Podcasts about pastor dave

The Christmas story doesn't end at the manger. In Luke 2, an old man named Simeon finally sees the promise he's been waiting for his entire life when Mary and Joseph bring the baby Jesus into the temple. God had told Simeon he would not die until he saw the Messiah — and on that ordinary day, the promise walked into the room. This message reminds us that God always keeps His word, and that Christmas is about more than celebrating Jesus' first coming. We are living between two promises: Christ has come once, and He is coming again. As we explore the theology of Christmas and the hope of Jesus' return, we're challenged to live with faith, urgency, and expectation as we wait for the fulfillment of God's second promise.

In this message from our From Ruin to Redemption: The Gospel According to Isaiah series, Pastor Dave Hentschel walks through Isaiah 61:1–11 to reveal God's promise of the reset we all long for. Speaking to weary hearts marked by loss, regret, captivity, and brokenness, Isaiah announces the arrival of God's Anointed Servant—the Messiah—who comes to bring good news to the poor, heal the brokenhearted, proclaim freedom for captives, and declare the year of the Lord's favor. This passage shows that God's plan is not mere improvement or reform, but full restoration: beauty instead of ashes, joy instead of mourning, and righteousness that springs up like a new Eden before all nations. Ultimately, this promised reset is fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who stands in the synagogue and declares that Isaiah's words are accomplished in Him.Isaiah 61 reminds us that we are not forever defined by what has ruined us—because in Jesus, God has come to reset, restore, and redeem.

At Christmas, God does not send advice or a pep talk to worn-out people - He sends a King. Humanity is fractured, society is divided, and even our own hearts feel like a room full of voices arguing for control. The hope is not that we will finally manage ourselves better, but that the Maker who knows us perfectly has come near to rule us rightly. And this King is unlike every strongman in history: He does not rise by taking, He descends by giving. He comes gentle, disarming our false saviors, speaking peace, knocking instead of kicking down the door. The clearest picture is the towel around His waist - the King washing feet, choosing humiliation, then the cross, so the dirty can be made clean. That is why the message of Christmas is not forced submission but glad surrender: His control does not dehumanize - it restores.

What if discovering authentic faith meant moving beyond just saying we believe? In this powerful message about the movie "The Santa Clause," Pastor Dave explores how true belief transforms lives when we move from mere words to living proof. Through Scott Calvin's journey from skeptic to believer, we see how faith requires both conviction and action. Drawing from Hebrews 11, Pastor Dave reminds us that "believing is seeing"—not the other way around. Struggling with doubt or feeling stuck? This message inspires us to take that first step of faith, knowing that God's promises are true even when we can't see the outcome. Watch or listen to discover how your faith can become contagious and impact those around you!Hebrews 11:1 Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot seeHebrew 11:6 And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.Psalms 27:13 AMP I would have despaired had I not believed that I would see the goodness of the LORD In the land of the living.Psalms 27:13 NIV I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.Luke 1:38 Mary responded, “I am the Lord's servant. May everything you have said about me come true.”Luke 2:15 When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, “Let's go to Bethlehem! Let's see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” 16 They hurried to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger. 17 After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child.James 2:14 What good is it, dear brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but don't show it by your actions? Can that kind of faith save anyone?Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.1 Peter 3:15b And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it.Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

For a long time, I have felt that pastors may be evolving into something more that the image of the Shepherd. I realize that most of us have never seen a real shepherd, but the idea of caring for people was the image that Jesus left us, defining what a human shepherd does.  Today, the pastor is required to do more than just care for people spiritually, they often must do the fund raising, be the administrator, and in some cases, the pastor is more like a CEO. In this episode, I talk to a veteran pastor about the Art of Shepherding. Pastor Dave McGaffey has been a pastor for over 30 years, and we talk candidly about the pastor as a Shepherd.Challenging the Culture with Truth with Larry Kutzler and Esteemed GuestsListen to the Latest Episode of Challenging the Culture with Truth Podcast!Check out the Latest CitySites Urban Media Podcast Network Episode!Check out Larry's books!Visit the CitySites Urban Media YouTube ChannelCheck out It Is That Simple, The Simple Ideas of Profound TruthsCheck out Monday Morning Mindset with Dr. Nathan UnruhCheck out Lenny's Corner with Dr. Lennard Stoeklen

In this Christmas message from Matthew 1:18–25, we take a deeper look at the doctrine of the Incarnation—God with us. The Christmas story is more than a familiar tradition; it is rich with theology that reveals who Jesus is and why He came. In this sermon, we explore what it means that Jesus is fully God and fully man, why the virgin birth matters, and how the Incarnation is essential to our salvation. Discover how this truth not only secures our forgiveness, but also transforms our identity and daily walk as followers of Christ.

