UBC Podcast

The world offers plenty of ideas about what makes life “better,” but God defines it differently. In Proverbs 16, we’re reminded that righteousness is better than riches, wisdom is better than wealth, humility is better than honor—and Jesus is always better.

Every day, we hear two invitations: the call of wisdom and the call of folly. In Proverbs 9, we’re challenged to choose the path of wisdom that leads to life—a path ultimately found by walking in daily relationship with Jesus.

A life worthy of the Gospel isn’t about recognition—it’s about faithfully serving, genuinely caring for others, and sacrificially giving ourselves to the work of Christ. Through Epaphroditus, we’re challenged to serve with steady faithfulness for the glory of God, even when no one else notices.

Trusting God means surrendering every part of our lives to Him. In Proverbs 3, we’re challenged to trust His Word, follow His way, depend on His provision, and receive His correction—believing He is trustworthy in every area of life.

A life devoted to Jesus is a life devoted to serving others. Through Stephanas, we’re challenged to be faithful to the Lord, lead our families toward Jesus, serve His church, and give ourselves fully to the work of the Gospel.

Wisdom is more than knowing what’s right—it’s living according to what God says is right. In Proverbs 1, we’re reminded that true wisdom begins with fearing the Lord, submitting to His authority, and ultimately finding our wisdom and transformation in Jesus.

Obedience doesn’t require knowing every detail—it requires trusting the One who does. Through Ananias in Acts 9, we’re challenged to listen to God, trust Him through our fears, and faithfully go wherever He sends us.

No one is too far gone for the grace of God. In Acts 9, Saul’s radical transformation reminds us that Jesus can reach anyone, change anyone, and use anyone to share the life-changing message of the Gospel.

Faithfulness doesn’t require a platform or spotlight. Through the life of Epaphras, we’re challenged to be faithful servants, disciple-makers, and prayer warriors who live for God’s approval—not the recognition of others.

Acts 17:22-34

What does it mean to live as an Everyday Missionary? In Acts 4, Peter and John show us that ordinary people who know Jesus can boldly share the Gospel and make Him known wherever God has placed them.

The church is one body with many parts—and every part matters. God has uniquely gifted each of us to serve, and no role is insignificant. "Every member belongs. Every member matters. Every member has a ministry." Don’t just attend. "Find your place and be part of what God is doing through His church."

Our faith was never meant to stop with us. In this message from Psalm 78, we’re challenged to invest in the next generation, share the testimony of God’s faithfulness, and intentionally point those coming behind us to Jesus.

Authentic community is more than showing up—it's seeing people, carrying burdens, and pointing others to Jesus. This message challenges us to move beyond attendance and become the kind of church that notices needs, serves selflessly, and brings glory to Christ in everything we do.

Following Jesus is more than believing in Him—it’s surrendering your whole life to Him. In this message, we’re challenged to count the cost of true discipleship, love Christ above everything else, follow Him completely, and live a faith that others can clearly see. 

Prayer is more than a habit—it’s an expression of our dependence on God. In this message, we’re reminded that prayer isn’t about checking a box or getting God to fit our plans. It’s about drawing near to our Heavenly Father, trusting His will, persisting in faith, and finding that His greatest gift isn’t just answered prayers—it’s His presence. 

Christ-exalting worship is more than what we do on Sundays—it’s how we live every day. When we see Jesus for who He truly is, our only response is wholehearted surrender, joyful worship, and lives that put Him first above everything else. 

God’s Word is not just something we read—it is the truth we build our lives on. In a world full of changing opinions, we can stand firm because Scripture is trustworthy, inspired by God, and points us to Jesus. When we know His Word, we know His heart.

True freedom isn’t found in independence, but in surrender to Jesus. In John 8, we’re reminded that only Christ can break the chains of sin and make us truly free.

The Good Shepherd has been with you every step of the way—providing, protecting, healing, and leading. Psalm 23 reminds us that His goodness and mercy never stop pursuing His people, and one day He will lead us safely home.

Psalm 23 reminds us that the Good Shepherd doesn't just lead us to green pastures—He also walks with us through life's darkest valleys. No matter what season you're facing, God is present, faithful, and leading you to something better.

