Have you ever walked through something you never would have chosen and wondered, “God, where are You?” This follows Joseph from betrayal and the pit to prison and eventually a position of influence in Egypt. Joseph could not see the purpose while he was living through the pain, but God never left him.Joseph’s story ultimately points us to Jesus and reminds us that nothing in our story is beyond the redemptive reach of God. Even when we cannot see what He is doing, we can anchor our faith in what does not change: God is good. God is with us. God is sovereign.

What are you wrestling with? In this message from The Big Picture, Pastor Bart walks through the life of Jacob, a man who spent years trying to control outcomes, manipulate circumstances, and grab what he wanted for himself. But when Jacob finally wrestled with God, everything changed.

Jacob discovered that the blessing he had spent his life chasing could only be received from God. His story points us to the Gospel, where Jesus was wounded so that we could receive by grace what we could never earn. Sometimes God changes our circumstances. Other times, He changes the wrestler.

Twenty-seven years ago, EVC began with nine people gathered in a living room asking, “What would happen if we actually became the kind of church we read about in Acts?” In this State of the Church message, Pastor Bart celebrates what God has done, reaffirms the biblical convictions that continue to shape EVC, and shares where we believe God is leading us next.

From reaching the next generation and bringing hope to hurting people to multiplying churches and advancing the Gospel, the future is filled with opportunity. But it all begins where Acts 2 began: ordinary people devoted to Jesus and His mission.

The Church is more than a building we attend. It is a people called by God and built together around Jesus. Looking at Matthew 16 and 1 Peter 2, we discover that every believer is a living stone with a unique place in what Christ is building. We saw this through the stories of Logan, Ella, and Austin, who shared how serving at EVC has helped shape their faith and deepen their relationship with Jesus. As we connect with one another and use our gifts to serve, God works through us to impact others while continuing to transform us into the people He has called us to be.

Pastor Bart follows God's call to Abraham and the promise that would eventually bring blessing to every nation. From leaving everything familiar to waiting years for God's promise to be fulfilled, Abraham's story reminds us that faith means trusting God even when we cannot see the whole road ahead.Through Genesis 15, we also discover that God's promises rest on His faithfulness, not ours. Abraham failed, Israel failed, and we fail too, but Jesus remained faithful and bore the curse our sin deserved. Through Christ, the blessing promised to Abraham has reached the nations, including us.

The Bible isn't a collection of disconnected stories. It's one incredible story pointing to one Savior. In the first message of The Big Picture, Pastor Bart walks through Genesis 1–3 to show how humanity was created for relationship with God, how sin brought separation, and how the promise of Jesus began in the Garden. Discover how every page of Scripture reveals God's plan to pursue and redeem His people.

What are you convinced of? In this message, EVC Elder, John Abendschan, walks through the life of Paul to show how a deep confidence in God's love changes the way we respond to suffering, uncertainty, and hardship. When we are convinced that nothing can separate us from Christ, we can live with faith, hope, and an eternal perspective—no matter what life brings.

Where do we find comfort when life is difficult? In 2 Corinthians 1:3–7, we discover that God is the source of all comfort. As He meets us in our suffering, He also equips us to comfort others with the same grace we've received. Whether through our presence, encouragement, service, or the hope of Christ's return, God uses His people to bring His comfort to a hurting world.

What does true humility look like? In Philippians 2:1–11, Paul points us to Jesus as the ultimate example. Though He is fully God, Jesus willingly humbled Himself by becoming a servant and giving His life for us. As followers of Christ, we are called to set aside pride, consider others above ourselves, and reflect His sacrificial love in every relationship. True greatness in God's Kingdom is found through humble service.

Following Jesus was never meant to be a solo journey. In James 5:13–18, we discover that God calls His people to pray together, confess their struggles, and support one another through every season of life. Healing begins when we step out of isolation and into the light, trusting that God's grace is greater than our shame and that His people were designed to walk alongside us.