the gospel at ground level

Some of the New Testament’s shortest letters have something direct and timely to say about following Jesus in the real world. In this six-week series through Jude, Titus, and Philemon, we’ll discover how to stand firmly for truth without becoming contentious, how grace produces visible character, and how the gospel transforms our relationships. These letters remind us that faith is more than something we believe—it shapes how we live, speak, lead, and treat one another. This is the gospel at ground level.

When Truth Is Under Pressure [Part 1]

Pastor Jon Sprouse

October 18, 2026

If someone asked you what the gospel is, what would you say? I think a lot of people would define or explain the gospel as a certain set of beliefs. And to be fair, that's a good place to start. But the gospel isn't merely a belief system. The gospel or good news (which is what the word 'gospel' means) are beliefs that are grounded in the unchangeable nature and character of God. The gospel is truth that transforms, shapes, and steadies us in a world of constant change, chaos and confusion.

This week, we're beginning a new series we've titled, The Gospel at Ground Level. Over the next six weeks, we'll be working our way through the New Testament letters of Jude, Titus and Philemon, each of which will challenge us to allow the truth of who God is and what He has done for us to shape who we are and how we live every moment of every day. Because the truth we defend with our words must become the life we live and the grace we extend.

Contend Without Becoming Contentious [Part 2]

Pastor Michelle Snook

October 25, 2026

A friend shared a story about an experience at T-Mobile Park in Seattle a few years ago. Waiting with her son and grandson for the park to open, they counted and compared... how many Dodger t-shirts and hats versus Mariners gear? The evening was warm, fans were laughing and talking together. The atmosphere was lighthearted and fun, until... From the street corner behind them, a portable sound system squealed with feedback. Then, a guy with a bullhorn began barking about sinners going to hell and needing to repent. It was deafeningly loud and offensive - even to her - one who loves Jesus deeply. Maybe because she loves Jesus deeply. Words of truth meant to draw people toward Christ were instead pushing people away.

We're in week 2 of a series we've titled, The Gospel at Ground Level. We're working our way through the New Testament letters of Jude, Titus and Philemon - letters that should shape who we are and challenge how we live because of what Jesus has done for us. How we speak and the ways we treat others are just as important as the gospel we share. Because the truth we present with our words must be backed up by the life we live and the grace we extend... or we run the risk of offending and alienating those we've been called to love and serve.

Truth That Produces Character [Part 3]

Pastor Chris Voigt

November 1, 2026

We're in week 3 of our series, The Gospel at Ground Level. We're studying our way through the New Testament letters of Jude, Titus and Philemon. They’re short letters that pack a punch, as each letter calls us to be people who don’t just know the truth, but are living it out in real life. There’s a big difference between knowing and doing. And this week, we’re looking at the gaps that exist in our lives between the two. Because if the truth we say we believe isn’t backed up by the way we live and the grace we give... we are, to paraphrase the apostle Paul… just making noise, rather than making a difference.

Making the Gospel Attractive [Part 4]

Pastor Jon Sprouse

November 8, 2026

Who do you follow? The obvious answer is "Jesus." And if that's what came to mind for you, great! ... it's the right one! But in our culture today, the word 'follow' has come to mean something very different. Because these days - in our social media society - we can follow our favorite singers, authors, sports teams. But following doesn't mean becoming like them. It means we 'like' or 'share' or 'comment' but we don't actually adjust our lives around the people we're following. But when we say we follow Jesus, following means more than liking Him or sharing Bible verses, or agreeing with principles. Following means becoming like Him. Loving the way He loves, even when it's costly.

We're in week 4 of our series, The Gospel at Ground Level. We're looking at the New Testament letters of Jude, Titus and Philemon and unpacking what it means to be people who don’t just know the truth, but live it out in real life, with real people, every day. Sometimes it's easier to 'follow' the social media way. But following Jesus was never meant to be a spectator sport.

When Grace Changes the Relationship [Part 5]

Pastor Michelle Snook

November 15, 2026

"I don't get mad, I get even."

I'm sure you've heard that before. It sounds humorous... like you're joking... don't really mean it... kind of. But honestly, that's the way our culture operates. And because we can't help but be completely immersed in our culture, it's easy for that to become the way we operate -- even when we know that as followers of Jesus, we're called to choose a better way -- the way of grace.

This is week 5 of our series, The Gospel at Ground Level. We've looked at the New Testament letters of Jude and Titus; this week, we're introduced to Philemon. It's a short, personal letter from the apostle Paul to his dear friend, Philemon, who leads the church in Colossae. He's in a bit of a get mad/get even situation. But Paul invites him -- and us -- to choose the way of grace.