A weekly podcast of Sunday morning‘s message from Catalyst Church. www.iamcatalyst.net
What's up, CataFam! Thanks for joining us live! No matter where life has you right now, know that Catalyst Church is a place you can count on—for inspiration, encouragement, and a whole lot of love. We're here to live out our core values together and bring church to you—anytime, anywhere. If this message has blessed you, share it with someone who needs it! #CatalystChurchOfCarrollton How can we pray for you? Partner with Catalyst! Help us reach more people with the hope of Jesus Take your next step of faith! Sign up for our Baptism
Catalyst Church of Carrollton 6/8/25 - ”The Power of Perspective” Going Back to Sunday School “Then Elijah said to Ahab, ‘Go now and have some food to eat. Go quickly, because there is the sound of heavy rain that is coming.' So Ahab went away to eat and to drink. But Elijah climbed to the top of Mount Carmel. He bent low down towards the ground. He put his face between his knees. Elijah said to his servant, ‘Go up and look towards the sea.' So his servant did that. He said to Elijah, ‘There is nothing to see there.' Elijah told his servant seven times, ‘Go back and look again.' The seventh time, the servant said, ‘I can see a small cloud above the sea that is coming this way. It is only as big as a man's hand.' So Elijah said, ‘Go and tell Ahab, “Prepare your chariot now! Go back down quickly before the rain stops you.” ' As Elijah said this, the sky became very dark with black clouds. The wind started to blow and there was a heavy storm of rain. King Ahab rode away towards Jezreel. Then the Lord gave Elijah special power. Elijah tied his robe into his belt and he ran all the way to Jezreel. Ahab followed him.” 1 Kings 18:41-46 EASY Desperate people live desperate lives, make desperate decisions, and stay in desperate circumstances because they have desperate perspectives.
Catalyst Church 6/1/25 - "Don't Play Defense” Going Back to Sunday School
Catalyst Church 5/25/25 - ”Burn It Down” Going Back to Sunday School So Elijah went and found Elisha son of Shaphat plowing a field. There were twelve teams of oxen in the field, and Elisha was plowing with the twelfth team. Elijah went over to him and threw his cloak across his shoulders and then walked away. 20 Elisha left the oxen standing there, ran after Elijah, and said to him, “First let me go and kiss my father and mother good-bye, and then I will go with you!” Elijah replied, “Go on back, but think about what I have done to you.”So Elisha returned to his oxen and slaughtered them. He used the wood from the plow to build a fire to roast their flesh. He passed around the meat to the townspeople, and they all ate. Then he went with Elijah as his assistant. 1 Kings 19:19-21 NLT
Catalyst Church of Carrollton - 5/18/25 "We're All Prodigals"
Catalyst Church of Carrolton - 5/11/25 "Unapologetically Women"
Catalyst Church of Carrolton - 4/27/25 "Creating Cows" An idol is anything you look to to get what only God can give. Idols promise life but deliver slavery. Diagnose it. Dethrone it.
“After calling the crowd together with his disciples, Jesus said to them, “All who want to come after me must say no to themselves, take up their cross, and follow me.” Mark 8:34 CEB “Don't Run From Friday” You Won't Move Beyond Friday Running From Friday.
“When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they could go and anoint Jesus' dead body. Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they came to the tomb. They were saying to each other, “Who's going to roll the stone away from the entrance for us?” Mark 16:1-3 CEB “Stone Rolling Isn't Your Role” Finale of Just Jesus Series
“Are You Producing What You're Advertising?” Part 6 of Just Jesus series “The next day, after leaving Bethany, Jesus was hungry. From far away, he noticed a fig tree in leaf, so he went to see if he could find anything on it. When he came to it, he found nothing except leaves, since it wasn't the season for figs. So he said to it, “No one will ever again eat your fruit!” Mark 11:12-14 CEB Faking it till you make it will cost you making it.
”You're Getting Set Up” Week 5 of Just Jesus “Jesus left that place and went into the region of Tyre. He didn't want anyone to know that he had entered a house, but he couldn't hide. In fact, a woman whose young daughter was possessed by an unclean spirit heard about him right away. She came and fell at his feet. The woman was Greek, Syrophoenician by birth. She begged Jesus to throw the demon out of her daughter. He responded, “The children have to be fed first. It isn't right to take the children's bread and toss it to the dogs.” But she answered, “Lord, even the dogs under the table eat the children's crumbs.” “Good answer!” he said. “Go on home. The demon has already left your daughter.” When she returned to her house, she found the child lying on the bed and the demon gone.” Mark 7:24-30 CEB God is setting you up in the very things that are tearing you apart.
