Podcasts about Following Jesus

Sunday evening message from the pulpit of Shawano Baptist Church

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/family-devotions/20251201fam.mp3 Listen to Devotion Read: Isaiah 2:1-5 “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the temple of the God of Jacob. He will teach us his ways, so that we may walk in his paths.” Come, descendants of Jacob, let us walk in the light of the LORD. Isaiah 2:3,5 The Light of CHRISTmas In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Are you excited to celebrate Christmas? Why? Maybe you love opening presents, giving gifts, or spending time with family. But before Christmas even gets here, do you like decorating your house or your bedroom with lights, trees, or ornaments? Now imagine someone really important is coming to your house for Christmas—like Grandma or Grandpa. Would you want your room to be clean? (Probably!) Would you want the house to look nice and decorated? Of course! For Christians, the time before Christmas is called Advent. Advent means “coming.” It's the season when we get our hearts ready to celebrate Jesus' birth. It also reminds us that Jesus is coming again someday as our King. Just like we get ready for Christmas by decorating our homes, we want to get ready to meet Jesus when he comes again. Some people feel afraid when they think about Jesus coming back—because they don't believe he's their Savior. But you don't have to be afraid! Hundreds of years before Jesus was born, the prophet Isaiah told God's people to “walk in the light of the Lord.” That's how they could be ready to meet Jesus—and not be scared. And when you walk in Jesus' light, you don't have to be scared either. So, what does it mean to “walk in the light”? It means believing in Jesus, trusting his Word, and letting his truth guide us. The Bible says sin is like darkness—it messes things up, hurts relationships, and makes life harder. Think about it: Has sin ever brought darkness into your life? Have your words or actions ever hurt someone else? This week, when you see all the Christmas lights, remember that Jesus is the Light of the world. His Word shines into our hearts. As our King, he protects and takes care of us until we see him in heaven. As our Savior, he shines forgiveness into our lives, helping us love, forgive, and bring peace to others—just like Isaiah wrote about. Prayer: Thank you for being the Light of the world. Please forgive us when we sin and bring darkness into someone else's life. Shine your truth into our hearts so we can love and forgive others, just like you love us. Amen. The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire. Questions for Younger Children Do you like decorating your house for Christmas? Why or why not? How can we be ready to meet Jesus someday? (Faith, trust, staying close to his Word, living as his children.) Questions for Elementary Age Children How did Jesus bring God's light into the world? (By teaching, healing, forgiving, dying for us, rising again.) How can you shine God's light to others? (Kindness, helping, forgiving, sharing Jesus, encouraging someone.) Questions for Middle School and Above How do you feel about meeting Jesus face to face someday? (Excited? Curious? Comforted?) What does it mean to “walk in the light,” and why is it important? (Following Jesus, trusting him, living in his forgiveness.) Download Family Devotions Family Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

In this powerful Advent sermon, Pastor Josh McPherson continues the “Art of War” series by unveiling ten ways Satan works to destroy your Christmas—from stirring division in families to fueling unrealistic expectations, selfishness, and spiritual distraction. Pastor Josh exposes the enemy's schemes to ruin your holidays with dysfunction and ungratefulness. This message is both a warning and an encouragement, calling believers to walk in the Spirit, guard their homes, and intentionally make Christmas Christ-centered. The devil has a plan for your Christmas — but so does God.Support the showThanks for listening! Go to www.StrongerManNation.com for more resources.

"God Alone Is Good"Mark 10:17-31Having recently completed our series “None Like Jesus” let's continue to “Behold Him” by embarking on a new study through the Gospel of Mark. Mark's Gospel is the shortest of the four Gospels and it is action-packed from start to finish – as evidenced by the word “immediately” used over 40 times. Mark wrote to believers, probably Roman believers, who were no strangers to persecution. And he wanted to disciple his readers to be strong in their faith by encouraging them to look to their Mighty Messiah, the Son of God, who remained steadfastly faithful even while becoming their Suffering Servant who died for them. Mark's Gospel is a call to all believers to fearlessly “Follow Jesus” because they can trust Him completely.

