Podcasts about ignite church

A message from a series at Ignite Church in Williston, Vermont, Pastor Todd speaks into the 2024 election as Christians pray about voting and the crisis that is at hand by millions of believers withholding their vote during this presidential election cycle. It is time for the Church to stand in truth and righteousness and change the immoral and unGodly political ideologies of the nation rather than sitting in complacency waiting for Jesus to come back!

In this episode, our host, Jordan Sheets, interviews Lila Garro. Lila serves as the Women's Pastor at Ignite Church and has a passion for equipping women for ministry. When we hear “ministry” we often think of people employed by a church or ministry, but in this conversation, we talk about all women responding to the call God has placed on their lives to minister to others in their unique context. Lila shares her understanding of how the offerings we give to the Lord should cost us something… our finances, our time, our emotional investment, our gifts, etc. Together, we explore how this shapes us in the image of God. Lila has a passion for supporting and uplifting families in vocational ministry, especially pastor's wives. Lila's love and compassion for people are contagious. Check out this episode. 

The Viral Truth Every Pastor Must Know to Ignite Church Growth!

Sheridan Rodgers, pastor of Ignite Church in Hamilton, join us to share an encouraging message about the joys of telling God and those around us that we love them!

Ignite Church and The Rock of NWA are gathering and joining our respective ecclesia families together as ONE in Christ. The purpose of our gathering is to yield and surrender ourselves in worship, both individually and corporately, to our LORD and KING, Yahshua the Christ. From there we are going to speak into the earth what we see and hear from the heavenlies through apostolic decrees and prophetic declarations.

I know you've been waiting for the rest of this conversation. Here is the remainder of our conversation with Rob Steele. Rob is a pastoral Resident at Ignite Church (https://www.ignitechurchfm.com/). --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/fargo-christian/support

Rob sat down with Jorde this week and shared his passion for community. He gives a few tips and tricks to making friends at church, but also shares some deeper thoughts as to why it is so valuable to those questioning their faith, new believers, and "seasoned vets" of the church world. Catch part 1 this week, and stay tuned for the second half of the conversation in our next episode! Rob is a pastoral Resident at Ignite Church (https://www.ignitechurchfm.com/). --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/fargo-christian/support

Sometimes, we get overwhelmed in life but we can find rest at the feet of Jesus. Join us today for a special Revival Night Service with Guest Speaker Curt Pitts who serves as the Senior Pastor at Ignite Church in Laurel, MS as he shares from Romans 10:15 on the subject of "Find Me At His Feet."    To support this ministry financially, visit www.starkvillecog.com/give

Rebecca Oblak is a sought-after leadership trainer, certified leadership coach, ordained minister, and conference speaker. She helps ambitious Christians who have been given a big vision, to uncover what might be holding them back and the fears they have around stepping fully into their authentic self (in business, ministry, relationships and health) and being at peace with the plan and the purpose He created you (and you alone) for. She is the founder of Arrow's Edge coaching as well as the senior leader and founder of Ignite Church and Ignite Global. She is also a loving, faithful mother of 2 young ladies who are extraordinary in every way. Arrow's edge coaching is the culmination of her experience, including 25 years in a ministry environment and ten years of leadership coaching, equipping people just like you. She is passionate about growing in relationship with Jesus, challenging limiting belief systems to align with the truth and freedom He brings. Driven by her desire to see people fulfill their purpose and destiny, she loves to help Christians seeking impact and legacy to grow into the powerful and influential people they were created to be. And as a passionate, love-filled business leader and mother, she understands the importance of creating balance in life. Check her out at https://www.getarrowsedge.com/ or https://www.facebook.com/groups/arrowsedgeValuable Voices Podcast with MirandaAdding value to the world with amazing people who have made an impact on my life and others that I can't help but share with you!Apply to be interviewed here - https://linktr.ee/mkward7878Check us out on:Youtube - https://youtu.be/nPI892ZQKDsFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/valuablevoicespodcastBuzzsprout - https://valuablevoices.buzzsprout.com/Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/valuable-voices-podcast-with-miranda-ward/id1529343260

4 Foundational Truths of the Christian Faith | Matthew 5:13-16This sermon was preached by Brandon Smith at Grace City Church in Fargo, North Dakota. Brandon serves as an elder at Ignite Church in Moorhead, MN.To learn more, please visit our website at www.gogracecity.church.

The “business pastor” Rod St. Hill of Brisbane Australia returns to share more insights on how to equip business leaders to make disciples in the market place. Join the pastor of Ignite Church to learn more. Listen and share this with pastors you know…maybe yours!

