I’ve Always Wondered… Can Something Block My Prayers?

Series: I’ve Always Wondered…: Real Questions, Biblical Truth

Does sin affect our prayer life? Can the choices we make, the motives behind our prayers, or the things we refuse to surrender hinder our relationship with God?

In this episode, we explore what Scripture teaches about the connection between sin and prayer. From Isaiah’s warning to Israel to James’s call to repentance, we’ll see why God takes sin seriously and why our hearts and motives matter.

But this message isn’t about living in guilt or constantly searching for some hidden sin that might explain an unanswered prayer. It’s about learning to respond honestly when God shows us something that needs to change—and trusting His grace.

Through Jesus, we can approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, receive mercy, and find grace to help us in our time of need.

Key Scriptures (CSB):

• Isaiah 59:1–7
• Psalm 66:18
• Ephesians 5:23, 25
• 1 Peter 3:7
• James 4:3–10
• Hebrews 4:14–16

Key Takeaway: Take sin seriously, take repentance seriously, and take God’s grace seriously. Our hope is not in examining ourselves perfectly. Our hope is in Jesus.

Reflection Question: Is there a sin in my life that I’ve stopped resisting and started excusing?

Remember: When God exposes our sin, He isn’t trying to push us away from Him. He’s inviting us to come back to Him.

When the Tombs Opened | Matthew 27:52–53

In this message from the I’ve Always Wondered… series, we take a closer look at one of the Bible’s most unusual and mysterious passages. Matthew tells us that tombs were opened, many bodies of the saints were raised, and they appeared to many people in Jerusalem.

What are we supposed to do with this strange event? We’ll look carefully at what Matthew actually tells us, what Scripture leaves unanswered, and why this unusual moment ultimately points us back to Jesus.

Scripture: Matthew 27:45–54 Message: When the Tombs Opened

Deacon Ordination — A Biblical Picture of Servant Leadership

In this message from our Deacon Ordination Service, we explore the biblical calling of deacons and what it means to lead through humble, faithful service. As we ordain these men for ministry, we are reminded that biblical leadership begins with a heart willing to serve Christ and His church.

Scripture: Acts 6:1–7; 1 Timothy 3:8–13 Key Theme: Servant leadership is about faithfully serving Christ and His people.

Can someone who has been cremated still be resurrected? What happens to our bodies when we die? And what does the Bible actually mean when it talks about resurrection?

In the first message of I’ve Always Wondered…, we explore 1 Corinthians 15:35–58 and discover that our hope isn't in the condition of our physical remains. Our hope is in Jesus Christ, who conquered death and promises resurrection to those who belong to Him.

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:35–58 Series: I’ve Always Wondered…

Margins — Week 4: A Generous Heart

What does it look like to make room for generosity? In this message, we explore how creating margin in our lives allows us to live with open hands—giving freely of our time, resources, and ourselves because we recognize that everything we have is a gift from God.

Margins: Making Room for What Matters Most.

What if rest isn’t something we have to earn, but a gift God wants us to receive?

In Week 3 of Margins, we explore what it means to create space to slow down, stop, and rest—and how choosing rest can become an act of trust in God.

Margins — Week 3: Rest

Are the people we love getting our best—or simply whatever we have left?

In Week 2 of Margins, we look at what it means to intentionally make room for the people God has placed in our lives: spouses, children, grandchildren, parents, and friends. Ultimately, we look to Jesus, who didn’t give us His leftovers. He gave us Himself.

Main Thought: Don’t give the people you love your leftovers.

Margins — Week 1: The One Thing

In this episode, we explore Luke 10:38–42 and the story of Mary and Martha. In a world filled with distractions, demands, and busyness, Jesus reminds us that not everything deserves our attention. What happens when we make room for the one thing that matters most?