The Cost of Discipleship | Benjer McVeigh | November 9, 2025 by Flourishing Grace Church

The Wedding Feast by Flourishing Grace Church

In this week’s message at Flourishing Grace Church, Pastor Benjer unpacks one of the most sobering and hope-filled teachings of Jesus found in Luke 13:22–30. As Jesus journeys toward Jerusalem—fully aware that the cross awaits—He encounters a question that echoes through time: “Lord, will those who are saved be few?” What follows is a deeply personal and challenging conversation about salvation, grace, and what it truly means to know Jesus. Pastor Benjer explores Jesus’ response about striving to enter through the narrow door and helps us understand what that means for followers of Christ today. The sermon addresses a tension that exists both inside and outside the church: how can salvation be found in only one way without making God seem narrow-minded or unloving? Using historical and cultural background from first-century Judea and Rome, Pastor Benjer reveals that the narrow door is not about exclusion, but about clarity—Jesus Himself is the narrow door because He is the only one who can deal with our sin problem and offer eternal life. Throughout the message, listeners are invited to examine what they are trusting in. Many people, both in Jesus’ day and our own, appeal to their spiritual “resume”—their family background, good works, or religious involvement—as evidence that they deserve God’s favor. But Jesus’ parable makes it clear that being in proximity to Him is not the same as having intimacy with Him. Pastor Benjer emphasizes that knowing about Jesus or being around His people is not the same as belonging to Him through faith. Just as those outside the door pleaded their case based on their lineage or their service, many today believe that moral behavior, volunteerism, or religious attendance will be enough. But as the sermon reminds us, salvation is not earned; it is received through surrender. We cannot present God our accomplishments or heritage and expect entry into His kingdom. Only through the person and work of Jesus—who lived the life we could not live and died the death we deserved—can anyone be saved. Using both Scripture and contemporary examples, Pastor Benjer dismantles the modern belief system often described as “moralistic therapeutic deism”—the idea that God simply wants us to be nice, happy, and well-adjusted, and that good people go to heaven. Instead, he points us back to the truth of the gospel: that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, but through faith in Christ, we are justified by grace as a gift. Jesus’ death was not symbolic—it was substitutionary. He absorbed the wrath of God against sin, satisfying justice and extending mercy. Quoting from Romans 3 and Isaiah 53, Pastor Benjer reminds us that the cross was God’s plan to make a way for sinners to be reconciled to Him. The narrowness of this way is not cruelty; it is compassion. God has provided one clear way to life so that no one would have to wonder where salvation is found. The sermon moves from theological depth to heartfelt application, urging the congregation to drop their resumes before God and instead pursue intimacy with Jesus. The narrow door is not a one-time entry point but a lifelong pursuit of relationship. Followers of Jesus must daily rely on His grace—not just at the moment of salvation, but every day afterward. Pastor Benjer challenges the church not to be filled with people who attend services, know the songs, and volunteer out of duty, but with people who know and love Jesus deeply. Proximity does not equal transformation. Only intimacy with Christ brings life.

Join Us for Worship: Sundays at 9:00 AM & 11:00 AM https://www.flourishinggrace.org/plan-your-visit In this sermon from Luke 13:1–9, Pastor Benjer McVeigh of Flourishing Grace Church explores one of Jesus’ most challenging and life-giving teachings—the call to repentance. Many of us hear the word “repent” and instinctively recoil, weighed down by years of misunderstanding and guilt. Yet as this passage reveals, repentance is not about condemnation but restoration. It is a divine invitation into grace. Jesus confronts the human assumption that tragedy and hardship are always signs of personal failure, reframing repentance not as punishment but as the merciful opportunity to turn from death toward life. Through the parable of the barren fig tree, Jesus paints a vivid picture of God’s patience and kindness. The gardener’s plea for one more year and his decision to nurture the fruitless tree reflect the heart of a Father who gives every chance for renewal. God does not fold His arms in disappointment and wait for us to get it right; He kneels beside us, digging around the hard soil of our hearts, giving us everything we need to flourish again. Repentance is not an act of despair—it is the evidence of God’s compassion. As Romans 2:4 declares, it is His kindness that leads us to repentance. Pastor Benjer reminds us that repentance is not a one-time decision but a posture of daily humility. It is the ongoing recognition that God is God and we are not, that His ways are better than ours, and that our flourishing depends on continually turning our hearts back to Him. When we try to control our lives, to “grab the shovel” and fix ourselves, we miss the beauty of surrender. True repentance means handing over the keys, trusting that God can rebuild what we cannot. The sermon also addresses the fears and misconceptions surrounding repentance. Many believers equate it with shame or divine anger, but Scripture shows that confession leads not to rejection but to restoration. When we come before God with honesty about our failures, He meets us with mercy, not wrath. As 1 John 1:9 promises, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” The act of turning back is never met with scorn—it is met with celebration, just as the father in the parable of the prodigal son ran to embrace his returning child. Repentance, then, is the shortest distance between where we are and where God longs for us to be. Whether we are seeking freedom from sin, reconciliation in our marriages, or restoration in our hearts, repentance is the starting point. It is the about-face that redirects us from rebellion toward redemption. Like C.S. Lewis wrote, true progress begins the moment we turn back to the right road. Throughout history, every genuine revival has begun with repentance—not in packed stadiums but in quiet hearts humbled before God. Renewal in our communities and churches starts when believers admit their need for grace and bow before the Lord in prayer. This is where the Spirit moves most powerfully, transforming individuals and igniting movements of faith. As Pastor Benjer concludes, repentance is not a story of human failure but of divine faithfulness. It is an open door to forgiveness, healing, and the abundant life found only in Jesus Christ. To repent is to stop running, to stop pretending, and to return home—to the God who digs around the roots of our lives and whispers, “Let’s begin again.” If you’ve wondered what repentance really means or feared it as a word of judgment, this sermon will help you see it as the gift it truly is—a daily invitation into grace, freedom, and flourishing in Christ. Watch, reflect, and rediscover the beauty of turning back to the One who never stops pursuing you.

