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.
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Conviction without Compromise | Daniel 1 | Nathan Hughes
3d ago00:41:08Tap to summarizeCONVICTION WITHOUT COMPROMISE Daniel 1 Series Theme Living as exiles in a culture that does not reinforce the ways of God. Historical Context David reigns — 1000 BC Solomon builds the Temple — 960 BC Kingdom divides — 930 BC Assyria destroys Israel — 722 BC Babylon attacks Judah — 605 BC Daniel is taken into exile Jerusalem destroyed — 586 BC Persia defeats Babylon — 539 BC Daniel is written during exile — a season where God’s people lost: Their city Their temple Their stability Their cultural influence Main Idea The Book of Daniel is not about fear or doom. It is about faithfulness in the middle of chaos. Kingdoms rise and fall. Cultures shift. Empires come and go. But God remains sovereign and faithful. Daniel 1:1-5 — Babylon’s Strategy Babylon didn’t simply conquer people physically. It sought to reshape them spiritually and culturally. The empire targeted: The best and brightest Young leaders Future influencers The goal: Convert them into Babylonians. Babylon understood: “If you capture the minds of the next generation, you shape the future.” Exile Is Spiritual Babylon is not merely a geographic location. Babylon represents: Human pride Self-worship Rebellion against God Cultural systems opposed to God’s Kingdom Daniel was physically in Babylon, but Babylon was trying to get inside Daniel. Daniel 1:6-8 — The Battle for Identity Babylon attempted to: Rename Daniel Reeducate Daniel Reshape Daniel Reward conformity Compromise rarely begins with persecution. It usually begins subtly: Comfort Convenience Acceptance Opportunity Pressure to stay quiet Daniel resolved not to defile himself. Conviction starts before compromise ever arrives. The Danger of Slow Compromise Nobody abandons convictions overnight. Compromise happens: One rationalization at a time One unchecked desire at a time One silent moment at a time “What you normalize, you eventually stop grieving.” “What you celebrate, you eventually become like.” Formation is always happening. Food From the King’s Table The food represented more than a meal. In ancient culture, eating from someone’s table symbolized: Loyalty Intimacy Fellowship Babylon wanted Daniel’s worship, not just his service. Daniel’s Example Daniel shows us how to: Engage culture without surrendering to it Influence culture without being shaped by it Serve faithfully without bowing spiritually He had: Conviction without isolation Courage without arrogance Influence without compromise “Babylon can have our service, but it can’t have our worship.” God Honors Faithfulness Daniel 1:17-20 God gave Daniel and his friends: Wisdom Understanding Favor Influence Faithful people elevate the environments they are placed in. Even people far from God benefit from the presence of people who walk with God. Jeremiah 29 — The Calling of Exiles God instructed His people: Build houses Plant gardens Raise families Seek the peace of the city Followers of God are called to: Serve the city Love the city Pray for the city But not worship the city. Application The Church must resist two extremes: Isolation from culture Assimilation into culture Instead: Faithful presence. We live here, but we belong to another Kingdom. Our hope is not in earthly systems. Our citizenship is in Heaven. Key Quotes “Babylon is always trying to get you to assimilate.” “If Babylon can shape your identity, Babylon can shape your worship.” “What shapes your worship shapes your life.” “Conviction starts before compromise arrives.” “Babylon can have our service, but it can’t have our worship.” “We seek the good of the city, but our hope is not in the city.” Scripture References Daniel 1 1 Peter 2:11-12 Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7
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Formation = Focus | Philippians 4:10-13 | Nathan Hughes
