Have you ever felt the subtle, persistent pressure of a culture trying to squeeze you into its mold—reshaping your values, your language, and even your very identity?

In this message on Daniel 1:1–21, Michael Rowntree unpacks the "lived wisdom" of four teenagers in exile, showing that we live in the midst of a "beastly" empire that uses assimilation and identity reformation to demand our ultimate allegiance. He explains how Daniel and his friends navigated this pressure by yielding where possible—accepting new names and a pagan education—while drawing a firm, quiet line at the king’s table to remain ritually clean and faithful to Yahweh.

Yet, he reminds us that behind the machinery of human empires is the God who "gives". From handing over Jerusalem in judgment to granting favor, wisdom, and superior skill to His exiles, God remains the true sovereign who governs every outcome. This invites us to live with confidence rather than panic, knowing that when we prioritize God’s kingdom, He sustains us and grants a wisdom that far outshines the most sophisticated systems of our age.

Have you ever wondered if anything you do actually matters in the long run, or if we are all just "a swarm of mosquitos" that live and die forgotten?

In this message on Ecclesiastes 12:9–14, Michael Rowntree unpacks Solomon’s concluding summary of his investigation into vanity, showing that while life "under the sun" can feel like a cycle of futility, God’s wisdom provides a "zoom out" perspective that anchors us. He explains that wisdom is not a hidden cosmic secret but words of truth given by "one Shepherd" to "goad" us onto the right path and "nail" truth into our hearts.

Yet, he reminds us that the "whole duty of man" is not found in an exhausting, never-ending chase for worldly knowledge, but in the simple, profound call to "fear God and keep His commandments". This invites us to live joyfully and intentionally, knowing that every deed—even the secret ones—is eternally significant because God remembers and will bring everything into judgment

Have you ever looked at your church leaders and thought, "That's their job, not mine," when it comes to the work of the ministry?

In this second part of his message on Ephesians 4:11–16, Sam Storms unpacks the divine strategy for church growth, showing that the "work of ministry" is actually a biblical command for every single believer. He clarifies that God gave apostles, prophets, evangelists, shepherds, and teachers not to perform all the tasks of the church, but to equip the saints to do the heavy lifting of building up the body.

Yet, he reminds us that the church only functions as God intended when "every working part" is active. This invites us to move from being passive spectators to active participants, using our unique spiritual gifts to ensure the church is no longer "tossed to and fro" by false doctrine, but instead grows into a mature, stable, and loving reflection of Jesus Christ.

Have you ever tried to ignore the reality of aging and death, hoping that if you just stay busy enough, the "good times" will never have to end?

In this message on Ecclesiastes 11:7–12:8, Michael Rowntree unpacks Solomon’s "red pill" of wisdom for the next generation, showing that while youth and vigor are beautiful, they are also fleeting "vanity" that must be lived with the end in mind. He challenges us to look squarely at the "days of darkness" that are coming, refusing to live in the typical denial of our own mortality.

Yet, he reminds us that the secret to a life well-lived is to "Remember your Creator" while you still have the strength to serve Him. This invites us to rejoice in the light of life and the energy of youth, but to do so under the sovereign eye of God—honoring our Maker before the silver cord is snapped and death "unmakes" the beauty of our earthly frames.

Have you ever tried to find "good" in a painful situation, only to feel like the promise of Romans 8:28 was ringing hollow or felt out of reach?

In this message on Romans 8:28, Sam Storms unpacks one of the most beloved yet misunderstood verses in the Bible, showing that the "good" God promises is not always our immediate comfort or circumstantial ease. Instead, he explains that this promise is specifically for those who cherish God with deep affection above all else, recognizing Him as their supreme treasure.

Yet, he reminds us that God’s ultimate design is far grander than our temporary happiness; His goal is to bring us safely to eternity and to conform us to the image of His Son. This invites us to rest in the sovereignty of a God who uses every trial and every triumph to make us like Jesus, ensuring that in our transformation, He receives the ultimate glory.

Have you ever felt paralyzed by the "what-ifs" of life—waiting for the perfect conditions before you finally take a step of faith?

In this message on Ecclesiastes 11:1–6, Michael Rowntree unpacks Solomon’s call to bold action in the face of uncertainty, showing that while we cannot control the future or predict disaster, we are still called to "cast our bread" and diversify our efforts.

Yet, he reminds us that true security isn't found in a perfect plan, but in a sovereign God who governs the "wind and the clouds." This invites us to trade our paralysis for purposeful labor, trusting that God can bring success out of our risks even when we don't know which one will prosper.

Have you ever spent years building something—a reputation, a career, or a legacy—only to watch one small, foolish mistake spoil the whole "fragrance"?

In this message on Ecclesiastes 10:1–20, Michael Rowntree unpacks Solomon’s observations of wisdom and folly in both the palace and the workplace, showing that wisdom is incredibly valuable yet remarkably vulnerable to the "dead flies" of sin and bad leadership.

Yet, he reminds us that true stability is found in cultivating a heart that "inclines toward the right," training ourselves to lean into righteousness rather than the quick fix of folly. This invites us to navigate a disordered world with pragmatism, guarding our tongues in times of crisis and receiving every meal, every glass joy, and every day of work as a blessing from God’s hand.

Have you ever felt like a spectator in your own church, wondering if your presence actually makes a difference in the kingdom of God?

In this message on Ephesians 4:7–16, Sam Storms unpacks the divine blueprint for a healthy church, showing that the "work of ministry" is not a job for a few professional clergy members, but a calling for every single believer. He explains that there is no such thing as a "non-gifted" Christian, as Christ has personally distributed grace to each person for the building up of the body.

Yet, he reminds us that our ultimate goal is "mature manhood," a state of spiritual stability where we are no longer easily swayed by false doctrine. This invites us to move beyond spiritual infancy by speaking the truth in love and actively using our unique gifts to help the whole body grow into the likeness of Christ.

Have you ever felt like your prayer life was more of a duty than a delight—or simply found yourself too distracted to stay consistent?

In this message on Colossians 4:2–4, Michael Rowntree unpacks Paul’s instructions for a resilient prayer life, showing that a lack of vigilance and gratitude often leaves our spiritual lives vulnerable to the "tests" of life.

Yet, he reminds us that powerful prayer is found in being "watchful" and "thankful," inviting us to move beyond a wandering mind and into a focused, mission-minded conversation with God. This message calls us to persevere in prayer, not just for our own needs, but for the open doors and the clarity of the Gospel in the world around us.

Have you ever witnessed the wonder of God’s work in your life, only to let the moment slip away in the busyness of the season?

In this message on Luke 2:18–19, Michael Rowntree unpacks Mary’s response to the miraculous birth of Christ, showing that while many are merely "amazed" by God for a moment, few take the time to build a history with Him.

Yet, he reminds us that true spiritual depth is found in "treasuring and pondering"—gathering the fragments of God’s faithfulness and storing them deep in the soul. This invites us to move beyond temporary excitement and into a lifelong, intimate journey of remembering what God has spoken and done.