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Why do powerful revivals begin with fire but fade within weeks?In this episode, Pastor Steve Gray reveals the real reason spiritual movements burn out. It is not emotion, worship style, or intensity. It is preparation.Drawing from decades of leading historic outpourings that lasted for years, Pastor Steve explains the forgotten principle behind lasting revival. Before Jesus began His ministry, John the Baptist prepared the way. The same pattern still applies today.If you want more than a temporary spark and desire a sustained move of God in your church, home, or personal life, this episode will show you where revival truly begins.Key Takeaways:Revival requires intentional preparation, similar to the preparatory role played by John the Baptist before Jesus' ministry.Sustainable revival demands a reordering of personal and communal priorities to focus on kingdom principles, leaving behind distractions.A lack of preparation is the main reason why many spiritual movements fizzle out after the initial excitement.Pastor Steve Gray's transformational experiences highlight the possibility of long-lasting revival through comprehensive prayer and readiness.Altering one's lifestyle is essential for embracing and maintaining a profound spiritual awakening.
There are moments in Scripture that seem small… yet they change everything. In Gospel of Luke 5:1–11, what looks like an ordinary workday along the shore of the Sea of Galilee becomes a life-altering encounter. Fishermen are cleaning empty nets. Crowds are pressing in. And Jesus steps into a boat.This message explores how Jesus calls ordinary people into extraordinary purpose—and how the way He called His first disciples is the same way He calls us today.From Boats to the World, we see four powerful truths:Jesus calls us in our ordinary day-to-day.Peter wasn't at church or on retreat—he was working. Before Jesus said, “Follow Me,” He built relationship. Calling begins with closeness. Before He gives us something to do, He calls us to know Him.Jesus calls us even in disappointment.After a long, fruitless night of fishing, Jesus tells Peter to try again. Tired. Frustrated. Empty nets. And yet Peter responds, “At Your word, I will.” Obedience precedes understanding. The breakthrough wasn't blocked by a lack of blessing—it was waiting on a “yes.”Jesus calls us out in transformational moments.When the nets overflow, Peter falls to his knees: “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man.” In the presence of holiness, he recognizes his unworthiness. But Jesus responds with grace: “Do not be afraid.” Awareness of our weakness doesn't disqualify us—it prepares us. Jesus doesn't call the perfect; He calls the surrendered.Jesus calls us to total commitment.“From now on you will catch men.” Identity is reframed. Purpose is redefined. They left everything—boats, nets, security—to follow Him. Because the same Jesus who filled their nets would sustain their future.As we approach Easter, this passage reminds us: this isn't just about Peter—it's about us. Jesus didn't call His disciples to admire fish. He called them to catch people. Somewhere in your world—a coworker, neighbor, friend, or family member—is someone far from God, swimming in the waters of your everyday life.Jesus is still walking along the shorelines of our lives. Still stepping into boats. Still saying, “Follow Me.”The question is: Who are you fishing for?Support the show
At Jesus' Crucifixion and Death, the “Temple Veil” Was Torn; After Jesus Easter Resurrection, You Now Pray Directly with God MESSAGE SUMMARY: Think about the magnitude of your direct and personal access to God that your prayers give you, through Jesus, if you will only pray. Before Jesus, ordinary people did not have direct access to God, through the Throne Room of God, with a direct personal relationship with God. In Old Testament times, people would come to the priests; and the priest would offer up a sacrifice on behalf of the people. The priests, and not the people, were communing directly with God. On Good Friday and at Jesus death on the cross, the “Temple Veil” was torn from top to bottom (i.e. “Temple Vail” was a large, very thick, and very heavy barrier that divided that portion of the Temple accessible by those wishing to sacrifice for prayer and the “Holy of Holies” where the only the High Priest could meet with God and pray on behalf of the people of God.). At Jesus Resurrection, no longer was an intermediary (e.g., a Priest) required for direct prayer with God by the people in Christ (i.e. Jesus Followers). Because Jesus created a New Covenant relationship with His followers, now your prayers are in direct communion with God, the Creator of the Universe. Everyone, who is in Christ, may have access to the Throne Room of God in the name of Jesus. What a privilege this direct access to God is for those who are in Christ. The author of Hebrews, in Hebrews 4:16, tells Jesus Followers that, because of the Gospel, you have direct access to God's “throne of Grace” for your needs: “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.". TODAY'S PRAYER: Keeping the Sabbath, Lord, will require a lot of changes in the way I am living life. Teach me, Lord, how to take the next step with this in a way that fits my unique personality and situation. Help me to trust you with all that will remain unfinished and to enjoy my humble place in your very large world. In Jesus' name, amen. Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 129). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: Today, I affirm that because of what God has done for me in His Son, Jesus, I AM FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT. If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him! Luke 11:13 SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): Philippians 4:1-13; John 15:9-10; Revelation 4:1-2; Psalms 69c:25-36. A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. THIS SUNDAY'S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach's Current Sunday Sermon: “Essentials Part 5 – The Holy Spirit” at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/ DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB
Before Jesus gave His life for us, He walked among us.In this 13-week journey through the Gospels, we'll see the heart of the Savior on display in real moments with real people—teaching, healing, confronting, praying and loving. Each week helps us rediscover not just what Jesus did, but who He is—and what that means for us today.As we walk with Him toward the cross and empty tomb, we'll find fresh reasons to love, trust and worship the One who came to save.This message, HE WALKED AMONG US, HE FORGAVE US, comes out of Luke 23:32-43.Website: http://www.rittmangrace.orgFacebook: Rittman Grace Brethren Church Instagram: rittmangrace Twitter: RittmanGraceYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaXPiaa4z3iZMA4DkCihtHg TikTok: rittmangbc
First Sunday of Lent Sermon Series: 40 Days of Growth Sermon: TemptationScripture: Luke 4:1-13Lent begins not in comfort, but in the wilderness. Before Jesus teaches, heals, or calls disciples, he is led into a place of testing. Hungry. Alone. Tempted. In Luke 4:1–13, we see that temptation isn't just about dramatic choices—it's about subtle compromises, shortcuts, and the quiet pull to trust ourselves instead of God.In this Sunday's sermon, “Temptation,” we begin our new series 40 Days of Growth by exploring what it means to face the wilderness honestly. Jesus shows us that temptation often meets us at our weakest points—when we're tired, anxious, or wanting quick relief. Yet he also shows us how to stand firm, grounded in God's Word and God's promises.Join us as we begin the Lenten journey together, learning how even seasons of testing can become seasons of growth.Worship Schedule 8:45am: Contemporary Service10am: Sunday School11am: Traditional Service
Lent does not begin with improvement. It begins with illumination. Before Jesus calls anyone to change, he reveals what is true. Before repentance, there is revelation. Before clarity of action, there is clarity of sight.This Sunday we meet Simeon, a man who waited long enough, trusted deeply enough, and listened carefully enough to recognize salvation when it was placed quietly in his arms. He did not figure Jesus out. He recognized him.There is a difference.
Before Jesus comes into Bethany, Martha meets Him and shares her disappointment. Yes, she believes Lazarus will rise again, but is resurrection is some dim and misty future concept? No, for Jesus is the resurrection and life! It is a reality in Him.
Faith isn't a feeling—it's movement. Before Jesus turned water into wine, servants hauled 150 gallons, one tedious trip at a time. Pastor Jeff Schreve unpacks how small, steady steps of obedience position you for God's transforming work when you feel empty.
Before Jesus was sentenced to die on the cross, he used it as an illustration of a profound truth, one that continues to challenge us to this day.Village Green Community Church is located in London, Canada. Our mission is to “Love God, Love Others, and Change the World”.Get to know us better! Come visit our website: https://villagegreenchurch.com/follow-us/
Before Jesus gave His life for us, He walked among us.In this 13-week journey through the Gospels, we'll see the heart of the Savior on display in real moments with real people—teaching, healing, confronting, praying and loving. Each week helps us rediscover not just what Jesus did, but who He is—and what that means for us today.As we walk with Him toward the cross and empty tomb, we'll find fresh reasons to love, trust and worship the One who came to save.This message, HE WALKED AMONG US, HE SHOWED MERCY, comes out of Luke 15:11-32.Website: http://www.rittmangrace.orgFacebook: Rittman Grace Brethren Church Instagram: rittmangrace Twitter: RittmanGraceYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaXPiaa4z3iZMA4DkCihtHg TikTok: rittmangbc
Welcome to our new sermon series, Jesus is King. In today's message, Pastor Dustin takes us to Matthew 3 and the baptism of Jesus, where we see the foundation of Christ's identity and mission. Before Jesus ever performed a miracle, preached a sermon, or began His public ministry, the Father declared over Him: “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” Jesus was affirmed before He ever achieved. This passage reminds us that approval comes before performance. We don't strive to earn God's love; we live from it. Through faith in Jesus Christ, we receive God's approval freely, not because we are perfect, but because Christ paid the price to set us free. Pastor Dustin also highlights the humility of Jesus. Though John questioned why Jesus would step into baptism, Jesus chose humility over status. He didn't save us from a distance. He entered fully into our world, stepping into the waters for us. Finally, we see that Jesus expressed His identity through visible obedience. What is settled privately must be lived publicly. The gospel transforms obedience from something we do to be loved into something we do because we are loved. Religion says: Obey and be loved. The gospel says: Be loved and obey. Scripture References: Matthew 3:14–17 Romans 3:22–24
In this message, Pastor Thomas-Steele teaches that the way we view prayer determines the way we do prayer. Before Jesus ever tells us what to ask for, He reshapes our perspective with four powerful words:“Our Father in heaven…” (Matthew 6:9)With these four opening words, Jesus teaches us that prayer begins with remembering:• Prayer is about “we,” not just “me.”• God is paternal — close, caring, and personal.• God is powerful — sovereign, reigning, and able.When we start with the right view of God — intimate Father and reigning King — peace follows. This message will help you reset your outlook, deepen your prayer life, and experience what Jesus meant when He taught us how to pray.
