Naples Community Church's Podcast

In this message from Judges 6 & 7, we meet Gideon—hiding, discouraged, and convinced God has abandoned him—yet addressed by God as a “mighty warrior.” The sermon explores the tension between how we see our circumstances and how God sees our potential, especially when we feel stuck, overwhelmed, or unable to move forward. Drawing parallels to our own struggles, we’re reminded that God often works not with what is visible, but with what does not yet exist. Just as God called Gideon out of fear and into faith, He invites us to walk with Jesus into a new season of trust and obedience. The message challenges us to believe that God is with us—and that He is not finished writing our story.

This Christmas message reflects on the astonishing truth that Jesus is the great “I AM”—the eternal God who took on human flesh so that all creation might be restored. Drawing from the stories of the wise men and the shepherds, the sermon shows how God revealed Himself both to the highest minds and the lowest of society, not because of status, but because of open hearts ready to receive Him. The star led the magi only so far; it was Scripture that brought them fully to Christ, reminding us that passion, intellect, and nature alone are not enough without God’s revealed truth. Both the wise men and the shepherds were changed by their encounter with Jesus, giving Him their worship and returning home transformed. The good news of Christmas is that none of us is too high or too low to need a Savior, and when we fully give ourselves to Christ, He fills us with His life and joy.

This week’s message focused on the often-overlooked faith and courage of Joseph, the stepfather of Jesus, and the profound impact of his obedience. Drawing from Matthew’s Gospel, we reflected on Joseph’s willingness to bear reproach, set aside his legal rights, and stand with Mary in response to God’s call. His example reveals a deeper righteousness—one rooted not just in being “right,” but in love, sacrifice, and faithfulness. Through Joseph’s life, we see a model that ultimately points to Christ, who bore our reproach and took our place on the cross. The message invites us to consider how we, too, are called to live with integrity, compassion, and sacrificial love.

This week’s message reflected on Mary’s surprising encounter with the angel Gabriel and the miraculous conception that would change her life—and the world—forever. Pastor emphasized that just as Christ was miraculously formed within Mary, the Spirit implants Christ within every believer, giving new life and new creation to our hearts. We were reminded that God often works in unexpected places and through unexpected people, inviting us to say with Mary, “May it be unto me according to Your word.” The sermon also challenged us to become a community of grace, embracing and supporting those who carry heavy burdens or face difficult circumstances. Ultimately, the message called us to embody Christ’s peace, hope, and transforming love in a broken world.

This week’s message reminded us that being God’s chosen people is not a privilege of superiority, but a calling to responsibility, humility, and faithfulness. Through Isaiah’s vision, we saw how God confronts the sin and pride of His people—yet still promises redemption through the “shoot from the stump of Jesse,” pointing to the coming Messiah. Pastor Kurt contrasted Israel’s spiritual complacency with historical moments when pride led nations astray, reminding us that only a faithful remnant truly hears God’s call. Even as we face our own moments of failure and conviction, God purifies, forgives, and pours out His Spirit so we may stand firm in Christ. The hope of Advent is that from the very places where life feels cut down, God brings new growth, new faithfulness, and new life in Jesus.

This week’s message explored Psalm 100 and reminded us that true worship overflows with joy, gratitude, and a heartfelt awareness that God is the source of all things—great and small. Pastor pointed out that while church can sometimes feel “boring,” Scripture calls us to enter God’s presence with gladness, expectation, and the kind of vibrant, authentic joy we see in children running across a field. Through stories from Elijah, everyday moments in life, and even the laments we carry, we were shown that gratitude is not etiquette but a spiritual posture that reshapes our hearts. Even grief and sorrow reveal the depth of our love and give us reasons to thank God in all things. Ultimately, worship is not something God demands for His benefit—it is the very thing that restores, humbles, and enhances us as we recognize His goodness and faithfulness in every circumstance.

In this week’s message, Pastor explored how God’s law remains the foundation of true morality, even in a culture drifting from its spiritual and ethical roots. Drawing from Exodus, he reminded us that Scripture’s standards still shape what is right and wrong—not to burden us, but to lead us into a life that honors God. He challenged us not to follow the crowd but to live distinctively, motivated not by fear of punishment but by gratitude for God’s overwhelming, self-sacrificial love. Through stories and examples, we were invited to see how obedience opens our eyes to God’s beauty, goodness, and presence in everyday moments. Ultimately, we are called to let God’s Word reshape our lives so that He might work through us to impact the world around us.

Jesus calls us to remain in Him—the true vine—so that His life may flow through us and bear fruit that glorifies God. Pastor Kirt reminds us that in Christ we find our true identity, rooted not in the world’s shifting values but in God’s unchanging love. The greatest expression of that love, Jesus says, is to lay down one’s life for one’s friends—a truth embodied by countless acts of sacrifice, from soldiers on the battlefield to simple moments of generosity in daily life. When we give of ourselves for others, we reflect the very heart of Christ and discover a joy that cannot be taken away. Our calling is clear: to live for Him by loving others as He has loved us.

In this week’s message, we reflected on Jesus’ encounter with the grieving widow of Nain and the miraculous restoration of her son. Pastor Kirt reminded us that miracles are not merely disruptions of nature, but glimpses of God’s true reality breaking into our fallen world. Through stories of faith, loss, and compassion within our own church family, we were encouraged to see God’s hand even in moments of deep sorrow. True faith, we learned, does not come from miracles — rather, miracles are seen through faith-filled eyes. May we continue to live in hope, trusting that Christ who conquers death is making all things new.

