You keep trying to look good. Avoid judgment. Prove you're not a bad person. YouTube and TikTok are full of people trying to figure out how to get rid of shame and guilt - even though our culture says there's nothing to feel guilty about.

But what if the dirt isn't just something you've done - what if it's a barrier between you and God? And what if trying to clean yourself up is exactly what's keeping you stuck?

Guest speaker Pastor Tim Brown reveals what Jesus was really doing when He got down and washed His disciples' feet. It wasn't just about hospitality or humility. It was about something far more radical: the highest claims ever made paired with the lowest behavior ever shown. And in that contradiction lies the proof that He's exactly who He said He was.

You need the bath once. But you need your feet washed regularly. Most of us only understand one or the other - and that's where we get stuck.

💡 Big Idea:Jesus offers a double cure - the bath of salvation and the ongoing footwashing of confession.

📖 Key Bible Passages:John 13:3-10, Philippians 2:5-8, 1 John 1:9, Titus 3:5

#ChristianLife #Jesus #SpiritualGrowth #Forgiveness #Grace #Salvation #BibleTeaching #HumbleService #ChristianFaith #REZChurch

(0:00) Introduction - Kern County saved my life(0:41) Dirt bag number two serving churches(2:35) Losing your status - John 13:3-10(4:45) The longest teaching section in the New Testament(6:09) Jesus in the pit with His disciples(7:22) Billboards in Orange County: Jesus is not God(8:33) He rose and took His clothes off(9:49) The lowest job for the lowest slave(11:19) Incredibly high status, incredibly low behavior(12:12) He claimed to be God - nobody else did(13:53) Who did He hang out with? The wrong people(15:10) Why was He blunt with Martha but tender with Mary?(16:44) Jesus listens to hearts because the heart is the wellspring(18:06) Tenderness without weakness, holiness without harshness(19:29) He is exactly who He said He was(20:49) Customary to wash guests' feet - the dirtiest job(22:38) It's easier to serve than let someone serve you(24:47) Dirt is a metaphor for spiritual uncleanliness(26:48) There's a barrier - you've sinned against me(28:05) A whole culture says don't make me feel guilty(29:31) A 10-year-old girl: I feel dirty(30:58) Pop-off Peter and his complaints(32:29) You get a bath once but feet washed regularly(33:52) God loves you as much the day He saved you(35:01) If you just understand footwashing you become a legalist(36:36) Nothing but the blood of Jesus can make us whole(38:14) Salvation prayer and invitation(39:08) Come forward for prayer

You keep asking God to fix your life. To improve your marriage. To make your job better. To help you manage your addiction. To bless the life you've already built. But what if God isn't interested in improving what you built - what if He's asking you to let it die so He can build something entirely new?

Most of us will go to the cross, admire it, sing about it, even cry at the foot of it. But we never actually get on it. Because getting on the cross means total surrender. And surrender feels like loss.

Richard Marquez, REZ Church's High School Director, learned this the hard way. At 30, after breaking two families and battling severe addiction, he found himself outside a men's home - broke, ashamed, gripping his steering wheel. That moment of complete surrender became his doorway to real life. Now he reveals why the thing you're desperately trying to preserve might be the exact thing keeping you from freedom.

💡 Big Idea:Real life only comes through real loss.

📖 Key Bible Passages:John 12:24-26, Mark 8:34, 2 Corinthians 5:17, Philippians 3:7-8

#ChristianLife #Surrender #SpiritualGrowth #Transformation #Recovery #Redemption #BibleTeaching #RealFaith #ChristianTestimony #REZChurch

