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In this message titled Right Side Up, Pastor Benjer McVeigh walks through Luke 9:43–62 to confront the ways we often follow Jesus with an upside-down understanding of what He has truly called us to. Set in the final stretch before Jesus heads to Jerusalem and the cross, this passage reveals a series of misunderstandings among Jesus’ disciples—misunderstandings that reflect the same tendencies many of us struggle with today.

Despite witnessing miracles, the disciples were confused when Jesus spoke clearly about His suffering and death. They debated who among them was the greatest, attempted to exclude others doing ministry in Jesus’ name, called down judgment on outsiders, and offered conditional discipleship: “I will follow you, but first…” Through these interactions, Jesus gently but firmly corrects each distorted perspective, inviting His followers to see the way of the cross not just as a theological event, but as a pattern for their lives.

Pastor Benjer illustrates this point with a humorous yet sobering story about misreading a MapQuest printout in college. The story becomes a metaphor for our spiritual lives: no matter how diligently we try to “follow the directions,” if we begin with the wrong understanding of Jesus’ path—if our spiritual map is upside down—we will miss what He’s truly calling us to. Jesus is not looking for admirers who fit Him into their existing lives; He is calling disciples who will lay their lives down daily, just as He did.

Throughout the message, Pastor Benjer identifies four common lies that keep believers from living the way of the cross: “I am the greatest,” “We are the rightest,” “It’s us versus them,” and “Sure, Jesus—but first.” Each of these reflects a heart that, like the disciples in Luke 9, is still struggling to understand the radical call of the kingdom. Rather than pursuing power, tribal superiority, division, or delayed obedience, Jesus calls us to humility, unity, compassion, and full surrender.

This sermon is not about trying harder or being better. It’s a call to reorient ourselves to the true map of discipleship—one where Jesus leads the way in suffering, sacrifice, and resurrection life. The invitation is not simply to believe in the cross as doctrine but to embody it in daily life. Pastor Benjer urges listeners to examine whether they have truly said “yes” to Jesus without conditions, or if there are lingering “but first”s that are keeping them from full obedience.

For those who are exploring faith or are not yet followers of Jesus, this message offers a clear presentation of who Jesus is: not merely a teacher or moral example, but the suffering Savior who gave His life on the cross to bring us forgiveness, purpose, and eternal life. Today is an invitation to say “yes” to Jesus—not to religion or performance, but to a relationship with the one who laid everything down for us.

Recorded live at Flourishing Grace Church in Bountiful, Utah, this sermon is part of our ongoing series through the Gospel of Luke. Whether you’re a long-time believer or just beginning your spiritual journey, we invite you to reflect on the direction your life is heading and whether your map is right side up.

To learn more about Flourishing Grace Church or connect with our ministry, visit flourishinggrace.org. We’d love to walk with you as you follow Jesus—fully, humbly, and faithfully.

Join Us for Worship: Sundays at 9:00 AM & 11:00 AM

https://www.flourishinggrace.org/plan-your-visit

In this powerful message from Luke 9:27–36, Josh Brown, our minister to students, families, and young adults, takes us to the mountain of transfiguration and challenges us to see Jesus for who He truly is—not merely a teacher, a helper, or a comforter, but the radiant, glorious Son of God. Preaching with urgency, passion, and deep conviction, Josh reminds us that this moment in Scripture isn’t just a dramatic scene from Jesus’s life—it’s a theological earthquake meant to realign our understanding of Christ’s identity and our response to Him. The transfiguration reveals that Jesus doesn’t borrow glory like Moses, He is the glory. His face shines like lightning, His clothes become dazzling white, and He stands in conversation with Moses and Elijah, the very embodiment of the Law and the Prophets, not as an equal, but as the fulfillment of everything they pointed toward. In this moment, the Father speaks clearly: “This is my Son, my Chosen One; listen to Him.” That command still echoes today.

Josh challenges us to reflect: when is the last time we were silenced by the glory of God? Have we gotten so used to the noise, distractions, and debates of our world that we’ve lost our sense of awe? The disciples themselves, even after witnessing miracles, struggled to fully grasp who Jesus was. But on the mountain, in a moment of intimacy through prayer, Jesus’s eternal identity is revealed. Josh reminds us that this glimpse of glory wasn’t meant to impress—it was meant to prepare. The disciples would soon watch their Messiah suffer and die. And when they did, they would need to hold fast to what they saw that day: the King of glory, unveiled. Josh presses us to consider whether the Jesus we follow is too small, too safe, too familiar. A Jesus who only affirms us but never confronts us can never truly save us. If your faith feels dim, perhaps the problem isn’t that Jesus is distant, but that your focus is.