Squaring Up_ Mid Year Fast June 12, 2022 Big Idea: Understanding, accepting and accurately living in the Kingdom of God is the heart of Ignite Church. God has been revealing what that looks like to us on a deeper level over the past several months. This week we talked about the upcoming fast and the prophetic direction God has released for this time. We have an invitation in this time to square up to Him. To square up to His truths, His timing, His goodness, His purity. We also discussed squaring up our agreements to His. We have thousands of opportunities daily through our thoughts and interactions with others to agree with Kingdom life and freedom or agree with the anti-Christ agenda. We empower what we agree with. Let's agree with Kingdom realties and renew our minds to a Kingdom default in all areas of our life. While 1 week is short in duration, I believe it will be powerful in impact. We are setting into motion a cycle of breaking forth and breaking through. Challenge: *Commit to the fast fully and whole heartedly allowing Holy Spirit to guide you in all areas. *Embrace the things that are illuminated and respond accordingly. If it's changing something, change it with a cheerful heart. If its starting or stopping something, obey quickly. *Be mindful of your thoughts and attitudes this week being quick to change agreements, old mindsets etc. Quotes and Key Points: As a Kingdom citizen, my goal is not to get to Heaven, my goal is to bring Heaven to Earth. The WORD, not the world should dictate my expectations and agreements. Co-laboring with Christ means I am fully surrendering to His will and plan knowing that it far exceeds mine. We are fasting this week to square up all areas of our life so that our external and internal response is always defaulted to the Kingdom through our mind renewal and embracement of His truth. Key Scriptures: 1 Corinthians 6:19-20; Colossians 2:8-9; Isaiah 26:3, Colossians 3:2; John 10:27

Squaring Up_ Mid Year Fast June 12, 2022 Big Idea: Understanding, accepting and accurately living in the Kingdom of God is the heart of Ignite Church. God has been revealing what that looks like to us on a deeper level over the past several months. This week we talked about the upcoming fast and the prophetic direction God has released for this time. We have an invitation in this time to square up to Him. To square up to His truths, His timing, His goodness, His purity. We also discussed squaring up our agreements to His. We have thousands of opportunities daily through our thoughts and interactions with others to agree with Kingdom life and freedom or agree with the anti-Christ agenda. We empower what we agree with. Let's agree with Kingdom realties and renew our minds to a Kingdom default in all areas of our life. While 1 week is short in duration, I believe it will be powerful in impact. We are setting into motion a cycle of breaking forth and breaking through. Challenge: *Commit to the fast fully and whole heartedly allowing Holy Spirit to guide you in all areas. *Embrace the things that are illuminated and respond accordingly. If it's changing something, change it with a cheerful heart. If its starting or stopping something, obey quickly. *Be mindful of your thoughts and attitudes this week being quick to change agreements, old mindsets etc. Quotes and Key Points: As a Kingdom citizen, my goal is not to get to Heaven, my goal is to bring Heaven to Earth. The WORD, not the world should dictate my expectations and agreements. Co-laboring with Christ means I am fully surrendering to His will and plan knowing that it far exceeds mine. We are fasting this week to square up all areas of our life so that our external and internal response is always defaulted to the Kingdom through our mind renewal and embracement of His truth. Key Scriptures: 1 Corinthians 6:19-20; Colossians 2:8-9; Isaiah 26:3, Colossians 3:2; John 10:27

I am very excited for today's episode as I interview Jody Burkeen of ManUp God's Way.  He is the founder of Man Up! God's Way Ministries, Lead Pastor of Ignite Church, a speaker, author and fellow podcaster.  It's going to be exceptionally good!!!!Here are some links to find out more about Jody:Man Up! God's Way Ministry WebsiteMan Up! God's Way AppMan Up! God's Way Facebook PageMan Up! God's Way Youtube Channel with Podcast EpisodesAlso, you can find the Man Up! God's Way Podcast on most podcasting platforms.Support the show

ITS TAKEOVER SEASON 2022! Welcome to the second year of Persons of Interest: Summer Takeover. Each week you will be introduced to some amazing friends of Vantage Point. Some are pastors, some are influencers, but all of them have a heart for God, and a heart for people, so you will want to lock in for the next 8 weeks. Today you get to meet a new voice to Vantage Point Podcast. To kickoff Persons of Interest: Summer Takeover, welcome Pastor Jamin Bell, Youth and Young Adult Pastor of Ignite Church Tulsa.

Today, Mike Sunbury of Ignite Church shares part 4 of our series entitled Munificence. Generosity is not only monetary it's with all that God has given us. =========================== Our church goes LIVE right here on YOUTUBE on SUNDAYS at 4PM ============= ✩ SHOP : https://cuhow.creator-spring.com/? ✩ STAY CONNECTED: https://cuhow.com ===========================

Today, Mike Sunbury of Ignite Church shares part 4 of our series entitled Munificence. Generosity is not only monetary it's with all that God has given us. =========================== Our church goes LIVE right here on YOUTUBE on SUNDAYS at 4PM ============= ✩ SHOP : https://cuhow.creator-spring.com/? ✩ STAY CONNECTED: https://cuhow.com ===========================

