Content provided by Risen Church NC. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Risen Church NC or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://player.fm/legal.
Fr. Larry Richards is the founder and president of The Reason for our Hope Foundation, a non- profit organization dedicated to ”spreading the Good News” by educating others about Jesus Christ. His new homilies are posted each week.
The Village Church exists to bring glory to God by making disciples through gospel-centered worship, gospel-centered community, gospel-centered service and gospel-centered multiplication.
Host Paul John Roach and his guests find the mystical core and explore the perennial philosophy amidst the infinite variety of the world’s religions and spiritual traditions. Paul emphasizes the practical application of spiritual wisdom imparted from poets, writers, philosophers, mystics, and scriptures in order to foster a deeper awareness and understanding in our everyday lives. Explore over 650 shows with thought leaders and spiritual teachers. #PaulJohnRoach.com
Welcome to the Enjoying Everyday Life TV podcast with Joyce Meyer. To learn more, visit our website at joycemeyer.org or download the Joyce Meyer Ministries App. By supporting Joyce Meyer Ministries, you can help us reach hurting people around the world. To find out more, go to joycemeyer.org/donate
… continue reading
Player FM - Podcast App Go offline with the Player FM app!
<div class="span index">1</div> <span><a class="" data-remote="true" data-type="html" href="/series/clocking-in-with-haylee-gaffin-podcast-about-podcasting-for-podcasters">Clocking In with Haylee Gaffin - Podcast about Podcasting for Podcasters</a></span>
Clocking In is the podcast for podcasters, entrepreneurs, and professionals making their way in the working world, while building their own personal brand in the podcasting industry. If you're a podcaster (or even just dreaming about launching your own podcast someday), this podcast about podcasting was built to help you merge your love of conversation, education, and business. On this show, you'll discover essential tools for podcasters, whether you're just starting out or looking to grow your podcast. We cover everything from podcasting for beginners to advanced podcast strategy, offering podcasting tips that can help you at any stage of your journey. Learn about launching a podcast, developing a content plan, and monetizing a podcast effectively. Each episode is packed with podcasting education to empower you with the knowledge you need to succeed in the ever-evolving world of podcasting. If you've been asking yourself, "How can I grow my show?," this is the podcast for you! Join Haylee Gaffin each week to hear stories and advice on life, entrepreneurship, business, and podcasting! Haylee is the owner of Gaffin Creative, a podcast production company for creative entrepreneurs. This show is brought to you by Gaffin Creative, a podcast production agency for creative entrepreneurs. Learn more about launching and growing your podcast with Gaffin Creative gaffincreative.com . Let's Connect: gaffincreative.com instagram.com/hayleegaffin Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Content provided by Risen Church NC. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Risen Church NC or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://player.fm/legal.
We were not made for the commandments. The commandments were given for us, for our good. In this message, we consider how salvation should produce obedience. We also conclude that obedience is the obvious move, because our best is always on the other side of it.
Content provided by Risen Church NC. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Risen Church NC or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://player.fm/legal.
We were not made for the commandments. The commandments were given for us, for our good. In this message, we consider how salvation should produce obedience. We also conclude that obedience is the obvious move, because our best is always on the other side of it.
Many of us are introduced, motivated, and choose to come to Jesus on the basis of a fairly simple and selfish basis. In short, we don't want to go to Hell. On this same note, Heaven is mostly talked about as a place for reunions and luxury. The Christian life is reduced down to having little to do with what the New Testament actually teaches. While we are certainly saved FROM Hell, Christianity is actually more about being saved FOR something. The Bible teaches that we are saved for God's glory, to live a life that will honor Him and serve His purposes. This is why the New Testament has so much to say about how our lives should be radically transformed by Jesus. Salvation is the starting point of a life that should be sanctified for God's glory. This doesn't put pressure on us to perform, but emphasizes the power of the Holy Spirit within any true believer's heart. In this message, we talk about the first steps we should take as a New Creation in Christ. We listen to Peter cast his vision over us regarding our new identities as chosen, royal, and holy. Peter calls us priests unto God and shows us how our lives should look with Christ as our Cornerstone.…
The world had become a dark, corrupt place by Genesis 6. God expresses emotions not recorded anywhere else in the Bible and the human race is indicted as being totally, utterly depraved. But one man found favor in the eyes of God. But God had mercy for one man amidst the multitude of rebels. In this message, we put a spotlight on the grace of God which spared an unraveling world. Years later, God's grace continues to endure and overcome the persistent sin of humanity. Listen as we unpack God's mercy, Noah's salvation, and much more!…
Isaiah the prophet once wrote that no one has seen, heard, or imagined the things that has prepared for His own to experience once freed from this fallen world. This is often circulated to refer to what Heaven has in store for us in our *next* life. However, the Apostle Paul makes a bold declaration that those who are in Christ can experience these things *right now*... Jesus' Resurrection brought about a new age for all creation. Those who trust in Him and receive His Spirit can enter into His New Creation here and now. We don't have to wait until we get to Heaven to be filled with and led by God's Spirit. What is life like as part of this New Creation? What can we experience now? What things still await us in Heaven? Listen to this first of many conversations about how our longing for more is answered and realized in Christ.…
In this message, we see both pictures of Jesus and patterns to mimic as His followers in the lives of Enoch and Noah. They both stood out in their godless generation because they "walked with God". Listen as we learn how walking with God is possible and expected of God's people, even in an ungodly world.…
Jesus' Resurrection changed everything. It signed and sealed everything that the Cross accomplished. It proved everything Jesus had ever said and did, and authenticated Him as God's Messiah. While Good Friday would have secured our forgiveness, without the Resurrection there would have been so many outstanding concerns. From the paradox of suffering, our persistent sinful impulses, and the questions about death and the afterlife - only Jesus' Resurrection brings clarity and certainty. In this message, we observe how the Disciples wrestled with their unbelief and came to true faith in Jesus because of Easter Sunday. We also learn about these major promises of the Resurrection: Hope for our Trials, Freedom from our Sin, and Victory over Death.…
Good Friday defines and illustrates goodness. It also makes it clear that true, pure goodness is found in Jesus alone. Listen as we reflect on Jesus and His Cross and learn how this day brought favor and hope to us all. We could never be good enough on our own, but Jesus proved that He is good enough. That's why Good Friday will always be enough for us. Jesus forever settled on earth and in Heaven our relationship with God, when His extraordinary, unending goodness met our excessive, unrelenting sin.…
How could someone who spent so much time with Jesus remain lost and ultimately decide to betray Him? The story of Judas is both baffling and typical. He wasn't the only person who followed Jesus for selfish reasons, as many sought to make Him their personalized lord and savior. In the end, the reason Judas followed Jesus became the very reason he betrayed Him. He followed Jesus for personal gain, and then turned Him over when that seemed to promise a better reward. Judas refused to surrender to Jesus as King and saw no need to cling to Jesus as his Savior. He believed the lie that the devil ensnares so many with, and was left hopeless and full of regret.…
Palm Sunday is the intersection of what we often want Jesus to be and who Jesus actually is... What we often envision Christianity to be about and what it actually is about. Everyone expected a king and a kingdom to rise up during the events of Passover 33 AD, and it certainly did. However, nobody could have imagined the way Jesus introduced His rule nor the nature of His Kingdom. Listen as we follow Jesus through the events of Palm Sunday and see how He subverted every expectation that day. His words and actions in the face of such an opportunity reveal the heartbeat of His Kingdom and show us the way forward as God's people. Palm Sunday’s outcome is why we can be saved and it outlines how every saved person must live.…
John 6 is a crossroads in the early Christian movement. The masses assumed they understood Jesus and believed that He could be easily manipulated to get whatever they wanted from God. Perceiving that His signs had been woefully misinterpreted, Jesus sought to clarify His message to His thousands of followers. Alas, at the end of the day, the majority unfollowed Him. In this message, we discuss the motives of the crowds that followed Jesus in those early days. We learn why it was so urgent and necessary that Jesus correct the narrative surrounding His movement, even if it did end up costing Him greatly. He knew that the greater cost would be that which His followers would pay, if they remained so misguided. Listen as we learn about the true, pure, and most fulfilling incentives for following Jesus. His primary purpose isn't to enrich us with temporary stuff, but rather to fill us with Eternal Life. Many turn to Jesus to obtain and consume more, but the true prize comes from following, sacrificing, and surrendering our lives to His greater calling over us.…
For God so loves our rebel race that He continues to have mercy for those who deliberately turn against Him. In the immediate aftermath of the Fall, Cain begs for relief from his self-induced burden and God gives him grace. If we ever question how God feels about sinners like us, Genesis 4 makes that very clear. in response to this grace, Cain's offspring react with even more defiance. Things continue to look bleak for the human race. Yet, God had a plan - He always does. God would raise up a remnant that would live in contrast to the children of man. Even in our generation, God has a remnant and will preserve a people for Himself.…
Jesus came into a world that was so misinformed, misguided when it came to God. Attempts at reconciling with Him had only created further distance and separation between the average person and God. Religious leaders were delusional in their quest to earn God's favor, while common people were downcast in their own sin, guilt, and shame. People were waiting in lines that never took them anywhere good, but only left them with less hope and more questions. In this message, we see Jesus encounter people on both sides of the spectrum, but extending the exact same message. Listen and see how the same Gospel comes to all us, whether in our self-righteousness or self-defeat. Jesus issues the same invitation to us, one of grace, forgiveness, and reconciliation with God.…
In this message we discuss divine appointments, risk vs reward, and the boldness of Christian hope. In one of the most memorable chapters in the Bible, Jesus demonstrates His mastery over demons, disease, and even death.
