Podcast
Vertical Church Teaching
Hosted by Vertical Church · EN
The Vertical Teaching Podcast features the weekly teaching from Vertical Church. Each episode is rooted in Scripture and designed to help you encounter God, follow Jesus, and experience freedom. Through clear, biblical teaching, we open God’s Word together and explore what it means to live as disciples of Jesus in everyday life. Whether you’re catching up on a Sunday you missed or revisiting a message to go deeper, these teachings will help you grow in faith, align your life with the truth of Scripture, and live a life that is vertical toward God and outward toward others.
33episodes
Episodes
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When Fear Takes Over | 1 Samuel 9 | Nathan Hughes
5d ago00:38:36Tap to summarizeWhat happens when fear takes over? Saul looked like everything Israel wanted in a king—strong, impressive, and capable. But beneath the surface was a heart increasingly controlled by insecurity and fear. When the pressure mounted and God asked him to wait, Saul chose control over trust. In Week 2 of A Tale of Two Kings, we look at Saul’s rise to power and the moment that exposed what was happening inside his heart. His story confronts us with an important question: What are we trying to protect because we’re afraid to trust God with it? Fear tells us that if we don’t take control, everything will fall apart. Faith reminds us that even when everything appears to be falling apart, God is still on His throne. Big Idea: Fear will always tempt us to seize control when trust requires us to wait on God. Scripture: 1 Samuel 9:1–2; 10:20–24; 13:5–14 The contrast ultimately points us to Jesus—the King who never grasped for control, never acted out of fear, and trusted the Father completely, even when obedience led Him to the cross. We don’t have to live controlled by fear. We have a King we can trust.
Transcribe →Give Them What They Want | 1 Samuel 8 | Nathan Hughes
2w ago00:36:53Tap to summarizeWhat if the most terrifying thing God could say is, “Okay. Have it your way”? In 1 Samuel 8, Israel demands a king so they can be “like all the other nations.” Their request seems reasonable, but underneath it is a deeper problem: they are rejecting God as their King and looking somewhere else for the security, peace, and control that only He can provide. In this first message of A Tale of Two Kings, we trace Israel’s story from Genesis through the Judges and discover a pattern that still exists in us today. When trusting God becomes difficult, we are tempted to replace Him with something visible. We take good things and turn them into god things. We begin measuring our lives by what everyone else has, and eventually we stop asking what God wants and start asking why He won’t give us what we want. Sometimes God’s “no” is an act of love—and sometimes His judgment is allowing us to experience the consequences of the very thing we demanded. As we begin the story of Saul and David, we’ll discover that neither earthly king is ultimately the hero. Their stories point us toward the true King we need: Jesus. Because the greatest battle isn’t over who sits on Israel’s throne. It’s over who sits on the throne of our hearts. Scripture: 1 Samuel 8Series: A Tale of Two Kings
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Defiant Faith | Habakkuk 3 | Nathan Hughes
3w ago00:36:22Tap to summarizeWhat does faith look like when God doesn't change your circumstances? In the final message of our Habakkuk series, we discover that biblical faith isn't pretending everything is okay—it's choosing to trust God even when life gives you every reason not to. Habakkuk's journey mirrors so many of ours: Chapter 1: He brings his questions and frustrations to God. Chapter 2: He learns to wait and listen. Chapter 3: He remembers who God is and responds with worship. As Habakkuk recalls God's faithfulness throughout history, his perspective changes. Babylon doesn't get smaller—God gets bigger. And when our view of God gets bigger, our circumstances get smaller. Not because they become insignificant, but because they're no longer ultimate. In this message we'll explore: How remembering God's character fuels courageous faith. Why faith isn't the absence of fear. What it means to say "Though... yet I will rejoice." How God often changes us even when He doesn't change our circumstances. Finding strength in God's presence instead of perfect conditions. Whether you're facing uncertainty, grief, anxiety, unanswered prayers, a difficult diagnosis, financial pressure, or a season of waiting, Habakkuk reminds us that our hope isn't built on explanations—it's built on the unchanging character of God. "The righteous live by faith." Scripture: Habakkuk 3 If this message encouraged you, we'd love for you to like, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs hope today.
Transcribe →Work Your Wait | Habakkuk 2:1-4 | Nathan Hughes
4w ago00:40:50Tap to summarizeWork Your Wait | Habakkuk 2:1–4 Waiting is one of the hardest parts of following God. When life feels stalled, prayers seem unanswered, and God's timing doesn't make sense, it's tempting to take control ourselves. But what if waiting isn't wasted? What if it's where God does some of His deepest work in us? In this message from Habakkuk 2:1–4, we discover three biblical truths for every waiting season: Position yourself to hear from God. Trust His timing over your own. Work your wait by living faithfully instead of trying to control the outcome. Habakkuk never receives the explanation he hoped for. Instead, God gives him something greater—a promise. While Babylon represents pride, control, and self-reliance, God calls His people to a different way of living: "The righteous will live by faith." No matter what you're waiting on—a job, healing, direction, restoration, or an answered prayer—this message is an invitation to trust that the throne is occupied and God is still at work. Scripture: Habakkuk 2:1–4, 5–20 If this message encouraged you, consider liking the video, subscribing to the channel, and sharing it with someone who may be in a season of waiting.
