Podcasts about god week

Series: BUT GOD! | Throwback by Ross Rodger

Thanks for joining us, we are so glad to worship with you all! To find out more about Heartland Church, visit www.weareheartland.usGIVE: https://www.weareheartland.us/giveFOLLOW HEARTLAND: Instagram: @weare_heartlandFacebook: heartlandsunprairie

We continue to explore the Kingdom of God in Week 74

What does it mean when God invites us to test Him? In Malachi 3:7–12, we explore how returning to God and practicing faithful generosity unlocks His promises and reshapes our hearts. Tune in to learning more on what this all really means▶SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/c/SouthernHillsLV▶Do you know Jesus as your Savior? https://www.southernhillslv.com/the-gospel▶ DONATE: https://pushpay.com/g/southernhills?src=hpp&r=monthly▶ Visit Southern Hills: https://www.southernhillslv.com/▶ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/southernhillslv▶ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/southernhillslv/Pastor Josh Teis is the founder and senior pastor of Southern Hills Church in Las Vegas. He has a Masters Degree in Bible Exposition from Pensacola Theological Seminary, and he is a Master of Divinity with Liberty University. He coaches pastors in practical leadership and time management and is a nationally sought-after speaker.#joshteissermon #bibleteaching #southernhillschurch #churchsouthwestlasvegas #bible #prayer #christian

Sundays at 8:30 & 10:30 AMWe are branded by the fire of God. We carry the fire of God to ignite our generation to burn for Jesus. Find us:www.fuquayrevival.comwww.facebook.com/cornerstonefuquayig: @cornerstonechurch.fv

Series: BUT GOD! | Chevian Breedt

The Kingdom of God-Week 73

Sermon Series "Hearing the Voice of God"--Week 5--Does it Lead You to be More Like Jesus?--Colossians 3:1-14

We look at God in the Old Testament and think only of wrath and judgement. When we look at Jesus in the New Testament we think of miracles and peace. However, there is more likeness to them than we think. Whether in the New Testament or the Old, He is a God of promises, compassion, patience, justice and mercy. Learn more about how this unfolds in Malachi.▶SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/c/SouthernHillsLV▶Do you know Jesus as your Savior? https://www.southernhillslv.com/the-gospel▶ DONATE: https://pushpay.com/g/southernhills?src=hpp&r=monthly▶ Visit Southern Hills: https://www.southernhillslv.com/▶ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/southernhillslv▶ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/southernhillslv/Pastor Josh Teis is the founder and senior pastor of Southern Hills Church in Las Vegas. He has a Masters Degree in Bible Exposition from Pensacola Theological Seminary, and he is a Master of Divinity with Liberty University. He coaches pastors in practical leadership and time management and is a nationally sought-after speaker.#joshteissermon #bibleteaching #southernhillschurch #churchsouthwestlasvegas #bible #prayer #christian

Sundays at 8:30 & 10:30 AMWe are branded by the fire of God. We carry the fire of God to ignite our generation to burn for Jesus. Find us:www.fuquayrevival.comwww.facebook.com/cornerstonefuquayig: @cornerstonechurch.fv

