Western Hills Church of Christ, Temple

Scripture:  John 16,  1 Corinthians 2:10-16, Romans 12:2 Speaker:  Scott Meyer Summary: This sermon teaches that following Jesus in a world filled with confusion and deception requires the guidance of the Holy Spirit, whom Jesus promises in John 16 as the Spirit of truth. Using the image of a smoke-filled room, the Scott explains how lies—rooted in Satan's deception—distort our understanding of sin, righteousness, and judgment, but the Spirit anchors believers in what is truly wrong, what is right through Christ, and who ultimately wins. Drawing from 1 Corinthians 2, the message emphasizes that the Spirit reveals truth to us, about us—especially our identity in Christ—and through us, giving believers the mind of Christ and the courage to speak boldly. The Spirit primarily works through Scripture, the renewing of our minds, and life in Christian community, reshaping our thinking and exposing lies we believe about ourselves. Ultimately, the Spirit does not create a new reality but reveals the vibrant truth already present in Christ, anchoring believers in clarity, renewing their identity, and empowering them to live and witness with confidence.

Scripture:  John 14, John 15, Galatians 5:22-23 Speaker:  Scott Meyer Summary: This sermon teaches that when life pressures and “cracks” us, what spills out reveals what is truly inside, and behavior modification alone cannot produce the character of Jesus. Jesus promises in John 14 that the Holy Spirit is our Helper—an Advocate who dwells within believers to make possible what is otherwise impossible, such as loving enemies, forgiving deep wounds, and living with joy in hardship. Rather than trying harder to improve ourselves, we are called to “remain” or abide in Christ, staying connected to Him so the Spirit can form His life within us. The fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—is not produced by willpower but grows naturally from a surrendered, Spirit-filled life. Ultimately, the message urges believers to stop decorating the outside and instead depend on the Holy Spirit to transform the inside, praying in life's hardest moments, “Spirit, what would love look like right now?”

Scripture:  John 14:15-17, John 16:7, Luke 11:11-13 Speaker: Scott Meyer Summary: This sermon begins a yearlong focus on following Jesus as disciples who seek to be with Him, become like Him, and do what He did. Scott's emphasis is that fully following Jesus is impossible in our own strength as he introduces a new series on the Holy Spirit as essential to living the disciple's life. Drawing from Gospel of John chapters 14–16 and Gospel of Luke chapter 11, he explains that Jesus promised the Holy Spirit as an Advocate and declared it better for believers that He go away so God could dwell within them. He emphasizes two core truths: the Holy Spirit is fully God and the Holy Spirit is a good gift from a loving Father, empowering believers from the inside rather than merely guiding them from beside them. Concluding with the testimony of a transformed life, he urges the church to recognize and rely on the Spirit's supernatural power, which enables true spiritual transformation and faithful discipleship.

Scripture:  Luke 4:14-21, Mark1:14-15, Mark 10:41-45, John 13:14, Colossians 2:15, Acts 16:2526 Speaker:  Scott Meyer Summary: This sermon concludes a four-part series on following Jesus as our rabbi, emphasizing that true discipleship means spending time with Him (habitation), becoming like Him (formation), and ultimately doing what He did (imitation). Centering Luke 4, the message highlights that Jesus carried out His mission—proclaiming freedom, healing, and hope—by the power of the Spirit, the same Spirit now given to believers. Scott identifies three key aspects of Jesus' life that disciples are called to imitate: speaking truth boldly, serving humbly, and bringing light into darkness. Drawing from passages in Mark, John, Acts of the Apostles, and Colossians, the sermon shows that Jesus redefined greatness through service, confronted false cultural narratives with truth, and defeated the powers of sin and evil through the cross. The church is challenged not merely to admire Jesus but to imitate Him daily by praying, “Jesus, how would You live my life today if You were me?”

Scripture:  Romans 8:29, Luke 6:39-40,Galatians 3:3, Matthew 11:28-30 Speaker:  Scott Meyer Summary: The sermon teaches that the goal of the Christian life is not merely to get to heaven, but to become more and more like Jesus each day. Everyone is always being formed by something.  It may be stories, habits, relationships, experiences, and environments.  Disciples of Jesus must intentionally choose what is shaping them. Becoming like Jesus is a lifelong process that requires the power of the Holy Spirit and our active participation in the practices of Jesus. Spiritual formation is not achieved by knowledge alone or passive faith, but through cooperating with God as we adopt Jesus' way of life. Our lives are “under construction,” and by God's Spirit, we are being transformed to reflect Christ more clearly until the end.

