Eternal Church Podcast

As a kid, I liked a TV show called The Twilight Zone. It imagined vivid scenarios that blew my mind, so vivid that I still remember some today. Even Sci-Fi creatures are shaped by our real world. The beings we “imagine” from “outer space” may be green or purple, but still they have arms and legs that resemble ours, most have eyes and ears, they talk and move about physically. They're all humanoid.The coming of Jesus's kingdom to earth was something people tried - hard - to imagine. Trouble was, their imagination was limited to what they already knew. A kingdom? Oh, ok, like other kingdoms. Power? Ok, probably like the powers that know. It will bring healing and hope? Sure, just like the healing and hope every leader has promised. And in Jesus's day, there were entire lifestyles and communities that were defined by their guess of what the Kingdom of God would be like. Even John the Baptist, Jesus's second cousin, got caught up in the discussion. Sunday, so will we. 

This Sunday, we meet Jesus at a crossroads, literally. One crowd is following Him, full of hope and anticipation. The other is leaving a town called Nain, broken by grief and carrying a coffin. When these two processions collide at the city gate, something unforgettable happens. And it's not just a miracle, it's a message. The Kingdom is breaking in and the world will never be the same. 

In Hebrews 11, the so-called "faith hall of fame" includes heroic figures like Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, David, the judges, the prophets and the people of God. These people were exemplary in their dependence upon Yahweh. And yet, Jesus claims in Luke 7:1-10 that there's another person whose faith might be greater than them all. And of all people, it's a Roman centurian. Wait...what?"I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith." - JesusWhat was so remarkable to Jesus about the faith of this man? What can his faith show us about our own?

“Build your house on a solid foundation.” I've seen the text used as marketing content for homebuilders, financial advisors, career coaches, and even by D.C. budget committees. But almost never in a reference to Jesus and the kingdom that he has dawned.  But that's how Jesus uses it. He adds two short but punchy words to the radical kingdom strategy he has laid out. After teaching us that his kingdom runs on radically different values, and telling us how those values will NOT be spread, he tells us to go deep. His kingdom grows from different roots, is built on a different foundation. I wonder what he means? Let's find out together!

Last Sunday, we began looking at Jesus' Sermon on the Plain. It continues what many call His Nazareth Manifesto (Luke 4) - the King's announcement of what His Kingdom is like and how it will break into this world. But let's be honest: this Kingdom is strange. It's upside-down. It's Unnatural.So how will this Kingdom come? John Lennon said, “All you need is love.” Could that really be enough?This Sunday, we'll look at how love works in Jesus' Kingdom. Consider reading Luke 6:27-36 before you come this Sunday. 

This Sunday was an unplugged worship service due to a systemic power outage. We have recovered the audio recording of the sermon. The audio is poor in some spots but overall, we have been able to provide this repaired audio version of a meaningful sermon.

This week we conclude our April focus of “Walking in the Way of Jesus”, having observed closely the love, compassion, surrender, sacrifice, and power through His resurrection.  We come to where Jesus ascends to heaven and discover His love continues as He Still Walks With Us.  But Why?  How?  And for what purpose?  Join us this Sunday for a pastoral conversation about the love of God and how He has not left or forsaken us, “He Still Walks With Us.”

This Easter Sunday, we will gather to celebrate the Risen King. We'll open to Luke's Gospel and see how Jesus chose to spend the very first Easter. His decision might surprise you—He didn't go to the temple or the palace. He met two discouraged disciples on the road, walking away in disappointment.Come and see what happens when the Risen Jesus walks with the doubting, the wandering, and the weary. You just might find yourself in their story.

This Sunday we'll continue our four-week Easter series, "Walking in the Way."Jesus has just raised a four-day-dead Lazarus from the tomb and is now back on the road to Jerusalem with his disciples and followers. As you read the biblical narrative, you can feel the shift. It's officially on. It's actually happening. There's no turning back—and no stopping it now.As Jesus rides into Jerusalem, he's welcomed as their new King. He's finally here. The long-awaited Messiah. But will he live up to all our expectations?

