Mission Grove Church Podcast

In Week 4 of our Exodus series, Pastor Jon Kragel walks through Exodus 12 and Luke 22 to show how the first Passover wasn't just Israel's escape from Egypt—it was God's redemptive blueprint pointing to Christ. From the unblemished lamb and the blood on the doorposts to the broken bread and the cup of the new covenant, we see that Communion is Passover completed in Christ and continued in us. If you've ever wondered why we take the bread and the cup—and what it truly means—this message will help you see the story of redemption with fresh clarity and deeper gratitude.

Have you ever noticed that when God starts moving in your life… things sometimes get harder before they get better? This Sunday at Mission Grove Church, Pastor Jon continues our Exodus series with a powerful message titled “The Price of Redemption” (Exodus 5–11). We'll wrestle with the tension between the relief we want and the redemption God is actually working.

Today, we move from a hidden season into a holy interruption. At the end of Exodus chapter 2 we read of 4 actions of God: God heard, God remembered, God saw, and God knew what was going on with his people. Today, in Exodus chapters 3 ad 4, we'll discuss how God speaks. God called Moses to a specific task, but Moses was reluctant to step into his calling. Thankfully, God even works through reluctant leaders when they reach the place of obedience. Today, we'll learn that excuses delay what obedience delivers.

What do you do when God feels silent—and nothing seems to be happening? In this message, Pastor Jon Kragel opens our new Exodus series by stepping into the often-overlooked early chapters of Moses' life. Before the burning bush. Before the miracles. Before the rescue. Moses spends years in hidden, quiet, confusing seasons—and it's there that God is doing some of His deepest work.

Vision Sunday 2026 is a moment to celebrate what God has done and to look ahead with faith and expectation. We'll reflect on how Mission Grove Church has grown this past year, meaningful community outreach, and lives being impacted beyond our walls. As we step into the year ahead, we'll introduce our new word for the year, Transform, and invite everyone to imagine how God wants to reshape our hearts, our church, and our influence in our city. Come ready to celebrate, dream, and take your next step into what's ahead.

If you're skeptical, discouraged, carrying questions, or simply trying to find meaning in a challenging world, this talk reminds you that evil doesn't win, suffering doesn't last forever, and sorrow never gets the final say.

Why, even when life is good—a solid job, a growing family, meaningful relationships—do we still feel like something is missing? This Sunday at Mission Grove Church, Pastor Jon Kragel tackles that honest question in our Good Question series with the message, "Why Do We Long for More?" Scripture shows that our longing is not a sign of failure, but evidence that we were created for something beyond what this world can provide. God has placed eternity in our hearts, and Jesus offers a life that goes beyond striving, achieving, and accumulating.

In a culture that prizes tolerance but resists authority, Christianity is often labeled as too exclusive. This message explores why exclusivity isn't unique to Christianity—every worldview draws a line somewhere—and why the real tension isn't exclusivity, but who gets to define truth.

Most breakthroughs in life don't happen overnight—they happen over time. In this message, Pastor Jon Kragel of Mission Grove Church explains why small daily habits, spiritual disciplines, and consistent faith create the conditions where God brings growth, transformation, and breakthrough.

Joy can feel hard to come by—especially in a season filled with pressure, expectations, and noise. But what if joy isn't something you have to chase… what if it's something you make room for? From the wise men to the shepherds to Mary herself, we see how real joy begins when people personally encounter Jesus—not just as a tradition, but as a Savior.

What if the breakthrough you've been praying for is on the other side of the obedience you've been postponing? This Sunday, Pastor Jon explores how God doesn't just speak—He leads. Using the story of the Magi and Joseph's journey (Matthew 2:11-15), we'll uncover how God speaks to us through Scripture, dreams, people, opportunities, and even our struggles.

What if joy isn't something you wait for… but something God is already leading you toward? Pastor Jon continues our Follow the Star series with a message from Matthew 2:9–11 about The Joy of Worship. We look at the Magi, their journey, and how God led them step by step—long before they ever saw the outcome.

What if the peace you want can't be found by fixing your circumstances—but by shifting who leads your life? In this week's Advent message, The Struggle for Peace, Pastor Jon teaches from Matthew 2:1–8 and contrasts the responses of Herod and the wise men. Together we'll see why peace isn't the absence of conflict, but the presence of Christ shaping who we are and how we live. Discover how surrender brings freedom, how worship replaces control, and why Jesus must direct our lives—not just decorate our holidays.