Scripture:  John 15:4-8 Speaker:  Scott Meyer Summary: The second in a four-part series exploring what it means and looks like to Follow Jesus. The sermon teaches that the goal of the Christian life is not merely to get to heaven, but to become more and more like Jesus each day. Everyone is always being formed by something.  It may be stories, habits, relationships, experiences, and environments.  Disciples of Jesus must intentionally choose what is shaping them. Becoming like Jesus is a lifelong process that requires the power of the Holy Spirit and our active participation in the practices of Jesus. Spiritual formation is not achieved by knowledge alone or passive faith, but through cooperating with God as we adopt Jesus' way of life. Our lives are “under construction,” and by God's Spirit, we are being transformed to reflect Christ more clearly until the end.

Scripture:  Mark 8:34, Mark 1:16-20, Mark 2:13-14, Mark 10:21 Speaker:  Scott Meyer Summary: This message introduces 2026  as a year focused on rediscovering what it truly means to follow Jesus.  Everyone is constantly being formed by something, and the church must move beyond attendance and information toward genuine spiritual formation. Using Jesus' invitation to “follow me,” a call to discipleship that means becoming an apprentice of Jesus — being with Him, becoming like Him, and doing what He did. The goal of faith is not simply being right or religious, but being transformed into the character and life of Christ through an active relationship empowered by the Holy Spirit.  This challenge is for each person to consider who or what they are following and to commit their lives to following Jesus as their rabbi.

Scripture:  John 1:1-18 Speaker:  Scott Meyer Summary:   The apostle, John's “Christmas card” in John 1, shows us that Christmas is the miracle of God stepping into the world through the incarnation of Jesus, the Word made flesh. It highlights three gifts Jesus brings: He is the Light that overcomes darkness and reveals truth, He gives believers a new identity as children of God, and He offers inexhaustible grace. Christ's coming is not about human effort to reach God but about God descending to reach humanity and bring humanity into relationship with God. Through Jesus, God becomes present with us and offers rescue.  The invitation of Christmas is to receive the Light, accept our identity as God's children, and live from grace instead of guilt.

Scripture: Luke 2:1-20 Speaker:  Scott Meyer Summary: Luke's Christmas story is written for those who feel overlooked, excluded, or left out, showing that God intentionally enters ordinary, difficult, and uncomfortable realities. Jesus is born not in glitter or comfort, but amid bureaucracy, travel, poverty, and a manger, revealing that God meets people right where they are. The first announcement of Christ's birth is given to shepherds—outsiders and nobodies—proclaiming that the gospel is for all, especially the marginalized. Through Jesus, true peace (shalom) becomes possible: peace with God, with others, and within ourselves, regardless of circumstances. Christmas, therefore, is not just a story to admire but a Savior to seek, respond to, worship, and joyfully share with others.

Scripture:  Mark 1:1 Speaker:  Scott Meyer Summary: The sermon presents Mark's Gospel as a Christmas “card” that proclaims not a sentimental birth story but a bold headline: “The beginning of the good news about Jesus, the Messiah, the Son of God.” Mark's nativity is framed as a decisive announcement that something world-changing has happened—God has acted in history, not merely offered an idea or feeling. The good news is that Jesus, whose name means “God saves,” is the promised Messiah who fulfills every hope and promise of Scripture by coming as a Savior first. By calling Jesus the Son of God, Mark declares that God is not distant but has stepped into our broken world and our personal stories to rescue us. Christmas, therefore, is a proclamation of victory and hope, inviting us to receive and boldly declare that Jesus has arrived for us.      

