Dogwood Church Podcast

This message confronts us with an uncomfortable but liberating truth: we are all born with a spiritual birth defect called self-centeredness. Drawing from John 17:1-5, we explore Jesus' high priestly prayer where He asks the Father to glorify Him so that He can glorify the Father in return. This radical prayer reveals the antidote to our broken compass that constantly points back to ourselves. The sermon challenges us to examine our natural tendency toward self-worship, illustrated through simple examples like checking ourselves first in group photos or taking selfies. But more profoundly, it addresses how this self-centeredness is not just about what we do, but about who we fundamentally are without Christ. The message offers hope through a daily practice of reorienting our lives: trusting Christ's authority instead of our own control, knowing God personally rather than just knowing about Him, praying for the desire to live for God's glory, and obeying what God puts in front of us each day. This is not about heroic acts that bring us recognition, but about faithful obedience in the ordinary moments of life. When we shift from pursuing our own glory to pursuing God's glory, we discover the eternal life Jesus spoke of, a quality of life that begins the moment we surrender to Him and continues forever.

This message invites us into a transformative vision of what our communities could become if we truly lived out our faith in everyday moments. Beginning with a relatable experience on a congested Atlanta highway, we're challenged to imagine how different our world would look if every believer actually lived as though Christ was present in their daily interactions. The sermon draws us into the powerful story of Rwanda, a nation devastated by genocide in 1994 where one million people were murdered in just 100 days. Yet by 2018, something remarkable had happened. As churches became healthier and believers submitted to God's work in their lives, orphanages disappeared because Christians began adopting children into their families. The country became the safest on the African continent, and nearly one million people were lifted from poverty. This wasn't through government programs alone, but through the church living authentically. The message centers on Acts 9:31, teaching us to pray for five specific things: peace that allows ministry to flourish, strength through the Holy Spirit, reverence that maintains a proper understanding of God's holiness, encouragement from the Spirit's presence, and growth in numbers because each number represents a person created in God's image. We're reminded that if just 1,500 people each discipled one person per year who then did the same, within six years there would be 48,000 Christ followers transforming our community. This isn't about building a mega-church but about changing lives, families, schools, workplaces, and neighborhoods through authentic faith lived out daily.

Jesus Has Already Won | Living in the “Already, But Not Yet”What if the outcome of the battle you're fighting has already been decided?In this powerful message from Gospel of John 16:16–33, we are reminded that while trouble is real, defeat is not. Jesus tells His disciples — and us:“In this world you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”We are living in what theologians call the “already, but not yet.”The victory was secured at the cross — but the clock is still running.Just as D-Day in World War II determined the outcome long before the war officially ended, the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus settled the ultimate outcome of history. There are still battles. There is still suffering. There is still pushback. But the outcome is no longer in doubt.In this message, you'll discover:• Why disciples are not just learners — but teachers• How sorrow can suddenly turn into mega joy• What it means to pray boldly with direct access to the Father• Why pushback does not equal defeat• How to live with courage in a resistant cultureDrawing insight from the Great Commission in Gospel of Matthew 28 and the “already, but not yet” framework articulated by theologian George Eldon Ladd of Fuller Theological Seminary, this sermon anchors believers in a steady, confidence-building truth:Jesus has already won. This is not the end.If you're walking through sorrow…If culture feels hostile to your faith…If you feel scattered or discouraged…Pray this simple sentence this week:“Jesus has already won. This is not the end.”And if you've never trusted Christ, this message clearly explains how to begin — by admitting your sin, believing in His finished work, and confessing Him as Lord.Take heart. The battle is real.But the victory is already secured.

Following Jesus in a Culture That Pushes Back (Part 3)Joy, Confidence, and Courage

How do we live faithfully for Jesus in a world that often pushes back against faith? In this message, we explore Jesus' final teaching to His disciples before the cross and discover the incredible help God has already given us—the Holy Spirit.Drawing from John 15:26–27 and John 16:5–15, this teaching unpacks how the Holy Spirit empowers ordinary believers to be faithful representatives of Jesus Christ where we live, work, and play. You'll learn why help is not on the way—help is already here.In this message, you'll discover:-How the Holy Spirit is with us and in us-Why faith is rooted in truth, not feelings (illustrated by the classic train analogy from Bill Bright, founder of Campus Crusade for Christ)-How the Spirit opens blind eyes to sin, righteousness, and judgment-Why the Holy Spirit always keeps Jesus at the center-How God guides believers into lifelong growth and truthThis message is part of the series Living for Jesus in a Pushback World and offers practical encouragement for believers of all ages—kids, students, and adults—along with a clear invitation for those exploring faith to respond to Christ.

Help for Troubled Hearts  Part 1 of 5The Promise of Heaven

“When I came to you, brothers and sisters, announcing the mystery of God to you, I did not come withbrilliance of speech or wisdom...I came to you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling.” (1Corinthians 2:1, 3, CSB)So Are You Afraid? Initiate Gospel Conversations Anyway!“This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you when I laid my hands onyou.” (2 Timothy 1:6, NLT)“...Work at telling others the Good News...” (2 Timothy 4:5c, NLT)Your Mission Field Is Comprised Of Relationships!Step #1: Identify the people in your social circles.Immediate FamilyClose FriendsExtended FamilyOther FriendsNeighborsWork Associates or ClassmatesAcquaintancesMr or Ms XStep #2. Mark the ones you know are followers of Jesus.Step #3. Mark the ones who are not, or you're unsure if they are.Step #4. Spend the rest of your life influencing everyone on your list to follow Jesus.