Catch The Fire Church Raleigh

This Sunday, Justin Rife continued our Names of God series by teaching on Yahweh Jireh—The Lord Will Provide. In Genesis 22, we follow Abraham and Isaac up the mountain where God tests Abraham’s faith. This is not a moment of cruelty but a moment of revelation of God's character as a faithful provider. When our faith is tested, His faithfulness is revealed. Through this passage, we are invited to examine what we may be holding onto more tightly than we hold on to God and to trust that in Jesus, Yahweh Jireh provides us with everything we need. Thank you...

This past Sunday, Aaron Ninaber continued our Names of God series with a powerful message on El Shaddai—God Almighty, the All-Sufficient One. In Genesis 17, God introduces Himself as El Shaddai to Abraham in a moment of delay and human limitation, reminding us that He is both our powerful provider and our nurturing sustainer. This name reveals God’s nature to meet us not only in ideal circumstances, but right in the middle of our mess, our doubts, and our hopelessness. Through stories from Abraham, Job, and a desperate widow in 2 Kings, we’re invited to trust God—not with per...

This past Sunday, Duncan Smith preached on the sacred and eternal name of God—Yahweh. Often mistranslated as “Jehovah,” this name reveals God’s self-existent nature and His desire for a personal relationship with His people. The name of Jesus, Yeshua, means “Yahweh is salvation,” pointing to the stunning truth that Jesus is Yahweh in the flesh. From the burning bush to the Gospel of John, Scripture reveals that the God who was, is, and is to come has made Himself known—not just as Lord, but as Father.

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This past Sunday, Jess Ninaber preached on Holy Dissatisfaction: Becoming a Spirit-Mobilized People—that God-given hunger for more of His presence and power. At Pentecost, ordinary believers were filled with the Holy Spirit and empowered to live with boldness and radical obedience. That same Spirit stirs us today to refuse a predictable, passionless faith and to bring God’s presence into every part of life. The early church’s unity, generosity, and unstoppable boldness call us to live as a Spirit-mobilized people, embracing the cost and power of obedience.  It’s a call to move beyond comfort and become a people...

This past Sunday, Jess Ninaber preached on Holy Dissatisfaction: Becoming a Spirit-Mobilized People—that God-given hunger for more of His presence and power. At Pentecost, ordinary believers were filled with the Holy Spirit and empowered to live with boldness and radical obedience. That same Spirit stirs us today to refuse a predictable, passionless faith and to bring God’s presence into every part of life. The early church’s unity, generosity, and unstoppable boldness call us to live as a Spirit-mobilized people, embracing the cost and power of obedience.  It’s a call to move beyond comfort and become a people tr...

This week, Murray Smith shared a powerful message on Depending Upon the Holy Spirit. Drawing from Romans 8 and John 7:37-39, he reminded us that we are not just sinners with a ticket to heaven—we are brand new creations, born again by the Spirit. Through Jesus, we receive an unlimited supply of the Holy Spirit who empowers us to become more like Him. This transformation isn’t about self-effort; it’s about surrender. As we come to Jesus in our thirst, the Spirit fills us, bears fruit in us, and equips us with everything we need to live out the life H...

This week, Aaron Ninaber shared a powerful message titled The Leadership of the Lord, reminding us that God's discipline is not punishment, but a loving invitation into deeper intimacy with Him (Hebrews 12:1–11). As sons and daughters, we can trust that His correction comes from a heart of love, not condemnation. While the enemy uses shame to isolate and confuse us, God’s discipline brings conviction that leads to peace, holiness, and lasting fruit. His leadership is trustworthy, and even in our stumbles, He is there to lift us up and walk us forward in freedom.

