Welcome to the weekly podcast of SMCC messages. At SMCC, we strive to provide hopeful and helpful messages. Each week you'll be able to hear one of our communicators unpack a timeless truth from the Bible in one of our sermon series. To learn more about S
Is your phone just a tool, or has it become your master? In this message, Pastor Eric Nelson kicks off Digital Detox by exploring how digital media doesn't just distract us, it disciples us, shaping our minds and habits in subtle but powerful ways. Rooted in Scripture and modern research, this talk challenges us to reclaim our attention and take a bold step toward freedom with a 12-day digital fast.
Everyone has a money story, but the best ones start with God. In this message, Pastor Eric unpacks how seeing God as first and best reshapes the way we think about our finances, generosity, and purpose. Before you can get money right, you have to get God right.
What if the authors of the New Testament weren't telling the truth, or weren't even trying to? In the final episode of our Authority Issues series, Pastor Mike explores the Bible's historical reliability and examines its writers' motivations, memories, and methods. Discover why the most plausible explanation is that the Bible is trustworthy and life-giving.
In this message in the Authority Issues series, Pastor Eric explores the historical formation of the New Testament and why we can trust it today. Discover the four key tests passed by the 27 New Testament documents, and why no one chose them; they revealed themselves.
In this message from our Authority Issues series, Pastor Dave Nelsen tackles the transmission of the Bible and whether we can trust the words we have today. Through manuscript evidence, historical context, and deductive reasoning, we'll see how God faithfully preserved His Word across centuries. If the Bible is reliable, it's not just a bookâit's the foundation for knowing who God is and how we are called to live.
In this kickoff to the Authority Issues series, Pastor Eric explains why the Bible can be trusted, starting with how translations work. He explores the difference between mathematical certainty and historical confidence, showing that faith in Scripture doesn't require blind belief but thoughtful investigation. This message lays the foundation for understanding the Bible as a reliable, life-shaping authority.
This Easter message explores the true meaning of testimonyânot as hype or personal opinion, but as bold witness to the risen Jesus. Pastor Eric unpacks biblical examples of eyewitness accounts and invites us to investigate the evidence for ourselves. In life or in death, our calling is to bear testimony to the living Christ.
On this Good Friday, Pastor Eric Nelson takes us through the haunting reality of accusationâboth those hurled at Jesus and those we still cast today through our words, doubts, and actions. Exploring the many false testimonies from the Gospels, Eric challenges us to confront the ways we misrepresent Christ in our own lives. As we reflect on the cross, we're invited to see both the weight of our accusations and the freedom Jesus offers usâfreedom from guilt, shame, and condemnation.
In this message wrapping up the Just Jesus series, Pastor Alec unpacks the contrast between Mount Sinai and Mount Zion, revealing the freedom and confidence we now have through Jesus. He reminds us that spiritual maturity isn't about perfection, but about letting the gospel transform our hearts and shape our lives from the inside out. Whether you're just starting your faith journey or learning to lead others, this episode will encourage you to stop settling for less and step boldly into all that Jesus offers.
In this message from Hebrews 11, Pastor Eric unpacks the true meaning of faithânot as blind optimism, superstition, or emotion, but as active trust rooted in evidence and revealed through obedience. He challenges common misconceptions about faith and shows how real faith shows up in everyday life, even in difficulty and doubt. With inspiring stories and practical insights, this episode will deepen your understanding of what it really means to live by faith.
Pastor Trevor explores how the shadows in our livesâideas, systems, and even well-meaning beliefsâoften distract us from the true source of substance: Jesus. Drawing from Hebrews 10, he challenges us not to settle for shapes without depth, but to pursue the certainty and assurance found only in Christ. Tune in to discover how Jesus fulfills our deepest longings and offers a better way than religion, irreligion, or anything in between.
Explore the inner voice God has given us all: the conscienceâan invisible guide that shapes our choices, convicts our hearts, and influences our journey of faith. Through personal stories and the timeless truths of Hebrews 9, we'll discover how Jesus offers freedom from guilt and a cleansed conscience, empowering us to live authentically for God. Join us as we learn how recalibrating our conscience to Christ can transform our relationship with Him and others.
