Covenant Church WV

LINKS + RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE:

• Scripture References:

• Find out more about Covenant Church at ⁠covenantchurchwv.com

In this message from the Onward series, “Wisdom From the Wilderness”, Pastor Joel explores how seasons of transition and uncertainty can feel like being “stuck in the ice” — unsure how to move forward and tempted to go backward. Drawing from Israel’s wilderness journey, he reminds us that God often uses difficult seasons not to punish us, but to teach, shape, and prepare us for what’s next. The message challenges both individuals and the church to move forward in faith, trust God’s direction, and embrace the future He is preparing. Let’s listen in.

LINKS + RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE:

• Ernest Shackleton

• John Kotter book "A Sense of Urgency"

• Download the free study guide, complete transcript, and show notes here.

• Scripture References: Numbers chapters 13-14; Deuteronomy 8, verses 1-5

• Find out more about Covenant Church at ⁠covenantchurchwv.com

In this message, Pastor Joel Rainey challenges us to let go of the comfort of the familiar and trust God with the future He is calling us into. Looking at Israel’s journey through the Red Sea in Exodus 14, reminds us that real freedom requires courage, faith, and a willingness to move forward instead of looking back. Whether in our personal lives or as a church, God often calls us beyond what feels safe so we can fully experience His purpose and power. Let’s listen in.

LINKS + RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE:

• “Hinge Moment”, “Red Sea Moment”

• Hernán Cortés 1519

• Download the free study guide, complete transcript, and show notes here.

• Scripture References: Exodus 14, verses 10-31; Exodus 5, verse 21; Exodus ch. 15, ch. 16, ch. 17; 2 Corinthians 5, verse 7; Exodus 7, verse 5

• Find out more about Covenant Church at ⁠covenantchurchwv.com

This Mother’s Day message celebrates the sacred calling of motherhood and the lasting impact of a mother’s love, prayer, and faithfulness. Through scripture and personal stories, we are reminded that God values consistency over perfection and uses mothers in powerful ways to reflect His nurturing heart to their children and families. Let’s listen in. Let’s listen in.

LINKS + RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE:

• Thomas Edison

• Find a complete transcript here

• Scripture References: Isaiah 66, verse 13a; Psalm 23, verses 1-4; Proverbs 31, verses 3-31; Joshua 1, verse 9; 1 Thessalonians 5, verses 16-18; James 5, verse 16; Isaiah 49, verses 15-16; Psalm 23; Colossians 3, verses 23-24; 1 Corinthians 1, verses 23-31

• Find out more about Covenant Church at ⁠covenantchurchwv.com

Transitions are a part of every season of life—and even good transitions often begin with loss. In Joshua 1, verses 1–9, God speaks to Joshua and reminds His people that while one season may be ending, God’s purpose is still moving forward.

Some of life’s hardest changes are not detours or distractions, but a divine strategy God uses to move us toward the next level of growth, faith, and purpose. God never ends a season for His people without beginning something new and meaningful ahead.

This message explores how God prepares us to move faithfully through seasons of change by developing three important dispositions:

Versatility — adapting when God shifts our season

Trust — believing God is faithful even when the future feels uncertain

Courage — stepping forward confidently because God goes with us

No matter what season you may be leaving behind, God is still present, purposeful, and leading you onward. Let’s listen in.

LINKS + RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE:

• Henry Cloud “Necessary Endings”

• Download the free study guide, complete transcript, and show notes here.

• Scripture References: Joshua 1, verses 1-9; Numbers 20; Genesis 12; Deuteronomy 31; Hebrews 13, verse 5

• Find out more about Covenant Church at ⁠covenantchurchwv.com

We all experience anxiety and stress in our lives. Some stress can be helpful, like when it pushes us to grow—but other stress can feel overwhelming. So what do you do in those moments? Today’s message offers practical tools for navigating stress, with the greatest help available—God. Let’s listen in.

LINKS + RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE:

• Biblical figures: Moses, Elijah, Hannah, Job, Jonah, Martha, Jesus

• Henry Ford, "Whether you think you can, or you think you can't—you're right."

