What does the Bible say about the return of Christ, and what should it change about the way we live today?

In Week 2 of Return, Pastor Aaron Pennington traces God’s story of redemption from Genesis to Revelation and explains why followers of Jesus can look toward Christ’s return with hope rather than fear.

From Jesus’ promise in John 14 to the new heaven and new earth in Revelation 21-22, this message explores what it means to live in “the land between two trees,” with limited time and a continuing opportunity to invite others into the saving grace of Jesus.

Pastor Aaron also looks at Matthew 24 and 1 Thessalonians 5, challenging the church not to become spiritually complacent, but to stay awake, live with urgency, and remain focused on the mission Jesus has given us.

Scripture: John 3:16-18, John 14:1-3, Revelation 21:1-5, Revelation 22:1-2, Matthew 24:3-8, Matthew 24:14, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-6.

The Return of Christ | Return | Pastor Aaron Pennington

Trace Church | Colorado Springs, Colorado

In Week One of Return, Pastor Aaron Pennington shares the vision behind the next season of Trace Church and why Return is about much more than a building.

Pastor Aaron reflects on what God has done through Trace Church, shares updates about the future Union Drive location, and explains the calling he believes God has placed on the church to reach more people with the gospel of Jesus in Colorado Springs.

Through Acts 2, Acts 4, fasting, prayer, sacrifice, and generosity, Pastor Aaron challenges the church to ask a deeper question: before God does something through us, what does He want to do in us?

Return is a call back to surrender, obedience, biblical community, generosity, urgency, and ultimately Jesus.

How do we find courage when we cannot see God working?

Dr. Trent Langhofer teaches through the story of Esther, a book where God is never directly named, yet His hand can be seen throughout the entire story.

In Esther 4:13–16, Esther is invited to act courageously without any guarantee of the outcome. In Esther 6:1–11, a sleepless night, a forgotten act of faithfulness, and the perfect timing of a conversation reveal how God can work through ordinary circumstances. Esther 9:20–22 shows God turning a day marked for destruction into a celebration of deliverance.

This message gives three practical truths for seasons when God seems absent:

Trust His presence when you cannot see His hand.

Choose faithfulness when you cannot control the outcome.

Live in the joy of God’s redemption plan.

Romans 8:28 does not say that everything that happens is good. It promises that God can work in all things for the good of those who love Him. And because of the cross and resurrection of Jesus, we know that sorrow will not have the final word.

You may not understand the chapter you are living, but you can still trust the Author.

What if your testimony is exactly what someone else needs to hear?

In this message, Jayson French, President of Christ In Youth (CIY), explores the power of personal testimony through Scripture and practical application. Looking at stories like the Gerasene demoniac, the Samaritan woman, and Revelation 12:11, he encourages believers to be prepared to share how Jesus has worked in their lives. Our stories don’t save people, but they faithfully point others to the One who does.

Jayson French has spent more than two decades serving in student ministry and now leads Christ In Youth (CIY), partnering with churches to help the next generation follow Jesus and live on mission.

What has God placed in your hands, and are you using it for His Kingdom?

Joshua Means from The Solomon Foundation continues our Kingdom First series with a message from Matthew 25 and the Parable of the Talents. Through the picture of a comfortable chair and a pair of boots ready for battle, he challenges us to move beyond comfort and faithfully steward our time, talents, and treasure.

God has given every person something meaningful to contribute. The invitation is to take a step of faith, join the mission, and use what He has entrusted to us to help more people encounter Jesus.

Jesus came to seek and save the lost.

In the opening week of Kingdom First, guest speaker Taylor Hunt walks through Luke 15 and the stories of the lost sheep, lost coin, and lost son. Every story reveals the same truth: one more person matters to God.

Taylor challenges us to remain amazed by grace, resist becoming comfortable, and remember that the Church is a rescue mission for people who desperately need hope. No matter what someone has done or how far they have run, the grace of Jesus is still for them.

Taylor and his wife, Daylie, are planting City Hope Church in Denver, Colorado, with plans to launch in January 2027.

Scripture References:

Luke 19:10Luke 15:1-32Matthew 28:18-20John 10:10

📍 Trace Church | Colorado SpringsJoin us Sundays at 8:15a | 10:00a | 11:45a | (Mountain Time)Livestream 10:00a MST4330 Mark Dabling Blvd, Colorado SpringsLooking for a church in Colorado Springs?Searching for a Bible-believing, Jesus-centered, Spirit-led church community?You’re welcome here.

