Podcasts about Following Jesus

Let's examine the five urges we need to resist. An urge, as you know, is a strong desire or impulse. And all-too-often we are victims of our strong desires or impulses—our urges—which take us down the wrong path and cause trouble. We all have them, so I simply want to point out some urges we need to be aware of and by God's grace, resist. Resist the urge to let your emotions and enthusiasm launch you into unwise action. I admit too often this has been my modus operandi. I get a bright idea, an emotional urge, and I think it must be the right thing to do because I feel so strongly about it. And then, without proper thought or consideration or prayer, I plunge headlong into a project that is either unwise or poorly planned. Certainly, we want to be people of action; we don't want to be handicapped by fear of making the wrong move. Walking by faith will take us outside our comfort zones and lead us to attempt things that can only be done with God's help. Following Jesus is never risk-free. But at the same time, the Bible tells us God does things decently and in order, and we need to be cautious not to move too quickly based mainly on how we feel. Someone has said feelings have zero IQ, meaning they may be strong but they're not necessarily smart. Here is one thing I've learned that has helped to curb my tendency to launch into something prematurely, and it's pretty simple: Just sleep on it. It may look like the greatest idea you've ever had today, but a good night's sleep could totally change your perspective. That may mean literally wait until tomorrow, or it may mean keep sleeping on it until you have clearer thoughts and plans. Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed (Proverbs 15:22). If your plan is of God, it will stand the test of time. Seek counsel from the right people, and of course, mainly seek God's counsel. You can save yourself a lot of trouble and avoid wasted time if you resist the urge to launch into something based solely on your emotions.

Pastor/State Rep. Nate Schatzline brings a prophetic challenge to Grace City Church: embrace the wilderness, kill the normal, and live with holy consistency in both “locusts and honey.” From Matthew 3, he calls the church to be a bold, consecrated movement that prepares the way for the Lord and refuses to grow familiar with God's presence. The message culminates in a historic commissioning announcement that you won't want to miss. Support the showThanks for listening! Go to www.StrongerManNation.com for more resources.

Following Jesus isn't easy, the climb is real, but it's worth it because the victory is already won in Christ. The mystery we've been searching for isn't success or status; it's Christ in you, the hope of glory. And when He lives in you, you don't just endure the journey, you help others grow, knowing one day it will all be worth it.Expect the sufferings of Christ in youExperience the mystery of Christ in youExtend the maturity of Christ through youLife Group Discussion:When has following Jesus cost you something socially, professionally, or personally—and how did you respond?If you truly believed the power of God lives in you, how would that change your confidence, anxiety, or decision-making?What fears or excuses keep you from sharing Jesus more openly?

Following Jesus isn't easy, the climb is real, but it's worth it because the victory is already won in Christ. The mystery we've been searching for isn't success or status; it's Christ in you, the hope of glory. And when He lives in you, you don't just endure the journey, you help others grow, knowing one day it will all be worth it.Expect the sufferings of Christ in youExperience the mystery of Christ in youExtend the maturity of Christ through youLife Group Discussion:When has following Jesus cost you something socially, professionally, or personally—and how did you respond?If you truly believed the power of God lives in you, how would that change your confidence, anxiety, or decision-making?What fears or excuses keep you from sharing Jesus more openly?

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Whether you're new to the Christian faith or whether you've been following Jesus Christ for many years, understanding grace is essential to salvation and walking by faith. On this episode of The Verdict, Pastor John Munro continues a new study on Next Steps in Following Jesus.

Following Jesus doesn't always steer us around trouble—sometimes it leads straight into it. Pastor Jonathan Evans reminds us that Christ's word carries authority even when life feels completely out of control, and that everything ultimately lives under God's Son.

