Welcome to the first message in our Advent series, He Shall Be Called, where we explore the names through which God reveals His heart to His people. This week we look at one of the most tender—El Roi, the God Who Sees—through Hagar’s encounter with God in Genesis 16. Alone, afraid, and overlooked, Hagar discovers a God who pursues her, hears her affliction, and meets her with compassion. Her story, along with Simeon and Anna’s anticipation in Luke 2, reminds us that God sees us in our waiting, our weakness, and our worry. This Advent, take heart—the God who saw Hagar sees you, too.

Nehemiah’s story shows us what it looks like to face a God-sized challenge with faith and resolve. Disturbed by the broken walls of Jerusalem, Nehemiah begins not with action, but with prayer — humbling himself, confessing sin, and boldly seeking God’s favor. From there, he plans wisely, using the influence God has given him to gather resources, rally people, and organize the rebuilding effort.Despite opposition, ridicule, internal conflict, and spiritual compromise, Nehemiah perseveres courageously. In just fifty-two days, the wall is restored — not by human strength alone, but by the hand of God. Through prayer, planning, and perseverance, the people of Jerusalem are renewed physically and spiritually. Nehemiah’s reminder still speaks to us today: “I am doing a great work and cannot come down.” The challenge God places before us is worth accepting — and He will provide what we need to finish it.

In the final message of the Ezra: Return. Rebuild. Renew. series, we confront a truth that is both uncomfortable and essential: renewal begins with ownership. As Ezra discovers widespread compromise among God’s people, he responds not with denial or distraction, but with deep conviction, humble confession, and bold action. This message challenges us to stop excusing sin, start admitting failure, and apply true repentance with wisdom and courage. Grace opens the door, but obedience is what changes everything. The question is simple — and searching: Will you own it?

In this message from Ezra 8, we follow the second wave of exiles as they prepare to return to Jerusalem and rediscover God’s purpose for their lives. Their journey reveals what it looks like to step into calling, depend on God’s provision, steward what He entrusts to us, and respond with worship when He brings us safely through. As we watch these people get “on the road again,” we’re reminded that God often leads us out of comfort and into obedience—but His hand is always with us. This episode invites you to reflect on your own journey and trust God with every step ahead.

In Ezra 7, we meet Ezra himself as he begins a remarkable journey from Babylon to Jerusalem—a journey shaped not by personal ambition but by quiet, persistent faithfulness. Ezra’s lifelong devotion to study, obey, and teach God’s Word prepared him for a moment he couldn’t have foreseen, demonstrating that faithfulness equips us long before opportunity arrives. God’s providence is seen even through a pagan king, whose open-handed support reveals how obedience aligns us with God’s purposes in ways we could never orchestrate ourselves. Recognizing God’s hand on him, Ezra took courage and stepped forward, proving that courage propels ordinary people into lives of meaningful kingdom impact. At its heart, Ezra 7 reminds us that significance isn’t something we chase—it finds us as we walk faithfully, trusting God to use our small steps for His great purposes.

In Ezra 6, we find God’s people waiting to learn whether the rebuilding of the temple can continue—an unfinished work needing a final touch. Pastor Jeff reminds us that even when we can’t see what God is doing, His plans are already unfolding, and we can trust the process. With King Darius’ surprising support, the people step in faithfully to do the work, and because of God’s provision, the temple is finally completed. Their response is worship and celebration—overflowing with joy—because they recognize God’s hand in every step. In the same way, God continues shaping our hearts today, adding “finishing touches” that lead us toward deeper devotion and joy in Him.

After years of inactivity, God’s people finally got back to work on rebuilding His temple. In this message, Pastor Jeff unpacks how God used the prophets Haggai and Zechariah to reignite their faith and obedience—and how we can do the same when our own hearts grow idle. Learn how to obey when God speaks, endure when challenge comes, and let the truth be known as you walk boldly in God’s purpose. When the world distracts or discourages you, remember: the foundation has already been laid, God’s Word has been spoken, and His Spirit is still stirring. It’s time to get back to work.

In "Staying the Course," Pastor Jeff McNicol unpacks Ezra 4 to show what happens when faith meets opposition. The returning exiles faced manipulation, fear, and long delays—but God’s purposes never stopped moving. This message encourages us to refuse compromise, persist under pressure, and trust God even when everything seems paused. Opposition isn’t the end of the story—it’s the place where faith deepens and God proves Himself faithful.

In this week’s message, Pastor Jeff McNicol continues our Ezra: Return. Rebuild. Renew series with a look at the “Faith Foundations” found in Ezra 3:7-13. Just as planting new grass starts by preparing the soil, rebuilding the temple began with groundwork—both physical and spiritual. Jeff reminds us that God always finishes what He starts, that praise is right no matter what’s left, and that the past is meant to inspire the future. When we trust God’s promises and join Him in His work, He builds faith in us that endures and grows.

In this message titled “First Things First” from Ezra 3:1–6, part of the series Ezra: Return. Rebuild. Renew, listeners are reminded of the importance of establishing priorities that honor God. Drawing from the Israelites’ return from exile, the message highlights how they first gathered in unity, built the altar, and reestablished rhythms of worship before rebuilding the temple. Pastor Jeff illustrates how engaging with God’s people, elevating worship, and embracing faithful rhythms leads to spiritual strength and renewal. Just as the Israelites placed worship before walls, we’re challenged to put first things first — centering our lives on God’s presence and purposes before all else.