Sermons | Local Church in Wabash, Indiana | Bachelor Creek

This week in The Characters of Christmas, we look at the shepherds and discover the radical grace of God. Jesus didn’t come for those who had it all together but for those the world overlooks. Their story reminds us that the gospel is for everyone… including you.

In week two of The Characters of Christmas, we look at Joseph: a man whose quiet, courageous obedience changed the course of history. When God disrupted his plans, Joseph chose trust over fear and faithfulness over comfort. His story invites us to release control, embrace God’s purpose, and follow Him even when the path ahead is unclear.

In this Family Worship Sunday message, we look at Mary—the ordinary teenage girl God used to do something extraordinary—and the very first “Christmas carol” found in Scripture. Through Mary’s faith, quiet obedience, and simple yes, we’re reminded that God prepares us in the quiet moments and calls ordinary people of every age to extraordinary Kingdom work. This sermon challenges all of us—from kids to adults—to consider where God is asking us to trust, obey, and say yes today.

In the Great Commission, Jesus didn’t just invite us to follow Him; He commanded us to make disciples. Through His authority and His presence, every believer is empowered to share their story and walk with others toward Christ. When we take this seriously, our neighborhoods become mission fields and everyday relationships become opportunities for eternity.

What if loving your neighbor isn’t optional, but the heartbeat of following Jesus? In “The Great Commandment” we’re challenged to move beyond good intentions and take simple, practical steps to love God and love people right where we live. When we do, everyday relationships can become the front lines of God’s transforming love.

This week in our First Things First series, we’re learning that putting God first changes everything. In “God First: The Blessing of Right Priorities,” we see how trusting God with our finances isn’t about losing control; it’s about gaining freedom. When we give God our first and best, we open the door to His faithfulness and blessing in every area of life.

This Sunday we launch our new series First Things First with a message titled God Last: The Cost of Wrong Priorities from Haggai 1:1–15. When God gets our leftovers, everyone suffers. Discover how misplaced priorities lead to frustration, and how putting God first brings purpose, peace, and blessing.

Many people today believe that all religions lead to the same destination—that sincerity is enough to reach God. But Jesus made a different claim: He is the way, the truth, and the life. This Sunday, we’ll discover why following Jesus isn’t narrow-minded; it’s the only road that leads home.

In this week’s Bad Advice message, we tackle the popular saying, “Don’t impose your beliefs on others.” Pastor Stan Kirtlan reminds us that while respect and grace matter, silence isn’t love. Using Paul’s example in Acts 17, we’re challenged to boldly share the truth of Jesus with gentleness, humility, and conviction—because Christianity is personal, but never private.

The world says, “Test it out first.” God says, “Trust Me first.” This week, we’ll look at why true love thrives not in trial runs but in covenant commitment.

In this message, Lee Coate contrasts worldly wisdom, which is driven by envy, selfish ambition, and appearances, with godly wisdom, which produces purity, peace, mercy, and sincerity as described in James 3. He emphasizes that wisdom is not about age or intellect but about humbly applying God’s truth through prayerful asking and intentional pursuit in daily life. Ultimately, he challenges believers to embrace what may look like “the foolishness of God”—living counter-culturally in faith, humility, and obedience, trusting that God’s way leads to true life and flourishing.

It’s easy to hear God’s Word and never let it change us. In James 1:22–25, we’re reminded that the Bible isn’t just for knowing; it’s for doing. Join us this Sunday as we discover how living the Word leads to true freedom and blessing.

Ever feel lost when you open the Bible? This Sunday we’ll discover how God’s Word is one story of redemption and how you can read it with confidence. Join us for week 1 of our new 2-part series, How to Read the Bible.

Life can feel overwhelming, but the end of God’s story is not ruin; it’s restoration. Join us as we look at Revelation 21–22 and celebrate the hope of new creation, where every tear will be wiped away and all things made new.

The New Testament letters remind us that the gospel is not just something we believe, it’s something we live. In Letters to the Church, we’ll see how the good news of Jesus transforms our identity, unites us in community, and gives us a mission worth living for.