Join Us for Worship: Sundays at 9:00 AM & 11:00 AM https://www.flourishinggrace.org/plan-your-visit In this powerful conclusion to The Way of Discipleship series, Pastor Brett Turner unpacks the biblical call to consecration—being set apart not just for good works, but for a sacred and holy purpose. Preaching from 2 Corinthians 6:1–2 and 1 Chronicles 13–15, he challenges us to examine whether we have received the grace of God in vain and invites us to live lives marked by holiness, obedience, and transformation. This message draws a clear picture of what a flourishing life in Jesus looks like, not as a set of steps to complete but as a continuous journey of growth rooted in God’s grace. Throughout the sermon, Brett addresses the common assumptions that often hinder our spiritual growth. Many believers assume that simply doing good things or living morally upright lives equates to holiness. But Scripture reveals that consecration is more than being “set apart”—it is being set apart for a sacred and holy purpose. He reminds us that God’s call to holiness, as seen in 1 Peter 1:16, is not about perfection but direction, a daily response to God’s invitation to live differently. Drawing from the story of David’s attempts to bring the Ark of the Covenant back to Israel, Brett explores how even good intentions can lead to failure when they are not aligned with God’s Word. David initially moved the Ark in a way that imitated the culture around him rather than obeying the specific commands God had given. The result was tragedy, but also a moment of grace when David realized the importance of doing things God’s way instead of his own. Brett emphasizes that receiving God’s grace in vain means wanting His love, mercy, and blessing to flow to us without allowing His glory and holiness to flow through us. A consecrated life, by contrast, lets the grace of God transform every part of our being. He warns of the danger of treating God casually—approaching worship without awe, rolling into church late, or engaging with Scripture as routine rather than revelation. Such attitudes reveal how easily we can become spiritually apathetic, allowing cultural influences and distractions to dull our reverence for God. Brett challenges listeners to come before God expecting to meet with Him, to encounter the living Lord who desires a relationship that transforms us from the inside out. Another key theme of the message is the tension between comfort and holiness. Brett reminds us that while God is indeed the God of all comfort, His comfort meets us in our afflictions, not in their absence. Using 2 Corinthians 1:3–4 and Psalm 34:18, he explains that God’s presence in hardship is what brings true peace and spiritual growth. The Christian life is not about escaping difficulty but about finding God faithful in the middle of it. Through personal reflection on his wife’s recent cancer diagnosis, Brett shares how his own prayers have shifted from asking God to remove the hardship to asking how God might reveal His presence and purpose through it. This vulnerable moment illustrates what it means to be consecrated—to trust that God’s way, even when painful, is always better and leads to deeper flourishing. The sermon culminates with a powerful look at Jesus’ High Priestly Prayer in John 17, where Jesus declares that He consecrates Himself so that His followers may be sanctified in truth. Brett explains that Jesus set Himself apart for a sacred and holy purpose so that we could be made holy through Him. When He went to the cross, there was nothing casual or comfortable about His obedience—it was total surrender. His consecration secured our salvation and opened the way for God’s glory to dwell in us. Brett urges listeners to consider whether their lives reflect that glory or whether they have settled for a form of faith that merely “seems good.”

Compelled | Josh Brown | October 5, 2025 by Flourishing Grace Church

Committed | Benjer McVeigh | September 28, 2025 by Flourishing Grace Church

What does it really mean to flourish, and how do curious skeptics become devoted followers of Jesus? In this message from Acts 17:16–34, Pastor Benjer explores Paul’s famous address in Athens at the Areopagus and shows how God awakens spiritual curiosity, why some mock before they believe, and how everyday Christians can step into gospel conversations with confidence and love. If you’ve ever wondered how to talk about Jesus in a culture crowded with competing definitions of “the good life,” this teaching is for you. Paul arrives in Athens “provoked” by a city full of idols, yet he responds not with outrage but with compassion and reason. He finds common ground, exposes the emptiness of man-made gods, and proclaims the Creator who “gives to all mankind life and breath and everything.” He names the altar “To the Unknown God,” declares the risen Christ as Lord and Judge, and invites repentance. The result is mixed, just like today: some mock, some want to hear more, and some believe. Acts 17:16–34 becomes a masterclass in evangelism, apologetics, and pastoral heart, all centered on the resurrection of Jesus. This message also frames a bigger journey many of us are on. We borrow our vision of flourishing from social media, success metrics, and other people’s expectations, then wonder why we are anxious, exhausted, and empty. Scripture paints a different picture. Jeremiah 17 describes the flourishing person as a tree planted by streams of water, unafraid of heat and drought, still bearing fruit. Jesus clarifies the source in John 15: abide in Him, the true vine, and you will bear much fruit; apart from Him you can do nothing. Real flourishing is not self-optimization. It is a Spirit-powered, Jesus-rooted life that blesses others. You will hear a practical pathway for growth that moves from curious to connected to committed to compelled to consecrated. Curiosity is often awakened by God long before a person ever sits in a church. That is why ordinary believers matter so much. You are already placed in neighborhoods, classrooms, teams, and workplaces where spiritual conversations can naturally begin. You won’t know who is curious about Jesus until you talk about Jesus. Our lives should commend the gospel, but the gospel itself must be spoken. Faith comes by hearing the word of Christ. If you are exploring Christianity, this message invites you to ask honest questions and follow the evidence. The God who made you is “not far from each one of us.” If you are a follower of Jesus, you will be challenged to pray by name for one person in your everyday life and to look for the openings God provides. Evangelism is not a performance; it is participation with a God who is already pursuing people in love. Key themes include Acts 17:16–34, Paul in Athens, the Areopagus, the “unknown god,” idols and worldview, resurrection apologetics, repentance and faith, discipleship, abiding in Christ, Jeremiah 17, John 15, spiritual curiosity, gospel conversations, and a biblical vision of flourishing. Whether you are new to church or a long-time Christian, this sermon will help you discern the voices shaping your life, root your joy and purpose in Jesus, and step into your calling as an everyday ambassador of Christ. If this message helps you, consider sharing it with a friend who is curious about Jesus. Subscribe for more Bible teaching on the way of discipleship, spiritual formation, and how to flourish in Christ in every season.

