Sermon by Pastor Brent Snook / Jan 18, 2026

Text: 1 Samuel 17

Introduction

Every believer faces a battle.
Most of us have a “Goliath”:
- Fear, addiction, lust, failure, depression.
Giants do not simply disappear — they must be faced

I. The Advantage of the Giant

The battle took place in the Valley of Elah

(1 Samuel 17:1).
Goliath’s physical advantage:
- His size and armor inspired fear
  
  (1 Samuel 17:4–7).
Goliath issued a daily challenge

(1 Samuel 17:8–9, 16).
Israel’s response:
- Fear and paralysis
  
  (1 Samuel 17:11).

Truth:

Giants often come day and night and will not go away on their own.

II. The Attitude Toward the Giant

David saw the same giant — but with a different perspective

(1 Samuel 17:25–26).
Israel focused on Goliath’s size.
David focused on God’s covenant and God’s name.
Goliath was uncircumcised — outside God’s covenant

(1 Samuel 17:26).

Key Contrast:

Israel saw Goliath.
David saw God.
Courage grows when God becomes bigger than the giant.
Even faithful obedience can be met with opposition

(1 Samuel 17:28).

III. The Action Toward the Giant

David refused to fight with Saul’s armor

(1 Samuel 17:32–33, 38–39).
God’s battles cannot be won with someone else’s armor.
David acted in faith using what God had already given him.

A. David Acted on What He

God had delivered David before

(1 Samuel 17:34–35).
Past victories built present faith.

Principle:

Remember victories, not defeats.

B. David Acted on What He

David approached Goliath with confidence in God’s name

(1 Samuel 17:40, 42–43).
David declared victory in the name of the Lord

(1 Samuel 17:45–47).
“The Lord of hosts” = Jehovah-Tsaba, the Lord our .

Perspective Shift:

To Saul: Goliath was too big to hit.
To David: Goliath was too big to miss.

The Victory

David ran toward the giant by faith

(1 Samuel 17:49–50).
God used what David placed in His hands.
Israel’s fear turned into victory.

Conclusion

David asked the defining question:

“Is there not a cause?”

(1 Samuel 17:29).
God calls His people off the mountainside and into the valley.
Giants are defeated in the name of Jehovah-Tsaba.

Bold Prayers to a Big God

Sermon by Pastor Tim Block / Jan 11, 2026

Series: Pray First

Text: Ephesians 3:20–21

Big Idea: Pray bold prayers to a big God.

God Has a Proven Track Record

God is faithful, good, powerful, and wise
Prayer is an invitation for God to work in our lives
Our confidence in prayer flows from who God is, not who we are

Key Scripture:

Ephesians 3:20–21

God’s Definition vs. Cultural Definition

Culture defines greatness as:
- Money, success, power, fame, beauty
Jesus defines greatness as:
- Serving instead of authority
- Contentment instead of riches
- Risk instead of comfort
- Sacrifice instead of convenience
- Giving instead of getting
- Character instead of outward beauty

God’s Power in Prayer

God is able to do anything
Nothing is too hard for Him
Bold prayers are a response to a great God

Key Scripture:

Ephesians 3:20

“Exceeding Abundantly Above All”

God’s ways and thoughts are higher than ours
God’s answers may differ from our desires, plans, or expectations
Trust is required when God’s “better” feels difficult

Key Scriptures:

Ephesians 3:20
Isaiah 55:8–9

Bold Prayer #1:

“God, I Trust You”

Trust God even when His plan involves waiting, difficulty, or suffering
Trust grows when God’s work does not align with personal desires

God’s Transforming Work

God’s power enables believers to:

Live with humility and unity (Ephesians 4:1–6)
Use spiritual gifts for the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:7–16)
Walk in new life in Christ (Ephesians 4:17–24)
Speak in God-honoring ways (Ephesians 4:25–29)
Live with kindness, forgiveness, and love (Ephesians 4:30–32)

