Sunshine Community Church's Podcast

1 Timothy 5:17-25 This message discusses the importance of giving honor to those who lead and teach. Those who keep the charge of leadership carry a significant burden; they ought never do it alone or withug proper honor. 

Philippians 2:12-30 The sermon highlights the book of Philippians, focusing on themes of joy and unity. It honors sacrifices made on Memorial Day and shares teachings of Jesus about love and service. Paul's imprisonment is discussed in relation to the Philippians, emphasizing joy and the importance of unity in the church. The roles of Timothy and Epaphroditus are explored, concluding with a call to engage with the community and a prayer for guidance in serving others.

Isaiah 43:1-13 We don't always think of honor as part of worldwide missions and outreach. But it is essential! First of all, we want all nations, tribes, and languages to praise and honor the Name of Jesus and know the freedom and hope that are ours in his gospel. Honor is also part of outreach in the sense that God is giving it to lost people by loving, pursuing, and cleansing them in Christ. All honor belongs to God, yet he shares it so generously with his people; we only have it when we surrender to him and his mission, sharing the good news with all people.

Matthew 15:1-28 This message celebrates Mother's Day and the many women sacrificing, giving strengths, efforts, and affections to help others flourish. Whether you have kids or not, you are a mother here when you lovingly nurture and grow others! This passage looks at the kind of honor Jesus commands and the price we pay to make it authentic.

1 Corinthians 12:12-26 Celebrating HisAbility Sunday - Our differently-abled members and attenders help us experience God more deeply, worship him more passinoately, and learn about parts of his heart we might miss without them. Together, we learn that the Church is the unified body of Jesus Christ; when we protect one part, the whole body floursihes with it and shares in the honor! 

Malachi 4  A final message in our Where's Waldo? series. As the profit Malachi finishes his book, he gets to have the last word before 400 years of waiting between the minor profits and the Gospel of Matthew. These last words of the Old Testament point to the coming of John the Baptist and the healing of the Risen Lord! 

Psalm 16, Daniel 12:1-4 This message takes place on Ressurection Sunday! As we continue to look for evidence and testimony about Jesus in the Old Testament books (even on Easter), we discover that the empty tomb and victory over sin and death and hell are all there! In the Law and Prophets, we see that the Father promised to preserve the life and physical purity of Jesus, despite Death's attacks. More than that, he promises the same to all who believe in his Son!

Zechariah 9:9-13, John 12; 12-16 Even though the first Palm Sunday happened in New Testament times, it was predicted in the Old Testament and later recognized as a fulfillment of prophecy. Zechariah the prophet predicted a King humbly arriving to Jerusalem on a donkey; he also predicted that King would bring freedom and hope by a blood covenant and by rescuing prisoners back to safety.

Zechariah 3 We don't see it, but there is an invisible battle going on all around us. We are always being accused by our Enemy, the Devil. The worst part is, most of his accusations are accurate, since we are sinners who have disobeyed God and deserve punishment. However, his word isn't the last word - there is Another who gets to speaker in the courtroom. No matter what Satan says about us, God's Word supersedes it. Zechariah predicted the protective work of Jesus to rebuke our Accuser, cleanse us, and make us a priestly people serving Him!

Daniel 3 The story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the fiery furnace of Nebuchadnezzar shows us the kind of pressure and risk a believer can often face in this world where Satan seems to be temporarily in charge of things. Earthly systems can stack the deck against us and we are often threatened and told to compromise our faith. The pre-incarnate Jesus showed up for his faithful servants in Babylon and preserved them; he will show up for us, too!

Exodus 3:1-12; Deuteronomy 18:15-19   This message dives into some moments in the life of the greatest Old Testament leader in the nation of Israel: Moses. Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt and to the Promised Land; he gave them the Law and taught them about God's standards. Jesus called and equipped Moses to prefigure the Gospel and lay the groundwork for salvation. But Moses was aware of a greater prophet to come, who would take his mantle and go further; he predicted the True Prophet to come!