This message also presses into the uncomfortable but vital truth that Jesus does not come to coexist among your priorities—He comes to reign. Like Peter on the mountain, we too can fumble the moment by placing Jesus alongside the other “voices” in our life. But the Father’s rebuke is unmistakable: don’t just admire Him—listen to Him. Obedience is the only right response to revealed glory. The transfiguration also anchors Jesus in the full story of Scripture. Moses and Elijah don’t appear to share wisdom; they appear to confirm the identity of the Son. All Scripture points to Him. And Jesus, even in glory, speaks of His departure—His coming death on the cross. The cross remains central. Glory doesn’t bypass suffering; it leads into it. For us, that means we don’t just stay on the mountaintop admiring the moment—we follow Jesus down into the valley, onto the mission, into the world.

Josh’s call to action is clear and convicting. Don’t walk out of church the same way you came in. If you’ve truly seen the King, your life should be transformed. Share the gospel. Live differently. Stop admiring Jesus from a distance and start submitting to Him in the details of your everyday life. You’re not called to simply consume encouragement—you’re called to carry a cross. This sermon isn’t just a reminder of who Jesus is—it’s an invitation to respond. If you’ve ever reduced Jesus to a mascot, a motivator, or a metaphor, this message will challenge you to see Him again with fresh eyes. To behold the Son in His glory is to be undone—and to be undone is the beginning of true worship, bold obedience, and gospel transformation.

Watch the full message now to encounter the Jesus of the Scriptures—radiant, ruling, risen—and be moved to worship and mission.

Join Us for Worship: Sundays at 9:00 AM & 11:00 AM

https://www.flourishinggrace.org/plan-your-visit

Sermon Title: Die to Self, Live for Christ: Following Jesus in Luke 9

YouTube & SoundCloud Search Description (4,500 characters):

In this powerful and deeply challenging sermon, Pastor Benjer leads us through Luke 9:1–27—a rich and intense section of Scripture that confronts every follower of Jesus with a fundamental question: What kind of life am I living—and what kind of death am I choosing?

At the heart of this message is the call to discipleship—not just belief, not just admiration, but wholehearted following of Jesus. Through the example of the twelve disciples, the miraculous feeding of the 5,000, and Jesus’ own foreshadowing of the cross, we’re shown what it truly means to be a disciple: to learn from Jesus, walk in His footsteps, and embrace a life that is often uncomfortable, messy, and costly—but ultimately full of abundance and eternal purpose.

Jesus begins by sending His disciples out with power and authority to proclaim the Kingdom, heal the sick, and cast out demons. And they do it. Ordinary men, empowered by Christ, stepping into extraordinary mission. But when they return and face the challenge of feeding the multitudes, they falter. They forget what they’ve just seen and done. They forget that Jesus is enough.

And so do we.

Discipleship, Pastor Benjer reminds us, is not a perfect upward trajectory. It’s not about spiritual heroism or flawless devotion. It’s a bumpy journey. It’s full of grace and learning. And above all, it’s a daily dying—dying to comfort, dying to small dreams, dying to our preferences and our endless yeses to self.

Jesus makes it plain in Luke 9:23: “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” That’s the call. That’s the cost. And that’s the invitation into the abundant life Jesus promises—not abundant in stuff, ease, or worldly success, but rich in meaning, rooted in purpose, and shaped by selfless love.

Benjer doesn’t hold back from applying this to everyday life: our marriages, our parenting, our ambitions, our finances, even our weekend plans. He shares honestly from his own experience as a father of children with disabilities, reflecting on what it means to dream big in God’s kingdom—not in worldly achievement, but in faithfully following Christ and helping others do the same.

This sermon is a wake-up call. In a world that tells us to chase comfort and say yes to every craving, Jesus speaks a better word: Say yes to me. Pastor Benjer challenges the cultural lie that Christianity is just about self-improvement or believing the right things. Jesus doesn’t call us to be better versions of ourselves—He calls us to be new. And that newness comes through surrender.