Join Us for Worship: Sundays at 9:00 AM & 11:00 AM https://www.flourishinggrace.org/plan-your-visit In this message, Pastor Benjer McVeigh draws an unforgettable connection between the 19th century physician Ignaz Semmelweis and the life-giving simplicity of the gospel. Semmelweis discovered that something as simple as washing hands drastically reduced mortality rates among mothers giving birth. Yet his peers rejected him, unwilling to admit the problem lay with their own practices. The truth was simple and effective, but it required humility to accept. In the same way, the good news of Jesus Christ is not complicated. Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 5 that in Christ we are made new creations. Jesus took upon Himself our sin so that we might become the righteousness of God. This is not something we achieve through our own effort, wisdom, or strategies. It is not about our credentials, rituals, or personal performance. Just as the doctors of Semmelweis’s day could not save their patients by their own flawed methods, we cannot save ourselves through our own strength. The problem is within us, and the solution is found outside of us—through Jesus. Benjer reminds us that while our culture often insists that life can be fixed through self-help, techniques, or relentless striving, the gospel declares something radically different. All this is from God. It is His initiative, His grace, His gift. Jesus died so that you might live, not because of anything you have done, but because of what He has already accomplished. Paul himself knew this truth deeply. Once a fierce persecutor of Christians, Paul encountered the risen Christ and was transformed from an enemy of the gospel to its greatest messenger. His story reminds us that no one is beyond the reach of God’s grace. “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away, the new has come.” That promise is for all, no matter your past, no matter your brokenness. This sermon challenges us not only to recognize our need but also to embrace our new identity in Christ. Through Him, you are reconciled to God, restored to relationship with your Creator, and given a purpose as His ambassador. The moment you receive Jesus, you are not only forgiven but also entrusted with sharing the message of reconciliation with others. The invitation is simple: do not receive the grace of God in vain. To hear the truth and reject it is to miss the gift that brings true life. To accept it is to step into forgiveness, freedom, and purpose. Today can be the day when you cross from death to life, not because of your own worthiness but because of the righteousness of Jesus given to you. God’s grace is not flashy, nor is it complicated. It is a gift freely offered, but it requires humility to admit that the problem is in us and the solution is only in Christ. Just as Semmelweis’s discovery saved lives when doctors finally accepted it, the gospel saves when we receive Jesus by faith. Will you admit your need, lay down your efforts, and receive the life Jesus freely gives?

In this message from our Luke series, student and family minister Josh Brown preaches Luke 12:35–59 and calls us to live ready for the return of Jesus. Jesus’ words, “Stay dressed for action and keep your lamps burning,” frame the entire passage and define Christian readiness as both posture and perseverance. With vivid images of tucked robes and tended lamps, Josh shows how a ready heart trusts Christ’s promise to return, and how daily dependence—through prayer, Scripture, worship, and fellowship—keeps faith burning bright. Readiness is not vague anticipation; it is attentive, active obedience now. Luke 12 moves from heart to hands. Jesus’ parable of the faithful and unfaithful servants makes clear that none of us owns what we manage; we steward what the Master has entrusted to us. The blessed servant is the one the Master finds doing His will when He comes. That steady, ordinary faithfulness—discipling children, serving the church, giving generously, praying for friends, opening the Bible when no one sees—matters eternally. Jesus also issues a sober warning: the servant who assumes “my master is delayed,” mistreats others, wastes resources, and lives for self will face judgment when the Master returns at an unexpected hour. “Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required” is not a slogan but a summons to accountable stewardship. Josh also wrestles with one of Jesus’ most bracing claims: He did not come to bring peace but division. Allegiance to the crucified and risen Lord will at times divide households and friendships because the peace of God comes only in Him, and following Him means dying to self and living by the Spirit. Yet the same Jesus promises true peace in Himself: “In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). Real faithfulness is not gritting our teeth; it flows from union with Christ, who was perfectly faithful, “obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross” (Philippians 2:8). We are not earning God’s approval by our obedience; we obey because, in Christ, we already share His righteousness and are sealed by the Spirit. The passage closes with urgency. Jesus rebukes crowds who can read the weather but not “interpret the present time.” He urges reconciliation on the way to the judge, a picture of the Gospel’s now-or-never gravity. Apart from Christ, we carry a debt of sin we cannot pay. “The wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23). Scripture presses the claim of the present: “Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2). “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts” (Hebrews 3:15). Readiness is real only if it moves us to respond to Jesus now—repenting of sin, entrusting ourselves to His finished work, and stepping into faithful stewardship in whatever He has put in our hands. If you are drifting, distracted, or weary, let this sermon reawaken you to the joy and seriousness of living ready. If you are walking faithfully but feeling the cost, find courage in the One who overcame the world and serves His people at the table when He returns. And if you have never surrendered to Christ, hear His invitation today. The King is returning at an hour we do not expect. Will He find you ready? Open Luke 12:35–59 with us and learn how ready hearts trust His return, ready lives stay faithful, and ready souls respond now. Search terms: Luke 12:35–59 sermon, keep your lamps burning, stay dressed for action, faithful and wise servant, Jesus second coming, Christian readiness, stewardship and accountability, division not peace, interpret the times, urgency of repentance, Gospel of grace, John 16:33, 1 Peter 1:13, Ephesians 6, Philippians 2:8, Romans 6:23, 2 Corinthians 6:2, Hebrews 3:15.