1w ago00:39:55Tap to summarizePHILIPPIANS 4:4–9 “What Has Your Attention Is Shaping Your Life” Big Idea: Your life moves in the direction of your focus. Whatever consistently has your attention will eventually shape your affections, your thoughts, your behavior, and your life. WHAT YOU FOCUS ON GROWS Philippians 4:4–6 • Paul connects joy, anxiety, and prayer to attention • Anxiety is misdirected attention • Prayer is redirected attention • We train our minds toward peace or toward fear • Prayer is not just informing God, it is forming us Key Thought: What we repeatedly focus on becomes stronger in our lives. WHAT YOU DWELL ON, YOU BECOME Philippians 4:8 • Our thoughts are not random, they are stories • The stories we replay eventually shape us • Not every thought deserves access to your mind • Paul gives believers a filter for what deserves our attention • The Gospel anchors us in what is true Truths We Must Dwell On: • God is with you • Your identity is secure in Christ • Your future is held by God • Your past is covered by grace • Life is not random Key Thought: Your mind is not a trash can, it is a temple. WHAT YOU PRACTICE, YOU EXPERIENCE Philippians 4:9 • Formation is not accidental, it is intentional • Peace is not found through information alone but through practice • Repetition shapes spiritual formation • The condition of our soul eventually spills into every relationship around us Key Thought: You don’t think your way into peace, you practice your way into it. Application: Audit your attention this week. • What is forming you? • What are you consuming? • What stories are you replaying? • What has your focus? Replace unhealthy formation with intentional practices: • Scripture before your phone • Prayer instead of spiraling • Worship instead of worry • Truth instead of imagined stories Closing Truth: Formation is not accidental. Your life moves in the direction of your focus.
Transcribe →No Confidence in the Flesh | Philippians 3:1-14 | Nathan Hughes
2w ago00:38:48Tap to summarizeTitle: No Confidence in the Flesh 1. The Subtle Nature of Pride Pride is sneaky—you don’t always see it It hides in: Strength Weakness Spirituality At its core: Where is your confidence coming from? Big Idea: Spiritual maturity begins where confidence in self dies and confidence in Christ takes its place. 2. The Danger of Adding to the Gospel (Philippians 3:2–3) Paul uses strong language intentionally Adding anything to the gospel = abandoning the gospel Christianity is not behavior management Marks of true believers: Worship by the Spirit Boast in Christ Put no confidence in the flesh 3. What “No Confidence in the Flesh” Means Not trusting: Achievements Effort Morality Background Pride says: Look what I’ve done Humility says: Look what Christ has done 4. Paul’s Resume (Philippians 3:4–6) Paul had every reason to boast: Heritage: Israel, Benjamin, Hebrew of Hebrews Religion: Pharisee Zeal: persecutor of the church Morality: faultless under the law Before Christ: Identity built on achievementAfter Christ: Identity rooted in grace 5. The Great Exchange (Philippians 3:7–9) Paul rewrites his entire ledger Gains → Loss Performance → Garbage (“skubalon”) Key Truth: When you gain Christ, you don’t feel like you lost everything—you feel like you finally found what matters. 6. Pressing Forward (Philippians 3:13–14) Forgetting what is behind Straining toward what is ahead Refusing to be defined by: Past success Past failure 7. Two Forms of Pride Pride = being “puffed up” Inflated Ego Superiority Self-importance Performance identity Deflated Ego Shame Victim mentality Self-obsession Both are forms of pride 8. Three Voices Pride says: Prove yourself Shame says: Punish yourself Jesus says: Forget yourself 9. The Freedom to Forget Yourself (1 Corinthians 4:3–4) Not living for others’ approval Not crushed by opinions Not trapped in self-justification The Gospel Reality: The verdict is already in Not guilty in Christ The courtroom is empty The case is closed 10. The Invitation Recognize you’ve been living on trial Admit misplaced confidence See that Jesus stepped in Walk out in freedom Final Thought: You don’t need to prove yourself. You don’t need to punish yourself. In Christ, you are free to forget yourself—and finally live.