As hard as it to imagine, there was a time when "Jesus" wasn't synonymous with God and when Christianity wasn't an global institution of grace and truth. 2000 years ago, a line was drawn in history when Jesus entered this world and changed everything. While many generations since haven't worshipped Him as Savior and Lord, they've lived in a world that has been undeniably touched and impacted by Him. That truth alone ought to make everyone take a second look. Even believers should consider Jesus more seriously and sacredly than ever. In this series, we follow the eyewitness account of Jesus' original follower, John, as he details how Jesus began to change the world. In this opening message, we see Jesus encounter John and his friends for the first time and consider John's initial observations of who Jesus was. Together, with the witness of history, we marvel at how Jesus revealed God to a lost, desperate world and kickstarted a movement that has yet to slow down.…
The breakdown of our world was a direct result of the breakdown of the family - the very first family, that is. In this message, we look at God's original mandate given to Adam and Eve pertaining their complementary design and purpose in reflecting the full image of God. We see how both were made in equality, yet given unique responsibilities, for the good of each other and the Kingdom of God. A failure to meet those responsibilities is what caused the first of many dominos to fall in the world, leading to the disorder we still feel today. Listen as we discuss all of this and more - including a quick mention of dinosaurs and some concluding thoughts on God's promise to clean up the mess we had made.…
In this message we discuss: - The origins of sin in our universe. Does evil predate Genesis 3? - If God is sovereign over all things, is it possible that the events of Genesis 3 were part of His plan all along? - Why the original audience for this text would've needed no explanation for the serpent being synonymous with the devil - How the enemy always calls into question the goodness and trustworthiness of God's Word…
Our 1 John series concludes with a conversation about confidence and assurance. In Christ, we can possess an unshakeable faith, preparing us for and motivating us during whatever the Lord wills. John outlines three secrets to obtaining this enduring confidence in God: Anchor our faith in God's Truth, Surrender our lives to God's Plan, and Guard our hearts from sin and idols…
Jesus performed many miracles throughout His ministry, it's hard to keep up with them all. However, Jesus was very strategic and intentional with each divine work. None of them were random acts of power, but rather signs and wonders designed to show people who He really was. While clearly a miracle worker, Jesus came to do something even greater than heal our earthly maladies. He came to forgive sins and deliver our hearts from bondage. Jesus did the unthinkable in His day - He touched the unclean and did good for those that religion had condemned. He gave people their lives back who had long been cast away... but more importantly, He showed those same people what a connection to God was like and provided them Eternal Life.…
We were not made for the commandments. The commandments were given for us, for our good. In this message, we consider how salvation should produce obedience. We also conclude that obedience is the obvious move, because our best is always on the other side of it.
Before the Fall, there was Purpose. Humanity was placed by God in paradise and given responsibility. Even on this side of the fallout, we still look back to God's original vision for our world to understand what we were made for and how we might honor God with our lives.
God didn't rest on the seventh day because He had to but because He could... He could rest because He was finished and everything was in place to operate smoothly and completely. We are called to take hold of this same kind of rest, not to fulfill religious obligations, but to take hold of one of God's greatest promises.…
God's Love is front and center of the Gospel and should remain top of our minds always. In His love, we find a better belonging and through His approval, we find a pathway to become the person we were made to be.
In the opening message of "Beginnings", we discuss the 'why' behind the book of Genesis and marvel at the power and goodness of God on display in the Creation story.
Ephesians promises that the Holy Spirit wants to take our lives to new level of depth and purpose for God's Kingdom. Chapter 4 emphasizes that above all, He desires to see us united to our brothers and sisters in Christ. Discovering and valuing our place in God's family is key for us to rise up to our calling and gifts in Christ.…
If we believe that forgiveness comes through Christ, then we must also embrace the freedom and invitation that He brings to our lives. We have been forgiven so that we might follow Him and walk just as He walked. In this message, we discuss the transformation that salvation brings upon our lives. To follow Jesus is more than to say "no" to sin, but we are commanded and compelled to say "yes" to love. John anchors the Christian walk in how we love our brother, sister, and neighbor. He goes as far to say that if we focus on loving like Jesus did, sin will become an afterthought. Listen as we talk about the contrast between sin and love and set our sights on following Jesus, as closely as we can.…
Proverbs offers all sorts of wisdom for any given area of our lives. It also happens to place premium value on finding our place in the faith community and leaning on one another. In this message, we look at several verses from Proverbs that all build a powerful case for our belonging and investment into our local church. Listen as we discuss the importance of accountability, the danger of isolation, and the blessing of having a Spiritual support system.…
The Holy Spirit desires to change our lives. He has full intentions to overpower our flesh and empty of us of sin. The question will always be - are we cooperating with this transformation? Are we walking in His steps? Listen as we discuss the tension between our flesh and God's Spirit. We emphasize the importance of justification by faith, wherein we lean on Jesus completely. We also see how this kind of faith produces within us a New Life, leading us in a bold, brand new direction.…
To say that the Christian life is full of blessings is not news to most believers. We believe and serve a Good God who indeeds is kind and gracious to His children. However, the true, desired blessings that both Jesus and the New Testament promises us are much greater than, beyond what we've otherwise settled for... In Ephesians, Paul writes with clear intent to direct our eyes higher, above this material world towards the Spiritual promises that God has made us. He leads us along from chapter 1 to 3, speaking of our "Spiritual Blessings", "Glorious Inheritance", which promise the "fullness of God" in our hearts, bringing us "Abundantly More" than we've even considered. Coupled with the teachings of Jesus, it's obvious that there are Spiritual Blessings we've passed over, settling for temporary fixations. Ephesians calls us to discover our true inheritance as believers, exclusively found in the transformation the Holy Spirit wants to bring on our lives. In this message, we decouple ourselves from what we've settled for and set our eyes on a new horizon. What can our lives look like in sync with the Holy Spirit? What new goals can we set? What new aspirations can we live for? Far beyond our temporary satisfactions, focused on short lives full of treasures and pleasures. God is inviting us to accomplish Immeasurable Greatness in His Church - Abundantly More than we've ever even considered.…
Jesus came to manifest God unto the whole world. He came reflecting Heaven's Light and promising life as God always intended us to have. For generations, the truth about God was misconstrued and many religions proposed ways back to Him. Jesus came to set the record straight for all time to come, so that nobody would be in the dark about God or His plans for our lives. Listen as we look back God's original vision for creation and see how Jesus restores both creation and creature. 1 John 1 provides a true benchmark to show whether or not we have come to know God like we can and are enjoying true, eternal life.…
Many relate to Church the same way we do restaurants or stores. We may happen to attend with many other people, but everyone's disconnected, without regard nor obligation to any but one's own interests. While this may be the predominate understanding of church and the Christian faith in our modern world, it couldn't be farther from the Biblical teaching on the Faith Community. In this message, we dive in and hear the truth echoed from all over the Scriptures - how our faith binds us together, to a larger body. We hear both Old and New Testaments stress the importance of vulnerability, accountability, and our shared responsibility. Listen as we define Christianity the way that Jesus did - and still does. If we are following Him, we will belong to His Body and take serious the role we play and the relationships we are called to embrace. From the first faith community in the Garden of Eden to the newly minted Church of Jesus Christ - God's command to every believer is to put WE over ME.…
Have you ever started something that you didn't finish? As easy as it is to start, it's almost easier to quit and walk away. Spiritually speaking, we are all guilty of beginning efforts that will draw us closer to God and His Kingdom, only to lose heart along the way. In this conclusion to our Nehemiah study, we learn about his team's commitment to their work. We discuss the importance of declaring God's call over our lives as great and worthy and why we cannot trust the many dissenting voices that surround us. We also conclude that "greatness" in God's eyes is much different than the way our flesh and world see things. What is your "Great Work" in God's Kingdom? Have you walked away from it? Has your commitment or enthusiasm for it waned over time? Listen as we allow God's Word to motivate us and hear Jesus' call us all to God's Great Work for our lives.…