Growth can hurt as well as help. Join me with Russ Shearer as he tells his story of both lagging finances and leadership base as his church suddenly grew to 150 percent of pre-COVID attendance. This is a crazy good story that reveals the ups and downs of God's blessing. Russ is a seasoned church planter who moved to Peoria, Illinois a few years prior to COVID. The church Russ pastors was given a new campus just prior to the pandemic. Another congregation closed an extension site handing the facility to Ignite Church. They picked up a few members from the previous operation and the Ignite congregation began evangelizing and inviting friends. The post-lockdown climate became somewhat frenzied with the need to train leaders and start microchurches. All of which is being compounded by lagging finances. Russ is the only full-time employee and it will take several months for giving to catch up to growth. To top this, Ignite Church just inherited another campus at no cost. They're busy preparing a church plant in that facility. God is piling blessings on Russ and his congregation. But blessings can become stressors if they come too quickly. Anxiety dogs most pastors at one time or another and Russ is no exception. You'll be moved and encouraged by his struggles and his overcoming spirit.You can catch up with Russ at https://www.ignitechurch.org.NOTE: If you're struggling with anxiety you might find solace and direction in my short book Defeating Anxiety. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lee Stephenson and Danny Parmelee talk with the Director of Church Planting for Converge Heartland, Steve Krier, to discuss the challenges of planting in rural areas and what life is like in the district.0:23 Lee introduces podcast guest, Steve.0:40 Steve discusses where he's from and where he serves as a pastor.1:01 Steve shares a “fun fact” about North Dakota.1:12 Lee asks Steve his reason for planting a church in the Fargo area.1:25 A lot of people in the Fargo area know about Jesus, but have no relationship with him, according to Steve. Drinking is also a big problem in the area, so Steve ministers to bring hope to people.2:11 Danny asks if life in the city of Fargo is really what it's like as depicted in the movie “Fargo.”2:25 Steve quickly speaks about what the movie did and didn't get correct about the Fargo area and how residents have embraced the press from the movie, even if it's not accurate.3:07 Steve informs Lee and Danny about the landscape and climate of North Dakota.3:48 Lee asks Steve about starting Ignite Church in a movie theater and what it's like starting a portable church.4:10 Steve discusses how schools weren't an option for use as a church plant, and how God answered his prayers by providing a movie theater to rent at a great price.5:10 Steve talks about the challenges of using a movie theater for church services.5:46 On the flip side, Steve talks about the benefits of having church in a movie theater.6:08 Frigid winter temps are a challenge when planting a portable church in North Dakota.7:11 Danny asks about Ignite Church's storage situation for moving equipment back and forth.7:20 Steve points out that every church planter has their own unique challenges, no matter the location.7:59 Lee asks about Converge's Heartland district.8:14 Steve lays out how the Heartland district looks, geographically.8:38 Lee wants to know what characteristics Steve is looking for in people who desire to plant a church in Converge Heartland.8:57 Danny asks Steve to also talk about how someone from outside Converge Heartland can successfully plant within the district.9:17 Steve speaks to the grit and resolve those who plant in Converge Heartland must have, due to slow growth, sparse population, and being viewed as an “outsider.”11:34 Steve explains the independence residents in the Heartland district have and how it affects not only their views of outsiders, but also their approach to Jesus.12:03 Lee is curious how Steve coaches church planters who want to come to the Heartland.12:41 The importance of a church planter finding a local connection to a “person of peace,” in order to be successful.14:04 Lee asks for the population of North Dakota and how it's dispersed among Fargo.14:18 Less than three quarters of a million people live in North Dakota.15:03 One third of North Dakota's population is in one city.15:37 Lee asks what it's like for church planters to plant in a very rural, unpopulated area. Should these church planters be bi-vocational?15:58 Having a skill that is transferable to a trade is helpful for rural church planters.16:23 Another fun fact about the size of Fargo!16:58 Danny talks about how having a trade as a church planter can help with credibility and relationship building.17:18 Becoming involved in a community is one of the best things a rural church planter can do.18:16 Danny mentions the tension that can be felt with having a permanent church vs. a nontraditional meeting space.18:47 Having a permanent place, now that Ignite Church has purchased the building they've been using for years, has brought credibility.18:57 Steve talks about the importance of showing communities the church is going to stick around and has a stake in the community.19:46 Lee asks Steve how listeners can pray for the Heartland area.20:04 The people who live within Converge Heartland need hope because of long winters, drugs, and alcoholism.21:00 Steve puts out the call to those who feel they might want to help with ministry in the Heartland, as resources and people are needed to reach people for Christ.21:24 Steve shares his contact information.21:48 Lee thanks Steve for being a podcast guest.

