The Grove Sermon Podcast

UNITY IN THE MIDST OF CONFLICT - Acts 15:22-35

What does it take to have real unity when there’s tension, disagreement, or conflict? In Acts 15:22–35, the early church faces a defining moment, one that could have divided them, but instead strengthened them. In this message, we explore how Gospel clarity, sacrificial love, and intentional encouragement lead to true unity. Unity isn’t found in avoiding conflict, it’s found in how we walk through it.SCRIPTURE REFERENCES: Acts 15:15-35SPEAKER: Pastor Roland Contreras----CONNECT WITH US:Online: https://www.reachthegrove.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/reachthegrove/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reachthegrove/Give: https://www.reachthegrove.com/give/----#reachthegrove #jesus #onlinechurch #faith #bible #believe #belong #cross #inspiration #christian #churchonline #truth #knowledge #trust #gospel #expository #preach #preaching #holyspirit #worship #praise #discipleship #sermon #bookofacts #gospel #newtestament

ANCHORED IN GOSPEL GRACE - Acts 15:12-21

We apologize for the audio issues. You can fast forward to the 10:38 mark where the audio was corrected.What do you do when everything feels like it’s on the line? In Acts 15:12–21, the early church faced one of the most critical questions in history. What must a person do to be saved? As tensions rose and opinions filled the room, the church had to affirm whether salvation was truly by grace alone, or if something more was required. In this message, we walk through three anchors that guided the early church and still guide us today.This passage reminds us that Jesus is enough. We don’t add to Him. We don’t improve on Him. We trust in what He has already finished. If you’re trying to navigate confusion, cultural pressure, or spiritual tension, this message will help you think clearly, stand firmly, and follow faithfully.SCRIPTURE REFERENCES: Acts 15:12-21SPEAKER: Pastor Roland Contreras----CONNECT WITH US:Online: https://www.reachthegrove.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/reachthegrove/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reachthegrove/Give: https://www.reachthegrove.com/give/----#reachthegrove #jesus #onlinechurch #faith #bible #believe #belong #cross #inspiration #christian #churchonline #truth #knowledge #trust #gospel #expository #preach #preaching #holyspirit #worship #praise #discipleship #sermon #bookofacts #gospel #newtestament

WHEN THE GOSPEL IS ON THE LINE - Acts 15:1-11

What happens when the Gospel starts to get blurry? In Acts 15:1–11, a serious question arises in the early church. Is faith in Jesus enough, or is something more required for salvation? What seems like a small addition quickly becomes a major threat to the truth of the Gospel. The Gospel is not something we improve, it’s something we receive. And when we truly understand grace, it doesn’t lead to burden, it leads to joy and transformation.SCRIPTURE REFERENCES: Acts 15:1-11SPEAKER: Pastor Roland Contreras----CONNECT WITH US:Online: https://www.reachthegrove.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/reachthegrove/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reachthegrove/Give: https://www.reachthegrove.com/give/----#reachthegrove #jesus #onlinechurch #faith #bible #believe #belong #cross #inspiration #christian #churchonline #truth #knowledge #trust #gospel #expository #preach #preaching #holyspirit #worship #praise #discipleship #sermon #bookofacts #gospel #newtestament

JESUS CHANGES EVERYTHING - Mark 16:1-8

The resurrection of Jesus isn’t just a moment in history, it changes everything. In this Easter message from Mark 16:1–8, we see how the resurrection fulfills God’s plan of redemption, echoing the Exodus and revealing Jesus as the true and better deliverer. The empty tomb proves that the cross worked, the grave is conquered, and new life is available to all who believe.This isn’t just a story to admire, it’s an invitation to respond. Jesus is alive! What will you do with that truth?SCRIPTURE REFERENCES: Mark 16:1-8SPEAKER: Pastor Roland Contreras----CONNECT WITH US:Online: https://www.reachthegrove.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/reachthegrove/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reachthegrove/Give: https://www.reachthegrove.com/give/----#reachthegrove #jesus #onlinechurch #faith #bible #believe #belong #cross #inspiration #christian #churchonline #truth #knowledge #trust #gospel #expository #preach #preaching #holyspirit #worship #praise #discipleship #sermon #mark #easter #resurrection

REJOICING IN THE LORD - Habakkuk 3:1-19

What do you do when life doesn’t go according to plan? In this message from Habakkuk 3, we see a powerful transformation. The prophet begins the book questioning God, but ends it worshiping Him. His circumstances didn’t change but his perspective did. Even in seasons of uncertainty, loss, or confusion, we are invited to rejoice, not because life is easy, but because God is faithful.Ultimately, this passage points us to Jesus, where we see that even in judgment, God remembers mercy. Through the cross and resurrection, we are given a joy that cannot be shaken.SCRIPTURE REFERENCES: Habakkuk 3:1-19SPEAKER: Pastor Roland Contreras----CONNECT WITH US:Online: https://www.reachthegrove.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/reachthegrove/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reachthegrove/Give: https://www.reachthegrove.com/give/----#reachthegrove #jesus #onlinechurch #faith #bible #believe #belong #cross #inspiration #christian #churchonline #truth #knowledge #trust #gospel #expository #preach #preaching #holyspirit #worship #praise #discipleship #sermon #habakkuk #oldtestament

