Perry Christian Church - Podcast Series

"Jesus feeds the five thousand" is the only miracle by Jesus that is recorded in all four Gospels, and they all vary somewhat in their accounts. Although the people accept Jesus as a prophet, they associate His miracle of feeding the 5000 with the miracles of Moses.Listen as Pastor Nancy takes us the journey to understand the meaning of the loaves and fishes and what that means to us and our lives.Support the show (http://www.perrychristian.church)

When we come to God as a Father, we must remember that He is Lord of heaven and earth, which obliges us to come to Him with reverence as to the sovereign Lord of all; yet with confidence, as one able to defend us from evil, and to supply us with all good.Jesus gives us a grand invitation to come and join Him where He is at work and receive His rest. But how do you live above the chances, changes, and circumstances in life, especially in todays world? Find the answer to this and other questions in this week's PODCAST!!Support the show (http://www.perrychristian.church)

The threat of death may be the most powerful form of fear. It seems that Jesus’ next expression of reassurance addresses this fear directly, yet with irony Three times in verses twenty-six, twenty-eight and thirty, the disciples are told not to fear. Of course, Jesus is not forbidding the experiencing of the emotion of fear, but teaching his disciples that they are not to be paralyzed by fear, cowered by it, or prevented from accomplishing their mission because of it. Fear of God is different from the fear of humans.Listen as Pastor Nancy addresses these issues and much more in this weeks podcastSupport the show (http://www.perrychristian.church)

16 Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go.d 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him, but some doubted. 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.e 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations,f baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,g 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”Matthew tells us that “some doubted.” What do we think this means? (E.g., do we think some of the disciples couldn’t believe their eyes? Do we think they doubted themselves?How is it possible to “worship” and “doubt” at the same time, or is it?Does the disciples’ doubt make them more, or less, like us, do we think? How do we feel about this? Why?Listen as Pastor Nancy answers these questions, delivers the Sunday message, and more in this week's PODCAST. Support the show (http://www.perrychristian.church)

Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.” How does Jesus want us to love Him? Is the flip side of this that if we don’t keep His commands we don’t love Him?Who is the "Spirit of truth"? I find The Holy Spirit to be one of the most difficult theological concepts to explain. In Catholic school our Nuns would say “It’s a mystery”. What say you?Listen as Pastor Nancy helps solve these questions, delivers a message and much more in this weeks Podcast! Support the show (http://www.perrychristian.church)

Jesus calls himself “the way, the truth, and the life.” What does this statement mean? Why does he group these three words together to describe himself?What does it mean that Jesus’ disciples will do “greater works” than Jesus?How can we use the future hope of heaven to encourage people as they go through times of trial and difficulty?Listen as we discuss and bring you answers to these questions and more along with the weekly message, prayer and song!Support the show (http://www.perrychristian.church)

10 “Very truly I tell you Pharisees, anyone who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber. 2 The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. 5 But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice.” 6 Jesus used this figure of speech, but the Pharisees did not understand what he was telling them.When Jesus talks about the one who does not use the door to enter the sheepfold, what kind of person is Jesus describing? Why is it important for the sheep to know the voice of the shepherd? What can happen when the sheep do not recognize the voice of the shepherd? There is an old saying where someone refers to a person or group of people as sheepish or sheep-like, just following each other over the cliff. Does that somehow have a connection here?Listen as we discuss these questions and more in this week's PODCAST. Support the show (http://www.perrychristian.church)

13 Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles[a] from Jerusalem. 14 They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. 15 As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; 16 but they were kept from recognizing him.Q: Why did Jesus join the two men sort of incognito? Why didn’t they recognize Him?Q: How can we better recognize that it is Jesus who is walking alongside us when we are discouraged or confused?Listen as we discuss On the Road to Emmaus and Pastor Nancy answers these questions and delivers her weekly message and of course some uplifting music, all of which you won't want to miss.Support the show (http://www.perrychristian.church)

On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord. But there was one who was not there and refused to believe until he had actually seen.Why were the disciples afraid? What blessings does Jesus give us who believe even though we have not seen? In today's world, how can we break the barriers of risk and step out in Jesus and share the good news?Get these answers and more as Pastor Nancy discusses these all-important topics and delivers her message of the week.Support the show (http://www.perrychristian.church)

