August 4, 2025

Speaking of Life 4036 | Not So Buried Treasure

What treasures or valuables do you work to keep safe? Jewelry from a grandparent? Your dream car or home? Or the latest smartphone with all the bells and whistles? Whatever it may be, these things can easily become our idols and distract us from what is important. In Colossians, Paul tells us that we never have to fear losing the true treasure—Christ. The treasure of having a relationship with Jesus is beyond any worldly desire.

August 3, 2025

A Life to Live Out – A Death to Die Out

Text: Colossians 3:1-11
Pastor Steve Schantz
We will conclude our time in the book of Colossians. Over the past two weeks we have heard Paul establish who Jesus is and what he has done for us along with the implications this has for those who put their trust in Christ. Tomorrow’s message from Col 3:1-11 is along the same lines, but Paul becomes more pointed with the things that are meant to die out in us through the death of Christ.
July 28, 2025

Speaking Of Life 4035 | Debt Forgiveness in Christ

In one way or another, most of us have experienced financial debt. Whether it be borrowing money to buy groceries or getting a loan for your education, debt can haunt us. But there is another type of debt that cannot be paid off by any currency, goods, or services. Sin. But through Christ, our debts are completely wiped clean. Through him, we are forgiven and restored, free from all bondage!

July 21, 2025

Speaking of Life 4034 | Mrs. Fidget

Mrs. Fidget from C.S. Lewis’ book, The Four Loves, demonstrated a warped expression of love leaving her supposed “loved ones” miserable. Her “love” was more about love for herself. Have you experienced this? Like Martha and Mary’s story, we sometimes miss what’s important because we are focused on the wrong thing. May we focus on the correct thing, setting our eyes on the One who gave us life. Let us learn to love others as Christ has loved them.

July 20, 2025

Knowing and Proclaiming the Word of God

Text: Colossians 1:15–28
Pastor Steve Schantz
A well written hymn can proclaim God’s word as powerfully as the most elegant of sermons. Perhaps you know of a few hymns that speak to you in that way. A good hymn may have a pleasing tune with a memorable melody, but what makes a hymn great is its words. Today, our text for the sermon begins with a hymn that Paul writes down in his letter to the church in Colossae. And it is a hymn that belongs in the “great” category. So, regardless of the sermon that follows, you are guaranteed to hear at least one great sermon today. Paul doesn’t take long to include a hymn that most likely was known and sung by many in the early church. His letter to the Colossian believers begins with some typical introductory remarks where he names himself, along with Timothy, as the sender, and identifies the recipients as the saints and faithful in Christ at Colossae (Colossians 1:1–2). Then he writes 12 verses expressing his thankfulness for their faith, hope, and love. Paul is thankful because he knows that they have heard and responded to the gospel by the Spirit. On this basis, Paul prays that the Colossian believers will grow to know God more so they can “walk in a manner worthy of the Lord,” a manner likened to “bearing fruit” in all they do. It’s after this introduction, thanksgiving, and prayer that he chooses to include one of the deepest Christological passages of the New Testament. It may have been an early confession of faith set in the form of rhythmical prose. And notably, he transitions from his introduction to this hymn with a reminder that it is Christ who is the center of our salvation and redemption.
July 14, 2025

The Supremacy and Sufficiency of Christ: Colossians

Colossians reminds us that Jesus isn’t just part of the story. He’s the one who holds it all together. His power and love invite us to live free, renewed, and fully alive.

Voiceover by: Lara Olsen – Queensland, Australia

More about the GCI Worship Calendar here: https://www.gci.org/articles/the-churchs-worship-calendar

July 7, 2025

Speaking of Life 4032 | True Boasting

Dealing with sickness can become expensive very quickly. Even for the characters in the Old Testament, health care was expensive and unpredictable. Listen to Greg as he shares the story of Naaman, a prideful man who becomes sick. Eventually, he realizes that there is only one true Healer who can fully restore him inside and out.

July 6, 2025

Sowing in the Spirit and Reaping a Harvest

Text: Galatians 6:7–16
Pastor Steve Schantz
The apostle Paul informs the Galatian church that if they do not give up, they will also reap a harvest. Our pericope today is Galatians 6:7–16. Here Paul urges the believers in Galatia to continue sowing to the Spirit rather than the flesh and to persevere in doing good. In doing so, a bountiful harvest awaits us.
June 30, 2025

Speaking Of Life 4031 │Unseen Footprints

Have you ever been so focused on a problem that you lose sight of everything but your desired solution? Heber reminds us that God’s faithfulness to us in the past can fuel our hope for his goodness to us in the present, even if shows up for us in unexpected ways.