Living Water: The Woman at the Well – John 4:1–26 In this episode of Divine Table Talk, Jamie and Jane walk through John 4:1–26, the powerful encounter between Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well. What begins as a simple conversation about water becomes a life-changing revelation about worship, identity, and living water that never runs dry. Together, they explore how Jesus meets us in unexpected places, crosses cultural and personal barriers, and speaks directly to our deepest thirst. This passage reminds us that no past is too complicated, no question too bold, and no heart too far for the transforming presence of Christ. If you've ever felt unseen, unqualified, or spiritually dry—this conversation is for you. ____________________________________ 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

Following Jesus doesn't always steer us around trouble—sometimes it leads straight into it. Pastor Jonathan Evans reminds us that Christ's word carries authority even when life feels completely out of control, and that everything ultimately lives under God's Son.

In this Sacred Assembly (Number 10!), Pastor Josh McPherson rolls out the word for 2026, relating to the Year of Jubilee from the Old Testament. Pastor Josh announces some service time changes that will be happening soon, then walks through several of the prophetic words over Grace City, and how they came out. Check back on Sunday for a major reveal!Support the showThanks for listening! Go to www.StrongerManNation.com for more resources.

Accepting Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior is the most life-changing decision you'll ever make.  But once you take this step of faith, what comes next? On this episode of The Verdict, Pastor John Munro begins a new study that goes to the heart of your spiritual journey: Next Steps in Following Jesus.

Week 1 – Conceived in the Dark  Apprentice: Nicodemus Text: John 3:1–8 Nicodemus comes at night. Curious. Confused. Reputable but searching. Apprenticeship begins in questions, not certainty. New birth cannot be mastered. Following Jesus means entering mystery. Practice: Ten minutes of silence each night. Let questions surface.

In this Q&A episode, I respond to thoughtful questions submitted on Instagram and Facebook, covering everything from parenting and politics to marriage, therapy, and spiritual growth. I share how to navigate difficult conversations about faith and politics with your teenagers to how to love your spouse well during conflict by being quick to apologize.  Following Jesus isn't just about what happens on Sunday morning. It's about the conversations at the dinner table, the arguments we work through, the doubts we wrestle with, and the small, faithful choices we make every day.  That's what Life Between Sundays is all about. Real faith for real life, in all the ordinary, messy moments.   Thanks to our amazing partners on this episode:   First Interstate Bank has a mission to help people and their money work better together. They do this by ensuring clients can manage their money conveniently wherever they are while also providing the friendly service. They have over 300 locations throughout 14 states! For more information and to find a location near you, visit https://www.firstinterstatebank.com/   Vern Eide Motorcars is a growing employee-owned company that offers sales, service, and financing of automotive, motorcycle, and power sports lines, including Acura, Ford, Chevy, GMC, Honda, Hyundai and Mitsubishi brands. Whether you live locally or across the country, visit https://www.verneide.com/   Subscribe to Life Between Sundays on YouTube and watch the full episode: youtube.com/@adamaweber  Sign up for The Crew: https://www.adamweber.com/thecrew

What is it to "die to your flesh" and "walk in the Spirit" in our lives? What does death have to do with discipleship? Welcome to the 167!

In Week 7 of our Familiar Stranger series, Pastor Matt Piland addresses a vital question: How do we actually live out the life God has called us to? Many of us treat our faith like a car loan—believing Jesus made the "down payment" on the cross, but that it's now our job to sustain the monthly payments through sheer willpower and "trying harder." Drawing from Galatians 5, Pastor Matt breaks down the difference between legalism and true freedom in Christ. Following Jesus isn't about a factory-style production of "being good"; it's about a garden-style growth that comes through the Holy Spirit. If you've been feeling spiritually exhausted by your own human effort, this message is a call to stop trying to maintain in the flesh what was only ever meant to be completed by the Holy Spirit.

