We all have names that, when mentioned, stir up old wounds and unresolved tension within us. These names are attached to stories—stories of offense, betrayal, or deep hurt. If we don’t learn how to move forward, these wounds can imprison us, affecting our present relationships and even our walk with God. The story of Louis Zamperini, a man who endured unimaginable suffering as a prisoner of war and then found himself trapped in bitterness and hatred, powerfully illustrates the destructive power of unforgiveness. His journey to freedom began not when his circumstances changed, but when he encountered the grace and forgiveness of Jesus Christ. Only then was he able to forgive those who had wronged him, and in doing so, he found true freedom.

Forgiveness is not natural; it is supernatural. Our instinct is to seek justice, to make others pay for what they’ve done. But the gospel flips the script. Jesus teaches us that the forgiveness we receive from God is meant to flow outward to others. This is not a suggestion but a command for those who follow Christ. Paul, writing from prison, reminds us in Ephesians that our identity as forgiven people should shape the way we relate to others. We are called to “get rid of all bitterness” and to forgive “just as God through Christ has forgiven you.” This is not about minimizing the pain or pretending the offense didn’t happen. Rather, it’s about recognizing the depth of our own need for forgiveness and the immense cost Jesus paid to cancel our debt.

Forgiveness is not forgetting, excusing, or instantly restoring trust. It is not the same as reconciliation, nor does it remove consequences. Forgiveness is a decision—a choice to release the right to collect a debt that is genuinely owed. Sometimes, this is a process that must be repeated as old wounds resurface. At times, wisdom calls us to overlook minor offenses; at other times, we must have hard conversations, always with humility and a desire for restoration, not vindication.

Ultimately, forgiveness is about freedom—freedom for the one who forgives. Jesus endured the cross, absorbing the cost of our sin, so that we could be set free. As we grasp the depth of what we’ve been forgiven, we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to extend that same grace to others. This is the path to healthy relationships, spiritual maturity, and true freedom in Christ.

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome

[01:30] - The Story of Louis Zamperini

[04:54] - Encountering the Gospel and Forgiveness

[08:04] - The Challenge of Forgiving the Unrepentant

[10:31] - Forgiveness Does Not Erase the Past

[13:10] - Jesus’ Teaching on Forgiveness

[14:40] - Forgiven People Become Forgiving People

[18:05] - Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians: Context

[20:21] - Grieving the Holy Spirit with Bitterness

[23:48] - Taking Out the Trash: Removing Bitterness

[25:15] - Kindness, Compassion, and Forgiveness

[28:17] - The Vertical and Horizontal Dimensions of Forgiveness

[33:30] - The Cost of Our Forgiveness

[35:47] - Jesus’ Suffering and the Depth of Our Need

[42:30] - What Forgiveness Is (and Isn’t)

[48:41] - Boundaries, Consequences, and Reconciliation

[51:18] - Forgiveness Is Not a Feeling or Contingent on Apology

[56:26] - Overlooking Offenses and When to Confront

[59:58] - The Freedom of Forgiveness and Invitation to Respond

[62:42] - Closing Prayer and Blessing

Sermon Notes:

https://www.bible.com/events/49521262

As we continue our journey through Ephesians, we were reminded that the gospel not only saves us—it reshapes every part of our lives, including our closest relationships. We began by honoring our veterans, recognizing their example of selfless service, which reflects the sacrificial love of Christ. As we move forward in our 25 Days of Gratitude, we are invited to keep practicing thankfulness each day: memorizing Scripture, recording daily blessings, and sharing encouragement with others. Gratitude is not seasonal—it’s a discipline that helps reorient our hearts away from grumbling and toward the goodness of God.

Paul’s words in Ephesians show us that transformation begins with identity. Before we are called to live differently, we are reminded of who we are in Christ—loved, redeemed, chosen, and secure by grace. From that foundation, the gospel shapes how we treat one another. In a culture built on power and self-interest, Paul calls us instead to mutual submission out of reverence for Christ. This isn’t about hierarchy or superiority, but about a “you first” posture formed in the way of Jesus. In marriage, this looks like sacrificial love, respect, and partnership—not domination or passivity, but a shared calling to reflect Christ’s character.