Who was St Andrew, and why is our church named after hime? Patrick explains.

Digital Discipleship: Following Jesus in 2025 with Tim Ross & Jackie Horbrook

You're More Sent Than You Think   Series - The Gospel of Luke   Jordan Rice   Luke 9:1-6, 10:1-12   Following Jesus isn't just believing in Him, it's joining Him. If you belong to Jesus, you are already sent by Jesus.   Give to support the ministry of Renaissance Church: https://renaissancenyc.com/give   Keep up with Renaissance by filling out a connection card: https://renaissancenyc.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/5/responses/new

Following Jesus will not always lead to applause or comfort.

We begin a new series, FOLLOWING JESUS. Paul beseeched the new believers, "Be ye followers of me." Can we say to our children, "Look at me, children. Watch my lifestyle and you'll know how to walk with Jesus."

A base camp is a necessary checkpoint needed to reach the summit. Following Jesus isn't a one-time decision but a lifelong journey with Him. The longer we follow Him, the more He transforms our lives. But sometimes we need to hit pause and make sure He's leading and we're following. In the "Base Camp" series and in our corresponding small groups, we're pausing to breathe, examine the climate we're in, repack our gear, get some nourishment, and make sure we're on the right path to reach the summit. We're taking 7 weeks to discuss some necessary spiritual rhythms so that spiritual growth happens in our lives.

Everyone has something to thank God for. This week the Reverend Kahlil Carmichael shows us how powerful gratitude can be. We begin in Luke 17 with the message, “Healing Through Gratitude.”Live Well, your spiritual family, gathers every Sunday at 11 a.m. at 51 Church Street, Robbinsville, Windsor, NJ. We look forward to welcoming you and sharing this faith journey with you.Thank you for givingpushpay.com/g/itiswellchurchVisit our website at livewellchurch.orgFollow us on Facebook @pastorkahlilFind us on Instagram @livewellwithpastorkahlil

What if you finally stepped into the dream God has for you, only to watch it crumble because of choices you made? In this powerful conclusion to the JOSEPH series, Ricky delivers a sobering yet hopeful message about how to sustain the dreams God gives us.

In this message, Pastor Robey Barnes gets real about what actually grows our faith — and it's probably not what we often expect. Following Jesus isn't about trying to “level up” our faith so we can get God to do what we want. Instead, real faith grows when we choose to submit to God and trust Him with every part of our lives. Using the story of the ten lepers, Pastor Robey highlights how gratitude changes everything. Only one leper came back to thank Jesus, and that simple act of thankfulness shows us what a surrendered heart looks like. Jesus doesn't owe us anything, yet He invites us into obedience, humility, and a daily rhythm of remembering what He's done. This kind of gratitude pulls us out of entitlement and back into a posture of worship. And as we realign our hearts with God, Jesus heals us from the inside out — replacing the weight of sin with His love, joy, and peace. If you've ever wondered what truly strengthens your faith, this sermon will help you see how obedience, surrender, and everyday thankfulness open the door to real spiritual growth.

This week at our Perdido Key Campus, Senior Pastor Kyle Valaer concludes our verse-by-verse, expository journey through the Gospel of Luke—now under our new series title, Who Is This Jesus? . We hope this resource is a blessing to you. For more information about The Point Church, please visit us online at www.tothepoint.church.Takeaways:Following Jesus is costly.Following Jesus is the priority.Following Jesus demands all of you.Will you follow Jesus or not?

Following Jesus starts where surrender begins. In this message, we look at Jesus' call in Matthew 4:19 and discover that following Him isn't just believing—it's choosing to trust His leadership over our own. We explore why surrender can feel so difficult, what keeps us resisting the way of the Word, and why God is truly worthy of our trust. From His proven track record, to the power of His Word, to His ability to fulfill every promise, this message will stir your faith to say again, “At Your Word, Lord—I'll follow.”

