Onward Community Church

In Acts 9, God chooses Saul—a violent enemy of the Church—to carry His name to the world. After encountering Jesus, Saul becomes Paul, a bold messenger of the gospel. His story shows that God uses sinners, and His mission often includes suffering. Paul's life of hardship wasn't a mistake—it was part of God's plan to make His name known. Scriptures: Acts 9: 1-18, 2 Timothy 3:12, 2 Corinthians 11:23-28

In today's podcast, we learn about being sensitive to the Spirit. Just like Philip, who helped the Ethiopian eunuch understand God's Word and baptized him, we're reminded that when we listen to the Spirit, our everyday lives can become powerful opportunities to lead others to God. Scripture: Acts 1:8, Acts 8:26-29, Luke 24:44-45, Acts 8: 36-38, Matthew 7: 24-27

The resurrection isn't just about the life to come—it's about the life you live now. It's an invitation to transformation and to experience peace with God, peace with others, and peace within. Let's explore what that means in today's podcast.  Scripture: John 20: 26-31, Romans 5:1, Colossians 1:20, Ephesians 2:14-16, John 14:27, Phillipians 4:7, Romans 5:10A, Romans 5:8, Romans 5:1

This episode explores *the danger of a self-centered faith* and the subtle idol of self-importance. True gospel humility isn't thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less. Learn how forgetting the self and resting in Christ's finished work frees us to live with joy and focus on others. Scriptures:  Acts 8: 1-25

In today's podcast we see how Stephen's deep devotion to Jesus shaped him into a man of wisdom, boldness, and faith. His powerful message cost him his life, but his martyrdom became a spark for the gospel. His story shows that public courage is born from private communion with Christ. Scriptures:  Acts 6:8 -7:60

This week, we look at Acts 5:41, where the early believers rejoiced in suffering—not because it was easy, but because it made them more like Jesus. Their boldness in the face of opposition reveals what following Christ truly requires, tests how we view Him, and separates true followers from those sitting on the fence. When suffering happens to the Church, it refines, reveals, and reminds us who we really are. Scriptures:  Acts 5:17- 6:7  

In Acts 4:34–35, we see a powerful picture of radical generosity—believers freely giving to meet the needs of others. This reminds us that money is more than just currency; it's a tool to bless others, a test of our trust in God, and a testimony of the gospel at work in our hearts. How we handle our resources reveals what we truly value and who we truly trust. Scriptures: Acts 4:34-35   

In today's podcast, we explore Acts 4, where persecution led the disciples to pray for boldness, shaping their perspective and strengthening their unity. Instead of fear, they responded with faith, growing closer to God and each other as they advanced the gospel. Scriptures:  Acts 4:23-35, 2 Timothy 3:12, Job 42:2, 2 Timothy 1:7

In Acts 4, Peter and John boldly proclaimed Jesus despite opposition. Their courage, rooted in their deep love for Him, amazed the religious leaders, who recognized they had been with Jesus. This shows that true boldness in our faith comes from a personal relationship with Christ. Scripture:  Acts 4: 1-22

Peter's sermon in Acts 3 teaches that true transformation comes not from our own power or piety, but from faith in Jesus. Repentance leads to the forgiveness of sins and restoration, bringing us into a renewed relationship with God. Piety should always point to Jesus, not ourselves. Scripture: Acts 3: 1-21

Acts 2 marks the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. The evidence—wind and fire—stuns the crowd. Peter's explanation connects it to prophecy and Jesus' resurrection. The effects are transformative: bold preaching, conviction, and 3,000 new believers, igniting the church's mission. Today, we must ask—are we exuding the aroma of the Holy Spirit, drawing others to Christ? Scripture:  Acts 2:1-46, Ezekiel 36:26-28, Joel 2: 28-32

The role of an apostle was never about status—it was about faithful service, sacrifice, and a singular focus on the ultimate reward: Jesus. Though few were called to this office, their obedience and dedication continue to impact us today. Their lives remind us that true fulfillment isn't found in titles but in pursuing Christ and making Him known. Scriptures: Acts 1:12-26  