This Sunday we're pausing our Luke series and pivoting to a four-week focus on Easter and Jesus' resurrection. It's common practice to do this during Advent to prepare for Christmas, but as a church we haven't allocated equal space and time to sit and soak in the defining feature of our faith. We're calling this series “Walking in the Way.” Walking was the default activity for a disciple of Jesus, and perhaps it will also be a welcomed reduction of the pace of life during a busy Spring season. In light of this intentional slowing down, I invite you to read our passage this week (John 11:1-44) slowly and intentionally. Read it once. Maybe listen to it on your Bible app. Maybe read through it in a different translation to see if anything interesting jumps out. It's a familiar story of the faith; Lord, help us receive it with fresh eyes and eager hearts.

I was introduced to "sabbath" when I first watched the movie/musical “Fiddler on the Roof” as a child. But it held little significance for me until 2007 when I was afforded the opportunity to visit Israel on a Holy Land trip. Our itinerary included visiting with a Messianic-Jewish family (folks raised in Judaism who have come to follow the way of Jesus) on Friday evening to witness and participate in a sabbath meal. Lighting candles. Singing songs. Eating wonderful food. Just…being. This ancient practice instantly blessed me in the present. Jesus claims, “The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.” If that's true, what does this mean for a follower of the Lord of the Sabbath today? What is our relationship to rest? Our passage will help us to answer those questions by showing the concept of the sabbath in Jesus' day, and how His presence radically re-defined the relationship for all of God's people.

Do you remember the pressure of the lunchroom at school? Who you sat with often defined so much of your identity! By the way, not much has changed in schools today...Last Sunday, we met the Pharisees—a group who often challenge Jesus with questions. This week, they ask: “Why do you eat with tax collectors and sinners?” Their question is meant as a challenge, but Jesus uses this moment to reveal something deeper about His purpose: He has come to heal the sick. As you prepare for Sunday, I would encourage us all to read Luke 5:27-32 and reflect on Jesus' answer. Are we among the sick, longing for healing? Or do we believe we've credited ourselves with our own righteousness?

Jesus possesses the authority to heal both physically and spiritually. Recognizing His holiness inspires us to fully accept and pursue the transformative work He desires to accomplish in us and through us.

Have you or someone you love ever been in isolation in the hospital? It may be medically necessary, even life-saving, but can feel worse than the disease.Have you ever been ostracized, picked on or mocked because of your appearance, race, culture, language, or because you are neurodiverse and learn differently? Have you ever been isolated because of your sin, because you broke relationships through betrayal or infidelity, or because you picked on someone different than you? Ever been on the receiving end of such treatment? Now, put all of that together and you'll “get" the leper in Luke 5. Today we gather to understand the good news, the crazy grace of the Kingdom of God. 

What comes to mind when you hear the word holy? It's a word often tied to faith, yet rarely used in daily life. And yet, something stirs within us when we think of holiness.As we begin a new chapter in Luke's Gospel, we'll witness five powerful encounters between the holiness of Jesus and the brokenness of the world. How did people respond to the Holy One in their midst? How will we respond today?We invite you to read ahead in Luke 5:1-11 as we prepare to worship together this Sunday.

I like a good Western Movie from time to time.  Reflecting on Luke 4 as a whole, it reminds me of a good ole western standoff.  There's a new sheriff in town (King Jesus has come) and he's going to change things (The Kingdom of God is at work).  We have dug into so much already with this important chapter of Luke's Gospel. Thank you Pastors Jacob and Josh! Our text this week is 3 short verses (Luke 4:42-44).  Luke is summarizing the first 4 chapters, establishing that Jesus IS the good news of the Kingdom of God, while transitioning to how the good news of the Kingdom of God will go forth.  We'll answer 4 questions this week.1.     Why did Jesus go to a desolate place?2.     What is the purpose for which Jesus was sent?3.     Why is Jesus resolved to go to the other towns?4.     Why is Jesus focusing his preaching in the synagogues?

“They say Aslan is on the move—perhaps has already landed... At the name of Aslan, each one of the children felt something jump inside.”- C.S. Lewis, The Lion, the Witch, and the WardrobeC.S. Lewis' masterpiece introduces us to a world where “it's always winter but never Christmas.” But as the story unfolds, the ice begins to melt—spring is coming. After so many years of weariness, what has changed? The King is on the move.In Luke 4:31-41, the King is on the move. Having announced Himself as the fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy (Isaiah 61), Jesus begins His ministry of releasing captives, freeing the oppressed, and ushering in “the year of the Lord's favor.” The King is on the move!