In this message, Pastor Josh McPherson continues the spiritual warfare series with a clear call to “Know Your Enemy.” From Job 1–2 and Genesis 3, he shows that Satan is real but limited—a created, defeated enemy who still works through lies, distortion, and deception to destroy lives, families, churches, and nations. Josh explains 10 truths about who Satan is and 4 key tactics he always uses: disguise, distortion, deception, and devastation. The real danger isn't Satan's power but believers' ignorance and apathy. This sermon calls Christians to stop denying or appeasing the war and instead declare war in Jesus' name—discerning lies, knowing God's Word, and obeying it so we can walk in the victory Christ has already won.Got questions? Send them in: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe_orsDGxnUnVX7T8Qa5QjUzoF4LvJ9-HhavCce-pvBr8jsyA/viewformSupport the showThanks for listening! Go to www.StrongerManNation.com for more resources.

"A Condition of the Heart"Mark 10:13-16Having recently completed our series “None Like Jesus” let's continue to “Behold Him” by embarking on a new study through the Gospel of Mark. Mark's Gospel is the shortest of the four Gospels and it is action-packed from start to finish – as evidenced by the word “immediately” used over 40 times. Mark wrote to believers, probably Roman believers, who were no strangers to persecution. And he wanted to disciple his readers to be strong in their faith by encouraging them to look to their Mighty Messiah, the Son of God, who remained steadfastly faithful even while becoming their Suffering Servant who died for them. Mark's Gospel is a call to all believers to fearlessly “Follow Jesus” because they can trust Him completely.

Turkeys and Eagles, Part 5: Following Jesus Changes Everything in Our Families MESSAGE SUMMARY:    Series Overview: This Series has been looking at Paul's letter to the Ephesians to point out “Turkeyisms” – those things of our culture and some worldviews by which we may have been duped into beliefs inconsistent with the Gospel of Jesus or behaving in a manner that is not what Christianity is all about. This Series has pointed out some changes in our thinking needed to be like “Eagles” so that we can be the people that God wants and expects us to be. Today's Sermon: A look into Ephesians 5 provides a perspective on many “Turkeyisms”; however, the focus today is just on one: Turkey Thinking – “My Christianity has no effect on my family relationships, but my upbringing does”; but Eagle Thinking – My Christianity places me in the Kingdom of God with a radically different view of family relationships”. Being in the Kingdom of God Changes everything for those that follow Jesus. Marriage in America is having a rough time, and we can't say that Christian marriage is different. Too many of us, who say that we follow Jesus today, don't let Christianity follow us through the front door as we live our secular lives. In the First Century of the Ephesians, both Jewish and Greek laws greatly diminished the roles, respect for, and value of women. In the Roman world, of the same period, women and children were just passed around – women had many husbands. It was into this world of Judaism and Greco Roman culture that Jesus walked in; and we found Jesus respecting and honoring women. Jesus raised the status of women – Jesus brought a whole new way of thinking about family, marriage, children, and divorce into First Century culture that has provided an ethical context for two thousand years. In the same period and culture, Paul came along; and he set up churches. He wrote letters, which were written in the culture of this period, to the Christians in churches like the church in Ephesus. These early Christians were a part of the Kingdom of God – the blessed followers of Jesus – they were called to be filled with the Holy Spirit and to be imitators of Jesus. Therefore, followers of Jesus were to be vessels of His light to the world. Followers of Jesus were to be different from this culture of the period. By being different in their families, followers of Jesus would transform the culture (which, eventually, they did!!!). From Ephesians 5:21, we are to “submit to one another out of reverence for Christ”. “Submitting” is treating others like you wish to be treated. In Ephesians 5, Paul applies this principle of Christianity to the family (i.e. wives, husbands, and children) and to the workplace (i.e. employees). The Kingdom of God calls us to loving family relationships; therefore we, as followers of Jesus, are called to be different and not a part of the culture.   TODAY'S PRAYER: Lord, Sabbath rest is truly an unbelievable gift! Thank you that there is nothing I can do to earn your love; it comes without any strings attached. As I close my eyes for these few minutes before you, all I can say is, thank you! In Jesus' name, amen.    Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 133). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: Today, I affirm that because of what God has done for me in His Son, Jesus, I AM FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT. If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him! Luke 11:13 SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV):  Ephesians 5:21-33, 6:1-4; John 4:25-28; Mark 10:6-10; Proverbs 31:10-31; 1 Corinthians 13:1-13.; Psalms 73a:1-14. SCRIPTURE REFERENCE SEARCH: www.AWFTL.org/bible-search/ WEBSITE LINK TO DR. BEACH'S DAILY DEVOTIONAL – “For Jesus Followers, Fasting, with Food, Will Symbolize a Victory Over Oneself and Solidify a Personal Relationship with God”: https://awordfromthelord.org/devotional/ A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

