the reality of the resurrection shape your faith and your future?

Matthew 21:1-17 Jesus finally arrives in Jerusalem, but not in the way people expected. Instead of coming as a conquering king, He rides in on a donkey, fulfilling prophecy and revealing the true nature of His mission. Reflection: Where in your life might you be expecting Jesus to show up one way, but He is doing something different?

As Jesus nears the end of His journey, He speaks about the future—what is still to come and how we should live in the meantime. This passage reminds us that our journey isn't just about today but also about eternity. Reflection: How does knowing the destination shape the way you live now?

What does it mean to be great in God's Kingdom? Jesus challenges our assumptions about power, position, and success. He flips our expectations upside down and invites us to serve rather than be served. Reflection: How do you define greatness? How does Jesus' teaching reshape that definition?

Jesus teaches in parables—stories with deep truths—to help us understand what God's Kingdom is like. This week, we'll explore these stories and why people respond so differently to Jesus' message. Reflection: What kind of soil is your heart? Are you open to what God wants to plant in your life?

Following Jesus comes with a cost. In His second major teaching block, Jesus prepares His disciples for the challenges ahead. He reminds them (and us) that the road of discipleship isn't easy, but it is worth it. Reflection: What sacrifices have you made—or need to make—to follow Jesus more fully?

Not all journeys go as planned. This week, we see Jesus take a divine detour to encounter an unexpected individual—a Roman centurion. Through this encounter, we learn a powerful lesson about faith, humility, and trusting in God's authority. Reflection: How has God used unexpected detours in your life to deepen your faith? Matthew 8:5-17

What foundation are you building your life on? In A Discerning Life, we explore Jesus' teaching in Matthew 7:13-29, where He challenges us to choose the narrow path and build our lives on His unshakable truth. Join us as we learn how to recognize what is truly lasting and align our lives with God's wisdom.

In a world that glorifies self-sufficiency, Jesus invites us into something radically different—a life of dependence on God. In this episode of A Life Worth Living, we explore Matthew 7:1-12, where Jesus challenges us to rethink how we judge others, how we seek God, and how we treat the people around us.

Faith isn't a performance. Jesus shows us that generosity, prayer, and fasting are about building a genuine relationship with God, not seeking others' approval. (Matthew 6:1-7, 16-18)

How do we love others—even those we disagree with? Jesus teaches us to approach relationships with integrity, generosity, and grace. (Matthew 5:31-48)

Jesus calls us to a deeper righteousness—one that transforms our hearts and how we see others, addressing issues like anger and lust. (Matthew 5:17-30

What does it mean to be truly blessed? Jesus redefines “blessed” as a life fully dependent on God, where true satisfaction is found.

The birth of Jesus brings light into the darkest places, offering hope and guidance to a world in need. This week, we'll explore how Christ's light not only transforms our lives but also calls us to reflect His love and truth to others.

In a world filled with brokenness, Jesus came to bring healing and restoration. His purpose was clear: to save us from sin and restore our relationship with God. This week, we'll discover how the promise of a Savior changes everything, offering hope and redemption for all people.

The story of Jesus begins with a genealogy—a reminder that God's promises are deeply rooted in real people and real history. This week, we'll discover how Jesus invites us into a new family, one shaped by grace and the fulfillment of God's eternal plan.

Join us as we wrap up our series, I'm Glad You Asked. This week, we're tackling the question: Can I know God personally? Deep within us is a longing—a thirst—to connect with the One who created us. But is such a relationship truly possible? Let's explore this together. John 10:10-11 & 14-16

Welcome back to Glad You Asked, our series tackling life's toughest questions about faith. Last week, we explored, “Is Jesus Really God?” and discovered that the Bible makes a strong case for His divinity. But that leads us to another critical question: “Is the Bible reliable?” If we can't trust what it says, everything else falls apart. Join us this weekend as we dive into this important topic and uncover why the Bible is a trustworthy foundation for our faith.

In our Glad You Asked series, we're exploring one of the most fundimental questions of Christianity: Is Jesus really God? This question invites us to delve into the very heart of Christian belief, exploring what Jesus' divinity means and why Christians affirm His life, death, and resurrection as divine acts of love and salvation. We'll look closely at scripture, history, and perspectives from the Christian tradition to understand why believers see Jesus as God. Join us in discovering how this powerful truth shapes our lives and invites us into a deeper relationship with Him.

In our series " I'm Glad You Asked, " we are asking some big questions. This week, we explore the question, "Is Christianity Too Narrow?" We are surrounded by people of many faiths, so how can we insist that there is only one way? To say such a thing sounds narrow-minded at best and judgmental at worst. Be a part of the conversation as we dive deep into these questions and barriers many of us wrestle with on our faith journey.

