One Life Church - Sarasota, FL

One Life Church

Stay grounded in God's word through the weekly sermons at One Life Church in Sarasota, FL

  1. 2d ago

    Happy Little Trees

    Happy Little Trees | Mark 10:32–52 | Following Jesus Through Suffering, Service & FaithWhat if your mistakes aren't the end of your story—but part of how God is shaping you?In “Happy Little Trees,” Steve takes us through Mark 10:32–52, using the memorable wisdom of Bob Ross and his famous “happy little trees” to illustrate a powerful truth: God isn't finished working on us yet!As Jesus journeys toward Jerusalem and the cross, His disciples struggle to understand what He's teaching them about suffering, greatness, and the Kingdom of God. Meanwhile, a blind beggar named Bartimaeus demonstrates the kind of faith and spiritual vision they desperately need.Through three powerful lessons, we discover what it really means to follow Jesus.🌳 THE TREE OF SUFFERINGJesus predicts His coming suffering, death, and resurrection, but James and John are focused on positions of honor in His Kingdom.They want glory without understanding the suffering that lies ahead.What does it really cost to follow Jesus? And how can we trust God's plan when the road ahead is difficult?🌳 THE TREE OF SERVICEJesus turns the world's definition of greatness upside down.“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” — Mark 10:45True greatness isn't found in power, recognition, or position. It's found in humility, sacrifice, and serving others.Jesus didn't just teach servant leadership—He lived it.🌳 THE TREE OF SEEINGIn Mark 10:46–52, we meet blind Bartimaeus, a man who couldn't physically see Jesus but recognized Him as the promised Messiah.While the disciples had physical sight yet struggled to understand Jesus' mission, Bartimaeus demonstrated remarkable faith.When Jesus restored his sight, Bartimaeus immediately followed Him.Sometimes the people who can see the most clearly are the ones the world considers blind.In this message, you'll discover:Why following Jesus sometimes involves suffering and sacrificeWhat Jesus teaches about humility and servant leadershipHow James and John misunderstood true greatnessWhy the healing of blind Bartimaeus is about more than physical sightHow faith helps us recognize who Jesus really isWhy spiritual growth is a lifelong processHow God's patience and grace transform imperfect peopleWhy the death and resurrection of Jesus give us lasting hopeHere's the good news: You don't have to have everything figured out to follow Jesus.The disciples certainly didn't!Like Bob Ross working on a painting, God continues shaping and refining us. We may stumble, misunderstand, and make mistakes along the way, but Jesus patiently calls us to keep following Him.And just like Bartimaeus, we can respond in faith when Jesus calls.Jesus is alive. His grace is greater than our failures. And He's not finished with us yet!📖 Scripture: Mark 10:32–52🎙️ Sermon: Happy Little Trees👤 Speaker: Steve Meigs📅 Date: October 18, 2026⛪ Church: One Life Church▶️ Watch “Happy Little Trees” and discover how Jesus teaches us to embrace suffering, serve with humility, and see Him more clearly through faith.If this message encourages or challenges you, LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE it with someone who needs the reminder that God is still working on their life!One Life Church meets Sunday mornings at 10 AM at:3939 Webber St, Sarasota Learn more about One Life Church in Sarasota, FL here: https://onelifesarasota.org#HappyLittleTrees #Mark10 #BlindBartimaeus #FollowingJesus #ServantLeadership #ChristianFaith #JesusChrist #ChristianSermon #BibleTeaching #GospelOfMark #FaithInJesus #SpiritualGrowth #ChristianLiving #Discipleship #GraceOfGod #BibleStudy #ChurchOnline #JesusSaves #Sermon