Have you ever wondered where to find real hope when life feels uncertain? As we begin the Advent season, Pastor Jon launches our new series with “The Search for Hope.” Looking at Matthew 2:1–2 and Isaiah 9:2, we're reminded that hope isn't just a feeling—it's found in following Jesus. In this message, you'll see how God brings light into darkness and keeps His promises, no matter what you're facing.

Jesus meets the Samaritan woman in the middle of her ordinary, messy day, reminding us that He meets us right where we are. In this Week 3 message of Greater Story, guest speaker Fernando Mejia shows how God uses dry seasons and unexpected moments as divine appointments. Jesus sees our whole story, offers living water, and invites us into something greater. No matter your past or present, He can turn your mess into a mission.

What does it look like to move from quiet curiosity about Jesus to bold courage for Him? This week, Pastor Jon shares the story of Nicodemus—a respected religious leader who came to Jesus in the dark but eventually stepped into the light. Through three key moments in Scripture (John 3, 7, and 19), we'll see how Nicodemus' faith journey mirrors our own—how Jesus meets us in our questions, transforms our hearts, and calls us to live out our faith publicly.

Have you ever noticed how an encounter with Jesus changes everything? In Luke 19, we meet Zacchaeus—a man known for greed who becomes a picture of generosity. This week, Pastor Jon shares how grace received becomes generosity shared, and how your story—before Jesus, meeting Jesus, and after—can be a powerful testimony of God's transforming love.

We live in a world full of distractions, discouragement, and spiritual drift—and the enemy loves every bit of it. But there's hope: the enemy doesn't fear a perfect church, he fears a praying church. In this message, we explore how prayer is powerful, persistent, and transformative. From life's struggles to its successes, prayer invites God into every chapter of our story. Join us as we learn how a praying church can move heaven and change lives.

Life can feel unpredictable and out of control—but James (James 4:13-5:12) reminds us that every day is a gift, not a guarantee. In this week's message, Pastor Jon Kragel unpacks what it means to live with eternity in your mind and urgency in your heart. Discover how to trust God with your wealth, your worries, and your words—and how those daily choices shape a life that truly matters.

Why does conflict seem to follow us — at work, at home, and even inside our own hearts? In this message, Pastor Jon unpacks James 3:13–4:12 to show how God can use conflict to shape our character rather than break our spirit. When we learn to posture ourselves with humility, take personal responsibility, and pour out grace, our struggles can actually become the place where faith grows deepest.

Have you ever noticed how one careless word can start a fight—or one kind word can heal a wound? Our words carry incredible power, but most of us struggle to keep them under control. This week at Mission Grove Church, Pastor Jon shares practical wisdom from James 3 in a message called Taming Wild Words. You'll learn why your words can either build or burn, and how real change begins not with your mouth, but with your heart.

Is faith just something you believe—or something you live? This Sunday, Pastor Dan King walks us through James 2:14–26 with a powerful reminder: real faith shows up in real life. Join us as we explore how faith shapes our priorities—our resources, our commitments, our values, and even our sense of security.

In James 2:1–13, we're reminded that real faith doesn't play favorites. Showing partiality isn't just impolite—it's sin, because it violates God's command to “love your neighbor as yourself.” Jesus reached across every barrier—rich and poor, young and old, insider and outcast—and calls His church to do the same. In this message, Pastor Jon unpacks how mercy triumphs over judgment and how keeping our eyes on Jesus reshapes the way we value people around us. Faith that works is faith that sees every person as made in God's image and worthy of love, dignity, and mercy.

Today, Pastor Jon will share how living faith is a moving faith. Like riding a bike, following Jesus gives us balance, rhythm, and forward motion—helping us stand firm in our identity as God's children, be grounded in His Word, and live it out daily in obedience.

Where do we turn when the world feels broken, divided, and heavy with grief? Whether through tragedies in the news or struggles in our own homes, we all face the reality of evil and sorrow. This Sunday, Pastor Jon will share a message reminding us that while evil is real and grief is heavy, Jesus offers us lasting hope.

God doesn't waste your trials—He uses them to prepare you for the wild journey of faith. James introduces himself as a servant of Jesus—the brother who once doubted but now leads with bold faith. He calls scattered believers to see trials not as setbacks but as opportunities for growth, producing perseverance and maturity. Faith isn't tame; it thrives in adversity.