(0:00) Introduction - High school director Richard's story(0:40) At 30 years old, a complete mess(1:20) John 12:24-26 - Unless a grain of wheat falls(2:04) When Jesus starts talking about loss(3:26) Real life only comes through real loss(4:11) February 2015 - Arrested and finding church(4:53) Easter Sunday 2015 - What will I be?(5:34) Giving life to Jesus but not everything changing(6:18) Outside the men's home gripping the steering wheel(7:01) The knock at the window - We got you(7:48) My burial - Everything I trusted was gone(8:26) Reading the entire New Testament, meeting Jesus(9:17) I will follow you, I'll serve you seven life sentences(9:49) Get on your knees - Weeping on the floor(10:28) Transformed - The old has passed away(11:27) Many go to the cross but never get on it(12:18) Take up your cross means total surrender(13:03) Three freedoms - From sin, consequences, and self(13:58) Freedom from sin isn't just forgiveness(14:46) Six years sober, then choosing to go back(16:41) Self-denial isn't a one-time moment(17:33) Life is a fast - Letting go of what holds you back(18:25) What is God asking you to deny yourself of?(19:19) Freedom from fear shapes how you live now(20:06) The men's home wasn't the end, it was the door(20:50) Freedom from self - Carrying yourself is exhausting(21:39) When self stops being center, freedom begins(22:21) You lose to multiply - The seed has to be buried(23:08) A surrendered life doesn't just change you, it multiplies(23:58) Pursuing a calling rather than pursuing Jesus(25:00) My vision had to transform to see God's vision(25:51) Where there is loss, there is also gain(26:41) The man at my window was fruit from someone's burial(27:34) Two practical challenges for this week(28:17) Prayer challenge - Pray for Jesus's purposes(29:04) Ask someone where you need to grow(30:24) Commit to these two things this week(31:06) For those who've never actually met Jesus(32:46) Salvation prayer and altar call

Seventy-two nobodies went on the most dangerous mission of their lives with zero preparation, no money, no defenses - and came back overjoyed. Meanwhile, you've been sitting in the same seat for years wondering why your faith feels boring. Maybe the problem isn't your faith. Maybe you've stopped moving.💡 Big Idea:He chose you to send you.📖 Key Bible Passages:Luke 10:17-23, Matthew 18:2-4, Ephesians 6:12, Galatians 6:9-10, Colossians 1:27💬 Discussion Starters:When was the last time you said yes to something for God that genuinely scared you? What happened?What's one area of your life where you've been "plopping" (getting comfortable) instead of pursuing Jesus? What would it look like to change that this week?Pastor Daniel asked people to pray for something impossible every day. What's one impossible thing you need to start asking God for?Who is someone in your life you've given up on inviting to church? What's stopping you from trying again?The 72 disciples came back overjoyed after the hardest mission of their lives. When have you experienced joy through obedience to something difficult God asked you to do?(0:00) Introduction - Welcome to the tent service(0:36) The Junkique Outlet story and mission(1:09) One does not simply walk into Mordor(1:47) Luke 10:17-23 - The 72 return with joy(3:52) They came back with JOY after the impossible(5:03) Why your faith might feel boring right now(6:56) You can plop or pursue but you can't do both(8:19) The danger of getting comfortable in the same seat(9:42) Religion is what you get when the Spirit leaves(10:23) We have an inaccurate view of God(11:30) The primary battle of this world is spiritual(12:51) What if who you love actually matters more than you know(14:21) Satan shudders when a whole people turns toward Christ(15:00) Jose's story - from ping pong ball to salvation(16:17) It's not about me, it's about the King(17:03) You're enrolled in the ultimate retirement plan(18:25) God hid knowledge from the wise, revealed it to children(20:13) Children believe their dad can do anything(21:35) Come like a child, be remembered as faithful(22:42) What were the names of the 72? Nobody knows(24:13) We can change the world because He does(25:44) Three impossible things to do this week(26:42) Year seven of a drought - asking God for rain(28:01) Evangelism workshop on February 7th(29:33) Real hope for those searching(31:43) Salvation prayer and commitment

You'll never get another chance to tell them. That realization hits differently when someone you care about is gone and you never shared what mattered most. Most of us assume we have time—time to have the important conversations, time to share what we believe, time to tell people about the hope we've found. But what if today is the only guaranteed moment you have? This message unpacks God's rescue plan for a lost world and reveals the role you play in it. Through the powerful story of a friendship cut short and a gospel never shared, you'll discover why silence isn't just a missed opportunity—it's a choice with eternal consequences. If you've been waiting for the right moment to speak up, this is your wake-up call.

Guest speaker Pastor Jeremy Doyle serves as Missions Pastor at Valley Baptist Church in Bakersfield. Valley Baptist is a Southern Baptist church that has planted and revitalized multiple churches across California in the past two and a half years, sending pastors, congregants, and funding to establish new congregations throughout Kern County and San Jose. Pastor Jeremy moved to Bakersfield from San Diego to wrestle at Cal State Bakersfield, and now dedicates his life to fighting spiritual battles and leading others to share the Gospel with a lost world.