On this week's UNPACKIN' it podcast, Bryce Johnson and Trip Smith unpack if sports fans will follow hockey after Team USA won gold…and how this translates to following Jesus. The guys discuss whether the sports fans who rooted so hard for Team USA in this gold medal game will begin following hockey, specifically the NHL, moving forward. They also share their thoughts on the times we experience a “spiritual high” after an inspiring sermon, a powerful retreat, or an encouraging lunch with a friend...and ask if we will actually serve and follow Jesus after getting fired up in these memorable moments. Subscribe to the podcast and to the YouTube channel HERE.Support the ministry HERE.Our Social Media:Instagram: / unpackinit Facebook: / unpackinit X/Twitter: / unpackinit Tiktok: / unpackinit Find out more about UNPACKIN' it Ministries: HERESubscribe to our YouTube channel! HEREClick HERE to support UNPACKIN' it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Presbyterian Church of Upper Montclair Sunday, February 15, 2026 Sermon - "Following Jesus Without Embarrassing God"  Scripture Readings: Exodus 24:12-18, Matthew 17:1-9 Pastor Greg Horn Alison Hurlock, liturgist

Following Jesus will cost you everything — but with the power of the Holy Spirit, it will give you the peace you've been searching for. In this message, Christine Caine unpacks Jesus' radical call to discipleship in Mark 8, confronting a self-focused, image-driven culture with a countercultural invitation: deny yourself, listen to the Holy Spirit, take up your cross, and follow Him — fully and wholeheartedly. Jesus never asked for part of our lives. He calls us to an ALL IN faith — one where surrender leads to freedom, obedience leads to joy, and losing your life for His sake is the only way to truly find it.

In week 40 of our series through the Gospel of Mark, Pastor Laurel Bunker walks us through Mark 14:1–11 and the powerful story of a woman who boldly poured out her most valuable possession at the feet of Jesus. While others criticized her, Jesus honored her. What looked wasteful to some was beautiful worship to Him. How are you worshipping Jesus? Are you holding anything back or are you willing to pour it all out for Him? God is still calling His people to bold devotion. Following Jesus will not always make sense to the crowd. It may cost you comfort, reputation, or control. But when loving God, serving others, and sharing Jesus are non-negotiable; bold obedience becomes our response. – – – – – – – – If this message encouraged you, let us know in the comments, share it with someone, and subscribe for more messages!

Are we living Christ, not just preaching Him? Robert Chapman, called “the saintliest man” by Charles Spurgeon, lived a quiet yet powerful life marked by humility, love, and a deep commitment to live for Christ. He gave up personal rights, pursued unity without compromise, and served the poor and the lost with Christlike love. His life reminds us that true gospel witness flows not from fame, but from faithfully living Christ before others.

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Alvin Key delivers a message, "Following Jesus: Formed in Community" at Life Church in Fort Myers, Florida. (Sunday, February 22nd, 2026 - 11:00​AM) For more information, visit our website at: http://www.lifechurch.net Instagram: www.instagram.com/lifechurchfmy Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/LifeChurchFMY Vimeo: http://www.vimeo.com/lifechurchfmy

What if prayer isn't about impressive words or perfect faith, but about honest conversation with our loving Father? Through Scripture, real-life stories, and the example of Jesus, Himself, this sermon reminds us that prayer is not a place to perform—it's a place to be known. Whether your faith feels strong, shaky, or somewhere in between, you're invited to come just as you are, keep it real, and discover how Simple Prayer can change your life.Message Notes: https://notes.subsplash.com/fill-in/view?page=BJ4ZLEzd-xDiscussion Questions: https://files.snappages.site/PJBKS3/assets/files/PTW7.pdfFind us on:YouTube: YouTube.com/TheHarborInstagram: Instagram.com/TheHarbor_lifeFacebook: Facebook.com/TheHarbordotlifeWebsite: https://www.TheHarbor.lifeWatch/listen on The Harbor AppNew episode every week!

Following Jesus is meant to be done together, not alone—and real community is built through everyday choices.

Do you hesitate in your obedience to Christ? What is on the other side of your obedience? In this message, Pastor Curtis explores what it means to follow Jesus without hesitation as he takes us through John 21:1-14, a fishing story where a resurrected Jesus encounters his disciples at the Sea of Tiberias. -- We'd love to connect with you: Website: https://agharvest.org Join us in person: Sundays • 9:00am & 11:00am Harvest Church Arroyo Grande, California

FAITH IS… with Pastor Rick Stevens – Faith grows through testing, not perfection. This Lenten reflection invites readers to see trials as gifts that reveal the heart and deepen trust in God. Following Jesus in the wilderness, believers learn gratitude, forgiveness, and courage. Grace meets weakness, reshapes habits, and leads toward hope, healing, and a living relationship with Christ that renews purpose and strengthens faithful daily living...

