Podcasts about in john

In John 11, Jesus refers to himself as "the resurrection and the life." Let's talk about what this revelation means for us.

What does it truly mean to never be alone? In John chapter 14, Jesus speaks directly to this universal fear — the fear of abandonment, of being left without help, without hope. As we explore this passage together, we discover four profound realities.If you have a story where Jesus has changed your life since you been here at Shelter Cove we would love to hear about it here: https://beyond.sheltercovelive.com/storiesCONNECT WITH SHELTER COVE HERE AT: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sheltercove Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sheltercovelive Website: https://sheltercovelive.com #Alone #John #ShelterCove

What if Jesus is so much better than the version of Him we've created in our minds?In John 7–8, Jesus reveals Himself as the Living Water and the Light of the World—fulfilling what God's people had been celebrating and pointing toward for generations. This message challenges us to see Jesus for who He truly is, not who we want Him to be, and to consider whether we genuinely believe He is who He says He is.Jesus is the fulfillment of every promise, the source of our hope, peace, joy, and freedom. He is better than you think.Support the show

You know, sometimes following biblical directives can seem like mission impossible, and one of those is found in 1 Thessalonians 5, where it says we are to pray continually. Did you ever wonder how in the world you could do that? How can you pray continually and still keep a job or sleep or do anything else? Some translations say pray without ceasing or pray at all times, but any way you look at it, it doesn't seem possible. And that passage goes on to say this is God's will for you. So, it's God's will that we should pray continually, but we don't know how we can do that. What does it mean? Surely God knows we must do other things, yet, there it is: Pray continually. Pray without ceasing. I highly recommend Sherry Harney's book, Praying with Eyes Wide Open. It's a very helpful book, and I'll be sharing some of Sherry's thoughts with you.[1] When you think of praying, what comes to your mind? Do you see prayer as a time when you must be quiet, either sit or kneel, close your eyes and bow your head? Does it seem almost sacrilegious to open your eyes when you are praying or when someone else is? Is prayer to be reserved for those specific times in a day—or a week—when you can get in the right position and the right frame of mind for prayer? If that's how you see prayer, then praying at all times or praying continually will continue to be an impossibility. Did you know the Bible gives no specific directions about your posture or the state of your eyes when you pray? You won't find any references in the Bible demonstrating that people are praying with heads bowed and eyes closed. In fact, you'll find many times when prayer was often given standing up, with arms outstretched toward heaven. We have passages that speak of God's people praying in the midst of a battle, while shepherding sheep or on a journey, in public and private places. In John 17:1 we read that: After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed. We see where Solomon spread his hands out toward heaven as he prayed, and David lifted up his hands. The apostle Paul exhorted us to pray with holy hands lifted, as we read in 1 Timothy 2. And often the apostles laid their hands on people as they prayed for them. So, I want to encourage you—and hopefully equip you—to see how you can pray continually, no matter where you are or what you're doing. [1] Sherry Harney and Kevin G. Harney, Praying with Eyes Wide Open: A Life-Changing Way to Talk with God (Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 2017).

☞ ABOUT THIS MESSAGE What does it really mean to be great? In John 13, Jesus answers that question in the most unexpected way possible. At the Last Supper, He gets up from the table, wraps a towel around His waist, and washes His disciples' feet, including the feet of Judas, the man who was about to betray Him. This act was not symbolic. Foot washing was considered so degrading in that culture that even Hebrew slaves were not permitted to do it. Jesus did it anyway, and then He told His disciples to do the same. True greatness, in the kingdom of God, is not fame, position, or accomplishment. It is the willingness to kneel before someone who may never thank you for it.   ☞ BIBLE APP NOTES https://www.bible.com/events/49669400   ☞ GROUP LEADER GUIDE https://www.summitchurch.online/_api/public/file/download/bond_75d869c85e384cceb5cd36e098fa9db0   ☞ NEXT STEPS

What if we've settled for a counterfeit version of what it means to follow Jesus? In John 15, Jesus invites us to abide in Him, to make our home in Him through dependence and obedience, rather than trying to earn His favor through activity and performance. When we remain connected to Jesus, the fruit of His Spirit naturally begins to grow in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. The invitation is simple: stop striving to transform yourself and learn to depend on Jesus, obey Him, and let Him transform you.-----------Join us for service online or in-person in Grand Rapids every Sunday at 9AM & 10:45AM.Decided to follow Jesus? We would love to help you figure out what's next! Let us know at https://bit.ly/TLC-i-decidedStay Connected!Website: http://localchurchgr.orgFacebook: http://facebook.com/localchurchgrInstagram: http://instagram.com/localchurchgrWeekly Email Newsletter: https://bit.ly/trendingatTLCVisit & What to Expect: http://localchurchgr.org/expectEvents: http://my.localchurchgr.org/eventsIf you would like to support The Local Church GR's ministry and help us continue reaching people in the Grand Rapids area, click here: https://localchurchgr.org/giveNeed prayer? Please let us know! https://localchurchgr.org/care

We're all looking for love, but where we look for it matters.In John 4:4–29, Jesus meets a Samaritan woman searching for love and fulfillment in the wrong places. Her story reveals how our deepest longings can lead us toward relationships and intimacy that can never fully satisfy.As we continue 'You're Looking for Jesus,' discover how Jesus offers the love we've been looking for. You're looking for Jesus, and He's closer than you think.

