NRJohnson Sermon Podcast

Matthew's Gospel is unique in that it was written by a Jew to the Jews to convince them that Jesus was and is the Kingly Messiah.In this message, Nathan talks about the Apostle Matthew, his audience, and how he structured the Gospel to showcase the truth about who Jesus is. And while this Gospel was written to the Jews, it has a powerful message to every believer.• • • • •This message was preached at the Church at Ellerslie on January 7, 2024.For more Christ-Centered teaching and resources, visit deeperChristian.com

Mark's Gospel is a non-stop action adventure of the life of Christ. In this message, Nathan discusses who Mark was, the backdrop of the Gospel, the key question of the book, and talks through Mark's difficult (and often confusing) ending.• • • • •This message was preached at the Church at Ellerslie on December 3, 2023.For more Christ-Centered teaching and resources, visit deeperChristian.com

John's Gospel is unlike the other three—it is more intimate, relational, and passionate. John longs to his readers to believe and experience the life, love, and light of Christ. In this overview of John's Gospel, Nathan discusses the life of John the Apostle, his poetic style of writing, and his purpose for writing the book. Ultimately, John's Gospel invites us to believe, seek greater intimacy, and hold fast to the simplicity that is in Christ Jesus.• • • • •This message was preached at the Church at Ellerslie on October 29, 2023.For more Christ-Centered teaching and resources, visit deeperChristian.com

Though we recently celebrated the Advent of the first coming of Christ, we mustn't forget to long and anticipate His second coming.In this sermon, Nathan examines the story of Simeon blessing baby Jesus in the Temple and how Simeon's expectancy for the Messiah should be the same as ours today as we await His return.• • • • •This message was preached at the Church at Ellerslie on December 18, 2022.For more Christ-Centered teaching and resources, visit deeperChristian.com

Culturally, our identity is often wrapped up in our professions, abilities, or history. But as believers, our identity is to be IN Christ. As Paul begins his letter to Titus, he declares his identity, in turn reminding us that regardless of our past, profession, or talent, we need to come under the authority of and be a willing vessel for God's use.• • • • •This message was preached at the Church at Ellerslie on December 4, 2022.For more Christ-Centered teaching and resources, visit deeperChristian.com

Paul declares we are ambassadors for Christ. But what is an ambassador and how does that affect how we practically live? In this message, Nathan explores 2 Corinthians 5:20 and what it means to be an ambassador of the King, the cost to our lives, and why it is worth everything to have such a high honor. This message was preached at the Church at Ellerslie on May 22, 2022. For more Christ-Centered teaching and resources, visit https://deeperchristian.com/ (deeperChristian.com)

I love Luke 15 and the picture of God's redemptive pursuit of that which is lost. Yet while we are familiar with the three parables Jesus shares (Lost Sheep, Lost Coin, and the Lost Son), we often forget the cultural context in which they sit. Join me in exploring a cultural perspective of Luke 15 that gives fresh insight into the words of Jesus and offers a powerful glimpse into the nature and heart of God. For more Christ-Centered teaching and resources, visit https://deeperchristian.com/ (deeperChristian.com)

As Paul comes to a conclusion, he gives a final benediction and blessing for those who live and think according to His exhortation of Philippians 4:4-9. This blessing is nothing less than God's promise to be with us. In this final message on the Christian mindset, Nathan Johnson expounds on Paul's statement that “the God of peace will be with you” and gives three incredible realities of what it means for our lives practically. For more Christ-Centered teaching and resources, visit https://deeperchristian.com/ (deeperChristian.com) Support this podcast

We are to be unlike the world around us—though we live in the world, we are not to be of the world. As Paul concludes his argument in Philippians 4:9, he declares “look at my life and watch how this is put into practice!” In this episode, Nathan exposes Paul's heart from the passage and exhorts each of us to live lives worthy to be imitated. For more Christ-Centered teaching and resources, visit https://deeperchristian.com/ (deeperChristian.com) Support this podcast

While God is the only one who is truly worthy of praise, it is fascinating that the word “praiseworthy” in Philippians 4:8 is used for both God and people. In this study, Nathan Johnson explores the biblical concept of praiseworthy and gives eight practical thoughts for how we can live lives of praise. For more Christ-Centered teaching and resources, visit https://deeperchristian.com/ (deeperChristian.com) Support this podcast

Our culture is obsessed with “excellent” things—people, sports ability, careers, etc—but biblically, there is only one thing that is truly “excellent.” In this study of Philippians 4:8, Nathan Johnson talks about things culture deems as excellent and shows how the only truly excellent thing is Jesus Himself—and also discusses three ways to fill up your mind with “whatever is excellent.” For more Christ-Centered teaching and resources, visit https://deeperchristian.com/ (deeperChristian.com) Support this podcast

