Life often feels like a relentless fire—a refining process that none of us can escape. Just as a blacksmith forges a sword through heat, hammering, and shaping, so too are we shaped by the trials and hardships we face. These moments of pain, loss, and difficulty are not signs of God’s absence, but rather opportunities for Him to work deeply within us, transforming us into instruments for His purpose. The reality is that living in a broken world means we will all experience suffering, disappointment, and grief. The sooner we accept this truth, the sooner we can move forward in faith, rather than getting stuck in surprise or bitterness.Looking at the life of Paul, we see a man who endured constant opposition, physical suffering, and emotional exhaustion. Yet, in the darkest moments—when he was alone, discouraged, and at a crossroads—Jesus met him with words of comfort and purpose: “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you.” God’s presence does not always remove the fire, but it assures us that we are never alone in it. We are invited to participate in this refining process, choosing resilience over resistance, and faith over fear.Our response to suffering is crucial. We can allow bitterness and despair to take root, or we can lean into God’s promises, trusting that He is at work even when we cannot see it. The fire is not meant to destroy us, but to perfect us—to make us more like Christ. In the midst of pain, we are called to stay on mission, to refuse to numb out or escape, and to remember that God is already working in the places we find most difficult. Our greatest impact often comes not from our moments of strength, but from our faithfulness in the fire.God’s promise is not that we will avoid hardship, but that He will be with us through it all. He can turn our greatest trials into our greatest testimonies, using our pain to comfort and encourage others. As we participate with Him in the refining process, we become instruments in His hand, shaped for His glory and the good of those around us.

Easter at EVC | Hope for the HopelessPastor Bart brings a powerful Easter message reminding us that the resurrection of Jesus is the turning point for every life marked by pain, disappointment, or despair.Whether you're walking through anxiety, loss, relational struggles, or feeling stuck in the past—there’s hope because Jesus is alive. Drawing from 1 Peter 1, we’re reminded that through the resurrection, we are born again to a living hope—one that reframes our present pain, frees us from our past, and secures our future.You’ll also hear the deeply moving story of Johnny and Britney Rogers—how Jesus met them in the darkest season of their marriage and is transforming their lives from the inside out.💬 "Because He lives, I can face tomorrow."Whether life feels broken or uncertain, Easter is our reminder: hope isn’t gone—hope is risen.- [00:00] - Welcome- [01:30] - Introduction to Easter- [03:45] - The Reality of Life's Struggles- [07:20] - Personal Reflections on Aging- [12:00] - The Disciples' Despair- [15:30] - The Game Changer: Resurrection- [21:05] - Hope in Despair- [26:09] - Freedom from the Past- [30:45] - A Better Tomorrow- [35:00] - Confidence in the Present- [38:26] - Eternal Perspective- [42:00] - Invitation to New Life- [45:30] - Closing Prayer and Invitation

Experience a powerful message as Pastor Bart brings Jesus’ final moments to life—building a cross on stage as he shares the weight of His sacrifice for us.

In today's message, we explored the profound significance of the cross and the journey Jesus took to Calvary. Reflecting on my childhood encounter with a crucifix, I was reminded of the moment when the reality of the cross first struck me. It was more than just a symbol or decoration; it was a powerful representation of sacrifice and love. This series, "Forsaken," aims to deepen our understanding of the cross, not just as a historical event, but as a transformative experience that impacts our lives today.

We delved into the relational, emotional, and physical sufferings of Jesus, emphasizing that His journey to the cross was not just about enduring pain but about demonstrating profound love and obedience to the Father. Jesus was betrayed, denied, and abandoned by His closest friends, yet He chose to walk the path of suffering for our sake. This journey is a call for us to slow down, reflect, and truly grasp the depth of Jesus's sacrifice.

The cross is not merely about securing our eternal future; it is about abundant life here and now. Jesus invites us to live a life of meaning, purpose, joy, and peace, despite our circumstances. This invitation is a call to embrace the crucified life, where we deny ourselves, take up our cross daily, and follow Him. It is a life of servanthood, where we empty ourselves and serve others, finding true fulfillment not in self-preservation but in self-giving.

