Podcasts about Following Jesus

Topics:  Hot Take, Judgmental, Attention Filter, Shock Jock, Fame, Attention/Filter, HonoraryDoctorate, Road Rage, Gossip, The Way Of Jesus, Screwtape, Search/Finding, His Mercy, Jesus/Attractive      BONUS CONTENT: Jesus Attractive Follow-up           Quotes: "The people of God are people from Walmart." "The kingdom is supposed to be even and I think we miss a big opportunity when we don't make it that way." "Let's be uncool together." "Thank him for his patience with you." "Searching is good. Let me affirm you in that. But let's hold open the idea that you're searching because there's something to be found." "Following Jesus and doing it in community with other people, there's nothing as good as that." "Contentment is a great place to be."

Following Jesus makes you different. That difference most commonly and brilliantly shows up when life gets hard.This week, we'll be studying 1 Peter 2:4-10 under the theme “You're Not Doing Life Alone.” From the moment we're born, we crave connection—and in Christ, God gives us something better than independence: he makes us part of a living family, built together on a living Savior.Fill out our online connection cardHow can we pray for you? If you'd like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here.

GET YOUR TICKETS NOW!          Freedom Con 2026: Rise of the Statesman          June 19-20, 2026 • Father's Day Weekend          The Gorge Amphitheater, George, WashingtonREGISTER: https://www.FreedomCon26.comIn this message, Pastor Josh McPherson casts vision for Freedom Con (starting this Friday!) and explains why this moment matters for our church, our state, and the next generation. The message also features a group of Gen Z speakers from Vector West University, giving a powerful preview of the talks they will bring this Saturday—calling young men to reject the lies of their generation and rise in truth, discipline, gratitude, humility, and courage.Support the showThanks for listening! Go to www.StrongerManNation.com for more resources. 

The Counterintuitive Path to Following Jesus | John 12 Bible StudyIn this episode of the Rooted & Raised Podcast, we dive into John 12 and explore one of the most challenging truths Jesus ever taught:"Unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit." – John 12:24The world tells us to chase comfort, success, and self-preservation. Jesus teaches the exact opposite. In John 12, we see Mary's extravagant worship, Jesus' triumphal entry, and His call for believers to surrender their lives in order to truly live.In This Episode:✔️ Why Mary poured out expensive perfume on Jesus✔️ The difference between true worship and religious appearance✔️ What Jesus meant by "losing your life" to find it✔️ Why following Christ often feels counterintuitive✔️ How surrender leads to spiritual fruitfulness✔️ Practical ways to apply John 12 to your daily walkWhether you're new to the Bible or have been following Christ for years, John 12 offers a powerful reminder that God's way is often very different from our own.

In Mark 8:34 Jesus says that "if anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me." Jesus is stressing the cost of discipleship and it is a high cost. Jesus calls us to come to him and die. For many people this cost seems too high.However, this passage is not only about the cost of following Jesus. In the next 4 verses, Jesus gives us 4 reasons why we should follow him, and they all highlight the cost of not following him. Jesus is concerned not only that we understood how costly it is to follow him, but even more so he wants us to know how costly it is to not follow him.

When following Jesus gets hard, the risen Christ draws near, strengthens his people, and advances his mission. Pastor Jeremy Treat resumes our series through Acts with a sermon from Acts 22:30 - 23:35.

My Sheep Know My Voice: The Good Shepherd Continued – John 10:22–42 In Episode 140 of Divine Table Talk, Jamie and Jane continue their journey through John 10 as Jesus boldly reveals His identity during the Feast of Dedication. In John 10:22–42, Jesus declares that His sheep hear His voice, He knows them, and no one can snatch them from His hand. As opposition intensifies, Jesus continues to point people to the evidence of His works and His unity with the Father. This passage is a powerful reminder of the security, assurance, and intimacy believers have in Christ. Together, Jamie and Jane explore what it means to recognize the Shepherd's voice, trust His leadership, and rest in the confidence that we belong to Him. Whether you're struggling with doubt, seeking direction, or longing for deeper intimacy with God, this conversation will encourage you to listen closely to the voice of the One who calls you by name. Am I listening to the voice of the Good Shepherd—or allowing other voices to shape my identity and direction? ____________________________________ Connect with Jamie: Website: www.jamieklusacek.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamieklusacek Connect with Jane: Website: www.janewwilliams.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janewwilliams

