Local Church St. Pete Podcast

As followers of Jesus, we are shaped by His Word. Scripture is not just for reading - it's for being formed. As we slow down and make space to encounter God in His Word, we are shaped into His likeness.

What is the purpose statement of your life? What is it that is most important to you? In Galatians 6, we see that as followers of Jesus, the cross of Jesus is our anthem and His resurrection is our blueprint for living. It's this good news that brings real freedom!

To ‘live by the Spirit' is not a subjective, do what you think is best, relativistic way of life. Instead, Galatians 6:1-10 gives one example after the next of what it looks like on the ground, in everyday relationships. From restoring others with gentleness to doing good to those around us, we're given the shape of a Spirit-led life.

We all have a lifestyle, a particular way we go about decision-making in everyday life. Everyone is deeply motivated by a driving force or power of some kind. When Galatians 5:16-26 calls followers of Jesus to “walk by the Spirit” and to be “led by the Spirit," it's calling us to a lifestyle of surrender - a way of life shaped by the Spirit's presence and power. But what does that lifestyle look like, and what does it produce?

Imagine investing everything into someone's freedom, only to watch them willingly return to what enslaves. That's the angst and heartbreak we discover in Galatians 5:1-15. Are you truly living in the radical freedom Jesus brings, or are you subtly allowing old patterns, or even new teachings, to drag you back into slavery?

In John 21 the resurrected Jesus, the King of the universe, the one with all power and authority is sitting on a beach serving breakfast. His presence on that shoreline, his radical love and hospitality, sets the stage for the restoration he brings. It's a story that puts God's character front and center; it confronts our misconceptions and fears and invites us to experience the restorative love of God.

Sometimes what we think will lead to freedom actually has the opposite effect. It can be hard to see things as they are, but Galatians 4 brings clarity when it comes to our relationship with God and others. God is calling us to real freedom in Christ, not the illusion of the world.

Galatians 4 reveals King Jesus went to great lengths to make us legitimate, full-fledged children of God, granting us an unshakeable inheritance—a secure birthright to be enjoyed now and one that no one can take away.

Oftentimes we find ourselves judging how we compare with others. We silently and even subconsciously create a ranking of people's status. This is a problem that has plagued every society in various ways. Galatians 3 shows us that there is a different way. The social and cultural walls that bring division come crashing down when we are one in Christ.

An update on Local Church St. Pete's partnership with Next Stepp.

Our self-reliance has its limits. We can't solve everything or answer our deepest longings on our own. But Galatians 3 reveals a powerful truth: Jesus can. Trusting in Him alone brings freedom.

Galatians 2 reminds us of the beauty and power of the Gospel—that we are justified by faith, transformed by grace, and made alive in Christ. Paul declares that his identity is no longer in his own performance, but in Christ who lives in him. That's the Gospel: not self-effort, but Christ in us, the hope of glory.

There are moments so pivotal, that they change the entire trajectory of our life. Paul's story in Galatians 1-2 is a beautiful example of how the good news of Jesus can take us by surprise, bringing freedom to our relationship with God and others.

Perfection doesn't seem attainable in our world. Not long after we find something that seems perfect, we begin to see its flaws. This often drives us to improve what we can and innovate upon what already exists. But what if we found something that is truly perfect? Would we respond by trying to make it better? In Galatians 1:1-10, the Apostle Paul makes clear that the Gospel is flawless and not something to be improved upon.

Between the certainty of death and a false narrative spoken out of fear is the story of Jesus' resurrection. It's a story of assurance and love that meets us right where we are. The last two chapters of Matthew hold it up as a testimony to what Jesus accomplished and an invitation to believe what he promised.

The narrow way or the broad way. The rotting fruit and roots of the false prophets. The house on the rock and the house on the sand. In Matthew 7-8, we hear the words and warnings of Jesus to his followers. They are serious and filled with love and grace, calling us to live in a different way that starts in the center of our very lives. The crowds who heard Jesus were astonished at his authority and his wisdom, and his words still hold that same authority and wisdom for us today.

Everyone desires to be treated with respect and love, and we also hope to treat others well. In Matthew 7, Jesus gives us a simple formula for doing right by others. It's a golden rule, often learned as a child, that requires God's grace to apply to our relationships.