Join Us for Worship: Sundays at 9:00 AM & 11:00 AM https://www.flourishinggrace.org/plan-your-visit In Luke 12:22–34, Jesus speaks directly to one of the most pressing struggles of our time: anxiety. His words are not distant, theoretical, or dismissive. They are intimate, practical, and filled with the promise of God’s care. Pastor Brent Van Sickle, from King’s Cross Church, reminds us that our Savior does not ignore the burdens we carry. He understands the weight of our worry and calls us to lift our eyes beyond ourselves and place our trust in the Father who delights to give us His kingdom. Jesus points to ravens and lilies—ordinary parts of creation—to show how much more valuable His people are in the Father’s sight. If God feeds the birds and clothes the grass of the field, how much more will He provide for His children? Anxiety, He explains, is unproductive, wasted energy, and misplaced effort because it flows from the world’s mindset of scarcity and self-dependence. Instead, He calls us to seek His kingdom first, knowing that all these things will be added to us. This passage is not a command to “stop worrying” and then be left alone to wrestle in silence. Instead, it is an invitation to see the character of a God who is not distant but near, who names His people “little flock” and promises His good pleasure is to give us the kingdom. It is a reminder that trust is formed not in striving for control, but in surrendering to the shepherd who leads His sheep to green pastures. Pastor Brent shares how anxiety is not only a mental or emotional struggle but also one that impacts our entire being—our health, our relationships, our ability to live on mission. Yet Jesus offers a way forward: turning our eyes from fear to faith, from possessions to generosity, and from scarcity to abundance in Him. True freedom from worry comes not by clinging tighter to control but by releasing it to the One who holds our lives in His hands. This message also reminds us that generosity is a pathway away from anxiety. Jesus teaches that where our treasure is, there our hearts will be also. When we cling to our possessions, worry only multiplies. But when we hold our resources with open hands and invest in the kingdom of God, we experience the peace that comes from aligning our hearts with His purposes. At its core, Luke 12:22–34 reveals a God who is a Father, a Shepherd, and a King—who cares deeply, provides faithfully, and delights to give His children what they truly need. Whether you are weighed down by financial pressures, fearful about the future, or burdened by personal struggles, Jesus’ words offer hope: fear not, for your Father knows you, sees you, and will never leave you without His care. So, the invitation is clear: lay down your anxieties, seek first His kingdom, and trust the God who delights to give. The question remains: where is your treasure, and where is your heart? Will you trust Jesus with your life today?

Join Us for Worship: Sundays at 9:00 AM & 11:00 AM https://www.flourishinggrace.org/plan-your-visit In Luke 12:13–21, Jesus delivers a powerful warning that speaks directly to the heart of our modern struggles. A man in the crowd asks Jesus to intervene in an inheritance dispute, but Jesus uses the moment to reveal a deeper truth: “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of possessions.” From there, He tells the parable of the rich fool—a man whose barns overflowed with grain, who felt secure enough to say to his soul, “Relax, eat, drink, be merry.” Yet God called him a fool, because his soul was required that very night. The man lived full of himself, full of his possessions, but had no room for God or for others. This sermon, preached by Pastor Dave Nelson, dives into the human tendency to equate life with what we can gain, hold, or achieve. Whether it’s money, success, pleasure, or recognition, we all have areas where we think, “If I only had this, then I’d finally be fulfilled.” But Jesus confronts that mindset head-on. True life—“zoe” in the Greek—does not come from possessions, prestige, or pleasure. It comes from God Himself, who is life and who offers His life freely to us in Christ. Through vivid stories, including modern examples of crowds trampling others for sales or surging dangerously at concerts, Pastor Dave reveals the universal human drive for more. He explains how our very biology, with dopamine spikes driving desire, feeds into this restless pursuit. Yet no matter how much we acquire, it never satisfies for long. The longing simply resets, demanding more. Jesus warns that this cycle is dangerous and destructive, because it robs us of the life God intended—a life rooted not in accumulation but in love, generosity, and relationship with Him. This message challenges us to examine what truly fills our hearts. Are we full of ourselves, thinking only of “I will” and “my possessions”? Or are we inviting God into our daily decisions, seeking His will instead of our own? The call of Jesus is not to avoid pleasure, rest, or enjoyment altogether, but to stop making them the foundation of our lives. Instead, He invites us into the abundant life only He provides—a life that overflows with love for God and others, a life that is truly full, rich, and eternal. At its core, this sermon is not simply a warning against greed. It is an invitation into freedom. Freedom from the rat race of needing more, freedom from the endless cycle of desire and disappointment, freedom to live in the richness of God’s love. Jesus offers Himself as the way, the truth, and the life. To have Him is to have life to the full—life that is deeply satisfying, meaningful, and eternal. As you listen, let this message move you to reflection. Where are you placing your hope for satisfaction? What do your time, energy, and resources say about what you believe will give you life? Jesus calls us to lay down idols of possessions and success, and instead to receive the life that comes only from Him. Will you keep pursuing fullness in things that cannot satisfy, or will you turn to the One who alone is life?

