Podcast appearances and mentions of david stockton

In 1 Corinthians 7, Paul responds to the Corinthians' concerns about marriage, singleness, and life after marriage within a morally corrupt culture. He teaches that both marriage and singleness are gifts from God, not based on personal preference but divine calling. The gift of marriage, Paul explains, can lead to practical blessings such as greater peace, protection from sexual immorality, and the potential for a spouse or children to come to faith. He also notes that being in the will of God—whether married or single—leads to less anxiety and greater joy, as we walk in alignment with His grace and purpose.

In this episode, David and Kurt talk about what it means to carry grace—into your home, your marriage, your ministry, and even to the nations. They discuss stories of healing, redemption, and the kind of humble obedience that can transform generations.

Biblical marriage reflects Christ's love for the Church, offering hope and renewal for both married and unmarried hearts. Like a car needing an oil change, alignment, or new shocks, our marriages may need refreshing, realigning, or strengthening through humility, honesty, and support. Genesis shows how marriage mirrors Jesus' sacrificial love—leaving heaven to rescue His bride, the Church. Just as Adam called Eve bone of his bones and flesh of his flesh, Jesus followers are called the bride of Christ and the body of Christ. This deep, redemptive love is why marriage matters, and why all believers should study and honor it as a powerful picture of God's unchanging grace.

Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss the brothers Tiberius and Gaius Gracchus whose names are entwined with the end of Rome's Republic and the rise of the Roman Emperors. As tribunes, they brought popular reforms to the Roman Republic at the end of the 2nd century BC. Tiberius (c163-133BC) brought in land reform so every soldier could have his farm, while Gaius (c154-121BC) offered cheap grain for Romans and targeted corruption among the elites. Those elites saw the reforms as such a threat that they had the brothers killed: Tiberius in a shocking murder led by the Pontifex Maximus, the high priest, in 133BC and Gaius 12 years later with the senate's approval. This increase in political violence was to destabilise the Republic, forever tying the Gracchi to the question of why Rome's Republic gave way to the Rome of Emperors.WithCatherine Steel Professor of Classics at the University of GlasgowFederico Santangelo Professor of Ancient History at Newcastle UniversityAndKathryn Tempest Lecturer in Roman History at the University of LeicesterProducer: Simon TillotsonReading list:Appian (trans. John Carter), The Civil Wars (Penguin Classics, 2005)Valentina Arena, Jonathan R. W. Prag and Andrew Stiles, A Companion to the Political Culture of the Roman Republic (Wiley-Blackwell, 2022), especially the chapter by Lea Beness and Tom HillardR. Cristofoli, A. Galimberti and F. Rohr Vio (eds.), Costruire la Memoria: Uso e abuso della storia fra tarda repubblica e primo principato (L'Erma di Bretschneider, 2017), especially ‘The 'Tyranny' of the Gracchi and the Concordia of the Optimates: An Ideological Construct.' by Francisco Pina PoloSuzanne Dixon, Cornelia: Mother of the Gracchi, (Routledge, 2007)Peter Garnsey and Dominic Rathbone, ‘The Background to the Grain Law of Gaius Gracchus' (Journal of Roman Studies 75, 1985)O. Hekster, G. de Kleijn and D. Slootjes (eds.), Crises and the Roman Empire (Brill, 2007), especially ‘Tiberius Gracchus, Land and Manpower' by John W. RichJosiah Osgood, Rome and the Making of a World State, 150 BCE-20 CE (Cambridge University Press, 2018)Plutarch (trans. Ian Scott-Kilvert and Christopher Pelling), Rome in Crisis (Penguin Classics, 2010) Plutarch (trans. Robin Waterfield, ed. Philip A. Stadter), Roman Lives (Oxford University Press, 2008)Nathan Rosenstein, ‘Aristocrats and Agriculture in the Middle and Late Republic' (Journal of Roman Studies 98, 2008)A. N. Sherwin-White, ‘The Lex Repetundarum and the Political Ideas of Gaius Gracchus' (Journal of Roman Studies 72, 1982) Catherine Steel, The End of the Roman Republic, 146 to 44 BC: Conquest and Crisis (Edinburgh University Press, 2013)David Stockton, The Gracchi (Oxford University Press, 1979)In Our Time is a BBC Studios Audio Production

Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss the brothers Tiberius and Gaius Gracchus whose names are entwined with the end of Rome's Republic and the rise of the Roman Emperors. As tribunes, they brought popular reforms to the Roman Republic at the end of the 2nd century BC. Tiberius (c163-133BC) brought in land reform so every soldier could have his farm, while Gaius (c154-121BC) offered cheap grain for Romans and targeted corruption among the elites. Those elites saw the reforms as such a threat that they had the brothers killed: Tiberius in a shocking murder led by the Pontifex Maximus, the high priest, in 133BC and Gaius 12 years later with the senate's approval. This increase in political violence was to destabilise the Republic, forever tying the Gracchi to the question of why Rome's Republic gave way to the Rome of Emperors.WithCatherine Steel Professor of Classics at the University of GlasgowFederico Santangelo Professor of Ancient History at Newcastle UniversityAndKathryn Tempest Lecturer in Roman History at the University of LeicesterProducer: Simon TillotsonReading list:Appian (trans. John Carter), The Civil Wars (Penguin Classics, 2005)Valentina Arena, Jonathan R. W. Prag and Andrew Stiles, A Companion to the Political Culture of the Roman Republic (Wiley-Blackwell, 2022), especially the chapter by Lea Beness and Tom HillardR. Cristofoli, A. Galimberti and F. Rohr Vio (eds.), Costruire la Memoria: Uso e abuso della storia fra tarda repubblica e primo principato (L'Erma di Bretschneider, 2017), especially ‘The 'Tyranny' of the Gracchi and the Concordia of the Optimates: An Ideological Construct.' by Francisco Pina PoloSuzanne Dixon, Cornelia: Mother of the Gracchi, (Routledge, 2007)Peter Garnsey and Dominic Rathbone, ‘The Background to the Grain Law of Gaius Gracchus' (Journal of Roman Studies 75, 1985)O. Hekster, G. de Kleijn and D. Slootjes (eds.), Crises and the Roman Empire (Brill, 2007), especially ‘Tiberius Gracchus, Land and Manpower' by John W. RichJosiah Osgood, Rome and the Making of a World State, 150 BCE-20 CE (Cambridge University Press, 2018)Plutarch (trans. Ian Scott-Kilvert and Christopher Pelling), Rome in Crisis (Penguin Classics, 2010) Plutarch (trans. Robin Waterfield, ed. Philip A. Stadter), Roman Lives (Oxford University Press, 2008)Nathan Rosenstein, ‘Aristocrats and Agriculture in the Middle and Late Republic' (Journal of Roman Studies 98, 2008)A. N. Sherwin-White, ‘The Lex Repetundarum and the Political Ideas of Gaius Gracchus' (Journal of Roman Studies 72, 1982) Catherine Steel, The End of the Roman Republic, 146 to 44 BC: Conquest and Crisis (Edinburgh University Press, 2013)David Stockton, The Gracchi (Oxford University Press, 1979)In Our Time is a BBC Studios Audio Production

In this episode, David, Dalton, and Alec reflect on how Living Streams turned Easter into a month-long season—stretching from Transfiguration to Pentecost—and how that shift brought deeper formation, wonder, and rest into the life of the church.

Pentecost Sunday commemorates the day the Holy Spirit descended upon the early church, fulfilling the promises of Jesus and John the Baptist. After Jesus' resurrection and ascension, the disciples gathered in Jerusalem as instructed. On Pentecost, the Holy Spirit filled them with power, symbolized by tongues of fire, enabling them to boldly spread the gospel—marking the birth of the Christian church. This day reminds believers that the same Spirit lives within them, uniting all in Christ, empowering them for service, and continuing God's promise to all who are called.

In John's account of the resurrection, Mary Magdalene's relentless search for Jesus led her to a miraculous encounter—finding Him more alive and powerful than she could have imagined. While others gave up, Mary's perseverance was rewarded, showing us that if we seek Jesus with all our hearts, we too will find Him—closer, more alive, and more loving than we ever hoped. Scripture promises that if we ask, seek, and knock, God will respond. He's not distant; He's already reaching out to us. Like Mary, when we keep trusting and seeking, we begin to see dead things come to life, sorrow turn to joy, and darkness turn to light. No matter where we are in our journey, His promise stands—He is faithful, and He will meet us.