Scripture:  Matthew 1:18-25, Matthew 2:1-12 Speaker:  Scott Meyer Summary:  Scott introduces the Advent series by comparing each Gospel's account of Jesus' birth to a unique Christmas card, beginning with Matthew's perspective. Matthew highlights Jesus as the long-promised King by tracing His genealogy and openly presenting the difficult, even dark, realities surrounding His birth—especially Joseph's initial crisis and courageous obedience. Joseph's story shows that Christmas is proof God keeps His promises, both globally to the world and personally to individuals, even when circumstances feel disappointing or confusing. The visit of the wise men contrasts those who welcome Jesus with joyful worship against those, like Herod, who resist Him out of fear and self-protection. Ultimately, listeners are called to respond to Jesus' arrival with worship and trust, especially in the places where they feel fear, brokenness, or uncertainty.

Scott Meyer, Lead Minister, bring the 5th message in the series.

Scott Seela, Community Impact Minister, brings the 4th message in the series.

Scott Meyer, Lead Minister, brings the 3rd message in the series - Jesus: The Relationship Rabbi.

Scott Meyer, Lead Minister, brings the 2nd message in the series- Jesus: The Relationship Rabbi.

Scott Meyer, Lead Minister, begins a new series- Jesus: The Relationship Rabbi.

Scripture:  Acts 26 Speaker:  Grant Perkins Summary:  Grant reflects on personal experiences of feeling inadequate compared to others, describing this as “imposter syndrome,” a feeling many also have when it comes to sharing their faith.  Using Acts 26, he highlights Paul's example of simply telling his story—who he was, how he met Jesus, and how his life changed—rather than relying on eloquence or persuasion.  Paul demonstrates that faithfulness is not about guaranteeing conversions but about boldly sharing his story regardless of the outcome. Even in limiting circumstances such as imprisonment, Paul continued to share, showing that God uses our weaknesses and constraints as opportunities to spread the gospel. The sermon concludes by encouraging believers to share their own stories faithfully, trusting that God can do “immeasurably more” with them than we could ever imagine.

Scripture:  Acts 20 Speaker:  Scott Meyer, Lead Minister Summary:  Using Paul's farewell to the Ephesian elders in Acts 20 as a blueprint for finishing well in faith, Scott emphasized that steadfast discipleship begins with living humbly and visibly among others, not just speaking truth but modeling it. Paul's example shows that obedience to God may lead into storms and hardships, but God's presence and mission remain constant, even when leaders must let go and trust others to carry the work forward. Steadfast leaders give sacrificially, guard the flock from spiritual danger, and are not afraid to show deep emotion, loving and leading with both strength and tenderness. The message closed with the encouragement that no matter how one's story began, by God's grace anyone can choose to run faithfully now and finish well, leaving a legacy that glorifies Christ.

Scripture:  Acts 19 Speaker:  Everett Reichardt, Youth Ministry Intern Summary: This sermon uses the story of John Newton's transformation and Acts 19 to show how the gospel disrupts culture and changes lives. Paul's preaching in Ephesus challenged the worship of Artemis, disrupting the city's economy, religion, and traditions, which led to a riot fueled by blind cultural loyalty. In this message, Everett draws parallels to modern culture, which promotes self-serving attitudes, following one's heart, and defining success by wealth—values that conflict with the gospel's call to selflessness, following Christ, and storing treasures in heaven. Believers are urged to boldly confront and challenge cultural norms with the truth of the gospel, living as visible witnesses of Christ's love. The message concludes with an invitation for those blinded by culture to let God's amazing grace transform their lives, just as it did for Newton and Paul.

Scripture:  Acts 17 Speaker:  Grant Perkins Summary: The sermon begins by highlighting that many people today identify as “religious nones,” but most still believe in or seek a higher power, showing our culture's deep spiritual curiosity. Grant  connects this to Acts 17, where Paul finds himself in Athens, a city full of idols and curious philosophers, much like today's spiritually searching culture. Paul uses the Athenians' altar “to an unknown god” to introduce the one true God who is powerful, personal, and gives us everything though He needs nothing from us. The message reminds believers that God is knowable and near, even when we sometimes feel uncertain. The sermon closes by challenging everyone to respond like some Athenians did — by choosing to truly know and worship the God who has made Himself known.

