Verve City Church: Weekly Messages

Better Together: The Need for Community

We weren’t built to live life alone. We’re social creatures who flourish most when we are together: celebrat-ing, eating, partying — together. But also: struggling, mourning, questioning — together. Our challenge is that building true community around us is both necessary and difficult. How can we live our lives and engage with other people in such a way that we become better together?

It's Not About the Lions: The Writing on the Wall

The  Scriptures  speak  constantly  of  human flourishing:  it’s  God’s  desire  that  we  live well  and  connect  well  relationally  with  him  and  with  others.  But  what  happens  when we don’t? The Old Testament book of Daniel contains multiple stories that point to a singular point: human beings lose their humanity when they don’t connect with God. Tragedy occurs when created beings lose touch with their creator.

It's Not About the Lions: Trail by Fire

There’s  a  fascinating  story  in  the  Hebrew  Scriptures  about  idolatry:  what  happens when we take a good thing and make it an ultimate thing. An entire nation is coerced into  bowing  down  to  a  golden  image  that  represents  the  empire  and  the  king,  but three  young  men  choose  to  resist.  What  kind  of  faith  does  it  take  to  go  against  the flow?  To  be  surrounded  by  people  engaged  in  unhealthy  and  ultimately  destructive behavior,  but  to  choose  to  ...

It’s Not About the Lions: Prepare for Battle

Life is full of suffering, pain, and disappointments. Rearing kids is hard; work is hard; aging, sickness, and death are hard. The Hebrew Bible tells the story of Daniel and of the great disappointments and challenges (even threats to his life!) that he faced.Daniel’s story teaches us that our greatest struggles can lead to our greatest breakthroughs... and that the point of suffering is often the point of transformation. Daniel’s story ultimately foreshadows the cross of Jesus, who paradoxi...

Influencer: Unlikely Courage

It is not an easy thing to own our past and move toward something better. It takes courage to lead and influence people who have seen both our triumphs and our failures. The Gospels contain a peculiar story that has far-reaching implications for us today: what do you do when Jesus asks you to influence the very people who have seen you at your worst?

Influencer: Lead Like A Human

Most of us are raised to be "brave," but only in a way that doesn’t involve risking rejection or failure. This can lead us to avoid anything resembling vulnerability, which involves uncertainty, risk, and emotional exposure. But the life of King David has a lesson for us: it is only in opening ourselves up to God that he can lead us to new heights.

Influencer: Old Faithful

“In this world,” Jesus tells us, “you will have trouble.” We will all walk through pain, suffering and loss. It will make us bitter, or it will make us better. How is it that our character can be forged in the crucible of conflict? The Hebrew Scriptures contain the story of Daniel: a man who was stolen away from his home country at an early age and who continued to develop the strength of character to defy a king and point a nation to God. This week at IHC: “Old Faithful” 

Influencer: The Power of Focus

You want to make a difference in the world, but it feels like the ever-consuming hustle of life just keeps getting in the way. The Hebrew scriptures contain the story of a man named Nehemiah, who became laser focused on a single task: rebuilding the walls around the city of Jerusalem. To accomplish his task, he overcame obstacles familiar to all of us: fear, distractions, and criticism. How do we develop a vision for our lives that is so clear and so compelling that it helps us overcome the ...

Influencer: The Leader Within You

We looked at the Apostle Peter this week as one of the Bible characters who exemplifies the importance of “The Leader Within You.” If you’re looking to influence others, it’s pretty helpful to start with an understanding of “self leadership.” How are you leading your life in a way that models honesty, determination, and a sense of your unique purpose?

The Crisis of Masculinity

There’s a massive conversation in our culture around masculinity: what does it mean to be manly? How are we raising boys to become “good” men? What role(s) should men play in our society? Are some forms of masculinity as we’ve traditionally defined them actually harmful? And if I define myself as a follower of Jesus, what does my allegiance to Christ have to say about manhood?

All In: The Divine Commodity

What’s your role in God’s plan? It’s one thing to consume a religious product... But it’s life changing to contribute to a team that’s making a difference. To be part of the Church is to be part of the team of people Jesus has assembled to impact the world!

