Islands Christian Church Podcast

Have you ever prayed for something and wondered if God was listening? What do you do when you're waiting for answers that never seem to come? And how can you continue trusting God when your circumstances make you question His goodness?

In this message, Stephen Saxton begins our new series, Longing, by exploring Psalm 13, where David openly wrestles with the pain of waiting on God. Through David's honest questions, prayers, and expressions of trust, we discover that faith doesn't require us to hide our doubts or pretend everything is okay. God invites us to bring our frustration, grief, and unanswered questions to Him, even when He seems silent.

If you're waiting for healing, struggling through difficult circumstances, or wondering why God hasn't answered your prayers, this message offers encouragement for the journey. Waiting on God can be painful, but prayer helps us remember His faithfulness and find hope in His unfailing love. Even when our circumstances haven't changed, we can learn to trust the God who entered into our suffering through Jesus and promises that suffering will not have the final word.

Scripture: Psalm 13:1–6; John 6:67–69

Message: When God Seems Silent
Speaker: Stephen Saxton
Islands Christian Church | Savannah, Georgia

What does it really mean to follow Jesus? Is being a Christian about going to church, knowing the Bible, and doing the right things? And how do we become more like Jesus in our everyday lives?

In this message, John LaMaison explores what it means to be a disciple of Jesus. Through the words of Jesus and the example He set for His followers, we discover that discipleship is more than gaining Bible knowledge or checking off a list of spiritual habits. It's a lifelong commitment to following Jesus, allowing Him to change us from the inside out, and joining His mission to reach others.

If you've ever wondered whether you're doing enough as a Christian, how to grow closer to Jesus, or what it looks like to follow Him beyond Sunday mornings, this message will challenge and encourage you to consider your next step. We may be imperfect disciples, but Jesus continues to invite us to follow Him and become more like Him every day.

Scripture: Matthew 28:18–20; Mark 1:17; Luke 9:23; John 12:26; Romans 8:29; 2 Corinthians 3:17–18

Message: Imperfect Disciples: Following Jesus Daily
Speaker: John LaMaison
Islands Christian Church | Savannah, Georgia

What does Communion tell us about our future? What happens when Jesus returns? And what does the Bible promise about the end of death and suffering?

In this final message of our Given for You series, we discover that Communion doesn't just remind us of what Jesus has done. It also points us toward what is still to come. Through the promises of Isaiah, the words of Jesus, and the vision of Revelation, we see a future where death is defeated, every tear is wiped away, and God makes all things new.

If you've ever wondered what happens when Jesus returns, what the Bible says about heaven and the new earth, or how Christians can find hope in the middle of grief and suffering, this message will help you see how Communion reminds us that the story isn't over.

Scripture: Isaiah 25:6–9; Mark 14:22–25; 1 Corinthians 11:23–26; Revelation 21:1–5
Series: Given for You
Speaker: Stephen Saxton
Islands Christian Church | Savannah, Georgia

Why do Christians take Communion? What does Communion have to do with Passover? And is it more than simply remembering what Jesus did?

In this first message of our Given for You series, we trace the story of Communion back to the Passover and discover how Jesus takes this ancient story of rescue and centers it on Himself. His body was given for you. His blood was poured out for you. Every time we come to the table, we are invited to remember and receive the good news of His rescue again.

If you’ve wondered what Communion really means, why Christians take Communion, why Jesus is called the Lamb of God, or how Passover points to Jesus, this message will help you see the Lord’s Supper in a deeper way.

Scripture: Exodus 12:1–14; Luke 22:7–20; Hebrews 2:14–15
Series: Given for You
Speaker: Stephen Saxton
Islands Christian Church | Savannah, Georgia

Do I have to be baptized to be saved?

It’s a question Christians have wrestled with for a long time, and in the final message of our Raised with Christ series, Stephen Saxton addresses it directly.

Looking at Acts 2 and the response of the earliest believers to the gospel, we explore the relationship between faith, repentance, and baptism and why the New Testament holds them so closely together.

Maybe the better question isn’t simply, “Do I have to be baptized?” but “If baptism is a gift from God, why would I reject it?”

Listen as we take one final look at the gift of baptism and what it means to respond to Jesus as Lord.

Scripture: Acts 2:36–41
Series: Raised with Christ
Speaker: Stephen Saxton
Islands Christian Church | Savannah, Georgia

What if baptism is not something we do for God, but a gift God has given to us?

In the first message of our Raised with Christ series, Stephen Saxton looks at Romans 6 and invites us to slow down and consider the way the New Testament talks about baptism. What does it mean to be baptized into Christ, to be joined with him in his death, and to be raised with him to new life?

Whether you were baptized years ago, are considering baptism now, or simply have questions about what it means, this message invites you to take a fresh look at the gift of baptism.

Scripture: Romans 6:1–10
Series: Raised with Christ
Speaker: Stephen Saxton
Islands Christian Church | Savannah, Georgia

Finding your way back to God is not just about leaving the distant country behind. God brings us home so we can discover what it means to truly live.

In the final message of our Finding Your Way Back to God series, we return to the younger son in Luke 15. When he comes home, his father does more than welcome him back. He restores him to the family and invites him into a new life.

That life has three directions: up, in, and out. We celebrate our life with God, connect with others in community, and contribute to others through service. These are not ways to earn God’s acceptance. They are the natural response to knowing we are already loved and accepted through Jesus.

The life we are looking for is not somewhere far from the Father. It has been with Him all along.

Scripture: Luke 15:19–24; John 10:10; Psalm 16:11; Galatians 6:10; Acts 2:42–47; Ephesians 2:10
Series: Finding Your Way Back to God
Speaker: Stephen Saxton
Islands Christian Church | Savannah, Georgia

What do you expect to find when you finally make your way back to God?

In the final message of our Finding Your Way Back to God series, we return to Luke 15 as the lost son finally comes home. He expects to plead his case and earn his way back into his father’s household. Instead, he discovers something far better than he imagined.

The father moves toward him, accepts him, and celebrates his return. Jesus uses this picture to show us the heart of God. Our failures do not have the final word on who we are, and we do not have to earn our way back into His grace. The Father’s response to repentance is restoration and belonging.

Ultimately, our way home comes at a cost, but it is a cost Jesus has already paid. We find our way back to God not because we finally become good enough, but because God has made a way through Christ.

Scripture: Luke 15:20–24; Romans 5:8
Series: Finding Your Way Back to God

Islands Christian Church | Savannah, Georgia

Have you ever reached the point where you realized, I can’t do this on my own?

In part three of Finding Your Way Back to God, we continue through Jesus’ story of the lost son in Luke 15 and discover another important awakening on the journey home: recognizing that we need help. The son had tried to fix his situation himself, but eventually he had to get up and return to his father.

You do not have to have everything figured out before you come home. Sometimes the first step is simply admitting, God, I need help. I believe You are good, and I trust You with what comes next.

Scripture: Luke 15:17–20
Series: Finding Your Way Back to God
Islands Christian Church | Savannah, Georgia

Have you ever looked back at a decision, a relationship, or something you said and thought, I wish I could start over?

In the second message of our Finding Your Way Back to God series, we continue through Jesus’ story of the lost son in Luke 15. When the younger son finally comes to his senses, regret helps him see clearly where he is, how he got there, and where he needs to go next.

Regret does not have to keep us trapped in the past. God can use it as a gift of grace that leads us to repentance and moves us back toward Him. We cannot change what we have already done, but because of Jesus, the way home is always open.

Scripture: Luke 15:11–18; 2 Corinthians 7:8–10
Series: Finding Your Way Back to God
Islands Christian Church | Savannah, Georgia