In the third message of the Kingdom Paradox series, Pastor Ryan Kramer digs into the unexpected demand of Jesus's call: citizenship. He warns against a "crossless Christianity" that seeks salvation without surrender, or grace without guidance. This message hands us a mirror, not for condemnation, but to help us answer the essential question: How do I know that I am saved? The evidence isn't found in a prayer, but in a life of discipleship, which is revealed by answering three core questions: -- Who Is Leading My Life? The evidence of who leads your life is public, showing up in how you handle conflict, temptation, and decisions. The fruit of your life indicates the root; you cannot be saved by Jesus and remain unsurrendered to Jesus. -- What Am I Holding On To In Life? Taking up your cross is not an illness, a bad job, or a difficult spouse. It is that point where God's will and your desires diverge. It's the obedience that costs you comfort, reputation, or pleasure, choosing things like forgiveness over revenge or serving over being served. -- Do Others See Jesus In Me? Following Jesus is not admiration or intellectual agreement; it is apprenticeship. It is a commitment to being with him, becoming like him (in attitudes, reactions, and choices), and representing him by carrying his heart for the lost and broken. Scriptures for Further Study -- Matthew 6:24 -- John 15:5 -- John 15:6 -- Galatians 5:19-21 -- Matthew 26:39 +++++++ Join us for church this Sunday. For service times and meeting location please visit https://transformtlh.com/

Sunday evening message from the pulpit of Shawano Baptist Church

The Cost of Following Jesus is Great, the Reward for Following Jesus is Greater- Would you rather be loved by the world or belong to Jesus? (v. 18-20)- Would you rather be accepted by the world or known by God? (v. 21-25)- Would you rather have an extra hour in the world or an eternity with Jesus? (v. 15:26-16:4)

The Apostle Paul gave the Ephesian church and us an analogy to describe what God has given to enable us to fight spiritual battles. Seven coordinating blogs begin here: https://lightofchristjourney.com/2025/11/23/you-are-in-a-spiritual-battle-4/ A video of the text can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/d05NB5AHtqA

Ben talks with Dove award-winning rapper and poet nobigdyl. about the trap of letting politics do our discipleship. What does it actually mean to follow Jesus in a culture war? And why does mercy matter more than tribal loyalty?Listen to the full episode hereSpotifyiTunes---------------------Do you ever struggle to share your faith with those who won't walk into a church?Ben has completely revised and updated his powerful book, Jesus in the Secular World: Reaching a Culture in Crisis—a must-read guide for anyone longing to reach those who may never step foot in a church. Packed with real-world insights and practical strategies, this book could be the breakthrough you've been searching for.Don't wait—get your copy today!Click HERE to check it out on Amazon.For more information, go to: jesusinthesecularworld.com------------------------Questions, comments, or feedback? We'd love to hear what you think! Send them to provokeandinspire@steiger.org, or send us a message on Instagram.Click HERE to receive news, thought-provoking articles, and stories directly in your inbox from Ben, David, Luke, and Chad!Click below to follow the regulars on Instagram!Send us a text