What does it actually look like to surrender everything to Jesus? In Luke 4:31–44, we see Jesus teach with authority, command spiritual freedom, bring physical healing, and remain unwaveringly committed to the Father's purpose. The question is not just what Jesus does, but how we respond. This message walks through what it means to submit to His authority, bring our needs to Him, and learn to say no to good things so we can say yes to God's best. If you've ever wrestled with control, comfort, people-pleasing, or holding something back from God, this message is for you.• Jesus teaches and commands with true authority over both the spiritual and physical realms• We are invited to bring our spiritual and physical needs to Him in faith• Following Jesus means surrendering fully and saying no to lesser things for God's greater purposeKey Scriptures:Luke 4:31–44Matthew 5:43–44John 14:6Hebrews 1:3What is one good thing in your life that God may be asking you to lay down so you can fully say yes to Him? Take time this week to ask that question honestly. If this message encouraged or challenged you, share it with a friend or family member who needs to hear it.Bayou City Fellowship Cypress Campus | Jeremiah Meadows | February 22, 2026https://linktr.ee/bayoucityfellowship

In week eight of The Consecrated Life, Pastor Josh teaches on Offer: what it means to bring God a costly, joy-filled offering that honors Him, shapes our hearts, and prepares us for what's next. From Cain & Abel to King David's altar and the temple offerings in Chronicles, we see that God isn't after leftovers—He's worthy of our best. Support the showThanks for listening! Go to www.StrongerManNation.com for more resources.

Lead Pastor Josh Carstensen continues our series on Philippians.Following Jesus is beautiful in theory. But in real life, it can feel crowded out by busyness, distractions, conflict we didn't ask for, responsibilities we can't ignore, anxiety that creeps in, and sometimes just feeling stuck.Philippians 4 meets us right there.Not with hype or vague inspiration. But with a steady voice that says:Stand firm.Work for peace.Choose joy in chains.Pray instead of panic.Guard your mind.Practice what you already know.This isn't about pretending life is easy. It's about learning how to stay close to Jesus when it isn't. And the promise isn't just better circumstances. It's something deeper: to experience the peace of God, and the God of peace, right in the middle of it.Thank you for listening to this message from Northwest Hills Community Church in Corvallis, Oregon, on February 22, 2026, at 9:30am. You can find us online at ⁠nwhills.com⁠.Key Moments(00:00) Welcome(01:10) Message: Stand Firm: A Game Plan for Following Jesus(05:50) Philippians 4 Context(07:59) Stand Firm in the Lord(11:48) When in Conflict, Work for Peace(19:29) Choose Joy in Christ(22:13) Be Reasonable and Gentle(24:48) Don't be Anxious — Instead, Pray(29:09) Think Rightly and Practice What You Know(32:27) Peace of God Promise

Following Jesus | Mark 7 | Powerless Religion by Pastor Dan DeBell

Jesus warns his disciples about persecution not to frighten them, but to keep them from falling away when they experience the pain of life in a hostile world. He wants all who face persecution on account of Him to remember that He is not surprised by this development, but rather that He is over it all.

Following Jesus in a Culture That Pushes Back (Part 3)Joy, Confidence, and Courage

Sunday is the fifth installment in our sermon series called "By Their Fruits You Will Know Them: 8 Core Characteristics of Authentic Followers of Jesus." This week we'll dig into what Jesus taught about the power of faith, exploring questions like: What is faith? How does it work? And is it really true that if I just have enough faith, anything can happen?