At the end of John's Gospel, Jesus tells Peter to feed and love his sheep. As disciples, we are called to do the same and care for God's people…but who are the sheep and what does feeding them look like? In this series we will explore stories from throughout the Bible where Jesus, disciples, prophets, and the Spirit love and care for others. This week, Andrea reflects on Paul's vision of the body of Christ in 1 Corinthians, exploring what it means to care for God's sheep in a world that often overlooks the vulnerable. Through a disability lens, we are reminded that those society may consider weak or invisible are indispensable to the flourishing of the whole. Following Jesus means joining God's work of honouring, caring for, and centring those whom the world too often pushes aside.

This week we kick off our series from the Book of James. Welcome to the 167!Connect with usWebsite: https://www.newlifegardner.comFacebook:  https://www.facebook.com/NewLifeGardner/Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/newlifegardner

Stephen Haverstick shares a message on the BIC Core Value of Following Jesus. Luke 9:57-62

Following Jesus makes you different. That difference most commonly and brilliantly shows up when life gets hard.This week, we will be studying 1 Peter 1:13-21 under the theme “Stop Playing Both Sides.” A holy God desires the whole of a person, not double agents who serve two masters. This text teaches focused, sober-minded commitment to the One who committed to us.Add St. Marcus as your church on the Church Center App!Fill out our online connection cardHow can we pray for you? If you'd like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here.

Pastor Adam unpacks Jesus' call to follow Him and reveals that true discipleship is not just belief, but a life of surrender, transformation, and mission. New to Echo Grace? We'd love to get to know you! Fill out a quick connect form at https://echograce.com/connect. Want to support our ministries & mission? Your generosity makes a difference. Give at https://echograce.com/give.

In this sermon from Nehemiah 6, Pastor Josh McPherson unpacks how the enemy uses opportunity, criticism, fear, and temptation to pull God's people off the wall of their calling. Like Nehemiah, Christians must learn to say, “I am doing a great work and cannot come down,” refusing to live for the approval of man and staying focused on obeying Jesus no matter the cost.Register today for Freedom Con (LESS THAN TWO WEEKS AWAY!)➡️ Learn more here: https://www.FreedomCon26.comSupport the showThanks for listening! Go to www.StrongerManNation.com for more resources. 

Samuel Goulet teaches from Daniel 1, showing how believers can live for Christ without compromise in a world that constantly pressures them to conform. Through Daniel's example, this episode calls listeners to stay rooted in their identity in Christ, reject the values of the world, and walk in holiness, wisdom, and courage. It's a powerful reminder that following Christ faithfully means standing firm in His truth while still living with love and honor toward others.

Sometimes it will feel impossible to follow Jesus because of the costs that might be associated with following Him. But in Matthew 27, Jesus goes first into some of the hardest things that we can imagine, showing us that it is possible to follow Him and still find the life that He promised us.

How might God use one praying life to awaken many? In John Hyde's life, we see Christ's command to “Pray for Laborers” lived out through fervent intercession, sacrificial evangelism, and deep dependence on Jesus. We are reminded that revival is often won first in the secret place, where God gives His people His own burden for souls. May we draw near to Christ, pray with holy urgency, and go gladly into His harvest field.

This week we continue our series called "The Joys of Following Jesus" given by Pastor EJ Tena. This week's message is called "Listening to The Lord for freedom". If you would like to support this ministry visit wwwtheremodeledchurch.co/give. Visit theremodeledchurch.co for more information about us and our ministry.

Jason and Blake continue to respond to questions submitted a few months ago during our Ask Anything Sunday worship gathering. In this episode they discuss, among other things, the difference between obeying and striving, and healthy habits that foster relationship with God.

We want faith to feel like a firework. Dramatic. Visible. Significant. But Jesus keeps pointing somewhere else… at the small thing. The ordinary act. The quiet obedience nobody applauds. Luke 16:10 offers a principle that reframes the whole Christian life: whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much. Small faithfulness isn't the waiting room until the real thing begins. It is the real thing. It's where character gets built. This week in Following Jesus in Real Life, we're inviting you to stop asking what the big thing is…and start asking what the next faithful thing is.