How did a handful of ordinary Jesus followers ignite a movement that carried the Gospel to the ends of the earth? The book of Acts reveals the explosive moment when God’s Spirit, God’s people, and God’s Story collided—and nothing in history was ever the same.

Jesus didn’t come to start a new story. He came to fulfill the one God had been writing all along. In Week 11 of The Story So Far, we’ll see how every promise, every prophecy, and every purpose finds its “Yes” in Him, and how His life, death, and resurrection make sense of the whole story. Join us as we discover how Jesus is not only the fulfillment of God’s story, but the fulfillment of ours.

Have you ever prayed and felt like heaven was silent? God’s people experienced 400 years without a single new word from the Lord between the Old and New Testaments, but silence didn’t mean absence. This week, we’ll see how God was working behind the scenes in the waiting, and how we can trust Him when His timing feels delayed.

No matter what’s been broken—your faith, your family, your purpose—God is not finished. This message from Ezra and Nehemiah reminds us that He still rebuilds what sin has torn down.

Even when everything falls apart, when the world feels broken, and God seems silent, He still speaks. In this message from Isaiah and Jeremiah, we’re reminded that God hasn’t abandoned us. In the middle of exile, confusion, or disappointment, He speaks with power, comfort, and hope for what’s next.

Life in the middle can feel messy, especially when you’re not where you used to be, but not yet where you hoped to be. In this message, we explore how God gives us wisdom to walk, worship to anchor us, and grace to restore us when we feel stuck in between. The middle may be hard, but God is present and faithful through it all.

In this episode, we explore how Solomon’s downfall and the division of Israel’s kingdom serve as a powerful warning about the influences we allow into our lives. From the wisdom of Proverbs to the rediscovery of God’s Word under King Josiah, the message highlights how obedience and biblical literacy can transform not only individuals but entire nations. Ultimately, it’s a reminder that while our actions matter, it’s God’s grace and truth that lead to restoration.

When God’s people reject Him as King and demand human leadership, the results are messy and all too familiar. This week in The Story So Far, we walk through the chaos of the Judges and the rise of Israel’s kings to see a deeper truth: human leaders will always fall short, but God remains faithful. Ultimately, only Jesus can rule our hearts, and we’re invited to surrender to Him as our true King.

After 40 years of wandering, God's people finally stand on the edge of the Promised Land. But stepping into it won’t be easy. In this message from Joshua 1–6, we’ll see how God keeps His promises and invites us to courageously trust Him—through flooded rivers, fortified walls, and fear-filled hearts. The land was promised. Now it’s time to trust.

What do we do when we feel stuck in between—no longer in Egypt, but not yet in the Promised Land? In this message from our series The Story So Far, we explore Israel’s journey through the wilderness and discover that the desert isn't a detour—it's God's design to deepen our trust and form our faith. Even when the path feels dry, God is present, and the wilderness is never wasted.

In the story of Exodus, we meet a God who doesn’t just set people free—He draws near to dwell with them. Whether you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure of your next step, this message reminds us that God sees, hears, rescues, and forms us to live with Him at the center. Freedom isn’t the end of the story—it’s the beginning of life with God.

Before sin, shame, or struggle, there was goodness—and grace. In this opening message of The Story So Far, we explore how the beginning of God’s story is also the beginning of ours—a story marked by purpose, brokenness, and a calling to trust the Creator who’s not finished with us yet.

As we wrap up our Weeds in My Garden series, we’re reminded through Philippians 1:6 that even when life feels messy and unfinished, God is still tending the soil of our hearts. This isn’t the end; your weeds don’t disqualify you, because the Gardener never gives up. If you’re feeling tired, stuck, or uncertain, this message is for you.

In a world where so many kids feel invisible, this message from our Weeds in My Garden series calls us to see and love the next generation the way God does. Drawing from the painful family story in Genesis 27, we’ll explore how presence, affirmation, and intentional care can shape a child’s identity and emotional health. If you’re a parent, mentor, teacher—or just someone who cares—this is your invitation to lean in and make a difference.

