Salem Community Church

In the upper room, Jesus didn’t ask the disciples to strive—He asked them to sit with Him. To be present. To prepare a table and abide. As we explored John 15, we saw the power in remaining in Him, trusting that He remains in us. And in Jeremiah 29:11, we were reminded that the heart of God is for us—His plans are filled with hope, peace, and purpose. This message called us to rest, to dwell, and...

In  "Made by Moments,"  we reflected on how pivotal moments shape our faith and future.  Mark 14:1-11  shows us the powerful moment when a woman’s act of worship prepared Jesus for His burial, while  Genesis 50:20  reminds us that even what others intend for harm, God uses for good. This message challenged us to  trust that God knows what He is doing with our lives —even in difficult sea...

We explored the profound call to perseverance in our Christian journey, as highlighted in Mark 13:13. Jesus speaks of enduring to the end, emphasizing that our walk with Him is not a sprint but a marathon. This journey requires steadfast faith, especially amidst trials and tribulations. The darker the world becomes, the brighter our light should shine, pushing us out of our comfort zones to be a b...

In today's exploration of Mark 12:41-44, we delve into the profound lesson Jesus teaches about giving and the heart behind it. As Jesus observes the treasury in the temple, He witnesses the rich contributing large sums and a poor widow offering two small copper coins. This scene is not just about the act of giving but the spirit in which it is done. The rich gave out of their abundance, seekin...

In life, we often find ourselves in moments of chaos and confusion, much like my experience in San Antonio, where unexpected encounters with snakes disrupted what was meant to be a relaxing vacation. These moments of chaos can be likened to the dilemmas we face in our spiritual journey. When life becomes chaotic, our focus can become diluted, and we may find ourselves struggling to maintain our sp...

In "Theology vs. ME-ology," we examined the contrast between a God-centered faith and a self-centered approach to life. Through Mark 12:28-34 and Deuteronomy 6:4-5, we saw Jesus affirm the greatest commandment—to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. However, Judges 21:25 warns us of what happens when people prioritize their own desires over God’s truth. Galatians 5:1 re...

In this message, we explored  1 Samuel 30:1-8  and  18-20 , where David faces devastation as Ziklag is attacked and his people are taken captive. Despite the overwhelming loss and the threat of being stoned by his own men, David finds strength in the Lord and seeks God’s guidance. His obedience leads to full restoration and victory. This story reminds us that even when we face hit after hit, God i...

In this message, we explored  Mark 12:13-17 , where Jesus is confronted with a trap question about paying taxes to Caesar. His response,  “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s,”  reveals a deeper truth about allegiance, stewardship, and the condition of our hearts. This passage challenges us to discern where our true devotion lies—are we giving God what rightfully belongs to Hi...

In  "Fruit of the Kingdom,"  we examined Jesus’ parable of the tenants in  Mark 12:1-12 , a powerful illustration of God’s authority and our response to Him. This passage challenges us to consider whether we are producing the kind of fruit that reflects His kingdom. Jesus warns against rejecting Him as the cornerstone, reminding us that true discipleship requires obedience, faithfulness,...

In  "Have Faith,"  we explored Jesus’ powerful teaching on the importance of unwavering faith. In  Mark 11:20-26 , Jesus reminds His disciples that faith isn’t just a feeling—it’s an active trust in God that moves mountains. He challenges us to pray with belief, knowing that God hears us, and to forgive others so that our prayers are unhindered. This message encourages us to step out in...

In this episode, we dive into Mark 11:15-19, where Jesus cleanses the temple and reminds us of its sacred purpose. But what does this mean for us today? As believers, we are the living tabernacle of God's presence. Join us as we uncover the significance of Jesus' actions in the temple, the call to live as a holy dwelling place for God, and how this truth impacts our daily lives.

In this episode, we explore Mark 11:12-14, where Jesus encounters a fig tree and uses it to teach a profound lesson about faith and fruitfulness. Why did He curse the tree, and what does it reveal about our spiritual lives? Join us as we unpack the significance of this moment, the symbolism of the fig tree, and how it challenges us to live a life of purpose and faith that bears fruit.

