LIFEchurch is one church with multiple locations. We are located in Eastern Iowa with campuses in Cedar Rapids, Coralville and Wilton. We believe in a life-giving, positive church culture where people from all walks of life worship God, connect with one another and together change the world. To learn more, visit www.lifechurchnow.org
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Paul knew what it was to be harmed by one person and abandoned by people he trusted. He did not pretend the hurt was small. He named what happened, left justice with God, kept a wise boundary, and prayed for those who failed to stand beside him. In Week 2 of Getting Over It, Rich walks through Paul's response in 2 Timothy 4 and the assurance underneath it: “The Lord stood with me and gave me…
Some hurts do not disappear quickly. A betrayal, an absent parent, a broken relationship, abuse, or years of small offenses can leave anger and bitterness working below the surface long after the moment has passed. In Week 1 of Getting Over It, Pastor Rich teaches from Ephesians 4:26-32 about the grace we have received and the grace we are called to give. This message names the difference between…
How do you respond when someone hurts, betrays, disrespects, or refuses to forgive you? The answer is rarely simple, but Pastor Rich reminds us that these are gospel questions—moments that reveal how deeply the grace of Jesus is shaping the way we live. In the final week of Transformed, Rich teaches from Romans 12:14-21 and calls us to bless instead of curse, pursue peace where possible, release…
What does it really mean to live well—especially when life is busy, difficult, or draining? In Week 4 of Transformed, Pastor Josh teaches from Romans 12:11-13 and shows that living well is not the same as living a perfect life. It means serving God wholeheartedly without faking enthusiasm, remaining patient and prayerful when trouble comes, and keeping our lives open to the needs of people around…
Loving difficult people is one thing in theory. It is another thing in real life. In Week 3 of Transformed, Pastor Chris teaches from Romans 12 and invites us to move beyond performative love into the genuine love Jesus has shown us. This message explores empathy, prayer, blessing, doing good, and forgiveness—not as ways to deny pain, but as ways to let God transform our hearts. If you are…
If you have ever wondered where you fit in the church, this message is for you. In Week 2 of Transformed, Pastor Amy teaches from Romans 12:3-8 and shows how humility, spiritual gifts, authenticity, and connected community all flow from knowing who God is. This message explores what it means to think of yourself less without thinking less of yourself, why the body of Christ needs every part, and…
Romans 12 teaches that spiritual transformation begins with surrender. In this message, Pastor Rich walks through what it means to offer your life as a living sacrifice, refuse the pattern of the world, and let God renew your mind. Rich also connects this passage to strongholds in our thinking and the practice of taking thoughts captive. If you are wrestling with anxiety, control, fear about the…
Many of us have learned to live behind masks, agreements, and labels that were formed in pain. In this message, Pastor Chris shows how the enemy uses wounds to shape identity, how Jesus restores us without shame, and how the Father invites us to receive what is truer about us in Christ. Speaker: Chris Cary Message: Our True Name Scripture: Romans 8:15-16, John 10:10, 2 Corinthians 3:16, John 21,…
Do your words reflect your relationship with Jesus? In Week 5 of Jesus + Nothing, Pastor Rich closes the series by teaching from Colossians 4 and reminding us that everything is spiritual, including the words we speak, text, post, pray, and use in difficult conversations. This message explores four ways our words can point people to Jesus: pray with your words because they connect you to God,…
What does it look like to honor Jesus in marriage, parenting, & work? In Week 4 of Jesus + Nothing, Pastor Rich teaches from Colossians 3:18-4:1, a passage that can feel uncomfortable in our culture. Rather than fast forwarding through difficult Scripture, this message invites us to ask what faithful obedience looks like in the roles God has given us. Rich walks through biblical submission,…
How do you make Jesus your priority when life is full of competing voices, habits, desires, and distractions? Rich Greene continues the Jesus + Nothing series with a message from Colossians 3. Paul moves from belief to behavior: since we have been raised to new life with Christ, we set our hearts on things above, put to death what belongs to the old life, and put on compassion, kindness, humility,…
How do you trust God when you are suffering and cannot make sense of what is happening? Pastor Rich continues the Jesus + Nothing series with a message from Colossians 1-2 on the mystery of Christ in us, the hope of glory. Paul writes about suffering while he himself is in prison, reminding us that struggle is not evidence that God has forgotten us. In Christ, suffering can become a place where we…