Scripture:  Acts 17:1-9 Speaker:  Grant Perkins Summary: This sermon explains how Paul and Silas preached the gospel in Acts 17, boldly declaring that Jesus is the Christ, Jesus is King instead of Caesar, and that Jesus rose from the dead — claims that disrupted the established religious and political order. Their message angered some Jews, leading to accusations that they were “turning the world upside down,” but the Grant clarifies that Jesus is actually turning the world right side up. The sermon shows how humanity lives in an “upside-down” world because of sin, but Jesus' life, teachings, and resurrection reveal the way life was always meant to be. Believers are challenged to live “right side up” now by boldly proclaiming who Jesus is, following his radical teachings, and serving like he did, even when it clashes with cultural norms. Ultimately, Christians are called to embody this gospel way of life as a glimpse of eternity here and now.

Scripture:  Acts 10 Speaker:  Scott Meyer Summary: The sermon uses the childhood memory of playing games at recess to illustrate how people draw lines of “in” and “out,” which we often use to judge and separate others. It focuses on Acts 10, where Peter learns through a vision and his encounter with Cornelius that God's grace breaks down these human-made divisions. Peter, who once saw Gentiles as “unclean” outsiders, realizes God calls no one unclean and extends the same Spirit to all. The message challenges believers to move toward people they might normally avoid and not withhold grace where God has already extended it. Ultimately, it reminds us that we should see people not by their past or present but by what God's grace can make them become.

Grant Perkins, Preaching Intern, brings a message from Acts 9:1-19 in the Steadfast series.

Grant Perkins, Preaching Intern, brings a message from Acts 8:26-40 in the Steadfast series.

Scripture:  Acts 6 Speaker:  Grant Perkins Summary:This sermon emphasizes the importance of the church staying true to its mission: sharing the gospel and caring for each other. Using examples like Kodak's failure and Chick-fil-A's success, Grant illustrates how knowing and living out a clear mission keeps an organization relevant. Acts 6 is used to show how the early church corrected "mission drift" by addressing neglect of Greek-speaking widows, empowering culturally different leaders, and uniting across divides. The message challenges the church today to break barriers—whether of race, politics, age, or ideology—by showing real, active care across those lines. Ultimately, the sermon calls believers to embody Christ's example of love that transcends division to become a transformative presence in the world.

Chris Stephens, Preacher from the Avenue G Church, brings us a message in the Steadfast series from Acts 5.

Grant Perkins, our Preaching Intern, highlights four key practices that kept the early church in Acts focused and steadfast. His message challenges us to align with these same foundational priorities as we pursue being a church on target today.

This message series journeys through the book of Acts, spotlighting powerful moments of faithfulness in the early Church—both the devotion of believers to God and the steadfast faithfulness of God to His people. As we walk through the stories of the early Christians, we'll see how the gospel spread, communities formed, and lives were transformed—all through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Join us as we dive into our new summer series "Steadfast: God's Faithfulness and Ours.  In this message our preaching intern Grant Perkins leads us into the book of Acts.

Church should be a place of healing-but what is it's where you were hurt? Join us for "When Church Hurts," a series about finding hope, healing, and restoration when church wounds instead of welcomes.

Scripture:  John 10:11-13, 1 Corinthians 1:10-13, John 17:20-23, Ephesians 4:1-6 Speaker:  Scott Meyer Summary:  Scott's message emphasizes that unity in the church is essential for fulfilling God's purpose and requires believers to live in harmony, love, and humility. He draws from Ephesians 4 to stress the importance of maintaining the unity of the Spirit through peace, acknowledging the one body and one Spirit that binds all believers. Unity is portrayed not as uniformity, but as a shared commitment to Christ and His mission, allowing for diversity within the body. From scripture he points to the warning that division and disunity hinder the church's witness and effectiveness, and urges members to guard against pride, selfishness, and gossip. Ultimately, this message calls the church to reflect the unity of the Trinity and be a powerful testimony of God's love to the world.

Church should be a place of healing-but what is it's where you were hurt? Join us for "When Church Hurts," a series about finding hope, healing, and restoration when church wounds instead of welcomes.

Church should be a place of healing-but what is it's where you were hurt? Join us for "When Church Hurts," a series about finding hope, healing, and restoration when church wounds instead of welcomes.