Following Jesus may cost us comfort, approval, or ease. But when we look at the cross, we are reminded: He has already given everything for us. There is no cost of discipleship that outweighs the price He paid. In the opening chapters of Revelation, Jesus speaks directly to seven real churches. His words are not distant or abstract; they are personal, honest, and deeply searching. We don't endure this kind of life on our own. Jesus never asked us to. It is by His Spirit that we are strengthened, reminded, convicted, and comforted. And it is within a community of faith that we find courage; to keep showing up, to keep trusting, to keep following when it's hard.

As we conclude our journey through 1 & 2 Thessalonians, we're reminded that faithful Christianity is lived out in the everyday moments of life. In this final message, Paul challenges believers to embrace order, responsibility, productive living, and healthy community while awaiting Christ's return. We explore how spiritual maturity shows up in practical ways—through diligent work, minding our own business, persevering in doing good, and allowing God's peace to rule our hearts. Following Jesus isn't just about what we believe; it's about how we live. Discover how God's presence brings peace, purpose, and divine order to every area of life. ______________________________________________________________________________________ NEW HERE? We'd love to connect with you. Text "NEW" to 323-405-3232 SERMON NOTES: www.bible.com/organizations/f223…-a8fc-3297da42c26a - Or Text: "SERMON" To: 323-405-3232 CONNECT WITH US: Hopeland Website: www.hopelandla.com Hopeland Podcast: @steinbot-519314947 Hopeland YouTube: www.youtube.com/@hopelandchurch Hopeland Facebook: @hopelandla Hopeland Instagram: @hopeland.church To support this ministry and help us continue to reach people with the gospel click here: hopelandla.com/give or Text "Donate" to 323-405-3232. Or, choose a giving option here: - Venmo: @Hopeland-Church - CashApp: $HopelandChurch - Zelle: shawn@hopelandla.com

Recorded live at our regular Sunday morning worship service at Vel Phillips Memorial High School auditorium, Madison, Wisconsin.

Discover what “dynamic faith” really looks like in Mark 3 as this powerful message unpacks how Jesus challenges religious legalism, calls ordinary people into purpose, and redefines what it means to belong to God's family.

Following Jesus often sounds inspiring—until we come across a teaching that feels costly.If God is truly good, if He is for us, and if He can be trusted, then His invitations aren't leading us away from life—they're leading us into it. Sometimes the hardest teachings of Jesus begin to make more sense when we view them through the lens of God's character rather than our fears.Because trusting God means believing that what He asks of us is ultimately for our good, even when we don't fully understand it.

Bible StudyDon't just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon: Romans 5:1-11, Matthew 9:9-13, Mark 2:14-22, Luke 5:27-35, I Corinthians 11:29-32, Hosea 5:15-6:6Sermon Outline Jesus, friend of sinners, calls Matthew to follow Him. Being a sinner was the only qualification Matthew had for joining the disciples The only thing that qualifies us to be followers of Jesus is that we are sinners who need grace. Why does Jesus eat with tax collectors and sinners? Jesus is the incarnation of God's mercy. Following Jesus is not heroic, it's surrender. Jesus still eats with sinners today. No one is worthy to come to the Communion Table Jesus has made us worthy by His sacrifice Consider the worth or real value of Jesus' sacrifice for us.Sermon Questions In the choice of Matthew, what is surprising or offensive to you? How does Jesus respond to the Pharisees' indirect criticism? What would have been different about your life if Jesus had come only to call "righteous" people instead of "sinners"? Are you willing to share openly about those things in your life that qualify you to follow Jesus? Does anything disqualify you from following Jesus? How would you respond if someone said you were unworthy to come to the Communion Table? When you receive communion what helps you to focus on the real worth and value of what Jesus did for you on the cross? Does anything distract you as you receive communion?Questions?Do you have a question about today's sermon? Email John Burley (JBurley@StAndrews.Church).Audio & VideoYou can listen to the sermon by using the player below or via the St Andrew's Sermon Podcast on iTunes and Spotify.

June 7, 2026 | Pastor Adam Muhtaseb continues the Seek and Save series in Luke 9:37-48.