In this episode, Mark Buckley and Alec Seekins unpack five powerful scenes from Palm Sunday—each revealing something deeper about Jesus' mission, bold faith, and the tension between systems and the Spirit. From borrowed donkeys to cursed fig trees, we explore what it means to trust God in quiet obedience and messy moments.

Matthew 21 recounts Jesus' Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem, His cleansing of the Temple, and a series of parables confronting the religious leaders. Riding a donkey to fulfill prophecy, Jesus is celebrated by crowds expecting a political savior, but His mission is one of humility, peace, and spiritual redemption. He drives out corruption from the Temple, curses a barren fig tree as a symbol of fruitless religion, and delivers parables exposing hypocrisy and foretelling judgment. This chapter highlights Jesus as a humble King whose true triumph is over hearts, not nations, calling His followers to reflect His love, peace, and servanthood.

From glowing clothes to ancient Jewish texts, we explore how spiritual reality impacts the physical world and what that means for us today. It's a rich, honest, and sometimes nerdy conversation about glory, humility, and holding Jesus in our minds with clarity and awe.

40 days before His death and resurrection, Jesus went up a mountain with Peter, James, and John, where He was transfigured—His face and clothes glowing with dazzling light. Moses and Elijah appeared, talking to Jesus about His departure. A voice from a cloud declared that Jesus is the one to listen to, revealing that He fulfilled the law and the prophets perfectly and holds greater authority than Moses and Elijah. This event, known as the Transfiguration, shows Jesus' divine nature and foreshadows His sacrifice at Golgotha. It teaches believers to be transformed into Christ's likeness by engaging with God's Word, resisting temptation, repenting, and living in prayer and worship, laying down our lives for the One who gave His for our salvation.

What if faithfulness looks more like stumbling forward than standing tall? In this episode, we explore the book of Joshua and the way God's people often fall off the path—but get back on with grace.

In this episode, we explore the story of Caleb asking Joshua for his inheritance—land still filled with giants—and what it means to pursue God's promises when they're wrapped in pain, delay, or conflict. Through personal stories and pastoral reflection, we ask what faithfulness looks like when the fulfillment feels far away.

Joshua's life exemplifies obedience to God, leading to victory and peace, unlike the pride and greed that result from self-reliance. In his exhortations, Joshua calls Israel to serve the Lord with sincerity, meaning wholehearted commitment, avoiding compromise, and obeying God's commands fully. Sincerity in both the Old and New Testaments involves authenticity, humility, and a sincere pursuit of holiness, shaped by the Holy Spirit.

In Joshua 14 and 15, Caleb asks Joshua for the land of the giants, which God had promised him 45 years earlier. Despite Israel not yet conquering the hill country, Joshua grants Caleb the land, and Caleb, trusting God, drives out the giants and takes possession of the inheritance. This story reminds us that God has given each of us an inheritance, but it often requires us to clear and cultivate the land, overcoming obstacles such as spiritual rebellion and brokenness, which can manifest as personal struggles like anger, addiction, or pride. Like Caleb, we are called to wholly follow God, trusting His promises and remaining dedicated to Him. Through the work of the Holy Spirit, we can overcome the "giants" in our lives, turning chaos into something fruitful for future generations.

In chapters 1-10 of the book of Joshua, the Israelites have successfully conquered several cities in Canaan, including Jericho, Ai, and Gibeon, and defeated the southern kings. In chapter 11, the northern kings, led by Jabin of Hazor, gather a massive army to fight against Israel. Despite the overwhelming force, God reassures Joshua not to fear, promising victory and instructing him to hamstring the horses and burn the chariots. This act symbolizes trusting in God rather than relying on human strength. While the chapter's language may seem harsh, it reflects God's judgment on the wickedness of the Canaanites. The Israelites' victory marks the fulfillment of God's promises made to Abraham, Moses, and Joshua, bringing them into the promised land. Like Joshua, we face battles in our own lives, whether personal struggles or challenges. Yet, God promises to fight for us, urging us to trust Him, obey His guidance, and believe that His strength will prevail even in our weakness, leading to victory and the fulfillment of His promises.

