Mission Grove Church Podcast

How do you stay faithful when life falls apart? This week at Mission Grove Church, Pastor Jon Kragel continues our Dear Church series with a powerful message to the church in Smyrna. In Revelation 2:8–11, Jesus acknowledges their suffering and calls them to faithfulness in the fire. Why? Because God's presence is greater than life's pressure.

Is it possible to stay spiritually connected when life never slows down? In this second message of our Dear Church series, Pastor Jon Kragel unpacks Jesus' words to the Church in Ephesus—a group of believers who were busy, disciplined, and doctrinally sound, but had lost something essential: their love. Jesus gives a clear warning and a practical path forward: Remember. Repent. Redo. Because a church—or a person—that leaves their love will lose their light.

Revelation 1 gives us a breathtaking vision of Jesus—glorified, powerful, and present—reminding us that a clear view of Him brings clarity to everything else. Written by the Apostle John during persecution, this “unveiling” wasn't about predicting the future, but encouraging faith in the present. Jesus is revealed as the exalted Prophet, Priest, and King who walks among His people and holds the Church close. He sees the Church not as an institution, but as His Body, His Building, and His Bride—imperfect, yet deeply precious to Him.

We're wrapping up our Relationship Remodel series with a call to rediscover what truly lasts: faith, hope, and love. The church in Corinth had all the spiritual gifts, but Paul reminded them (and us) that loving God and loving others is what really matters. This message will be taught our friend and church planter, Fernando Mejia. Fernando and his wife, Nicole, are launching Social Church, (an English and Spanish church) in the West Valley later this fall.

Ever wonder if real love is even possible anymore—especially when things feel broken beyond repair? Today, Pastor Jon Kragel unpacks a powerful reminder from 1 Corinthians 13:8-12 that God's love isn't just our destination—it's our daily fuel. While everything else may fade, His love remains. Come discover how to move from confusion to clarity, from surviving to growing, and from just knowing about love to actually living it.

Is your relationship built to last—or ready to fall apart in the next storm? In this week's message from The Relationship Remodel series, Pastor Jon Kragel shows us how to weatherproof our love with tools straight from 1 Corinthians 13.

Today we learn that only God's perfect love can empower our imperfect love. Agape love — unconditional, self-giving, and sacrificial — transforms relationships not by fixing people but by letting God's love flow through us. Barriers like criticism, comparison, control, and complacency can block love, but staying rooted in Christ allows us to love patiently and kindly, even when it's hard. Loving others starts by personally receiving God's love, faithfully remembering His love, and boldly reflecting His love in action.

Is love really enough to heal a broken relationship? Or is there something deeper we're missing? Love is more than a feeling. Love is the foundation. In this message, pastor Jon Kragel kicks off the L.O.V.E. Remodel Challenge—a four-step journey to grow, heal, or strengthen a relationship that matters to you. Whether you're feeling stuck, distant, or just ready for a change, this teaching from 1 Corinthians 13 unpacks a kind of love that goes beyond emotion—Agape love—a love that shatters, saves, and shapes us.

Doubt isn't the end of faith– it might just be the beginning. In today's message, “The Benefit of Doubt,” pastor Jon Kragel explores how doubt can actually be a doorway to deeper faith.

Life gets overwhelming—whether you feel overworked, unexpectedly broken, or unsure how God could possibly be present in your current situation. Acts 27–28 shows how God can work even in shipwrecks, storms, and detours. Paul's journey to Rome was marked by chaos, but God used it all to show His faithfulness, power, and purpose. Through divine redirection, unexpected kindness, and miraculous healing, we're reminded that storms don't cancel our calling. In fact, our greatest impact may come in the middle of our greatest mess. Today, pastor Jon Kragel shares how our significance is greater than our storm. We are invited to live with bold faith, filled with the Holy Spirit, bringing the presence of Jesus to a world in need.

Have you faced challenges, doubts, or setbacks and questioned how God could use your life for something bigger. Today, pastor Dave Reno will be bringing a powerful message titled "What's Your Story?"— a message that will inspire you to see how God can use every part of your journey for His purpose.

Today, pastor Jon Kragel shares from Acts 21-23 that having an eternal perspective will strengthen your everyday perseverance. As we dive into the life of Paul, we'll see that he embraced this reality with unwavering commitment. His life was marked by a boldness that defied circumstances, and today, we're going to learn what it looks like to follow Jesus in the same way.

What are you chasing in life? Success? Security? Significance? In Acts 20:17-24, the Apostle Paul shares four keys to finishing well—leading with humility, investing in people, following the Spirit, and embracing the ultimate goal. Join Pastor Jon Kragel as he unpacks how what you chase determines how you finish. Don't miss this powerful message that will challenge and inspire you to live with purpose.

