Vertical Church Podcast

This week's message, "Bring It All to Peace" focuses on the importance of actively working towards peace in our lives and relationships. Pastor Phil emphasizes the need for Christians to be peacemakers, even in the face of opposition. After all, the Beatitudes tell us that God blesses those who embody the teachings of Jesus by promoting reconciliation and forgiveness in their daily interactions, and also those who are persecuted for following Jesus and living in His ways.

Chad Vance's sermon, "I Need the Fullness of God," focuses on seeking God to the fullest and the hindrances caused by sin. He shares the powerful testimony of Ty Bateman's transformation through encountering Jesus and forgiveness. Chad emphasizes the importance of forgiveness in believers' lives, urging them to mirror Christ's image and take sin seriously. He highlights the impact of gossip as a sin often overlooked, encouraging believers to speak life over others and be mindful of their words.

God deserves our best, doesn't He? This week, Pastor Phil focuses on why Vertical Church values living with a "maximized mindset" and seeking to "leave no doubt" that Jesus is of the greatest value. Referencing scriptures from Matthew 25 and Luke 14, we wrap of this series on our church values. Check out this week's message, and let's walk through how we can practically maximize everything we've been given and compel others to follow Jesus!

This week, Pastor Phil focuses on the purpose and value in empowering all generations to intentionally follow Jesus. Phil also talks through how at Vertical, we want everyone who comes in to feel at home. We get excited weekly for lives to change as they encounter God! What are practical ways that YOU can serve? Check out this message.

This week, we continue the series on Vertical Values. We discuss what it means to be "Kingdom-focused," locking eyes with Jesus despite what life throws our way. We also highlight what it means to be "body-builders," people who constantly seek to build up one another in the faith, not just at Vertical, but at all Bible-believing churches. Why is all this important? Pastor Phil dives into the Word of God to explain why.

In this series, we are covering who we are and what we believe at Vertical. When it comes to church, are you trying to preserve what is familiar to you? Or are you believing in faith that God is going to do a new thing in His Church? God brings new people through the doors of the church that may look differently, dress differently, bring hurt and brokenness. And we believe He is going to move in and through their lives.

Emotional health is not the same thing as spiritual health. You can be fervent and strong in your relationship and connection with the Lord, but be drained emotionally. This week, Pastor Phil shows us warning signs for poor emotional health and gives us ways to strengthen our emotional health. To show Christ in all capacities of our lives, we need to be emotionally ready, and we need to be able to identify Truth.

Is there hope for your mental health? YES. In this sermon series we're discussing the importance of having Living Hope in all areas of life, including mentally. Pastor Toby encouraged us that things like Christian counseling, medication, etc. are things created by God for you to be healthy to hear and receive Truth. Freedom isn't the absence of struggle. Freedom is the presence of God and the reliance on God in the midst of the struggle.

In this sermon series we're discussing the importance of having Living Hope in all areas of life. This week we talked about keeping our focus on Jesus in regard to physical health. We often turn to food for comfort or celebration, when He is the only One who offers true hope and comfort!

GOD HAS NOT FORGOTTEN YOU OR HIS PROMISES TO YOU. This past year, have you been feeling forgotten or unseen? God may not do things in the time we want Him to, but He is always on time with His actions and promises. God will use everything you have walked through in a much greater purpose than you can imagine. Check out Guest Speaker Caleb John's message to hear how to practically walk in this Truth in 2024.

Are you maximizing the gifts God has given you? This week, Pastor Phil talks through why it is vital that we dig up those gifts we buried and use them to glorify the Lord. Yes, use your gift even when you're feeling unworthy. Yes, use your gift even when you know someone is better at it than you are. And YES, you do have a gift. Phil teaches on how it's important for us to use our gifts and to point out the gifts of others when they can't see them.

Is God fair? This week we discussed whether God's character is fair. When we look at what others have, we often get jealous. When we stay focused on the Father, we see more of His generosity toward us. The Lord isn't fair in human terms, and thank goodness. Check out this week's message to learn more about the generous heart of the king.

How do you view forgiveness? Do you see it as a must, an option, a feeling? This week we define forgiveness according to the Bible. Jesus teaches us that we are to forgive every. single. time. It's a choice, not a feeling. Check out Pastor Phil's "Forgiving Like a King" message to see how we can choose to view forgiveness through the lens of Jesus.

"There is no greater love than to lay down one's life for his friends." John 15:13. This week, Pastor Phil taught on this verse, and how we are called to lead by serving others in love. Are you guarding all that the Lord has entrusted you with in your leadership and your relationships?

