The answer might surprise you. While church attendance does not save you, Jesus made clear in Matthew 16:18 that the church matters deeply to him, so much so that he gave his life for it.

The church is not a building or a club. It is a family. And just like a coal removed from a fire grows cold, a Christian disconnected from a church family will wither spiritually. God designed us to grow together, use our gifts together, and belong to something far bigger than ourselves.

As Hebrews 10:25 reminds us, we are not to neglect meeting together, especially now. If you have been going it alone, today is the day to find your church family. We would love for that to be The Journey.

In Matthew 28, Jesus gives us the Great Commission: not just A mission, but THE mission. He has ALL authority. He's calling us to reach ALL nations with ALL truth. And here's the game-changer: He promises to be with us ALWAYS. Even when we feel unqualified, even when we hesitate like those first disciples, Jesus says "I'm with you."

You're not just living for a paycheck or going through the motions. God has strategically placed you in your workplace, neighborhood, school, and relationships for a purpose. Your platform isn't random; it's intentional. Prayer, care, share. That's how we make eternal impact right where we are.

The disciples worshiped, but some doubted. Sound familiar? Yet Jesus still chose them. He's choosing you too. There's been no funeral for God, only resurrection. So let's get in the huddle and run the play He's calling.

Waiting seasons can feel endless, whether it's a relationship, career, health, or finances. But what if these seasons aren't roadblocks, but opportunities for growth?

This week, special guest Adam Bishop reminds us that God is GOOD to those who wait for Him (Lamentations 3:25). We serve a God who acts on our behalf, even when we can't see what He's doing. The key isn't avoiding seasons of waiting: it's learning to wait WELL.

Don't let waiting rob you of your worship, joy, or contentment. Choose faith over feelings. Remember: progress is happening even when you can't see it, because God is working behind the scenes in ways you could never orchestrate yourself.

True faith is "confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see" (Hebrews 11:1). Your breakthrough is coming. Keep moving forward with God.

This Sunday, we wrapped up our God on Film series by exploring Spider-Man's famous mantra: "With great power comes great responsibility." But here's the truth: you are God's masterpiece (Ephesians 2:10), and the Holy Spirit has already equipped you with supernatural gifts. The question isn't whether you have power. It's whether you're using it.

Too many Christians sit on the sidelines, never releasing what God placed within them. Your greatest superpower isn't your ability: it's your availability. When you step into serving others, everything changes. You discover joy, purpose, and the life you were created for.

Ready to find your place to serve? There's a ministry team with your name on it. Let's get you plugged in and watch God do infinitely more than you could ask or think!

Life is a journey filled with obstacles that can knock us off course: spiritual apathy, unrelenting problems, instant gratification, worldly lies, difficult decisions, and anxious souls. But God hasn't left us to navigate alone.

Just like Odysseus faced challenges on his journey home, we face obstacles that threaten to shipwreck our faith. The good news? God provides solutions for every struggle: spiritual disciplines to awaken us, unshakable faith through prayer, self-control over temptation, biblical truth to counter lies, surrendering to God's will, and the promise of eternal joy.

Hebrews 12:1-2 reminds us to "strip off every weight that slows us down" and "run with endurance the race God has set before us" by keeping our eyes on Jesus. This world isn't our permanent home. We're journeying toward something far greater than we can imagine.

Feeling digitally drained? You're not alone. Recent studies show we receive over 200 notifications daily, and our attention span has dropped to just 8 seconds. No wonder our souls are exhausted!

Jesus offers something different: "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28). True rest doesn't come from unplugging alone. It comes from surrendering our lives to God. When we shift from constant scrolling to Scripture, from anxiety to prayer, we discover the peace our hearts have been craving.

What if you replaced morning scrolling with Scripture? What if you set phone-free times during meals? Small shifts create space for God's peace. Remember: "Be still and know that I am God." (Psalm 46:10)

What monster are you facing today? A health crisis? Financial pressure? A broken relationship? Fear that keeps you awake at night?