Brave Faith requires both biblically correct information and God-honoring courageous action. But what happens when we base our faith on incomplete or misunderstood teachings? In Acts 19, we see how even well-meaning believers needed greater clarity about the Holy Spirit and spiritual gifts. Pastor Dan King will challenge us to stand firm in truth and live out our faith boldly.

In this message, pastor Jon Kragel walks through Acts 18 and the story of Aquila and Priscilla, showing how faith grows through relationships. Discover five key qualities that can shape both your marriage and your ministry, and learn practical ways to start impacting others today. Faith moves at the speed of relationships—are you ready to take your next step?

In this message, Pastor Jon Kragel unpacks Acts 17, where the Apostle Paul speaks to a culture full of competing beliefs. His approach—curiosity, clarity, and courage—gives us a roadmap for sharing the Gospel with those who are searching.

What do you do when life doesn't go as planned? Today, Pastor Jon Kragel will dive into Acts 16 and Philippians 1 to show how, no matter our circumstances, we're called to praise God and point others to Him. Through the story of Paul and Silas, we'll learn that worship and witness are a lifestyle, not just actions—and that breakthroughs often come from a change in spirit, not just circumstances. Join us as we discover how every situation can become a stage for God's glory.

In a world that tells us we have to earn our worth, follow the right rules, or prove ourselves to belong, the idea of grace—God's free and undeserved gift—can be hard to understand. In this message, pastor Jon Kragel will walk through Acts 15 and break down the Jerusalem Council, a pivotal moment when the early church wrestled with what it truly means to follow Jesus. Is faith about rules and traditions, or is it about something deeper? As we explore this question, we'll see how grace isn't just a theological idea—it's the foundation of our relationship with God and the key to a transformed life.

Feeling overwhelmed by life's challenges? Wondering how to stay strong for your family when everything feels like it's falling apart? In this message, Pastor Jon Kragel dives into Acts 13 & 14 to show how tough seasons aren't just obstacles to endure—they're opportunities to grow. Whether you're facing rejection, hardship, or uncertainty, this talk will remind you that with Jesus, you might not be untouchable, but you are unstoppable. If you're looking for strength, hope, and purpose in the middle of life's struggles, this message is for you. Watch now and discover how brave faith can transform your challenges into something greater.

What if the overwhelm you feel isn't from a lack of time—but a lack of clarity? This week, as we kick off our Brave Faith series, Pastor Jon Kragel will unpack how a focused faith can cut through distractions, bring purpose to your everyday life, and lead you toward deeper connection with God, your community, and your mission. Let's dive in.

Are you feeling the weight of juggling life, work, and family while still searching for deeper purpose and peace? Do you ever wonder if there's a way to pray that brings clarity to confusion, strength to your spirit, and freedom to your soul? This Sunday, Jim Kragel will dive into what it means to pray in truth—to connect your prayers to the one true God in a way that transforms not just your words but your entire life. Through practical insights and powerful scriptures, you'll discover how God's truth provides a foundation and freedom, how His Word can be your compass, and why His love and His people are essential to your journey. Let God's truth guide your steps, anchor your heart, and lead the way forward.

Discover the power of forgiveness and its connection to prayer. Of all the things Jesus could have included in the Lord's Prayer, why did He talk about forgiveness? Today, as we conclude our series, Teach Us to Pray, pastor Jon Kragel teaches how our vertical relationship with God is directly connected to our horizontal relationship with others. Together, let's dive into Matthew 6:12-13 and Luke 11:4 as we learn how to cancel the debts of those who have wronged us, break free from bitterness, and embrace the transformative nature of God's grace. Forgiveness isn't forgetting, excusing, or denying justice—it's a path to healing and freedom. Join us as we uncover practical steps to align your prayers with God's purpose and experience the peace only He can provide.

In Week 2 of our Teach Us to Pray series, Pastor Jon Kragel unpacks the powerful truth behind Purpose & Provision from Matthew 6:10-11 and Luke 11:2-3. Discover how praying “Your kingdom come, Your will be done” shifts our focus from cultural pressures to God's divine purpose. Learn how God's provision may appear as an offering, opportunity, or even an obstacle—and how each is part of His perfect plan.

Why does prayer often feel like a duty instead of a connection? Today, Pastor Jon Kragel will explore how Jesus transforms prayer from a task into a relationship. In the Lord's Prayer, He teaches us that prayer is about presence—being with God—and praise, responding to His goodness. Rediscover prayer as an anchor for your soul and a doorway to relationship. Today's message comes from Matthew 6:5-13.