Join Us for Worship: Sundays at 9:00 AM & 11:00 AM https://www.flourishinggrace.org/plan-your-visit In this message from Luke 12:1–12, Pastor Benjer leads us through one of Jesus’ most sobering teachings about what it means to follow Him in a world that does not want us to. Drawing from the lives of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Betty Stam, and Richard Wurmbrand—men and women who paid a great cost for their allegiance to Christ—this sermon reminds us that discipleship is neither neutral nor comfortable. Jesus warns His disciples to beware of the hypocrisy of the Pharisees, a caution against living for the approval of others while neglecting the heart. He then gives a clear warning: do not fear those who can harm the body, but fear the One who holds our eternal destiny. Yet even in this, there is comfort—God knows us intimately, values us deeply, and never forgets us. Our worth is not determined by human opinion but by the price God paid for us in Christ. Finally, Jesus issues a call: to publicly acknowledge Him in both word and deed, to live with integrity before a watching world, and to trust the Holy Spirit to give us the words when our faith is challenged. Pastor Benjer emphasizes that following Jesus will inevitably cause friction with the values of the world, but Christians are not called to seek out conflict for its own sake. Instead, we are to live faithfully, sacrificially, and graciously, showing Christ’s love in tangible ways. He challenges us to examine whether we have been living to please others rather than God, to reject the temptation to remain neutral, and to resist making enemies of those who simply need to hear the good news. The message closes with a vision for the church: that if our building and programs disappeared, the community would notice because of the way we have loved, served, and represented Jesus. This is a call to live as people whose only hope in life and death is Christ, steadfast in faith whether the world applauds or opposes. It is a reminder that discipleship will cost us something, but that it is worth everything because of who Jesus is and what He has done. Whether you are a longtime believer, a new Christian, or still exploring the faith, this sermon invites you to wrestle honestly with what it means to follow Jesus faithfully today, trusting that His Spirit will equip and sustain you in every circumstance. Will you follow Him with boldness and faithfulness, even when the world pushes back?

Join Us for Worship: Sundays at 9:00 AM & 11:00 AM https://www.flourishinggrace.org/plan-your-visit In this powerful message from Luke 11:14–26, Pastor Josh Brown delivers a bold and Spirit-led challenge to our assumptions about neutrality in the Christian life. Preaching from a moment in Scripture where Jesus casts out a demon and is immediately accused of doing so by the power of Satan, Josh calls us to confront a deeper reality: there is no such thing as spiritual neutrality. You are either with Jesus or against Him—there is no safe middle. As Josh walks us through this intense and often-misunderstood passage, he reveals the beauty of Jesus’ authority, the seriousness of rejecting His power, and the invitation extended to each of us to fully surrender our lives. Drawing on the imagery Jesus uses—the strong man versus the stronger man—Josh helps us see that the Christian life is not one of trying harder or simply cleaning ourselves up. Jesus didn’t come to offer behavior modification; He came to take over. When we stay "neutral," we may think we're safe, but in reality, we're vulnerable, empty, and exposed to spiritual regression. A clean house without Jesus still ends up in ruin. With humor, passion, and deep scriptural insight, this sermon digs into the Pharisees’ hypocrisy, our culture’s tendency to redefine what is good and true, and the human desire to remain in control rather than surrender to the authority of Christ. Josh shows us how easy it is to intellectually acknowledge the power of Jesus while refusing to bow the knee to Him. But Jesus won’t be an accessory to our lives—He is the King who calls for our complete allegiance. This sermon is also a call to evaluate whether we have truly allowed Christ to take occupancy in our lives or whether we’re just managing appearances. Are you filled with the Spirit, or are you simply swept and empty? Are you tethered to the One who conquered sin and death, or are you still trying to manage your life in your own strength? If you’ve ever felt like you’re drifting spiritually, wondering why your faith feels stale, or trying to straddle the line between devotion and comfort, this message is for you. It will challenge you to stop coasting and start surrendering. It will remind you that you don’t fight for victory—you fight from it, because the stronger man has already come and claimed the victory on your behalf. In a world that constantly tries to blur the lines between good and evil, Jesus draws a clear one. And He invites you to cross it—to step out of apathy, out of fear, and out of false neutrality—into the freedom, fullness, and flourishing of life with Him. Whether you’re new to church, wrestling with faith, or walking with Jesus for years, this sermon will compel you to ask a simple but life-defining question: Am I truly surrendered? Or am I just neutral? Watch now and experience the call to take Jesus at His word, to let go of pride and control, and to live fully anchored, protected, filled, and empowered by the one true King. The stronger man is not just strong enough to break your chains—He is strong enough to carry you every day after that. Will you let Him?