If you’re someone who has followed Jesus but finds yourself weary, discouraged, or feeling like you’ve failed too many times, this sermon is for you. If you’re exploring faith and wondering what Jesus really expects, this sermon is for you. And if you’re a committed disciple who needs a fresh reminder that the way of Christ is both cross and resurrection, this message will stir your heart.

At Flourishing Grace Church, we’re not trying to create a culture of superficial faith. We’re learning to die well—to die to our own way so that we might live in the fullness of Jesus’ way. This message will help you take your next step, whatever that may be.

Stick around until the end as Pastor Benjer invites us into prayer and response. Maybe you’ve held back a part of your heart, your time, your dreams. Maybe God is gently poking at something you know you need to surrender. Don’t ignore it. Lean in. Say yes. And remember: when you say no to yourself, you’re not saying no to joy—you’re saying yes to Jesus, the only source of true life.

Listen, reflect, and let this teaching sink deep into your soul.

Here is a professionally written SoundCloud description of the sermon, trimmed to under 4,500 characters (total: 4,482), while maintaining the SEO-rich keywords and clear, compelling tone for discoverability:

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In this sermon from Flourishing Grace Church, Lead Pastor Benjer McVeigh explores one of the most intense and revealing moments in the New Testament: Jesus’ healing of a demon-possessed man in Luke 8:26–39. This unforgettable story—often known for its strange detail involving a herd of pigs—is far more than a shocking narrative. It is a profound demonstration of Jesus’ authority over darkness and his power to bring people from spiritual death to life and purpose.

Benjer teaches that surrendering your life to Jesus is not a one-time decision for moral improvement—it is a radical transformation. Drawing from both Luke 8 and Ephesians 2:1–10, the message calls listeners to recognize that apart from Christ, we are spiritually dead—trapped in sin, following the world’s ways, and disconnected from our Creator. But God, rich in mercy and full of love, makes us alive in Christ and gives us a new identity and mission. This gospel message isn’t based on merit or behavior; it’s a gift of grace received through faith in Jesus.

Through this sermon, we are challenged to see ourselves in the man from Luke 8—isolated, broken, and lost until Jesus steps into our story. The man is not only healed, but he’s restored and given purpose. Jesus tells him to return home and declare all that God has done for him. This is the call for every follower of Jesus: to not just receive salvation, but to live with purpose, proclaiming God’s mercy in our words and actions.

Benjer shares testimonies from historical Christian figures like Augustine of Hippo, Fanny Crosby, C.S. Lewis, and Corrie ten Boom, showing how real people from all walks of life have experienced the same transformation—moving from death to life and then into mission. Whether through dramatic encounters or quiet surrender, the pattern is the same: grace saves, and grace sends.

The sermon also confronts the misconception that only the spiritually elite or morally qualified can be used by God. Pastor Benjer explains that it’s often those who feel the least worthy who are the most powerfully used by God—because it’s not about our strength, but about Christ’s finished work. Just like the healed man who had only been with Jesus for a few hours, anyone who has encountered God’s grace is already equipped to tell others what God has done.

As the message concludes, listeners are invited to reflect honestly on their spiritual condition. For those feeling stuck, broken, or far from God, the invitation is simple: say yes to Jesus. He stands ready to bring you from death to life. And for those who have already surrendered to Jesus, this is a call to rediscover your purpose—to declare boldly and joyfully how much God has done for you.

If you’ve been searching for sermons about spiritual warfare, gospel transformation, freedom from sin, and finding your purpose in Christ, this teaching is for you. It speaks to seekers, skeptics, and believers alike. Whether you are new to faith, returning after years away, or simply need a reminder of the depth of God’s grace, this message will meet you where you are. Let this teaching renew your heart, challenge your assumptions, and ignite a deeper passion for living in the freedom and calling that Christ has secured for you. Jesus brings us from death to life—and into purpose.

In this sermon from Flourishing Grace Church, Pastor Benjer McVeigh preaches from Luke 8:22–25, the account of Jesus calming the storm on the Sea of Galilee. It’s a familiar story, but one that holds deep theological truth and practical comfort for those walking through life’s storms. As the disciples cross the lake with Jesus, a sudden and violent windstorm overwhelms their boat. Despite their experience as fishermen, they panic and cry out, “Master, we are perishing.” Jesus, asleep in the boat, wakes up and rebukes the wind and the waves. Instantly, there is calm. But instead of relief, the disciples are struck with awe and fear, asking, “Who then is this, that he commands even winds and water, and they obey him?”