Following Jesus requires a complete transformation in how we live, not just what we believe. Romans 12:9 commands us to let love be genuine, abhor what is evil, and hold fast to what is good - three interconnected principles that define authentic Christian love. True love isn't defined by culture or emotions, but by God's character as revealed in Scripture. We must hate evil because it destroys what God created as good, while simultaneously embracing what aligns with His will. This transformation happens as we saturate ourselves in God's Word, allowing it to renew our minds and shape our responses to life's challenges.

Following Jesus was never meant to be casual. As large crowds gathered around Him, Jesus challenged them to consider what it truly means to be His disciple. He wasn't interested in attracting admirers; He was calling people to wholehearted surrender. The question isn't whether discipleship will cost us something—we all sacrifice for what we value most. The question is whether Jesus is worth more than whatever we might have to leave behind. In this passage, Jesus invites us to count the cost and discover that He is worth it.

In this message, our good friend Matt Harrison brought a message from Matthew 16:24-28, exploring what it truly means to follow Jesus in a culture increasingly shaped by comfort, distraction, and cultural Christianity. Matt challenged us to move beyond mere proximity to Jesus and embrace genuine discipleship marked by self-denial, carrying our cross, and wholehearted allegiance to Christ. As followers of Jesus, we're called to engage with the world without submitting to it, finding true life not by pursuing ourselves, but by surrendering everything to the One who gave everything for us.

Fr. Mike emphasizes that following Jesus as his disciples requires remarkable humility, faith, purity of heart, and courage. Today's readings are Mark 7-8 and Psalm 23. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

The Good Shepherd: Known, Called, and Protected – John 10:1–21 In Episode 139 of Divine Table Talk, Jamie and Jane explore one of the most beloved passages in the Gospel of John: Jesus, the Good Shepherd. In John 10:1–21, Jesus reveals His heart for His people, declaring that He knows His sheep by name, leads them with care, and lays down His life for them. Together, Jamie and Jane unpack what it means to recognize the voice of the Shepherd in a world full of competing voices, how Jesus offers abundant life beyond mere survival, and why His sacrificial love sets Him apart from every other leader. This conversation is a beautiful reminder that you are not forgotten, overlooked, or wandering alone—you are known, pursued, and deeply loved by the Good Shepherd. Whose voice am I listening to most—and how is it shaping the direction of my life? ____________________________________ Connect with Jamie: Website: www.jamieklusacek.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamieklusacek Connect with Jane: Website: www.janewwilliams.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janewwilliams

What does it mean to follow Jesus when governments demand your allegiance, your silence, or your fear? In this episode of The Bad Roman Project, Craig sits down with Ara Torosian, an Iranian-born Armenian pastor who grew up under the Islamic Republic of Iran, served in the underground church, and now pastors Iranian Christians in Los Angeles. Ara shares his journey from reading the Bible in Farsi as a teenager to smuggling Bibles, enduring house arrest, and witnessing the explosive growth of Christianity in Iran. He explains why many Western Christians misunderstand both Iran and the Iranian people, and why the underground church continues to thrive despite decades of persecution. The conversation also turns to the present. Ara discusses Iranian Christian asylum seekers detained by ICE, the challenges facing refugees fleeing persecution, and the responsibility Christians have to speak for those who have no voice. Along the way, Craig and Ara wrestle with difficult questions about war, government power, national loyalty, and what it means to follow Jesus when political solutions seem inadequate. At the heart of the discussion is a reminder that the Christian's ultimate citizenship is not found in America, Iran, or any earthly nation, but in the Kingdom of God. “I'm proud US citizen, but most important, I'm a heaven citizen.” — Ara Torosian Whether discussing persecution abroad or immigration policy at home, this episode calls listeners back to a simple but challenging truth: Jesus is King. Highlights & Takeaways The underground church in Iran continues to grow despite severe persecution. Iranian people should not be confused with the Iranian regime. Following Jesus often comes with a cost that Western Christians rarely consider. Christians are called to show mercy before choosing political sides. The church must resist the temptation to place political leaders above Christ. Refugees and asylum seekers are people, not political talking points. The Kingdom of God transcends every earthly nation and political movement. No King but Christ.