What kind of person does God use? In this message from 2 Timothy 2, we learn that God is not looking for perfect people, but clean, faithful, and available vessels who are ready to be used for His glory.

Psalm 23 reminds us that Jesus is the Good Shepherd who cares for us, provides for us, and restores us. No matter where you are today, you can trust the Shepherd who laid down His life for His sheep.

Every believer is a missionary on mission. This message challenges us to embrace the mission, proclaim the gospel, and make Jesus known wherever God has placed us.

The promise of Christ’s return reminds us that this world is not our home. For the believer, there is hope beyond the grave, urgency to share the Gospel, and encouragement to keep holding fast because what lies ahead is better.

Even when life feels uncertain, God is still faithful. The same God who protected Moses in the river is still working behind the scenes, keeping His promises and guiding His people today.

God is our provider—meeting every need, shaping our hearts, and teaching us contentment in every season.

“Prayer and Share” starts simple—pray for people, then share Jesus with them. You don’t need a platform… just your circle. God has already placed people in your life who need Him. If you’ve encountered Jesus, you have something to share. So start praying for names… and when the moment comes, just say: “Come and see.”

God’s promises are always yes and amen—they give us hope, peace, and confidence no matter what’s happening around us. But the greatest promise isn’t what God gives—it’s His presence. Like Moses, we shouldn’t just want the blessings… we should want God Himself. When we truly pursue His presence, it changes us, sets us apart, and reminds us—He’s not just with us… He lives in us.

Everything in Christianity comes down to one truth: Jesus rose from the dead—and that changes everything. Because He’s alive, our sins can be forgiven, our future is secure, and our suffering has purpose. Even without seeing Him, we can trust that our faith is real—and it leads to eternal life. The resurrection isn’t just something we celebrate… it’s something we respond to.

the king is coming

In this final message of the This Is My Story series, we’re reminded that every testimony ultimately points to one unshakable truth: God really loves us. From 1 John 4, this sermon highlights the realness of God’s love—its origin, its sacrifice, and its power to transform every story it touches.

What does radical obedience really look like? In this message from John 2, we see how simple trust in Jesus led ordinary servants to witness an extraordinary miracle—and we’re challenged to do whatever He tells us, even when the outcome is unclear.

What does it look like to answer the call of God? In this message from Jeremiah 1, we’re reminded that God knows us, sets us apart, equips us, and calls us to serve Him with obedience and faithfulness. Whether God is leading you to salvation, spiritual growth, or a specific assignment in ministry, the question is simple: will you say yes?

What does it really mean to follow Jesus? In Mark 10, this message challenges believers to move beyond simply being converts and begin living as true disciples—marked by humility, sacrificial love, servant-hearted leadership, and generosity. As we follow Christ, our lives should increasingly reflect His example: not seeking to be served, but choosing to serve others.

Guilt can feel heavier than anything we carry—but the gospel tells a different story. In Luke 7, we see a powerful picture of Jesus forgiving a broken woman while confronting the pride of a self-righteous Pharisee. This message reminds us that no one is too far gone for God’s forgiveness, and those who truly understand how much they’ve been forgiven will love Christ deeply and walk in the peace only He can give.

Former NFL player Jason Brown shares the powerful story of how God transformed his life—from chasing fame, fortune, and a $37.5 million contract to surrendering everything to follow Christ. Through loss, repentance, and radical obedience, Jason discovered that the true treasure isn’t success or wealth—it’s knowing Jesus and living fully for Him.

Peter didn’t wake up one day and decide to deny Jesus—he drifted there. In this message, we trace Peter’s journey from deep devotion (Luke 5), to following “at a distance” (Luke 22), and finally to a powerful restoration and recommissioning (John 21). If you’ve felt your faith slipping into subtle distance, this is a wake-up call—and an invitation to come back close.

Week two of “This Is My Story” turns the spotlight from grace to mercy—not just what God does, but who He is. From Psalm 103, we’re reminded that God withholds what we deserve, removes our sin “as far as the east is from the west,” and calls us to respond while His mercy is still drawing us in.

We’re launching a new series, “This Is My Story,” focused on the grace God has shown us through Jesus—and why every believer has a story worth sharing. From Romans 5, we see how God’s saving grace brings peace with Him, gives us access to His presence, secures our salvation, and fills us with unshakable hope. If you’ve experienced that grace, this message will challenge you not only to remember your story—but to tell it.