We're all looking for love, but where we look for it matters.In John 4:4–29, Jesus meets a Samaritan woman searching for love and fulfillment in the wrong places. Her story reveals how our deepest longings can lead us toward relationships and intimacy that can never fully satisfy.As we continue 'You're Looking for Jesus,' discover how Jesus offers the love we've been looking for. You're looking for Jesus, and He's closer than you think. 

Why would someone pour out a year's wages on a single act of devotion? In John 12:1–8, a woman named Mary does exactly that by anointing Jesus's feet with expensive perfume just days before his death. One of Jesus's own followers objects, framing his complaint as concern for the poor. But Jesus sees through it: the objection was never about generosity, it was about greed wearing a religious mask. It's an old and uncomfortable truth: people still use faith to cover selfish motives, and Real worship isn't manufactured; it's a response to being loved first, by a God who gave everything for people who didn't deserve it. Whether you're skeptical of organized religion or genuinely searching, this passage asks a pointed question: what's actually worth everything to you, and why?

We're all looking for love, but where we look for it matters.In John 4:4–29, Jesus meets a Samaritan woman searching for love and fulfillment in the wrong places. Her story reveals how our deepest longings can lead us toward relationships and intimacy that can never fully satisfy.As we continue 'You're Looking for Jesus,' discover how Jesus offers the love we've been looking for. You're looking for Jesus, and He's closer than you think.

We're all looking for love, but where we look for it matters.In John 4:4–29, Jesus meets a Samaritan woman searching for love and fulfillment in the wrong places. Her story reveals how our deepest longings can lead us toward relationships and intimacy that can never fully satisfy.As we continue 'You're Looking for Jesus,' discover how Jesus offers the love we've been looking for. You're looking for Jesus, and He's closer than you think.

What does it mean to live a fruitful life? In John 15:1-8, Jesus describes Himself as the vine and His followers as the branches. Rather than beginning with what we do for Jesus, He calls us first to remain in Him. As we abide in Jesus and allow His words to shape us, fruit grows from our lives. Being with Jesus shapes what we do for Jesus. This message is part of our Pathways series, exploring the next steps we […] The post Abide in Jesus | Pathways first appeared on Cornerstone Church.

In John 10 Jesus says, "I Am the Gate" using the metaphor of a sheep pen which provides safety and security to the flock, enabling the shepherd to care for his sheep to describe how we find life and faith within the shelter only he can provide. Our problem is that there are forces at work in our world that put us at risk of life being stolen from us, not just our mortal lives, but a fulfilling life. We can experience this life only through Jesus because he is the gate through which we find it.

It is easy to look at what we have and focus on what we don't have. We may think we need more money, more time, more resources, or more opportunities before we can make a difference. But God often asks us to start with what is already in our hands.In John 6, a young boy had only five loaves and two fish. It certainly wasn't enough to feed thousands of people. Yet he was willing to give what he had, and Jesus took something that appeared insufficient and used it to bless a multitude.The same principle applies to us. God may have placed something in your hands that seems small—your testimony, your time, your finances, your skills, your compassion, or simply your willingness to help someone. You don't have to have everything to give something.The question isn't simply, “What has God given me?” The deeper question is, “What am I going to do with what God has given me?”Sometimes the blessing God has given you is meant to reach someone who is hurting, hungry, discouraged, overlooked, or searching for hope. When we are willing to release what God has placed in our hands, He can use it in ways we could never accomplish on our own.Don't underestimate what you have. What is small in your hands can become much in God's hands.

**Apologies for the poor audio quality of this recording.** (John 10:1-10) In John 10, Jesus speaks about sheep, shepherds, thieves and a gate. These images are not random. They come in the middle of a confrontation about who truly belongs to God and who has the right to lead His people. Join us as Iain explores Jesus' declaration, “I am the gate for the sheep,” and considers what this image reveals about who He is.

What makes the Good News so good? It means you no longer have to shepherd your own life or rely on "hired hands" that abandon you when danger comes. In John 10, Jesus reveals Himself as the Good Shepherd--One who knows your name, leads you into abundant life, and absorbed the blow of death on the cross so the flock could go free. 

We're all looking for love, but where we look for it matters.In John 4:4–29, Jesus meets a Samaritan woman searching for love and fulfillment in the wrong places. Her story reveals how our deepest longings can lead us toward relationships and intimacy that can never fully satisfy.As we continue 'You're Looking for Jesus,' discover how Jesus offers the love we've been looking for. You're looking for Jesus, and He's closer than you think.