What do you really believe about Jesus? In Colossians, Paul reminds the church that the gospel is Jesus plus nothing. Jesus is not simply one part of the Christian life. He is supreme over all creation, the one who rescued us, the one who defines our identity, and the one who holds all things together. Pastor Rich teaches that we often treat faith like a buffet, choosing the parts we want while…
What do you do when what you see is different from what God has said? In this message, Rich continues the Strength and Courage series by looking at Joshua, Jericho, and the kind of faith that pleases God. Faith is not just believing God exists, and it is not treating God like a genie who gives us whatever we want. Faith is trusting God's promise, obeying His plan, and continuing to walk even when…
The Holy Spirit is your friend, and He is not something to fear. In this message, Wayne teaches about the Holy Spirit, baptism in the Holy Spirit, spiritual gifts, and why many Christians feel nervous or confused about this topic. He explains that every Jesus follower has the Holy Spirit from the moment they give their life to Jesus, and that God invites believers to ask for more of His power by…
Missionary guest speaker Joseph Gordon shares a powerful message from John 20 about what it means to be sent by Jesus. Through stories from his own life and decades of missionary work, Joseph reminds us that God doesn’t wait for us to feel qualified before inviting us into His mission. Jesus sends ordinary people with His peace, His Spirit, and His heart for the world. Speaker: Joseph Gordon…
Discouragement can feel normal when life stays uncertain, but this message reminds us where courage really comes from. In this sermon from Joshua 1 and Joshua 4, Pastor Rich shows how God meets us in the middle, re-anchors our confidence, and reminds us of His faithfulness when fear and discouragement try to take over. Speaker: Rich Greene Series: Strength & Courage Scripture: Joshua 1, Joshua…
If you’re trying to do the right thing and life still feels hard, this message is for you. Pastor Rich opens Numbers 13–14 to show how God gives us a new perspective so fear doesn’t have the final word. In this message, we look at Joshua and Caleb, the difference between fear and faith, and three questions that shape our perspective: What are you looking for? Who are you listening to? What words…
What do you do when hope feels risky, faith feels tired, or something in your life seems too far gone to come back? In this Easter message, Rich Greene opens John 20 to show how Mary’s grief at the tomb becomes a picture of resurrection hope for all of us. If you’ve been carrying disappointment, cynicism, church hurt, or quiet despair, this message points to the risen Jesus who still calls people…
Palm Sunday is more than a parade story. In this message, Pastor Chris explores the tension surrounding Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem, why the crowd misunderstood His mission, and how Palm Sunday still invites us to surrender control and receive the peace only Jesus can give. Speaker: Chris Cary Series: Easter Series Date: March 29, 2026 Scripture: Matthew 21, Luke 19, Zechariah 9:9, Psalm 118,…
What do you do when you know something other than God has your heart? In this message from March 22, 2026, Pastor Rich walks through Psalm 115 and Psalm 42:1 to show that holy practices are not about earning God’s favor. They are a response to being loved, remembered, and pursued by God. If you have felt distracted, spiritually numb, or stuck in patterns that never truly satisfy, this message…
What keeps us spiritually stuck is not always lack of information. Sometimes it is the gap between hearing God’s Word and putting it into practice. In this message from Holy Practices, Pastor Rich walks through Psalm 1 and Matthew 7 to show how a life rooted in Jesus becomes steady, fruitful, and able to stand through the storm. Speaker: Rich Greene Series: Holy Practices Scripture: Psalm 1;…
Prayer can feel intimidating, especially when life is heavy and you don’t know what to say. In this message from Rich Greene, we walk through James 5 and discover how prayer becomes our first response in emotional pain, physical exhaustion, and spiritual struggle. If you’ve ever wondered whether God really hears you, this message is for you. Next steps: Connect / Prayer / Baptism / Salvation:…
Confession and repentance are central to spiritual renewal. In this message, we walk through Psalm 32, David’s story, and practical steps to move from hidden guilt to restored intimacy with God. If you’ve been going through spiritual motions, this message is for you. Speaker: Rich Greene Series: Holy Practices Weekend Date: 2026-03-01 Scripture: Psalm 32; 2 Samuel 11-12; James 5:16 Next steps:…