STAY CONNECTED📌 Subscribe for weekly messages: https://www.youtube.com/tracechurch🌐 Visit our website: https://tracechurch.com📘 Like us on Facebook: / tracechurchcos 📸 Follow on Instagram: / trace.church 🎧 Listen to the Trace Podcast: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/prof...⸻🚶‍♂️ TAKE YOUR NEXT STEP✅ Connect with Trace: https://tracechurch.com/next-steps/🙏 Request prayer: https://tracechurch.com/need-prayer/💸 Give your First and Best: https://tracechurch.com/give/

How should followers of Jesus think about America, freedom, patriotism, and politics?

In this Fourth of July weekend message, Dr. T teaches on biblical citizenship, reminding us that before we are citizens of any nation, we are citizens of the Kingdom of God. Christians are called to love their country, pray for their leaders, seek the good of their communities, and stay deeply surrendered to Jesus.

We salute the flag, but we surrender to the cross.

Scripture References:
Genesis 1:27Deuteronomy 19:15Leviticus 19:15Jeremiah 17:9Romans 3:10Philippians 3:20Jeremiah 29:4-71 Timothy 2:1-21 Peter 2:17Matthew 5:13-16Luke 9:23

In this message from Trace Church, Dr. T teaches on enduring hard seasons through the name Jehovah Nissi, “The Lord is my banner.” Looking at Exodus 17, we see how God met His people in battle, provided help through community, and reminded them that they were not fighting alone.

If you are tired, weary, overwhelmed, or standing in the middle of a season you never expected, this message is a reminder to look up and find the banner. The cross still stands, the tomb is still empty, and Jesus has not left the field.

Scripture References:

Exodus 17:8-16

John 9:1-3

1 Samuel 30

John 10:10

Romans 6:3-4

Hebrews 13:5

Matthew 11:28-30

📍 Trace Church | Colorado SpringsJoin us Sundays at 8:15a | 10:00a | 11:45a | (Mountain Time)Livestream 10:00a MST4330 Mark Dabling Blvd, Colorado SpringsLooking for a church in Colorado Springs?Searching for a Bible-believing, Jesus-centered, Spirit-led church community?You’re welcome here.⸻STAY CONNECTED📌 Subscribe for weekly messages: https://www.youtube.com/@TraceChurch🌐 Visit our website: https://tracechurch.com📘 Like us on Facebook: / tracechurchcos 📸 Follow on Instagram: / trace.church 🎧 Listen to the Trace Podcast: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/prof...⸻🚶‍♂️ TAKE YOUR NEXT STEP✅ Connect with Trace: https://tracechurch.com/next-steps/🙏 Request prayer: https://tracechurch.com/need-prayer/💸 Give your First and Best: https://tracechurch.com/give/⸻📖 ABOUT TRACE CHURCHTrace Church exists to help people find and follow Jesus. From in-person worship in Colorado Springs to online services around the world, we create space for life-changing encounters with God’s Word and His presence. Whether you are exploring faith or looking for a place to grow, there is room for you here.⸻Trace Church Colorado Springs, Sunday church service, Christian church Colorado Springs, Bible believing church, worship service live stream, Jesus centered church, Spirit filled church, church livestream Colorado Springs

In this episode, Pastor Aaron Pennington teaches on the Holy Spirit and the importance of having a balanced, biblical understanding of His role in our lives.

The Holy Spirit seals believers for salvation, convicts us of sin, guides us into truth, glorifies Jesus, and gives gifts to build up the church. Pastor Aaron also talks honestly about unhealthy extremes, spiritual manipulation, and how followers of Jesus can pursue the Spirit’s presence with humility, wisdom, and biblical clarity.

Scripture References: John 16:7-15, Ephesians 1:13-14, Romans 8:9-11, 1 Corinthians 12-14, Acts 2, John 3, Exodus 12.

This message is part of our series, “Tell Me More About…”

Trace Church
Colorado Springs, CO

Have you ever felt spiritually disconnected from God? In this message from Tell Me More About…, Pastor Aaron Pennington teaches on the fear of the Lord and why it matters for every follower of Jesus.

The fear of the Lord is not about being scared of God. It is about living with deep honor, reverence, awe, and love for Him, where we fear being far from Him more than anything else. Through Scripture, Pastor Aaron shows how a healthy fear of the Lord leads us toward wisdom, holiness, repentance, surrender, and a deeper awareness of God’s presence.

Scripture References:
James 4:8
James 4:5-8
Psalm 139:17-18
Proverbs 9:10
Hebrews 1:1-3
Romans 2:4
Matthew 11:28
2 Corinthians 7:1
Hebrews 12:28-29
Psalm 25:11-14