Seven Marks Church Messages

The Familiar Stranger, Part 5: If God Lives in Me, Why Am I Struggling? | PAUL CROUTHAMEL

Most of us know the gap between who we are and who we want to be. We want more patience, more peace, more self-control, more courage, and a deeper sense of purpose. So why do we often feel stuck? In this message, we explore one of the most important promises Jesus made about the Holy Spirit. If God's power is available to us, what keeps us from experiencing it? And what does it actually mean to live a life empowered by the Spirit? Whether you're new to faith, skeptical of church, or have followed Jesus for years, this conversation invites you to consider what it might look like to move from simply wishing for change to becoming the person God created you to be.

The Familiar Stranger, Part 4: Keeping in Step with the Spirit | TYLER CARROLL

Life is full of decisions. Some are small. Some change the direction of your future. Most of us wish God would simply tell us exactly what to do, but that's not always how following Him works. In this message, we explore what it means to keep in step with the Holy Spirit when life feels uncertain. Looking at the early church and the example of Jesus, we discover how God leads His people through discernment, wisdom, and trust rather than guarantees and perfect clarity. Whether you're facing a major crossroads or simply trying to follow God in everyday life, this message offers a practical framework for recognizing His voice and responding with confidence.

The Familiar Stranger, Part 3: The Spirit's Work in You | CALEB BALDWIN

Most of us want change. We want to be more patient, more disciplined, less anxious, more at peace. But what if the answer isn't trying harder? In Part 3 of The Familiar Stranger, we look at Jesus' conversation with Nicodemus and discover one of the Holy Spirit's most important roles: bringing new life. Jesus doesn't offer a better version of our old selves. He offers transformation from the inside out through the work of God's Spirit. If you've ever felt stuck, exhausted, or frustrated by your inability to change, this message explores why real transformation begins with surrender, not self-improvement.

The Familiar Stranger, Part 2: God in Everyday Life | PAUL CROUTHAMEL

For a lot of people, the Holy Spirit feels confusing, distant, or difficult to explain. Maybe you've heard about Him your whole life but never really understood who He is or why He matters. In week two of The Familiar Stranger, we explore how the Holy Spirit is not a strange force or vague feeling, but the personal presence of God with us and in us. Jesus described the Holy Spirit as a helper, comforter, guide, and advocate who walks with us through everyday life. If you've ever felt spiritually disconnected, uncertain, or just curious about what it actually means to experience God personally, this message explores how the Spirit of God meets us in ordinary moments and invites us into a deeper relationship with Him.

The Familiar Stranger, Part 1: The Breath of Life | PAUL CROUTHAMEL

For a lot of people, the Holy Spirit feels confusing, distant, or hard to explain. Maybe you've heard people talk about "feeling God" or being "led by the Spirit," but honestly, it still feels unfamiliar. This message explores why that disconnect exists and what Scripture actually says about the Spirit of God. In week one of The Familiar Stranger, we look at the Holy Spirit not as a strange force in the background, but as the active presence of God throughout creation, throughout history, and even in our everyday lives. From Genesis to Jesus, the Bible paints a picture of a God who is closer and more involved than many of us realize. Whether you've followed Jesus for years or you're still figuring out what you believe, this message is an invitation to slow down, rethink what you've assumed about the Holy Spirit, and become more aware of God's presence in your life.