What's your relationship with money like? Is your peace tied to your bank balance? Do you keep striving, believing the good life is just one more financial milestone away? In Matthew 6:19-34, Jesus warns of money's deceptive pull and calls us to a new way—generosity over accumulation, trust over anxiety, and seeking His kingdom over building our own.

Our city is filled with entertainment, pleasure, and the best food and drink. If we are not careful we can allow the pursuit of these things to become the main focus in life. Jesus wants his followers to prioritize their relationship with God over the amusements of our city. In Matthew 6:16-18, Jesus calls his followers to fasting, an often neglected practice that intensifies our desires for more of God. 

There is an aching inside of us because things aren't as they should be, an awareness that earth is not heaven. In Matthew 6, we find a prayer that gives words to our heart's longings. It's a recognition that we cannot repair this world, so we pray to God who is bringing heaven to earth, starting with us.

There's a longing in all of us for the applause of others. Social media heightens the issue as our desire for “likes” is embedded in our day to day lives. In Matthew 6:1-6 Jesus calls us to a “behind the scenes” lifestyle; a whole-hearted devotion to God done not for the intoxicating praise of those around us, but for an audience of one.

When faced with opposition, how do you respond? When wronged, how do you react? In Matthew 5:38-48, Jesus turns our instincts upside down, calling us to answer hate with love and vengeance with grace. In choosing this path, we mirror God's heart and reveal His kingdom.

“This Time Tomorrow” highlights the intersection of faith and work in those who are a part of Local Church St. Pete. It's our hope that conversations like these would encourage us to walk out our faith in Jesus Monday through Saturday, seeing our vocation (whether paid or unpaid) as one of the primary ways we image God and love others. 

Getting to the heart of something means to uncover or understand the most important part of it. In Matthew 5:17-37, Jesus gets to the heart of his purpose by making the daring claim that he came to fulfill the entire storyline of the Bible; to bring it to completion. He goes further still by calling his followers to a way of life that reflects an inner transformation of the heart – the very thing he came to bring.

Ambivalence is a great word to describe having mixed or contradictory feelings about the same thing. And these days, ambivalence is fairly common. There are things worth celebrating that stand alongside stark reminders that not everything is as it's supposed to be. So, what do we do with those feelings? Psalm 122 gives God's people a clear picture of how to express those feelings and how to act on them.

In Matthew 5:13-16, Jesus describes his followers as the salt of the earth and the light of the world, two deeply rich metaphors taken from the Scriptures. They highlight the call every follower of Jesus has to put the kingdom of heaven on bold display in whatever context you find yourself in - to be who you are wherever you are.

In Matthew 5:1-12, Jesus describes what life looks like when it comes under the gracious and loving rule of God. Is it an unattainable set of values that leaves us frustrated and hopeless? Is this an idealistic pipe dream? No, it's a stunning portrait of a disciple of Jesus - a citizen of the kingdom of heaven whose countercultural way of life grows out of God's grace.

One of the most personal things you can do is come alongside someone as they pray, to be given permission to listen in as they express their greatest concerns and desires. That's exactly what we're invited to do in John 17. To hear Jesus' desires and make them our own - to hear Jesus' heart, what he wants most of all, and allow it to shape ours.

Local stories are stories of God's grace at work in the lives of those who are a part of Local Church St. Pete. We want to highlight his activity and celebrate his grace.

As we celebrate six years as a church community, it's important that we slow down and ask what it means to be a follower of Jesus; to remind ourselves what it's all about. Matthew 4 explores the message and invitation of Jesus that has shaped us since day one. It's a message that is still breaking through darkness with hope and freedom. It's an invitation still to walk in his ways and join him on mission.

Temptation is part of life in a broken world. Every day we wrestle with desires and decisions that can take us to dark places. In Matthew 4, Jesus shows us that victory over temptation is possible, and that temptation itself can become an opportunity for closeness with God.

The beginning of the year is time when bad habits are put away and new ones are established. But true and lasting change always requires a radical reorientation, a change of direction that includes clearing the path of anything that might get in the way. Matthew 3 is about the change of direction needed for anyone wanting to follow Jesus. There's never been a better time to ready our hearts, clear the path and reorient our lives on him.

As we enter a new year, it is a time of reflection and anticipation. Many goals and resolutions will be made as we pursue growth and renewed purpose. John 15 clarifies these desires for improvement through an analogy of a vineyard and helps us focus on what is most important – how we can be fruitful followers of Jesus.

