Naples Community Church's Podcast

Jesus calls us to remain in Him—the true vine—so that His life may flow through us and bear fruit that glorifies God. Pastor Kirt reminds us that in Christ we find our true identity, rooted not in the world’s shifting values but in God’s unchanging love. The greatest expression of that love, Jesus says, is to lay down one’s life for one’s friends—a truth embodied by countless acts of sacrifice, from soldiers on the battlefield to simple moments of generosity in daily life. When we give of ourselves for others, we reflect the very heart of Christ and discover a joy that cannot be taken away. Our calling is clear: to live for Him by loving others as He has loved us.

In this week’s message, we reflected on Jesus’ encounter with the grieving widow of Nain and the miraculous restoration of her son. Pastor Kirt reminded us that miracles are not merely disruptions of nature, but glimpses of God’s true reality breaking into our fallen world. Through stories of faith, loss, and compassion within our own church family, we were encouraged to see God’s hand even in moments of deep sorrow. True faith, we learned, does not come from miracles — rather, miracles are seen through faith-filled eyes. May we continue to live in hope, trusting that Christ who conquers death is making all things new.

In Luke 7, a woman anoints Jesus’ feet with her tears and perfume, an act of pure love and humility that reveals the heart of true worship. While the Pharisee sees only a “sinner,” Jesus sees a soul offering herself completely to God. Pastor Kirt reminds us that we often view others—and ourselves—through categories and judgment, rather than compassion and understanding. Yet Christ looks past our failures and welcomes the gift of our broken, genuine selves. We, too, are invited to come before Him not with our worthiness, but with our whole hearts.

Guest speaker Dr. Corbin Hoornbeek invites us to reflect on one of Jesus’ most striking questions: “Do you want to get well?” (John 5:6). Through the story of the paralyzed man at the pool of Bethesda, Corbin reminds us that true healing doesn’t come from miracles, rituals, or moral effort—but from encountering Jesus Himself. We often cling to our pain, pride, or habits rather than surrendering them, yet Christ meets us right where we are and calls us to wholeness. The real “House of Mercy” isn’t the pool at Bethesda—it’s the cross at Golgotha, where by His wounds, we are healed.

In this week’s message, Pastor Kirt shared the story of the widow’s mite — a reminder that true generosity flows not from abundance, but from the heart. While religious leaders of Jesus’ time sought recognition and power, this humble widow quietly gave all she had, embodying sincere devotion. Jesus saw and honored her gift, showing that God values the spirit of giving more than the size of the offering. We are called to give out of gratitude, not obligation, recognizing that every act of love and service reflects God’s own generosity. May our giving — in time, effort, and care — glorify Him who has given us everything.

Prayer isn’t just quiet reflection — it’s action, persistence, and bringing our deepest needs before God. Drawing from Luke’s Gospel, Pastor Kirt reminded us that Jesus invites us to pray with “shameless persistence,” knocking on heaven’s door again and again. Like the friends who tore open a roof to reach Jesus, we’re called to bring our burdens and the burdens of others boldly to Him. Even in life’s sudden crises and uncertainties, God promises His presence, His Spirit, and His ultimate healing. This message encourages us to discern what truly matters and to persist in prayer, trusting that God hears and responds.

In this week’s message, Pastor reflected on the mysteries of life, suffering, and loss through Psalm 13 and Romans 8. He shared stories of grief—from a young girl’s sudden passing to personal loss in his own youth—reminding us that faith often means trusting when we cannot see. Even in moments when we feel handed over to chaos, God’s unfailing love and the hope of Christ break through. We are called to pray, encourage one another, and cling to the promise of resurrection. Faith looks beyond what is seen, trusting the One who has overcome death itself.

This week’s message tackled one of the hardest questions of faith: If God is in control, why is there evil in the world? From Genesis to the words of Jesus, we explored how evil entered through human rebellion, how Satan still works to deceive, and how suffering and brokenness reveal our need for Christ. Yet God promises that evil will not have the final word—He can redeem what is meant for harm and ultimately triumphs through Jesus’ death and resurrection. In the face of darkness, we are called to endure, trust, and overcome evil with good.

In a week when some even celebrated evil, we open 1 Timothy 1:3–17 to remember that the cure for darkness isn’t rage or platitudes, but the gospel. Paul charges Timothy to silence false teaching and uphold God’s good law—and then calls himself the “chief of sinners,” showing that grace, not moral posturing, changes hearts. We overcome evil with good by choosing humility: counting others as more significant, listening before speaking, and refusing personal attacks. In a polarized age, the church is called to hold a clear standard while loving like Jesus and trusting the Spirit who dwells within us.