You're invited to join us for the next part of our series, I'm Glad You Asked, where we tackle life's big questions. Last week, we explored “Is There a God?” and discussed the evidence for faith. But for many, the question goes beyond evidence. Often, there's a deeper struggle or doubt that holds us back from exploring God further. This week, we'll dive into those deeper questions and barriers that many of us wrestle with on our faith journey.

Last week, we tackled “Does Life Have a Purpose?” and found that without God, the answer might be no—but with Him, not only does life have a purpose, but your life has meaning and direction. This week, we move to the next logical question: “Is There a God?” Come explore, question, and discover with us.

Does life have a purpose? Each week this month we are asking big questions and offering a safe space to engage in honest dialogue, seek answers, and explore faith with openness.

Join us this weekend as we dive into 2 Corinthians 12:8-10 and the powerful truth that God's strength is made perfect in our weakness. In a world that glorifies power and success, Paul reminds us that true influence comes when we lead with humility and vulnerability. By embracing our weaknesses, we open the door for God's power to work through us in ways we could never imagine. Don't miss this opportunity to discover how, through Christ, our limitations can become the most incredible testimony to His strength. Come and experience the freedom of leading out of weakness!

This week, we look to Joseph's story in Genesis 50:15-21 as a reminder that while our past and family shape us, they don't define us. Despite enduring betrayal and pain from his own brothers, Joseph allowed God to transform his story of brokenness into one of forgiveness, healing, and blessing. God invites us to break free from the unhealthy patterns of our past and step into the new life He offers through Christ. Join us this Sunday as we explore how God can redeem our family histories, turning both the blessings and the hardships into a legacy of faith, love, and hope for generations to come.

This week, our focus will be Jonah 3:6-4:11. We'll explore the story of Jonah, a prophet who knew God's voice but struggled to show love to others. Like the religious leaders in Jesus' time, Jonah had knowledge of God but lacked compassion. Jesus made it clear that true spirituality must be reflected in our love for people, and spiritual maturity is not about religious activities but about how deeply we love others. Join us as we reflect on Jonah's journey and discover how our love for others reveals our understanding of God's heart. Together, let's learn how God's profound love for us empowers us to love others with the same grace and compassion.

This week we explore the profound and often overlooked treasures that can be found in grief and loss. Through the story of Job, we'll learn how God meets us in our deepest pain and transforms our hearts, leading us to a greater understanding of His love and power. Don't miss this opportunity to experience healing and renewal in your spiritual journey.

We live in a culture that views limits as liabilities. We are raised to believe we can do and be whoever we want. However, the Scriptures have a very different view of limits; they view limits as gifts that God uses to teach us and grow us into the people He has called us to be. In the Bible, we learn about a man named Elijah who is burned out because he has come to believe the lie that the future of Israel rests entirely on his shoulders. This story is a beautiful example of what we learn when we finally embrace the gift of limits. This weekend, learn how we can rely on a God who is bigger, more powerful, and more gracious than we could imagine.

To “Americanize” something means to shape it with American characteristics or bring it under the political, cultural, or commercial influence of the United States. When we “Americanize” Jesus within the church, we follow Him primarily because we believe He will make our lives better and more comfortable according to worldly standards. This is not a new problem. Jesus' disciples faced it, too.

Many of us find ourselves constantly overextended, doing more for Jesus than our inner life with Him can sustain. This often leaves us feeling anxious, frustrated, and teetering on the edge of burnout. This weekend, we'll dive into what it truly means to understand that God desires to spend time with us, and how we often get distracted by doing things for Him. A powerful example of this can be found in Luke 10:38-42. We look forward to seeing you this weekend as we take time to be with God together.

It's impossible to be spiritually mature while remaining emotionally immature. God created us as beings who think and feel, who don't just understand theological truths but are called to live in a relationship with Him and others. Our emotional lives are a powerful place to meet God, and it is often beneath the surface where He desires to do His greatest transforming work. Join us in this new series as we pursue spiritual maturity through emotional maturity.

What does it mean to be a “citizen of heaven” but still be a citizen of the United States? Can we be patriotic and proud of our country yet remember that our first allegiance is God? How does a Christian deal with the hostility that seems to weave through politics in our country today?

The Bible teaches that all authority, even that of secular leaders, comes from God. These leaders are considered His servants, intended to promote goodness in His creation. Whether or not they acknowledge God's authority, they fulfill their role when they work to restrain evil and create a safe society for everyone. As Christians, we demonstrate our obedience to God by being obedient to our government. When we pay taxes and show respect and honor to our civil leaders, we acknowledge their God-given role in our lives and society. However, are there limits to our obedience to civil authorities? Explore this important topic further with us.

Join us this weekend when we continue our series "One Nation Under God?" This week, we are exploring what it means to be a dual citizen. We are citizens of the United States and have the responsibility to be the best citizens we can be, while at the same time, our citizenship is in heaven!  How can we do our best to be “in the world but not of the world,” as the Bible teaches?

