Islands Christian Church Podcast

Christmas can magnify whatever we are facing. Joy can feel brighter. Hardship can feel heavier. In this message from The Wonder of Christmas series, Pastor Stephen Saxton teaches from Luke 2:8–11 and shows how the angel’s words, “Do not be afraid… behold,” reveal a powerful truth for every believer: Faith grows when we behold the gospel more than we behold our fear. Fear is not only emotional. It...

In this week’s message, Pastor Stephen continues our Enough Is Enough series by showing how Psalm 100 teaches us to grow and protect contentment. Contentment isn’t something we drift into — it’s something God forms in us through worship, identity, and thanksgiving. You’ll hear how: • Worship centers your heart and awakens joy • Knowing who God is — and whose you are — creates security • Giving tha...

The Secret of Contentment (Philippians 4:10–13) In this week’s message, Pastor Stephen teaches from Philippians 4:10–13 , exploring what Scripture says about contentment , dependence on Christ , and finding peace no matter your circumstances . Paul reminds us that contentment isn’t automatic — it’s something God grows in us over time as we learn to trust Him in both the highs and the lows. Whether...

In this message, Pastor Stephen wraps up our Next Door series by showing how Jesus’ teaching on prayer reveals the heart of a good Father who welcomes our interruptions. When we depend on Him, pray with boldness, and trust with expectation, we discover that God not only meets our needs—He often answers someone else’s prayer through us. Key Verse: Luke 11:9 — “So I say to you: Ask and it will be gi...

In Week Two of our  Next Door  series, Pastor Stephen explores what it truly means to love our neighbors. From the story of Jesus feeding the five thousand in  Mark 6 , we learn that loving others begins when we  notice, pray, and obey. Real love doesn’t start with having all the answers or enough resources — it begins when we bring what we have to Jesus and let Him multiply it. When our prayer me...

S4 E1 | The Neighbor You Didn’t Expect Pastor Stephen Saxton shares Jesus’ teaching on what it truly means to “love your neighbor.” It’s not just about being kind—it’s about reflecting the heart of Christ, even toward those who are hardest to love. Discover how mercy changes everything and how Jesus redefines who our neighbor really is. 🌐 Learn more or join us online: islandschristian.org 🎧 Subs...

Stephen Saxton | Good Work: Built for Rest | Matthew 11:28–30 In the finale of our Good Work series, Pastor Stephen Saxton reminds us that God didn’t just design us for work—He designed us for rest. From Jesus’ invitation in Matthew 11:28–30, we learn that real Sabbath rest isn’t something we buy or earn; it’s a gift we receive by trusting Him. Discover how: Jesus, the Rest-Giver, offers rest for...

Stephen Saxton | Good Work: Serving Christ in Our Work and Leadership | Ephesians 6:5–9 In part four of our Good Work series, Pastor Stephen Saxton unpacks Ephesians 6:5–9 to show how both workers and leaders are called to live out their faith in the way they work and lead. Discover how: Your ultimate audience at work is not your boss, coworkers, or clients—it’s Christ. Work has dignity when it’s...

Good Work: The Gospel Changes Work | 1 Corinthians 10:31 | Stephen Saxton What does faith have to do with your 9-to-5? In this message, Pastor Stephen Saxton teaches from 1 Corinthians 10:31, reminding us that there is no divide between sacred and secular. All of life—including work, chores, and everyday tasks—is meant to glorify God. Discover how the gospel reframes your perspective on work by sh...

Good Work: When Work Feels Frustrating | Genesis 3:17–19, Ecclesiastes 2:18–21 | Stephen Saxton Work was part of God’s good design, but ever since the fall it has been marked by frustration and futility. In this message, Pastor Stephen Saxton continues our Good Work series with Genesis 3:17–19 and Ecclesiastes 2:18–21, showing how sin reshaped our experience of work—and how God gives us hope in th...

Good Work: Reflecting God | Genesis 1:26–28 | Stephen Saxton Work isn’t just a necessary evil or something to get through until the weekend—it’s part of God’s original design for us. In this message, Pastor Stephen Saxton begins our Good Work series with Genesis 1:26–28, showing how work reflects the image of God. Learn how your daily labor: Reflects God’s image. Unfolds creation and its potential...

This week on the Islands Christian Church podcast, we hear from Luke Baham as he shares his very first sermon at Islands. Drawing from Matthew 16:24, Luke reminds us that following Jesus means denying ourselves, taking up our cross daily, and choosing God’s will over our own—even in the small, everyday moments of life. With personal stories from parenting, nursing, and daily perseverance, Luke sho...