According to Paul, our minds are to have a “good reputation.” While many of us would fear if someone could see our thoughts for 24 hours, a Christian's mind is to be full of honor and godliness. In this episode, Nathan examines the concept of “commendable” in Philippians 4:8 and four examples the Bible gives for such a thought life. For more Christ-Centered teaching and resources, visit https://deeperchristian.com/ (deeperChristian.com) Support this podcast

“This study was not at all what I was expecting” was heard from Nathan's mouth as he dived into what Paul calls “lovely.” As Christians, we often diminish or de-spiritualize anything that is delightful or pleasurable, yet Paul says that such things should be in our minds and filling up our lives. In this study from Philippians 4:8, Nathan explains three key areas that are lovely and why we should find great delight, joy, and pleasure in them. For more Christ-Centered teaching and resources, visit https://deeperchristian.com/ (deeperChristian.com) Support this podcast

Purity is not a popular term these days. In a culture where “anything goes,” Christians are called to live set-apart, holiness, pure lives. Yet how can live pure in an impure world? In this episode, Nathan Johnson focuses on Paul's call to purity in Philippians 4:8 and explains how this should not only affect every area of our lives but is only possible when we focus on Jesus and fill our minds with His Word. For more Christ-Centered teaching and resources, visit https://deeperchristian.com/ (deeperChristian.com) Support this podcast

Biblically, justice is not based on preference or perspective, but upon God's righteous character and Word. In Paul's exhortation to the Church to “think on these things” in Philippians 4:8, he calls us to dwell upon that which is right (or just). In this episode, Nathan Johnson examines the concept of righteousness and justice and gives five practical ways to not only think about that which is just but to also live it out in our lives. For more Christ-Centered teaching and resources, visit https://deeperchristian.com/ (deeperChristian.com) Support this podcast

Honor is greatly misunderstood in today's culture. Yet Paul commands us to fill up our minds with that which is honorable. As Christians, how can we understand what “honorable” is and how do we keep a guard upon our mind that reflects this quality? In this episode, Nathan Johnson tackles this complex Greek word and describes three ways in which our minds can be honorable and noble no matter what goes on around us. For more Christ-Centered teaching and resources, visit https://deeperchristian.com/ (deeperChristian.com) Support this podcast

Paul's command to think on what is true is far more that something factual or informational — he refers embracing the Person of Jesus and being filled up with the Word of God. In this episode, Nathan Johnson examines Paul's first command of things to think upon and discovers that truth is twofold, it expels all lies, and transforms our personal experience and reality. For more Christ-Centered teaching and resources, visit https://deeperchristian.com/ (deeperChristian.com) Support this podcast

In Philippians 4:8, Paul gives a list of eight things we are to think, or meditate, upon. More than a mental grasp or understanding, Paul asserts that the meditation of the Christian mind should affect our lives in every way. As we “fill up our minds” with the things on his list, they in turn should radically transform how we behave, talk, and think. In this episode, Nathan Johnson unpacks the concept of “think” or “dwell” and how essential the word is to our understanding of the entire passage. For more Christ-Centered teaching and resources, visit https://deeperchristian.com/ (deeperChristian.com) Support this podcast

When we think of boundaries, we often think of restrictions, limitations, and confinement. Yet boundaries actually give freedom. As we begin our study of Philippians 4:8, Nathan Johnson examines the beauty of boundaries and the blessing they are in our walk with Christ. Rather than imposing a limitation on what we can think upon, Paul gives us true freedom to think on Jesus Christ. For more Christ-Centered teaching and resources, visit https://deeperchristian.com/ (deeperChristian.com) Support this podcast

As we continue our study on the mindset of a Christian from Philippians 4:4–9, we are taking the first two episodes to review what we've covered thus far.  In this episode, we examine Paul's call to not allow anything to produce fear, anxiety, or worry and instead press us into intimacy with Jesus through prayer and thanksgiving—as such the peace of God will guard our inner lives. As we continue our study, this episode will give the context for the “think on these things” passage of Philippians 4:8. For more Christ-Centered teaching and resources, visit https://deeperchristian.com/ (deeperChristian.com) Support this podcast

As we continue our study on the mindset of a Christian from Philippians 4:4–9, we are taking the first two episodes to review what we've covered thus far in the first twelve studies.  In this episode, we examine Paul's command to rejoice always and to be known for your gentleness. This “impossible” living is only possible because the Lord is near.  As we continue our study, this episode will give the context for the “think on these things” passage of Philippians 4:8. For more Christ-Centered teaching and resources, visit https://deeperchristian.com/ (deeperChristian.com) Support this podcast