The first step in thriving spiritually is totally dependent on the steps we take to follow Jesus. A common disconnect between our confession of faith and activation of our faith lies with our misunderstanding of true salvation. To be saved is to follow Jesus, to abide in Christ. If we believe, we will belong to Jesus and follow after Him every single day. Listen as we take salvation back to its roots and outline the basics of Christianity.…
Abiding in Jesus will lead to a transformed life. Our hearts will become aligned with His truth and we will be compelled to act out our faith. In this message, we discuss the common disconnect between what we believe and how we behave. Listen as we hear God's Word give us decisive truth on the subject of faith and good works.…
The Holy Spirit fills the heart of every believer and begins leading us all in a very specific path. His primary desire and purpose for all of us is that we would seek God's glory in all that we do. Jesus told His original disciples that the Holy Spirit would come upon them for a single reason - so that they might be witnesses to His Gospel. In this message, we discuss what it means to be a witness for Christ and how the Holy Spirit narrows our focus on God's will for our lives. Embarking on God's mission will surpass any competing call. The Spirit will show us how our involvement in God's movement on earth is more rewarding than anything else.…
Who is the Holy Spirit? How does He relate to God the Father? To Jesus? What impact should and can have on our lives? In this message, we are introduced to the Holy Spirit and hear how every Christian should come to rest in and rely on Him. In short, the Holy Spirit's role in a believer's life is to bring the presence of God to us and work the power of God through us. He makes us like Jesus and helps us obey the Greatest Commandment through our words and actions.…
How can we find the courage to make the move that God has called us to make? Why are filled with fear and anxiety when we are called to sacrifice something or surrender everything to God? God's callings are greater than any invitation of this world, yet they test us and challenge our fleshly instincts. Only when we've humbled ourselves to Him and given our hearts over to His causes, will we be fueled by His passion. In this message, we study how Nehemiah was able to walk away from His privilege and embrace a life of service. He chose to make God's glory the desire of his soul and never looked back.…
In this message, we take a look back at our Spiritual growth and progress in 2024. We measure ourselves against Peter's words regarding sanctification and a life that glories the Lord. As we finish another lap around the sun, has 2024 been just another lap around the mountain? Or have we become more holy? Have you become more Christ-like this year? Would you describe your attitude and actions as others' first? We have been saved unto this end - so that we might thrive Spiritually and be holy, as God is holy.…
The world becomes a different, better place for a few weeks every December. Everywhere we turn, we hear the Good News of Jesus Christ proclaimed. Even the non-believing world takes notice and feels the effects. There is an undeniable, palpable spirit of hope, peace, joy and love in the air. In this Christmas Eve message, we reflect on the power behind Christmas and marvel at the impact of the birth of Jesus. From a throne to a manger, the world received its final, ultimate King.…
The Christmas story punctuates God's amazing grace on so many levels, but maybe the most powerful takeaways are the revelations within its backstory. Some of the most embarrassing episodes from Israel's past just so happen to involve some of the ancestors of Jesus. It would make sense that these stories be buried and forgotten, but no - Matthew highlights them as he sets up his Gospel. As someone who had been scorned by society for his past, Matthew relished in being chosen to tell the story of Jesus. Perhaps what delighted him the most was to be able to remind people that Jesus came from a long line of sinners. God isn't embarrassed or ashamed to include any of us in His family. Our backstories simply make us prime candidates to experience the salvation that Jesus came to bring.…
Christmas came to bring good news of great joy to all people - particularly, all SINNERS. How do we know this? Well, because Christmas came THROUGH generations of all kinds of sinners. In this message, we study the life of the namesake Israel's most famous and important tribe. It turns out, Judah wasn't selected to be the progenitor for God's Messiah because he was good, but rather the opposite. His life demonstrated just how much the world need a Savior.…
It's easy to excuse people who have been dealt the worst hand and have become bitter as a result. We understand that if only things had went better, maybe they wouldn't be broken. However, we know exceptions to this rule - people who consistently rise above their troubles who choose to respond to life's unexpected turns with extraordinary perspective and grace. In this message, we see how Daniel responded to some of the worst news anyone could ever receive. We marvel at his faith and discuss how we might remain strong when confronted with adversity. Discover how choosing to be thankful no matter what is key to remaining faithful throughout life. We too can choose the extraordinary path in our lives, by which we see and are full of God's goodness whether or not we feel good.…
Every Christian should be full of gratitude towards God. Thankfulness isn't an emotion, but rather a decision and an attitude that we must constantly possess. If we don't choose to be thankful, we will become forgetful of what the Lord has done. The Bible also calls us deeper, beyond just saying that we're thankful. We are called to show that we're thankful by leveraging our gifts for God's glory. In fact, God desires that we mimic in Him in generosity so that others may become aware of God's goodness and join in with praise. In this message, we connect the dots between God's blessings on us to God working through us. What begins with giving thanks is meant to produce a lifestyle of giving and serving. By this, others will discover our God and we can take hold of an even greater reward.…
Revelation 21 is *the* longing of every heart. We may not realize it. We may feel as if other desires are stronger. Truthfully, every desire we have is an overflow of this ultimate longing for Heaven. The Bible teaches that God has set Eternity at the center of every heart, and deep down, we want to be with Him more than anything. Revelation 21 gives us a glimpse of a future we can have with God, and offers to set our hope in the right direction. In this message, we discuss this longing within us all and talk about the core promises of Heaven. We learn how the hope of Heaven can give us perspective and purpose for every day life. Also, we hear one final warning of how foolish it is to jeopardize our souls, attempting to find satisfaction in all the wrong places.…
In this message, we discuss the sobering subject matter of Hell and eternal judgment. We discuss the reason there is a place called Hell and then learn what an eternity of judgement might be like. More importantly, we also learn how Jesus offers everyone a way to be saved. On the cross, He welcomed on Himself a torrent of judgement, that was the combined punishment due to every sinner across all time. In His three hours of suffering, He experienced an eternity's worth multiplied by all in need of salvation. In light of what our Savior suffered for all and the extent He went to pardon us, the subject of Hell cannot be ignored.…
We all know what it's like to lose hope. So often the many variables we place our hope in prove unsustainable and as they falter, we faint. In this message, the Bible exposes the futility in placing our hope in fragile, uncertain variables. We are invited to trust only in the one and only constant, the God of the Universe. Daniel teaches us that God truly is in control of all the elements of this world. Daniel brings a word of challenge and conviction to King Nebuchadnezzar, which sends him off the deep-end of insecurity. The king attempts to secure his power, making an example out of Daniel's three friends. Their response sends shockwaves throughout all the world and all time to come, as they showcase what it looks like to have a hope that is unshakeable and fireproof.…
In this series, we study the lives of four sons of Judah who have their entire worlds turned upside down, and yet they retain their faith. Everything that they had prepared for and dreamed of was taken from them, setting in motion a series of unpredictable events. This message spotlights Daniel's determination and resilience in the face of adversity and uncertainty, and shows us a core pillar of the Christian faith. Our foundation in a Resurrected Savior anchors and aims our lives in an ever positive direction, instilling within us a "refuse to lose" attitude.…
We all struggle with purpose. What is our purpose? We turn to and lean on worldly systems for affirmation and confirmation of purpose. We long for a sense of peace and power, which comes from feeling good about our place in life. In this message, we peel back all the distractions and detours this world offers us, and clue into our shared purpose as Christians. We discover that when we keep our God-given mission at the center of our lives, then we are freed from being so sensitive to this world. Listen as God's Word clarifies our true purpose, calls us to our ultimate mission, and promises us an out-of-this-world peace and power.…
