Slow to Quit, Quick to Pray (Acts 21:3-14 & 21:26-36)
Paul the Apostle knew that going to Jerusalem would end badly. Prophets warned him, friends begged him not to go, and the Holy Spirit had made the danger clear. He went anyway. What followed was a mob, a beating, and years in prison, but also four books of the New Testament, a legal precedent protecting the early church, and a ministry that reached people Paul never could have planned for. When Paul invited believers to imitate him, he was talking about this one quality: the refusal to quit when things get hard. Difficulty alone is not a reason to stop, and God is rarely finished with a story when it feels like it is!
The Impossible Table (Acts 11:19-26 & 16:11-40)
In Acts 11 and 16, we see the gospel doing something culturally impossible: bringing together people who would never otherwise share a meal. In Philippi, Paul and Silas crossed paths with three radically different people: Lydia, a wealthy and respected merchant; an unnamed slave girl freed from demonic oppression; and a Roman jailer who hours earlier had beaten and imprisoned them. Each one believed, and suddenly they found themselves around the same table. That's the picture the early church kept producing everywhere the gospel traveled, an impossible gathering of people unified not by background or status, but by a shared need for a Savior. The labels we carry, the ones that make us feel qualified or disqualified, don't determine whether we have a seat. The gospel levels the ground and extends the same invitation to everyone: you are equally loved, equally forgiven, and equally welcome.
Kingdom Builders (February 22 Message)
In this pivotal message for this season of our church, Pastor Tom addresses the congregation with honesty and faith, sharing that while Word of Life is growing in attendance and life change, the giving from the congregation doesn't yet match the size and momentum of the church. Drawing from Matthew 6:33 and the history of Word of Life, he issues a generational call for every person to take ownership of their church- not just in finances, but in relationships, serving, and belonging- just as previous generations sacrificed to start the church and build the building we worship in today. This is our generation's moment to rise up, seek God first, and ensure the mission continues.
Impossible, Not Just Impressive
This week we looked at Acts 2 and the launch of the church on the day of Pentecost. Before returning to Heaven, Jesus promised His followers that they would receive power when the Holy Spirit came upon them. That promise was fulfilled when 120 believers were filled with the Holy Spirit, Peter preached and 3,000 people came to faith, and an unstoppable movement was born. The core truth is simple: everything God has asked us to do, He has promised to do with us. The church cannot fulfill its mission by relying on talent, skill, or human effort alone. We need the power of the Holy Spirit, and the amazing news is that Jesus has already promised to give it to us.
Sensitive Things & Big Reactions (Luke 18:18-27)
Jesus clearly calls people to count the cost of following Him, as seen in the rich young ruler who walked away sad because the cost felt too great. Discipleship requires sacrifice, standing out, and selflessness, and it often provokes strong emotional responses, especially when Jesus challenges what has a hold of our hearts. Yet the cost is worth it. If Jesus is who He says He is, the only logical response is to stick with Jesus, trust Him, and seek the Kingdom of God above all else.
Is anything worth more to you than the Gospel? This message will challenge you to examine your heart and count the cost of sticking with Jesus.
A Tiny Box of Neighbors —Luke 10:25-37
Is your box of neighbors too small? This message from Luke 10:25-37, the parable of the Good Samaritan is a challenge to our thinking about who is our neighbor.
Regardless of what is happening around our nation and around our world, Jesus has made it clear that our call is to choose love. This is the call for every person who calls Jesus Lord. Jesus is above it all.
It’s an impossible task to love all people, but Jesus is committed to walking along that journey with us. He wants to help us expand our tiny box of neighbors to reflect His heart.
First Things First: A Survey of Luke 3-5
This message from Luke 3–5 explores how Jesus began His ministry—and what that teaches us about following Him today. Through baptism, temptation, and stepping into purpose, we see that a life with Jesus starts with surrender, obedience, and trust, not power or position. Jesus calls ordinary people to take faithful steps, resist what pulls them off course, and live on mission for others. This message invites each of us to start where we are, take our next step, and trust God to multiply it for something that lasts forever.
Turning Toward God when Betrayal Cuts Deep (Psalm 54-55) - Pastor Lisa Durant
Betrayal cuts deep, especially when it comes from someone we trusted. This message looks at David’s prayers in Psalms 54 and 55 and the example of Jesus to show how betrayal doesn’t have to change who we are, but can draw us closer to God instead. Rather than responding with anger or revenge, we’re invited to bring our pain to the Lord, trust Him with justice, and allow Christ to transform our hearts through forgiveness and grace. If you’re carrying relational hurt, this message offers hope for healing and a better way forward.
