Naples Community Church's Podcast

In this message, we unpack John’s letter to the church in Smyrna in Revelation, showing how Christ knows our suffering and, because of His profound love, offers the crown of life to those who remain faithful (Rev. 2:10). We trace the example of Polycarp, who embraced martyrdom rather than renounce Christ under brutal imperial pressure. We also mourn the recent Texas flood tragedy, where two young sisters’ final “I love you” text reminds us of human vulnerability and God’s compassion. Drawing on C.S. Lewis, we see that pain shouts to awaken our souls, and we are called to live as a faithful, supportive community. Ultimately, we are encouraged to bear one another’s burdens in love, knowing that Christ’s consuming fire is ever with us.

In this message, we opened with a prayer of gratitude for the precious freedom we so often take for granted and acknowledged that true freedom is found in Christ. Drawing on Paul’s letter to the Romans, we affirmed our call to respect governing authorities—agents of God’s order—while keeping a clear conscience. We reflected on America’s young history, noting that our Revolution was birthed in the minds of patriots claiming what was rightfully theirs, not merely in battle. A visit to the WWII memorial reminded us of the sacrifice required to secure our liberty and the power of standing together in song. Finally, we prayed for God’s wisdom to preserve these freedoms and to love and support one another as a community set apart.

This sermon examines Revelation 2’s message to the church in Ephesus—commended for solid doctrine and endurance but rebuked for losing their first love. Though they faithfully exposed false teaching and endured hardship, their devotion and compassion had grown cold. Jesus calls them to repent and rekindle the passionate love that once drew them together or face removal of his presence. Genuine church life is not defined by flawless theology or ritual but by sacrificial love that welcomes and heals the wounded. May we restore our first love and experience the fullness of life promised to the victorious.

In a time of global uncertainty and growing fear, we are reminded that Christ is still Lord—and He is with us now. This message begins a new series on the Book of Revelation, focusing not on predictions, but on encouragement and trust in Jesus amidst turmoil. Just as John wrote to the early churches facing persecution and empire worship, we are called to remain faithful and grounded in God’s eternal promises. The resurrection of Christ isn’t just a past event—it’s the foundation of our hope, our purpose, and our future. Join us as we fix our eyes on the One who was, who is, and who is to come.

As construction begins and challenges mount, we're reminded that the church isn’t perfect—because it's full of imperfect people. In 1 Corinthians 4, Paul urges the church to not just listen to instructors, but to follow the example of a spiritual father. He reminds us that a good father isn’t flawless—but humble, sacrificial, and grounded in identity through Christ. Despite his past, Paul says, imitate me, because he reflects the grace that transformed him. On this Father’s Day, may we be spiritual parents to others and find our true identity in the love of our Heavenly Father.

On the day of Pentecost, God poured out His Spirit, giving believers power—not for control, but for connection. Through wind, fire, and new languages, the Spirit enabled the disciples to speak in ways others could understand. That same Spirit empowers us today to share Christ with humility, love, joy, and even humor. True witness doesn’t come through arrogance or argument, but through a life marked by grace and compassion. As the early church devoted themselves to teaching, fellowship, and prayer, so too are we called to carry Christ’s character into the world.

This week we explored the second part of the Prodigal Son story—focusing on the anger and entitlement of the older brother. While the younger son sought fulfillment in the far country, the older son believed his obedience earned him a reward. Yet both were distant from the father's heart. True joy, the “gigantic secret of the Christian,” is not found in rebellion or self-righteousness but in the grace that welcomes everyone home. May our lives reflect that joy—a joy that reaches, includes, and redeems.

On this Memorial Day, we remember those who laid down their lives—not out of hate, but out of love for those behind them. Jesus said, “There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends,” and we honor that sacrificial love today. True love, as Christ demonstrated, is vulnerable, costly, and deeply connected to the heart of God. As followers of Jesus, we’re called to love with the same courage and commitment. May we live with gratitude for the freedoms we’ve been given—and the love that made them possible.

This week's message from Luke 15 explores Jesus' parable of the prodigal son—a powerful reminder that true freedom and identity are found not in the world, but in relationship with God. When we try to "find ourselves" apart from Him, we often end up lost, hungry, and broken. Yet the Father watches, waits, and runs to embrace us the moment we turn back. His love restores, His grace redefines, and in His presence, we are finally home. No matter how far we’ve wandered, God’s arms are always open.