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This week, Jess Ninaber brought a timely and powerful word from Hebrews 12 about running the race of faith with endurance. Drawing from the context of early Christians facing persecution, we’re reminded that the call to follow Jesus is not a casual stroll—it’s a costly, all-in commitment that requires laying aside every weight and sin that entangles us. The Christian life is not a sprint but a pilgrimage, one that demands focus, perseverance, and a heart fixed on Jesus. Endurance isn’t glamorous, but it’s essential. This is a race worth finishing strong. More from Catch The Fire Ralei...

This week, Jess Ninaber brought a timely and powerful word from Hebrews 12 about running the race of faith with endurance. Drawing from the context of early Christians facing persecution, we’re reminded that the call to follow Jesus is not a casual stroll—it’s a costly, all-in commitment that requires laying aside every weight and sin that entangles us. The Christian life is not a sprint but a pilgrimage, one that demands focus, perseverance, and a heart fixed on Jesus. Endurance isn’t glamorous, but it’s essential. This is a race worth finishing strong. More from Catch The Fire Ralei...

This week, Jess Ninaber brought a timely and powerful word from Hebrews 12 about running the race of faith with endurance. Drawing from the context of early Christians facing persecution, we’re reminded that the call to follow Jesus is not a casual stroll—it’s a costly, all-in commitment that requires laying aside every weight and sin that entangles us. The Christian life is not a sprint but a pilgrimage, one that demands focus, perseverance, and a heart fixed on Jesus. Endurance isn’t glamorous, but it’s essential. This is a race worth finishing strong. More from Catch The Fire Ralei...

This Sunday, Dr. Heidi Baker shared a powerful word centered on John 6 and Jesus as the Bread of Life. Drawing from her life among the poor in Mozambique, Heidi reminded us that the gospel is not just something we preach—it’s something we become. As she recounted encounters with extreme hunger, both physical and spiritual, she brought us back to Jesus’ call to receive fresh bread daily through communion and intimacy with Him. We can’t give what we haven’t first received. In a world full of need, Jesus invites us not to burn out trying harder, but to abide d...

This Sunday, Justin Rife took us through John 21, where the resurrected Jesus appears to His disciples once again. After a night of disappointment, Jesus meets them on the shore, prepares a meal, and welcomes them with compassion. For Peter, this moment is not just another encounter but a deeply personal restoration. Around a charcoal fire, the very setting where he once denied Jesus, Peter is given three invitations to reaffirm his love and receive a renewed calling. The resurrection was never just about the empty tomb, but Jesus stepping into our shame, restoring our identity, and commissioning us again. When...

This past Sunday, Jess Ninaber shared a powerful word from John 20, reminding us that while we celebrate the resurrection with joy, the disciples' first Easter evening was filled with fear, shame, and uncertainty. Behind locked doors, Jesus appeared and spoke peace — not as the absence of conflict, but as the presence of wholeness, restoration, and reconciliation. The resurrection was not only about Jesus rising from the grave but about breathing new life into His followers, commissioning them to live boldly on mission through the power of the Holy Spirit. Even in moments of doubt, like Thomas experienced, Jesus meets us wi...

This Easter Sunday, Aaron Ninaber took us on a journey through The Four Gardens—from Eden to the resurrection. In Eden, intimacy was lost through disobedience, but in Gethsemane, Jesus chose obedience in the face of anguish. At the cross, He willingly gave Himself to reverse the curse, and in the garden tomb, He rose again, restoring what was lost. Mistaken as a gardener by Mary, Jesus was, in fact, tending to a new creation—one that begins at the empty tomb. Through His resurrection, death is defeated, and life begins anew. More from Catch The Fire Raleigh Messages: https://ctfr...

This week, Jess Ninaber preached a powerful Palm Sunday message as we step into Holy Week. As Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, the crowds shouted “Hosanna!”—praising and pleading for salvation. They expected a conquering king, but Jesus came in peace, fulfilling prophecy and revealing a different kind of Kingdom. There’s a tension between expectation and reality—and we often miss Jesus when He doesn’t show up the way we imagined. May we be a people who recognize our King and carry His presence, even in unexpected ways. More from Catch The Fire Raleigh Messages: https://ctfr.me/mess...

