Biblically-based MEssages for every season of life.

The keys to a healthy and long-lasting relationship
Ryan Schreckenghaust Ryan Schreckenghaust

The keys to a healthy and long-lasting relationship

What actually makes a life go well? While many chase wealth or career success, an 85-year Harvard study reveals that relationship satisfaction is the single greatest predictor of long-term health and happiness. Dive into the powerful climax of the Song of Songs to discover why viewing marriage as a "covenant" rather than a "contract" changes everything. Learn how to place a "seal" on your heart that transforms your faith, your family, and your future in 2026.

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Love That Endures: Handling conflict in marriage
Jim Preisig Jim Preisig

Love That Endures: Handling conflict in marriage

What keeps love alive when the "honeymoon phase" fades and real-life stress sets in? Drawing from 42 years of marriage and the ancient, passionate poetry of the Song of Songs, discover why the most dangerous assumption in any relationship is thinking you have "enough time." Learn how to trade fleeting feelings for intentional action, guard your words during conflict, and create a "glimpse of heaven" in your home through the transformative power of 1 Corinthians 13.

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Love Waits: Why God's Design for Intimacy Is Worth Fighting For
Ryan Schreckenghaust Ryan Schreckenghaust

Love Waits: Why God's Design for Intimacy Is Worth Fighting For

In a "hookup culture" that treats relationships like a test drive, the Song of Songs offers a radically better vision for romance. Discover why the biblical principle of "waiting for love" isn't about restriction, but about protecting future intimacy from the "little foxes" of compromise. Whether you are single, dating, or married, learn how exclusivity leads to deeper delight and how God’s grace offers a fresh start for anyone who has struggled to get it right.

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The Greatest Love Song Ever Written: What an Ancient Wedding Song Teaches Us About Real Connection
Ryan Schreckenghaust Ryan Schreckenghaust

The Greatest Love Song Ever Written: What an Ancient Wedding Song Teaches Us About Real Connection

Have you ever read the Song of Songs and wondered if it actually belongs in the Bible? This ancient, passionate wedding song isn't just a racy poem; it’s a masterclass in building meaningful relationships through honesty, courage, and true connection. Whether you're navigating the complexities of modern dating or seeking a deeper walk with God, discover how shedding your "performance" and being authentically yourself is the first step toward the intimacy you’ve been longing for.

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A Prayer That Changes Everything
Ryan Schreckenghaust Ryan Schreckenghaust

A Prayer That Changes Everything

Are you tired of New Year's resolutions that fizzle out by February? Most goals fail because they rely on human striving rather than heart reorientation. Discover the historical power of John Wesley’s Covenant Prayer, a 250-year-old practice designed to move you from self-reliance to total surrender. Learn how to trade your checklists for a deeper "covenant" with God, finding true contentment and peace in 2026 regardless of your circumstances.

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Don't Make It Difficult: Removing Obstacles for Those Turning to God
Ryan Schreckenghaust Ryan Schreckenghaust

Don't Make It Difficult: Removing Obstacles for Those Turning to God

Why does the church sometimes make it so hard to follow Jesus? In Acts 15, the early church faced a massive "us vs. them" crisis that threatened to shut the door on new believers. Discover the revolutionary wisdom of the Jerusalem Council and learn how to stop being a gatekeeper and start being an ambassador of grace. It’s time to remove the human-made obstacles and cultural baggage that prevent people from experiencing the life-changing power of God.

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When Faith Gets Stuck: Moving Beyond the Mirror
Ryan Schreckenghaust Ryan Schreckenghaust

When Faith Gets Stuck: Moving Beyond the Mirror

Are you tired of hearing the same spiritual truths but seeing no real change in your life? James 1 warns that listening to God’s word without doing what it says is like looking in a mirror and immediately forgetting your own face. Discover how to move past the "starting line" of grace and step into the authentic growth that only comes through action. Learn how simple practices like prayer, generosity, and service can transform your faith from a stagnant belief into a life-changing journey.

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How to Actually Change in the new year
Ryan Schreckenghaust Ryan Schreckenghaust

How to Actually Change in the new year

Are you already struggling to keep your New Year’s resolutions? Most of us chase new outcomes using the same old habits, but the truth is that old keys can't unlock new doors. Instead of offering a slightly better version of your old self, Jesus invites you into a completely new identity. Discover how the ancient wisdom of "new wineskins" can break your cycle of frustration and help you trade self-improvement for a life of true, lasting transformation in 2026.

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What Does It mean to be born again?
Cigi Embry Cigi Embry

What Does It mean to be born again?

As the Christmas decorations come down and a new year begins, many of us are left wondering, "Now what?" Discover the profound meaning behind Jesus’s invitation to be "born again" as we explore the famous midnight conversation with Nicodemus. Learn why spiritual growth is about your heart’s posture rather than religious checkboxes, and how you can lean into the daily privilege of walking with the Spirit in 2026.