Earlier, because Jesus’ time had not yet come, he withdrew when Pharisees conspired against him and ordered the crowds “not to make Him known”. However, we have seen a progressive unveiling of his identity. Peter said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God”; even though he did not understand the full meaning of Jesus’ identity. Then Jesus was revealed in all his glory to Peter, James, and John at the Transfiguration. Jesus predicted his Passion three times. Then, immediately before his entry into Jerusalem, two blind men identified Jesus as “Lord” and “son of David. Now a great crowd greets him as “son of David” as he enters Jerusalem.When the crowds shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” what were they acknowledging about Christ? Do you think everyone in the crowd was a true worshiper of Christ? Why do you think Jesus allowed this kind of worship and public announcing of Himself as the Messiah to happen when he had stopped it so many times before.Listen as Pastor Nancy answers these questions and delivers a deeply moving message to take us into Holy Week.Support the show (http://www.perrychristian.church)

According to John 11:1-44, Jesus receives a message that Lazarus is ill, and his two sisters are seeking Jesus' help. Jesus tells his followers: "This sickness will not end in death. ... He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die.This reading has a direct connection to what we are experiencing today in that Jesus does not answer all the questions that we might wish He would answer. He doesn’t explain to Mary and Martha and all those grieving why he didn’t come sooner and prevent Lazarus from dying. But it is clear that he is completely with them in their pain and loss, deeply moved and grieved.Do good things ever come as a result of living through difficult or painful situations? Aren’t these exactly the kinds of questions we ask, or would like to ask, when tragedy strikes? Where were you, Lord? How could you have let this happen? Couldn’t you have prevented all this horrible pain and heartache?Listen as Pastor Nancy answers these questions and also delivers her message for this week. And once again some great meditation music to carry you onward.Support the show (http://www.perrychristian.church)

John 9:1-7 Jesus Heals a Man Born Blind 9 As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. 2 His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?”3 “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him. 4 As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. 5 While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”6 After saying this, he spit on the ground, made some mud with the saliva, and put it on the man’s eyes. 7 “Go,” he told him, “wash in the Pool of Siloam” (this word means “Sent”). So the man went and washed, and came home seeing.How can this help us to answer questions when people ask “why do bad things happen in the world” or “why do good people suffer”? How would you answer these questions? Listen to this special broadcast that not only answers these questions, but also contains Pastor Nancy's Sunday Sermon for March 22nd. A must listen!!!Support the show (http://www.perrychristian.church)

Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them.Where did Jesus choose to teach? Who was he teaching? And why did He start teaching? Q: What is the theme of the Beatitudes? Q: What is a Biblical example of being poor in spirit?Q: What does it mean that we will inherit the earth?Q: In today's world how does this align with what the world think will make a person happy?Listen as Pastor Nancy brings light into these questions and much more and prepare for this Sunday's scripture.Support the show (http://www.perrychristian.church)

There is a lot going on here. Jesus flees after hearing of the arrest of John. Calls His first disciples and goes out healing the sick. Listen as Pastor Nancy breaks this down for us and fits together the pieces along with discussing lessons learned about what it means to be a Christian being obedient to God and being a fisher of men. Support the show (http://www.perrychristian.church)

This is a mighty declaration, but if you take some time to think about this statement, it seems rather strange. The Lamb of God. This phrase is only found in two places in the Scriptures, here and again in vs 36. Nowhere else in the New Testament do we read this title. Peter describes Jesus as being like a lamb in 1 Peter 1:19 and John again describes Jesus as a lamb in Revelation.But why did John call him that? Why the Lamb of God?This proclamation is not only unique in its occurrence in John’s Gospel, but it conveys a very important truth about who Jesus is with implications for us.Listen as we discuss this and many other important topics with Pastor Nancy in this first and exciting podcast of 2020!Support the show (http://www.perrychristian.church)

We do not know who wrote Psalm 100 or when. Perhaps It was when they built the *temple again 80 years after the King of Babylon destroyed it. The temple was a special house for God in Jerusalem. The *temple had a wall all around it. Verse 4 tells people to say "thanks!" to God as they walk through the gates in this wall. The psalm tells everybody to come to the *temple and tell God how great he is.What does Psalm 100 Mean? What should we be doing next?Listen as we discuss this great positive Psalm with Pastor Nancy, fitting message for the Thanksgiving holiday.Support the show (http://www.perrychristian.church)