In this message, Amy Johnson teaches on biblical forgiveness and what it really means to forgive someone who has deeply hurt you. Through a personal story and a close look at Matthew 18 (the parable of the unforgiving servant), she explains that forgiveness is not pretending the hurt didn't happen, excusing sin, or instantly feeling healed. This message explores: - Why forgiveness matters to God -…
What does spiritual growth actually look like over time? In this message from guest speaker Paul Austin unpacks 1 John 2:12–14 and describes the journey of discipleship—from learning you’re forgiven and loved, to becoming strong in truth, to maturing into a spiritual “father/mother” who invests in others. Along the way, Paul shares stories from coaching 8U Little League that connect to Next Gen…
What does it really mean to “run and not grow weary” when life feels heavy and you’re just trying to hold it together? In this message, Paul Hurckman (Venture Missions) unpacks Isaiah 40:31—especially the idea of waiting on the Lord as active “holding on” (qavah (קָוָה))—and how God renews our strength as we keep showing up. You’ll also hear how Kingdom Builders generosity is supporting work in…
When the news won’t let you breathe and everything feels divided, it’s easy to start seeing people as the enemy. But what if your peace isn’t found in “winning”—it’s found in where you fix your gaze? This message is a call back to Jesus: justice without tribalism, identity without fear, hope that outlasts the moment. --Connect With Us-- Need prayer, want to sign up for baptism or surrender your…
What did Jesus really mean when He said, “Go and make disciples”? In this message, we look at Matthew 28 and Acts 1:8 to discover that disciple-making isn’t a program, a personality type, or something reserved for pastors and missionaries. It’s part of our identity as followers of Jesus. We are called to be witnesses—ordinary people who share what God has done in us. This message breaks down how…
In Week 3 of our NEXT series, Pastor Rich unpacks what it really means to be a disciple—and why Jesus’ call is bigger than a one-time decision. We’re talking about three simple discipleship goals: Be with Jesus Become like Jesus Be on mission with Jesus. From there, we zoom in on the Great Commission (Matthew 28) and the phrase that changes everything: Jesus isn’t just giving us an activity—He’s…
In Week 2 of our NEXT series, we talk about the second movement of following Jesus: becoming like Jesus. Spiritual growth isn’t about trying harder—it’s about being intentionally formed by Christ instead of being shaped by culture, habits, and drift. If you’ve ever wondered, “Why do I still struggle with the same stuff?” or “Can I actually change?”—this message is for you. Real transformation is…
This message launches the “Next” series with a simple foundation for following Jesus: be with Jesus, become like Jesus, and be on mission with Jesus. Rich teaches from John 15 that fruitfulness doesn’t come from striving—it comes from remaining (abiding) in Christ. He also challenges us to confront the quiet threat of distraction and ask, “Who or what is discipling you?” As we begin 21 Days of…
Christmas is more than a baby in a manger—it’s Immanuel: God with us. In this message, Rich shows how God brings peace through His presence now, while promising full peace later when Jesus returns. If your hope has felt shaky—or life has felt heavy—this is for you. In this message: Why hope is essential (and what happens when “hope → nope”) The longing for peace at the first Christmas The angels’…
When life feels like a storm, you’re not alone. In Mark 4, Jesus calms the storm—and reminds us that God is with us even when the waves are loud. In this message, Rich shares how Christmas points to Emmanuel (“God with us,” Matthew 1:23) and how real peace isn’t found in perfect circumstances—it’s found in Jesus’ presence (John 14:27). Scripture: Mark 4:35–41 • Matthew 1:23 • John 14:27 --Connect…
Some of the toughest battles show up right after a win… or when you’re running on empty. This message walks through Jesus’ wilderness season (Matthew 4) and how temptation often begins by questioning identity and pressuring you to control outcomes. You’ll see three common pressure points: • When you’re tempted to “handle it yourself” • When you want God to prove Himself on your terms • When a…
What do you do when the valley feels endless—when the confusion, loneliness, or fear won’t lift? In this message, Rich reminds us that the pain we carry doesn’t push God away… it pulls us closer to Emmanuel, the God who promises to be with us. We explore why valleys are often the places we come to know God most deeply, how His strength meets us in our weakness, and why Scripture describes these…
We all walk through seasons when gratitude feels out of reach—where God seems good to others but distant from us. When life gets heavy, thankfulness can feel like one more thing we’re supposed to muster up. We all face moments when life doesn’t make sense and gratitude feels like the last thing we have the strength to offer. But Scripture shows us that thankfulness isn’t just a reaction to good…