Before Jesus changes your life, He prepares your heart.
Before Jesus gave His life for us, He walked among us.In this 13-week journey through the Gospels, we'll see the heart of the Savior on display in real moments with real people—teaching, healing, confronting, praying and loving. Each week helps us rediscover not just what Jesus did, but who He is—and what that means for us today.As we walk with Him toward the cross and empty tomb, we'll find fresh reasons to love, trust and worship the One who came to save.This message, HE WALKED AMONG US, HE CHALLENGED US, comes out of Matthew 21:12-17.Website: http://www.rittmangrace.orgFacebook: Rittman Grace Brethren Church Instagram: rittmangrace Twitter: RittmanGraceYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaXPiaa4z3iZMA4DkCihtHg TikTok: rittmangbc
Youth Pastor Wyatt teaches on Matthew 3:13-17. Before Jesus acts publicly, he is named beloved. Belonging becomes the foundation from which faithfulness grows.
Audio Transcript Yeah, Full house this morning. There we go. So, yeah, it’s good to meet in God’s house and to sing praises to the Lord. So today we are going to continue our sermon series in the book of Luke. And so if you have a Bible, you can go ahead and open up there. And if you don’t have a Bible, there should be some blue Bibles in the chairs that you can go ahead and grab. And so we are in Luke chapter six. And we’re going to be reading verses 12 through 19. And so this passage is focusing on the calling of the 12 disciples and the events that follow right after their calling. And so I’m going to read this passage and then I’ll pray and we’ll get started. So here’s what the word of the Lord has for us this morning. Luke 6:12. In these days he went out to the mountain to pray. And all night he continued in prayer to God. And when day came, he called his disciples and chose from them 12 whom he named Apostles Simon, whom he named Peter and Andrew his brother, and James and John and Philip and Bartholomew and. And Matthew and Thomas and James the son of Alphaeus and Simon, who was called the Zealot, and Judas the son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor. And he came down with them and stood on a level place with a great crowd of his disciples and a great multitude of people from all Judea and Jerusalem and the seacoast of Tyre and Sidon, who came to hear him and to be healed of their diseases. And those who were troubled with unclean spirits were cured. And all the crowd sought to touch him, for power came out from him and healed them all. So that’s God’s word for us. Please pray with me. God, thank you that you speak to us through, through your holy word that you have preserved so that we might hear from you. Now I pray God that you would indeed speak, and God you would help me to speak your word and that you would give us hearts and ears to receive what you are saying this morning. It’s in Jesus name we ask these things. Amen. All right. So up until this point in Luke’s eyewitness account of Jesus life, Jesus has done a lot in the region of Galilee and in Judea. And in the very beginning of Jesus ministry, Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist, followed by a supernatural phenomenon with the Holy Spirit descending upon Jesus like a dove and the voice of the Father declaring, this is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased. Jesus was then led into the wilderness for 40 days, where he was tested and tempted by Satan and where he overcame the devil through God’s word. Jesus taught in the synagogues throughout the surrounding area of Galilee, teaching that the scriptures were now being fulfilled in him. Jesus declared that he is the Son of man, who has authority to forgive sins. The Bridegroom of God, the Lord of the Sabbath. Jesus had casted out demons, proving his authority over spiritual realms of darkness. Jesus had healed many people of a variety of sicknesses and malformities, including fever, disease, leprosy, paralytics, withered hand and and much, much more. Jesus had called forth specific individuals to begin following him that nobody would expect, including outcasts and fishermen and a tax collector. And with all of these things Jesus had done and continued to do, he was doing the will of his Father. But now a shift in Jesus ministry strategy was about to happen. So no longer was Jesus going to continue his mission in solidarity. And although Jesus certainly could have done this, that’s not what God planned to happen. Instead, Jesus would now choose 12among those who had been following him since the baptism of John, and they would become his personal disciples. And so understand, like this is no small thing for the ministry of the Son of God this moment here in our passage, as we know that these 12 disciples would go on after Jesus to establish God’s church for the edification of the saints and for the proclamation of the Gospel to the ends of the earth. So the establishment of God’s kingdom for generations would come, beginning with these 12 disciples. Through these 12, by the power of God, lives would change and the world would change. So how does Jesus make this very big decision? Looking at verse 12 in our text, it says in these days he went out to the mountain to pray, and all night he continued in prayer to God. So before choosing the 12 disciples, we learn that Jesus removes himself from all distractions by going to a mountain in Galilee and he goes there alone to pray to God the Father. And Jesus did this actually early, early on in his ministry that Luke mentions. And he’s doing this at the days when the Pharisees hate for Jesus was only increasing more and more as we learned about from last week’s sermon. And as Luke had mentioned, Jesus had done this in the past. What is unique here in this passage is that this is the only time Luke records Jesus takes all night to pray in isolation. Like the only other time Jesus comes close to doing this is in the Garden of Gethsemane before his crucifixion. And so there’s two Reasons why I think God’s Word gives us this information and why Jesus prays all night. The first reason is to show us the humanity of Christ. Jesus is fully God and fully man. And therefore during his time on earth, there are times when Jesus knowledge or power were willingly limited in order for him to be fully human. And so to put it another way, Jesus subjected himself to the Father’s will by choosing not to exercise the full limit of his divinity during his life and ministry on earth. So Jesus never stopped being God, but also he was man. And Jesus dependency upon prayer with his heavenly Father shows us the humility of Christ as he had to depend on his Father at times to reveal to him what the Father’s will was. And since this is such a large decision happening here, Jesus spent the entire night in prayer seeking the Father’s will. The second reason I think Jesus did this is to teach us about the vital importance of prayer. So when faced with a large decision that Jesus knew was part of God’s will for his life, he didn’t say like, I’ll pray about it and then like walk away and like forget to pray about it or just kind of briefly mention it to God in prayer and then just kind of go further about his day. Like actually Jesus, like knowing that he was going to choose the 12among this crowd of disciples, like took, made the disciplinary action to step away from the busyness of ministry to be alone with God and to pray not for five minutes, not for 15 minutes, and not for an hour, but all night long until the text tells us like the sun rose the next day. Like, let that sink in. This is vitally important what Jesus is doing and taking this time to pray. And if the Son of God felt that prayer was this vitally important for his ministry, then how much more vitally important is prayer for God’s people and determining God’s will for our lives? Jesus is the perfect example of what it means to be a Christian and what it means to walk by faith in the living God who hears and answers prayer. And so we as God’s people, we must do the same and carve out devoted time to pray to God individually as a family and corporately if we want to carry out God’s will for our lives. And so if your prayer life is lacking, then let the example of Jesus encourage you to make time for prayer this week. Make some like, attainable goals on how you can devote more time to prayer this week so that God’s will may be done in your life. For God delights in hearing and answering the prayers of his saints. And if the perfect Son of God depended on His Father to lead and direct him while on this earth through the power of prayer, how much more do we need to depend on our heavenly Father through prayer? That being said, moving to verse 13, it says, and when day came, he called his disciples and chose from them 12 whom he named apostles. So the sun rises after Jesus long night of prayer, and Jesus knows who he is going to choose as his 12 student. 12 students. The meeting that Jesus had with his heavenly Father in prayer made it clear who would be chosen and what he would teach them that morning. It’s important to note that the only reason the disciples are made like one of the 12 is, is because Jesus graciously chose them to become his apostles. Like, this isn’t something that they signed up for, but rather something Jesus called them forth to do and chose them to do. And with that line, like John the Baptist understood this as well. John the Baptist said this about his own ministry. A person cannot receive even one thing unless it is given to him from heaven. It is by the grace of God and his choosing that these men are made into 12 disciples for the purposes that God set long ago. And the word apostle that is here in our text that Luke points out, it literally means to send. And so this is signifying the mission that was given to these men, to these disciples from Jesus. So in both the Gospel of Matthew and the Gospel of Mark, Jesus choosing of the 12 apostles involves giving them authority to be sent out to preach, to cast out demons, and to heal every disease and affliction, which is exactly what Jesus is about to do in the next few verses. And so the 12 apostles were God’s chosen disciples in whom he gave authority to carry out his great mission. Jesus was instituting a new office of apostleship for the early church, who would serve as his official representatives. And the way he would teach his apostles is by spending time with them. 24, 7. Because of this, these 12 disciples would get to know their teacher and their Lord on a much more personal level from this point on, which is such a privilege for each of these 12 disciples. And then in our text, verses 14 through 16 gives us a list of these apostles names. And so A list of 12 disciples is also given in Matthew, Mark, and Acts. And in each of these lists, Simon Peter is always listed as first. And then Judas Iscariot is always listed as last. This is because Simon, who was renamed Peter, which literally means rock, is whom Jesus said, on this rock, I will Build my church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. Jesus chose Peter to be the leader in whom he would begin to build his church after his resurrection. And Jesus words are actually fulfilled later in the Book of Acts we read on the day of Pentecost, Peter preaches a sermon of repentance to all who gather to hear him in Jerusalem. And about 3,000 people profess faith in Jesus that day and are baptized. And so hence, Jesus uses Peter to begin to build his church. So overall, there’s not actually a ton of information known about each of these apostles based on