Some of his disciples were remarking about how the temple was adorned with beautiful stones and with gifts dedicated to God. But Jesus said, “As for what you see here, the time will come when not one stone will be left on another; every one of them will be thrown down.” “But before all this, they will seize you and persecute you. They will hand you over to synagogues and put you in prison, and you will be brought before kings and governors, and all on account of my name. This is the ultimate test of faith or “why bad things happen to good people”Sometimes you hear people try to say they know when the world will end. It appears that people have been talking like that ever since Bible times. In the end, it boils down to only faith can give us the strength to stand up in the face of the worst days of our lives.Listen as we discuss these topics and others and Pastor Nancy brings things into focus. Support the show (http://www.perrychristian.church)

For the first and only time (at least in the gospel of Luke) Jesus argues with Sadducees. And the Sadducees, despite all their accomplishments and activities, are identified not in terms of what they have done, or what they believe, but only in terms of what they deny. They are anti-resurrection, and this, as Jacob Jervell points out, puts them outside (as far as Luke is concerned) of the family of Israel. Of course, the Sadducees were Jewish, but some Pharisees (and some Christians like Luke) did not think so. And all because of the importance of the resurrection.A lot of people in today's world have the belief that the kingdom of heaven is an extension of the good things in this life. How do we grasp what life in the kingdom really is?As we wrestle with the question of resurrection and afterlife, especially as we prepare to honor our veterans, many who have given their lives serving our country, what does all of this have to do with us today?Listen as Pastor Nancy brings to light answers to these questions and others in this weeks podcast.Support the show (http://www.perrychristian.church)

Paul urges Timothy to hold fast the Holy Scriptures, the substance of solid gospel truth in them and that it is not enough to just agree to the sound words, but we must love them. This seems to be a message that we just can’t sit around singing cum-by-ya, but we must get out and share the word and whatever good we do, God must have the glory but beware as your faith will stand the trial. Powerful message this week - In today’s modern world, sharing the word of God, being persecuted for doing it and then taking no glory for what you have done is a hard pill to swallow.Listen as Pastor Nancy discusses these issues and how as Christians we might meet this challenge.Support the show (http://www.perrychristian.church)

"But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that".How does eagerness for money cause a person to wander from the faith?What did Paul identify as the path to great gain? How is this different than what our modern culture sees as the path to great gain?What are a few ways you could simplify you standard of living to reach greater contentment in God?Listen as Pastor Nancy brings life and relevancy to this week's reading.Support the show (http://www.perrychristian.church)

These verses tell a story of conversion and of transformation, of a life renewed by the inexhaustible love and grace of God. What is the proof that God wants all men to be saved? Is there such a thing as an unpardonable sin?What kind of people in today’s world would be comparable to Paul? Do you think this was true, that his sins really were worse than that of others? Here the answers to these questions and much more as we discuss this weeks scripture with Pastor Nancy. Support the show (http://www.perrychristian.church)

If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even their own life—such a person cannot be my disciple.Jesus’ radical call is tough to preach in our society, a setting in which “family values” takes center stage in our political and verbal conversations. And, what follower of Jesus doesn’t love one’s family? Is there a translation somewhere that makes this more clear?Listen as Pastor Nancy explains the word "Hate" as it is used in the bible, what we can expect as christians and what we need to be thinking about before we on this cross.Support the show (http://www.perrychristian.church)

Hebrews 13 can read like a list of rules -- do this and don’t do that -- but it also includes some vital and enduring theological truths.Love your brothers and sisters, don’t just focus on yourself, but love the stranger as well, remember those in prison and those who are being mistreated, marriage should be honored and sexuality in marriage should be undefiled, “anti-love of money” and remember the leaders.Those are tough rules to live by in our modern world, especially with more and more liberal thinking and messaging being thrown at us today. How do we go about living as Christians in a society where we find ourselves increasingly on the margins of these rules?Listen as Pastor Nancy explains not just the rules but the theological truths and how we can use these rules to become better christians and not just a list of checkboxes.Support the show (http://www.perrychristian.church)