Burnout isn’t just feeling tired; it’s when your soul feels like it can’t go on. In this message, we look at the prophet Elijah’s breaking point and discover what God’s response reveals about His heart for us in seasons of exhaustion and emotional depletion. If you’re running on empty, this is an invitation to rest, recover, and reconnect with the God who restores.

This week in our Weeds in My Garden series, we explore what the Bible says about self-harm and suicide. Using Psalm 42, we tackle tough questions, confront common misconceptions, and offer practical steps for finding hope in the darkest seasons. If you or someone you love is struggling, this message brings clarity, truth, and help.

In a world consumed by worry, how can we find peace that lasts? In this message from our Weeds in My Garden series, we explore Jesus’ words in Matthew 6 and uncover the antidote to anxiety, not through control, but through trust in God’s goodness and care. Discover how seeking God first can lead to a life anchored in peace, not panic.

Anxiety often feels like an unavoidable part of life—but what if much of it is fueled by false threats and unrealistic expectations? This week, pastor and author Steve Cuss explore the difference between real and chronic anxiety, uncover the “false needs” that drive our fear, and learn how relaxing into God’s presence can free us from carrying a load we were never meant to bear. Let’s find peace by trusting the God who is already in the room.

Let’s Be Honest kicks off our brand-new series Weeds in My Garden—a raw and hope-filled look at mental health through the lens of Scripture. In this message, we tackle the misconceptions many Christians have about anxiety, depression, and emotional struggle—and reminds us that God’s desire is to make us whole: body, soul, and spirit. No matter what you're facing, there is hope, and there is help.

Even when we fail, God isn’t finished with us. In this powerful Easter message from John 21, we see how the risen Jesus meets Peter—right in the middle of his greatest failure—and offers him grace, restoration, and a fresh start. No matter your past, this message reminds us that because of the resurrection, there is real hope for everyone.

When the world pressures us to compromise, how do we stay faithful? In this message from Jeremiah 35 and 38, we explore what it looks like to live with conviction in a culture of convenience—and why direction matters more than distance when it comes to following Christ.

What do you do when life doesn’t turn out the way you expected? In Lessons from the Potter, we explore Jeremiah’s struggle between hope and reality and how God shapes us through life’s disappointments. Just like clay in the hands of the potter, we must trust the process—even when it’s messy—because God is forming us into something greater than we could imagine.

What do you do when life doesn’t turn out the way you expected? In Lessons from the Potter, we explore Jeremiah’s struggle between hope and reality and how God shapes us through life’s disappointments. Just like clay in the hands of the potter, we must trust the process—even when it’s messy—because God is forming us into something greater than we could imagine.

Jeremiah’s indictments of God’s people are no more popular today than they were in the ears of their original hearers. But if we are to receive the whole counsel of God as authoritative and relevant in our modern age, then we must approach prophetic oracles of judgement with humility and honesty. And if we do that, we just might discover the most surprising reality at the bottom of the abyss that is our hopeless, sin-stained state: grace.

Ever feel like you’re not enough for what God is calling you to do? You’re not alone—and that’s okay. In this message from The Quest for Life’s Best, we’ll see through the story of Jeremiah how God doesn’t recruit the ready—He readies those who respond. Your availability matters more than your ability!

Life feels exhausting, and the cultural chaos only makes it harder. In this message from Jeremiah 12:5-6, we’ll discover how God calls us to persevere, not by quitting or fighting, but by learning to 'run with horses'—developing the courageous faith we need to thrive in difficult times.

Nothing can separate us from God's love… but do we truly believe that? As we conclude our Romans 8 series, we’ll confront the lies that keep us feeling distant from God and discover the freedom and wholeness found in His unbreakable love. Whatever your “something” is, God's “nothing” is greater.

Romans 8 leads us to an understanding that we do not have to face life alone. God is for us and wants to do life with us! We are not alone!