Genesis 16:1-13; 18:22; 22:11-18   Many have heard stories about the patriarch, Abraham, and his wife, Sarah. As we continue our search for Jesus in the Old Testament, we discover that he pops up quite a few times in the story of Abraham; you just have to know where to look. In these passages, we see that the pre-incarnate Jesus was intimately involved with Abraham's story and the people in his family; Jesus revealed his Gospel to the Father of our faith, who believed it and was deeply touched by it. Abraham was God's friend, and God wanted him to know about his best gift: Jesus!

Genesis 1:1-5, John 1:1-5, Genesis 3:14-15, 21 The oldest references to Jesus are in the book of Genesis; here we see his divinity, mission, and victory over sin and hell foretold! We also see the first substitutionary sacrifice and the institution of shedding blood to cover over the shame and exposure that come from sin. Jesus is on the very first page of the Bible!

Ecclesiastes 9:1-6; 1 Corinthians 15:51-58 Statistics say we are living longer than ever before. Ironically, as our expectation of longevity increases, our stewardship of our lives actually seems to atrophy. Many people are living in denial of their mortality, simultaneously expecting more and risking less. It seems that somehow the longer we hope to live, the less we actually make of the days we are given. Christians are called to be so sure about the next life that we are set free to choose and live for the things which will most certainly cost us our lives!

Ecclesiastes 3:1-13 This world has become more and more virtual over the last decade or so. That isn't all bad, if it's just some new options for solving tricky work situations or connecting in adverse situations. However, learning excessively on these less-than-substantial interactions and activities is having untold effects in terms of human cognition, relationships, and health. It is also weakening the family, marriages and the very human soul. We are made for real and substantial experience and quests; the more we slip into fantasy, the more insubstantial we become!

2 Corinthians 12:1-10 We would prefer a life of limitless abilities and opportunities and, if we're honest, we really dislike having to slow down, say no, fail, or quit. We would engineer lives of strength and self-sufficiency, and fool ourselves into thinking we are doing God a favor by not needing his help. How foolish! By escaping our weakness, we would be cutting off the means by which God most reveals his power, comfort, and care to us. But God loves us enough to send us weaknesses that lead us to him - he cares enough to NOT let us be satisfied and safe without him!

1 Corinthians 6:9-20 There may be no issue in which the currents of our age are pressing so forcefully as in the area of human sexuality. Our world is all over the place on this issue. On the one hand, people idolize sex and act as if it is EVERYTHING; yet, on the other hand, they downplay its significance and insist it is a casual and ordinary part of life. If we are to keep our heads and be faithful in our witness, we must understand how God intended sex to be used and how we can best enjoy it and steward it within the boundaries and contexts he has ordained.

Acts 3:11-26; 4:5-12 As we stand firm amidst the currents and pressures of our day, we need to be particularly aware of the pressure to conform to relativism and pluralism. Our part of the world is increasingly insisting that ALL religions - including even Satanism, witchcraft, agnosticism, and atheism - constitute equally viable forms of worship and spirituality. In the midst of this smorgasbord of options, though, our faith stands out as a problem. Our belief in the exclusivity of Christ for salvation is always a sticking point; we need to be certain and stay on message, while staying full of love.

Isaiah 40 Josh Hendricks gives a message on the ultimate comfort in life and death - God our Father in Heaven. 

Matthew 25:31-46 The historical Christian position on the value of life is radically clear: every human life has value and needs to be treated as holy. Humans bear God's image and are filled with his breath; what we do to protect the duration and quality of each life, we do unto Christ.

Isaiah 55 The world likes to put God on trial when things go badly. We wonder how God can be good when things go badly? How can he claim to be for me when circumstances seem to be against me? What has he done to prove that he would be a better planner for my life than I would? In the end, when we read God's Word, we see that he demands our trust and insists that his plan is better, and the only proof he offers is himself and his promise. Some feel like God is asking them to accept LESS; but he could never sin against us, and accepting his plan always yields MORE!

Philippians 2:1-11 The Christian faith is built on the altruism and self-sacrifice of its Founder, the one and only Son of God. We don't just think selflessness is good, though - we think that it is the essential remedy to its opposite: Self-interest and self-worship. Selfishness is common to man, but believers are called to self-sacrifice; we must develop our stamina for willing servanthood, if we are to follow our Lord's example and live out his command that we can serve one another sincerely in love. None of us escapes this battle, and our Enemy wants desperately to defeat us in it!