  2. Oct 11

    Getting Right With God - Mark 10:17-31 - Bill LaMorey

    Are you trying to be good enough for God? What does it really take to get right with Him?In “Getting Right With God,” Pastor Bill LaMorey explores Mark 10:17–31 and the powerful encounter between Jesus and the rich young ruler—a man who seemingly had everything but walked away from the One who could give him eternal life.The rich young ruler asked Jesus a question that still matters today: “What must I do to inherit eternal life?”Jesus’ answer exposed something deeper than outward obedience. This man had followed the rules, but his wealth had become an idol—something he loved and trusted more than God.And that raises a challenging question for all of us: What are you holding on to that's keeping you from fully following Jesus?In this powerful Bible message, discover:Why being a good person isn't enough to make us right with GodWhat Jesus teaches about salvation, righteousness, and eternal lifeHow to recognize the hidden idols competing for your heartWhy money, success, relationships, and even good things can become spiritual obstaclesThe difference between doing good works to earn salvation and doing good because we've been savedWhy surrendering to Jesus is essential to genuine discipleshipWhat Jesus meant when He said, “With man this is impossible, but not with God”Why the eternal rewards of following Christ far outweigh the temporary sacrificesThe truth is, you cannot make yourself right with God. Only Jesus can do that.Salvation isn't something we earn through religious activity, good behavior, generosity, or personal achievement. It's a gift made possible through Jesus Christ—His life, death, and resurrection.But while salvation is a free gift, following Jesus will cost us something.Jesus calls us to surrender anything that competes with Him for first place in our lives. That may be money, possessions, comfort, relationships, personal ambitions, or something else entirely.The rich young ruler walked away from eternal treasure because he couldn't let go of temporary treasure.Don't make the same mistake.The cost of following Jesus is real, but the rewards—righteousness, a restored relationship with God, a new spiritual family, and eternal life—are worth infinitely more.What are you holding on to that could cause you to walk away from the One who offers you everything that lasts?📖 Scripture: Mark 10:17–31🎙️ Sermon: Getting Right With God👤 Speaker: Bill LaMorey📅 Date: October 11, 2026⛪ Church: One Life Church▶️ Watch this message and discover what it truly means to get right with God, surrender your idols, and experience the life Jesus offers.If this sermon encourages or challenges you, LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE it with someone who needs to hear the good news of Jesus Christ.One Life Church meets Sunday mornings at 10 AM at:3939 Webber St, Sarasota Learn more about One Life Church in Sarasota, FL here: https://onelifesarasota.org#GettingRightWithGod #Mark10 #RichYoungRuler #Salvation #EternalLife #JesusChrist #ChristianSermon #BibleTeaching #GospelOfMark #FollowingJesus #ChristianLiving #Faith #Grace #Discipleship #Idolatry #TrustGod #BibleStudy #BillLaMorey

  3. Sep 27

    The Upside Down Kingdom - Mark 9:30-50 - Bill LaMorey

    What if following Jesus means turning everything you thought you knew about success, status, belonging, and winning upside down?In “The Upside Down Kingdom,” Pastor Bill LaMorey explores Mark 9:30–50, where Jesus challenges His disciples—and us—to live according to a radically different set of values.The world tells us to climb higher, protect our position, stick with our own tribe, and hold tightly to what we value. But Jesus introduces a Kingdom where the first become servants, outsiders are welcomed, and sometimes losing is actually winning.In this message, discover:• Why greatness in God’s Kingdom looks like humility and service• What Jesus meant when He said, “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last”• Why Christians should resist tribalism and work together for the Gospel• How followers of Jesus can welcome and honor people others overlook• Why surrender is an essential part of following Christ• What Jesus’ difficult warnings about sin and judgment really mean• How to live differently enough that people notice—and wonder whyJesus doesn’t call us to simply add Him to the world’s way of living. He invites us into a completely different Kingdom.UP IS DOWN. True greatness is found in serving others.OUTSIDERS ARE INCLUDED. The body of Christ is bigger than our individual churches, denominations, cultures, and traditions—and the invitation to God’s Kingdom is extended to everyone.LOSING IS WINNING. Jesus challenges us to surrender anything that repeatedly pulls us away from Him. We aren’t saved by eliminating every sin from our lives; we are saved by grace through faith in Jesus. But our willingness to surrender reveals that we are genuinely following Him.The more we live according to the values of God’s Upside Down Kingdom, the more our lives should stand out—and give us opportunities to point people toward King Jesus.📖 Scripture: Mark 9:30–50🎙️ Message: The Upside Down Kingdom👤 Speaker: Bill LaMorey📅 Date: September 27, 2026If this message encourages or challenges you, LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE it with someone who needs to hear it.One Life Church meets Sunday mornings at 10 AM at:3939 Webber St, Sarasota Learn more about One Life Church in Sarasota, FL here: https://onelifesarasota.org#TheUpsideDownKingdom #Mark9 #KingdomOfGod #Jesus #ChristianSermon #BibleTeaching #GospelOfMark #FollowJesus #ChristianLiving #ServantLeadership #Faith #Discipleship #Grace #BibleStudy #ChurchOnline #Sermon #BillLaMorey