Scott Meyer, Lead Minister, brings a message from Chapter 31 of The Story. The message begins by confronting the common fears and anxieties that grip people today—financial struggles, health worries, relationship pain—and reveals that underneath it all lies the fear of death. Drawing from Revelation, the sermon emphasizes that Jesus, who conquered death and now holds the keys to it, invites us to live without fear because He transforms whatever He passes through. John's vision of Jesus in Revelation contrasts worldly power, like that of the Roman emperor, with the true authority of the Lamb who was slain and now reigns on the throne. The sermon celebrates Easter as the declaration that the tomb is empty, the Lamb reigns, and the story is far from over—it is the beginning of a new creation. Ultimately, the hope of Easter is that Jesus makes all things new, and no matter where we are in our personal story, He offers to rewrite it with grace, victory, and eternal life.

Scott Meyer, Lead Minister, brings a message from Chapter 30 of The Story.

Chris Stephens, Lead Minister of the Avenue G. Church, brings a message from Chapter 29 of The Story.

Scripture:  Acts 1:1-11 Speaker:  Scott Meyer Summary: Scott reflects on the things we often take for granted, highlighting how we only realize their value when they're suddenly gone, like electricity. He emphasizes the miracle of being present today, worshiping Jesus, which ties into the story of the early church's launch in Acts. Jesus, after His resurrection, teaches His disciples, urging them to wait for the Holy Spirit's power to be His witnesses, not just informed but empowered. Scott challenges the idea that witnessing is for "professional Christians" and encourages everyone to share their personal testimony of what Jesus has done in their lives. Ultimately, the message is that ordinary, imperfect people empowered by the Holy Spirit can carry out Jesus' mission, spreading the gospel through an unbroken chain of witnesses, just as it has reached us today.

Scripture:  Luke 24:13-36 Speaker:  Scott Meyer Summary: The sermon emphasizes that the Christian faith is not based on the Bible itself but on a single historical event—the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Scott stresses that if the resurrection did not happen, then the rest of Christian teachings would not hold significance, but if it did, it validates everything Jesus said and did. The passage from Luke 24 is used to illustrate how the resurrection transformed despair into purpose for Jesus' disciples, particularly the two on the road to Emmaus. The sermon highlights that the resurrection turns disappointment into direction and that Jesus' presence brings peace even in moments of failure and regret. Ultimately, it concludes that our worst moments do not have the final say—Jesus, through his resurrection, does.

Scripture:  John 13:1-5, John 13:12-17, Matthew 26:26-29, John 19:28-30, Luke 23:46, Matthew 27:51-54,                    Romans 5:8 Speaker:  Scott Meyer Summary: The sermon begins with a reflection on pivotal historical events, like the Challenger explosion, that change everything, leading into the central theme—the crucifixion of Jesus as the defining moment of history. Jesus, knowing his impending sacrifice, humbles himself by washing his disciples' feet, demonstrating that true leadership is rooted in servanthood. During the Last Supper, he redefines the Passover meal, revealing that he is the ultimate Passover Lamb whose sacrifice will bring deliverance from sin. On the cross, Jesus endures suffering, abandonment, and ultimately declares, "It is finished," signifying the completion of his mission to redeem humanity. The message concludes by emphasizing that Jesus' sacrifice is final and complete, calling believers not just to admire him but to follow his example of love and selfless service.

Scripture:  John 11 Speaker:  Scott Meyer Summary:  This message emphasizes the central question of faith: "Who is Jesus?" and explores the tension between human suffering and divine timing, illustrating how God's delays are not necessarily denials. The message highlights that Jesus not only performs miracles but also enters into human grief, empathizing with those who suffer. The raising of Lazarus serves as a demonstration of Jesus' power over death and his call to bring people out of despair into new life. Ultimately, the sermon reinforces that Jesus offers not just life after death but transformation and hope in the present.

Scripture:  Luke 15:1-2, Luke 15:3-7, Luke 15:8-10, Luke 15:11-32 Speaker:  Scott Meyer Summary: The sermon focuses on the theme of being lost and found, drawing from Luke 15, where Jesus shares three parables—the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the prodigal son—to illustrate God's relentless pursuit of those who are spiritually lost. Scott highlights that God's heart longs for His lost children and that He actively seeks them rather than waiting for them to find Him.  The message challenges believers to align with God's mission of seeking and saving the lost rather than merely enjoying their place in the church. The sermon concludes with a powerful illustration of a mother searching for her lost daughter, paralleling God's unwavering love and desire to bring His children home.

