In this week’s message, Pastor Bret Avlakeotes shares why we’re not meant to do life alone — and how true spiritual growth happens in community. Drawing from Ecclesiastes and the teachings of Paul, he reminds us that we are stronger, wiser, and more resilient when we walk alongside others.  In a culture that values independence, this message challenges us to lean into connection — to bear one another’s burdens, celebrate each other’s victories, and reflect Christ’s love in every relationship. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why biblical community is essential for spiritual health. How to strengthen your relationships through encouragement and grace. What it means to reflect God’s love by putting others before yourself.

In this week’s message, Pastor Bret Avlakeotes continues through Philippians 4, showing how Paul discovered the secret to lasting contentment. While the world tells us contentment comes from comfort or control, Paul reveals it’s found in Christ alone. Drawing from verses 10–13, Pastor Bret breaks down the “secret” Paul learned—rejoicing in every circumstance, relying on God’s faithfulness, and resting in Christ’s presence. If you’ve ever felt like peace and satisfaction were just out of reach, this message will challenge and encourage you to find true contentment—not in what you have or don’t have, but in the One who gives you strength.

How do you know if you’re really growing in your faith? In this week’s message from Philippians 3, Pastor Bret Avlakeotes challenges us to look at what progress in our walk with Jesus actually looks like. It’s not about perfection or performance—but about direction, focus, and what we’re chasing after. In this episode, you’ll learn: What it means to truly make progress in your relationship with Jesus. Why spiritual maturity isn’t about “having arrived,” but about continually pressing forward. How fixing your eyes on Christ changes the way you see your past, your goals, and your daily life.

When conflict flares—at home, at work, even at church—Scripture shows a better way. Working from Philippians 2, Pastor Bret Avlakeotes explains why conflicts happen and how unity grows through humility, listening, prayer, and choosing the mindset of Jesus—laying down our “rights” to serve others. Jesus showed us the example of humility by giving up His own rights to serve others, even to the cross. When we follow His example, God promises to lift us up in His perfect timing. In this episode you’ll learn: The real reason conflicts happen—and how selfishness keeps them going. Simple ways to bring peace: listen first, speak less, and pray instead of pushing your own way. How to put others before yourself in everyday life and relationships. Why Jesus’ humility is the key to unity and how God lifts up those who choose it.      

Kicking off our new series in Philippians, Pastor Bret Avlakeotes talks about the difference between short-term happiness and lasting, Spirit-given joy. From Paul’s house arrest in Rome, we see how the gospel advanced—even into Caesar’s household—and why real joy can thrive in hard circumstances. You’ll be invited to make Paul’s line your own: “For me, to live is Christ,” and to anchor your joy in God’s presence, promises, and purpose. In this episode you’ll learn: How biblical joy differs from happiness (source, duration, focus, and result). Why Paul had joy in prison and how God used his chains to spread the gospel. A practical lens for your own circumstances: joy as trusting God’s sovereign work right where you are. What “to live is Christ, and to die is gain” means for everyday hope and courage.

When life says “be strong and stay in control,” God turns it upside down—His power shows up best when we admit our weakness. In 2 Corinthians 12, Pastor Bret Avlakeotes shares Paul’s story about a “thorn in the flesh” and what it teaches us about God’s strength, grace, and purpose in our struggles. You’ll be reminded that the things we wish God would take away are often the very things He uses to draw us closer to Him. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why God sometimes allows weakness to keep us humble and dependent on Him. What it means when God says, “My grace is sufficient for you.” How to find real strength by relying on God instead of yourself.

When the world tells us to avoid pain and chase comfort, God calls us to something different—strength in weakness, hope in trials, and a perspective that looks beyond this life. In 2 Corinthians 4, Pastor Bret Avlakeotes shows how even though our bodies wear out, God is renewing us daily on the inside. Hardships may feel heavy, but compared to the eternal glory waiting for us, they are light and temporary.  In this episode you’ll learn: How to find strength in weakness. How to view hardships through the lens of eternity. How to stay encouraged when life feels overwhelming.