On this episode of "UnFiltered: The Podcast", enjoy a timely and essential conversation between Pastor Spencer Graham and Pastor Erick Abreu as they discuss church culture in 2021 and the feeling of apathy that has crept its way in to the North American Church. Pastor Erick Abreu is the pastor of Ignite Church in Hialeah, FL, alongside his beautiful wife Annay and their two children. He strongly believes that now, more than ever, is the time to take to heart the words of the biblical writer in Hebrews 10:25; "not forsaking our meeting together [as believers for worship and instruction], as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more [faithfully] as you see the day [of Christ's return] approaching." 

Did you know that each of us have a perspective of who God is? What is your first thought of who God is? Hebrews 6, verse 11 says God is a Rewarder of those who diligently seek Him..but there is more.

It's time for God to reveal His Glory like we've never seen before! We are the Glory Generation and we are here for such a time as this. We are chosen and we are royal. We are the Bride of Christ!

God is Raising Up an Exceedingly Great Army For A Coming Revival and Spiritual Awakening That Will Sweep This Nation! God wants the church to come to life and stand up. You don't want to miss the video and it's message.

Is The Church Essential, Pastor Troy asks. It is, if you want to flourish and grow. Have seeds been planted in you that have grown dormant and are just waiting for the right environment to spring forth?

Pastor Troy breaks down the meaning of the spirit of fear, and who is behind it. The difference of being afraid or becoming overcome by fear. He describes how to keep fear out of our lives.

How often do we quote memorized scripture verses without really thinking about the words coming out of our mouths. Do we think about how personal those words are to the person saying them in the Bible? Here are some of those words to reflect on in Psalm 23, Valley, Table and Cup.

A time of prayer for President Trump and the Nation and a discussion of how to react.. Join as the discussion continues on Moment of Clarity . Pastor Sean Todd, the Rockin' Rev of The Intersection and pastor of Ignite Church in Milan. Pastor Patrick Steele, of Ignite Church. Pastor Jeff Noble of Four Winds Church in Northville. Pastor Jeff Jones of God's Family Room in Taylor. Pastor Richard Deitering of Moment of Clarity and Newport Community Church. Neil Mammen of Every Black Life Matters. Pastor Matt LaFave of Calvary Baptist Church in Whitmore Lake. Pastor Matt Postiff of Fellowship Bible Church of Ann Arbor.

There's a day coming called judgment day. We will ALL stand before the Lord. Every knee will bow. Will we pass the test? Listen as Pastor Troy tells how we can ALL pass that test.

Join as Pastor Troy talks about, How Do I Know That I'm Prepared To Meet Jesus. How Do I Know That I Am A True Believer Of Jesus.

There is a spirit that is attacking the church today unlike any other time in history, the spirit of Jezebel. Pastor Troy shares way of fighting this spirit, and walking from victory in Christ.

During the troubled times the country is in, let's seek to do the impossible. Let's seek to be used by God, to touch, to move others, and look to God to get things accomplished.

Ed Bonderenka and guest Pastor Sean Todd of Ignite Church talk Radio Host Etiquette, the problems of a Woke Church and the religious idolatry of the Democratic National Convention.

None of us thought that we'd still be in the virus lock-down in the middle of August, but here we are. Pastor Troy believes the virus will end right after election and it's be politicized. His words of encouragement give us hope of God ending it.

In this episode, I speak with Jody Burkeen. Jody is a full time pastor of Ignite Church, as well as the director for an International Men's Ministry called Man Up God's Way. Jody has been married for 30 years and they have 4 children ages 19, 18 and twin 9 year olds.Jody talks about how he had ran from God for most of his life even though he was raised as a child in church, but became an self proclaimed atheist. It was when he was holding his two oldest children, who at the time were about 1 and 2 yrs. old, that he felt and realized that there is no way my kids came from a cesspool of algae. This started him to think that if his children were created and he was created wasn't just by chance. He tells how he and his wife were both saved on May 22nd, 2003. It was during that change in his life, which opened his eyes to the problem that there is in the church; and that is the lack of men stepping up to do what God's called them to do.Jody then tells that as he began to read the Bible that the presence of the Holy Spirit would tell him not to do something or what he was doing was sin, the Holy Spirit would convict him as well as basically agreeing with God's Word. Through this process he gave up habits,  and addictions. Even through this, Jody talks about how he dealt with depression to the point that in 2016 he almost committed suicide. he explained how he "faked it really good , to my church, to my ministry, to my wife, for a matter of fact, until I got to a certain point where I actually planned it our." But, through getting help and pray and a close relationship with Jesus and allowing the Holy Spirit to work in his life for over a year to bring healing.Jody discusses the purpose behind Man Up God's Way and how they go through a process of teaching men to stop be spiritual immature. Jody also talks about an upcoming project that he is working on with Tate Jordan of Kingmen Way that is a 40 day coaching program that focuses on all areas of a man's life from  faith, family, fitness, finances and helping men to have a focus through discipleship.Highlights:5:10 - Galatians 5:22-23 17:39 - 7 areas in a man's life that they are spiritual weak           1)Personal relationship with Jesus.               A) Read your Bible              B) Pray               C) Repentance           2) Marriage           3) Children           4) Church           5) Work           6) Accountability           7)Discipleship43:40 - 40 Day challenge coaching program- 5 "F's"  of faith, family, fitness, finances, and focus. The cost is $35 a week and a link is included below with all the other resources and products discussed.Links:website: https://manupgodsway.org/ 40 day challenge- https://www.manupkingsmenway.com/optin1592967438546Facebook page:   https://www.facebook.com/manupgodsway/Facebook group:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/manupgodswaygroup/?ref=web_social_pluginTwitter:  https://twitter.com/Manupgodsway1Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/manupgodsway/Resourse:Affiliate link for products available on Amazon:Man Up- Becoming a godly man in an ungodly world  https://amzn.to/3gBLlaxPursuit of a GodlyLife  https://amzn.to/2PuHuA0Man Up God's Way Prayer Journal   https://amzn.to/2XxOsbZMan Up God's Way Family Devotional  https://amzn.to/3ijdcg1The Marriage Advise: 15 Answers to Questions Men wont Ask https://amzn.to/2DLNBgU