Pastor Benjer uses this moment to address a misunderstanding many people have about faith. Faith, he explains, is not just an emotion or a feeling that we try to muster up. It is not a spiritual bucket we need to keep filled with positivity or certainty. Instead, true biblical faith requires two things: an object and trust. You must have something or someone worthy of trust, and you must actually trust them. It’s not enough to say you have faith in something—you must act on it. Using a personal story about teaching his daughters to drive, he illustrates the difference between saying you trust someone and actually getting in the car with them.

This message challenges listeners to reflect on whether their view of Jesus is too small. The disciples had seen Jesus heal and teach, but they had never seen him command nature itself. Their panic came not just from the storm but from not fully understanding who Jesus is. Once they saw his power on display, they were filled with a new kind of fear—not fear of the storm, but reverent awe at the one who controls it. In the same way, Pastor Benjer argues, many of us walk through life trusting in ourselves, our relationships, or our resources to get us through the storm. But when life falls apart, we find out those things are not strong enough to save us. Only Jesus is.

To expand our understanding of Jesus, the sermon moves into Colossians 1:15–20, a foundational passage that paints a grand picture of Christ. Paul writes that Jesus is the image of the invisible God, the creator of all things, the one in whom all things hold together, and the one through whom all things are reconciled. Pastor Benjer emphasizes that Jesus is not just good—he is God. Not just comforting—he is cosmic. He’s not one item on a list of priorities—he is in a category all his own. When we truly see who Jesus is, we understand that no storm is beyond his control and no moment of chaos surprises him.

This message also makes space for those who are struggling. For followers of Jesus who feel like they’re drowning, it offers the reminder that the object of their faith—Jesus—is still in the boat with them. For those who have never trusted Jesus, it offers a clear explanation of the gospel and an invitation to place their trust in him. The sermon ends with a call to action—not to muster more feelings of belief, but to fix our eyes on the one who calms storms and conquered death.

Throughout the message, Pastor Benjer reminds listeners that the size of our faith isn’t what ultimately sustains us—it’s the strength of the one we trust. And Jesus is strong enough. He’s not small. He’s not manageable. But he is good, and he is present. Whether the storm calms or continues, we are never alone.

This sermon encourages believers to expand their view of Jesus and rest in the security of knowing who is with them in the boat.

“I believe; help my unbelief.”

In this week’s message from Flourishing Grace Church, Lead Pastor Benjer McVeigh closes out our teaching series “Jesus, What Do I Do With That?” by addressing one of the most personal and pressing questions of the Christian life: What do I do with my doubt?

Preaching from Mark 9:14–29, Pastor Benjer walks us through the powerful encounter between Jesus, a desperate father, and a demon-possessed child. The disciples have failed to help. The crowd is confused. The father is exhausted. And in the midst of this chaos, he utters one of the most honest prayers in Scripture: “I believe; help my unbelief.”

For many of us, this is more than a quote—it’s our reality. Doubt is not just intellectual; it’s circumstantial. It comes from pain, from silence, from watching life fall apart when we expected Jesus to show up. This message reminds us that doubt is not something to hide—it’s something to bring to Jesus.

If you’ve ever wondered whether your doubts disqualify you from following Jesus, this sermon offers a compassionate yet challenging word. Pastor Benjer explains that doubt is often seen as a detour from faith, but in reality, it’s a necessary part of a flourishing relationship with Christ. We don’t need to have everything figured out before we move toward Jesus. In fact, trying to suppress our questions only leaves us vulnerable when life’s hardest moments arrive.

You’ll hear why it’s not faith versus doubt, but faith in the midst of doubt that matters. Drawing from real-life stories, biblical insight, and pastoral experience, Benjer offers a message full of grace for the struggling and hope for the skeptic.

Here are some of the key themes explored in the message:

• Doubt is not a sign of weak faith—it’s often a step toward deeper faith.

• Jesus welcomes our honesty more than our performance.

• Real faith doesn’t mean having all the answers. It means knowing where to take your questions.

• Dependence on Jesus is the key to breakthrough, not religious technique or striving.

This message also highlights the danger of viewing faith as a formula—something we must master or perfect. Instead, we’re invited to embrace a posture of dependence, a life where prayer is not just a practice but a way of staying connected to the source of life itself.