This message also recognized the real struggles many face in marriage and family—hurt, disappointment, and the longing for renewal. The gospel does not shame the hurting; it seeks to heal and restore. Whether single, married, widowed, or somewhere in between, we are all invited to look to the love of Jesus as our truest source of identity and strength. When we are filled with His love, we are freed to love others well. In every relationship, big or small, our calling is the same: to imitate Jesus, who gave Himself for us, so that His love may overflow from our lives into the world around us.

[00:00] - Welcome

[00:07] - Honoring Veterans and Service

[00:30] - 25 Days of Gratitude Introduction

[01:15] - Memorizing and Living 1 Thessalonians 5

[02:05] - Practicing Daily Thankfulness

[03:05] - Sharing Gratitude with Others

[04:03] - A Personal Story of Young Love

[06:02] - Lessons from Relationship Struggles

[09:35] - The Gospel’s Role in Marriage

[13:23] - Ephesians: Gospel Identity and Behavior

[17:16] - Living a Life Worthy of the Gospel

[20:21] - Mutual Submission in Relationships

[23:07] - From “Me First” to “You First”

[25:02] - The Meaning of Submission (Hupotazo)

[34:16] - Spirit-Filled Marriages: Husbands and Wives

[42:30] - Headship: Cross, Not Crown

[46:16] - The Call to Respect and Support

[50:58] - Husbands: Love as Christ Loved

[56:20] - Practical Takeaways for Marriage

[61:31] - Only Christ Completes Us

[62:42] - Invitation to Trust Jesus and Closing Prayer

Beyond Sunday Devotional: https://eaglesview.church/devotional

Bible App Notes: https://www.bible.com/events/49517054

As we enter this season leading up to Thanksgiving, Pastor Bart invites us into a journey of intentional gratitude—25 days of cultivating a thankful heart. Gratitude is not something that comes naturally to us; it’s a spiritual discipline, a choice we make daily, especially when life is hard. Paul’s words in 1 Thessalonians remind us to “be thankful in all circumstances,” not for all circumstances, but in them. This is God’s will for us in Christ Jesus. Over these next weeks, we invite you to memorize this truth together, practice daily thanksgiving, and share our gratitude with others, both in our homes and as a church family.

But gratitude is not just a seasonal exercise; it’s a way of living that transforms how we walk through suffering. We live in a world that is groaning—creation itself is frustrated, our bodies break down, and pain is a reality for all of us. Paul, writing to the suffering believers in Rome, uses the metaphor of childbirth: pain and groaning are real, but they point to a coming joy. The gospel doesn’t promise a pain-free life; in fact, following Jesus often brings its own cost. Yet, the gospel gives us a new perspective on pain. We are not just waiting for heaven as disembodied spirits; we are promised a future of resurrection, new bodies, and a restored creation. This hope is not just for someday, but it shapes how we endure today.

In the meantime, we are not left alone. The Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness, intercedes for us when we don’t have words, and walks with us through every groan and sigh. God is at work, even in the mess, redeeming and orchestrating all things for our good—not just for our comfort, but to conform us to the image of Jesus. We have a choice in our suffering: to become bitter or to be transformed into grateful, hope-filled people. Communion is our reminder that even Jesus, facing betrayal and suffering, gave thanks. So, whatever you’re facing, choose gratitude. Trust that God is with you, that your pain is not wasted, and that a day is coming when all things will be made new.