Pastor Troy gives the example of the rich young rules about sacrifices. Giving up things in this life, not only benefits our walk with God now, but blesses us into an eternal life. And we're not talking about money.

During the end times, the Bible describes times of comfort. The scriptures regarding the end times are not to place fear in our hearts, but rather comfort. This is a great message to relax our troubled spirit.

Jesus said that he has told His children many things that will give us peace. In this world of trouble, he gives attention to the fact that HE had overcome the world.

Some dreams can be spiritual, and if so, they align with God's principles. Pastor Troy shares a dream he had about scriptures that explain the good Samaritan. How would you interpret this dream?

A continuation of last week's message regarding the Attitude Indicator. Pastor Troy gives a powerful lesson on the attitudes mentioned in Matthew 5.

Pastor Troy explains one particular gauge in an airplane, the Attitude Indicator. It's not an Altitude Indicator, but attitude. This gauge tells the pilot whether the nose of a plane is up or down .. you guessed it .. we all need one of these for our spirit.

One of the most important things we can do for God is grow. Spiritual growth is vital to our relationship with God. Pastor Troy teaches us how we need to plant spiritual seeds to grow with God.

Jody Burkeen is the Lead Pastor / Elder for Ignite Church. Jody is an author, speaker and a lover of the word of God. In 2010 he founded Man Up God’s Way, a national men’s ministry that is challenging men to step up for the kingdom of God. The MAN UP! ministry was birthed out of a desire to change the way Christian men do Christianity. Jody's self-described "Damascus Road Transformation" led him on a journey to search the scripture to find what he had been missing his whole life, which was Jesus Christ. did. The MAN UP! Gods Way ministry is Jody’s hope that he can challenge men to live a separated life. “All men have only five problems: sex, women, work, kids and money. That’s how simplistic we are. So somewhere out there, there is an accountability partner for you. You just have to want it. We will continue to have these problems until we lay them at the feet of Jesus. Get someone to help you. Begin the process together.” -Jody Burkeen Boots on the Ground: Head over to www.ManUpGodsWay.org  and pick up a copy of Jody’s book, Man Up God’s Way and go to the back of the book and take the 30 day challenge.   www.meninthearena.org Men in the Arena Books and Swag Support the Podcast The online Men in the Arena forum

Through the pandemic we are all suffering from, there is help that awaits. Our focus has to be on God and what God is doing through this and what He can do for each of us.

In Genesis 34, a young girl has been raped, and instead of crying injustice, Jacob held his peace and remained silent. Pastor Troy digs into the wisdom of remaining silent and allow God to bring justice.

There are 3 major feasts in Israel, Passover, Pentecost and the feast of Tabernacles. Pastor Troy describes the difference between being Pentecostal and Charismatic churches.

During this time of disturbance in America, and the world, we can either have a revival in our soul, or just survive spiritually. Encouraging words will life your spirit and help you not to walk in fear, but in a heart revival.

