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Pastor Jason Wratchford | Ephesians 1, verses 3-5 When life gets complicated and past hurts threaten to define us, where can we find hope? In times of estrangement, disappointment, and struggle, it’s easy to carry shame, guilt, bitterness, or the weight of others’ opinions. But God’s grace reminds us that our past doesn’t have the final word. Through faith in Jesus, we are forgiven, accepted, and given a new identity rooted in Him—not in our failures or our performance. And grace doesn’t stop with us. As we learn to live from the grace we’ve received, we can extend that same grace to others through forgiveness, love, and service. Discover how God’s grace frees us from the past and leads us toward the purpose He has prepared for us. Let’s listen in… LINKS + RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE: • Philip Yancey • C.S. Lewis • Download the free study guide, complete transcript, and show notes here. • Scripture References: • Find out more about Covenant Church at ⁠covenantchurchwv.com

Pastor Joel Rainey | Psalm 55, verses 12-22 When someone we love and trust hurts us, the pain can leave lasting wounds. In this fourth episode of the Estranged series, in Psalm 55, David expresses the grief of a broken friendship and reminds us that we can acknowledge our pain without allowing bitterness to take root. Not every relationship will be restored, but we can choose how we respond. We can name our pain, look to God for comfort and justice, and continue to live faithfully. The greatest danger of a broken relationship isn't just what it does to us, but who it can cause us to become. Our scars don't have to define us, and someone else's actions don't have to determine our character. Even when a relationship remains broken, our hearts don't have to be. Let’s listen in… LINKS + RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE: • Antietam National Battlefield • George B. McClellan, A. P. Hill • Download the free study guide, complete transcript, and show notes here. • Scripture References: Psalm 55, verses 12-22; Proverbs 27, verse 6; Romans 12, verse 18; Proverbs 18 • Find out more about Covenant Church at ⁠covenantchurchwv.com

What do you do when you can’t fix a relationship? Estrangement between parents and adult children can leave us feeling hurt, confused, and powerless—especially when reconciliation isn’t entirely up to us. In this message, we explore what Scripture says about broken family relationships and what we can do when we can’t control the outcome: start with ourselves, love wisely, honor where appropriate, and trust God with what we cannot change. Because the Gospel is a story of reconciliation, our hope isn’t found in fixing every relationship, but in the grace of Christ and the possibility of healing—even when it doesn’t happen on our timeline. Let's listen in... LINKS + RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE: • “Rules of Estrangement” by Joshua Coleman • Tim Keller, “If each spouse says to the other, 'I will treat my selfishness as the main problem in the marriage,' you have the prospect for great things." • Download the free study guide, complete transcript, and show notes here. • Scripture References: Ephesians 6, verses 1-4; 2 Samuel 18; 1 Samuel; Luke 15; Proverbs 22, verse 6; Ephesians 2, verse 19 • Find out more about Covenant Church at ⁠covenantchurchwv.com

In this second episode of Estranged: When Relationships Break, we see that every strained relationship has a story. Conflict rarely begins with the moment everything falls apart; there is usually a history of hurt, assumptions, unresolved disagreements, or brokenness passed from one generation to the next. In Genesis 13, the story of Abraham and Lot shows us that conflict can emerge in surprising ways, grow when left unaddressed, and sometimes require space before healing can begin. But separation doesn't have to be the end of the story. Through the story of Ruth, we see how God can bring reconciliation and redemption from generations of conflict. Whatever your family story looks like, brokenness doesn't have to be what you pass on. God can help you interrupt destructive patterns and pass down something different—reconciliation, redemption, and healing. Let's listen in... LINKS + RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE: • Iran Hostage Crisis, 11/4/1979 • Hatfields & McCoys feud • Boaz & Ruth ancestry • Download the free study guide, complete transcript, and show notes here. • Scripture References: Genesis 13, verses 1-13; Acts 15, verses 39-40; Genesis 19 • Find out more about Covenant Church at ⁠covenantchurchwv.com

What if the season you’re in right now isn’t the end of your story? In his message, Pastor Naeem Fazel reminds us that we can easily get stuck rehearsing the past, disengaging from the present, or fearing the future. But Jeremiah 29 shows us a different way forward: reconcile the past, engage the present, and create the future God has for you. Your current season may not be what you expected, but God can still use what you do today to shape tomorrow. There are people and generations who need you to face your fears, move forward, and persevere. Tomorrow needs you. What is the next step God is calling you to take today? Let’s listen in… LINKS + RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE: • Find out more about Naeem Fazal here • He’s authored two books which can be found on Amazon: Ex-Muslim & Tomorrow Needs You • Download the free show notes and complete transcript here. • Scripture References: Jeremiah 29, verses 4-11; Hebrews 12, verses 1b-2 NIV • Find out more about Covenant Church at ⁠covenantchurchwv.com