Luke 12:1-12 Sylvester was actually the first real Pope in the history of the church. In terms of Rome and its government, Sylvester's ministry went from leading a forbidden and persecuted minority to being publicly recognized and given broad cultural influence. In his story, we see that Christmas truth will change the fate of nations; we must be prepared to face danger and fearlessly preach the Word. If we don't adapt, though, we may fall prey to new temptations and traps.

Ephesians 5:1-21 The Feast of St. Lucia is connected with Christmas traditions in several cultures, especially in Sweden. The real saint, though, is no more legend or tradition - Lucy's story is gritty, painful, and also amazingly powerful. She illustrates the way that the light and truth of Christ empower us to live pure lives of self-giving and love in the brutal world. Christmas shines the light of Jesus into our lives and calls us to walk in love and purity; God protects those who live this way!

Jude 1 Ambrose is a saint known as "Doctor of the Church," which means he was one of the teachers whose intellectual contributions helped shape the Church. Ambrose helped people think more clearly about the beauty of the Gospel and its impact on philosophy, music, art, politics, and more. He also fought against false teaching - A LOT. Christmas initiates a battle for truth and requires that we contend for the faith we've been given against false doctrines and teachers.

1 John 4:7-21 You may not know much about Wenceslaus, duke of Bohemia, unless you know the classic Christmas carol about him. But the early church knew his name and knew that he was brave and principled leader who showed what can happen when a ruler converts to Christianity and governs in a way that is modeled after Jesus' love and kindness. In the story of Wenceslaus, we see that Christmas introduces us to the Savior who empties himself and serves. Once we understand this, we get to follow his example as generous peacemakers. 

Luke 10:1-24 The Lord of the Harvest sends out his laborers in teams and ensures that all of their needs are met in advance and in Him!

John 4:31-38  When Jesus met with the women at the well of Samaria, he talked a lot about the harvest. What does it mean when he calls the Samaritan town a field and the people grain? Jesus was clear: there is great satisfaction and nourishment in obeying God and harvesting the fruit he and others before us have sown.

Psalm 126 This message begins by sharing and celebrating the reveal of the FORWARD campaign. As we reflect on the way God uses the gospel to spread the kingdom, we can't help but notice that he has an amazing ability to bring joyous fruit and growth at the end of very difficult seasons. Things that the world would call pointless and too costly are often the very places where God restores the fortunes of his people and turns their mourning and struggle into harvest.

Lord of the Harvest Deuteronomy 26:1-11 Fall has always been a time when people gather, count up, and store their blessings for the winter and share comfort and kindness with each other. This passage discusses God's goodness to deliver us out of slavery and into rich harvest. Offering him our first fruits creates a testimony of faith and freedom, and is cause for rejoicing!

1 Timothy 6: 2-21. This message concludes our FORWARD series. It studies one more question of biblical, sacrificial stewardship: WHEN? It would be easy to think of stewardship as a future event; it is so oriented toward long-term strategy and eternal benefits that we could easily see it as a “tomorrow” item. Stewardship may be about the future, but it always takes place NOW; the sacrifices and investments of today will shape eternity! The payoff is eternal, but the sacrifice is a daily event.

2 Corinthians 9 This message discusses the heart condition of the giver. Stewardship is first and foremost a matter of the manner in which we give - only a free heart full of joyful generosity can please God. So we must learn to cultivate and curate our heart motives if we wish to give in a life-giving way.

1 Thessalonians 2 When we think about WHAT we are stewarding as Christians, we often jump immediately to issues of finacne and tithing. Stewardship is about SO much more than money; in fact, if all we give to God is our money, we are really falling short of missing the point. True stewardship recognizes that investing tangible and temporary treasures is a great way to increase our ability to invest intangible and eternal ones. Real lgenerosity is about joyfully pouring out our whole selves and all God's treasures to reach people and grow his kingdom! 

