Podcast appearances and mentions of david stockton

1 Timothy 4:12Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.

Matthew 14:22-33Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but the boat by this time was a long way from the land, beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them. And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” and they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.” And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.” Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

Matthew 6:25-34“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?' or ‘What shall we drink?' or ‘What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

A defining confrontation unfolds on Mount Carmel, where God exposes the danger of divided hearts. Elijah's question—how long will you limp between two opinions—reveals that Israel's deepest problem is not ignorance but hesitation. Baal offers the illusion of control and cultural comfort, much like the modern idols that promise security without surrender. Before rain can heal the land, fire must reveal the truth: false gods are silent, but the LORD answers decisively. As the altar is restored and fire falls, recognition comes before restoration and repentance before renewal. This moment ultimately points to the cross, where Christ bears the fire in our place and sends the Spirit to dwell within His people. Undisputed truth still calls for undivided allegiance, inviting us to stop limping and fully yield to the God who has already made Himself known.

2 Peter 3:9The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.

1 John 4:16-19And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus. There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. We love because he first loved us.

Matthew 5:45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.Psalm 145:9The Lord is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made.

Our Father in heaven,hallowed be your name,your kingdom come,your will be done,on earth as in heaven.Give us today our daily bread.Forgive us our sinsas we forgive those who sin against us.Lead us not into temptationbut deliver us from evil.For the kingdom, the power,and the glory are yoursnow and for ever.Amen.

Matthew 6:19-21 NLTDon't store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal.Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal.Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.

Jeremiah 1:4-5 NIVThe word of the Lord came to me, saying, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,before you were born I set you apart;I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”

James 2:14-17What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.

Psalm 126:1-3 ESVWhen the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dream. Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy; then they said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.” The Lord has done great things for us; we are glad.

Hebrews 10:22 NIVLet us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.

Psalm 139:7-12 NIVWhere can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,” even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.

Elijah reminds us that powerful prayer flows from obedience, dependence, and perseverance, not from strength or certainty. His life shows that prayer is not a moment but a posture, marked by trust that keeps asking, seeking, and knocking. Sometimes God answers with visible breakthrough; other times He gives sustaining grace. In every case, prayer and fasting create space for God to shape us into a people who listen, endure, and participate with Him as peacemakers in our time.

Biblical prophecy is framed as Spirit-inspired speech that builds up, guides, and comforts God's people, always anchored in Scripture (1 Corinthians 14). It clarifies identity, calls for faithful obedience, and offers God's gentle reassurance, strengthening faith over time through attentive, discerning prayer. Drawing from Acts 27, the church is reminded that storms and loss do not cancel God's promises but often become the very means by which He fulfills them. Looking toward 2026, a shared call begins to take shape—one of restoration and preparation marked by simplicity, surrender, and trust, where “less is more” and a slower, deeper obedience yields lasting spiritual fruit.

Jesus' teaching in Matthew 24 reframes the end of the age not as a timetable to decode, but as a way of living faithfully amid uncertainty. Rather than offering dates or predictions, Jesus prepares His disciples for a world marked by upheaval—wars, deception, suffering, and lawlessness—while repeatedly calling them to discernment, calm, and endurance. These events are described not as signs of collapse, but as birth pains, signaling that God is bringing new creation through suffering. Scripture consistently resists speculation, reminding us that no one knows the day or hour, yet believers are invited to remain spiritually alert, grounded in wisdom, and shaped by hope. Drawing on Romans 8, the groaning of creation and the suffering of the present age are real but temporary, held within the promise of coming glory and restoration. Until Christ's unmistakable return, the church is called to be a non-anxious presence in an anxious world—faithful, patient, discerning, and rooted in Jesus—trusting that history is not spiraling toward chaos, but moving steadily toward redemption.

Isaiah 7 places us in a moment of fear, where King Ahaz faces real political threat and is invited by God to trust His presence rather than grasp for false security. The promised sign of a child—given first in Isaiah's own day—becomes, in the light of Christ, a prophetic horizon pointing to Jesus Christ, Immanuel. What began as reassurance amid crisis unfolds into the heart of the gospel: God does not merely help from a distance but comes near, taking on flesh to dwell with His people. From Eden to the temple, and finally in Christ, Scripture reveals a God who moves toward humanity even when humanity turns away. Advent, then, invites us to confront our fear and unbelief not by escape or control, but by receiving God's greatest gift—His presence with us, here and now.