In this message, we discuss how our faith intersects with our political landscape. How should Christians process and react to the outcomes of elections and attitude/actions of our government? Listen and be encouraged, challenged, and filled with God's peace... We learn 4 major truths about how God is at work over and above our current events: - God is Sovereign (Colossians 1:15-17) - God is Right (Daniel 4:34-35) - God is Purposeful (Acts 8:1-8) - God is Merciful (Jonah 3:1-5) We also talk about 4 crucial things that Christians ought to value and prioritize: - Kingdom > Country (Acts 17:7) - People > Politics (1 Peter 2:13-17) - Unity > Division (John 17:20-23) - Witness > Winning (Matthew 5:13-16)…
The mastermind behind the kingdoms of man has always been our Adversary, the devil. His most sly, subtle, underestimated tactic through the ages has been to incite a spirit of rebellion in the heart of every person. The easiest route to deceiving people is through the kingdoms we call home and how they offer us an immediate semblance of comfort and peace. However, the Bible makes it clear that every nation, from every age and generation, is just another beast, in which God's people are placed to be lights and prophetic witnesses. In this message, we begin with Genesis 11 and hear the rally cry that is at the heart of every nation, kingdom, and empire. Mankind sets out to make a name for itself and build something for itself, to protect and preserve its own. Ultimately, this has always led to God being an afterthought and His greater purpose being forsook for something temporary. Listen as we navigate the tension of our desire for God to sanction and support the beasts of this world, while hearing the Word tell us clearly that our purpose is to endure and outlast our temporary homes. Hearing how the New Testament instructed Christians within Rome, offers a sobering perspective to us who find ourselves in a far more comfortable, albeit deceptive position. At the end of the day, our victory will never be found in the beastly kingdoms of this world obtaining or maintaining a certain standard. Our hope is in Jesus and He shows us how we might live for, rest in, and rely on Him and not conform to the image of the beast.…
Samson is known for the riddles he told, but his life and story are a riddle in and of themselves. He was clearly gifted and used by God, while also being blatant and defiant in his sin. God's patience and sovereignty over Samson's life is contrasted by his own casual mishandling of sacred, serious moral issues. In this message, we look at Samson's remarkable strengths and startling weaknesses. We see how he eventually succumbed to the consequences of sin, which offers us a reflection of our own vulnerabilities. Listen as God's word brings us both conviction and healing.…
In this message, we discuss what Heaven will be like for those who die in Christ and who are taken up when He returns. We look at how worship and a devotion to Jesus will be a constant according to Revelation. This leads into a reflection on how we understand worship here on earth and discussion about our unity with other believers. We also discuss the judgment that Christians will face and THE event that God the Father is most looking forward to when all His children are finally home.…
When the final kingdom of this world has fallen, after 21 different judgments are poured out - there's still more to the story. When everything this world has called good and relied on for generations has been consumed and fades away - there's still something better on the horizon. In this message, we let the words of Revelation 19 instill us with hope and joy. After all of the doom and dread of Revelation 6-18, an Eternal Kingdom appears and shows us the destination that God has always promised. When the kingdoms and domains of this world are long past, there is a home in the Heavens that promises believers an eternity of bliss.…
The Bible talks a great deal about strongholds of evil that are established by the devil, meant to frustrate and inhibit the work of God within the people of God. We often assume that these strongholds are built around places or groups of people, but they are actually most present within every heart. Misidentifying our true enemy has caused many of us to engage in the wrong battles and ignore the true battles within us. In this message, we discover how Satan builds fortresses in our hearts and how we cannot underestimate our own weaknesses. Ephesians gives us a battle strategy that has proven to be the only path forward in our fallen world.…
Satan's greatest deception and most successful tactic against Christians has always been through religion. He has constantly worked to turn the movement of God, into a museum about God, where the mission is emphasized and mood and memories are prioritized. Through religion, Satan lulls us into a state of comfortable detachment from God, where we are deceived by a superficial association with Him. We fall for this artificial alternative, because it offers a quick ease for our conscience. Like the Jewish faith before ours, Christianity often devolves into just another religion. Churches become more about pacifying than propelling people forward and igniting passion with them. Listen as we discuss Satan's unnoticed stronghold at the center of our faith and how we might restore our churches to being the movement and mission that God intended.…
Early on in life we learn how to monitor and modify our behavior based on our surroundings. While this may quell our bad habits and repercussions, eventually it begins to enable a worse habit. Overtime, we ignore the impulses behind the actions. We may not say or do the wrong things in front of the right people, but we still carry the sinful desires in our hearts. In this message, we examine our hearts through the many Biblical warnings about the origins of sin. Every sinful action flows from a sinful desire that has established a stronghold in our hearts. If we settle for pretending and masquerading, continually suppressing and excusing the enemies of our heart, then we will never truly break free from sin or be filled with better, godly emotions.…
Being a Jesus follower means we've received a brand new identity, with access to a brilliant, unbelievable opportunity in God's Kingdom. In this message, we consider the wonder of Jesus' invitation to us all and how privileged we are to be included in God's plan. In spite of who we are compared to Him, He has chosen us to be key players in His mission to save the world and offers us an out-of-this-world anointing and purpose.…
Everybody wants to be great. We want to be great in every category and on every level. Politicians promise greatness. Advertisement campaigns are all about making people feel and look great. Revelation looks forward to the final kingdom of man, which in many ways is the ultimate form of all the preceding kingdoms. Revelation 18 refers to Babylon as being great, exceeding everyone's expectations. However, it also previews Babylon and all of its greatness going down in flames. In this message, we take a look at how greatness according to this world is so vastly different than greatness according to God. Jesus came to a people so desperate to be greater than all the rest and showed them a brand new way forward. Listen as we discuss what makes one great in the Kingdom of God and how futile it is to chase greatness in this world.…
Presiding over every kingdom of man, permeating the structures on every level of society is the spirit of Babylon. This agenda has long been leveraged by the Enemy to solidify and further the separation between God and man. In this message, we look at how the beastly kingdoms have always deceived the masses with illusions of power, treasure, and pleasure. These all have proven to be empty promises to every generation that falls for the traps set by the devil. What outwardly presents as beautiful, appealing to our flesh and pride, only ever leads to loss and death.…
In an age of multitasking, we are also prone to multi-worship - that is, split our devotion between God and many other masters. We may not bow at idols like the ancient pagans, but we certainly order our lives around vain, lifeless rulers. In this message, we examine the many idols we have elevated above God and realize that much of our behavior reveals the altars we bow at. If we are going to follow Jesus, we must unfollow any and all that competes for first place in our lives. Good things that we've made ultimate. People that we've elevated to unholy heights. The things that our time, talent, and treasure flows to. All of these can become idols that not only rival God, but take His place in our hearts.…
Revelation 16 gives us a glimpse of the day on which Earth's last mortal kingdom will fall. No matter how peaceful, prosperous, or powerful any nation or empire of this world may seem, there is an expiration date on them all. In this message, we look at the series of plagues that will fall on the earth in the last days. These all serve as judgements on a world that has believed itself to be invulnerable and self-sufficient. Truthfully, our world is pummeling towards a final day of distress and conflict. Our only hope is in the King above all kings, and His Kingdom to come.…
Are you really following Jesus? It's one thing to say we believe or to obey certain religious commands, but following Jesus is truly measured in how we behave and live out our daily lives. In this message, we hold ourselves up to the ultimate litmus test of Christianity - The Sermon on the Mount. In this famous message, Jesus lays out a practical path for every disciple to walk. If we are truly His followers, it will show up in our real lives.…
There have been many reminders of our world's fallen, fragile nature throughout the generations. As the Day of the Lord draws near, nature and society will fracture and crack even more. All of these things should cause us to look up... for our redemption is coming soon.