We often think of the coming of Christ at Christmas, but do we remember and ponder His Second Coming? Or what about the purpose of His first? In this message, Nathan Johnson gives a "Christmas meditation" focused on the sign of sacrifice as foreshadowed by Abraham and Isaac and further illustrated in the sign the Bethlehem shepherds receive. We also talk about the Second Coming of Jesus Christ and how this season should prepare us for His return. For more Christ-Centered teaching and resources, visit https://deeperchristian.com/ (deeperChristian.com) Support this podcast

Whatever. Paul uses this short but powerful word to talk about the endless richness of what our mind is to be set upon. Rather than a limitation, this word is all about freedom and possibilities. In this expositional message on the Christian Mindset, Nathan Johnson looks at Philippians 4:8 and the boundaries our minds are to stay within. For more Christ-Centered teaching and resources, visit https://deeperchristian.com/ (deeperChristian.com) Support this podcast

During Ellerslie's Man Talk Conference, Nathan gave an overview of the first ten studies in the Christian Mindset series. If you want to gain an overview of what Paul says in Philippians 4:4-7, this is a great way to catch up as we enter into the “whatevers” of Philippians 4:8. For more Christ-Centered teaching and resources, visit https://deeperchristian.com/ (deeperChristian.com) Support this podcast

What if the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, would actually guard and protect our inner lives? In this expositional message, Nathan Johnson examines Philippians 4:7 and how everything in our lives should press us unto Jesus Christ and as a result, we experience the incredible peace of God – regardless of circumstance or problem. For more Christ-Centered teaching and resources, visit https://deeperchristian.com/ (deeperChristian.com) Support this podcast

Far too many believers today are burnt out and exhausted – our burdens are heavy and our labor is great. Yet Jesus promises rest and an easy yoke to those who follow Him. In this message, Nathan Johnson examines Matthew 11:28-30 and helps us understand how we can experience Jesus' promise of an easy yoke. For more Christ-Centered teaching and resources, visit https://deeperchristian.com/ (deeperChristian.com) Support this podcast

Thanksgiving is around the corner and for too many of us, it is our once-a-year time to ponder what we are thankful for. In this message on the Christian mindset, Nathan Johnson teaches on Philippians 2:6 and talks about what thanksgiving is suppose to look like in the life of a believer. For more Christ-Centered teaching and resources, visit https://deeperchristian.com/ (deeperChristian.com) Support this podcast

Our lives as Christians are to be places of prayer – but most of us pray and wonder if God hears us or why He doesn't respond. In this message from Philippians 4:6, Nathan Johnson talks about what it means to be a place of prayer for all the nations and ten key things the Bible tells us that hinders prayer. For more Christ-Centered teaching and resources, visit https://deeperchristian.com/ (deeperChristian.com) Support this podcast

In lesson six of the Christian Mindset series, we talked that a Christian's life is to be marked by peace, joy, and calm regardless of circumstance or situation. In short, there should be no fear, worry, anxiety, foreboding, fretting, or panic in a Christian's life. Instead, Paul tells us in Philippians 4:6 that a believer's life is to be marked by prayer. What if every situation of my life didn't produce anxiety but rather pushed me to Jesus in greater intimacy, trust, and dependence? In this expositional message, Nathan Johnson looks at the Christian mindset and examines how prayer is the solution to fear. We can be islands of tranquility amidst a sea of turmoil! For more Christ-Centered teaching and resources, visit https://deeperchristian.com/ (deeperChristian.com) Support this podcast

Every Christian has a call to ministry, regardless of the profession or job they do. In this episode, we talk about some practical ways you can prepare your life for ministry right where you are at. For more Christ-Centered teaching and resources, visit https://deeperchristian.com/ (deeperChristian.com) Support this podcast

Do you need a breakthrough in your life? Perhaps its a circumstance or situation … or maybe a relationship – regardless, we each have areas that we need God to breakthrough in and bring life, restoration, reconciliation. In this message, we look at a passage in 2 Samuel 5 where David deals with the Philistines and God breakthroughs so powerfully that the name of the location changes from the "Valley of Giants" to the place where God is the "Master of Breakthroughs." If you are needing breakthrough in your life or a reminder of the powerful God we love, serve, and pray to, this sermon will remind you that no matter what you are facing, God wants to be right in the middle of it and cause a breakthrough. For more Christ-Centered teaching and resources, visit https://deeperchristian.com/ (deeperChristian.com) Support this podcast

