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.

May 5, 2025

Speaking Of Life 4023 | A Different Sort of Power

There is no shortage of examples, today and in history, of individuals using their influence and power to control and harm others. But Jesus’ power is different. Jesus displayed his power by laying down his life and overcoming evil with truth, love, and light. His name is above any other name!

May 4, 2025

Clothed in White Robes

Text: Revelation 7:9-17
Pastor Steve Schantz
  Last week in worship we heard from Dr. Dan Rogers as we turned to the book of Revelation chapter 5 and saw with John this panoramic vision of God’s throne room. We observed the central act of worship that was being offered by three concentric circles of worshipers: the twenty-four elders, the four creatures, and the multitude of angels. We took note that the first two circles were praising the Father. And with the addition of the angels, this same worship was attributed to Jesus, the One who was found worthy to open the scroll. After this, another circle was added that was made up of “every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them”.   We will continue in the book of Revelation tomorrow picking up the text in chapter 7, verses 9-17. Revelation 7:9-17 NRSVUE
April 28, 2025

Speaking of Life 4022 | The Great Disruptors

Jesus invites us to participate in his upside-down kingdom. He disrupts our broken systems, takes us out of our comfort zones, and ushers in peace while healing our broken world.

April 21, 2025

Easter Sunday—The Joy of His Salvation

Rejoice! Christ is risen! This Easter, we celebrate the victory of Jesus over death, the joy of salvation, and the promise that God is making all things new.

Voiceover by: Mike Rasmussen – Surrey Hills, Oklahoma, US

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

April 20, 2025

Did Jesus Really Rise from the Dead

Text: 1 Corinthians 15:3-10
Pastor Steve Schantz
We live in an increasingly disillusioned world…A world in which false narratives often carry as much weight as the truth, and sometimes more! Christians encounter resistance to a way of life as well as the foundational pillars of truth that undergird that way of life. We live in a skeptical environment. Today marks perhaps the most important pillar of our faith in the living God… The resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. But how do we answer those who resist this miracle? What if ALL of Christianity rests on the reality of Jesus’ resurrection?
April 19, 2025

Good Friday—Jesus’ Humble Self-Offering

On this Good Friday, we remember the deep, selfless love of Jesus—His willing sacrifice to bear our burdens, set us free, and draw us into the arms of a loving God forever.

Voiceover by: Julie Frantz – Cincinnati, Ohio, US

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

April 14, 2025

Liturgy of the Passion

Jesus turned His face to Jerusalem, walking the path of suffering and love to fulfill God’s promise of redemption—may we follow Him with trust and gratitude this Palm Sunday.

Voiceover by: Tommie Grant – Ladson, South Carolina, US

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