But this was very displeasing to Jonah, and he became angry. 2 He prayed to the Lord and said, “O Lord! Is not this what I said while I was still in my own country? That is why I fled to Tarshish at the beginning; for I knew that you are a gracious God and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love, and ready to relent from punishing. 3 And now, O Lord, please take my life from me, for it is better for me to die than to live.” 4 And the Lord said, “Is it right for you to be angry?” Jonah 4:1-3 NRSV 1. The Reality of Our Rage 2. The Reality of Our Resentment 3. The Reality of Our Ruin
“Don't Settle For Safe Christianity” Week 4 of Just Jesus “Then Jesus traveled through the surrounding villages teaching. He called for the Twelve and sent them out in pairs. He gave them authority over unclean spirits. He instructed them to take nothing for the journey except a walking stick—no bread, no bags, and no money in their belts. He told them to wear sandals but not to put on two shirts. He said, “Whatever house you enter, remain there until you leave that place. If a place doesn't welcome you or listen to you, as you leave, shake the dust off your feet as a witness against them.” So they went out and proclaimed that people should change their hearts and lives. They cast out many demons, and they anointed many sick people with olive oil and healed them.” - Mark 6:6-13 CEB Good Christianity- Is not safe. Gets you in good trouble. Impacts more lives.
Week 3 of Just Jesus “Jesus left that place and came to his hometown. His disciples followed him. On the Sabbath, he began to teach in the synagogue. Many who heard him were surprised. “Where did this man get all this? What's this wisdom he's been given? What about the powerful acts accomplished through him? Isn't this the carpenter? Isn't he Mary's son and the brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon? Aren't his sisters here with us?” They were repulsed by him and fell into sin. Jesus said to them, “Prophets are honored everywhere except in their own hometowns, among their relatives, and in their own households.” He was unable to do any miracles there, except that he placed his hands on a few sick people and healed them. He was appalled by their disbelief. Then Jesus traveled through the surrounding villages teaching.” Mark 6:1-6 CEB You can't let what others see in you affect how you see yourself. They can't see you when they're focused on what you don't have. They can't see you because they're too familiar with you.
“Snoozing, Not Losing” Week 2 of “Just Jesus” “Later that day, when evening came, Jesus said to them, “Let's cross over to the other side of the lake.” They left the crowd and took him in the boat just as he was. Other boats followed along. Gale-force winds arose, and waves crashed against the boat so that the boat was swamped. But Jesus was in the rear of the boat, sleeping on a pillow. They woke him up and said, “Teacher, don't you care that we're drowning?” He got up and gave orders to the wind, and he said to the lake, “Silence! Be still!” The wind settled down and there was a great calm. Jesus asked them, “Why are you frightened? Don't you have faith yet?” Overcome with awe, they said to each other, “Who then is this? Even the wind and the sea obey him!” Mark 4:35-41 CEB
“After a few days, Jesus went back to Capernaum, and people heard that he was at home. So many gathered that there was no longer space, not even near the door. Jesus was speaking the word to them. Some people arrived, and four of them were bringing to him a man who was paralyzed. They couldn't carry him through the crowd, so they tore off part of the roof above where Jesus was. When they had made an opening, they lowered the mat on which the paralyzed man was lying. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Child, your sins are forgiven!” - Mark 2:1-5 CEB “Jesus raised him up, and right away he picked up his mat and walked out in front of everybody. They were all amazed and praised God, saying, “We've never seen anything like this!” - Mark 2:12 CEB
“Jesus replied: “A certain man was preparing a great banquet and invited many guests. At the time of the banquet he sent his servant to tell those who had been invited, ‘Come, for everything is now ready.' “But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said, ‘I have just bought a field, and I must go and see it. Please excuse me.' “Another said, ‘I have just bought five yoke of oxen, and I'm on my way to try them out. Please excuse me.' “Still another said, ‘I just got married, so I can't come.' Luke 14:16-20 NIV You're missing “but God moments” because of your big buts.
The Lord your God will drive out those nations before you, little by little. -Deuteronomy 7:22 NIV It's the small things that create the conditions for big growth.
"Behold the virgin shall be with child, and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel," which is translated, "God With Us." - Matthew 1:23 NKJV
“I also told them about the gracious hand of my God on me and what the king had said to me. They replied, “Let us start rebuilding.” So they began this good work.” - Nehemiah 2:18 NIV Does your enthusiasm for the future match your effort in the present?