Series: BUT GOD! | Letting go of the Padel by Siya Madonsela

*Pastor David Greene - Jonah*

We continue with Week 71 The Kingdom of God

The Sword of the Spirit and Prayer Series: Suited Up - The Armor of God (Week 7 of 7 - SERIES FINALE) Scripture: Ephesians 6:17b-18 Summary After six weeks of studying defensive armor, we conclude the "Suited Up" series with our offensive weapons—the sword of the Spirit and prayer. Everything before this has been about protection. But now Paul arms us for attack. In Roman warfare, every piece of equipment was defensive except the sword—it enabled soldiers not only to defend themselves but to defeat the enemy. Paul identifies the sword as "the word of God" and immediately adds prayer, showing these two offensive weapons work together to attack enemy strongholds and advance God's kingdom. Key Points: 1. The Sword of the Spirit Is God's Word—Your Offensive Weapon The sword is not defensive—it's offensive. All other armor protects you. But the sword enables you to attack. When Paul says the sword is "the word of God," he uses the Greek word rhema—specific words from Scripture applied to specific situations. You don't swing the whole Bible at the enemy; you wield specific truths that cut through specific lies. Jesus modeled this in Matthew 4. When Satan tempted Him, Jesus responded with precision: "It is written..." Three temptations. Three specific Scripture responses. Three victories. Three essentials for wielding the sword: You must know the Word to wield it. You can't use a weapon you don't have. Hebrews 4:12 says God's Word is "living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword." But you can only wield what you know. When temptation comes, you need 1 Corinthians 10:13. When fear attacks, you need 2 Timothy 1:7. When the enemy accuses, you need Romans 8:1. You must use the Word skillfully. 2 Timothy 2:15 commands us to be "rightly dividing the word of truth"—handling Scripture accurately, using it correctly, applying it properly. Don't quote verses out of context. Don't twist Scripture to justify sin. Don't use God's Word as a weapon against people—it's a weapon against the enemy's lies. The Word attacks enemy strongholds. 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 speaks of "pulling down strongholds"—patterns of thinking or beliefs entrenched in our lives that are contrary to God's truth. Examples: believing you're worthless, thinking you can't overcome sin, being controlled by fear or bitterness. When a lie is deeply entrenched, you attack it repeatedly with biblical truth until the stronghold crumbles. 2. Prayer Is Your Strategic Weapon for Advancing God's Kingdom The sword is powerful, but it doesn't work alone. Immediately after describing the sword, Paul shifts to prayer: "Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit." Paul emphasizes: "Praying always" (constant), "all prayer and supplication" (every kind), "in the Spirit" (empowered by the Holy Spirit), "with all perseverance" (persistent), "for all the saints" (not just yourself). This isn't casual prayer—it's strategic, persistent, Spirit-led warfare prayer. What makes prayer an offensive weapon: Prayer invades enemy territory. When you pray, you're advancing God's kingdom into enemy-occupied territory. Jesus taught us to pray, "Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven" (Matthew 6:10). Every time you pray that, you're declaring war on the kingdom of darkness. Prayer isn't passive—it's active spiritual warfare. Prayer releases God's power. James 5:16 says, "The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much." Prayer accomplishes things—it's powerful and effective. When you pray in faith, standing on God's promises, spiritual blindness is removed, hearts are changed, circumstances shift, the enemy's schemes are thwarted, God's purposes advance. This is why the enemy fights to keep believers from praying. Prayerless Christians are powerless Christians. But praying Christians are dangerous to his kingdom. Prayer requires persistence. Paul emphasizes "perseverance"—continuing even when you don't see immediate results. Jesus taught this in Luke 18:1-8. Why does God require persistence? Because it tests and strengthens faith, aligns our will with His, teaches dependence, and prepares us to receive what we're asking for. Spiritual warfare prayer isn't one quick request—it's sustained, persistent, believing prayer that continues until breakthrough comes. 3. Wielding the Sword and Prayer Together Defeats the Enemy Scripture without prayer is knowledge without power. Prayer without Scripture is emotion without direction. But when you combine them—when you wield both weapons together—you become incredibly effective in spiritual warfare. How they work together: Scripture informs your prayers. The best prayers are saturated with Scripture. When you pray God's Word back to Him, you're praying according to His will. Instead of vaguely praying "God, help me not to worry," you pray: "Father, Your Word says in Philippians 4:6-7 to be anxious for nothing. I bring this situation to You now, trusting that Your peace will guard my heart and mind." Prayer applies Scripture to specific battles. Example: You're battling temptation. The enemy whispers, "You can't resist this." Wield the sword: "God is faithful, who will not allow me to be tempted beyond what I am able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape" (1 Corinthians 10:13). Then pray: "Father, You promise a way of escape. Show me that way now. Give me strength to take it." Scripture and prayer pull down strongholds. When attacking a deeply entrenched lie, combine Scripture and prayer persistently. Example: You've struggled for years believing you're worthless. Wield the sword daily: "I am fearfully and wonderfully made" (Psalm 139:14). "I am a new creation in Christ" (2 Corinthians 5:17). Pray persistently: "Father, Your Word says I'm fearfully and wonderfully made. I choose to believe that truth. Tear down this stronghold of worthlessness. Help me see myself as You see me." Day after day, you attack that stronghold until it crumbles. The four-step process: (1) Find Scripture that speaks truth to the situation, (2) Speak that Scripture out loud, (3) Pray that Scripture back to God, (4) Persist until breakthrough comes. The Closing Illustration: A WWII soldier was wounded in battle and taken to a field hospital. A chaplain noticed his uniform was torn and bloodstained, but he had no serious injuries. The soldier pulled out a small Bible from his pocket with a bullet lodged halfway through it, stopped at Psalm 91: "He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty...A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand; but it shall not come near you." The chaplain said, "Son, that Bible saved your life." The soldier replied, "No sir. The Bible didn't save my life. What saved my life was that I read it, believed it, and carried it with me every day." That soldier understood something many Christians miss: Having God's Word isn't enough. You must read it, believe it, and carry it with you into battle. The Bottom Line: Over seven weeks we've been given the complete armor—truth, righteousness, gospel peace, faith, salvation, the sword, and prayer. But the question remains: Are you actually putting on the armor? You're in a battle right now. The enemy is real. His attacks are constant. But God has equipped you completely. You have everything you need to stand firm and advance. The question is: Will you use what God has given you? You are suited up. You are equipped. You are ready. Now go fight—not in your own strength, but in the power of His might. Series Complete: "Suited Up - The Armor of God" Thank you for joining us on this seven-week journey through Ephesians 6:10-18. PERSONAL FACEBOOK POST Option 1: The Illustration + Series Wrap (Recommended) We just concluded our 7-week "Suited Up" series, and the closing illustration has been echoing in my mind: A WWII soldier survived a direct hit—a bullet lodged in his Bible, stopped at Psalm 91. When a chaplain said, "That Bible saved your life," the soldier replied: "No sir. What saved my life was that I read it, believed it, and carried it with me every day." That's the challenge after seven weeks studying the armor of God. We've covered: • The belt of truth • The breastplate of righteousness • The shoes of the gospel of peace • The shield of faith • The helmet of salvation • The sword of the Spirit • Prayer But here's the question: Am I actually putting on the armor? Today's message focused on our offensive weapons—God's Word and prayer. Not just for defense, but for attack. Scripture without prayer is knowledge without power. Prayer without Scripture is emotion without direction. But together? They pull down strongholds, defeat the enemy's lies, and advance God's kingdom. The soldier understood what many of us miss: having the Bible isn't enough. You have to read it, believe it, and carry it into battle. Seven weeks of teaching means nothing if I don't use what God has given me. So here's my commitment going forward: Put on the armor daily. Wield the sword. Pray persistently. Stand firm in the victory Christ has already won. You are suited up. You are equipped. You are ready. Audio: [LINK] Option 2: Personal Challenge Focus Seven weeks. Seven pieces of armor. One critical question: Am I actually putting on the armor, or just learning about it? Today we finished "Suited Up: The Armor of God" with our offensive weapons—the sword of the Spirit (God's Word) and prayer. Here's what's convicting me: I can know everything about the armor and still lose battles if I don't actually wear it. So let me ask myself (and you) directly: Am I girding myself with truth—or living in compromise? Am I wearing righteousness—or letting sin create vulnerability? Am I standing on gospel peace—or losing my footing in trials? Am I lifting the shield of faith—or fighting in my own strength? Am I wearing the helmet of salvation—or letting my mind stay under attack? Am I wielding the sword and prayer—or trying to win unarmed? The closing illustration hit hard: A WWII soldier survived because a bullet stopped in his Bible at Psalm 91. But his response was profound: "The Bible didn't save my life. What saved me was that I read it, believed it, and carried it every day." Knowledge without application is worthless. God has equipped me completely. The question is: Will I use what He's given me? Listen: [LINK] Option 3: Series Gratitude + Action What a journey. Seven weeks through Ephesians 6. Seven pieces of armor. And today, the finale: the sword of the Spirit and prayer. I'm grateful for what this series has taught me about spiritual warfare—that it's real, that I'm equipped, and that victory is certain in Christ. But today's message ended with a challenge I can't ignore: Having the armor isn't enough. You have to use it. The illustration that closed the series: A soldier survived a bullet that lodged in his Bible. But he said, "What saved my life wasn't having the Bible—it was reading it, believing it, and carrying it every day." That's the shift I need to make. From knowledge to action. From learning about armor to actually putting it on. Here's what wielding the sword and prayer looks like practically: Find Scripture that speaks to the battle Speak it out loud Pray it back to God Persist until breakthrough comes Scripture + prayer = strongholds pulled down, lies defeated, God's kingdom advancing. I'm suited up. I'm equipped. Now it's time to fight—not in my strength, but in His. Audio: [LINK] Recommended: Option 1 - The WWII illustration is memorable and powerful, creates emotional connection, and the series review shows the journey while focusing on application