In 1 John 3, we continue the conversation about realness—because real love isn’t a knockoff. John teaches that true followers of Jesus can’t help but love, and that love has to be more than smiles and Sunday talk: it starts in the heart, shows up in action, and stays sincere. From Cain’s hidden hatred to the call to “love in deed and in truth,” this message challenges us to reject gossip, meet needs, and choose love freely—because the way we love each other is one of the clearest marks of Christ in us.

As the “Holy Romance” series comes to a close, this message turns to Song of Solomon 8 to answer one question: what makes a marriage endure? With care for singles, widows, those dating, and the divorced, we’re reminded that your worth isn’t tied to your relationship status—and God isn’t finished with you. Then we dive into a vision of covenant love: lifelong partnership through wilderness seasons, a marriage sealed by devotion, protected affection, and a fire “of the Lord” that floods can’t quench. And before anything else, we make a beeline to the gospel—because a lasting marriage starts with surrendered hearts, inviting every home to come pray, hold fast, and let God keep working long after the series ends.

John challenges us to trade fake, surface-level faith for real love—the kind Jesus showed at the cross. In 1 John, love is proven, not just professed: if we love God, we keep His commands, walk in the light, confess sin, and deny self. The question is simple and searching: God really loves you… but do you really love Him back?

In Song of Solomon 5–6, the “honeymoon” glow fades and the first real marriage conflict shows up. This message reminds us that conflict is inevitable, delay is costly, and restoration is possible—when we choose humility, forgiveness, and “fighting fair.” Ultimately, it points beyond the couple to Christ: “I am my beloved’s, and my beloved is mine.”

In this Holy Habits message from Deuteronomy 5, the focus is Sabbath rest—not laziness, but a God-designed rhythm to stop striving and be restored. It challenges our hustle culture, calls us to trust God as Lord, Deliverer, and Provider, and shows how real rest renews us personally, relationally, and spiritually so we can keep walking with Jesus without burning out.

In this message from Song of Solomon 4–5 and 1 Corinthians 6, we explore God’s design for intimacy in marriage—the marriage bed as a sacred gift. With honesty and clarity, it highlights what God-honoring intimacy involves (adoration, assurance, attraction), gives a warning against sexual sin, and calls for purity and renewal—whether you’re guarding your heart, fighting temptation, or rebuilding closeness in your marriage.

In Psalm 46, we’re challenged to practice the overlooked holy habits of silence and solitude. When life is loud—busy schedules, distractions, anxiety, and nonstop noise—God calls His people to be still and know that He is God. This message shows why stillness isn’t laziness, but active listening, and how quieting the noise helps us hear God’s voice, regain spiritual clarity, and live faithfully in a chaotic world.

In Song of Solomon 3, the love story reaches a turning point—the wedding day arrives. This message from the Holy Romance series shows marriage the way God designed it: a commitment that keeps pursuing, a celebration worth protecting through purity, and a covenant that reflects God’s unwavering love. Along the way, it calls husbands and wives to guard their homes, invites those in hard seasons to find hope in God’s grace, and ultimately points beyond earthly marriage to the gospel—Jesus, the true Groom, coming for His bride. The question that lands on every heart: Do you love Him back—and are you ready for that day?

We all know we should read the Bible—but what if the missing piece is learning to meditate on it? Kicking off the Holy Habits series in Psalm 1, this message explains biblical meditation—not emptying your mind, but filling it with God’s Word until it sinks deep. You’ll see how delighting in Scripture shapes your choices, deepens your roots like a tree by living water, and produces real fruit over time. Because whatever you’re facing—stress, temptation, decisions, discouragement—God has a Word… and He intends it to change you.

Rom-coms make love look effortless—but real, lasting relationships take more than a great one-liner. In Song of Solomon 2, this message lays out a Guide for Godly Relationships—God’s design for dating, singleness, marriage, and intimacy. You’ll hear practical truth about restraint and boundaries, discernment before desire, “catching the little foxes” that slowly spoil relationships, and choosing commitment that reflects the gospel. The big idea: love flourishes when it’s done God’s way.