Transcribe →The Way of Jesus | Philippians 2:1-11 | Nathan Hughes
3w ago00:29:10Tap to summarizeThe Way Is Jesus | Philippians 2:1–11Sermon Notes Outline INTRO Paul is writing to a church he deeply loves Unity is the defining mark of the Church The world will know we belong to Jesus by how we love one another Question: What are churches actually known for today? I. THE CALL TO UNITY (Philippians 2:1–2) “If” = since these things are already true in Christ Encouragement, love, Spirit, compassion → LIVE THIS WAY Command: Be like-minded Have the same love Be one in spirit and mind Tension: We often interpret “like-minded” as: think like me We elevate preferences to convictions Truth: Not a mind like mine → a mind like Jesus II. THE ENEMY OF UNITY: PRIDE (Philippians 2:3–4) “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit” Selfish Ambition (eritheia): Using people for personal gain Rivalry, self-promotion, advancement at all costs Vain Conceit (kenodoxia): Empty glory Needing others for worth, approval, recognition Result: One uses people One needs people Both destroy relationships and community III. THE WAY OF HUMILITY (Philippians 2:3–4) “Rather…” → the turning point What to do instead: Value others above yourself Look to the interests of others Key Truth: Pride fractures the Church Humility binds it together Reality Check: Even “serving” can be driven by pride if not transformed by the gospel Pride hides behind performance Humility produces honesty IV. THE SOURCE OF TRANSFORMATION (Philippians 2:5–8) “Have this mindset as Christ Jesus” Not behavior modification → heart transformation Mind of Christ = New inner orientation New way of seeing life Jesus’ Example: Had all status → did not exploit it Equal with God → chose servanthood Lord of all → humbled Himself to death on a cross Pattern: Cross before crown Humility before exaltation Surrender before glory V. THE PROBLEM IN US We want resurrection without crucifixion We want the life of Jesus without the way of Jesus Tension Questions: Pray for enemies? Turn the other cheek? Go the extra mile? Answer: Not by trying harder By being reshaped by the gospel VI. THE LORDSHIP OF JESUS (Philippians 2:9–11) God exalted Jesus above all Every knee will bow Every tongue will confess: Jesus is Lord Key Truth: Humility becomes possible when Jesus is truly Lord Self must step off the throne VII. APPLICATION: BOW LOWER We don’t live this out by trying harder We live this out by bowing lower Practical: Struggling in marriage? → Bow lower Competing with others? → Bow lower Seeking approval? → Bow lower Protecting your image? → Bow lower Principle: The lower you bow to Jesus The more honor you show others BOTTOM LINE Humility is not achieved by effort It is produced through surrender Final Call: Every knee will bow eventually Bow now—willingly, joyfully, and low before the King Jesus Christ
Transcribe →A Life Worthy of the Gospel | Philippians 1:27-30 | Meghan Petyak
Apr 2000:22:52Tap to summarizeTitle: Living a Life Worthy of the Gospel Text: Philippians 1:27–30 1. The Tension of the Gospel We didn’t earn it. We didn’t qualify for it. But once we receive it—we represent it. Illustration: Wearing a shirt/logo → your behavior changes because of what it represents Key truth: “Worthy” does NOT mean earning the Gospel It means living in a way that reflects its value Supporting Scripture: Ephesians 4:1–5 2. A Life Worthy of the Gospel is Anchored in Unity Philippians 1:27 “Standing firm” = stability under pressure “One spirit, one mind” = deep relational alignment Unity is: Shared mission Mutual submission Choosing “we” over “me” Threats to Unity: Assumptions instead of communication Taking things personally Isolation instead of engagement Preference over purpose Key Challenge: Are you contributing to unity or disconnecting from it? Truth: You cannot live a Gospel-shaped life disconnected from God’s people Supporting Scripture: Matthew 20:26–28 3. A Life Worthy of the Gospel is Active, Not Passive Not spectators—participants Not just attending—engaging Questions to ask: Where am I contributing? Where am I spectating? Active faith produces: Relationships Discipleship Accountability Passive faith produces: Shallow transformation Isolation Supporting Scripture: John 13:35 4. A Life Worthy of the Gospel is Marked by Courage Philippians 1:28 Courage flows from identity Identity is found in Christ—not: Personality Politics Career Relationships Key Truth: When you know who you belong to, you don’t fear who you’re up against Fear = indicator of misplaced identity Supporting Scripture: Isaiah 43:1–2 5. A Life Worthy of the Gospel Embraces Suffering Philippians 1:29–30 “Granted” → suffering is given (like a gift) Hard truth: We share in Christ’s suffering, not just His victory Common misunderstanding: Suffering = something is wrongBiblical reality: Suffering = something is being formed Shift the question: Not “Why is this happening?” But “What is God forming in me?” Supporting Scripture: Romans 5:3–5 6. What a Gospel-Shaped Life Looks Like Standing firm in unity Striving together for the mission Living with courage Embracing suffering with purpose 7. The Early Church Example They weren’t powerful or influential But they were known for one thing: “See how they love one another.” 8. Final Challenge Are we: Striving side by side? Standing firm under pressure? Living unshaken by fear? Enduring when things get hard? Or… Just attending without being transformed?