Just like the disciples in the storm on the Sea of Galilee, we often panic when life feels out of control. But here's the truth: Jesus was in the boat with them the whole time. He's in your boat too.

In Matthew 8, Jesus asked His terrified disciples a powerful question: "Why are you afraid?" The real issue wasn't the storm: it was their lack of trust. When Jesus spoke, the winds and waves obeyed Him instantly. The same Jesus who calmed that storm can calm yours.

God's perfect love drives out fear. Whatever you're facing, you don't have to face it alone. Call out to God, trust Him with your fears, and let Him expand your faith through the storm.

What defines a strong woman of God? It's not found in relationships, roles, or reflections in the mirror, but in your relationship with your Heavenly Father.

This Sunday, we explored Proverbs 31 and discovered five powerful practices: integrity, resilience, compassion, wisdom, and faith. These aren't about trying harder: they're about trusting God to transform you from the inside out. "Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last, but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised." (Proverbs 31:10)

Whether you're holding your family together, carrying hidden burdens, or wondering if you have what it takes, God is saying: "I love you. I created you. And I'm not done working on you yet." Your value isn't based on worldly standards but on being uniquely made, personally known, and specially loved by God.

Men, are you winning the battles that matter most? This Father's Day, we explored the spiritual fights every man faces, and how to claim victory through Christ.

From sexual purity to pride, from anger to apathy, these battles are real. But here's the truth: you don't have to fight alone. Through Jesus, you are complete. Your identity isn't found in what you do or what you have: it's found in what Christ did for you on the cross.

"Thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ," says 1 Corinthians 15:57. Whether you're struggling with temptation, isolation, or comparison, God offers you a fresh start today. Stop fighting FOR victory and start fighting FROM the victory Jesus already won.

We all carry secrets that weigh us down - things like hidden shame, past mistakes, and guilt we're afraid to expose. But here's the truth: God already knows every single one, and He loves you anyway.

This week at The Journey, we explored how our dark secrets lose their power when we bring them into the light before God. Romans 8:1 reminds us: "There is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus." Your identity isn't found in your biggest failure. It's found in Jesus.

When you confess your secrets to God, you experience real freedom. No more hiding. No more shame. Just grace, forgiveness, and a fresh start. If you've been carrying something heavy, today is your day to let it go.

Change is inevitable, but you don't have to face it alone. This week we kicked off our summer series God on Film by exploring how to manage life's unavoidable transitions. Whether you're starting a new job, facing an empty nest, or navigating loss, God promises to walk with you through every season.

The key? Trust Him with your whole heart. As Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us, God's plans for you are good: plans to give you hope and a future, not disaster. When you seek Him during times of change, you'll discover He's using every transition to grow your faith and draw you closer to Him.

Change is inevitable. New jobs, relationships, health challenges, spiritual growth -- we all face seasons of transition. But here's the truth: God uses ALL change for good when we trust Him. Place your trust in God, even when you can't see the outcome.

In a world that says "all roads lead to God," Jesus makes a radically different claim: "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (John 14:6)

This isn't exclusive: it's the most inclusive invitation ever given. Jesus doesn't wait for you to find Him. He pursues you. He understands your pain, fills your emptiness, calms your anxious soul, and covers your sins with His blood. No other faith offers a God who gave everything to rescue you.

You have a choice to make: Is Jesus a liar, a lunatic, or Lord? There's no middle ground. He didn't leave that option open. The cross and the empty tomb demand a response.

If you've never put your faith in Jesus, today is your day. He's the only way to the Father, and He's inviting you home.

Ever caught yourself thinking, "That rule doesn't apply to me"? Whether it's the speed limit, gossip, or God's Word itself, we've all fallen for Satan's oldest lie: "You're the exception."