Is what you find identity in bringing wholeness your life? Once we truly understand our identity given to us in grace by Jesus, it'll change the way we operate. But if we let our identity rest in anything other than Jesus, it will lead to brokenness. But YOU can live wholeheartedly in Jesus today. What do you find identity in today, and does that need to change?

This Sunday, we talked about how the enemy wants us to be distracted by outrage, chaos, and confusion, but we are called to stay focused on Jesus and the full life He has offered us. When we meet chaos with chaos, we aren't sharing the love of Jesus, so let's meet outrage with the Gospel!

Scripture says to rejoice always, but who actually does this? This week we talked about how we can practically put gratitude into practice, and the ways that can shift the way we see things, even in the worst of times. These tools help us to fully experience the peace of God that GUARDS our minds and hearts.

These days, it seems like everyone is talking about the end times. Whether we are in the end times or not, when Jesus is coming back, all of it. But don't panic! The question we should be asking ourselves is not whether we are in the end times, it is whether we will be found faithful to Jesus whenever He does return.

The world tends to view dependence as negative, but the Kingdom of Heaven views it as a must. Do we need to get back to a place of true dependence on God, trusting that He will take care of us like a father to His child?

Words matter. We talked this week about how kind words are like honey, meaning we are called to use kind words toward and about others, and in self-talk. Let's not act out of emotion, but out of love! Kind words are sweet to the soul and healthy to the body, so this means that unkind words have the opposite effect. (Proverbs 16:24)

This week, we started a series called "Companion Caliber." We all want healthy relationships with our friends, family, spouse, significant other, coworkers, etc.But…. That's easier said than done sometimes. What does the Bible tell us is the standard to be companion caliber? Who we surround ourselves with matters, and are we someone who is healthy for others to spend their time with? Is the way we are living looking for God's blessing or, rather, counting on the grace of God to forgive us?

Do we remember often enough that the power of God lives is us as believers by the power of the Holy Spirit? Morris Gurr encouraged us that this is a huge weight off our shoulders, knowing that we don't have to go through this life in our own strength! God gave us the Holy Spirit as a freely flowing Helper in the ups and downs, and a reminder that we have specific gifts given by God for good purpose.

DNA is defined as the genetic makeup inside the body's cells that helps make people who they are. This Sunday, we talk about the makeup of a follower of Jesus. 1 Corinthians 13 tells us, "But now faith, hope, love, abide these three; but the greatest of these is love." We talk about faith, hope, and love often in the Church, but what does it look like to practically walk in faith, hope, and love?

This Sunday, Pastor Craig Tippie (Peru Missionary) encouraged us with Ephesians 2:8-10, "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." If you feel like you need a manual for life, check out this message!

Have you ever been overcome by emotions? This week, we talk about how we can't always trust our emotions and feelings, but we can always trust Hod to bring health to our hearts if we humble ourselves.

God created us to be in relationship and alignment with Him. When He finds us out of alignment with how He created us to be, he will do anything to bring us back. That often includes Him calling us to humble ourselves, pray, fast, and turn from our ways. This Sunday, we discuss the story of Job, and how the city of Ninevah did each of these things before the Father.

This Sunday, Chad Vance brought us the truth that we do not have to stay subject to the seasons we find ourselves in. What great news! But are we living in it? Is our faith seasonal, or do we lock eyes with the One who remains constant through it all, acting out of faith in the fact that good things ARE coming. Are we living life with big faith with Jesus as our Firm Foundation?

This week, we begin the "Revival Time" series. Pastor Phil reminds us that while revival is often talked about as a future event, it can really be something we step into today. Scripture shows us that what we are devoted to we sacrifice for. Are we devoted to what's comfortable, or to seeing a move of God? The moment you will see revival is when you are willing to sacrifice certain things to see God move in your life and others'. What do you belief in enough to step into sacrifice?

This Sunday, Pastor Phil asks whether what we are building in our lives in something that will last. What are you building and who are you building it for? We can build things our whole lives, working hard, being kind, doing all kinds of good deeds and good works, but if we don't do it all for Jesus with Him as our foundation, none of it will last.

In this message, Guest Speaker Ron Guess asked if we have been living for what used to be or if we are living with hope in Jesus for today and for the days ahead. How are we supposed to respond when we see darkness in the world? Do we focus on what's happening around us? Do we look back at "the good ol' days" and grieve them? Or do we lock eyes with the One who gives us hope for today, Jesus? We won't lose heart if we focus on Him. In what does your hope for your life, family, country, and future lie today?