In Luke 7, a woman anoints Jesus’ feet with her tears and perfume, an act of pure love and humility that reveals the heart of true worship. While the Pharisee sees only a “sinner,” Jesus sees a soul offering herself completely to God. Pastor Kirt reminds us that we often view others—and ourselves—through categories and judgment, rather than compassion and understanding. Yet Christ looks past our failures and welcomes the gift of our broken, genuine selves. We, too, are invited to come before Him not with our worthiness, but with our whole hearts.

Guest speaker Dr. Corbin Hoornbeek invites us to reflect on one of Jesus’ most striking questions: “Do you want to get well?” (John 5:6). Through the story of the paralyzed man at the pool of Bethesda, Corbin reminds us that true healing doesn’t come from miracles, rituals, or moral effort—but from encountering Jesus Himself. We often cling to our pain, pride, or habits rather than surrendering them, yet Christ meets us right where we are and calls us to wholeness. The real “House of Mercy” isn’t the pool at Bethesda—it’s the cross at Golgotha, where by His wounds, we are healed.

In this week’s message, Pastor Kirt shared the story of the widow’s mite — a reminder that true generosity flows not from abundance, but from the heart. While religious leaders of Jesus’ time sought recognition and power, this humble widow quietly gave all she had, embodying sincere devotion. Jesus saw and honored her gift, showing that God values the spirit of giving more than the size of the offering. We are called to give out of gratitude, not obligation, recognizing that every act of love and service reflects God’s own generosity. May our giving — in time, effort, and care — glorify Him who has given us everything.

Prayer isn’t just quiet reflection — it’s action, persistence, and bringing our deepest needs before God. Drawing from Luke’s Gospel, Pastor Kirt reminded us that Jesus invites us to pray with “shameless persistence,” knocking on heaven’s door again and again. Like the friends who tore open a roof to reach Jesus, we’re called to bring our burdens and the burdens of others boldly to Him. Even in life’s sudden crises and uncertainties, God promises His presence, His Spirit, and His ultimate healing. This message encourages us to discern what truly matters and to persist in prayer, trusting that God hears and responds.

In this week’s message, Pastor reflected on the mysteries of life, suffering, and loss through Psalm 13 and Romans 8. He shared stories of grief—from a young girl’s sudden passing to personal loss in his own youth—reminding us that faith often means trusting when we cannot see. Even in moments when we feel handed over to chaos, God’s unfailing love and the hope of Christ break through. We are called to pray, encourage one another, and cling to the promise of resurrection. Faith looks beyond what is seen, trusting the One who has overcome death itself.

This week’s message tackled one of the hardest questions of faith: If God is in control, why is there evil in the world? From Genesis to the words of Jesus, we explored how evil entered through human rebellion, how Satan still works to deceive, and how suffering and brokenness reveal our need for Christ. Yet God promises that evil will not have the final word—He can redeem what is meant for harm and ultimately triumphs through Jesus’ death and resurrection. In the face of darkness, we are called to endure, trust, and overcome evil with good.

In a week when some even celebrated evil, we open 1 Timothy 1:3–17 to remember that the cure for darkness isn’t rage or platitudes, but the gospel. Paul charges Timothy to silence false teaching and uphold God’s good law—and then calls himself the “chief of sinners,” showing that grace, not moral posturing, changes hearts. We overcome evil with good by choosing humility: counting others as more significant, listening before speaking, and refusing personal attacks. In a polarized age, the church is called to hold a clear standard while loving like Jesus and trusting the Spirit who dwells within us.

Jesus turns to the crowd and tells the hard truth: discipleship means loving Him above even our dearest relationships, carrying our cross, and counting the cost (Luke 14:25–35). Pastor reminds us that the mark of a true church is simple faithfulness—not size or cultural approval—because Christ alone builds His church. Drawing on Bonhoeffer’s The Cost of Discipleship, we reject “cheap grace” and embrace the costly grace purchased by Jesus’ sacrifice. Through tender family stories, we feel both the pull of earthly loves and the greater love of God that anchors our obedience. Our call is clear and demanding: be the called-out people who love, serve, and remain faithful as Christ leads.

This week’s sermon looks at Jesus’ message to the church in Laodicea (Revelation 3:14–22)—a sobering warning against lukewarm faith. Jesus, the “Amen” and beginning of creation, calls us to see our true condition and seek the riches only He gives: refined faith, white garments, and healing sight. In a world scarred by evil and grief, we answer with ora et labora—we pray as if it all depends on God and work as if it all depends on us. Christ stands at the door and gently knocks, inviting churches and individuals to open our lives to His intimate presence and cleansing grace. May we reject complacency, glorify God, and live as bold witnesses who hear, see, and obey.

We explore the Lord’s Prayer as Jesus’ model for personal prayer—not a script to recite, but a roadmap for the heart. We’re invited to come to God as Abba (a perfectly good Father), honor His holiness, long for His kingdom, and trust Him for daily needs. Jesus calls us to practice real forgiveness because we’ve been forgiven, and to ask for protection from the evil one. May our “same old” routine become living communion with the Father.

This week’s sermon: Jesus, the One who holds the key of David, opens doors no one can shut and calls His church to walk through them in humble, persevering love. Looking to the church in Philadelphia, we learn that “small” and “weak” are not liabilities—Christ’s strength is made perfect in our weakness, and wounded healers become His hands and feet. Open doors send us out to serve and open our hearts to receive anyone the Spirit delivers, meeting people not first with arguments but with authentic love that points to Christ. Hope anchors us: He is near in our trials and faithful to see us through. Text: Revelation 3:7–13.