We often celebrate the heroes of the Old Testament for their great faith. This is especially true of the Old Testament Patriarchs, namely Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph. These are some of the most mentioned characters in the Bible, and the Lord used these individuals to tell an amazing story of his faithfulness. However, when we read of their lives they were far from perfect, much of the story of Genesis is filled with men who fail to trust the Lord, take matters into their own hands, and manipulate and deceive others for their own selfish gain. These characters' lives were quite messy. What this tells us is that a Perfect God can use Imperfect People to fulfill his perfect plan, he is faithful to his promises and there is nothing we can do to thwart his purposes. Throughout the book of Genesis, God continues to make a way out of no way, using what is meant for evil for his ultimate good. It was the promise of land, seed, and blessing made to Abraham and his offspring that God would hold up, and it was through this promise that the Messiah, Jesus Christ, came to earth and brought the hope of salvation to the world. This is good news, as God still saves and uses imperfect people to accomplish his purposes!We hope you're encouraged by this podcast! If you have questions about our church or what it means to follow Jesus, we'd love to hear from you! Check out our Instagram @fellowshipya, website www.fellowshipar.com/young-adults, or send us at email at youngadults@fellowshipar.com.

Sermon Series "Hearing the Voice of God"-Week 4-Does if Honor God?-John 17:1-9

Series: BUT GOD | Loss by Aaron MciLroy

*Pastor David Greene - Jonah*

Pastor Chris shows us the common link between the bronze serpent and Christ where if you keep you eye upon the serpent you would be healed and if you keep your eyes upon Christ, you will also be healed