  4. Sep 20

    An Impossible Faith - 9/20/26 - Bill LaMorey

    What do you do when the challenge in front of you feels impossible?In “An Impossible Faith,” Pastor Bill LaMorey walks through Mark 9:14–29, where a desperate father brings his suffering son to Jesus after the disciples are unable to help. What follows is a powerful lesson about our limitations, the power of God, honest faith, and the importance of prayer.The father’s cry to Jesus—“I believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”—reminds us that faith doesn’t mean pretending we never have doubts. We can bring Jesus the faith we have and ask Him to strengthen us where our faith is weak.In this message, discover:• Why recognizing our limitations can lead us to greater dependence on God• What it means to believe God for what seems impossible• How to respond when your faith and confidence are struggling• Why prayer is an expression of genuine faith• How God’s power works through our weakness• Why prayer shouldn’t be our last resort when facing overwhelming circumstances• How to trust Jesus with the problems that are simply too big for usJesus tells His disciples, “This kind can come out only by prayer.” There are challenges we cannot overcome through determination, talent, strength, or effort alone. Prayer acknowledges that our power is limited while God’s is not.Whatever you’re facing—a difficult diagnosis, a strained relationship, depression, a persistent habit or stronghold, or another situation that feels beyond your ability—this message challenges us to stop relying only on ourselves and bring what feels impossible to God in prayer.Our power has limitations. Faith unlocks power. Prayer expresses faith.📖 Scripture: Mark 9:14–29🎙️ Message: An Impossible Faith👤 Speaker: Bill LaMorey📅 Date: September 20, 2026If this sermon encourages you, LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE it with someone who needs to be reminded that their impossible situation is not beyond the power of God.One Life Church meets Sunday mornings at 10 AM at:3939 Webber St, Sarasota Learn more about One Life Church in Sarasota, FL here: https://onelifesarasota.org#AnImpossibleFaith #Mark9 #Faith #Prayer #ChristianSermon #BibleTeaching #GospelOfMark #Believe #PowerOfPrayer #TrustGod #JesusChrist #ChristianLiving #FaithInGod #BibleStudy #Sermon #ChurchOnline #BillLaMorey

  5. Sep 20

    A Song for the Suffering - 9/13/26 - Pilgrim Benham

    A Song for the Suffering | Psalm 3What do you do when life hurts, God feels distant, and your circumstances seem overwhelming?Psalm 3 gives us a powerful biblical picture of how to respond to suffering. Written by David while fleeing from his own son Absalom, this psalm doesn’t ignore pain or pretend everything is okay. Instead, David honestly cries out to God—and discovers that even in his darkest moment, God is still his shield, his glory, and the lifter of his head.In “A Song for the Suffering,” we discover that biblical faith doesn’t require us to hide our pain. God gives us permission to lament, reminds us that He defends us, and gives us the confidence to endure even when our circumstances haven’t changed.In this sermon, discover:• What biblical lament is—and why Christians need it• How to pray honestly when you’re hurting• Why suffering does not mean God has abandoned you• What it means for God to be your shield and defender• How Jesus responds to the bruised, discouraged, and barely hanging on• How trusting God can bring peace in the middle of a storm• Why we can have confidence to endure difficult seasons• How Psalm 3 ultimately points us to Jesus and the cross• Why the middle of your story is not necessarily the endOne of the great lies suffering whispers is that if God were really with us, we wouldn’t be going through this. But David’s story reminds us that suffering and God’s presence are not opposites. In his distress, God was still near, personal, and faithful.And Psalm 3 ultimately points beyond David to Jesus. David cried out to be saved; Jesus went to the cross so He could save us. Our hope in suffering is grounded not in easy circumstances, but in the Savior who suffered for us and conquered death.Don’t write the end of the story from the middle of the book. Weeping may last for the night, but joy comes in the morning. The cross was not the end—and for those who belong to Christ, suffering will not have the final word.📖 Scripture: Psalm 3🎙️ Message: A Song for the Suffering🗣️ Pilgrim BenhamIf you’re walking through grief, anxiety, betrayal, loss, discouragement, or another difficult season, we pray this message reminds you that God is near, God hears you, and God will sustain you.If this sermon encouraged you, LIKE, SHARE, and SUBSCRIBE for more biblical teaching and encouragement.One Life Church meets Sunday mornings at 10 AM at:3939 Webber St, Sarasota Learn more about One Life Church in Sarasota, FL here: https://onelifesarasota.org#Psalm3 #Suffering #ChristianSermon #HopeInGod #TrustGod #FaithInHardTimes #BiblicalLament #ChristianEncouragement #Jesus #BibleTeaching #Prayer #ChristianLiving #Faith #Psalms #HopeInSuffering