Pastor Dave preached from Luke 2, and reminded us that Christmas is God's move toward us.

Pastor Dave and SAM Michelle discuss the welcoming, hospitable life that Jesus calls us into.

How would you define sympathy, empathy and compassion? Which of them are a divine attribute of God? Which of them implement aid and care in the world? What are the similarities and differences between them? The Bible offers the world a unique and inspiring look into a deeper meaning, source and impact of compassion! Take a few minutes with Pastor Dave to see how compassion is at the very heart of God's nature, Jesus' incarnation, and the heartbeat of every Christian!

In this message, Pastor Dave opens our Christmas series by…

Pastor Dave continues our Advent series!

Pastor Dave continues our Advent series!

In this Christmas message, we unpack the line “He comes to make His blessings flow far as the curse is found.” From Eden to Bethlehem, Calvary to the New Creation, we see how Jesus breaks the curse of sin and brings restoration to every corner of creation. This sermon will deepen your understanding of the gospel story and renew your hope as we look toward Christ's return.

In this message from our From Ruin to Redemption: The Gospel According to Isaiah series, Pastor Dave Hentschel walks through Isaiah 58:1–14, confronting the danger of empty religion and calling God's people back to the kind of worship that reflects His heart for righteousness, justice, mercy, and peace. Isaiah exposes the worship God rejects—religious activity divorced from love for neighbor—and reveals the worship God desires: lives marked by compassion, integrity, generosity, and the pursuit of restoration in both society and the home. Through Scripture and a powerful closing drama that brings Truth, Mercy, Justice, and Peace into conversation, this message points us to reconciliation as the meeting place of God's character—and ultimately to Jesus Christ, who perfectly fulfills what Isaiah calls us to become.In the end, Isaiah 58 reminds us that God restores what we have ruined by drawing us out of hollow religion and into lives shaped by justice, mercy, and reconciliation through Christ.

Pastor Dave and Minister Michelle discuss the light that hope in Christ can bring to a sometimes shadowy world.

Join us as Pastor Dave continues our Christmas series, The Miracles of Christmas.

Join us as Pastor Dave continues our Christmas series, The Miracles of Christmas.

 In this heartwarming message through the lens of "Elf," Pastor Dave explores how Buddy's journey to find his father mirrors our own spiritual search for identity and belonging. Just as Buddy discovers his true identity, we too are invited into God's family through spiritual adoption. Drawing from Ephesians 1, we learn that God planned our adoption through Jesus Christ from the beginning. This Christmas message reminds us that God's greatest gift isn't just presents under the tree—it's His invitation to become part of His eternal family.Ephesians 1:3-6 How blessed is God! And what a blessing he is! He's the Father of our Master, Jesus Christ, and takes us to the high places of blessing in him. Long before he laid down earth's foundations, he had us in mind, had settled on us as the focus of his love, to be made whole and holy by his love. Long, long ago he decided to adopt us into his family through Jesus Christ. (What pleasure he took in planning this!) He wanted us to enter into the celebration of his lavish gift-giving by the hand of his beloved Son. 7-10 Because of the sacrifice of the Messiah, his blood poured out on the altar of the Cross, we're a free people—free of penalties and punishments chalked up by all our misdeeds. And not just barely free, either. Abundantly free! He thought of everything, provided for everything we could possibly need, letting us in on the plans he took such delight in making. He set it all out before us in Christ, a long-range plan in which everything would be brought together and summed up in him, everything in deepest heaven, everything on planet earth.11-12 It's in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for. Long before we first heard of Christ and got our hopes up, he had his eye on us, had designs on us for glorious living, part of the overall purpose he is working out in everything and everyone.13-14 It's in Christ that you, once you heard the truth and believed it (this Message of your salvation), found yourselves home free—signed, sealed, and delivered by the Holy Spirit. This down payment from God is the first installment on what's coming, a reminder that we'll get everything God has planned for us, a praising and glorious life.Ephesians 2:1-6 message It wasn't so long ago that you were mired in that old stagnant life of sin. You let the world, which doesn't know the first thing about living, tell you how to live. You filled your lungs with polluted unbelief, and then exhaled disobedience. We all did it, all of us doing what we felt like doing, when we felt like doing it, all of us in the same boat. It's a wonder God didn't lose his temper and do away with the whole lot of us. Instead, immense in mercy and with an incredible love, he embraced us.(adopted us) He took our sin-dead lives and made us alive in Christ. He did all this on his own, with no help from us! Then he picked us up and set us down in highest heaven in company with Jesus, our Messiah.Psalm 106:1 Praise the Lord. Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.Galatians 3:26-29New Life Version26 You are now children of God because you have put your trust in Christ Jesus. 27 All of you who have been baptized to show you belong to Christ have become like Christ. 28 God does not see you as a Jew or as a Greek. He does not see you as a servant or as a person free to work. He does not see you as a man or as a woman. You are all one in Christ. 29 If you belong to Christ, then you have become the true children of Abraham. What God promised to him is now yours.