Pastor David and Kurt sit down with special guest and LSC alum Ryan Romeo (now at New City Church) for a reflective conversation on hearing God's voice, weighing prophetic words, and learning to walk faithfully with the Spirit amid uncertainty, suffering, and renewal. 

“King of Nations” emerges from Isaiah's prophecy during Judah's political collapse and fear of surrounding empires, announcing a faithful promise that even from a seemingly dead stump, a righteous King would rise from the root of Jesse. This Messianic ruler would not only restore Israel but reign with justice and peace over all nations, confronting evil, defending the poor, and bringing creation into harmony. The sixth Advent antiphon, “O King of the nations, and their desire,” points to Jesus as the fulfillment of this hope—born in David's line, recognized by the nations, and crowned King not through conquest but through sacrificial love. His cross became the victory over sin and death, and His resurrection His coronation. Revelation completes the vision, declaring that this King will return to gather a redeemed people from every nation and establish a kingdom where the knowledge of the Lord fills the earth.

The name O Oriens—“O Dayspring”—reveals Jesus as the first light that breaks into every kind of darkness. Scripture shows God meeting people in fear, confusion, guilt, and exhaustion, and Isaiah announces a great light that rises precisely when the night feels deepest. The New Testament identifies that light as Jesus Himself, the Dayspring who brings clarity, healing, and a new beginning. As the Bright Morning Star, He signals that the long night is ending and God is ushering in a new world. The teaching explores how Christ's dawning presence awakens purpose, exposes lies with truth, restores what darkness has taken, and declares a new day over every part of our story.

David and CJ dive deep into Advent longing, the anitphon of "O Key of David,” and why our ache for things to be made right is shared by believers, skeptics, and the whole human story. This episode hosts a grounded, honest conversation about hope, endurance, and learning to hang our lives on Christ alone.

This Advent message reflects on Jesus as the Key of David—the One who opens what no one can shut and brings real freedom, honor, and security to His people. Isaiah's story of failed and faithful leaders points ahead to the greater One who would be “cut down” for us, and Revelation shows that this authority now rests fully in the risen Christ. He sets open doors before weary believers and invites us into a life of faithful patience and surrendered trust. In a season full of noise and striving, we remember that the freedom and joy we long for come not from self-rule but from the One who governs with perfect love. O Key of David, come.

This episode goes deeper into the O Antiphons, Isaiah 11, the longing for Messiah, and how Advent invites us to anticipate both the birth of Christ and His return. We explore the wisdom of God, the might of Christ, and the hope that springs from the stump when life feels broken.

In this message we look at Isaiah's image of a shoot growing out of a dead stump—a picture of how God brings life where we've already declared the story over. Israel was collapsing, hope was thin, yet God promised a humble Messiah from Jesse's line who would carry justice, peace, and renewal for the whole world. We feel those “stump moments” too: places in our lives, families, or culture that seem beyond repair. Isaiah points us to Jesus—the Root of Jesse—who isn't just an inspiring figure but the One who holds everything together and brings real life into the places we've written off. Advent teaches us to turn our eyes from ourselves toward Christ, the One who makes dead things live again.

We continue our Advent journey with “O Lord of Might,” the ancient cry that remembers the God who rescued Israel and reveals Jesus as that same redeeming Lord. Throughout Scripture, Adonai is the warrior who saves—powerful in judgment, rich in mercy, and faithful to deliver His people. In Christ we see this fullness: gentle and gracious, yet the One who will return to judge evil and make all things new. This week invites us to take that portrait seriously—not to fear evil, because Jesus conquers it, but to fear drifting toward the very sin He opposes. The Lord of Might stands ready to redeem, lead, and strengthen all who call on His name.

In this Advent teaching on O Sapientia — O Wisdom — we explore what it means to grow in godly discernment. Wisdom in Scripture isn't just knowledge but the ability to taste and recognize what leads to life. Isaiah points to the One who embodies perfect wisdom—Jesus, the shoot from the stump of Jesse. In Him, we learn to perceive, practice, and proclaim wisdom, allowing His Spirit to shape our desires, decisions, and way of life.

