Advertise on podcast: CFTN Phoenix

Not every battle is yours to fight. When we’re betrayed, criticized, dishonored, or misunderstood, our instinct can be to defend ourselves. But Romans 12 gives us a different response: “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” In “Let God Defend You,” Dr. Michael Maiden shares how to trust God with the battles that don’t belong to us. Through the story of David, Nabal, and Abigail, he shows how quickly hurt can pull us into fights God never asked us to enter—and how the Holy Spirit can help us respond differently. You don’t have to answer every critic or win every argument. Keep doing what God has called you to do, overcome evil with good, and let God take care of the rest.

Following God doesn’t always feel easy—but that doesn’t mean you’re going the wrong way. In “Lowing As They Went,” Dr. Michael Maiden draws from 1 Samuel 6, where two cows carry the ark of God back toward Israel. Though they cry out for the calves they’ve left behind, they continue straight down the road. Through this powerful picture, Dr. Mike shares how Jesus transforms us, grace enables us to obey, and our obedience can meet someone else’s need. He also reminds us that worship doesn’t end when we leave church. Every step of obedience can be an expression of love for God. Whatever you’re facing, keep going with Him.

The blood of Jesus changes everything. In this message, Pastor Matthew Maiden takes us back to Exodus 12 and the Passover Lamb to uncover a deeper picture of what Jesus accomplished through His sacrifice. The blood doesn’t just mean forgiveness. It means freedom. It means victory over sin and death. It means a new life, a new identity, and an inheritance that God has given us through Christ. The question isn’t only, “Have I been forgiven?” It’s also, “Am I walking in everything the blood has given me?” Don’t stop at the door. There is more on the other side.

What if your faith is the key that unlocks what God wants to do? In “Unlock It,” Dustin Bates teaches from Mark 6 about the power of faith and the danger of becoming familiar with God. Faith isn’t reactive—it goes first. It believes God’s Word before there is evidence, takes Him at His Word, and keeps believing when circumstances say otherwise. Whether you’re believing for healing, restoration, a prodigal to come home, or simply trusting God for what’s next, this message is a reminder that there is still more God wants to do. Don’t grow weary. Magnify the Lord. Take God at His Word. Faith goes first.

Prayer is more than asking God for help—it changes us, strengthens us, and invites the power of God into impossible situations. In the final message of the God Encounters series, we look at Acts 4 and discover what happened when the early church prayed in the middle of opposition. The place was shaken, believers were filled with the Holy Spirit, boldness was released, and the church was united in heart and purpose. This message is a powerful reminder that prayer still matters. When God's people pray, God moves—and everything changes.

What if the way you encounter God is closer than you think?   In Part 3 of the God Encounters series, we journey with two disciples on the road to Emmaus and discover what happens when Jesus opens the Scriptures to us. They didn't recognize Jesus as He walked beside them, but as He opened God's Word, their understanding changed, their eyes were opened, and their hearts began to burn.   Pastor George reminds us that the Bible isn't just an ancient book—it is living and powerful. Every time we engage with God's Word, we have an opportunity to encounter Jesus, receive revelation, renew our minds, strengthen our faith, and have our hearts reignited with passion for Him.  If you've felt distant from God, lost your passion, or simply want to hear His voice more clearly, this message will encourage you to get back into His Word and let Him speak.   Every fire needs fuel. And the fuel is God's Word.   📖 Luke 24:13–35 📖 Hebrews 4:12 📖 Ephesians 1:17–19 📖 Psalm 42 📖 Romans 12:2   #GodEncounters #GodsWord #Bible #ChristianSermon #Faith #Jesus #CFTN

What do you do when you're trusting God, but everything around you seems to be going wrong? In Part 2 of our God Encounters series, we look at the story of Paul and Silas in Acts 16 and discover the power of worship in the middle of pressure, pain, and uncertainty. Even after being beaten and thrown into prison, Paul and Silas chose to pray and worship God—and their worship became the doorway to a breakthrough. This message will challenge you to keep trusting God when life doesn't make sense, to worship when your circumstances say otherwise, and to remember that God is still good even when life is hard. Because sometimes the greatest act of faith isn't understanding what God is doing—it's choosing to worship Him anyway. If the devil can't stop your worship, he can't steal your breakthrough. 📖 Acts 16 📖 John 16:33 📖 Hebrews 12:1–3 📖 Psalm 34 #GodEncounters #Worship #Breakthrough #ChristianSermon #Faith #PastorMaiden #CFTN

What’s keeping you from moving forward? In this powerful message, Pastor Matt Maiden challenges us to stop looking back and start moving toward what God has ahead. Through Scripture and stories from the Bible, we’re reminded that our past doesn’t define our future, our failures don’t disqualify us, and God still has a race for us to run. God has called you, equipped you, and given you purpose. But sometimes moving forward means letting go of disappointment, discouragement, shame, and even the victories of yesterday. It’s time to stop looking back. It’s time to run your race. It’s time to Get Up and Go.

Every life-changing encounter with God begins with a heart that seeks Him. Through the story of Zacchaeus, this message explores what it means to pursue Jesus, respond to His invitation, and experience the transformation that comes from His presence. Be encouraged to stay spiritually hungry and discover how God meets those who seek Him.

What if the answer you've been praying for is already right in front of you? In the final message of our Vision series, discover how Jesus calls us to lift our eyes, recognize what God is already doing, and live with the joy of His promises before they become reality. When God gives vision, He changes the way we see people, opportunities, and our future. If you've ever felt like you're waiting on God, this message will challenge you to take a fresh look at what's already in front of you and trust His perspective over your own. At Church for the Nations, we are one multicultural, multigenerational family of imperfect people awakened by God’s perfect love being sent as transforming agents into the world to influence culture. CFTN is led by Dr. Michael and Mary Maiden and is based in Phoenix, AZ with multiple locations in the US and abroad.

God never intended for His people to simply attend church—He calls us to be equipped and sent. In this message, Pastor Matt Maiden explores how every believer has a God-given mission and how a personal encounter with Jesus becomes the launching point for a life of purpose. Be encouraged to say, "Here am I, send me," and discover what it means to live on mission every day.

Sometimes the biggest battle isn't what's happening around you—it's what you're able to see. In Week 2 of our Vision series, discover how God opens our spiritual eyes to see beyond fear, recognize His presence, and walk by faith instead of circumstances. Through the story of Elisha, Pastor George reminds us that God is always at work, even when we can't see it, and that there are always more for us than against us. Whether you're facing uncertainty, fear, or waiting on God to move, this message will encourage you to trust His perspective over your own.

God has a vision for every season of your life. In this opening message of our Vision series, learn how God reveals His purpose, helps you understand your identity in Christ, and invites you to live from the inheritance and authority He's already given you. This message will encourage you to see your life through God's perspective and step confidently into His calling.