Renaissance Church

Ordinary Activities Scott Axtmann Pastor Scott reminds us that while we spend so much of life chasing exciting moments, most of our days are made up of ordinary tasks, and those moments matter to God as well. In this message, he shares how everything from washing dishes to pulling weeds can become acts of worship when done with gratitude, excellence, and love for Christ. If you’ve ever felt stuck in the routine or frustrated by the mundane, this conversation offers a fresh perspective that can change the way you see everyday life.

Sabbath Vicky Griffiths Vicky takes an honest look at why so many of us feel rushed, exhausted, and unable to truly rest. Through personal stories and biblical insight, she explains that Sabbath is not just a rule to follow but a gift from God that brings freedom, renewal, and a deeper awareness of His presence. She challenges the nonstop pace of modern life and invites us to discover a better way of living that is rooted in trust rather than constant productivity. If you've ever felt burned out or wondered whether life was meant to be this busy, this message offers a refreshing and hope filled perspective.

Solitude Scott Axtmann What if the thing your soul needs most is something the modern world constantly pulls you away from? In a world filled with noise, distraction, and constant motion, Pastor Scott invites us into the forgotten spiritual practice of solitude. Drawing from the life of Jesus and the testimony of saints throughout history, this message explores why silence and stillness may be essential for true intimacy with God. With vulnerable personal stories and practical encouragement, Pastor Scott challenges listeners to move beyond surface-level devotion and experience the transforming love of God in the quiet places.

Philippians 4: 2,3 Whether trivial or more serious, most of us have experienced differences of opinion among people in the churches we have attended. Sometimes we may even find that we are the ones caught up in disagreements. How should we handle these moments when they arise? In just two verses, through both what he does and doesn't do, Paul provides a masterclass in handling conflict within the church as he responds to the dispute between fellow believers, Euodia and Syntyche, in Philippi. In this message we examine how Paul addresses the issue directly instead of avoiding it; how he entreats rather than orders or commands; how he focuses on similarities instead of differences; how he provides practical support instead of isolating; and how he affirms instead of condemning.

Philippians 3:1-11 In this sermon on Philippians 3:1–11, Mark Skillin explains how Paul could tell believers to rejoice even while he was in prison. Paul warns against putting confidence in religious status, background, or good works, since he once had all of those things but came to see them as nothing compared to knowing Christ. Because Jesus fulfilled the law, God’s people are now defined by faith in Him and the new life given through the Spirit. Mark also highlights that following Jesus may bring suffering, but it becomes part of sharing in Christ’s life and trusting in the hope of resurrection.

In this pastoral talk on “2026 Aims", Pastor Scott encourages us not to shy away from resolutions but to see them as meaningful goals that help us live intentionally for God. Reflecting on the quiet of winter as a time for evaluation, he challenges believers to consider how they use their limited capacity of time, energy, and resources, urging them to “declutter” their lives so there is room for what matters most. He then shares ten spiritual aims for the year: being filled with Scripture, deepening devotion to prayer, praying with others, practicing regular fasting, reading spiritually rich books, growing in generosity, showing greater hospitality, living missionally by loving and serving others, committing deeply to the local church, and continually remembering with gratitude what Christ has done. Through these goals, he calls Christians to aim high in their spiritual lives, trusting that through the Holy Spirit God has already given them everything needed for a life of faithfulness.

In this message, we explore the breathtaking truth at the center of Christmas: God became human and dwelt among us. Walking through John 1:1–18, we linger on the mystery of the incarnation and what it means that Jesus fully entered the human experience—our weakness, suffering, sorrow, and joy. Far from being distant or unrelatable, Jesus is the God who understands, sympathizes, and draws near in our pain. Because God is with us, we are invited to approach him with confidence, honesty, and hope.