Thrive in the Decline with Pastor Josh Cougle

One More Lap - Week 1

This Sunday's message uses the thrill of NASCAR—when the white flag waves signaling one final lap—as a striking picture of where many stand in life's journey of faith. It draws from a biblical letter written by someone facing imminent execution, yet declaring with confidence: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” Death isn't defeat; it's the finish line he's raced toward all along.

Christmas Redemption - Week 4

This week, we see how Ebeneezer Scrooge didn't just remain the same person who made different choices, but he obviously became a new person because he had experienced something that changed everything! The Bible says that we we're in Christ, the same thing happens to us... the old us is gone, and a new us begins!

Christmas Redemption - Week 3

Facing your grave changes everything. Week 3 explores humanity’s built-in knowledge of God, guilt, and coming judgment—then the glorious “But God” that raises the dead to new life through repentance and faith in Jesus. A true Christmas redemption story.

Christmas Redemption - Week 2

Luke 16’s rich man is the Scrooge who never repented. Ignoring the poor at his gate, he awakens in eternal torment, forever separated by a fixed chasm. Through Dickens’ classic and Jesus’ parable, we face the unavoidable truth—sin brings present and eternal consequences, justice will be served—but the cross offers mercy to all who turn to Christ before it is too late.

Christmas Redemption - Week 1

Ever feel like modern Christmas skips the part where we actually need saving? Week 1 of our Christmas series uses Dickens’ classic (and a chilling scene from A Christmas Carol) to let the “Ghost of Christmas Past” do its biblical work: forcing us to look at the moments we chose money, fear, lust, or pride over God. Romans 3 doesn’t soften the blow—no one is righteous, not one. But the same Spirit who awakens us to our sin refuses to leave us there. Raw, honest, and ultimately hopeful—this is the Christmas message our hearts actually need.