In this series, we go back to the basics (and the Bible) to discover the most essential truth about Christianity. That is, there is no version of the Christian faith where following Jesus is not at its heart. Our modern world defines Christianity dozens of different ways, with various degrees of severity and flexibility. However, according to God's Word, there is only *one way* to be a Christian- Be a Follower of Jesus. What does that mean? What does that look like? Listen to find out the simple, yet convicting foundation of our faith.…
As merciful as our God is and as many chances as we are all afforded, eventually our earthly lives will come to an end. This doesn't take anything away from His grace, but points to God's sovereign plans and our finite nature. He's given us an opportunity to live for His glory and eventually, that opportunity will end. Our lives may end, but our stories will go on and be remembered forever. How we respond to God's grace all throughout our lives will determine how our stories play out and the legacy that will go with us into eternity. Listen as we consider the tragic story of Israel's last king and how a series of foolish decisions eventually led to the entire nation's defeat. Nobody in the story believed that the end would come so soon, until it was unfortunately too late. At that point, there would be no "come backs", but a reckoning for all that had led to this moment.…
This message spotlights some of the most forgotten heroes of our faith who all experienced rejection and disappointment. God sent special revelation and comfort to them- which continues to serve as inspiration to us. Listen as we hear God's promises to raise us up from life's lowest moments and sustain us by His grace. In Christ, there is acceptance and a belonging that even our greatest disappointment can't undermine or overshadow.…
In this message, we study the difference between those marked by the Beast vs those marked by the Lamb. Revelation 14 gives us a description of those redeemed by God, in contrast to those who have fallen completely away. Listen as we discuss God's image and what our lives look like when we've been restored through Christ.…
Bitterness and resentment can be like an albatross around our neck- dead weight that will only drag us down and hold us back. Of course, nobody becomes bitter or resentful because they want to. In most cases, these emotions are the overflow of other peoples' actions. We would have much rather done without the hard feelings. In this message, we look at two powerful stories which spotlight the power of trusting in God and forgiving others. When life deals us an unfortunate, unfair hand, our instinctive response will almost always distance us from God's plans to redeem and restore us. Listen as we marvel at the likes of Jospeh, Joshua, and Caleb - who all took their hurt and betrayal to God and pressed on in spite of all that was stacked against them. They removed the weight from their necks and they allowed God to heal their hearts.…
"God helps those that help themselves" This is an old proverb that is often repeated and even assumed to be rooted in the Scriptures. However, it couldn't be any further from the Bible and its truth. In this message, we study the life of a man who couldn't stop trying to help himself and brute force his way in life. It took decades of trying and continually overcomplicating everything for him to finally surrender to God's way. Many of us realize we need to improve and have obstacles to overcome, but if we don't follow God's path to recovery we will only make matters worse.…
Satan has been attempting to copy and counter God since the Fall. He offers us up counterfeit, imitations to deceive people, and ultimately destroy them. Satan has long been desired to be worshipped in the place of God and has lured many to give the praise that only God deserves. In this message, we learn about his ultimate copy and what will be the culmination of all his schemes. When the Holy Spirit pulls back from this world and everything descends into chaos - the devil will revel in his chance to bring humanity down with him. His final act of deception will be through an antichrist- a knockoff messiah whose endgame will be everything but saving. Listen as we imagine a world that could fall for such a ploy and see how it's not as unlikely as it may first seem. There's much to speculate about concerning Revelation 13, but one things for sure - it represents a future point of no return for this world and everyone left in it.…
Looming over every generation is a shadow of evil and deception. Our fallen world has been a domain of beasts- wild, unruly kingdoms with short-sighted vision and man-centered goals. In Revelation 13, John sees a vision of a world overran by a kingdom destined for judgement. Behind the nations, corporations, and institutions that lead people astray is a dragon- the same devil who has attempted to usurp God and destroy His people from the beginning. While most of the world is always bowing to the beast and its dragon overlord, a remnant of believers is called to persevere and keep the faith. Although oppression be fiery and obstacles be aplenty, the reward for the faithful is eternal. Listen as we talk about how Revelation 13 reflects our current world back at us and discover how we are all tempted to serve the beast every day. While certainly previewing the end of this age, this text proves to be a sobering reminder of the evil influence at work today and the call for us all to patiently endure.…
We can't always start over or obtain a clean slate. Most of our lives are built on top of many sins, mistakes, unwelcome circumstances - but these don't have to be the end of us. Jesus invites us to put these things behind us and walk by faith, however limited it may be. He also calls for us to identify our sin and guilt and allow Him to extract it from our lives. Listen as this first message in our new series shows us the path forward from our most challenging, frustrating seasons of life. Indeed, we can take heart knowing that Jesus promises healing and restoration.…
Revelation gives us a glimpse at the future reckoning which will come against our fallen world and the powers of darkness that overshadow it. We even get a brief look into the Spiritual realm, where God will once and for all bring an end to Satan and every force of evil. This short passage in Revelation 12 details the end of Satan as our accuser and promises an end to Satan as our stumbling block. In this message, we search the Scriptures for reasons as to why God has allowed him to be either of these throughout time. We hear conclusive truth on these matters and much more. Listen and be encouraged by God's sovereignty over evil and learn how we might endure and overcome every obstacle and trial for His glory.…
When distresses come, is your initial response to worship the Lord? There probably isn't a more unnatural suggestion, right? Nonetheless, the Bible instructs us to do this again and again. Psalm 118 doesn't just tell us to do this though, it explains why we should and the blessing that's found when we do it. In this message, we learn why God sovereignly allows our lives to enter valleys and trials. We gain perspective on the prevailing goodness of God and His unfailing love. Listen as we find both comfort and challenge from God's Word on this ever-relevant subject. In our distresses, we can find refuge in the Lord. When troubles surround us, we can actually take solace knowing that we are right where we need to be, with God on our side.…
Christians are called to seek out and set their minds on the better pathways made accessible through God's grace. Jesus has opened up to all of us a brand new way of life, whereby we walk in true fellowship with God and reflect Him to our world. In this message, we look at the most important of all the pathways laid out for us by God's Word: the Christian standard for our relationships. Listen as we unpack the selfless, humble way taught by Paul and demonstrated by Jesus Himself. We cannot be authentically, convincingly Christian if we are not Christ-like in this core, essential area of our lives. If we are going to truly walk with God and have relationships that endure and thrive, there is no other way than this... The health of our families, friendships, churches, and communities depends on every one of us embracing and committing to Philippians 2:3-5.…
Nobody ever intends on getting lost, but we've all been there. Not just in our travels, but figuratively speaking. We've all arrived at places in our lives that are less than the best we dreamed about. As much as we'd like to hope otherwise, good intentions don't matter if we're going in the wrong direction. In this series, we discuss how if our hearts are not submitted to God's truth, then we will always find ourselves drifting and straying from the right path. Our emotions and senses deceive us and distract us again and again, disconnecting us from the good and right path. Listen as we discuss how we might confront our nature to perceive life and respond based on how we feel, by submitting our whole heart to God's rule. By seeking Him and setting our affections on Him, we can follow new rules for life and stay on His perfect path.…
God's warning to Ancient Israel about how they might protect and preserve their freedom turns out to be just as relevant to our generation. Listen as we hear what the Bible says about our God given freedom, the fear that always follows it, and how we might ensure the best possible future for us and our children.…
Before a storm rolls in, you can almost always hear thunder in the distance. Revelation 6 begins with thunder roaring from the Heavens, before going into great detail of the storm that will one day come upon this world. In this message, we breakdown the outline of the "Apocalypse" as described in Revelation 6. Ushered in by four horsemen, there is indeed a day of judgment on the horizon. Listen as we unpack what these signs could be pointing to and how it ultimately will lead to the earth's restoration.…
We have such a unique opportunity before us each and every day, living under and by the promises of God. Our place in history only adds to the blessings of knowing Jesus. Our privilege and good fortune cannot be overstated. In this message, we hear Jesus hold us accountable by reminding us of our great opportunity and tremendous responsibility. May we all count our blessings and consider what God requires of us.…
In this message, we take a look at three passages that highlight our Triune God and how He is Father, Son, and Spirit. In all three, we see how we can encounter Him and be transformed through a deep, personal relationship.
