the Church Podcast

Focus: Joshua was given a purpose and the encouragement to see it through. Our God-given purpose is to glorify God and make disciples. Since we have this God-given purpose, what can stand in the way? Joshua 1:1-9

Focus: Having a purpose without intentionally living toward it is like having a bow and arrow, and a target, but not ever firing toward it. So, how are we doing what we are made, blessed, and sent to do? 1 Corinthians 9:19-27

Focus: Mordecai is blunt with Esther. Not doing anything will also almost certainly result in her death. But what he knew is that God would save his people. And knowing that, maybe by leaning into what she knew of God Esther would find herself in God's purpose. For such a time as this… Esther 4:7-14

Focus: Shalom. Wholeness. God's intention. Yet what we see all around us is brokenness. What if WE were placed right here to work together to build up what is broken? “Let's start rebuilding!” Nehemiah 2:11-20

Focus: Wherever many are involved, the distraction of division rears its destructive head. God Himself blesses His work with unity. God Himself blesses His workers with unity. We visibly reflect ONE God, ONE body, ONE job. Many hands, many different tasks, ONE result! Ephesians 4:1-16

Focus: The team acts, serves, loves, goes, and responds. This team does not just say nice things or think about acting. Why? Because our God is a God who acts! And we visibly reflect HIM! 1 Corinthians 12:12-27

Focus: Community thrives as we build each other up, encourage each other, and meet together regularly. The good feelings that follow acts of love and kindness reinforce the value and importance we ascribe to the community and draw others to engage in the kind of community we all desire to be part of. Hebrews 10:24-25

Focus: Belonging is a gift we experience as we share life together in a Christ-centered community. Belonging in a community is a two way street of felt needs, fulfilled as we are a blessing to others, and as they are a blessing to us. As in a body, the parts of a Christ-centered community, though different, belong to each other and function together to bless each other and the whole. Romans 12:4-5

Focus: Faith in Jesus is activated as the Spirit guides us intentionally and passionately into the lives of our friends and neighbors. As we listen and follow the Spirit's guidance, we discern which friend the Lord is leading us to reach by proclaiming the Good news about Jesus. We rely on the Spirit to guide us to know who and how we can support and teach as we grow together in following Jesus. Luke 10:1-7

Focus: Active faith that is discerning the Holy Spirit's leading requires courage. Letting go of the easy choice for an alternative can often be unsettling, and sometimes even terrifying. Of all people God could send you to, imagine it's the one person christians are actively running from. But where there is no risk, there is also little room to be surprised by God. Acts 9:10-18

Focus: Active faith that is following the Holy Spirit requires humility. We must be willing to challenge our own understanding in the face of God's word. While our understanding is used in discerning, assuming it's always right puts us at risk of missing where He leads. Are we following and learning from God, or are we limited by our own understanding and unwillingness to learn? Acts 10:9-33

Focus: Christians often suffer from indecisiveness or wishing they knew what God's will was for them in a decision. Once decided, we often suffer from tunnel vision. Sometimes God wants to change our direction even mid journey. Listening and discerning isn't limited to convenience, and it doesn't end once we start executing a plan. Acts 16:6-10

Focus: Active faith means sharing life deeply with others in genuine friendship. We journey together, with mutual care and connection. Paul's example of authentic love shows that true friends don't just share the gospel—they share their lives. Our lives intertwine, allowing the life of Jesus to flow freely and uninterrupted. 1 Thessalonians 2:1-12

Focus: People are constantly placing hope in all sorts of places for their current and their future. God's Missional Heart is for all people to place their hope in Jesus, the only one who delivers. As followers of Jesus, we're sent to proclaim Him. Active faith prepares to explain our hope as believers, in order to be ready when someone asks. 1 Peter 3:8-18

Focus: Sharing our faith can be daunting, from fear of harm and danger, to concerns about how it will be received and what others may think of us. God doesn't call us to have it all figured out and to be able to argue others into submission. Active faith believes Him and willingly tells others what He has done. The once blind man responded to a claim that Jesus was a sinner saying, “I don't know whether he is a sinner,”… “But I know this: I was blind, and now I can see!” John 9:8-17, 24-25

Focus: Our lives are full of opportunities to glorify God, and to proclaim salvation in Jesus. Just living as followers of Jesus and loving as He has loved us is a great proclamation and draws people close to us to ask. Active faith prays for and seeks out every opportunity to share Jesus. Colossians 4:2-6

Focus: We teach a way of life, not just doctrinal beliefs—the relational, dynamic nature of living the Jesus Way over static intellectualism. Teaching the Jesus Way happens best as we live our lives. Discipleship is life-on-life, walking with others in the everyday moments where faith is grown and shared. Matthew 28:18-20

