Journey Church Shepherdsville

From Outsiders to One: The Ministry of Reconciliation (Ephesians 2) In this message at Journey during a series through Ephesians, JonnyMac invites the church to reflect on times they've felt like an outsider and connects that experience to an “us vs. them” culture. Teaching from Ephesians 2:11–18, he explains the historical divide between Jews and Gentiles, how a “Jesus plus” system of traditions created barriers, and how Christ's death broke down the wall of hostility and brought peace, uniting two groups into one and reconciling people to God. He illustrates the challenge of reconciliation with the story of the Prodigal Son, focusing on the older brother's anger and how people can love the idea of God's grace while resisting the “guest list.” The message emphasizes that reconciliation is not only between individuals and God but also a calling for believers, with the church meant to lead in reconciliation in a divided world. Practical next steps begin with prayer, referencing Isaiah 56:7 and Jesus' words about God's house being a house of prayer for all nations, and Matthew 5:44 about praying for enemies. The speaker shares examples of reconciliation seen in a diverse Louisville coffee shop community and a personal story of repairing a broken relationship with a former coworker through ownership, prayer, grace, and restored friendship. The talk concludes with an invitation to use the church's prayer wall to pray for reconciliation and to remember in communion that believers were once outsiders but have been brought near through Christ. 00:00 Welcome to Journey + Springtime Small Talk 00:17 Icebreaker: When Was the Last Time You Felt Like an Outsider? 02:55 Why Outsider Stories Matter: Living in an ‘Us vs. Them' Culture 03:55 Ephesians 2 Setup: Paul, Ephesus, and Reading the Passage 07:22 Gentiles, Israel, and How the Wall of Hostility Got Built 10:07 The ‘Jesus Plus' Problem: Traditions That Keep People Out 12:07 Jesus Breaks Down the Wall: Peace and One New People 14:04 Prodigal Son & the Older Brother: Loving the Party, Hating the Guest List 19:17 Our Calling: The Church as a Ministry of Reconciliation 24:08 How to Begin: Prayer, a House of Prayer for All Nations 27:52 A Personal Reconciliation Story (and a Call to the Prayer Wall) 31:53 Communion & Closing Prayer: Remember You Were Brought Near

Ephesians 2: From Death to Life — Remember Your Before Story (But God) In this message from Ephesians 2:1–3, the speaker urges the audience to open the Bible text and confront the reality of their “before story” apart from Jesus: being spiritually dead because of disobedience and sin. Using conversations with addiction recovery ministry leaders, he explains how recovery communities don't debate the seriousness of their past, while many Christians tend to edit their own stories, compare themselves to others, and place people in buckets. He connects Paul's words to the context of Ephesus in Acts 19, where believers turned from sorcery and idol worship, then emphasizes Paul's leveling statement, “all of us,” showing everyone shared the same condition outside of God. The sermon warns that forgetting why Jesus was needed leads to lost urgency and diminished evangelism. It highlights the turning point in the passage—“but God”—and the role of grace: salvation as God's gift, not earned by good works, described as both pardon from sin and power to obey. The message closes with two reflection questions—where listeners are still trying to earn what God has already given and where they are editing their story—and an invitation to changed life through Jesus, followed by prayer. 00:00 Wake Up, Journey: Phones Out & Open to Ephesians 2 01:02 A Recovery Ministry Story: No One Argues They Were ‘Dead' 03:19 Stop Editing Your Before Story: We're All in the Same Bucket 05:00 Read Ephesians 2:1–3 — ‘Once You Were Dead' 06:53 What ‘Dead' Really Means: More Than Physical or Eternal 11:15 Ephesus Context: Sorcery, Artemis, and the Power of Darkness 14:14 The Recovery Relapse Spiral: Layers of Death Unpacked 17:36 ‘All of Us' — The Level Ground & Why Forgetting Is Dangerous 20:48 The Turning Point: ‘But God' Mercy, Grace, and New Life 23:20 Grace Explained: Gift, Not Reward — Pardon & Power to Obey 25:54 Two Gut-Check Questions: Earning vs. Editing Your Story 29:13 Invitation to Jesus & Closing Prayer