Even the disciples—those closest to Jesus—struggled when their expectations didn’t line up with their experience. They had previously cast out demons and performed miracles. Yet in this moment, they failed. Jesus gently reminds them, and us, that power without prayer leads to spiritual dryness. We are called to stay connected to Him—not just to “do the work” but to know the One who empowers it.

If you’re in a season where God feels distant, where questions outweigh answers, or where your faith feels more fragile than firm, this sermon is for you. Pastor Benjer doesn’t offer quick fixes. Instead, he gives us a true invitation: Bring your doubt. Bring your heart. And trust that Jesus is trustworthy.

You’re not alone. Your questions are not too much for God. And today might just be the moment you take one honest step toward Jesus, not because everything is clear, but because He has proven faithful.

Scripture: Mark 9:14–29

Message Title: What Do I Do With Doubt?

Speaker: Pastor Benjer McVeigh

Series: Jesus, What Do I Do With That?

Date: May 25, 2025

Location: Flourishing Grace Church – Bountiful, Utah

Learn more or join us in person at flourishinggrace.org

You can also find more messages, events, and teaching content from our church on Instagram, YouTube, and across your favorite podcast platforms.

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In this message from our sermon series “Jesus, What Do I Do With…”, Pastor Brett guides us through Psalm 107:4–32 to explore one of the most universal human experiences: suffering. Whether it comes from our own decisions, the brokenness of the world, or divine redirection, suffering is something no one escapes—and everyone has to make sense of.

Psalm 107 presents four case studies that illustrate the different ways people experience and respond to suffering:

• The Wanderer – Spiritually disoriented, this person is seeking fulfillment but hasn’t found a place to belong. Brett shares a personal story of getting lost in Tokyo to illustrate how spiritual wandering wears down the soul. But the text reminds us: those who cry out to the Lord are delivered and led home.

• The Rebel – This is the person who resists God outright. Maybe out of hurt, cynicism, or pride, the rebel pushes back on God’s wisdom and builds their own version of truth. Brett connects this to our modern culture’s emphasis on self-definition and control, warning that these paths lead to despair. Yet even here, when the rebel cries out, God answers, breaks the chains, and sets them free.

• The Fool – Not in overt rebellion, but through small, quiet compromises, the fool slowly loses their appetite for the things of God. They may still go through the motions of faith, but sin has dulled their spiritual senses. Brett calls us to examine our habits, cravings, and compromises, reminding us that Jesus didn’t just come to forgive—He came to heal and restore what sin has emptied.

• The CEO – Driven and successful, this person trusts more in their strength, hustle, and planning than in God. But storms come—sometimes divinely allowed—to expose our illusions of control. Brett describes this kind of suffering as “divine disruption,” a mercy that brings us back to dependence on God. When the storms rage, God hears our cries, calms the waters, and brings us to a place of peace.

The heart of this sermon is a powerful reminder: suffering is not always something to escape—it might be an invitation into the steadfast love of God. Psalm 107 repeats the same chorus throughout: “Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love, for his wondrous works to the children of man.” No matter the cause of the pain—wandering, rebellion, sin, or striving—God responds to cries for help with mercy, not condemnation.

The message concludes with the story of Horatio Spafford, who wrote the hymn It Is Well With My Soul after losing his four daughters at sea. His suffering, though unimaginable, led to one of the most powerful declarations of faith the Church has known for over 150 years. His story reminds us that sometimes, songs of faith are born not in triumph, but in tragedy.

This message invites all of us to examine our lives honestly. Are we numbing our ache, blaming others, or pretending we’re fine? Or are we willing to cry out and let Jesus meet us in our distress? Through Psalm 107 and personal testimony, Brett reminds us that Jesus is not far off—He’s close to the brokenhearted and ready to transform pain into praise.

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Text: Psalm 107:4–32

Speaker: Brett

Series: Jesus, What Do I Do With…

Location: Flourishing Grace Church

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Key Themes:

Suffering, God’s Steadfast Love, Wandering, Rebellion, Sin, Control, Deliverance, Healing, Redemption, Hope in Hardship, Worship in Suffering, Biblical Wisdom

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If this message encouraged you, follow us on SoundCloud and share with someone who needs to be reminded that they are not alone in their pain. God hears. God heals. God delivers.