Acts shows us what happens when ordinary people are filled with the Holy Spirit and sent by Jesus. The gospel advances not through comfort or human strength, but through surrendered lives and bold witness. As we follow Paul's journey to Rome and the early church's testimony, we are reminded that the same Spirit empowers us today to share Christ and make disciples wherever we go.

When storms rise, Paul shows us what it means to trust God in the middle of them. From imprisonment and shipwreck to standing before kings, his story reveals that suffering is not a detour from God's plan—it's the very soil where faith grows strong. Through patient endurance and a non-anxious presence, Paul turns every trial into testimony and every hardship into hope.

Paul's shipwreck and suffering in Acts 27–28 reveal a peace that transcends circumstance. In this episode, we talk about what it means to endure with hope, to see storms as sacred, and to live with “passionate patience” in a culture addicted to immediacy.

Pastor Ciprian Balta and his family left security in the U.S. for Ireland, not by plan but by providence. This is a story of reluctant obedience that became joyful calling.

In Acts 23 and 24, Paul stands in the middle of his legal and spiritual trial, facing false accusations and strong opposition from both religious and political leaders. Yet even in confinement, his message remains free and his mission unstoppable. Before the Sanhedrin, Paul boldly declares his clear conscience before God and reveals that the true reason for his trial is his hope in the resurrection of the dead. Jesus appears to him, saying, “Take courage…you must also testify in Rome,” reminding Paul that his life is directed by divine purpose, not human plots.  Through it all, Paul remains steadfast—a faithful witness whose calling continues even in chains.

In Acts 21, we encounter a powerful moment in Paul's life as he journeys toward Jerusalem, “constrained by the Spirit,” knowing imprisonment and suffering await him. Though believers along the way receive prophetic warnings and plead with him not to go, Paul remains steadfast, saying he is ready “not only to be imprisoned but even to die for the name of the Lord Jesus.” This passage reveals a key truth about the Spirit's work: revelation may be clear, but interpretation and application require humility and community discernment. Paul listens carefully yet stays obedient to what he has discerned, modeling courage and submission. In the end, the believers surrender and say, “Let the will of the Lord be done,” reminding us that the Spirit's purpose is not to control or confuse, but to guide us together into truth, love, and faithful obedience.Clarity Through Humility & Unity

In Acts 19–20, Paul's ministry in Ephesus shows the gospel's power to transform lives and entire communities. Through faithful teaching, miracles, and repentance, the name of Jesus is lifted high and the Word of the Lord continues to increase and prevail mightily. As Paul prepares to depart, he urges the Ephesian elders to lead with humility, endurance, and generosity—reminding them it is more blessed to give than to receive. His example calls us to live out the gospel with courage, compassion, and full surrender to Christ

Acts 17–18 trace Paul's second missionary journey as he preaches in diverse settings, facing both openness and opposition. In Thessalonica, some believe while others stir up hostility. The Bereans receive the Word eagerly, examining Scripture daily. In Athens, Paul boldly engages philosophers at the Areopagus, proclaiming the risen Christ in a culturally relevant way. In Corinth, despite resistance, he remains for 18 months, encouraged by God's promise of His presence. Along the way, Paul partners with Aquila and Priscilla, who later disciple Apollos into a powerful minister. These chapters remind us that the gospel belongs in every place, calls for faithfulness amid challenges, and grows through both bold proclamation and quiet discipleship.

The book of Acts shows that following Jesus is both joyful and challenging, filled with revival, miracles, and unity, yet also marked by persecution, conflict, and disagreement. In Acts 15–16, we see the Church wrestling with theological debates—whether Gentiles needed to follow Jewish customs—and personal disputes, such as Paul and Barnabas parting ways over John Mark. Through it all, God kept purifying the Church's understanding of the gospel. These stories remind us to stay humble, teachable, and committed to Christ's mission, even when disagreements arise. 

Acts 13 shows Paul risking it all for the gospel. What does it mean for us to bring Christ into modern public spaces, even when it costs us?