Transcribe →Philippians Week 1 | Philippians 1:1-6 | Nick Hughes
Apr 1300:30:52Tap to summarizePaul opens his letter to the church in Philippi not with correction, but with deep affection, gratitude, and confidence. He remembers them with joy—not because they were perfect, but because they were partners in the gospel. In this message, we look at what it means to be a people shaped by grace, committed to the mission of Jesus, and anchored in the promise that God isn’t finished with us yet. The same God who started a work in you is still working—even in the slow, unseen, and imperfect places. This passage reminds us that the Christian life isn’t about arriving—it’s about becoming. It’s about walking together, growing together, and trusting that God is faithful to complete what He began. Wherever you find yourself today—full of faith or full of doubt—you are not abandoned, and you are not unfinished by accident. God is still at work.
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The Grave is Bankrupt | Mark 16:1-7 | Nathan Hughes
Apr 800:30:30Tap to summarizeThe grave isn’t just empty—it’s bankrupt. If Jesus is alive, then sin, shame, and death no longer have authority over your life. Main Movements 1. Devotion Shows Up (Even Without Understanding) The women stayed when others left They saw Jesus die and knew where He was buried They returned not expecting a miracle—but to anoint a body Takeaway: God honors a heart that moves toward Him, even without full clarity. 2. Stop Waiting for Full Clarity They didn’t understand the resurrection They still took the next step Tension: We want the full plan before we move Truth: You don’t get transformed by what you know—you get transformed by what you step into 3. The Problem You Can’t Solve “Who will roll the stone away?” The obstacle was real—and impossible for them Insight: Some problems in your life are not yours to fix 4. Look Up “But when they looked up…” The stone was already rolled away Truth: While they were walking toward a problem they couldn’t solve…God had already worked it out 5. Felt Need vs. Real Need Felt need: move the stone Real need: resurrection Examples: Blind man → needed sight, but really needed to see Jesus Paralyzed man → needed to walk, but really needed forgiveness Storm → needed to stop, but really needed trust Takeaway: God uses surface problems to reveal deeper needs 6. The Declaration That Changes Everything “He has risen. He is not here.” Implications: Death is defeated Sin is powerless The grave is empty 7. Go and Tell (Movement After Resurrection) First command: Go Resurrection compels action Grace Moment: “And Peter…” The one who failed is still called The grave is bankrupt of shame too 8. Why Are We Still Living Like the Grave Has Power? If the grave has no leverage… Why are we still held back by fear, shame, and hesitation? 9. It’s Not Over They came carrying spices (expecting death) God met them with life Application: Some of you walked in carrying things you’ve declared dead… But resurrection says: It’s not over God still brings things back to life 10. Resurrection Changes Your Story People expect the “old you” But after encountering Jesus—everything is different Truth: What was dead is now alive Shame no longer defines you Pain is redeemed Your story is being rewritten Closing Thought You didn’t just escape the grave…You emptied it of its power. Call to Action Stop waiting for full clarity Take your next step toward Jesus Lift your eyes off the problem Live like the grave has no power left
Transcribe →The King on A Cross | Mark 14-15 | Nathan Hughes
Mar 3000:26:13Tap to summarizeThis sermon walks through Mark 14–15 and brings us face to face with the reality of what Jesus endured leading up to the cross. In the garden of Gethsemane, we see a deeply human moment—Jesus is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. But what weighs on Him most is not the physical pain to come, but the spiritual reality of bearing the sin of the world and experiencing separation from the Father. Even in that anguish, He surrenders His will: “Not what I will, but what You will.” From there, the betrayal unfolds—not through violence, but through intimacy. Judas identifies Jesus with a kiss, revealing that the deepest wounds often come from those closest