what God gives us in His Word. We know that, like, four of these guys were just simple fishermen and they were called to follow Jesus. And this was Peter and Peter’s brother Andrew, and then two other men named James and John, who Jesus called the Sons of Thunder. We know that John was called the disciple of whom Jesus loved, and that John wrote the Gospel of John and as well as three epistles and the Book of Revelation. And then we know that John was exiled to the island of Patmos at the end of his life. We know that Matthew, also known as Levi, was a tax collector who wrote the Gospel of Matthew, which we just spent some time learning about him a few weeks ago. We know Bartholomew was also known as Nathanael, and he was described by Jesus in the Book of John as an Israelite in whom there is no deceit. We know Thomas doubted the resurrection of Jesus until he saw him again, which, honestly is kind of a bummer thing to be remembered as. But I’m pretty sure as we get to heaven, we’ll learn like, there’s some other great things that Thomas did in faith. We know that Simon was a zealot, in which the zealots was like a zealous religious group who are committed to the fall of Rome. And then we know about Judas Iscariot, who was the money keeper for the apostles and who betrayed Jesus for 30 pieces of silver. And after betraying Jesus, Judas hung himself in the field of blood and was later replaced by a man named Matthias, who became the 12th apostle in his place. And as for the rest of the disciples in this list, like, the Bible actually doesn’t give us a ton of information about them. And from what we know, these apostles, like, they did not come from noble or wealthy families. They weren’t priests or scholars. They weren’t even like, really educated. They were like untrained, ordinary people like you and me. And so don’t miss this with this list that is provided here. By Luke, these guys were just ordinary men. And yet they were called and chosen by an extraordinary God. And because they were chosen by an extraordinary God, by Jesus, their names will stand as pillars in heaven for all of eternity. Which is wild to think about. Just listen to what Revelation 12:14 says concerning the new Jerusalem that represents the city of God in the new heavens and new earth. It says this, and the wall of the city had 12 foundations, and on them were the 12 names of the 12 apostles of the Lamb. So these apostles, they may have been just ordinary guys before Jesus called them to himself, but because they were called by an extraordinary God, their names will be remembered as pillars in heaven forever. And the Bible doesn’t tell us much about the apostles, but that’s because it’s not about who the apostles are, it’s about the extraordinary God the apostles were called by and who followed for the sake of Christ’s kingdom. That’s what matters here in this passage. And because Jesus chose these 12 disciples who gave up their lives for the sake of the Gospel, according to church tradition, today there is a foundation that the household of God’s church stands upon and will forever stand upon, namely, because Christ is its cornerstone. And so we, Red Village Church, we are in debt to the way that God used these 12 disciples. And that is something incredible to think about. God chooses ordinary people like you and like me for extraordinary purposes that make ripples into eternity. And we would do good to never forget that. Moving on to verses 17 through 19, our text says, and he came down with them and stood on a level place with a great crowd of his disciples and a great multitude of people from all Judea and Jerusalem and the seacoast of Tyre and Sidon, who came to hear him and to be healed of their diseases. And those who were troubled with unclean spirits were cured. And all the crowd sought to touch him, for power came out from him and healed them. So after Jesus chooses his 12 disciples, he now comes off of the mountain that he was on in prayer with these 12 at his side, to what Luke said, a level place. Now, this description of a level place, it’s important because it seems to be signifying that this is a different place from the Sermon on the Mount, where Matthew clearly says Jesus went up on the mountain, and then he began preaching the Sermon on the Mount after he had ascended the mountain. And so the sermon, this sermon right here, it differs from the Sermon on the Mount in that it doesn’t focus on the Jewish law, but instead its focus is on love and fruit that a disciple’s life should have. And so although this like sermon is very similar and it’s actually using the same information that Jesus uses on the Sermon on the Mount, it’s actually only half as long as the Sermon on the Mount. And because of this, this sermon is often referred to as the Sermon on the Plain, in which many scholars agree was a similar sermon to the Sermon on the Mount, but it was given a different. It was given at a different time, likely before the Sermon on the Mount. So before Jesus preaches the Sermon on the Plain, Luke tells us a great crowd of Jesus, other disciples, and a great multitude of people from all Judea and Jerusalem and the sea coast of Tyre and Sidon. They all gather to Jesus for these three reasons that Luke gives us. To hear Jesus preach, to be healed of their diseases and to be freed of unclean demonic spirit. So it’s important to note that Jesus fame, like it’s now spreading beyond just the region of Galilee and Judea in which Jesus has been up to this point. And so now, like Luke says, great multitudes, which is most likely in the thousands, are now coming from the sea coast of the cities on the Mediterranean, which means these were Gentile cities. And so Gentiles are now coming in to gather around Jesus to hear him teach and to be healed and to be freed by demonic spirits by Jesus. So we know that this is the reason why Jesus came is to redeem and to save not only the Jews, but also the Gentiles from every tribe and language and tongue on the earth. And as people came from near and far, their diseases were healed. And the demons that oppressed those who were troubled were cast out and cured. And those who came wondering like, could this be the long awaited Messiah that we have been waiting for? Truly they heard and they seen that this is the Christ. Verse 19 tells us that as people began to be healed and cured, others in the crowd who had not been healed simply made it their mission to just touch Jesus. Because Luke says divine power was radiating out from Jesus that healed them all. Now this is like an incredible scene that Luke is portraying for us. There are literally hundreds if not thousands of people pressing in just to simply touch Jesus. For just by touching him, lifelong illnesses, chronic pain, infirmities, and agonized demon possessed people who have been dealing with this for who knows how long are instantly healed when they touch Jesus. Like that is incredible. All because the Son of God, the Christ, was standing on level ground on planet earth and from him was radiating this life restoring power to whom all were healed. That came to him like, what a sight this must have been. This, this had to been incredible to witness, especially for the 12 disciples that are now called to join in with Jesus ministry. Like this had to be mind blowing. And the word for power here that Luke gives is actually the Greek word dunamis, which is where we get the English word for dynamite. And so this is the same power that Luke describes Jesus having in Luke 4:14, where Luke says, and Jesus returned in the power of the Holy Spirit to Galilee. So this power that Jesus has coming from him is directly related to the Holy Spirit who we see brings life and restoration both to creation and to all of mankind throughout the Bible. And this is the Holy Spirit’s life changing power being poured out from Jesus to everybody who is coming to him and to everybody who is touching him. And so this picture is certainly painting for us. A picture of the nations coming to Jesus in great physical and spiritual need. And Jesus is at the center, allowing all to come to him and to be healed as they believe and touch the Son of God, who is the supply and source of the Holy Spirit’s power, which knows no bounds. And it’s important to think about this scene in relation to the 12 disciples who were just chosen. Like up to this point, they’ve listened to Jesus teach, they’ve watched him heal and cast out demons. But this, this is on a completely different level. Directly after being chosen to be Jesus apostles and given authority to do the same work as Jesus, this scene unfolds. And so this is the work that Jesus is doing and will continue to do with all of his 12 disciples at his side. People will be drawn to Jesus in both physical and spiritual need, both Jews and Gentiles. And Jesus will continue to restore and change lives through the power of the Holy Spirit living in his disciples. This is what Jesus Kingdom looks like. And he invites his 12 disciples to join in on this work. For it is only the beginning and that ends our passage. And so from this I have three applications for you that I want to give you from this passage of Scripture that I think speak loudest. And so the first application I have for you, if you have put your faith in Christ, remember you are chosen by Christ for the purposes of his kingdom as his disciple. In the same way that Jesus chose the 12, he has chosen you that all may be drawn to Christ. Ephesians 1:4:5 says this. He chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him in love. He predestined us for adoption to Himself as the sons through Jesus Christ according to the purpose of his will. That being said, there is purpose in the will of God as He calls his people from death to. So if you are a Christian here this morning, meaning that you have made Jesus like the Lord of your life, then just like the 12 disciples, remember that God has purpose for your life. As his disciple, he wants to use you to draw others to himself by sharing the gospel and by living as Christ’s ambassador, not because of what you’ve done, but because of who God is. And that is really encouraging to know that if you are in Christ, God created you for good works to do today, tomorrow, and the next day, and the next day and the next day that will ripple into eternity. When I was in college at a fall retreat for a collegiate ministry that I was a part of, it was in New Mexico. This was a collegiate ministry called the Christian Challenge. And the director there was named David Engelhardt. And so David led us out from this little Bible camp in the mountains of New Mexico. And he had all these students, including myself, gather around a little pond that was about 50 yards wide. And what David taught me that day and the rest of the students, I will never forget. With everyone gathered around this pond, he picked up a rock and then he just threw it into the pond and told all of us just to be silent and to watch. And so David does this. The rock goes. Splashes into this pond. And then ripples are sent out from this rock that go out all the way to the edges of this pond and. And then bounce off of different things in the pond until they all begin to go completely still. And so, in silence, everyone, including myself, watches these ripples go out. And after the ripples disappeared, David said this. Serving Christ is a lot like ripples in a pond. You, by faith, make a splash in obedience to Christ. And ripples are sent all across the pond, but the rock is at the bottom of the pond. And often the rock does not see the ripples that are going on