Pentecost is our annual reminder that Heaven's momentum is on our side. No matter what may seem to frustrate us, the mighty, rushing wind of Heaven is at our backs and driving us forward.
If there's one constant in Heaven, it's worship. Worship is ascribing praise to that which we consider most valuable. Obviously, there's no question that God is worthy of all the attention in Heaven. Revelation 4-5 gives us a glimpse of Heaven and challenges us to adopt a similar posture of worship here on earth.…
The third section of Revelation begins in chapter 4 and continues until the end of the book. After speaking to the things which God had done through Christ and addressing the Church, John is called up to Heaven to see what the future holds. In this message, we learn about the promise of rapture and resurrection that the Church will experience one day. We discuss all that the Bible teaches about this our ultimate hope. We also catch a glimpse of what awaits every believer upon our arrival to Heaven and discover how we can get a taste of it here on earth.…
We all want forgiveness. We all want to feel forgiven, free from our guilt and shame. In this message, we look at this universal longing of every human heart and how God alone can answer it. He has always wanted us to know that He is forgiving and desires to give us peace. Jesus made the great exchange, when He took our guilt and shame, in order to give us salvation. Through Christ, we can receive forgiveness and by His grace, we can be redeemed in full.…
Jesus' final word to the Church in Revelation spotlights two different congregations, on opposite extremes of the spectrum. One was persevering against all odds, while the other had lost sight of God completely. In this message, we hear Jesus encourage us to embrace all of the grace that God has for us and make the most of every opportunity. We also hear a word that challenges any notion of complacency or sin that may creep into our hearts. He has set an open door in front of us all, but we must keep the door to our hearts opened. He is always willing, but we must always keep heart set on Him.…
Jesus issues a stern warning to the Church about the Enemy's plot to sidetrack us from our mission. The greatest danger may seem to be from those who seek to do us harm, but according to Jesus it's something much more subtle. In this message, we talk about Satan's strategy to corrupt the Church from within, to plant seeds of compromise and turn us away from the Truth. Listen as Jesus calls us all to be wake up and walk in our sacred purpose.…
If Jesus were to speak to the Church today, what would He say? It would probably be pretty close to what He said to the Churches of Asia in Revelation 2-3. In this message, we look at His word to the first selection of congregations, bringing both peace and pressure. Our time serving as His Church is limited and borrowed. His return is certain, which brings us comfort. However, this also brings us a certain level of conviction, knowing that we will give an account for how we spent our time on His stage.…
Every decision we make and action we take involves some kind of sacrifice. Regardless who those sacrifices are made for, there's no denying that all of our priorities are a result of a series of sacrificial choices. In this message, we once again hear Jesus call us to a life devoted to following Him- one in which we must be willing to lay everything down for God. We consider how Jesus is speaking to the sacrifices we all make and that He is simply trying to steer us in the best direction. If we are going to live forever in Heaven and if how we live on earth is going to impact our eternity- shouldn't we welcome Jesus' guidance on how to spend our lives? If He knows what's best and how we can avoid making the wrong sacrifices, why wouldn't we listen to what He has to say?…
From the day that Jesus launched His Church, He has invited every one of His followers to join it and help build it. Yes, that includes every one of us. Ephesians 4 is one of many invitations from God to us all, that we would wake up to our calling and realize the role we've been given. Not only are we all called, but we are also all gifted by God. Called and gifted, this message shows us how we can live lives that matter for God's Kingdom and make much of every opportunity. The Church services equips us so that we might serve and edify the Church Body. If we all do our share, the Church will become a stronger, more united movement for God.…
Revelation was given to the Church to be a timeless resource of inspiration for every generation. As the church exists in the margins of society, enduring great trials, this book is meant to always restore our hope. In this opening message, we look at the landscape of the Church across the first century and see how God was calling them to maintain their witness and keep their hopes anchored in Christ. Revelation 1's words prove just as relevant to us and remind us to keep our eyes on Heaven, always.…
Of all the powers that ruled and fought for control of the Ancient Middle East, Persia was the one nation that Israel never engaged in conflict with. In fact, Persia played a special role in restoring Israel after a long period of captivity. This makes the mention of a future war between Israel and Persia one of the most perplexing prophecies of the Bible. Fast forward a few thousand years, and a long winding road has led to our current world, where Israel and Persia (Iran) have seemed destined for war for decades now. After years of threats and false starts, Iran has finally made its first move against Israel. In this message, we chronicle the journey that Israel has taken over the past 2000 years and discuss the fulfilled prophecy of Ezekiel 37. We also take a look at how the Arab nations responded to Rome's erasure of Israel and how history was rewritten in its absence. All of this leads us into a historical overview of the 21st century, where Israel was reborn and Iran became its greatest rival. Listen as we discuss how this ancient prophecy suddenly becomes as relevant as it ever has been. So much remains uncertain, but one things for sure- God is sovereign over the nations and everything is progressing according to His plans.…
It's His Church. It's our turn. And Peter is our greatest example of how to mature from a Jesus consumer to a true Jesus follower. Simon Peter started following Jesus for the same reason anyone does- Jesus did something for him. Peter immediately got lost in the wonder of what else Jesus might do for his life, so he became one of Jesus' first and most vocal disciples. As Jesus cast His vision for what His movement would look like, Peter and others questioned their involvement. While Peter made bold confessions, his behavior clearly revealed his compromised heart. When association with Jesus proved to be a great risk, Peter abruptly unfollowed Him. However, Jesus didn't give up on Peter... In this message, we see Peter's transformation from self-seeking to Kingdom-seeking. We see how he eventually arrives at an all-in mentality and challenges the rest of the Church to do whatever it takes to stay obedient to Jesus.…
Easter brings us into a brand new, resurrection reality. We don't have to fall back to our old ways, our former emotions and behaviors because we have been lifted up with Christ. Listen and learn how Jesus' resurrection transforms us from the inside-out!