Hundreds of times throughout Scripture we are told not to fear, worry, be anxious, forebode, fret, or panic. As Christians, we are to be marked by peace, joy, and calm. Yet how can we as believers live amidst a chaotic world with a joyful serenity and peace? Paul declares in Philippians 4:6 that there is no reason to be anxious and commands us to be "anxious for nothing." Yet while he gives the command, he also gives us the secret to living without fear. In this expositional message, Nathan Johnson looks at the Christian mindset and examines four essential ways we can live without any anxiety or fear. For more Christ-Centered teaching and resources, visit https://deeperchristian.com/ (deeperChristian.com) Support this podcast

The Lord is at hand! This small statement made by Paul is loaded with depth and life-changing truth. In this expositional sermon of Philippians 4:5, Nathan Johnson looks at two profound ways we must understand this passage and the significance it holds for how we live today. For more Christ-Centered teaching and resources, visit https://deeperchristian.com/ (deeperChristian.com) Support this podcast

When I hear the word “gentleness” I often think of kindness or someone being nice, perhaps a bit quiet. But biblically, there are two words for gentleness in Scripture and the word Paul uses in Philippians 4:5 is not at all what you may think of when you hear the term. In this study of the Christian mindset, Nathan Johnson explores Philippians 4:5 and talks about what true gentleness is and how to demonstrate it to the world around us. But be warned, gentleness is not what you may think it is … and discovering its meaning will likely change the way you live. For more Christ-Centered teaching and resources, visit https://deeperchristian.com/ (deeperChristian.com) Support this podcast

As we continue our series examining the "Christian mindset" we examine Paul's audacious statement to "rejoice in the Lord always, again I say rejoice!" What does it mean to have joy in every circumstance and situation and how can we practically live this way? In this expositional sermon, Nathan Johnson explores joy and how we as Christians can live every moment rejoicing despite our circumstances or situations. Twelve Reflections on Joy:We must know the source of joy Joy is a fruit … the natural outflow of the life of the Spirit within us Joy is not about circumstances but a purposeful response amidst the circumstances Rejoicing doesn't have to make sense … but it does need to happen (always) Joy increases with the increase of pressure (suffering, trial, persecution) Joy is a present declaration in our future hope (we rejoice because we know the future) Joy exposes and declares our focus and trust in God We rejoice because we know trials and difficulty lead to maturity Joy is most evident (or seen more clearly) in our trials, sufferings, hardships, difficulties, and weaknesses We rejoice because we know God is King … and He has overcome the world We rejoice because God is a God of Joy Joy is to be a distinctive mark of a Christian For more Christ-Centered teaching and resources, visit https://deeperchristian.com/ (deeperChristian.com) Support this podcast

As we continue our series examining the "Christian mindset" we discuss the importance of being an "Always Christian" – that we are always in all our ways a Christian. Christianity isn't a social club that we check in to once a week, nor is it something we live when it's convenient. As Christians, we are not to have duplicity or hypocrisy in our lives – we are to be Christians at all times in all places all of our lives. In this message, Nathan Johnson talks about how God is the "Always God" and calls us to be "Always Christians."  For more Christ-Centered teaching and resources, visit https://deeperchristian.com/ (deeperChristian.com) Support this podcast

We live in a time where lawlessness reigns, anger abounds, fear flourishes, and worry wins the day. But we can live in perfect peace when we keep our minds steadfast upon Jesus and trust in Him (see Isaiah 26:3). As our world increases in darkness, lawlessness, and fear – how is a Christian supposed to think and what are they to focus upon? In this new series, Nathan Johnson (NRJohnson) examines the Christian mindset as found in Philippians 4. In this introductory message, Nathan gives an overview of the book of Philippians and talks about the importance of having the mind (Greek: phroneo) of Christ. For more Christ-Centered teaching and resources, visit https://deeperchristian.com/ (deeperChristian.com) Support this podcast

Throughout the entire Old Testament the concept of God's mercy, faithfulness, and loving-kindness shows up. This word in Hebrew “Hesed” contains a profound concept revealing God's nature, character, and desire in our lives. Giving a broad overview of this concept, Nathan Johnson explains Hesed and then shows how this plays out in the life and message of Jesus – focusing primarily on the Prodigal Son story in Luke 15. In the end, you'll be reminded that regardless of what you may be going through, God's steadfast love (Hesed) endures forever. For more Christ-Centered teaching and resources, visit https://deeperchristian.com/ (deeperChristian.com) Support this podcast

In this concluding message of the I AM series, we look at Jesus' declaration that He is the Vine and we are the branches as found in John 15. For more Christ-Centered teaching and resources, visit https://deeperchristian.com/ (deeperChristian.com) Support this podcast