Bold Prayer #2:

“God, Change Me”

God’s power brings real transformation
Change is possible through Christ
God works in sanctification, restoration, and spiritual growth

Bold Prayer #3:

“God, Use My Life for Your Glory”

The ultimate goal of prayer is God’s glory
God is glorified through the church and through Jesus Christ
Our lives are meant to point others to Christ

Key Scripture:

Ephesians 3:21

Grace, Mercy & Restoration

Sermon by Pastor Jeff Moss / Jan 4, 2026

Text: Joel 1-2

I. JOY LOST

(Joel 1:12) “ The vine is dried up, and the fig tree languisheth; the pomegranate tree, the palm tree also, and the apple tree, even all the trees of the field, are withered: because joy is withered away from the sons of men.”

Desolation
Despair

II. MERCY OFFERED

(Joel 2:12-13) “ Therefore also now, saith the LORD, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning: And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil.”

Return Genuinely
Receive Forgiveness

The Devil says, “you can’t” because of what you did, God says “you can” because of who He is!

III. LOSS RESTORED

(Joel 2:25) “And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpiller, and the palmerworm, my great army which I sent among you.”

Despair turned to Rejoicing
Desolation returned to Plenty

The Light of Jesus

Christmas Eve Message by Pastor Brent Snook / Dec 24, 2025

“We need to let the joy of the Lord shine through us with evangelistic power”

Examples in the Bible:

Zacharias (Luke 1:79)
Simeon
The Angel of the Lord (Luke 2:9)
The Wise Men
The Baby in the Manger (John 1:4-5)
Jesus (John 8:12)

When the light of Jesus illumines our hearts and brightens our lives, we will want to take the Gospel to others as well.

The Good News of Christmas

Sermon by Pastor Brent Snook / Dec 21, 2025

Text: Luke 2:10–14

Introduction

At Christmas, people often miss what matters most: the Savior was born.

I. The Gospel Is Good News Because It

“Fear not” (Luke 2:10)

A. The Good News Soothes in

God ended a period of silence and darkness (Galatians 4:4).
The Gospel brings light into fear-filled lives.

B. The Good News Soothes in

Simeon trusted God’s promise and faced death in peace
(Luke 2:29).
The Gospel removes fear of death, loss, and judgment.

II. The Gospel Is Good News Because It

“Good tidings of great joy” (Luke 2:10)

The world seeks joy in money, fame, and power — but remains empty.
True and lasting joy is found only in Christ.

III. The Gospel Is Good News Because of Its

“Which shall be to all people” (Luke 2:10)

Salvation is offered to everyone:
- God loves the world (John 3:16).
- Christ died for the sins of the whole world
  (1 John 2:2).
- Jesus tasted death for every person
  (Hebrews 2:9).
- God gave His Son for us all (Romans 8:32).

IV. The Gospel Is Good News Because of Its

“Unto you” (Luke 2:11)

The Gospel is personal and individual.
Christ values each person:
- The woman at the well.
- Nicodemus.
- The healing of one man after 38 years.
- The parables of the lost sheep, coin, and son
  (Luke 15).

V. The Gospel Is Good News Because of Its

“A Savior is born” (Luke 2:11)

All people are lost and need salvation
(Romans 3:23).
Humanity’s problem is sin — requiring a Savior.
Jesus came as a substitute, shedding His blood for sin.

Conclusion

The Gospel is good news because:
1. It soothes fear.
2. It satisfies the soul.
3. It is for all people.
4. It is personal — “unto you.”
5. It proclaims a Savior.

Perplexing Questions About Heaven

The Hope of Heaven Series

Sermon by Pastor Brent Snook / Dec 7, 2025

Introduction

We continue our series: “The Hope of Heaven.”
Today’s message explores several perplexing questions about heaven.
Our goal: clarity, comfort, and confidence in God’s promises.