Jesus cast a grand vision from the very onset of His ministry that became more and more central to His message as time went on. After His resurrection, He reminded His disciples how everything had been building up to this moment. Now it was their turn... In this message, we hear Jesus lay the foundation for His Church and learn how it is God's big plan for every generation. Listen as Jesus passes the baton to us and learn how He prayed specifically for us- that we might make the most of our opportunity to be His Church. Now it's our turn...…
What's so "good" about the Friday on which Jesus died? Hindsight is everything and allows us to see exactly what God was doing through Jesus' crucifixion. Listen as we discuss the major promises of Good Friday: Our Hope, Our Purpose, and God's Love
Jesus came to redefine what it meant to know and follow God. While many believed He was Messiah after seeing the signs and wonders, they still had a warped understanding of what the Messiah had come to do. The heart of Mark's Gospel shows Jesus challenging His followers' conviction about godliness, teaching them about a true, genuine relationship with God. In this message, we hear Jesus detail what living a godly life looks like. He teaches us how to be/do good and how to be great in the Kingdom of God. His way stands in sharp contrast to our preconceived notions and ideologies, but will save us from a wasted, selfish life.…
On Palm Sunday, the shouts were, "Hosanna, Blessed be the name of the Lord." Just a few days later, on Good Friday, the cries were, "Crucify Him!" and curses were shouted at Jesus. Things changed so quickly, revealing the ongoing, hypocrisy and rebellion at the heart of humanity. However, Jesus' resolve and mission remain the same. He wasn't a king like they had expected, when they waved palm branches and lauded Him with praise. He was a different kind of king, come to do something unthinkable and unexpected. Jesus had come to bring redemption to our rebel race, to bring salvation instead of judgment. As Passion Week unfolded, the worst of humanity would be on full display, while the absolute best would be poured out by God. On this Palm Sunday, we remember Jesus the King - a King like no other. Although the celebration 2000 years ago was short-lived, He has indeed ascended to His throne and we owe Him nothing but shouts and praise.…
How did Jesus meet (and exceed) all of the Old Testament expectations for what the Messiah would be like? Listen as we study and discuss how Mark presents Jesus as: - The Most Brilliant Teacher, revealing the secrets to knowing God - The Master and Lord Over All, deserving our full trust - The Ultimate Healer, who saves us from sin and death…
Religion often makes it seem that God is most passionate about being right and condemning sinners. Jesus came to reveal that God was actually most passionate about being right with sinners. In this message, we see Jesus face off against the Pharisees, with a sinful woman's fate hanging in the balance. We learn how Jesus came to save us from our sin and the debt we all owe. We also learn how Jesus came to save us from having to save ourselves. Because of Jesus, sinner and pharisee alike can be fully saved and totally freed. In Christ, there is no more shame, no more sin, and no more self-righteousness.…
Jesus is the full expression of God's passion. As Jesus told Nicodemus, His mission on earth was driven by love and meant to demonstrate God's love for the world. The story in John 4 underscores God's passion for people in that it features Jesus going out of His way to reach a certain woman. In the same way that Jesus was driven by passion, so can we find a new, totally satisfying way of life in Him.…
Check out the first installment in our Road to Calvary Bible Study. An outline is providing below: The Road to Calvary: Heaven Sent - Mark 1 1) A Bridge from Old to New - 1:1-8 - Fulfilling Old Testament - Replacing Old Covenant - Providing New Way 2) A Connection between God and Man - 1:9-13 - Relationship with man - Relationship with God - Rescue from Enemy 3) A Pathway from Earth to Heaven - 1:14-20 - Change your outlook - Change your occupation - Confront your opposition…
Sometimes God's plans for our lives are different than the plans we've envisioned for ourselves. Sometimes we can easily conflate worldly success with God's perfect will. Listen as David learns that God was taking his life in a different direction than he anticipated. While at first he resists and fights against it, he later surrenders to the greater work that God had in mind to do.…
For thousands of years, the people of Israel had God's Word, full of sufficient revelation about God. Even though this should have been enough to bring people to Him, God decided to do something greater for the lost, confused world. When God took on flesh, the Logos took on Pathos - God poured His heart on all creation. Jesus came showcasing God's passion for the world, seeking to ignite passion within us all. Listen as we unpack the irresistible invitation that Jesus has given us all and learn how we might come and see how God can change our lives.…
The story of Jonathan is one that's too often overlooked and perhaps misunderstood. As King Saul is driven by ego and jealousy, his relationship with his son was fractured. David found himself in the middle of their strife and got to observe one of the most humbling, inspiring acts in all the Scriptures. Listen as Jonathan shows us how beauty can be found amidst life's letdowns and how God is at work in our greatest disappointments.…
The early church set the bar for what it looked like to walk in the fullness of our salvation. The original disciples were just ordinary people, made into extraordinary servants of God by the power of Christ. Listen as we marvel at the extent they all went to in their service to God and learn how we might measure up to the original, Christian standard.…
We are no match for our spiritual giants - our flesh and sin. On our own, we are outranked and outnumbered. We need a Savior. The story of David and Goliath is a picture and preview of the work that Jesus came to do for us all, and the New Life that He enables us to live. In Christ, we can face our giants and we can indeed overcome. Just as He overcame sin and death, we can walk in this gift of salvation and be empowered by His grace.…
There's a fine line between being called by God and actually knowing every detail about His plan for our life. Navigating this space between requires waiting with patience and trust. In this message, we talk about how God always has a plan laid out and how we can have confidence that He will open doors in due time. We also discuss how we should conduct ourselves while we wait and once the opportunities begin to come.…
Jesus said that following Him leads us into an abundant, extraordinary life. In this message, we hear how our lives can go above and beyond for God's Glory.
God is not the least bit impressed, moved by, concerned with physical appearance or experience. Religion loves to emphasize appearance, experience- the sights, sounds, feelings. However, God cares about our hearts, what kind of person we are.
While it was never God's perfect will for Saul to be Israel's king, God was more than willing to bless and guide him. Refusing to defer the glory to God and humble himself, Saul set out on a path of self-destruction. Listen as we learn about Saul's downfall, a reign that was quickly disgraced through foolish, short-sighted decisions. We discuss the difference between putting God first and putting one's self first, and learn where the greatest gain is found.…
When his father sets aside his duties as king and takes the day off, Jonathan steps up to the plate and is determined to protect God's people. Unsure of what he should do, he turns to the Lord and puts all of his trust in Him. Listen as we discuss what it looks like to fully rely on God and be willing to obey Him even amidst uncertainty.…
From our ears to our hearts, there's often a disconnect between we've heard and what we feel able to do. When it comes to hearing God's Word, we all have had intentions of following through, yet somethings frustrates our hearts again and again. In this message, we talk about the importance of clearing our minds and giving priority to God's promises and guidance. If our minds are preoccupied or distracted by lesser things, then our hearts will never be filled with God's peace and power. Listen as we study about this battle within all of our minds and learn how we might can endure and overcome.…
Many things in life leave us broken and can make us bitter, but what if God has a plan and intends all along to make us better than before? Listen as Job's story inspires us to take heart in the midst of all uncertainty and find hope in God's promises.