• Find a free study guide & complete transcript here

• Scripture References: 2 Corinthians 10, verse 5; Romans 8, verses 38–39; 2 Timothy 1, verse 7; Psalm 91

• Find out more about Covenant Church at ⁠covenantchurchwv.com

It’s easy to get stuck in a comparison trap in our lives. To look at others and wonder if I’m on the right path and fulfilling my God given purpose.

Today’s message encourages us to stay focused, trust God’s plan, and embrace what God has for each of us. Life is sure to bring difficult times - even these God can use for a reason later in life, perhaps to encourage others who find themselves experiencing the same struggles.

Let’s listen in…

LINKS + RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE:

• “Pilgrim’s Progress” book by John Bunyan

• Find a free study guide, show notes, & complete transcript here

• Scripture References: John 21, verses 20-23; Luke 5; Galatians 6, verses 4-5; Romans 12; Isaiah 6; Psalm 19, verse 21; Hebrews 12, verses 1-2

• Find out more about Covenant Church at ⁠covenantexperience.com

All sin separates us from God. Some sins—pride, envy, wrath, sloth, greed, lust, gluttony—can destroy us.

Today we’re going to conclude by talking about living in the power of virtue. We want to avoid the assumption that the answer to vice is simply to exhibit virtue… to “just be good.” Living in victory over your brokenness does not come from a better you, it comes from a new you who is transformed by Jesus through the Holy Spirit. Three commitments to help us learn how to live in that power are found in the book of Colossians: live in your new identity, put vice to death, and be faithful in renewal.

Let’s listen in…

LINKS + RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE:

• Recommended reading for this series

• Message series on spiritual disciplines “Airplane Mode”

• Message series on the book of 1 John “One Another”

• The Prodigal son mindset - Luke 15

• Gnosticism

• Skip Heitzig

• Download the free study guide, complete transcript, and show notes here.

• Scripture References: Matthew 23, verses 25-26; Romans 12, verses 1-2; Colossians 3, verses 1-10; Galatians; Romans 6; Luke 15; 1 John

• Find out more about Covenant Church at ⁠covenantexperience.com

This Easter message centers on the global and transformative significance of the resurrection of Jesus, emphasizing that Christianity is not built merely on moral teachings but on a historical event that defines everything—if the resurrection is not true, then faith, preaching, truth, and hope are all meaningless; but if it is true, it changes everything for every person.

Drawing from 1 Corinthians 15, the message underscores that the resurrection validates Jesus’ identity, secures forgiveness of sins, guarantees eternal life, and establishes Christ’s present and future reign. It challenges listeners to wrestle honestly with the reality of the resurrection, recognize its life-altering implications, and respond personally—either by surrendering to Christ or rejecting Him—while encouraging believers to live with unwavering faith, purpose, and confidence, knowing their lives and labor are not in vain because Jesus is alive! Let’s listen in…

LINKS + RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE:

• “A Skeleton in God’s Closet” book by Paul L. Maier

• John Walvoord; C.S. Lewis

• Swoon Theory; Hallucination theory; Stolen Body theory; Decomposition theory

• Download the free complete transcript and show notes here.

• Scripture References: 1 Corinthians 15, verses 12-28 & 58; Romans 4, verse 25; Zachariah 9, verse 10

• Find out more about Covenant Church at ⁠covenantexperience.com

On this 40th anniversary of Covenant Church, this message highlights the importance of recognizing that where we are today is the result of the faithfulness of those who came before us—people who said “yes” to God, stepped out in faith, and built a foundation for future generations. As we reflect on its past and looks toward an uncertain future, it emphasizes unchanging truths that anchor believers in every season: God is faithful, humanity is imperfect, and the mission of the church remains the same—to faithfully live out the gospel in a changing world.

Rather than clinging only to the past or focusing solely on what’s ahead, believers are called to hold both in tension, learning from past faithfulness while stepping forward in obedience today. Ultimately, it is a call for this generation to trust God, engage the world around them, and live faithfully so that those who come after will be able to stand on their legacy and continue the work. Let’s listen in…

LINKS + RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE:

• Neil Howe “The Fourth Turning”; Leighton Ford; Matt Chandler

• Download the free complete transcript and show notes here.

• Scripture References: Deuteronomy 29, verses 2-13; Isaiah 6; Romans 11; Jeremiah 29

• Find out more about Covenant Church at ⁠covenantexperience.com