Great Oaks Fellowship Podcast

What do you do when the ground shakes beneath you, and God feels far away? In this message from our Summer in the Psalms series, Pastor Rob walks through Psalm 23 not just as a comforting verse to memorize, but as a lived reality, sharing the raw story of his wife's high-risk hospitalization and their son's premature birth at 29 weeks, and the 43 days that followed in the NICU.

Through Scripture in Genesis, Exodus, the Gospels, Joshua, and the Psalms, we see that God's presence has never depended on our comfort or our circumstances. He was walking in the...

We've all been there: something shifts, life gets heavy, and you can feel that your soul is just slightly off. Maybe it was a season of sin, a relationship that wounded you, or the slow drift that comes when circumstances drown out the voice of God. In this message from Psalm 103, Pastor David Martin brings one of the most pastoral and practical sermons of the year: how to get back into spiritual alignment when life has knocked you sideways.

Drawing from King David's own story — a man who faced betrayal, personal failure, and seasons of deep misalignment — Past...

Everyone wants to be blessed, but not everyone is willing to do what it takes to get there. In this message from Psalm 1:1–3, guest speaker Sammy Lopez opens up one of the most beloved and foundational passages in all of Scripture and shows us that blessing isn't random. It's the fruit of a disciplined, rooted, and Word-centered life.

Pastor Sammy walks us through three spiritual postures that quietly rob believers of God's best: walking in ungodly counsel, standing in the vicinity of sin, and sitting among those who mock what is holy. Each one represents a deeper le...

Failure isn't the end of your story - but pretending it never happened can be. In this powerful message from the Summer of Psalms series, guest speaker Kelly Workman walks us through King David's greatest failure and his heartfelt prayer of repentance in Psalm 51. Rather than hiding from God, David shows us the path back to restoration.

This sermon explores the weight of conviction, the danger of unconfessed sin, and the incredible mercy of a God who delights in forgiveness. Repentance isn't about earning God's love; it's about returning to the One who never stopped loving us.<...

How do we get to God? Do we conquer the mountain through intellect, climb it through good works, or simply admire it from a distance? In this thought-provoking message from the Summer of Psalms series, we discover that every human approach to God ultimately falls short.

Looking at Psalms 24 and 48, we uncover the beauty of the gospel: Jesus didn't come to hand us a heavier backpack of religion; He came to carry us. Through His death and resurrection, Christ gives us clean hands, a pure heart, and access to the Father that we could never earn on...

When you've been hurt, falsely accused, or treated unfairly, every instinct tells you to defend yourself. But what if the greatest act of faith isn't picking up your sword; it's putting it down? In this message from Psalm 37, we discover God's invitation to trust Him as our Defender, Advocate, and Judge.

Looking at David's response to King Saul, we learn that revenge only prolongs our pain, while surrender opens the door for God's justice. Instead of being consumed by the actions of others, God calls us to trust Him, do good, and wait for Him to act...

Waiting on God is one of the hardest parts of following Him. We know His promises are true, but what do we do when the answer hasn’t come, the breakthrough hasn’t happened, and God seems silent? In this opening message of the Summer of Psalms series, we explore Psalm 27 and discover how David navigated seasons of uncertainty, fear, and delay.

Rather than sitting passively, David teaches us how to wait actively. He remembers God's faithfulness, chooses worship over worry, seeks God's presence instead of quick solutions, and allows God to refine him in the process. Even...

We all reach moments where we desperately need direction: a major career decision, a life transition, a crossroads we can't navigate alone. In this closing message of the Yes and Amen series, Pastor David Martin walks through five promises God makes to every believer who is genuinely seeking His will. These aren't clever strategies or spiritual hacks; they're biblical anchors that have been tested in real life, through real uncertainty.

Drawing from 2 Corinthians, Proverbs 3, John 16, Isaiah 40, and the life of Jesus Himself, this message is both practical and deeply personal. From learning to listen to the Holy...

