Azure Hills Seventh-day Adventist Church

Did you know chronic worry shrinks your brain’s ability to plan and connect… but trust in loving relationships can begin to reverse it? We all worry — about bills, bodies, relationships, and the future. But what if Jesus’ words in Matthew 6:25-34, “Do not worry about your life…”, were not just a spiritual ideal, but a radical invitation to freedom? This Sabbath, we explored what neuroscience reveals about how worry rewires your brain and body, why Jesus challenges the deepest assumptions of our anxious culture, and how the Kingdom of God gives us a new center of trust, joy, and purpose as we become a community of peace in a world of fear. It’s more than just “don’t worry”—it’s a call to reclaim your mind and your mission!   Join us for live worship every Saturday at 9am and 11:45am in Grand Terrace. Our address is 22633 Barton Rd, Grand Terrace CA, 92313--hope to see you soon! Connect with us: Instagram: @azurehills Facebook: Azure Hills Church Website: azurehills.org Podcasts: Spotify/Apple/PodBean @Azure Hi

Jesus just finishes teaching us to how to pray and also to how to fast. It is here that the second half of his most famous Sermon on the Mount begins. Jesus starts landing the plane speaking about treasures. Matthew 6:19-21 is our main text in part 9 of our series “The Narrow Way." Join us for live worship every Saturday at 9am and 11:45am in Grand Terrace. Our address is 22633 Barton Rd, Grand Terrace CA, 92313--hope to see you soon! Connect with us: Instagram: @azurehills Facebook: Azure Hills Church Website: azurehills.org Podcasts: Spotify/Apple/PodBean @Azure Hills SDA Church Online Giving: If you would like to support Azure Hills Church and its ministries, visit Adventist Giving: https://adventistgiving.org/#/org/ANPMBQ/envelope/start

Jesus’ words in this message called the Sermon on the Mount challenged the disciples to live the ways of God right where they were. The same is true today. These words show us what it truly means to pursue the ways of God in this world we live in. This is not an easy calling. There is deep, inner work required. This Sabbath we reflect on Jesus' words in Matthew 6:5-18 —words that move us towards a deep, hidden life characterized by prayer and fasting. Join us for live worship every Saturday at 9am and 11:45am. Our address is 22633 Barton Rd, Grand Terrace CA, 92313--hope to see you soon! Connect with us: Instagram: @azurehills Facebook: Azure Hills Church Website: azurehills.org Podcasts: Spotify/Apple/PodBean @Azure Hills SDA Church Online Giving: If you would like to support Azure Hills Church and its ministries, visit Adventist Giving: https://adventistgiving.org/#/org/ANPMBQ/envelope/start

This presentation and open discussion was led by Dr. Nicholas Miller, Seminary professor and religious liberty attorney. Together, we explored how Revelation 13 speaks to current political realities—from Christian nationalism and the rule of law to immigration, ICE, and recent Supreme Court decisions. Join us for live worship every Saturday at 9am and 11:45am in Grand Terrace. Our address is 22633 Barton Rd, Grand Terrace CA, 92313--Hope to see you soon! Connect with us: Instagram: @azurehills Facebook: Azure Hills Church Website: azurehills.org Podcasts: Spotify/Apple/PodBean @Azure Hills SDA Church Online Giving: If you would like to support Azure Hills Church and its ministries, visit Adventist Giving: https://adventistgiving.org/#/org/ANPMBQ/envelope/start

“Love your enemies.” It’s one of Jesus’ most quoted commands—and one of His most misunderstood and difficult. What did Jesus really mean when He said it? Does loving our enemies mean staying silent in the face of harm? Pretending everything is okay? Agreeing with people who’ve wounded us? This Sabbath at Azure Hills, in a message titled "The Bridge Between Us," Pastor Daniel takes us deeper into Matthew 5:43–48, where Jesus calls us to a love that breaks boundaries—a love that refuses to play favorites, a love that isn’t soft but strong, not passive but deeply intentional. Together, we’ll name the false assumptions that keep us from this kind of radical love—and explore how to love the way Jesus loves. Be ready to be challenged. Be ready to see love in a new light. Because when we love like this… we show the world what God is like.   Join us for live worship every Saturday at 9am and 11:45am in Grand Terrace. Our address is 22633 Barton Rd, Grand Terrace CA, 92313--Hope to see you soon! Connect with us: Insta

Jesus’ disciples had an idea of what God’s Kingdom, i.e. "the good life" would be like. But it wasn’t same picture Jesus revealed in the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus’ words in this message challenged them, showing what it means to truly live pursuing the heart of God. This Sabbath we reflect on Jesus' words in Matthew 5:33-42—words that inspire us to have congruence between what’s in our heart and what’s lived out in our life. Jesus takes us beyond the surface, moving us to a deep life of integrity, with love as our motivation.   This Sabbath, Pastor Tara VinCross will preach a message entitled: "The Narrow Way: On Keeping our Word and Getting Even."

What makes something right or wrong? Is it the rule of law? Is it an authority? In Matthew 5:21-32, Jesus talks about what fulfilling the law looks like. He goes to the heart of two very prominent commandments, “you shall not murder,” and “you shall not commit adultery.” And he introduces each one by saying, “You have heard… And then he says, ”But I tell you…!” Pastor Mike Leno will explore what Jesus says about the law and why he says it. The implications, he notes, are astounding and directly relate to our everyday lives.