Radiant Arrival Pt. 3The stories we love usually feature a prideful villain and a humble hero - and the Christmas story is no different. This week, Pastor Dave highlights the stunning contrast between Caesar's pride and Jesus' humility, and shows why humility isn't just admirable - it's the way forward for all of us.

An Unforgettable Gift

Growing up, we knew Christmas was close when the tree went up. That childhood longing points to a deeper truth: from the very beginning, God has longed to be with His people. In Eden, He walked with Adam and Eve, creating us in His image to enjoy relationship. Sin introduced fear and hiding, but it never canceled God's desire. Enoch walked with God. God chose Abraham and formed a people. He gave instructions for a tabernacle and then a temple—signs of His intent to dwell in the midst of Israel. Even in exile, He spoke hope through Jeremiah: seek Me with all your heart, and you will find Me. For four hundred years, silence. Then heaven broke in—an angel to Zechariah, a promise to Mary, and a name: Immanuel—God with us.This is the heart behind Christmas: God came near. Jesus embodies God's nearness not just in theory, but personally. In Luke 5, He steps into Peter's boat and turns a fruitless night into overflowing nets—not to dazzle a crowd, but to draw one man. He reaches out to a leper no one would touch and restores him. He looks past a packed room and lifts a paralyzed man through forgiveness and healing. He calls Levi, the tax collector everyone despised. Over and over, Jesus shows that God with us means God with you—the individual, the overlooked, the untouchable, the ashamed.And He hasn't changed. “I am with you always,” He said—and we live in that “always” right now. If you're facing doubts, grief, or financial strain, you don't walk it alone. His presence does not always remove the storm, but it changes what the storm can do to your heart. The story of Scripture—from the garden to the manger to the empty tomb—says the same thing in a thousand ways: God wants to be with you. Let that truth move from your mind to your bones. Let it quiet your fear. Let it draw you out of hiding. And today, right where you are, let it become your hope.

In this message, we take a fresh look at the birth of Jesus—not as a fairy tale, but as a true, world-shaping moment filled with real people, real places, and the unmistakable Sovereignty of God. Through Luke's Gospel and the prophecies of Micah, we see how God orchestrated every detail to fulfill His promises and reveal His heart. As we unpack the doctrines woven into the Christmas account, we're reminded that God is still sovereign, still working, and still worthy of our trust in every season of life.

In Genesis 3:15, God responds to humanity's first sin not by abandoning his image-bearers, but by announcing a long war between the serpent and the woman, between their respective offspring. This “enmity” is both judgment and grace: it exposes how deeply evil will now work through human sin, yet it also marks a permanent separation so that humanity will never be fully at peace with the powers of darkness. At the heart of the verse is a singular promise - “he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel” - which points to a coming deliverer from the woman's line whose own wounding will be real but not final, while his decisive blow will crush the serpent's head and ultimately overthrow evil.

In this Advent message, Pastor Dave reflects on Mary's encounter with Gabriel and her stunning prayer, the Magnificat. He shows how Mary embodies the repeated patterns of Scripture, reveals God's upside-down view of power, and celebrates the fulfillment of God's ancient promises—all pointing to the coming Savior who will make all things new.

Worship Pastor Dave Chow shared about John crying out from the wilderness, “Prepare the way!” As Advent unfolds, Mark 1:4–8 calls us to repentance that makes space for hope, renewal, and the Spirit-filled life Jesus brings.

Pastor Dave's Sermon from 12/7/25:  “Series: Against All Odds (week 2)" Scripture Reading: Ezekiel 37:1-14

We can face the impossible because God is with us.