In week one of Upside Down, Pastor Bret Avlakeotes uncovers how God’s way often flips the world’s values on their head. True confidence isn’t built on self-promotion but on the Spirit of God working through us. The good life isn’t about striving harder—it’s about trusting deeper and letting Christ’s power be enough. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why the values of God’s kingdom turn the world’s wisdom upside down. How real confidence doesn’t come from self but from the Spirit’s work within us. What it looks like to move from trusting in yourself to fully depending on God.

In this week’s message, Guest Speaker, John Barrett, walks us through God’s response to Job. Instead of giving Job answers, God reveals His character—showing His power, wisdom, and love. Job moves from asking “Why?” to humbly trusting the Lord, and we’re invited to do the same when we face suffering. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why God answered Job with questions instead of explanations How suffering can deepen our understanding of God’s character The shift from hearing about God to truly knowing Him (Job 42:5) Three ways to respond to hardship: trust God, walk in humility, and surrender fully

In this message, Guest Speaker, Sean Wainerdi, continues our study through Job by looking at the painful question: Why does God allow suffering? Through Job’s story, his friends’ misguided answers, and real-life examples, we’re reminded that God’s wisdom and perspective are far greater than ours—and He is always at work for good, even when we can’t see it. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why Job’s friends’ explanations for suffering fell short The importance of presence over easy answers when comforting others How God’s perspective is higher and His wisdom broader than ours How Joseph’s story and the Cross reveal God’s power to bring good out of suffering

In this message, guest speaker Pastor Brad Franklin dives into the book of Job, exploring one of life’s hardest questions: How do we make sense of senseless pain? Brad unpacks the tension between suffering and God’s goodness, showing how Job’s ancient declaration—“I know that my Redeemer lives”—points us to Christ as our ultimate hope. Whether you’re in the middle of heartache, still carrying the memory of it, or walking with someone through it, this message will remind you that God is trustworthy in every season. In this episode, you’ll discover: The deeper meaning behind Job’s words: “I know that my Redeemer lives.” Why having a “reason” for pain isn’t enough—and what actually sustains us through suffering. Real-life stories of faith, forgiveness, and hope in the face of unimaginable loss.

Why does God allow suffering—and what if He never tells us why? In this kickoff to the Book of Job, Pastor Bret Avlakeotes explores what happens when life falls apart and the answers don’t come. Job loses everything, yet his faith holds—not because he gets an explanation, but because he encounters God in a deeper way. In this episode, you’ll learn:1. Why seeing God is better than understanding everything2. How trials expose where our faith truly lies3. What it looks like to worship through pain This message will challenge your perspective on suffering—and encourage you to trust God, even when you don’t understand.

As we wrap up our Unleashed series through the book of Acts, Pastor Bret walks us through Acts 20—Paul’s final words to the Ephesian elders before heading to Jerusalem. In what feels like a farewell speech, Paul reminds us what it looks like to live a life fully surrendered to Christ: humble, honest, bold, and eternal-minded. It’s a sobering but inspiring call to examine where our loyalties lie—are we clinging too tightly to this life, or are we willing to finish the race God has set before us? In this episode, you’ll learn: Why serving the Lord, not people, is key to enduring trials with purpose. How humility, compassion, and boldness shape effective ministry. What it means to not “shrink back” from the whole counsel of God. Why Paul’s mindset ("I do not account my life of any value") can transform the way we follow Jesus.

In this message from Acts 17, Pastor Bret Avlakeotes walks us through Paul’s visit to Athens—a city overflowing with idols, philosophies, and spiritual confusion. Rather than debating or blending in, Paul boldly shares the truth of who God really is: the Creator, the Sustainer, and the One who calls all people to repentance. Through this encounter, we see how the same spiritual hunger that filled ancient Athens still exists today—and how the Gospel speaks directly to it. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why starting with God—not ourselves—is essential to understanding life and faith How ancient philosophies like Epicureanism and Stoicism still show up in modern culture What true repentance means, and why God’s patience is a gift we shouldn’t ignore This message is a reminder that the good news of Jesus is timeless—and powerful enough to change any heart.