This week’s message draws from Exodus 1 and 2, focusing on the powerful story of Moses' birth and the remarkable women who defied Pharaoh's deadly command. From the brave Hebrew midwives Shiphrah and Puah, to Moses’ mother Jochebed and sister Miriam, and even Pharaoh’s own daughter—women moved by compassion and moral courage came together to protect life in a time of genocide.Pastor Kirt reminds us that God often works through ordinary people who carry extraordinary love, especially mothers. These women stood up against the power of death with the power of life, embodying values that transcend culture, time, and even religion—compassion, justice, and courage.The sermon also reflects on the emotional depth and sacrificial nature of motherhood, from personal stories of parental love to the heartbreak of watching a loved one fade from memory. Through it all, we are reminded that love—especially a mother’s love—has the power to change hearts, protect life, and reflect the very character of God.We honor an

In this week's message, we reflect on Jesus’ call to persistent prayer and faithful anticipation of His return. Drawing from Luke 18 and the parable of the persistent widow, we’re reminded that even in a world filled with injustice, God is attentive and just. As God’s set-apart people, we are called to persevere in faith, resist cultural compromise, and pray for justice, restoration, and Christ’s return. This message encourages us to embrace a life of prayer — not as a ritual, but as a response to a broken world and a reflection of hope in God’s ultimate redemption.

In this message, Pastor Dan shares from Joshua 2 about Rahab — a young woman living in a dark culture who, despite her past, became a hero of faith. Through "rumors in the desert," Rahab heard about the God of Israel and chose to believe, risking everything for her family and her future. Pastor Dan reminds us that God meets us where we are — not once we have it all together, but right in the middle of our brokenness. Just like Rahab, God can use anyone who says "yes" to Him. No matter your story, His love is for you.

He Is Risen: The Power of the ResurrectionIn this powerful Easter message, we journey from the suffering of the cross to the astonishing reality of the empty tomb. Through the eyes of the women at the tomb and the skepticism of the disciples, we’re reminded that the resurrection of Jesus Christ is not just a story—it’s the foundation of our hope. With personal reflection and historical insight, this message explores how the risen Christ continues to transform lives, one heart at a time.

April 13, 2025Preparation for WorshipTime for GatheringOpening Hymn “All Glory Laud and Honor”All glory laud and honor to Thee Redeemer KingTo Whom the lips of children made sweet hosannas ringThou art the King of Israel Thou David’s royal SonWho in the Lord’s Name comest the King and Blessed OneAll glory laud and honor to Thee Redeemer KingTo Whom the lips of children made sweet hosannas ringThe company of angels are praising Thee on HighAnd mortal men and all things created make replyAll glory laud and honor to Thee Redeemer KingTo Whom the lips of children made sweet hosannas ringTo Thee before Thy passion they sang their hymns of praiseTo Thee now high exalted our melody we raiseAmen!Prayer of PraiseSong of WorshipPrayers of the Church and the Lord’s PrayerOffering and DoxologyScripture Lesson Luke 19:20-48Sermon Palms With ThornsClosing Hymn “Worthy is the Lamb”Thank you for the cross Lord Thank you for the price You paidBearing all my sin and shame, in love You came and gave amazing graceThank you for t

April 6, 2025Preparation for WorshipTime for GatheringOpening Hymn “All Hail the Power of Jesus Name”All hail the pow'r of Jesus' Name let angels prostrate fallBring forth the royal diadem and crown Him Lord of allBring forth the royal diadem and crown Him Lord of allYe chosen seed of Israel's race ye ransomed from the fallHail Him who saves you by His grace and crown Him Lord of allHail Him who saves you by His grace and crown Him Lord of allLet ev'ry kindred ev'ry tribe on this terrestrial ballTo Him all majesty ascribe and crown Him Lord of allTo Him all majesty ascribe and crown Him Lord of allO that with yonder sacred throng we at His feet may fallWe'll join the everlasting song and crown Him Lord of allWe'll join the everlasting song and crown Him Lord of allAmen!Prayer of PraiseSong of WorshipPrayers of the ChurchOffering and DoxologyScripture Lesson Matthew 20:17-28Sermon Eyes to Hear and Ears to SeeThe Lords Supper (The bread is gluten-free and the cup is alcohol free)Pray