God Became Human to Enable Jesus Followers to Have a Personal Relationship with Him through His Grace and Gift of the Holy Spirit MESSAGE SUMMARY: As Jesus tells us in John 15:12-14, that you, as His follower, are His “friend: “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends.". God became flesh, and He dwelt among us. God became human to draw you into a personal relationship with Him. In John 1:14, the Apostle John identifies Jesus as the “Son of the Father”: “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.". God alone can satisfy the meaning and purpose of your life. God alone can satisfy your hunger to know your life's meaning. Most importantly, God alone can give you forgiveness of your sins as Paul tells us in Colossians 2:13-14: “And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross.". Jesus' life, miracles, death, and His resurrection are invitations to a life-long personal relationship with God, the Creator of the Universe. Our personal relationship with God is through His gift, to followers of Jesus, of the Holy Spirit.   TODAY'S PRAYER: Surely it is God who saves me. I will trust in Him and not be afraid. For the Lord is my stronghold and my defense, and He is my savior. Therefore, you shall draw water with rejoicing from the springs of salvation. And on that day, you shall say, “Give thanks to the Lord and call upon His Name; make His deeds known among the peoples; see that they remember that His Name is exalted.”. Amen. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: Today, I affirm that because I am in Jesus Christ, I will entrust to Him my future.  know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day.  From 2 Timothy 1:12 SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): Hebrews 1:3; Hebrews 1:10-13; Colossians 2:10-15; Psalms137:1-9. A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. THIS SUNDAY'S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach's Current Sunday Sermon: “Giving Thanks to the Lord” at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/ DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

“What is the inerrant Word of God?” This question opens a discussion on the Catholic understanding of Scripture’s divine inspiration and truth. The conversation also touches on Mary as Queen of Heaven in the Bible, the timeline of the deuterocanon’s inclusion in Scripture, and the meaning of being born of water and spirit in John 3:5. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 02:00 – What do Catholics mean when we say the inspired inerrant Word of God? 18:33 – Where do we find Mary as Queen of Heaven in the bible? 31:06 – In John 1, how could Andrew tell Peter that they found the messiah if Peter had already confessed in the synoptics? 33:20 – When were the deuterocanon officially made a part of the bible? 44:10 – How do I explain the meaning of being born of water and spirit referred to in John 3:5?

In John 12:23–24, Jesus gives a profoundly significant response to a group of Greeks who wanted “to see Him.”  Through a vivid agricultural metaphor, He reveals the heart of the Gospel and the purpose of His mission on earth.  While Jewish expectations of the Messiah centered on glory, conquest, power, authority, and victory over their enemies, Jesus teaches that it is the sacred seed of His death that will yield the harvest of salvation.  In the first installment of this two-part message, Dr. T. D. Stubblefield explores this powerful principle and its enduring significance.  

Who is Jesus to you? In John 8, Jesus makes the extraordinary declaration, “Before Abraham was, I AM,” revealing Himself not merely as a teacher or Savior, but as the eternal God and Lord of all. Through the seven “I AM” statements in John, Jesus reveals that He is everything we ultimately need. But knowing about Jesus is not enough; His lordship calls for total surrender and a growing relationship with Him. Like branches connected to a vine, our life and fruitfulness come from abiding in Christ—and the fruit He produces through us is meant to bless others. There is always more of Jesus to know, more of His life to experience, and more of ourselves to surrender to the great I AM.