We often think that God's goodness is only present when things are going well, but scripture invites us to embrace both a broken world and a beautiful Savior who "makes all things new" (Revelation 21:5). Psalms 42 encourages us to face our pain, imperfections, and longing for God. In a world that pushes us to avoid these struggles, the psalmist reminds us it's okay to be human, as Jesus understands and has compassion on us (Hebrews 4:15). By confronting our pain, we find healing, understanding our limits, and discovering that Jesus, the "living water" (John 4:13-14), offers rest and restoration for our souls (Matthew 11:28).

In this deep-dive episode, Pastor Alec Seekins and CJ Bergman unpack the powerful themes in Joshua 9-10, exploring how God remains faithful even when we make unwise commitments. They discuss the Gibeonites' deception, the audacious prayer of Joshua for the sun to stand still, and the profound foreshadowing of Christ's victory over sin. Along the way, they wrestle with difficult questions about God's justice, the nature of biblical warfare, and what it means to trust Him in the battles we face today.

We often admire those who boldly ask for what they want, and this audacity reflects a deeper spiritual truth—God invites us to ask for what we need with the same boldness. In Joshua 10, Joshua makes an audacious request, and God makes the sun stand still, showing that when our hearts align with His will, He responds beyond human limitations. The Gibeonites deceived Israel instead of asking for mercy, much like we sometimes try to earn God's favor. Yet, God honors Joshua's faithfulness, proving His steadfastness even when we make mistakes. This passage challenges us to confront idols like success and wealth and trust in Jesus, who offers full redemption—already paid for. We just need to ask.

This week, we reflected on Joshua's journey and how it reveals God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises. God assured Joshua that He would be with him as He was with Moses, and through bold leadership and courageous faith, Joshua saw waters part, walls fall, and the promised land conquered. Yet, the journey was not without setbacks—when Israel sinned by taking what was devoted to the Lord, they faced defeat, leaving Joshua heartbroken and confused. But instead of despair, he sought God, removed the sin from the camp, and was restored to victory. The promised land life is not without battles, but true victory comes not just in reaching the promise, but in being shaped by the journey. Like Joshua, we walk in courage by trusting that God's promises are greater than our problems, and when we fail, we repent, rise again, and trust the Promise Keeper—knowing that in Christ, we are always led in triumph (John 10:10).

In this episode of The Living Streams Podcast, we discuss Joshua 7 and explore the weight of hidden sin, the justice of God, and how blessings often come through seasons of hardship. CJ Bergman joins the conversation to discuss sermon preparation, leadership challenges, and the tension between God's promises and life's difficulties. We also reflect on David Stockton's personal struggles and how they mirror biblical themes of faithfulness and endurance. Plus, a candid look at prosperity gospel pitfalls, church accountability, and the unexpected ways God refines His people.

In this episode of the Deep Dive Podcast, we explore the power of missions, redemption, and God's ability to use anyone for His purposes. We're joined by Cliff Caesar and Ali Simpson, who share insights from the recent Dan Murrow Family Mexico Mission Trip, the incredible impact of Living Streams in Rocky Point, and the stories of those who encountered God along the way. We also dig into the biblical story of Rahab, the meaning of repentance in Hebrew, and how God transforms lives—no matter their past. Whether you're new to missions or wrestling with your own faith journey, this episode is filled with encouragement and deep biblical wisdom.

This week, we reflected on the story of Rahab and how it relates to those of us trapped by the consequences of our choices and circumstances. Rahab, a prostitute living in a violent culture, found hope when she realized her victory wasn't in Jericho defeating Israel, but in escaping Jericho itself. Through unwavering strength and courage, she saw the vision that the God who freed Israel could deliver her too. By making a covenant with God, Rahab courageously left her life of brokenness, and through her lineage, became part of the line that led to King David and ultimately, Jesus Christ. Rahab's story reminds us that to escape our own struggles, we must trust that God is greater than our circumstances and remain faithful to Him, for He is always present to help and save.