💡 Big Idea

You don't need to be a pastor or missionary to share the gospel—you've already been sent, and someone's eternal destiny depends on you speaking up.

📖 Key Bible Passages

Romans 10:13-15, Matthew 28:18-20, John 3:16, Acts 4:12, James 2:19-20, Proverbs 11:30, John 4:23, 1 Thessalonians 2:19-20

💬 Discussion Starters

What's keeping you from sharing your faith with the people closest to you—fear of rejection, not knowing what to say, or assuming you have more time?

If someone you care about passed away today, would you have any regrets about conversations you never had or truths you never shared?

How does understanding your role in God's rescue plan change the way you see your everyday relationships and interactions?

What would it look like for you to stop practicing the sin of silence this week, and who specifically needs to hear from you?

If the gospel must be heard to be believed, and someone must preach for others to hear, what's your next step in being part of that chain?

#ShareYourFaith #GospelMessage #DontWait #NoRegrets #GodsPlan #SentByGod #EternalImpact #SpeakUp #FaithInAction #RescueMission

(0:00) Introduction to Pastor Jeremy Doyle - Valley Baptist Missions Pastor(2:10) Romans 10:13-15 - God's rescue plan(4:43) First link: To be saved, one must call on the Lord(5:59) Salvation is for everyone who calls on His name(7:17) You are not too far gone for God to save you(8:33) Sinking boat illustration - Everyone who gets on will be saved(10:36) Second link: To call on the Lord, one must believe(11:24) Belief in Jesus alone saves us from sin(12:11) James 2:19-20 - Faith without works is dead(14:13) Third link: To believe, one must hear the gospel(16:16) Fourth link: To hear, someone must preach the gospel(18:22) You are called to be a proclaimer, not just a spectator(20:36) Fifth link: To preach, one must be sent(21:16) The Great Commission - Go and make disciples(24:14) God has chosen you to be His mouthpiece(26:37) How beautiful are the feet of those who preach good news(28:52) Application: The wise person wins souls(29:38) The Lamb of God is worthy of our worship(30:26) The Lamb of God is worthy of our obedience(32:54) The soul winner's reward is joy(35:43) Jeremy's story: Josh died without hearing the gospel(38:03) One in ten Christians shared the gospel last year(39:43) You are one prayer away from God(41:13) Invitation to receive Christ(42:33) Prayer of salvation(44:09) Challenge to share the gospel with your neighbors(45:19) Closing prayer and response

Most of us are waiting for the perfect moment—when we have more knowledge, more confidence, more resources, or more clarity. But what if waiting until you feel prepared is the very thing keeping you from the life God is calling you to? This message challenges the myth that you need to have it all figured out before you can make a difference. Through powerful stories of ordinary people who said yes to God despite their fears, doubts, and inadequacies, you'll discover that obedience doesn't require perfection—it requires faithfulness. God isn't asking you to be an expert; He's asking you to be available. And the transformation that happens when you stop waiting and simply go will change not only the lives of others but your own life as well.

Guest speaker Geraud Brumfield serves with the Coalition for Christian Outreach (CCO), a college campus ministry organization partnering with First Presbyterian Church in Fresno. Since 2012, Geraud has been reaching college students with the Gospel—first at Clarion University in Pennsylvania, and since 2017 at Fresno State, Fresno Pacific University, and Fresno City College. CCO's mission is transforming college students to transform the world, inviting the church to reach the whole college campus with the Gospel and equipping students to join God in His work to restore all things.

💡 Big Idea

God doesn't call you to do it perfectly—He calls you to do it faithfully.

📖 Key Bible Passages

Luke 10:1-9, Matthew 28:18-20, 2 Corinthians 12:9, Philippians 2:6-8, John 15:4-5

💬 Discussion Starters

What's one thing you've been waiting to feel "ready" for before you take action?

How does the fear of rejection, hypocrisy, or not knowing enough keep you from stepping out in obedience?

Where do you see God already at work in your city, workplace, or neighborhood that you could join Him in?

What would change if you believed that God's power is made perfect in your weakness rather than your competence?

Who is one person in your life that needs what you have to offer, and what's keeping you from reaching out to them?