Jesus turns to the crowd and tells the hard truth: discipleship means loving Him above even our dearest relationships, carrying our cross, and counting the cost (Luke 14:25–35). Pastor reminds us that the mark of a true church is simple faithfulness—not size or cultural approval—because Christ alone builds His church. Drawing on Bonhoeffer’s The Cost of Discipleship, we reject “cheap grace” and embrace the costly grace purchased by Jesus’ sacrifice. Through tender family stories, we feel both the pull of earthly loves and the greater love of God that anchors our obedience. Our call is clear and demanding: be the called-out people who love, serve, and remain faithful as Christ leads.

This week’s sermon looks at Jesus’ message to the church in Laodicea (Revelation 3:14–22)—a sobering warning against lukewarm faith. Jesus, the “Amen” and beginning of creation, calls us to see our true condition and seek the riches only He gives: refined faith, white garments, and healing sight. In a world scarred by evil and grief, we answer with ora et labora—we pray as if it all depends on God and work as if it all depends on us. Christ stands at the door and gently knocks, inviting churches and individuals to open our lives to His intimate presence and cleansing grace. May we reject complacency, glorify God, and live as bold witnesses who hear, see, and obey.

We explore the Lord’s Prayer as Jesus’ model for personal prayer—not a script to recite, but a roadmap for the heart. We’re invited to come to God as Abba (a perfectly good Father), honor His holiness, long for His kingdom, and trust Him for daily needs. Jesus calls us to practice real forgiveness because we’ve been forgiven, and to ask for protection from the evil one. May our “same old” routine become living communion with the Father.

This week’s sermon: Jesus, the One who holds the key of David, opens doors no one can shut and calls His church to walk through them in humble, persevering love. Looking to the church in Philadelphia, we learn that “small” and “weak” are not liabilities—Christ’s strength is made perfect in our weakness, and wounded healers become His hands and feet. Open doors send us out to serve and open our hearts to receive anyone the Spirit delivers, meeting people not first with arguments but with authentic love that points to Christ. Hope anchors us: He is near in our trials and faithful to see us through. Text: Revelation 3:7–13.

Pastor continues our Revelation series with Jesus’ wake-up call to Sardis: “You have a reputation for being alive, but you are dead—wake up and strengthen what remains” (Rev. 3:1–6). He warns how churches become “inoffensive” by accommodating the culture and redefining sin, urging us instead to hold fast to the gospel (think Chesterton’s fence) and to repent—simply, to turn. Drawing on C. S. Lewis and the promise of white robes, we’re reminded that grace clothes the repentant and belonging to Christ reshapes how we live. A small moment of kindness at the gym becomes a picture of everyday faithfulness: just be Christian.

In this message we celebrate how our church can’t be neatly labeled “traditional” or “contemporary” but is defined by its love, faith and service. Drawing on the letter to Thyatira in Revelation, we’re reminded that cultural relevance and compromise—like tolerating a “prophetess” who leads us astray—undermine our true calling. Rather than pleasing people, we’re here to worship and obey God, holding fast to Scripture even amid hardship. Jesus warns that compromise can lead to judgment but promises that those who persevere will share in His authority, shepherding with His “iron rod.” Finally, He offers the “morning star”—His own presence—as a reward to every faithful witness.

This week’s message at Naples Community Church centers on Philippians 3:20—“For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we eagerly await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ”—and reminds us that though we live here on earth, our true home is with Christ. Drawing on Paul’s example (and a few stories of “Mr. Ed” in Seattle!), we learn that living as heavenly citizens looks like loving one another with humility, rejoicing without grumbling, and persevering through suffering. We’re challenged to exercise discernment, press on toward our heavenly goal, and cultivate contentment and generosity in every circumstance. Ultimately, Pastor Dan encourages us to set our hearts on our eternal citizenship while faithfully embodying Christ’s love here and now.

Exiled on Patmos, the Apostle John receives a vision from Christ and dictates the message we now know as Revelation to seven churches across Asia Minor. This Sunday we focused on Pergamum, a church living in the shadows of Roman power—called “Satan’s throne”—yet praised for its steadfast faith and refusal to deny Christ even amid persecution. Christ commends their loyalty but rebukes them for tolerating the teachings of Balaam and the Nicolaitans and calls them to repentance. He reminds us that open compromise with the world can dilute our witness and invites the faithful to overcome, promising hidden manna and the white stone of victory. May we, like the church in Pergamum, resist cultural pressures and faithfully proclaim that Christ is Lord above all.

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.