Transcribe →God is Working in the Chaos | Habakkuk 1:5–2:1 | Nick Hughes
Jul 1300:25:58Tap to summarizeWhat do you do when God doesn't make sense? In Week 2 of our Habakkuk series, Nick walks through Habakkuk 1:5–2:1, where the prophet wrestles with one of the hardest questions in Scripture: How can a holy God use an even more wicked nation to accomplish His purposes? Habakkuk cries out over the violence and injustice around him, only to discover that God's plan is far bigger—and far more surprising—than he expected. This message reminds us that God is always working, even when His work confuses us, and that faith is often formed while we wait for answers. In this message: • The world is more broken than we often realize. • God is always working, even when His work confuses us. • We all want justice... until justice points in our direction. • Faith waits when understanding cannot. Whether you're wrestling with unanswered prayers, confusion, or difficult circumstances, this message will encourage you to trust God's character even when you can't fully understand His plan. Scripture: Habakkuk 1:5–2:1 If this message encouraged you, like this video, subscribe to our channel, and share it with someone who needs hope today. Join us every Sunday at 9:15 AM & 10:45 AM.
Transcribe →Wrestle, Don't Run | Habakkuk 1:1-4 | Lawson Stewart
Jul 600:30:00Tap to summarizeHabakkuk 1 | Wrestle... Don't Run Key Scripture Habakkuk 1:1–7 Big Idea God isn't afraid of your honest questions. Faith isn't pretending everything is okay—it's bringing your pain to God and choosing to stay close, even when His answers are difficult. Main Points 1. God welcomes honest wrestling. Habakkuk doesn't hide his frustration. He brings his questions directly to God. Real faith includes honest prayer. Key Passage: Habakkuk 1:1–4 2. Running from pain always costs more than wrestling through it. We all have ways of escaping: Success Sports Humor Work Entertainment Relationships Busyness—even church activity God invites us to bring our wounds to Him instead of hiding them. 3. God often meets us before He explains Himself. Prayer isn't presenting a polished version of yourself. God already knows your heart. He wants your honesty more than your performance. 4. Staying close changes everything. Like grappling in jiu-jitsu, creating space leaves us vulnerable. The safest place is staying close to God, especially when life is confusing. Distance from God rarely produces healing. 5. God's answers aren't always what we expect. Habakkuk asks God to deal with injustice. God responds by raising up Babylon. Sometimes God's plan is harder than we imagined, but His purposes remain trustworthy. Key Passage: Habakkuk 1:5–7 Memorable Quotes "Wrestle with God. Don't run from Him." "Prayer isn't presenting a polished version of yourself; it's bringing the real condition of your heart into God's presence." "When God tells you something you don't want to hear, will you create distance—or stay close?" "God isn't asking for perfect faith. He's inviting honest trust." Questions for Reflection What difficult questions have you been afraid to ask God? What do you typically run to instead of wrestling with God? Where have you been creating distance between yourself and God? Can you identify a season when God's answer didn't make sense until later? What would it look like this week to stay close instead of running? Challenge Bring your real thoughts, fears, and frustrations to God this week. Instead of escaping, choose to stay close. Trust that even when you don't understand His ways, His character remains faithful.
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Hope That Endures | Daniel 12 | Nathan Hughes
Jun 2900:36:54Tap to summarizeDaniel 12 | Hope That Endures How do you keep trusting God when life doesn't make sense? The book of Daniel closes not with every question answered, but with a call to remain faithful. Daniel sees visions of suffering, spiritual warfare, resurrection, and the end of history—but God's final words to him are surprisingly simple: "Go your way." In this final message of the Daniel series, we discover that biblical hope isn't about escaping hardship or predicting every detail of the future. It's about enduring with confidence because we know who holds the future. In this message you'll discover: • Why prophecy is meant to produce endurance, not endless speculation • One of the clearest promises of resurrection in the Old Testament • What Daniel teaches us about living with unanswered questions • Why faith means trusting God even when we don't understand • How every promise in Daniel ultimately points to Jesus, the Son of Man No matter what kingdom rises or falls, no matter what suffering we face, our hope remains secure because Christ has defeated sin and death and will one day make all things new. Scripture: Daniel 12 If this message encouraged you, like this video, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs hope that endures. Encounter God. Follow Jesus. Experience Freedom. Make an Impact.