And I sent messengers to them, saying, “I am doing a great work and I cannot come down..." - Nehemiah 6:3 ESV They were just trying to intimidate us, imagining that they could discourage us and stop the work. So I continued the work with even greater determination. - Nehemiah 6:9 NLT
“One day Moses said to the Lord, “You have been telling me, ‘Take these people up to the Promised Land.' But you haven't told me whom you will send with me. You have told me, ‘I know you by name, and I look favorably on you.' If it is true that you look favorably on me, let me know your ways so I may understand you more fully and continue to enjoy your favor. And remember that this nation is your very own people.” The Lord replied, “I will personally go with you, Moses, and I will give you rest—everything will be fine for you.” Then Moses said, “If you don't personally go with us, don't make us leave this place.” - Exodus 33:12-15 NLT Power happens in your life when you prioritize God's presence.
“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” - Matthew 7:24-27 NIV 1. Stay In Your Lane. 2. Steward Your Season. 3. Seek First The Kingdom. 4. Serve People.
The promise of God requires you to step into the impossible, not stop because of the impossible.
“One day the Joseph tribes came to Joshua and asked, “Why didn't you give us more land? The Lord has always been kind to us, and we have too many people for this small region.” Joshua replied, “If there's not enough room for you in the hill country of Ephraim, then go into the forest that belonged to the Perizzites and the Rephaim. Clear out the trees and make more room for yourselves there.” “Even if we do that,” they answered, “there still won't be enough land for us in the hill country. And we can't move down into Jezreel Valley, because the Canaanites who live in Beth-Shan and in other parts of the valley have iron chariots.” “Your tribes do have a lot of people,” Joshua admitted. “I'll give you more land. Your tribes are powerful, so you can have the rest of the hill country, but it's a forest, and you'll have to cut down the trees and clear the land. You can also have Jezreel Valley. Even though the Canaanites there are strong and have iron chariots, you can force them to leave the valley.” - Joshua 17:14-18 CEV
In this powerful sermon, Ben Bonner takes us on a journey through the profound theme of light in the Bible, exploring how Jesus' light dispels darkness and brings hope into our lives. From the powerful declaration in John 8:12, "I am the light of the world," to the message of God's unwavering presence in our hearts, Ben reminds us that following Christ means stepping out of darkness and into the life-giving light of His glory. He delves into the significance of light shining in the darkness, as seen in scriptures like John 1:5 and Revelation 21:23, showing how God's light illuminates not only the world but our very souls. Through the example of the shepherds in Luke 2 and the eternal hope found in Colossians 1:27, Ben encourages us to embrace the light that keeps on giving—hope, peace, and the knowledge of God's glory. Here are the sermon notes: “Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won't have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.” John 8:12 NLT “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. ”John 1:5 NIV “That night some shepherds were living out in the fields near Bethlehem. They were keeping their sheep safe. Then an angel of the Lord appeared to them. A bright light from God shone all around them. That frightened them very much.” Luke 2:8-9 EASY “This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all.” 1 John 1:5 NIV And the city has no need of sun or moon, for the glory of God illuminates the city, and the Lamb is its light.” Revelation 21:23 NLT “For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God's glory displayed in the face of Christ.” 2 Corinthians 4:6 NIV The gift to keep on giving- Hope- Christ in you, the hope of glory.” Colossians 1:27 NKJV
In this heartfelt Christmas sermon, Ben reminds us of the unshakable power of faith, even in the most uncertain circumstances. Drawing from the story of Mary's extraordinary journey upon learning she would carry the Savior of the world, Ben challenges us to trust God's plan, no matter how unexpected or overwhelming life may feel. Perfect for the Christmas season, this message will uplift your spirit and renew your faith in God's promises. Tune in and discover the gift that can transform your life.
