John Swadley | Luke 16:11

What if the way we handle our money is actually a spiritual test? This powerful message from Luke 16:11 challenges us to see that God uses our relationship with money as a measure of our spiritual maturity. When we align our financial lives with God's word, we experience not just financial freedom but spiritual breakthrough. The reminder that God is 'Mr. French Fry'—that everything we have comes from Him and belongs to Him—puts our whole relationship with money in perspective. This isn't about legalism or guilt; it's about trusting that the One who created us knows the best way for us to live, even in our checkbooks and bank accounts.

John Swadley | 1 Timothy 6:5-11

We live in a culture that constantly whispers a seductive lie: just one more purchase, one more upgrade, one more happy meal will finally satisfy us. This message explores the profound wisdom found in 1 Timothy 6:6-11, where Paul presents us with two radically different paths for our financial lives. The challenge before us isn't about guilt over having nice things—God provides richly for our enjoyment—but about what we're actually pursuing. Are we chasing after the next big purchase, or are we chasing after God? This isn't just financial wisdom; it's a spiritual awakening to the reality that contentment isn't found in our bank accounts but in our relationship with the One who owns everything.

John Swadley | Luke 12:13-21

This powerful teaching from Luke 12:13-21 challenges us to radically rethink our relationship with money and possessions. When someone asks Jesus to settle an inheritance dispute, He responds not with legal advice but with a warning about greed—revealing that our real problem isn't getting our fair share, but understanding why we have what we already possess. Jesus calls us to become 'rich toward God,' storing up treasure in heaven by sharing our extra with those in need. This isn't about guilt or deprivation—it's about freedom. When we stop chasing the world's definition of success and start living by kingdom principles, we discover that our self-worth doesn't equal our net worth. We break free from the exhausting rat race and find purpose in generosity. The challenge before us is clear: will we save carefully and give sparingly, or will we be rich toward God first, save for our future second, and live joyfully off the rest?

John Swadley | 1 Chronicles 29:10-12

This powerful message confronts one of the most pervasive myths that quietly undermines our spiritual and financial well-being: the belief that we actually own anything. Drawing from King David's prayer in 1 Chronicles 29, we're invited to embrace a radical truth—everything in heaven and earth belongs to God. Not just the tithe, not just what we give to church, but literally everything. The message challenges us with a simple but transformative exercise: looking at everything we have through fresh eyes, acknowledging that this is God's house, God's income, God's possessions entrusted to our care. This perspective doesn't just change how we handle money—it transforms our relationship with God himself.

John Swadley | Matthew 6:19-21

This message confronts one of the most uncomfortable yet transformative areas of our spiritual lives: our relationship with money. Drawing from Jesus' teaching in Matthew 6:19-21, we're challenged to recognize that our financial decisions are fundamentally spiritual decisions. The call isn't to earn more money but to surrender more fully to Jesus, recognizing that everything we have belongs to Him anyway. When we track where our money goes, we discover where our hearts have wandered, and that awareness becomes the first step toward financial and spiritual freedom.

John Swadley | Mark 4:35

What happens when God calls us to cross over to 'the other side'—to reach people we've been taught to fear or avoid? In Mark chapter 4, Jesus drops a bombshell on His disciples: 'Let us go over to the other side.' This wasn't just a geographical journey across the Sea of Galilee; it was a mission into enemy territory, where everything they believed about God's love would be challenged and expanded. The disciples faced storms, demons, and their own prejudices, yet Jesus remained steadfast in His mission. As we step into a new year, we're challenged to examine our own 'other sides'—the people we've written off, the places we've avoided, the stories we've been too afraid to share. Are we willing to get in the boat when Jesus says it's time to cross over? Are we ready to let go of our comfortable circles and embrace God's heart for the whole world?

John Swadley | Luke 2:8-20

This powerful Christmas message reminds us that the first Nativity wasn't about being home with family—it was about coming home to God. Through the familiar story in Luke 2 of shepherds in the fields, we discover three compelling reasons to return to our heavenly Father this Christmas season. We're invited to understand that Jesus left His home in heaven so we could come home to God, not just for Christmas, but forever.