This week on the Islands Christian Church Podcast, we continue our series Already & Not Yet. Pastor Stephen Saxton shares a message from Colossians 1:24–29, reminding us that Christ living in us is the true hope of glory and the anchor for our faith today. 📖 Scripture Reference: Colossians 1:24–29 🗒 Read the full transcript here: https://www.islandschristian.org/podcast/podcast-s3-e49-already...

In this week’s message, Pastor Stephen continues the Already & Not Yet series by exploring the Lord’s Prayer, specifically the phrase: “Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” What does the Kingdom of God really mean? When did it arrive, and how does it impact our lives today? We learn that God’s kingdom is the range of His effective will—where what He desires is fu...

In this message, Pastor Stephen unpacks the deep meaning of communion as more than a simple ritual—it’s a banquet that points both backward and forward in our faith. Looking back, we remember Christ’s sacrifice, His body broken and His blood poured out for our freedom. Looking forward, we anticipate the great banquet to come when Jesus returns to celebrate with His people. Along the way, we discov...

What does it mean to be redeemed—but not fully realize it yet? In this message from Islands Christian Church in Savannah, Georgia, we explore the powerful truth found in Ephesians 1:3–10. You already have redemption through Jesus Christ. You are holy and blameless in God’s eyes, even if you don’t feel like it. This sermon unpacks the tension of living in the "already and not yet" of the...

Already and Not Yet, Part 2: A Better World is Coming Pastor Stephen Saxton | Romans 8:18–30 | Islands Christian Church Description: Why does the world feel so broken? Why do we instinctively know that things aren’t the way they’re supposed to be? In this episode, Pastor Stephen Saxton unpacks Romans 8:18–30 and the tension we all live in, the already and not yet of the gospel. Though we experienc...

What do you do when life knocks you off rhythm? In this message from Psalm 103, we’re reminded that worship isn’t just an emotion—it’s a declaration. David speaks truth to his soul, choosing to remember God's mercy, justice, and unfailing love. This episode invites you to renew your mind, rest in God’s character, and let His grace move you again—no matter what season you're in. Topics incl...

What does it really mean to love God with all your heart—and how does that love shape the way you treat others? In this message, Pastor Stephen unpacks Jesus’s command in Matthew 22 and reminds us that true love begins with devotion to God. Only when our love for Him is first can we truly love our neighbors in a meaningful, selfless way. From personal stories to powerful theology, this sermon expl...

This message from Pastor Stephen launches a powerful two-week sermon series on The Greatest Command from Matthew 22:37–40. Discover how Jesus' call to love God with all your heart, soul, and mind can bring unity to the fragmented areas of life. If you’ve ever struggled to balance faith, family, work, and personal identity, this teaching offers biblical truth and practical steps to live with gr...

This week, guest speaker Ernie Banks walks us through Romans 12 and what it really means to live in light of God’s mercy. When we truly understand what God has done for us, it changes everything—our mindset, our worship, our relationships, and our purpose. Ernie challenges us to stop conforming to the patterns around us and start living with a renewed mind. From sincere love to using our unique gi...

As we begin our new series Mercy + Light , guest speaker Ernie Banks walks us through the big-picture message of Romans 1–11 to help us understand the weight and beauty of God’s mercy. Before we dive into Romans 12 next week, this message sets the stage by reminding us that in Christ, there is no condemnation, only freedom, forgiveness, and the power of the Spirit.

What does real love look like? In this week’s message from our “Summer of Love” series, we look at the radical call of 1 John 3:16—to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. This isn’t just about feelings or words, but sacrificial, Christ-like love in action. Pastor Stephen challenges us to move beyond comfort and convenience, and into a life of love that reflects Jesus’ own. If you’ve ev...

What does real love look like—and how does it show up in our everyday lives? In this week’s message, Pastor Stephen continues our Summer of Love series with a powerful question: How can I know if I really know Jesus? Looking at 1 John, we’re reminded that love isn’t just a feeling or a phrase—it’s the evidence of a life changed by Christ. If we claim to walk in the light but hold onto hate, we’re...

What is love, really? And who gets to define it? In this episode, Pastor Stephen begins our new series, Summer of Love , with a powerful message from 1 John 1. We take a deep look at the source of love and life, and we’re reminded that Jesus is not just a part of the story—He is the story. If you’ve ever wondered whether being a good person is enough, or if you’ve tried to find meaning without Jes...