Welcome to Day 2956 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain and today is Day 2956 – Theology Thursday – If Jesus Is God, Why Does He Pray? Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2956 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps!   I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2956 of our Trek.   The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before. Our current series of Theology Thursday lessons is written by theologian and teacher John Daniels. I have found his lessons short, easy to understand, doctrinally sound, and applicable to all who want to learn more of God's Word. John's lessons are available on his website, theologyinfive.com. Today's episode is:  If Jesus Is God, Why Does He Pray?. One of the most common objections raised against classical Christian theology is the claim that Jesus' prayers prove He is lesser than the Father. If Jesus prays, submits, and receives authority, the argument goes, then He cannot be fully God. Scripture, however, presents a very different picture. Christ's prayers do not reveal inferiority of nature, but the depth of the incarnation and the priestly role He willingly assumed. The doctrine of the Trinity, clarified at Nicaea, did not invent new categories. It articulated what Scripture already required Christians to confess: the Father is God, the Son is God, the Spirit is God, and yet God is one. The challenge was never whether Jesus prayed, but how to understand those prayers without denying either His divinity or His humanity. Segment 1: The Incarnate Son and the Reality of Prayer The New Testament consistently presents Jesus as praying. He withdraws to solitary places, gives thanks, intercedes for His disciples, and submits His will to the Father. These prayers are not symbolic gestures. They belong to His real human life. In John 17, Jesus prays openly: “Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you, since you have given him authority over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him.” This is not a denial of divine authority. It is the incarnate Son speaking within the mission He has received. Authority is not absent from Christ; it is exercised according to the role He has assumed. The same pattern appears in Gethsemane: “Not my will, but yours, be done.” Here, Scripture does not present a divided Trinity or competing divine wills. The human will of Christ freely aligns itself with the divine will. Obedience belongs to His humanity, not because He is lesser, but because He has truly become man. Paul explains this posture with precision: “Though he was in the form of God, he did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant.” Christ does not lose equality with the Father. He refuses to cling to privilege and instead lives fully within human obedience. Segment 2: Christ as High Priest and Mediator. Scripture explicitly frames Christ's earthly ministry in priestly terms. The Letter to the Hebrews is unambiguous: “Every high priest chosen from among men is appointed to act on behalf of men in relation to God.” Christ fulfills this role perfectly. Hebrews identifies Him as: “A great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God.” A priest stands between God and humanity. He speaks to God on behalf of others. He offers obedience, intercession, and sacrifice. Prayer is therefore not incidental to Christ's mission. It is essential to it. Hebrews further states: “Although he was a Son, he learned obedience through what he suffered.” This does not imply moral deficiency or prior disobedience. It describes lived obedience within human experience. Christ obeys as humanity's representative. Where Adam failed, Christ remains faithful. As High Priest, Jesus must pray. He must submit. He must act from within the human condition. These actions do not diminish His divinity. They demonstrate the reality of His mediation. Segment 3: Voluntary Subordination Within the Economy of Salvation. Scripture consistently distinguishes between Christ's eternal identity and His role within salvation history. Jesus Himself says: “The Son can do nothing of his own accord, but only what he sees the Father doing.” This is not a confession of weakness. It is a declaration of perfect unity of will. The Son does nothing independently because He does nothing in opposition. His submission is voluntary and functional, not ontological. Early Christian theology was clear on this point. Athanasius writes in his Letter to Epictetus: “When the Word became flesh, He made the affections of the flesh His own… and when He prayed, He prayed as man, not as Word.” The Word does not pray to Himself. The incarnate Son prays according to His human nature. To deny this is to deny the incarnation itself. Athanasius further insists: “The Word was not lessened by taking flesh, but rather the flesh was raised up by the Word.” Christ's lesser posture is assumed, not imposed. It belongs to His mission, not to His essence. Segment 4: Deification and the Restoration of Humanity. The goal of Christ's priestly obedience is humanity's restoration. Athanasius famously states: “He became man that we might become what He is.” This does not mean that humans become divine by nature. It means humanity is healed, glorified, and brought into communion with God. Psalm 8 declares: “You have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor.” Hebrews applies this to Christ and to redeemed humanity: “We do see Jesus, who for a little while was made lower than the angels, now crowned with glory and honor.” Christ descends so that humanity may be raised. His voluntary humiliation makes glorification possible. Paul describes this transformation in resurrection language: “What is sown perishable is raised imperishable.” Revelation speaks symbolically of shared inheritance: “I will give him the morning star.” These promises describe participation, not equality of essence. Communion, not absorption. In Conclusion. Jesus' prayers do not reveal inferiority within the Trinity. They reveal the incarnation in action. As High Priest, Christ stands in humanity's place before the Father. As the incarnate Son, He lives the obedience humanity failed to offer. As the eternal Word, He remains fully God while doing so. His submission is voluntary. His lesser posture is functional. His obedience is redemptive. In Christ's prayers, Scripture reveals both who God is and what humanity is meant to become. For further exploration consider these Discussion Questions. How does understanding Jesus as High Priest and mediator clarify why prayer and submission are necessary parts of His earthly ministry without implying inferiority of nature? Why is the distinction between ontological equality and functional or voluntary subordination essential for preserving both the Trinity and the incarnation? Hebrews states that Jesus “learned obedience through what he suffered.” How does this statement affirm Christ's true humanity while avoiding the claim that He lacked righteousness or divine authority? How does Athanasius' explanation that Christ prays as man, not as Word, protect against both Arian and modalist misunderstandings of Jesus' prayers? In what way does Christ's voluntary descent and priestly obedience establish the biblical foundation for deification as restored humanity, rather than humans becoming divine by nature? Join us next Theology Thursday to learn about “I Decree and Declare”: Why Social Media Proclamations Are Pagan, Not Biblical...

What did Jesus mean when He said, “I AM”? In John's Gospel, Jesus makes several remarkable “I AM” statements. He calls Himself the bread of life, the light of the world, the good shepherd, and the true vine. But one statement stands out: “Before Abraham was, I am.” Why would Jesus speak this way? And why did His opponents react so strongly? In this episode of Relish, Alex and Don examine Jesus' “I AM” statements and their connection to God's revelation of Himself in the Old Testament. The discussion then moves from theology to application. Knowing God's name is one thing. Knowing God personally is another. The hosts explore what reconciliation through Christ means, how the Holy Spirit gives believers a new identity, and what it means to live as a child and heir of God. The conversation also addresses shame, addiction, testimony, prayer, Christian community, baptism, communion, self-examination, and the struggle to allow God to lead rather than simply giving Him a place in our religious life. At the center of it all is one question: When Jesus said “I AM,” was He claiming to be God?   00:00:57 — “I AM” and Identity 00:03:09 — Did Jesus Claim to Be God? 00:07:37 — Knowing God vs. Knowing About God 00:11:50 — New Life Through the Spirit 00:15:55 — Are Your Names Written in the Book of Life? 00:19:53 — Is Jesus Really Lord of Your Life? 00:22:33 — What Does a New Identity Look Like? 00:25:45 — Why You Should Examine Yourself First 00:27:18 — “It Is No Secret What God Can Do”