Who is Jesus and what did he accomplish? What difference does it make in our everyday lives? Matthew 1 answers those questions with a stunning portrait of Jesus that describes who he is, why he came and what that means for our greatest fears. It's a portrait we're meant to celebrate and carry with us.

What do you do when you can't see the way forward? When you're struggling to understand what's happening and why? When confusion, fear or uncertainty seems to be winning? It's in that very atmosphere Jesus speaks the words of John 14:6, “I am the way, the truth and the life” - offering honest answers to honest questions and comfort to troubled hearts.

Local churches—communities of people, humbled by the gospel and living on mission—have been God's mission strategy and means of discipleship ever since the first followers of Jesus. Because of that, we want to continue to support church plants and pastors and see more healthy churches established in St. Pete and beyond. A primary way Local Church St. Pete can take part in this mission is by participating in the training and formation of future pastoral leaders, endeavoring to equip them for a ministry career marked by faithfulness, health, and longevity. 

The sorrows of death have been felt by all of us. Even Jesus was deeply moved by the sorrow and anger that come with losing a loved one. After the death of a dear friend, Jesus arrives on the scene and makes the most startling claim, that he is, “the resurrection and the life.” What happens next not only proves his claim, but leaves us with a decision to make.

There's an epidemic of failed leadership within the church today. It's no wonder people are increasingly cynical of spiritual leaders. The same was true in Jesus' day. In John 10:11, he speaks into the cynicism and says, “I am the good shepherd.” It's the promise of safety and provision we long for - rooted in his self-giving love.

Are you experiencing a heaviness that won't quit? Is the weight of condemnation hanging over you? Do you ever find yourself overwhelmed and spiraling into dark places? In John 8:12, Jesus claims to be “the light of the world” and promises “the light of life” to those who follow him. It's a message of hope and forgiveness that meets us in the dark and provides a way out of it.

Jesus knows the deep hunger inside of you. He also knows the bitter cycle of turning to things that don't satisfy. In John 6:35, after comparing cheap substitutes with the real thing, he says, “I am the bread of life.” The invitation that follows is offensive and hard to grasp, but according to Jesus, exactly what we need.

Monsters rising out of a chaotic sea? A mysterious man riding on the clouds of heaven? Daniel 7 is prophetic vision filled with terror, hope and victory. It pulls back the curtain on human history, exposing the beastly kingdoms of man for what they are and leads us into a divine courtroom where God's justice prevails in the most unexpected way.

There are consequences to your devotion to God. Not everyone who observes it will applaud you; some will despise it and do what they can to shut it down. Daniel 6 has inspired generations to a loyalty that can't be compromised or shaken by anyone or anything – to a lifestyle of unrelenting devotion.

In Daniel 5, we read a cautionary account as relevant as ever. Each of us has a tendency to trust in ourselves instead of God. This false sense of independence blinds us and sets us up for disaster. But, there is hope to be found in surrendering to a God who can be trusted with everything.

The desire to be noticed, accomplished and in control - to live life on our own terms, lives in all of us. We live in a culture fixated on power and self-promotion. But it's a hollow shell, an illusion at best. Daniel 4 is the story of God confronting this illusion in the most powerful man on earth. The crossroads it brings him to is ours to enter, the unexpected mercy shown is ours to receive.

There's a real pressure within our culture to keep faith a private matter. As long as it blends in, is non-invasive or non-threatening, it's fine. In other words, keep it on a leash. According to Daniel 3, faith involves saying ‘no' at times. It requires drawing lines and standing against what isn't right – no matter what the consequence might be.

What do you say to those who have been displaced and have lost everything? How do you encourage people you love who are facing an incredibly challenging hardship? 1 Peter 1:1-12 describes a hope that energizes, strengthens and sustains. It isn't subjective or feelings driven, it isn't based on speculation or wishful thinking. It's a living hope rooted in what Jesus accomplished for us and it's ours to rest in.

When we find ourselves in a crisis situation, where can we find the help we need? When we don't have answers, where can we find the wisdom that will guide us? In Daniel 2, we find an impossible scenario for Daniel and his friends, and yet they cry out to the One who possesses all wisdom and power; the One that enables us to live faithfully in the place He has called us.

How do you live faithfully in a society that not only disagrees with you but is determined to redefine you? The ancient story of Daniel chapter 1 has inspired generations to engage culture with an enduring faith and uncompromising resolve. The result is a faith that doesn't simply survive culture but shapes it.