This week in Luke we get to see Jesus give his first public teaching. He's visiting his old stomping grounds in Nazareth, so his first audience is friendly. And yet, it doesn't stay that way for long. By the time our passage is over, his own hometown will want him dead. Homecoming...over. What did Jesus say that caused those who knew him to go from friends and acquaintances to attempted murders? If you fancy yourself a Jesus-fan, how can this answer help you avoid the same violent change of heart? Read Luke 4:14-30. The answer isn't obvious. If you want to do a little more detective work, look at the same passage from Matthew's (13:53–58) and Mark's (6:1–6) perspectives. 

After the mountain-top moment of His baptism, Jesus is led by the Spirit into the wilderness, where He will face "every temptation." How will this new Adam remain faithful where all others have failed? And why does it matter? Because our redemption is on the line.As you prepare for Sunday, take some time to read through Luke 3:23-38 and Luke 4:1-13. Why does Luke go to such great lengths to trace the genealogy of Christ? How does it connect both to His baptism and His temptation in the wilderness?

This week in Luke 3 we're going to be all about baptism. We get to see John the Baptist get his start dunking people in the Jordan  in the name of "a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins." We'll see Jesus show up and submit to John's baptism of repentance (which raises a few questions). And then we'll get to see some of our own congregation profess faith in Jesus and we'll have baptisms right before our eyes! So to prepare, read Luke 3:1-22 and ask yourself these questions:1. What was John's baptism/mission all about?2. Why did Jesus need to get a "baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins?"3. What are we doing when we baptize folks today?

As Luke continues to add brushstrokes to the canvas of his gospel, he introduces us to a 12 year old boy who finds himself completely captivated by the teachers of the temple in Jerusalem. What parent wouldn't be delighted to find their child sitting in church attentively? Perhaps the one who had traveled many miles away assuming their child was with them! In the events of Luke 2, we are given a unique insight into the early days, weeks, and years of the life of Jesus. Furthermore, Luke records the earliest words of Jesus spoken in scripture! So as this canvas comes to life, what form will the young Jesus take in Luke's painting? Let's find out together this Sunday. 

I love paintings of mountains, forests, and other outdoor scenery. I'm not an artist. It's hard for me to imagine such incredible pieces of art beginning with an empty canvas and with one stroke of a brush. But every painting, like every story, must begin somewhere. This Sunday we will see the first brushstrokes of the picture of Jesus that Luke is painting in his gospel. 

"If a man will begin with certainties, he shall end in doubts; but if he will be content to begin with doubts, he shall end in certainties." - Sir Francis Bacon (a science guy, not a BBQ guy...) In today's culture, certainty is often seen as a sign of arrogance and uncertainty is praised as true humility. Is certainty something we should strive for? Is it arrogant to claim to know "the truth"? As we begin our study of the Gospel of Luke this week, we'll explore the tension between certainty and humility in our faith journey.

When the angel of the Lord stood before the shepherds, he proclaimed good news of great joy, “For All the People”. Luke 2:8-15 This Sunday, we will be focusing our attention on that phrase. What does it mean that Jesus, the Savior, is “For All the People”? Key to understanding those words is Jesus title of “Christ” in the New Testament and “Messiah” in the Old Testament. We are going to step back into Genesis to see where that title originates and what it means for us. From beginning to end, Genesis to Revelation, God has a plan. He is taking us somewhere and invites us to participate with Him in fulfilling his purposes, For All the People.

At the time of Jesus' birth, the world was under the rule of Pax Romana, a system that promised order but could never deliver true peace. The birth of Jesus was a direct challenge to that system. Why is the birth of Jesus "good news"? Perhaps the answer lies in the kingdom He brings. Join us this Sunday as we look at three different announcements of the birth of this baby king. 

"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom..." Proverb 9:10"Fear not..." ~ the angel to the shepherds in Luke 2So are we supposed to fear God, or not be afraid of God? What gives?Shepherds. Angels. Fear. Advent week #2 has it all.

And just when you thought political conflict is past, we read the Christmas story. It's not about happy trees and shiny tinsel. Not presents, parties and nostalgia. Not Santa and sweets. It's about Regime Change, the coming of a king whose reign of grace and truth confronts, and displaces, every pathetic counterfeit that masquerades as the hope of the world. This Sunday we launch an advent series in Luke 2. Its about “good news of great joy” and why we must rejoice. This week, the good news is all about God's provocative King! Welcome to Luke 2!

