Primary Scripture: Hebrews 13:15-16What this message hopes to accomplish: This message looks at how the struggles we all face aren’t something we can fix just by trying harder or getting our lives together but something Jesus has already stepped into and made a way through. Walking through Hebrews 13:15-16, it shows how Jesus fulfilled what all the old sacrifices were pointing to, and how that changes everything about how we relate to God. Instead of striving to earn His love, we’re invited to trust what He’s already done for us. From there, praise becomes less about a religious routine and more about a response something that shows up not just in what we say, but in how we live, care for others, and express gratitude. At the end of the day, it’s all about discovering the kind of life that grows out of what Jesus has already done.

We're so excited to launch our new church podcast called Pursue w/ Bluffton Community. In Episode 1, hosted by Kyle Place along with Elders Marty Cotter and Ben Thiel, we'll hear about how Ben and his wife Sarah's recent trip to Israel impacted their life and how Pastor Ben sees this experience impacting the church! Thank you so much for joining us for our first episode as we learn how God pursues us and how we can continue to pursue a deeper relationship with him knowing, loving, and relying on God every day, enjoy!

Primary Scripture: Matthew 15:29-39

What we hope this message accomplishes: Jesus performs a very similar miracle in comparison to the feeding of the 5000, this time with a Gentile crowd of 4000. Jesus mentions that he is unwilling to let the crowd go away hungry, "lest they faint along the way." What Jesus is communicating is that it is his teaching that truly satisfies and when we find our satisfaction in him alone we will have what we need to overcome weariness and when we are about to lose heart. Have you turned to Jesus as your forgiver and leader? Do you trust that Jesus alone is enough to finally and fully satisfy your needs? Jesus IS enough because he came to accomplish the work necessary for our salvation, by placing our faith in him we receive eternal life and the will of God is accomplished!

• Primary Scripture: Matthew 15:21-28

• What We Hope This Message Accomplishes: To call people—regardless of background, struggle, or perceived worth—to approach Jesus with persistent, trusting faith, knowing that true satisfaction is found in His mercy, not in status or entitlement.

• Primary Scripture: Matthew 15:1-20

• What We Hope This Message Accomplishes: The Pharisees pursue righteousness through rules and traditions, yet their hearts remain far from God. Jesus exposes the danger of substituting external religion for internal transformation. Jesus calls His followers to embrace the truth of God’s Word over man-made systems, reminding us that satisfaction is found in a heart aligned with God, not in religious performance.

• Primary Scripture: Matthew 14:22-36

• What We Hope This Message Accomplishes: This passage reveals that circumstances test where we seek security and satisfaction. Fear grows when trust fades, but peace comes when eyes remain fixed on Christ. Jesus proves Himself tried and true—not by removing every storm, but by meeting His people in the middle of them. Lasting satisfaction is found in trusting His presence, not in calm conditions.

Primary Scripture: Matthew 14:13-21What We Hope This Message Accomplishes: Following their return from ministry Jesus takes his disciples into a desolate place. It is in the desolate place that he helps them see that he is enough, alone. When we have what we need we tend to rely on ourselves, but when we lack the proper resources Jesus shows his true power in providing abundant satisfaction. Where can you go to escape the noise and "abundance" the world offers to allow Jesus to remind you he truly is enough and brings true satisfaction that is final and filling!

Primary Scripture: Matthew 14:1-12

What We Hope This Message Accomplishes: This passage reveals a sobering truth: power gained apart from God never brings peace. Human authority cannot quiet a guilty conscience, cover sin, or satisfy a restless soul. True satisfaction is not found in control, but in surrender to the truth, something John the Baptist embodied and Herod rejected.