All In: The Gospel & Culture

We all want to be part of something bigger than ourselves; to make a difference in the world around us. If you’re a follower of Jesus, YOU hold the answers to the biggest questions the world is asking. And as part of a church, we can be on mission together to share the Gospel with the Chino valley in ways that none of us can do on our own.⁠

Can't Even: I'm So Angry

Scriptures remind us that anger is not inherently a problem, and it can even be helpful in some cases. As followers of Jesus, how can we respond to our anger in a way that demonstrates our desire to be more like Jesus in what we say, and do, and think?

Can't Even: I'm So Anxious

There has been a dramatic uptick in feelings of anxiety over the past decade, especially amongst young adults. While some anxiety levels can be extreme and are best resolved through professional therapy, Jesus modeled a way of living that can help break the cycle of worry and fear that drives much of our anxiety.

Can't Even: I'm So Tired

Many of us have experienced a sense of tiredness - of “languishing” - this past year. Maybe you’ve found yourself saying, “I can’t even…” when you think about facing one more challenge, one more disappointment, or one more monotonous day. Take heart! You’re not alone, and this week’s message encouraged us to consider how we can model our response based on how Jesus himself lived.

Mother's Day 2021: More Than Managing Expectations

We all face expectations, and we may even feel like we’re managing the needs of our families, workplaces, and friends pretty well. But what does it look like to find a renewed purpose and vulnerability as we respond to Jesus’ invitation to live differently?

Bad Religion: A Godly Home Guarantees Godly Kids

Many parents have been led to believe that creating a godly home environment will guarantee their kids grow up to be faithful followers of Jesus. But, while training up our children in the way of Jesus is undoubtedly a worthy goal, the Scriptures never guarantee our faithfulness will result in a particular outcome.

Bad Religion: God Has A Blueprint For My Life

When it comes time to make a major decision, many of us experience a heightened interest in discovering God’s will. “If God has a blueprint for my life, how am I supposed to determine what that is?” we may wonder. Join us tomorrow to see what Scripture teaches about God’s plan & purpose for your life.

Bad Religion: Everything Happens For A Reason

Well-meaning friends, and even pop-culture, sometimes offer comfort in tough times with the old adage, “Everything happens for a reason”... but have you ever thought about how that saying comes up short when measured against Scripture and what we know of the goodness of God? What would it look like to challenge that notion, and perhaps replace it with a fresh understanding?

Bad Religion: Faith Fixes Everything

Does faith fix everything? Check out this message in our series, Bad Religion, as we tackle this misconception and look to see what the scriptures show us instead.⁠⁠

Easter 2021

“What is the nature of the world?” -- a great question humans have grappled with for centuries. God’s answer, through Jesus’ resurrection, gives us great hope that our best days may have, in fact, just begun!

How We Grow

Following Jesus changes what our heart wants. Pastor Josh workshopped three common struggles this week - anger, worry, and lust - as practical reminders that Jesus invites us not to a life of rule-following, but to a life of transformation. 

Back to the Roots

Associate Students Pastor Greg Morton took us back to the Old Testament this week to see how from the very beginning of His relationship with the Israelite people, God’s plan was to share his love with everyone. The bottom line for our lives as modern day Jesus followers? “How we love and include others is a direct representation of how we worship God.”

Stepping Into The New

What new thing is God doing in your life? The Apostle Peter serves as an example of how sometimes we wrestle with reclaiming the old, while embracing the new. IHC’s 30th Anniversary gave us an opportunity to look back on God’s faithfulness, and to celebrate the ways He’s inviting us forward as a faith community.

The Book of Revelation

Despite some of the ways pop culture or even religious traditions have encouraged us to understand it, the book of Revelation was written to encourage persecuted Christians that regardless of what the scoreboard might currently say, God will win in the end. This message of hope is for us, too - that God will renew, restore, and reconcile all things.

Successful In Suffering

The latest New Year, New Testament message from 1 Peter reminded us that our present suffering pales in comparison to the “wonderful joy” we have ahead of us. Pastor Tim Celek’s message provided some much-needed encouragement for whatever challenges you’re facing - or about to face - this week.

The Crowd Goes Wild

“Faith is not certainty, and faith does not speak the language of definitives.” But the author of Hebrews reminds us of a long history of those who have gone before us as examples of faithfulness. Their stories remind us that when we fix our eyes on Jesus, we can run the race set before us with renewed courage and strength!