What if the reason you're exhausted isn't because you aren't trying hard enough, but because you're trying to do something you were never meant to do alone?In John 14:12–17, Jesus makes some astonishing promises. What do these promises actually mean, and how could they change the way you face temptation, difficult relationships, anxiety, and everyday decisions?Join us this Sunday as we discover why Help Is on the Way. We'll also take Communion together and remember the sacrifice that made this promise possible.Newer to Stonehill or ready to get connected? First Step is happening this Sunday as well.Join us at Mountain View High School at 8:30, 10:00, or 11:30 AM. Bring someone with you!

In John 6, we see Jesus meet His disciples in the wilderness, in the storm, and in their hunger—and in every situation, He reveals that He Himself is enough. Through the feeding of the 5,000, Jesus walking on water, and His declaration that He is the Bread of Life, we discover that Jesus isn't simply the One who gives us what we need—He is what we need.When the storm doesn't stop, when we can't see Jesus, or when life feels impossible, can we trust that He is still with us and still sustaining us? John 6 ultimately points us to the truth that Jesus is at the center of everything, and like Peter, we can say, “Lord, to whom will we go? You have the words of eternal life.”Support the show

True service is not about signing up for programs or earning approval. It is an act of love, obedience, and worship that flows from a heart transformed by God. In John 13, Jesus, fully aware of His authority and identity, knelt down and washed His disciples' feet, taking on the role of the lowest servant in the room. He did not do it to impress anyone. He did it to glorify His Father and make God's love visible. Humility is not a reputation to build but a heart posture that shifts our focus from ourselves to the needs of others. When we serve together in unity, the world sees Jesus. Service is not a program. It is a posture that starts with a changed heart.

THIRSTY HEARTS | Welcome Home — Week 2We all have a thirst that we're trying to satisfy.Success. Approval. Control. Relationships. Money. Comfort. Achievement. Even good things can become dangerous when we ask them to give us what only God can give.In John 4, Jesus intentionally travels through Samaria and meets a woman at a well. She comes looking for physical water, but Jesus exposes a much deeper thirst and offers her “living water”—a life only He can provide.Jesus knew her entire story, and He came to the well anyway.Her encounter with Jesus changes everything. She leaves behind her water jar, runs back to the people she had been avoiding, and tells them about Jesus. Her story didn't disqualify her from carrying the Gospel; her encounter with Jesus gave her a story worth telling.The question isn't whether we're thirsty. The question is: What well are we going to in order to satisfy that thirst?Every other well eventually runs dry. Jesus doesn't.Scripture: John 4:1–42Series: Welcome HomeMessage: Thirsty Hearts

It's possible to be around Jesus without actually making Jesus home. In John 15, Jesus calls Himself the true vine and reminds us that our identity, life, joy, and peace are found in Him. Not in our jobs, relationships, accomplishments, possessions, or anything else we might attach ourselves to. To abide in Jesus means to make our home in Him, allowing every area of our lives to feel the pull toward Him through dependence and obedience. As we begin Home, the invitation is simple: wherever you find yourself, take a step toward Jesus and let Him meet you there.-----------Join us for service online or in-person in Grand Rapids every Sunday at 9AM & 10:45AM.Decided to follow Jesus? We would love to help you figure out what's next! Let us know at https://bit.ly/TLC-i-decidedStay Connected!Website: http://localchurchgr.orgFacebook: http://facebook.com/localchurchgrInstagram: http://instagram.com/localchurchgrWeekly Email Newsletter: https://bit.ly/trendingatTLCVisit & What to Expect: http://localchurchgr.org/expectEvents: http://my.localchurchgr.org/eventsIf you would like to support The Local Church GR's ministry and help us continue reaching people in the Grand Rapids area, click here: https://localchurchgr.org/giveNeed prayer? Please let us know! https://localchurchgr.org/care