Jesus didn't invite the disciples to attend. He invited them to become. In this message, guest speaker Quentin Peyton walks through Matthew 4:18–23 and the moment Jesus called his first disciples — not just to follow him, but to be formed by him until the day he would send them out to do the same. The invitation hasn't changed. Following Jesus was never meant to be a spectator sport. It was always meant to produce apprentices who look like their rabbi, sound like their rabbi, and eventually go make disciples of their own. This message explores what it really means to follow Jesus, why showing up is not enough, and how to recognize and respond to that gentle but firm voice that calls you out of the crowd and into a life on mission.

Peter didn’t know how people would respond to his first sermon, but thanks to the Holy Spirit, it made quite an impact! In Acts 2:37-47, he finishes preaching the first sermon in church history, and the response is IMMEDIATE. Thousands of people are convicted, repent, and put their trust in Jesus. But this moment isn’t just about a crowd making a decision. It’s about what happens when the Holy Spirit transforms a person’s heart and begins building a new kind of community. In week six of our study through Acts, Pastor Kevin Queen explores how the Holy Spirit works through the gospel to bring conviction, lead people to repentance, and draw them into a life of following Jesus. Peter’s message reminds us that the power of the gospel has never depended on human eloquence or perfect words. The Holy Spirit is still changing lives today. If you’ve ever wondered whether God is at work in your life, or what it looks like to respond when He speaks, this message is for you. What stood out to you most from this message? Share your thoughts in the comments below. Or if this message encouraged you, share it with someone who needs to hear it! Join our study of Acts: crosspoint.tv/actsFind a Cross Point campus near you: crosspoint.tv/locations

This week we sit down with Pastors Jake Huppe and Ryan Ellis to talk about how parents can help their children have their own vibrant faith and relationship with Jesus.  Welcome to the 167!Connect with usWebsite: https://www.newlifegardner.comFacebook:  https://www.facebook.com/NewLifeGardner/Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/newlifegardner

What if the strength you are looking for is found in surrender rather than self reliance? In this powerful message from Romans 8, we conclude our Ordinary Time series by exploring one of the most challenging truths of the Christian life. God calls His people to dependence, not independence. While our culture celebrates self sufficiency, achievement, and personal strength, Scripture points us toward a different path. The Holy Spirit grows our dependence on God and reveals His power in our weakness. Drawing from Romans 8:26–27, this sermon examines how the Holy Spirit helps believers in seasons when life feels overwhelming, uncertain, and beyond their control. Paul acknowledges a reality that every follower of Jesus experiences. We are weak. We do not always know what to pray. We do not always know what to do next. Yet in those moments, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us according to the will of God, reminding us that we are never alone in our struggles. This message continues the theme of Ordinary Time by addressing the everyday realities of following Jesus. While many people remember major milestones, spiritual breakthroughs, and defining moments of faith, most of life is lived in ordinary days. Monday follows Sunday. Responsibilities remain. Challenges persist. Questions linger. The Christian life is not primarily built on extraordinary moments but on daily dependence upon God through the Holy Spirit. One of the central themes of this sermon is the tension between independence and dependence. From an early age, many of us are taught to value independence. We want financial independence, personal success, and the ability to solve our own problems. Yet when that mindset shapes our relationship with God, it can create distance between us and the One who is our true source of life. Scripture reminds us that we were created to live in dependence upon God, not apart from Him. This teaching also explores Jesus' invitation to abide in Him. In John 15, Jesus describes Himself as the vine and His followers as the branches. Apart from Him, we can do nothing. Abiding is not merely a spiritual discipline. It is a posture of dependence. It is learning to remain connected to Christ as the source of our strength, wisdom, peace, and purpose. Through simple acts of prayer, Scripture reading, surrender, and trust, believers learn what it means to live daily in the presence of God. Another powerful section of this sermon focuses on weakness. In a culture that rewards strength and celebrates achievement, weakness often feels like something to hide. Yet the Apostle Paul teaches that God's power is made perfect in weakness. Through personal limitations, suffering, unanswered prayers, anxiety, grief, physical struggles, and difficult circumstances, God often reveals His strength most clearly. Rather than being obstacles to faith, our weaknesses become opportunities for the power of Christ to rest upon us. The message also highlights the importance of surrender. Using Jesus' teaching about a seed falling into the ground and dying, we are reminded that spiritual fruitfulness often comes through letting go. Following Jesus means entrusting our lives, dreams, careers, relationships, resources, and futures to God. It means choosing His purposes over our own and believing that His plans are greater than anything we could accomplish on our own. Throughout this sermon, listeners are encouraged to examine what they may be holding onto too tightly. What areas of life are being controlled by fear, self reliance, or the pursuit of independence? What would it look like to surrender those things to God and trust Him completely? These questions challenge believers to move beyond simply believing in God and into a deeper dependence upon Him.

