Shady Oaks Church Podcast

Our text gives us a picture of a church devoted to one another. This is a far cry from a Christianity reduced to private belief, occasional attendance, or individual preference. The early believers did not ask, “How little can I be connected and still be considered Christian?” They expressed, by their actions, “How fully can we share life together now that Christ has made us family?” Yes, our world is different. There are churches on every corner. There are many options. People can leave easily. Preferences can dominate. Commitment can weaken. But the call of Acts 2 remains before us. The church is not merely a place to attend. It is a people to whom we belong. It is a family formed by Christ. It is a body filled by the Spirit. And if we will recover the devotion of Acts 2, perhaps we will also recover the beauty, power, unity, generosity, and witness of these first believers.

The Christian life can be understood through these three truths: Kingdom Pursuit - Our responsibility as disciples is to seek first the Kingdom and His righteousness. We pursue God's purposes and reflect God's character. Kingdom Provision - God's responsibility is to provide everything necessary for the fulfillment of His will. Kingdom Possession - We live in a fallen world and face a real adversary. We must contend for the manifestation of what God has promised. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

The power of God lives in you, because the same Spirit who came upon Jesus and stayed has come upon you and stayed. The power is for a purpose — to share the gospel, to make disciples, to heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the outcast, and cast out demons. You are the body of Christ. You are His hands and His feet and His voice in a dark world. When you walk into the room, He walks into the room. So, walk out of here today NOT as someone hoping for power, but as someone who carries it — the manifest presence of the living God.

I've learned to be still and use wisdom; be sure you're speaking the word of the Lord and not your own opinion to sound spiritual. Because if you're just speaking your own opinion there's no power in it. God is raising up prophetic voices, and you'll see more come into this region and other places as well, they're speaking the word of the Lord that's why there's been such an attack against prophetic ministry. God is bringing the real deal cause if it's the word of the Lord it will get something moving, if it's the word of the Lord it will put breath into something, if it' the real word of God the winds will start blowing and the breath of God will be released.

The Apostle Paul is addressing his impressive religious background and worldly achievements. Before becoming a Christian, he prided himself on his strict adherence to the law, his heritage, and his zeal. However, after his encounter with Jesus, his perspective completely changed. Philippians 3:7-11  7 But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. 8 Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith— 10 that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.

As we begin to worship Him, His presence begins to emerge from us and fill the atmosphere. The more we know Him and who He really is and where He really is, the more we begin to realize who we really are.

Peter's sermon reveals that the Holy Spirit is fully capable of drawing, convicting, awakening, and transforming people through the clear proclamation of Christ. Peter preached. The Spirit openly proclaimed. The Savior boldly confronted sin. Honest calls to souls were urgent. And the result was an awakening. The church was never called merely to entertain, mirror, or soften the truth to fit culture. Pentecost reminds us that God continues to transform people through the gospel of Jesus Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit. Our task is simply to proclaim Jesus in the power of the Spirit and to trust God to do what human methods cannot.

As we have already seen, the expectation of Jesus was that believers would receive power when the Holy Spirit came upon them. There is a distinction shown throughout Scripture between the Holy Spirit working in believers and the Holy Spirit coming upon believers in empowerment. God breathed life into us and poured out His Spirit upon us so that His Kingdom could move through us into the earth. The Holy Spirit works within believers to bring life, transformation, conviction, and growth. The Holy Spirit also comes upon believers in power for service, witness, ministry, and Kingdom assignment.

The Gospel is the proclamation that Jesus Christ is alive and that His Kingdom continues to advance as we proclaim salvation, deliverance, the power and anointing of the Holy Spirit, and minister healing to the people. The Gospel Jesus entrusted to His Church was never meant to be merely informational. It was transformational and it's still transformational. Romans 1:16 (ESV)
For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes... The world does not need better presentations, branding, or polished religious experiences. It needs an authentic encounter with the risen Christ and the reality of His Kingdom. The Gospel saves, delivers, empowers, and heals. That is the full Gospel Christ commissioned His Church to proclaim.

Perhaps the greatest preparation for His return is not endless speculation about when He will come, but faithful obedience until He does. The healthiest church is not merely looking upward. It is moving outward. So may we be a people who faithfully carry out His mission. May we receive the empowerment He promised. May we remain focused on the assignment He gave. And may He find us faithful when He comes.

