Sunday, January 18, 2026

In Ephesians 2:1–10, Pastor Jon Chasteen reminds of the true story of the gospel: we were not just struggling—we were spiritually dead. The Apostle Paul shows us in Ephesians 2 that real change doesn’t come through effort or self-improvement, but through resurrection. Because God was "rich in mercy and great in love," He made us alive together with Christ, by grace alone. Salvation begins with God’s character, not our performance, and it frees us from guilt, fear, and striving. This grace doesn’t leave us unchanged—it recreates us. We are God’s workmanship, saved not by good works but for them, prepared by God Himself. The gospel moves us from death to life—and into a whole new way of living, walking daily in the freedom and purpose Christ has already secured for us.

Sunday, January 11, 2026

In this message from Ephesians 1:15–23, we see how the apostle Paul prays for real spiritual growth for the church in Ephesus. Paul prays that believers would have their hearts opened to truly know Jesus—His hope, His power, and His authority. We are reminded that spiritual growth is not something we achieve through effort alone, but something God does in us through His Spirit as we trust Him. The same resurrection power that raised Jesus from the dead is at work in every believer today, giving us strength to change and confidence to trust Him. And because Jesus reigns with all authority, we are invited to surrender control and rest in His loving leadership—both in our personal lives and in the church.

Sunday, January 4, 2026

We begin our journey walking verse-by-verse through the book of Ephesians by lifting our eyes from everyday life to the spiritual blessings God has given us in Jesus. Paul opens his letter with praise, reminding believers that our identity and security are rooted not in circumstances, but in Christ. Through Ephesians 1:1–14, we see four incredible blessings: we are adopted into God’s family, fully forgiven through Jesus’ blood, given an eternal inheritance, and sealed by the Holy Spirit. These truths give us deep belonging, lasting hope, and unshakable security. Because we know how the story ends, we can live with confidence and joy today. This message invites us to come to God through faith in Jesus and respond with praise for every spiritual blessing we have in Him.

Sunday, December 28, 2025As we look back on the past year and ahead to a new one, this end-of-year reflection centers on the prayer of Ephesians 3:14–21 and the faithfulness of God. In this devotional message, we pause to “look up out of the fog” of a busy season and give God glory for what He has done. Paul’s prayer reminds us that our strength comes from the Holy Spirit, our motivation must be rooted in the love of Christ, and our faith rests in the God who is able to do far more than we could ask or imagine. Reflecting on the growth, outreach, and lives changed this year at Valley Church, we celebrate God’s work and look forward with hope. As we enter the new year, we are invited to move ahead in God’s strength, grounded in His love, and confident in His power and faithfulness.

*A video of this devotional is available here.

Sunday, December 21, 2025

In this Christmas message from Luke 2:1–21, we are reminded that the birth of Jesus is far more than a sentimental story—it is the arrival of the true King. Luke shows us that Jesus is the promised Davidic King, sent by God at the right time to be our Savior. Yet this King comes not in power or privilege, but in humility—born in a stable, laid in a manger, and destined to suffer for our salvation. Finally, the angelic announcement to shepherds reveals Jesus as the Shepherd-King who came for all people, regardless of background or status. From the powerful to the broken, the religious and the outsider, Jesus offers salvation by grace through faith. The humble, sacrificial King has come—calling us to trust Him and respond in worship. 

Sunday, December 14, 2025

In this Advent message, one of our leaders Gary Merksamer walks us through the birth of John the Baptist in Luke 1. Gary shows us how God’s mercy breaks through silence, doubt, and fear, reminding us that God’s mercy isn’t earned through effort or control—it’s received through surrender. As Elizabeth rejoices over God’s mercy, Zechariah is restored through obedience and praise, and the surrounding community begins to see that God is speaking again. John’s birth points back to God’s covenant promises and forward to the coming of Jesus, the true source of hope and salvation. This message invites us to stop wrestling with God, trust His promises, and rejoice in the tender mercy that has come to us in Christ.

Sunday, December 7, 2025

In this message, Pastor Jacob shows us how God chooses unlikely people to accomplish His Kingdom purposes, just as He chose Mary—a young, ordinary woman from an overlooked town—to bear the promised King, Jesus. We trace the storyline of God’s promises through David, the anticipation of a Messiah, and the announcement delivered by Gabriel that Jesus would be the eternal King whose reign never ends. Throughout the message, we’re invited to consider the kind of heart God uses: not the impressive, but the humble and faith-filled. Mary’s response—“Let it be to me according to your word”—becomes a model for us as we face situations that feel confusing or impossible. The call is clear: servants of King Jesus trust in His plans, surrender fully, and respond to Him in faith.

Sunday, November 30, 2025

In Luke 1:5–25, we meet Zechariah and Elizabeth—an elderly couple who walked faithfully with God yet lived through deep disappointment. After 400 years of divine silence, God breaks in with a stunning announcement: He is still working, still faithful, and still keeping His promises. Through the angel Gabriel, God promises to send someone who would prepare the way for the coming Messiah. Even in Zechariah’s moment of doubt, God remains gracious and moves His mission forward. Pastor Jacob Ambrose reminds us from this passage that God is always working beneath the surface, even when life feels cold, quiet, or confusing. In the silence, in the struggle, and in every season of waiting, God is faithfully shaping His people for His glory and their good.

Sunday, November 23, 2025

In this week’s message from Psalm 67, Pastor Jacob shows that God blesses His people not just for their good, but for His global purpose—that all nations would know Him and worship Him. We first receive God’s blessing in faith: a restored relationship with Him through Jesus. Then we extend that blessing to others, carrying God’s love to our neighbors, to New England, and to the nations. Psalm 67 echoes God’s promise to Abraham and points forward to the vision of Revelation 7, where people from every tribe and language worship the Lamb. As a church, we pray, give, and go so that all people might hear and respond to the gospel and join in the joy of knowing God.

Sunday, November 16, 2025

In this message from 2 Timothy 2:1–7, Pastor Jacob calls our church to embrace God’s mission of multiplying disciples, groups, and churches throughout the Merrimack Valley. Just as the gospel was faithfully passed down to Timothy, we’re invited to pass the baton and entrust the good news to others who will continue the mission. Paul urges Timothy to stay focused like a soldier, disciplined like an athlete, and faithful like a farmer—pictures of a life centered on helping people follow Jesus. We’re reminded that multiplication isn’t optional for a church; it’s essential. And the best way to ensure every man, woman, and child in the Merrimack Valley has multiple opportunities to hear and respond to the gospel is through planting more churches. God is inviting us to join His Mission by following Him and helping others do the same.