This is the first sermon in brand new sermon series, Summer in the Sand: learning from wilderness journeys in the Bible. Of course summer is the time when we all take vacation road trips--and some of those journeys might be long, through desolate barren landscapes (Nebraska anyone?). We ultimately know our vacation destination is going to be amazing, however the trek through the wilderness may not be.    We've all had those types of seasons in our lives. We set out on a journey, with a dream destination in mind, however the road to get there is literally a nightmare! Even more unsettling is the fact that it appears God led you into that wilderness. Why would he do such a thing? What are we supposed to learn? Is there a way to finally reach the Promise Land? If this describes your journey, you will greatly benefit from hanging out with us this summer as we look at different people throughout the Bible who learned some valuable lessons from their summer in the sand. To learn more, listen to one of our elders, Jerry Anthony teach on trusting God when it doesn't make sense. 

In this sermon we wrap up our study of how God provides key resources to help develop fresh faith. This last resource is consistently overlooked, yet it's vital in developing something new in our faith journey. The resource? People. And not just any person, but the specific people God puts in each of our paths. As much as we want to think of faith as personal, it's not. Faith doesn't grow in isolation, but through the relationships God divinely orchestrates in our lives. Throughout Scripture and our own journeys, we see how God places the right people at the right time to encourage, challenge, and sharpen our walk with Jesus. Whether it’s a mentor who speaks truth, a friend who models Christ-like love, or even a stranger who offers timely encouragement, these relationships are not accidental—they are purposeful. God uses these divine connections to teach us, stretch us, and strengthen our trust in Him. As we recognize and embrace the people God brings into our lives, we begin to see His hand at work in deeper ways, and our faith grows as a result. To discover what God is calling you to do so that your faith can grow, check out episode number five of New: Growing Fresh Faith. 

One of the most important aspects of serving God in ministry is that is provides an essential platform for faith in Him to grow. This happens because ministry moves belief into action, allowing Christians to experience God’s work firsthand. As followers of Jesus step out of their comfort zones to serve others, they learn to rely more deeply on the Holy Spirit for strength, wisdom, and guidance. Ministry also exposes believers to real-life challenges and opportunities to love, forgive, and lead like Christ, refining their character and deepening their dependence on God. Through service, Christians not only bless others but are themselves shaped and strengthened in their walk with Christ.  To discover what God is calling you to do so that you faith can grow, give a listen to part four of New, Growing Fresh Faith. 

One of the most important elements of developing fresh faith always leads back to discipline--no one likes to admit it, yet we all know it's true. Discipline is required for there to be any type of growth in our lives; fresh finances, improved physical wellness, emotional or relational health...all of them are dependent upon discipline. As much as we want our faith to be this spontaneous, passionate, organic thing...it just isn't. Faith is developed with spiritual disciplines. A spiritual discipline is a behavior modification that you intentionally  incorporate into your life to better connect with God. What spiritual disciplines do you currently utilize?   Spiritual disciplines are essential for a growing faith in God because they create intentional habits that draw believers closer to Him and deepen their relationship with Christ. Through practices like prayer, Scripture reading, worship, and fasting, individuals cultivate spiritual awareness, strengthen their trust in God, and align their lives with His will. These disciplines help shape character, provide spiritual stability, and foster a deeper dependence on God's presence and guidance, especially during seasons of challenge or doubt. In nurturing these habits, believers grow in maturity and faithfulness, becoming more rooted in God’s truth and love. To discover what Jesus says about spiritual disciplines and how they can be a blessing in your life check out episode three of our New series.

