In the sermon "A Memorable Trail," Pastor Clarence contrasts two significant trials in history: O.J. Simpson’s and Jesus’ trial before Pilate. While the O.J. trial is remembered for its drama and media frenzy, it is argued that Jesus’ trial is the most memorable. In Matthew 27, Jesus stands before Pilate, silent in the face of false accusations. His silence astonishes Pilate, highlighting Jesus' rejection of self-defense and offering a powerful example of how we should respond to gossip and injustice.

This sermon then focuses on the crowd’s choice between Jesus and Barabbas, a notorious criminal. Despite Jesus’ innocence, the crowd demands His crucifixion and the release of a murderer. This “great exchange” symbolizes Jesus taking the place of the guilty, reflecting His sacrificial love for humanity. We are called to reflect on which “Jesus” they choose: the Savior who offers freedom from sin, or false saviors that lead to destruction. The trial of Jesus, though a historical event, remains ongoing, as each person must decide to accept or reject Jesus as their Savior.

Dr. Royce Evans shares a message titled Growing Closer. In this powerful sermon, we explore the story of Peter's denial of Jesus and how, even in our moments of failure, God offers us the opportunity to grow closer to Him. Through Luke 22:54-62, we witness Peter's moment of weakness, but also his eventual restoration and the grace that Jesus extends to him. Join us as we reflect on the deep lessons found in this passage, learning how to overcome our struggles and draw nearer to God, no matter how far we may have drifted.

Elder Rob Teigen shares a passage from Matthew (chapter 26, verses 47-56) and leads us through the moment of Jesus’ betrayal in the Garden of Gethsemane, where Judas arrives with a mob to betray Jesus with a kiss. This moment highlights deep themes of betrayal, surrender, and trust in God’s plan.

In this sermon, Pastor Clarence leads us in a reflect on the profound paradox of Good Friday, drawing inspiration from Charles Dickens' famous quote from A Tale of Two Cities, "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times." While Good Friday symbolizes the greatest act of sacrifice, it is also a day of sorrow and agony. This sermon takes us on a journey through Jesus' experience in Gethsemane, highlighting His prayer, solitude, and emotional struggle as He prepares for the cross. We learn how Jesus' dependency on His Father and His willingness to submit to God's will can inspire us to start each day with purpose, prayer, and surrender to God's plan. Whether in moments of peace or hardship, Jesus shows us how to find strength and clarity through our relationship with God, offering us rest and renewal each day.

Guest speaker Will Almeida from New City Church teaches from the book of Judges to tell us a story about Gideon.

What if the key to faithfulness wasn’t just trying harder—but working backwards from the end goal?

In this message, we unpack Jesus' call to the church in Smyrna: Be faithful, even to the point of death. In a culture that opposed them, in suffering that felt overwhelming, Jesus didn’t promise relief—He promised Himself. He reminded them that He is the First and the Last, the One who died and rose again, the One who sees, knows, and walks with them.

Faithfulness isn’t about perfection—it’s about devotion. It’s about setting our eyes on Jesus and taking intentional steps toward Him, day by day, moment by moment.

What does faithfulness look like in your life? What steps is God inviting you to take today?

Hospitality is more than a single act—it’s a posture of the heart. In this message, Pastor Clarence unpacks 1 Peter 4:7-11, revealing how biblical hospitality is a radical, sacrificial, and countercultural way to embody the heart of Christ in the last days.

As believers, we don’t just extend hospitality to those who look like us or think like us. We are called to open our homes, our tables, and our hearts to all—without partiality, without hesitation, and without grumbling. This is what it means to be the Church.

What barriers are keeping you from embodying Christ-centered hospitality? Who is God calling you to invite in today?

What does it mean to live in true community, even when sin and conflict arise? In Matthew 18:15-20, Jesus gives us a vision of a church where honesty, accountability, and reconciliation are central—not as a rigid process but as a way of fostering deep relationships. In this message, Pastor Clarence explores how calling out sin in love, receiving correction with humility, and walking together in grace reflect the unity that Christ has already won for us. Together we’re invited to embrace the messy but beautiful reality of community life in Christ.

Trials and suffering are an unavoidable part of life, even for those who follow Jesus. But in the midst of hardship, we are never alone. In Acts 12, Peter finds himself imprisoned—his life hanging in the balance. Yet, as he waits in chains, the church prays. They pray earnestly, persistently, and in unity. And God moves.

In this sermon, we explore the power of prayer in the context of community. What does it look like for the people of God to intercede for one another with urgency and faith? How do we cultivate a culture where prayer isn’t just a last resort but our first response? And when God answers, do we believe it—or do we, like Peter’s community, find ourselves surprised by His faithfulness?

If you’re walking through a season of trial, know this: You are not alone. Christ-centered community is designed to carry one another, to pray fervently, and to believe boldly in the power of God. No matter the outcome, we can trust in His sovereignty and glorify Him together.