David was no stranger to grief. The Psalms are full of his accounts of grief, sorrow, and lament. This is to be expected of a man who lived the kind of life that David did. But what about the people of God today? How are we to respond to hurt in our lives? How are we to respond when people who have hurt us experience their own hurt, pain, or even death?As we prepare to close the book on this journey through the writings of Samuel, I encourage you to turn the page to 2 Samuel 1 and look at how a man after God's own heart responded to the news of the death of Saul, the first king of Israel. 

This weekend we return to the story of Saul, the first king of Israel. Chapter 28 invites us into the final hours of Saul's life and one final act that will ultimately define Saul's legacy. This is a strange story that includes an overwhelming army, a desperate journey into sorcery, and a theological conundrum about forgiveness, repentance, and rejection. 

"Then David said in his heart…" These opening words of 1 Samuel 27 introduce a time in David's life when he relied on his own wisdom and chose a path that seemed right to him, but it led him further away from the identity God had given him. Only through God's relentless grace will David be reminded of who he truly is and the purpose God has for his life.As we prepare to dive into God's Word, take a moment to reflect on areas in your own life where you've relied on your own wisdom and strayed from the identity God has given you. Come ready to worship and be encouraged, knowing that God is a giver of grace and a restorer of the brokenhearted!

This week in I Samuel 25, the narrative takes a break from the Saul-David conflict and instead describes an interaction between David and some of the people of Israel he has been anointed to lead, including a wealthy kinsman of David's, Nabal, and Nabal's wife, Abigail.Each of them will take on an identity in one of the most compelling relationship triangles in all of the Bible.

In the past several weeks we've seen David on the defensive.This week is different. He literally catches Saul with his pants down, and he has a choice to make:Does my enemy live or die?How would you respond to such an opportunity? Given Saul's wicked conduct the previous few chapters, it might seem like an obvious choice. But David isn't your average guy. He is seeking God's will and God's heart. So what would God want him to do?Read all of 1 Samuel 24 before Sunday and come ready to be blown away by God's great mercy!

This week in 1 Samuel 23, David hears back from Yahweh (unlike Saul). Some of what he hears is comforting…but there's also confusion. Just because God speaks, it doesn't mean that David necessarily understands it or agrees with it. The same could be said for us.Do you hear from God? What does He say? How can you know His will for your life?On Sunday we'll see what David depended on to hear from God. And we'll see how that foreshadowed the Better David. And we'll see what that means for how we can hear Him and know His will, today.

When we read 1 Samuel, it might be tempting for us to reduce Saul and David to two-dimensional characters; Saul = bad guy; David = good guy. Don't be like Saul. Be like David. But humans are a lot more complex and complicated than that.Although history and geography may lead us to feel distant from David's life, this week we'll see some similarities (and not great ones) between David's choices and our own. He's more relatable and this passage is more relevant than I expected at the start. And I'm not sure if I like that!

As we prepare to gather and worship Jesus this Sunday, I encourage you to read 1 Samuel 18-20, paying careful attention to how God works to accomplish His purposes. While we plan to cover a lot of ground, I believe we will discover one overarching story of God's provision overcoming human intentions. And yes, we will discuss the "evil spirits" sent by Yahweh!

Goliath has fallen, the people of God are saved, and a young shepherd from the hill country of Judah becomes an overnight celebrity: the messiah of Israel! Yet creeping through the shouts of celebration is an enemy far greater than any giant on a battlefield. As the hearts of Israel turn towards David, the heart of Saul turns against him.As we approach 1 Samuel 18 this weekend, I invite you to read over the text and prayerfully ask this question: How do I respond when the Messiah arrives? 

"With courage like David, you too can face Goliath!" Sound familiar? For many, the story of David and Goliath has been reduced to a children's Sunday school lesson or a metaphor for sports and personal challenges. While we love a good underdog story, when it comes to facing the 'giants' in our lives, we often seek more than slings and stones to solve Goliath-sized problems. But what if this story is more than a metaphor for dealing with hard things? What if you and I aren't the hero of the story?I invite you to open your Bibles to 1 Samuel 17 and take a fresh look at the age old story of a very unlikely champion.

This week we renew our 1 Samuel series “The Problem with Crowns,” picking up the story where we left off; Saul is out as Israel's king, and God says he has found Himself a new and better version. He sends Samuel on a dangerous mission to identify and anoint a new king, even while the old king is still on the throne. Samuel thinks he's found the right guy, but God tells him not to trust his eyes. He tells him, “The LORD sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart.”What is God looking for in a king? What is he looking for that everyone else (and even Samuel) seems blind to? And what are we supposed to learn from this dramatic scene to help us follow Jesus?Can't wait to pick back up this Old Testament scroll and see how God uses it to speak to us in fresh new ways!