This week, Pastor Aaron Ninaber closed out our Joy Full series with Philippians 4, urging us to stand fast in the Lord and be a people marked by love, gentleness, and unity. Paul pleads with the church to reconcile for the sake of the gospel—and then to rejoice! What are you known for? Are you someone who believes the best and walks in love, or are you easily pulled into division and drama? As followers of Christ, we are called to die to self, renew our minds, and live in a way that reflects His heart to the world. Through th...

Duncan Smith continued in our Philippians series with a message on Lose It All to Win the Prize. Life isn’t built on status, spirituality, or achievements—everything is loss compared to knowing Jesus, who is our true prize. The call is to let go of the past and hold tightly to the future because our future isn’t just a destination—it’s a person, Jesus Himself. As we press on, we look ahead with hope, knowing our future is gloriously epic. The challenge is to surrender everything, run toward Jesus, and embrace the eternal prize He has for us.

This week, Kate Smith took us through Philippians 2, where Paul calls the church to embrace humility, unity, and the mindset of Christ. Writing from prison, Paul speaks of the deep joy he found in Christ despite suffering, reminding us that Jesus, though fully God, humbled Himself as a servant and gave His life in obedience to the Father. True humility isn’t thinking less of ourselves, but fully depending on Jesus—serving others, renewing our minds, and living without grumbling. Instead of complaining, we are invited to hold fast to the word of life, walk in supernatural joy, and invest in o...

This week, Justin Rife continued our Joy Full series through Philippians, exploring redemptive suffering—finding joy even in the midst of hardship. Paul, writing from prison, declares that his suffering has actually advanced the gospel, challenging us to see trials through a kingdom perspective. Scripture reveals three key principles for walking in joy: engaging in kingdom community, choosing to rejoice, and not letting shame tell our story. True victory isn’t about avoiding pain but about encountering Christ in the middle of it. The same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead empowers us to endure, filling us with His joy...

Aaron Ninaber kicked off our Joy Full series with an introduction to the book of Philippians, a letter overflowing with gratitude, unity, and unshakable joy. Writing from prison, Paul reminds the church that they are not just recipients of the gospel but partakers in it—partners in faith, generosity, and mission. His prayer for them is that their love would abound in knowledge and discernment, leading them to live with sincerity and fruitfulness. As we step into this series, the question is—will we embrace the joy of true partnership in the gospel?

In the final message of our Kingdom Come series, Jess Ninaber challenged us to step into our role as kingdom carriers. The kingdom of God does not advance passively—it requires boldness, faith, and obedience. Jesus has entrusted us with His mission, calling us to fix our eyes on Him, walk in our authority, and take the gospel to the world. The Great Commission is not just a suggestion; it is a mandate to make disciples and advance His kingdom. The question is—are we moving with the kingdom?

This week, Aaron Ninaber continues our Kingdom Come series with a powerful message on living as God’s dwelling place. The Holy Spirit has been given to us—not just to change our afterlife itinerary, but to empower us to bring the kingdom wherever we go. As joint heirs with Christ, we are called to be with Jesus, become like Jesus, and do like Jesus. The kingdom of heaven is at hand, and we are the light of the world, a city on a hill. How are we walking this out in our daily lives?

This week, Jess Ninaber continued our Kingdom Come series, diving into what it means to live as Kingdom people. Jesus taught us to pray, “Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10), calling us to actively participate in bringing heaven to earth. Eden was a prototype of heaven on earth, and through Jesus, the bridge has been restored—we now carry His presence and are called to boldly proclaim His kingdom. As we live in the tension of the now and not yet, we resist earthly culture, walk in unity, and expect to see Hi...