God Speaks to Jesus Followers Through the Holy Spirit's Inward Voice, and with the Spirit, He Gave His Personal Relationship MESSAGE SUMMARY: Isaiah tells us in Isaiah 30:21: "And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, ‘This is the way, walk in it,' when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left.". We know, from the New Testament, that Jesus Followers are given the Holy Spirit to walk with them -- "a word behind you". Since the Holy Spirit takes up residence in you, the way the Lord speaks to you is through the inward witness of the Holy Spirit -- the Spirit will speak, and you will know that it is the Lord. In John 14:26, Jesus reminds us about His promise, to His followers, of the “Helper” (Holy Spirit): “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.”. Additionally, in John 16-7, Jesus tells us that not only will the Holy Spirit be your “Helper”, the Holy Spirit will be your “Comforter”: “Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him {the Comforter} unto you.". For Jesus Followers, God speaks through the inward voice of the Holy Spirit who He gave to us along with a personal relationship with Him.     TODAY'S PRAYER: Lord, you know how difficult it is for me to be in silence before you. At times it feels almost impossible, given the demands, distractions, and noise all around me. I invite you to lead me to a quiet, silent place before you — to a place where I can hear you as Elijah did. In Jesus' name, amen.     Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 123). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: Today, Because of who I am in Jesus Christ, I will not be driven by Hatred. Rather, I will abide in the Lord's Love.  “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in Me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5). SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): Ezekiel 22:30-31; Isaiah 30:21; John 14:23-27; John 16:7-13; Psalms 134:1-3. A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. THIS SUNDAY'S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach's Current Sunday Sermon: “Giving Thanks to the Lord”, at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/ DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

Have you ever spoken better than you knew? In John 11:49-57, Caiaphas, the high priest, does exactly that. Alarmed that Jesus' miracles will provoke Rome, he argues that it is better for one man to die for the people than for the whole nation to perish. His motive is self-preservation; his counsel is wicked. Yet John tells us he spoke more than he realized: Jesus would indeed die for the nation, and not for the nation only, but to gather into one the children of God scattered abroad. In this sermon we see how God uses even the sinful acts of men to accomplish his sovereign purpose of salvation, without ever becoming the author of evil. Where Caiaphas meant a political solution, God meant Christ dying in the place of sinners, satisfying divine justice and securing his people. We also see Jesus, not his enemies, governing the timing of his death as the Passover approaches. For believers, this is deep assurance that nothing can separate us from Christ's love. For those who have only recited the gospel, it is a call to repent and rest on Christ alone.

What does it actually mean to be free? In John 8:31–59, Jesus challenges our definition of freedom and reveals how the things we desire can quietly become the things that control us.In this message, Minister Alex Ehly explores what Jesus means when he says, “If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” True freedom isn't simply doing whatever we want. It's knowing who we belong to, trusting the Father, and allowing Jesus to free us from the sin, desires, habits, and patterns that hold us captive.Discover how surrendering to Jesus doesn't take away our freedom. It leads us into the freedom, identity, and belonging we were created for.

In John 4, one woman's encounter with Jesus impacted an entire community, reminding us that we don't have to find a mission field—God has already placed people around us whom we can begin intentionally praying for as our BLESS 5.

In John 16, Jesus prepares His disciples for life in a world that will not always welcome them—and He promises they will not face it alone.Jesus tells them that it is actually to their advantage that He goes away because the Helper, the Holy Spirit, is coming. The Spirit of Truth will convict the world, confirm our identity as God's beloved, counsel us in truth, clarify Christ, and give us calm in the middle of chaos.The Holy Spirit does more than comfort us. He reveals truth, leads us into the deep things of God, glorifies Jesus, and empowers us to live as witnesses in the world.And while Jesus never promises a life without trouble, He promises something greater: “In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”In this installment of Discourse, from The Beloved Gospel series, Pastor Josh teaches through John 15:19–John 16 and explores the person and work of the Holy Spirit—the Spirit of Truth.Support the show

Jesus is the One who was, who is, and who always will be. In John's Gospel, Jesus picked up the phrase used by God to introduce himself to Moses…”I Am.” Through this series, we want to discover how Jesus is the subject of history, not its object, and how Jesus is always more than enough for us. This weekend through Jesus' miracles and teaching in John chapter 6, we can remember how Jesus is the bread who gives us life.Support the show

In John 3:1-8, Jesus teaches Nicodemus about the absolute necessity of the new birth. In this message, Greg Smallwood examines the biblical truth that spiritual transformation is not the result of human effort, religious status, or self-improvement, but a supernatural work of God through the Holy Spirit. This message connects the teaching of Jesus in John 3 with the practical ministry of Hoosier Hills Recovery, showing how faith in Christ brings hope and restoration to broken lives. Testimonies from those involved in the ministry demonstrate the transforming power of God's grace as lives move from despair to hope, destructive habits are replaced with a foundation of faith, and identity is found in Christ rather than past mistakes. The sermon emphasizes the limitations of religion and self-effort and points to the new birth as essential for entering the kingdom of God. True spiritual life comes from God, and salvation is His free gift through Jesus Christ. This message is both biblical and pastoral, calling listeners to consider their need for the new birth, receive the gift of salvation, and walk in the newness of life that Christ provides. Series: Hope Baptist Church Bible Text: John 3:1-8 Speaker: Greg Smallwood Date: September 20, 2026

In John 6, Jesus makes a difficult and unsettling statement: “Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me.” What does Jesus mean, and what does this have to do with following Him through suffering?In this Prayer & Communion sermon, Greg Snow explores Jesus' call to abide in Him—not only when life is good, but when following Him becomes costly. As we come to the table, we remember the body broken and blood poured out for us, and we are invited to trust Jesus in the middle of our suffering.We'd love to connect with you https://newlifephilly.churchcenter.com/people/forms/224507Would you like Prayer today? https://newlifephilly.churchcenter.com/people/forms/382423We pray the New Life Philly Podcast encourages you today! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube at NewLifePhilly.