The book of Acts reveals the unstoppable advance of Christ's kingdom through the Spirit-empowered church, fulfilling Jesus' Great Commission. Paul's transformation from persecutor to preacher shows that God can redeem anyone, and his ministry in Cyprus and Antioch demonstrates the power of the gospel to humble, transform, and reframe the world's false stories with the true story of God's redemption. Living on mission is costly, marked by suffering and sacrifice, yet it is worth everything because Jesus has already given everything for us.

From Peter's jailbreak to modern stories of traffickers turning to Jesus, this episode shows how even “little weedy prayers” can unleash God's miraculous power.

In Acts 11–12, God makes clear that the gospel is for all people, breaking down cultural and religious barriers through Peter's vision and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. The early church is called to embrace generosity, humility, and faith-filled prayer, as seen in the Gentiles' support during famine and Peter's miraculous release from prison. These chapters remind us that true inclusion is marked by the Spirit, not tradition, and that the Church grows when it reflects Christ authentically, prays expectantly, and gives God all the glory.

Saul's radical transformation from persecutor to preacher (Acts 9) and Cornelius' Spirit-filled awakening (Acts 10) reveal that no one is beyond God's grace, that the Holy Spirit empowers ordinary people to boldly witness for Christ, and that God's kingdom welcomes all, regardless of background. These stories remind us that God is always at work, orchestrating redemption, and that we too come as unlikely converts made new through Jesus' sacrifice and the power of His Spirit.

In a world hungry for hope, Cody and Alec reflect on how God is moving in fresh ways today—and how simple stewardship, authentic stories, and love across differences can open doors for the gospel.

Stephen, though opposed and falsely accused, boldly proclaimed Christ and, even in death, reflected Jesus' forgiveness. His martyrdom sparked persecution that scattered believers, spreading the gospel even further. Philip then stepped onto the scene, performing miracles, bringing joy to cities, and sharing the good news with an Ethiopian seeker who was baptized on the spot. The heart of the message is clear: the gospel's power isn't about our eloquence or credentials but about the Holy Spirit working through willing and obedient believers.

Acts 5 and 6 remind us that bold obedience and humble service are key to gathering that harvest. In Acts 5, the apostles face persecution yet refuse to stop preaching Christ, showing us that courage and faithfulness advance God's mission even under opposition. In Acts 6, the church wisely resolves internal conflict through servant leadership, leading to greater unity and growth. Together, these passages call us to live with integrity, share the gospel with love and boldness, and serve one another across differences—so that we might see revival and a great harvest in our own time.

Evangelism isn't only overseas—it's in neighborhoods, workplaces, and daily encounters. What does it mean to live as “suburban missionaries”?

When the Spirit changes us, it's impossible to keep it to ourselves. In Acts 3–4, Peter and John heal a lame man, proclaim Jesus to thousands, and stand firm despite opposition—not out of obligation, but from lives shaped by being with Him. True evangelism flows from this kind of transformation—seeing and meeting needs, reaching all people without partiality, speaking boldly even when it's costly, and living in deep, Spirit-formed unity. This is not a program or strategy, but the natural overflow of a life changed by Christ.

We're beginning our journey through the book of Acts—a story that shows following Jesus is anything but boring. It's a Spirit-empowered adventure that calls us to boldness, even in fear, and devotion to God's Word, community, generosity, and prayer. After His resurrection, Jesus told His disciples to wait in Jerusalem for the Holy Spirit. Though it was dangerous, they obeyed—and on Pentecost, the Spirit came with power. What followed was extraordinary: they proclaimed the gospel in many languages, lived with radical generosity, and committed themselves to four key practices—the apostles' teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer. These rhythms shaped the early Church and still form the foundation of a Spirit-led life today.

In Ruth 4, the story of Ruth and Boaz reaches its redemptive climax. After Ruth boldly follows Naomi's instructions to seek Boaz as a redeemer, Boaz honors her request but must first offer the right to a closer relative. When that man declines, Boaz redeems Ruth and Elimelech's land, marrying Ruth to preserve the family line. Their union results in the birth of Obed, grandfather of King David—placing Ruth in the lineage of Jesus. This chapter reveals God's quiet yet powerful providence, His care for the marginalized, and His ability to weave redemption through faithful, ordinary lives. It's a reminder that our stories are part of His greater, eternal one.

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