#StopWaiting #FaithOverFear #ObedienceOverPerfection #GodsPlan #TakeAction #SentByGod #KingdomWork #LiveYourFaith #MakeADifference #PurposeDrivenLife

(0:00) Introduction to SENT series - You're called to ministry(1:30) Guest speaker Geraud Brumfield from CCO college ministry(3:00) Luke 10:1-9 - Jesus sends out the 72(4:15) Geraud's story: From elementary teacher to college ministry(6:00) Jesus sends people before they feel ready(7:45) Sent in pairs - You don't go alone(8:45) God is already moving in Bakersfield - Will you join Him?(10:00) Three fears that keep us from going(12:10) Fear of rejection - God changes hearts, not you(13:20) Fear of being hypocritical - We all are, get over it(14:30) Fear of not knowing enough - God's power in weakness(16:00) "Go" is a command, not a suggestion(17:00) Sent like lambs among wolves - Jesus protects His sheep(18:45) Handing out hot dogs at Greek Row ("Sin City")(22:15) You have what people need - Don't withhold it(22:50) Don't wait for perfect preparation - Just go(24:15) Stay focused on the mission - One house at a time(25:20) John's story: Faithfulness brought his faith alive(28:20) Bring peace, not arguments or division(29:20) The Kingdom of God is more than salvation(31:45) Jamie and Mindy open their home to fraternity brothers(33:15) Bryant's transformation through relationship(35:10) Fill us up and send us out - Tim Hughes song(36:40) Inviting people into Kingdom restoration(38:30) Eli's story: Running from God to ready for baptism(42:00) Michaela praying for Eli for seven months(43:55) Invitation to say yes to Jesus(46:10) Closing prayer

You're not special. You don't have supernatural abilities or impressive credentials. You can't heal people at will or perform miracles on command. But here's what you are: sacred. Set apart by God. Empowered by the same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead. And that changes everything. This message kicks off a four-week series about being sent into a lost world—not as the hero, but as someone who knows the Hero and has been invited into His story. What if the harvest is rotting because the laborers are sitting in the barn? What if anger at lost people is keeping you from the compassion that actually moves you to action?#YoureNotSpecial #YoureSacred #Sent #OnMission #Evangelism #CompassionNotAnger #TheHarvest #Empowered #OrdinaryFaithfulness #GospelPower(0:00) Welcome and New Year's resolutions(1:41) SENT series kickoff: You're the plan(3:46) Four weeks of being sent into the world(5:26) Big Idea: You're not special, you're sacred(6:42) Matthew 9:35-38: Gospel of the kingdom(8:57) Missing Jesus because He wasn't the solution they imagined(11:14) Jesus had compassion on harassed and helpless crowds(13:23) Why anger at lost people instead of compassion?(16:21) Stone hearts don't burn, flesh hearts do(17:22) Jesus taught, preached, and healed(20:44) You are a miracle—spiritual death to life(22:01) Foster parenting story: Nine months for two weeks(24:28) Baptizing the foster kid who showed up to youth group(26:48) What is God calling you to that seems inconvenient?(28:32) Most of the world is lost—the harvest is plentiful(29:50) The laborers are sitting in the barn(31:56) You're commissioned to go from disciple to disciple-maker(33:49) You're not impressive, you're empowered(35:14) Ping pong ball wall demonstration(37:29) Sign up for events and serving opportunities(38:56) Pray daily, serve somewhere, invite people(41:11) Gospel explanation and salvation prayer

You showed up to church this year. You served. You gave. You invited friends. And while you were faithfully living your life, God was doing something extraordinary. 289 people in small groups confessing sins and finding family. 83 baptisms. 43 people meeting Jesus for the first time. A woman—six years on the streets—now employed, restored to her daughter, contributing to her parents' rent. This isn't a normal Sunday message. This is REZ Church looking back at 2025 and celebrating the miracles God did through ordinary faithfulness. Now the question is: what will you do with what God has done? How will you step into what He's doing in 2026?