In this episode, Pastor Bret Avlakeotes walks us through Acts 16, where the gospel first crosses into Europe—and nothing goes according to plan. From a detour directed by the Holy Spirit to a divine encounter by the riverbank, we witness how God uses unexpected people and painful trials to build His church in Philippi. Whether it’s Lydia, a successful businesswoman, a demon-possessed slave girl, or a Roman jailer, we see how the gospel changes lives in every class and circumstance. Even when Paul and Silas end up beaten and in prison, their worship echoes through the jail—and it’s in that moment of darkness that God moves powerfully. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why God sometimes redirects our plans, and how His "no" can lead to a greater "yes." How divine appointments—like meeting Lydia and the jailer—can change everything when we're ready to share. What it looks like to rejoice and trust God, even in suffering, knowing He’s working through every trial.

In this episode, Pastor Bret Avlakeotes continues the Unleashed series through the book of Acts, focusing on Acts 12 and the miraculous story of Peter’s imprisonment and deliverance. As persecution intensifies against the early church, we see how the power of earnest prayer unleashes God’s miraculous work—proving that nothing can stop the gospel. Brett challenges listeners to reexamine the strength of their own prayer life and trust in God’s perfect timing. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why prayer is the church’s most powerful weapon against spiritual opposition, and how God works through earnest, united prayer. How God often answers prayers at the last moment—not to discourage us, but to grow our faith, trust, and endurance. That the gospel breaks chains—just as Peter was set free, God still delivers people today from spiritual bondage through the power of Jesus.

This week, Pastor Bret Avlakeotes walks us through the dramatic conversion of the Apostle Paul in Acts 9—a powerful reminder that no one is too far gone for God’s grace. Once a violent persecutor of Christians, Paul encounters the risen Christ, is filled with the Holy Spirit, and becomes one of the most influential voices in the New Testament. In this episode, you'll discover: What Paul’s transformation teaches us about God’s power to change lives How every believer’s story—dramatic or not—is a testimony of grace Why God’s calling always comes with purpose and a mission How your own spiritual transformation can be a witness to others The same Spirit that changed Paul now works in us. Are you letting your life reflect the difference Christ has made?

This week kicks off our new series in the book of Acts, where Pastor Bret Avlakeotes unpacks the birth of the Church and the power behind its global impact. Acts is not just history—it’s the continuation of what Jesus began, now carried out by His people through the power of the Holy Spirit. In this episode, you’ll hear: Why Jesus told the disciples to wait before going out How the promise of the Father—the Holy Spirit—transformed fearful followers into bold witnesses What it looks like to stay in step with the Spirit rather than lag behind or rush ahead Why the gospel message is not manmade, but the power of God that continues to change lives Whether you're waiting on God, needing courage, or wondering where you fit in the mission—this message will remind you that the same Spirit who empowered the first believers is alive in you.

This week, Pastor Bret unpacks David’s years on the run from Saul—a 15-year journey marked by fear, injustice, and exhaustion. Despite being pursued, betrayed, and nearly defeated, David continually placed his trust in God instead of taking vengeance into his own hands. His story is one of endurance, obedience, and deep faith. In this episode, you’ll learn: How God faithfully provided for David in his most desperate moments Why David refused to harm Saul, choosing faith over retaliation How David’s ultimate testimony points to Jesus as our rock, refuge, and salvation David’s long road to the throne wasn’t easy, but through it all, God proved trustworthy. His story invites us to trust Jesus—the true cleft in the rock—who offers safety, strength, and peace in every storm.

As we continue our new series, David, Pastor Bret unpacks the tension in Saul following David’s victory over Goliath.While David’s courage brings deliverance to Israel, it also stirs up something dark in King Saul—a heart consumed by jealousy, insecurity, and self-focus. This message takes us inside the contrast between a heart aligned with God and one driven by pride. In this episode, you’ll learn:• Why celebrating the success of others reflects a heart aligned with God• How a self-centered mindset leads to insecurity, bitterness, and spiritual blindness• Why keeping your eyes on the Lord is the only way to guard your heart and walk in freedom David may have defeated Goliath, but the real battle was in Saul’s heart—and it’s a battle we still face today.