Acts 1:8 reminds us that we are empowered by the Holy Spirit and entrusted with the mission of being Christ's witnesses. This isn't just a calling—it's a divine equipping to share the gospel boldly, starting where we are and reaching to the ends of the earth. We don't carry this message in our own strength, but in His, living as faithful witnesses to His truth, love, and power. Scriptures: Acts 1:3-11. Luke 28:48-49

Welcome to today's episode! As followers of Christ, we're all called to live out the Great Commission, and we do so because His love compels us to limit our liberty and preferences. The blessings of obedience far outweigh the sacrifice, and it's His love that drives us to go, share, and make disciples. Scriptures: Matthew 28:19, 1 Corinithians 9:19-23, 2 Corinthians 5:14-15, 2 Peter 3:8-9

What does it mean to grow in Maturity?   God's will is for every believer to be spiritual mature.  In today's podcast we'll take a look at how maturity is not only head knowledge, but wisdom that impacts the mind, the heart, and our actions. Scripture: Colossians 1:28-29, Phillipians 1:6, Psalm 1:3

In today's podcast, we're exploring the purpose of church membership. Membership at church is about belonging to a community that fosters care, accountability, and spiritual growth. It's a commitment to support and be supported, to raise up the next generation in faith, and to exercise spiritual gifts for God's glory. Membership means sharing life together, growing deeper in Christ, and living out His mission as one body. Scriptures: Hebrews 10:24-25, 1 Thessalonians 2:8, Hebrews 13: 17, Deuteronomy 6:4-7, Matthew 19:14, 1 Peter 4:10, Proverbs 18:9

Today's podcast challenges us, individually and as a church, to reject a bystander mindset. Ephesians 4:12 reminds us that we are equipped to do the work of ministry. Every member is called to serve, and together, we live out our faith in action. Scriptures:  Ephesians 4:12, 2 Corinthians 2:14-15, Acts 2:42-47, Jeremiah 29:7, James 1:27

One mark of a gospel-driven church is the desire to magnify God. As Psalm 34 declares, “I will bless the Lord at all times…magnify the Lord with me, let us exalt His name together.” Compelled by His love, we respond in worship, making His greatness known. Scriptures:  2 Corinthians 5:14-15, Acts 2:42-47, Psalm 34: 1-3, Psalm 77

The enemy comes to steal, kill, and destroy, but Jesus came to give—He gave His life so we could have abundant life. This powerful truth from John 10 reminds us of Christ's incredible love and the fullness of life found in Him. Scriptures:  John 10

As we look at John 9, Jesus declares, 'I am the Light of the world.' The Light overcomes the MYTHS that deceive us, the RULES that bind us, and the BLINDNESS that keeps us in darkness.  Jesus tackles these beliefs and calls us to see who He truly is.  Scriptures:  John 9 

God's love flows to us and through us. In John 7, Jesus makes bold claims about who He is, challenging us to determine if He's telling the truth. If we believe He is, we're called to embrace His love—not only for ourselves but as a source of life to share with others. Scriptures:  John 7

Spiritual starvation often stems from three key issues: using Jesus as a means to an end, neglecting to feast on His presence, and forgetting the secure future He's promised. In this episode, we unpack John 4:47-51 and explore how these struggles can drain our spiritual lives. Discover how embracing Jesus, the Bread of Life, satisfies our deepest hunger and restores our souls. Scripture: John 6:47-58

In John 6, Jesus provides not just for our needs but in abundance, offering Himself as the Bread of Life. He is our peace in every storm, reminding us He's in the boat with us, and our promised Deliverer who gives eternal life. Scripture: John 6: 1-21

In John 5, Jesus reveals his divine authority and points to the witnesses that validate him as the Son of God and Savior: God the Father, John the Baptist, his miracles, the Scriptures, and even Moses. Each testifies to his identity, calling us to believe in him for eternal life.   Scriptures:  John 5:17-47

The Sabbath reveals a deeper heart issue: legalism. While we often rely on rules, Jesus shows that grace—unearned and freely given—is what truly heals. When He restored a man lame for 38 years on the Sabbath, He demonstrated that God's grace transcends our limitations and rules. Scriptures:  John 5: 1-17, Deuteronomy 2:14-15, Colossians 2: 20-23