Who is Jesus according to Jesus? We are answering that question by exploring seven scandalous claims he makes in the Gospel of John, known as the "I AM" statements.In John 14, Jesus declares, "I am the way, the truth, and the life." Within each of these three words, we find something we desperately long for—something we were created for. Yet, we frequently replace these authentic longings with cheap, enticing counterfeits. These counterfeits promise fulfillment but ultimately leave us empty.In this message, we discover that while we tend to be preoccupied with self-preservation and security, what we truly need—and what Jesus offers—is a life of abundance and purpose that we can participate in now and into eternity.

Everyone is looking for something. We long for truth, goodness, beauty, hope, and purpose, but our blindness can keep us from seeing what's right in front of us. The good news is that Jesus is closer than we think.In John 9, Jesus heals a man born blind and reveals a deeper reality: everyone is blind in some way. Everyone is looking, but not everyone wants to see. And true sight comes when we encounter Jesus.As we begin this new message series, You're Looking for Jesus, discover what John 9 teaches us about spiritual blindness, faith, and seeing Jesus clearly. You're looking for Jesus and He's closer than you think. 

Everyone is looking for something. We long for truth, goodness, beauty, hope, and purpose, but our blindness can keep us from seeing what's right in front of us. The good news is that Jesus is closer than we think.In John 9, Jesus heals a man born blind and reveals a deeper reality: everyone is blind in some way. Everyone is looking, but not everyone wants to see. And true sight comes when we encounter Jesus.As we begin this new message series, You're Looking for Jesus, discover what John 9 teaches us about spiritual blindness, faith, and seeing Jesus clearly. You're looking for Jesus and He's closer than you think.

In John 13, Jesus shows us that following Him means living differently from the values and systems of the world. As Jesus humbly washes His disciples' feet, He points us toward the cleansing power of the cross and gives us a model for how to live. Following Jesus means choosing humility, serving others, and growing in meaningful relationship with the people around us.   Taught by Jose Zayas.

In John's day, Jesus was on trial—not in a courtroom, but in the court of public opinion. False teachers were spreading distorted views of who He is, and believers were being swayed. In response, John presents a powerful, eyewitness defense of the real Jesus—eternal, fully God, and fully man. This message shows why believing in the true Jesus is essential, because everything—fellowship, joy, and eternal life—hangs in the balance.

We are more connected than ever, yet increasingly absent from the people right in front of us. In John 11, Jesus shows us something powerful about love: He was present. He entered thegrief of people He loved, even when He already knew the answer.If we want to look like Jesus, we have to learn how to be present. And if we want real biblical community, presence isn't optional.

What if the Christian life isn't about trying harder to get closer to God? In John 17, Jesus reveals something far better: UNION. God isn't far away, waiting for you to work your way toward Him. In Christ, you've been brought into His life...fully loved, fully accepted, and joined to the Lord. Discover how living from union instead of separation changes the way you see God, yourself, and everyday life.FOR GROUP DISCUSSION & REFLECTION:Open it up: What's something you absolutely insist on doing yourself, even though you probably should ask for help?Read John 17:20–23 | What stands out to you most from Jesus' prayer? Why?Read John 5:19 & John 8:28–29 | How does seeing Jesus model dependence, not just good behavior, change the way you think about following Him?Read John 15:4–5 | Where are you most tempted to live from self-sufficiency instead of dependence on God?Read 1 Corinthians 6:17 | What do you think it means that the person joined to the Lord is “one spirit with Him”? How does that affect the way you see your relationship with God?Reflect & Respond: What might change in your everyday life if you really believed you were already united with Christ and fully loved by the Father?+ + + + +Hey, while you're here, please help Generation by clicking the 'Subscribe' button, then click on the BELL

