Pacific Point Church Podcast

Start with reality: John opens by saying we are in an actual spiritual/mental fight, not a temporary mood issue.A sound mind is more than “calm”: It is peace that is governed by truth, not driven by panic.Fear is diagnosed, not worshiped: “Fear” is real, but incomplete. God gives us power, love, and a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7).Resist the culture's numbness: Distraction, addiction, and busyness can hide an avoidance response to pain and conviction.Take thoughts captive: Through Christ's word, we stop hijacked thinking and return our minds to what is true (2 Corinthians 10:5).Choose hope over despair: Philippians 4:8 becomes practical—what we rehearse in the mind matters.You are not alone: The church is the place to stand with one another; isolation grows fear, but presence creates resilience.Part 2 preview: Part 1 ends by naming the fight. Part 2 (coming next) is about how to fight it well.

Pastor John Blue closes the NEXT series by returning to Jesus' final words before the ascension: receive power from the Holy Spirit and go be His witnesses. This message challenges the church to see family, neighbors, workplaces, and the nations as our circle of influence, and to live and speak as Spirit-empowered witnesses.Scripture referenced: Acts 1:8-9; Matthew 28:18-20; Romans 12:1; Luke 12:12; Matthew 5:16; Romans 10:14; 2 Peter 3:9; Hebrews 9:27; John 14:6; James 4:14; Acts 2.Pacific Point Church, Costa Mesa, CALearning to live & love like Jesus.

Here are full episode notes, ready to paste into the upload.He's Closer Than You Think Abba, Father — The Intimacy God Invites Us IntoJesus didn't teach us to approach God from a distance — He taught us to call Him "Abba," Father. In the garden of Gethsemane, in His deepest anguish, Jesus cried out to a Father who was near. That same nearness is offered to us. Whatever you're carrying today, He is closer than you think.In this message, we look at what it means to know God not as a distant authority, but as a loving Father — and how that changes the way we pray, grieve, and live.Scripture referenced: Luke 2:48–49 · Luke 23:34 · Luke 23:46 · Luke 24:49 · John 16:23 · Ephesians 2:18 · Galatians 4:6 · Mark 14:33–36 · Luke 22:43–44 · Hebrews 5:7Connect with us: Pacific Point Church — Costa Mesa, CA Love God, Love PeopleSubscribe and join us each week as we open God's Word together.

This is part 4 of the NEXT series — What Happened After: Resurrection to Pentecost. Missed a week? Catch up at pacificpointchurch.com or on YouTube.

Scripture references: John 21:15–18 | John 18:18 | Psalm 106–107 | Matthew 16:16 | Romans 10:9

In Week 2 of our NEXT series, we look at Jesus' encounter with Thomas in John 20 and what it reveals about doubt, faith, and the heart of Christ. Thomas was honest about his struggle to believe, and Jesus met him with peace, patience, and truth. This message explores the danger of isolation in seasons of doubt, the different ways people wrestle with unbelief, and how Jesus moves toward those with real questions. Faith is not the absence of questions, but the willingness to bring them honestly to God. This episode is a reminder that doubt does not disqualify you, and that Jesus can turn honest seeking into deep and lasting faith.

Main ThemeWe don't just read about the crowd in Holy Week—we are the crowd.Our expectations of Jesus often determine our response to Him.Key IdeaJesus doesn't conform to our expectations—He confronts them.Holy Week BreakdownPalm Sunday → “Hosanna” (Save us now)Good Friday → “Crucify Him”Easter Sunday → “He is risen”➡️ The same people shifted because Jesus didn't meet their expectations.What “Hosanna” Really Meant A cry for immediate rescue A desire for personal and political salvation➡️ The crowd wanted a Savior who would fix their situation—not transform their hearts.The Problem: Jesus in Our BoxWe often shape Jesus into: Someone who agrees with us Someone who fits our culture Someone who supports our goals➡️ But Jesus is: Holy Merciful Gracious Compassionate Above every category we createWe Are the CrowdWe like to think we would've stayed loyal—but: We praise when life makes sense We question when it doesn't We doubt when God is silent➡️ Our faith often follows our expectations.The Emotional ProgressionWhen Jesus doesn't meet expectations: Excitement → Confusion Confusion → Disappointment Disappointment → Frustration Frustration → Rejection➡️ “Hosanna” can become “Crucify Him.”Real-Life Reflections “Jesus, where are You?” “Why aren't You fixing this?” “Do You even care?”➡️ These are modern echoes of the same crowd.The Turning PointEven with: Discipline Effort Religious activity➡️ We can still reject Jesus when He doesn't align with what we want.The CallStep out of the crowd. Stop trying to make Jesus fit your expectations Start trusting Him for who He isKey Takeaways We are more like the crowd than we think Expectations shape our faith more than we realize Jesus is not who we want Him to be—He is who He isClosing ReminderSunday is coming.

Message starts around 30:10. Key Scriptures: Psalm 127:1; John 14:6; Genesis 11:6; Ephesians 2:8–9; Romans 5:8; Romans 13:11–12; 1 Corinthians 16:13–14; 2 Timothy 4:2–4; Ephesians 5:11; John 10:27–28; Joshua 24:15.

In this Father's Day message, Pastor takes us through Galatians 1:6–10 with a powerful reminder: “Don't desert the gospel.” Just as Paul pleaded with the Galatians to hold fast to the truth of Christ alone, fathers today are called to guard the gospel in their homes—not by works, performance, or culture, but by grace.This episode covers:Why every dad is a “pastor of the home”The emotional depth behind Paul's warning to the GalatiansHow false gospels—achievement, image, comfort—creep into our parentingThe dangers of modern “angels of light” like influencers and unchecked cultural trendsWhat it means to live for God's approval, not man'sA blessing and challenge for all fathers: natural and spiritualReflection questions for dads:Do my children feel safe to fail?Is my love contingent on performance?What gospel is being preached through my life?Whether you're a dad, mentor, or spiritual father, this message will challenge and encourage you to live and lead from the grace of Jesus—Christ + nothing.