Control is our defense mechanism. It’s a natural response when life feels out of control. Who or what are you trying to control? What if, instead of returning to your natural response you turned to something supernatural: trust over control? When we learn to trust God instead of leaning on our own understanding we find joy. We see this in the life of Joseph. Full surrender allows us to experience forgiveness, gratitude, and an eternal perspective.

We all face failure, but what if our failures could be the starting point of something redemptive? In this message, we explore how to respond when failure threatens to derail our lives. Whether it’s failure by comparison, risk, poor choices, or sin, God can redeem it all. As we confess, turn to Him, receive His grace, and walk in freedom, our story becomes a testimony of His power to redeem anything.

We all have experienced loneliness in our lives. We long to be known, accepted, and truly connected. But loneliness isn’t the absence of people, it’s the absence of connection. We often separate our desires from our faith, our identity from our worth, and our trials from our purpose. We chase fulfillment apart from God, hoping that something or someone will satisfy us. But not only do we have a God who sees our loneliness, we have a Savior who understands. The cure for loneliness isn’t more people, it’s a deeper connection with God and with others who draw us closer to Him.

Darkness and suffering can trap us in a draining loop of “what if,” but hope and the radical acceptance of “what is” offers the way out. Hope is not a fixed point we will reach, but a living force that propels us forward. Through hardship we are formed anew, and in our suffering, Jesus brings forth a new creation. Good things are happening even in the darkness.

Happy Mother’s Day! Today we celebrate all the women in our lives, those who have nurtured, led, and loved us deeply. We honor the heart of a mother, a heart that reflects Jesus. Whether biological or spiritual, moms carry superpowers of love. They see the unseen, make space for the lost, and take risks for the defenseless. Many mothers battle mom guilt, feeling they fall short. But true freedom comes when we receive Jesus’ love. We aren’t empowered by expectations from the world, but by the spirit of God.

Anxiety and fear are real responses, but they are meant to counsel us, not imprison us. In His own suffering, Jesus showed that surrender brings strength and that anxious thoughts can point us to our deepest longings to feel significant, accepted, and secure. But these needs are fully met in Christ. When we reframe our life’s telos around Him, anxiety becomes a doorway to deeper trust, joy, and freedom.

Is something currently testing your faith? Are you struggling with difficult relationships? Being offended and angry with difficult people is inevitable but living offended and angered by difficult people is a choice. This sermon introduces our study on trials and how they test our faith, especially through difficult relationships. Pastor Scott reminds us that trials are normal, can be a source of joy, and can transform us by building steadfastness in our lives.

Responses have consequences. This is true in all areas of life but especially true as we consider the resurrection. When we look at Scripture we see a variety of responses to the truth that Jesus rose from the dead. Some people said, "no way," viewing the resurrection of Jesus as an idle tale. Others marveled that Jesus was alive and went back to their old way of life. Some allowed this truth to change them and responded, "now what." When the truth of the resurrection changes us we have a living hope that will transform every area of our lives. Jesus said "I am the resurrection and the life." Do you believe that true life is found in Jesus?