#GodIsMoving #DontMissIt #ChurchCelebration #2025Recap #Miracles #StepIntoIt #REZChurch #Transformation #Revival #GreatCommission

(0:00) Welcome and worship(9:14) Celebration service begins(10:55) Our church vision and the Great Commission(14:11) Regen recovery ministry launch(15:38) Vision #1: Be Known—Deep community(23:01) Stories of transformation through connection(24:56) Vision #2: Love the 10—Our neighborhood(28:39) Outreach teams and partnerships(29:30) REZMANIA and youth camp celebrations(32:33) Story: Six years homeless to restoration(36:29) Give Joy Christmas gift program(48:22) Vision #3: Reach Our Circles—Everyday mission(52:33) First-time guests and decisions for Christ(55:48) Stories of life change and family impact(57:13) Praying for churches every Sunday morning(59:41) Vision #4: Prepare People to Lead(1:02:50) Church plants and partnerships(1:06:33) Mentorship program highlights(1:09:22) Stories of leaders being raised up(1:13:19) The Great Commission for everyone(1:18:37) What's coming in 2026(1:22:37) Invitations to step into what God is doing(1:30:28) Salvation prayer(1:32:34) Don't miss what God is doing

You've worked for it, fought for it, finally got it—the security, the comfort, the life you thought would make you happy. But you're still empty. Still bitter. Still scrolling, still searching, still wondering why nothing fills the void. Naomi had everything she needed physically but remained broken inside, blaming God for a hole that food and safety couldn't touch. Come and see what actually satisfies the soul when every earthly provision falls short.

💡 Big Idea - The end was never in doubt.

📖 Key Bible Passages

Ruth 4:13-17Philippians 2:6-8Romans 10:9-10Matthew 4:4

💬 Discussion Starters

What are you blaming God for that might actually be the result of your own choices?When have you had all your physical needs met but still felt spiritually empty?What hole are you trying to fill with things that were never designed to satisfy your soul?How would your life change if you really believed the end was never in doubt?What bitterness are you holding onto that's defining you more than God's goodness?

#EmptyInside #NothingFillsTheVoid #SoulHunger #StillNotEnough #BitterTruth #WhyAmIStillEmpty #ChristmasRoots #Redemption #SpiritualHunger #ManNotByBreadAlone

(0:00) Cozy Christmas Eve welcome(1:08) Ruth recap: Widows, Boaz, and the kinsman redeemer(2:55) Finalizing the deal with a sandal (not DocuSign)(3:28) Ruth and Boaz's son is born(4:39) Ruth disappears from her own story—why?(5:37) "Worth more than seven sons"—the Jewish dream(6:34) Calling a newborn baby "redeemer"—what?(7:46) Naomi arrives bitter: "Call me Mara"(8:57) When you're angry at God for the mess you made(10:22) Hangry culture: Drive-thru rage and $8 coffee anger(11:04) Physical provision doesn't satisfy the soul(12:29) "Blessed be the Lord"—from bitter to grateful(13:39) The town names the baby (not the parents)(14:08) Obed to Jesse to David to Jesus—1,000 years(15:57) Losing Danley and the bitterness of grief(17:16) "What does Quinton mean?"—the discovery(18:54) When Google results make you cry: "Fifth-born child"(20:33) Naomi has no idea she's holding David's grandfather(22:01) Ruth foreshadows the Church, Boaz foreshadows Jesus(23:30) Why name a baby "Servant"? Pointing to Jesus(24:13) For Christians running on empty and bitter(25:33) The end was never in doubt(26:15) Salvation prayer for those surrendering to Christ(27:44) Welcome to the family

You've got your people and they've got theirs. The moral ones and the immoral ones. The insiders and the outsiders. The ones you'd help and the ones you'd rather avoid. But what if the very categories you use to judge others are the exact categories that would've excluded you from God's family? Ruth was an enemy, a foreigner, a destitute widow with nothing to offer—and God made her Jesus' great-great-grandmother. Ruth's story dismantles our tribalism and reveals why love accomplishes what rules never could

💡 Big Idea

Love fixes what the law fails.

📖 Key Bible Passages

Ruth 4:1-22Romans 10:9-10Ephesians 2:4-5Galatians 3:28

💬 Discussion Starters

Who do you secretly think you're better than—and what does that reveal about your heart?When have you used moral standards or political positions to create an "in-crowd" and "out-crowd"?What would change in your life if you really believed you're just a beggar who found bread?Who are you avoiding or judging that God might be calling you to serve?What leap of faith is God asking you to take that feels terrifying but necessary?