Friends of the Rosary,In today's Gospel (Luke 5:27–32), Luke recounts how Jesus saw a tax collector named Levi sitting at the customs post."He said to him, “Follow me.”And leaving everything behind, he got up and followed him.Then Levi gave a great banquet for him in his house,and a large crowd of tax collectorsand others were at table with them.The Pharisees and their scribes complained to his disciples, saying,“Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?”Jesus said to them in reply,“Those who are healthy do not need a physician, but the sick do.I have not come to call the righteous to repentance but sinners.”The call of Jesus to Matthew — as we see it in the painting of Caravaggio, above — has the sense of “walk as I walk; think as I think; choose as I choose.” It means a self-reordered according to the pattern and manner of Jesus.“Following Jesus is indeed a kind of resurrection from the dead, since it involves the transition from a lower form of life to a higher, from a preoccupation with the temporary goods of this world to an immersion in the goodness of God,” writes Bishop Barron.Those who have undergone a profound conversion tend to speak of their former life as a kind of illusion, something not entirely real. It's the “false self” that has given way to the authentic self. It's the father of the prodigal son saying, “Your brother was dead and has come to life again; he was lost and has been found.”Come, Holy Spirit, come!To Jesus through Mary!Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.Please give us the grace to respond with joy!+ Mikel Amigot w/ María Blanca | RosaryNetwork.com, New YorkEnhance your faith with the new Holy Rosary University app:Apple iOS | New! Android Google Play• ⁠February 21, 2026, Today's Rosary on YouTube | Daily broadcast at 7:30 pm ET

We are called to follow Jesus. Following Jesus is not just learning about Jesus, but it is a call to action to dedicate our lives to following his example.

He Must Increase: John 3:22–36In this episode of Divine Table Talk, Jamie and Jane explore John 3:22–36, where John the Baptist humbly declares, “He must increase, but I must decrease.” As questions of comparison and influence arise, John's response reveals a powerful model of humility, joy, and surrender.Together, they unpack what it means to live a life that points to Jesus rather than elevates self, how identity is secured in Christ—not position—and why true joy is found in making much of Him. This passage invites us to examine our motives, release comparison, and embrace a faith that celebrates Christ's increase above all.____________________________________Connect with Jamie:Website: www.jamieklusacek.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamieklusacekConnect with Jane:Website: www.janewwilliams.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/janewwilliams

Pastor Mark Driscoll from Trinity Church joins Grace City Church for a powerful “family meeting,” connecting the church's Sacred Assembly season to Ezra & Nehemiah and calling for a continued rhythm of prayer, planning, fasting, and faith for favor. With twelve key words, he unpacks spiritual warfare as a battle for family, freedom, and the lordship of Jesus, and explains how God builds and then fills—first with His presence, then with new sons and daughters who will meet Christ. This message will strengthen your conviction, deepen your worship, and help you recognize what it means to gather as a sacred assembly in a thin place where heaven comes near.Support the showThanks for listening! Go to www.StrongerManNation.com for more resources.

Stop being saved and stuck. Live life in technicolor. Welcome to the 167!Connect with usWebsite: https://www.newlifegardner.comFacebook:  https://www.facebook.com/NewLifeGardner/Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/newlifegardner

Following Jesus doesn't remove the cost of suffering—it reveals the quiet power of compassion in the middle of it.

Scott, Kyle & Craig continue the series on the letter of Romans. They dive into this amazing letter that helps us understand the good news of Jesus. How the good news is for everyone everywhere. Following Jesus means to:Connect personally with Jesus every dayGrow intentionally with othersServe in your Sweet SpotShow Notes:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bible Project Romans Video⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Podcast Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mission Church Messages⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Mission Church:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MC Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MC Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MC Website

Biblical Counselor Marie Clark skillfully opens the Scriptures to answer the following questions about modesty: What is biblical modesty, and why is this important to God? Is it possible to dress modestly and still not be pleasing to God? How does legalism show up in this area? Can you help us understand the dynamic of why modesty seems to be largely situational, cultural, and generational? Why is the "androgyny" trend something Christian women should be on guard against? And what are sinful motives that lead someone to dress immodestly? Website: smilingatthefuturepodcast.com Email: smilingatthefuturepodcast@gmail.com Support The Podcast: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://donorbox.org/smiling-at-2024⁠