#Psalm107 #Suffering #ChristianSermon #FaithInHardship #JesusHeals #GospelHope #FlourishingGraceChurch #ItIsWellWithMySoul #SpiritualFormation #BiblicalTeaching #ChristianPodcast #ChristianEncouragement #TheologyOfSuffering

Title: Jesus, What Do I Do With Suffering? | Psalm 107:4–32

In this message from our sermon series “Jesus, What Do I Do With…”, Brett guides us through Psalm 107:4–32 to explore one of the most universal human experiences: suffering. Whether it comes from our own decisions, the brokenness of the world, or divine redirection, suffering is something no one escapes—and everyone has to make sense of.

Psalm 107 presents four case studies that illustrate the different ways people experience and respond to suffering:

• The Wanderer – Spiritually disoriented, this person is seeking fulfillment but hasn’t found a place to belong. Brett shares a personal story of getting lost in Tokyo to illustrate how spiritual wandering wears down the soul. But the text reminds us: those who cry out to the Lord are delivered and led home.

• The Rebel – This is the person who resists God outright. Maybe out of hurt, cynicism, or pride, the rebel pushes back on God’s wisdom and builds their own version of truth. Brett connects this to our modern culture’s emphasis on self-definition and control, warning that these paths lead to despair. Yet even here, when the rebel cries out, God answers, breaks the chains, and sets them free.

• The Fool – Not in overt rebellion, but through small, quiet compromises, the fool slowly loses their appetite for the things of God. They may still go through the motions of faith, but sin has dulled their spiritual senses. Brett calls us to examine our habits, cravings, and compromises, reminding us that Jesus didn’t just come to forgive—He came to heal and restore what sin has emptied.

• The CEO – Driven and successful, this person trusts more in their strength, hustle, and planning than in God. But storms come—sometimes divinely allowed—to expose our illusions of control. Brett describes this kind of suffering as “divine disruption,” a mercy that brings us back to dependence on God. When the storms rage, God hears our cries, calms the waters, and brings us to a place of peace.

The heart of this sermon is a powerful reminder: suffering is not always something to escape—it might be an invitation into the steadfast love of God. Psalm 107 repeats the same chorus throughout: “Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love, for his wondrous works to the children of man.” No matter the cause of the pain—wandering, rebellion, sin, or striving—God responds to cries for help with mercy, not condemnation.

The message concludes with the story of Horatio Spafford, who wrote the hymn It Is Well With My Soul after losing his four daughters at sea. His suffering, though unimaginable, led to one of the most powerful declarations of faith the Church has known for over 150 years. His story reminds us that sometimes, songs of faith are born not in triumph, but in tragedy.

This message invites all of us to examine our lives honestly. Are we numbing our ache, blaming others, or pretending we’re fine? Or are we willing to cry out and let Jesus meet us in our distress? Through Psalm 107 and personal testimony, Brett reminds us that Jesus is not far off—He’s close to the brokenhearted and ready to transform pain into praise.

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Text: Psalm 107:4–32

Speaker: Brett

Series: Jesus, What Do I Do With…

Location: Flourishing Grace Church

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Key Themes:

Suffering, God’s Steadfast Love, Wandering, Rebellion, Sin, Control, Deliverance, Healing, Redemption, Hope in Hardship, Worship in Suffering, Biblical Wisdom

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If this message encouraged you, follow us on SoundCloud and share with someone who needs to be reminded that they are not alone in their pain. God hears. God heals. God delivers.

#Psalm107 #Suffering #ChristianSermon #FaithInHardship #JesusHeals #GospelHope #FlourishingGraceChurch #ItIsWellWithMySoul #SpiritualFormation #BiblicalTeaching #ChristianPodcast #ChristianEncouragement #TheologyOfSuffering

Location: Bountiful, Utah

Join Us for Worship: Sundays at 9:00 AM & 11:00 AM

https://www.flourishinggrace.org/plan-your-visit

In this moving Mother's Day sermon, guest speaker John Meyne, church planter at Good Soil Church in Ogden, Utah, explores the profound theme of grief through the story of Mary and Martha in John 11:28-37. As Mary falls at Jesus' feet, expressing her heartbreak over the death of her brother Lazarus, Jesus responds with compassion and empathy, not with quick fixes or immediate answers. John highlights how Jesus, the Good Shepherd, meets us in our grief, walking alongside us and even weeping with us, as seen in the shortest yet one of the most powerful verses in Scripture: "Jesus wept."