This message kicks off a six-week series through Song of Solomon—real talk about desire, intimacy, marriage, singleness, and dating—without shame and without the world’s counterfeit. It’s a call to pursue your spouse on purpose, speak life where insecurity creeps in, and rebuild affection the way God designed it…

What if the biggest danger for believers isn’t opposition from the world… but silence from the church? What if you’ve learned the language of faith, but sidestepped the mission of faith? In John 1, ordinary people meet Jesus—and immediately start bringing others to Him. This message is a challenge to start the year doing the same: know Him personally, invite someone boldly, and stay consistent—one simple “come and see” at a time.

What if Christmas feels chaotic, stressful, and completely off the rails—but God has been steady all along? What if the sign you’ve been longing for isn’t a change in circumstances, but a Savior who steps into them? Isaiah promised it centuries before: a virgin would conceive, and His name would be Immanuel—God with us. And in Jesus, that promise isn’t just true… it’s personal.

What if God chooses what the world overlooks to accomplish what the world could never imagine? What if hope doesn’t arrive in power and prominence, but in humility and nearness? Long before Jesus was born, God promised a Savior from a small town called Bethlehem—reminding us that the King who brings peace meets us right where we are.

Christmas didn’t start in Bethlehem—it was foretold in the Garden.

This message from Genesis 3 shows how, in humanity’s darkest moment, God spoke the very first promise of Christmas: a Savior who would crush the serpent and rescue us from sin. Long before the manger, God had a plan to pursue, redeem, and restore us through Jesus.

Come hear how the “first gospel” in Genesis points us straight to the cross, the empty tomb, and the hope we celebrate this Christmas.

The holidays are supposed to be joyful—but for many, they’re heavy with grief, loss, and memories that hurt. In this message, we look at how God meets us in that pain and helps us walk through the season with honest hearts and real hope. Together we’ll learn five practical, biblical steps for navigating grief during the holidays: acknowledging our feelings, seeking comfort in God’s Word, leaning on gospel community, looking for God-given moments of joy, and allowing our own hurt to become a ministry to others. For the brokenhearted this season, there is a God who sees, draws near, and carries us.

Psalm 100 reminds us that thanksgiving isn’t just a holiday—it’s a way of life. In this message, we explore what it really means to enter God’s presence with joyful praise, grateful hearts, and lives marked by glad service. As we head into Thanksgiving, we’re invited to remember God’s goodness, rest in His grace, and respond with wholehearted worship for who He is and all He’s done for us in Christ.

Listen in!

Worship isn’t about preference—it’s about perspective. We’re called to bless God not for what we get from Him, but for who He is and what He’s done. This message challenges us to remember His goodness, renew our gratitude, and lift up wholehearted praise that comes from a soul awakened to His steadfast love.

True worship isn’t just something we do on Sundays—it’s the way we live every day. Psalm 95 calls us to come before God with joyful praise, humble submission, and open hearts that hear and obey His voice. Worship is more than a song; it’s our wholehearted response to who God is and what He’s done.

Titus 2:11–14 reminds us that salvation is a gift of grace—something we could never earn but can freely receive through Jesus. This message centers on the hope, assurance, and transformation that come from knowing the One who saves and learning to live for Him with confidence and purpose.

Are you living as an everyday disciple or just a Sunday saint?
This message from Galatians 5 challenges us to move beyond surface-level faith and live Spirit-led lives marked by real transformation. Discover how daily dependence, ongoing growth, and total surrender turn belief into a way of life—not just a weekend routine.

No trial, no failure, no force—can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus. His love gave everything, secures us completely, and conquers every fear.

What happens when pride sneaks into our hearts—or our church? This week’s message, “Guarding Against Pride,” reminds us that pride destroys what God is building. Learn how to stay humble, give God the glory, and keep His work moving forward.

This message reminds us that we serve a God who hears. Once, access to God’s presence was restricted to priests—but through Jesus, our Great High Priest, the veil is torn, and we now have direct access to the throne of grace. Because of His sacrifice, we can approach God with confidence, not fear.

He understands our struggles, sympathizes with our weaknesses, and welcomes our honesty. When words fail, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us. In every season, we find mercy for our failures and grace for our need. No credentials, no clearance—just Jesus.