Dive into a nostalgic reflection on life in the '90s, exploring how perfectly good thingsâlike payphones, floppy disks, and road mapsâcan become obsolete when something better comes along. Pastor Eric reveals how this idea helps us understand the shift from the Old Covenant to the New Covenant through Jesus. Listen in to discover why counting on the right promises can transform your faith and free you from unnecessary disappointment.
In this sermon, Eric Nelson explores Christian maturity, illustrating how growth involves intentionally expanding our capacity to experience and share more with God. Drawing on personal memories and Hebrews 6, he highlights that maturity is both natural and intentional, challenging listeners to close the gap between their spiritual potential and the time they've been given. He concludes with an encouraging reminder of Jesus' unwavering role in guiding our spiritual growth.
In this episode, Pastor Mike Bell unpacks the book of Hebrews to reveal how Jesus serves as our ultimate High Priestâboth the mediator and the perfect sacrifice for our sins. Through powerful insights and real-life applications, he explores Jesus' empathy, obedience, and divine authority, showing why our faith in Him is worth holding onto. Tune in for a message that challenges you to take the next step in your spiritual journey.
Feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, and constantly busy? In this week of Just Jesus, Pastor Eric Nelson unpacks the cycle of anxiety, busyness, and fatigue that plagues so many of us todayâand how true rest is closer than we think. Through Hebrews 4, we'll explore how trusting in Jesus frees us from the relentless need to prove ourselves, giving us the deep, lasting rest our souls crave.
How can you know if you're truly a Christian? In this message from Pastor Eric Nelson, we explore the difference between false assurancesâlike church membership or a one-time prayerâand the real proof of faith found in perseverance, obedience, and a heart submitted to Jesus. Through the book of Hebrews, we uncover how our confidence isn't in our past actions, but in the evidence of a transformed life that continues to trust and rest in God.
Join us for the first episode of our Just Jesus series as we dive into the book of Hebrews and explore why Jesus is better, perfect, and sufficient in every way. In this sermon, we unpack how Jesus surpasses prophets, angels, and traditions, and how we can guard against drifting away from Him. Through rich biblical insights and practical encouragement, this message challenges us to center our lives on Just Jesusânothing more, nothing less.
In this thought-provoking sermon, we explore the profound spiritual and emotional significance of sex, understanding it as a place where Heaven meets Earthâand where evil seeks to wreak havoc. With honesty and biblical wisdom, we address the beauty of God's design, the dangers of distortion, and the ghosts of fear, anger, and shame that can haunt relationships. Through the power of Christ's redemption, we find hope, healing, and a renewed vision for intimacy that aligns with God's purpose.
In this episode of Our Best Year Yet, we explore the power of healthy conflict in marriage and how true oneness is built through open communication, shared stories, dreams, and risk. Drawing from Genesis and biblical wisdom, we uncover how couples can weave their lives together with good talk and deep connection. Join us as we learn how to fight well, forgive deeply, and pursue a three-strand unity with God at the center.
In this episode, Pastor Eric Nelson explores the foundational principle of "leaving" in marriageâshifting loyalties from parents, past, and possessions to build a strong, God-centered relationship. Through personal stories, biblical wisdom, and practical insights, he unpacks how trust grows over time and why prioritizing your spouse is essential for lasting intimacy. Whether you're newlywed or decades into marriage, this message will challenge and equip you to take the first step toward a thriving, unbreakable bond.
In this episode, Pastor Eric Nelson explores the profound mystery of marriage as a living metaphor for Jesus' sacrificial love for His church. Drawing from Ephesians 5, he highlights the transformative power of grace, forgiveness, and mutual service in building a God-honoring and soul-satisfying relationship. Through practical wisdom and heartfelt reflections, Pastor Eric challenges listeners to embrace marriage as a journey of growth, love, and spiritual transformation.
In this episode, Pastor Eric Nelson kicks off the series Our Best Year Yet by exploring how relationships, dating, and marriage often lack intentional direction and purpose. Drawing from Scripture, he reveals God's clear plan for marriage as a reflection of unity, love, and eternal joy, offering practical insights for couples and singles alike. Whether you're preparing for marriage, seeking a refresh, or simply curious about God's design, this series points you toward thriving relationships and invites you to join the upcoming Marriage Weekend for deeper growth.
