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In this message by Jess Martel, we explore the powerful biblical account of Jacob wrestling with God at the Jabbok River (Genesis 32). Examining Jacob's lifelong pattern of striving, fear, and self-sufficiency, this sermon highlights how God patiently meets us in our vulnerability, breaks our old habits of control, and invites us into a daily relationship of true surrender. Ultimately, just as Jacob received a new name and a transformed identity (Israel), believers are invited to let go of self-reliance and trust God to fight on their behalf.

Back To sunday School -Elijah by Border City Church

In this message, Steve Martel examines the biblical account of Daniel in Babylon and the lion's den. Rather than focusing solely on the dramatic rescue, the sermon highlights the lifelong, everyday faithfulness that prepared Daniel to stand firm against cultural pressure, political traps, and mortal danger. Martel challenges believers to examine their own daily walk, decision-making, and willingness to obey God when it costs them something.

In this message by Bob Steenbergh, the deep-seated historical hostility between the Jews and the Samaritans is explored to highlight how Jesus crossed cultural, social, and moral boundaries. Examining Jesus's intentional journey through Samaria and His encounter with the woman at the well in John 4, the sermon challenges modern divisions, self-righteousness, and prejudice, reminding believers that Jesus came as the Savior of the world and calls His followers to carry their cross daily in reaching the lost.

In this message based on Luke 19, Pastor Steve Martel explores the story of Zacchaeus, emphasizing that true spiritual transformation is a heart change rather than just an external change in behavior or circumstances. Using Zacchaeus's story, the sermon highlights that having wealth and success does not fill the internal void of being separated from God, that we must push past obstacles and pride to truly seek Jesus, and that authentic grace always produces life-changing fruit. Key Takeaways External Changes Aren't Enough: You can change your job, appearance, or environment, but if your heart remains the same, you will carry the same struggles into your new surroundings. Success Does Not Equal Salvation: Having money, status, and material success cannot satisfy the deepest spiritual needs of the human soul. Overcoming Obstacles: Like Zacchaeus climbing the sycamore tree, seeking Jesus requires letting go of pride and the fear of what others might think. The Power of Grace: Jesus goes to the homes of sinners not to condone wrongdoing, but to offer transformative grace that radically alters how a person lives, loves, and gives.

Drawing from the story of Blind Bartimaeus in Mark 10, Pastor Steve Martel explores what it truly means to step out in biblical faith. Before Bartimaeus ever received his physical sight, he made a pivotal choice: he threw off his beggar’s cloak and moved toward Jesus. In this message, Pastor Steve challenges us to examine the "coats" and heavy labels we continue to wear—whether old identities, fear, rejection, failure, guilt, or unforgiveness. True faith doesn't wait for circumstances to change or for the entire path to be clear before taking a step. It is about trusting the voice of Jesus, casting off what belongs to the old life, and moving off the roadside to follow Him with restored vision and purpose.

Drawing from Mark 10:46–52, Pastor Steve Martel explores the story of Bartimaeus to illustrate how moments of ultimate helplessness and desperate prayer draw the immediate attention of Christ.

Face to Face Series When faith Reaches out to Jesus

In this message by Steve Martel, the focus centers on the biblical call for believers to love others not through human strength or emotional limits, but through a deep, transformative connection to Jesus Christ. Emphasizing that love is the soil from which all spiritual fruit grows, the message highlights how authentic Christian love serves as the ultimate witness to a watching world. The sermon explores three key aspects of the church: growing in community and unity through love, serving as faithful stewards of spiritual gifts, and living actively on mission to make Jesus known for the glory of God.

Sermon Title: Beyond Salvation: Walking in the Supernatural Power of Christ Sermon Description: What does it truly mean to "get our act together" as the body of Christ? In this compelling message, Bob Steinberg challenges believers to move past the idea that the Christian walk is just about being saved and waiting for heaven. Grounded firmly in the final authority of Scripture, Bob reminds us that if Christ is in us, He has called each of us to active, powerful ministry. By digging deep into the Word and examining our hearts, we must ask ourselves: If we aren't seeing the supernatural in our lives, why? Bob unpacks the promise of the Father—the pouring out of the Holy Spirit, the gifts, and the signs that should follow those who believe. This message is an urgent call to pursue love, desire spiritual gifts for the edification of the church, and live every single day in expectant prayer, asking: "Lord, what is it you want us to do?" Key Scripture References Mentioned: Proverbs 18:17 (Examining arguments and seeking truth) Acts 2 / Joel 2 (The promise of the Holy Spirit poured out on all flesh) 1 Corinthians 14:1 (Pursuing love and desiring spiritual gifts) James 4:2 (You have not because you ask not)

Too often, we treat the Christian life as a checklist to earn God’s favor rather than a response to the favor He has already given. Preaching from Romans 12, Pastor Steve Martel challenges us to move past performing for God and start surrendering to Him. True worship isn’t just a Sunday song—it’s a daily sacrifice of our minds, bodies, and pride on the altar of His mercy. Discover how real grace changes us from the inside out before it ever uses us to build His kingdom.

The Church was never meant to be a spectator sport. In this message, Pastor Steve Martel breaks down Ephesians 4 and Romans 12 to remind us that every single believer is a uniquely gifted, essential organ in the living body of Christ. When we stop consuming and start contributing our spiritual and leadership gifts, the Church achieves its true goal: spiritual maturity, unity, and a complete revelation of Jesus to the world.

What happens after you accept Christ? God's ultimate desire isn't just to save us, but to transform us into the image of His Son. Steve Martel dives into Ephesians 4, James 1, and Hebrews 5 to show how intentional spiritual growth changes how we weather storms, how we treat others, and how we reflect Jesus to a world that desperately needs Him.

A healthy church doesn't say, "You need to look like me to be here." It says, "We gather around a common Savior." This week, Pastor Steve Martel breaks down how Jesus tore down the walls that divide us to build one healthy body. True unity doesn't happen by accident—it requires humility, intentional forgiveness, and active spiritual effort. Discover how our differences actually display the full power of the Gospel to a watching world.

Sermon Summary: Abiding in the Lord Speaker: Steve Martel | Date: June 6, 2026 1. The Priority of Connection Jesus is the Head: The health of the Church body depends entirely on its connection to Christ. The Trap of Busyness: Jesus desires connection, not just activity. Being busy does not equate to being spiritually fruitful. Lifelong Dependency: Spiritual maturity means needing Jesus more, not less. You never outgrow your need for Him. 2. What it Means to Abide (John 15) A Daily Lifestyle: Abiding is an active, daily dependence on God—not a Sunday-only habit. Heart Transformation: We ultimately become whatever we stay connected to. The ultimate test of abiding is asking: Is His heart shaping my heart? 3. The Process of Fruitfulness The Evidence: A life connected to the Vine naturally produces the Fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, gentleness, and self-control). The Pruning: God intentionally prunes even the healthy branches so they can grow to bear even more fruit. The Big Takeaway: A healthy church is a Christ-connected church. It is filled with teachable believers whose lives carry genuine spiritual fruit rather than just religious activity.