In this powerful sermon titled "100", Ben reflects on his journey as he celebrates his 39th birthday. We all face moments of struggle and frustration where we fall short of the ideals we strive for. But Ben reminds us, through a raw and relatable message, that even when we're not perfect, we can still keep it
In this inspiring sermon, "Stay Humble My Friends," we are reminded of the power of humility through the example of Jesus Christ. The sermon delves into Philippians 2:1-9, emphasizing how we should follow Christ's model by prioritizing others over ourselves, embracing kindness, forgiveness, and unity. When we humble ourselves and put others first, we make room for God's greatness in our lives. This message encourages us to live with selflessness, reflecting the humility of Christ as the ultimate path to honor and glory. Sermon Notes: “You belong to Christ and he helps you to be strong. His love comforts you. You are able to help one another because his Spirit is in you. You can be kind to each other, and you can forgive each other. Because of that, this is how you can make me completely happy: In your mind, think about things in the same way as each other. Love one another completely. In your spirit, agree with one another. Work together for the same purpose. In the way that you live, do not just try to help yourself. Do not be proud. Instead, respect other people. Think about other people as more important than yourself. Do not think only about the things that you want to do for yourself. Each of you should think also about how you can help other people. Think about things in the same way that Christ Jesus thought: He had the same nature as God. He was completely equal with God. But he did not try to keep hold of that. Instead, he chose to leave heaven. He took for himself the nature of a slave. He was born as a human. And when he lived as a man, he made himself even more humble. He obeyed God completely, so that he died. He even died on a cross! Because of that, God raised Jesus Christ to the most important place. God gave him the name that is greater than every other name.” Philippians 2:1-9 EASY **When you become small, God becomes big. **
In this powerful sermon, we explore the transformative power of shifting our focus from what we lack or have lost to appreciating the blessings that are right in front of us. Drawing from Philippians 1:21, Philippians 4:11-13, and Philippians 4:8, we'll uncover the secret to finding contentment in all circumstances. Learn how to embrace the present moment and find strength through Christ, regardless of your situation. It's a call to stop dwelling on what you don't have and instead appreciate the people, opportunities, and blessings God has already placed in your life. Tune in for a fresh perspective on gratitude, contentment, and living fully in the present with a heart that reflects Christ's love and peace. Sermon notes: “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” Philippians 1:21 NIV “I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:11-13 NIV “And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” Philippians 4:8 NLT
In this episode, we dive into a powerful message from Philippians 3:12-15, where Paul reminds us that no matter where we are in life, God isn't finished with us yet. The race isn't over, and the best is always ahead! Appreciate The Promises is all about leaving behind past struggles and focusing on the incredible future God has in store for us. Life can be tough, but when we keep our eyes on what's to come, we can trust that God's promises are worth the effort. Tune in to be reminded that the best is always yet to come, and God has an incredible plan for your life—no matter where you're at today! Sermon Notes: “I am not saying that I have already reached that place in my life. I have not yet completely become the person that God wants me to be. But I am trying very hard to reach that place. That was Christ's purpose when he first made me his own. My Christian friends, I do not think that I have reached that place yet. But this is what I do: I do not think about past things that have already happened. Instead, I try hard to reach the things that are in front of me. I am like a runner who wants to reach the end of the race. I run straight towards that place, so that I can win God's gift. Because I belong to Christ Jesus, God has called me to live with him in heaven. That is God's gift to me at the end of the race. All of us should agree to live like that, if we properly understand God's message. If you think differently about these things, God will show you clearly what is right.” Philippians 3:12-15
In this inspiring episode, we dive into the powerful message of gratitude and the importance of embracing our current season. Drawing from Philippians 1:12-18, we explore how even the most challenging circumstances can serve a greater purpose in spreading God's good news. Tune in to discover how gratitude can transform your perspective and help you get everything you can out of this season. This isn't just a time to escape from; it's a time to grow from. Let's embrace the process together! Sermon Notes: “My friends, I want you to know this. The trouble that has happened to me has helped more people to know about God's good news. I am in a prison because I am Christ's servant. The soldiers in the king's house and all the people here know that. Also, because I am in a prison, most of the other believers here trust the Lord even more. The Lord has made them brave, so that they are not afraid to speak God's message to people. It is true that some of these Christians are jealous of me. They want to show that they are better than me. That is why they tell people the message about Christ. But other Christians speak about Christ because they want to help me. They tell people about him because they love me. They know that God has put me here in this prison. And he wants me to show people that the good news is true. Those other people speak about Christ because they want to seem important. They do not really want to help people. They just want to cause trouble for me while I am here in this prison. But it does not matter to me! All of them are telling people about Christ. That is the most important thing. Whether they speak because of wrong reasons or because of right reasons, they are speaking the message about Christ! Because of that, I am happy. Yes, I will continue to be happy.” Philippians 1:12-18 EASY Gratitude is Getting Everything You Can Out Of This Season.