Pastors Josh McPherson and Kyle McMullen ask what it really means for a country to be a “Christian nation,” starting with the Pilgrims' original motives. From there, the hosts contrast a constructive Christian vision for nations, family, and masculine responsibility with destructive revolutionary impulses, engaging critically with Nick Fuentes' rhetoric, his views on women, Jews, history, and “America First.” They also respond to Tucker Carlson's comments about Dietrich Bonhoeffer, and just war. Josh and Kyle warn about the spiritual and cultural dangers of conspiratorial thinking, irresponsible platforms, and “darkly anointed” influencers. Want to help spread the mission of Stronger Man Nation? Text STRONGERMAN to 53-555 and consider giving a gift of any amount. Support the showThanks for listening! Go to www.StrongerManNation.com for more resources.

Season 2 of The Good Question Podcast is here! This time, we're wrestling with one big question: Is it really worth it to follow Jesus with everything we've got? We're also welcoming some new voices into the studio—guests who will share their experiences to encourage you and offer fresh perspective along the way.In this episode, we explore why following Jesus is worth it—especially in the everyday rhythms of home life. We sit down with a first-generation follower of Jesus and stay-at-home mom who open up about their journeys of faith, family, sacrifice, and purpose. Through their honest stories—of identity being reshaped, homes transformed, and God meeting them in ordinary moments—they offer encouragement for anyone longing to live out their faith right where God has placed them.

For the last 40 years or so Miles Galla-Rini has been a believer. But he wasn't always committed to a walk in Christ. In this one-on-one conversation he recounts his various struggles with drugs and despair and purposelessness, and then how Jesus Christ turned his life around. But it wasn't a one-time deliverance, a once-and-done crisis event. Following Jesus, for Miles, was and is a daily commitment. Today he runs his roofing company in So Cal and uses it as an avenue for missional engagement. Oh, and we also talk about spiritual gifts and their operations. Come and think with us about a personal pursuit of Jesus.

Discipleship isn't a title; it's a trail.When Jesus walked the shores of Galilee, He didn't hand out pamphlets or build a following through social media. He looked a few fishermen straight in the eyes and said two words that changed everything:“Follow Me.”That's it. No marketing pitch. No promise of comfort. Just a call — and an invitation to leave everything behind for something greater.Following Jesus isn't about location — it's about direction. Every disciple starts the same way: walking away from self and walking toward the Savior.I still remember the day that truth hit home. I'd been a Christian for years, but I was still driving the car while asking God to bless my route. Then one morning, the Holy Spirit convicted me hard: “Matthew, I can't lead what you won't surrender.”That's when I realized being a disciple isn't about asking Jesus to walk with me; it's about me walking wherever He's going — even if it's uncomfortable.Michelle and I have lived this out over and over. From ministry highs to financial struggles, from seasons of clarity to moments of silence — we've had to decide: Will we trust Him when the map runs out? Will we still follow when it costs us pride, plans, or comfort?The answer had to be yes — because discipleship is not a once-a-week commitment. It's a daily death and daily resurrection.Luke 9:23 says, “If anyone would come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me.”Notice that word — daily. Discipleship isn't about perfection; it's about persistence.You won't get every step right, but every step you take with Jesus changes you. The disciples weren't perfect men — they argued, doubted, ran, and failed. But here's the difference: they kept following.Every day, you and I wake up in a world screaming, “Follow your heart.” But Jesus says, “Follow Me.” And that one command flips everything.When you follow your heart, you'll end up lost. When you follow Jesus, you'll find your heart's true home.Maybe your path today looks uncertain — your marriage tested, your kids wandering, your faith stretched thin. Following Jesus doesn't mean you won't face storms. It means when the wind howls, you've got the One who commands it walking beside you.When Michelle and I look back at the times we tried to carry everything ourselves — our ministry, our dreams, our disappointments — we see the same pattern. Every time we surrendered control, peace came back. Every time we followed His whisper instead of our worry, doors opened we didn't even know existed.That's what discipleship looks like — obedience over outcome.