Everyday Courage: David's Mighty Men (2 Samuel 23:8-17)
Do you struggle with courage? In this look at 2 Samuel 23, we examine the courage of some of David’s mighty men and learn how to apply that courage to our own lives. Courage isn’t only being willing to give up your life, but also how you live your life day to day. That’s courage we all need! Courage makes things better.
Invited to Stay - Rev. Jillian Pelkey
Pastor Jiliian Pelkey from Kirkland Life Church in Clinton, NY started our 2026 with this powerful message on staying in God’s Word.
God invites you to come, sit and stay with Him through His Word. You can know Him through every book of the Bible. What is your personal relationship with the Bible? Check out this message and be inspired to make Bible reading a regular part of your daily worship. Embrace the essentials and commit to stretch!
Christmas Eve
The true meaning of Christmas is that it’s not just about Christmas. It’s that the Good News of Jesus would affect every aspect of our lives every day. The challenge for us is to remember the Savior of the world each and every day. By remembering Him everyday it changes everything. Looking for hope and peace? Check out our Christmas Eve message.
Determined to Make a Difference and Christmas
Have you ever thought about how the people in the nativity story made a difference? In this message we explore the nativity story from the Word of Life theme for this year: Determined to Make a Difference. Being a part of God making a difference in someone’s life is deeply rewarding. Let these examples from the nativity be an encouragement for you today. You can be determined to make a difference wherever you go!
David Spares Saul...Twice (1 Sam 24 & 26)
If you haven’t been a part of our Bible reading plan, you’ll want to jump in. This message begins a series that will follow along with our scheduled reading.
In 1 Samuel 24 and 26 David displays some undervalued qualities, when David spares Saul’s life…TWICE. David showed that he was wise, principled and faithful, while Saul showed that he was foolish, compromising and faithless. What qualities do you value?
John 21: 1-25
The final message in our series through the Gospel of John! Check out the notes for a summary of the whole Gospel.
This message centers around the final chapter of the Gospel and Peter’s reconciliation with Jesus. Peter’s experience can help us understand what reconciliation with Jesus means for each of us. Regardless of who you are and what you have done, Jesus is ready to reconcile with you. He loves you!
John 20: 19-31
The first disciples weren’t superheroes of faith—they were ordinary people with real doubts and real struggles, just like us. Yet Jesus met them with peace, forgiveness, and the promise of new life, and He offers the same for us. He calls us to continue what He started, recognizing that forgiveness is the heart of the message. The intention of John’s gospel, and the heart of this message, is that all who read it would also exclaim, like Thomas, that Jesus is “My Lord and my God”! This is the exclamation that declares that you believe that Jesus is who He says He is.
Do you struggle with doubts? This message will encourage you to let those doubts lead you to Jesus!
John 20: 1-18
Early on Sunday morning, Mary Magdalene arrived at the tomb expecting death but instead encountered the beginning of everything new. What seemed like darkness and despair quickly turned into light and victory as the empty tomb revealed the truth of the resurrection. This wasn’t a mysterious disappearance… it was evidence that Jesus had conquered death and fulfilled everything He had promised. When John saw the linen wrappings lying there, he believed, realizing that the resurrection changes everything. It completes the Gospel, turning forgiveness into new life and sorrow into hope. Just as God spoke light into the darkness at creation, He now calls each of us out of darkness into His marvelous light, inviting us… like Mary… to encounter Him personally and go tell the world what we have seen.
Grace & Mercy Change Everything - Pastor Annie Bullard
If you need a boost, then this message is for you.
No matter who you are or what you’ve done, God’s grace & mercy can transform your life. – Pastor Annie
Don’t let guilt, shame or mistakes define you. Lean on God’s grace and mercy daily. Step into purpose and let your story impact others. Your life matters!
John 19: 17-42
The death of Jesus is such a monumental event for humanity that believers are instructed to pause and reflect and contemplate this moment, not only to remember, but to commemorate through communion. Walk with us through the turning point of all history in this powerful message.
John 18:28-19:16
Join us as we explore Pilate’s choice in John 18:28–19:16 and discover how the truth changes everything.
Pilate stood between truth and compromise, torn between recognizing Jesus’ innocence and yielding to political pressure. The crowd’s demand—Barabbas or Jesus—represents the choice between the Truth and lies. This message challenges us to choose Jesus over Barabbas, stand firm in truth, and live for a Kingdom that’s different. If what Jesus says about life is the truth why do we choose to believe lies?
Be ready to change—because the truth of the Gospel affects every area of a believer’s life.