For something to grow it's essential for there to be space. Whether it's plants in a garden or buying a toddler new clothes, we always know that we need to make space for growth. For there to be fresh growth in our faith we need to make space for God! However the question then pops up: What is God going to do with that space we create for Him? Jesus helps answer that question with this instruction- "If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you." ~ John 15:7 God's Word needs to fill that space in our lives for our faith to grow. Biblical teaching is essential for deepening one’s Christian faith because it provides the foundational truths and guidance necessary for spiritual growth and maturity. Through Scripture, believers gain a clearer understanding of God's character, His promises, and His will for their lives. It equips them to discern truth from error, strengthens their relationship with Christ, and inspires them to live out their faith with conviction and purpose. By regularly engaging with biblical teaching, Christians are not only reminded of God's faithfulness throughout history but are also encouraged to trust Him more fully in their own daily walk.

If you haven't noticed, there's a lot of "new" connected to our church right now; new building, new faces, new life changes, and new ministries. With all this new in the air, how's your faith? Is it time for some fresh faith? Here's the thing about faith, it doesn't just grow on it's own...it needs some help to grow. One of the most unlikely, but reasonable "faith rejuvenators" is the work of creating space. For many of us, our lives are so busy we've literally crowded God out of most areas of our lives. So, for there to be fresh faith, we need to make space for God. When we intentionally make space for God in our lives, we open ourselves to His presence and invite Him to work in our lives. In that space, God often reveals His character, reminding us of His faithfulness, mercy, and love. As we listen and respond to Him, our trust in His promises grows stronger. Even small moments of connection with God can plant seeds of faith that deepen over time, helping us to see beyond our circumstances and rely on His guidance and provision. Here's the truth: If you make space for God, He will fill that space with the resources you need for your faith to grow.

We all have those "to-do-lists" that have been slowly building over the years. The lists typically range from mowing the lawn, cleaning out the garage to finally preparing for retirement. Usually on that list there's a category specifically centered around our faith journey; pursuing a relationship with God and being obedient to what He asks you to do. Here's the big issue with any to-do-list: When is it going to happen?  Have you been feeling a tug on your heart or a sense that it's time to start working on the spiritual to-do-list? Don't wait! That stirring is often the gentle invitation of Jesus, calling you to step closer, to trust deeper, and to begin a life-changing journey with Him. Delaying that step might feel safer or more convenient, but the truth is, there's no perfect time—only the present moment. The peace, purpose, and transformation that come from walking with Jesus are available to you right now. Why wait another day to experience the fullness of what God has for you?

Taking the next step in your faith might look different for everyone—maybe it's saying yes to Jesus for the first time, getting baptized, joining a community of believers, or simply recommitting your life to God. Whatever it is, don’t let fear or uncertainty hold you back. Jesus isn’t asking for perfection; He’s inviting you into a relationship. Every step you take toward Him opens your life to more love, grace, and clarity than you’ve ever known. The journey begins with a simple “yes”—and that yes could change everything. To figure out what your next step might be, don't wait for when..take listen to what Jesus has to say about being ready. 

Researchers at the Institute for Business and Home Safety in Richburg, South Carolina, built two identical 1,300-square-foot houses inside a $40 million laboratory. They wanted to see how these homes would hold up against a hurricane. The first house was constructed to standard building codes—nothing fancy, just the usual. The second house, though, had reinforcement straps connecting every level—from the foundation all the way to the roof. Then they flipped on the giant fans, blasting winds up to 110 miles per hour, the strength of a Category 3 hurricane. In the first two tests, lasting less than ten minutes, both houses stood firm.  However, in the third test, when the winds roared for over ten minutes, the conventional house began to tremble. Before long, it collapsed into a heap. The reinforced house? It took some cosmetic scratches, but it stood tall. Tim Reingold, an engineer on the project, boiled it down to one question: “Which house would you rather be living in?”  Here's what's interesting. As Jesus wraps up his sermon on the mount, he makes a similar analogy, but instead of just building a house, he wants his listeners to think about what foundation they are building their lives upon. Why does Jesus conclude his sermon in this way? It matters, because according to Jesus--storms are coming! To learn more about what Jesus teaches about how to prepare for the storms of life, check out the conclusion of our series on The Sermon on the Mount.