Join Us for Worship: Sundays at 9:00 AM & 11:00 AM https://www.flourishinggrace.org/plan-your-visit In this powerful message from Luke 11:1-13, Pastor Benjamin explores the revolutionary truth that God actually loves to be bothered by His children. When Jesus' disciples asked Him to teach them how to pray, His response reveals three foundational truths about our relationship with the Father that will transform how we approach prayer forever. Many believers struggle with prayer because they fundamentally misunderstand God's heart toward them. We often view Him as distant, annoyed by our constant needs, or too busy with global crises to care about our personal struggles. This sermon dismantles those misconceptions by examining Jesus' parable of the persistent friend and His teaching on the Lord's Prayer. Through relatable illustrations about parenting and childhood boldness, Pastor Benjamin demonstrates that God desires us to approach Him with the same audacious confidence that children show toward loving parents. The message unpacks three life-changing truths about God's character. First, God genuinely loves to be bothered by our prayers and requests. Unlike earthly relationships where we must earn access or worry about overstepping boundaries, our heavenly Father has purchased our access through Christ and invites bold, persistent prayer. Second, God wants to give us Himself through the Holy Spirit, not just fix our circumstances. While we often focus on getting God to solve our problems, He offers something far greater in His very presence and companionship through difficulty. Third, through Christ we are adopted sons and daughters, not slaves or employees trying to earn God's favor. Using the acronym PAUSE, this practical teaching walks through Jesus' model prayer in Luke 11, showing how to Praise His name, Acknowledge His reign, Understand your need and ask, Seek forgiveness and extend it, and Embrace your dependence on God. This isn't about formula prayers but about understanding our relationship as beloved children who can confidently approach their Father's throne of grace. Whether you're new to prayer or have struggled with feeling distant from God, this message will encourage you to approach Him with childlike boldness, knowing He delights in your requests and longs to give you the greatest gift of all - Himself. The sermon includes practical application and concludes with a powerful time of corporate prayer, demonstrating that prayer is both personal and communal in the life of believers.

Join Us for Worship: Sundays at 9:00 AM & 11:00 AM https://www.flourishinggrace.org/plan... In this sermon from Luke 10:1–20, guest preacher Josh Gardner invites us into a deeper understanding of the mission Jesus gives his disciples—and to us. As Jesus sends out the seventy-two, He declares that the harvest is plentiful but the laborers are few. This passage challenges us to consider where our hearts are focused and what kind of harvest we’re truly living for. Are we chasing temporal, worldly goals, or are we attuned to the eternal harvest—the work God is doing to bring people from death to life through the good news of the kingdom? Josh begins by reflecting on how this passage has shaped his own calling and rhythms, including a personal practice of praying Luke 10:2 daily. That verse—“The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest”—is more than a directive; it’s a call to realign our hearts and cry out to God with desperation and dependence. Josh challenges us to think about what we’re truly praying for in our lives. Are we asking God to raise up disciple-makers? Are we praying for boldness and readiness to go ourselves? Or are we preoccupied with lesser harvests—financial gain, social status, comfort, and control? Throughout the message, Josh explains that Jesus sends His disciples not with comfort or power, but as lambs among wolves. This isn’t just poetic language—it’s a sobering reminder that following Jesus means stepping into spiritual battle with nothing but trust in Him. We are not promised ease or success, but we are promised His presence and power. Josh encourages us to go humbly, depending not on our own strength or eloquence, but on the God who equips and goes with us. He points out that throughout Scripture, God uses unlikely, unqualified people to accomplish His purposes so that His power might be made known. This passage also teaches that we are not only to go, but to bring peace. As Jesus instructs the disciples to offer peace in the homes they enter, Josh reminds us that Christians should be marked by a peace that surpasses understanding—a peace that invites curiosity and opens doors for conversations about Jesus. He shares a personal story from high school where his boss, noticing his peace during a family health crisis, became more open to conversations about faith. These “people of peace” moments aren’t accidents—they’re evidence that God is already at work in hearts, inviting us to participate in what He is doing. In calling us to do what Jesus did—eat with others, meet needs, and proclaim the gospel—Josh reminds us that we don’t go alone. We go with the Spirit and in the power of Jesus’ name. But with this calling comes the reality of rejection. Jesus tells the disciples that those who reject their message are ultimately rejecting Him. Josh challenges us to consider how often fear of rejection prevents us from speaking the truth. He quotes magician and outspoken atheist Penn Jillette, who once said, “How much do you have to hate someone not to proselytize?” The stakes are eternal, and love compels us to speak even when it’s uncomfortable. Finally, Josh points us to the joy of gospel-centered living. When the disciples return, rejoicing over the authority they exercised in Jesus’ name, Jesus redirects their joy—not toward the miracles, but toward the reality that their names are written in heaven. Our greatest joy must be rooted in the gospel itself: we have been saved, redeemed, adopted, and given a place in the family of God. That truth sustains us when the results are slow, when conversations go nowhere, and when we feel unseen in our efforts.