up above. But God, he sees all that his hand is doing with these ripples. And so what he is saying is, God has purpose in every splash, every good work, every step of faith, every Gospel conversation, every Sunday service that we gather. God says he is working. And even if we can’t see it, God is building his kingdom through his chosen disciples, and that is through you. If you have put your faith in Jesus, he has chosen to use you to make ripples that will last for eternity. An extraordinary God calls ordinary people like you, like me, to follow him so that they might live with extraordinary purpose for the glory of God. So first application is, do not forget this. My second application from this passage is very simple, and that is to seek to make disciples of Christ Jesus. Master plan of evangelizing the world started with investing more time into just 12 disciples. And then Jesus spent even more time in just three of those disciples who were Peter, James and John. And so Jesus intentionally invited these disciples to not only join his ministry, but to also get a glimpse into his personal walk with God. And we are called to do the exact same thing. Before Jesus ascended into heaven, he gave the great commission for his disciples to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and to teach them to observe all that Christ has commanded his people. And so if you’re here and you believe in Jesus as the Lord of your life, then you are his disciple. And you too are called to make other disciples through baptism and teaching other followers of Jesus to observe all that Jesus has commanded in the Bible. So if you’re a believer, my question to you is, who are you discipling right now? Who are you helping to follow Christ? Discipleship can look like a lot of different things. It can look like serving in kids ministry to help teach kids about the Bible and how they can know God. It can look like having a daily time of family worship with your kids and teaching them about the Bible and how to walk with God. It can look like inviting people to church so they can hear God’s Word preached and then grow in their faith through community with other believers. It can look like meeting together with a believer who is new to the faith or with someone who is considering the claims of Christ and to study the Bible with them and teach them about Jesus. It can look like leading a small group Bible study that is teaching others God’s Word and how to put it into action. Or it can look like inviting a college student to your home for a meal to see how you are following Christ while encouraging them to do the same. Which is what I personally am praying that God will do with Adoptive Student Day today. And so, regardless of how we do discipleship, what’s important is that we do seek to do it no matter what it will. No matter what it will require you to be intentional and to invite another person into your life and into the church so that they too may become a disciple who follows Jesus and who keeps his commands and if you’re not sure where to start, then I encourage you to do what Jesus does here in our passage of scripture. Carve out some intentional time to pray to God that God would give you someone to disciple and to show you who that person is. And if you do this, then God will guide you in the right direction and he will equip you with what you need to help others grow in Christ. This is the work that God is doing and what he’s called us to do. And it’s not about who you are and how good you are at teaching or helping others. It’s about just seeking to be faithful and God using you to build up and raise up other disciples. My third and last application from this passage is point all people to the life restoring power found in Christ alone. Our passage ends with human need, both little and great being met in the person of Jesus. So Jesus is the only one with the power to change a person’s life from spiritual death to spiritual life. Only in Jesus can the Holy Spirit change a dead heart to beat for God and to live the extraordinary life that God calls us to live by faith. Jesus lived the life that we could not and died on a cross in our place. And then three days later, Jesus rose again from the dead and is victorious over sin and death. And today, Jesus is alive. That’s why we gather here and that’s why we continue to worship God. It’s because Jesus lives. And if you repent today and believe that Jesus truly is the Lord over all the earth who rose again from the dead, then scripture says you too will receive the resurrection power by the Holy Spirit who will come to live inside of you and who guarantees that you will be with God in heaven for eternity. Which is incredible. This is the gospel, the good news given to mankind. And so no matter who you are, where you’ve been, or what you’ve done, the power of God can change your life today. And I believe that wholeheartedly, because I am a walking example of that. God has changed my life from death to life through faith in Him. And so, in summary, point all people to the life restoring power that is found in Christ alone. May we never grow weary in doing that and in seeing that our Savior is the one who has life life restoring power so that all who believe may find new life and joy in him for eternity. That being said, please pray with me, God. We believe that Jesus truly is alive. And we believe, God, that you can use us as you use these 12 disciples to bring about life for others, to bring about Godliness, to bring about godly fruit that is good and righteous and holy. And Lord, that you call us to make other disciples. And so I pray, help us to be faithful in trusting Lord in your choosing and being faithful, to step out works of faith and to be intentional with others so that others may grow in Christ and be able to know and love you and walk with you and God, that the Gospel by your grace, may go to the ends of the earth, that you would use our small little church to fulfill your great commission. And God, that we would never grow weary in pointing people to the all powerful Christ who is alive and who gives new life to all who believe in him. And I pray God be with us as we continue our service today. And it’s in Jesus name we all pray. Amen. The post Chosen Disciples – Luke 6: 12-19 appeared first on Red Village Church.
Before Jesus gave His life for us, He walked among us.In this 13-week journey through the Gospels, we'll see the heart of the Savior on display in real moments with real people—teaching, healing, confronting, praying and loving. Each week helps us rediscover not just what Jesus did, but who He is—and what that means for us today.As we walk with Him toward the cross and empty tomb, we'll find fresh reasons to love, trust and worship the One who came to save.This message, HE WALKED AMONG US, HE FED US, comes out of Matthew 14:13-21.Website: http://www.rittmangrace.orgFacebook: Rittman Grace Brethren Church Instagram: rittmangrace Twitter: RittmanGraceYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaXPiaa4z3iZMA4DkCihtHg TikTok: rittmangbc
In this preview for our upcoming Lent class, Jesus in Galilee, John Dominic Crossan dives into what he calls "A Tale of Two Gods"—Caesar and Christ. He takes on C.S. Lewis's famous trilemma (Lord, Lunatic, or Liar) and asks the question Lewis never considered: what if there were two contemporary claimants to divinity? Because there were. Before Jesus ever showed up, Caesar Augustus was already being called Son of God, Savior of the World, and Lord. Dom walks us through the Battle of Actium and how Octavian's victory became the foundation for a theology of peace through violent victory—and then sets that against the Jesus movement's counter-claim: peace through distributive justice. It's not just ancient history either; as our live audience pointed out, we're watching the "normalcy of civilization" play out in real time right now. The big question Dom leaves us with is whether our species is sustainable if we keep betting on escalatory violence. Heavy stuff, but exactly the kind of thing we'll be unpacking together throughout Lent. Hope you'll join us at CrossanClass.com—lectures drop soon, and we'll have live Q&As throughout Lent. You can WATCH the lecture and see all the slides on YouTube. Join us at Theology Beer Camp, October 8-10, in Kansas City! UPCOMING ONLINE LENT CLASS: Jesus in Galilee w/ John Dominic Crossan What can we actually know about Jesus of Nazareth? And, what difference does it make? This Lenten class begins where all of Dr. John Dominic Crossan's has work begins: with history. What was actually happening in Galilee in the 20s CE? What did Herod Antipas' transformation of the "Sea of Galilee" into the commercial "Sea of Tiberias" mean for peasant fishing communities? Why did Jesus emerge from John's baptism movement proclaiming God's Rule through parables—and what made that medium so perfectly suited to that message? Only by understanding what Jesus' parables meant then can we wrestle with what they might demand of us now. The class is donation-based, including 0, so join, get info, and join up here. This podcast is a Homebrewed Christianity production. Follow the Homebrewed Christianity, Theology Nerd Throwdown, & The Rise of Bonhoeffer podcasts for more theological goodness for your earbuds. Join over 75,000 other people by joining our Substack - Process This! Get instant access to over 50 classes at www.TheologyClass.com Follow the podcast, drop a review, send feedback/questions or become a member of the HBC Community. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Before Jesus left earth, he told his disciples to let the whole world know about the gospel. That's why our vision at Fusion Christian Church is to "Tell Everyone" the good news of Jesus Christ. On our Mission Sunday, we celebrate the ways in which we participate in that mission locally and globally. In this sermon, guest pastor, Mark Blum, teaches about our role in carrying the gospel to everyone.If you are a believer, you ARE qualified.God doesn't always use the most impressive and qualified people to carry his message. In fact, he prefers to use people who are lowly in the world's eyes. The truth is, anyone who has been saved by Jesus has a story to tell about how the gospel changed them. Sharing that story is enough to get started with telling everyone. You'll learn more along the way, but if you have a Jesus story, you are qualified to start sharing it!Love God, Love Others, Tell Everyone.These three simple commands comprise our mission statement at Fusion Christian Church. They are drawn from Jesus' summary of the law into two commandments as well as the Great Commission. Part of the simple beauty of this mission is how each part of it logically flows out of the command before it. If we begin be loving God, the natural overflow of our love for God will be love for others. If we love others, the natural expression of that is to tell them the good news of Jesus.Live a life of LEGACY.Most people live their lives in survival mode. They are barely scraping by and don't have time to think much about the future. Fewer people live life in success. These people are comfortable. They don't have any major struggles and are usually content. This is better, but is it what God has for us? Fewer people still life a life of legacy. These people have moved beyond success and are living a life with a goal of making a difference in the world around them. It's not enough for these people to have success for themselves, they need to expand God's kingdom and leave a legacy behind them that will affect others for generations.