1. What Happens to Infants and Small Children Who Die Prematurely?

A. The of God

God is compassionate and just (Psalm 86:15).
Adults are accountable for creation’s testimony (Romans 1), but children are not.
Israel’s example shows God distinguishes between adults and children (Deuteronomy 1:39).

B. The of the Savior

Jesus does not desire that any child perish (Matthew 18:14).
Infants, miscarried babies, aborted babies, and those unable to understand are received into heaven.

C. The of David

David said of his child: “I shall go to him” (2 Samuel 12:23).
Believers can expect to see their children again.

2. Will Heaven Be Boring?

A. Is Boring?

God is the source of joy (Psalm 16:11).
Heaven reflects His creativity and goodness.

“Our belief that heaven will be boring
portrays a heresy that God is boring.
There is no greater nonsense. Our desire
for pleasure and the experience of joy
come directly from God’s hands. He
made our taste buds, adrenaline, desire
for pleasure.

Likewise, our imaginations and capacity
for joy and exhilaration were made by the
very God we accuse of being boring. Are
we so arrogant that we imagine that
human beings came up with the idea of
having fun?” – Randy Alcorn

B. Are Boring?

Perfect fellowship with the redeemed (Hebrews 12:22–23).
No conflict, dishonesty, or manipulation.

C. Will Our Be Boring?

Believers serve God joyfully (Matthew 25:21).
Heaven fulfills the longing of believers (Romans 8:22–23).

3. Will There Be Animals in Heaven?

God created and values animals (Genesis 6:19; Proverbs 12:10).
Animals were present in Eden, in the Ark, and at Christ’s birth.
Likely presence of animals in God’s renewed creation.

4. Will There Be Marriage in Heaven?

Earthly marriage will not continue in heaven (Matthew 22:30).
Marriage points to Christ and the believer.
Relationships in heaven will be deeper and free from sorrow.

5. Do People in Heaven Now See What Happens on Earth?

Possible heavenly awareness (Hebrews 12:1).
Joy in heaven when someone is saved (Luke 15:10).
The redeemed may celebrate earthly victories.

Conclusion

Heaven is real — joyful, relational, purposeful, and full of God’s glory.
The greatest question: Are you prepared for eternity?

What Precedes Heaven

Sermon by Pastor Brent Snook / Nov 30, 2025

Series: The Hope of Heaven

Main text: Revelation 20:1–10

Revelation 20: The calm after the storm (see timeline)

Three interpretations regarding the Millennium

Amillennialism: the Millennium is pure symbolism
Post Millennialism: Jesus will come after the Millennium.
Pre Millennialism: Jesus must come before the church can enjoy a thousand years of peace on earth

I. SATAN RESTRAINED (Revelation 20:1–3)

A. The Bound (Rev 20:1-2)

1 Peter 5:8 – “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.”

B. The when Satan is Bound

C. The where Satan is Bound (Rev 20:3)

D. The for which Satan is Bound

II. THE SAVIOR’S REIGN

How the Millennium Begins

• Jesus returns physically to earth.

Zechariah 14:4 – His feet stand on the Mount of Olives.

Acts 1:11 – He will return in the same manner He left.

A. of His Reign

Jeremiah 23:5 – A righteous King will rule with justice.

B. of His Reign

• Curse on creation lifted.

Isaiah 35:1 – “The desert shall… blossom as the rose.”

• Harmony in the animal kingdom (Isaiah 11:6–7).

• No sickness (Isaiah 33:24).

• No crime, war, or fear.

Isaiah 2:4 – “They shall beat their swords into plowshares…”

• Righteousness reigns; Satan removed.

III. THE SAINTS’ ROLE (Revelation 20:4–6)

A. of the Saints

2 groups will reign with Jesus:

The saints who have come back with the Lord (1 Corinthians 6:2–3)
Those beheaded for their witness (Rev 20:4)

B. of the Saints

Read Rev 20:5, 20:6, 20:14-15

IV. SINNERS REBEL (Revelation 20:7–9)

A. of Rebels (Rev 20:9)

B. of the Devil

Revelation 20:10 – Satan cast into the lake of fire forever.