GOD JUDGES EVIL - Habakkuk 2:2-20

Evil doesn’t go unnoticed, it doesn’t go untracked, and it will not go unjudged. In this message from Habakkuk 2:2–20, we wrestle with a question every honest heart has asked: Does God really see what’s happening in the world and will He do anything about it?God’s answer to Habakkuk is both sobering and hopeful. He reveals that sin is not random or overlooked. It is building, spreading, and will be judged with precision and certainty. From greed and selfish ambition to injustice, exploitation, and idolatry, God confronts every layer of human sin.But this passage doesn’t just expose sin, it points us to the only hope we have. Because while God will judge evil, He has also made a way for sinners to be saved.SCRIPTURE REFERENCES: Habakkuk 2:2-20SPEAKER: Pastor Roland Contreras----CONNECT WITH US:Online: https://www.reachthegrove.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/reachthegrove/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reachthegrove/Give: https://www.reachthegrove.com/give/----#reachthegrove #jesus #onlinechurch #faith #bible #believe #belong #cross #inspiration #christian #churchonline #truth #knowledge #trust #gospel #expository #preach #preaching #holyspirit #worship #praise #discipleship #sermon #habakkuk #oldtestament

WAITING & TRUSTING - Habakkuk 1:12-2:1

In this message, Pastor Roland explores what it looks like to follow God when His plans feel confusing or even unsettling. Habakkuk wrestles with a shocking revelation from the Lord. God is raising up Babylon, a ruthless empire, to judge Judah. The prophet knows God is holy and just, yet what God reveals doesn’t seem to fit with what Habakkuk understands about His character.Instead of turning away, Habakkuk shows us the journey of real faith. Waiting is not wasted time in the kingdom of God. It is the furnace where trust is refined. When we anchor ourselves in the character of God, we can endure seasons when His ways are difficult to understand.SCRIPTURE REFERENCES: Habakkuk 1:12-2:1SPEAKER: Pastor Roland Contreras----CONNECT WITH US:Online: https://www.reachthegrove.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/reachthegrove/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reachthegrove/Give: https://www.reachthegrove.com/give/----#reachthegrove #jesus #onlinechurch #faith #bible #believe #belong #cross #inspiration #christian #churchonline #truth #knowledge #trust #gospel #expository #preach #preaching #holyspirit #worship #praise #discipleship #sermon #habakkuk #oldtestament

GOD’S WAYS ARE BIGGER - Habakkuk 1:5-11

When life feels confusing and God’s response doesn’t match what we expected, it can shake our faith. In Habakkuk 1:5–11, the prophet cries out to God over the corruption and injustice he sees in Judah. When God finally answers, the response is far bigger and more unsettling than Habakkuk imagined.Instead of immediate relief, God reveals that He is already at work among the nations. His plan involves raising up the Babylonians, a powerful and ruthless empire, to discipline His own people. Through this shocking revelation, we see a powerful truth: God’s ways are bigger than our perspective, our expectations, and even our understanding of judgment.SCRIPTURE REFERENCES: Habakkuk 1:5-11SPEAKER: Pastor Roland Contreras----CONNECT WITH US:Online: https://www.reachthegrove.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/reachthegrove/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reachthegrove/Give: https://www.reachthegrove.com/give/----#reachthegrove #jesus #onlinechurch #faith #bible #believe #belong #cross #inspiration #christian #churchonline #truth #knowledge #trust #gospel #expository #preach #preaching #holyspirit #worship #praise #discipleship #sermon #habakkuk #oldtestament

WHEN GOD SEEMS SILENT - Habakkuk 1:1-4

Ever felt like your prayers are hitting the ceiling? In this message we step into the tension of a prophet who doesn’t begin with praise but with a burden. “How long, Lord?” Habakkuk isn’t doubting God’s existence; he’s wrestling with God’s apparent inaction. Corruption is rising. Justice is twisted. Violence fills the land and heaven seems quiet. But silence in Scripture does not mean absence. It often means delay, and delay creates holy tension.This sermon reminds us that faith is not pretending everything is fine. Faith is bringing everything to God. If you’re in a “How long?” season, don’t walk away. Stay. Seek. Wait. God may be forming something deeper in you before He changes what’s around you.SCRIPTURE REFERENCES: Habakkuk 1:1-4SPEAKER: Pastor Roland Contreras----CONNECT WITH US:Online: https://www.reachthegrove.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/reachthegrove/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reachthegrove/Give: https://www.reachthegrove.com/give/----#reachthegrove #jesus #onlinechurch #faith #bible #believe #belong #cross #inspiration #christian #churchonline #truth #knowledge #trust #gospel #expository #preach #preaching #holyspirit #worship #praise #discipleship #sermon #habakkuk #oldtestament

THINKING BIBLICALLY ABOUT OBEDIENCE - John 14:15-26

In this message from John 14:15–26, we explore what Jesus meant when He said, “If you love me, you will keep my commands.” Is obedience legalism? Is it optional? Or is it something deeper?In the Upper Room, just hours before the cross, Jesus ties obedience to love, empowerment by the Holy Spirit, and abiding fellowship with the Father. Biblical obedience is not about earning God’s love, it is the evidence that we belong to Him.SCRIPTURE REFERENCES: John 14:15-26SPEAKER: Pastor Roland Contreras----CONNECT WITH US:Online: https://www.reachthegrove.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/reachthegrove/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reachthegrove/Give: https://www.reachthegrove.com/give/----#reachthegrove #jesus #onlinechurch #faith #bible #believe #belong #cross #inspiration #christian #churchonline #truth #knowledge #trust #gospel #expository #preach #preaching #holyspirit #worship #praise #discipleship #sermon #gospelofjohn #newtestament