Everyone wants to know their purpose. Why am I here? What did God create me to do? In this practical and inspiring message, we discover that purpose is not something we stumble into by accident - it is something God lovingly reveals as we seek Him first and learn to trust Him.

Through biblical examples and personal testimony, this sermon challenges the common misconceptions about purpose. God's calling is often different than we expect, bigger than we feel prepared for, and usually begins with small acts of obedience that seem insignificant at the time.

If...

What do you do when life feels threatening, people are speaking against you, or guilt from your past keeps showing up? In this powerful message, we discover three incredible promises from God: He is our Protector, our Defender, and our Advocate. Through Christ, we can face every battle with confidence, knowing God is fighting for us.

1. “God Is Your Protector” (Psalm 18:1–3, 16–19)

* God is our refuge, fortress, and place of safety

* His protection is rooted in His love for His children

* We can trust Him even when circumstances feel threaten...

What do you do when the bills are piling up, anxiety is rising, and your resources feel painfully insufficient? In this faith-building message, we’re reminded that God is not intimidated by our lack. Throughout Scripture, we see a God who provides, multiplies, and proves Himself faithful to His children time and time again.

This sermon walks through powerful biblical stories of provision - from the widow’s oil, to the feeding of the five thousand, to Abraham trusting God with Isaac. Through every story, the message is clear: God is still Jehovah Jireh, our Provider.

Wh...

Have you been feeling exhausted, discouraged, or spiritually empty? In this powerful message, we’re reminded that even strong believers experience weariness - but God promises strength, refreshing, and restoration for every weary soul. No matter what season you’re in, Jesus wants to meet you there.

1. “God’s Promises Are Activated By Faith” (2 Corinthians 1:19–20)

* Every promise of God is already “Yes” through Jesus

* Faith responds with an “Amen” to what God has spoken

* God’s promises become anchors in difficult seasons

2. “Victory Doesn’t Eliminate Wearin...

No matter what season you’re walking through, Jesus is still your victory. In this encouraging message, we look at God’s promises over our past, our present, and our future. Whether you’re carrying shame, battling fear, or overwhelmed with anxiety about what’s ahead, this sermon will remind you that God is for you, God is with you, and the battle belongs to Him.

1. “Jesus Already Won the Victory” (2 Corinthians 1:19–20, Colossians 2:13–15)

* God’s promises are already “Yes” through Christ

* Jesus defeated sin, death, and the power of the enemy at the cross

Many Christians intellectually understand that God loves them, but struggle to trust that love in the deepest places of their hearts. Past wounds, disappointment, shame, and insecurity often create barriers that make God’s love feel conditional or distant. In this message, we learn that God’s love is not earned through performance, but rather received through faith. Jesus invites us to abide in Him, remain in His love, and trust what His Word says even when our feelings say otherwise. When we stop striving to prove ourselves worthy and simply rest in Christ, we begin to experience the full...

Everyone experiences seasons of weakness: moments where the pressure feels too heavy, the obstacle too big, or the strength just isn’t there. But the Bible makes it clear: God’s promises don’t disappear in our weakness; they become even more powerful.

In this message from the Yes and Amen series, we learn that strength isn’t found in trying harder; it’s found in trusting deeper. Through the life of David and the testimony of Paul, we discover that God doesn’t just give strength…He becomes our strength. When we thank Him for what He’s done, tru...

Life is full of storms - unexpected challenges, anxiety, broken relationships, and circumstances beyond our control. But Jesus promised that His followers could experience real peace even in the middle of chaos. In this message from the Yes and Amen: God’s Keys to Not Giving Up series, we explore how God’s promises bring peace to our minds, hearts, circumstances, and our relationship with Him. When we pair God’s “Yes” with our faith-filled “Amen,” we discover that the peace of Christ is stronger than any storm we face.

