This honest, humorous, and challenging message uses a relatable (and slightly painful) story about running to explore a deeper spiritual truth: the race of life. Drawing from Hebrews 12:1-2, we're reminded that there are only a few ways to finish—some don't finish at all, some barely make it, and some finish strong.

Whether you love running or hate it, this message will help you reflect on your spiritual endurance. Are you being distracted? Discouraged? Or are you focused on the finish line?

God's desire isn't just that you cross the line—but that you finish strong. Learn how to run with endurance, stay focused on Jesus, and let go of anything holding you back.

Main Scripture: Hebrews 12:1-2

Theme: Endurance, faith, and finishing well

Bonus: Yes, there's a story about a 5K you won't want to miss.

In Luke 4, Jesus returns to His hometown of Nazareth and steps into the synagogue to read from the scroll of Isaiah. As He reads a well-known messianic passage from Isaiah 61, the room is filled with anticipation. Then comes a stunning moment—Jesus claims that this Scripture is being fulfilled right in front of them. But what's even more surprising is where He stops reading. He leaves out a key phrase that completely shifts how we understand His mission.

This sermon unpacks why Jesus chose that specific passage, what His reading reveals about who He is, and how His words continue to speak to us today. It's a moment that challenges assumptions, redefines expectations, and calls us to see Jesus for who He truly is—the one who brings good news, freedom, and healing to a broken world.

We were never meant to do life alone.

In this powerful message, we continue exploring God's plan for your life—a plan that includes new life, abundant life, and eternal life… but also something we often overlook: shared life. Drawing from Ecclesiastes 4, we see that even King Solomon—one of the wisest, richest, and most powerful men in history—recognized that a life lived in isolation is ultimately meaningless.

God designed us for relationship. He created us to be part of a family, to live in community, and to walk through life together. Whether you're struggling with loneliness or just longing for deeper connection, this message will remind you: Two are better than one.

In this heartfelt and relatable message, Pastor Andrew reflects on the comfort and power of knowing that God has a plan, not just for us individually, but for our families as well.

Through personal stories, childhood dreams of WWE stardom, and the highs and lows of parenting, Andrew reminds us that trying to shape life on our own is like a child making grown-up decisions, messy and uncertain. But God, in His wisdom, invites us into something better: a plan designed for joy, growth, and lasting purpose.

Whether you're a parent, child, or somewhere in between, this message will encourage you to trust God's plan for your family, because it's not always easy, but it is always good.

“What is God's plan for my life?” It's a question we all ask, about our future, our purpose, our relationships. But what if God's plan isn't just about where you'll end up, but about who you're becoming right now?

In this Labor Day weekend message, we continue our series by drilling down into what it means to represent God in the world, and how the clearest way to do that is by looking like Jesus. From John 1 and 1 John 2, we'll explore what Scripture says about transformation, and how becoming more like Christ isn't about one giant leap, but a lifelong journey of small, faithful steps.

If you've ever felt like you're too far from where you “should” be spiritually, this message is for you. Let's talk about where you are, where God wants you to be, and how His grace bridges the gap.

Who you are, and where you are, shape how you live. In this message from 1 Peter 2, we explore the biblical truth that followers of Jesus are called "strangers" and "exiles" in this world. What does that mean for our identity, our behavior, and our mission?

Using everyday examples, from parenting to refereeing soccer, this sermon unpacks how our roles and environments impact our actions. But beyond temporary roles, there's a deeper, foundational identity: you are a representative of God's Kingdom living in a world that's not your home.

What if you had the power to see the future? Would you use it to win the lottery, avoid mistakes, or make the perfect life plan? While we may not have a crystal ball, God does have a plan, and it's bigger and better than we often imagine.

In this sermon, we launch a new series exploring God's will for your life, not just someday in the future, but right now. Beginning in Ephesians 5, we learn that God's plan is not about waiting for a sign or a script, but about living intentionally, with the right perspective, and choosing a path that looks different from the world around us.

- August 17th, 2025 -

In this message, we take a moment to reflect on the heart behind everything we do at The Gathering. From our building expansion to our local generosity and global mission efforts, it all comes back to one thing—helping more people know and follow Jesus. Pastor Steve shares how our identity as a Christ-centered, grace-oriented church fuels our decisions and our vision for the future. Plus, we hear from Dave and Mandy Wagner, missionaries in Okinawa, about how your support is making a global impact for the Kingdom. This is more than a project—this is our purpose.