The term “about face” means to turn around completely and go in the opposite direction. When Jesus died on the cross He made it possible for us to turn from the sinful life we'd been living and follow Him. When we choose to follow Christ we begin a relationship with God, and when we die one day we will have a familiar face to face encounter and we will live with Him forever in Heaven.

I think one of the biggest misconceptions in Christianity today is that following Jesus is mostly about knowing the rules, reading your Bible, and trying to be a good person. But when you read John 14, you see that Jesus was inviting us into so much more. A real relationship with Him through the Holy Spirit. In this episode, I'm sharing what it looks like to actually know God, not just know about Him. We talk about the importance of having a heart that is willing to be convicted and corrected by God, even when it's uncomfortable. Because the truth is, growth requires humility, and if we're never willing to be challenged, we'll never become who God is calling us to be.We talk about the role of the Holy Spirit and why He wasn't just for the early church in Acts, He's for us today. God still leads, speaks, convicts, comforts, and empowers His people. Following Jesus was never meant to be a checklist; it was always meant to be a relationship.And yes, we talk about the things many people don't want to talk about anymore: what we watch, what we listen to, who we date, and who we sleep with. Not because Christianity is about behavior modification, but because when you genuinely love someone, the way you live matters. The things we allow into our hearts influence our relationship with God whether we want them to or not.If you've been feeling stuck in religion, hungry for a deeper connection with God, or wondering what it actually means to walk with the Holy Spirit, I think this conversation will encourage and challenge you.Go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://betterhelp.com/hopemoquin⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠for 10% off your first month of therapy with BetterHelp and get matched with a therapist who will listen and help #sponsoredBook a call - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://stan.store/hopemoquin⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠INSTAGRAM- ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.instagram.com/hopemoquin⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TIKTOK - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@hopemoquin

“What are you chasing?”In this episode, Susan sits down with Brandon Swoboda, CEO and President of Workmatters, for a thoughtful conversation about biblical manhood and the importance of reflection. Together, they explore what happens when work, success, and striving become our goal, why stillness and reflection can feel so difficult, and how true formation begins when we learn to sit with God.Whether you're a man or someone who loves and walks alongside the men in your life, this conversation offers encouragement, wisdom, and a reminder that God is far more concerned with who we are becoming than the status we strive to achieve.Resources: Living Thirsty: A Counterintuitive Way of Following Jesus on the Narrow Road by Dr. Kent Denlinger

Kicking off a brand new series where we are going through the later epistles of the apostle John. Even though we are starting in 1 John, our leading verse comes out of 3 John: 3 John 1:4 "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth." And with it, we are establishing this thought throughout the series, that walking with Jesus means letting Jesus lead. What God has done in our lives helps others to see what God can do in theirs. As we look at the foundational concepts of what it means to walk with Jesus, we have to understand that as we walk and follow Jesus, we will look more like Jesus. Following Jesus means active participation, it means we are constantly growing and being shaped by God into more of an image of Jesus. When we think there is no need for us to change, we deceive ourselves. Life with Jesus is never stationary. - Key Verses // 1 John 1:1-4, 3 John 1:4 - For Sermon Notes, the Connect Card, and our other online resources: https://linktr.ee/Celebrationchurchlive

In Nehemiah 5, we see that the greatest threat to God's people is not opposition from the outside, but sin and division from within. Pastor Josh McPherson unpacks how godly leaders confront injustice with both justice and mercy. Churches, families, and nations are strengthened when sin is addressed, justice is pursued, and leaders lead by example.Support the showThanks for listening! Go to www.StrongerManNation.com for more resources. 