What does it mean to experience true spiritual formation? This week, Pastor Clarence explores Colossians 3 and the transformative power of Christ-centered community. We continue our series on Community and dive into the beauty of being formed together as the body of Christ—a people united not by earthly commonalities, but by our shared identity in Him.

Discover how gospel-centered community creates the conditions for real heart change, how we’re sanctified together, and why spiritual growth isn’t a solo journey. Whether it’s learning to “put off” the old self or “put on” the virtues of Christ, this message reminds us that we are in this together—encouraging one another, bearing with one another, and reflecting the love of Jesus.

No matter where you are in your faith, you are invited to step into this divine work of transformation, where Christ is at the center, and formation happens in and through the messiness of life together.

This week, we kick off Life Groups at Indwelling Community Church! Join us as we dive into why investing in Christian community is a vital part of our walk with Jesus.

Drawing from Acts 2, Pastor Clarence takes us back to the early church, where the saving work of Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit birthed a beautiful, Spirit-filled community. This community wasn’t just a gathering—it was a gift from God, designed for believers to share life, worship, burdens, and blessings together.

In our individualistic culture, we’re often tempted to believe that a personal relationship with Jesus is all we need. But scripture reveals that God calls us into both a personal and a corporate relationship—where our lives are woven together with others to reflect the image of Christ.

💬 Key questions explored in this sermon:

• Why is community essential for our spiritual growth?

• How does life in Christ-centered community reveal God’s love to the world?

• What steps can we take to fully invest in the gift of community?

Whether you're already part of a Life Group or considering joining, this message will encourage you to embrace God’s gift of community and live out your faith in partnership with others.

Ready to take the next step? Sign up for Life Groups today at indwelling.org. Let’s invest together in what God is doing here at Indwelling!

God’s invitation is before us—are we ready to say yes? In Luke 14, Jesus tells a parable of a great banquet, revealing both the distractions that keep us from responding and the overwhelming grace that compels us to the table. From possessions to work to relationships, even “good things” can become bad excuses when they hold us back from a life of purpose in God’s Kingdom.

Join us as Pastor Clarence reflects on the persistent invitation of God, weaving together personal testimony and the truth of the Gospel. Whether you’re stepping into faith for the first time, seeking renewal, or discerning your next step, this message will challenge and encourage you to remove the distractions, surrender your excuses, and accept the invitation to abundant life in Christ.

The Advent season is a time of waiting, longing, and anticipation—but how do we respond when the waiting is over? In this sermon from Matthew 2, we explore the responses of three groups to the birth of Jesus: the fear of Herod and Jerusalem, the apathy of the chief priests, and the joyful worship of the Magi. What do their reactions reveal about our own hearts during seasons of waiting?

Pastor Clarence challenges us to build anticipation for Christ—whether it’s reflecting on the miracle of His birth, trusting Him in our waiting, or preparing for His promised return. Let this message guide you toward a posture of joy, worship, and readiness as we respond to the good news of Jesus.

What happens when hope feels deferred? When the weight of sin, corruption, and brokenness seems unending, how do we endure?

Drawing from Micah 7 and the timeless questions posed in Langston Hughes’ A Dream Deferred, this message dives deep into the tension of waiting—waiting for justice, restoration, and the coming of our Savior. Like Micah, we see a society marked by disunity, corruption, and despair. And yet, Micah’s response is one of hope: “But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me” (Micah 7:7).

This Advent season, we celebrate the first coming of Jesus while anchoring ourselves in anticipation of His return. As we endure, we do so with purpose—sharing the gospel, shining His light, and standing firm in the promise that God will come and He will act.

Waiting can be one of the hardest parts of life. Zechariah and Elizabeth waited years for a child, and when God finally answered through an angel, Zechariah’s response was, “How can I be sure?” Waiting wore down his confidence—just like it does for us. But Psalm 27 shows us a different way to wait: with confidence in God. David declares, “The Lord is my light, my salvation, and my stronghold.” Even in the tension of waiting for deliverance, David trusted God fully. How can we wait like David?

1️⃣ Seek God’s presence—desire Him above all else.

2️⃣ Behold His beauty—fix your eyes on the character of Jesus.

3️⃣ Follow His guidance—let God’s Word lead, not fear or worry.

4️⃣ Keep talking—stay close to God, even when the waiting feels heavy.

This Advent season reminds us: the same God who ended Zechariah’s waiting and sent Jesus as Israel’s Messiah will meet us in our waiting. Through Christ, God is our light in the darkness, our salvation in trouble, and our stronghold in every storm. “Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart.”

– Psalm 27:14 Whatever you’re waiting for, you can trust that God is with you. Keep seeking Him, and let His presence restore your confidence.

Generous With Diversity | Clarence Stamps | Indwelling Community Church | 9-29-24

Generous With Time | Clarence Stamps | Indwelling Community Church | 9-20-24

Participation In The Story of God | J-T Richards | Indwelling Community Church | 9-15-24