John 16:33: Take heart; I have overcome the world. John 10:10: I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly. Jesus came so that YOU may have life, have it abundantly When we die to ourselves and turn to Christ, we become the righteousness of God in Him. Not because we earned it. Because He gave it to us — freely. Now go and live your life abundantly.  

When we step back and look at the full picture, the message becomes clear. Jesus came with a purpose—to destroy the works of the devil—and He fulfilled that purpose decisively through the cross. But He also demonstrated how that destruction takes place, by doing the works of the Father, bringing life where there was death, freedom where there was bondage, and truth where there was deception. We are not called to start something new but to continue what He began. We are called to secure a victory already won, to confront darkness with light, and to participate in the ongoing undoing of the devil's work in real time. That is the mission that has been entrusted to His people.

So the question is not whether God has done His part. The question is how we will respond. Will we continue to look back to what we were, or will we step forward into what He has made us to be? Because the same God who brought you out of death has also prepared a path of life in front of you. And here's the encouragement: you don't have to create that life, you simply have to receive it by faith and proceed to walk it out for His glory.

Jesus did not just redeem you to park you. He redeemed you to restore you. Too many people settle for knowing their sins are forgiven while never stepping into what they were recreated for. They experienced the cross but not fully embraced the resurrection, the ascension, and the Kingdom. But God did not just save you from something; He saved you for something. You are not an accident or an afterthought—you are His workmanship, crafted, restored, and commissioned.

Maturity isn't about always feeling comfortable; it's about the courage of those who step out in faith, follow Jesus into the unknown, and welcome a life guided by the Spirit of God. It's a journey marked not by staying safely in the boat, but by daring to walk onto the water... not by seeking control, but by choosing obedience... not by clinging to comfort, but by living on the edge where God's work often happens.

Because when the pool comes to you—when Jesus meets you in your moment—and you respond in faith, the long wait, the years of frustration, and the weight of disappointment give way to the fullness of His saving power, bringing healing and wholeness into every area of life. Cause He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

We have been restored to Christ.
We have been entrusted with an assignment.
We have been given the authority and power to carry it out. And we must recognize there is still an enemy. He is still seeking to disrupt, distort, and derail what God has entrusted. But now we are not uninformed and not unprepared. We have been told how to stand. So the charge is clear: Be watchful.
Guard what God has entrusted to you.


Jesus Calms a Storm Matthew 8:23-27 23 And when he got into the boat, his disciples followed him. 24 And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by the waves; but he was asleep. 25 And they went and woke him, saying, “Save us, Lord; we are perishing.” 26 And he said to them, “Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?” Then he rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. 27 And the men marveled, saying, “What sort of man is this, that even winds and sea obey him?”

Matthew 25:35-37   35 For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, 36 I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.' 37 Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink?  

Faith is not genuine unless it involves surrender. To truly have faith, one must let go and trust completely. If you only follow the parts of faith that you like, or surrender only to what you agree with, then you are not truly following Jesus. Instead, you are simply following your own preferences. True discipleship requires surrendering all aspects of oneself, not just those that are comfortable or agreeable. Jesus took upon himself our sins and paid the ultimate price for us, motivated by his love for humanity. All that is required from us is to surrender our old selves—our old ways, desires, and habits. When you surrender, you do not lose your life. Instead, you discover the true purpose and fulfillment that comes from following Jesus wholeheartedly.

Jesus is God with us. He's not distant and not waiting for you to get your life together before He steps in. He steps into your formless places, your emptiness, and your dark realities, and He does what He has always done— He brings order where there is chaos, life where there is emptiness, and light where there is darkness. Because He is here, He knows, and He can and will do something about it. When He speaks, light comes—and when light comes, darkness flees. So, if your life feels formless, empty, or chaotic, this is not the end of your story; this is where God works best

Paul's journey begins in Resistance, convinced of his own direction. Revelation breaks through, and Recognition dawns as his eyes are opened to the living Christ. Response leads him into surrender, and Restoration reminds him he is not alone. Redirection reshapes his purpose, Renewal prepares him in hidden seasons, and finally Release sends him into the work God had already prepared. Paul's story reveals God's work in restoring what is broken, realigning what is misaligned, renewing what feels hidden, and releasing people into their divine destiny. The same God is here today, and as with Paul, He still walks people through that journey from resistance to Kingdom purpose.