American democracy is more than a set of governmental institutions and practices. It rests on a foundation of deeply ingrained values that both shape and reflect our hearts. Some of these values are noble. Other values—including ones we take most for granted—are in direct conflict with the gospel. Historical perspective can help us to see contemporary American democracy with new eyes, in the process helping us think more Christianly as we think and act politically. Professor Tracy McKenzie is a professor of history at Wheaton College, where he holds the Arthur Holmes Chair of Faith and Learning and is a recipient of the college's Distinguished Teaching Award. He is the author, among other works, of The First Thanksgiving: What the Real Story Tells Us about Loving God and Learning from History, and We the Fallen People: The Founders and the Future of American Democracy. He is currently working on a book tentatively titled “‘The Almighty Has His Own Purposes': Abraham Lincoln and American Civil Religion.” Bookmarks 00:00 - Intro 03:48 - Part 1 23:49 - Part 2 46:36 - Q&A

It seems these days that our country is more divided than ever. Partisan politics is the rule in our government. Racial struggles dominate the news. Civil authorities like the police clash with the citizens they are sworn to serve and protect, and those citizens show no respect for those who serve. The rich get richer, and the poor grow poorer. Our once united country appears to be falling apart at the seams. For the Christian in modern America, there are two choices. Do we add our voices to the conflict? Do we choose sides and fight for what we believe is right? Do we use our freedom to cause deeper divides and wider conflict? Or, can we be the gentle voice of hope?

In the final week of our series, we will understand that grace is the final ingredient of enduring friendship. In the story of Philemon and Onesimus, Paul reminds them both that, through Christ, they are now forgiven. Over and over again, he appeals to this new identity in Jesus as the basis for their reconciliation with one another. Why? Because, in Jesus, they have now been covered by His grace.

If we want our friendships to last, we need to be open to letting the other person influence us by not only hearing the truth but also responding to it in ways that create lasting change. Both Philemon and Onesimus had to be ready to not only hear the truth from Paul about their strained relationship but also allow that truth to transform them. Repentance means being willing to take a new path together, and the result is truly beautiful. We learn that Philemon and Onesimus not only reconciled, but they became friends, brothers, and partners for the Gospel. Listen in as we continue our study of the book of Philemon.

The first essential ingredient for enduring friendships is truth. Because we are all sinners, it is inevitable that friendships will eventually lead us to encounter—and face—sin in ourselves and in others. This is certainly a reality in Philemon and Onesiumus' case; if their relationship as Christians is ever to grow into an enduring friendship, it requires both to face the truth about themselves, their sin, and what that has done to the other person.

This series dives into the book of Philemon, a surprising source of wisdom on friendship. Over the next four weeks, we'll explore how the apostle Paul helped reconcile Philemon and Onesimus, showing us the power of truth, repentance, and grace. Learn how even the most broken relationships can be transformed by God's love into lasting friendships. Don't miss this inspiring journey!

The final scene of the Bible is not humans going up to heaven to dwell on clouds, but rather heaven coming down to Earth where God dwells with us. It is a beautiful reminder that just as God once made the world to be His dwelling place, so He will do so again when He comes in glory. But this is not only a reality we look forward to, it is one that we live in light of. Over and over again throughout the New Testament, the apostles remind us that we are people who bring those little foretastes of Revelation 21 into our daily lives, as we live as hopefully people looking forward to that eternal promise. In Colossians 3, Paul reminds us to live in light of that future reality in ways that stamp our everyday moments with the promise of new life. It shapes what we do, who we are, and how we live in a way that brings glory to God and inspires others to, likewise, hope in Him.

One of the things that we often say at Trinity is “You can't grow spiritually unless you are connected relationally.” The reason? Life with God was never meant to be a solo endeavor. Just as He desires to walk with you, He also lives with us. In the Pentecost story, we find that God continues to “move into the neighborhood” by making His dwelling in the hearts of His people. He does this through the Holy Spirit, God, who personally sets up residence within us and among us. The result is not only that we are transformed as individuals but that we become a community of people through whom others also encounter God.  That is why life in the church is so important. It is where we encounter God in the context of community; where we are reminded of His presence in tangible and relational ways through worship, friendship, and service. The church continues to be the place where we encounter God, not because He dwells in a building but because He lives among His people.

Nick Price and Roy Farias team up for this week's mid-week episode. Tune in as they conclude our series, "How to Inhabit Time."

While the world and its pleasures may be fleeting, there is one place—or rather—one person who is eternal: God Himself. As Ecclesiastes comes to an end, the author encourages us to live in the light of eternity rather than get discouraged by the brokenness of today. Pursue God's wisdom and righteousness, for these are the things that will remain when all else fades. Join us this weekend as we wrap up our series How to Inhabit Time.