How did we get so far apart? Estrangement rarely happens overnight. In Genesis 3, we see the first separation and discover how distrust, hiding, blame, and broken desires can create distance in our relationships. But the story also reminds us that separation doesn't have to mean abandonment—and that God still moves toward us in the middle of our brokenness. Let's listen in... LINKS + RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE: • Download the free study guide, complete transcript, and show notes here. • Scripture References: Genesis 3, verses 1-24; 1 John 2, verse 16 • Find out more about Covenant Church at ⁠covenantchurchwv.com

What if giving isn’t about losing something—but experiencing freedom? In 2 Corinthians 9, verses 6–11, Paul reminds us that God is the ultimate giver, and everything we have comes from Him. When we trust Him with our resources, manage them wisely, and give from a willing heart, generosity becomes more than an obligation—it becomes an opportunity to be part of something bigger than ourselves. Discover the freedom to give radically. Let's listen in... LINKS + RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE: • Sign up for the Financial Peace class • Download the free study guide, complete transcript, and show notes here. • Scripture References: 2 Corinthians 9, verses 6-11; Psalm 50, verses 9-12; Luke chapter 21 • Find out more about Covenant Church at ⁠covenantchurchwv.com

Financial freedom doesn’t begin with having more money—it begins with learning to faithfully manage what God has already entrusted to us. In this message, we explore Jesus’ surprising parable of the dishonest manager in Luke 16 and look at why Jesus commended the man’s shrewdness, not his dishonesty. We are called to be wise, discerning, and intentional with God’s resources rather than using a “God will take care of it” approach to avoid difficult decisions. The path toward financial freedom is built on four postures: thankfulness, intentionality, follow-through, and faithfulness. When we recognize that everything we have belongs to God, we can stop chasing “more” and start becoming faithful with what is already in our hands—trusting that faithful management today prepares us for whatever God entrusts to us tomorrow. Let's listen in... LINKS + RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE: • “Spiritual Bypass” • Download the free study guide, complete transcript, and show notes here. • Scripture References: Luke 16, verses 1-13; Matthew 10, verse 16 • Find out more about Covenant Church at ⁠covenantchurchwv.com

What if the place you live, your circumstances, or the culture around you doesn’t actually define who you are? Paul in the book of the Bible, Philippians chapter 3, reminds us that while Christians live on earth, our true citizenship is in heaven. Real transformation doesn’t come from changing our surroundings but from being changed by Jesus Christ. We are called to follow Godly examples, choose our influences wisely, remember where we belong, and live with expectation for Christ’s return. When heaven becomes our focus, the things of this world no longer have to control our hearts. We can live differently—loving, forgiving, showing mercy, walking in humility, and trusting God—because we represent another Kingdom. Our hope is not ultimately in politics, the economy, culture, or anything this world can offer; our hope is in Christ, who will one day transform us and bring us home. Let’s listen in… LINKS + RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE: • Download the free complete transcript here. • Scripture References: Philippians 3, verses 17-21; Luke 5, verse 4; John 21, verse 6 • Find out more about Covenant Church at ⁠covenantchurchwv.com

In a world that often feels divided and hostile, it's easy for Christians to see themselves as warriors battling people rather than ambassadors representing Christ. Drawing from 2 Corinthians 5, verses 11–21, this message explores what it truly means to be Christ's ambassador—motivated by the fear of the Lord, compelled by the love of Christ, seeing people through the lens of the gospel instead of their labels, embracing our identity as new creations, and faithfully carrying God's message of reconciliation. Discover how God calls us to fight the real enemy while loving the people He longs to restore, and why our mission is not to win arguments but to represent Jesus well. Let’s listen in… LINKS + RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE: • “Matthew 5:9” A Fellowship for Evangelical Leaders • Download the free complete transcript here. • Scripture References: 2 Corinthians 5, verses 11-21; Ephesians 6, verses 10-20; 2 Timothy 2, verses 3-4 • Find out more about Covenant Church at ⁠covenantchurchwv.com