March 30, 2025Preparation for WorshipTime for GatheringOpening Hymn “Come Christians Join to Sing”Come Christians join to sing alleluia amenLoud praise to Christ our King alleluia amenLet all with heart and voice before His throne rejoicePraise is His gracious choice alleluia amenCome lift your hearts on high alleluia amenLet praises fill the sky alleluia amenHe is our Guide and Friend to us He'll condescendHis love shall never end alleluia amenPraise yet our Christ again alleluia amenLife shall not end the strain alleluia amenOn heaven's blissful shore His goodness we'll adoreSinging forevermore alleluia amenAlleluia amenPrayer of PraiseSong of WorshipPrayers of the Church and the Lord’s PrayerOffering and DoxologyScripture Lesson John 11:28-36Sermon The God Who FeelsClosing Hymn “The Solid Rock”My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousnessI dare not trust the sweetest frame but wholly lean on Jesus' nameChorusOn Christ the solid Rock I standAll other ground is sink

March 23, 2025Preparation for WorshipTime for GatheringOpening Hymn “Tis Good to Be Here”'Tis good Lord to be here Thy glory fills the nightThy face and garments like the sun shine with unborrowed light'Tis good Lord to be here Thy beauty to beholdWhere Moses and Elijah stand Thy messengers of oldFulfiller of the past promise of things to beWe hail Thy body glorified and our redemption seeBefore we taste of death we see Thy kingdom comeWe fain would hold the vision bright and make this hill our home'Tis good Lord to be here yet we may not remainBut since Thou bidst us leave the mount come with us to the plainPrayer of PraiseSong of WorshipPrayers of the Church and the Lord’s PrayerOffering and DoxologyScripture Lesson Matthew 17:1-13Sermon A Glimpse of GloryClosing Hymn “Majesty”Majesty worship His majesty unto Jesus be all glory honor and praiseMajesty kingdom authority flow from His throne unto His own His anthem raiseSo exalt lift up on high the name of JesusMagnify come glorify Christ Jesus th

March 16, 2025Preparation for WorshipTime for GatheringOpening Hymn “King of Kings”In the darkness we were waiting without hope without light'Til from Heaven You came running there was mercy in Your eyesTo fulfill the law and prophets to a virgin came the wordFrom a throne of endless glory to a cradle in the dirtChorusPraise the Father praise the Son praise the Spirit three in oneGod of glory Majesty praise forever to the King of KingsTo reveal the kingdom coming and to reconcile the lostTo redeem the whole creation You did not despise the crossFor even in your suffering You saw to the other sideKnowing this was our salvation Jesus for our sake you died (Chorus)And the morning that You rose all of Heaven held its breath'Til that stone was moved for good for the Lamb had conquered deathAnd the dead rose from their tombs and the angels stood in aweFor the souls of all who'd come to the Father are restoredAnd the church of Christ was born then the Spirit lit the flameNow this gospel truth of old shal

March 9, 2025Preparation for WorshipTime for GatheringOpening Hymn “Lead On O King Eternal”Lead on O King Eternal the day of march has comeHenceforth in fields of conquest Thy tents shall be our homeThro' days of preparation Thy grace has made us strongAnd now O King eternal We lift our battle songLead on O King Eternal till sin's fierce war shall ceaseAnd holiness shall whisper the sweet Amen of peaceFor not with swords loud clashing nor roll of stirring drumsWith deeds of love and mercy the heav'nly kingdom comesLead on O King Eternal we follow not with fearsFor gladness breaks like morning where'er Thy face appearsThy cross is lifted o'er us we journey in its lightThe crown awaits the conquest lead on O God of mightAmen!Prayer of PraiseSong of WorshipPrayers of the Church and the Lord’s PrayerOffering and DoxologyScripture Lesson Matthew 13:16-23Sermon Face Like FlintClosing Hymn “Reckless Love”Before I spoke a word You were singing over meYou have been so so good to meBefore I took a breath You breathed Y

March 2, 2025Preparation for WorshipTime for GatheringOpening Hymn “Great is Thy Faithfulness”Great is Thy faithfulness O God my FatherThere is no shadow of turning with TheeThou changest not Thy compassions they fail notAs Thou hast been Thou forever wilt beChorusGreat is Thy faithfulness great is Thy faithfulnessMorning by morning new mercies I seeAll I have needed Thy hand hath providedGreat is Thy faithfulness Lord unto meSummer and winter and springtime and harvestSun moon and stars in their courses aboveJoin with all nature in manifold witnessTo Thy great faithfulness mercy and love [Chorus]Pardon for sin and a peace that endurethThy own dear presence to cheer and to guideStrength for today and bright hope for tomorrowBlessings all mine with ten thousand beside [Chorus]Prayer of PraiseSong of WorshipPrayers of the ChurchOffering and DoxologyScripture Lesson 2 Samuel 23:1-7Sermon When That Day ComesThe Lords Supper (The bread is gluten-free and the cup is alcohol free)Prayers of Thanksgiving and the Lord