Today we live our heroes, on the sporting field, in politics and in movies. I was watching TV recently and saw an ad with a montage of the various stars of  Discovery channel shows and they start to applaud and when the shots pull back they are applauding doctors, nurses and first responders in this pandemic.   Suddenly we see the fact that real heroes are very often ordinary people who, through adverse circumstances, rise to do extraordinary things. Today want to examine the life of an ordinary, discouraged, oppressed even timid guy who became a judge, a leader and a conqueror. His name is Gideon.   SIX LESSONS ON FAITH FROM A FAITHLESS GUY   In Judges, we see the cycle of the nation of Israel’s fortunes. They rebel against God, God allows Adversity and oppression, in their pain they cry out to God, and God in His love sends a hero to rescue them. They repent, then fall away again and the whole cycle continues. Maybe this is how your life looks?   That’s where we meet an ordinary guy called Gideon, who has something to teach us about faith. He’s as oppressed and scared as the next guy with his situation, not an impressive hero at all, and I for one relate to that!   1.      GOD USES TOUGH TIMES TO GET OUR ATTENTION   This pandemic has driven some people away from God, and some of us towards Him. Either way, for the first time in a long time, He has our attention. People are not thinking about cars, houses, things, football or food, they are thinking about life, family and what really is important in this world.   But the end of Judges 5, we find the nation at peace, at ease and, as often happens, complacent and apathetic about God… Many of us just a few months ago. They had it all, and as it tends to happen to us all in such times, Israel forgot God. They became self-sufficient. They didn't need God.   So the Lord thought He’d shake things up a bit by rousing an enemy against them to show them how hard life can be without Him.   Judges 6:1-2 (ESV Strong's) The people of Israel did what was evil in the sight of the LORD, and the LORD gave them into the hand of Midian seven years. And the hand of Midian overpowered Israel, and because of Midian the people of Israel made for themselves the dens that are in the mountains and the caves and the strongholds.   So God sends these evil Midianites to oppress them for 7 years. The Midianites were a terrifying and warmongering tribe who raided and stole all the produce on the land, forcing the Israelites to live in fear and even retreat to caves to survive. And although these Israelites had largely forgotten God, and were back into idolatry by this stage worshipping Baal, in a pinch they turned back to the true God…   7 years, you might ask why they waited so long to turn back to the Lord? Because they're a lot like us - they waited until every other possible option played out and they couldn't take it any longer.   Judges 6:6 (ESV Strong's) And Israel was brought very low because of Midian. And the people of Israel cried out for help to the LORD.   How many times have hard circumstances come to us, and we never stop to ask what God is planning for us in those circumstances? Instead we hold out, thinking that we can handle it on our own. Learn this from Gideon: every experience in life is a test. And every trial in the lives of God's people is tailored to draw us closer to God, and grow faith in our hearts.   Here's the point: When tough times come, instead of looking at them as if God is punishing you, instead of whining and complaining about how tough life is, try to see them as God's gift of grace. A test, even a blessing to grow your faith.   C.S. Lewis said it like this, "God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pains. It's His megaphone to rouse a deaf world."   Right now God is shouting to a unbelieving world, and to us who are Christians, and we need to hear Him and respond by turning to Him.   Hebrews 12:11-12 (ESV Strong's) For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees,   2.      GOD’S VIEW IS BIGGER THAN OURS   God sees far more than we do, and He is waiting for us to turn to Him. He sends an unknown prophet to call the people back to repentance, then He raises up an unknown and unlikely hero, called Gideon.   Gideon’s name actually means, “One who cuts down tress and destroys stuff,” But he was anything but that! He was frustrated, timid and scared.   Judges 6:11 (ESV Strong's) Now the angel of the LORD came and sat under the terebinth at Ophrah, which belonged to Joash the Abiezrite, while his son Gideon was beating out wheat in the winepress to hide it from the Midianites.   Winnowing wheat should be done in a breezy area, not a hole in the ground. But so scared were the Israelites of Midian they resorted to compromise. And the angel of God, with ironic humour, says this…   Judges 6:12 (ESV Strong's) And the angel of the LORD appeared to him and said to him, “The LORD is with you, O mighty man of valor.”   God sees things inside us when we cannot. Here’s Gideon, threshing in a wine press, and he is greeted not as who he sees himself as, but as who God sees him becoming!   One of the biggest lies the devil sells us is that God only uses special people. If you are a born-again believer, you are God's child, royalty, a prince or a princes, and God says He has plans to prosper you. He says you are His workmanship, His masterpiece, and He is out there preparing opportunities for you to become the mighty man or woman of God you are destined to be!   Ephesians 2:10 (ESV Strong's) For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.   God sees not who you are right now, but who you can become in Him.   3.      GOD CONFIRMS HIS PRIORITIES WITH HIS PRESENCE   Gideon felt like God had long abandoned them…   Judges 6:13 (ESV Strong's) And Gideon said to him, “Please, my Lord, if the LORD is with us, why then has all this happened to us? And where are all his wonderful deeds that our fathers recounted to us, saying, ‘Did not the LORD bring us up from Egypt?’ But now the LORD has forsaken us and given us into the hand of Midian.”   Some of you feel like that right now. Isolated, lonely, socially distanced, many feel disconnected from the church, and from God. Gideon felt like that. It’s ok to feel like that, it’s just not ok to stay there. God looked him full in the face,   Judges 6:14 (ESV Strong's) And the LORD turned to him and said, “Go in this might of yours and save Israel from the hand of Midian; do not I send you?”   Gideon then throws up his upbringing.   Judges 6:15 (ESV Strong's) And he said to him, “Please, Lord, how can I save Israel? Behold, my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father's house.”   Listen, whatever your family, your background, your failures or your past, destiny is determined not by circumstances, but by choices. If the devil tries to remind you of your past, try reminding him of his future! God’s reply was   Judges 6:16 (ESV Strong's) And the LORD said to him, “But I will be with you, and you shall strike the Midianites as one man.”   When God calls you, He empowers you and even better, He walks the road with you. You are never alone. People ask where is God in all this COVID stuff, and I tell them I know where He is… Right here with me, walking the road!   God confirms His priorities with His presence. He says, I will be with you, and He doesn’t lie…   Numbers 23:19 (ESV Strong's) God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfil it?   But Gideons lack of faith began to shine through in his next words…   Judges 6:17 (ESV Strong's) And he said to him, “If now I have found favor in your eyes, then show me a sign that it is you who speak with me.   Many of us are like this, we doubt the promises of God. Gideon is talking directly to God, and has nothing but doubts and excuses. Here’s the thing… God didn’t zap him! God loved him, and showed grace by slowly building his faith. But once built, Gideon needed a test to prove to himself that God can use him to rescue his people.   4.      PERSONAL FAITH PRECEDES PUBLIC USEFULNESS   How could Gideon leads his people to victory when his own family were idolators. God isn’t God to Gideon’s people, Baal was!   So the first assignment from the Lord was to take his dad's prized bull and tear down the idols. Then, Gideon was to sacrifice said bull using the wood from the destroyed idol. Gideon did it, passed the test and kicked up a huge storm of reaction.   Why would this detail be in the Bible? To show us that, if we want to become great for God, we must first set our own house in order.   Before God can use you mightily, He must be magnified in your own life, in your own home. Private faith prepares us for public power from God, and there are no short cuts… Holiness is holiness.   Judges 6:27 (ESV Strong's) So Gideon took ten men of his servants and did as the LORD had told him. But because he was too afraid of his family and the men of the town to do it by day, he did it by night.   So there was still fear, but he stepped out and did it, scared or not. So is there anything you've been holding on to? Is there any sin that you're clinging to? Knock down your idols today. Confess your sin. Deal with it and return to full obedience to God and the God will use you to impact the world!   Will it stir things up when you do this? You bet, but God will honour those who honour Him! It happened for Gideon, and even his idolatrous father Joash began to change and stand up for his son and the Lord.   Judges 6:31 (ESV Strong's) But Joash said to all who stood against him, “Will you contend for Baal? Or will you save him? If he is a god, let him contend for himself, because his altar has been broken down.”   5.      GOD IS PATIENT WITH OUR FAITH   Now despite Gideon being touted in Hebrews as a hero of the faith, his story shows anything but a hero for a long time.  He passed the personal test of faith, and now people rallied to the cause of fighting Midianites, 32,000.   Judges 6:34 (ESV Strong's) But the Spirit of the LORD clothed Gideon, and he sounded the trumpet, and the Abiezrites were called out to follow him.   If this were a movie, he’d come up with a rousing speech, “We will fight them on the fields, on the ground, in the mountains, this is our finest hour, this is our Independence Day. But no, Gideon was busy doubting.   I’m like that as a pastor. You’re called, God has anointed you, but some days your faith just has the wind sucked out of it. It only takes a few words of criticism, a questioning glance, and suddenly you doubt that God’s even called you at all.   Even after his encounter with Almighty God, even though he had been obedient to clean shop at home, and even though the Holy Spirit was empowering him, Gideon still struggled with doubts. He knows that God has promised to save Israel through him, but he's looking in the mirror and the reflection he sees doesn't look encouraging.   God still doesn’t zap him. God doesn’t even chastise him for lack of faith. God loves him, and extends grace to him and meets his bizaar request about fleeces.   Judges 6:37-38 (ESV Strong's) behold, I am laying a fleece of wool on the threshing floor. If there is dew on the fleece alone, and it is dry on all the ground, then I shall know that you will save Israel by my hand, as you have said.” And it was so. When he rose early next morning and squeezed the fleece, he wrung enough dew from the fleece to fill a bowl with water.   A fleece is not faith, but it is faith building. Faithful people don’t need to put out a fleece, but sometimes some of us do.   Great… Fleece put out, God comes through, I’m ready to go Lord! Oops, maybe not…   Judges 6:39 (ESV Strong's) Then Gideon said to God, “Let not your anger burn against me; let me speak just once more. Please let me test just once more with the fleece. Please let it be dry on the fleece only, and on all the ground let there be dew.”   Again God does it to prove He is with him in power.  I love how loving, tender, and patient God is with us. Gideon is making a deal with God. He wants a confirming sign. I bet most of us are no different.   