Podcasts about Following Jesus

Today we continue talking about what it means to lay down our lives for Jesus and for one another.

When life feels bigger than your strength, God’s provision becomes your power. Ezra 5:5 reminds us that when God gives an assignment—whether rebuilding a life, leading a family, launching a ministry, or facing opposition—His hand stays on His people until the work is complete. The returning exiles discovered that divine calling comes with divine supply, even when challenges rise and fear tries to stall our obedience. Highlights God equips us fully for every assignment He places in our hands—strength, resources, and support. The exiles returned to devastation, yet God’s favor and miraculous provision met them on arrival. Opposition, intimidation, and discouragement threatened to halt their progress, but God’s presence stayed constant. His faithfulness guaranteed the completion of the rebuilding—He finishes what He begins. Following Jesus includes hardship, but we “take heart” because He has already overcome the world. Romans 8 reminds believers that nothing can separate us from Christ or stop His purposes. Through Him, we live not as survivors but as “more than conquerors,” empowered to persevere. Gift Inspiration: Crosswalk's Holiday Gift Guide Looking for a meaningful way to celebrate the season? Check out our Holiday Gift Guide—from beautifully illustrated Bibles and devotionals to novels, greeting cards, and picture books, there’s something for everyone on your list. Wrap up stories for loved ones, tuck a book into your own nightstand, and join us in celebrating the wonder of giving this Christmas! Full Transcript Below: Divinely Empowered for Our Greatest ChallengesJennifer Slattery (host of Faith Over Fear) Bible Reading:But the eye of their God was upon the elders of the Jews, and they did not make them cease till the matter should come to Darius, and then answer should be returned by letter concerning it. (Ezra 5:5, ESV) Today’s verse and the historical context surrounding it assure us that when God assigns us a task, be that to raise children, complete a work project, lead a team, launch a ministry, or pursue a dream, He gives us everything we need to do all that He asks. And while we will likely always experience opposition, whenever we seek to live for Jesus, the events recorded in Ezra and Nehemiah also assure us that He is greater than any opposition we’ll face. In short, He finishes what He begins. The question is, how will we respond when difficulties come? Will we cower in fear, falter in fatigue, or trust in His provision, protection, and care? Presumably, this was a question with which Ezra, the religious leader introduced in the Bible book bearing his name, and the returning exiles wrestled as they labored, for decades, to rebuild what the Assyrians destroyed seventy years prior. Here’s the backstory. Despite centuries of prophetic warnings in which the Lord pleaded with His people to return to Him, they remained set in their rebellion and violent and oppressive ways. Therefore, God gave them the autonomy they wanted, removed His protective hand, and allowed their enemies to conquer them and cart them off to a pagan nation to live as exiles. Yet, faithful to His promise, 70 years later, the Lord mercifully and miraculously returned them to their beloved homeland. Their arrival was bittersweet, filled with celebration for their liberation and return and sorrow for the destruction they saw once back in their beloved capital city. They found Jerusalem’s wall broken down, the gates burned, and the temple destroyed. But they also arrived with an abundance of the Lord’s miraculous provision, given to them by Cyrus, a pagan king. Perhaps buoyed by this obvious display of God’s favor and hope in the restoration He’d previously promised through the prophet Isaiah, they immediately set to work, built an altar, and re-established worship. Not long after, however, their progress stalled due to opposition and their desire to build homes in which to live. The intimidation they experienced from the locals steadily increased and could’ve halted the restoration project indefinitely, leaving Jerusalem like the many other ancient cities that once thrived but are no more. That’s not what happened, however, because the eye of God, meaning His favor and hand, remained on His people until they completed everything He’d assigned and promised. Because again, when God assigns something, He gives us everything we need, be that resources, strength, and people to help, to do all that He’s asked. Intersecting Life & Faith: This story reveals two co-existing realities we all encounter in this life. As you probably know from experience, living for Jesus isn’t, and never will be, easy. Jesus told us to expect trouble: local, national, and global conflict, relational ruptures and betrayal, sickness and poverty, and pain. But He also told us to “take heart”; to sink our faith roots deep into Him, the One who overcame the world and conquered death and the grave that we, His beloved and empowered children, might also overcome. In Romans 8:31-37, Paul, a first-century evangelist who wrote much of the New Testament, phrased it this way: “What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us? He who spared not his own Son but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not also with him freely give us all things? … Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation or anguish or persecution or famine …” (ESV). And here’s one of my favorite parts—the last line: “in all these things” –and a thousand more besides— “we are more than conquerors” –as in, we’ve secured, in Christ, overwhelming victory— “through him that loved us” (ESV). Lord, remind us of this truth, your promises, and unchanging character the next time we feel timid, overwhelmed, and defeated that we may pursue Your will with perseverance and Spirit-ignited determination. Further Reading:Proverbs 19:21Proverbs 3:5-6Job 42:2 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Pastor Josh McPherson exposes how Satan builds strongholds in your life through inner vows, lies, fear, and anxiety—and how you may be helping him without knowing it. Learn how to spot these hidden footholds, tear them down with truth, forgive those who hurt you, and walk in the freedom Jesus already won for you. This isn't spiritual theory—it's war. And it's time to take back ground.Support the showThanks for listening! Go to www.StrongerManNation.com for more resources.