Exodus 35:4-10, 20-29; Mark 12:41-44 This message explores the WHO of generous stewardship. Many think that the gift of generosity is only given to some people, and that most likely they will be the wealthy ones who have an excess and can give more away without much discomfort. The problem is that there is always someone wealthier and always reason to feel like giving will put us at risk. The truth is that everyone is called to steward boldly; it isn't an option, it isn't for some elite group, and it isn't a competition! 

Philippians 3:12-21 Sunshine Community Church has a rich history, dating back to over 100 years, but God's not done with us! What's next in the life of this ministry? 

2 Chronicles 20:1-30 In this passage, we see that worship isn't a passive and quiet act that takes us out of battle - rather, worship is a defiant act of insurrection against the Prince of this world! We can't be surprised that it comes under attack, requires divine power to maintain, takes great courage. Worship is war, and it isn't pie in the sky, by and by - it is the most powerful way of approaching practical problems in the material world.

John 4:1-30 What does it mean to have an identity as a worshipper of God? How would we live differently if this vocation and role were our main self-understanding and way of seeing the world? Often, we think of worship as just an task to be checked off the list or a theological concept to understand. In truth, though, worship runs far deeper than a mere abstraction or activity – it is an identity that ties us to God and our eternal vocation! Believers will live forever in heaven worshipping God, and all our other roles will fade away - worship is our truest identity and purpose!

1 Corinthians 13 When we think about worship, we inevitably end up talking about feelings. We talk about our motivation, our interest, our preferences, our distractions, and our sensibilities. It seems right that worship should be about loved nd that faking it would be wrong. On the other hand, we are called to worship, even when we DON'T feel like it, which seems to raise the risk of phoning things in...What are we to do? This passage shows us that love is both a feeling that spurs choices, and choices that spur feelings; we must never reduce it to just one or the other.

Former Elder, Josh Hendricks, gives a message on John 1:1-18.

Acts  11:1-18 Missionaries Mike & Amy Martin share about their 20 year journey translating the New Testament for the people of Papua Indonesia.

Psalm 62 God promises to be our Fortress and to love us in such a way that we will never be shaken or uprooted again.

1 Corinthians 15-50-58; 15:13-14 How often do you face fear in your life? Some may say very little, and others may be able to list many instances in which fear cripples their courage or slows their obedience to God. the Bible indicates that behind all smaller fears is the fear of death; we dread the end of our lives and the reckoning we must face for all the sins in our lives. Death is doorway into our imperishable future, but we need assurance of what that future will be! But there is GOOD NEWS! The power of Jesus makes death into victory and gives us the courage to be strong and loving in all we do.

Romans 8:26-39 Romans 8 is one of the most encouraging chapters in the entire Bible, because it is so chock-full of assurance and security. It assures us that our faith and salvation rest on God's perfection, rather than our changeability. There are so many big things out in the world, but NONE of them are bigger than God or able to separate us from him!

1 Peter 1:13-25 In this new series, Seeds of Worship, we'll combine scripture memory songs with messages on those verses. The idea is to encourage households of all ages to be creative about internalizing and keeping the Bible's teachings. This message focuses on the Apostle Peter's teaching that assures us that God and his Word never die or fade, and if we pattern our lives after what he says, we won't either! God's word is reliable, enduring, and solid - it is far more trustworthy than human beings. 

Guest Speaker Ryan Waalkes gives a message on Matthew 4:18-22

Luke 4, and 2 Timothy 2:24-26

Matthew 18:21-35 How many times are we to forgive someone who sins against us? Jesus give us a clear and firm answer in this chapter. May we not forget the insurmountable forgiveness he has offered each one of us. 

1 Samuel 14: 1-23 **Please excuse an audio break in the middle of this session Jason Blunt, a seminary student, preaches about Jonathan and his armor bearer. This passage shows us a lot about courage, cowardice, obedience, and pride. 

Ephesians 6:10-20 We need the armor of God because prayer is a war, and we are called to fight it intentionally.

Colossians 1:3-23 Knowing Jesus means growing up and growing wise! Please help us encourage everyone as we grow up together in Christ.

Guest Preacher, David speaks on Psalm 148.