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Stories of God: The Kindness of God

July 27, 2025

2 Samuel 9

Pastor Scott’s message illustrates the radical kindness of God through the story of David and Mephibosheth. Though Mephibosheth was a disabled descendant of Saul—the very king who had persecuted David—David sought him out to show “the kindness of God” for the sake of Jonathan, David’s covenant friend. Mephibosheth, living in obscurity and shame in Lo-debar, was completely unworthy and incapable of earning favor, yet David restores his family’s land and seats him permanently at the royal table, treating him like a son. This act of grace mirrors the gospel: we too were broken, spiritually crippled, far from God, and without hope—yet God, in Christ, sought us, forgave us, adopted us, and seated us at His table. Just as Mephibosheth received undeserved favor, we are called to receive the kindness of God and live in the joy and intimacy of His household. The message concluded with a time of response and prayer, inviting everyone to receive God’s lavish grace.


In Stories of God

Stories of God: Temptations in the Desert

July 20, 2025

Matthew 4

This sermon from Mark Skillin explores the temptations of Jesus in the wilderness, drawing from Matthew 4. Just after His baptism and the declaration of His identity as God's beloved Son, Jesus is led by the Spirit into the desert to be tested by the devil. The sermon connects Jesus’ testing with Israel’s wilderness journey and with our own seasons of struggle. Where Israel failed, Jesus is faithful. And where we are tempted to satisfy ourselves, demand signs from God, or take shortcuts to glory, Jesus shows us a better way—one of humility, trust, and obedience. Most importantly, we are reminded that Jesus didn’t just model how to resist temptation; He overcame it for us. In Christ, we are not alone in the wilderness. He is the faithful Son who succeeded where we fall short—and now offers us His strength, His Word, and His Spirit to endure every trial.


In Stories of God

Stories of God: What pleases the LORD?

July 13, 2025

2 Samuel 6

This message from Pastor Scott challenges listeners to reflect on a core spiritual question: Is God pleased with my life? Using the story of David transporting the Ark of the Covenant, he highlights how sincere intentions and emotional worship are not enough if they’re disconnected from obedience. When Uzzah touches the Ark to steady it and is struck dead, it reveals the seriousness of disregarding God’s clear commands. David initially responds with anger and fear but, after time in reflection, repents and brings the Ark to Jerusalem in the proper way. The result is joyful worship rooted in reverence. The sermon challenges believers to examine their lives, align with God’s Word in every area, and depend daily on His grace, emphasizing that obedience—empowered by the Spirit—is the true pathway to God’s pleasure and blessing.


In Stories of God

Stories of God: Abigail's Beautiful Roadblock

July 6, 2025

1 Samuel 25

This sermon unpacks the powerful account of David and Abigail in 1 Samuel 25. Abigail courageously intervenes in David’s path of rage and revenge after an insult from the foolish Nabal. Drawing from his own testimony, Pastor Scott likens Abigail’s intervention to a spiritual roadblock—much like the people who stepped into his life to rescue him from destruction. The message challenges listeners to recognize when others are on destructive paths and to be willing, like Abigail, to boldly and lovingly intervene. Her humility, wisdom, and bravery not only save lives but also redirect David back toward God’s purposes. We're reminded that while not every intervention succeeds, some do—and they are worth it.


In Stories of God

Stories of God: Hearing God's Voice

June 22, 2025

1 Samuel 3

Teaching leader Vicky Griffiths explores the story of young Samuel and how he learned to hear God's voice—a journey that invites all of us, no matter our age, to do the same. Through Scripture, the Holy Spirit, and the wisdom of others, God still speaks today. We discuss how to tune in to His voice amidst the noise, the importance of obedience and positioning our hearts to listen, and the encouragement that hearing God isn’t reserved for prophets—it’s a promise for everyone filled with His Spirit.


In Stories of God

Stories of God: David + Goliath

June 15, 2025

1 Samuel 17

Pastor Scott unpacks the story of David and Goliath as more than a boy-versus-giant tale—it’s a blueprint for faith under pressure, showing how David endured his brothers’ contempt, Saul’s doubts, and Goliath’s mockery by relying on God’s Spirit and the lessons learned in secret battles with lions and bears. We’ll explore how that same Spirit equips us to face our own “giants” (and the enemy behind them), not with our strength but in the name of the Lord, and why walking in obedience and alignment with Christ renders the devil powerless.


In Stories of God

Stories of God: The Sacrifice of Isaac

June 1, 2025

Genesis 22

This sermon delves into the story of Abraham and Isaac from Genesis 22, emphasizing Abraham’s unwavering faith in God’s promises even when asked to sacrifice his son. Drawing from Hebrews 11 and James 2, the message shows that Abraham’s faith was not blind but reasoned and deeply rooted in God’s character—trusting that God could raise the dead if necessary. It also reveals how this story foreshadows the sacrifice of Jesus, with Isaac as a type of Christ and the ram as a symbol of substitution. Ultimately, Mark Skillin in this sermon challenges listeners to live out the Christian faith that not only believes but acts, trusting God’s goodness even when His ways are mysterious.


In Stories of God

Stories of God: God Sees the Heart

May 25, 2025

1 Samuel 16:1-13

In this sermon Pastor Scott shares the story of God choosing David as the next king of Israel, found in 1 Samuel 16. We walk through Samuel’s fear, God’s surprising instruction, and the powerful moment when David, the overlooked youngest son tending sheep, is chosen and anointed. The key message centers on how God does not look at outward appearances but sees the heart. We reflect on how this applies to us—reminding listeners that God values faithfulness in hidden places and uses those with a surrendered heart for significant Kingdom purposes, even if they feel overlooked or unqualified.


In Stories of God

Stories of God: Easter Sunday

April 20, 2025

Luke 24: 1 - 35

What if Jesus is closer than you think—even when you feel most abandoned? On Easter Sunday, we looked at two disillusioned disciples on the road to Emmaus, and how the risen Jesus met them in their confusion, not their certainty. As he walked with them and opened the Scriptures, their hearts began to burn with fresh hope. This message invites you to see how God often shows up in the questions, not just the answers.


In Stories of God, Easter

Stories of God: The Triumphal Entry of Jesus

April 13, 2025

Luke 19: 28 - 48

This sermon, based on Luke 19:28–48, explores the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. Just days before His crucifixion, Jesus enters the city on a donkey in fulfillment of prophecy, declaring Himself King, but not the kind of political or military leader many expected. Instead, He embodies peace and humility. The crowd's celebration contrasts with Jesus’ deep sorrow as He weeps over Jerusalem, lamenting that the people do not recognize the peace He offers or the significance of His coming. Jesus then drives out the shop vendors in the temple, asserting His authority. This passage gives us a glimpse into the complexity and beauty of Jesus’ character, calling listeners to see Jesus for who He truly is and to respond with authentic worship.


In Stories of God
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