No matter what you're facing—joy or sorrow, triumph or trial—God is at work. In this message from Romans 8:28–30, we’ll discover how God is weaving every moment of our lives into something good, even when it doesn’t seem that way. Join us as we find hope in His promises and learn to trust that, if it’s not good yet, He’s not done yet!

If you've scrolled your newsfeed lately, it doesn’t take long before you start to feel like things are off. Innocent people are hurting. Natural disasters are destroying lives. Anxiety and depression are running rampant. People we love are hurting. We are hurting. But as people of faith, how should we respond to the suffering we experience all around us? In Romans 8, Paul encourages us to enter the pain with a hope that groans.

As children of God, we are not slaves to fear but heirs to His kingdom. In this message from Romans 8:5-17, we explore how being led by the Spirit shapes our identity, transforms our lives, and gives us direct access to our heavenly Father. Understanding who we are in Christ changes everything—our worship, our relationships, and the way we navigate life.

No matter what your past looks like, Romans 8 declares a powerful truth: if you are in Christ, there is no condemnation—only freedom and grace. In this message, we’ll dive into the life-changing reality of God’s love, breaking free from guilt and shame to live fully in His Spirit. Join us as we begin a six-week journey through one of the most transformative chapters in the Bible!

God's game plan for life includes something many overlook: laughter. In this message from our Game Plan series, we explore Proverbs 15, discovering how joy and laughter are not only gifts from God but also essential for our spiritual, physical, and emotional well-being. Join us as we learn how a cheerful heart lightens our load, strengthens our witness, and reflects the joy of Christ to a watching world!

Are you running through life at breakneck speed, too busy to truly live? In this week’s sermon, Time Out from our Game Plan series, we’ll dive into Jeremiah 2:25–32 to explore the dangers of a hurried life and the freedom God offers when we slow down and align with His pace. Discover how letting go of busyness can lead to breakthrough and thriving in His purpose.

Are you ready to take your faith to the next level? In this message from our "Game Plan" series, we’ll explore three essential principles to grow in spiritual maturity, pursue righteousness, and live a life that makes a lasting impact. Discover how to build a chain of consistent choices that reflect Christ's character and move closer to the ultimate prize.

Discover what it takes to build a thriving church and a fulfilling personal life by adopting the right mindset and systems. Drawing from Ephesians 4:11–16, this message explores how teamwork, equipping others, and focusing on Christ’s mission can lead to spiritual growth and multiplication. Join us as we learn to think, live, and serve like a winning team!

Join us as we close out celebration 2024 and all God has done! Do you celebrate well?

We wrap up looking at the gift of peace. We learn that peace is not a pace or a place but is found only in Jesus!

Discover the life-changing joy Jesus offers in this powerful message from our Christmas series, Tis the Season. Based on John 15:10-11, we explore how true joy is not an emotion or dependent on circumstances but an experience rooted in Christ. Learn how embracing His joy can transform your life and overflow into the world around you.

Discover the true meaning of Christmas through the lens of John 3:16—the greatest gift of all. In this heartfelt message, we’ll explore how God’s love gives freely and unconditionally, challenging us to reflect that same love in our own lives. Join us as we uncover how embracing God's love can make this the most meaningful Christmas ever.

This morning we kick off the Christmas season as we look at the gift of Hope. We see from the story of Ruth and Naomi how even in the midst of loss and hardship, hope is still rings louder than the pain.

We live in a world where our thanksgiving and gratitude are often tied to the circumstances of life. In this week’s message, we will explore the root of gratitude and how its foundation is found in the grace of Jesus and not in the circumstances of our lives!

How can giving transform our lives? In this week’s message, The Generous Life, we explore Proverbs 11:24-25, discovering the “surprising math” of generosity. Join us as we dive into God’s countercultural wisdom on how open-handed living brings true joy, lasting impact, and blessings beyond measure.

In The Battle for Your Heart, based on Matthew 6:21, we dive into what it means for God to truly have first place in our lives. Jesus teaches that our hearts follow our treasures, revealing the spiritual impact of where we invest. This message challenges us to examine if God genuinely holds our hearts and invites us to realign our finances with faith, putting Him first in every area of life.