This Sunday, Pastor Phil walks us through the ways scripture teaches that there can only be one master in our lives. Matthew 6 says, "Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be," and this is so true. We all submit to and worship something. Does what we are submitting to and worshiping compel others to follow Jesus or to worship something else? A singular focus brings maximum clarity and impact, so this week we discuss how we can humble ourselves and leave no doubt that Jesus is of the greatest value.

Pastor Phil teaches on Matthew 11, " And from the time John the Baptist began preaching until now, the Kingdom of Heaven has been forcefully advancing, and violent people are attacking it." When we experience the collision of light and darkness, we are called to advance the Kingdom by force, but not the kind of force the world teaches of. The Bible tells us exactly how to push back darkness by the power of the Holy Spirit!

This week, Pastor Phil teaches how in order to truly take the hill and be the light on a hill, it must start with an ability to have the faith to live for Jesus and not ourselves. Living for Jesus is vital, regardless of if it brings great miracles and victories or great persecution or sacrifice. You may be facing a season of life that has included great sorrows, trial, or cost. Be encouraged in the Lord, friend. In His strength, you can take the hill rather than the way of the world, and He will turn it all for your good and for His glory!Want to learn more, though, about how peace can still exist in the midst of pain? Check out this week's message, "Preparing for the Charge."

Pastor Phil walks us through how when the world seems dark and chaotic, we must remember that OVERWHELMING victory is ours in Christ who loves us. Are we focusing on fear and the things of this world, or are we taking the hill, being light to the darkness, and fixing our eyes on the One who brings us hope? The battle has already been won, and there is victory coming in Jesus. We can live in victory today! Why be overwhelmed by the things the enemy is trying to accomplish, when we can be beautifully overwhelmed with VICTORY?

We are called to be a light on a hill for all to see the work God is doing in our life so that people will praise our Father in Heaven. So let's take the hill! In this message, Pastor Phil walks us through that process. There are ways to show and tell the world about the love of Christ, and that means that we can't look like the world. Check out the ways in which the following steps are important in taking the hill and being the light to a world of darkness.- Confess our sin to Jesus- Ask for His grace and mercy to guide and lead us- Remove places of darkness in our life- Find others who will take the hill with us.(Matthew 5 tells us, “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.")

It can be easy to start to fall into the trap of thinking that God is who we project him to be. Our lives, and our circumstances can get us confused that He is something opposite of His character. Maybe you think he is absent, or even authoritarian. But the truth is that God is a GOOD FATHER. When we see God this way we are secure in our walk with God. Even when we mess up we know we rest in His grace and love and not in our own strength, talent, or failure. It isn't based on us but based on God. In this sermon, Pastor Phil walks us through how bringing our perspective back to God as a good father can help us to lead better lives as believers.

It's easy to trust God when everything is going well, but do we trust Him when life gets chaotic? This week's guest speaker Pastor Darryl Bellar brought such a good word that reminded us that if we don't invite God into the chaos of our lives, we will be controlled by fear. Have you found yourself in a series of events that don't make sense and, quite frankly, stress you out? It's so important that we trust God in the space between "I sought the Lord" and "He answered me." What if what you're praying for is found in the process of stretching out your hands in faith? Whatever it takes (running, walking, limping), keep going. The Lord's presence will surround you.

Fear of missing out was born in Genesis 3. "FOMO" has been around since the birth of sin. Ever since then, humanity has been seeking to find the answer to the question, “what am I ALLOWED to do?” The enemy will always try to convince you that you do not have enough with what God gave you.But we shouldn't spend our days asking what we are allowed to do. We should always ask what is beneficial to our walk with Jesus. The love of self asks what is allowed. The love of God is what is beneficial. Our freedom in Jesus is much larger than we think. Because the space God gives us to move isall healthy land.

The love of God has an invitation out to every person. An invitation to experience the love of God. But we often stand in our own way of that. What is it that you love so much that you are holding onto? Because God loved His creation to not hold on to the life of Jesus, who laid down His life for us to experience relationship with Him.What do you want? The love of self… or the love of God? To experience fully the love of God, we must give up ourselves.

GOD SEES YOU. Because God sees you, you always have hope. You are not left alone. You are not abandoned. There is such a pain that can exist from feeling unseen, unappreciated, or even unloved. We may have to wait for things to change. We may have to be patient. But we never have to wait to be seen by God. He ALWAYS SEES US. I invite you today to talk to the God who sees you. Maybe you are grateful, maybe you are hopeful, maybe you are angry, maybe you are hurt. I encourage you to take it all to the God who sees you today. He wants to hear from you and help you wherever you are in life.Psalm 27: 14 says "Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord."