What if Christmas is more than the lights, the gifts, or even the traditions we hold so dear? What if it's the arrival of something deeper—someone greater? Today, as we reflect on the familiar story of a baby born in Bethlehem, we'll discover a love that reaches farther, holds stronger, and goes deeper than we could ever imagine. This is a love that not only meets us where we are but leads us to victory in life. This Christmas, let's embrace the gift that truly is more than you expected.

What if the challenges and routines of daily life—work deadlines, parenting struggles, or even balancing relationships—weren't just random chaos but intentional opportunities for a greater purpose? Have you ever felt like your life should mean more, like you were made for something bigger but just aren't sure what that looks like? Today, Pastor Jon Kragel will dive into the truth that God's presence doesn't just comfort us; it empowers us to live with boldness and clarity on His mission.

Have you ever faced a season where uncertainty felt overwhelming and the path ahead seemed unclear? What if those valleys are where God does His deepest work in shaping your life? This Sunday, Pastor Dan King will guide us through the powerful truth that God is with us in our valleys. Together, we'll discover how the challenges we face can lead to Christ-like transformation when we trust His presence and His purpose in every step of the journey.

What battles are you facing right now—at work, in your family, or in your heart? Life often feels like an endless arena where challenges and critics surround us. But what if courage isn't about being fearless? What if it's about where we place our focus? Today, Pastor Jon Kragel will dive into the story of Joshua and discover how God's presence gives us strength to face life's hardest moments. Whether you're striving for balance, enduring setbacks, or seeking purpose, know this: God is with you in your battles. Join us as we explore what it means to live with courage that comes from Him.

In the everyday busyness of life, it's easy to feel overlooked or insignificant. But God's promise in Isaiah 7:14—fulfilled in the birth of Jesus—reminds us that He is present even in life's smallest, most ordinary moments. Today, Pastor Jon Kragel begins a new series, God With Us, and we will discover how God turns the overlooked into the extraordinary.

Have you ever left your faith in the "package," untouched and unused? Today, we explore what it means to take your faith out of the box and put it into action. From Matthew 25:14-30 and other passages, pastor Jon Kragel will share how fear wastes what faith multiplies. Join us as we challenge one another to steward our time, talent, and treasure with faith instead of fear. Discover how God blesses faithful risk with fruitful return and learn how to embrace gratitude as an active response to His incredible gifts.

Have you ever felt trapped, unable to see a way forward? Peter experienced this firsthand when he was locked up in prison, facing certain death. But as his friends prayed, God moved and brought an unexpected rescue, knocking at the door of their faith. Today, pastor Jon Kragel reminds us that when we pray and obey, we join the movement of God. In Acts 12, we see how our prayers open doors for divine intervention. We'll discuss and discover what it looks like to answer when God knocks, even if it challenges our expectations.

Ever feel like there's something more you're meant for—a bigger purpose, deeper connection, or lasting impact? Today Pastor Jon Kragel looks over Acts 10, where we see God breaking down barriers and opening paths to exactly that. We're exploring what happens when we trust Him to lead us beyond our limits.

What if your past—no matter how complicated—could actually be turned into a powerful platform for good? Maybe you've faced setbacks in your career, experienced fractured relationships, or struggled with mistakes you thought would define you forever. Today, Pastor Jon Kragel will dive into Saul's life-altering encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus (from Acts 9) —a moment that transformed a man with a troubled past into a powerful voice for God.

When God says "GO," are you ready? In this message, pastor Jon Kragel will explore how Philip's obedience in Acts 8 brought the Gospel to unexpected places and people. From the crowds in Samaria to a searching Ethiopian official, God's love knows no boundaries. The Gospel is for everyone.

What if your ordinary, everyday actions could have an extraordinary, eternal impact? Today, Pastor Jon Kragel will explore the life of Stephen (from Acts 6 & 7), a man who lived with unwavering faith, wisdom, and humility, and whose influence changed the course of history. Whether you're navigating the challenges of modern life, seeking deeper purpose, or longing to make a difference, this message will show you how an “ordinary” person can live a truly extraordinary life. How can you, too, leave a legacy that outlasts your lifetime? Listen to find out.

In a divided world, how do Christians stay true to their faith? Today, pastor Jon Kragel will explore how the disciples and Jesus navigated political challenges without compromising their mission (Acts 5 & Mark 12). Join us as we learn to live with conviction, compassion, and unity. Watch now to discover how we can rise above the noise and reflect God's truth in today's culture.

The best time to follow God is now. Today, we celebrate and praise God for what He's done in the past as well as pray for what God is going to do in the future. Pastor Jon Kragel will be sharing an update on our Crazy Love Project, sharing lots of encouraging testimonies from the people in the church, as well as preach from 2 Corinthians 5:13-6:2.