Before Jesus gave His life for us, He walked among us.In this 13-week journey through the Gospels, we'll see the heart of the Savior on display in real moments with real people—teaching, healing, confronting, praying and loving. Each week helps us rediscover not just what Jesus did, but who He is—and what that means for us today.As we walk with Him toward the cross and empty tomb, we'll find fresh reasons to love, trust and worship the One who came to save.This message, HE WALKED AMONG US, HE TAUGHT US, comes out of Matthew 5:1-12.Website: http://www.rittmangrace.orgFacebook: Rittman Grace Brethren Church Instagram: rittmangrace Twitter: RittmanGraceYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaXPiaa4z3iZMA4DkCihtHg TikTok: rittmangbc
In der Bibel geht es oft darum, dass Gott plant, seine Herrlichkeit auf der ganzen Welt zu offenbaren. Bevor Jesus wiederkommt, sollen alle Völker von ihm und seinem Reich erfahren haben. Er lädt uns ein, dabeizumachen und seinen Plan zu verwirklichen!The Bible often refers to God's plan to spread His glory throughout the world. Before Jesus returns, every ethnic group will have heard of Jesus and His Kingdom. He invites us to participate in fulfilling His plan!Sprecher/Speaker: Rob ForbesBibeltext/Bible text: Habakuk 2,14
Before Jesus ever began his sermon, the disciples first came to him. Are we willing to come to Jesus... even when that means God is going to disrupt our lives?
Before Jesus gave the Great Commission to his disciples, he first gave them a practice run. Join us in Matthew 10:1-15 as we listen to the first part of Jesus' instructions on evangelism.
Before Jesus gave His life for us, He walked among us.In this 13-week journey through the Gospels, we'll see the heart of the Savior on display in real moments with real people—teaching, healing, confronting, praying and loving. Each week helps us rediscover not just what Jesus did, but who He is—and what that means for us today.As we walk with Him toward the cross and empty tomb, we'll find fresh reasons to love, trust and worship the One who came to save.This message, HE WALKED AMONG US, HE HEALED US, comes out of Matthew 8:1-17.Website: http://www.rittmangrace.orgFacebook: Rittman Grace Brethren Church Instagram: rittmangrace Twitter: RittmanGraceYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaXPiaa4z3iZMA4DkCihtHg TikTok: rittmangbc
Hello friends, and welcome to the Village Kids Podcast! In this episode, we continue through the Gospel of Matthew, moving from Jesus' early years into the moment when His public ministry begins to take shape. Before Jesus teaches or performs miracles, another man appears—sent by God to prepare the way. His name is John the Baptist. Our bite-sized story podcast is a fun way to learn truths from the Bible in a fun story format. Tune in every week for a new episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your favourite podcasts. https://thisisvillagechurch.com/resources/family-resources/
https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260115dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out. In faithfulness he will bring forth justice; he will not falter or be discouraged till he establishes justice on earth. In his teaching the islands will put their hope. Isaiah 42:3-4 He Follows Through Those working in environments where there is a great deal of brokenness can easily become discouraged. Those in a caretaker role can easily become drained as they try to meet the needs of the ones they serve. Often, we strive to serve and accomplish a task with high ambitions, but over time, we run out of energy and become discouraged. The Servant of the Lord, the Lord Jesus Christ, came down to ground zero to serve souls in dire need of saving and nurturing. He doesn't get discouraged and give up. He follows through until the mission is accomplished. Before Jesus, the Lord sent many servants in the form of prophets, kings, and others who were to serve people. Some started strong but easily got discouraged. Some accomplished great things, but they had their limitations. Others served only themselves. They were only human, and none was able to follow through perfectly as servants of the Lord. Jesus is different. He’s not only human. He is truly God from eternity. Making a promise is one thing. Keeping it is an entirely different thing. There are likely times in your life when you have been the victim of a broken promise, big or small. There are times when you promised something with every intention of keeping it, but for whatever reason, you couldn’t or didn’t follow through. Jesus has the divine authority to make promises, and he has the divine authority to keep promises. God’s greatest promise was to save you from the brokenness and destruction of sin by declaring you not guilty. He promises to care for your soul for time and for eternity. Jesus followed through until his mission was accomplished and God’s promise was kept. This promise still stands today. It has endured thousands of years and has traveled thousands of miles. It has reached our distant shores and our troubled hearts and gives hope of life now and forever with the Lord. Prayer: Thank you, Lord Jesus, for following through on the greatest promise ever. Sustain me each day by your sure promises. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260115dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out. In faithfulness he will bring forth justice; he will not falter or be discouraged till he establishes justice on earth. In his teaching the islands will put their hope. Isaiah 42:3-4 He Follows Through Those working in environments where there is a great deal of brokenness can easily become discouraged. Those in a caretaker role can easily become drained as they try to meet the needs of the ones they serve. Often, we strive to serve and accomplish a task with high ambitions, but over time, we run out of energy and become discouraged. The Servant of the Lord, the Lord Jesus Christ, came down to ground zero to serve souls in dire need of saving and nurturing. He doesn't get discouraged and give up. He follows through until the mission is accomplished. Before Jesus, the Lord sent many servants in the form of prophets, kings, and others who were to serve people. Some started strong but easily got discouraged. Some accomplished great things, but they had their limitations. Others served only themselves. They were only human, and none was able to follow through perfectly as servants of the Lord. Jesus is different. He’s not only human. He is truly God from eternity. Making a promise is one thing. Keeping it is an entirely different thing. There are likely times in your life when you have been the victim of a broken promise, big or small. There are times when you promised something with every intention of keeping it, but for whatever reason, you couldn’t or didn’t follow through. Jesus has the divine authority to make promises, and he has the divine authority to keep promises. God’s greatest promise was to save you from the brokenness and destruction of sin by declaring you not guilty. He promises to care for your soul for time and for eternity. Jesus followed through until his mission was accomplished and God’s promise was kept. This promise still stands today. It has endured thousands of years and has traveled thousands of miles. It has reached our distant shores and our troubled hearts and gives hope of life now and forever with the Lord. Prayer: Thank you, Lord Jesus, for following through on the greatest promise ever. Sustain me each day by your sure promises. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
On Sunday, we continued Season 3 of Binge the Bible by looking at Jesus' baptism in Matthew 3:13–17 and seeing Him not just as a Savior who helps us, but as the King who defines us. One important layer worth carrying into the week is this: Jesus' baptism is not about repentance for sin, but about identification and inauguration. Before Jesus teaches, heals, or performs a miracle, He steps into the water to stand with sinners and to fulfill righteousness on their behalf. In other words, substitution does not begin at the cross alone; it begins with a King who enters our story, our weakness, and our place.What makes this moment so powerful is that heaven opens not after achievement, but after obedience. The Father's declaration, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased,” comes before Jesus does anything publicly impressive. Matthew is showing us how the Kingdom works: identity before activity, belonging before behavior, sonship before service. That same pattern shapes our lives as well. Jesus does not define us by what we accomplish for Him, but by who we are under His reign.