Pastor Josh McPherson and Pastor Kyle McMullen unpack Josh's new Art of War sermon series on spiritual warfare—why Christians must “wake up to the war,” how Satan schemes against individuals, churches, and nations, and why pastors can't ignore cultural and political battles. What is going on with Islam in our nation right now? They also react to modern fascination with mediums, and why Scripture calls these things spiritual deception, not harmless entertainment.Support the showThanks for listening! Go to www.StrongerManNation.com for more resources.

There are moments when we need God to step in and miraculously intervene. This week the Reverend Kahlil Carmichael shows us what a miracle from God does in our lives. We begin in Mark 4 with the message, “Experiencing The Miraculous.”Live Well, your spiritual family, gathers every Sunday at 11 a.m. at 51 Church Street, Robbinsville, Windsor, NJ. We look forward to welcoming you and sharing this faith journey with you.Thank you for givingpushpay.com/g/itiswellchurchVisit our website at livewellchurch.orgFollow us on Facebook @pastorkahlilFind us on Instagram @livewellwithpastorkahlil

"The Call to Die: Life, Death, and Following Jesus the Christ"Luke 9:18-27Rev. Craig Luekens11.16.25

In this first message of our new series, “The Art of War,” Pastor Josh McPherson sounds the alarm: there is a spiritual war, and you are in it—whether you recognize it or not. Pastor Josh presses us to stop treating Christianity like a social club and to embrace our calling as soldiers of the cross. We're invited to declare war on our own sin, refuse compromise with the world's value system, and stand firm against a real enemy who hates our union with Christ. Listen till the end for an exciting announcement of God's provision!Support the showThanks for listening! Go to www.StrongerManNation.com for more resources.

Have you ever wondered why life had to be so hard? Why you had to walk through that painful season, face that betrayal, or survive those years that felt like a prison?

A base camp is a necessary checkpoint needed to reach the summit. Following Jesus isn't a one-time decision but a lifelong journey with Him. The longer we follow Him, the more He transforms our lives. But sometimes we need to hit pause and make sure He's leading and we're following. In the "Base Camp" series and in our corresponding small groups, we're pausing to breathe, examine the climate we're in, repack our gear, get some nourishment, and make sure we're on the right path to reach the summit. We're taking 7 weeks to discuss some necessary spiritual rhythms so that spiritual growth happens in our lives.

In this message, Pastor Mike Stevens shares about one of the core values of our church: There should be no lonely Christians. Following Jesus means learning to give more than we take in our relationships — showing kindness, forgiveness, and genuine friendship. When we all “row together” with love and grace, the Church becomes what God intended it to be: a family that reflects His heart to the world.We're reminded that fellowship isn't about programs or Sunday services — it's about living out God's love daily, being good friends, and forgiving one another as Christ forgave us. Let's let the Holy Spirit renew our hearts and help us build strong, life-giving relationships.#GoodHopeChurch #FaithForToday #WhatAreWeDoing #NoLonelyChristians #PastorMikeStevens #LoveOneAnother #JesusChangesEverything #ChurchFamily #Forgiveness #CommunityInChristSermon Notes: https://link.goodhope.ag/vision25-5Giving Information: https://goodhope.ag/givingSTAY CONNECTEDYoutube: https://youtube.com/GoodHopeChurchInstagram: http://instagram.com/goodhopemnFacebook: http://fb.com/goodhopemn 

Locals call it “The Road to Nowhere,” but its official name is Lakeview Drive. It’s a scenic six-mile stretch overlooking Fontana Lake in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park near Bryson City, North Carolina. After the road goes through a 1200-foot-long tunnel blasted out of a granite mountainside, it abruptly stops. The government spent millions of dollars until environmental concerns discovered later ended the project. Jesus, who was a carpenter by trade, once told a construction parable about counting the cost of following Him. “Suppose one of you wants to build a tower,” He asked. “Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it?” (Luke 14:28). Another parable follows about a king who considers the cost of going to war, and it makes the same point. Speaking to the “large crowds . . . traveling” with Him (v. 25), Jesus wanted them to understand that there was a cost to sincerely believing in and following Him. Following Jesus only because of what He can do for us is a “road to nowhere.” But following Him for Him—turning daily from sin and self-focus to live for Him and His kingdom (carrying our “cross,” as He put it in v. 27)—changes everything. The cost must be counted. But He’s worth it.