Alec Seekins, Cliff Cesar, and Renee Bergmen discuss taking risks, stepping out in faith when it feels scary, and Paddington Bear.

When we reflect on the life of Joshua and his generation, we see God's promises fulfilled, victory over sin, and a courageous people who aligned their desires with God's will. To experience victory in Christ, we must take steps in faith, partnering with God's perfect will. This includes sharing God's promises with others, seeking confirmation, stepping out in obedience, setting up memorials to remember His faithfulness, believing that God is working even when we can't see it, and dedicating our hearts through repentance and consecration. Through this process, we mature in faith, step into God's promises, and learn to live in alignment with His will.

Alec Seekins, David Stockton, and Kurt Cotter discuss revival, The Superbowl, and the promised land that God describes in the Book of Joshua.

Born in Egyptian slavery and trained under Moses, Joshua was chosen by God to lead Israel, and at nearly 90 years old, he guided them to conquer the Promised Land and divide it among the 12 tribes. God fulfilled His promise to Abraham's descendants. Just as Joshua pressed forward to claim the land, Christians are called to advance in their faith, actively resisting the forces of sin and worldly distractions. Jesus defeated sin and death not for us to live in spiritual slavery, but to be free and help others find that freedom. Like those who cast lots at the cross, we must not take Jesus lightly, but strive to run the race with purpose, shedding the distractions and sins that entangle us, and fully embracing all that Christ offers through His sacrifice and the Holy Spirit.

Alec Seekins and David Stockton recap Alec's sermon from Sunday, the team talks about the Kansas City Chiefs, President Trump's Inauguration, and habits.

This week, we focused on Matthew 6:13, which asks God to "lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil." While God doesn't tempt us, He may allow trials that expose us to Satan's attacks, as seen in Job and Peter's experiences. To resist sin, we need to remember our identity as God's children and live in a way that reflects His holiness. Fleeing from temptation is key, as relying on our own strength is not enough. Instead, we must depend on God's power to stand firm. As we run from temptation, we should pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace. Ultimately, Jesus teaches us to pray for God's help, knowing He provides a way out of temptation.

Pastors Alec Seekins and David Stockton join special guest, Mark Buckley, founding pastor of Living Streams Church in a discussion about forgiveness, debts, and trespasses.

Jesus not only taught forgiveness but exemplified it, even on the cross, when He prayed for His persecutors' forgiveness (Luke 23:34). Through His sacrifice, He paid the full penalty for sin and opened the door to mercy, showing us that forgiveness isn't about feelings or excusing wrongs, but an act of obedience that leads to healing. As followers of Christ, we are called to forgive as He forgave us, empowering us to seek justice, not vengeance (Romans 12:19). Whether the wrongdoer is repentant or not, we are to extend forgiveness and reconciliation, showing compassion as Christ did. True forgiveness, fueled by the Spirit, frees us from bitterness and reflects God's love to the world.

The Lord's Prayer starts by addressing God as "Abba, Daddy," emphasizing His loving, fatherly care for us. This reminds us that God knows what's best for us and provides what we need according to His perfect will. By recognizing Him as our Father, we learn to trust and submit to His authority. The phrase "Give us this day our daily bread" teaches us that God is the true provider, and we must approach Him with humility, recognizing our dependence on Him. The prayer encourages us to focus on today, trusting that God will meet our needs for the present, rather than worrying about the future. It also reminds us that our daily bread is just enough for today, teaching us not to hoard or rely on our own strength but to trust in God's faithfulness as He provides exactly what we need for each day.

How do we engage with prophecy in a way that's rooted in love, builds the church, and avoids the awkward pitfalls? In this episode, David Stockton, Ryan Romeo, and Alec Seekins break it down—sharing real stories, biblical insights, and what it looks like to hear God's voice today.If you've ever wondered how to approach prophecy in a way that honors God, strengthens the church, and avoids unnecessary weirdness, this episode is for you. It'll leave you inspired to lean into the Spirit's voice in your own life.

Prophecy is a gift from God that serves to encourage, console, and build up theChurch. Rooted in Scripture and aligned with God's Word, it is a powerful way forthe Holy Spirit to speak to believers and unbelievers alike. The Apostle Paul teaches us that prophecy is available to everyone and should be earnestly desired. It builds up the Church, brings conviction to unbelievers, and gives us a glimpse into God's will, even if only partially revealed. Prophecy operates within order and guidelines to ensure that it honors God and edifies His people.