Are we willing to hold fast to God's Word, even when it costs us something? We are reminded through the life of Martin Luther that true discernment begins with a heart anchored in Scripture, recognizing that salvation is by grace through faith in Christ alone—not by human effort. As God opened Luther's eyes to the gospel, he was compelled to stand against false teaching, not in pride, but in obedience to the truth, trusting God above man. His courage shows us that guarding against deception requires both conviction and humility. Therefore, we commit ourselves to test all things by Scripture, to stand faithfully for truth with grace and courage, and to live in such a way that Christ—not ourselves—is exalted, trusting that as we remain grounded in Him, He will guide us in truth and use our lives for His glory.   

We all want change. We talk about it, pray for it, and hope for it. But what does genuine, lasting transformation actually look like in a person's life?

Jesus consistently modeled dependence on the Father through prayer, obedience, and service. He came not to be served, but to serve others, ultimately giving His life for humanity. In the same way, believers are called to deny themselves daily, not through their own strength, but through the empowering work of the Holy Spirit. Through trials, hardships, and acts of service, God uses surrender to refine faith and produce spiritual maturity. This devotional reminds readers that sanctification is a lifelong process. Though dying to self is difficult, it leads to deeper fellowship with Christ, greater spiritual growth, and the abundant life Jesus promises to those who follow Him faithfully. Highlights Philippians 3:10 reveals Paul’s desire to become more like Christ through surrender. Following Jesus requires daily humility, sacrifice, and obedience. Selflessness in everyday life reflects Christ’s servant-hearted example. Jesus modeled dependence on the Father through prayer and submission. The Holy Spirit empowers believers to deny the flesh and choose God’s way. Trials and hardships can become opportunities for spiritual growth and sanctification. True life is found when believers surrender their lives fully to Christ. Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: We Must Die Daily By: Emily Rose Massey Bible Reading: “…that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead” (Philippians 3:10, ESV). As a mom and wife, I am given countless opportunities to set aside my own wants and to sacrifice my love, time, and attention to my husband and children's needs. Pouring yourself out like that on a daily basis can sometimes be physically exhausting; I find myself praying for supernatural strength often! Yet, at the end of the day, even though I am tempted to wonder where my “me time” is, my heart is always full. This is when I begin to see more clearly what the Apostle Paul meant when he said: “I die daily.” The Biblical principle of dying to yourself has always been true, but I didn’t always live it or even understand it. Becoming a stay-at-home mom has challenged me in more ways than I can count in the area of putting others before myself, and I am always learning and finding that it is truly more blessed to give than to receive. As Jesus’ disciples, we are called to follow Him. That was Paul’s mission in life – to imitate Christ. And it is what he and the rest of the apostles literally gave their lives to preach to the world through their words and actions. We may not ever get the honor to literally die for Jesus Christ because of our faith in Him, but by God’s grace, we can imitate His selflessness every day. The apostle Paul emphasizes his great desire to join Christ in His suffering and become like Christ in his daily dying of self: “…that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead” (Philippians 3:10, ESV). Intersecting Faith and Life: To be able to imitate Christ and enjoy this kind of fellowship with Him, we must look to Jesus as our example. Even though Jesus was God in the flesh, He still leaned upon God the Father for everything He said and did while He walked this earth. Jesus would rise early to pray and seek God for His will for the day. In addition to seeking God in prayer, Jesus obediently submitted Himself to the will of the Father, even unto death. Each day, we are faced with the temptation to satisfy our flesh and go outside the boundaries of God’s perfect will. We discover what that will is when we read the Bible and study it for ourselves to learn God’s ways. We are not perfect, but thankfully, Jesus was, and because of His sacrifice on the cross, we have been given the precious gift of the Holy Spirit as born-again believers. The characteristics of Jesus’ death should be the characteristics of our lives: humility, sacrifice, and glory to God through disciple-making. Ultimately, Jesus did not come to be served, but to serve others (Mark 10:45). Jesus ministered to thousands upon thousands of people during His time here on earth. John 22 tells us that if all the things Jesus did were written down, the entire world could not contain the books that would be written! Dying daily definitely isn’t easy, but it is worth it because Jesus promises us that whoever loses his life will find it and find it abundantly (Matthew 10:39, John 10:10)! But remember, we cannot die daily in our own strength, friends. The Holy Spirit is who empowers us to choose God’s way through the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). With each passing day, by God’s grace, we mature and cultivate a life worth dying for, a life found in Christ alone! Living like Christ’s dying is a continual process of humility and sacrifice. May God empower us to die daily and choose others above ourselves. Our flesh wants nothing to do with denying it of anything. We don’t want to experience suffering. But it is in those moments of dying to self that you become more like Christ. What are the difficulties and trials you are currently facing? Ask the Lord to help you embrace those trials and sufferings so that you may grow closer to Him. Let us seek to look like Christ’s dying by learning how to be humble and sacrificial. Instead of resisting those difficult times, ask the Lord to help you to find great opportunities for sanctification to be conformed to the image of Christ Jesus and lean into His grace through the trial. Further Reading: 2 Corinthians 4:10-11 Luke 9:23-27 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