June 29, 2025

The Freedom to be Free

Text: Galatians 5:1–25
Pastor Steve Schantz
The United States (U.S.) will be celebrating the Fourth of July later this week, and it will have been 249 years since July 4, 1776, when the United States of America was born. You might be surprised to learn that in the foundational document of the U.S., the Declaration of Independence, the word “freedom” can’t be found. Instead, you’ll find the word “liberty,” along with “life” and “the pursuit of happiness.” In the years since our nation’s beginning, the word “liberty” has been replaced with “freedom,” which is typically defined by most people as the ability to do what one wants without hindrance. This definition gets us into trouble. Here’s an example from the Fourth of July celebration. Some people want the freedom to set off lots of fireworks in their driveway or yard while others are concerned about safety, noise, or the potential for fire and other property damage. Freedom is one of those words that can’t be experienced in its fullness except in solitude when we attempt to live it as it’s typically defined. Living in community requires a tension to express freedom without jeopardizing the freedom of those around us.
June 23, 2025

Speaking of Life 4030 | The Myth of Isolation

We’ve all experienced moments of loneliness, anxiety, or darkness and doubt, believing we are alone in our journey. The prophet Elijah felt the same way and thought he was the only prophet left. Even when we can’t see the light at the end of the tunnel, God reminds us that he will never leave us.

June 16, 2025

Trinity Sunday—God Is Father, Son, and Spirit

On Trinity Sunday, we’re reminded that God isn’t distant or complicated. The Father, Son, and Spirit invite us to the same love, unity, and connection with each other and the world.

Voiceover by: Timothy Brassell – Baltimore, Maryland, US

June 15, 2025

Don’t Know - No Problem

Text: John 16:12–15
Pastor Steve Schantz
Jesus shares an extended farewell discourse in the last 3 chapters of John’s gospel. In this gospel he has tried to explain for the 5th time to his disciples the benefits of both his departure and the coming of the Holy Spirit – the paraclete. (John 14:16-17, 14:26, 15:26, 16:7-11, 16:12- 15).
June 9, 2025

Pentecost—Holy Spirit, Promise Fulfilled

Pentecost, the day God’s promise was fulfilled. The Holy Spirit came to bring healing, renewal, and the power to share His love with the world.

Voiceover by: Linda Sitterley – River Road, Oregon, US

June 2, 2025

Speaking Of Life 4027 | Living Water

Have you ever felt empty inside? Have you ever felt like life is one problem after another? Even when we feel like we have everything that we need, nothing can satisfy the void that only Jesus can fill. He is the true Living Water that even when we are in our deepest darkest moments in the wilderness, he refreshes our soul and keeps us whole in his loving embrace.

June 1, 2025

Why Should We Trust the Bible?

Text: 1 Pet 1:23-25, 2 Tim 3:16-17
Pastor Steve Schantz
Attacks on the trustworthiness of the Bible are nothing new. Doubting the authenticity of the Cannon of scripture has been going on for centuries. So, it comes as no surprise to us in the 21st century that bashing the Bible is still a popular pastime. Our internet sources are rife with biblical criticism by both named and unnamed ‘experts.
May 26, 2025

Speaking Of Life 4026 | Don’t Settle for Less

Have you ever settled for less in your relationships? Healthy relationships are not easy to maintain and require intentional hard work. David reminds us in the Psalms that our loving Father is inviting us into a relationship with him. Even when we’re tired and ready to give up, he continues to pursue us with love and compassion.

May 19, 2025

Speaking Of Life 4025 | No One Special, Just Chosen

Differences often become excuses for us to exclude and separate. We even do this unconsciously, based on someone’s appearance, language, or outfit. This Easter season, let us be reminded that Jesus invites us into his kingdom, no matter our differences. He came to restore all of humanity with his love and peace!

May 12, 2025

Speaking Of Life 4024 | Not Wanting the Shepherd

Correctly interpreting scripture can be challenging. Yet, like a shepherd, Jesus’ voice guides us when we read the word of God. Even when the world says differently, may we find peace knowing that he is the Good Shepherd who will bring us into the light.