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome

[01:57] - The Call to Gratitude: 1 Thessalonians

[03:56] - Memorizing Scripture Together

[05:25] - Practicing Intentional Gratitude

[07:29] - Sharing Gratitude with Others

[09:05] - The Gospel and Transformation

[10:11] - Childbirth as a Metaphor for Suffering

[14:45] - Suffering in the Early Church

[19:18] - The Gospel’s Impact on Everyday Life

[21:45] - Heirs with Christ: Suffering and Glory

[24:18] - Wrestling with Pain as God’s Children

[37:08] - Creation’s Groaning and Future Hope

[42:21] - The Promise of New Bodies

[52:11] - The Holy Spirit’s Help in Weakness

[56:20] - God’s Good Purposes in Our Pain

[59:01] - Communion: Giving Thanks in Suffering

[62:52] - Closing Prayer and Worship

What a joy it is to witness lives transformed by Christ, as we saw in last week’s baptisms. There’s nothing quite like seeing someone profess faith and begin a new journey with Jesus. But as we walk this gospel-centered life, we must be aware of the saboteurs that threaten our faith. Often, we look outward—at the world, the flesh, or the devil—but the greatest saboteur is often the person staring back at us in the mirror. We sabotage our own faith when we add anything to Christ, rely on our religious resume, or allow our past to define us.

Paul’s words in Philippians 3 challenge us to examine what we truly value. He counted all his achievements, heritage, and religious credentials as garbage compared to the infinite value of knowing Christ. The language he uses is intentionally strong—everything else is not just less important, but utterly worthless, like refuse, when compared to Jesus. This is a call to radical reorientation: to let go of anything we think commends us to God, and to cling to Christ alone.

There are those who would try to add requirements to the gospel—Christ plus baptism, Christ plus tongues, Christ plus church attendance or giving. Paul calls these “dogs,” not as a term of endearment, but as a warning against those who would mutilate the gospel and burden believers with legalism. Salvation is not Christ plus anything; it is Christ alone. Even our best efforts, our spiritual resumes, and our good deeds cannot earn us favor with God. They are, as Isaiah says, like filthy rags.

But perhaps you don’t struggle with legalism or spiritual pride. Maybe your saboteur is your past—shame, regret, or a sense of unworthiness. Paul, who persecuted the church and carried deep scars from his past, reminds us that God’s love is greater than our failures. The call is to forget what is behind and press on toward what lies ahead, knowing that our citizenship is in heaven, secured by Christ alone. Our past is not a barrier; it is garbage, discarded in light of the resurrection power of Jesus.

In the end, our only passport to heaven is Jesus. Everything else—our achievements, our failures, our attempts to add to the gospel—is worthless. Let go of the garbage, and hold fast to Christ, who alone is of infinite value.

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome

[01:07] - Celebrating Baptisms and New Life

[01:57] - The Saboteurs of Faith: An Introduction

[03:26] - A Story of Sabotaged Projects

[06:16] - Who Really Sabotages Our Faith?