Focus: Teaching the Jesus Way means simplifying the message so it can be passed on with ease and confidence. Simplicity leads to multiplication, ensuring the Gospel endures through faithful, passionate, and prepared followers of Jesus. 2 Timothy 2:1-15 (esp. 2)

Focus: The message of Jesus' birth is joyous news that frees us and is available to everyone. It is shared by all because such joy cannot be contained—it overflows! Luke 2:8-20

Focus: The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, teaching through His presence. And, not just to show us, but to take our place…in life, in death. The evidence of His LIFE is now also experienced in how we live and dwell with others, embodying His grace and truth. John 1:1-14

Focus: Teaching the Jesus Way prepares people to stand strong against the waves of deception and the schemes of the enemy. Rooted in Christ, they are equipped to endure and thrive. Ephesians 4:1-16 (esp. 14)

Focus: Sharing life results in community, especially when we share common space, celebrations, needs, and the unity we have in Christ. Acts 2:42-47

Focus: Loving beyond boundaries requires trust—trust in God's love, trust in His provision, and trust that He is working through us to bless others. Too often, fear holds us back from fully committing—fear of scarcity, fear of the unknown, fear of not having enough. But Scripture reminds us: There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear (1 John 4:18). Today, as we make our financial commitments for the year, we do so without fear, knowing that our generosity is an expression of love beyond boundaries. Our giving is not just about sustaining a church; it is about participating in God's mission, ensuring that His love flows freely into our neighborhoods and beyond. Because He first loved us, we can give boldly, trusting that His grace is always more than enough. 1 John 4:19-21; 2 Corinthians 9:6-8

Focus: The resurrection turns the world upside down—the grave is empty, death is defeated, and love reigns victorious. What seemed like the end was only the beginning. The first witnesses were the least expected, the risen Jesus appeared to the broken and afraid, and His command was not to retreat but to go beyond boundaries and proclaim life to all nations. In the upside-down Kingdom of God, hope is born from despair, power is revealed in humility, and victory comes through surrender. Because He lives, we are sent to love beyond all limits, carrying the message of resurrection to a world desperate for new life. Galatians 3:26-28; Matthew 28:1-10, 18-20

Focus: From the upper room to Golgotha, Jesus' love remains steadfast. Betrayed, denied, and abandoned, He carries His cross through the suffering of rejection and pain. Yet, even in agony, He extends love beyond boundaries—praying for His enemies, welcoming a criminal into paradise, and surrendering His life for the world. In the upside-down Kingdom of God, power is revealed in sacrifice, and victory comes through the cross. Philippians 2:5-11; Isaiah 53

Focus: In the upper room, Jesus redefines leadership and love—not by taking a throne, but by kneeling under the towel to wash His disciples' feet. As He breaks bread and shares the cup, He invites them into a new covenant of self-giving love. The way of Jesus is not about status but sacrifice, not about being served but serving. To love beyond boundaries means humbling ourselves, washing the feet of friends and betrayers alike, and embracing the way of the cross. John 13:1-17; Luke 22:14-20

Focus: As Jesus rides into Jerusalem, the crowd celebrates Him as King, yet within days, many will turn away. The way of the Kingdom is not about power and dominance but about crossing the road to show mercy, just as the Good Samaritan did. Jesus challenges us to love beyond comfort, moving across the road to serve, even when it leads to suffering. His path to the cross was an act of boundary-breaking love—one that invites us to walk in His footsteps. Luke 10:25-37; Matthew 21:1-11

Focus: Love begins at the well, where Jesus invites us to draw from His limitless grace and pour it into the lives of others. Matthew 22:37-40

Focus: The early Christians' in Acts gathered daily for worship and made a habit of breaking bread and praying together in their homes. The work of the Spirit through these actions fostered a joyful, generous community and a lifestyle of devotion. Acts 2:46-47

Focus: God's Word shapes our lives. Repetition, teaching, talking about His Word before, after and during, and making visible reminders are all ways of learning, remembering, and forming patterns and habits. This is what wholehearted commitment looks like. Deuteronomy 6:4-9

Focus: How do we respond to God's presence in our homes? Do we create space for Him and treat Him as an honored part of our household? 2 Kings 4:8-10

Focus: As Jesus lives in our homes it's most common that we are used to it, that we take it for granted, and that when we are intentional, it's about doing things for Jesus instead of with Him. Instead, Jesus reminds us to choose the “better part”, and to prioritize spending time at His feet. Luke 10:38-42

Focus: Wealth, comfort, self-sufficiency, and complacency are all characteristics of the church and community Jesus describes. Jesus tries to help all who are in those situations clearly see what is important and valuable. Jesus is knocking, and he wants to come in to share a meal together as friends. Will you open the door? Revelation 3:20