Matthew 6:24 leads us on a journey of discovering true freedom in trusting God over money. This message unpacks the meaning of “mammon,” challenging us to confront the subtle ways financial security can become a rival to our faith and offers practical, life-changing insights for breaking free from the hold of materialism through generosity and reliance on God.

In this week's message, All Things New, we explore Revelation 21:1–6 and the promise of a new heaven and a new earth. Through this powerful passage, we'll discover how Jesus transforms not only our world but also our hearts, bringing hope beyond the brokenness we experience. Join us as we unpack the bold promise that Jesus is making all things new.

In this message, we explore the breathtaking vision of heaven from Revelation 21:10-23 and the joy that comes from anticipating our true home. Through vivid descriptions of the New Jerusalem, we’re invited to reflect on the glory of God's presence and the promise that our citizenship is not of this world but in heaven. Join us as we discover how fixing our eyes on eternity reshapes the way we live here on Earth.

In this message, we explore the breathtaking vision of heaven from Revelation 21:10-23 and the joy that comes from anticipating our true home. Through vivid descriptions of the New Jerusalem, we’re invited to reflect on the glory of God's presence and the promise that our citizenship is not of this world but in heaven. Join us as we discover how fixing our eyes on eternity reshapes the way we live here on Earth.

Have you ever felt torn between loving life on Earth and longing for more? Join us as we explore Jesus' words in John 14 and discover the truth about heaven. In this message, we’ll unpack the hope we have in our heavenly home, where Jesus has prepared a place for us that’s far greater than anything we can imagine on Earth.

We wrap up our series on Psalm 23 by looking at verses at 5& 6. Here we see a shift in which God is seen now not as a shepherd but as a host. We find that God is a gracious host who has a great desire to bless His people.

Join us for The Shepherd’s Protection, where we explore Psalm 23:4 and the comforting truth that Jesus, our Good Shepherd, doesn’t eliminate life’s valleys but empowers us to walk through them. Discover how He protects us—not from all pain, but from the power fear can have over us, offering His presence and guidance even in the darkest moments.

We all need guidance, especially when life leads us into places of exhaustion and uncertainty. In this message, we explore Psalm 23:2-3, discovering how Jesus, our Good Shepherd, leads us to true rest and restoration. Join us as we learn how surrendering to His leadership allows us to experience peace and healing in the midst of life’s busyness.

This week we kick off a new series looking at Psalm 23. We will start to see that God is our ultimate great Shepherd. He is a shepherd that we can trust and find true contentment in!

In the final message of our "We Are the Church" series, we tackle the fear of sharing our faith and challenge the consumerist mindset that views church as just an event. Drawing from Romans 10:14-15, this message will inspire you to embrace your calling as a sent person, to live out the gospel in your everyday life, and to boldly proclaim the good news of Jesus as our saving King.

In a world where gathering together is increasingly de-prioritized, Hebrews 10:19-25 reminds us of the critical importance of coming together as the church. This week, we explore how we can confidently draw near to God, hold fast to our hope, and encourage one another toward love and good deeds as a family united in faith. Don’t miss this powerful message on the significance of belonging and the strength we find in community.

In a culture that often views church as something to attend and consume, 1 Corinthians 12:12–26 challenges us to rethink what it means to be part of the body of Christ. This sermon explores how we are not mere spectators but active contributors, supernaturally connected and vitally needed within the church. Discover how embracing our role in the body of Christ leads to a flourishing, unified community that transcends our differences and mirrors the love of Christ.

Fear can keep us from stepping into God's calling, but what if the very thing we’re afraid of is exactly where He wants us to be? Join us as we explore the story of Peter in Luke 5 and discover how stepping out in obedience and faith can lead to a life of purpose and significance beyond our imagination.

