Living Word Family Church Sermon Podcast

In Part 3 of “A Renewed You,” Pastor Mike Mack moves from renewing our minds to living it out. He starts by walking through Romans 12:9–21, Paul's picture of what a renewed mind looks like in real life: love without hypocrisy, honoring one another, blessing those who persecute us, and overcoming evil with good. He reminds us that the mind is the control center of our lives and that we should never call ourselves (or our kids) names. Then he names the next step: keep a heart of thanksgiving. Refuse to complain, and don't magnify your problems. Magnify Him. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What more are you looking for? In Part 6 of our Colossians series, Pastor Scott Millis walks through Colossians 2:6–23 and Paul's reminder that in Christ “the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, and you have been filled in him.” The believers in Colossae were reaching past Jesus for something new — extreme self-denial, angels and visions, food rules and holy days. Paul's answer is the same for us today: hold fast to the Head. Rules can't change a heart, and even real spiritual experiences were never meant to take the place of Jesus himself. We closed the morning celebrating three baptisms and the new life that is ours in Christ. Come as you are — we have a seat saved for you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Getting saved is only the start. In Part 2 of A Renewed You, Pastor Mike Mack goes back to Romans 12:2 and shows what renewing your mind looks like day to day. You fill your heart with God's Word until His thoughts become your thoughts. You give Him your best. You keep your priorities in order and pull down the old ways of thinking that still hold on. Whether you've walked with Jesus for fifty years or you're just starting to wonder about Him, this message is about not coasting. Change what you think and you change how you live. Watch it anytime at livingwordfamily.org. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sunday morning Pastor Scott took a detour that turned into the whole message. Walking back through how this church began — a Midwestern salesman named Larry Millis who couldn't stop asking why the things he read in his Bible weren't happening in church — he traced the movement Living Word was born out of, and then asked the harder question underneath it: how do we tell the difference between what God is doing and what we are manufacturing? The answer he landed on is the same one the Colossians needed. There is a difference between extra-biblical and anti-biblical. God will never confine himself to what you have already seen him do — and he will never do anything that contradicts what he has said. The gifts of the Spirit are not ornaments on the Christian life. Scripture is the measure, not the ceiling. And in Christ you are already complete, with a lifetime of growing up still ahead of you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pastor Mike opens a new Wednesday series on the one thing that changes everything else: your mind. Working from Romans 12:1–2, he makes the case that being born again is the starting line, not the finish — God has a good, acceptable, and perfect will for your life, and you step into it the same way a caterpillar becomes a butterfly: by a complete change, not just by learning more. He walks through what it actually takes to get there — honest self-examination, learning how God thinks about you, letting go of the lower life to receive the higher one, and practicing God's thoughts until they become your own. Warm, practical, and full of the kind of straight talk that's hard to shake. Part 2 comes next Wednesday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Evening Session Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Morning Session Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Prayer may be the most talked-about and least-practiced thing in the church. In this Wednesday night message, Pastor Mike Mack walks straight through Scripture to make one case: God's people are meant to pray. He starts where Jesus starts — "always to pray and not lose heart" (Luke 18:1) — and shows that the unjust judge of that parable isn't a picture of God but the opposite of Him. Where a worn-down judge finally gives in, our Father hears gladly and answers speedily. From there he opens John 17, Jesus praying for Himself, for His disciples, and — 2,000 years ahead of time — for us, then follows the early church through Acts, where every advance is preceded by prayer and the room itself shakes when believers pray together. Warm, plainspoken, and full of Scripture, it ends where it should: not with more talk about prayer, but with prayer. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The church at Colossae had started reaching for something more — a hidden knowledge, a deeper secret, one more step past Jesus toward God. Paul answers them with a Person. In Colossians 1:24–2:15, Pastor Scott walks us through the mystery that was hidden for ages and has now been revealed: not a formula, not a secret, but Christ in you, the hope of glory. We look back at Israel, who mixed the worship of the true God with the idols of the nations and lost the very thing that made them distinct. We stand with Moses at the mountain, refusing to go one step farther without the presence of God. And we land at the cross, where the record of debt that stood against us was canceled — set aside, nailed to the cross, paid in full. If you have been striving to add something to Jesus, this message is rest for you. Everything you have been reaching for has already been accomplished, and it was accomplished for you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As we continue our study of Paul's letter to the Colossian church, one of the first things we encounter is a clear and bold declaration of the deity and supremacy of Jesus Christ. So what is Paul talking about when he says he's filling up what was lacking in Christ's sufferings? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pastor Mike brought a strong, practical teaching on spiritual warfare, reminding us that while we live in a fallen world, God has equipped every believer with everything needed to stand firm. Drawing from Ephesians 6, he emphasized the importance of recognizing the enemy's strategies, refusing deception, and putting on the full armor of God. This message encourages believers to stay alert, walk wisely, resist the devil, and live in the victory Jesus already secured. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Pastor Scott continued our Colossians series by addressing the danger of pursuing the *wrong kind* of knowledge. The Colossian church was being pulled toward Gnosticism — a philosophy promising secret, higher truths — and away from the simple, powerful gospel they first received. Pastor showed how Paul redirects them to the **knowledge of God's will**, the **centrality of Christ**, and the **completed work of redemption**. This message calls us to reject self‑focused spiritual “levels” and embrace the kind of knowledge that leads to obedience, transformation, and a life that pleases the Lord. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pastor Scott opened a brand‑new series in the book of **Colossians**, laying the foundation for why this letter matters today. He walked us through Paul's background, his imprisonment, the challenges facing the early church, and why Colossians stands as one of the clearest declarations of Christ's supremacy in all Scripture. This first message sets the stage for understanding how believers can stay grounded in truth, resist false teaching, and walk in the power of the gospel they first received. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As we wrap up our series on Holiness, it's worth looking at what the Bible says about how God rewards us in eternity. Is it like a payday? Do some receive greater rewards? Are we actually rewarded for our degree of holiness? The Word of God will challenge us and comfort us if we look into it carefully for the answers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With spiritual attacks ramping up, we need to ensure that we are fully armored. Part of this readiness includes the empowerment of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Who is the Holy Spirit, why do we need Him, and what does it look like to be filled with Him? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In talking about holiness, we have heard more than once that we need to see the world through the eyes of Christ, and think the way Jesus thinks, or words to that effect. The Bible talks about us having the mind of Christ, which seems astonishing. What does it mean to have the mind of Christ? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We have been taught (correctly) that in order to follow God, in order to please God, in order to live by faith, we MUST know the Bible. But it is possible to have knowledge of what the bible says, and still not be right with God. There is a right way to read the Bible, and that right way produces holiness in our lives. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tonight, Pastor Mike taught on the importance of *truly knowing God* — not just being acquainted with Him. He reminded us that relationships grow through time, pursuit, and desire, and our relationship with God is no different. Using Paul's cry, “that I may know Him,” Pastor Mike emphasized that even seasoned believers must continually seek God's presence. He encouraged us to cultivate hunger, draw near intentionally, and pursue God with our whole heart. When we do, God reveals Himself, strengthens us, and equips us for the works He's called us to do. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's message speaks directly to a culture that either fears everything or fears nothing. Pastor Scott explained that biblical fear is not panic, anxiety, or dread — it's reverence, seriousness, and awareness of God's presence. He contrasted unhealthy fear (fear of man, fear of failure, fear of danger) with healthy fear (fear of dishonoring God). This message invites our community to reject the fears that paralyze us and embrace the fear that protects us — the fear of the Lord that leads to wisdom, obedience, and holiness. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Freedom is a topic that is often addressed in the New Testament. Perhaps most famously when Jesus said "So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." As we celebrate 250 years of freedom in this nation, it's a good idea to be reminded of what Jesus taught about freedom for the believer. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this series on holiness, we have referred often to Romans 12:2 and the transformation that takes place when our minds are renewed. Today, we're going to focus more on the rest of that verse, and how knowing and proving the will of God can produce holiness. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We all know we are to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. But the New Testament speaks of another means of transformation. What happens when we really look at God? What would happen if the Lord actually appeared to you? Would it change you forever? You might be surprised by how the bible answers that question! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Genesis records that "Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness." Paul seizes upon this truth in his letters to the Romans and the Galatians. James quotes it in his epistle. Faith is counted as righteousness; so what is the importance of obedience? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tonight, Pastor Mike continued teaching on prayer, reminding us that prayer is the greatest untapped power in the world — not a ritual, but a relationship. Jesus modeled a life of prayer, withdrawing to quiet places and returning with power, clarity, and direction. Pastor taught that prayer is how we receive instructions from “headquarters,” how we abide in Christ, and how we bear fruit. We were challenged to move from visiting God occasionally to *abiding* in Him daily — through prayer, the Word, and fellowship with believers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Often, when people turn away from Christianity, the church, or "traditional values", it is simply an expression of their desire to find their own way rather than simply to conform to certain arbitrary standards. But there is a difference between conformity and common conviction. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In “Red Flags,” Pastor Matt teaches on the importance of recognizing the Holy Spirit's warnings and promptings as we navigate decisions in life. Using practical examples—from beach warning flags to Paul's perilous voyage in Acts 27—he shows how God lovingly alerts us to danger, guides our steps, and protects us from unnecessary storms. This message encourages believers to cultivate a close relationship with God, listen to wise counsel, and follow the Spirit's leading with humility and discernment. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We have spent weeks looking at principles and definitions of holiness. Today we look at some of the nuts and bolts. What does it mean to walk in holiness? What, specifically, is expected of us? The answer might surprise you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pastor Mike shared an encouraging message about the power of prayer and how God responds when we seek Him. He explained that prayer isn't just a spiritual habit — it's how we receive strength, direction, and the power of the Holy Spirit. If you're looking for hope, clarity, or a fresh start, prayer is the place to begin. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nonconformity is something some people treat like a badge of honor. People want to stand out, to be different, to express themselves, and often, end up being different for difference's sake. But when the bible speaks about conformity, God is saying something completely different. Are we called to express our individuality, or are we actually called to conform to something else? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tonight Pastor Mike brought a strong, timely reminder about the power and necessity of prayer. Using Jesus' words in Luke 18 — “men ought always to pray and not faint” — he challenged us to return to a lifestyle of prayer, both personally and as a church. He emphasized that revival has always been birthed through prayer, unity, and believers who refuse to quit. Pastor Mike walked us through Jesus' prayer in Gethsemane, the authority God has given us on earth, and the biblical promise that the “effective, fervent prayer of a righteous person avails much.” This was a call to awaken, to pray with purpose, and to believe God for revival in our homes, our church, and our nation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

God has more planned for us than simply taking us to Heaven when we die. He could take us now if that's all there is to it. We are here -now- for God's purposes. We are co-laborers with Christ in God's plan of salvation. But we cannot be and do what He has called us to be and do if we are determined to blend with the world that surrounds us. To be holy is to be different. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tonight Pastor Mike reminded us of something our hearts desperately need: *don't forget the benefits of God.* From Psalm 103, he walked us through the goodness, mercy, healing, forgiveness, and protection God has already provided — benefits we often overlook when life gets heavy. He encouraged us to choose praise, to speak God's Word over our situations, and to remember that God has redeemed us, delivered us, healed us, and crowned us with lovingkindness. This was a refreshing, faith‑building reminder that God has been faithful, is faithful, and will continue to be faithful. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Perhaps the oldest philosophical challenge to Christianity is "if God is all good and all powerful, why is there evil and suffering in the world?" But we might also ask, "if God is holy and just and all powerful, why do bad people seem to be blessed?" The Bible actually has a lot to say about this question, so let's take a look! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Preventative maintenance is something we employ in many different areas of our lives, and our spirits should be no exception. How is your spiritual health? Scripture lays out a clear progression of man's tendency to drift away from God. But there is a path back. And that path always leads us to the same merciful God who loved us even while we were drifting. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does it mean to be righteous? The scriptures clearly show that righteousness is imputed to us. That is, Jesus took on our sin so that He could clothe us with HIs righteousness. But there is another side of righteousness; a way of living that sets us apart. We can go our own way, or we can walk in paths of righteousness. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We continue to look at the important topic of holiness, with a focus on two different ways to think about righteousness. Is it a behavior, or is it an imputed condition? Do we behave righteously or are we made righteous? No surprise that it's actually both, but what does the Bible actually say? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Following Jesus isn't about trying to be perfect — it's about letting God change us from the inside out. Pastor Scott shared how real love leads to real transformation, and how faith becomes visible in the way we live, speak, and treat others. God invites every one of us into a life of purpose, growth, and genuine love. You're welcome to explore that journey with us. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The disciples should not have been shocked when Jesus was crucified; He told them it would happen. Three times.They were overjoyed to find Him risen from the dead, but they shouldn't have been surprised. He told them it would happen. Three times.Jesus said many powerful and wonderful things and all of them were confirmed by the resurrection. Are you ready to take Him at His word? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In a culture eager to reshape Jesus into something more comfortable, Pastor Scott confronts the growing trend of redefining Christianity without the cross. Drawing from Scripture and the events of Palm Sunday, he shows that Jesus didn't avoid the cross—He walked toward it on purpose. His death wasn't a political execution or a symbolic gesture; it was the necessary sacrifice for our sin. Pastor Scott warns against becoming what Paul called “enemies of the cross,” those who claim Christ but reject His lordship and the meaning of His death. This message calls us back to the true Gospel: Jesus gave His life as a ransom for many, and understanding the crucifixion is the only way to truly appreciate the resurrection and live a life worthy of His sacrifice. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's message, David Gulliford invites us into a rare and needed posture: stillness before God. Drawing from Psalm 46:10, Hebrews 12, Exodus 23, Luke 10, and the life of Jesus, he shows how God forms us “little by little,” corrects us as beloved children, and meets us in quiet places far more than in our busyness.Whether you feel overwhelmed, overcommitted, or spiritually distracted, this message calls you back to the one thing Jesus said is needed: sitting at His feet, hearing His voice, and allowing Him to shape us into Christlikeness.Be still. Know Him. Let Him speak. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In our series on holiness, we continue to wrestle with the temptation to believe that we can become holy by simply trying harder. We are indeed commanded, "be holy, for I Am holy." But we often confuse terms like "righteousness", "holiness", and "sanctification" What's the difference? The importance of understanding this goes beyond proper terminology; it is practical, and it is life changing. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We live in a culture of caricatures. Often, the things and people that stir up hateful feelings have been presented to us in simplified and often inaccurate forms, leading to knee-jerk reactions and uninformed opinions. Even God has been treated like that. But what you find when you actually encounter Jesus Christ will surprise you! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With all the emphasis in the Bible on obedience, it's easy to fall into the trap of legalism when working out our salvation. But hard things are made easier when love is what drives us. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bible teacher and author Tony Cooke graduated from RHEMA Bible Training Center in 1980 and received degrees from North Central University (Bachelor's in Church Ministries) and Liberty University (Master's in Theological Studies/Church History). His ministerial background includes pastoral ministry, teaching in Bible schools, and directing a ministerial association. Tony's passion for teaching the Bible has taken him to more than thirty nations and nearly all fifty states. He is the author of sixteen books, of which, various titles have been translated and published in more than a dozen other languages Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We begin a series today on two subjects that often create a kind of tension in our spiritual journeys. Sometimes we feel very much like the choice we are facing is between being happy or being holy. But the word of God tells us not to simply obey God, but to DELIGHT in Him. Holiness and Happiness are NOT mutually exclusive! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's message, Pastor Mike unpacks the incredible strength God releases through prayer. Drawing from James 5:16, he reminds us that heartfelt and persistent prayer isn't just a spiritual exercise — it's a force that moves heaven and shapes lives.We'll explore how prayer requires humility, because coming to God means admitting we can't do everything on our own. Pastor Mike also highlights how the early church depended on continual prayer to grow, endure trials, and see God work in miraculous ways.This message encourages us to slow down, bow low, and press into a deeper, more consistent life of prayer — because when God empowers our prayers, they become dynamic and full of tremendous power. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're honored to welcome Neal & Danette Childs from RUN International! Their heart for reaching the unreached and taking the Gospel where it's never been heard is powerful and contagious.Come ready to be challenged, encouraged, and inspired to live the Great Commission right where you are. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pastor Mike continues the Reset and Renew series with a powerful call to clear out the lies, habits, and thought patterns that pull us away from God's best. Pulling from God's Word he reminds us that real renewal begins when we choose Truth over noise, Scripture over opinion, and God's voice over the enemy's lies.This message challenges us to put off the “old man,” reject ungodly thinking, and let the Word reshape how we see ourselves, our choices, and our future. When we anchor our minds in God's Truth, freedom follows — and the life He promises becomes clearer than ever. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pastor Mike brings a timely reminder that real reset isn't just a momentary fast or a quick spiritual tune‑up — it's a daily return to God. Drawing from God's Word, he calls us to renew our minds, refocus our hearts, and turn away from the distractions that pull us off course. In a world that feels louder and more chaotic by the day, this message encourages us to seek God's direction, trust His plans, and live with urgency and purpose in these last days. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today Pastor Mike shares a heartfelt reminder that we don't walk this journey alone. Life brings seasons that stretch us, moments that feel heavy, and challenges that test our resolve — but God calls us to keep running with endurance.As a church family, we're learning to say together: I will not be defeated. I will not quit. Not because we're strong on our own, but because our lives belong to God, and He gives us purpose that carries us forward.Through Hebrews 12:1 and John 17:1–5, we're invited to refocus our hearts, remember why we're here, and trust that God is shaping something meaningful in us as we keep going. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What is the best thing in your life? What is the one thing you lack that would make you happy? What is the best thing you can imagine? The landscape of history, and our lives, is littered with the remnants of shattered dreams and unfulfilled longings. But the problem is usually that we have been pursuing the wrong things. The right thing is surprisingly close to you even now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.