Prayer increased, unity strengthened, and truth was proclaimed, leading to noticeable changes. Violence decreased, and the atmosphere shifted. The enemy's ability to operate freely was restricted, much like establishing a no-fly zone for a church. The church does not retreat; it leads. The environment reacts to the authority of a people confident in their identity in Christ, aware of their authority, and ready to set boundaries that embody heaven's rule. The question is whether the people of God will rise, take their place, and establish what is allowed to operate within it.

Paul's story reminds us that transformation does not begin with better behavior — it begins with divine encounter. He started in resistance, convinced he was right, moving forward with passion yet pushing against God's purposes. Then revelation broke through. Heaven interrupted his certainty, and what Paul once thought was truth began to unravel. Recognition followed as his eyes opened to who Jesus truly was, and finally response emerged — a posture of surrender that replaced control

Acts 19 shows us that God is not looking for spectators, He is forming a people who advance His Kingdom. You were not born again just to stand on the court. You were not empowered just to feel something. You were not established just to know more. You were called to be engaged — to live as ambassadors of the King wherever He has placed you. So now go as citizens of heaven, ambassadors of Christ,
as a people fully equipped to advance His Kingdom wherever God sends you.

So whatever you are facing today—if you need healing, provision, clarity, or breakthrough—you can receive. But to receive, you must pray. And when you pray, you must pray with expectation, believing that God hears and responds. And if the answer does not come immediately, you must persist. You must continue praying, believing, and expecting until it does. The question isn't just whether you pray, but whether you pray with expectation and keep praying until heaven responds. Because prayer isn't optional; it's a vital part of God's plan for His people. And those who do this are the ones who see answers come.

Discipleship becomes real through our relationships, embodying truth in love, unity, and connection, with each part working together properly. We celebrate empowerment. We ask for empowerment. We receive empowerment. But then we do what Ephesians 4 calls us to do: we grow up. We get established. We learn truth. We learn love. We learn unity. We learn to function as part of the Body. And we become the kind of disciples who can carry the Kingdom mission for the long haul.

The power was present for all three. Only one experienced it. Luke tells us that Jesus is the fully wired house. The Spirit is present because of and through Him. The power is real. God has already said, “I am willing.” The core issue isn't God's ability or desire but our openness to receive. Will we, like Nazareth, foster an environment of offense? Will we, like the people of Capernaum, simply observe and judge? Or will we, like the crowd in Luke 6, actively draw on God's power as we, in faith, press in and receive? The truth is, Heaven is prepared. The power is active, and the Kingdom is near. The only remaining question is whether we will connect.

Empowerment is supernatural enablement. Believers who reject it often burn out because they try to play the Kingdom game without equipment. They love God and are sincere but lack power, and have conviction but no authority. God never intended His children to live that way. God is not the kind of Father who calls His children to play and then refuses to equip them. He empowers you. He supplies you with gifts. He equips you for the life you've been called to live.

Peter sank! But Jesus immediately reached out. He did not delay. He did not hesitate. He grabbed him. Here is the grace of God. Even when you sink, He is within reach. But here is the challenge. You do not have to sink. The storm may remain. The wind may continue. If your eyes stay fixed, you stay standing.

As awesome as the new birth is, and as important as it is to mark and to celebrate, we must be careful not to view or treat the new birth like a graduation. Rather, the New birth is more like an enrollment. It's the beginning of discovering how life works under the reign of a King. Remember, the same loving God who welcomes you is also dedicated to guiding you in truly enjoying the rich blessings of Kingdom life.  

The lesson that Jesus was teaching His disciples on the lake. The Word had already declared the destination. The storm was real, but it was never final rebuttal. Faith grows when we learn to stand on what Jesus has said, using His authority to resist whatever tries to interrupt His purpose. And like Abraham continue to walk the land until we see the fulfillment of the promise that God has given to us. The question He asked them still echoes over every assignment He gives: “Where is your faith?” Not because He is absent — but because He is inviting us to rise, stand in His name, and watch the resistance give way so the journey can continue to the other side

“Faith is caught, not just taught. Model it in your actions, involve the next generation, explain why you live this way, and give them space to practice it. When they start doing the same, your legacy is real.” Because legacy is not what you build for yourself. It is what continues when you are gone. And the greatest tragedy is not that treasure is hidden. It is that we fail to search for it And it is still the glory of kings to search it out. Search for it in people. Protect it in yourself. Speak life over it in others. Be intentional – stretch, dig, polish, if you need a different tool to get past the clay try something else. But remember you sold all you had for the treasure hidden in the field of dirt. See the value hidden in me……Remember the real treasure is HIM.