Last week we looked at the "Meaning of Faith" and this week's theme is related as it is "Examples of Faith”While faith can be classed as a personal characteristic it affects everything which we do and is therefore shown to others in the way we live our lives every day.The reading lists examples from the Old Testament of people who showed their faith in their lives as well as a list of people who are mentioned in passing then he mentions two people and gives more details of them, they are very two different people, Moses and Rahab.Listen as Pastor Nancy explains this and how in today’s modern world with all the “fake news” social media and so on, when talking about believing people or having faith this can get confusing. When might you believe someone, and might you disbelieve them? What gives someone credibility? Support the show (http://www.perrychristian.church)

Hebrews 11 is the great faith chapter of the Bible, The Hebrews heard God’s promises and believed them in spite of waiting a very long time to see the promises fulfilled.But some promises never were fulfilled in their lifetime. For instance, Abraham didn’t live long enough to see the nation that sprang from his seed.What do we tell people that question the fact that even though they remained faithful, their expectations were not fulfilled? How do we discuss faith in today's modern society ?Listen as Pastor Nancy provides insight and biblical answers to these questions.Support the show (http://www.perrychristian.church)

This reading is pretty straight forward and very clear. Hard to misinterpret this one, “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things and whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus”. So this is a real dilemma for many in today’s modern society “Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature”.Listen as we discuss this dilemma and Pastor Nancy provides some advice for when you get to that fork in the road!Support the show (http://www.perrychristian.church)

This can be a very challenging passage to interpret. It contains a number of rather unique images and metaphors, uses words and concepts that are rare or unique in the New Testament.The text will argue two related points, one positive and one negative. Positively, he wants to let his audience know that they are already fully experiencing a relationship with God. From the negative side he says things like “don’t let anyone judge you,” 2:16; “don’t let any disqualify you,” 2:18). Teachers are imaged as those who take people captive as prisoners. Their teachings are classified as empty and deceitful philosophy.Support the show (http://www.perrychristian.church)

There are two parts to this reading. The first, verses 15-20, is a poem which catalogs and celebrates the characteristics of Christ. The second, verses 21-28, summarizes the implicit question of the letter—will the Colossians remain firm in holding to the true faith. Individually each statement is, of course, striking and significant, but together the two phrases work to form something more.Listen as Pastor Nancy provides an explanation of what the objective of this letter is and how this ties into our everyday modern lives.Support the show (http://www.perrychristian.church)

The Apostle Paul wrote this letter (epistle) to the church at Colossae, a small city located on the Lycus River in Asia Minor (modern Turkey)—known for its production of wool and woolen goods.By the time of the writing of this letter (probably the mid-50s A.D.), Laodicea had eclipsed Colossae as the most important city of the region. A major earthquake in 60-61 A.D. essentially destroyed Colossae, a blow from which it never recovered.Before saying a word to the Colossians about what he’s heard of their problems, Paul seems to go to great pains to make it clear: He does not speak of his own authority, he speaks as an apostle by the will of God with Timothy at his side.Listen as Pastor Nancy brings this reading alive and explains how it aligns with modern timesSupport the show (http://www.perrychristian.church)

10 After this the Lord appointed seventy others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go. 2 He told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. 3 Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves. 4 Do not take a purse or bag or sandals; and do not greet anyone on the road.Join us as we discuss the meaning of this scripture and how Jesus's expansion of his followers has great meaning in our current lives.Support the show (http://www.perrychristian.church)

Perry Christian Church's weekly podcast series featuring Pastor Nancy and hosted by Elder John DiMaria. Jesus Takes His Show On The Road. Jesus is setting "his face to go to Jerusalem" because the time's coming "for him to be taken up" Luke 9:51 introduces a new section, Jesus’ journey to Jerusalem—Jerusalem, of course, being the place where Jesus is going to die. The section has two major themes: (1) The tension between Jesus and the religious leaders. (2) The need for Jesus to prepare his disciples for his death.Set back and listen as we bring you insight into the upcoming Sunday scripture, the message and the deeper meaning into the word of God.Support the show (http://www.perrychristian.church)

Welcome to the the Perry Christian Church podcast series with Pastor Nancy Kellstrom. Set back and listen as we bring you insight into the upcoming Sunday scripture, the message and the deeper meaning into the word of God.At Perry Christian Church, It really doesn't matter what you wear. It doesn't matter what part of town you live. And it doesn't matter who you choose to vote for. As with God's table, everyone is welcome here, no questions or explanations needed. Our focus is on building a relationship with God and strengthening the spiritual bonds with our neighbors and community.Support the show (http://www.perrychristian.church)

Support the show (http://www.perrychristian.church)