Verve City Church: Weekly Messages

Jesus himself said that others called him a "glutton" and a "drunkard." What a strange reputation for the most influential spiritual leader in the history of the world! While Jesus believed those descriptions of him were misguided, it's worth asking the question: why did some religious leaders believe this of him? Jesus seemed to believe that sometimes spiritual transformation and the most profound conversations happen over a meal or a glass of wine. This week, we'll explore the Savior who offered us life while meeting us at the party.

What picture comes to mind when you think of Jesus? Is he stoic? Self-serious? Hippy-dippy? For many of us, Jesus seems both unapproachable and unrelatable. However, the stories of Jesus found in the Gospels portray a very different Jesus than the one in our heads: joyful, funny, and welcoming. This week, we'll explore an often undiscussed attribute that seemed to be the key to several of Jesus' interactions: the cleverness of Jesus.

Rounding out our Level Up series, we’re looking at taking our rest to the next level. Join us to explore how we can prioritize true rest so that we can bring our best selves to all we do. 

 We hear it all the time as a casual expression in our culture: Have a little faith. He’s acting in bad faith. She’s acting in good faith. Keep the faith. Take a leap of faith. He believes on blind faith.We praise, deride, and criticize people for having or not having faith. But what is faith? Is it always good? If you wanted to “grow” in faith, what would that even look like? And if you have a crisis of faith, does that lead to enlightenment, or disillusionment? Discover some of the ways Jesus invited us into Next Level Faith. Whether you're a mature Christian, or newly exploring faith, there's something in this message for you! 

The person you’re becoming tomorrow is being shaped by the habits you practice today. No one drifts into spiritual depth, health, or mastery—it all starts with intentionality. Jesus didn’t just teach about the way of life; He lived it through a daily rhythm of prayer, rest, and purpose. This week, we’ll explore how the gospel reshapes not only what we believe but also how we live—because the habits you form today determine the person you’ll be tomorrow.

Parenting is a relentless, beautiful, heartbreaking journey of pouring yourself into tiny humans who simultaneously bring you great joy and stretch you to your limits. When we lean into this divine calling, we discover it’s more than just hard work; it’s holy work. Whether you’re a mom, a dad, a grandparent, or a mentor, let's explore how to find God’s presence and power in the midst of it all. Together, we’ll see what it means to Level Up in the sacred role of shaping the next generation.

Cynicism can build walls, brick by brick, around a weary heart. Even John the Baptist, the one who prepared the way, found himself questioning when the story didn’t unfold as he hoped. But Jesus, in His gentleness, always comes close to meet our doubts. This week, we’ll discover how Christmas calls us to lay down our skepticism and trust again in the God who makes all things new.

God wants everyone to experience His joy, no matter their starting point. This feels great when we’re receiving grace, but what about when we’re the ones forgiving, accommodating, or celebrating with family or friends who have hurt us, or failed to meet our expectations? At Christmas, we’re reminded that Jesus left His heavenly home to bring us into God’s family and invites us to extend that same grace, creating space for others to find their way home.

Home. It's a word that can elicit feelings of comfort, rest, and safety. At Christmas-time the word may spark memories of brightly colored packages under the tree, the nostalgic smell of hot cocoa, or the pleasure of extended time with family. As we get older, we don't just enjoy home — we become home for someone else: neighbors, friends, children, co-workers. But the responsibility of providing a sense of home for others can leave us longing for the simplicity of home as a child: where we felt safe, secure, warm, and a childlike confidence that we'd be taken care of. This Christmas season, Verve City Church invites you to come home for the holidays: to discover in Jesus the childlike sense of wonder and acceptance when the world seemed simpler and your load seemed lighter. Family is the place meant to hold us, but so often, it’s where we feel broken, misunderstood, or left out. Jesus whispers a truth that steadies the soul: God’s family is open to all who lean into His will. This week, we’ll look at how Christmas invites us to a deeper belonging—a family built on grace and a home that never lets go. 

In the last week of our Boundless series, we'll reflect on the security believers have in God's love. Paul asks, "If God is for us, who can be against us?" and answers: No hardship, suffering, or power can separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus.Join us for our final look into Romans 8, a powerful reflection on the life of the Spirit and the assurance of God’s enduring love for believers.