The Driven Church

Matthew 13: 44-46. What treasure are you holding on to? Trent Evans

Study 3: Luke 18: 9-14: Trent Evans

Justified

In Luke 18:9–14, Jesus tells the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector to confront the danger of self-righteousness and reveal the posture God honors. Two men enter the temple to pray. One boasts in his religious accomplishments while the other stands at a distance, confessing his sin and pleading for mercy. Jesus declares that the humble sinner—not the outwardly righteous Pharisee—goes home justified before God. This parable exposes the difference between trusting in our own goodness and trusting in God’s mercy. True justification is not earned through religious performance but received through humble repentance and dependence on God’s grace.

Study 2: Matthew 18: 21-35: Trent Evans

What forgiveness is....         

 

In Matthew 18:21–35, Jesus tells the parable of the unforgiving servant to reveal the true nature of forgiveness in the kingdom of God. When Peter asks how often he must forgive someone who sins against him, Jesus responds with a shocking answer: forgiveness is not counted or limited. Through a powerful story about an unpayable debt and a servant who refuses to extend the mercy he received, Jesus exposes the danger of harboring unforgiveness. This message reminds us that every believer has been forgiven a debt far beyond their ability to repay. Because of that grace, followers of Christ are called to become vessels of that same mercy toward others. Forgiveness does not excuse wrongdoing or deny the pain of real wounds, but it releases the poison of bitterness from the heart and allows the freedom of God's grace to flow through our lives.

Study 1: Luke 15: 1-32: Trent Evans

The prodigal son       

In Luke 15, Jesus answers the grumbling of the Pharisees—“This man welcomes sinners and eats with them”—with three parables that reveal the Father’s pursuing love: the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the lost son. Through these stories, we see that God recovers those who can’t find their way back, those who don’t even know they’re lost, and even those who have chosen rebellion. The climax in the prodigal son shows mercy running faster than shame, restoring sonship before condemnation can speak. The sermon calls the church to resist self-righteous, transactional religion and instead become Spirit-shaped people who “love mercy,” rejoicing when the lost are found and welcoming others the way Jesus welcomed us. (Luke 15; Micah 6:8)

 

 

Study 42: 1 Samuel 31: 1-13: Trent Evans

How high is your water mark?        

In this final chapter of 1 Samuel, we witness the tragic death of King Saul on Mount Gilboa—a sobering reminder of the consequences of persistent disobedience. Yet even in judgment, the mercy of God is visible. David is spared from participating in Saul’s downfall, revealing the prevenient grace of God that protects us from destroying ourselves. Saul’s life ends in despair, but his death prepares the way for David, and ultimately for Jesus Christ—the true and obedient King. Where Saul’s death came through rebellion, Christ’s death came through obedience. This passage calls us to reflect on God’s mercy, His justice, and the urgency of living in faithful obedience so that our “high water mark” is not behind us, but alive in Christ today.

Study 41: 1 Samuel 30: 1-31: Trent Evans

The road to restoration

In 1 Samuel 30, we witness one of the most powerful restoration stories in David’s life. After 16 months of living in Philistine territory and distancing himself from God, David returns to Ziklag only to find it burned and his family taken captive. In his lowest moment—rejected by enemies and nearly stoned by his own men—David strengthens himself in the Lord. This message explores the road to restoration: remembering God, seeking His direction, responding in obedience, fighting necessary battles, and becoming a channel of mercy. Ultimately, this passage reveals that restoration is not just something God does for us—it is something He works through us, all made possible through the greater restoration secured by Jesus Christ.

Study 40: 1 Samuel 29: 1-11: Trent Evans

Is the Lord trying to rescue you?        

In this study of 1 Samuel 28, we witness the tragic final descent of King Saul as fear, disobedience, and spiritual compromise culminate in his encounter with the medium at Endor. Having silenced the voice of God through years of unrepentant disobedience, Saul seeks direction without truly seeking God, revealing a heart that wants answers but not obedience. The passage serves as a sobering warning about the cost of ignoring God’s voice, pursuing guidance in the wrong places, and refusing repentance even when mercy remains available. This text calls God’s people to honest self-examination, wholehearted pursuit of the Lord, and humility before it is too late.

Study 39: 1 Samuel 28: 3-25: Trent Evans

The Lord departs from Saul

In 1 Samuel 28, Scripture presents one of the most sobering moments in the life of King Saul, revealing the tragic end of a heart that once knew obedience but slowly drifted into spiritual compromise. As Saul faces overwhelming fear from the Philistine threat and finds God silent, he turns not toward repentance but toward forbidden sources of guidance. This chapter exposes the difference between seeking answers from God and truly seeking God Himself. Through Saul’s encounter with the medium at Endor, we are confronted with the dangers of disobedience, misplaced desperation, and hardened hearts. The passage ultimately serves as a warning and an invitation, reminding God’s people that humility, repentance, and wholehearted pursuit of the Lord are always the path to life.

 

Study 38: 1 Samuel 27: Trent Evans

What are your eyes fixed on?          

In 1 Samuel 27, we encounter a sobering chapter in David’s life where fatigue and despair lead him to make decisions apart from the counsel of God. After years of fleeing Saul, David leans on his own understanding and seeks refuge among the Philistines, settling in enemy territory and gradually compromising his integrity, his witness, and his future. This filter-free portrait of David reminds us that even a person after God’s heart can drift when fear outweighs trust. The passage calls believers to examine how despair shapes decision-making and urges us to fix our eyes on Jesus, choosing daily renewal and faithful dependence rather than self-directed survival.

Special Sermon: Luke 2: 1-20: Trent Evans

The Christmas Story