Scripture:  John 1:18, John 1:2-9, John 1:40-42, John 2:7-10 Speaker:  Scott Meyer Summary: Scott Meyer, Lead Minister, brings a message from Chapter 23 of The Story. The sermon emphasizes how the presence of Jesus transforms lives. It explains that Jesus did not come to introduce a new religion but to fulfill and reveal God's nature, making Him accessible and personal. The message highlights four key aspects of Jesus' ministry: revelation (Jesus reveals God clearly), reconciliation (He bridges the gap between humanity and God), transformation (He changes lives and identities, as seen in Peter's story), and restoration of hope (He brings hope even in hopeless situations, like the woman at the well). The sermon concludes with an encouragement to invite Jesus into one's life, as His presence assures that "the best is yet to come."

Scripture:  John 1:1-5, Luke 1:46-55,  Luke 2:17-20,  Matthew 2:11-12, Matthew 2:16 Speaker:  Scott Meyer Summary:  The sermon focuses on the transition from God's 400 years of silence to the birth of Jesus, marking the fulfillment of God's promises. Scott compares this moment to the opening of an epic story, using the Gospel of John to highlight Jesus as the divine Word and light that shatters darkness. Key figures such as Mary, the shepherds, and the Magi demonstrate humble responses to Jesus, while Herod represents resistance and fear. The sermon emphasizes that God's promises are always fulfilled, and true understanding of Jesus comes from a posture of humility. It concludes with a call to action, asking the audience how they will respond—through worship, sharing the good news, or resistance.

Scriptures:  Ezra 7:8-10, Malachi  4:4-5, Luke 24:7, John1:1 Speaker:  Scott Meyer Summary:  The sermon focuses on the transition from the Old Testament to the New Testament, emphasizing the theme of renewal through the books of Ezra, Nehemiah, and Malachi. It highlights how God used the pagan King Artaxerxes to fulfill His promise by allowing the Jewish people to return and rebuild their temple and city, showing God's faithfulness. The message stresses the importance of being in alignment with God's word, as seen in Ezra's dedication to studying, living, and teaching scripture, which kept God's hand upon him. The sermon warns against merely outward renewal, emphasizing that true transformation comes from internal renewal through God's word. Ultimately, it points to Jesus as the final Word of God, fulfilling the scriptures and offering lasting renewal and guidance through the Holy Spirit.

Scripture:  Esther 4:14-16,Esther 6:6-10, Esther 9:20-22, Galatians 3:13, Philippians 2:6-11 Speaker:  Scott Meyer Summary: The sermon focuses on the story of Esther and how God's providence works even when He seems silent. It highlights the key characters—King Xerxes, Esther, Mordecai, and Haman—and the unfolding drama of Haman's plot to destroy the Jews, which is ultimately overturned through Esther's courage and divine intervention. Scott emphasizes three key takeaways: God's silence does not mean His absence, the importance of having wise counsel like Mordecai, and the danger of settling for a "shadow mission" rather than God's true purpose. Esther's willingness to risk her life for her people mirrors Christ's sacrifice, as Jesus stepped down from glory to save humanity. Ultimately, the sermon challenges listeners to reflect on their own divine opportunities and to use them for God's purpose rather than personal comfort.

Scriptures:  Ezra 1:1-4, Ezra 4:24, Haggai 1:2-9, Haggai 2:6-7, John 2:19-21, Ephesians 2:19-22 Speaker:  Scott Meyer Summary:  This sermon focuses on the concept of completing the work God has started in us, drawing parallels to the Israelites rebuilding the temple under Ezra and Haggai's leadership. It highlights how the people initially began rebuilding the temple with enthusiasm but were distracted by opposition and personal priorities, leaving God's work unfinished for years. Scott connects this to modern life, urging us to reflect on what God has called us to do but left incomplete, whether in our faith journey, relationships, or ministries. The temple's significance is traced from a physical structure to Jesus, who represents God's ultimate presence and atonement, and finally to believers as the spiritual temple, carrying God's presence to the world. Scott closes with a call to refocus on God's agenda, resist distractions, and trust in His promise to complete the good work He began in us.