Welcome to "Love is the Only Thing," a transformative podcast where Ben dives deep into the heart of what it means to love through trials, triumphs, and everything in between. Ben explores the profound wisdom found in scripture, reminding us that love isn't just important—it's the only thing that truly counts. Join us as we unpack the complexities of loving well in a world often divided by conflict and strife. Discover how to forgive, support one another, and live harmoniously, all while understanding the importance of sharing each other's burdens. Whether you're seeking to deepen your faith or find practical ways to embody love in your relationships, this podcast is for you. Tune in and learn how to make love your guiding principle—because love truly is the only thing that matters. Sermon notes: Love isn't the main thing, it's the only thing. ...The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love. Galatians 5:6 NIV “For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” But if you are always biting and devouring one another, watch out! Beware of destroying one another.”Galatians 5:14-15 NLT “But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!” Galatians 5:22-23 NLT “Owe nothing to anyone—except for your obligation to love one another. If you love your neighbor, you will fulfill the requirements of God's law.”Romans 13:8 NLT “Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony.” Colossians 3:14 NLT “Don't just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. When God's people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you. Don't curse them; pray that God will bless them. Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with each other. Don't be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don't think you know it all! Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone. Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, “I will take revenge; I will pay them back,” says the Lord. Instead, “If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals of shame on their heads.” Don't let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.” Romans 12:9-10, 13-21 NLT “Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself. Share each other's burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ. If you think you are too important to help someone, you are only fooling yourself. You are not that important.” Galatians 6:1-3 NLT “I am not overstating it when I say that the man who caused all the trouble hurt all of you more than he hurt me. Most of you opposed him, and that was punishment enough. Now, however, it is time to forgive and comfort him. Otherwise he may be overcome by discouragement. So I urge you now to reaffirm your love for him.” 2 Corinthians 2:5-8 NLT “Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.” Ephesians 4:32 NLT
Join us for an inspiring sermon by Ben Bonner titled "Strike Out Swinging." In this powerful message, Ben challenges us to take action and seize the opportunities that God places before us, rather than letting them slip away. Drawing on the metaphor of baseball, he encourages us to swing the bat boldly, trusting in God's plan, even when fear of failure looms. Discover how embracing a proactive faith can transform your life and deepen your relationship with God. Tune in and get ready to step up to the plate!
Sermon Notes: Not enough is where you discover that God is enough. “Though the Lord gave you adversity for food and suffering for drink, he will still be with you to teach you. You will see your teacher with your own eyes. Your own ears will hear him. Right behind you a voice will say, “This is the way you should go,” whether to the right or to the left. Then you will destroy all your silver idols and your precious gold images. You will throw them out like filthy rags, saying to them, “Good riddance!” Isaiah 30:20-22 NLT “Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.” James 1:2-4 NLT “We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment.” Romans 5:3-5 NLT “These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world. You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him now, you trust him; and you rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy. The reward for trusting him will be the salvation of your souls.” 1 Peter 1:7-9 NLT
Discover how to let go of unhealthy habits that hinder your growth and replace them with practices that nourish your journey. Learn the importance of surrounding yourself with uplifting relationships that invigorate your spirit, while making space for moments of solitude to reflect and recharge. Sermon Notes: When an evil spirit leaves a person, it goes into the desert, seeking rest but finding none. Then it says, ‘I will return to the person I came from.' So it returns and finds its former home empty, swept, and in order. Then the spirit finds seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they all enter the person and live there. And so that person is worse off than before. Matthew 12:43-45 NLT Let go of the unhealthy habits that hurt your process and replace them with healthy habits that add to your process. Let go of unhealthy relationships that drain you and replace them with healthy relationships that fill you. Make space for solitude. Replace “yes” with “no” and “no” with “yes”.