This Sunday we exposed the dangerous belief that God's Word is optional for us. From the Garden of Eden to today, pride whispers that consequences won't touch us, that we're somehow exempt. But Scripture is clear: "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble" (James 4:6). You will always harvest what you plant (Galatians 6:7).

The truth? We're not God, and we never will be. Real freedom comes when we humbly surrender control, actively repent of our pride, and follow Jesus daily. Don't let pride cost you God's best for your life... or worse, your eternity.

Where do you stand on the morality ladder? Most of us think we're "good enough" for heaven because we're not as bad as others. But here's the truth: God's standard isn't comparison - it's perfection. And that gap between where we are and where we need to be? Only Jesus can bridge it.

This week we tackled one of Satan's most dangerous lies: "At least you're not as bad as them." The reality is, we can't earn our way to heaven through good works or by being better than others. Romans 5:8 reminds us that "God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners."

You're not saved because you're impressive. You're saved because God is love, and He loves YOU. Pride blinds us, but humility opens the door to salvation. Heaven isn't for the self-righteous: it's for those humble enough to admit they need a Savior.

This week we kicked off our new series "Lies Satan Tells" by exposing one of the biggest deceptions, that the focus of life is to be happy. The truth? You were created for something far greater: to know and love God. When you pursue Him first, happiness becomes the natural overflow of that relationship.

Jesus said, "You will know the truth and the truth will set you free" (John 8:32). Stop chasing temporary pleasures that leave you empty. God's purpose isn't your comfort; it's your character. And His plan for you is always better than anything you could plan for yourself.

Satan is a liar, a corrupter, and an accuser, but he's already defeated. Join us as for this series as we learn to detect his lies and walk in the victory Jesus won for you on the cross.

Ever wondered what Jesus would say about ghosts, demons, and the supernatural? This week we tackled one of culture's most confusing topics and discovered the truth that sets us free.

Here's what you need to know: ghosts don't exist, but demons do. You're in a real spiritual battle, but you don't fight alone. The Holy Spirit living in you is greater than any force in this world (1 John 4:4). And here's the best news: Jesus already won the battle on the cross. You don't fight FOR victory; you fight FROM His victory.

Stop looking for truth in horoscopes, TikTok, or Hollywood scripts. Ground yourself in God's Word. Know it. Apply it. Let it be your weapon against the enemy's lies. Because when you know the truth, the truth sets you free (John 8:32).

Your body is sacred real estate: a temple where the Holy Spirit dwells. But are you treating it with the honor it deserves? This Sunday, we tackled one of today's most challenging questions: What would Jesus say about vaping, drinking, and what we put into our bodies?

The truth is powerful: "You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body" (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Every choice about what we consume is an act of worship. The substances that promise happiness often deliver addiction, health problems, and broken relationships instead.

Whether you're considering starting, struggling to stop, or already free, Jesus offers you wisdom, freedom, and abundant life. Don't let anything control you except the Holy Spirit. Choose life today, not just for yourself, but for generations to come.

How many times have you picked up your phone today without even thinking about it? The average person spends over two hours daily scrolling through social media, but what is it really costing us?

This Sunday, we tackled a tough question: What would Jesus say about social media, screen time, and endless scrolling? Jesus said in Matthew 5:8, "God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God." But it's hard to see God when our focus is constantly stolen by screens and notifications.

The truth? Many of us are already addicted, and it's robbing us of peace, joy, and real connection. Jesus offers us a "rich and satisfying life" (John 10:10) -- not a virtual one lived through a 5-inch screen. That's why we're challenging ourselves to a 45-day fast from social media to refocus on what truly matters: God, family, and genuine relationships.

In this message, we tackled a cultural phenomenon that's everywhere: sports betting, gambling, and the lottery. Jesus said, "Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be" (Matthew 6:21). The betting industry promises quick wins, but delivers addiction, debt, and broken families. It's not just a money issue. It's a heart issue.

