The Sacred Worth of Life

In this message, you’ll receive a direct look at what it means to recognize the worth of every life, not because of what the world says, but by seeing how God values people. Steven Van Denend walks through what it means for your beliefs about life to be shaped by something deeper than trends or popular opinion. As part of the “Aligned” series, today's sermon challenges you to reflect on where your values come from, and how honoring life goes beyond any labels or politics. Whether you’re reconsidering your beliefs or looking for honest reflection, this is a conversation for anyone who wants to take a closer look at what truly matters.

This message was broadcast on Sunday, January 18, 2026. 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.

Seek First

What if finding your way this year isn’t about fixing your schedule or chasing self-improvement, but about getting real with God? In this message, Steven Van Denend talks honestly about starting fresh and looks at five simple habits anyone can try to stay aligned. But more than any habit or practice, what matters most is where, or in whom, you’re centered. This conversation is a straightforward look at why real change comes from your connection with Jesus, not from ticking off spiritual checklists. If you’re wondering what it might look like to line up your life with something real, you’ll find some honest direction here.

This message was broadcast on Sunday, January 4, 2026. 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.

Seek First

What if joy isn’t about everything working out, but about what, or who, you lean on while you wait? This Advent message, “Joy Will Hold,” invites you to think honestly about the things you carry during the holidays and beyond. Pastor Steve Van Denend walks through a story about ordinary people facing the unknown and what it means to trust, remember, and choose where you put your focus. Whether faith is a central part of your life or something you’ve put to the side, here’s a conversation for anyone wrestling with hope or feeling the weight of this season. You’re invited to listen in and consider what “joy” could really look like for you this Christmas.

This message was recorded on Sunday, December 21, 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.

Faith Is How We Follow | Luke 1:26-38

What do you do when life goes off-script and you’re left with more questions than answers? In this week’s message from our “Advent-ually” series, Pastor Steve Van Denend explores what it really means to live by faith when your plans are interrupted. Drawing from Luke’s story of Mary, we ask if there’s more to waiting and uncertainty than frustration—maybe even something good. Whether you feel certain, skeptical, or just tired, this conversation is for anyone trying to make sense of what comes next.

This message was broadcast on Sunday, December 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.

Prepare the Way | Mark 1:2-5

Ever wonder if God actually shows up when life feels stuck? In this message from the Gospel of Mark, Pastor Steve explores how hope arrives in unexpected places and unexpected ways. Diving into a story about preparation and promise, this sermon tackles the universal human questions of waiting, purpose, and transformation. Whether you're feeling frustrated with your current circumstances or searching for meaning, this message offers a fresh perspective on how change begins. You'll walk away with a new lens for understanding your own journey and the possibility of unexpected breakthrough.

This message was broadcast on Sunday, October 19, 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.

The Beginning of The Good News | Mark 1:1

"What if following Jesus isn't about adding something to your life, but completely changing how you live?" In this first message of our Gospel of Mark series, Pastor Steve Van Denend breaks down the opening verse of Mark's gospel and explores what it really means to follow Jesus. He tackles the big questions we all have - who is Jesus, why does He matter, and what does discipleship look like in a world that's constantly pulling us in different directions. Drawing from personal stories and practical insights, Steve unpacks how the Gospel of Mark challenges us to move beyond casual Christianity and commit to a genuine, life-altering journey with Christ. Whether you're new to faith, feeling stuck, or just curious about what following Jesus could look like, this message offers a fresh, honest perspective on spiritual life.

This message was broadcast on Sunday, October 5, 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 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.

Sabbath Means Worship

"What if your day off could be more than just a break?" Pastor Steve Van Denend concludes the church's four-part Sabbath series by exploring worship as the ultimate purpose of the Sabbath. In this final message, he unpacks how Sabbath isn't just about stopping, resting, or delighting - it's about reconnecting with what truly matters and reorienting your life around what gives you meaning. Steve offers practical insights into transforming a typical day off into a intentional time of spiritual renewal and personal reset. If you've ever felt disconnected, overwhelmed, or just looking for a better way to approach your week, this sermon provides a fresh perspective on finding genuine rest and purpose.

This message was broadcast on Sunday, July 20, 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.

Sabbath Means Stop

Feeling like life is one endless sprint with no finish line? In the first message of our Sabbath series, Pastor Steven Van Denend challenges everything you think you know about rest. This isn't another guilt trip about slowing down, but a radical invitation to reimagine how you live, work, and breathe. Drawing from biblical wisdom and modern burnout, Steven unpacks why stopping isn't just a luxury, but a critical practice for surviving - and thriving - in a world that's always on. Whether you're a skeptic or someone desperate for a different way, this message offers a fresh perspective on finding rhythm, purpose, and peace.

This message was broadcast on Sunday, June 15, 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.

Heart Exam (Jonah 4)

What if the person you can't stand is exactly who needs your compassion the most? In this powerful sermon from The Edge Church, Pastor Steve Van Denend unpacks the final chapter in the book of Jonah, revealing how our own bitterness and narrow-mindedness can blind us to God's bigger picture of grace. Through a raw and honest exploration of Jonah's story, you'll discover how to recognize when your personal sense of justice is getting in the way of understanding true compassion. This message challenges you to look beyond your own hurt and see how forgiveness and mercy can transform not just others, but yourself. Whether you're struggling with resentment, feeling stuck in your own perspective, or just curious about a fresh take on an old biblical story, this sermon offers real insights into dealing with anger and extending grace.

This message was broadcast on Sunday, June 1, 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.

Grave to Garden | Easter 2025

He is Risen! In this powerful Easter sermon, Pastor Steve explores the journey from grave to garden - how Jesus's resurrection transforms death into life. Through his sacrifice, Christ conquered sin and death, offering hope and renewal to everyone who believes. Steve explains how God's love moves us from spiritual darkness to vibrant, purposeful living, breaking the power of death and bringing us into a new way of existence. If you've ever wondered about the meaning of Easter or what Christianity is really about, this message reveals God's incredible plan to rescue and restore humanity through Jesus. This is more than a sermon; it's an invitation to experience life-changing grace.

This message was broadcast on Sunday, April 20, 2025. The Edge Church is located in Aurora, Illinois. For more information about our community, please visit http://www.edgeaurora.com.

I Am Jonah (Jonah 1:1-3)

"Where are you running from in your life right now?" Pastor Steven Van Denend digs into the story of Jonah in a way that cuts straight to the heart of our personal struggles with purpose and direction. Using humor and real-world insights, he breaks down how we often try to dodge the things we know we're meant to do, revealing how our own plans can take us further from where we really want to be. This message isn't about guilt or judgment, but about understanding those moments when you're resisting change or avoiding a deeper calling. If you've ever felt stuck, uncertain, or like you're running in the wrong direction, this sermon offers a fresh, relatable perspective on finding your path.

This message was broadcast on Sunday, March 16, 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.