[07:06] - The Parable of the Soils: The Role of the Heart

[09:17] - What Do We Value? Paul’s Radical Reassessment

[13:36] - Christ Plus Anything: The Danger of Legalism

[16:21] - The Story of Philippi: Paul’s Deep Connection

[21:11] - Watch Out for the “Dogs”: False Teachers and Legalists

[32:02] - The Trap of Our Religious Resume

[40:16] - The Futility of Good Deeds Without Christ

[44:10] - The Problem of Our Past

[50:14] - Two Sides of Pride

[51:33] - Our True Citizenship: Home is Where Jesus Is

[54:32] - The Infinite Value of Christ Alone

[55:06] - Closing Prayer and Invitation

Beyond Sunday Devotional: https://eaglesview.church/devotional

Sunday Sermon Notes: https://www.bible.com/events/49509872

Today, we gathered to reflect on what it truly means to be God’s masterpiece. We began by celebrating the ways God is moving among us—through the recent Fields of Faith event, where many students made decisions for Christ, and through the baptisms happening today. These are living reminders that God is still in the business of transforming lives.We explored the idea of a masterpiece, not just in the context of art or music, but as a metaphor for our own lives. Just as a great work of art is crafted with intention, care, and purpose, so too are we—each of us uniquely shaped by God. The Apostle Paul, writing to the Ephesians, used the word “poema” to describe us: God’s workmanship, His handiwork, His masterpiece. This is not a title we earn, but an identity we receive through Christ.But before we can appreciate the beauty of this truth, we must first understand the depth of our need. Paul doesn’t start by telling us we’re masterpieces; he begins by reminding us of our former condition—spiritually dead, trapped in sin, and under God’s just wrath. This is not easy to hear, but it’s essential. We were not just in need of a little help; we were utterly helpless, unable to save ourselves. Only when we grasp the seriousness of our separation from God can we begin to comprehend the magnitude of His grace.Then comes the turning point: “But God.” In His rich mercy and great love, God intervened. He made us alive with Christ, not because of anything we did, but purely by His grace. Salvation is a gift, not a reward for good behavior. Our good works do not earn us God’s favor; rather, they flow out of the new life He has given us. We are saved by grace, through faith, for good works that God prepared in advance for us to do.This truth is meant to reawaken our gratitude, reignite our love for God, and ground us in our identity. Whether you are exploring faith for the first time, feeling spiritually dry, or walking closely with Jesus, the invitation is the same: receive God’s grace, remember who you are in Christ, and live out your purpose as His masterpiece.Youtube Chapters[00:00] - Welcome[01:00] - Holy Land Trip Invitation[02:28] - Fields of Faith Celebration[05:29] - What Is a Masterpiece?[07:18] - Art, Identity, and Transformation[09:31] - Ephesians 2: Context and Background[12:57] - The Culture of Ephesus and Paul’s Message[14:22] - You Are Not an Accident[16:06] - Why We Need to Revisit the Gospel[18:35] - The Bad News: Our Condition Before Christ[27:15] - Dead, Trapped, and in Trouble[36:38] - Understanding God’s Wrath[42:35] - The Depths of Grace: Amazing Grace[47:40] - The Turning Point: But God[52:37] - Salvation by Grace Through Faith[57:09] - Living as God’s Masterpiece[58:05] - Testimony: Kristina’s Story[64:21] - Closing Reflections and Prayer

Today, we explored what it truly means to stand firm in the spiritual battles we face as followers of Jesus. Drawing from the imagery of the Battle of the Bulge in World War II, we recognized that, like those soldiers, we are often caught off guard, facing not just one enemy but multiple adversaries: Satan, our own flesh, and the world’s system that opposes God. Yet, the victory is not something we strive to achieve—it has already been won by Jesus through His death and resurrection. Our calling is not to fight for victory, but to stand firm in the victory Christ has secured for us.

We looked at the context of the Ephesian church, a community surrounded by spiritual opposition and false teaching, and saw how Paul, even from prison, urged them to be strong in the Lord and to put on the full armor of God. This armor is not our own; it is God’s, and it is both a gift and a command to take up daily. The battle is not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces, and so our preparation must be spiritual as well.

The armor begins and ends with truth—God’s Word is the foundation and the weapon. We must saturate ourselves in Scripture, not just for knowledge, but so that we can recognize and refute the enemy’s lies. The breastplate of righteousness reminds us that our right standing with God is a gift, not something we earn, and it guards our hearts against accusation and condemnation. The shoes of the gospel of peace give us stability, reminding us daily of the peace we have with God and the call to bring that peace to others. The shield of faith is not just for individual defense but is most effective in community, as we stand together, supporting one another. Finally, the helmet of salvation protects our minds from despair and doubt, anchoring us in the finished work of Christ.

We are not left ill-equipped. God has given us everything we need to stand firm, but we must intentionally put on this armor each day, remembering who we are in Christ, and living out that identity in the power of the Holy Spirit.

