Psalm Eight | Majestic Praise

"Who am I in this massive universe?" Pastor Steve Van Denend tackles this question head-on in this message exploring Psalm 8. You'll discover how praise isn't just singing songs, but a way to shift your perspective and push back against life's challenges. Steve unpacks how the same God who scattered stars across the sky actually knows your name and cares about your life. He explores how praising God can transform your thinking, helping you break free from negative thought patterns and see yourself with new eyes. If you've ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or just curious about the impact of praise, this message offers a practical look at how your words and attitude can change everything.

This message was broadcast on Sunday, September 7, 2025. The Edge Church is located in Aurora, Illinois. For more information about our community, please visit http://www.edgeaurora.com. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for additional content and connections.

Psalm Sixty-Seven | Blessed to Bless Others

"What if your blessings aren't just for you?" In this compelling message from The Edge Church's summer Psalms series, missionary JDD Nduwayo shares a transformative perspective on how God's gifts are meant to be shared. Drawing from personal experiences in Burundi and scriptural insights, JDD explores how each person has unique talents and resources that can make a real difference in their community and beyond. He challenges listeners to look beyond themselves and consider how they can use their skills, languages, and opportunities to support and uplift others. Whether you're feeling stuck, wondering about your purpose, or simply curious about how ordinary people can create meaningful change, this message offers practical, down-to-earth wisdom about living with intention and generosity.

This message was broadcast on Sunday, August 17, 2025. The Edge Church is located in Aurora, Illinois. For more information about our community, please visit http://www.edgeaurora.com. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for additional content and connections.

Psalm One | Happy In The Lord

"What if happiness isn't about what you have, but how you think?" Join Brandi Schori as she unpacks the first Psalm, revealing a refreshing perspective on finding genuine joy and contentment in the Lord. In this kickoff to The Edge Church's summer series, Brandi breaks down how our inner thoughts and daily choices shape our spiritual life, using personal stories and insights from the Bible's songbook. She explores what it really means to live a "blessed" life, challenging common misconceptions about happiness and success. If you're feeling stuck, searching for meaning, or just want a fresh take on personal growth, this message offers practical wisdom for anyone looking to live with more purpose and peace.

This message was broadcast on Sunday, August 3, 2025. The Edge Church is located in Aurora, Illinois. For more information about our community, please visit http://www.edgeaurora.com. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for additional content and connections.

Pslam 121

Feeling overwhelmed by the challenges in your life? Pastor Steve has the perfect psalm to encourage you. In this promising sermonette, he unpacks the wisdom of Psalm 121, revealing how it can provide peace, hope, and a renewed sense of trust in God, no matter what hills you're climbing. Dive in and discover the source of your help - you won't want to miss this uplifting message.

This message was broadcast on Sunday, September 22, 2024. The Edge Church is located in Aurora, Illinois. For more information about our community, please visit http://www.edgeaurora.com.

Psalm 121 Study:

Read Psalm 121 together as a group

PERSONAL REFLECTION:

o What is this teaching me about God (who He is, His character works)?

o What is this teaching me about me (my identity, purpose and calling)?

o How do I apply this (is there a command to obey, example to follow, promise to claim, sin to avoid/confess or principle to apply)?

QUESTIONS FOR THE GROUP:

What are the “hills” (challenges, trials, fears, etc) you are facing? Where do you typically go to for help when facing difficulties?

What is the significance of the confession in verse 2? How does the Lord being “the maker of heaven of earth” encourage you in your struggles? What causes you to doubt

God in the challenges you face?

What do verses 3-8 teach you about the identity and character of God?

What does this truth, that God is a “keeper” (in some translations) or the one who “watches over you” (in other translations), stir up in your heart & mind? How does this truth help you to face your fears/challenges?

How do you understand verse 7 in light of your own life and experiences? Read Romans 8:28; 35-39 as a help. In the words of Eugene Peterson, he says “the promise of the psalm is not that we shall never stub our toes, but that no injury, no illness, no accident or distress, will have evil power over us, that is, will be able to separate us from God’s purposes in us.”

How can you better apply and live out the truth of this Psalm in your every day life starting today?

How can you encourage others with this Psalm?

Pray together and for one another, letting this Psalm be a guide.

GOAL FOR THIS WEEK: Read Psalm 121 each day & seek to memorize it. Use the passage as a basis for prayer each day, bringing to the Lord your questions, challenges and burdens. Ask Him to help you be aware of His presence, goodness and work in your life and then respond to that with action. Take time to give Him thanks and praise!

Pslam 23

Are you feeling lost, confused, or overwhelmed by the challenges of life? Discover the timeless wisdom of Psalm 23 and how it can provide comfort, guidance, and hope even in our darkest moments. Join Pastor Steve as he shares a personal testimony of how this beloved psalm ministered to him during a difficult trial. Whether you're a lifelong believer or just exploring faith, this insightful sermonette will inspire you to see God's goodness and find refuge in His loving presence. Don't miss this chance to nourish your soul - click play now!

This message was broadcast on Sunday, September 8, 2024. The Edge Church is located in Aurora, Illinois. For more information about our community, please visit http://www.edgeaurora.com. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for additional content and connections.

Psalm 23 Study: 

Read Psalm 23 together as a group

Take a moment to just listen to “Psalm 23” by Phil Wickham together (maybe have people close their eyes & just receive from the Lord). 

PERSONAL REFLECTION: 

• Take 10ish minutes & have each person read Psalm 23 on their own, reading one verse at a time & pausing to reflect and note anything that stands out. 

• Tell them to consider as they read: 

• What is this teaching me about God (Who He is, His character & works)?

• What is this teaching me about me (My identity, purpose and calling)?

• How do I apply this (is there a command to obey, example to follow, promise to claim, sin to avoid/confess or principle to apply)? 

QUESTIONS FOR THE GROUP: 

What does it mean to say that the Lord is my shepherd? How does the Lord as your shepherd encourage/challenge you? Can you honestly say today that the Lord is my shepherd or is there another you’ve been following? 

What does the text teach us about how the shepherd cares for us? How are you experiencing God’s care in your life? Are there places you are doubting/questioning His care for you? 

How do you understand verses 2-3 and how can we apply them? How does the Lord lead us to rest and restoration? What does resting in God look like? Are there things we can do to join God in His work of restoring our souls (see Matthew 11:28; Ps 19:7; James 5:16)?

What does verse 3 imply by stating the Lord guides us versus carries us? Why does it say that He leads us in this path & what does it mean? 

Verse 4 reminds us that following the Lord doesn’t mean a life free of dark valleys. Are you in one right now?  What does the Psalmist say is his reason for hope in the hardship? How have you experienced God’s presence in a valley? 

Additionally, the shepherds rod was a club used for protection and correction, while his staff was used for guiding the sheep. How have you seen these tools of God used in your life? 

Verses 5-6 gives us a picture of a banquet where our cups are overflowing  and God’s goodness & mercy are pursuing us for all of eternity. What does it mean to have your head anointed with oil and your cup overflowing (see 2 Corinthians 1:21-22)? How do these verses give you hope & strength in your journey today? 

GOAL FOR THIS WEEK: Read Psalm 23 each day & seek to memorize it. Use the passage as a basis for prayer each day, bringing to the Lord your questions, challenges and burdens. Ask Him to help you be aware of His presence, goodness and work in your life and then respond to that with action. Take time to give Him thanks and praise for His faithfulness, promises, protection, provision, guidance, rest, blessing and presence.