In this reflective New Year's message, Pastor Dave Nelson guides us through four essential phrasesâThank You, Goodbye, I Matter, and Pleaseâthat can help us close one year and step into the next with purpose and faith. Through gratitude, grief, affirmation, and prayer, this sermon encourages listeners to embrace God's presence in every season of life. Join us as we reflect, reset, and invite God to lead us into the year ahead.
In this inspiring Christmas sermon, Pastor Eric Nelson shares how a bigger view of Jesus can lead to a better, more meaningful Christmas. Discover who Jesus truly isâImmanuel, God with us, and Savior for usâand how understanding His identity can transform your holiday season. With three simple wordsâSorry, Thank You, and Pleaseâyou'll be invited to experience a deeper connection with God and find lasting joy beyond the season's pressures.
In this powerful sermon, Pastor Mike Bell explores Mary's testimony and her response to God's extraordinary calling. Discover how Mary's journeyâmarked by faith, doubt, and surrenderâreflects our own struggles and triumphs in following God's plan. Be encouraged to embrace God's favor in your life and step into the impact He has prepared for you.
In this powerful sermon, Joseph's Reputation: A Manger Invitation, Pastor Eric Nelson explores the tension between character and reputation through the lens of Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus. Faced with betrayal and public shame, Joseph's story challenges us to prioritize doing what's right over appearing right. Pastor Eric unpacks how God's approval can anchor our choices, offering peace and freedom from people-pleasing. Dive into this timely message and discover how choosing character over reputation can transform your life and legacy.
Dive into the heart of the Christmas story with Pastor Eric as he unpacks the unexpected and transformative beauty of the Nativity. Explore timeless truths, the lives of key characters, and how the arrival of Jesus confronts and comforts us, challenging our values and reshaping our perspective. Perfect for anyone seeking deeper meaning this holiday season!
In this message, Pastor Eric unpacks the messy, unexpected realities of the nativity story, exploring how Jesus entered a broken world filled with scandal, power struggles, and irony. By focusing on the Magi, he reveals how those least qualified were invited to worship the King, while those most comfortable were disturbed. This episode challenges us to trust Jesus, let go of what holds us back, and embrace the good news of Christmas.
In this episode, Godly Grievers Kill The Grief Monster, Pastor Trevor Lovell shares a heartfelt personal story of loss and the struggle to trust God in the midst of suffering. Drawing wisdom from the book of Lamentations, we explore how grief, when brought to God, can be transformed into an opportunity for deeper faith and hope. Through biblical teaching, practical insights, and powerful illustrations, Pastor Trevor offers a roadmap for navigating pain without letting it define you. Join us to learn how to lament well, conquer the grief monster, and find comfort in God's presence.
In this episode, we explore the importance of grief as a healing process, drawing wisdom from the Bible, particularly the book of Lamentations. Discover how acknowledging loss, inviting God into your pain, and finding community support can lead to comfort, growth, and joy on the other side of mourning.
Pastor Trevor discussed making confident life decisions by seeking holiness, which cultivates honor and peace in relationships, drawing from The Midnight Library and 1 Thessalonians. He encouraged viewing holiness not as rigid or shameful but as a pathway to fulfilling God's will and finding true purpose.
For more helpful and hopeful content, visit smccutah.org/resources.
For more helpful and hopeful content, visit smccutah.org/resources.
For more helpful and hopeful content, visit smccutah.org/resources.
For more helpful and hopeful content, visit smccutah.org/resources.
For more helpful and hopeful content, visit smccutah.org/resources.
For more helpful and hopeful content, visit smccutah.org/resources.
For more helpful and hopeful content, visit smccutah.org/resources.
For more helpful and hopeful content, visit smccutah.org/resources.
For more helpful and hopeful content, visit smccutah.org/resources.
For more helpful and hopeful content, visit smccutah.org/resources.
For more helpful and hopeful content, visit smccutah.org/resources.
For more helpful and hopeful content, visit smccutah.org/resources.
For more helpful and hopeful content, visit smccutah.org/resources.
For more helpful and hopeful content, visit smccutah.org/resources.
For more helpful and hopeful content, visit smccutah.org/resources.
For more helpful and hopeful content, visit smccutah.org/resources.
For more helpful and hopeful content, visit smccutah.org/resources.
For more helpful and hopeful content, visit smccutah.org/resources.
For more helpful and hopeful content, visit smccutah.org/resources.