1. “Peace in the Storm” (John 16:33)

* Jesus promised tri...

We all face seasons where discouragement, confusion, and impossible situations tempt us to give up. But Scripture reminds us that God has given His children thousands of promises - and every single one finds its “Yes” in Jesus. In this message, we explore how to recognize the different types of promises in the Bible and how to stand firmly on them when life gets difficult. When we understand how God’s promises work, our faith grows stronger and our hope becomes unshakable.

1. “I Will…” Promises (Direct) (2 Corinthians 1:20)

* God makes clear, direct promises to His child...

The resurrection of Jesus is the greatest news humanity has ever received. But to fully understand the power of the empty tomb, we have to start much earlier - at the beginning of the story. In this message, we explore three gardens in Scripture that reveal God’s plan for redemption: the Garden of Eden, where sin entered the world; the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus chose obedience and prepared to bear the weight of our sin; and the Garden Tomb, where death was defeated forever. The resurrection proves that sin and the grave no longer have the final wo...

In this message from the Our Pursuit series, we’re reminded that following Jesus isn’t about casually adding faith to our lives; it’s about pursuing the Kingdom of God above everything else. Scripture tells us that when we seek first His Kingdom, everything else falls into its proper place. Yet many people want the benefits of the Kingdom without surrendering to the King.

Jesus described the Kingdom like a treasure hidden in a field - so valuable that someone would sell everything they own just to possess it. The question we must wrestl...

This week, Pastor David continues the Our Pursuit series by exploring what it means to pursue unity with one another. From the early church in Acts to Jesus’ prayer in John 17, Scripture shows that unity among believers is powerful evidence that the Gospel is real. But unity doesn’t happen automatically - it requires surrender, humility, grace, and a willingness to follow the example of Christ. When believers lay down selfishness and live by the Spirit, the church becomes a picture of God’s love to the world. In this message, we discover why unity matters, how the enemy attack...

This week, guest speaker David Martin Jr. explores the true meaning of worship and challenges the common misconception that worship is just music. While many people associate worship with a stage, a band, or a certain style of songs, the Bible reveals that worship is far deeper; it’s a posture of the heart and a lifestyle that reflects what we value most. When we understand why we worship, we move from being passive consumers to active participants in God’s presence, engaging Him with gratitude, reverence, and love.

1. “Created for Worship”

* Every pe...

This week, Pastor David teaches on one of the most important questions believers ask: How do I hear God’s voice? God isn’t silent - He speaks to His children through the Holy Spirit, His Word, and the everyday moments of life. But distractions, unaddressed sin, and the noise of the world can make it difficult to discern His voice. In this message, we learn how to position our hearts to hear from God clearly and walk in the guidance He wants to give us.

1. “God Wants to Speak to His Children” (John 16:13–15)

* The...

This week, Pastor David walks through the powerful story of the woman caught in adultery and reminds us that the law exposes our guilt, but only Jesus removes our stain. We have all been caught red-handed before God. Our good works can’t wash it away. Our excuses can’t fix it. But when Jesus steps between us and the stones of justice, grace rewrites our story. If you’ve ever wondered whether you can truly be forgiven, this message will show you how the blood of Christ speaks a better word over your life.

1. “...

This week, guest speaker Sammy Lopez walks us through John 4 and the powerful encounter between Jesus and the Samaritan woman. This message goes deeper than a conversation at a well - it reveals the heart of a Savior who pursues the lost without fear, without prejudice, and without compromise. What you did, what you’re doing, and who you are does not scare Jesus. And if we belong to Him, we are called to pursue others the same way He pursued us. This sermon challenges us to love boldly, speak truth courageously, and risk rejection for the sake of et...

This week, Pastor David teaches that the direction of your life is determined by the direction of your thoughts. Many believers try to change their behavior without addressing their thinking, but Scripture makes it clear that transformation begins in the mind. When we learn to take every thought captive, guard what we allow into our hearts, and fix our minds on God’s truth, we experience freedom, peace, and clarity in His will. God has already given you the mind of Christ - but you must choose to use it.