By the time Jesus finishes describing this way of life, as great as it sounds, it also sounds impossible. And if that is your reaction, you are not misunderstanding Jesus— you are finally hearing Him clearly. Jesus is not offering advice for personal improvement; He is revealing a way of life that stands in direct contrast to our natural instincts. That is why this teaching cannot be reduced to becoming a better version of yourself. Christianity is not self-repair or self-improvement. The gospel does not say, “Try harder to live this way.” It says, “You have died, and a new life has begun.” It is no longer I that live, but Christ in me the gospel is not you to become a better you, the gospel is die to you and let Him live through you. He that would come after me must deny himself take up his cross and follow after me. This is not about becoming a better you. It's about becoming a new you - Christ in you, the hope of glory!

God calls women in various ways—some to lead openly, others to serve quietly. Scripture urges women to follow God's call wherever it leads. It is the church's joy and responsibility to recognize, support, and send women into their designated roles. When everyone is fully empowered in their purpose, the Kingdom truly advances. In conclusion, the harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few and time is limited. Let us all, men and women, come together and actively participate in the world-changing mission that God has entrusted to us!

To recap, in medical training, the phrase see one, help one, do one isn't about speed— it's about readiness. No competent physician stays forever in observation mode. And no responsible mentor keeps the trainee assisting indefinitely. Eventually, the work must be entrusted, because the goal was never knowledge alone—it was to be carried forward. Luke 4:38–44 shows us that moment beginning in the ministry of Jesus. The disciples see Him demonstrate the will of God as He restores what is broken. They help by interceding for others, thereby capturing God's heart. And by the end of the passage, they are surrounded by a city that is coming to Jesus. The ministry is expanding.

The Spirit's presence has been steady across all generations. It's a celebration of the vital roles of women—not merely participating but actively promoting revival through preaching, building, serving, and leading, all in their passionate effort to spread the gospel. Reflecting on these inspiring women fills us with humility and a warm sense of gratitude for how wonderfully God works. It's truly beautiful to see His hand at work among women throughout history, and it's so important to honor that with genuine respect and It's truly wonderful to celebrate and rejoice as the Lord continues to raise up more women to join in His great harvest, sharing His love all around the world.

Our HEALING was secured on the cross where Jesus secured our forgiveness and bore our sins. The same blood that forgave our iniquities removed our infirmities.  Psalm 103:2-3 (ESV): 2Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, 3who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your disease Claim your healing Speak the Word of God and His promises OUT LOUD  You have authority in JESUS CHRIST TO heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers and cast out demons...USE IT. Pray and take hold of your healing James 5:14-15 (ESV): 14 Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. 15And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up.  

We're not throwing away God's design for authority, nor are we pretending that abuse or misapplication never happened. We're restoring what God intended. Once the structure is restored, we can finally release all the gifts God has placed in His church, men and women, without fear or confusion. So, church, we're embracing Jesus' power to restore what sin has twisted. When authority is healthy, families become closer, the church feels more secure, and everyone can grow in peace without fear. And when authority is truly redeemed, giftings aren't held back; instead, they're joyfully shared.

To sum up, in our study today, we saw that the Israelites‘ sin against the Lord was caused by their impatience. They wanted to move forward with their journey to the Promised Land immediately. The truth is, just like them, we can also rush to build our lives, dreams, or ministries without waiting on God's timing. But true strength and blessings come when we build with patience, prayer, and trust in Him.

Paul believed that faithful preaching of Christ prompts decisive action from God. This conviction shaped the way he spoke. He aimed to steward a message of eternal importance, not build a reputation. The danger for every generation is not outright rejection of the gospel, but subtle replacement. The Kingdom of God does not advance through eloquent presentation. It advances when the gospel is preached with clarity, courage, and dependence on the Spirit. The same Spirit who empowered Paul still confirms the Word today. The same gospel that saved then still saves now

Imagine someone hiking with a heavy backpack. They've carried it so long it feels normal. Inside are things they once thought were essential extra gear, backups, and old supplies. None of it is evil, but the weight is exhausting. At some point, someone says, “You don't need all of this to finish the trail.” Piece by piece, the weight is removed. And with every item set down, breathing becomes easier. They didn't lose what mattered; they finally let go of what didn't. That's what Paul is describing. When Christ becomes the measure of worth, we don't lose life, we gain it. Freedom comes not from carrying more, but from trusting Christ enough to set things down.

