Ep. 21 Why doesn't obedience save us? Genesis 7

Ep. 21 Why doesn't obedience save us? Genesis 7

Noah was righteous. Noah was obedient. Noah walked with God. So why did he still need an ark? In Genesis 7, we discover a truth that runs through the entire Bible: obedience matters, but obedience cannot save us. Noah wasn't rescued because he earned God's favor. He was rescued because he first found favor in God's eyes. This message explores the relationship between grace, faith, and obedience, and why churches often drift toward one of two extremes: legalism or lawlessness. God's grace is free, but that doesn't mean God is indifferent to how we live. True faith produces obedience—not as the cause of salvation, but as its result. Sermon from Rise Church in Dyer, Indiana  Message preached by Pastor Josh Benner

Ep. 20 Why is sin easier than righteousness? Genesis 6:9-22

Why does evil seem so natural while righteousness feels so difficult? In this message from Genesis 6:9-22, we continue our study through The Story of Noah and examine one of the Bible's most famous accounts. Noah lived in a world filled with corruption and violence, yet he stood out as a man who walked with God. This passage challenges us to think deeply about the problem of sin. If God judged the world through the flood and removed the wicked, why did humanity continue to struggle with sin afterward? The answer reveals an important biblical truth: the problem is not merely bad people doing bad things—it is the sinful human heart. In this sermon, we explore: -Why Noah was called righteous -God's righteous judgment in the flood -The meaning and significance of Noah's Ark -Why removing evil people does not solve the problem of sin -The first covenant in the Bible -How Noah points forward to Jesus Christ -Why grace, not judgment alone, is the ultimate answer to humanity's deepest problem -The flood account reminds us that God takes sin seriously, but it also reveals His mercy, faithfulness, and plan of salvation. The same God who judged the world also provided a way of rescue—and ultimately sent Jesus to give new life to sinners. Message from Rise Church in Dyer, Indiana. Sermon preached by Pastor Josh Benner

Ep. 19 Why is the World so Broken? Genesis 6:1-8

Why is the world so broken? Why is there so much evil, suffering, and sin? And if God is good, why does He allow it?In this message from Genesis 6:1–8, we begin our new Noah series by looking at humanity’s corruption before the flood, God’s grief over sin, and the hope of grace in a fallen world.The flood account is more than a children’s story—it’s a sobering picture of human depravity, divine judgment, and the only true hope found in Jesus Christ.

Ep. 18 Faith that Works on Mondays - James 1

James 1 reminds us that trials don’t destroy faith; they reveal it. In this sermon, we look at how God uses pressure to grow perseverance, how temptation exposes the desires already in our hearts, and why simply hearing God’s Word isn’t enough—we must respond in obedience. If you’ve ever wondered what authentic Christianity actually looks like in real life, this message will challenge and encourage you.  Sermon from Rise Church in Dyer, Indiana. Message preached by Elder Grant Ray.

Ep. 17 Why Church Health can't be ignored

What makes a healthy church—and how do churches lose their way? In this biblical message, we explore church health through the story of the Ephesian church in Acts, Ephesians, and Revelation. From spiritual abuse and toxic church leadership to biblical discipleship, sound doctrine, Christian unity, and Christlike character, this sermon examines warning signs of unhealthy churches and what Scripture says a healthy Christian community should look like. If you've experienced church hurt, spiritual trauma, or are seeking a biblically healthy church, this message offers both truth and hope.