What does the Bible say about eternal life? Today, we'll look at John 3 and 4 to see how Jesus navigates this conversation with two different people: Nicodemus and the Samaritan woman. We'll explore how each of them engages with the topic and responds to the idea of eternal life. Scriptures:  John 3: 1-16, 4: 7-42  

In John 2, Jesus encounters a problem at a wedding: the wine has run out, causing potential embarrassment for the hosts. Rather than simply solving the issue in a conventional way, He transforms water into wine, revealing His power to bring about profound change. By choosing to address the problem through this miracle, Jesus shows His compassion and reveals His divine glory, inviting His followers to see Him as the source of true provision and transformation. Scriptures:  John 2: 1-10

Today, we look at the first steps of following Jesus. When He began His ministry, He called His disciples in various ways. Some followed after John the Baptist proclaimed, "Behold the Lamb of God." Others, like Philip, were called directly by Jesus. Still, others came through friends sharing the good news, drawn as God met them where they were. Scriptures:  John 1:35-51

Humility means seeing ourselves as we truly are—nothing more, nothing less—and stepping aside to allow God to work through us. John the Baptist modeled this by stepping back so Jesus could be exalted, showing that true humility makes space for God's greater purpose. Scriptures: John 1:19-34, Malachi 4: 5-6, Luke 1:17, Ephesians 2:10, 1 Peter 4:10, 2 Corinthians 5: 18,20

Who is Jesus? He is the perfect and complete revelation of God, showing us who God truly is. He longs to dwell with us, not from a distance but close, sharing in our lives. Jesus invites each of us to become children of God, embracing us into His family and transforming our lives forever. Scriptures: John 1: 1-18, 

Matthew 9 talks about how the harvest is plentiful but the laborers are few.  Today we look at what it looks like to live on mission with the Biblical truths we have in hand. Scripture: Matthew 9: 37-38

When we understand what happened in the beginning—how God intricately crafted marriage, family, and gender—it transforms how we live and view the present. These aren't just cultural constructs, but divine designs with purpose. Let's rediscover what God intended and how that shapes our lives today.   Scriptures: Colossians 2:8, Matthew 19:3-6, Ephesian 5: 22-23, Genesis 1:26-28, Psalm 139:14, Jeremiah 1:5a

Jesus, the perfect leader, succeeds where Israel failed by fully trusting God's plan, prioritizing His will over personal gain, resisting shortcuts to glory, and demonstrating unwavering obedience without complaint or compromise. Scriptures: Matthew 4: 1-11, Colossians 2:8, Matthew 4: 3-10, Phillipians 2:4, 

Racism wounds with pain, anger, and callousness, dividing hearts. The gospel heals by cleansing these scars, turning anger into grace and callousness into compassion, restoring unity in Christ. Scriptures: John 1:45-46, Colossians 2:8, Matthew 28: 19-20, Acts 1:8, Romans 12:15, John 11:35

Every life, both inside and outside the womb, is a precious reflection of God's handiwork, endowed with intrinsic worth and dignity. We are each uniquely created by God, with a purpose and value that cannot be diminished. When we trust in God's grace and follow His will, we align ourselves with His perfect plan—a plan that will never harm us but will lead us to the abundant life He desires for us.   Scriptures: Psalm 106:34-39, 43-45, Colossians 2:8, Genesis 1:27-28, Psalm 139:14, Jeremiah 1:5, 

We all have a worldview—a lens through which we see and interpret everything around us. But not all worldviews are the same. As followers of Christ, we're called to have a biblical worldview, grounded in Scripture. Colossians 2:8 warns us, *"See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ."* No matter how we feel or what the world says, we need a biblical framework to think through the issues we face, aligning our thoughts and actions with God's truth. Scriptures: Colossians 2:8, Genesis 9:5-6, Romans 13:1-5  

Psalm 34 calls us to our role as worship leaders. It teaches that we don't need countless reasons to worship God; one reason is enough to worship Him repeatedly. The psalm emphasizes magnifying the Lord and exalting His name together, illustrating our collective duty to lead and inspire worship. By embodying the spirit of Psalm 34, we encourage others to join us in continual praise, lifting His name in unity and joy.   Scripture: Psalm 34: 1-10