Scripture:  Daniel 1:1-6, Daniel 1:8, Daniel 2:14, Daniel 3:16-18, Isaiah 43:2, Daniel 6:5, Daniel 8:10 Speaker:  Scott Meyer Summary: This sermon focuses on living faithfully as Christians in a culture that feels foreign or opposed to God's values, using the story of Daniel and his friends in Babylon as an example. It emphasizes four key tips: maintain hope and trust in God's word, resist bitterness, remain respectful even in challenging circumstances, and develop a consistent prayer life. The sermon illustrates these points with stories of Daniel and his friends standing firm in their faith, refusing to bow to cultural pressures, and showing integrity, even when faced with dire consequences. The central reminder is that this world is not our true home; believers are ambassadors of God's kingdom in a foreign land. Ultimately, the message encourages reliance on God's presence during trials and trust in His guidance for living faithfully in any circumstance.

Scripture:  Jeremiah 2:13, Lamentations 3:22-24, Ezekiel 37:11-14,  Speaker:  Scott Meyer Summary: This sermon emphasizes the faithfulness of God even in challenging and dark seasons of life. It recounts the story of the Israelites during their exile, focusing on the messages of the prophets Jeremiah and Ezekiel. The central theme is that God's discipline is not meant to punish but to restore and transform, shaping character over comfort. Despite their rebellion and suffering, the sermon underscores that God's love and mercy are constant, with new opportunities for hope and renewal each day. Ultimately, it challenges listeners to reflect on whether Jesus is enough for them, inviting them to find hope and restoration in Him even during trials.

Scripture:  Matthew 16:13-20, Matthew 28:16-20, Acts 1:6-8, 1 Peter 2:4-10 Speaker:  Scott Meyer Summary:  The sermon emphasizes the enduring relevance of the church in 2025, built on an unshakable foundation—Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living God. It highlights the church's unstoppable mission to make and grow disciples, rooted in the teachings of Jesus and empowered by the Holy Spirit.  Scott talks about personal experiences, societal challenges, and biblical principles to argue that the church remains a vital community for spreading hope, love, and truth in a world often plagued by uncertainty. Through initiatives like "Vision 5," the church engages in outreach, diversity, and new church planting efforts, reinforcing its role as a beacon of light. Finally, the message calls for trust in God's power to accomplish the seemingly impossible, urging the church to live boldly and faithfully as His chosen people.   4o

Scripture:  1 Kings 16:29-33, 1 Kings 17:1,  1 Kings 18:16-26, 1 Kings 18:30-39, John 14:6 Speaker:  Scott Seela Summary: The sermon centers on the story of Elijah challenging the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel, emphasizing the need for decisive faith in God. It begins by highlighting Israel's wavering between worshiping God and Baal, which Elijah calls out as dangerous indecision. Through a dramatic showdown, Elijah proves God's sovereignty when fire from heaven consumes his water-drenched offering, while Baal's prophets receive no response. The sermon draws a parallel to modern life, urging believers to reject false gods like wealth, pleasure, or status, which cannot fulfill or save. Ultimately, it emphasizes that Jesus is the only way to true life, calling for complete devotion to Him alone.

Scripture:  Isaiah 6:1-8, Isaiah 7:14, Isaiah 53:1-5 Speaker:  Scott Meyer Summary: The sermon begins with a story illustrating how we often mistake provision for the provider, setting the stage for the central message: God's sovereignty and presence amidst uncertainty and darkness. Drawing from Isaiah 6, it emphasizes that while earthly powers and securities may falter, God remains "high and exalted," in control, and present in the midst of life's chaos. The prophecy of Isaiah 7:14, foretelling Emmanuel, "God with us," reinforces the Christmas message of God stepping into humanity's mess, embodying love and healing. Isaiah's vision reveals God's holiness and our need for cleansing, symbolizing how God calls and cleanses those He chooses, offering redemption and purpose. Ultimately, the sermon ties the Christmas story to God's profound love, bringing healing and hope into our brokenness, epitomized in the advent of Christ.