Join Us for Worship: Sundays at 9:00 AM & 11:00 AM https://www.flourishinggrace.org/plan-your-visit In this week’s message at Flourishing Grace, Brett Turner, our Minister of Music and Prayer, shares a powerful and deeply personal sermon from Luke 10:38–42—the story of Mary and Martha. Rather than interpreting the text as a mere contrast between two personalities, Brett invites us to consider a more foundational question: are we choosing the good portion? In a culture that celebrates productivity and constant motion, this passage disrupts our assumptions by revealing a greater truth—there is only one thing that is necessary, and it cannot be taken away. Preaching between the parable of the Good Samaritan and the Lord’s Prayer, Brett highlights the intentional placement of this short but rich story in Luke’s Gospel. Mary’s decision to sit at the feet of Jesus is not laziness or passivity, but a bold act of reception—a choice to receive her spiritual inheritance. Meanwhile, Martha, though serving Jesus directly, is burdened by anxiety and distracted by many good but lesser things. Through this contrast, the sermon points us to a life not defined by striving, but by sitting with Christ and receiving what He alone can give. Brett challenges the listener to consider how often we, like Martha, invite Jesus into our lives yet fail to welcome Him into our hearts. Even in ministry, service, parenting, and relationships, we can find ourselves empty and anxious when we work from our own limited resources rather than from the immeasurable riches of God’s grace. Drawing on Ephesians 1–2, Brett reminds us that every believer in Christ has already been seated with Him in the heavenly places and granted a spiritual inheritance that changes everything. This inheritance—our “portion”—cannot be earned, bought, or lost. It must simply be received. As the sermon unfolds, Brett reflects on the deeper implications of inheritance language in Scripture and shares a vision for a life that flows from identity in Christ rather than striving for it. Whether we are in a season of burnout, bitterness, distraction, or doubt, the invitation is the same: come sit with Jesus. When we start there, our serving becomes joyful, our burdens become lighter, and our relationships become rooted in grace rather than resentment. This is not about doing more for God, but being with God—receiving, resting, and then walking in the good works He has prepared for us. Brett also explores Mary and Martha’s later appearances in John 11 and 12, showing how both sisters grow in their relationship with Jesus. Martha boldly declares Jesus as the Christ even in grief, and Mary pours out costly perfume on His feet, embodying extravagant devotion. These moments illustrate what it looks like to live from our portion in Christ: drawing near in loss, pouring out in worship, and trusting Jesus with our reputation, our resources, and our very lives. The sermon closes with a heartfelt invitation to three kinds of people: those who are serving Jesus yet feel anxious and unseen; those who have drifted from intimacy with God and feel distant from their inheritance; and those for whom the idea of a spiritual inheritance is brand new. For all, the message is clear—Jesus is not asking us to prove our worth, fix our problems, or perform our way into His favor. He is offering Himself, the good portion, and inviting us to receive. This message is a call to stop striving and start sitting—to pause long enough to be with Jesus, to listen, to be filled, and to walk from a place of fullness rather than emptiness. If you’ve ever wondered if God sees you, if He cares, or if you’ll ever feel whole again, this message is for you. It is not just a teaching; it’s an invitation to transformation. The good portion is yours. Will you receive it?

Join Us for Worship: Sundays at 9:00 AM & 11:00 AM https://www.flourishinggrace.org/plan-your-visit In this powerful message from our ongoing series in the Gospel of Luke, Pastor Benjer McVeigh leads us through one of the most familiar — and dangerously misunderstood — teachings of Jesus: the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25–37). But before we tune out with a “been there, heard that” mindset, Benjer challenges us to slow down, lean in, and let the Word do surgery on our souls. What if we’ve misunderstood this parable all along? What if the point isn’t about identifying who our neighbor is — but realizing we are the neighbor God has sent? This message begins by confronting the deceptively small definition of “neighbor” held by the expert in the law, a man who — like many of us — sought to justify himself by asking Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” But Jesus doesn’t answer with a list of who qualifies. Instead, He flips the lawyer’s question on its head and tells a story where the most unlikely character — a Samaritan, despised by Jews in that time — becomes the model of true neighborly love. As Benjer unpacks the cultural and religious background of the text, he reveals that the priest and Levite in the story weren’t merely callous — they were likely busy with temple duties, constrained by religious expectations. Yet their roles, deeply tied to the law, couldn’t produce the compassion needed in the moment. It is the Samaritan — the outsider, the one least expected — who sees, stops, and sacrifices. He is moved by compassion, not convenience. He loves with open hands, at great risk and great cost to himself. And this, Jesus says, is what it means to be a neighbor. The message digs deeper, applying this radical vision of love to our daily lives. Who have we disqualified from being our neighbor? Who have we labeled in such a way that excuses us from loving them? Whether it’s someone we disagree with politically, someone whose lifestyle we don’t understand, or someone we believe “deserves” the consequences they’re facing — we are reminded that the teaching of Jesus leaves no room for exclusion. We don’t get to decide who deserves love. We simply get to extend it, because Jesus first loved us. And the message gets personal. Benjer shares how a group of teenagers at church camp, willing to sit under the Word of God with seriousness and humility, stirred his own heart. Their willingness to listen, respond, and be transformed by Scripture became the catalyst for this week’s call: to slow down, stop crossing to the other side of the road, and live as the kind of neighbor Jesus modeled. By the end, the parable turns into a mirror. It’s not just a story about someone else. It’s a story about us. And if we take it seriously — if we dare to pray the dangerous prayer, “God, who are you calling me to be a neighbor to today?” — we might discover that Jesus has already answered. He calls us not to love from a distance or with conditions, but to love incarnationally. To see, to stop, to bind up wounds, to take risks, to pay costs, to walk with the hurting until they heal. This is the call to become a people — and a church — marked by the extravagant compassion of Jesus. A church where no label can override the title “neighbor.” A church that reflects the Good Samaritan who saw us lying in the road, broken and far from hope — and didn’t pass by. Instead, He stopped. He loved. And He gave everything.