to us. In that same moment, everyone else flees. Jesus stands completely alone in His suffering. As He is put on trial, false accusations are thrown at Him, yet He remains silent. He does not defend Himself, because He is not trying to preserve His life—He is fulfilling His mission. When asked if He is the Messiah, Jesus responds clearly: “I am,” declaring His divine identity even though it seals His fate. The injustice continues as Jesus is handed over to Pilate. In one of the clearest pictures of the gospel, Barabbas—a guilty man—goes free, while Jesus—the innocent one—is condemned. This is not just Barabbas’ story; it is ours. The guilty are released because the spotless takes their place. Jesus is then mocked by soldiers who dress Him as a fake king—placing a purple robe on Him, a crown of thorns on His head, and sarcastically praising Him. Ironically, everything they mock is actually true. He is the King. At the cross, the charge above Him reads “King of the Jews,” intended as accusation but functioning as a declaration. And when Jesus breathes His last, something cosmic happens—the temple curtain is torn from top to bottom. The barrier between God and humanity is removed, not by human effort, but by divine action. Access to God is now open. Standing there is a Roman centurion—an outsider—who sees what others cannot and declares, “Surely this man was the Son of God.” While others miss it, he recognizes that something profound has taken place. The full weight of what happened isn’t yet understood in the moment… but everything has changed. The separation is gone. The way to God is open. And the implications of the cross will continue to unfold.
Transcribe →Redefining Greatness | Mark 10:35–45 | Nathan Hughes
Mar 2300:29:07Tap to summarizeIn this message, “Redefining Greatness,” we explore Mark 10:35–45 and the powerful contrast between the world’s definition of success and Jesus’ vision for a life that truly matters. James and John approach Jesus asking for positions of honor, revealing a deep, human desire for status, recognition, and influence. Yet Jesus responds by exposing how easily we allow culture to disciple us—teaching us that significance comes from attention, power, and climbing higher. Instead, He flips the script entirely: greatness is not about authority over others, but service to them. Through His words and His example, Jesus shows that the path to true significance is found in humility, sacrifice, and obedience to God’s prompting. The One who deserved the highest place chose the lowest, serving others even to the point of giving His life. This message challenges us to move beyond simply admiring that kind of life and instead live it—saying yes to the moments where God calls us to serve, give, and step out in obedience. Because in God’s Kingdom, greatness isn’t achieved by rising above others, but by laying your life down for them.
Transcribe →Who Do You Say I Am? | Mark 8:27–38 | Nathan Hughes | Vertical Church
Mar 1600:37:22Tap to summarizeWho is Jesus—really? In Mark 8:27–38, Jesus asks His disciples a question that every person must eventually answer: “Who do you say I am?” At Caesarea Philippi, a place filled with pagan temples and competing gods, Jesus challenges His followers to see past culture, opinion, and preference to recognize His true identity. Peter correctly declares that Jesus is the Messiah, but when Jesus reveals that His mission includes suffering and the cross, Peter resists. This passage reveals something powerful: You can say the right things about Jesus and still misunderstand Him. Jesus shows that God’s victory doesn’t come through political power or dominance, but through sacrifice, suffering, and resurrection. Then He makes it clear that the cross isn’t just His path—it’s the path of anyone who wants to follow Him. Jesus calls us to: • Deny ourselves • Take up our cross • Follow Him The world tells us to protect and build our lives. Jesus tells us the way to true life is surrender. If Jesus is just a teacher, you admire Him.If He is a prophet, you listen to Him.But if He is Messiah and Lord—your life belongs to Him. Because the question Jesus asked His disciples is the same question He asks us today: Who do you say I am?
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