We are reminded that we are like Barabbas, guilty and deserving of punishment, yet set free because Jesus took our place. The cross is a symbol of substitution, where the innocent One bore the penalty for the guilty. This profound act of love calls us to surrender control and allow Jesus to be the King of every aspect of our lives.

As we prepare for Easter, let us not become desensitized to the cross's significance. May our hearts be tenderized to appreciate the depth of Christ's love and sacrifice. Let us live in the light of the cross, embracing the abundant life Jesus offers, and sharing His love with others.

In this powerful message from the Forsaken: Journey to the Cross series, we witness the emotional, relational, and spiritual anguish Jesus endured as He approached the crucifixion. Misunderstood and betrayed by Judas, Jesus was ultimately abandoned by His closest friends. Despite their bold declarations of loyalty, the disciples scattered in fear.

Peter’s overconfidence quickly crumbled under pressure as he denied Jesus three times. Yet, Peter’s failure wasn’t the end of his story. Through grace and restoration, Jesus redeemed Peter’s brokenness, turning him into a bold leader of the early church.

In today's gathering, we explored the profound journey of Jesus to the cross, focusing on the theme of betrayal and the characters surrounding Him during this pivotal time. We began by acknowledging the upcoming services and the importance of inviting others to experience the transformative power of the cross service. As we transition into our new series, "Forsaken: The Journey to the Cross," we delve into the relationships Jesus had, particularly with Judas, the infamous traitor.We examined the concept of betrayal through historical figures like Brutus and Benedict Arnold, and even fictional ones like Scar from "The Lion King," to understand the nature of a traitor. A traitor is often someone close, someone trusted, who turns against you. This sets the stage for understanding Judas's betrayal of Jesus.The narrative unfolds with Jesus at Simon the leper's home, where Mary anoints Him with expensive perfume, an act of extravagant love and devotion. This contrasts sharply with Judas's betrayal for 30 pieces of silver, highlighting the different responses to Jesus's presence and mission. We are challenged to see ourselves in these characters: Are we like the religious leaders who resist Jesus because He doesn't meet our expectations? Are we like Simon, grateful and hospitable? Are we like Mary, giving extravagantly? Or are we like Judas, with a price at which we would betray our Savior?The story of Judas is a sobering reminder that we all have a price, a point where our commitment to Christ may falter. Yet, even in betrayal, Jesus offers love and a chance for redemption. At the Last Supper, Jesus extends a final opportunity for Judas to turn back, demonstrating His boundless love and grace. This invitation is extended to us as well, urging us not to walk away into the night but to remain in fellowship with Him.

This message explores what forgiveness is not, how to practice it, and the deeper motivation behind forgiving others. It emphasizes that forgiveness is a vital aspect of whole-life generosity, reflecting God’s grace and kindness in our relationships.

In today's gathering, we explored the profound impact of our words and how they intertwine with a lifestyle of generosity. We began by celebrating the recent baptisms and the overwhelming generosity shown through the EVC Go Gift offering, which supports local and global ministries. This generosity is a reflection of the grace we have received from God, a theme central to our series on living with open hands.We delved into the power of words, drawing from Ephesians 4, where Paul emphasizes the transformation that should occur in a believer's life. This transformation is not about striving harder but about surrendering to the Holy Spirit, allowing Him to renew our thoughts and speech. Our words have the power to build up or tear down, and as followers of Christ, we are called to be builders, speaking life and encouragement into others.

God has uniquely gifted each of us to serve in the body of Christ, but how are we using our gifts? In this message, Pastor Randy explores Romans 12 and 1 Corinthians 12, where Paul reminds us that we are all essential parts of one body—each with a special role to play. Whether you’re a leader, a servant, an encourager, or even the "little toe" behind the scenes, your contribution matters!Join us as we discover the joy of using our God-given gifts to serve both inside and outside the church. Let’s live as an active body, not a sedentary one, and step into the calling God has placed on our lives.

Three common obstacles—disorganization, fear, and comparison—often hinder a lifestyle of whole-life generosity. This passage encourages believers to cultivate a spirit of generosity by planning intentionally, trusting God’s provision, and focusing on their unique ability to give, rather than comparing themselves to others.