Who defines you? In Week 2 of our series, Follow Me, Pastor Dave Mudd delivers a powerful message on the "Up" relationship—our vertical connection with the Father. Before Jesus ever performed a miracle or preached a word, God declared, "This is my beloved Son." We often struggle with performance-driven faith and negative self-talk, allowing the world to label us based on our successes or failures. Today, we learn that your true identity is not achieved; it is received. It's time to stop striving for acceptance and start living from it. Discover how a secure identity in Christ empowers you to withstand testing, serve others with humility, and live out your mission with boldness.Key Takeaways:- Identity Precedes Activity: Learn why God's love for you is based on who you are as His child, not on your performance or productivity.- The Three Tests of Identity: Understand the three criteria that only God can meet to truly have the right to "name" you and define your worth.- Withstanding the Test: Discover how a secure identity in God's voice allows you to overcome the lies and temptations of the enemy.- Living from Acceptance: Find out how rooting yourself in the Father's love transforms service from an exhausting obligation into a joyful expression.
This homily marks the beginning of a three-part series, Called by Name: Relationship, Identity, and Mission, preached on the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. In this first reflection, Fr. Will Rooney focuses on the foundational truth that our Christian mission flows from relationship with God, not mere activity. Drawing on the life of St. Louis IX and the Gospel account of Jesus' baptism in the Jordan, the homily explores how identity is revealed through relationship. Before Jesus begins His public ministry, the Father reveals Him as His beloved Son. This relationship—lived in prayer, trust, and communion—is the source of everything Jesus does. Through baptism, we are invited to share in Christ's own relationship with the Father, becoming beloved sons and daughters in the Son. This reflection challenges listeners to examine whether their lives are rooted in that relationship and to rediscover prayer, the sacraments, and intimacy with God as the true foundation for any authentic Christian mission.
Before Jesus began his ministry, he was tempted to embrace a path that wasn't true to the life the Spirit was inviting him to live. We also face these same temptations. Learn this week how to overcome any shadow missions that sabotage your truest life so you can walk your path of following Jesus.
Before Jesus gave His life for us, He walked among us.In this 13-week journey through the Gospels, we'll see the heart of the Savior on display in real moments with real people—teaching, healing, confronting, praying and loving. Each week helps us rediscover not just what Jesus did, but who He is—and what that means for us today.As we walk with Him toward the cross and empty tomb, we'll find fresh reasons to love, trust and worship the One who came to save.This message, HE WALKED AMONG US, HE CALLED US, comes out of Matthew 4:18-22.Website: http://www.rittmangrace.orgFacebook: Rittman Grace Brethren Church Instagram: rittmangrace Twitter: RittmanGraceYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaXPiaa4z3iZMA4DkCihtHg TikTok: rittmangbc
Before Jesus begins his earthly ministry, the stage is set by his cousin John. What is John's message-and why does it matter for us today?
What if the key to overcoming temptation isn't stronger willpower—but deeper dependence? In this message from our series The Way of Jesus, we walk through Luke 4:1–13 and uncover the secret to overcoming temptation by looking at how Jesus Himself faced testing in the wilderness. Before Jesus preached, healed, or gathered disciples, He was led by the Holy Spirit into a season of hunger, isolation, and spiritual battle. Tempted at His weakest moments with provision, power, and pride, Jesus shows us a better way forward—one rooted not in human strength, but in being full of the Holy Spirit and full of the Word of God. In this sermon, you'll discover: • Why temptation often comes right after spiritual highs • The three core desires Satan still uses today: provision, power, and pride • How fasting and weakness can actually make us spiritually stronger • Why there are no shortcuts to godliness • How Jesus uses Scripture to defeat lies—and how you can too • Practical insight into when you are most vulnerable to temptation • God's promise of a way out (1 Corinthians 10:13) If you've ever felt worn down, spiritually hungry, or stuck in the same cycles of temptation, this message will encourage and equip you to rely on God's Spirit, God's Word, and God's faithfulness. Scripture List: Luke 4.1-13 Deuteronomy 8.3 1 Corinthians 10.13 Psalm 91.11-12
Baptism of the Lord SundaySermon Series: Finding Balance for our Chaotic Lives Sermon: Balance from Water Scripture: Mark 1:4-13As we move from the celebration of Christmas into the beginning of Jesus' public ministry, Baptism of the Lord Sunday invites us to the waters of renewal and identity. In a world that often feels overwhelming and unsteady, baptism reminds us where our truest balance begins—not in what we do, but in who we are.In the sermon “Balance from Water,” we will reflect on Jesus' baptism in the Jordan and the powerful moment when heaven opens, the Spirit descends, and Jesus is named God's beloved Son. Before Jesus teaches, heals, or serves, he is grounded in love and called good. That same promise meets us in the waters of baptism.As we begin the series Finding Balance for Our Chaotic Lives, this Sunday invites us to remember that balance is not about perfection or control, but about returning—again and again—to the grace that claims us, names us, and sends us forward.Worship Schedule 8:45am: Contemporary Service10am: Sunday School11am: Traditional Service
Welcome to 2026! As we continue The Year of a Public Faith, we begin a new series in the Gospel of Luke. Over the next few months, we will be looking at Obedient Service and what it means to live like Jesus does in the world around us today. Before Jesus enters the scene for His public ministry, John the Baptist is found preaching and baptizing. While the Jews had established complicated and extensive rules that kept the World out and their arrogance up, John preached a different message that set the stage for Jesus to reveal the Truth of the eGospel. John's message still points us away from ourselves and toward the truth of the Gospel. Here, we will see how John offers us:A Clear Purpose (vv. 1-6),A Clear Rebuke (vv. 7-9), andA Clear Instruction (vv. 8, 10-17)
Daily Dose of Hope January 9, 2026 Scripture: Galatians 5 Today, we will start with the Holy Spirit prayer by Saint Augustine, who lived in the fourth century. I find it incredibly powerful and I hope you do as well: Breathe in me, O Holy Spirit, That my thoughts may all be holy. Act in me, O Holy Spirit, That my work, too, may be holy. Draw my heart, O Holy Spirit, That I love but what is holy. Strengthen me, O Holy Spirit, To defend all that is holy. Guard me, then, O Holy Spirit, That I always may be holy. Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope daily Bible reading plan. We are almost done with the first week of our new reading plan, Journey into the Letters of Paul, during which we will walk through Paul's letters chronologically. With a few exceptions, many of these letters are kind of short, with 5-6 chapters. What you will find is that we will go through these fairly quickly and it's possible they might run together for you. I would suggest you keep some notes. What are you learning from each letter? What are the main themes and what are your big takeaways from the reading? Since we are just in Galatians, Paul's first letter, this is a good time to think about this. Okay, so today we read Galatians 5. Here we see the theme of freedom from the law once again. Paul is emphasizing that in Christ, we have freedom. Under the law, we live in bondage. He is imploring the Galatians to live as free people, true heirs of God, experiencing the fullness of life that comes knowing you belong to Jesus Christ. There is a lot of focus on circumcision here. That may seem odd to us, as circumcision just isn't that big a deal in our world. Individual parents make a decision based on a lot of different factors whether to circumcise their boys. Paul has some harsh words for the Galatians about circumcision, and it almost seems like he is condemning it. Verses 2-3 are harsh, Mark my words! I, Paul, tell you that if you let yourselves be circumcised, Christ will be of no value to you at all. Again I declare to every man who lets himself be circumcised that he is obligated to obey the whole law. Let's dig a little deeper. Jesus himself was circumcised. Paul had Timothy circumcised before taking him on a missionary journey to make it easier to witness to the Jews. So what is up with this? I'm thinking motive and intention is the answer. Let me explain. Before Jesus, circumcision was the sign of the covenant that the Jewish people had with God. It functioned sort of like a key that granted entry into the household of God. But after Jesus came, the house of God is entered through Jesus Christ himself. Those who follow him no longer need the old key. The Jews may still hold onto the key physically, but it is no longer the means of entry. The sign of the new covenant is baptism. But even baptism isn't a requirement for salvation, only belief in Jesus. Some of us may have chosen to circumcise our children. But what was our motive or intention? When I had my boys circumcised as babies, it had nothing to do with their salvation. I wasn't thinking about following Jewish law. Rather, I was thinking more about health issues or going with the recommendation of my pediatrician. But if I had done it because I thought it would make my child or myself more acceptable to God or somehow make me more righteous, then that would be a terribly wrong motive. Furthermore, if I thought that my boys could only associate with other circumcised boys because they are more acceptable in God's eyes, then I would really be wrong. I think you get the point and I believe that is what Paul is saying too. Christ has freed us from these laws that separate us from others. It's our heart that God cares about and as we move further into Paul's letters, we will find he begins to speak of a circumcision of the heart. That's what we need! Paul speaks to how easy it is to slip back into a life of bondage. Others use their freedom to engage in sin. Paul is stating that neither is acceptable. True Christian freedom manifests itself in obedience, self-control, and love. Just as Christ sets us free, Paul says that it is the continuing work of the Holy Spirit in our lives that sanctifies us, allows us to better reflect Jesus. When the Holy Spirit comes and makes a home within us, it begins to transform us from the inside out. We cannot stay the same people once the Spirit of the Living God is within us. There should be fruit that demonstrates our new nature. That fruit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Reflect on the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. How well do you exemplify these attributes in your own life? Are some easier than others for you? Something I find interesting about these is that they are "fruit" of the Spirit, not "fruits." God intends for us to live out each of these, not just some of them. If we are very kind people but we lack self-control, then we need to spend time in prayer and ask God to help us with our self-control and then be intentional about working on that trait. If we struggle with patience, then we do the same thing. Friends, we have the Spirit of God living within us and that is powerful and transformative. Spend some time today praying about the transforming power of the Holy Spirit in your life. Blessings, Pastor Vicki