This week, Duncan Smith opened up our Kingdom Come series with a powerful message from Luke 15 on bringing heaven to earth. While the secret place is essential, we are also called to step into the public place, shining our light for the lost. Through the parable of the lost coin, we see God’s relentless pursuit of those who don’t even realize they are lost—because they are His, even before they believe. Like the woman searching for her lost coin, we are invited to partner with Christ, letting our light shine and putting in the work to see the ki...

Aaron Ninaber continued on in our Closer series with the story of Joseph found in Genesis 37–50. Joseph’s story is one of betrayal, hardship, and ultimate redemption, revealing God’s faithfulness in every season. Sold into slavery by his jealous brothers and later imprisoned on false charges, Joseph remained steadfast, serving with excellence and trusting God’s wisdom over his own. Even when forgotten in prison, he continued to rely on God, ultimately being promoted to the Palace to lead Egypt through a time of famine. His journey reminds us that God is always at work, refining us in hidden seasons...

This week, Jess Ninaber continues our Closer series with a powerful reminder of God’s unchanging desire to dwell with us. From the very beginning, God’s heart has been to be near His people, despite our sin and failures, inviting us into deeper intimacy with Him. As we draw near to Him through faith and repentance, we experience His transforming presence. This message will encourage you to respond to His invitation and cultivate a deeper relationship with Him. More from Catch The Fire Raleigh Messages: https://ctfr.me/messages Music: https://ctfr.me/music Worship Moments: https://ctfr.me/wors...

This Sunday, Aaron Ninaber kicked off our series "Closer: 21 Days of Prayer + Fasting." What kind of fasting truly pleases the Lord? In this message, we uncover the heart behind biblical fasting as revealed through examples like Moses, Daniel, Esther, and Isaiah 58. God’s desire is not for empty rituals or outward displays but for a fast that alligns with His will to bring freedom, healing, and justice. Fasting that pleases the Lord is rooted in love—love for Him and for others it’s focus is not simply the absence of food, but the presence of God—sustaining, guiding, and empoweri...

This week, we welcomed Jordan Verner, Pastor of Riverhouse Church in Boise, Idaho, who shared a powerful message on the Kingdom of God. In Matthew 13, we see the Kingdom is like a mustard seed—small, hidden, and costly—but destined to grow and transform. God’s authority is His power to redeem all things, vividly demonstrated in the resurrection of Jesus. No person, situation, or institution is beyond redemption. We are called to be active participants in carrying God's authority to a world longing for hope and restoration. More from Catch The Fire Raleigh Messages: https://ctfr.me/messages Music: https...

We had a powerful Sunday morning with Jordan Verner of Riverhouse Church in Boise, Idaho! God is looking for hearts fully devoted to Him—hearts molded by the Holy Spirit to resemble Jesus. There is no scarcity of God’s anointing or calling, only a need for yielded hearts ready to receive His blessing to bring hope to a broken world. We are encouraged in this to live with purity, justice, and humility, following Jesus' example of self-emptying love and surrender. As we seek to walk in His ways, let us offer God our wholehearted devotion and trust Him to use...

This week, Duncan Smith invited us to step into greater power, greater grace, and greater goodness through reliance on God. Hebrews 1:14-2:4 reminds us of the vastness of our salvation and the importance of anchoring ourselves in Christ and His Word to avoid drifting into worldly currents. We’re called to press into deeper intimacy with the Spirit, walk boldly in the power of signs and wonders, and trust in God’s unwavering goodness. As we rely on Him, we discover a life of fullness, firmly rooted in His presence and grace. More from Catch The Fire Raleigh Messages: https://ctfr...

This week, we concluded our Advent series with the candle of Love. As we prepared for Christmas, we reflected on the profound truth that Jesus is Immanuel—God with us. From Isaiah’s prophecy to its fulfillment in Jesus’ birth, we see the depth of God’s love, a love that moves Him to dwell among us, redeem us, and invite us into relationship with Him. This love is not just a feeling but a transformative force that compels us to love others with the same selfless devotion. As we celebrate His coming, may we be reminded that His love changes...