Why did God bother? Why not just say, I’ve had enough of your doubting attitude Gideon, I’m going to empower Joshua down the road instead of you.  That’s how we think God is with us, but when we genuinely have doubts, God loves us enough to persist… Not forever, but until our faith is stronger.   Our Lord was developing this man into a fully invested man of faith, matching each doubt with a kind reassurance. God will show you the same patience as well as you seek His face, dealing with each of your fears to grow you into a man or woman of God.   6.      VICTORY IS OBTAINED BY GOD’S POWER, NOT OURS   Gideon is good to go, it’s game on, and he heads off to war with his 32,000, knowing God is empowering him. But God has other plans. We think we know  best, we have ideas and opinions, but sometimes God just trumps them.   Judges 7:2-3 (ESV Strong's) The LORD said to Gideon, “The people with you are too many for me to give the Midianites into their hand, lest Israel boast over me, saying, ‘My own hand has saved me.’ Now therefore proclaim in the ears of the people, saying, ‘Whoever is fearful and trembling, let him return home and hurry away from Mount Gilead.’” Then 22,000 of the people returned, and 10,000 remained.   Brilliant God, just chop our numbers by 2/3. Why? Because God doesn’t want us to take the glory for ourselves, thinking we did it all! And God knows us so  well. Pastors think they are great because they have a big church. Business people who are successful praise their skills and hard work. Families where kids turn out good praise their parenting. Yes, our actions and abilities influence it, but no matter how good we think we are, it is all, every bit of it, a blessing from the Lord.   James 1:17 (ESV Strong's) Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.   BUT WAIT, THERE’S MORE!   Only 10,000, but still God says that’s too many. Really God? Yes, He culls the army down by 9,700 men who stoop to drink from a river, leaving only those 300 who lapped water from their hands. Now God’s happy, and Gideons faith is stretched but holds…   Judges 7:7 (ESV Strong's) And the LORD said to Gideon, “With the 300 men who lapped I will save you and give the Midianites into your hand, and let all the others go every man to his home.”   God does this to us as He builds our faith. Little by little He teaches you to rely solely on Him. Ignite Church is scattered and stretched in this COVID time. My faith is stretched, and trying to restart live church is scary. It’s an unknown, and perhaps God is stripping us back to teach us to trust Him more. Jesus said,    Luke 18:27 (ESV Strong's) But he said, “What is impossible with man is possible with God.”   God created an impossible situation of human weakness to exalt His own strength. This is His specialty!   Accomplishing God's purposes is not determined by the bottom line on a finance sheet, or the size of our congregation, or the efficiency of our plans, or our skills, talents or determination. We need to attend to all those things, sure.   But the truth is, God is looking to glorify Himself on earth through people who are fully dependent on Him, who believe He is with them and are ready to charge the enemy in the name of the Lord!   God doesn't need a majority vote from us on this. He doesn't need us at all. But He loves us so much He invites us to join Him in doing His will. When we do, we reap the blessing and He gets the glory. D. L Moody said: "Give me ten men who fear nothing but sin and love nothing but God, and I shall change the world."   So Gideon led the 300 out with trumpets, torches, and jars to meet the crazy killers. God sent confusion into the ranks of the enemy so that they began attacking each other. When it was over, 120,000 Midianites had killed one another and the other 15,000 fled. God had answered Israel's prayers, and He did it all using a fearful, normal bloke who decided to trust God.   SO WHAT ABOUT US?   Gideon shows us that you don’t have to be a super Spiro to be used by God. You don’t need a Bible degree, a ton of money or extreme talent.   God uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things, and in this extraordinary time, I believe God wants to use you. You don’t need anything special, just a heart for God, a phone, a Facebook account and it also helps to have a church who believes in you.   But you need 2 things… A heart devoted to God, and I mean really devoted, not just “Hey God, can you get me this,” But, “I’ll serve with everything I have no matter what.” And the second thing you need is faith, faith to step out and believe God, faith to stand when others fall, faith no matter if you get what you want or not.   I know many of you watching want to be used by God. Maybe you struggle with faith. Pray with me and let’s commit ourselves to the Lord to use us as a church over the next many months to shine God’s love.  

Liz Brantley is dropping the heat this week with major truth bombs about our identity as women, following our calling, leaning into hard seasons, struggling with body image, and SO much more! Trust us, you do not want to miss this episode! #brooFollow Us on Instagram:Kathryn @kcollChelsea @chelseaallegraHeart + Sole @heartandsolepodcastSole Fitness @sole_fitnessJoin our Facebook Group! "Heart + Sole Podcast Insiders"Follow Liz on Instagram: @lizbrantleyEmail Liz at: liz.brantley@ignitechurch.comCheck out Ignite Church at: www.ignitechurch.com Sign up for the Sole Online Training App!Use coupon code 'SOLE20' for 20% off your first month!!Support the show (http://www.solefitness.com/sole-store)

Pastor brings up one of the most powerful men in the New Testament. Before Paul became Saul, he had an encounter with Jesus that left him blind for 3 days. This is an encouraging message of what God can do through spiritual blindness to opening out eyes.

Doing it right means being in the light. Using another story of Jesus, Pastor Jason Lineberger (Lead Pastor at Ignite Church) walks us through the importance of law, love, and grace.