Focus: Jesus is the life-giving water. He still offers everyone water that truly satisfies and even becomes a spring giving eternal life. His is the fountain of life. This is the water that gives life and makes our homes into household WELLS where all can gather to experience Jesus' offer. John 4:13-14

Focus: God's Word is a lamp to our feet and light to our path. The question is, do we use His Word to guide our daily life at home? Do we pick up His Word and use it in our Homes as often as we use lightswitches, maps, or instructional videos? God is always leading us, and our households have the opportunity to daily follow and learn from the giver of life. Psalm 119:97-112

Focus: Blood on their doorposts set the Israelites apart so the destroyer would pass over their homes. Jesus' blood covers his disciples today and sets us apart as His people whose sins have been paid for. Household WELLs are sanctified for God's protection and presence. Exodus 12:21-23

Focus: God calls all sinners to repent, and give our hearts to Him. Like the Prodigal's father eagerly looking and waiting for his son's return, He invites, calls, and gathers us back. He is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love, eager to relent and not punish. We begin Lent with this call to repentance, being set apart as His special possession, looking forward to His deliverance. Joel 2:12-19

Focus: Without integrity, declarations become empty talk. Disciples of Jesus intentionally “walk the walk” in their homes (and outside), and dedicate their Household WELLs to the LORD. Knowing they fail, disciples are ready to ask for forgiveness and quick to forgive. They rely on Jesus for forgiveness and restoration, and upon His Spirit for the strength to persevere. Psalm 101:2

Focus: You've heard that actions speak louder than words. But, actions flow from faith. Declaring your allegiance to God is an act of faith that stands firm in God's Word and seeks to live from God's truth from this day forward. Joshua 24:15

Focus: When our hearts align with God's will, and life flows from His righteousness, everything else falls into its rightful place Matthew 6:33

Focus: Jesus doesn't visit. He desires to dwell within us, shaping our hearts and homes. Then, and only then, do our homes become a life-giving dwelling. Ephesians 3:16-17

Focus: Christ reigns supreme over all creation. Our homes thrive when He holds the highest place. Colossians 1:15-20

Focus: Jesus said that the entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on two commandments. Love God with every fiber of your being, and love your neighbor as yourself. So, love fulfills the law. Christ accomplished the fulfilling of the law for us, and we reflect His love as we love. Main Text: Romans 13:8-10

Focus: Active faith reflects the goodness of God by building others up. True friendship is rooted in helping others grow spiritually and emotionally, treating them as valued companions who reflect Christ. Every brick in the building matters. Built on the Cornerstone (Jesus) we are called to be living stones, building each other up in love and grace, building something that magnifies our Savior, Jesus! Main Text: 1 Peter 2:1-12

Focus: Active faith honors everyone equally, rejecting favoritism and judgment. As friends in mission, we are called to see the inherent worth in all people, treating them with respect and dignity. True friendship reflects God's heart by embracing and honoring others regardless of their status or outward appearance. Main Text: James 2:1-12

Focus: “But while Peter was in prison, the church prayed very earnestly for him.” It's such an ordinary thing to write. What followed was extraordinary! What might we learn from this rhythm of life as we face our challenges today? Main Text: Acts 12:1-19

Focus:  Losing our focus poses grave risks. It can lead to squandered time and energy, overlooked opportunities, and ill-advised decisions. It can strain relationships, heighten the likelihood of injury, and even imperil life itself. As followers of Jesus, dispersing our focus from Him and His Kingdom invites perilous consequences that jeopardize our very existence. However, there is hope in the Good News! Let those with ears heed its call. Main Text: Matthew 13:1-9; 18-24

Focus:  Our thoughts can drive the narrative of our lives.  Often, subjective observation and opinion, or experience, are called truth.  How much weight do you give your own understanding when it comes to challenging topics or difficult discussions where people believe different things?  Where is your source of Truth?  Does God's Word shape how you understand your experience, primarily, or does your experience shape how you understand God's Word?  Main Text: Romans 1:21-23

Focus:  There are many things that can take God's place on the throne of our hearts.  Whether it's ourselves, money or possessions, accomplishments, or anything else, the end is always idol worship.  Today we are reminded to “keep away from anything that might take God's place in your heart.”   Main Text: 1 John 5:20-21

Focus:  Where does our allegiance lie?  Are we allied to God?  Always?  Or only when it doesn't get in the way of what we want?   Main Text: James 4:1-7

Focus:  Guilt and shame are so burdensome. And, the more you try to shake them off, the stickier they seem to be. Shackled, weighed down, dark, overwhelming, guilt crushes the human spirit. God never intended for you to live with it. Yet, sin is real. The result is so thick. You've felt this, right? Well, GRACE is also real. And it sets us free. Main Text: John 8:1-11