Join Us for Worship: Sundays at 9:00 AM & 11:00 AM https://www.flourishinggrace.org/plan... In this message titled Right Side Up, Pastor Benjer McVeigh walks through Luke 9:43–62 to confront the ways we often follow Jesus with an upside-down understanding of what He has truly called us to. Set in the final stretch before Jesus heads to Jerusalem and the cross, this passage reveals a series of misunderstandings among Jesus’ disciples—misunderstandings that reflect the same tendencies many of us struggle with today. Despite witnessing miracles, the disciples were confused when Jesus spoke clearly about His suffering and death. They debated who among them was the greatest, attempted to exclude others doing ministry in Jesus’ name, called down judgment on outsiders, and offered conditional discipleship: “I will follow you, but first…” Through these interactions, Jesus gently but firmly corrects each distorted perspective, inviting His followers to see the way of the cross not just as a theological event, but as a pattern for their lives. Pastor Benjer illustrates this point with a humorous yet sobering story about misreading a MapQuest printout in college. The story becomes a metaphor for our spiritual lives: no matter how diligently we try to “follow the directions,” if we begin with the wrong understanding of Jesus’ path—if our spiritual map is upside down—we will miss what He’s truly calling us to. Jesus is not looking for admirers who fit Him into their existing lives; He is calling disciples who will lay their lives down daily, just as He did. Throughout the message, Pastor Benjer identifies four common lies that keep believers from living the way of the cross: “I am the greatest,” “We are the rightest,” “It’s us versus them,” and “Sure, Jesus—but first.” Each of these reflects a heart that, like the disciples in Luke 9, is still struggling to understand the radical call of the kingdom. Rather than pursuing power, tribal superiority, division, or delayed obedience, Jesus calls us to humility, unity, compassion, and full surrender. This sermon is not about trying harder or being better. It’s a call to reorient ourselves to the true map of discipleship—one where Jesus leads the way in suffering, sacrifice, and resurrection life. The invitation is not simply to believe in the cross as doctrine but to embody it in daily life. Pastor Benjer urges listeners to examine whether they have truly said “yes” to Jesus without conditions, or if there are lingering “but first”s that are keeping them from full obedience. For those who are exploring faith or are not yet followers of Jesus, this message offers a clear presentation of who Jesus is: not merely a teacher or moral example, but the suffering Savior who gave His life on the cross to bring us forgiveness, purpose, and eternal life. Today is an invitation to say “yes” to Jesus—not to religion or performance, but to a relationship with the one who laid everything down for us. Recorded live at Flourishing Grace Church in Bountiful, Utah, this sermon is part of our ongoing series through the Gospel of Luke. Whether you’re a long-time believer or just beginning your spiritual journey, we invite you to reflect on the direction your life is heading and whether your map is right side up. To learn more about Flourishing Grace Church or connect with our ministry, visit flourishinggrace.org. We’d love to walk with you as you follow Jesus—fully, humbly, and faithfully.

Join Us for Worship: Sundays at 9:00 AM & 11:00 AM https://www.flourishinggrace.org/plan-your-visit In this powerful message from Luke 9:27–36, Josh Brown, our minister to students, families, and young adults, takes us to the mountain of transfiguration and challenges us to see Jesus for who He truly is—not merely a teacher, a helper, or a comforter, but the radiant, glorious Son of God. Preaching with urgency, passion, and deep conviction, Josh reminds us that this moment in Scripture isn’t just a dramatic scene from Jesus’s life—it’s a theological earthquake meant to realign our understanding of Christ’s identity and our response to Him. The transfiguration reveals that Jesus doesn’t borrow glory like Moses, He is the glory. His face shines like lightning, His clothes become dazzling white, and He stands in conversation with Moses and Elijah, the very embodiment of the Law and the Prophets, not as an equal, but as the fulfillment of everything they pointed toward. In this moment, the Father speaks clearly: “This is my Son, my Chosen One; listen to Him.” That command still echoes today. Josh challenges us to reflect: when is the last time we were silenced by the glory of God? Have we gotten so used to the noise, distractions, and debates of our world that we’ve lost our sense of awe? The disciples themselves, even after witnessing miracles, struggled to fully grasp who Jesus was. But on the mountain, in a moment of intimacy through prayer, Jesus’s eternal identity is revealed. Josh reminds us that this glimpse of glory wasn’t meant to impress—it was meant to prepare. The disciples would soon watch their Messiah suffer and die. And when they did, they would need to hold fast to what they saw that day: the King of glory, unveiled. Josh presses us to consider whether the Jesus we follow is too small, too safe, too familiar. A Jesus who only affirms us but never confronts us can never truly save us. If your faith feels dim, perhaps the problem isn’t that Jesus is distant, but that your focus is. This message also presses into the uncomfortable but vital truth that Jesus does not come to coexist among your priorities—He comes to reign. Like Peter on the mountain, we too can fumble the moment by placing Jesus alongside the other “voices” in our life. But the Father’s rebuke is unmistakable: don’t just admire Him—listen to Him. Obedience is the only right response to revealed glory. The transfiguration also anchors Jesus in the full story of Scripture. Moses and Elijah don’t appear to share wisdom; they appear to confirm the identity of the Son. All Scripture points to Him. And Jesus, even in glory, speaks of His departure—His coming death on the cross. The cross remains central. Glory doesn’t bypass suffering; it leads into it. For us, that means we don’t just stay on the mountaintop admiring the moment—we follow Jesus down into the valley, onto the mission, into the world. Josh’s call to action is clear and convicting. Don’t walk out of church the same way you came in. If you’ve truly seen the King, your life should be transformed. Share the gospel. Live differently. Stop admiring Jesus from a distance and start submitting to Him in the details of your everyday life. You’re not called to simply consume encouragement—you’re called to carry a cross. This sermon isn’t just a reminder of who Jesus is—it’s an invitation to respond. If you’ve ever reduced Jesus to a mascot, a motivator, or a metaphor, this message will challenge you to see Him again with fresh eyes. To behold the Son in His glory is to be undone—and to be undone is the beginning of true worship, bold obedience, and gospel transformation. Watch the full message now to encounter the Jesus of the Scriptures—radiant, ruling, risen—and be moved to worship and mission.