In this message, we dive into the Parable of the Sower found in Luke 8:4-15. Jesus uses this story to challenge us to reflect on the condition of our hearts and the kind of ground we are planting the seeds of His Word in. Are we nurturing fertile soil, or are we allowing distractions and hardships to choke our spiritual growth? Join us as we explore what it means to cultivate a heart that is ready...

In Mark 10:46-52, we encounter Bartimaeus, a blind beggar whose bold faith and desperate cry for mercy capture the attention of Jesus. This week’s message invites us to consider the power of persistence, the courage to ask, and the faith to believe. As Jesus asks Bartimaeus, "What do you want Me to do for you?" we are challenged to reflect on our own hearts and respond with faith.

In this week’s message, we explore Mark 10:32-40, where Jesus reminds His disciples of the profound humility and selflessness required to serve others. Join us as we unpack the heart of servanthood, the call to embrace a life of simplicity, and the transformative power of following Christ’s example. Reflect on this key takeaway:  Where can I insert an opportunity to serve someone in my day-to-day...

In this episode, we delve into the powerful message of Mark 10:13-16, where Jesus emphasizes the importance of childlike faith. We'll explore what it truly means to have faith like a child, examining qualities such as humility, trust, and vulnerability. We'll discuss how these qualities can transform our relationship with God and enable us to experience His abundant grace. Join us as we uncover th...

In this episode, we dive into the meaning of baptism and the difference between making a decision for Christ and experiencing a true conversion. Baptism is more than a symbolic act; it’s a public declaration of an inward transformation and a commitment to follow Jesus wholeheartedly. This message explores how genuine conversion goes beyond a one-time decision, involving a lifelong journey of surre...

In this thought-provoking sermon, Pastor Justin Collett unpacks Mark 9:38-41, where Jesus challenges His disciples’ views on who can serve in His name. Pastor Justin explores the importance of unity in the body of Christ and the call to embrace those who work for God’s Kingdom, even if they’re not part of our immediate circles. This message encourages us to broaden our perspective, recognize God’s...

In this episode, Worship Director Lydia Athey shares a powerful message about the importance of how we approach God. She reminds us that acknowledging who is truly on the throne of our lives impacts the way we worship, pray, and live daily. Lydia’s message calls us to evaluate our hearts, ensuring that God is at the center and that we approach Him with reverence, humility, and surrender. Join us a...

In this impactful episode, Pastor Ryan Combs challenges us with Jesus' definition of greatness, which is rooted in sacrifice, obedience, and suffering for the sake of others. He reminds us that we were created not just to live for ourselves but to serve others in the way Christ did. This message encourages us to embrace a life of service, reflecting the true heart of Jesus in our actions and attit...

In this special episode, we welcome Pastor Doug Garasic as he shares four key ways to be transformed by the Gospel. He encourages us to deepen our relationship with God by studying the Bible, allowing scripture to guide our direction, spending intentional time in His presence, and serving others with a heart of love. Pastor Doug’s message challenges us to move beyond simply hearing the Gospel to l...

In this episode, we explore the transformative power of prayer and how it connects us to God's presence, no matter where we are. Jesus often retreated to the mountaintop to pray, but He didn’t stay there—He came back down to walk with us in the valley. Prayer is our way of bringing the Kingdom of Heaven, from the heights of the mountain, into the challenges of everyday life. Join us as we discuss...

How to Learn God’s Love You did not love God first. God loved you. We struggle to believe God loves us as deeply as he does because we look at ourselves first instead of at him. We often base God’s love for us on our actions, disposition, and performance. When we do well, God must love us more. When we do poorly, God must love us less. This is how we often feel about the practices of the Christian...

In the midst of life’s uncertainties, it’s comforting to remember that God has good plans for each of us. In this episode, we take a closer look at how God’s purpose unfolds even when our circumstances seem confusing or difficult. Through scripture and personal stories, we’ll explore how trusting in God’s perfect timing and His promises can bring hope, peace, and direction to our lives. Whether yo...

It’s easy to admire the teachings of Jesus and enjoy the uplifting messages, but are we truly committed to following Him? In this episode, we challenge the difference between being a fan of the message and being a dedicated follower of the Lord. We’ll explore what it means to go beyond simply liking the idea of Jesus and fully surrendering to His will in our everyday lives. Tune in as we dive into...