Psalm 121 is a comforting song of trust in God's protection. It begins by affirming that our help comes from the Lord, Maker of heaven and earth. It explains how He helps us: with constant, vigilant care, never sleeping, and shielding us from harm. The psalm reassures us that God's help is always present, both day and night, providing continual protection throughout our lives. Scriptures:  Psalm 121

In life, we often look to ourselves and others for guidance, seeking stability and direction from fallible sources. Psalm 125 teaches us to look to Jesus as our ultimate guide. His steadfast love and protection offer unshakeable security, reminding us to place our trust in Him for true guidance and unwavering support in all of life's questions and circumstances.   Scripture:  Psalm 125

Psalm 61 is a heartfelt prayer where David, feeling overwhelmed, cries out to God for refuge and strength. He remembers God's past faithfulness as his protector and strong tower, seeking His continued love and presence. In response, David commits to praising God and fulfilling his vows daily, grateful for His ongoing protection and provision. Scripture: Psalm 61

Psalm 23 depicts God as a caring shepherd who guides and protects us. He leads us to peace and safety, desiring us to experience His provision and comfort. Our role, like sheep, is to stay close to the Shepherd. Through this Psalm, we are assured of God's constant presence and His intention for us to dwell in His goodness and mercy forever.

Psalm 103, attributed to King David, is a hymn of praise urging us to "Bless the Lord" and remember His countless benefits. It highlights God's mercy, grace, and steadfast love while acknowledging human frailty. The psalm reminds us of God's forgiveness, healing, and compassion, emphasizing our need to continually praise and remember His blessings.   Scripture:  Psalm 103, Ephesians 1: 5,7,11,13, Romans 3:23-26

James 5:12-20 encourages Christians to live with integrity and support one another. We are called to pray for each other, praise God in all circumstances, and pursue those who have strayed from the faith. Through these actions, we build a stronger, more compassionate community that reflects God's love and grace. Scripture: James 5: 12-20

In James 5:1-12, the rich are warned against hoarding wealth, which corrodes both their possessions and their faith. Their misuse of wealth testifies against them, leading to their misery. Believers are encouraged to be patient in hardship, likening their perseverance to farmers waiting for their crops to grow. They are urged not to give up but to remain steadfast, trusting that God will ultimately intervene and bring justice. Scripture: James 5: 1-12

Today, we explore a crucial topic: the dangers of slander and gossip versus the transformative power of grace and truth. Join us as we uncover how these contrasting forces shape our relationships, communities, and spiritual growth. Let's journey together to understand how to guard our tongues, uplift one another, and embody the grace and truth of Christ in our everyday lives. Scripture:  James 4:11-17

"Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God?" This powerful message urges us to reflect on our priorities. When we embrace worldly values in any form, we distance ourselves from God. This conflict arises from various aspects of our lives, leading to severe consequences. However, through sincere repentance, we can restore our relationship with God and find true spiritual fulfillment. Scripture: James 4:1-10

This past Sunday, we explored a profound topic: Wisdom from Above. Join us as we unpack the essence of true wisdom, its defining characteristics, and the rewards it bestows upon us. Let's embark on this enlightening journey together, seeking the divine wisdom that transforms our hearts and minds.

In this episode, we dive into James 3 to uncover the profound impact of our words. Learn about the importance of taming the tongue, the dangers of careless speech, and how our words can shape our faith and relationships. Join us for practical wisdom on using speech to build up rather than tear down.   Scriptures: James 3:12

The term 'Christian' has, to some extent, evolved into a generalized label rather than embodying its true essence—a dedication to fervently pursuing and embodying the principles and character of Jesus Christ. It's crucial for us to reclaim the depth and sincerity of this identity, not merely as a title but as a vibrant commitment to living out Christ's teachings with unwavering passion and authenticity.   Scripture:  James 2: 14-26

James criticizes the pervasive attitude of favoritism and provides guidance on addressing this hindrance to spiritual development. Embracing others, irrespective of their status or class, is crucial. It entails demonstrating kindness, empathy, and fairness towards all individuals.   Scripture: James 2: 1-13

Learn how crucial it is to engage with your Bible for a meaningful life transformation. In today's passage, James sheds light on three common pitfalls or misconceptions that hinder our ability to effectively interact with this essential guide. Scriptures: James 1: 19-27