  6. Sep 6

    Transformational Moments - Mark 9:1-13 - Bill LaMorey

    Transformational Moments | Mark 9:1–13 | Bill LaMoreyHow does God transform us—and how can a mountaintop experience with Him change the way we live when we return to the valley?In Mark 9:1–13, Peter, James, and John witness one of the most mysterious and powerful moments in the Gospel of Mark: the Transfiguration of Jesus. Jesus is revealed in glory, Moses and Elijah appear, and the voice of the Father declares, “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to Him!”In “Transformational Moments,” Pastor Bill explores what the Transfiguration means for followers of Jesus today and three practices that can turn encounters with God into lasting spiritual transformation:🙏 Prayer puts suffering into perspective.We may not understand why we’re walking through a difficult season, but we can bring our pain to God and trust Him to comfort us, redirect us, and work through what we’re experiencing.👣 Obedience turns revelation into transformation.Hearing from God is only the beginning. Revelation changes us when we respond by reorienting our beliefs, attitudes, and actions around Jesus.💭 Reflection brings the mountaintops into the valleys.We can’t stay in peak spiritual moments forever—but we can remember, process, and apply what God has shown us when everyday life gets difficult.In this sermon, discover:• What happened at the Transfiguration and why it matters• How prayer can change our perspective on suffering• Why God told the disciples to “listen” to Jesus• The connection between obedience and spiritual transformation• How God renews our minds instead of allowing culture to shape them• Why you don’t have to understand everything to keep following Jesus• How reflection helps carry mountaintop experiences into life’s valleys• How God can produce your own spiritual “metamorphosis”Revelation alone won’t change you—obedience turns revelation into transformation.Maybe you’re on a mountaintop today. Maybe you’re walking through a valley. Or maybe you’re struggling to understand what God is doing.Wherever you are, keep following Jesus and let Jesus keep transforming you.📖 Scripture: Mark 9:1–13🎙️ Message: Transformational Moments📅 September 6, 2026🎤 Bill LaMoreyIf this message encouraged, challenged, or helped you grow in your relationship with Jesus, LIKE, SHARE, and SUBSCRIBE for more Bible teaching through the Gospel of Mark.One Life Church meets Sunday mornings at 10 AM at:3939 Webber St, Sarasota Learn more about One Life Church in Sarasota, FL here: https://onelifesarasota.org#TransformationalMoments #Transfiguration #Mark9 #GospelOfMark #Jesus #FollowingJesus #ChristianSermon #BibleTeaching #SpiritualGrowth #Prayer #Obedience #ChristianLiving #Faith #BibleStudy #Discipleship #BillLaMorey

