Islands Christian Church Podcast

In this message from the Make Room series, Pastor Stephen Saxton explores why spiritual growth can feel slow and what that means for our faith. Looking at passages like 1 Timothy 1:15–16 , he explains that the tension we feel, wanting to change but not being where we hoped, is not a sign that something is wrong, but evidence that God is at work within us. Rather than expecting instant transformati...

In this message from the Make Room series, Pastor Stephen Saxton explores how spiritual growth is meant to happen in community, not in isolation. Walking through 1 Peter 2:1–5 , he shows that while the Holy Spirit changes us personally, He forms us collectively, shaping us together as the people of God. Scripture paints a powerful picture of the church as a spiritual house, where believers are lik...

In this message from the Make Room series, Pastor Stephen Saxton walks through Ephesians 4:20–32 and explains how the Christian life flows from identity rather than effort. Instead of trying to improve ourselves through willpower, Scripture teaches that believers have already been given a new life in Christ. Paul describes this transformation as putting off the old self and putting on the new self...

In this message from the Make Room series, Pastor Stephen Saxton walks through Romans 8:5–16 and explains how the Holy Spirit transforms us from the inside out. Instead of trying harder or relying on willpower, Scripture shows that lasting change begins with remembering who we are in Christ. As we set our minds on the truth of the gospel — that we are forgiven, adopted, and no longer condemned — t...

What do you do when life feels heavy, your faith is tested, or the culture around you pushes back? Guest speaker Danny Groover walks us through Daniel 1 and shows how a young Daniel chose conviction over comfort and faithfulness over fitting in. This message reminds us that following Jesus doesn’t remove hardship — but it does give us strength, purpose, and peace in the middle of it. From building...

We spend so much of our lives measuring ourselves—comparing, proving, and wondering if we are enough. That constant self-evaluation leaves us tired, anxious, and stuck in an endless search for a verdict. In this message from 1 Corinthians 3:21–4:7, we explore the freedom the gospel offers when we stop living in the courtroom of comparison. The apostle Paul shows us how our natural ego leaves us em...

Money often feels heavy — tied to fear, pressure, or the sense that we’re never quite doing enough. In this message, we shift the conversation in a different direction. Rather than treating generosity as an obligation or a demand, Scripture shows us that generosity grows naturally from trust. When we trust God with our future, open-handed living becomes a response, not a requirement. Teaching from...

Money decisions often feel urgent, driven by pressure and immediate needs. But in this message from The Almighty Dollar series, Pastor Stephen Saxton teaches that financial margin is not a luxury—it creates space to trust and obey God’s wisdom. Teaching from Proverbs 21:20 and Proverbs 6:6–8, this sermon explores how living without margin turns every expense into an emergency, while margin allows...

Money decisions often feel urgent and practical, focused on solving problems in the present. But in this message from The Almighty Dollar series, Pastor Stephen Saxton teaches that how we leverage money and use debt shapes far more than our current moment—it shapes our future. Teaching from Proverbs 22:7, Matthew 6:24, and Hebrews 13:5, this sermon uncovers how debt can feel helpful now while quie...

Money touches nearly every part of our lives. It shapes our decisions, our stress, and often our sense of security. In this message from The Almighty Dollar series, Pastor Stephen Saxton teaches from Psalm 24, 1 Timothy 6:10, and Romans 8:32 to uncover a deeper truth behind many of our financial struggles: Most money problems are not about dollars. They are about authority. When we lose clarity ab...

Darkness is a reality we all face. Sometimes it looks like the brokenness in our world; other times it’s the heaviness we carry within. In this message from The Wonder of Christmas series, Pastor Stephen Saxton teaches from Isaiah 9:1–7 and shows how the prophecy of a coming light reveals a life-changing truth: Hope does not rise from inside us. Hope dawns upon us. We don’t generate our own hope,...

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...