Understanding Ephesians: A Journey Through Identity and Faith In this episode, we transition from discussing new beginnings to embarking on a six-week series on the Book of Ephesians. We'll delve into each chapter week by week, exploring the historical context of Ephesus, a powerhouse of trade, intellectual ideas, and religious practices under the Roman Empire. Ephesians, written by the Apostle Paul, is analyzed to reveal its timeless relevance, examining how ancient challenges of identity, fear, and societal fragmentation mirror our current struggles. Discover the profound impact of being 'in Christ' and understand how Paul's message of identity and grace was both revolutionary then and remains so today. Join us as we uncover the theological richness, practical lessons, and transformative power of Ephesians. 00:00 Introduction to the Series on Ephesians 01:13 Historical Context of Ephesus 06:59 Paul's Arrival and Impact in Ephesus 10:10 Paul's Letter from Prison 11:11 The Core Message of Ephesians 14:13 Identity in Christ 17:07 Paul's Revolutionary Approach 21:23 Spiritual Blessings in Christ 24:49 Paul's Reminder of Holiness and Blamelessness 26:21 The True Meaning of Adoption in Roman Culture 30:19 The Concept of Civil Death and New Identity 34:36 Redemption and Its Economic Implications 37:23 Living from Acceptance, Not for Acceptance 40:59 The Importance of Identity in Christ 42:20 Concluding Prayer and Reflection

Building Community and Faith Together: Journey's Seven Pillars Join us in this in-depth discussion about community, faith, and spiritual growth. Despite the cold and snowy weather, we're committed to bringing everyone together for a unique journey of personal and collective formation. Discover upcoming events and learn about our essential seven pillars that guide our spiritual journey: Knowing, Prayer, Relationship, Grace, Service, Generosity, and Engagement. Together, let's embrace new beginnings and deepen our faith as a united body of believers. 00:00 Welcome and Announcements 00:15 Upcoming Events Overview 01:02 Community Engagement and Activities 02:54 Introduction to Today's Message 03:24 The Concept of Newness in Faith 04:45 Formation of Communities in Scripture 09:27 Early Church Practices and Lessons 14:59 The Importance of Consistent Community 18:35 Seven Pillars for a Strong Community 20:09 Engaging the Mind in Faith 20:42 The Importance of Asking Questions 21:47 The Challenge of Deep Faith 24:54 The Role of Prayer in the Church 27:11 Building Relationships in Faith 28:51 The Power of Grace 31:13 Serving One Another 32:08 Generosity and Spiritual Growth 34:39 The Church's Mission Beyond Itself 36:44 Conclusion and Call to Action

Embracing Pauses as Invitations for Reflection and Growth In this heartfelt message, Jeremy encourages viewers to see interruptions, such as inclement weather, as opportunities for reflection, rest, and deeper connection with family and faith. He draws parallels to biblical stories where God used moments of stillness to reveal profound truths and offers practical advice on how to use unexpected downtime to re-evaluate life's direction and priorities. Jeremy also emphasizes the importance of being fully present with those around us and embracing the spiritual practice of reflection. The episode concludes with a prayer for safety, community support, and a deeper connection with God during these quiet moments. 00:00 Welcome and Introduction01:34 Embracing Interruptions as Invitations 02:29 New Beginnings and Slow Starts 04:22 The Importance of Stillness 08:41 Reflection and Honest Assessment 14:03 Practical Steps for Growth 17:00 Building Community and Being Present 19:59 Conclusion and Prayer

Embracing Hope: Moving Beyond Past Struggles and Embracing New Beginnings In this sermon, Jeremy emphasizes the importance of staying connected and introduces a new series focused on themes of newness, transformation, and the renewing of one's mind. The discussion revolves around the challenges of maintaining hope and motivation, especially when initial inspiration fades. Using references to 'National Quitters Day' and the movie 'Shawshank Redemption,' the talk explores the idea that hope, despite being risky and sometimes painful, is essential for true transformation. The sermon highlights a biblical story from John chapter 5, where Jesus heals a man who has been an invalid for 38 years, urging him to pick up his mat and walk, symbolizing the need to leave behind old identities and embrace a new life. Emphasizing that hope is a choice and a necessary aspect of faith, the speaker urges listeners not to settle for less but to continually strive towards a new, God-given life. 00:00 Introduction and Announcements 00:49 Series on Newness and Transformation 01:29 The Temporary Nature of Inspiration 02:33 Challenges of Maintaining Resolutions 03:33 The Danger of Settling 07:43 Lessons from Shawshank Redemption 15:33 The Story of the Invalid at the Pool 23:35 Stop Identifying with Your Condition 24:02 The Significance of the Mat 25:52 Letting Go of the Old Identity 27:50 Choosing Hope and Transformation 31:14 The Power of Hope 33:41 The Cocoon of Transformation 35:31 Don't Quit, Choose Hope 41:42 A Prayer for Hope and Healing

Transform Your Life: Renewing Your Mind with Faith and Neuroscience In this thought-provoking sermon, we dive deep into the concepts of newness and transformation as we step into a new year. Centered around the teachings of Paul, we explore the powerful idea that new life begins with a new way of thinking. Drawing parallels from neuroscience, we examine how our thoughts shape our realities and the profound impact of renewing our minds. Join us as we uncover the lies that hold us back and discover the spiritual and scientific pathways to genuine transformation. Embrace the journey of becoming by changing the way you think and live. 00:00 Introduction and Recap of Last Week's Sermon 00:51 The Power of New Thinking 01:30 Reflecting on Life Choices 04:22 Understanding Decision Filters 07:41 The Concept of Transformation 14:06 The Science Behind Changing Your Mind 19:35 Understanding Our True Purpose 20:21 The Five Lies We Believe 20:41 Lie #1: This is Just Who I Am 21:42 Lie #2: It's Too Late for Me 22:53 Lie #3: I'll Change When Life Slows Down 23:31 Lie #4: I've Tried Before and It Didn't Work 25:22 Lie #5: No One Really Knows What I'm Dealing With 29:34 Steps to Renew Your Mind 30:14 The Power of Thoughts and Prayer 33:39 Invitation to Change and Prayer

Embracing New Beginnings: The Transformative Journey Inspired by Paul Join us for an inspiring message about embracing new beginnings and the transformative journey with God. In this episode, we discuss several upcoming events and the importance of staying connected through our app. We also share a powerful sermon on newness, using the story of Paul (formerly Saul) as an example. Learn how God invites us into new seasons of life, often through disruptions, and how our small, consistent steps of faith can lead to profound transformation. Discover the significance of trusting God's timing and being patient as He works within us, even when we face external pressures and skepticism from others. This sermon encourages us to recognize God's new mercies every morning and to take the next step with faith, knowing that God believes in us more than we may believe in ourselves. 00:00 Welcome and Announcements 01:53 Embracing New Beginnings 08:03 The Story of Saul to Paul 11:52 The Disruption of Certainty 16:07 Paul's Transformation and Our Journey 20:13 Paul's Initial Transformation 21:03 The Hard Work of Change 22:22 Renewing the Mind 24:29 Facing External Pressures 28:12 Consistency Over Explanation 30:28 Moving Forward Despite Hesitation 33:11 Embracing New Life 37:52 God's Unfailing Mercy

Building a Life with Purpose – The Journey's New Year Series In this episode, we're reminded that the start of a new year is an opportunity for reflection and intentional change. The speaker discusses the importance of setting clear goals and taking small, deliberate steps to build a meaningful life. Emphasizing the need for patience, consistency, and perseverance, the message draws on biblical analogies and personal anecdotes to inspire viewers to stay committed to their resolutions. Whether you're a regular churchgoer or someone looking to reignite your faith and purpose, this talk encourages you to embrace the upcoming year with renewed optimism and determination. 00:00 Welcome and Announcements 01:11 Reflecting on the Past Year 02:48 The Pressure of New Year's Resolutions04:34 The Importance of Intentional Choices06:55 Building a Life with Purpose 15:31 The Value of Time and Decisions 19:26 The Power of Gradual Change 20:11 Understanding God's Love and Grace 21:02 Effort and Formation in Faith 24:49 Practical Steps for Personal Growth 28:16 Facing Resistance and Trusting Grace 30:50 God's Role in Our Journey 34:13 A Call to Action and Prayer

Christmas Eve Reflection: Embracing Chaos and Finding Presence In this heartfelt Christmas Eve message, we are reminded to slow down and treasure the moments amidst the chaos of the holiday season. Jeremy encourages attendees to find peace and presence in the middle of life's hustle, using the story of Jesus' birth as a powerful example. With a blend of humor and sincerity, key themes such as faith, hope, joy, and the importance of being present are explored. The message concludes with a call to worship and cherish the gifts of life, love, and the presence of God. 00:00 Welcome and Announcements 01:15 The Chaos of the Holiday Season 02:44 The True Meaning of Christmas 05:11 God's Presence in Our Lives 10:52 Mary's Reflection and Treasuring Moments 16:18 Practicing Presence and Treasuring What Matters 23:25 Concluding Thoughts and Prayer

The Enduring Power of the Christmas Story: A Message of Love and Hope The main focus this week is on the Christmas story, delving into its historical and spiritual significance. The narrative discusses the humble and unexpected beginnings of Jesus Christ's birth, highlighting the roles of Mary, a teenage girl, and shepherds, societal outcasts at the time. Jeremy emphasizes the contrast between earthly power and Christ's message of love, humility, and service. The story's enduring nature is seen as a testament to its profound impact on humanity, offering hope, joy, and a powerful reminder of God's proximity to us. The message concludes with a prayer, expressing gratitude for the story of Jesus and its ongoing influence in our lives. 00:00 Welcome and Announcements 00:41 Christmas Service Schedule02:13 The Advent Journey 02:57 The Exhaustion of Christmas 03:57 The Strange Traditions of Christmas 05:54 The Enduring Story of Jesus 09:24 The Legacy of King David 13:30 Mary's Role in the Christmas Story 17:32 The Shepherds' Announcement 20:29 The Subversive Nature of Christmas 23:56 The Light of the World 26:55 The Enduring Power of the Christmas Story 31:09 Closing Prayer and Reflections

Finding Joy in the Midst of Struggles: A Journey Through Advent Join us as we discuss the importance of joy during the Advent season, even amidst struggles and uncertainties. This episode includes important announcements for our Journey Christmas party and upcoming services. Explore the biblical context of joy, how it transcends circumstances, and how we can experience it despite challenges. Learn about the significance of hope, the role of joy in overcoming fears, and practical steps to recognize and ask for joy in our lives. Don't miss this uplifting and insightful message, culminating in a celebration of God's presence and love. 00:00 Welcome and Announcements 00:14 Journey Christmas Party Details 01:40 Upcoming Services and Events 02:20 Introduction to Advent Series 02:40 The Human Experience of Hope and Disappointment 03:42 Historical Context of the Christmas Story 06:24 The Shepherds and the Roman Empire 10:10 Understanding Joy in the Midst of Fear 19:50 Joy Rooted in Hope 23:30 Introduction to Paul's Importance 24:26 Paul's Message to the Thessalonians 26:31 Joy in the Midst of Suffering 28:15 The Gift of Joy 30:23 Finding Joy in Everyday Life 34:49 Celebrating Life's Joys 38:15 The Strength of Joy 41:30 Concluding Thoughts on Joy

Finding Joy in the Midst of Struggles: A Journey Through Advent Join us as we discuss the importance of joy during the Advent season, even amidst struggles and uncertainties. This episode includes important announcements for our Journey Christmas party and upcoming services. Explore the biblical context of joy, how it transcends circumstances, and how we can experience it despite challenges. Learn about the significance of hope, the role of joy in overcoming fears, and practical steps to recognize and ask for joy in our lives. Don't miss this uplifting and insightful message, culminating in a celebration of God's presence and love. 00:00 Welcome and Announcements 00:14 Journey Christmas Party Details 01:40 Upcoming Services and Events 02:20 Introduction to Advent Series 02:40 The Human Experience of Hope and Disappointment 03:42 Historical Context of the Christmas Story 06:24 The Shepherds and the Roman Empire 10:10 Understanding Joy in the Midst of Fear 19:50 Joy Rooted in Hope 23:30 Introduction to Paul's Importance 24:26 Paul's Message to the Thessalonians 26:31 Joy in the Midst of Suffering 28:15 The Gift of Joy 30:23 Finding Joy in Everyday Life 34:49 Celebrating Life's Joys 38:15 The Strength of Joy 41:30 Concluding Thoughts on Joy