Q&A Sunday:
We want to hear from you! On Sunday, 12/29, Nolan will dedicate the sermon to answering your most pressing questions about Jesus, the Bible, theology, religion, the church, and more. No question is too big or too small—this is your chance to ask what’s on your heart and mind.

Submit your questions HERE!

Don’t forget to follow Skeptics & Saints wherever you get your podcasts to join the conversation!
Apple Podcast
Spotify

What are the biggest differences between the Lutheran and what we believe at The Garden? In this sneak preview episode of Skeptics & Saints, we explore foundational distinctions like the sacraments, worship styles, and views on tradition. From the real presence in the Eucharist to the role of infant baptism, we’ll unpack the theology and practices that set these traditions apart—rooted in Scripture and centuries of history.

This episode offers a glimpse into the thoughtful and engaging conversations you can expect from this podcast. Whether you’re curious about theology, seeking answers, or strengthening your faith, there’s something here for everyone. 

Q&A Sunday:
We want to hear from you! On Sunday, 12/29, Nolan will dedicate the sermon to answering your most pressing questions about Jesus, the Bible, theology, religion, the church, and more. No question is too big or too small—this is your chance to ask what’s on your heart and mind.

Submit your questions HERE!

Don’t forget to follow Skeptics & Saints wherever you get your podcasts to join the conversation!
Apple Podcast
Spotify


Faith sees what others can’t. It’s the audacity to move forward when the world hesitates.

This message unpacks the journey of the wise men, who followed a star woven into creation’s fabric, a Scripture that whispered clarity amidst mystery, and a story that faced relentless sabotage. Their radical obedience and surrender to Jesus turned an ancient journey into a timeless blueprint for faith today.

Are you willing to confront the pride that blinds, embrace Scripture that illuminates, and surrender to the One who is worthy? It’s time to go all in. Faith isn’t safe—it’s revolutionary.

What if the freedom you’ve been chasing is found in surrender?
In a culture obsessed with autonomy and self-determination, obedience feels like a relic of the past. We celebrate independence with phrases like “You do you” or “Be your own hero,” but could this mindset be robbing us of something greater? The Bible teaches that obedience isn’t a limitation—it’s the pathway to God’s blessing and purpose.

Through Joseph’s story, we see a radical trust in God that defied fear, pride, and logic. His quiet integrity and willingness to obey positioned him for a role in God’s larger story—a story that brings freedom, not restriction. Obedience isn’t passive; it’s an act of faith that unlocks power, purpose, and spiritual growth.

Ready to embrace the paradox of obedience? Dive into this message and rediscover the beauty of surrendering to God’s perfect plan.

In this week’s message, we continue The Story of the Ages series with a deep dive into Luke 3, exploring John the Baptist's powerful call to repentance and the significance of preparing the way for Jesus. John’s message is not just an ancient call to a specific people but a divine invitation for all of us today to turn from sin and embrace the transformative grace of Christ. Together, we'll reflect on the profound truth: Jesus changes everything, and He calls us to bear fruits that reflect a life aligned with Him.

Are you bearing fruits in keeping with repentance? As we move toward 2025 and God’s vision for this church, let’s seek Him boldly, pray fervently, and live out the Gospel in ways that show the world Jesus changes lives, including our own.

Join us as we unpack how repentance reshapes our lives, how we can live out the fruits of true heart change, and how we are all part of God’s greater story—a story that invites us to step boldly into our role as His Church.

Every single one of us craves a life of significance. We want to build something that lasts, something that echoes beyond our brief time on this earth. You’ve likely felt the tension between investing in what matters most and getting swept up in the rush of day-to-day life.

But what if you’ve been invited into a story that doesn’t end? What if, right now, we have an opportunity to shape lives, change families, and leave a legacy that will outlast us? That's what we're doing as we launch an initiative called: A Bigger Story. It's an effort to harness the wild move of God happening among us by moving toward a more permanent facility.

We have a vision to create a space where lives are transformed, families are strengthened, and hope is restored. It's not just about building a place; it’s about building the future. And it’s about your role in it.

In Luke 1:26–38, we witness a breathtaking moment where heaven meets earth. The angel Gabriel brings an extraordinary message to an ordinary girl, Mary, in the humble town of Nazareth. God's plan to redeem humanity unfolds through her as she is called to bear the Messiah, Jesus—the Son of the Most High, whose kingdom will never end.  

Mary’s initial fear and questioning turn into a beautiful surrender, reminding us that God doesn't need the worthy but the willing to accomplish His eternal purposes. This passage invites us to marvel at God's faithfulness to His promises, embrace the truth that nothing is impossible with Him, and respond with the same humility and trust that Mary exemplifies.  

This story is not just about Mary’s calling; it’s an invitation for all of us to step into God’s bigger story, trusting that He can use us—brokenness, questions, and all—to build something that echoes into eternity.

In John 2:1–12, Jesus' first miracle is more than an act of provision; it heralds a new era of grace, joy, and spiritual renewal. This first miracle isn't just about provision; it's a declaration of a new era—one of abundant grace, joy, and deep cleansing for our souls. Through symbolic water jars meant for purification, Jesus demonstrates His power to meet our deepest needs, cleanse our hearts, and fill our lives to overflowing with His love.

This passage invites us to step into the fullness of His grace, to reflect on our need for transformation, and to trust Him as the true source of renewal. Don’t miss this powerful moment where the ordinary becomes extraordinary through Jesus!

Life often brings moments where we find ourselves longing to hear from God. We all crave a sense of His presence and guidance. In John 1:43-51, we see the story of Jesus calling Philip, who then shares this life-changing news with Nathanael. Even with initial skepticism, Nathanael is drawn to meet Jesus and ultimately encounters God in a powerful, personal way.

This passage invites us to think about how God speaks to us today. As we study this together, let’s explore the way God reveals Himself and consider how we might respond when He calls.

Why settle for the world’s version of acceptance when Jesus offers something far more radical? He disrupts our ideas of validation, identity, and purpose with a personal invitation that isn’t based on talent, perfection, or achievement. Through this invitation, Jesus not only reshapes our priorities but rewrites our identities, calling us out of our comfort zone, igniting a new purpose, and empowering us to lead others into the transformative freedom that only He can offer.

In a world consumed by self-image, where every scroll, post, and click pulls us further into the culture of personal branding and validation, we find ourselves more disconnected and anxious than ever. Could it be that true freedom lies not in being noticed, but in stepping aside? In "The Art of Being Forgotten," we explore the powerful paradox of selflessness, turning to the lives of John the Baptist and other humble leaders who found deep, lasting fulfillment in lives dedicated to something beyond themselves. John the Baptist, known not for self-promotion but for his relentless focus on Christ, shows us what it means to make way for a purpose greater than our own. Rather than seeking fame, he lived to magnify Jesus, embracing a life that pointed to something—Someone—eternally more significant than his own story.