In one of Jesus' most dramatic sermons, He addressed how serious it is for us to continue in sin and what great extent we ought to go to in order to overcome it. His proposed solution is intentionally extreme, meant to make all of us pause and consider how detrimental it is to remain out of God's Will. Listen as we discuss the nature of sin and how it causes all of us struggles in various ways. We hear Jesus offer us grace and true deliverance from the many stumbling blocks that we all face. We all know what it's like to face temptations and trials, but we can likewise know and experience the help God promises to provide.…
With every new year comes unknowns and unpredictability. We often wonder and worry over what we cannot be certain about. However, there is far more that is known and predictable about any given year than we may realize. Every January, a new cycle begins, with much of what we've experienced before set to repeat. Having been there and done that, we have the wisdom we need to face whatever comes our way. In this message, we focus on the constants and certainties that we can count on this year. Most important of them all, is the promise and assurance of our God. We've witnessed Him work, provide, deliver, and comfort us year after year - surely He has prepared us for what lies ahead? Listen as we reflect on what we've learned from years past and set our sights on what might come next. Whether 2024 brings many opportunities or challenges, we know that God will show. He always has and He always will.…
God intended on building a kingdom through the prophet Samuel, that would unite Israel around His Will and Way. Yet after glimpses of revival, the people chose to prioritize their own kingdom. In this message, we examine the poor choice made by Israel and how it reflects our own common misunderstandings of prayer and submission to God. We'll see how the people took the bait of worldly looks and power and shifted their faith from God to mere man. In this study, we learn how easy it is to repeat this mistake and also how to easily avoid it. As Saul is chosen to be their king, God invites him to use his position to seek after a greater glory - an invitation that we all receive with every gift that is given to us. Listen and learn what it means to be a good steward of God's varied grace. By remembering and honoring Him in all that we do, we will faithfully manage and leverage our lives for His Kingdom's sake.…
Christmas changed everything History bears witness to the indisputable mark that Christmas and the birth of Jesus left on this world. There's just no denying just how significant a day that first Christmas was. The question is, do our hearts bear witness to a similar impact? Has Jesus and the reality of Christmas changed us?…
Christmas explains so much about God. It brings clarify and understanding to His approach throughout history and adds context to what may guide His decisions over any of our lives. The finer details of the Christmas story, particularly those God selected to be front and center of it all, are meant to underscore the nature of the salvation He brought into the world. In this message, we discover the joy that's available to us all through the Christmas gift. We observe how He chose the most unexpected cast of characters to bring about a universal gift for every unique individual. No matter what may work against us, God has chosen us and offers us true and lasting joy.…
The romanticized version of the Christmas story that we all know so well is accepted by most as the picture of peace. We sing songs about how that first Christmas night was filled with an otherworldly peace. Indeed, it seems as if Heaven and Earth became one for a small moment of time. In reality, the story behind Christmas was anything but picture-perfect. Every person in the story faced so much uncertainty and so many unknowns. From the immense pressure that was placed upon Mary, to the doubt within Joseph, to the horror that came from Herod's decree - Christmas is far from a fairy tale, that lacked any drama. In this message, we dive into the details and factors at play in the Christmas story and discover how God brought peace in spite of these challenges. While it's often hard for us to imagine peace in the storms of life, Christmas reminds us that it's actually in those storms that we find and receive true, heavenly peace.…
There are many verses and passages in the Bible that direct our attention to the skies above as proof of the wonder and glory of God. The ancients were especially in tune with the stars believing that something was being communicated by God through the many celestial phenomenons. In this message, we zero on a particular group of people who spent many centuries tracking the stars, hoping to hear a word from God. While the people of Israel had many signs and prophecies concerning the coming Savior, this foreign group knew only what the skies told them. Listen as we learn how their many years of observation paid off in the most spectacular, famous of ways. Perhaps no revelation punctuates God's thorough preparation for that first Christmas than what is revealed in this message...…
Nothing sweeps over our world quite like the Christmas season. The Spirit of Christmas is unlike anything, utterly dominating and overshadowing anything in its vicinity. Many generations have come and gone, where some wondered if Christmas would remain such a powerful force. Of course, it has persisted and proves unstoppable. In this message, we discuss why Christmas' continuation and ever-growing relevance should embolden every believer with confidence in God. We look back at the many ways Satan attempted to stop the first Christmas from every happening, only to fan its flames in the end. The enemy has not and never will prevail at thwarting God's plans. God's sovereignty over history proves that we can absolutely trust Him with our lives. Christmas promises that God will always be with us and will always be for us - What more could we need to have endless peace and joy in our hearts?…
The Christmas season brings a sense of wonder and joy along with it, unrivaled by every other time of year. It's often said that Heaven draws closer to Earth every December. In this message, we learn how this might very well be the case. However, the true intersection of Heaven and Earth may surprise you. Listen as we discuss how Christmas parties could resemble Heaven more than any other scene on earth.…
The short book of Habakkuk is unlike any other book of the Bible. It also stands out in contrast to all the other prophets. In it we get to read a back-and-forth conversation between Habakkuk and God, as the prophet brings his concerns before the Lord. Long lay the world, in sin and error pining - with the nation of Israel especially feeling the effects of the world's brokenness. Now facing invasion and captivity, Habakkuk comes to God wondering how much longer Israel would have to wait for God to move. This is a position that we can all easily relate to. In this message, we discuss the hope that is promised to us through the Advent season and how Christmas offers us an assurance that those in the ancient world never knew. We hear God's response to Habakkuk and discover how we also can find a renewed sense of hope.…
In this message, we hear the Bible command us to give thanks to God, no matter the circumstances and detached from feelings. We discuss how this may fly in the face of human nature, but how it also offers us the ultimate freedom and powerful perspective. Listen as Psalm 100 and King David show us the the true heart of worship and how our lives can be transformed through giving thanks.…
In this message, we take a broad look at Revelation and seek to understand how God will reclaim and restore the earth one day. We focus on the Enemy's tightening grip on this world and how God will use a revived nation of Israel to overcome evil once and for all.
The Bible contains many prophesies, most of which have already been fulfilled. From the promise of a Savior, to the story of Ancient Israel, God's Word proves trustworthy time and time again. There are in fact many prophecies that are yet unfulfilled, that give us a glimpse at what is to come in this world. This message shows us what's in store for the earth and how God has a definite plan to restore and reclaim our fallen planet.…
In part two of "Whole Heart", we hear from Jesus on how we might experience the fullness of God in our lives. After commanding us to "seek first the Kingdom of God", He makes it clear that God wants our whole heart so that He might make us whole and complete. Listen as we discover how committed Jesus is to restoring us and empowering our lives, and embrace the challenge to be as committed to Him and obtaining His will for our lives.…
This is the first of a two part study on God's desire to make our hearts whole. In this message, Jesus reveals to us that our hearts are compromised and weighed down by so much from this world. As uncomfortable as it may be to hear, Jesus doesn't mince His words and shows us the only pathway forward... Listen as Jesus reflects our hearts back at us and offers us a way to be untangled and set free.…
God's choice way of evangelism has always been through inspired people sharing how their lives have been transformed. While the Gospel is based on objective truth, Gospel witnessing has always, also leaned on our own personal testimonies. Ultimately, Jesus does the same work in all of us, but our individual circumstances allow for unique opportunities to tell others about Him. In this message, we hear the Scripture's call for every Christian to share their testimonies. If our eyes have been opened, then we've got a story to tell.…
Who is Jesus? This is the question that matters more than anything when defining our faith and sharing it with others. In this message, we discover how God worked across generations to set the stage and prepare the world for its Savior to arrive. Jesus came to take on sin and death, and bring redemption to all people. Knowing who Jesus is, what He did, and what He wants to do in all of us is essential when it comes to sharing our faith and leading others to God.…
As Christians we are expected to be ready to share our faith at any given time. We are all well aware of this imperative. We've heard countless messages on the Great Commission and about evangelism. This series isn't another reminder of why we must do this, but all about helping us narrow in on the story we have to tell. In this message, we trace our faith back to its earliest stages and observe the odds stacked against every believer. Somehow, someway the church endured and expanded across the ages, and left an undeniable impact on our world. Listen as we marvel at the journey the church has taken to allow us the opportunity we enjoy today. As we consider all the details, we realize some of the most incredible reasons to believe are found in this story.…
"Make Us Like All The Other Nations" Israel made this infamous request to Samuel and to God, after years of deflecting God's calling over them. He desired for Israel to be a light unto the world, unlike all the rest to hopefully make Him known. In this message, we relate Israel's request to the desire of our own fleshly nature and discover their one in the same. We hear how the Bible calls us in a different, better way and learn what it means to be set apart to God. How can we be a people unlike all the rest, driven by completely different motives and desires? Thankfully, the way of Jesus and the way of His Cross show us exactly what to do.…
When God installed Samuel as Israel's Judge, the nation was deeply immersed in sin. For Samuel to reach them, he would be engaging with a people given over to idols, with hearts far from God. In this message, we talk about the approach Samuel must have taken and relate that to our own Christian mandate under the Great Commission.…
Welcome to Player FM!
Player FM is scanning the web for high-quality podcasts for you to enjoy right now. It's the best podcast app and works on Android, iPhone, and the web. Signup to sync subscriptions across devices.
Fr. Larry Richards is the founder and president of The Reason for our Hope Foundation, a non- profit organization dedicated to ”spreading the Good News” by educating others about Jesus Christ. His new homilies are posted each week.
The Village Church exists to bring glory to God by making disciples through gospel-centered worship, gospel-centered community, gospel-centered service and gospel-centered multiplication.
Host Paul John Roach and his guests find the mystical core and explore the perennial philosophy amidst the infinite variety of the world’s religions and spiritual traditions. Paul emphasizes the practical application of spiritual wisdom imparted from poets, writers, philosophers, mystics, and scriptures in order to foster a deeper awareness and understanding in our everyday lives. Explore over 650 shows with thought leaders and spiritual teachers. #PaulJohnRoach.com
Welcome to the Enjoying Everyday Life TV podcast with Joyce Meyer. To learn more, visit our website at joycemeyer.org or download the Joyce Meyer Ministries App. By supporting Joyce Meyer Ministries, you can help us reach hurting people around the world. To find out more, go to joycemeyer.org/donate