West Bradenton - A Neighborhood Church

Pastor Sam Rainer preaches about what defines a healthy home. In this Father's Day sermon, he teaches about the biblical characteristics of good men. What does it mean to be a good man? In a world that often exaggerates, mocks, or dismisses manhood, Scripture offers a clear and compelling vision.

Jonathon Jankovich fills in for Sam and discusses parenting after the kids are gone.

Kent Ramsey fills in for Sam today and discusses how broken homes can be places of healing.

Pastor Sam Rainer preaches about what defines a healthy home. This sermon is about what the Bible reveals about living alone, especially those who are divorced or single, including widows and widowers. While we will get lonely, we're never alone. God is there. God loves you. God cares about all of who you are.

Pastor Sam Rainer preaches about what defines a healthy home. This sermon covers the topics of adopted children, blended families, and single parents. What does the Bible say about these kinds of homes?

Pastor Sam Rainer preaches about what defines a healthy home. This Mother's Day sermon reveals what the Bible says about strong and godly women. The fullest life is one most centered on Christ. A Christ-centered woman will pull people towards God's calling, and she is always available to do God's work.

Pastor Sam Rainer starts a new series on what defines a healthy home. This sermon is about how to create a God-centered home for your children. Parenting is hard work and heart work. It's never too late to start, even if your children are older. Jesus will honor your efforts if He's at the center of your home.

Pastor Sam Rainer starts a new series on what defines a healthy home. This sermon addresses the marriage covenant and dives into the roles of a husband and wife. Marriage is not based on self-fulfillment but on self-denial. A healthy marriage requires sacrifice.

Pastor Sam Rainer preaches about the miracle of resurrection from Matthew 28:1-10. In this Easter sermon, he explores the greatest miracle of all: the resurrection of Jesus. From the fear of death to the surprise of an empty tomb, follow the story of two women who encounter the risen Christ and receive new hope. Discover how the resurrection turns failure into forgiveness and finality into forever. Jesus meets us where we are—and invites us into a life of purpose, joy, and eternal victory.

Pastor Sam Rainer preaches about sacrifice in this Palm Sunday sermon. From Abraham's test of faith to Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem, we see how true victory comes through surrender. Jesus didn't go halfway—He went to the cross for us. His sacrifice brings peace, and His resurrection brings life. As we begin Holy Week, we're invited to lay down what we hold tightly and trust God's perfect provision.

Pastor Sam Rainer preaches verse-by-verse through the book of Habakkuk, one of the minor prophets in the Old Testament. It's a unique book that provides us with a prophet's personal experience as he dialogues with God. Habakkuk complains to God as Judah falls apart and Jewish leaders fall into corruption. We see his inner struggles, fears, and doubts. Wrestle with God faithfully by talking to Him, not about Him. We may not always understand God, but we can always trust Him.

Tim Stephenson fills in for Sam this week.

Pastor Sam Rainer concludes the series on worship with a sermon on the perfect unity of the Trinity. We believe there is only one God, and He has chosen to reveal Himself as God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. The word “Trinity” does not appear in the Bible, but the concept does. What does the Trinity reveal about what God values in our worship?

Pastor Sam Rainer preaches a series on worship and the actions that draw us closer to God. In this sermon, he covers the topic of surrender, focusing on Jonah 2. God shows His grace when we surrender to Him in prayer. Jonah surrendered to God in prayer in an unlikely place—the belly of a great fish.

Pastor Sam Rainer preaches a series on worship and the actions that draw us closer to God. In this sermon, he covers the topic of awe. Awe is reverence mixed with feelings of fear and wonder. The response of awe is often associated with a demonstration of God's power. Ultimately, awe is a disposition, not an emotion—what you do for God more than how you feel in the moment.

Pastor Sam Rainer preaches a series on worship and the actions that draw us closer to God. In this sermon, he covers the topic of love. We use this term for everything, yet the Bible tells us we can't know God unless we get it right. Cutting through the confusion is critical! Love is not love. God is love.