A compelling wrap-up to our “All for One & One for All” series on unity: from Babel’s warning about being unified around the wrong goals to the church’s call to God-honoring togetherness. When a body is truly unified, we gain a sharpened focus on the Great Commission (2 Tim 2), an enhanced vision for next steps (Acts 18), fruitful and relevant ministry, and real growth in maturity (Eph 4). The message ends with a corporate call to prayer—asking God to deepen our unity and protect us from division.

Despite alarming headlines and cultural turmoil, God is our refuge, strength, and ever-present help. He dwells with His people, rules over the chaos, and calls us to “be still and know” He is God. The sermon urges us to stop doom-scrolling, trust His sovereignty, find peace in His presence, and respond—whether by surrendering our lives to Christ or laying our anxieties before Him.

Luke 22 leads us to the Upper Room, where Jesus reframes Passover into the Lord’s Supper—a call to remember His body broken and blood poured out. We walk through five anchors of Communion: reflection on Christ’s sacrifice, fellowship with Him and His church, self-examination and repentance, public proclamation of the gospel, and a longing for the day we feast with Him in the Kingdom. Come ready to slow down, confess, give thanks, and fix your hope on heaven.

From Romans 12:9–18, we’ll unpack the ties that bind a church in unity—genuine love, competitive honor, and fervent service—and get practical about resolving conflict: don’t blow it when someone blows it, fight fire with forgiveness, and build back up. Come ready to roll up your sleeves and pursue peace “as far as it depends on you.”

Jesus calls us to radical generosity — not as a financial formula but as true worship and whole-life surrender. Join us as we unpack Matthew 6 and learn to lay up heavenly treasure, let go of money as our master, and give with open hands so God can multiply our lives for eternal impact.

A house divided can’t stand. From Matthew 12, we’ll confront how church division damages our witness, stalls our mission, fractures community—and why guarding unity isn’t optional but essential to keep this house from collapse.

Talking about money? It’s really about the heart. From Leviticus 23’s “firstfruits,” we’ll see why God asks for our first and best—not our leftovers—and how prioritizing generosity declares He’s our Provider and reflects Christ Himself.

In a world addicted to division, John 17 calls the church to reflect the Trinity’s own oneness, to resist the enemy’s wedges, and to choose fellowship over offense. This week we’ll learn why unity is Jesus’ desire, how it mirrors our triune God, and how we guard it in real life. Come ready to lock arms.

When Paul wrote about the Macedonian churches, he described people who gave not out of surplus, but out of sacrifice—overflowing with joy even in poverty. Why? Because their first step was giving themselves fully to the Lord. That’s the heart of grace-filled, generous stewardship. This week, we’ll see how trusting God with our resources isn’t just about paying down debt—it’s about proving our love genuine and joining Him in the work of ministry.

We’ve all got excuses—but God’s call still stands. In Exodus 3–4, Moses says, “I’m not ready… I don’t know what to say… They won’t listen… I’m not a good speaker… Send someone else.” God answers every excuse with His presence, power, and promise: “I AM with you.” This week, trade hesitation for obedience and say yes to what God’s asking you to do—now.

This Sunday we’ll look at Jesus’ words in John 15: “I am the vine, you are the branches.”A fruitful life isn’t about trying harder—it’s about abiding in Christ, letting the Spirit cultivate our hearts, and walking in obedience that glorifies God. Come ready to learn how to move from empty claims to a life overflowing with real fruit.

When God gives vision, it’s never just for us to admire—it’s for us to act. Like Nehemiah, we’re called to seek His direction, pray for His provision, and then rise up together to build what only He can bless.

Prayer isn’t just a last resort—it’s the lifeline of faith. James reminds us that real prayer intercedes, forgives, persists, and even restores the wandering. What could God do if we truly prayed like that?

Why does the Church exist? Jesus gave us a clear answer in the Great Commission. This week, discover our mission to lift high His name, reach the lost, and build up the body of Christ—until He returns.

James 5:1-12 warns against wealth that corrodes the soul — when gain comes through greed, injustice, and indifference. How should the righteous respond?