In Week 6 of our Familiar Stranger series, Pastor Jason Britt addresses a critical but often overlooked reality: the Holy Spirit is not the only spirit at work in our time. In a world saturated with noise, misinformation, and competing "truths," the gift of discernment is more vital for the believer than ever before. Drawing from 1 John 4, this message explores how to "test the spirits" to see whether they are from God. Following Jesus isn't just about rejecting obvious evil; it's about recognizing the subtle replacements, reductions, and reshapings of Jesus that permeate our modern culture. If you've felt overwhelmed by the "spirit of the age," this message will help you find confidence in the Spirit of Truth who dwells within you.

Ron Bothillette | John 4:1-29Everything we do at Fireside is guided by 5 values: Church is Family, Intentional Simplicity, Relational Discipleship, Suffering Well, and Participation over Perfection. In these series we will explore these values, looking at their biblical basis and how they help us to follow Jesus together.

In this heartfelt and pastoral conversation, Justin and Trisha step into one of the most emotionally charged conversations in our cultural moment — immigration, ICE, border control, Christian nationalism, and what it means to follow Jesus in the middle of it all. Rather than offering political solutions or partisan talking points, they ask a deeper question: What does it look like to follow the person of Christ right now? Drawing from their own backgrounds — growing up in very different cultural environments, raising children with diverse political perspectives, adopting African-American children, and pastoring through the collective trauma of COVID and racial unrest — Justin and Trisha reflect on how fear, politics, and personal bias can shape our hearts in ways we don't always recognize. Looking at the life of Jesus — His interactions with the Samaritan woman, Zacchaeus, and the woman caught in adultery — they remind us that Christ consistently moved toward the “other,” never compromising truth but always leading with dignity. This episode is not about telling you how to vote. It's about inviting you to examine your heart. If you've felt overwhelmed, tense, or unsure how to engage these conversations faithfully, this episode is for you. Links and/or Resources: The Middle of Everywhere by Mary Pipher How to Heal Our Racial Divide by Derwin Gray Justin & Trisha's books and relationship resources

Sermon by Pastor Scott Edinger

Today's Sponsor: The Go BibleHave you ever told Jesus, “I'll follow you”… but deep down knew there were conditions?In Luke 9, Jesus encounters three men who all say they want to follow Him. One is overly excited but hasn't counted the cost. One delays, waiting for a more convenient time. And one wants Jesus—but still keeps looking back.Each one is close. But none fully surrender.In this message, we explore the uncomfortable truth about discipleship: following Jesus will cost you everything. Not because He wants to harm you—but because He wants to heal you, transform you, and make you fully alive.Jesus isn't looking for momentary excitement. He's looking for faithful disciples who are all in.This message will challenge you to ask:• Have I counted the cost?• Am I delaying obedience?• Am I still looking back at my old life?• Or am I fully surrendered?The greatest tragedy isn't rejecting Jesus outright. It's almost following Him your entire life.Scripture: Luke 9:57–62

How do we run our race with full surrender to Christ? Eric Liddell's life answers this question and many more with quiet strength and unwavering faith. Known for refusing to run on a Sunday at the 1924 Olympics, Eric honored God's law above worldly praise, trusting Christ by his obedience. His gold medal in the 400m became a testimony to God's faithfulness. But Eric's race didn't end on the track—he gave his life as a missionary in China, serving others with humility and joy until his final breath. His last words, “It's full surrender,” remind us that true greatness is found in yielding wholly to Jesus. Let us run our race likewise—looking unto Him (Hebrews 12:1–2).

In this message, Pastor Krista Ortiz walks you through what it looks like to keep exercising your faith and building the kind of faith that causes God to respond on your behalf.

Suffering does not mean that Jesus is not enough and has not given you victory over sin. Following Jesus does not promise you a life of ease and constant blessing. In fact, Jesus promises the opposite. We will suffer here, but He is coming. He will rescue. He will save. We must endure. Hebrews 10:26-39 // Pastor Tim Kimberly