God has already spoken His promises over our lives. The question is: will we grumble, will we declare God's promises by faith, and finally, will we also dig? Faith begins with hearing God's promise, grows as we declare it with our lips, and comes to life when we act on it with our hands. The Israelites sang, 'Spring up, O well!' as they dug into the dry ground, and God turned a barren desert into a flowing spring. May we do the same—believe His Word, declare His truth, and take the steps He calls us to take—until we see His living water spring up in our lives.

The psalm assures us that God is present, God is watching, and God remains the final authority. From Babel to Nabal, Scripture consistently shows that lives built without reference to God eventually collapse from within. But lives ordered around God endure, because they are aligned with truth, wisdom, and purpose. The question Psalm 14 leaves us with is not whether God exists, but whether He rules our lives. Are we merely acknowledging God, or are we truly seeking Him? Wisdom begins with reverence, and faith begins with surrender. And a life fully entrusted to God will always stand in contrast to the folly of living as if there is no God.  

Kingdom faith says:  “God sees more than we do.”  “Heaven is backing what God has initiated.” “This moment is not a setback; it is a setup.” This is not a season to shrink back. This is not a season to disengage. This is a season to advance the Kingdom of God. This is a season to lift our eyes. This is a season to trust in heaven's resources. This is a season to advance by faith, trusting in God's power and provision as we step forward in faith into our assignment to bring God's Kingdom to bear in the world around us.  

To conquer sins like coveting, greed, lust, and the longing for power, position, or fame, you must redirect your passion. The essential step is to develop a relationship with Christ as your main focus. Center your efforts on serving Christ and His followers. Serving should come first. By pledging yourself to service, you'll notice that worldly coveting gradually diminishes.

Many believers pray for blessings on things that are misaligned. However, blessings tend to come more naturally when lives are guided by God's rule embodied in His Word. The Kingdom System represents God's call for us to align ourselves, moving beyond simple faith or ethics to establish proper governance under rightful authority. Jesus' words continue to hold true: “Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness.” When we prioritize alignment, provision naturally follows. When we allow God to take the lead in our lives, we will find that life begins to work as it was meant to. In the end, the real question isn't whether God is willing to rule. It's whether we are willing to surrender to His rule as we surrender to Him.

God doesn't just rescue us so we can sit safely forever. He restores us so we can participate in His work of restoration. Forgiven people become sent people. Jesus didn't merely pay our debt; He came to restore what sin had ruined. In short, Redemption frees us from sin; Restoration brings us back to life. ·  Restored relationship. ·  Restored identity. ·  Restored health. ·  Restored authority. ·  Restored purpose. This is not a different gospel. It is the rest of the story.

The Kingdom advances wherever Christ is welcomed not only as Savior but as Lord. When He reigns in us, His Kingdom moves through us into our homes, our work, our relationships, and our communities. Lives are transformed. Culture begins to change. Darkness loses its authority. The reign of God advances. As we celebrate Christmas, we, His people, should do more than remember the birth of the baby Jesus. We should recognize the opportunity to renew our allegiance to the King who came. We should seek to recommit to His mission and allow His truths to shape how we live every day. When the King truly reigns in us, the Kingdom is revealed in us and can then advance through us.

Healing is the will of God. It was central to Jesus' ministry, and it continues today through the power of the Holy Spirit in the Church. We recognize that not every sickness is healed instantly, but every true healing, whether miraculous, gradual, or medical, comes from God. Therefore, the Church must continue to preach the Word, lay hands on the sick, and expect God to move in power.  Jesus is still the Healer.  The Spirit is still giving gifts.  The Church is still called to minister in His name Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.  

Why is God so opposed to lying? As we mentioned earlier, the Ten Commandments are the most crucial set of rules ever created for building a good society. However, such a society cannot be established or maintained without a foundation of truth. In bringing His Kingdom into this world, God is introducing His way of living life. He is cultivating within His people godly behaviors that will create a godly society. To faithfully share the gospel, we must be truth-tellers. To live in harmony with one another, we must value truth and practice it with one another.