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God Is Closer Than You Think: The Christmas Message Behind "All I Want for Christmas Is You"
Ryan Schreckenghaust Ryan Schreckenghaust

God Is Closer Than You Think: The Christmas Message Behind "All I Want for Christmas Is You"

Could Mariah Carey’s iconic holiday anthem actually point to a profound spiritual truth? Behind the catchy melody of "All I Want for Christmas Is You" lies the story of a God who is constantly moving closer to His creation. From the garden of Genesis to the birth of Jesus, discover how the doctrine of prevenient grace proves that God has been chasing after you long before you ever started seeking Him.

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Finding True Joy in a Season of Stress: What "Joy to the World" Really Teaches Us
Ryan Schreckenghaust Ryan Schreckenghaust

Finding True Joy in a Season of Stress: What "Joy to the World" Really Teaches Us

Feeling stressed despite the Christmas season? Discover the surprising, non-holiday origins of the hymn "Joy to the World" and learn where true joy is really found. This message uses the powerful story of Paul and Silas in prison to show how genuine, Christ-anchored joy interrupts despair, brings healing, and fuels real-life transformation.

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Finding Our Way Home This Christmas: The Promise That Changes Everything
Ryan Schreckenghaust Ryan Schreckenghaust

Finding Our Way Home This Christmas: The Promise That Changes Everything

Do you long for a deeper sense of belonging and peace this Christmas? Discover the universal craving for "home" through Isaiah's prophecy and the birth of Jesus. Learn how the four titles of Christ—Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace—offer the only true way out of chaos and into the safety of God's presence.

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When Hope Shines from Unexpected Places
Jim Preisig Jim Preisig

When Hope Shines from Unexpected Places

Feeling lost in the darkness of the "winter nights" of life? Discover the radical hope of Christmas that emerged not from a grand city, but from the obscurity of Nazareth. Learn from Mary's courageous "yes" how to choose hope over fear, find strength in God's presence, and persevere through life's blinding challenges.

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When Your Words Reveal Your Heart: Unsubscribing from Rudeness This Holiday Season
Ryan Schreckenghaust Ryan Schreckenghaust

When Your Words Reveal Your Heart: Unsubscribing from Rudeness This Holiday Season

Do your words betray your best intentions, especially during the stressful holiday season? Discover Jesus' powerful teaching that "what you say flows from what is in your heart." Learn two practical steps to identify the root causes of rudeness, overcome negative speech patterns, and cultivate a heart that naturally produces kindness, peace, and grace.

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Unsubscribe from Anger: Finding Peace This Holiday Season
Ryan Schreckenghaust Ryan Schreckenghaust

Unsubscribe from Anger: Finding Peace This Holiday Season

Feeling overwhelmed by holiday stress and strong emotions? Discover how to "unsubscribe" from the anger, bitterness, and irritation that clutter your life. Based on the wisdom of James 1:19, learn three essential steps—being quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger—to declutter your heart and find genuine peace this holiday season.

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15 Ways to Make Christmas More Meaningful This Year
The Summit Church The Summit Church

15 Ways to Make Christmas More Meaningful This Year

Christmas is a great time of year to make memories as a family, memories that will last a lifetime and may even be passed down to future generations. This time year gets busy very quickly with Christmas shopping, parties, and services. Here are 15 things to do this year to make Christmas more memorable.

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The 12 Best Things to Do in Lee’s Summit This Holiday Season
The Summit Church The Summit Church

The 12 Best Things to Do in Lee’s Summit This Holiday Season

The holidays in Lee’s Summit are filled with light, laughter, and community—and this year, there’s more happening than ever. Whether you’re looking for festive family traditions, ways to serve others, or a fun night out with friends, there’s something for everyone right here in our city (and just beyond).

Here are 12 of our favorite things to do in Lee’s Summit and the Kansas City area this Christmas season.

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Covered in the Dust of Jesus: How Following Him Transforms Everything
Ryan Schreckenghaust Ryan Schreckenghaust

Covered in the Dust of Jesus: How Following Him Transforms Everything

What if following Jesus meant getting "dusty"? Discover the profound meaning behind the ancient blessing, "May you be covered in the dust of your Rabbi," and how proximity to Christ transforms everything. Learn the 5 core practices that move you from being a church spectator to an active participant in a movement that brings life and hope to your community.

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How To Help With SNAP Benefits Lapsing
The Summit Church The Summit Church

How To Help With SNAP Benefits Lapsing

With the recent government shutdown affecting SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) funding, many families in our community are struggling to put food on the table. The Summit Church in Lee’s Summit is stepping up to meet this need through our Thanksgiving outreach and local food pantry partnerships.

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To Infinity and Beyond: Experiencing God's Limitless Power in Your Life
Cigi Embry Cigi Embry

To Infinity and Beyond: Experiencing God's Limitless Power in Your Life

Stop limiting God! Inspired by Buzz Lightyear's famous phrase, discover how God's "mighty power at work within us" can accomplish infinitely more than you can ask or think, just as promised in Ephesians 3:20. Learn the five key practices that align your heart with God's and unlock limitless possibilities in your life.

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