The Grove Sermon Podcast

In this powerful message from Psalm 42, Pastor Roland challenges us to consider what our souls are truly longing for. Just as a deer pants for water, we were created to thirst for God. Yet so often, we chase lesser things. Things like success, approval, pleasure and they never satisfy. Psalm 42 gives voice to our spiritual thirst and points us to the only One who can truly satisfy, Jesus, the Livi...

When life falls apart, when you're betrayed, overwhelmed, or physically and spiritually weak, where do you turn? In this powerful sermon from Psalm 41, Pastor Roland Contreras explores King David's raw and honest cry to the Lord in the midst of intense suffering. David turns not to bitterness, vengeance, or distraction, but to the mercy, faithfulness, and hope of God. Through David’s words, we see...

In a world filled with songs of despair, complaint, and self-reliance, Psalm 40 invites us to sing a new song, a song of rescue, obedience, and hope. In this powerful sermon, Pastor Roland walks us through David’s testimony of waiting on the Lord, being lifted from the pit, and receiving a new song of praise. 1) The song is born in waiting – God hears us in our waiting and lifts us up. 2) The song...

Life moves fast. One day you're planning and building, the next you're wondering where the years went. Psalm 39 is David’s brutally honest prayer about life’s brevity and our desperate need for God’s mercy. In this sermon, we walk through Psalm 39 and ask: How brief is your life? It’s not meant to depress us but to wake us up. To remind us that our days are a vapor, but God’s grace is forever. Key...

In this honest and soul-searching message from Psalm 38, Pastor Roland Contreras asks a question many of us avoid: Are you burdened by sin? Our world has a habit of making sin sound respectable. Greed becomes ambition, lust is called love, pride is sold as confidence. But Psalm 38 doesn’t sugarcoat. It is David’s raw cry from the weight of sin’s consequences and his desperate plea for God’s mercy....

When evil seems to win and the world feels upside down, it’s easy to wonder: Why keep being faithful? Why wait on God when it feels like the wicked prosper? In this sermon from Psalm 37:1–11, Pastor Roland Contreras challenges us to slow down and listen to the ancient wisdom David offers: There’s a better way to live in a broken world. Psalm 37 isn’t naïve about injustice, betrayal, or evil. Inste...

In a world clouded by deception and pride, Psalm 36 brings a powerful contrast between the path of wickedness and the path of God’s steadfast love. In this sermon, Pastor Roland Contreras challenges us to examine the direction of our lives and ask: What path am I really on? SCRIPTURE REFERENCES: Psalm 35 SPEAKER: Pastor Roland Contreras ---- CONNECT WITH US: Online: https://www.reachthegrove.com/...

Everyone is facing a battle, whether it’s for your mind, your marriage, your reputation, or your peace. In this powerful message from Psalm 35, Pastor Roland walks us through David’s raw, honest cry for help and shows us what it looks like when we stop fighting in our own strength and start trusting God to fight for us. SCRIPTURE REFERENCES: Psalm 35 ---- CONNECT WITH US: Online: https://www.reach...

Every believer has a story and your story matters. In this powerful message from Dr. Matt Singleton, Director of Missions for the South Central Baptist Area, we explore Psalm 34 and the life-changing impact of sharing your testimony. Our world is hungry for hope, and your personal story of how God has worked in your life can be a bridge to the Gospel. Whether you're in a season of joy or walking t...

When life feels out of control, when plans fall apart, and when fear creeps in, who do you trust? Psalm 33 reminds us that God alone is worthy of our trust. In this message, Pastor Roland walks us through the contrast between trusting in the world and trusting in the Lord, and shows how God invites us to surrender our plans and align with His unshakable Kingdom. SCRIPTURE REFERENCES: Psalm 33 ----...

What do we do when life spins out of control? When evil seems to win and fear threatens to take over? In Acts 12:1–5, we see the early church under intense persecution, James is killed, Peter is imprisoned, and Herod is rising in power. But rather than panic, the church presses in through prayer. In this message, Pastor Roland unpacks how the early believers responded with fervent, Spirit-led pray...

Sermon begins at 16:50 What does it look like to be truly ready for the life God is calling you to live? In this message from Colossians 2:6–7, we explore how being rooted in Christ is the foundation for walking in strength, faith, and purpose. If you’re asking God, “What’s next?” or standing at the edge of a new season, this message is for you. Discover how deep roots lead to steady growth and ho...