In this first message of our new series, “The Art of War,” Pastor Josh McPherson sounds the alarm: there is a spiritual war, and you are in it—whether you recognize it or not. Pastor Josh presses us to stop treating Christianity like a social club and to embrace our calling as soldiers of the cross. We're invited to declare war on our own sin, refuse compromise with the world's value system, and stand firm against a real enemy who hates our union with Christ. Listen till the end for an exciting announcement of God's provision!Support the showThanks for listening! Go to www.StrongerManNation.com for more resources.

Following Jesus means surrender. True discipleship calls you to lay down your life and walk in His ways.

November 16th, 2025 | Seek ONE | Luke 18:18-30In this powerful conclusion to the Seek 1 sermon collection, Pastor Todd Kaunitz walks us through one of the most sobering and revealing encounters in the Gospels—the story of the rich young ruler in Luke 18. While our series may be wrapping up, the journey of becoming a “seek first” follower of Jesus continues. Today's message presses into a life-defining question: What is the one thing that drives everything in your life—and is it Jesus?Pastor Todd shows how Jesus lovingly exposes the ruler's heart, revealing the one thing he refused to surrender: his wealth. And with that revelation comes a truth for all of us—every person has a “one thing,” and if that “one thing” isn't Jesus, it will ultimately keep us from fully following Him.Throughout this message, you'll discover:• Kingdom life is received, not earned.Salvation isn't achieved by performance, morality, or religious devotion—it's received through surrender to Jesus as Lord.• Whatever has your heart, has you.Jesus presses beyond outward obedience to reveal the internal loyalties that often hold us back. What is the “one thing” you resist giving up?• Jesus rewards every act of surrender.Following Jesus always costs something—but it also always leads to something better. He promises blessing in this life and eternal reward in the next.With practical questions, biblical insight, and an invitation to courageous obedience, Pastor Todd challenges us to consider what we need to surrender so we can experience the fullness of Kingdom life.If you've ever felt pulled between Jesus and something you hold tightly—money, comfort, relationships, control—this message will speak directly to your heart.Do you know JESUS?: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.nblongview.org/do-you-know-jesus⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Need PRAYER?: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.nblongview.org/pray⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SUPPORT through giving: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.nbbctx.org/giving⁠⁠

Speaker: Luke BrandonScripture: Hebrews 13:7-16Episode Overview:Hebrews 13:7–16 calls believers to a steadfast faith rooted in the unchanging person and work of Jesus Christ. In a world filled with shifting beliefs and persuasive distortions of truth, this passage reminds us that Jesus is our fixed heading, God's Word is our trustworthy path, and the eternal city to come is our true destination. Through these closing exhortations in Hebrews, we learn how to guard our hearts from false teaching, anchor ourselves in God's grace, and walk faithfully with Christ—even when doing so invites reproach. Steadfast faith looks to Jesus alone, lives by the truth He has given, and presses forward to the hope that awaits us.Key Highlights:• Jesus Is Our Heading (Hebrews 13:7–8):Believers are called to remember the leaders who finished their race in faith and to fix their eyes on the unchanging Christ—“the same yesterday, today, and forever.”• Truth Is Our Path (Hebrews 13:9–12):The author warns against novel and deceptive teachings. Christians are strengthened not by works or external rituals but by the grace that flows from Christ's once-for-all sacrifice.• Heaven Is Our Destination (Hebrews 13:13–16):Following Jesus means bearing reproach in a world that opposes His truth, yet we endure with hope because our lasting city is yet to come. In the meantime, we offer lives of praise, generosity, and obedience that reflect His redeeming work.Call to Action:Let this passage prompt you to realign your spiritual compass. Examine where your hope, confidence, and direction truly rest. Spend time this week in Scripture, allowing God's Word to recalibrate your heart toward Christ. Seek out mature believers who can help you discern truth, and look for opportunities to live out the gospel with integrity—through praise, service, and sacrificial love. Fix your hope on Jesus and walk the narrow path He has set before you, trusting that He will lead you all the way to the city that is to come.Redeemer Church211 Northshore Dr. Bellingham, WA 98226www.redeemernw.org

