CFTN Phoenix

What if the most powerful thing you could share with someone isn't a sermon, but your own story? In “Dead Man Walking,” Pastor Matthew Maiden explores the story of Lazarus and the incredible power of a life transformed by Jesus. Just as Lazarus became living evidence of the resurrection, our lives carry a testimony of God's grace, forgiveness, and transforming power. Pastor Matt challenges us to stop allowing fear, shame, or insecurity to keep us silent and to recognize that our personal stories can help others encounter Jesus. You don't need to have all the answers. You have a story worth sharing.

What if your greatest failure isn't the end of your story? In “The Enemy Celebrated Too Soon,” Dr. Michael Maiden shares from Judges 16 and the life of Samson, reminding us that even after devastating mistakes, God is still able to restore purpose, strength, and hope. Through Samson's journey, we discover the importance of living with God-given vision, refusing to let failure define our identity, and trusting that God can bring something beautiful out of what seemed permanently broken. The enemy may think your story is over, but God gets the final word. Your best days may still be ahead.

What if the next step in your faith isn't waiting for another word from God, but acting on what He's already said? In “And So He Did,” Pastor Candice Maiden explores the story of Noah and what it means to live with a faith that moves. Through Noah's obedience, we discover why our participation matters, how trusting God requires both action and surrender, and why our obedience can impact generations beyond our own. God doesn't always reveal the entire plan. Sometimes He simply asks us to take the next step. The question is: Will we?

What do you do when what you feel doesn't match what God says? In “Beyond the Feels,” Pastor Justin Hege shares why our faith can't depend on our emotions, circumstances, or spiritual experiences alone. Through Scripture, the life of David, and personal stories, he encourages us to become deeply rooted in God's promises, even when life feels uncertain. God's faithfulness doesn't change with our circumstances. His presence doesn't disappear when we feel alone. And His Word speaks a better truth than guilt, fear, or insecurity. Discover what it means to stop letting your feelings lead and start living by faith.

What if you're closer to a breakthrough than you realize? In “Get Your Shout Back,” Dr. Michael Maiden shares from Joshua 6 and the story of Jericho, where God's people continued marching even when nothing appeared to be changing. Through three powerful lessons, Dr. Mike encourages us to persevere in faith, recognize the power of our words, and recover the shout of victory that discouragement may have taken away. Sometimes the hardest part of believing is continuing when you can't see the results. But just because the walls haven't fallen doesn't mean God isn't working. Keep praying. Keep believing. Keep marching.

What if you stopped trying to get closer to God and realized how close He has already brought you? In “Proximity,” Pastor Matthew Maiden shares how Jesus removed the distance between us and God. Through Christ, we have been brought near, united with Him, and invited to live from relationship instead of religious striving. When we understand that God is already with us, prayer changes. Our response to failure changes. Fear changes. The Christian life becomes less about trying to find God and more about learning to walk with Him. You’re not working your way toward His presence. You’ve already been brought near.

Not every battle is yours to fight. When we’re betrayed, criticized, dishonored, or misunderstood, our instinct can be to defend ourselves. But Romans 12 gives us a different response: “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” In “Let God Defend You,” Dr. Michael Maiden shares how to trust God with the battles that don’t belong to us. Through the story of David, Nabal, and Abigail, he shows how quickly hurt can pull us into fights God never asked us to enter—and how the Holy Spirit can help us respond differently. You don’t have to answer every critic or win every argument. Keep doing what God has called you to do, overcome evil with good, and let God take care of the rest.

Following God doesn’t always feel easy—but that doesn’t mean you’re going the wrong way. In “Lowing As They Went,” Dr. Michael Maiden draws from 1 Samuel 6, where two cows carry the ark of God back toward Israel. Though they cry out for the calves they’ve left behind, they continue straight down the road. Through this powerful picture, Dr. Mike shares how Jesus transforms us, grace enables us to obey, and our obedience can meet someone else’s need. He also reminds us that worship doesn’t end when we leave church. Every step of obedience can be an expression of love for God. Whatever you’re facing, keep going with Him.

The blood of Jesus changes everything. In this message, Pastor Matthew Maiden takes us back to Exodus 12 and the Passover Lamb to uncover a deeper picture of what Jesus accomplished through His sacrifice. The blood doesn’t just mean forgiveness. It means freedom. It means victory over sin and death. It means a new life, a new identity, and an inheritance that God has given us through Christ. The question isn’t only, “Have I been forgiven?” It’s also, “Am I walking in everything the blood has given me?” Don’t stop at the door. There is more on the other side.

What if your faith is the key that unlocks what God wants to do? In “Unlock It,” Dustin Bates teaches from Mark 6 about the power of faith and the danger of becoming familiar with God. Faith isn’t reactive—it goes first. It believes God’s Word before there is evidence, takes Him at His Word, and keeps believing when circumstances say otherwise. Whether you’re believing for healing, restoration, a prodigal to come home, or simply trusting God for what’s next, this message is a reminder that there is still more God wants to do. Don’t grow weary. Magnify the Lord. Take God at His Word. Faith goes first.