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome

[00:09] - Series Recap and Introduction

[01:11] - The Battle of the Bulge: A Picture of Standing Firm

[03:14] - The Surprise Attack and Holding the Line

[05:21] - Spiritual Warfare: Our Real Enemies

[07:51] - Standing in Christ’s Victory

[10:35] - The Spiritual Climate in Ephesus

[12:49] - The Sons of Sceva: Authority in Christ

[15:03] - Relationship vs. Religion

[19:00] - The Armor of God: God’s Equipment, Not Ours

[23:41] - Strength Through Surrender

[25:13] - Dressing for Battle Daily

[28:21] - The Best Equipment: Roman Armor and Spiritual Armor

[30:38] - The Belt of Truth: Girding Up for Battle

[34:53] - The Sword of the Spirit: Bookending with God’s Word

[39:39] - The Breastplate of Righteousness: Guarding the Heart

[48:15] - Shoes of Peace: Standing Firm in the Gospel

[53:35] - The Shield of Faith: Community and Formation

[57:48] - The Helmet of Salvation and Communion

[63:23] - Worship and Communion as Spiritual Warfare

Today’s message focuses on the reality of spiritual warfare—not just the devil’s lies or the brokenness around us, but the pressure of “the world” itself. Scripture calls this the fallen system in rebellion against God, a culture that confuses truth, normalizes sin, and pressures believers to conform. Satan manipulates this system to exploit our own unrestrained desires (the flesh), turning good things into ultimate things and rebranding sin as normal.But the call of Jesus is not to isolate from the world, nor to blend in, but to stand firm—rooted in God’s Word, transformed from the inside out, and sent back into the world with truth and compassion. We are set apart for a purpose, called to look more like Christ than culture, and empowered by the Spirit to live differently. Only a real relationship with Jesus can satisfy the deepest needs the world promises but can’t deliver.Youtube Chapters:7:00 Review of three enemies: the devil, the flesh, the world 8:10 What “the world” really means (1 John 2:15-17) 13:00 How Satan uses culture to pressure and confuse 17:40 Lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, pride of life explained 30:30 Normalization & rebranding of sin in society 34:00 Jesus’ model of truth + compassion (woman at the well/adulterous woman) 43:40 Our core needs vs. the enemy’s counterfeit offers 46:00 Only a real relationship with Jesus satisfies 49:00 Call to faith, repentance & daily surrender (Mark 8) 52:00 Jesus’ prayer: “In the world but not of it” (John 17) 55:00 How God’s Word transforms vs. the world’s pressure (Romans 12:2) 58:30 Living “sent” on mission—examples from public schools 1:00:00 Andrew’s testimony: “Chasing the world vs. following Christ” 1:04:50 Closing challenge & prayer

Today’s focus is on the reality of spiritual warfare, not just with external enemies like Satan and the brokenness of the world, but with the enemy within—our own flesh. Every follower of Jesus faces this internal battle, a struggle with the sin nature that pulls us away from God’s best. This isn’t just a philosophical or theological idea; it’s a daily, lived experience. The enemy outside, Satan, is not omnipotent or omniscient, but he is crafty and studies our weaknesses, seeking to exploit the tendencies and brokenness already present in us. The real danger is not just in the obvious temptations, but in the subtle ways our good desires become disordered, taking the place of God in our lives.

The flesh, as Paul describes, is not just our physical body, but our inward bent toward sin—a self-centered, rebellious nature that opposes God. This is a universal human condition, and it manifests in countless ways: repeated failures, cycles of shame, and the frustration of wanting to do good but falling short. The gospel, however, is not just about forgiveness and a future in heaven; it’s about transformation and freedom today. Jesus died not only to secure our eternity, but to bring heaven into our present reality, empowering us to live differently through the Holy Spirit.

The battle between flesh and Spirit is relentless, but it is not hopeless. The Holy Spirit, God Himself, dwells within every believer, offering power to resist the flesh and live in freedom. Yet, this victory is not achieved through willpower or striving, but through daily surrender—admitting our need, humbling ourselves, and taking decisive action. What we sow today, whether to the flesh or the Spirit, will bear fruit in our lives tomorrow. The stakes are high: our relationships, our peace, our witness, and the future version of ourselves God desires us to become.