The Helmet of Salvation Series: Suited Up - The Armor of God (Week 6 of 7) Scripture: Ephesians 6:17a Summary In Roman warfare, the helmet was critical. A soldier could survive wounds to his body, but a blow to the head could be fatal—causing instant death, unconsciousness, or disorientation that left him completely vulnerable. The Roman helmet protected the skull, temples, neck, and cheeks from sword strikes, arrows, and blunt force. Paul uses this image for salvation because salvation protects your mind—your thoughts, your thinking patterns, your understanding of reality. The enemy knows that if he can control your mind, he controls everything. Your mind determines how you interpret circumstances, respond to attacks, believe about God, believe about yourself, and whether you stand firm or fall. Key Points: 1. Salvation Gives You Assurance That Protects Your Mind The first way salvation functions as a helmet is by providing assurance—settled confidence that you belong to God. Without assurance, your mind is under constant attack. Every sin makes you question if you're really saved. Every struggle makes you doubt God's acceptance. Every failure makes you wonder if you've lost salvation. That mental instability is exactly what the enemy wants. If he can keep you uncertain about your salvation, you'll never have confidence in spiritual warfare. But salvation—properly understood—provides unshakeable assurance that protects your mind. 1 John 5:13 says, "These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may KNOW that you have eternal life." Not hope. Not wonder. Not maybe. KNOW. How the helmet of assurance protects: When you sin: "I am saved by grace through faith. My salvation isn't based on sinless perfection but on His finished work" When you struggle: "All Christians struggle with sin. I hate my sin and fight it—that's evidence OF salvation, not against it" When you feel distant: "My feelings don't determine my standing. Nothing can separate me from God's love" This assurance rests on three foundations: God's promise (John 3:16), Christ's finished work (John 19:30), and the Spirit's witness (Romans 8:16). When your mind is protected by assurance of salvation, the enemy's accusations lose their power. He can't destabilize you with doubt because your confidence is anchored in unchanging truth. 2. Salvation Shapes Your Identity and Renews Your Thinking The helmet of salvation doesn't just protect—it transforms how you think. Romans 12:2 says, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." The Greek word for "transformed" is metamorphoo—complete metamorphosis through renewing your mind. Salvation fundamentally changes how you think about: WHO YOU ARE (Your Identity) Before salvation, your identity was in your sin and failures. But salvation gives you a new identity in Christ: child of God (John 1:12), new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17), chosen and adopted (Ephesians 1:4-5), forgiven and justified (Romans 8:1). The enemy attacks your identity constantly: "You're defined by your worst moment. You're just a sinner. You're worthless." But the helmet protects by reshaping how you see yourself. You're not defined by your past—you're defined by Christ. HOW YOU THINK (Your Thought Patterns) Salvation doesn't just change your legal standing—it transforms thought patterns. Philippians 4:8 instructs us to meditate on things that are true, noble, just, pure, lovely, and of good report. Before salvation, our minds defaulted to fear, anxiety, lust, bitterness, pride. But salvation retrains our minds toward trust, gratitude, purity, forgiveness, humility, hope. 2 Corinthians 10:5 says, "Casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ." This is warfare language—there's a battle for your mind, and the helmet equips you to win by taking thoughts captive. WHAT YOU BELIEVE (Your Worldview) Salvation transforms your entire worldview. You begin seeing reality through Scripture's lens rather than through culture, feelings, or human reasoning. The enemy attacks your worldview, but the helmet anchors your thinking in biblical truth. 3. You Must Actively Guard Your Mind From Enemy Attacks Paul says "take the helmet of salvation"—that's active. You must put it on, keep it on, and guard what enters your mind. The enemy attacks your mind constantly because if he controls your thoughts, he controls your life. How to actively guard your mind: RECOGNIZE THE BATTLE - The enemy's primary battlefield is your thought life. Mental warfare looks like: obsessive thoughts (worry, lust, bitterness, fear), lies about God ("He doesn't care"), lies about yourself ("You're worthless"), lies about others ("They're against you"), lies about circumstances ("This is hopeless"). FILTER WHAT ENTERS - Proverbs 4:23 warns, "Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life." What you allow into your mind shapes everything. Ask: What entertainment am I consuming? What social media? What conversations? What thoughts am I rehearsing? If you fill your mind with garbage, you'll think like the world. Colossians 3:2 commands, "Set your mind on things above." REPLACE LIES WITH TRUTH - When attacks hit, don't just resist—replace with truth. When fear assaults: "God has not given me a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind" (2 Timothy 1:7). When worthlessness attacks: "I am fearfully and wonderfully made" (Psalm 139:14). This is taking every thought captive. Jesus modeled this in Matthew 4, responding to Satan's lies with "It is written..." The Closing Illustration: During World War II, a soldier wounded in battle was plagued by PTSD. His mind couldn't accept that the battle was over. Every noise became enemy fire. Every shadow became a threat. He lived in constant mental torment, still fighting a war that had ended. A fellow soldier visited and said something that began to change everything: "The war is over. We won. You're safe now." That's what the helmet of salvation does for your mind. The enemy wants you to live as though the war isn't over—as though your salvation is still in question, your identity uncertain, your future at risk. But the helmet protects your mind with truth: The decisive battle has been won. Jesus defeated sin, death, and Satan at the cross. You are on the winning side. You are safe in Him. Your salvation is secure—not based on performance but on Christ's finished work. Your identity is settled—you are a child of God, a new creation. Your future is certain—nothing can separate you from His love. The war for your soul is over. Christ won. Now you fight from victory, not for victory. The Bottom Line: The helmet of salvation protects your mind by giving you assurance against doubt, shaping your identity and renewing your thinking, and equipping you to actively guard your thoughts. Your mind is the battlefield, but when you wear the helmet—confident in your assurance, grounded in your identity, actively guarding your thoughts—your mind is protected. The decisive victory has already been won. Next in Series: Week 7 (SERIES FINALE) - "The Sword of the Spirit and Prayer" (Ephesians 6:17b-18) Our offensive weapons in spiritual warfare—the conclusion of "Suited Up: The Armor of God"