In this anniversary message, Tom Jacobs invites us to look back and see God’s fingerprints across every chapter—wins, wounds, and everything in between. The story isn’t about strategy or strength, but about a God who guides His people through passion, humility, and persistent grace. Connect With Us Need prayer, want to sign up for baptism or surrender your life to Christ? Follow this link :…
Ever feel like you need perfect words before God will listen? Today is your permission to pray bold—not timid. Because of Jesus (Hebrews 4:16), you can come to the Father honestly, confidently, right now. No fear. No flattery. Just faith. If you’re weary, stuck, or second-guessing your prayers, Pastor Wayne shows how to approach God with confidence—and what “bold prayers” actually look like in…
We’re told to play it safe—wait until outcomes are guaranteed. But faith rarely comes with a map. From leaving California for Iowa to launching with 62 people (and regathering with 16), this is the story of saying “yes” when it didn’t add up. As we remember 20 years together, we see in God’s hands, small obedience becomes more than we ever could have imagined. Connect With Us Need prayer, want to…
Ever felt dry, empty, or powerless in your faith? You’re not alone. Many followers of Jesus believe—but live without the daily power and presence of the Holy Spirit. In this message, Pastor Chris unpacks how awareness and surrender can turn a spiritless life into a Spirit-filled one, where God’s presence brings comfort, guidance, and power from within. Connect With Us Need prayer, want to sign up…
We rush through life chasing success, comfort, and approval—but what if we’re aiming at the wrong target?In this powerful message, Pastor Rich reminds us that some decisions become freeze-frame moments—the ones that define our legacy and ripple into eternity. When we choose to follow God no matter the cost, invest beyond the now, and live to give rather than to get, everything changes. Connect…
We often wonder if we’re really making a difference—or if our broken past disqualifies us. But what if you are God’s masterpiece, created not just to survive, but to serve? This message is an invitation to surrender, rediscover your purpose, and live with eternal significance. Connect With Us Need prayer, want to sign up for baptism or surrender your life to Christ? Follow this link :…
Ever feel like you're trying so hard to follow Jesus but still feel stuck, fake, or exhausted? You're not alone. Many of us have been set free—but don't know how to live free. This message uncovers the quiet struggle of self-reliance and reveals the powerful, freeing truth: the Holy Spirit is not asking you to try harder… but to surrender and rely on Him daily. Connect With Us Need prayer, want to…
Every decision—big or small—shapes the story of your life. Moses told Israel, “Choose life!” That same invitation is for you today. Discover how small, intentional steps of obedience can lead to blessing, transformation, and a legacy that lasts. Connect With Us Need prayer, want to sign up for baptism or surrender your life to Christ? Follow this link : https://bit.ly/m/lifechurchia
Life’s currents — stress, culture, endless news, and personal storms — can leave us drifting without direction. But Hebrews 6:19 reminds us: “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.” In this message, Pastor Chris unpacks what it looks like to stop the drift and anchor your life in Jesus. Together we’ll explore: Why our souls need hope to stay grounded How to make space for…
We love the idea of freedom… but what if it’s meant for something more? This week, Pastor Rich unpacks how true spiritual freedom isn’t about escaping obligation—it’s about choosing to love when it’s hardest. From washing the feet of betrayers to serving in silence, discover the power of laying down pride and picking up the towel. Connect With Us Need prayer, want to sign up for baptism or…
We’ve all felt the sting of rejection—by a parent, a friend, or someone we trusted. The natural response is to push away, to protect, to prove we’re right. But what if the way forward isn’t building walls, but building bridges? In this message, Pastor Rich reveals the powerful truth of Romans 15:7: the same acceptance Christ gave us is the acceptance we’re called to extend to others. Connect With…
We live in a world that never stops—noise, demands, distractions everywhere. But what if the very thing your soul is desperate for is quiet? Pastor Penny Rouse shares how solitude and silence aren’t punishments but invitations—spaces where God heals, refreshes, and speaks. Discover how pulling away for a moment can reconnect you with the One who never leaves. Connect With Us Need prayer, want to…
We carry pain, betrayal, and brokenness far longer than we want to admit. But what if the weight of unforgiveness is the very thing holding us back from healing and connection with God and others? In this message, Pastor Rich shares how forgiveness—though hard—is the key to freedom, reconciliation, and wholeness. Connect With Us Need prayer, want to sign up for baptism or surrender your life to…