In this opening message of our Joy to the World Christmas series, we rediscover the meaning behind the famous line: “Let every heart prepare Him room.” Drawing from Luke 2:1–7 and Matthew 2:1–13, we explore how the arrival of King Jesus calls us to open our hearts, reorder our lives, and awaken our deepest longings.

Has God's whispering voice felt distant this Christmas season? In this compelling message, Pastor Dave unpacks how the story of the Grinch parallels deeper spiritual truths about finding authentic Christmas joy. Through engaging movie clips and biblical wisdom, he reveals how comparison, consumerism, and isolation can shrink our hearts—but God offers three unshakeable gifts: everlasting peace, exceeding joy, and overflowing hope. Whether you're feeling weary or wondering where Christmas went, this transformative message reminds us that Christ came to heal hearts and make us whole. Don't miss this fresh perspective on rediscovering the true meaning of Christmas! 2 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold,]wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, 2 saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.” 3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. 5 So they said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet: 6 ‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, Are not the least among the rulers of Judah; For out of you shall come a Ruler Who will shepherd My people Israel.' ” 7 Then Herod, when he had secretly called the wise men, determined from them what time the star appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the young Child, and when you have found Him, bring back word to me, that I may come and worship Him also.”Proverbs 4:23 Keep your heart with all diligence,For out of it spring the issues of life.John 14:27 27 Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.Romans 15:13 Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.Philippians 4:6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;The Message Translation - Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.LUKE 2:8 Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And [c]behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. 10 Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. 11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”

Has God's whispering voice felt distant this Christmas season? In this compelling message, Pastor Dave unpacks how the story of the Grinch parallels deeper spiritual truths about finding authentic Christmas joy. Through engaging movie clips and biblical wisdom, he reveals how comparison, consumerism, and isolation can shrink our hearts—but God offers three unshakeable gifts: everlasting peace, exceeding joy, and overflowing hope. Whether you're feeling weary or wondering where Christmas went, this transformative message reminds us that Christ came to heal hearts and make us whole. Don't miss this fresh perspective on rediscovering the true meaning of Christmas! 2 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold,]wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, 2 saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.” 3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. 5 So they said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet: 6 ‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, Are not the least among the rulers of Judah; For out of you shall come a Ruler Who will shepherd My people Israel.' ” 7 Then Herod, when he had secretly called the wise men, determined from them what time the star appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the young Child, and when you have found Him, bring back word to me, that I may come and worship Him also.”Proverbs 4:23 Keep your heart with all diligence,For out of it spring the issues of life.John 14:27 27 Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.Romans 15:13 Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.Philippians 4:6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;The Message Translation - Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.LUKE 2:8 Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And [c]behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. 10 Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. 11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”

Radiant Arrival - Pt. 2Darkness can be painful. It can also be comfortable, and rather delightful at times. Jesus came as the light of the world. So step into the light and stop de-lighting your darkness. "How?" you ask? Pastor Dave explains.

In this episode, Pastor Dave, Dan, Drew, and Vicar Keith begin by discussing franchise fatigue, which leads to a conversation comparing two Star Trek series, "The Next Generation" and "Deep Space Nine" (DS9). Dave struggles to connect with DS9's morally complex Federation, and then the crew adds "Babylon 5" to the mix. How do each of these shows handle topics such as religion, utopian ideals, and the challenges of leadership? This and more is in store for you as we travel to Quark's bar and the struggle with the Minbari continues. ------------- For more of our shenanigans, be sure to follow us on social media! YouTube: RELC Hilliard TikTok: @churchinspace Instagram: @churchinspace_relc X/Twitter: @churchnspace ------------- Credits: Co-Producers & Co-Hosts: Dave Kamphuis & Drew Nelsen Special Guest Vicar: Keith Monroe Producer & Plucky Sidekick: Dan Mushalko Editor: Devon Mushalko  

Pastor Steve and Pastor Dave discuss the challenge and the power that comes with standing for what's right and Godly in a world that often pushes us to do the opposite.