Paul concludes his letter to the church in Philippi sharing the state of his contentment.Where and how does Paul have this kind of contentment? He's been laying a foundation through the entire letter.This week our pastoral team provides a discussion reviewing Paul's letter and we'll share what we think Paul means when it comes to true contentment.He ends with gratitude to the church in Philippi for their love and generosity, providing for him.

Last week we saw Paul look back at his past, B.C. (Before Christ).This week we look at his life, post conversion, in the present, A.D. (After the road to Damascus).But his secret to living in the present is by focusing on the future.“For to me to live (present) is Christ and to die (future) is gain."Philippians 3 is all about Paul's past, present and future. And it's true for us, too.Come and see your story in light of who you were, who you are, and who you will be, because of Jesus Christ.See you Sunday!Pastor Jacob

Chapter 3 of Philippians starts with "Finally, my brothers..." but Paul isn't wrapping up yet. Instead, he emphasizes the simple yet profound message of the gospel as a "safeguard" for the Philippian Church."Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord..." (Phil. 3:8, ESV).Join us this Sunday as we revisit the simple message of grace, approaching it with humility and resisting the urge to complicate the gospel.Pastor Josh

As we come to the halfway point of Paul's letter to the Philippian church, we are interrupted with what seems like a couple of travelogues. Timothy's future plans, Paul's hopes, and instructions about welcoming home the otherwise unknown Epaphroditus. While personal updates and instructions aren't abnormal in Pauline epistles, it is a little strange that Paul places them right in the middle of this communication to the Philippians. This should cause us to pause and ask: why? Why does Paul seem to break from one train of thought to talk about two fellow believers? But what if this is not simply a travel update, but the final point of Paul's exhortation for radical unity among the Philippian believers? What do Timothy and Epaphroditus have to do with Christ-imitating humility among the church?

This week we continue chapter 2 in Philippians and consider how The Gospel is…Witness.Funny thing about this title…witness is not mentioned in last week's scripture, nor in this week's passage.Christians often talk about the trinity (Father, Son, Holy Spirit). But the word “trinity” isn't found in the Bible. The concept is present even when the word is absent.The same is true about the word witness this week; the concept is present even though the word is nowhere to be found.Read ahead in Philippians 2:12-18. Where do you see the concept of witness at play?

This week we begin chapter 2 in Philippians and consider how The Gospel is…Humility.I have followed Jesus for over half my life. I like to think that I understand the concept of humility. I like to think that I demonstrate it regularly.I read this week, “Humility is one of those things that if you think you have it, you don't.”Ouch.Spoiler Alert: We all need it more than we think we do. Not just for our personal growth, but as we'll see on Sunday…for the good of unity in the Body of Christ.Read Philippians 2:1-11 and pray that the Spirit of God would cultivate humility leading to unity…starting in me.

“Joy is not necessarily the absence of suffering, it is the presence of God.” - Sam StormsThe themes of joy and rejoicing are ever present in Paul's letter to the Philippians. This joy is not based on Paul's current situation, but on his hope in what he knows, what he expects, and what he longs to see. The Gospel is… Worth It

One day, a group of unassuming travelers entered a city with a simple mission: to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ. After several days, two miracles, and a few salvations, the travelers left at the request of the city officials. What they left behind would go on to have an impact on the future church movement across all of Europe and beyond. What was left behind? The Church of Philippi.Join us this Sunday as we begin our study of Philippians and see how the Gospel is... a community partnership. 

This Sunday we turn the corner literally as we enter the half-way point of the Book of I Samuel...chapter 16:1-13. But also, we turn the corner from a King God chose but grieved over, to a new King he will rejoice over for so many years. Our "beloved of God" David enters the scene for the first time.This section of scripture is ground zero for the Gospel, and I will explain why as we walk through the text together. 

We continue our story through the last section of I Samuel 15. This chapter begins with the horrific annihilation of the Amalekites, and ends with a gentle prophet hacking a man into pieces with a sword. The most tragic aspect of this chapter, however, is in the middle when Samuel delivers the news that God has rejected Saul as King over Israel. God regrets that He had made Saul king.