Why do Christians practice baptism—and what actually happens in the water?

In this message from our Why We Do What We Do series, we trace baptism from the cleansing imagery of the Old Testament, through John the Baptist and the baptism of Jesus, to the cross and the practice of the early church.

Along the way, we look at Romans 6 and what it means to be buried with Christ and raised to walk in newness of life. Baptism isn't about earning salvation or checking a religious box. We are saved by grace through faith. Baptism is a response of faith—trusting in the powerful working of God.

The water tells a story: death, burial, resurrection, and new life in Jesus.

And the question isn't only, “Have I been baptized?”

It's also: “Am I living baptized?”

What does it really mean to live with the conviction that Jesus is greater than I am?

In John 3:30, John the Baptist gives us one of the simplest and most challenging descriptions of the Christian life: “He must increase, but I must decrease.” In this message, we explore what John understood about his purpose, why Jesus must remain the point, and how putting Christ in His proper place changes our priorities, preferences, and definition of greatness.

A faith that pleases God isn't about making a greater name for ourselves. It's about living so that people see more of Jesus through us.

He must increase. I must decrease.

What does it really mean to be holy? Holiness isn’t about being weird, self-righteous, or simply keeping a list of rules. It means being set apart for God—living differently because we belong to Him.

In this message from 1 Peter 1:13–16, we discover that holiness begins with our identity, keeps us from simply fitting into the world around us, touches every area of our lives, and requires ongoing transformation. We don’t live differently so God will love us; we live differently because He has already loved us, redeemed us, and called us His own.

As we continue Growing in Favor with God, the challenge is simple: Are we becoming more like the God to whom we belong?

It’s easy to become so familiar with the things of God that they begin to feel ordinary. We can sing the songs, take the Lord’s Supper, say the prayers, and show up for worship—while our hearts slowly drift away from the meaning behind it all.

In “Don’t Lose the Awe,” we look at Jesus’ warning in Matthew 15 and consider how familiar words and actions can lose their meaning. God gives us reminders to draw our hearts back to Him, and when the wonder begins to fade, the answer is simple: look at Jesus again.

When was the last time you were genuinely amazed by God?

Faith was never meant to stop with us. In “Passing It On,” we look at God’s call in Psalm 78 to remember His faithfulness, live out our faith, and intentionally pass it to the next generation. From parents and grandparents to teachers, mentors, and the entire church family, we all have a role in helping the next generation set their hope in God.

One generation to another. And then another. Let’s pass it on.

Sometimes life feels like holding a single puzzle piece and trying to understand the entire picture. We face seasons of waiting, disappointment, loss, and unanswered questions—and wonder what God could possibly be doing.

In “Seeing the Bigger Picture,” we explore Proverbs 3:5–6 and what it truly means to trust God when we don’t understand His plan. Through the stories of Abraham and Joseph, we’re reminded that faith doesn’t require having all the answers. It requires trusting the character of the One who does.

And ultimately, the pieces of God’s story lead us to the cross—the clearest reminder that even when we cannot understand God’s hand, we can trust His heart.

What does it really mean to “walk with God”? Scripture uses that simple picture again and again—from Enoch and Noah to the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. Walking with God means following His direction, staying faithful in the ordinary moments, and trusting Him even when the road gets hard.

In this message from our Growing in Favor with God series, we’re reminded that spiritual growth rarely happens all at once. You don’t grow close to God in a moment. You grow close to Him one step at a time.

📖 Genesis 5:24 | Genesis 6:9 | Amos 3:3 | Galatians 5:16 | 1 John 1:7

Why was David the only person in Scripture described as "a man after God's own heart"?

It wasn't because he was perfect.

It wasn't because he never failed.

In fact, David's life was marked by incredible victories and devastating failures. Yet God saw something in David that others missed.

In this message, we explore what God was really looking for—not outward appearance, talent, or accomplishments, but the direction of the heart. From the fields of Bethlehem to the valley of Elah, from the cave of En Gedi to Psalm 51, David's story reveals what matters most to God.

Most importantly, this sermon points us beyond David to Jesus—the only King whose heart never wandered and the One who can transform ours.

What does God actually delight in?

We spend so much of our lives chasing success, recognition, and the approval of others. But have you ever stopped to ask what brings joy to the heart of God?

In this first message of our Growing in Favor with God series, we discover that God has never hidden what He values. Through Isaiah 66, Micah 6, and Psalm 147, we see that God is not impressed by outward appearances or religious performance. Instead, He delights in people with humble hearts, faithful lives, and unwavering trust in Him.

Whether you've been following Christ for decades or you're just beginning your faith journey, this message will challenge you to stop living for the applause of the world and start living for the smile of your Heavenly Father.

What does spiritual maturity really look like?

In this message, we explore one of Jesus' most profound teachings: the children of God should resemble their Father. Throughout the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus reveals the heart of our Heavenly Father—a Father who is present, generous, merciful, and sacrificial. As we grow in faith, our lives should increasingly reflect those same characteristics.

This Father's Day message is about much more than earthly fathers. It's a challenge for every believer to examine whether our lives bear a family resemblance to the God we claim to follow. We'll also discover why God hates sin—not because He wants to keep us from joy, but because He loves us too much to leave us separated from Him.

The Father's way is better. And when we surrender our lives to Him, we discover the peace, purpose, and life He designed us to have.