Naples Community Church's Podcast

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.

In a time of global uncertainty and growing fear, we are reminded that Christ is still Lord—and He is with us now. This message begins a new series on the Book of Revelation, focusing not on predictions, but on encouragement and trust in Jesus amidst turmoil. Just as John wrote to the early churches facing persecution and empire worship, we are called to remain faithful and grounded in God’s eternal promises. The resurrection of Christ isn’t just a past event—it’s the foundation of our hope, our purpose, and our future. Join us as we fix our eyes on the One who was, who is, and who is to come.

As construction begins and challenges mount, we're reminded that the church isn’t perfect—because it's full of imperfect people. In 1 Corinthians 4, Paul urges the church to not just listen to instructors, but to follow the example of a spiritual father. He reminds us that a good father isn’t flawless—but humble, sacrificial, and grounded in identity through Christ. Despite his past, Paul says, imitate me, because he reflects the grace that transformed him. On this Father’s Day, may we be spiritual parents to others and find our true identity in the love of our Heavenly Father.

On the day of Pentecost, God poured out His Spirit, giving believers power—not for control, but for connection. Through wind, fire, and new languages, the Spirit enabled the disciples to speak in ways others could understand. That same Spirit empowers us today to share Christ with humility, love, joy, and even humor. True witness doesn’t come through arrogance or argument, but through a life marked by grace and compassion. As the early church devoted themselves to teaching, fellowship, and prayer, so too are we called to carry Christ’s character into the world.

This week we explored the second part of the Prodigal Son story—focusing on the anger and entitlement of the older brother. While the younger son sought fulfillment in the far country, the older son believed his obedience earned him a reward. Yet both were distant from the father's heart. True joy, the “gigantic secret of the Christian,” is not found in rebellion or self-righteousness but in the grace that welcomes everyone home. May our lives reflect that joy—a joy that reaches, includes, and redeems.

On this Memorial Day, we remember those who laid down their lives—not out of hate, but out of love for those behind them. Jesus said, “There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends,” and we honor that sacrificial love today. True love, as Christ demonstrated, is vulnerable, costly, and deeply connected to the heart of God. As followers of Jesus, we’re called to love with the same courage and commitment. May we live with gratitude for the freedoms we’ve been given—and the love that made them possible.