"The Greatness of Jesus"Mark 10:32-45Having 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.

If you've been trying to figure out God's calling for your life — especially in work, motherhood, business, or ministry — this episode is for you. Today we're chatting with Dani Crews about how to know God's will in seasons that feel foggy, slow, or completely unclear.So many Christian women wrestle with that quiet question: “What does God want me to do next?” If that's you, take a deep breath. You're not behind. You're not missing it. You're in the exact place where purpose is formed: the hidden, middle, ordinary moments.This episode will help you understand God's calling in a way that removes pressure and brings peace. You'll hear simple truths about finding your calling, practical steps for following Jesus without striving, and honest encouragement for the days when direction feels silent.If you've ever asked, “How do I actually know God's will?” or “Am I missing my purpose?” this episode will feel like a warm cup of coffee and a deep exhale.Today is the day to trust that God is leading you, even here in the middle.To connect with Dani, head over to https://www.danicrews.com or @_danicrews on IG!For By Words listers, get 20% off the basic package of the online True Story Course for yourself or a small group with the discount code WORDS20 at https://www.danicrews.com/courseThe True Story Course is a four-session study that walks your group through the key movements of the Gospel—Innocence, Tragedy, Hero, and Restoration. Your group will explore these themes in their own lives, connect them to God's greater story, and walk away with a relational framework to share the Gospel.SUPPORT BY WORDS: https://buymeacoffee.com/bywordsMy favorite Bible studies + devotionals - HANNAHHUGHES10  for 10% off: https://thedailygraceco.com?dt_id=300773 CONNECT:hello@thehannahhughes.comhttps://www.instagram.com/thehannahhughes 

If we truly believe Jesus is Lord, then his words matter… even the ones that challenge us. In this week's conversation, we reflect on Luke 6:46: “Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,' and not do what I tell you?” Jesus does not rebuke here, but invites each of us personally to reflect on teachings, words from God, or passages of Scripture we truly believe. Let's also allow it to be an invitation to ask: which of Jesus's words and teachings have I forgotten or discarded because they are difficult. All of us have places where obedience feels costly or inconvenient. Yet Jesus never calls us to follow him on our own strength. Let's also look at what he does to help us? Throughout the episode, we also explore: * how the Holy Spirit prompts us toward deeper faithfulness * why some of Jesus' teachings feel difficult and what that says about our spiritual growth * how grace strengthens our weak places * the invitation to reflect on areas where we're not fully following him * the simple, daily yes that forms real discipleship Book Fred and/or Kara to speak by visiting the Draw Near "booking page (https://www.drawnear.me/booking)." Click here (https://www.patreon.com/c/drawnear/membership) to become a patron! Patrons are essentially "sponsors" and co-producers or Draw Near as it could not happen without them. "Like" and follow us on Facebook! (https://www.facebook.com/fredandkara). Follow us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/fredandkara/)! Who are "Fred and Kara?" Find out by visiting our home page. (https://www.drawnear.me/) Like our podcast? Hit that “subscribe” button AND the notification button/bell to know when new episodes are posted! Give us a rating! Leave a review! Tell your friends! Even more, pray for us! Draw Near Theme © Fred Shellabarger & Kara Kardell

How do we follow Jesus. We begin an acrostic of the word FOLLOW to see from the Scriptures how Jesus wants us to follow Him. In this podcast we talk about Faithfully, Fervently, Obediently, Leaving everything behind, and Laying down our lives.

In this final message of “Follow Me: Part II,” we will explore the famous passage of the rich man who “went away sad” when invited by Jesus to sell his possessions and follow him. The story is a stark reminder that we are invited to surrender our lives to Jesus, not just go through the religious motions. The words of the martyred missionary Jim Elliot ring true here. “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.” What are we willing to surrender to Christ in our trust that he will renew our lives for eternity?

Season 2 of The Good Question podcast continues as we lean into one big question: Is it really worth it to follow Jesus with everything we've got? Each episode, we're joined by new voices who help us see what intentional faith looks like in real life.In this episode, we step into the dorms, classrooms, and daily grind of school life. We sit down with a seasoned teacher and a college student who share what it means to follow Jesus in environments filled with pressure, influence, opportunity, and constant demands. Through their stories of integrity tested, faith lived out in community, and small choices that shape who we become, they offer practical encouragement for anyone trying to walk with Jesus in their everyday routines.

Sunday evening message from the pulpit of Shawano Baptist Church

Bryan Vincent | The Wonder of Following Jesus by Hope Community Church, Willow Grove

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.

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.

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/

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

Sunday evening message from the pulpit of Shawano Baptist Church

Following Jesus will inevitably bring us to a “wall”. The wall is a place where our humanity faces its deepest realities; unmet expectations, our past experiences, our dependencies or false assumptions. For some the wall becomes a stumbling block to growing in faith. For others it becomes the transition to an authentic life. What will you do when you hit the “wall”?

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.

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.

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?

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

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

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.