1. “Your Life Follows Your Stro...

This week, Pastor David teaches on how we approach God in prayer and relationship. Many of us come to God only with requests, needs, and crises, but Scripture shows a better way - entering His presence with thanksgiving, reverence, and relationship. When we slow down, remember what He has done, and recognize who He is, prayer stops feeling like a chore and starts becoming life-giving again. This message challenges us to pursue God not just for what He can do, but for who He is.

1. “Remember What He’s Already Done”

* Gratitude keeps...

This week, Pastor David delivers a sobering and hope-filled call to repentance, reminding us that revival always begins with a change of direction. Drawing from Jesus’ words in John 15 and His letters to the churches in Revelation, we’re confronted with the danger of lukewarm faith, misplaced priorities, and celebrating potential over fruit. This message challenges believers to stop settling for spiritual productivity without intimacy and return to wholehearted pursuit of Christ. Repentance is not shame - it’s an invitation to freedom, fruitfulness, and renewed fire.

1. “Pursuit Is God’s Invitation” (John 15:1–5)

* God calls...

What does God actually want from us? When Jesus was asked about the greatest commandment, His answer reframed everything - not rules, not performance, but love. In this message, guest speaker Brad Stroup invites us to reset our priorities and rediscover why we were created: to love the Lord with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. This teaching calls us out of distraction, routine faith, and familiarity, and into a daily, intentional pursuit of God that shapes every area of life.

1. The Greatest Commandment Revealed (Matthew 22:36–38; Mark 12:29–30)

* Jesus answers the trap with...

This week, Pastor David continues the Our Pursuit series by teaching on fasting and prayer as a powerful way to seek God first. Scripture shows that fasting isn’t about punishment or religious pressure - it’s about positioning our hearts to hear God clearly, receive direction, and experience breakthrough. From Moses on the mountain, to Esther before the king, to Jesus in the wilderness, we see that when God’s people humble themselves through prayer and fasting, God reveals His nature, reverses the plans of the enemy, and positions His people for victory.

“Seek First the Kingdom”...

This week, Pastor David launches the Our Pursuit series by calling the church to intentional, passionate prayer. Scripture shows that prayer is not passive wishful thinking - it is active pursuit. From Jeremiah’s promise that God will be found by those who seek Him wholeheartedly, to Jesus’ call to pray without giving up, we’re reminded that prayer is how we draw near to God, gain supernatural strength, avoid deception, and build our lives on a solid foundation. Prayer isn’t performance, pressure, or perfect words - it’s an invitation to personally meet with God and experience transforma...

This week, guest speaker David Faunce teaches from Matthew 11–12 and addresses a struggle every believer faces at some point: doubt. Even John the Baptist - the one who prepared the way for Jesus - found himself questioning when circumstances didn’t match his expectations. Through the lives of John, the Pharisees, and the crowds who witnessed Jesus’ miracles, we discover that not all doubt is the same. Some doubt is rooted in indifference, some in rebellion, and some in honest confusion. Jesus responds differently to each, revealing that the real issue is not the presence of doubt, but the postur...

This week, Pastor David teaches from Luke 19 and the story of Zacchaeus, reminding us that Jesus is always moving toward the lost, the overlooked, and the unlikely. Zacchaeus wasn’t searching for religion; he just wanted a glimpse of Jesus. But grace had other plans. In a moment that changed everything, Jesus stopped, called him by name, and invited Himself into Zacchaeus’ life. This message reveals a God who pursues us personally, meets us where we are, and transforms us from the inside out.

1. “A Man Desperate for a View” (Luke 19:1–4)

* Zacchaeus was wealth...

