Podcasts about why church

Worship with us 9 + 11 AM 390 N 400 E Bountiful, UT 84010. For more information or to get connected, please visit: www.flourishinggrace.org/plan-your-visit What is your life proclaiming? Whether we realize it or not, every life points to something. Our priorities, passions, decisions, and responses all communicate what we believe is most important. In this final message of the Why Church series, we explore 1 Peter 2:9–10 and discover one of God's greatest purposes for His church. We are called to proclaim the excellencies of Jesus Christ, the One who called us out of darkness into His marvelous light. This powerful sermon walks through the identity of God's people and reminds believers who they truly are in Christ. Peter writes to Christians facing suffering, persecution, uncertainty, and displacement. Many had lost homes, relationships, careers, and security because of their faith in Jesus. Into that pain and instability, Peter speaks truth about their identity. They are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, and a people belonging to God. This message reminds us that our identity is not rooted in our performance, success, background, or achievements. Followers of Jesus are chosen because of God's faithfulness and grace, not because they earned His love. In a world where identity constantly shifts and people search for belonging, this sermon points us back to the unchanging truth of who we are in Christ. Throughout this teaching, we see that the church is not a building or an event. The church is a people united by Jesus. No matter our background, nationality, culture, or story, believers share a new heritage and citizenship through Christ. This sermon beautifully highlights the reality that followers of Jesus belong to a greater kingdom and a greater family than anything the world can offer. One of the central themes of this sermon is understanding what it means to proclaim the excellencies of God. Proclaiming the gospel is more than simply talking about Jesus occasionally. It is living a life transformed by Him. A life radically changed by Jesus naturally points back to the One who changed it. Through our words, our actions, our relationships, our worship, and our perseverance in suffering, we testify to the goodness and grace of God. This message also provides a vivid picture of salvation through the gospel. Just as trapped people in darkness cannot rescue themselves, humanity cannot save itself from sin. Jesus came to rescue us completely. He carried us out of darkness and brought us into His marvelous light through His death and resurrection. Salvation is not something we achieve on our own. It is entirely the work of God's grace. As this sermon unfolds, we are challenged to examine our own lives. What are we proclaiming through the way we live? Are our lives pointing to comfort, success, politics, approval, or ourselves? Or are they pointing to Jesus and the transforming power of the gospel? You will also hear a compelling encouragement to remain faithful in suffering. Peter's audience faced hostility for following Jesus, yet they continued proclaiming Him with hope and joy. This message reminds believers that even in hardship, disappointment, grief, or uncertainty, God still has purpose for His people. The church exists to proclaim who Jesus is and what He has done. This sermon also celebrates the beauty of worship and community. God's people gather together not out of obligation or performance, but because praise overflows from hearts changed by grace. As we remember the darkness Jesus rescued us from, worship becomes a joyful response to His mercy and love. If you are struggling with identity, carrying suffering, wrestling with sin, or searching for purpose, this message will encourage you to look to Jesus. He is faithful. He rescues. He restores. And He calls His people to proclaim His goodness to the world.

As we continue our Why Church? series, we're answering the question, “Why should I grow with the Bible?” Did you know that if you were to drop someone off in the middle of nowhere with no bearings for how to get to civilization—and no training on how to plot a course—that person would literally wander in circles? The reason is that the average human has one leg slightly longer than the other. So, just like a car with misaligned wheels, when we try to walk in a straight line without something to keep us on course, we end up walking in circles. The Bible is our guide, our connection to Jesus, and our weapon. It's kind of a big deal. Join us this Sunday as we talk about why we should grow with the Bible.

Worship with us 9 + 11 AM 390 N 400 E Bountiful, UT 84010. For more information or to get connected, please visit: www.flourishinggrace.org/plan-your-visit What was Jesus' vision for His church and why does biblical community matter so much? In this powerful message from Ephesians 4, we continue the Why Church series by exploring one of the most important and challenging callings for followers of Jesus. Unity in the body of Christ. In a world shaped by division, isolation, and individualism, this sermon reminds us that Jesus did not design His people to follow Him alone. He calls us into deep spiritual community centered on Him. This teaching begins with a profound question. Is the version of Christianity we are living closer to Jesus' vision for His church or closer to a private and isolated faith shaped by culture? Drawing from Jesus' prayer in John 17 and Paul's words in Ephesians 4, this sermon reveals that God's desire is not simply individual spirituality but a people united together in Christ. Throughout this message, we see that unity is not something we create through personality, preferences, or agreement on every issue. True biblical unity is rooted in Jesus Himself. There is one body, one Spirit, one faith, one baptism, and one God and Father over all. This changes how we see one another and how we live together as the church. This sermon also addresses the tension many believers feel when they hear about unity. It can seem impossible. People are different. Relationships are difficult. Pride, fear, selfishness, and hurt often stand in the way. Yet Paul reminds us that the Christian life is impossible apart from the power of God. The same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead is at work in His people, making possible what feels impossible to us. As the message unfolds, we are challenged to examine our posture toward others. Are we living with humility, gentleness, patience, and love? Are we eager to maintain unity or are we allowing culture to shape the way we relate to people? This teaching honestly confronts the reality that many Christians have unknowingly embraced an individualistic faith that stands in contrast to the vision Jesus prayed for. One of the central themes of this sermon is that the church is not meant to be a performance or a weekly event. It is a people being formed together into the likeness of Christ. God uses community, prayer, worship, communion, Scripture, and shared burdens to shape His people. Spiritual growth was never intended to happen in isolation. This message also provides practical encouragement for how believers can move toward deeper community. Read Scripture together. Pray with others. Invite people into your life. Move toward relationships instead of withdrawing from them. As believers gather together around Jesus, the church becomes a powerful witness to the world of God's love, grace, and reconciliation. You will also hear powerful reminders about identity in Christ. Followers of Jesus are chosen, redeemed, forgiven, adopted, and filled with grace. Before any role, career, title, or achievement, believers are sons and daughters of the Most High God. This truth reshapes how we live, work, love, and serve. If you have ever felt disconnected, isolated, frustrated with church, or unsure of where you belong, this sermon will encourage you to rediscover God's design for His people. Jesus is not building isolated individuals. He is building a united family that reflects His love to the world. Join us as we continue the Why Church series and discover the beauty, challenge, and hope of unity in the body of Christ.

What does it really mean to be planted in the house of God?

Worship with us 9 + 11 AM 390 N 400 E Bountiful, UT 84010. For more information or to get connected, please visit: www.flourishinggrace.org/plan-your-visit Why does the church exist and what is its purpose in our lives today? In this opening message of the Why Church series, we explore Matthew 4:18–22 and uncover the heart behind Jesus' call to His first disciples. This sermon challenges us to rethink what the church truly is and why it matters, not just as a place we attend, but as a people called into a shared mission. As Jesus walks along the Sea of Galilee, He calls ordinary fishermen to follow Him. With just a few words, everything changes. They leave behind their nets, their livelihoods, and their plans to step into something far greater. This moment is not just a historical event. It is a picture of what it means to follow Jesus today. His call is not simply to believe something, improve our lives, or participate in a religious routine. His call is to Himself. In this sermon, we unpack three powerful phrases from Jesus' invitation. First, follow me. This is a call into relationship, not performance. Jesus does not ask for credentials or perfection. He calls people as they are and invites them to walk with Him. This reminds us that the foundation of the church is not built on what we do for God, but on being with Jesus. Second, I will make you. This is a promise of transformation. In a world that constantly tells us we must earn acceptance through achievement, success, or self improvement, Jesus offers something radically different. He takes responsibility for our growth and change. Transformation is not something we manufacture. It is something we receive as we surrender to Him. This is the heart of the gospel. Third, fishers of people. This is a call to purpose. Jesus does not separate following Him from living on mission. He gives His followers a new identity and a shared calling to invite others into relationship with Him. This is not a task reserved for a few. It is a defining part of what it means to be the church. As we follow Jesus, we help others encounter Him as well. This message also clarifies what the church is and what it is not. The church is not a building, a program, or a weekly event. It is the community of people who have surrendered their lives to Jesus across all time. When we understand this, everything changes. Church is no longer something we attend. It is who we are. Throughout this sermon, we are reminded that God's mission is to draw people to Himself, and He has chosen to work through His people to accomplish that purpose. This includes both our individual lives and our life together as a church family. Whether it is through everyday relationships, serving others, or creating opportunities for people to encounter Jesus, we are invited to participate in what God is already doing. If you have ever wondered why church matters, struggled with feeling disconnected, or questioned your purpose as a follower of Jesus, this message will challenge and encourage you. It calls us to move beyond passive faith and step into a life of intentional discipleship and mission. Join us as we begin this series and rediscover what it means to follow Jesus, be transformed by Him, and live on mission together as His church.

Why Church? | Pastor John Ware by Lifehouse

Over the past several weeks, we've been walking through Why Church? Why Gather?—and this Sunday we turned the corner and asked a more personal question: Why Studio?We didn't start Studio because the world needed another church. We started it because we believed something essential was missing—that faith and life were never meant to be separated. Studio is a place where God and people meet, where we don't just learn about Him, but encounter Him together. It's a space where faith becomes seamless—where your work, your creativity, your relationships, and your city all matter to God. We're not trying to escape the world… we're learning how to engage it and participate in its renewal.At the heart of Studio is a vision to form a people—not just gather a crowd. A people who are alive in God, devoted to Jesus, and curious in their pursuit of Him. A people who carry both conviction and empathy—deeply rooted in holiness, while fully present with humanity. This is who we are. And the invitation is simple: not just to attend, but to belong, to become, and to help build a home where heaven and earth meet.For more info, you can go to our website, check us out on Instagram, Facebook, or YouTube. If you would like to support STUDIO financially, you can do so here.Have a great week!

We are on a journey of rediscovering our why: Why Church, Why Gather, Why Studio. As Simon Sinek says, “People don't buy what you do; they buy why you do it. And what you do simply proves what you believe.” We are continuing to dig into Why We Gather because, at a basic level, gathering is a core value and priority for a disciple and follower of Christ, as well as a pathway to life and experiencing God. We weren't created to do life alone - we were created to gather. If we don't understand why, we won't value what. In a world where we have more ways to connect than ever before, many are still experiencing deep loneliness and disconnection. It's not just a social issue, it's a human one. We are wired for love, belonging, and connection with God and with one another. But it's not just about showing up, it's about how we show up. Because community doesn't just happen, it's something we build together. And this is the kind of community we are becoming: a place where people are seen, valued, and connected.

What does it look like to show up for people on the hardest days of their lives? In this episode, Pastor Nate sits down with Pastor Laurie Jeddeloh, a hospital chaplain and Director of Pastoral Care, to talk about faith, grief, and what it really means to care for people in moments of uncertainty. Together, they explore how God meets us not with easy answers, but with presence, compassion, and grace.What You'll Learn: What chaplains actually do in hospitals day-to-dayHow to support people without forcing beliefsWhy faith isn't about having all the answersWhat “destructive spirituality” looks like—and how to reframe itHow presence can matter more than words in hard momentsChapters: 00:00 Introduction to Pastor Laurie & Chaplaincy 02:00 What Does a Hospital Chaplain Do? 04:00 Faith, Ethics, and Hard Decisions in Healthcare 07:00 Why We Blame Ourselves—and How to Let Go 11:00 Showing Up in Life's Hardest Moments 15:00 Why Presence Matters More Than Answers 19:00 Sacred Moments at the End of Life 25:00 Following a Call into Chaplaincy 29:00 Leaving Parish Ministry Behind 35:00 Why Church and Community Still MatterIf this conversation encouraged you, take a moment to like, subscribe, and share it with someone who might need it.Connect with Bethany:

As we continued week five of our "Why Church" series, we explored some challenging yet transformative truths about gathering as the body of Christ. This sermon explored the biblical and historical foundations for why we gather on Sundays and how our approach to gathering has shifted from the early church to today. We examined the difference between attending out of obligation versus gathering because Christ is risen, and how the modern era has moved us toward individualized faith rather than embodied community. The implications for our spiritual life are profound—when we understand that following Jesus means constantly pushing past boundaries rather than arriving at a destination, and when we come together with intentional hearts prepared to meet with God and each other, we resist the cultural pull toward isolation and step into the design Jesus intended for His people.As we move forward, I want to encourage you to take one practical step in the weeks to come: before you gather—whether on Sunday, in a home group, or in daily community—take 20 seconds to prepare your heart. Examine what needs to be made right, forgive where needed, and come with intention to meet with God and His people.Remember, this is an invitation to follow Jesus more deeply, not an obligation to fulfill. Let's continue to build a culture marked by humility, quick forgiveness, and reverence for the presence of Jesus among us.For more info, you can go to our website, check us out on Instagram, Facebook, or YouTube. If you would like to support STUDIO financially, you can do so here.Have a great week!

This week in our series Why Church? Why Gather? Why Studio? We stepped into a deeper conversation often called ecclesiology—the study of the church. At the heart of the message was a simple but important question: Can formation and maturity happen in isolation? Scripture makes something clear—while salvation is deeply personal, it was never meant to be lived out alone. In a culture shaped by “me, myself, and I,” the Bible continually invites us into something bigger: a people, a body, a shared life where faith grows through belonging and proximity.The book of Hebrews gives us three movements that capture this beautifully: let us draw near to God, let us hold fast to hope, and let us consider one another—stirring each other toward love and good works. Faith can exist in isolation, but formation cannot. We grow when we gather, when we encourage one another, and when we intentionally help each other become more like Christ. The church was never designed as a place to simply receive spiritual content—it's a community that sustains faith, strengthens courage, and keeps hope alive.For more info, you can go to our website, check us out on Instagram, Facebook, or YouTube. If you would like to support STUDIO financially, you can do so here.Have a great week!

This week we continued our series “Why Church? Why Gather? Why Studio?” with a simple but important realization: we are Western people reading an Eastern book. Most of us don't realize the tension that creates. We live in a culture that begins with “I”—my faith, my truth, my relationship. But the Bible was written in a world that began with “we.” Identity wasn't self-determined; it was covenantal. Belonging came before choosing.That's why the church isn't just a group of individuals who share beliefs. It's a people, a body, a dwelling place of God. You can belong to Christ without gathering—but you cannot live out the full biblical vision of the church without it. The tension you feel isn't confusion; it's invitation—to rediscover belonging and be formed together.For more info, you can go to our website, check us out on Instagram, Facebook, or YouTube. If you would like to support STUDIO financially, you can do so here.Have a great week!

This past Sunday, Pastor Rheva continued the series Why Church? Why Gather? Why Studio? by helping us reflect on why the church exists—and why gathering actually matters. Throughout Scripture, God does not save individuals in isolation; He forms a people for the sake of the world. Our faith was never meant to be lived alone.She shared that the church exists to host God's presence, form God's people, and participate in God's renewal of the world.Here are the core “whys” Pastor Rheva walked us through:Worship + PresenceTeaching + The WordFormation + DiscipleshipCommunity + BelongingCare + HealingUnity + ReconciliationMission + WitnessAs this series continues, Studio's prayer is that the church would not simply be something people attend—but a people they become: gathered around Jesus, anchored in truth, formed in love, walking in unity, and sent for the sake of the world.For more info, you can go to our website, check us out on Instagram, Facebook, or YouTube. If you would like to support STUDIO financially, you can do so here.Have a great week!

Have you ever done something for so long that you forget why you're doing it in the first place? This is called ritual drift. Over time, we can fall into habits and rhythms without remembering the original purpose behind them.This past Sunday, we began a new series titled “Why Church? Why Gather? Why Studio?” We took time to revisit what the church actually is—because when we understand what it is, we begin to understand why it matters.One of the things Jesus did was take an existing word in His culture—ekklesia—and reframe it. He shifted the center of gravity from an assembly built around civic duty and national identity to a people gathered around Him. The church was no longer just a gathering of citizens; it became a community formed by and centered on Christ.As we continue this series, we invite you to lean in with fresh eyes and an open heart. Let's not drift into routine—let's rediscover the beauty and purpose of gathering around Jesus together.For more info, you can go to our website, check us out on Instagram, Facebook, or YouTube. If you would like to support STUDIO financially, you can do so here.Have a great week!

This week as we kick off 2026 Pastor Jake asked us "Why Church?"Our mission is to glorify God by equipping His people to change their world and by planting churches with the same world-changing vision.Website: https://mannastafford.church/Find us on: Facebook:   / mannastafford  Instagram:   / manna.stafford  TikTok:   / manna.stafford

Episode 6 of the Faithfully Her podcast, "Why Church?" Part 1.  

This week, we finish our Why Church? series in the book of Acts. In Acts 6:8-15, we see Stephen seized and brought before the Sanhedrin. We also take a quick jump forward to Acts 7:51-60 to the stoning of Stephen, highlighting his faithfulness to the Lord through trial and hardship. Pastor Eric shares three points from the text: 1) Expect trial and hardship to test faithfulness. 2) Seek the Lord for lasting faithfulness. 3) Faithfully worship the Lord through trial and hardship.

This week, we continue our Why Church? series. In Acts 6:1-7, the Apostles lead out in choosing seven men to minister to the widows among them, ensuring that all who were in need were taken care of and the word of God would continue to spread. Pastor Eric shares three points from the text: 1) The ministry of service. 2) The ministry of prayer. 3) The ministry of the Word.

This week, we continue our Why Church? series. In Acts 5:17-42, the apostles are arrested and put into jail, but then broken out by an angel. They continue to preach the gospel, and are reprimanded by the Sanhedrin to stop proclaiming Jesus. The apostles endure beating with grateful hearts and continue to preach the gospel. Pastor Eric shares four points from the text: 1) Opposition to the mission is inevitable. 2) When the enemy attacks, God's grace and power abound. 3) God's power is greater than all opposition. 4) The gospel drives godly ambition.

This week, we continue our Why Church? series. In Acts 5:12–16, we see the apostles performing signs and wonders, many more people believing in the Lord and being added to the church, and believers bringing the sick to be healed. Pastor Eric shares three aspects of how miracles help move the mission of the church from the text: 1) The witness of wonder in a miracle (vs. 12-14) 2) The witness of faith in a miracle (vs. 15) 3) The witness of a church devoted to God's power (vs. 16)

This week, we continue with our Why Church? series. In chapter 5:1-11 of Acts, we see Ananias and Sapphira sell a piece of property and keep back some of the money for themselves. Peter confronts them about their deceit, and they end up dying as a result. Pastor Eric gives us three warnings against half-heartedness, and a call to be “all in” with God from the text: 1) Half-heartedness in truth 2) Half-heartedness in marriage 3) Half-heartedness in generosity 4) Fear the Lord and run to God's grace

This week, we continue with our Why Church? series. In chapter 4:32-37 of Acts, we see the local believers unified in all things, giving generously to the Kingdom work being done among them. Pastor Eric highlights three key aspects of generosity found in the text: 1) The unity in generosity 2) The witness from generosity 3) The encouragement of generosity

This week, we continue with our Why Church? series. In chapter 4:23-31 of Acts, Peter and John return to their friends after their time before the Sanhedrin to pray together as a community. Pastor Eric highlights three key aspects of God's remedy in gospel opposition as found in the text: 1) The medicine of friendship (v. 23) 2) The rest found in God's sovereignty (vv. 24-28) 3) The strength found in praying for boldness (vv. 29-31)

Asking For A Friend – Why Church? Which Church? This week's Asking For A Friend question is two-fold: Why Church? and Which Church? Do we really need the church to follow Jesus, or can we do it on our own? And if we do need it, how do we know which church is right? Pastor Shannon Patterson walks through Scripture to reveal why the Church is God's divine plan for His people through Jesus Christ—and what kind of church helps you grow in love for Him. Learn how to: • Recognize what makes a church truly centered on Jesus • Understand the difference between essentials and non-essentials of faith • See your vital role within the body of Christ Whether you've been part of a church your whole life or are just beginning to explore faith, this conversation will challenge and encourage you to see the Church in a whole new way.

This week, we continue with our Why Church? series. In chapter 4:1-22 of Acts, we see Peter and John before the Sanhedrin, faithfully sharing the gospel with those in attendance. Pastor Eric highlights four key takeaways from the text: 1) Gospel Malice 2) Gospel Message 3) Gospel Messenger 4) Gospel Movement

The Missional Church

This week, we continue with our Why Church? series. In chapter 3:11-26 of Acts, Peter speaks in Solomon's portico, exhorting the people to look to Jesus as healer and savior, and persuading them to repent. Michael highlights three key takeaways from the text: 1) Who is Jesus? 2) What happened to Jesus? 3) What is your response?

This week, we continue with our Why Church? series. In chapter 3:1-16 of Acts, we see a lame man at the temple healed by the power of Jesus through Peter. Pastor Eric shares three key takeaways from the text: 1) The need for a miracle. 2) The gift of Jesus. 3) The healing power of Jesus.

As we kick off our new series, “Why Church?,” we dive into the complex reality of church hurt and our calling to love and fight for the Bride of Christ.

This week, we continue with our Why Church? series. In chapter 2:42-47 of Acts, we see the aftermath of Peter's sermon at Pentecost and what the local church looked like as a result. Pastor Eric shares four devotions of a healthy church found in our text: teaching God's Word, fellowship, breaking bread, and praying. He also highlights five fruits of a healthy church from the text: awe & wonder (v. 43), generosity & sharing (vv. 44-45), hospitality & joy (v. 46), favor in the community (v. 47), and growing in number (v. 47).

This week, we continue our miniseries within our Why Church? series, focusing on the question, “Why does the church need the Holy Spirit?”. In chapter 2:32-41 of Acts, Peter's sermon is concluded as he exhorts the crowds to call upon the name of Jesus, and 3,000 people are saved and baptized! Pastor Eric shares three takeaways from the text: 1) The church needs the Holy Spirit to make Jesus both Lord and Christ. 2) The church needs the Holy Spirit to see true repentance. 3) The church needs the Holy Spirit to see salvation.

This week, we continue our miniseries within our Why Church? series, focusing on the question, “Why does the church need the Holy Spirit?”. In chapter 2:22-33 of Acts, Peter continues his sermon, sharing Jesus' life, death, and resurrection with the crowds at Pentecost. Pastor Eric shares three takeaways from the text: 1) The church needs the Holy Spirit to grasp the gospel. 2) The church needs the Holy Spirit to see weary hearts rejoice. 3) We need the Spirit to see lives changed.

This week, we begin a miniseries within our Why Church? series, focusing on the question, “Why does the church need the Holy Spirit?”. In chapter 2:1-13 of Acts, we hear the first several verses of Peter's sermon at Pentecost, focusing on the words of the prophet Joel. Pastor Eric shares three takeaways from the text: 1) The church needs the Spirit for vision, direction, and encouragement (vs. 17-18). 2) The church needs the Spirit to endure to the end. 3) The church needs the Spirit for the lost to be saved (vs. 21).

This week, we continue our new series, Why Church?, in the book of Acts. In chapter 2:1-13, the Holy Spirit comes upon the apostles on the day of Pentecost, giving them the power to minister to the crowds in many different languages. Pastor Eric shares two takeaways from the text: 1) The Holy Spirit's power for the church 2) God's vision for the church

This week, we continue our new series, Why Church?, in the book of Acts. In chapter 1:9-26, Jesus ascends to heaven and the apostles cast lots to determine who will replace Judas. Pastor Eric highlights six takeaways from the text: 1) The church waits with a hopeful promise. 2) The church waits unified in prayer. 3) The church preaches the Word while we wait. 4) The church submits to the Word while we wait. 5) The church facilitates restoration while we wait. 6) The church gathers to finish the mission.

What did the early church have that made people say "I want to be part of that"? What if we could experience the same kind of community that changed the world? In this final week of our "Why Church?" series, Pastor Joseph McMurry takes us back to Acts 2 to discover why he loves the church through God's original blueprint. This isn't about nostalgia—it's about understanding what made the early church so compelling and how we can experience that same kind of transformative community today. Church was never meant to be a service you watch; it's a people we become.  

This week, we start our new series, Why Church?, in the book of Acts. In chapter 1:1-8, Jesus tells the disciples to wait for the promise of the Holy Spirit, encouraging them that they will receive power to be His witnesses to the ends of the earth. Pastor Eric highlights two takeaways from the text: 1) The Church's Power 2) The Church's Purpose

What if the church offered something you couldn't find anywhere else? The chance to be part of something bigger than yourself and relationships that are ready before the storms of life hit? In Week 3 of our "Why Church?" series, Pastor Bradley Medford gets personal about why he loves the church. This isn't about obligation—it's about discovering the irreplaceable value of being connected to something greater and building relationships that matter when life gets hard. Church was never meant to be a service you watch; it's a people we become.

Welcome Graham fam! We are so glad you could watch Sunday morning online with us. In this final installment of our “Why Church?” series, we focus on spiritual growth. God has given gifts to the church—leaders, teachers, and community—to help us grow in faith and maturity. Church isn't just a place to attend; it's where we are equipped, challenged, and supported in our walk with Christ. Key Scriptures: Ephesians 4:11–16 1 Timothy 4:14–15 Hebrews 10:24–25 2 Peter 3:17–18 Main Points: Jesus has given gifts to the church to help with spiritual growth! God's people are called to do his work and build up the church! Know what Christ's goal is for the Church! Reflection: Are you growing spiritually? Are you connected to the Body of Christ in a way that challenges and encourages you? Don't let isolation stunt your growth. Let the church be the place where Jesus helps you mature. If you would like to watch our past services, you can do so here: https://gcwesleyan.org/teaching/ Like and subscribe to our new YouTube channel, Graham Chapel Youth! We are producing some funny videos as well as live streaming our Wednesday night youth group: https://is.gd/grahamyouth. If you would like to give to Graham Chapel, you can do so here: https://gcwesleyan.org/give/ Graham Chapel Wesleyan Church is in Mayo, SC which is near Cowpens and Chesnee in Spartanburg County, South Carolina. We are affiliated with the Wesleyan denomination and have a diverse congregation. We would love to have you join us on Sunday mornings in person, or on Wednesdays with our youth! Visit our website to learn more. #wesleyanchurch #grahamchapel #onespartanburg #churchonline

If Jesus loves the church, shouldn't we? What if understanding Jesus' heart for the church could change everything about how we see our place in it? In Week 2 of our "Why Church?" series, Christian Nichles explores why Jesus is so passionate about the church. This isn't about obligation—it's about discovering what Jesus sees in the church that makes it precious to Him. Church was never meant to be a service you watch; it's a people we become.

This week in our “Why Church?” series, we focus on the call to serve. Serving others is not just a good idea—it's a Christ-centered command. Jesus didn't come to be served, but to serve. And He calls us to do the same. Church is where we learn, practice, and grow in this calling. Key Scriptures: Mark 9:34–35 John 13:12–17 Galatians 5:13 1 Peter 4:8–10 Mark 10:45 Philippians 2:5–8 Main Points (verbatim): Our sinful nature wants to be served! The New Testament constantly challenges all believers to serve! Jesus set the example by serving us first! Reflection: Are you living like Jesus? Are you serving others with the gifts God has given you? Church is the best place to start. Let the Holy Spirit lead you into a life of joyful service. If you would like to watch our past services, you can do so here: https://gcwesleyan.org/teaching/ Like and subscribe to our new YouTube channel, Graham Chapel Youth! We are producing some funny videos as well as live streaming our Wednesday night youth group: https://is.gd/grahamyouth. If you would like to give to Graham Chapel, you can do so here: https://gcwesleyan.org/give/ Graham Chapel Wesleyan Church is in Mayo, SC which is near Cowpens and Chesnee in Spartanburg County, South Carolina. We are affiliated with the Wesleyan denomination and have a diverse congregation. We would love to have you join us on Sunday mornings in person, or on Wednesdays with our youth! Visit our website to learn more.

Why Church? Why Join?Romans 12:3-8Travis Collins

In a world where everything feels optional, what if church wasn't just good for you—what if it was essential to becoming who God made you to be? Christian Nichles launches our "Why Church?" series by exploring what the church truly is (and isn't) according to God's design. This isn't about guilt or attendance—it's about discovering why the church is irreplaceable in your spiritual transformation. Church was never meant to be a service you watch; it's a people we become.  

Why Church?

This week, we continue our “Why Church?” series by focusing on the power and purpose of fellowship. From the early church in Acts to the Spirit-filled community we're called to today, God has always intended for His people to walk together. Fellowship isn't optional—it's foundational. Key Scriptures: Acts 2:42–47 1 John 1:6–7 Deuteronomy 7:6–7 Matthew 18:20 2 Corinthians 13:14 1 Corinthians 15:33 Main Points (as delivered): God has always intended to bring his people together! God wants fellowship with you! God never intended for us to make this journey alone! You will find fellowship somewhere! Reflection:Do you really trust Jesus with your relationships? Are you willing to surrender your social circles to follow Him more closely? Let this message challenge and encourage you to commit to true, Christ-centered fellowship. If you would like to watch our past services, you can do so here: https://gcwesleyan.org/teaching/ Like and subscribe to our new YouTube channel, Graham Chapel Youth! We are producing some funny videos as well as live streaming our Wednesday night youth group: https://is.gd/grahamyouth. If you would like to give to Graham Chapel, you can do so here: https://gcwesleyan.org/give/ Graham Chapel Wesleyan Church is in Mayo, SC which is near Cowpens and Chesnee in Spartanburg County, South Carolina. We are affiliated with the Wesleyan denomination and have a diverse congregation. We would love to have you join us on Sunday mornings in person, or on Wednesdays with our youth! Visit our website to learn more.

Why Church? Stewardship | Pastor John Ware by Lifehouse

Why Church? Getting In The Game | Pastor John Ware by Lifehouse

Why Church? Community | Pastor John Ware by Lifehouse

Welcome to the weekly podcast of Pastor Tim Woody and City Life Church in Fort Worth, Texas. City Life Church exists to influence culture by making Jesus known. For more information visit us online at www.citylifefw.org

Welcome to the weekly podcast of Pastor Tim Woody and City Life Church in Fort Worth, Texas. City Life Church exists to influence culture by making Jesus known. For more information visit us online at www.citylifefw.org