In the sermon, we rethink tithing by shifting the focus from rules and percentages to the heart of worship. We explore how Scripture frames giving—starting with the Old Testament tithe and moving toward the New Testament’s joyful, voluntary generosity—and how God uses our finances to shape our trust and priorities.

We also discuss why giving to the local church matters and how it forms us as worshipers, not just funders of projects. Whether you’re new to faith or simply re-evaluating your approach to giving, this episode will help you see tithing as an invitation into deeper trust, worship, and open-handed living.

This week, we look at why God often leads us through seasons of lack before bringing us into seasons of blessing. Deuteronomy 8 shows that Israel’s journey—and Jesus’ own life, death, and resurrection—reveal a pattern: the desert forms us for the Promised Land.

The wilderness teaches us two things we cannot learn any other way:

First, love. When we have little, we discover that real love comes from the heart, not our resources. Once that’s formed, God can entrust us with more—knowing we’ll use abundance for love, not self.

Second, trust. In lack, we see that our abilities and money can’t save us. Only God is our source. The desert exposes what’s always been true so that blessings won’t deceive us later.

As you take this into your groups, remember: God has a good future for us. The desert isn’t where God leaves us—it’s where He prepares us to receive His blessings with love and trust.

Comparison steals contentment and blinds us to our chosenness. In this message from Deuteronomy 7, we learn that God's people are blessed not for their own merit, but solely because of His covenant faithfulness. When we forget this truth, pride and envy detour our devotion. This chapter challenges the destructive nature of comparison, showing how it chokes out gratitude and replaces growth with insecurity. The good news? Freedom comes not by striving, but by resting in the secure identity you have as chosen and treasured through Christ. Tune in and receive the life-changing invitation: stop competing and start trusting the love God is offering.

This week, we’re pausing our Deuteronomy series to revisit Essentials, where we will be taking a look at the area of personal devotions and what it really means to make space for God in our everyday lives. If God is always speaking, why don’t we always hear Him? Maybe it’s not that He’s silent, but that we’re distracted or pulled in too many directions. Scripture shows that true devotion is love expressed through attention. It’s not about doing more spiritual things, but slowing down enough to notice God’s presence. What if devotion isn’t about doing it perfectly, but simply paying attention to the God who’s already devoted to you?

This week we look at Deuteronomy 2–3 and discover how God’s past victories fuel courage for the future. Just as Israel was called to trust God after seeing His provision and power against kings like Sihon and Og, we too are invited to step into the unknown with confidence, not because of our strength, but because of His faithfulness. Like driving with both a rearview mirror and a windshield, we need the clarity of God’s past faithfulness and the courage to trust Him with what’s ahead. Is His past faithfulness enough for you to obey Him today?

Sunday Sermon - Surrey Site
August 31st, 2025
Jonathan Mitchell