We often celebrate the heroes of the Old Testament for their great faith. This is especially true of the Old Testament Patriarchs, namely Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph. These are some of the most mentioned characters in the Bible, and the Lord used these individuals to tell an amazing story of his faithfulness. However, when we read of their lives they were far from perfect, much of the story of Genesis is filled with men who fail to trust the Lord, take matters into their own hands, and manipulate and deceive others for their own selfish gain. These characters' lives were quite messy. What this tells us is that a Perfect God can use Imperfect People to fulfill his perfect plan, he is faithful to his promises and there is nothing we can do to thwart his purposes. Throughout the book of Genesis, God continues to make a way out of no way, using what is meant for evil for his ultimate good. It was the promise of land, seed, and blessing made to Abraham and his offspring that God would hold up, and it was through this promise that the Messiah, Jesus Christ, came to earth and brought the hope of salvation to the world. This is good news, as God still saves and uses imperfect people to accomplish his purposes!In this message, our Fellowship YA Resident, Logan Moss, covers the life of Jacob. Jacob is one of the most troubled of the four patriarchs. His life is marked by one besetting sin; a false sense of self-sufficiency. We constantly see him taking matters into his own hands. He deceives and manipulates those around him to get what he wants. This finally catches up to Jacob in Genesis 32, when God overpowers him by his grace and transforms into a man who is dependent on the Lord. Jacob's life teaches us where it is we find God's grace, the Lord often uses our desperation, our desolation, and our defeat to overwhelm us with his transforming grace. It is ultimately in Jacob's defeat that he realizes the futility of his sense of self-sufficiency and recognizes God's love for him. This story ultimately anticipates the cross, as the Lord Jesus Christ willingly chose weakness and defeat, what the world saw as humiliation, to achieve the ultimate victory over sin and death. It is because of the cross of Jesus that we can taste of this sweet, overpowering grace for ourselves and can embrace our own weakness, being transformed further into the image of Jesus Christ.  We hope you're encouraged by this podcast! If you have questions about our church or what it means to follow Jesus, we'd love to hear from you! Check out our Instagram @fellowshipya, website www.fellowshipar.com/young-adults, or send us at email at youngadults@fellowshipar.com.

Sermon Series "Hearing the Voice of God"-Week 3-Does it Line up With God's Character?-Exodus 34:1-9

Pastor Rodney's message, Lord of My (Our) Identity, centered on how faith in Jesus redefines who we are. Through Christ, we are adopted into God's family—not by works, but by faith—becoming new creations clothed in His righteousness. Our identity is no longer shaped by our past, our labels, or what divides us, but by Christ Himself, who unites us as one body and calls us heirs of His eternal promise. Listen and be challenged. Support the show

God's sovereignty means nothing exists apart from His relationship, nothing happens outside His purposeful activity, and nothing can thwart His gracious design in Christ. The apostles in Acts 5 demonstrate how we can live fearlessly despite opposition because God's plans cannot be stopped, as proven by Christ's resurrection. We don't need to fear failure because when we align with God's will, ultimate victory is assured. We don't need to fear inadequacy because God uses ordinary people and His strength is made perfect in our weakness. We don't need to fear pain because opposition often confirms we're walking in obedience, and suffering for Christ's sake is an honor that makes us more like our Savior.

God's sovereignty means nothing exists apart from His relationship, nothing happens outside His purposeful activity, and nothing can thwart His gracious design in Christ. The apostles in Acts 5 demonstrate how we can live fearlessly despite opposition because God's plans cannot be stopped, as proven by Christ's resurrection. We don't need to fear failure because when we align with God's will, ultimate victory is assured. We don't need to fear inadequacy because God uses ordinary people and His strength is made perfect in our weakness. We don't need to fear pain because opposition often confirms we're walking in obedience, and suffering for Christ's sake is an honor that makes us more like our Savior.