This week, David Cho brought the Word at Vertical's Blairsville/Morganton Campus! He spoke about what real love is, using the Biblical story of Hosea as the example. Hosea was instructed by God to marry and love a prostitute woman named Gomer. They married, but Gomer struggled with returning to her former life of sin. BUT! Hosea continued to pursue her, showing her love and grace in the middle of her mess. He loved in a selfless way. This story foreshadowed what was to come through the love of Jesus exemplified in His life, death, and resurrection. Jesus tells us that no one is excluded from His family- not even society's "irredeemable," and the story of Hosea and Gomer is a beautiful example given by God to help us to somewhat fathom the immeasurably selfless love God has for us and has shown for us through His Son, Jesus.

When we rely on the promises of God, they help us interact with a power beyond ourselves. The power of God. When we interact with the power of God, we can escape the corruption of our sinful world and our sinful nature. So how do we operate in the promises of God? Pastor Phil teaches us about the "binding agents" that bond us with the promises of God! What are some examples? Do not be afraid. Seek God wholeheartedly. These binding agents, all found in scripture, help us to live in His promises.

When you walk with the Lord, there is a purpose in the process. The question is are you going to finish the process to see all that God is doing in you? Sometimes we give up on the process because of our own sin. Maybe you struggle with the same sin over and over. BUT, Paul tells us that because of our faith Christ brought us to a place of undeserved privilege, and we can joyfully look forward to sharing in God's glory. It isn't on our “good enough” basis, but our faith in Jesus alone that gives us that opportunity. Paul would say not to give up on the work Jesus is doing in your life because know you messed up again. Paul would say to stay around Jesus and the work He is doing in your life BECAUSE you, and all other Christians, are not perfect. We can rejoice, too, when we face trials because we know that they help us develop endurance, which produces strength of character, which strengthens our confident hope of salvation.

Things that have happened since we talked last: Peter and disciples were unable to cast out a demon. Peter denied Jesus after his arrest. Peter and disciples go into hiding, confusion, disappoint after the death of Jesus. Jesus raised from the dead and spends time with Peter to encourage him in the calling for his life. Jesus has gone back to Heaven. We struggle so much to finish the process of walking out this life with God, but God is always at work. He is growing us, expanding us, and taking disappointments, hurts, pains, and still working them together for our good. Through the process, there is refining and testing happening in our lives. There is purpose in it all as our faith is purified. Let's offer Him what we have. He can work with that and finish the process.

As humans, we pick up wounds over the course of our life. People hurt us with their words and actions. Sometimes we even feel let down by God. When we get hurt, we can be tempted to shut down or stop. Pastor Phil teaches on Mark 9 to encourage us to finish the process. To let wounds be healed into scars. Don't give up on the process of what God is doing in your life. Emotional wounds, mental health, spiritual bondage, and sins, there is healing to be found, we just have to make sure to finish the process with Jesus.

This week, we had guest speaker Caleb John bring the Word! Caleb spoke on Jesus' Triumphant Entry in Zechariah 9:9-10 and Matthew 21:1-5. He explained that studies show that a car gives subtle clues about its driver, and that what someone drives gives subtle insight into their personality. Jesus chose a donkey as his means of transportation for the Triumphant Entry, and Jesus is King. What kind of king would do something like this? What does this choice reveal about the character of Christ? Check out this awesome message today!

This week, we talked about what it looks like to have spare change to offer others we come in contact with. When Jesus was grieving the loss of John the Baptist, he still had spare change to offer the crowd around Him. He had enough to give others because He drew from His relationship with the Father. Do we? Or do we try to do things in our own strength?

In this message, Pastor Phil highlighted the importance of "feeding the beast," AKA the Holy Spirit inside us. Watch to learn more about how to feed the Holy Spirit in you.

In this message, Pastor Phil talked about how we can be trained for battle. How do we train ourselves so that we are armed when the enemy attacks? 1) Read the Bible consistently 2) Pray often, giving God room to speak to you 3) Worship God every day of the week 4) Live in community with fellow believers

In this sermon, Pastor Phil emphasized God's great ability the write comeback stories! When it comes to sin, we tend to fall into self-pity, thinking we are too far gone for God to use us. BUT! He is the greatest comeback story author to ever exist. Self-pity is really just us thinking that our sin is greater than the grace of God. Let's give God the credit He deserves.