The hope God offers is unshakable, rooted in His unchanging promises and the assurance of Jesus' return to make all things new. Revelation 21 reminds us of the coming restoration: an end to pain, tears, and mourning, replaced by eternal justice. Romans 5 assures us that this hope is grounded in God's love, poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, and it will never disappoint.

As Christmas approaches, we reflect on the profound Advent theme of Love. While earthly love can feel temporary and self-centered, God's love is eternal, sacrificial, and transformative. This week, we explore how to receive and embody divine love, as seen in the Christmas story and Scripture. God's love treasures, ponders, and pierces: it delights in the good of others, seeks their well-being, and sacrifices even at the cost of a broken heart. This love is embodied in Mary's journey, Simeon's prophecy, and Jesus' sacrificial death. To access such love, we must be willing to love deeply, even when it makes us vulnerable, reflecting the heart of God.

In this episode, Jeff Gokee, CJ Bergmen, and David Stockton discuss CJ's sermon on Peace, finding true peace, and understanding surrender.

Peace is something we all long for, yet it often feels fleeting. True peace, as described in Scripture, is more than just the absence of stress; it is the fullness of God's blessing, encompassing physical, emotional, and spiritual restoration. The peace brought by Jesus, the Prince of Peace, comes at a cost. It requires surrender—giving up self-focused pursuits to make room for Christ's peace. This surrender is challenging, as it involves letting go of what we hold dear.  Ultimately, the greatest act of surrender is Jesus's sacrifice, which brings us peace with God. Through this, we are invited to reflect on what we need to release in order to experience the fullness of His peace.

David Stockton, Jeff Gokee, and CJ Bergmen discuss joy, causing a major distraction in the back pew of our church services, and dressing up as Billy Sunday and Martin Luther for Halloween.

Joy is a central theme in the Christian life, rooted in fellowship with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, rather than in circumstances. It has existed since creation and accompanies us through both joyful and difficult times, sustained by the Holy Spirit. Scripture teaches that joy is a fruit of the Spirit now and a future hope, found not by striving but by walking closely with God and dwelling in His presence. Eugene Peterson writes, “Joy is not a requirement of Christian discipleship; it is a consequence.” It is a natural outcome of dwelling in God's grace.

David Stockton, CJ Bergmen, and Jeff Gokee sit down to discuss hope, Psalm 42 , and holiness tied to hope.

Through the story of Simeon, the waiting saint, we learn what a life of hope looks like. Often, we treat hope like a reward, thinking that as long as we're "good," we will get what we long for. This mindset leads to despair for many, as hope is not about the fulfillment of our desires, it's dependance on the one who can fulfill all our desires and trusting his providential plan. Hope is found in God's promises, fulfilled in Jesus. Henri Nouwen reminds us that "Life is Advent," and true hope is recognizing the Lord's continual coming into our lives.

Dalton, Alec, and David share their thoughts on Thanksgiving, thanksgiving scriptures, and being grateful to the Lord for things in our life.

This week, Pastor Mark Buckley encouraged us to cultivate thankfulness in seven key areas of life: giving thanks to God, for our spiritual family, for our circumstances, for our food, for our family and friends, for our government leaders, and for our spouse. The Lord calls us to be people of gratitude, and we are reminded to be thankful in these areas and beyond.

Lead Pastor David Stockton and Founding Pastor Mark Buckley discuss the different types of mercy in The Book of Jude, president-elect Donald Trump, and share stories of how God showed mercy in their lives over the years.

This week, we focused on God's mercy and the need for it in light of sin. Jude warns against people who cause division, live like the world, and lack the Spirit. He advises us to be discerning, especially when others are divisive or show no evidence of spiritual fruit. Jude encourages us to pray in the Holy Spirit, stay rooted in God's love, and wait for His mercy. He also outlines three ways to extend mercy: by helping those who doubt, rescuing people from spiritual danger, and showing mercy with fear, which involves loving someone while distancing ourselves from their sinful behavior.