Freedom is possible, but it requires honesty, humility, and practical steps—sometimes even seeking help through community, recovery groups, or spiritual practices. There is no condemnation for those in Christ; only an invitation to walk in the Spirit, to crucify the flesh daily, and to experience the rich, satisfying life Jesus promises. The call is to stop believing the lie that change is impossible, and instead, to trust in the transforming power of God’s grace, available right now.

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome

[01:10] - Series Introduction: Stand Firm

[03:00] - Understanding Our Spiritual Enemies

[06:44] - Interview with Coach John Abensham

[10:14] - The Enemy Studies Our Weaknesses

[12:27] - The Cycle of Defeat and Shame

[14:53] - The Lie of “You Can Never Change”

[17:55] - What’s at Stake: The Future You

[20:23] - The Gospel: Heaven Into You

[23:29] - Defining the Flesh and the Human Condition

[26:52] - Good Desires, Disordered Loves

[29:50] - How Sin Corrupts Good Things

[31:24] - Idolatry: Loving Right Things in the Wrong Order

[33:43] - Sowing and Reaping: The Consequences of Choices

[36:14] - The Battle Between Flesh and Spirit

[45:00] - The Power of the Holy Spirit Within

[53:00] - Breaking the Cycle: No Condemnation in Christ

[61:15] - Taking Decisive Action and Walking in the Spirit

[65:00] - Prayer and Invitation to Freedom

We live in a world that is undeniably broken and dark, and this past week has been a heavy reminder of that reality. Many of us are carrying burdens—personal struggles, grief, confusion, and even anger at the violence and evil we see around us. Yet, in the midst of all this, we must remember that Jesus Christ has already won the victory. The answer to what ails our culture, our nation, and our own hearts is not found in politics, revenge, or human effort, but in the gospel of Jesus Christ. He alone brings the grace, forgiveness, and love that can transform lives and heal what is broken.It’s easy, especially when we are hurt or outraged, to focus our anger on people. But Scripture teaches us that our real enemy is not flesh and blood, but the spiritual forces of evil that operate behind the scenes. The devil, our flesh, and the world system are the true adversaries, and we must not be ignorant of their schemes. When we fixate on people, we allow the real enemy to go undetected and unchecked, wreaking havoc in our lives and communities.Paul’s words in Ephesians 6 remind us to stand firm, not in our own strength, but in the Lord’s mighty power. We are called to put on the full armor of God, to recognize the unseen battle, and to resist the urge to fight with the weapons of this world. Jesus calls us to a radically different way: to overcome evil with good, to love and pray for our enemies, and to let the Holy Spirit produce in us what we cannot manufacture ourselves—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, and self-control.This is not easy. In fact, it’s impossible in our own strength. But as we die to ourselves and allow the Spirit to fill us, we become people who can bring light into darkness. We are called to be on offense, not defense—to take the gospel boldly into the world, to pray, to praise, and to trust that God is sovereign and just. Even in the darkest times, God can redeem and use what the enemy meant for harm. Our calling is to bring heaven to earth, to be light in the darkness, and to trust that Jesus is building His church, and nothing can prevail against it.Youtube Chapters[00:00] - Welcome[01:10] - A Heavy Week: Grief and Brokenness[03:00] - Violence and the Reality of Evil[05:38] - The Only Answer: The Gospel[08:37] - Our Real Enemy: Not Flesh and Blood[10:15] - The Three Enemies: Devil, Flesh, World[13:10] - Paul’s Transformation and Mission[15:27] - Ephesians 6: Standing Firm[16:42] - The Unseen Battle[18:53] - The Way of Jesus vs. The Way of the Flesh[20:14] - Loving and Praying for Enemies[21:41] - The Fruit of the Spirit in Dark Times[22:55] - Romans 12: Living Honorably and Peaceably[39:05] - How We Fight: Prayer and Praise[40:59] - Humility and Drawing Near to God[42:26] - Praying for Our Nation and Leaders[43:26] - The Power of Jesus’ Name[46:13] - Bringing Heaven to Earth[52:15] - Closing Blessing and Invitation to Prayer