In this message we explore one of Jesus' most challenging questions: "You do not want to leave too, do you?” (John 6:67). Discover how Jesus confronts our deepest desires and calls us to true discipleship. We'll uncover the powerful truths behind His teachings and what it means to genuinely follow Him, even when His words challenge our comfort and understanding.

In this message, we look at Jesus’ question to Peter as he begins to sink on the Sea of Galilee: “Why did you doubt?” Like Peter, we all experience the winds of doubt. Instead of being scared of the wind, we can fight the wind and use doubts to grow our faith. In fact, the best thing we can do is to keep following Jesus through our doubts.

In John 8:2–11, we discover one of the most thought-provoking encounters in the Bible. Jesus confronts the accusers of a woman caught in adultery, asking the piercing question, "Has no one condemned you?” This message explores how Jesus’ radical grace transforms lives and challenges us to see ourselves and others through the lens of His unconditional love and forgiveness.

In this message, we explore Jesus’ challenging question from Matthew 16:26: “What good is it to gain the whole world but lose your soul?” It’s easy for us to fall into the danger of prioritizing worldly pursuits over our relationship with God. The call of Jesus is to reflect on our own priorities, deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Christ wholeheartedly.

In this message, we dive into Jesus' powerful question from Matthew 12:46-50, revealing the true meaning of spiritual family. Join us to understand how faith redefines our closest relationships and what it means to be part of the family of God.

In Matthew 16, Jesus takes his disciples to the pagan region of Caesarea Philippi to ask them the most important question they would ever answer: “Who do you say I am?” Jesus asks us the same question today. How we answer this question shapes the quality and direction of our life, both now and for eternity.

Jesus addresses fear and faith as he calms the storm on the Sea of Galilee but most importantly He helps the disciples understand where real peace comes from. This week's sermon discusses the importance of Jesus' presence in our lives and explores themes such as control, faith and the true source of peace even during the most difficult of times.

In John 5:1-9, Jesus asks a paralyzed man a seemingly obvious yet profound question, "Do you want to get well?" This question invites us to confront our own struggles and excuses, encouraging us to embrace Jesus' power and take steps toward healing and transformation.

Whatever burden you’re carrying, Jesus sees, Jesus knows, and Jesus cares. Like the woman in Mark 5, we are encouraged to reach out to Him in our moments of need. When we do, Jesus responds to our pain and suffering with compassion, providing holistic healing that extends beyond the physical to include emotional, relational, and spiritual restoration.

Jesus regularly asked questions throughout the Gospels to get to the heart of the matter. In Mark 10:35–52, Jesus asked James and John and blind Bartimaeus the very same question: “What do you want me to do for you?” The question was the same, but the answers were completely different. In this exchange we discover that surrendering control to God leads to a life of trust and fulfillment in His plan, far better than what we could imagine for ourselves.

Today we explore the awe-inspiring nature of worship through Psalm 40:3 and Psalm 100. Discover how worship's two dimensions—vertical and horizontal—mirror the breathtaking experiences we share and the life-changing encounters with God's presence that drive us to share His love with others. This message will help us embrace worship in its fullness, both in uplifting God and in inspiring those around us.

In Romans 12:1–2, we discover the true essence of worship. In light of everything God has done for us and the mercy He has shown us, worship is our response and gift back to Him. God desires our total commitment, fully surrendered to Him. We must all examine our lives and identify areas where we’re holding back, because partial surrender is no surrender at all.

In an increasingly polarized world that celebrates differences, one experience we have in common iis this: everyone worships. We were created to worship. The same God that created the universe invites us to draw near to Him in intimacy and relationship. This is all possible through Jesus who made a way for us back to God.

Worship isn’t just the songs we sing, it’s the life we lead. It doesn’t matter who you are, we are all made to worship.

All of us have experienced sexual brokenness, either by our own actions or the actions of others. In today’s message, we learn how God can take the broken pieces of our lives and put them back together into something even more beautiful. As we delve into Psalm 32 and the story of King David, we see how God's grace not only forgives but also restores and brings forth new beauty from our brokenness. Whether you feel like a collection of shattered pieces or a stunning masterpiece of grace, God invites you to encounter His transformative work in your life.