Accidental Pharisees

If you’ve ever found yourself thinking something like, “At least I’m not as bad as * those * people!” you might be on a slippery slope toward becoming an “Accidental Pharisee.” What are some common pitfalls, and how can we be mindful to avoid them?!⁠⁠

New Year, New Testament Questions

If you're reading along with our New Year, New Testament challenge, you've probably had some questions along the way! Hear from Pastor Josh as he unpacks a few biggies we've encountered: "What is predestination?" "Does God save or condemn arbitrarily?" "Can I lose my salvation?"

Why We Fail

Take a moment to hear this week’s encouraging reminder that we find purpose, forgiveness, and humility when we find life by following Jesus!

Preach Like A Girl

This week’s New Testament readings gave us a great opportunity to talk about the importance of understanding context - the specific time, place, or situation of a particular section of scripture - when we consider how the Bible applies to our lives.

Tri-God

If you’ve chosen to follow after Jesus, Heaven and Earth collide no matter where you go! Whether you're scrolling through Instagram, going to the gym, or grabbing some take out, you’re showing up with the presence of God!⁠⠀

Locusts and Camel Hair

This week’s message led us to a special time of celebrating Communion together and remembering that our lives can change forever if we allow Jesus to be Lord of our lives.

Why Should You Read The Bible?

New Year, New Testament | Part 1 | Josh Crain “Why should you read the Bible?” If you want to understand God, you’ve got to understand Jesus, and Jesus himself points us to the authority of scripture as an important way to understand the freeing grace God has for each of us.

How To Enter Into Worship

January 3 | Josh Crain Worship is our whole being assigning ultimate worth. 

The Year We Can't Leave Behind

As we turn the page on 2020, continue to lean into God's timeless truths going into 2021. Learn more about our ministries and church here: --> inlandhills.com <--

Christmas At The Movies: Grinch

Christmas At The Movies: It's A Wonderful Life

This week’s “Christmas at the Movies” features the 1946 Oscar-nominated classic, “It’s A Wonderful Life.” Join us to look back in time for a Jesus-centered reminder that our lives matter to others!⁠⠀

Christmas At The Movies: Home Alone

More than just pranks to stop the bad guys, a look at Home Alone led us to explore Jesus’ teaching about forgiveness in Matthew 18.

Nov 29

Christmas At The Movies: Elf

We learned some great things from Jesus’ interaction with a Canaanite woman this week, as well as from Buddy the Elf!

God Is Ahead Of Us

Pastor Mark Lee joins us to conclude our Comfort Food series by speaking on the idea that God is not content to leave us where we are.

God Is For Us

Don’t miss Pastor Tim Kuhl’s fresh take on “The Good Samaritan” as a great way to start your week. Bottom line: God is a different kind of hero, and He’s got compassion for you!

God Is With Us

Do we trust God and delight in his presence? How does our worry and anger define us? Check out Week 1 of Comfort Food, with an encouraging message from long-time friend of Inland Hills, Pastor Eric Heard.

The Politics of Jesus

Jesus showed us how much love can cost when he gave his life on the cross. Understanding a “kingdom ethic” can lead us to respond to this critical question: What does love require?

How Christians Become Democrats & Republicans

Bible verses could be used to support either a Republican or Democratic view… but to THINK DIFFERENT means that Christians should probably be a little uncomfortable with some of the positions of the candidates for whom we choose to vote. Check out the third part of our series: “How Christians Become Democrats & Republicans.”

Biblical Justice

In the midst of modern calls for justice that often seem at odds even with each other, how are we to live out the justice to which we are called as followers of Jesus? What exactly IS "Biblical Justice," and how do we apply that lens in our everyday lives?

Losing The Culture War

“Losing the Culture War” kicked off our new series, “Think Different*.”  *A worthwhile, non-gross, highly-helpful, utterly necessary conversation about faith & politics.

Make A Difference

Sometimes it can feel like life is just one thing after another! With all of the challenges swirling around us, what are Christians supposed to do? Check out the final message in our Spark series, where Pastor Josh concluded that we are called to share hope, to “Make a Difference,” to pour our lives out for the sake of others.

Find Freedom

Do you ever feel like you’re stuck? …Like your past decisions or mistakes are making it difficult for you to move forward? Check out this week’s message to consider how Jesus invites us to “Find Freedom.”