Hill City East Podcast

What do you do when life gets hard? In this message, we explore how believers can rejoice through trials—not by ignoring pain, but by holding onto the living hope found in Jesus. Discover four gifts God gives us in suffering: His purpose, presence, plans, and people. No matter what season you’re in, tested faith can lead to lasting joy and deeper trust in Christ.

Title: Tested Faith

Text: 1 Peter 1:6-12

Speaker: Cheryl Clutter

In a world where following Jesus feels increasingly countercultural, Peter reminds us that we are “elect exiles”—chosen by God, set apart by the Spirit, and sent into the world with a living hope. This message explores what it means to experience “kingdom culture shock” as Christians in a shifting culture, and how Peter calls believers to neither retreat from the world nor conform to it, but to live faithfully as citizens of heaven. Through the gospel of Jesus Christ, we have an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading—a living hope that sustains us through rejection, suffering, and uncertainty.

Title: Living Hope

Text: 1 Peter 1:1-5

Speaker: Jake Wright

This summer, we’re journeying verse-by-verse through 1 Peter, a letter written by the Apostle Peter to Christians living as “elect exiles” in a world that often feels opposed to the kingdom of God. In this special gathering, instead of a traditional sermon, we experience the letter the way the early church would have: through a public reading of the entire book in one sitting. As you listen, pay attention to the themes of hope, suffering, holiness, identity, and faithful living that run throughout Peter’s words, and ask yourself what the Holy Spirit might want to say to you through this powerful letter today.

Title: Elect Exiles

Series: 1 Peter

Text: 1 Peter 1-5

Peter thought his failure had disqualified him for good. But beside a charcoal fire on the shore of Galilee, Jesus met him in his shame, restored their relationship, and called him forward again. Restoration begins when we stop pretending, return to our first love, and discover that Jesus is not finished with us yet.

Title: Anchored | Restoration

Series: Anchored

Text: John 21:1-19

Speaker: Jake Wright 

Who is Jesus, really? As the disciples wrestle with cultural opinions and personal experiences, Peter boldly declares that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God—revealing both His identity as Savior King and God in the flesh. This sermon explores why that confession changes everything, how Jesus is building His unstoppable Church, and what it truly means to follow Him—not just in belief, but in surrender. Whether you’re investigating faith or deepening it, this teaching invites you to know the real Jesus, count the cost of discipleship, and discover the eternal life only He can give.

Title: Rock Solid

Series: Anchored

Text: Matthew 16:13-23

Speaker: Jake Wright

Through the story of Peter walking on water, we see both the courage to step out in obedience and the very real struggle of doubt when we take our eyes off Christ and focus on the storms around us. This sermon explores how even “little faith” can lead to the impossible when it’s placed in the right person—Jesus, the One who walks on water, rules over chaos, and reaches out to save us when we begin to sink. Whether you feel stuck, afraid, or like you’re failing spiritually, this teaching will challenge you to trust God more deeply, step out of your comfort zone, and fix your eyes on Him.

Title: Out of the Boat

Series: Anchored

Text: Matthew 14:22-33

Speaker: Jake Wright

When life feels out of control—whether through fear, anxiety, or real-life storms—we often ask, “God, do you care?” Mark 4 reveals both the humanity of Jesus, who slept in the storm, and His divinity, as He spoke peace over the wind and waves. Through trials, our faith is refined, and we’re invited to exchange panic for peace, knowing that Jesus is with us and in control. The same Savior who calmed the sea has the power to calm our hearts and save our souls—so stay close to Him, trust His leading, and discover what it means to be still, even in the storm.

Title: Wind and Waves

Series: Anchored Text: Mark 4:35-41

Speaker: Josh Branham

Just as Peter moved from the shallows into deeper waters, we’re invited to go beyond casual faith into full surrender—trusting Jesus even when it doesn’t make sense, allowing Him to transform us from the inside out, and ultimately calling us to leave “something” behind for “everything” in Him. This sermon challenges us to embrace obedience, experience God’s grace, and step into our purpose as disciple-makers—because following Jesus isn’t just part of life, it’s the whole thing.

Title: Called Series: Anchored

Text: Luke 5:1-11

Speaker: Jake Wright

Have you ever felt on the outside—of a moment, a relationship, or even your faith? Thomas was the disciple who missed the first resurrection appearances of Jesus and wrestled with doubt while everyone else seemed to believe.

Discover how Jesus meets us in our questions, why doubt isn’t the end of faith, and how the resurrection still offers hope, healing, and new life today.

No matter where you are—full of faith or full of questions—this message invites you to trust the One who can open every locked door.

Title: Easter 2026

Text: John 20:24-29

Speaker: Jake Wright

As Jesus enters Jerusalem to shouts of “Hosanna,” the crowd expects a political liberator, but He comes as a humble Savior riding on a donkey, bringing a kingdom not of this world. Will we still worship Him when He doesn’t fit our plans? Discover how Jesus fulfills prophecy, defeats sin through the cross, and invites us to receive Him as our true Savior King—and consider who in your life needs to hear this good news today.

Title: Hosanna Series: For the One

Text: Luke 15:11-32

Speaker: Jake Wright