What does it look like to live generously as a follower of Jesus? In this message from Acts 11:27–30, Pastor Roland unpacks a short but powerful moment in the early church that reveals how Spirit-led generosity changes lives, strengthens the body of Christ, and points others to the Gospel. From listening to the Holy Spirit to giving what we can and building up others through our giving, this passa...

In this message from Acts 11:19–26, Pastor Roland walks us through the powerful story of the church in Antioch, where followers of Jesus were first called “Christians.” But that title didn’t come from within. It came from the watching world, because something about their lives was unmistakably Christ-like. From bold evangelism to godly character, joyful celebration to spiritual growth, these belie...

What do we do when God moves in ways we didn’t expect? In this message from Acts 11:1–18, Pastor Roland walks us through one of the most pivotal moments in church history, the Gospel breaking barriers between Jews and Gentiles. Through Peter’s vision and the Spirit’s undeniable work, we see that God often interrupts our plans to align us with His greater purpose. God is still doing unexpected thin...

What if one morning changed everything? In this powerful Easter sermon, Pastor Roland walks through John 20:1–18 and reminds us that the resurrection of Jesus isn’t just a moment in history, it’s the cornerstone of our faith, a deeply personal reality, and a mission we’re called to carry. From Mary’s tears in the garden to her joyful declaration, “I have seen the Lord,” we see how the risen Christ...

It’s the GREATEST DAY IN HISTORY! The tomb is empty. Death is defeated. Hope is alive. This is the greatest day in history because Jesus didn’t stay buried, and we don’t have to stay broken. He is risen. He is alive. And everything has changed. Come and see. Go and tell. The King has conquered the grave!

On this day, everything felt still. The disciples were scattered. Hope felt lost. The body of Jesus laid in a borrowed tomb. Heaven was silent. But make no mistake, silence is not the absence of God. Holy Saturday reminds us that even when we can’t see Him moving, God is still at work. Beneath the surface. Behind the scenes. Preparing resurrection power. Sometimes the silence is just the space bef...

Two criminals. One cross. One Savior. Sin paid for. Grace poured out. Forgiveness offered. On the darkest day, love spoke the loudest. The cross is not the end of the story but it is the center of our hope. Let the weight of the cross lead you to the wonder of His love. Join us, daily, this Passion Week as we remember the One who came to save.

On Maundy Thursday, Jesus knelt and washed His disciples’ feet, not just as an act of kindness, but as call to love and live differently. The King of Heaven chose the posture of a servant. Maundy Thursday reminds us that Jesus came not to be served, but to serve. He didn’t just speak truth, He embodied it. He didn’t just love in word, He showed it with a towel and basin. Who can you serve today in...

Spy Wednesday is the moment Judas begins to trade Jesus for silver. Matthew 26:14–16 tells us he went to the chief priests and asked, “What will you give me if I deliver Him over to you?” He settled for 30 pieces of silver. Before we judge Judas, we have to ask ourselves: What are we trading Jesus for? Comfort? Control? Approval? Spy Wednesday reminds us ... ... don’t trade what is eternal for wha...

Jesus stepped into the temple and was met with confrontation. The religious leaders questioned His authority but He turned their questions upside down. Jesus exposes hearts, not just actions. He teaches in parables, warns of hypocrisy, and reveals the coming Kingdom to those with ears to hear. Holy Tuesday reminds us: God is not impressed by appearances. He’s looking for hearts that obey. Let’s le...

The King returns to the temple but instead of praise, He finds corruption. Tables are flipped. Coins scatter. Jesus declares, “My house shall be called a house of prayer.” Holy Monday reminds us: true worship isn’t about appearance, it’s about the heart. Join us, daily, this Passion Week as we remember the One who came to save. Let’s let Him cleanse what’s been compromised. #ReachTheGrove #HolyMon...

In this powerful continuation of Acts 10, we witness the undeniable work of the Holy Spirit as He moves in the hearts of unexpected people, in unexpected places. As Peter is still preaching, the Spirit falls, confirming that the Gospel is truly for all. Join us as we unpack three key truths from this moment: 1. The Spirit Comes Without Delay – God doesn’t wait for the perfect conditions. He moves...

Jesus enters Jerusalem not on a war horse, but on a donkey, fulfilling prophecy and ushering in peace. The crowds shout “Hosanna!” But in just days, those voices will change. This is no ordinary king. This is the beginning of His road to the cross. Join us, daily, this Passion Week as we remember the One who came to save. ----- Music Details: SummerTime by MorningLightMusic ----- #ReachTheGrove #P...