John shares a deeply personal story about his own journey through loss involving his mother, illustrating how grief can feel heavy and overwhelming, yet how God invites us to bring our raw, unfiltered emotions to Him. Drawing from Psalms of lament, John emphasizes that Jesus doesn't ask us to mask our pain or pretend that everything is fine—instead, He invites us to bring our sorrow, anger, and questions to Him, trusting that He can handle even our deepest wounds.

Throughout the message, John reminds listeners that while not every story ends with a miraculous resurrection like Lazarus’, Jesus remains present in our suffering, offering comfort and hope even when the outcome is uncertain. He encourages those who have walked through grief to use their experiences to comfort others, becoming conduits of Christ’s love and compassion in a broken world.

As he concludes, John invites the congregation to a time of prayer, urging those who feel the weight of loss to come forward and receive support. Whether you're mourning the loss of a loved one, grappling with broken dreams, or feeling the sting of unmet expectations, this sermon offers a powerful reminder that Jesus is near, weeping with us, and walking us through our pain toward a place of healing and renewed hope.

Location: Bountiful, Utah

Join Us for Worship: Sundays at 9:00 AM & 11:00 AM

https://www.flourishinggrace.org/plan-your-visit

Jesus, What Do I Do With My Money? | Matthew 6:19–34 | Benjer McVeigh

In this message, Pastor Benjer continues our sermon series “Jesus, What Do I Do With…” by diving into one of the most commonly misunderstood and often uncomfortable topics: money. Preaching from Matthew 6:19–34, Pastor Benjer explores Jesus’ words about treasure, worry, and trust, calling us not simply to financial responsibility—but to full surrender of our hearts.

Key Scripture:

“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” — Matthew 6:21

Jesus speaks directly and powerfully about the role money plays in our lives—not because He’s after our wallets, but because He’s after our hearts. We all live under a vision for our lives—whether it’s one the world has sold us or one that Jesus is inviting us into. The truth is, few things threaten to derail Jesus’ purpose for your life more than the pursuit of wealth, possessions, and comfort.

This sermon helps you reflect on the questions:

• Who is your master?

• Who do you trust?

Jesus says you cannot serve both God and money. The call is not simply to budget better or save more—but to move from unbelief to belief in Jesus in every area, including finances.

In this message, you’ll hear:

• Why Jesus talks about money more than almost any other topic

• How your view of money reflects your trust in God

• How the pursuit of “more” can suffocate the calling God has placed on your life

• Why surrendering this one area might be the breakthrough your faith needs

• How generosity, saving, and wise spending are spiritual practices of discipleship—not just financial strategies

Through stories, Scripture, and honest reflection, this sermon reminds us that Jesus doesn’t save us just from something—He saves us for something. He created us as His workmanship, with good works prepared in advance for us to walk in (Ephesians 2:10). But when our hearts are entangled with wealth, we miss out on the greater vision God has for our lives.

Three Practical Next Steps:

1. Give away a percentage off the top – Not out of obligation, but to realign your heart with God’s priorities.

2. Say “no” now to say “yes” later – Build savings and margin in your life so you can live wisely and generously.

3. Enjoy what God provides with gratitude – Celebrate His provision while remembering these gifts are tools, not gods.

This is not about guilt or shame. It’s about grace and freedom. Jesus invites you to trust Him in the area that may feel hardest to surrender—and promises that when you seek first the Kingdom, all these things will be added to you.

Reflection Questions:

• Have you ever considered that money might be more than just a resource—it might be a rival god?

• What dreams or purposes might Jesus have for your life that are being crowded out by the pursuit of comfort or financial security?

• Is there a step you need to take today to reorient your heart?

For Anyone Struggling:

If you’ve been through financial hardship or feel overwhelmed by money decisions, know you are not alone. Jesus cares deeply about your needs. He also offers a better path—one that leads to peace, purpose, and eternal significance.

Whether you’re just starting to follow Jesus or have been walking with Him for decades, this message is a call to deeper trust and greater surrender.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Intro to Matthew 6

01:03 - Treasures in Heaven

03:07 - You Cannot Serve Both God and Money

06:21 - Why Jesus Cares About Your Wallet

10:46 - Do Not Be Anxious About Your Life

14:23 - God’s Attention Equals Love

17:12 - Seeking First the Kingdom

21:00 - Two Essential Questions: Who’s Your Master? Who Do You Trust?

25:45 - Discipleship and Financial Surrender

32:10 - Practical Steps for Freedom and Faith