The Naz Church Podcast

It is Finished...But it’s Not Over | Pastor Dale Benson | The Naz Church

What if the cross wasn't the end of the story, but actually the beginning of yours? In this powerful Easter message, we explore the profound difference between having our sins forgiven and actually living the abundant life Christ died to give us. When Jesus said "It is finished" (tetelestai), the sacrifice was complete—but His work in our lives was just getting started. Many of us settle for forgiveness when God is offering transformation. We're content with a cleaned-up past when He's inviting us into a radiant future. This episode unpacks: * What "tetelestai" really means and why it changes everything * Why Jesus didn't just die to forgive you—He died to fill you with resurrection life * The powerful theme running through John's Gospel that most of us miss * How to stop living in your grave and start running your race * The difference between being saved and being truly alive Using vivid illustrations—from marathon runners who quit at mile 18 to the meaning behind the crosses draped in red, black, and white—this message challenges us to move beyond spiritual survival mode into the abundant life Jesus promised. If you've been carrying burdens of addiction, broken relationships, fear, or depression, this episode offers more than comfort—it offers resurrection power for right now, not just someday in heaven. Key Scripture: John 20; John 10:10

Jesus At The Edge of Your Faith | Pastor John Keating | The Naz Church

Have you ever felt like your prayers are hitting the ceiling? Like God is ignoring your urgent cries for help while He shows up for everyone else? In this powerful message, we dive into one of the most emotional stories in Scripture—the death and resurrection of Lazarus. When Jesus receives word that His close friend is deathly ill, He does something shocking: He waits. For four days, He stays away while Mary and Martha watch their brother die, wondering why the One who could heal him didn't show up in time. This sermon explores the tension between God's timing and our desperation, between His love and our doubt. You'll discover: * Why God sometimes allows situations to deteriorate past the point of human hope * What to do when you feel ghosted by God * How Jesus responds to our anger and disappointment with Him * The dark places in our lives where we've buried our faith—and why Jesus is asking to go there * What it means when Jesus shouts "Come out!" into the graves of our dead dreams, broken relationships, and abandoned callings If you've been waiting on God, if you've questioned whether He really cares, if there's something in your life you've given up on—this message is for you. Because the same voice that called Lazarus out of the tomb is speaking to you today.

The Good Sheperd | Pastor Dale Benson | The Naz Church

In this powerful message from John 10, Pastor Dale Benson explores what it means for Jesus to be our Good Shepherd and for us to be His sheep. Using vivid illustrations—including a remarkable video of Norwegian sheep responding only to their shepherd's voice—this sermon unpacks the intimate relationship God desires with each of us. Key Themes: * Jesus as the Good Shepherd who calls us by name * Learning to recognize and follow God's voice among competing voices * The role of Christian community in helping each other hear the Shepherd * God's heart for those who don't yet know Him * The abundant life Jesus came to give us Highlights: * A moving story about "Sam"—how God will stop everything for one person * Understanding Psalm 23 through the lens of Middle Eastern shepherding * The gap between church attendance and population: where God's heart breaks * Special announcement: Tony Dungy coming to The Naz on May 24th for All Pro Dad event Whether you're wrestling with hearing God's direction, wondering if He knows your name, or seeking to help others discover the Good Shepherd, this message offers both comfort and challenge. Jesus knows your name—and He's calling you to follow Him into abundant life. Scripture Focus: John 10:1-30, Psalm 23

I Was Blind, But Now I See | Pastor David Morrison | The Naz Church

Have you ever felt surrounded by darkness, unable to see a way forward? In this powerful message, we explore the story of the blind man in John 9 and discover what to do when we can't see clearly in our own lives. Join us as we unpack how Jesus doesn't just heal our physical blindness—He transforms our entire perspective. Through the account of a man born blind, we learn that sometimes God allows difficult seasons not because of our sin, but so His power can be displayed in our lives. In this episode, you'll discover: * Why Jesus sees you even before you see Him * How to trust God's methods when they don't match your expectations * The difference between physical sight and spiritual vision * A powerful prayer of protection from St. Patrick that the church has prayed for over 1,500 years * What to do when you feel surrounded by the enemy Whether you're navigating a foggy season, feeling surrounded by challenges, or simply want to see God more clearly, this message offers hope and practical guidance. Learn how to slow down, avoid looking into the blinding lights, and follow the Guide who can make all the difference. Key Scripture: John 9:1-41

Bringing Things To Light | Pastor Dale Benson | The Naz Church

What if the things we think we've hidden from God are the very things keeping us from experiencing His transformative love? In this powerful message, we explore the story of the woman caught in adultery and discover that Jesus came not to condemn us, but to free us from both the sins we commit and the deeper issues of the heart that drive them. This episode challenges both those who feel unworthy of God's love and those who've become comfortable in their religious routines. Through the account in John 8, we see Jesus confronting the religious leaders' hypocrisy while extending radical grace to a woman caught in public shame. But His message doesn't stop at forgiveness—He calls us to transformation: "Go and sin no more." Key Topics Covered: * Why Jesus spent time alone with the Father before facing opposition * The trap the Pharisees set and how Jesus responded with wisdom and grace * Understanding the difference between condemnation and conviction * How the "seven deadly sins" reveal what's really happening in our hearts * Why dealing with internal issues prevents external failures * The relationship between self-examination and extending grace to others Practical Takeaways: * Learn to pray "Search me, God" as a regular spiritual practice * Understand why putting guardrails in place acknowledges our need for God's help * Discover how to receive God's forgiveness without minimizing His call to holiness * Find freedom from comparing yourself to others and focus on your own transformation This isn't just another sermon about avoiding sin—it's an invitation to let God's light shine into the hidden places of your heart so you can experience the freedom and transformation He died to give you.