Matthew 25:41 – The lake of fire was prepared for the devil.

CONCLUSION

If we believe these truths, they should produce:

1. Anticipation — Matthew 24:44.

2. Evangelism — urgency to reach others.

3. Examination — 2 Corinthians 13:5 “Examine yourselves…”

The Promise of Rewards in Heaven

Series: The Hope of Heaven

Sermon by Pastor Brent Snook / Nov 23, 2025

Main Text: II Corinthians 5:10

I. PICTURE OF THE JUDGMENT SEAT OF CHRIST

– Judgment Seat = “Bema” (Raised platform for judgments)

– Examples:

• Herod Agrippa – Acts 12

• Paul – Corinth

• Grecian Games platform for rewarding victors

II. PEOPLE OF THE JUDGMENT SEAT OF CHRIST

– “We” (Believers) – 2 Corinthians 5

– All believers reviewed; unbelievers judged at Great White Throne (Revelation 20:11–15)

III. PURPOSE OF THE JUDGMENT SEAT OF CHRIST

– Not guilt or innocence—settled at Calvary

– Evaluation of service, faithfulness, obedience

IV. PROVOCATION FOR THE JUDGMENT SEAT OF CHRIST

A. Reason (v.9)

– To be “well pleasing” to Christ

B. Reason (v.11)

– Awareness of unbelievers’ judgment compels evangelism

– Acts 20:31; Romans 10:1; Romans 9:3

C. Reason (v.14)

– Christ’s love constrains us

FIVE CROWNS GIVEN

1. Crown – I Corinthians 9:25–27 (Discipline & victory over the flesh)

2. Crown of – I Thessalonians 2:19 (Soulwinner’s crown)

3. Crown of – II Timothy 4:7–8 (Loving Christ’s appearing)

4. Crown of – James 1:12 (Faithfulness under trial; persecution)

5. Crown of – I Peter 5:4 (Faithful shepherds/pastors)

Conclusion:

– Christ’s love motivates service.

– One day crowns will be cast before Him in worship.

The Praise in Heaven

Sermon by Pastor Brent Snook / Nov 9, 2025

Series: The Hope of Heaven

Text: Revelation 4–5

Introduction

In Heaven, praise will remain forever:

• No more need for prayer – we’ll be in God’s presence.

• No more need for preaching – truth will be complete.

• But praise will continue for all eternity.

Our goal now: prepare ourselves to worship in Heaven.

I. The Person on the Throne — Revelation 4:2–3

“Throne” = God’s sovereignty, authority, and control (mentioned 46 times in Revelation).

Even when life seems out of control—God reigns:

• Personal struggles (family, health, finances).

• World crises (wars, disease, nations in turmoil).

Two types of stone mentioned to represent the Throne:

• Jasper (clear as crystal): His and all-consuming .

• Sardine stone (red): The work of Christ; the blood sacrifice

Describing God is like describing the wind—you can’t see Him, but you see His impact.

II. The People Around the Throne — Revelation 4:4, 9–11

• 24 Elders: Represent all the redeemed—12 tribes (O.T.) + 12 apostles (N.T.).

• 4 Living Creatures: Angelic beings full of discernment.

Their example: continual worship and casting crowns before God.

Our goal on earth: to begin worshipping like Heaven’s saints.

III. The Praise Unto the Throne — Revelation 4:9–11; 5:9–14

Angels and saints together worship the Lamb in a crescendo of worship:

• Revelation 1:6 – Twofold: glory and dominion.

• Revelation 4:11 – Threefold: glory, honor, power.

• Revelation 5:13 – Fourfold: blessing, honor, glory, power.

• Revelation 7:12 – Sevenfold: blessing, glory, wisdom, thanksgiving, honor, power, might.