What does it really mean to live with courage as a follower of Jesus? In the final week of our Room to Grow series, Pastor Jon unpacks what it means to live with real courage. True courage isn't the absence of fear—it's trusting God enough to take the next step. Drawing from Romans 12, we'll discover four practical steps of courage that mark a growing Christian life: the courage to worship by surrendering our lives to God, the courage to serve by using our gifts, the courage to care by loving authentically, and the courage to persevere by overcoming evil with good. Like Abraham, who was fully persuaded that God had the power to do what He promised (Romans 4:20–21), we're invited to live with that same conviction. The question for us today is simple: what courageous step is God asking you to take?

How do you deal with complicated people who frustrate, hurt, or challenge you? In Week 4 of our Room to Grow series, Pastor Jon unpacks Romans 12:14–21 and shows how complicated people don't block your calling—they build your character. This passage reminds us that growing Christians choose blessing over bitterness, peace over pride, and goodness over grudge. The message challenges believers to practice gospel recall, invites seekers to consider whether they want a life marked by bitterness, pride, and grudge, and encourages skeptics to reflect on Jesus and the cross. The closing challenge is to take one step toward blessing, peace, or goodness in a complicated relationship this week.

Biblical love isn't a feeling you fake—it's a life you live. We're joined by guest preacher, Hunter Jones, as he unpacks Romans 12:9–13 to show how authentic love transforms our relationships and strengthens the church. God calls us to a love that stands strong, lifts up, moves forward, doubles down, and reaches out.

Are you doing what you're made for—or just trying to make it through the week? In this message, we dive into how God's grace is more than a rescue plan—it's your empowerment strategy. Grace doesn't stop with you—it's meant to move through you. Learn how your God-given gifts are designed to build up others, bring purpose to your life, and strengthen the Church. You are gifted. You are needed. Let's discover how to live that out—together.

Is your faith stuck in neutral? In this message from Pastor Jon, we're exploring Romans 12:1–2 and discovering how lasting transformation begins—not with more effort—but with deeper commitment. You'll learn how God's mercy lays the foundation for real change, what it means to be a “living sacrifice,” and how renewing your mind can reshape your entire life.

Are you looking for a way to keep your family grounded in the middle of a busy, ever-changing world? This week's message from Pastor Jon, Rooted & Ready (Colossians 2:6–7), explores what it means to build a strong spiritual foundation for your family this fall. Discover four practical, biblical practices — being grace-filled, grounded, growing, and grateful — that will help you anchor your faith and lead your family with purpose and peace.

In this powerful message from guest speaker Pastor Dan King, we take a close look at Jesus' letter to the church in Laodicea (Revelation 3:14-22). It's a call to wake up, open the door, and truly follow Jesus—not just in name, but in action. Drawing from both the Gospels and Acts, Pastor Dan walks us through what it actually means to be a follower of the Way—a Christian who lives in step with the voice and presence of Jesus.

Feeling overlooked? In a success-driven world, Jesus reminds us that faithfulness matters most. Today, Pastor Dave Reno shares from Revelation 3:7–13 and the story of the faithful church in Philadelphia. Though small, they stayed true—and Jesus promised them open doors. Let's remember to stay faithful and trust God with our future. In what area of your life do you need to trust God today?

In a world where it's easy to coast, conform, or fall asleep spiritually, Jesus calls us to wake up and live as fully engaged, passionate followers. Discover what it means to be a faith walker, not a sleepwalker. Learn how to strengthen what remains, stand firm on your core values, and live with eternal urgency. We're honored to have guest speaker, Jim Kragel, bring the message and challenge us from Revelation 3, as well as verses from Romans 12, Philippians 3, Psalms, and more—this message is packed with truth to reignite your heart for God.

Is “holiness” just an outdated religious word—or could it be the very thing we need most right now? In this week's message from our Dear Church series, Pastor Jon explores Jesus' powerful letter to the church in Thyatira—a group of believers praised for their love but corrected for their compromise. Together, we'll unpack how true holiness is not just a description of God's perfection, but also a direction for us, believers—about becoming more like Jesus in a world that constantly pulls us away from Him. This message is for anyone who's ever felt like following Jesus means swimming upstream. Learn what it means to hold fast to truth, live set apart, and reflect God's love with grace and conviction.

What happens when faith and culture collide? In this week's message, Pastor Jon Kragel explores Jesus' words to the church in Pergamum—an influential, spiritually confused city described as the place “where Satan dwells.” While some believers stood strong in their faith, others began to compromise, influenced by false teaching and counterfeit grace.

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.