Have you ever wondered why your motivation behind giving matters to God? Today, pastor Jon Kragel teaches through Acts 4:32-5:11, uncovering a powerful lesson about the heart's role in generosity and integrity. Through the stories of two different responses to God's call, his message will challenge you to reflect on what truly drives your actions. What does God see when He looks at your heart? Join us as we discover why your motivation matters.

In today's world, we often find ourselves navigating through chaos, stress, and uncertainty. But what if we could pursue healthy, fulfilling relationships even amidst the messiness of life? Join us for this week's sermon, "Healthy Relationships in an Unhealthy World," where pastor Jon Kragel will use Jesus' examples found in the Gospel of Mark to explore the value and power of relationships rooted in faith. Join us as we discuss practical relationship principles: * Boundaries * The Relationship Spectrum * The Practice of Differentiation * Tips for Better Conversations If you're seeking guidance on how to foster biblical, healthier, more meaningful connections in an often chaotic world, this message is for you!

What if the name of Jesus could change your life? Today, as we study Acts 3 and 4, we'll discover how embracing the name of Jesus creates a new normal—unlocking new life, absolute authority, miraculous transformation, and empowered boldness.

Are you feeling like you've been waiting for something big to happen in your life? Imagine the joy of your sports team winning the championship, the relief when a storm ends, or the excitement of a long-anticipated graduation day. Today, pastor Jon Kragel continues preaching through Acts, and in Acts 2, we see a powerful "wait is over" moment—the arrival of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, changing everything for the early church. Join us online this week as we explore how the Holy Spirit brings life, grace, and transformation. How will you respond to God's invitation?

Are you experiencing a spiritual power outage? What if the power hasn't left the church, but the church has left the power? As Christians, we're called to live in the POWER of the Holy Spirit to be the PRESENCE of Christ to the PEOPLE around us. Join us today as we start a new series through Acts, and pastor Jon Kragel preaches through Acts 1:1-14. Where the Gospel of Luke covered what Jesus did, Acts covers what Jesus is still doing through the church today!

What's guiding you through life? Vision is like a compass. Mission and Values are like the map. Vision points to true north, while mission and value help you get to where you want to go. Today, as we wrap our series, Centered, pastor Jon Kragel shares how what you value determines what you do, and therefore, what you do demonstrates what you value. While you process your own personal values, we'll discuss and describe the values of Mission Grove Church and how they drive what we do on a weekly and daily basis.

Do you ever feel trapped by your emotions, unaware of the impact they have on your life and relationships? Are you curious about how emotional blindness might be blocking you from seeing God's plan and participating in healthy relationships? Join us this Sunday as pastor Dan King preaches a message that will explore how understanding and overcoming our emotional blind spots can lead us to a deeper connection with God and others.

When it comes to dealing with stress and anxiety and you're hearing a song you don't like in your mind, turn down the volume and tune into a better channel. Today, in week one of our new series, Centered, pastor Jon Kragel discusses how to identify chronic anxiety in your life as well as how to respond from a biblical perspective.

Courage chooses calling over circumstance. Today, pastor Jon Kragel shares how the story of Esther shows Esther's obedience and God's provision in a time of challenging chaos. Whatever season you find yourself in today, choose courage by embracing God's placement, trusting God's plan, and walking in God's power.

Prayer is the path to praise. Today, as we wrap up our series through Psalms, pastor Jon Kragel preaches through Psalm 150 and the meaning of "hallelujah." For those who believe in Christ, all prayer eventually ends in praise. The conclusion of the Psalms should give us encouragement for every season of our life, knowing that when all is said and done, we will be standing before God shouting, "Praise the Lord."

If you've ever felt like your tears have been your only companion, or found yourself asking, "Where is my God?", you're not alone. Today, we'll explore the journey of a discouraged worship leader who faced a crisis of confidence and faith. Together, we'll uncover powerful lessons on dealing with discouragement, debunk common myths, and learn that it's okay to voice our pain to God.

We live in a world that teaches you to rely upon everything and everyone but the God who made you. But what if we truly believed that God was our rock and foundation not only for our faith, but also for our daily lives? Today, pastor Dan King will be preaching from Psalm 62, teaching us how to have spiritual reliance that only comes from God.

Psalm 139:1-16 not only speaks to the value of life, but also speaks to the value and attributes of the One who gives us life – God. Today, we continue our series through Psalms, as Jim Kragel teaches through 4 powerful and valuable attributes of God that will help you understand life as we know it.

Signs have significance when they point to something (or someone) greater than themselves. Although written 1,000 years prior, did you know that Psalms 110 and 118 point directly to Jesus? Jesus truly is our authority, our salvation, and our foundation. Today, as we continue our series, Summer in the Psalms, pastor Jon Kragel teaches through the most quoted and referenced Psalms in the New Testament. In our uncertain and unstable world, we can have certainty and security in Jesus.