Here's the truth: Everything we have belongs to God. When we gamble, we're treating His resources with contempt and missing out on the contentment He offers. Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us to "Trust in the Lord with all your heart...and He will show you which path to take."

Stop chasing the myth of "more" and start trusting God with your finances. Real joy isn't found in a winning bet: it's found in faithful living and wise stewardship.

Happy Easter! Today we celebrated the most significant event in human history - Jesus rising from the dead and defeating death forever.

Here's the truth that changes everything. You were created for eternity, not just this temporary life. While we're all on a default path to hell because of sin, Jesus offers us a free gift: eternal life in heaven through faith in Him. Romans 6:23 reminds us, "The wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."

This isn't about being good enough or earning your way to heaven. It's about trusting in Jesus' resurrection and accepting His sacrifice on the cross. If you've never settled where you'll spend eternity, today is your day to get right with God.

Life can feel uncertain, due to finances, relationships, health, and the future. But here's what you can count on: in the end, God prevails. No matter what you're facing today, you don't have to sit on the edge of your seat in anxiety wondering how things will turn out. God has already told us the ending.

Esther discovered that when everything seemed stacked against her, God was working behind the scenes the entire time. Even when an irrevocable order threatened to destroy her people, God's purpose prevailed. That's the same promise available to you today.

This Easter, we celebrate the ultimate proof that God wins: the resurrection of Jesus Christ. He's already overcome sin and death. The victory is won. Your eternity is settled.

Ever feel powerless when life gets uncertain? Like you're drowning in debt, worried about your kids' decisions, or watching conflict dominate the headlines? You're not alone.

Esther's story is about a young woman who faced impossible odds but discovered something life-changing: God's power works best when we stop trying to control everything ourselves. Esther fasted, prayed, and made the courageous choice to obey God completely, even when it meant risking her life. And God showed up in powerful ways behind the scenes.

Here's the truth: "God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God" (Romans 8:28). He's working in your story too, even in the uncertain moments you can't understand. When you call out to God, cultivate spiritual habits like prayer and fasting, and commit to complete obedience, you'll experience His power in ways you never imagined.

Life feels uncertain right now, doesn't it? Financial worries, relationship struggles, questions about the future... sometimes it feels like we're just drifting without an anchor.

This week we started a powerful new series in the book of Esther, and here's the beautiful truth we discovered: God is working behind the scenes even when you can't see it. Esther's story reminds us that our lives are never out of God's control, even when they feel out of ours.

Romans 8:28 promises that "God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose." That includes the hard things you're facing right now. God's providence means He's actively arranging both the good and the bad to accomplish His perfect purposes in your life.

Stop trying to control everything and surrender to the One who's already got you. Esther's incredible story shows how God provides even when it seems there's no way forward.

When your back is against the wall and you're running out of everything, you can be sure that God will show up.

God is Jehovah Jireh: the God who provides. Like Queen Esther facing an impossible choice between her own safety and saving her people, we all face moments of deep uncertainty. But God doesn't leave us empty-handed.

In uncertain times, God provides His promises to steady you, His purpose to steer you, His people to support you, His power to strengthen you, and His presence to sustain you. As Jesus reminds us in Matthew 6:33, when we seek His kingdom first, He gives us everything we need.

Stop trying to figure it all out on your own. Draw near to the God who never runs out of resources, never abandons His children, and is always present to sustain you... even when you can't see the outcome.

We all make commitments to get healthier, but how many of us actually stick with them long-term? This week we wrapped up our Bod for God series with the most important question: How do we sustain these changes for life?

The answer isn't just willpower. It's about understanding that your body was created by God and for God. When you start each day with Him, turn to others for support, identify your commitment killers, create a realistic routine, and keep trusting God when you want to give up, everything changes. As Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, "You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body."

This isn't about perfection. It's about small, steady steps that honor the One who gave everything for you. Don't give up on yourself, and don't give up on God. He's right there with you, ready to give you the strength you need.