In The Most Important Conversation, we explore why prayer should be more than something we believe is important—it should be a vital part of our everyday relationship with God. Throughout Scripture, prayer is woven into the lives of God’s people and modeled continually by Jesus, reminding us that God values our relationship with Him, invites us to participate in His work, sustains us through time spent in His presence, and calls us to pray for one another. We are encouraged to move past feelings of inadequacy or inconsistency and simply take the next step, remembering that God hears us not because we are good enough, but because of what Jesus has done. By praying honestly and specifically, remembering God’s faithfulness, practicing gratitude, and refusing to give up, we can develop a deeper, more consistent prayer life—and discover that time with God can become the best part of our day. Let’s listen in… LINKS + RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE: • George Müller • Better Men Group begins 9/11 • Book “The Fight” by John White • Download the free study guide, complete transcript, and show notes here. • Scripture References: 1 Corinthians 3, verse 16; Colossians 4, verse 12; John 15, verse 4; Hebrews 10, verses 19b-22; Colossians 1, verses 9-12; Philippians 4, verse 6; Luke 18, verse 1 • Find out more about Covenant Church at ⁠covenantchurchwv.com

Money promises security, but when we hold too tightly to what we have, it can end up controlling us. In Mark 10, Jesus’ encounter with the rich young ruler reveals that true financial freedom isn’t about having more—it’s about trusting Jesus more. When we recognize that everything belongs to God, surrender what has a hold on us, trust Him with what He has given us, and find our contentment in Him, money can become a tool instead of a master. The path to freedom begins with a simple question: Do you have your possessions, or do your possessions have you? Let's listen in... LINKS + RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE: • APA 2015 study on “Money stress weighs on Americans’ health” • Download the free study guide, complete transcript, and show notes here. • Scripture References: Mark 10, verses 17-31; Luke 8-10; Mark 8; John 6, verse 67; Deuteronomy 6; Leviticus 19; James 5, verses 1-6; Mark 8, verses 36-37 • Find out more about Covenant Church at ⁠covenantchurchwv.com

Does it ever feel like your money is controlling you instead of the other way around? Whether it's debt, overspending, financial stress, or simply wondering where your paycheck went, God offers a better way. Over the next four weeks, join us as we discover biblical principles for managing our resources with wisdom, freedom, and purpose—so money becomes a tool to serve God rather than something that controls our lives. In this episode we’ll look at three ways to gain freedom from money: invest in the eternal, have an accurate view of wealth, and make your choice of who you’ll serve - God or money. Let’s listen in… LINKS + RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE: • Download the free study guide, complete transcript, and show notes here. • Scripture References: Matthew 6, verses 19-24; Acts 13, verses 38-39; John 10, verse 10; Mark chapter 10 • Find out more about Covenant Church at ⁠covenantchurchwv.com

Have you ever questioned God's decisions or struggled to understand why He shows grace to someone you think doesn't deserve it? Jonah did. As this series concludes, we discover that the story was never really about Jonah—or even the great fish. It's about a God whose wisdom, mercy, and compassion are greater than our own. While we're often tempted to make life about our comfort, reputation, or sense of justice, God invites us to trust His heart instead of demanding our own way. When we remember that the same grace extended to Nineveh has also been extended to us, we're challenged to replace resentment with compassion and to love people the way God loves them. Let’s listen in. LINKS + RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE: • Download the free study guide, complete transcript, and show notes here. • Scripture References: Jonah chapter 3, verse - ch. 4, verse 11; Isaiah 10, verse 5; Deuteronomy 18, verse 22 • Find out more about Covenant Church at ⁠covenantchurchwv.com

It's one thing to return to God after we've gone our own way—it's another to faithfully follow where He leads next. Jonah reminds us that God's grace isn't just about forgiveness; it's about restoring us to the mission He created us for. Obedience often requires us to trust before we understand, to take the next step even when it's uncomfortable, costly, or uncertain. The good news is that the outcome doesn't depend on our ability but on God's power. Our role is simply to say "yes" to His message, walk in His plan, trust His strength, and surrender to His greater purpose, knowing He can accomplish far more through our faithful obedience than we could ever imagine. Let’s listen in. LINKS + RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE: • Upcoming new message series, "Estranged: When Relationships Break”, "Freedom: Taking Dominion Over Your Banking App” • Naeem Fazel book, "Ex-Muslim" • Download the free study guide, complete transcript, and show notes here. • Scripture References: Jonah 3, verses 1-10 • Find out more about Covenant Church at covenantchurchwv.com