We'll meet up with pastor James Kaddis in Exodus chapter 29. Before Jesus came and died for our sins the Priests would regularly make sin offerings, to provide a covering for the sin of the people. Today we'll see why that was necessary, and how it beautifully points to the Lamb of God who would become the sacrifice we need to remain in fellowship with God and spend eternity with the Lord. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1459/29?v=20251111
Bill Bolthouse: More Than VegetablesBill Bolthouse's story began in the rich black soil of Grant, Michigan, where long rows of onions shaped both his childhood and his character. Working alongside his family on their muck farm, Bill learned early what honest labor demanded — often on his knees, pulling weeds under the summer sun. Each season, his dad entrusted him with three-quarters of an acre to manage himself. The deal was simple: He could keep whatever profit he earned.Bill tried to take shortcuts, tidying the edges while letting weeds take over the middle. His dad quickly saw through it, and the lesson stuck: Real work means doing the whole job and doing it well.That conviction carried Bill far beyond those onion rows. Though he once imagined a future in missions, he eventually realized God was leading him back to the family business — Bolthouse Farms. There, he helped transform a modest vegetable farm into the nation's top carrot producer. Under his leadership, Bolthouse Farms didn't just grow carrots; it reshaped how they were packaged, marketed, and delivered to families across America.But for Bill, farming was never just about crops. It was about people and purpose. He saw his work as a mission field — a way to live out his faith every day. Whether managing fields, leading sales, or guiding the business as president, Bill sought to honor Christ in every decision. “You treat people right,” he said. “Run your business like you answer to the Lord — because you do.”From 1996 to 2013, Bill served on Cedarville University's Board of Trustees, believing deeply in the school's mission to train young people for Kingdom impact. His name now graces the Bolthouse Center for Music and the upcoming Bolthouse Academic Center, though he's quick to shrug off the recognition. “I'm not interested in buildings,” he shared. “I want to see kids on fire for Jesus — going out into the world and making a difference.”Bill recently shared his story on the Cedarville Stories podcast, reflecting on a life on mission — not in a pulpit but in the dirt, at the sales desk, and in the boardroom. His passion is simple: “Before Jesus comes, I want to see as many people in heaven as possible.”And that's the legacy he's still cultivating.https://share.transistor.fm/s/c4baac23https://youtu.be/XLeSKDlGO04
What do you do when you’re trying to follow Jesus… and your heart keeps bouncing between worship and doubt? In this message from Matthew 28:16–20, Pastor Joel Hastings walks us through the Great Commission and highlights one of the most surprising details in the entire scene: “they worshiped Him, but some doubted.” Before Jesus sends His disciples into the world, He calls them to Himself—because we can’t live “sent” lives unless we’re first being formed by Him. Here’s what we’re learning as we begin our new series, Formed & Sent: Jesus isn’t looking for the most impressive people—He’s looking for disciples who will keep their eyes on Him, come back to worship, and obey… even in the middle of doubt. Here's a couple key takeaways • Jesus calls you to Himself before He sends you out. • Doubt doesn’t disqualify you—it’s an invitation to believe and obey again. • When you take your eyes off Jesus, you sink… but a simple prayer still changes everything: “Lord, save me.”
Before Jesus began His ministry, God raised up a forerunner, a voice crying in the wilderness. John the Baptist came with a radical message that challenged the religious establishment and prepared hearts for the coming Messiah. Pastor John Munro examines the life and message of this extraordinary prophet.
Why Christmas? Discover the answer to that question in Waxer's Christmas Eve message. Reading from Isaiah 7:14, this message explores the profound promise given to the world: Immanuel, God with us. Spoken nearly 700 years before Jesus' birth, Isaiah's prophecy reveals that God's answer to fear was not strategy or strength, but His presence. Through the miracle of the virgin birth, God stepped directly into human history, declaring that salvation would come not by human effort, but by divine intervention. Through Mary's faith and obedience, we are reminded that God's promises often come before understanding, and that blessing flows from belief in His promises. Before Jesus preached or performed miracles, His very presence proclaimed the gospel—God is not distant, but near, present, and faithful. Christmas is the assurance that God keeps His promises, that He is with us in every season, and that Jesus came not merely to improve our lives, but to make it possible for us to be with Him now and forever.
Speaker: Rob BerrethScripture: Matthew 2:1-12Episode Overview:In Matthew's telling of the Magi's journey, we are invited to behold something both shocking and glorious: unlikely seekers traveling far to worship an unlikely King. Pagan astrologers arrive at a humble home, drawn by divine guidance and overwhelming joy, to bow before the child born King of the Jews—and Savior of the world. Their presence reveals the wide reach of God's grace and confronts our tendency to narrow who we believe can come to Jesus.This passage also unveils the gospel through the gifts the Magi present. Gold, frankincense, and myrrh together proclaim who Jesus truly is: King, God, and Sacrifice. Before Jesus speaks a word or performs a miracle, His mission is already foreshadowed—He reigns, He is worthy of worship, and He has come to give His life for sinners. In the most humble setting, God gives His greatest gift.Key Highlights:• The surprising arrival of the Magi shows that God's invitation to worship extends to the least likely and the outsider• Matthew's repeated call to “behold” awakens us to the wonder and scandal of grace• The three gifts proclaim the heart of the gospel: Jesus is King, God, and Savior• True wisdom is not merely seeing Jesus, but falling down in worship• The greatest gift is given in the most humble wrapping—God the Father giving God the Son Call to Action:This passage invites us to examine what we expect from God—and whether we are willing to recognize His work when it comes in humility rather than splendor. Like the Magi, we are called to seek Jesus faithfully, rejoice deeply when we find Him, and respond with surrendered worship. Come to Christ not with what you think He needs, but with empty hands and a bowed heart, trusting that He Himself is the treasure.Redeemer Church211 Northshore Dr. Bellingham, WA 98226www.redeemernw.org
Before Jesus could speak or walk, He was carried by ordinary people into the heart of the city. This Advent season, discover how God still chooses everyday people like you and me to carry His Son into our communities.In this message from our "Go Tell It" series, we explore Luke 2:22-38 and learn from Mary, Joseph, and a faithful man named Simeon about what it means to bring Jesus into the spaces we step into every single day.IN THIS EPISODE:How Mary and Joseph carried baby Jesus into bustling Jerusalem—and what that means for us todayWhy God chooses ordinary people to carry extraordinary news into our citiesThe powerful story of Simeon, who waited his entire life for a divine appointmentA practical DC Metro story about being obedient to the Holy Spirit's promptingUnderstanding that God has already prepared people to meet His SonWhy the outcome isn't up to us, but our obedience isA simple Advent challenge to carry Jesus to one person or place this weekKEY SCRIPTURE: Luke 2:22-38 | Romans 6:23KEY TAKEAWAYS:God chooses ordinary people like you and me to carry Jesus into every space we step into. If you're a follower of Jesus, you have God's Spirit IN you—and you carry Him wherever you go. Emmanuel means "God with us." Always with us.God has already prepared people to meet His Son. He goes before us. He prepares hearts. He arranges divine appointments. He orchestrates moments we could never plan. Your job is to show up and open your mouth!Someone in your city is waiting. Somewhere near you, someone is discouraged and waiting for hope, lonely and waiting for connection, hurting and waiting for healing, or searching and waiting for truth. God may be planning to meet them through YOU.THIS WEEK'S CHALLENGE:Choose one person or one place to intentionally carry Jesus to this week. Grab our community blessing postcard (or choose your own location—emergency services, schools, medical offices, neighbors). Gather a few people and deliver cookies, coffee, a meal, or a simple gift.While you're there, say: "Because of what Jesus has done in my life, I wanted to do this one small act to share Him with you." Then ask how you can pray for them.Keep it simple. Set a date. And GO!REFLECTION QUESTIONS:Who is your "Simeon"—someone God has already prepared to meet Jesus through you?What conversation or divine appointment might God be preparing for you this week?How has someone else carried Jesus to you in your life?What's holding you back from speaking up about Jesus in your everyday spaces?Connect with Grand Point Church:
“For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His government and its peace will never end. He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David for all eternity. The passionate commitment of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies will make this happen!” (Isaiah 9:6–7 NLT) As we look at our world today, it becomes apparent that part of the promise of Isaiah 9:6–7 has not yet been fulfilled. The Child has been born. The Son has been given. But He has not yet taken the government upon His shoulders. We do not yet have peace with fairness and justice. The good news is that the day is coming. Christ will return. He will establish His kingdom on this earth. And it will be the righteous rule of God Himself. Before Jesus could take the government upon His shoulder, He had to take the cross upon His shoulder. Before He could wear the crown of glory as King of kings, He had to wear the shameful crown of thorns and give His life as a sacrifice for the sins of the world. The first time He came, a star marked His arrival. The next time He comes, the heavens will roll back like a scroll, stars will fall from the sky, and He Himself will light the universe. This season, we celebrate the Incarnation and what it means to us. God came near to us so that we can come near to Him. He came to give our lives purpose and meaning, to forgive us of our sins, and to give us the hope of Heaven beyond the grave. Christmas is not about tinsel or shopping or even spending time with family. Christmas is not about the gifts under the tree. Rather, Christmas is about the gift that was given on the tree—when Christ died on a wooden cross for our sins and gave us the gift of eternal life. He also gave us the hope of His return. In Luke 21:25–28, Jesus said, “And there will be strange signs in the sun, moon, and stars. And here on earth the nations will be in turmoil, perplexed by the roaring seas and strange tides. People will be terrified at what they see coming upon the earth, for the powers in the heavens will be shaken. Then everyone will see the Son of Man coming on a cloud with power and great glory. So when all these things begin to happen, stand and look up, for your salvation is near!” (NLT). So, as we celebrate Christmas this year, let’s do so with an eye toward the Lord’s return. Let’s remember that one day our hope will be fulfilled, and our joy will be complete. Reflection question: How does Jesus give your life meaning and purpose as you await His return? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Greg Laurie: Daily Devotions" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known." All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Before Jesus there were prophecies of a new kingdom that was to come. Jesus came announcing that the Kingdom of Heaven was at hand. What kind of kingdom is this? And why should we consider being part of a kingdom such as this? We hope this message blesses you and helps you live better. For more about ConnectCommunity, visit: https://www.connectcommunity.org
On Sunday, we stepped into Matthew's genealogy, the part of the Christmas story most of us are tempted to skip. It is a window into the heart of God. Before Jesus ever preached a sermon or performed a miracle, His family line was already preaching the gospel. Matthew shows us that Jesus came through real people with real stories, and He came for real people with real needs. Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob are not polished heroes. They are strugglers, outsiders, sinners, the wounded, and the forgotten.This week, I invite you to continue reflecting on how Jesus enters human history not through a perfect lineage but through a redeemed one. Included below are two tools to help you carry Sunday's message into your week: the Sermon Notes for revisiting the truths we explored together and the Sunday to Monday Guide to help you pray, reflect, and discuss God's word in community.As we reflect on His genealogy, may we see our own story with renewed clarity, remembering that the parts we tend to hide or minimize are not barriers to His love but places where His grace loves to do its best work. I pray this season of Advent gives us confidence that Jesus meets us not in an ideal version of our life but in the real one we are living right now.
The Greatest Story Of All Time is our Christmas 2025 series at Fusion Christian Church. In this series we look at some of the ways God foreshadowed the Christmas story throughout the bible. For Part 1, Pastor Zac teaches about the earliest promises of Jesus found in Genesis.Chapter One: Before Once Upon A Time.Before Jesus was ever born, before anyone ever wrote a letter of the bible, God had a story in mind. From before he even created time, God knew what he wanted to do. Like a skilled author, God used foreshadowing throughout his scriptures to point to what was coming. He has designed all of history to culminate in his specific plan for the salvation of his people. The bible is a collection of books that tells us about it.Chapter Two: In the Beginning - The Conflict of Christmas Begins.All the way back in the Garden of Eden, we see the central plot of God's story begin to develop. The serpent deceived Eve, and our ancestor Adam fell into sin. In that story, we see that God cursed the snake and promised his ultimate demise. Eventually, the offspring of the woman would crush the head of the serpent and gain victory for all of us. As the story goes on, God will begin to fill in the details about this future champion.Chapter Three: The Promised One.Later in Genesis, we see God's promise to Abraham to give him a son. Through this son of the promise, God would eventually bring about the blessing of all nations and the salvation of many. When Abraham's faith is tested by God asking for his son to be sacrificed, Abraham believes that God will provide a lamb for the sacrifice instead. God kept Abraham's son, Isaac, safe, and promised again that there would be a future savior. Through this we see the ways Jesus' birth and even death are foreshadowed even back in Genesis.
Many believers know that God loves them, yet few have learned to live from the deep truth of being Beloved. Our host, Donald E. Coleman, begins a new series that he believes the Holy Spirit has placed before us with tenderness and purpose.This series is titled ' Beloved: Becoming Who You Already Are. In this first episode, Donald invites you into a sacred reorientation of identity—one rooted not in performance, success, maturity, or spiritual progress, but in the eternal love of God expressed through Christ.Drawing from Matthew 3:17 and the insight of Henri Nouwen in Spiritual Direction, we explore how Jesus began His ministry only after hearing the Father speak:“You are my Beloved; with You I am well pleased.” Before Jesus did anything, He was named. Identity came before action. Belovedness came before calling. This episode will help you:· Recognize where you may be trying to earn what God has already given· Understand the difference between the False Self and the True Self in Christ· See how Jesus lived every moment from the foundation of belovedness· Begin to rest, breathe, and live from your identity as God's beloved son or daughterThis is not simply a teaching—it is an invitation into metanoia, a transformation of how you see God, how you see yourself, and how you live your daily life.If you've ever felt pressure to prove yourself, to be enough, or to earn God's approval—this episode is your reminder of the love that has always been yours.Come and hear the voice that has been speaking over you since the beginning:“You are My Beloved.” "Have Questions, Send us a Message" This podcast is a production of The Center for Biblical Coaching and Leadership. If this episode has been useful or inspiring to you in any way, please share it with someone else. Lastly, please follow the show and write a review.If you want to go deeper on this journey, visit www.tcbcl.org to learn how we're walking this path together through biblical coaching, spiritual formation, and the ROOTED Global Movement.
At Jesus' Crucifixion and Death, the “Temple Veil” Was Torn; After Jesus Easter Resurrection, You Now Pray Directly with God MESSAGE SUMMARY: Think about the magnitude of your direct and personal access to God that your prayers give you, through Jesus, if you will only pray. Before Jesus, ordinary people did not have direct access to God, through the Throne Room of God, with a direct personal relationship with God. In Old Testament times, people would come to the priests; and the priest would offer up a sacrifice on behalf of the people. The priests, and not the people, were communing directly with God. On Good Friday and at Jesus death on the cross, the “Temple Veil” was torn from top to bottom (i.e. “Temple Vail” was a large, very thick, and very heavy barrier that divided that portion of the Temple accessible by those wishing to sacrifice for prayer and the “Holy of Holies” where the only the High Priest could meet with God and pray on behalf of the people of God.). At Jesus Resurrection, no longer was an intermediary (e.g., a Priest) required for direct prayer with God by the people in Christ (i.e. Jesus Followers). Because Jesus created a New Covenant relationship with His followers, now your prayers are in direct communion with God, the Creator of the Universe. Everyone, who is in Christ, may have access to the Throne Room of God in the name of Jesus. What a privilege this direct access to God is for those who are in Christ. The author of Hebrews, in Hebrews 4:16, tells Jesus Followers that, because of the Gospel, you have direct access to God's “throne of Grace” for your needs: “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.". TODAY'S PRAYER: Keeping the Sabbath, Lord, will require a lot of changes in the way I am living life. Teach me, Lord, how to take the next step with this in a way that fits my unique personality and situation. Help me to trust you with all that will remain unfinished and to enjoy my humble place in your very large world. In Jesus' name, amen. Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 129). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: Today, I affirm that because of what God has done for me in His Son, Jesus, I AM RIGHTEOUS IN GOD'S EYES. God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:21 SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): Philippians 4:1-13; John 15:9-10; Revelation 4:1-2; Psalms 69c:25-36. A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. THIS SUNDAY'S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach's Current Sunday Sermon: “The Interior Life – Maintenance of the Inner Man -- Part 7: A Listening Spirit” at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/ DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB
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