In 1 Thessalonians 4:1-12, God's will is not framed around finding the right job, city, or spouse, but around becoming holy - set apart in love. The passage reveals both definitive sanctification (already chosen and made holy in Christ) and progressive sanctification (growing more and more into that holiness), and then presses that identity into two intensely practical arenas: sex and work. In a Greco-Roman culture where adultery, prostitution, and cultic sex were normal, believers are called to a radically different sexual ethic that springs from their God-given value and the costly love of Christ displayed at the cross and pictured in Hosea's relentless love for Gomer. At the same time, in a community tempted to idleness and “busybody” living while waiting for Jesus' return, they are called back to quiet, faithful labor that refuses to burden others and instead reflects the God who never stops working for His glory and their good. Underneath both areas is the same heartbeat: those who are “loved by God and chosen” are to live out that love in their bodies and their jobs so that the watching world sees what kind of Lover and Master they belong to.

In "The Truth About the Final Judgment," Pastor Dave Gustavsen teaches that final judgment is certain based on the words of Scripture and Jesus. He explains that hell means eternal separation from God, while heaven is a restored creation filled with God's presence and fullness of joy. Our only confidence in that day comes from trusting in the Lamb who was slain. Pastor Dave urges us to live now with eternity in mind. Dave Gustavsen | November 30, 2025Visit our website or connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

Have you ever felt completely alone, even in a crowded room? Through the lens of "Home Alone," Pastor Dave explores how isolation affects us all—from Kevin McCallister's cry for family to King David's desperate psalms. When we're hurting, we often retreat and put up false fronts, like Kevin's elaborate mannequin scheme, rather than embracing authentic connection. But just as Kevin discovered in that powerful church scene with Mr. Marley, healing begins when we turn on the light and face our fears. God stands ready, knocking at the door of our hearts, offering relationship and restoration. This inspiring message reminds us that no matter how far we've wandered, we're just one step away from coming home to God's transformative presence. Watch now to discover how to move from isolation to restoration!Psalm 142:3-4 When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, Then you knew my path. In the way in which I walk They have secretly set a snare for me. 4 Look on my right hand and see, For there is no one who acknowledges me; Refuge has failed me; No one cares for my soul.1 Kings 19:4 (message) He came to a lone broom bush and collapsed in its shade, wanting in the worst way to be done with it all—to just die: “Enough of this, God! Take my life—I'm ready to join my ancestors in the grave!” Exhausted, he fell asleep under the lone broom bush.John 1:1-5 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. 4 In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.

Have you ever felt completely alone, even in a crowded room? Through the lens of "Home Alone," Pastor Dave explores how isolation affects us all—from Kevin McCallister's cry for family to King David's desperate psalms. When we're hurting, we often retreat and put up false fronts, like Kevin's elaborate mannequin scheme, rather than embracing authentic connection. But just as Kevin discovered in that powerful church scene with Mr. Marley, healing begins when we turn on the light and face our fears. God stands ready, knocking at the door of our hearts, offering relationship and restoration. This inspiring message reminds us that no matter how far we've wandered, we're just one step away from coming home to God's transformative presence. Watch now to discover how to move from isolation to restoration!Psalm 142:3-4 When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, Then you knew my path. In the way in which I walk They have secretly set a snare for me. 4 Look on my right hand and see, For there is no one who acknowledges me; Refuge has failed me; No one cares for my soul.1 Kings 19:4 (message) He came to a lone broom bush and collapsed in its shade, wanting in the worst way to be done with it all—to just die: “Enough of this, God! Take my life—I'm ready to join my ancestors in the grave!” Exhausted, he fell asleep under the lone broom bush.John 1:1-5 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. 4 In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.

Psalm 107: Giving Thanks for All Things (Special Message - Thanksgiving Eve 2025) taught by Pastor Dave Rolph on 11-26-25.

Pastor Dave and SAM Michelle discuss the challenge of embracing the waiting of the Advent season, and how depending on one another is a vital part of being in Christian community.

In Ecclesiastes 7, Solomon makes a series of surprising statements: funerals are better than parties, sorrow is better than laughter, and criticism is better than praise. At first glance, none of it seems to make sense—until we press in and discover the deep truth behind his words.In this message, we explore why God often uses sorrow, adversity, and seasons of suffering to refine us in ways comfort never can. We look at how grief slows us down, clarifies our priorities, and opens space for God to shape our hearts. We also confront the mystery of suffering—why life doesn't always add up and why faith must make room for both joy and hardship.If you're walking through a difficult season, this message will encourage you to trust God not only as Deliverer, but as Sustainer. If you're in a season of strength, it will challenge you to look with compassion on those who are hurting.“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed…” — Romans 8:18