This week, Jess Ninaber continued our Advent series by lighting the candle of Joy. Joy is both in the waiting and in the fulfillment, as we see in Isaiah 35—a promise of restoration fulfilled in the coming of Jesus. Unlike fleeting happiness, biblical joy is deep and steady, anchored in God’s faithfulness and His presence with us in every season. As we wait expectantly for Jesus' return, we are invited to find joy in His promises, trust His timing, and cultivate joy through gratitude, worship, and hope. More from Catch The Fire Raleigh Messages: https://ctfr.me/messages Music: http...

This week, Aaron continues our Advent series by lighting the candle of Peace. In a season often marked by chaos and busyness, we pause to reflect on the deeper, biblical meaning of peace—Shalom—a wholeness and restoration that only Jesus can bring. As the Prince of Peace, Jesus offers us more than a state of relaxation He offers us a transformative completeness that stills our hearts and settles us in Him. Let us embrace the peace that surpasses all understanding, trusting in the One who is with us in every storm and anticipating the day when He will make all...

This week, Jess Ninaber kicked off our Advent series! During this Advent season, we begin by lighting the candle of Hope, remembering that Jesus is the light that breaks through the darkness. In a world full of uncertainty, we are called to fix our eyes on the unchanging character of God, trusting that His promises will never expire. Though we may be in seasons of waiting, we hold onto the hope that one day, all things will be made new. Let us declare and share this hope with others, trusting in Jesus, our Redeemer, and Messiah, as we wait in...

In today’s fast-paced, noisy world, what does it look like to unplug from distractions and fully submit to Jesus? This week’s message from James 4 + 5 calls us to “submit to God, resist the devil, and draw near to Him.” Through vivid illustrations, including the necessity of “manure moments” for growth, we learn how humility and surrender bring us closer to Christ.

This week, we explored James 3 with a compelling message on “The Untamed Tongue.” James uses vivid imagery to show us the immense power of our words, comparing the tongue to a small rudder steering a massive ship or a spark igniting a forest fire. This passage challenges us to consider how our speech reflects the condition of our hearts. Are we blessing God while cursing others made in His image? In this sermon, we delve into the themes of self-control, humility, and the wisdom from above, asking how our words can build up rather than tear down. While no one can...

This week, we continued our journey through the book of James with a powerful message on “Faith that Shows.” In James 2, we confront the sin of partiality, learning how favoritism and judgment are contrary to the love of Christ. James challenges us to not just believe in God but to live a faith that is evident through our actions. True faith, as James teaches, is not merely professed—it’s practiced.

This week Jess Ninaber kicked off our new sermon series, Fervent Faith, which focuses on the book of James. Diving into James 1, we discover how we are called to respond in the face of trials, temptations, and wealth. James offers timeless wisdom about the challenges that test our faith, urging us to stand firm, seek God’s wisdom, and remain steadfast under pressure. Let's remember to keep our eyes on God’s purpose for us, trusting that He uses trials to strengthen and mature our faith.

Jess Ninaber wrapped up our series on the parables with a message titled "The Fruitful Heart," based on the Parable of the Sower in Matthew 13:1-23. The condition of our hearts impacts our ability to receive God's Word. Through these verses we explore the types of soil that our heart can be likened to- hardened, shallow, thorny, and fertile. Only the heart that is open and receptive can bear lasting fruit. We encourage you this week to reflect on the state of your own heart and how you can cultivate it to fully embrace God's Kingdom truth.

This week, we explored the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant from Matthew 18:21-35. Through this parable, we were reminded of the vastness of God’s mercy, the requirement of forgiveness and the unholy matrimony with duplicity. We see in this story a king who forgave an astronomical debt, but the forgiven servant who fails to extend that same grace to others. As believers, we are called to not only forgive but to mirror the likeness of Jesus — the compassionate King. Examine your own life and see if you are producing the fruit of Holy Spirit and if you’re not come a...