While we all know the verse “Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me'” (John 14:6), how many of us understand what Jesus means when He calls Himself the Way, Truth, and Life? In this message, Nathan Johnson examines this verse and emphasizes that any time we build our lives on anything but Jesus, we find it to be false and leading to dead. For more Christ-Centered teaching and resources, visit https://deeperchristian.com/ (deeperChristian.com) Support this podcast

In John 11, within the context of death and despair, Jesus proclaims that He doesn't merely give resurrection and life, He IS resurrection and life. In this episode, Nathan Johnson looks at several truths of what it means for Jesus to be our resurrection and exhorts us to not merely believe in Jesus but to trust Him with concrete conviction and place our hope solely in Him. For more Christ-Centered teaching and resources, visit https://deeperchristian.com/ (deeperChristian.com) Support this podcast

In the last study of the “I AM” statements of Jesus in the book of John, we examined John 10 and Jesus' declaration that He is the “Good Shepherd.” As a followup to that concept, Nathan Johnson gives an overview of Psalm 23 and talks about the fact that God is actively shepherding us and discusses four profound concepts found in Psalm 23 as it relates to Jesus being our Good Shepherd. For more Christ-Centered teaching and resources, visit https://deeperchristian.com/ (deeperChristian.com) Support this podcast

In this ongoing series looking at the “I AM” statements of Jesus in the book of John, Jesus declares that He is not just a shepherd, but the “Good” Shepherd. In this message, Nathan Johnson examines this concept of “good” and what it means in relation to Jesus being the Shepherd and looks at the two aspects Jesus speaks about in John 10 about what it means for Himself to be our Good Shepherd. For more Christ-Centered teaching and resources, visit https://deeperchristian.com/ (deeperChristian.com) Support this podcast

In this ongoing series looking at the “I AM” statements of Jesus in the book of John, Jesus declares that He is the gate (or door). Speaking more than just an entrance, Jesus declares that He is not merely the Good Shepherd but also the security, salvation, solace, and separation of His sheep. In this message, Nathan Johnson examines the context and concept of Jesus being the Gate and explains what this powerful truth practically means for our lives today as believers. For more Christ-Centered teaching and resources, visit https://deeperchristian.com/ (deeperChristian.com) Support this podcast

In this ongoing study of the “I AM” statements of Jesus in the book of John, Nathan Johnson examines the context of the two passages where Jesus declares that “I AM light” and discusses six ways in which Jesus being light affects and changes our lives as Christians. For more Christ-Centered teaching and resources, visit https://deeperchristian.com/ (deeperChristian.com) Support this podcast

Jesus declares that He is the Light. In this ongoing study of the “I AM” statements of Jesus in the book of John, Nathan Johnson looks at the concept of the Light (Jesus) coming into a dark world and how this was foreshadowed in the creation account of Genesis 1-2. For more Christ-Centered teaching and resources, visit https://deeperchristian.com/ (deeperChristian.com) Support this podcast

Jesus declares that He is the Bread of Life. In this study, Nathan Johnson further examines John 6 and explains how Jesus is that bread from heaven for our daily lives. For more Christ-Centered teaching and resources, visit https://deeperchristian.com/ (deeperChristian.com) Support this podcast

Bread is essential for life, and using the picture given in the Old Testament for the "bread from heaven" (manna), Jesus declares that He is the Bread of Life. In this study, Nathan Johnson examines John 6 and explains how the Old Testament picture of manna helps us understand how Jesus is that bread from heaven for our daily lives. For more Christ-Centered teaching and resources, visit https://deeperchristian.com/ (deeperChristian.com) Support this podcast

Throughout his Gospel, the apostle John records seven specific statements where Jesus associates Himself with a concept/phrase/symbol. In this new series, Nathan Johnson will be exploring these seven I AM statements of Christ from the book of John … I AM the Bread of Life I AM the Light I AM the Gate I AM the Good Shepherd I AM the Resurrection and the Life I AM the Way, the Truth, and the Life I AM the Vine In this introductory study, Nathan examines how Jesus is the great I AM and how we must see and experience Jesus in the present tense. For more Christ-Centered teaching and resources, visit https://deeperchristian.com/ (deeperChristian.com) Support this podcast

AW Tozer said that those who want to know God must give time to Him. Psalm 46 reminds us to be still and know that He is God. In this short message, we are reminded that if you want to know God intimately, we need to slow down and actually get to know Him. For more Christ-Centered teaching and resources, visit https://deeperchristian.com/ (deeperChristian.com) Support this podcast