Have you ever felt a divine nudge but let doubts hold you back? Pastor Dave's heartwarming story of proposing to his wife reveals how stepping past our fears unlocks life's greatest blessings. Through compelling statistics showing that 57% of non-churchgoers would attend if invited, he challenges us to reach "just one more" this Christmas season. With special Christmas at the Movies services featuring beloved holiday films, now is the perfect time to extend that life-changing invitation. Don't miss this opportunity to help someone find hope, joy and peace in Christ—watch or listen to discover how you can make an eternal difference.Matthew 28:19 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.Matthew 11:28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Have you ever felt a divine nudge but let doubts hold you back? Pastor Dave's heartwarming story of proposing to his wife reveals how stepping past our fears unlocks life's greatest blessings. Through compelling statistics showing that 57% of non-churchgoers would attend if invited, he challenges us to reach "just one more" this Christmas season. With special Christmas at the Movies services featuring beloved holiday films, now is the perfect time to extend that life-changing invitation. Don't miss this opportunity to help someone find hope, joy and peace in Christ—watch or listen to discover how you can make an eternal difference.Matthew 28:19 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.Matthew 11:28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

In this message from Ecclesiastes 5:10-19, Pastor Dave tackles the myth that money and possessions can satisfy. He shows how even wealth brings stress, anxiety, and the pull of greed, and contrasts living “under the sun” with living “under the Son,” where everything we have belongs to God and is meant for eternal purposes. Learn how to trade guilt for gratitude, greed for generosity, and discover the freedom of stewarding your resources for God's kingdom. Be encouraged to rethink your relationship with money and pursue true contentment.

Have you ever wondered what it means to truly live in peace while standing firm in your faith? Pastor Dave delivers a powerful message on the transformative power of being a peacemaker and persevering through persecution. Drawing from the Beatitudes, he reveals how pursuing peace isn't passive—it requires actively choosing reconciliation even when relationships are strained. Through vivid examples and Scripture, Pastor Dave shows that persecution often comes when we take bold stands for righteousness, but this shouldn't discourage us. Instead, we're called to "rejoice and be exceedingly glad," knowing our eternal reward far outweighs temporary struggles. Whether you're facing relational conflicts or feeling attacked for your faith, this timely message offers practical wisdom for walking as a peacemaker while remaining unshakeable in your convictions. Don't miss this inspiring conclusion to the Beatitudes series!Matthew 5:1-12 And seeing the multitudes, He went up on a mountain, and when He was seated His disciples came to Him. 2 Then He opened His mouth and taught them, saying:3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit,For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.4 Blessed are those who mourn,For they shall be comforted.5 Blessed are the meek,For they shall inherit the [a]earth.6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,For they shall be filled.7 Blessed are the merciful,For they shall obtain mercy.8 Blessed are the pure in heart,For they shall see God.9 Blessed are the peacemakers,For they shall be called sons of God.10 Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake,For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. 12 Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.Hebrews 12:14 Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord:Romans 12:18 As much as you can, live in peace with all men. KJV as much as it lies with you2 Corinthians 4:9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed—

Have you ever wondered what it means to truly live in peace while standing firm in your faith? Pastor Dave delivers a powerful message on the transformative power of being a peacemaker and persevering through persecution. Drawing from the Beatitudes, he reveals how pursuing peace isn't passive—it requires actively choosing reconciliation even when relationships are strained. Through vivid examples and Scripture, Pastor Dave shows that persecution often comes when we take bold stands for righteousness, but this shouldn't discourage us. Instead, we're called to "rejoice and be exceedingly glad," knowing our eternal reward far outweighs temporary struggles. Whether you're facing relational conflicts or feeling attacked for your faith, this timely message offers practical wisdom for walking as a peacemaker while remaining unshakeable in your convictions. Don't miss this inspiring conclusion to the Beatitudes series!Matthew 5:1-12 And seeing the multitudes, He went up on a mountain, and when He was seated His disciples came to Him. 2 Then He opened His mouth and taught them, saying:3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit,For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.4 Blessed are those who mourn,For they shall be comforted.5 Blessed are the meek,For they shall inherit the [a]earth.6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,For they shall be filled.7 Blessed are the merciful,For they shall obtain mercy.8 Blessed are the pure in heart,For they shall see God.9 Blessed are the peacemakers,For they shall be called sons of God.10 Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake,For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. 12 Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.Hebrews 12:14 Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord:Romans 12:18 As much as you can, live in peace with all men. KJV as much as it lies with you2 Corinthians 4:9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed—