We see how Jesus addresses our deepest need—not just outward problems, but the condition of our hearts. When a paralyzed man is brought to Him, Jesus begins with forgiveness, showing that true healing starts from within. We also see Jesus calling Levi, a rejected tax collector, reminding us that no one is beyond His reach. Rather than demanding perfection, Jesus invites people into relationship. Finally, He introduces a new way of life marked by joy, grace, and freedom—not rules and performance. This message challenges us to stop trying to fix ourselves and instead come to Jesus for true healing.

I’ve always been fascinated with how Jesus called people to follow him. In Mark's Gospel, Jesus called a bunch of commercial fishermen to follow him. They didn’t hesitate—they dropped their nets to follow Jesus. This was a very unique and specific calling. Jesus said to them, “I’m going to teach you how to catch people instead of fish.” I’m pretty sure the disciples had no idea what they were signing up for. In fact, that’s part of the adventure of following Jesus. We never quite know where our calling will take us.

In this message from The Book of Mark, we see how Jesus begins His ministry by calling ordinary people to follow Him. Instead of choosing the most qualified or educated, He invites fishermen—demonstrating that calling is about availability, not credentials. As Jesus teaches and performs miracles, His authority becomes undeniable, even over spiritual forces. Yet His power is rooted in something simple but profound: a consistent prayer life. We also see His deep compassion as He reaches out to those society avoids. This message challenges us to consider how we are responding to Jesus’ call in our own lives.

Last Sunday we began a brand new sermon series on the Gospel of Mark. Mark is one of those writers that gets right to the point. I love the simplicity of how he presents John the Baptist and Jesus. John the Baptist came with a powerful message of repentance. The common people, mostly Jews from the surrounding areas, were very receptive to what John was preaching. Hundreds and thousands of people were coming out to hear John. After listening to John’s fiery messages, many of them made a decision to be baptized.

When Jesus began his public ministry, he immediately began proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. Jesus also taught that repentance was necessary for salvation. Many of the Old Testament prophets put a heavy emphasis on repentance. The New Testament writers, including Paul, Peter, James, and John, talked about repentance. Since we know repentance is important and necessary, the question is: what does it mean to repent?

In this opening message of The Book of Mark, we are introduced to the fast-paced and powerful Gospel that reveals Jesus as the Suffering Servant. Pastor Steve walks through the background of Mark, highlighting his story of failure and restoration as a reminder of God’s grace. Mark chapter 1 begins in the wilderness with a call to repentance, pointing to a fresh start and a new way of relating to God. As Jesus steps into baptism, He identifies with humanity and is confirmed as the Son of God. The message is clear: the kingdom of God has arrived, and it calls for a response. This sermon challenges us to consider whether the Gospel is still good news in our lives today.

Maybe you have heard these famous words, “It’s Friday but Sunday is coming!” This is about Good Friday leading into Easter Sunday. There is great anticipation for Christians starting on Good Friday and building up to Resurrection Sunday.
But what about Monday?
Churches are packed on Easter Sunday celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Resurrection songs are sung, and most people leave their churches feeling happy and blessed. But what about Monday? Monday might just be the most important day.

In this Easter message, Pastor Steve explores why the resurrection of Jesus is more than a historical event—it’s a life-changing reality. Through the story of the road to Emmaus, we see two followers overwhelmed with despair, walking away from hope. Yet Jesus meets them in their confusion, opens their eyes to the truth, and completely transforms their direction. The resurrection turns fear into courage and despair into purpose. It reminds us that we are not meant to simply exist, but to experience a full and meaningful life. This message challenges us to consider which road we are walking—despair or life.

Last Sunday I finished a sermon series on the book of Genesis. I want to highlight a few thoughts from my message.

We focused on the story of Joseph, his father Jacob, and Joseph’s eleven brothers. This was a troubled family. Maybe you can relate? Personally, I don’t know of any families that don’t have some kind of problems or struggles.

This particular family was full of secrets. The biggest secret was a lie the brothers told their father about Joseph. They convinced their father that Joseph had been killed by a wild animal after they sold him to slave traders. The problem with living with a lie is that you have to tell more lies to cover up the original lie. After a while, the guilt associated with the lies begins to take its toll on the keepers of the lies.

Pastor Steve brings the story of Joseph to a powerful conclusion. After years of betrayal, suffering, and separation, Joseph comes face to face with the very brothers who wronged him. Through this emotional encounter, we see that forgiveness is not easy—it requires humility, honesty, and a willingness to take the first step. Yet God uses even guilt and brokenness to lead people toward healing and restoration. Joseph’s story reminds us that while others may intend harm, God can still work everything for good. This message challenges us to consider what relationships in our lives need to be restored.

One of the questions I’ve been asked throughout my years of ministry is, “What is the unpardonable sin?” I think what triggers most people to ask that particular question is fear. And I totally understand why it would strike fear in the hearts of people. Jesus is full of grace and mercy. Everything he does is based on love and forgiveness, but suddenly he makes a statement about a sin that cannot be forgiven and we think, “Where did that come from and why did he say it?”

Pastor Steve explores the life of Joseph and the many injustices he endured. Betrayed by his brothers, falsely accused, and thrown into prison, Joseph had every reason to become bitter—but he chose faithfulness instead. Through his story, we learn that doing the right thing doesn’t always lead to immediate reward, but God is always at work behind the scenes. Even in seasons of waiting and disappointment, Joseph remained faithful and trusted God’s plan. His journey reminds us that God can use even our hardest moments to prepare us for something greater.

Something happened to me on the way to fulfilling my dreams—God forgot about me. Well, actually He didn’t, but at the time it certainly felt like He did. I stepped into ministry at a young age with high hopes, only to find myself facing unexpected setbacks and confusion. Doors that once seemed open suddenly closed, and nothing made sense. It left me questioning everything—my calling, my future, even where God was in it all. But what I couldn’t see in the moment was that something deeper was unfolding behind the scenes.

In The World’s Greatest Wrestler (History Part 7), Pastor Steve explores the powerful story of Jacob wrestling with God in Genesis 32. After a lifetime of manipulation and striving, Jacob finally faces the limits of his own strength. Alone and afraid, he encounters God in a life-changing wrestling match that lasts through the night. In that moment of weakness, Jacob learns that real strength comes not from fighting God, but from clinging to Him. The encounter leaves Jacob with a new name, a new identity, and a “holy limp” that reminds him to trust God instead of himself.

One of my favorite Beach Boys songs is “God Only Knows.” There is so much we don’t know—but God knows what we don’t know. That’s why we should pray with confidence, because in many cases God only knows what to do and how to answer our prayers.

That being said, why is it that prayer is often our last resort after we’ve tried everything else? Many Christians are not utilizing the power of prayer—to their own detriment and frustration. There is nothing in the Bible that says unless it’s urgent prayer isn’t necessary. Why wouldn’t we bring every problem and every need to God? After all, if God only knows, He’s the key to answering your prayers.

Could it be that you don’t think God will answer your prayers? Here’s what I’ve discovered…

In Crazy Families! (History Part 6), Pastor Steve explores the dramatic story of Jacob and Esau in Genesis 25–27. Their family was filled with favoritism, deception, manipulation, and bitterness—reminding us that even the most important biblical families were far from perfect. Through this story, we see how destructive patterns can damage relationships and create long-lasting conflict. Yet we also discover powerful lessons about identity, forgiveness, and the importance of taking responsibility for our actions. God’s desire is not broken families but healed relationships shaped by truth, humility, and grace.

Are you alarmed by the latest news of the United States attacking Iran in a coordinated effort with Israel—and more recently, other allies? In fact, by the time you read this, there will undoubtedly be more news of wars and rumors of wars.

We should not be surprised, nor should we live in fear. News of war should not cause us to retreat from living the way we would if there were no wars. The truth is, at any given time there are multiple wars going on around the world. If we shut our lives down because of wars, we would never get anything done. We might not get married, have children, pursue a career, go to college, or take a mission trip or vacation—because after all, there are wars going on.

In Blessed To Be A Blessing (History Part 5), guest speaker Rich Nye explored God’s call to Abraham in Genesis 12 and what it means for us today. At 75 years old, Abraham stepped into the unknown, trusting God’s promise without having all the details. This message reminds us that true faith obeys before clarity and rests in God’s “I will” rather than our “I can’t.” We are not blessed to store up God’s goodness but to become channels of it. Through our time, talents, treasures, and testimony, we are called to bless others and reflect Christ to the world.

In the surfing world, we have our own lingo. Here’s an expression you might find interesting: getting rag dolled. After a horrible wipeout, you might hear a surfer say, “Man, that wave was so powerful it rag dolled me until I was almost out of breath.” When a surfer wipes out on a powerful wave, sometimes crazy things happen underwater. I’ve been rag dolled more times than I can count.

Sometimes we get rag dolled by life. We get hit by a wave of circumstances that takes us under. This shouldn’t come as a surprise, but it often does. We find ourselves thinking, Why is this happening to me?

In The Tower of Babel (History – Part 4), Pastor Steve explored how humanity’s desire for independence from God led to division and confusion. Unified by one language, the people chose to build their own kingdom rather than trust God’s command to spread across the earth. This story reveals how pride, misplaced ambition, and technology used apart from God can lead us away from Him. Yet even in rebellion, God responded with mercy—slowing the spread of evil and redirecting humanity’s story. Babel reminds us that true unity is found not in self-exaltation, but in surrender to God.

Lent is often misunderstood, yet it has deep roots in the history and rhythm of the Church. For centuries, Christians have used this season as a time to slow down, refocus, and prepare their hearts for Easter. While Lent isn’t commanded in Scripture, its practices are firmly grounded in biblical themes of repentance, prayer, and renewal. This year, the season carries added meaning for our church as we prepare for something new. The last few years have been challenging in ways we never expected, but God has been quietly at work behind the scenes. As Easter approaches, there’s a sense that renewal is not just something we talk about—it’s something we’re stepping into together.