Listen in as Pastor Chris digs more into God's healing for the world

The Shield of Faith Series: Suited Up - The Armor of God (Week 5 of 7) Scripture: Ephesians 6:16 Summary When Paul describes the armor of God, he says "above all, taking the shield of faith." That phrase alone tells us how critical this piece of armor is—it's our primary defense in spiritual warfare. In Roman warfare, soldiers carried large rectangular shields (scutum)—about 4 feet tall and 2.5 feet wide, made of wood covered with leather. This shield protected the soldier's entire body and could interlock with other shields to form a defensive wall. Most critically, when soaked in water, it could extinguish flaming arrows that enemies would shoot to create panic and break battle lines. That's the picture Paul gives us. The enemy shoots fiery darts—attacks designed to ignite fear, doubt, and destruction. But the shield of faith, when properly used, extinguishes every single one. Key Points: 1. Faith Is Active Trust in God's Character and Promises Faith is not positive thinking, "believing hard enough," or blind optimism. Biblical faith is active trust in God's character and promises based on what He has revealed in His Word. Hebrews 11:1 defines it: "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." Faith has substance and evidence—it's not vague spirituality but confident trust in a God who has proven Himself faithful. The key distinction: Positive thinking says: "Everything will work out fine" (based on nothing) Biblical faith says: "God works all things together for good for those who love Him" (based on Romans 8:28) Faith is only as strong as its object. You can have great faith in a weak foundation and still fall. Or you can have small faith in a strong foundation and stand firm. It's not the size of your faith that matters—it's the size of your God. Jesus said even faith as small as a mustard seed can move mountains (Matthew 17:20). Why? Because even tiny faith in an infinite God is powerful. What does faith trust? God's Character - Who He is: faithful, good, sovereign, loving, just, wise, powerful God's Promises - What He has said in Scripture God's Word - The foundation for knowing both His character and promises When attacks come, you don't lift the shield by "believing harder." You lift it by actively trusting what you know to be true about God. 2. The Enemy's Fiery Darts Are Designed to Destroy Your Faith In ancient warfare, fiery darts were devastating weapons. Archers would wrap arrow tips in cloth, soak them in pitch or oil, light them on fire, and shoot them at enemy forces. These arrows weren't just designed to injure—they were designed to ignite, spread panic, and create chaos. That's exactly how Satan's attacks work. He shoots multiple fiery darts designed to ignite fear, doubt, and spiritual destruction. What are these fiery darts? Specific examples: Doubt - "Did God really say that? Can you trust His promises? Where is He now?" Temptation - "You can't resist this. You've failed before. Just give in." Accusation - "You're not really saved. Look at your sin. God couldn't accept you." Discouragement - "Nothing's working. God doesn't hear your prayers. Give up." Fear - "You're going to lose everything. This situation is hopeless." Comparison - "Everyone else has it better. God must not care about you." Bitterness - "You have every right to be angry. They don't deserve forgiveness." Notice the pattern: Every fiery dart is designed to make you question God's character or doubt His promises. Satan's goal isn't just to make you sin—it's to destroy your faith. If he can get you to stop trusting God, everything else crumbles. Here's what makes these darts "fiery"—they don't just hit you; they ignite ongoing damage. One moment of doubt can spiral into days of spiritual paralysis. One temptation can become a consuming pattern. One accusation can create crushing guilt that destroys your effectiveness. But the good news: The shield of faith doesn't just deflect these darts—it extinguishes them. How faith extinguishes specific darts: When doubt comes: "I will trust in the Lord with all my heart" (Proverbs 3:5-6) When temptation attacks: "God is faithful and will provide a way of escape" (1 Corinthians 10:13) When accusation hits: "There is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus" (Romans 8:1) When discouragement weighs you down: "Those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength" (Isaiah 40:31) You extinguish the fiery dart by lifting the shield—actively trusting a specific truth about God. 3. You Must Actively Lift the Shield to Extinguish the Darts Many Christians have the shield but don't lift it. Paul says "taking the shield of faith"—that's active. You must pick it up, position it, and use it. Faith isn't passive. It's not "Well, I believe God exists, so I'm covered." It's active trust that responds to specific attacks with specific truths about God. What actively lifting the shield looks like: Step 1: RECOGNIZE THE ATTACK You can't defend against an attack you don't see coming. When thoughts of doubt, temptation, accusation, or fear hit—recognize them as spiritual attacks, not just random thoughts. James 4:7 says, "Resist the devil and he will flee." You can't resist what you don't recognize. Step 2: RESPOND WITH TRUTH This is where you lift the shield. Immediately respond with specific biblical truth about God. Don't argue with the dart or trust your feelings. Lift the shield—speak God's truth. Jesus modeled this in Matthew 4: "It is written..." Three attacks, three responses from Scripture. Step 3: REPEAT AS NECESSARY The enemy doesn't shoot just once. He keeps firing. So you keep lifting the shield. Every time an attack comes, respond with faith—active trust in God's character and promises. Sometimes you'll lift the shield multiple times in one day. That's not weak faith—that's what warfare looks like. Practical example: You're struggling with financial fear. The enemy shoots: "You're going to lose everything. God isn't going to provide." Lift the shield: "My God shall supply all my needs according to His riches in glory" (Philippians 4:19). I choose to trust His faithfulness over my fear. The dart comes again: "But look at your bank account." Lift the shield again: "God has never failed me. He fed Israel in the wilderness. He will provide for me. I trust His character, not my circumstances." As you repeatedly lift the shield of faith, the fiery dart is extinguished. The fear loses its power. Not because you "believed harder," but because you actively trusted specific truths about God. The Bottom Line: The shield of faith is your primary defense because it protects against the enemy's primary attack—destroying your trust in God. Faith is active trust in God's character and promises. The enemy shoots fiery darts designed to ignite doubt and fear. You must lift the shield actively by recognizing attacks, responding with truth, and repeating as necessary. Above all, take the shield of faith—it will extinguish every fiery dart the enemy shoots at you. Next in Series: Week 6 - "The Helmet of Salvation" (Ephesians 6:17a) How salvation protects your mind and thoughts.

In this episode, Andrew is joined by Pastors Scott, Rodney, and Dan to discuss themes from the biblical story of Jeremiah, emphasizing the importance of trusting God and prospering in difficult times. They encourage us to pray, have faith, and remain hopeful, highlighting the significance of God's promises and His ultimate plan for our lives.