This week, Pastor David opens our new series, His Pursuit, by reading out of Isaiah 61 and Luke 15 to reveal the relentless, pursuing heart of God. Jesus doesn’t wait for the lost to find Him - He goes after them. Whether it’s the wandering sheep, the missing coin, or the runaway son, Scripture shows us a Father who searches, restores, celebrates, and makes all things new. No matter how far someone has drifted, God’s grace is already on the move toward them.

1. “The Mission of Jesus” (Isaiah 61:1–3)

* Jesus came to bring good n...

This week at Great Oaks Fellowship, guest speaker Delayna Wilkins leads us through Foster & Adopt Sunday — a powerful reminder that caring for vulnerable children isn’t just charity… it’s the gospel in action. Through Delayna's testimony, Scripture, and the heart of Jesus, we’re challenged to see the foster crisis not as someone else’s responsibility, but as a mission field the church is uniquely called to enter. Every believer has a role to play — some foster, some mentor, some pray, some support — but everyone can say “yes” to Jesus in this area. God places the lonely in families, and He cal...

This week, Pastor Jason teaches on the power of our thoughts and the power of our words. Scripture shows that what we think becomes what we speak, and what we speak shapes the direction of our lives. Many of the battles we face in the mind didn’t start with us - they began with words spoken over us. But God’s Word has the final say. Through 2 Corinthians 10, Proverbs 18, Ezekiel 37, and Romans 12, we learn how to take thoughts captive, speak God’s truth, break strongholds, and declare life over the dead places in our minds and hearts. God is not...

Link to video referenced in sermon: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PSD3evrAb4Y&feature=youtu.be

This week, Pastor David walks through the powerful story of Passover and shows how every detail points to Jesus, the spotless Lamb of God. Just as the Israelites were helpless slaves in Egypt, humanity is helpless under the weight of sin - until the blood of the Lamb is applied. Through Exodus 12, Matthew 26, and the New Testament, we see that salvation doesn’t come by effort, goodness, or religious rituals. It comes through one thing alone: th...

This week, Pastor David preaches from Matthew 7 and James 2, reminding us that genuine faith is revealed through the fruit of our lives. We can say all the right things, but if our lives don’t reflect the love and character of Christ, something’s missing. True disciples don’t just talk about faith; they live it out through obedience, compassion, and surrender. This message challenges us to examine the fruit in our lives and stay rooted in Christ, the true Vine.

1. “You’ll Know Them by Their Fruit” (Matthew 7:15–20)

- Jesus warns about false pr...

This week, Pastor David shares from John 5, where Jesus encounters a man who had been paralyzed for thirty-eight years. In a powerful moment of grace, Jesus asks a simple but life-changing question: “Do you want to be healed?” Through this story, we’re reminded that Jesus doesn’t just fix our circumstances; He restores our hearts and gives us the strength to walk in new life. When we respond to His word, everything changes.

 1. “The Pool of Bethesda” (John 5:1–5)

 - Crowds gathered around the pool searching for healing.

 - The man had been wait...

This week, Pastor David unpacks Hebrews 6 and challenges believers to move beyond the basics of faith into deeper maturity. Many Christians stop at the foundation - salvation through Jesus - but God desires to build something lasting on that foundation. Through this passage, we’re reminded that repentance isn’t punishment; it’s a gift that keeps our hearts tender, our faith anchored, and our hope secure in Christ.

1. “Don’t Stop at the Foundation” (Hebrews 6:1–3)

- Our salvation in Christ is the starting point, not the finish line.

- God calls us t...

When life feels fragile and temporary - when we’re groaning under the weight of this world - God reminds us that what’s ahead is not death but life. In 2 Corinthians 5, Paul shows us what it means to live with eternity in view: confident, purposeful, and reconciled. We’re not just surviving in our clay jars; we’re carriers of glory.

Text: 2 Corinthians 5

1. “When This Tent Is Taken Down” (v.1-5)

- Our earthly bodies are temporary dwellings.

- God has prepared an eternal house for us...