Transcribe →Bold Faith | Daniel 6 | Nathan Hughes
Jun 2200:35:53Tap to summarizeIn Daniel 6, we meet an elderly Daniel who has faithfully served God through changing kings, collapsing empires, and shifting cultures. His circumstances have changed, but his character has not. The message challenges believers to understand that bold faith is not about being loud or confrontational—it is about steadfast obedience to God regardless of the cost. Daniel’s integrity was so evident that his enemies could find no fault in him except his unwavering devotion to the Lord. When a royal decree outlawed prayer to anyone but the king, Daniel continued praying just as he always had, demonstrating that public courage is built through years of private faithfulness. His example teaches that small acts of obedience over time produce unshakable conviction when trials come. Thrown into the lions’ den for refusing to compromise, Daniel experienced God’s presence in the midst of suffering rather than exemption from it. His story reminds us that following God does not guarantee an easy life, but it does guarantee that He is with His people through every trial. Ultimately, the schemes of Daniel’s enemies were overturned, illustrating that vengeance and vindication belong to God alone. The account also foreshadows Jesus Christ, who was falsely accused and condemned through manipulated legal proceedings. While Daniel was delivered from death, Jesus defeated death itself through His resurrection, transforming apparent defeat into eternal victory. The central call of the passage is clear: remain faithful no matter how cultures, governments, or circumstances change, trusting that God is sovereign and that bold faith refuses to compromise.
Transcribe →The Unseen Battle | Daniel 10 | Meghan Petyak
Jun 1500:26:56Tap to summarizeDaniel 10 marks a major shift in the book of Daniel as God pulls back the curtain and gives us a glimpse into the unseen spiritual realities taking place around us. After three weeks of mourning, fasting, and seeking understanding, Daniel encounters a heavenly messenger whose appearance leaves him overwhelmed and weak. What follows is one of the clearest pictures in Scripture of spiritual warfare, revealing that while God hears our prayers immediately, answers may unfold in ways we cannot see. This chapter reminds us that faithfulness doesn't exempt us from waiting. Daniel's prayer was heard from the first day, yet spiritual opposition delayed the messenger's arrival for twenty-one days. Through this encounter, we learn that prayer is not merely a religious activity—it is a powerful weapon God uses in the midst of spiritual battles. As Daniel struggles with fear, weakness, and uncertainty, God repeatedly strengthens him, encourages him, and reminds him that he is deeply loved and precious in His sight. In this message, we explore: • The significance of Daniel's final vision • Why God's people often experience seasons of waiting • The reality of spiritual warfare behind the scenes • How prayer impacts battles we cannot see • God's encouragement for weary and discouraged believers • Finding strength in God's presence during difficult seasons Key Scriptures: Daniel 10:5-19 Key Truths: • Faithfulness doesn't exempt us from waiting. • Prayer is one of the most powerful weapons God gives His people. • Just because you can't see God working doesn't mean He isn't. • God strengthens those who seek Him. Join us as we continue our journey through the book of Daniel and discover how God's sovereignty extends even into the unseen battles of life. For more information about Vertical Church, visit:www.livevertical.tv
Transcribe →Pride Turns Men Into Monsters | Daniel 4-5 | Nathan Hughes
Jun 800:37:23Tap to summarizePRIDE TURNS MEN INTO MONSTERS Daniel 4:19-37 In Daniel 4, King Nebuchadnezzar receives another troubling dream. He sees a massive tree that provides shelter, fruit, and blessing to the world. Yet a messenger from heaven announces that the tree will be cut down, leaving only a stump behind. Daniel courageously explains the dream: the tree is Nebuchadnezzar himself. The issue is not power, success, or influence. The issue is pride. Daniel warns the king to repent, turn from his sin, and care for the oppressed. God graciously gives Nebuchadnezzar a warning before judgment comes. But pride often refuses to listen. Main Points: Pride Ignores Warnings Daniel pleads with the king to repent before consequences arrive. One of God's greatest mercies is a warning. Before destruction comes conviction. Before collapse comes correction. Before judgment comes an invitation to repent. Pride Turns Men Into Monsters Pride destroys empathy, compassion, relationships, and accountability. God does not turn Nebuchadnezzar into something he wasn't; He reveals what pride had already been doing to him. Outwardly he was a king, but inwardly pride had made him a beast. Pride Takes Credit for What God Built After twelve months of grace, Nebuchadnezzar stands on his palace roof and declares, "Look what I built." Pride shifts our focus from God's provision to our accomplishments. Faith remembers that everything we have ultimately comes from God. Humility Restores What Pride Destroys When Nebuchadnezzar finally lifts his eyes toward heaven, his sanity is restored. Before his kingdom is restored, his perspective is restored. Humility begins when we recognize who the true King is. Key Truth: Pride is fundamentally a vision problem. Pride causes us to look at ourselves. Humility causes us to look at God. Application Questions: • Are there warnings from God that I am ignoring? • Where has pride crept into my relationships, leadership, or decisions? • What am I taking credit for that God has built? • What would it look like for me to lift my eyes toward heaven and surrender control? Bottom Line: Pride makes us forget who the real King is. Humility begins when we lift our eyes toward heaven and remember that Heaven still rules.
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