John Swadley | Ephesians 2:19-20
What if we’ve been seeing church through the wrong lens? This message from Ephesians 2:19–20 flips the script—reminding us that the church isn’t an institution, it’s a family. We’re not just attendees or spectators; we’re brothers and sisters, citizens of God’s household, built on Christ as our cornerstone. When we treat faith like a solo mission, we miss the point—because Christianity was never meant to be done alone. Even when church gets messy or hard, we’re called to stay rooted in community, offering gladness, growth, and grace. Because in the end, what we do for the church, we do for Christ Himself.
Jason Taylor | Romans 12:1-2
What if worship isn’t something we do—but the way we live? This message from Romans 12:1-2 flips the script on our Sunday routines, calling us to worship God with every part of our lives. We were made to worship, yet sin keeps pushing us to idolize everything else—our comfort, our careers, even good things like family or ministry. True worship means surrendering it all, letting Jesus be not just first on our list but the entire list. When we die to self and live in awe of a holy God, our daily lives become altars—and our Sunday worship becomes an overflow of His power and presence.
John Swadley | Acts 16:27-31
Pastor John Swadley reminds us that sharing Jesus isn’t just a duty — it’s the heartbeat of a healthy church. Through stories of a rotten tomato, a businesswoman, a fortune-teller, and a Roman jailer, he paints a vivid truth: everyone needs Jesus — the good, the bad, and the ordinary.
Good people need Jesus because morality can’t erase sin. Bad people, even those who feel beyond saving, can find grace. And ordinary people — like the jailer who nearly gave up on life — can find purpose and peace through faith in Christ.
This message drives home one clear call: stop assuming who’s “too good” or “too far gone.” The gospel is for everyone. Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved — then go and share that good news with the world.
John Swadley | Galatians 5:13-26
A Spirit-led life isn’t about rules; it’s about relationship. When the Holy Spirit leads, freedom becomes service, not selfishness. We stop living to please ourselves and start reflecting Jesus through the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
The message calls us to stop operating on autopilot and start walking in step with the Spirit. Step where He leads, and the light comes on under your feet. The greatest decision is trusting Jesus for salvation. The second greatest? Choosing daily to live in Spirit mode.
John Swadley | Ephesians 2:10
In this week’s message, Pastor John challenges the church to leave the “luxury box” of comfort and get out on the field. Citing Ephesians 2:10, he reminds us that we’re not spectators—we’re God’s workmanship, created for good works that He prepared long before we were born.
Through stories of real people—from a volunteer who changed a life with a donated car seat to a teacher who crawled up stairs to reach her Sunday School class—the sermon paints a clear picture: serving isn’t optional; it’s who we were made to be.
We’re God’s team, each with unique talents perfectly designed for His work. The happiest people in the church aren’t the ones sitting in the stands—they’re the ones serving. Because when you pick up a servant’s towel, you start to look a lot more like Jesus.
John Swadley | Revelation 2:1-5
This week kicks off our new series, Marks of a Healthy Church, with a powerful reminder from Revelation 2:1-5. The church at Ephesus had great works, strong doctrine, and perseverance under pressure—but Jesus said they had lost their first love.
Through stories about camping trips, drifting currents, and even cereal-box prizes, Pastor John reminds us that our faith can quickly grow cold if we don’t deliberately stoke the fire of our devotion. First love is marked by passion, sacrifice, and an all-consuming preoccupation with Jesus. Without it, we risk robotic service, dry spiritual lives, and broken relationships.
At the heart of it all, a healthy church is a church that truly, deeply loves Jesus first.
John Swadley | Matthew 4:1-11
This week’s message dives into how God’s Word gives us the real power to change. Too often we try to fight temptation with the wrong tools—like using a tape measure to loosen a bolt—but Jesus shows us the right one: Scripture. When Satan tempted Him in the wilderness, Jesus didn’t argue, explain, or compromise. He simply said, “It is written.”
This sermon challenges us to store up God’s Word in our hearts so we’re ready to face temptation and walk in freedom.
John Swadley | Matthew 7:24-29
In this message from Matthew 7:24–29, we’re reminded that spiritual growth isn’t about stacking up more knowledge—it’s about putting God’s Word into action. Jesus says the wise build on rock, not sand, and the difference is obedience. Hearing His words is step one. Living them out is step two.
Flat faith happens when we only listen but never apply. But when we actually obey Jesus’ commands—loving enemies, forgiving, giving generously—our faith gains strength to withstand any storm. True discipleship is less about information and more about transformation.
At the heart of it all is not just believing something but believing Someone. Our faith is in Him. And the key to continual growth is simple: hear His words, do His words, and watch your relationship with Christ come alive.
John Swadley | 2 Peter 1:16
Is the Bible just a cleverly made-up story, or is it the truth? In this message from 2 Peter 1:16, we’re reminded that Scripture isn’t myth—it’s eyewitness testimony backed by history, prophecy, and life-changing power. From Peter’s bold witness to fulfilled prophecies and the Bible’s raw honesty about human nature, the evidence is clear: God’s Word can be trusted. This sermon challenges us not just to believe the Bible, but to live it.
John Swadley | Luke 15:11-24
In this week’s message, we dive into one of Jesus’ most unforgettable stories—the Prodigal Son. It’s more than a tale of rebellion; it’s a picture of the Father’s heart. The younger son runs wild, loses everything, and expects only rejection. Instead, his father runs to meet him, taking on the shame himself so his boy can come home. That’s the gospel: a God who doesn’t wait for us to clean up, but races toward us with compassion.