It’s not a building, a show, or a social club—it’s a people. A chosen people. A royal priesthood. A holy nation. We are called out of darkness and into marvelous light—not just to gather, but to proclaim His goodness and live out His mission together. In a world that’s desperate to belong, the Church must rise up—not in isolation, but in unity. Because God is still building His Church.

James reminds us that life is a vapor—we’re not promised tomorrow. It’s not about stopping your plans, it’s about surrendering them. Who’s really in control? When we live with an eternal mindset and walk in obedience, we step into the will of God—not just for the future, but for today.

There’s a war raging—and it’s not just around you, it’s within you.Selfish desires pull us toward pride, compromise, and spiritual adultery. But James doesn’t just expose the fight—he shows us the way to freedom. This message is a call to surrender, to stop holding hands with the world, and to find peace in submitting to the God who gives more grace.

Your words reveal your heart. This message from James challenges us to surrender both—because the tongue can’t be tamed without transformation.

Is your faith alive—or on life support? James 2 calls us to a faith that works—a faith that can be seen, felt, and that makes a difference. We’ll talk about moving from passive belief to an active, obedient, servant-hearted faith that doesn’t just claim Jesus but lives for Him every day. Don’t miss this chance to do some spiritual CPR!

This week we're diving into James 2 and the challenge it gives us to reject favoritism. What does it really mean to see people the way God sees them? How do we love our neighbors without partiality, even when they're nothing like us? Join us as we talk about valuing every person as an image-bearer of God, showing mercy over judgment, and making sure the gospel truly is for whosoever will.

The enemy won’t always announce his attacks. We’ll talk about how to stay alert, stand firm in your God-given identity, and fight back the right way. Don’t settle for being such a small threat that he ignores you—know who you are in Christ, and know that God wins. Join us as we unpack what real spiritual battle looks like.

Real faith doesn’t just nod along — it shows up in how you live.

James reminds us that hearing God’s Word isn’t enough — we’re called to do something with it. Don’t settle for a faith that sounds good on Sunday but stays silent the rest of the week. Live it. Speak it. Walk it.

James doesn’t sugarcoat faith — he puts boots on it. This series is about a faith that holds up in the real world, not just the church pew. When trials hit and life gets messy, does your belief actually behave? Join us as we walk through the book of James and discover what it means to follow Jesus with grit, grace, and everyday obedience.

Some diamonds are priceless—yet still treated carelessly. But your salvation? It's worth more, secured by the Father, sealed by the Spirit, and saved for eternity. The real question isn’t “Can I lose it?”… it’s “Have I ever truly received it?”

God’s will isn’t a mystery for the spiritual elite — it’s a path revealed to surrendered, humble hearts. If you're willing to lay down your agenda, slow your pace, and trust His timing, you might just find that His direction is clearer than you think.

This week’s question might be the most important of all: Is Jesus really the only way? In a world full of options and opinions, we turn to John 14:6—where Jesus gives a bold, clear answer. Come hear why He is the way, the truth, and the life—and why that changes everything for you.

God’s will isn’t a mystery for the spiritual elite — it’s a path revealed to surrendered, humble hearts. If you're willing to lay down your agenda, slow your pace, and trust His timing, you might just find that His direction is clearer than you think.

You can’t pass down what you haven’t owned yourself. If we want our kids and grandkids to know the Lord, it starts with us living a real, rooted, and daily faith at home — not just in what we say, but in how we love, lead, and obey.

Faith that lasts doesn’t happen by accident — it’s passed down with purpose. If we want the next generation to know and follow Jesus, we have to teach them His Word, tell them of His faithfulness, and train them to walk with Him every step of the way.

The world’s definition of family keeps shifting, but God's design hasn’t changed. It’s time to tear down the idols, trust His faithfulness, and choose — as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.

The resurrection isn’t just a story — it changes everything about life, death, and eternity. The empty tomb proves God's plan, pays our debt, and calls for a response.

This week, we’ll walk through Matthew 21:1–11 and take a closer look at the question, “Who is this King of Glory?” As Jesus enters Jerusalem, His identity is revealed in powerful and unexpected ways—inviting us to see Him more clearly and respond with faith.

Serving like Jesus goes beyond actions—it starts with the heart. In John 13, we see a Savior who knelt to serve, showing us that true greatness comes through humility, love, and a willingness to act. What’s stopping you from picking up the towel?