#NoBetterThanAnyone #GraceNotRules #ReligiousHypocrisy #WeAreAllBeggars #LoveWins #BreakingBarriers #JesusForEveryone #ChristmasRoots #Outsiders #Redemption

(0:00) Hallmark movies and the Ruth love story finale(1:40) Quick recap: Ruth, Naomi, and Boaz's promise(2:43) Big Idea: Love fixes what the law fails(3:47) Joe Blow "So-and-So"—the nameless relative(5:32) Why the storyteller refuses to name him(6:36) The land deal that sounds too good to pass up(8:42) Mock trial and courtroom setup analogies(10:00) The trap is sprung: "You also get Ruth the Moabite"(11:12) Greed meets obligation—Joe Blow's reversal(12:19) Where did all of Boaz's compliments go?(13:36) "Lest I impair my inheritance"—the real reason(14:44) In-crowd vs out-crowd mentality exposed(16:35) There is no good apart from Christ—everyone's bad(18:26) No Greek or Jew, moral or immoral—only saved or lost(19:55) We're beggars who found bread(21:09) Two months of need, zero help from "So-and-So"(22:31) "I knew what was right. I chose wrong."(24:37) God's son wrapped in flesh—the ultimate redeemer(26:11) Shape us: Posture of grateful orphan adopted by God(27:20) Have you become Joe Blow So-and-So?(28:29) Legalism writes you out of God's story(29:10) Ruth the enemy becomes Jesus' great-grandmother(30:14) High dive moments: "The water's fine"(31:30) What's your leap of faith right now?(32:49) You don't need advice. You need a redeemer.(34:01) Salvation prayer and invitation

You've been praying for something to change, but when the opportunity finally shows up, you freeze. You see the door open, but fear keeps you stuck. What if you fail? What if it goes wrong? What if you're not ready? Ruth faced the same paralyzing choice—take the biggest risk of her life or watch her one chance disappear forever. This ancient story reveals why God invites us to participate in miracles instead of just delivering them, and what happens when we're brave enough to step forward even when we're terrified.

💡 Big Idea

God's blessings require our participation—He opens doors, but we have to walk through them.

📖 Key Bible Passages

Ruth 3:1-15Isaiah 44:6Ephesians 1:7-10Luke 13:34Proverbs 31

💬 Discussion Starters

What opportunity are you seeing right now that terrifies you?When have you confused God's silence with God's absence, only to realize He was working the whole time?What blessing are you praying for that your current character isn't ready to handle?Who in your life plays the "Naomi" role—giving you wise counsel when you're stuck?Where have you been chasing shortcuts instead of trusting God's process?

#SecondChances #TakingRisks #FaithOverFear #WhenGodMoves #CharacterMatters #TrustTheProcess #DivineTiming #BoldFaith #GodIsMoving #ChristmasRoots

(0:00) How do you know if a decision is from God or just a bad idea?(1:19) Pastor Daniel's story: Closing businesses to follow God's call(2:09) Ruth recap: Disaster, loss, and the journey back to Bethlehem(4:43) The two-month time jump: 775 hours of backbreaking labor(5:53) The beautiful tension: Is it me or God? Yes.(7:35) God's invitation to participation in every miracle(8:41) Naomi's questionable plan for Ruth and Boaz(10:36) "I'm never giving my daughter this advice"(12:42) One shot, one opportunity—Ruth's last chance(13:39) The real danger Ruth faced beyond rejection(15:23) Midnight in the dark: "Who are you?"(16:36) The certified bar: "Spread your wings over me"(18:18) Boaz's prophetic blessing comes full circle(20:13) Why Ruth is a Christmas story 1,100 years early(22:37) The entire town knows Ruth is worthy—character on display(25:11) Some of us want blessings our character can't handle(26:32) God's oven: "Plenty plump, but not done yet"(27:53) Love is a choice, not something you fall into(29:26) Boaz's integrity in the dark when no one's watching(30:44) The recipe for character: Obedience, humility, repentance(32:09) When God moves, it's always an invitation(33:43) God doesn't need you, but He invites you anyway(34:42) Henry Blackaby's framework: God initiates, we join Him(36:02) Where are you noticing God at work right now?(38:39) Stop chasing the blessing and chase the One who blesses(40:04) Who is your Naomi? You need wise counsel(41:44) Jesus offers to cover you under His wings(43:01) Salvation prayer and invitation