God has a divine design for sexuality. Song of Songs shows us what godly intimacy looks like in marriage from a real couple reflecting on the highs and lows, and good, bad, and ugly of marriage. By following God’s design, husbands and wives can light the fire in their marriage, experiencing God’s best in their life.

Explore Jesus' radical teachings on sexuality with us as we continue our God & Sexuality series. Discover how Jesus challenges religious traditions and emphasizes the heart behind God's design for sexuality. In this message, we navigate through apologies for past church hurt and offer a reasonable defense for why we're committed to speaking truth in love regarding sexuality.

Join us for the kickoff of our God & Sexuality series as we explore God's Divine Design based on Matthew 19:4–6. In a culture where spirituality and physicality often clash, discover how God's original intent for sexuality brings healing and wholeness to every aspect of our lives. Whether you're excited, hesitant, or unsure, this sermon unpacks the truth that before sin, there was sex—a divine gift designed to reflect the beauty of God's creation.

At Bachelor Creek, we believe that Jesus Changes Everything! What’s the reason? Three words: BECAUSE HE LIVES. The real story of Jesus dying, being buried, and raising again has huge implications for every believer. In Romans 6, Paul outlines that because He lives, my past is redeemed, my present is transformed, and my future is assured.

As followers of Jesus Christ, we are exiles in this world. God has invited us to join Him in the work He’s doing in this world to make things right once again.God uses our circumstances and decisions to make a difference in the lives of others. Like Esther, we are here “for such a time as this.” Will we live for God’s glory and be fully committed to Him?

We live in a world where evil exists. There is such a thing as good versus evil. The more pressing question for believers is “How do we stay faithful in the face of evil?” In Esther 3, evil rears its ugly head as Haman attempts to exterminate all of the Jewish people when Mordecai refuses to bow before him. Mordecai faces a dilemma: stand strong or give in? He shows us what it looks like to have an even if faith in an evil infused world.

Have you ever had a moment where you wondered what God was doing? Could something good ever really come out of this situation? As we continue the story of Esther, we realize even when we don't realize it, God is moving. God is in the business in turning tragedies into victories!

The stories we claim shape the stories we live. This week, we begin a new series on Esther—a story of God’s persistent yet silent movement through flawed people and tragic circumstances to enact salvation for His people.

Do you ever feel the pressure of prayer? Sometimes we don’t know when to pray; sometimes we don’t know how to pray; and sometimes we don’t know why we should pray. James addresses all these questions and more in James 5:13–20. Prayer is the most misunderstood and underutilized resource Christians have at their disposal. By following the wisdom in this passage, we learn that earnest prayer and expectant prayer is effective prayer.

The waiting is the hardest part. We live in a world where we expect things to happen right now, and when we don’t get what we want when we want it, we grow impatient, which leads to grumbling and complaining. In James 5, James teaches us how to wait well by practicing patience, following the example faithful men and women in Scripture, and holding on to the hope of Christ’s imminent return.

We’ve all made plans that didn’t go the way we expected. The problem with our planning is that we think we’re in control, but life has a way of reminding us that our lives are transient and uncertain. Arrogantly boasting in our own plans disregards God’s sovereignty and causes us to miss what matters most. James 4:13–17 calls us to submit our plans to God, embrace humble dependence and trust in His wisdom.

Conflict is all around us. We see wars between countries and fighting in politics, marriages, and even in churches. It’s become so commonplace that many just accept that it’s a way of life. The book of James gets to source of why we fight in the first place, the devastating consequences of fighting, and most importantly, how we can get to a place of peace with God and one another. What conflict kills, humility heals and repentance repairs.

We’ve all heard it before, and most of us have probably said it: “Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me.” It sounds good, but the problem is it’s not true. Words hurt. James says that words have incredible power to both bless and curse. Words are like rudders that dictate the direction of our lives. We can’t tame our tongue on our own. In fact, we need the Holy Spirit to take control, because if He directs your tongue He directs your whole life.