The word “true” describes something accurate, constant, and unchanging. In geography, "True North" points directly to the geographic North Pole — the fixed point at the top of the Earth’s axis. Unlike magnetic north, which shifts about 30 miles each year, "True North" stays steady. It’s a reliable guide — and knowing where it is can mean the difference between arriving at your destination or getting lost. During our VBS week, we taught the kids that Jesus is our True North — the one trustworthy guide for life. He’s the constant we can look to when everything around us feels confusing or unstable. But an honest question still remains — one many of us ask: “Can a God who allows the world to get so wild… really be trusted?”

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus paints a picture of what it means to be part of the Kingdom of God —not a kingdom of violence or domination, but one of hope, marked by mercy, justice, and humble power. We will reflect on Jesus' words from Matthew 5:17-20—words that inspire us to believe in Jesus as the fulfillment of who we were made to be, and that invite us to hold onto hope for what matters most. Pastor Tara VinCross will preach a message entitled: "The Narrow Way: Fulfillment."

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus paints a picture of what it means to be part of His kingdom—not a kingdom of violence or domination, but a subversive one that is marked by mercy, justice, and humble power. This Sabbath we reflect on His words from Matthew 5:13–16—words that call us to be salt and light. These are not just poetic metaphors. They are a summons. A mission. A sacred calling. Pastor Gabriel Morales will preach a message entitled: "The Narrow Way: Salt and Light."

Pastor Daniel kicks off Azure Hills’ summer series "The Narrow Way" with Matthew 5:1–12—Jesus’ most iconic and subversive teaching. Though it spans just three chapters (Matthew 5–7), the Sermon on the Mount completely redefines what it means to live a good life. What if blessing doesn’t look like success? What if the kingdom belongs not to the strong but to the poor in spirit? In a world chasing power, applause, and performance, Jesus offers something radically different. He invites us into the narrow way—not a rigid or rule-heavy path, but the Jesus way—a way marked by mercy, honesty, courage, justice, and deep trust in a God who draws near to the broken.

We are excited to have Dr. Gilbert Valentine as our guest speaker! Dr. Valentine is a respected Adventist scholar and educator who, even in retirement, continues to teach occasionally at the H.M.S. Richards Divinity School at La Sierra University in California. Originally from New Zealand, Dr. Valentine has served the Adventist Church in pastoral ministry, youth leadership, and higher education around the world—including in Pakistan, England, Thailand, Australia, and his home country. He is widely recognized for his work in Adventist history and Ellen White studies. His writings include several major biographies and books exploring the development of Adventist thought, leadership, and prophetic identity. His forthcoming biography of theologian Edward Heppenstall is expected to be released by Pacific Press this summer. Dr. Valentine is also a beloved member of our Azure Hills Church family. He and his wife, Dr. Kendra Haloviak Valentine, live in Riverside, where he enjoys cycling through the citrus groves near

This week’s message walks us through Daniel chapter 6—but not just as a story about lions and deliverance. We’ll uncover how this ancient story points directly to Jesus, the One who was consumed so that we could be saved. We’ll also reflect on how unjust systems—then and now—target those who seek peace, justice, and truth. In a world full of modern-day lion’s dens, we are reminded: "our God is still mighty to save."

For our Diversity Sabbath this year, we're honored to have Dr. Jonathan Park, president of our Southeastern California Conference, as our guest speaker! Elder Park was born in Korea and came to the United States when he was young. He has always wanted to be a pastor, and God has graciously made his dream come true. He is married to Ashley, has three children, and knows he is very blessed. He currently serves in the role of the President of the Southeastern California Conference. He has had the privilege of serving as a local church pastor for several churches for the past 30+ years. His sermon is entitled, "Highest Calling." “The fulfillment of the highest calling experience depends on who you look at.” - Dr. Jonathan Park

Pastor Sabina Vieira will share the message entitled “Naming God: The Legacy of Encounter,” where she will explore the powerful story of an unexpected mother who will challenge the ways we think about legacy and discipleship.

Elder Caleb VinCross preached a sermon titled, "Neither!, the best bad news we need to hear today." You are invited into the presence of God, a place where all belong. Caleb VinCross is a Seventh-day Adventist pastor, educator, and board certified healthcare chaplain. Caleb has a passion for creating space for people to learn, grow, and authentically express their thoughts and feelings. Caleb joins his wife Tara, son Josiah, and daughter Ava on their many adventures in ministry and beyond. He currently serves veterans and their families, focusing on providing support for severe mental illness, substance use, grief, and moral injury.

Jesus resurrects and doesn’t immediately ascend; He stays with His disciples for a few weeks longer. John 21 is a reminder that good things don’t have to be rushed. It’s a story that reveals the pathway to forgiveness and is an invitation to participate in the healing of a fractured world.   Pastor Gabriel Morales will share a sermon called, “The Breakfast Club.”

Final words have weight and meaning. The Scriptures share the final words of Jesus, poignant words spoken from the cross. “Father, forgive them, they know not what they do.” “Amen, I say to you today, you will be with me in Paradise” “Woman, behold, your son….Behold, your mother.” “I thirst.” “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” “It is finished.” “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.” Before we move into celebrating the resurrection, together we meditate on these sacred words. The Azure Hills Pastoral Staff will share short messages on the last words of Jesus. We invite you to take in the depth of the love and sacrifice of Jesus. John 10:18 says, "No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord.”

Revelation testifies that death and suffering, pain and sadness will not always be a part of our story. The Sabbath is a gift now, and a reminder of this hope that is to come. We rest in God’s grace, we cease from our labors, we embrace a subversive way of life, and we feast in God’s presence. Living in Sabbath rhythm gives structured time for joy and reminds us of all that is to come. For six days we do, we work, we create, we build… The seventh day, we remember the joy of the Lord and how we will spend eternity. Pastor Tara VinCross will conclude our sermon series, "Sabbath, a Pathway of Grace," Part 4: “Feasting.”