How to Read the Bible: The Old Testament | Brad Straarup

Walk While You Wait | Brad Straarup

This week in our series “In the Waiting,” Brad shares a message for anyone who feels stuck between what God said and what they’re currently experiencing. Through the story of the blind man in John 9, we’re reminded that sometimes the greatest act of faith isn’t sitting still — it’s taking the next step before you have all the answers. Because often, we’re not actually waiting on God… we’re waiting on certainty. Waiting on clarity. Waiting until we feel ready. But what if God has already spoken? In this message, we talk about: • The difference between waiting and procrastinating • Why delayed obedience is still disobedience • What to do when you don’t have certainty or clarity • How to keep walking when life doesn’t make sense • Why faith often means moving before you see the outcome If you’ve been waiting for healing, freedom, restoration, direction, or breakthrough — we pray this message encourages you to trust God enough to take the next step. Even when you can’t see the full picture yet. Because sometimes the miracle doesn’t happen before the movement… it happens in the middle of your obedience. LINKS * Website: https://www.spiritchurch.co/ [https://www.spiritchurch.co/] * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spiritchurch.co/ [https://www.instagram.com/spiritchurch.co/] * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@spirit.church [https://www.youtube.com/@spirit.church] * TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@spirit.church [https://www.tiktok.com/@spirit.church]

Work the Wait | Brad Straarup

This week, we kicked off a brand new series called “In the Waiting.” If you’ve ever felt stuck between what God promised and what you’re currently experiencing… this message is for you. In this message, Brad walks through the story of David’s anointing in 1 Samuel 16 and reminds us that some of the most important work God does in our lives happens in the middle — between the promise and the payoff. Because waiting seasons aren’t wasted seasons. They’re preparation seasons. In this message, you’ll discover: • Why God often develops us in hidden seasons • How to trust God when life feels delayed • Why pain and waiting still have purpose • What David’s waiting season teaches us about preparation • How to “work your wait” instead of wasting it Just because you’re not there yet… doesn’t mean God isn’t working. LINKS * Website: https://www.spiritchurch.co/ [https://www.spiritchurch.co/] * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spiritchurch.co/ [https://www.instagram.com/spiritchurch.co/] * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@spirit.church [https://www.youtube.com/@spirit.church] * TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@spirit.church [https://www.tiktok.com/@spirit.church]

The Comparison Trap | Brad Straarup

Ever feel like you’re doing okay… until you start looking at someone else’s life? Comparison has a way of quietly stealing your joy, distorting your identity, and distracting you from the life God actually called you to live. In this message, we look at the story of Leah and Rachel in Genesis 29 and uncover how comparison leads to striving, insecurity, and rivalry—and how God invites us into something better. In this message, you’ll learn: • Why comparison is the fastest way to kill your joy • How to stop measuring your life against others • The difference between learning from others vs. comparing yourself to them • How to rediscover your God-given calling and dream again • Why gratitude and praise are the key to contentment Because the problem isn’t what you see… it’s what you say to yourself after you see it. 📖 Scriptures referenced: Genesis 29:30–35 • Hebrews 12:1–2 • 2 Corinthians 10:12 • Ephesians 2:10 • Proverbs 29:18 • Galatians 6:4–5 🙌 Next Step: Take time this week to ask God: “Where am I comparing—and what have You actually called me to?” Write it down. Refocus. Run your race. 🌐 spiritchurch.co 📍 Spirit Church (Chandler, AZ) Sundays • 9:00 AM & 10:45 AM LINKS * Website: https://www.spiritchurch.co/ [https://www.spiritchurch.co/] * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spiritchurch.co/ [https://www.instagram.com/spiritchurch.co/] * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@spirit.church [https://www.youtube.com/@spirit.church] * TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@spirit.church [https://www.tiktok.com/@spirit.church]

How to Read the Letters | Brad Straarup

Why does the New Testament feel confusing sometimes? Because we often read the letters like random verses… when they were actually written as real messages to real people, in real situations. In the final week of our “How to Read the Bible” series, we unpack how to read the New Testament letters the way they were meant to be read—so they actually make sense and transform your life. In this message, you’ll learn: • What the New Testament letters (epistles) actually are • Why context changes everything when you read the Bible • How to understand what was happening then before applying it now • The big picture of every New Testament letter—from Romans to Jude • Why reading a few verses at a time might be missing the point Because our goal can’t be just to know Scripture, we have to understand what it means—and respond to what it says. 📖 Scriptures referenced: Matthew 4:4 • Acts 1:8 • Matthew 28:19–20 • James 1:22 • Romans 1:16 • Philippians 4:4 • Revelation 21:3–5 🙌 Next Step: This week, don’t just read a verse—read a whole letter. Start with Philippians, Ephesians, or James. Watch what changes when you see the full picture. 🌐 spiritchurch.co [http://spiritchurch.co] 📍 Spirit Church (Chandler, AZ) Sundays • 9:00 AM & 10:45 AM LINKS * Website: https://www.spiritchurch.co/ [https://www.spiritchurch.co/] * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spiritchurch.co/ [https://www.instagram.com/spiritchurch.co/] * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@spirit.church [https://www.youtube.com/@spirit.church] * TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@spirit.church [https://www.tiktok.com/@spirit.church]

How to Read the Bible: The Gospels | Brad Straarup

Ever watched a movie where the ending changes everything? That’s what Jesus is to the Bible. In Week 3 of How to Read the Bible, we step into the New Testament and discover how the Gospels aren’t just stories—they’re the moment everything finally makes sense. If the Old Testament feels confusing… the Gospels are the “aha” moment. In this message, we break down:  • What the Gospel actually means (and why it’s the best news)  • Why there are four Gospels—and why that matters  • How each Gospel (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John) reveals a different side of Jesus  • Why the differences between the Gospels don’t weaken the story—but strengthen it  • How to read the life of Jesus with clarity and confidence Because the Gospels aren’t just about what Jesus did… they reveal who He is. And when you see Jesus clearly, everything else starts to click. 📖 Scriptures referenced: Colossians 1:15–20 • John 14:9 • John 20:8–9 • Matthew 16:16 • Mark 10:45 • Luke 19:10 • John 20:31 🙌 Next Step: As you read the Gospels this week, ask: What does this show me about Jesus? Don’t just read for information—read to encounter Him. 🌐 spiritchurch.co 📍 Spirit Church (Chandler, AZ)  Sundays • 9:00 AM & 10:45 AM LINKS * Website: https://www.spiritchurch.co/ [https://www.spiritchurch.co/] * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spiritchurch.co/ [https://www.instagram.com/spiritchurch.co/] * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@spirit.church [https://www.youtube.com/@spirit.church] * TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@spirit.church [https://www.tiktok.com/@spirit.church]