We often celebrate the heroes of the Old Testament for their great faith. This is especially true of the Old Testament Patriarchs, namely Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph. These are some of the most mentioned characters in the Bible, and the Lord used these individuals to tell an amazing story of his faithfulness. However, when we read of their lives they were far from perfect, much of the story of Genesis is filled with men who fail to trust the Lord, take matters into their own hands, and manipulate and deceive others for their own selfish gain. These characters' lives were quite messy. What this tells us is that a Perfect God can use Imperfect People to fulfill his perfect plan, he is faithful to his promises and there is nothing we can do to thwart his purposes. Throughout the book of Genesis, God continues to make a way out of no way, using what is meant for evil for his ultimate good. It was the promise of land, seed, and blessing made to Abraham and his offspring that God would hold up, and it was through this promise that the Messiah, Jesus Christ, came to earth and brought the hope of salvation to the world. This is good news, as God still saves and uses imperfect people to accomplish his purposes!In this week's message, Brock Dowdy, Fellowship's Local Missions Pastor, walks us through the life of Isaac. Isaac's life was plagued by one specific sin, his own selfishness. We see throughout his life that Isaac is continuously selfish with his relationships, his comfort, his safety, and his legacy. It is easy to scoff and question why God would ever use such a selfish person to carry on his plan of salvation, but in Isaac's selfishness we can see our own tendency to be selfish with our relationships, comfort, safety, and legacy. This ultimately points us forward to the only person in whom no selfishness lived, Jesus Christ. We can see in the person and work of Jesus that all of these selfish qualities were redeemed, Jesus was the most selfless person to ever live, and because of his selflessness, him giving himself for us, salvation has been freely offered to us by grace through faith and the promise that was carried on through Isaac is fulfilled! Now, in Christ, we are controlled by the love of God to no longer live for ourselves but for others for the sake of the gospel. We hope you're encouraged by this podcast! If you have questions about our church or what it means to follow Jesus, we'd love to hear from you! Check out our Instagram @fellowshipya, website www.fellowshipar.com/young-adults, or send us at email at youngadults@fellowshipar.com.

Sermon Series "Hearing the Voice of God"-Week 2-Does it Bring Conviction?-Acts 2:32-41

In his sermon "Lord of My (Our) Friendships," Pastor Rodney emphasized that God designed us for relationship—first with Him, then with others. He explained that the enemy seeks to divide what God unites, but followers of Jesus are called to live counter-culturally by pursuing friendships that reflect God's truth, grace, and purpose. True friendship begins with intimacy with God and extends outward as we initiate, cultivate, heal, or sometimes sever relationships so that every connection draws us closer to Christ and builds His Kingdom. Listen and be challenged. Support the show

Pastor Travis Cunningham shares the vision for the future of our church and preaches on generosity from 1 Timothy 6:17-19. Learn more about Story Church at our website: story.church Instagram: @ourstorychurch

This week, we're diving into our final Sermon of the series: Closer—Building a Relationship with God. Join Reverend Ammie Bouwman as we discover the most important thing we can do in this relationship: choose. Don't miss this powerful word that will help you draw closer.