"A Trap That Was Not"Mark 10:1-12Having recently completed our series “None Like Jesus” let's continue to “Behold Him” by embarking on a new study through the Gospel of Mark. Mark's Gospel is the shortest of the four Gospels and it is action-packed from start to finish – as evidenced by the word “immediately” used over 40 times. Mark wrote to believers, probably Roman believers, who were no strangers to persecution. And he wanted to disciple his readers to be strong in their faith by encouraging them to look to their Mighty Messiah, the Son of God, who remained steadfastly faithful even while becoming their Suffering Servant who died for them. Mark's Gospel is a call to all believers to fearlessly “Follow Jesus” because they can trust Him completely.

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In Part 1 of our brand-new series, The Merge, Pastor Alvin challenges the common view of salvation as merely escaping punishment. Instead, he invites us to see it as something far more profound: a total, transformative merging of your life with Christ. This is the radical choice to surrender everything and live fully as a "living sacrifice." Following Jesus isn't a casual commitment; it requires us to count the cost and confidently believe that His will is infinitely greater than any comfort or desire we might have to give up. Discover why Jesus' invitation to follow him is never without commitment—and why those "strings attached" are actually the foundation of the most abundant, good news you'll ever receive. Scripture references: Hebrews 12:2 Romans 12:1-2 John 15:6 Luke 14:25-33

Send us a Text Message - include your name!In this episode of the Faith Over Breakfast podcast, Pastor Eric and Pastor Andy talk about time management and what it means to rest well. They explore how a pastor finds space to step back, breathe, and renew energy for the work of ministry. Along the way, they reflect on the practices that help them relax, the rhythms that restore them, and how true rest keeps drawing them back to Jesus. Support the showSUPPORT THE SHOW BEYOND SUBSCRIPTIONS1. CASH APP2. Justgive"Faith Over Breakfast with Pastors Andy & Eric" is a weekly podcast where Pastors Andy and Eric come together over a imaginary delicious breakfast to talk about faith, food, sermons, culture, and more. In each episode, the pastors delve into thought-provoking topics and offer inspiring insights and practical guidance for those seeking to deepen their relationship with Jesus. With occasional guests joining the conversation, "Faith Over Breakfast with Pastors Andy & Eric" provides a unique perspective on what it means to live a life of faith in today's world. Whether you're a seasoned Christian or just starting on your faith journey, this podcast is the perfect companion for your morning routine. So join Pastors Andy and Eric each week as they explore the intersections of faith, food, and life over a delicious breakfast.Support:https://www.buzzsprout.com/97804/support

"A century ago, the most potent moral figure was Jesus Christ. Now it is Adolf Hitler." This bold statement from Dr. Alec Ryrie frames an exchange that has been made in our society. We know what we're against; what are we for?  In this episode, Cole speaks with Alec Ryrie about the moral landscape of the world today, the implications of what he calls the "age of Hitler," and how the church can respond.  Get a copy of Dr. Ryrie's excellent book, The Age of Hitler and How We Will Survive It. 

Following Jesus requires that we love God and love our neighbor as ourselves. This begs the question of who does and doesn't fall into the neighbor category. According to Jesus, selective compassion is not an option.