Whether you're struggling with mental health issues or seeking to support others, this sermon offers hope and guidance in the pursuit of a healthier, more fulfilling life. Tune in to discover how to throw off what weighs you down and run with perseverance towards your true calling. Sermon Notes: “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” Hebrews 12:1 NIV
Join us as we delve into how narcissistic traits manifest in our lives and relationships, and why it's crucial to confront these aspects of ourselves. We discuss the importance of having honest conversations, acknowledging our flaws, and striving to become the people God intended us to be. Tune in for a compelling conversation on self-awareness, personal growth, and the path to genuine transformation. The best is yet to come! Sermon Notes: “Some time later, Absalom got a chariot and horses for his own use, along with fifty men to run ahead of him. Absalom would get up early and stand by the side of the road that went through the city gate. Whenever anyone had a lawsuit to bring before the king for judgment, Absalom would call to him, “What city are you from?” When the person said, “Your servant is from one of the tribes of Israel,” then Absalom would say to him, “No doubt your claims are correct and valid, but the king won't listen to you. If only I were made a judge in the land,” Absalom would continue, “then anyone with a lawsuit could come to me, and I would give them justice.” Whenever anyone came near to Absalom, bowing low out of respect, he would reach his hand out, grab them, and kiss them. This is how Absalom treated every Israelite who came to the king seeking justice. This is how Absalom stole the hearts of the Israelites.” 2 Samuel 15:1-6 CEB
In today's episode, “Trauma Doesn't Have to Haunt You,” we're talking about how to break free from the weight of past hurts and embrace a future filled with hope and healing. With Jesus by your side, you have the strength to confront your pain and transform it into something powerful. This episode is all about taking that step forward, letting go of yesterday's sorrows, and stepping into a life of peace and purpose. Join us for an inspiring conversation that will empower you to turn your struggles into triumphs and look forward to a brighter tomorrow. You've got this! “All the days of Saul there was bitter war with the Philistines…” 1 Samuel 14:52 NIV
Feeling like giving up? Tune in to this uplifting sermon that's all about sticking it out when life gets tough. We all face challenges, but the question is: will you listen to God's Word or the world's noise? You have the power to keep worshiping through the trials. Remember that even a tiny bit of faith—like a mustard seed—can make a huge difference. Stay inspired, keep going, and don't quit!
Ready for a boost of inspiration? In this episode, we're diving into the sermon “We Want Some Mo” and exploring how the presence of God truly changes everything. We'll talk about how an authentic encounter with the Holy Spirit can fill your life with joy and transform your perspective. Let's get ready to embrace more of His presence and look forward to the incredible things ahead becuase the best is yet to come! Sermon Notes: The Presence Of God Changes Everything. (Jesus truly satisfies and gives us fullness of joy) “As I began to speak,” Peter continued, “the Holy Spirit fell on them, just as he fell on us at the beginning. Then I thought of the Lord's words when he said, ‘John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.' And since God gave these Gentiles the same gift he gave us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to stand in God's way?” Acts 11:15-17 NLT The Word Works If You Work It. (We Work It) “God's word is alive and working and is sharper than a double-edged sword. It cuts all the way into us, where the soul and the spirit are joined, to the center of our joints and bones. And it judges the thoughts and feelings in our hearts.” Hebrews 4:12 NCV “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17 NLT The Best is Yet To Come. (God isn't done yet) “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” Isaiah 43:18-19 NIV “Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.” John 14:12 NIV Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen.” Ephesians 3:20-21 NLT
In this episode, we will dive deep into the heart of what it means to be the church. Church isn't something we do, it's who we are! Whether you're a lifelong churchgoer or exploring faith for the first time, this episode is for you. Tune in to be encouraged to connect, invest, and invite others into this incredible journey of faith. Come ride with us and experience the joy of being all-in for the Kingdom! Sermon Notes: Church isn't something we do, it's who we are. (We are the hands and feet of Jesus) “Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. Their responsibility is to equip God's people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God's Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ. Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won't be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth. Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.” Ephesians 4:11-16 NLT We're All In! (God gave His all, so we give our all) “The Kingdom of Heaven is like a treasure that a man discovered hidden in a field. In his excitement, he hid it again and sold everything he owned to get enough money to buy the field. “Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a merchant on the lookout for choice pearls. When he discovered a pearl of great value, he sold everything he owned and bought it!“ Matthew 13:44-46 NLT Come. Connect. Invest. Invite.
What Is Changing? We're diving into how embracing change is crucial for your growth in Jesus. We'll explore why if you're not changing, you're not truly growing. This sermon will help you pinpoint areas in your life that need transformation and show you how making those changes can help you reach your full potential in Christ. Get ready to find out how moving forward means letting go of what's holding you back and stepping into the new things God has for you. Let's figure out together what needs to change so we can grow closer to Jesus and live out our true potential.
What is up, fam? I am doing a leadership investment. It's a teaching with our staff and leadership that I've been working on a while. And what I've decided to do is to share it on podcasts and other platforms. I think it'll bless you, your leadership, because we're all leading somebody or misleading somebody. It'll bless you and encourage you and you'll get clarity on where we're going and why as a church, because it's challenging our leaders, encouraging us. The best is yet to come, guys! God is moving in this church, and we are going to see some amazing things. And I just want you to have clarity. So, I think it will encourage you and give you some leadership wisdom that you can apply in whatever you're leading, wherever you're leading from home and beyond. And you can get a good taste of what we're doing at Catalyst because the best is yet to come, family. I love you. Check it out. Hope it blesses you! - Ben
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