But the story doesn’t end there. The older brother shows us another danger—self-righteousness. You can live by the rules and still be far from the Father’s heart. Both sons needed grace, and so do we. The good news? Whether you’re a rebel or a rule-keeper, the invitation is the same: come home.
John Swadley | Psalm 119:97-105
We all drop everything to check a text message, but what if we treated God’s Word the same way? In this opening message of the Text Messages from God series, we’re reminded that Scripture isn’t just ancient words on a page—it’s God’s personal message to us.
Drawing from Psalm 119, we see five life-changing truths about God’s “text”: it protects us, makes us wise, brings us closer to Him, cleans up our lives, and guides our steps. Just as David discovered, God’s Word is not outdated—it’s more relevant than ever, shaping our values, strengthening us against enemies, and lighting the path forward when life feels dark.
The challenge is simple: give time this week to actually read God’s text message. Approach it with an open heart, obey what you understand, and let His words become sweeter than honey and brighter than any screen. God has texted you—are you going to read it?
John Swadley | Acts 19:1-5
Baptism isn’t a church ritual to check off—it’s a celebration of new life in Christ. Pastor John unpacks Acts 19, where Paul meets disciples who had only received John’s baptism of repentance. When they finally heard the truth about Jesus, they were baptized in His name.
Baptism, he explains, is like a wedding ring: it doesn’t make you married, but it shows the world you belong to someone. It’s not salvation, but a public declaration of it. Jesus Himself was baptized, not because He needed saving, but to “fulfill all righteousness”—and He calls us to follow His example.
Baptism is joy, not duty. It’s saying to the world, “I belong to Jesus!”
Jon Smith
Life is full of interruptions—some are divine opportunities, others are devilish disruptions. In this message, we explore the life of Caleb, a man whose “different spirit” kept his faith burning bright for decades through delays, detours, and disappointments. Discover three keys to keeping your fire for God alive: trusting Him completely, persevering patiently, and seizing the moment when opportunity comes. Whether you’re in a season of waiting or ready to climb your mountain, this message will challenge you to live with a faith that doesn’t fade.
John Swadley | 1 Samuel 17:32-37
This week, Pastor John dives into the story of David and Goliath—not as a tale of human courage, but as a divine interruption where God shows up to rewrite history for His glory. While most of us see ourselves as David facing our giants, the truth is we often resemble the fearful Israelites—forgetting who our God is.
David didn’t defeat Goliath with size or skill, but with faith in a God who had already delivered him before. Pastor John challenges us to embrace “the principle of the paw”—that the same God who delivered us yesterday will empower us today and tomorrow. David’s victory reminds us: the battle is the Lord’s.
John Swadley | John 11:1-5
In this powerful message from John 11, we unpack the story of Lazarus and the pattern God often uses to shape our faith: the birth of a vision, the death of a vision, and a supernatural fulfillment.
We’re reminded that God is always at work—especially behind the scenes. When dreams die, when healing delays, when prayers seem unanswered, it’s not the end—it’s an invitation to trust deeper. Jesus didn’t just heal Lazarus—He revealed Himself as the Resurrection and the Life, showing us that the very things meant to break our faith can become the building blocks of stronger belief.
John Swadley | Matthew 14:22-33
In this week’s message, Pastor John dives into the story of Jesus walking on water and the disciples caught in a terrifying storm. The big takeaway? Being in the middle of God’s will doesn’t mean life will be easy—sometimes, He leads us right into the storm to build our faith.
This message reminds us: storms aren’t a sign of God’s absence. They’re often His invitation to experience His presence and power more deeply.
Kirk Baker | Jonah 1:1-9
This week’s message dives into the story of Jonah, a prophet who ran from God’s call… and ran straight into a storm.
Through Jonah’s journey, we discover how divine interruptions aren’t setbacks—they’re God’s way of getting our attention, proving His presence, and revealing His purpose. Whether it’s through storms, unexpected detours, or even giant fish, God is always at work—calling us back, shaping our faith, and showing that no matter how far we run, He never leaves.
Even in chaos, He is sovereign. Even in disobedience, He offers grace. And in every interruption, He invites us to trust Him more.
John Swadley | Genesis 50:20
In this kickoff message of Divine Disruptions, we explore how God often interrupts our plans not to harm us—but to work something greater. Pastor John dives into the life of Joseph, who went from favored son to slave to prisoner, only to be elevated to second-in-command in Egypt. The twist? What others meant for evil, God meant for good.
Like Joseph, we face real struggles, but God is working behind the scenes—often long before we know we need help. Whether you’re in a pit or just waiting for purpose, trust the bigger story. God’s not done yet.
John Swadley | 1 John 2:1-2
What’s the core idea of the Bible? In this powerful message, Pastor John takes us to the heart of the gospel: substitutionary atonement.
We all understand justice—when something is broken, it must be paid for. But the beauty of the Christian faith is that Jesus paid the debt we owed. He didn’t wait for us to climb our way up to God. He came down to us. He took our place.
The gospel isn’t about “do,” it’s about “done.” Because of Jesus, you don’t have to run from God. You can run to Him. That’s the core idea.
Dr. Wes Fowler, Executive Director of the Missouri Baptist Convention, shares a powerful message rooted in Matthew 16. After surviving a devastating tornado in Mayfield, KY, he connects with Joplin’s own story of loss and recovery—and reminds us that life is full of questions, but one matters most:
Who do you say Jesus is?
Wes explains that knowing about Jesus isn’t enough. Believing He is the Christ, the Son of the living God changes everything—because through Him, we can defeat sin, death, and find eternal life.