  7. Aug 30

    Are You Really Following Jesus? - Mark 8:27-38 - Bill LaMorey

    Are You Really Following Jesus? | Mark 8:27–38 | Bill LaMoreyWhat does it actually mean to follow Jesus?In Mark 8:27–38, Jesus moves beyond “Come and see” and reveals the true cost of discipleship: deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow Him. This challenging passage forces every follower of Christ to wrestle with three relationship-defining questions about identity, purpose, and allegiance.In “Are You Really Following Jesus?”, Pastor Bill explores the turning point in the Gospel of Mark, beginning with one of the most important questions Jesus ever asked:“Who do YOU say I am?”Peter recognizes Jesus as the Messiah—but he quickly discovers that recognizing Jesus’ identity is only the beginning. Following Jesus also means understanding His mission and surrendering our lives to His purposes.In this sermon, discover:• Why Jesus’ identity changes everything about how we follow Him• What it means for Jesus to be our Prophet, Priest, and King• Why Peter wanted the crown without the cross• How human concerns can compete with the purposes of God• What Jesus means by “deny yourself” and “take up your cross”• The difference between receiving salvation and living as a disciple• Why following Jesus requires surrender, sacrifice, and allegiance• Why losing your life for Jesus is ultimately the path to finding true lifeJesus paid the price for our salvation—we don't earn it. But the grace that saves us also calls us to surrender our lives.So the question isn’t simply, “Do I believe in Jesus?”It’s also: Am I really following Him?When Jesus raises the stakes, will we walk away—or will we say with Peter, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.”📖 Scripture: Mark 8:27–38🎙️ Message: Are You Really Following Jesus?📅 August 30, 2026🎤 Bill LaMoreyIf this message encouraged, challenged, or helped you grow in your relationship with Jesus, LIKE, SHARE, and SUBSCRIBE for more Bible teaching through the Gospel of Mark.One Life Church meets Sunday mornings at 10 AM at:3939 Webber St, Sarasota Learn more about One Life Church in Sarasota, FL here: https://onelifesarasota.org#FollowingJesus #Mark8 #Discipleship #GospelOfMark #JesusChrist #ChristianSermon #BibleTeaching #TakeUpYourCross #ChristianLiving #Faith #BibleStudy #FollowJesus #ChristianDiscipleship #BillLaMorey

  8. Aug 23

    Vision Problems - Mark 8:11-36 - Bill LaMorey

    Vision Problems | Mark 8:11–26 | Bill LaMoreyWhat if the biggest thing keeping you from seeing what God is doing isn’t your circumstances—but your vision?In Mark 8:11–26, Jesus encounters people who can see what’s happening around them but still struggle to see the deeper spiritual reality. In this message, “Vision Problems,” Bill LaMorey explores three obstacles that can keep us from seeing God, His purposes, and our lives clearly: a sincerity problem, a focus problem, and a completeness problem.The Pharisees demand a sign while refusing to sincerely believe. The disciples become so focused on bread that they miss what Jesus is trying to teach them. Then Jesus heals a blind man in stages—moving him from blurry vision to seeing everything clearly.Each encounter raises an important question for us: What is my biggest vision problem right now?In this sermon, discover how to:• Seek God with sincerity instead of demanding answers on our terms• Recognize when circumstances are distracting us from what Jesus wants us to see• Refocus our attention on spiritual priorities• Trust God when our understanding is still incomplete• Keep coming to Jesus and His Word for clearer spiritual vision• Believe that God wants to show us more than we currently seeYou may see part of what God is doing without seeing the whole picture yet. Don’t stop there. Keep coming to Jesus, keep opening His Word, and keep asking Him to help you see more clearly.What might Jesus be trying to get you to see today?📖 Scripture: Mark 8:11–26🎙️ Message: Vision Problems📅 August 23, 2026🎤 Bill LaMoreyIf this sermon encouraged or challenged you, LIKE, SHARE, and SUBSCRIBE for more biblical teaching from the Gospel of Mark.One Life Church meets Sunday mornings at 10 AM at:3939 Webber St, Sarasota Learn more about One Life Church in Sarasota, FL here: https://onelifesarasota.org#VisionProblems #Mark8 #GospelOfMark #Jesus #ChristianSermon #BibleTeaching #SpiritualGrowth #Faith #ChristianLiving #BibleStudy #FollowingJesus #SpiritualVision #BillLaMorey

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Stay grounded in God's word through the weekly sermons at One Life Church in Sarasota, FL