What does it really mean to follow Jesus?In Luke 9:18-27, Jesus asks the most important question every person must answer: "Who do you say that I am?" In this message, Pastor Jeremiah Meadows unpacks how following Jesus is more than knowing the right answers about Him. It's a daily decision to surrender, take up your cross, and trust Him as King. If you've ever wrestled with the cost of discipleship or wondered what it truly means to follow Jesus, this message is for you.• Following Jesus begins with a personal confession of who Jesus truly is.• Following Jesus means daily surrender and putting His kingdom above our own.• Following Jesus leads through the cross, but ultimately toward glory and resurrection hope.Key Scriptures:Luke 9:18-27This week, ask yourself honestly: Who do I say Jesus is, and does my life reflect that answer? Choose one area of your life to surrender to His leadership and trust Him with it daily. If this message encouraged or challenged you, share it with a friend or family member who needs the reminder that Jesus is worth following.Bayou City Fellowship Cypress Campus | Jeremiah Meadows | May 31, 2026https://linktr.ee/bayoucityfellowship

Who is Jesus really? A prophet? A teacher? A good moral example? In Luke 9, Jesus asks His disciples a question that every person must answer for themselves: "Who do you say that I am?"In this message, Pastor Kevin Barra walks through Peter's confession that Jesus is the Christ of God and shows why that truth changes everything. If Jesus is truly King, then following Him is more than agreement. It's a life of surrender, trust, and allegiance to the One who gave His life to rescue us.• Jesus is more than a great teacher or prophet. He is the promised Messiah, King, and Savior.• Following Jesus involves difficulty, sacrifice, and publicly identifying with Him.• The hope of God's kingdom and eternity gives us the motivation to follow Jesus faithfully.Key Scriptures:Luke 9:18-27Genesis 3:15Daniel 7:13-14Isaiah 53This week, take time to honestly answer Jesus' question: "Who do you say that I am?" Consider what area of your life still needs to be surrendered to His leadership and ask God to help you follow Him more faithfully. If this message encouraged you, share it with a friend or family member who needs the hope and truth of the gospel.Bayou City Fellowship Spring Branch Campus | Kevin Barra | May 31, 2026https://linktr.ee/bayoucityfellowship

Many people are willing to confess Jesus, but far fewer are willing to follow Him when it costs something. In this message from Luke 9, we're challenged to move beyond comfortable Christianity and embrace the kind of discipleship Jesus actually calls us to. Jesus' question, "Who do you say that I am?" isn't just about what we believe—it's about how we live. If Jesus truly is the Christ, then our confession should shape our priorities, our relationships, our obedience, and our willingness to deny ourselves for His sake.• Your confession of Jesus should be reflected in the way you live, not just in what you say.• Following Jesus requires self-denial, daily surrender, and a willingness to obey even when it's uncomfortable.• The life that Jesus calls us to lose is ultimately the life He promises to save.Key Scriptures:Luke 9:18-27Matthew 8:18-23Matthew 16:21-24Mark 8:34-38This week, ask yourself honestly: Does my life reflect my confession of Christ? What is Jesus calling me to surrender so that I can follow Him more fully? If this message encouraged or challenged you, share it with a friend or family member who needs to hear it.Bayou City Fellowship Spring Branch Campus | Pierre Cannings | May 31, 2026