Several reasons why Jesus is worthy:

1. Because of – He made all things (Rev. 4:11).

2. Because of the – He has prevailed (Rev. 5:5).

3. Because of – He redeemed us with His blood (Rev. 5:9).

“You’re mine because I made you, and you’re mine because I bought you.”

IV. Four Things I Can Learn About Worship

1. Worship is about the – God is the center of it all. True worship focuses on who He is and what He’s done.

2. Worship is about – Fix your eyes on Heaven. (Colossians 3:1–3)

3. Worship is about the – Present troubles prepare eternal glory. (2 Corinthians 4:16–18)

4. Worship is about – We worship together as the body of Christ. (Revelation 5:11–12; 19:6)

Conclusion

Psalm 16:11 – “In Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”

“When we’ve been there ten thousand years… we’ve no less days to sing God’s praise than when we first begun.”

A Portrait of the Heavenly City

Sermon by Pastor Brent Snook / Nov 2, 2025

Series: The Hope of Heaven

Bible text: Revelation 21

Introduction

Earthly cities—no matter how great—cannot compare with the city God is preparing for His children.
The “New Jerusalem” is a real, physical city where God and His people will dwell forever
Read Revelation 3:12; Revelation 21:2
During the Millennium, the city will hover above the earth; in the eternal state, it will rest on the renewed earth as the center of eternal life.

I. The Dimensions of the City – Revelation 21:15–16

The city is a perfect cube, measuring 1,500 miles in length, width, and height — large enough for all believers of all time.
Estimated to hold billions of people comfortably.
The design reflects the Holy of Holies, also a cube (1 Kings 6:20), emphasizing God’s eternal presence with His people (Revelation 21:3).

II. The Description of the City

A. The Holy City – Revelation 21:2

A city entirely without sin, corruption, or deceit — holy because everyone in it will be holy.
Only those cleansed by the blood of Jesus Christ will enter

“A holy city will be one in which no lie will be uttered in 100 million years, no evil word will ever be spoken. No shady business deals will ever be discussed, no unclean picture will ever be seen, no corruption of life will ever be manifest. It will be holy because everyone in it will be holy.” Wycliffe Bible Commentary

B. The Freedom from Pain – Revelation 21:4

“God shall wipe away all tears.”
No more sorrow, pain, regret, or death; even painful memories will be gone.

C. The Pearly Gates – Revelation 21:12, 17–18, 21

Twelve gates inscribed with the names of Israel’s tribes.
Each gate is made of a single pearl, reminding us that entry into heaven was bought through Christ’s suffering.

D. The Foundations of Precious Stones – Revelation 21:19–20

Twelve foundation layers of dazzling gemstones (jasper, sapphire, emerald, amethyst, etc.), symbolizing eternal beauty and glory.

E. The Streets of Gold – Revelation 21:21

Transparent golden streets reflect the glory of God.
In heaven, believers will walk forever in perfect fellowship and obedience with Him.

F. The Lamb Is the Light – Revelation 21:23; Isaiah 60:19

No sun or moon—the Lamb (Jesus Christ) is its light.
The entire city radiates with the glory of God (1 Corinthians 2:9).

G. The River of Life – Revelation 22:1–2

A River in Scripture symbolizes 2 things:
1. Pleasure – Psalm 36:8
2. Prosperity – Psalm 1:3
Life in God’s city will be full of purity, pleasure, and abundance.

III. The Denial to the City – Revelation 21:8, 27

Not everyone will enter heaven.
Those who live unrepentantly in sin will be cast into the lake of fire.
Entry is reserved for those whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.
Our mission: to be Christ’s ambassadors, pointing others toward heaven (2 Corinthians 5:20).

Conclusion

Heaven is real — a prepared place for a prepared people.
As Adrian Rogers said, believers are not on “death row,” but “life row” (John 11:26).
If you want to be glory-bound, you must first be glory-born through faith in Jesus Christ.