Pastor Sam Rainer preaches a series on worship and the actions that draw us closer to God. In this sermon, he covers the topic of celebration and takes a deep dive into Psalm 150. Ultimately, you become what you celebrate.

Pastor Sam Rainer preaches a series on worship and the actions that draw us closer to God. In this sermon, he covers creativity, which is the act of generating, developing, and expressing original ideas in meaningful ways, including artistic expression, problem-solving, and innovation. Creativity reveals God exists, but creativity apart from God ultimately misguides you. The worst art is that which denies the Artist.

Pastor Sam Rainer preaches a series on worship and the actions that draw us closer to God. In this sermon, he covers generosity, which is an act of worship in which you give freely to God in response to His lavish grace. If God has given you something, He wants you to use it for His glory. Generous people are remembered and rewarded by God.

Pastor Sam Rainer begins the new year with a series on smartphones and how they contribute to people's rising anxiety, especially younger generations. More digital connections have only increased loneliness, but the Bible has a solution. God's joy and good friends will solve a lot of our problems.

Kent fills in for Sam this week and teaches how to regain control over our digital distractions. He dives into understanding the battle for our attention in a world driven by smartphones and social media, and offers practical guidance on shifting focus back to God, family, and meaningful relationships. Through scriptural insights and personal anecdotes, Kent shows how managing device usage can lead to a more purposeful, less anxious life centered on faith and presence.

Pastor Sam Rainer begins the new year with a series on smartphones and how they contribute to people's rising anxiety, especially younger generations. When do normal “concerns” become a problem of “anxiety”? The Bible has clear answers! While Satan wants to weigh you down with worry, Jesus has a plan to free you from your darkest days.

Tim Stephenson teaches on the life of Uzziah.

Pastor Sam Rainer preaches through every verse of Matthew's gospel. This sermon continues the Christmas series by examining Matthew 2:13-23. What is the significance of Mary and Jospeh's escape to Egypt? This story connects to prophecy in the Old Testament as well as the apocalyptic visions of Revelation.

Pastor Sam Rainer preaches through every verse of Matthew's gospel. This sermon is about the wise men who visit Jesus in Matthew 2:1-12. Who were they? Why did they come? The wisdom of the wise men draws your worship to the glory of the nativity.

Pastor Sam Rainer preaches through every verse of Matthew's gospel. This sermon is about the miracle of the virgin birth, as described in Matthew 1. The virgin birth is essential to the miracle of grace, and the virgin birth is necessary for the gospel to be true. What you believe about the virgin birth is foundational to your faith in Jesus. He was born physically, so you don't die spiritually.

Pastor Sam Rainer preaches through every verse of Matthew's gospel. This sermon covers the genealogy of Christ and begins a Christmas series in the first two chapters. God's promise of grace becomes a reality in the person of Jesus Christ.

Tim Stephenson fills in for Sam today and takes a more practical look at the Great Commission.

Pastor Sam Rainer preaches through every verse of Matthew's gospel. This sermon covers the Great Commission and the church's God-given mission to share Jesus with the world. Every local church has a global mandate.

Pastor Sam Rainer preaches through every verse of Matthew's gospel. This sermon covers the story of Peter's denial of Jesus in Matthew 26. Judas betrayed Jesus. Thomas doubted Jesus. Peter denied Jesus. All the disciples deserted Jesus. God can take your worst mistakes and make them miracles for His glory. We all sin, yet God still uses us to advance His purposes. How?

Pastor Sam Rainer preaches through every verse of Matthew's gospel. This sermon covers the story of Judas in Matthew 26 and 27. Who is the real Judas Iscariot? Judas is notorious for one big reason: He betrayed Jesus for thirty pieces of silver. As soon as he had the money in hand, he realized it was empty. Jesus chose Judas as a disciple, but Judas chose betrayal over salvation.

Pastor Sam Rainer preaches through every verse of Matthew's gospel. This sermon covers Matthew 23:1-36. Jesus rebukes the religious leaders. The Pharisees and scribes had “crushed people with unbearable religious demands.” Christian hypocrisy occurs when you make yourself the priority over God. Christian legalism is excessive conformity to a moral code or Law with the intent of controlling others. All of us must guard our hearts against the dark religion of legalism.