Today Chris digs into the belief that it is always God's will to heal

The Shoes of the Gospel of Peace Series: Suited Up - The Armor of God (Week 4 of 7) Scripture: Ephesians 6:15 Summary What happens when you try to fight without proper footwear? You slip, stumble, and lose your balance. In ancient warfare, a soldier's footwear determined whether he could maintain his footing on uneven terrain and stand firm in battle. Roman soldiers wore caligae—military sandals with thick soles studded with hobnails that provided traction, stability, and protection. This often-misunderstood piece of armor isn't primarily about evangelism—it's about the stability the gospel gives us in spiritual warfare. When you're rooted in the reality that you have peace with God through Christ, you can stand firm no matter what storms come, what attacks hit, or what circumstances threaten to knock you off balance. Key Points: 1. The Gospel Gives You Peace With God—Your Foundation for Stability The gospel is the good news that through Jesus Christ, sinners can have peace with God. Romans 5:1 says, "Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." Before salvation, we were at war with God—enemies because of our sin. But through the gospel, through Christ's death and resurrection, God made peace. He initiated it, paid the price, and removed the barrier. This is objective peace—a settled legal reality based on Christ's finished work, not on your feelings. This peace is your foundation for stability in spiritual warfare. When you don't have peace with God, you're spiritually unstable. Every trial makes you wonder if God is punishing you. Every attack makes you question if He's abandoned you. Every sin makes you fear you've lost salvation. But when you're grounded in the gospel of peace, you have stability that nothing can shake. How this works practically: When trials come, you don't wonder if God is punishing you—you know you have peace with Him through Christ When attacks intensify, you don't fear God has abandoned you—nothing can separate you from His love When you sin and fall, you don't lose assurance—Christ's righteousness covers you When circumstances feel chaotic, you don't panic—you're standing on solid gospel ground Jesus promised in John 16:33: "In Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." The gospel doesn't remove trials—it gives you firm footing to stand through trials. 2. Gospel Peace Keeps You Ready and Mobile in Spiritual Warfare The word "preparation" (hetoimasia) means readiness, firm footing, or being equipped and ready for action. It's not primarily about being ready to GO somewhere—it's about being ready to STAND somewhere. Roman soldiers needed footwear that allowed them to maintain position under pressure, shift weight to deflect attacks, move quickly when necessary, and keep balance on unstable ground. That's exactly what the gospel does in spiritual warfare. Gospel readiness looks like: Stability under pressure - You don't get knocked over when attacks come because your feet are planted on gospel peace, not on performance (which shifts) or feelings (which change) Mobility in obedience - The gospel gives you freedom to serve (not paralyzed by guilt), boldness to witness (you've experienced its power), and willingness to obey (your relationship with God is secure) Balance when attacked - When accused, you stand on justification; when tempted, you remember you're a new creation; when discouraged, you recall God's faithfulness You're stable but not rigid. Firm but not frozen. Ready for whatever comes. The gospel doesn't just save you and leave you static—it equips you for battle with both stability to stand and mobility to move as needed. 3. Gospel Peace Prepares You to Share the Good News With Others While the primary focus is on YOUR stability, there's a clear secondary application: being ready to share the gospel with others. If the gospel gives you firm footing, then sharing it with others is powerful offensive spiritual warfare. When you lead someone to Christ, you're plundering Satan's kingdom. Romans 10:15 says, "How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace." What makes feet beautiful? When they're bringing the gospel. How gospel peace prepares you for evangelism: You can't share what you don't have - You must be firmly rooted in the gospel yourself before you can effectively share it with others The gospel removes fear - Your identity isn't based on people's responses but on your standing with God through Christ. If someone rejects the gospel, they're rejecting Christ, not you The gospel gives you a message - You don't need complex arguments; you just share what the gospel has done: you were at war with God, but through Christ, you have peace When opportunities arise—a coworker asking why you have peace in chaos, a friend wondering how you maintain stability in trials, someone seeing joy despite difficulties—you're ready to point them to gospel peace. The Bottom Line: The shoes of the gospel of peace give you stability (peace with God through Christ as your unshakeable foundation), readiness (prepared to stand, move, and respond as needed), and boldness (free to share the gospel that transformed your life). The gospel isn't just your ticket to heaven—it's your firm footing for the battles of life. Next in Series: Week 5 - "The Shield of Faith" (Ephesians 6:16) How faith extinguishes the enemy's fiery darts.

Pastor Eric's message highlights the importance of learning from past mistakes and being open to God's transformative power through repentance, using the analogy of a potter reshaping clay to represent how God can restore us. He emphasizes that a soft, responsive heart invites God's grace and urges us to choose obedience and repentance to avoid the hardships that come from a hardened heart.

In this midweek episode, Andrew, Pastor Scott Kramer, and Pastor Eric Goldsborough discuss insights from their recent sermons based on Jeremiah 18, focusing on God's role in shaping our spiritual lives, much like a potter with clay. They highlight the importance of practical teaching, providential relationships, private disciplines, and pivotal circumstances in growing one's faith. They also emphasize listening to the Holy Spirit daily, the value of staying spiritually pliable, and the transformative power of engaging in church and ministry activities.

Sermon Series "Hearing the Voice of God"-Week 1-Does It Agree With The Bible?-Genesis 3:1-6

In her message “Lord of Our Expectations”, Kayla Anderson explores how our desire for control and specific outcomes often limits our faith. Through the stories of Jairus and the bleeding woman, she shows that Jesus rarely meets expectations the way we plan but He always offers something greater: His presence, compassion, and power. Kayla encourages believers to trust who Jesus is, not just what He can do, choosing to stay in His presence, Word, people, and surrender even when prayers seem unanswered, because His character and companionship exceed every expectation. Listen and be challenged. Support the show

Pastor Travis Cunningham shares the vision for the future of our church and preaches on generosity from Matthew 6:19-24 Learn more about Story Church at our website: story.church Instagram: @ourstorychurch

Chris starts us in the discussion of healing and sets the foundation for us to look at what is God's will

This week, we're diving into Part 3 of our new series: Closer—Building a Relationship with God. Join Reverend Ammie Bouwman as we discover what it really means to worship God with every part of our lives. Don't miss this powerful word that will help you draw closer with worship and prayer.

Pastor Rodney's message "Lord of My Life" shows us that Jesus is not just someone to admire but someone to follow fully and surrender to. Drawing from Mark 3, he explains that while many came to Jesus for what He could do, few chose true discipleship—believing in Him, belonging to Him, behaving like Him, and preaching about Him. True discipleship begins with being with Jesus before doing for Him, allowing His power to transform us and flow through us to others. Following Jesus means living in such a way that our words, worship, and lives visibly preach who He is. Listen and be challenged. Support the show

In this week's episode, Andrew hosts a discussion with Pastors Scott Kramer and Eric Goldsborough about the current sermon series, "They Spoke From God," focusing on the book of Jeremiah. Their conversation explores the themes of overcoming fear in responding to God's calling, understanding divine guidance, and trusting in the Lord's plan over self-reliance.

Pastor Eric's message encourages us to study the book of Jeremiah, known as the "weeping prophet," and to recognize that despite his difficult mission, God called Jeremiah at a young age and equipped him to fulfill his purpose. He challenges us to overcome excuses and embrace our God-given purpose with confidence, trusting that God will provide the necessary strength and guidance.