Pastor Sam Rainer preaches through every verse of Matthew's gospel. This sermon covers Matthew 25:31-46 and why the church should serve the “least of these.” An outward focus makes you stronger. An inward focus makes you weaker. Who should you serve? Whoever God puts in front of you!

After Hurricane Milton, Pastor Sam preaches about finding safety and security in Christ. The text is Psalm 46. Overcoming insecurity is only accomplished through being overcome by God's security. Only Jesus is strong enough and good enough to save you.

Pastor Sam Rainer preaches through every verse of Matthew's gospel. This sermon covers Matthew 22:15-46. The Pharisees and Sadducees comprised the two major ruling classes in Jewish society during the time of Christ. Both opposed Jesus and attempted to trap Him with “gotcha questions.” How does Jesus respond with His own gotcha question?

Jonathon Jankovich fills in for Sam this week as we continue our series in Matthew.

Pastor Sam Rainer preaches through every verse of Matthew's gospel. This sermon covers Matthew 21:12-27. The cursing of the fig tree and the cleansing of the temple complex are two interconnected stories with a significant meaning. Jesus condemns the religious system that is all flash and no substance.

Pastor Sam Rainer preaches through every verse of Matthew's gospel. This sermon covers Matthew 20:1-34. Is God unfair to people? There are two major ways we complain about God being unfair. First, we see good things happen to undeserving people. Second, we see bad things happen to deserving people. The problem with these perspectives is we become the judge as to who is deserving or undeserving. What is the proper perspective? Matthew 20 reveals God's answer.

Pastor Sam Rainer preaches through every verse of Matthew's gospel. This sermon covers Matthew 19:16-30 and why it's hard for Jesus to save rich people. The text is about the rich, young ruler and why he struggled to come to faith in Christ. Who is rich? What makes a person rich? You can't buy your way into heaven. You can't work your way into heaven. Salvation never comes on human terms, but salvation is available to everyone on God's terms.

Pastor Sam Rainer preaches through every verse of Matthew's gospel. This sermon covers Matthew 18:12-35 and the difference between reconciliation and forgiveness. Forgiveness frees a person from guilt and its consequences. Jesus is how we are reconciled to God. Reconciliation involves the removal of an offense and the reunification of a relationship. Pastor Sam reveals the four steps to reconciliation and the questions you must ask before pursuing reconciliation.

Pastor Sam Rainer preaches thematically on several mountains of the Bible. In this sermon, he covers Mount Ararat and explores the story of Noah's Ark from Genesis. This message reveals the devastating impact of sin and the profound grace of God's deliverance. Through Noah's unwavering faith and obedience, we see a foreshadowing of Christ, our ultimate means of salvation.

In this series, Pastor Sam Rainer preaches thematically on several mountains of the Bible. This sermon is about Zion, an ancient term connected to the fortified hill of pre-Israelite Jerusalem. Mount Zion is a reminder God is with us now and through eternity. How do we reconcile what Scripture teaches about Zion with what is occurring in Israel today?

In this series, Pastor Sam Rainer preaches thematically on several mountains of the Bible. This sermon is about the Mount of Olives and the Olivet Discourse in Matthew 24. Jesus warns of false teachers, and He foretells of persecution that will happen to His followers.

Pastor Kent fills in for Sam this week as we continue our study of the mountains of the Bible.

Pastor Sam Rainer preaches through every verse of Matthew's gospel. This sermon covers Matthew 18:1-10. Why does Jesus say your faith should be childlike? In this text, Jesus compares conversion to the acceptance of a child. And then, He uses strong language to warn anyone who would harm a child or tempt others to sin.

Pastor Sam Rainer preaches through every verse of Matthew's gospel. This sermon covers Matthew 17:1-27 and the transfiguration of Jesus. At the transfiguration, humanity sees God's glory. But it's just a tiny taste of the incredible glory of a reigning God who conquered death.