“Antichrist” is one of the most loaded words in the Christian vocabulary, and it often gets used to fuel fear, speculation, and end-times obsession. We slow down and let 1 John 2:18–19 set the agenda instead. From the start, we're honest about the context: a church community is fractured, people have left, and competing claims are being made about God, sin, obedience, love, and especially Jesus. John's response is steady and pastoral: return to what's foundational, walk in the light, tell the truth, obey Jesus, and love one another.We also untangle what John actually means by “Antichrist.” In John's letters, antichrist language isn't about geopolitical predictions or identifying a single future villain. It's Christological. Antichrist names whatever opposes, denies, or distorts the truth about Jesus Christ, including refusing to confess Jesus has come in the flesh. That's why “they went out from us” matters: the issue isn't merely changing churches, it's what happened to Jesus in their teaching and their life.Finally, we talk about “the last hour” and why it's not a countdown clock. Drawing on the New Testament's “already and not yet” vision and insights often highlighted by N. T. Wright, we explore how Jesus' resurrection brings God's future into the present. That kind of eschatology doesn't make us less invested in the world; it makes us more faithful within it through creation care, love of neighbor, and resisting loyalties that compete with Christ. If this helped you, subscribe, share with a friend, and leave a review. What's one end-times idea you're ready to rethink?Support the showIf you enjoyed this episode, consider subscribing to Madison Church on your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback means the world to us, so please take a moment to leave a review and share the podcast with your friends and family.For inquiries, suggestions, or collaboration opportunities, please reach out to us at help@madisonchurch.com.For the latest updates and behind-the-scenes content, follow us on social media:FacebookInstagramYouTubeNew episodes are released every Monday, so mark your calendars and join us weekly!If you'd like to support the show, you can make a donation here. Your generosity helps us continue to bring you meaningful content.This podcast is intended for general informational purposes only. The views expressed by the hosts or guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Madison Church. Any reliance you place on such information is strictly at your own risk. For detailed information regarding our terms of use and privacy policy, please visit our website.Thank you for being part of the Madison Church community! We appreciate your support.

What do we do when our worst failure seems to define us? In John 21, Peter comes face-to-face with the Christ he denied—and discovers that grace doesn't merely forgive his past; it restores his purpose. Jesus calls Peter out of shame, back into the mission, and ultimately toward a path of discipleship that will cost him everything. In this message, we'll see how our love for Christ produces a love for others, why following Jesus requires us to embrace our own calling rather than compare it with someone else's, and how a man who once denied Christ to save his life would eventually give his life to glorify God. Peter's story reminds us that our failures do not have to determine how we finish—grace gives us a future, and the call remains the same: “Follow me.”

Have you ever asked God to show Himself to you? Have you prayed for a sign, a clear word, or some kind of confirmation that He is real and present? You are not alone in asking that question. In fact, one of Jesus' own apostles asked something very similar on the night before the crucifixion.At the Last Supper, Judas (not Iscariot), also known as Thaddeus or Jude, asked Jesus a question that many believers have echoed throughout history: how will You reveal Yourself to us and not to the world? It is an honest, searching question, and the answer Jesus gave is one of the most extraordinary promises in all of the New Testament.Jesus did not promise to show up occasionally. He promised to move in permanently. In John 14:23, He said that He and the Father would come and make their home with anyone who loves Him and keeps His word. That kind of presence is not the presence of a distant God who checks in from time to time. It is the presence of someone who is with you in the morning, in the hard conversations, in the ordinary and the overwhelming moments of life.This message explores the meaning behind that promise and what it looks like to actually experience it. Topics covered include the role of the Holy Spirit as God's permanent presence in the life of every believer, what Jesus meant when He said He would not leave us as orphans, why Jesus connected revelation to obedience and what that means for our daily walk with God, how intimacy with God grows through consistent, loving response to what He has already spoken, and what to do when you feel spiritually stagnant or distant from God.This is a message for anyone who has ever felt like God is far away, for anyone who wants to go deeper in their relationship with Him, and for anyone who is ready to move from asking for more revelation to actually responding to what God has already made clear.

In this teaching from our "Come and See" series through the Gospel of John, we look at what happens when your dreams get crushed and ask the question: is Jesus really enough? In John 3:22-36, John the Baptist watches the crowds leave him for Jesus, the very thing he built his life around is suddenly being taken away, and yet he responds with joy instead of jealousy. We explore what it means to know your role instead of trying to be the star, the ancient wedding tradition of the "friend of the bridegroom" and what it teaches us about pointing to Jesus instead of ourselves, and the difference between a self-focused life and a Jesus-focused life. Whether you're wrestling with unmet expectations, watching someone else "live your dream," or just tired of a culture that says happiness comes from self-improvement, this message will help you see how real joy is found when Jesus increases and we decrease.

What does it mean to truly follow Jesus when he leads us into places we'd rather avoid? In John 4, Jesus goes through Samaria and meets a woman carrying shame, brokenness, and a hidden past. Through their encounter, we discover that discipleship means confronting our biases, surrendering what we've kept in the dark, and receiving the living water only Jesus can provide. True transformation begins not with performance, but with surrender.

Everyone is looking for something. We long for truth, goodness, beauty, hope, and purpose, but our blindness can keep us from seeing what's right in front of us. The good news is that Jesus is closer than we think.In John 9, Jesus heals a man born blind and reveals a deeper reality: everyone is blind in some way. Everyone is looking, but not everyone wants to see. And true sight comes when we encounter Jesus.As we begin this new message series, You're Looking for Jesus, discover what John 9 teaches us about spiritual blindness, faith, and seeing Jesus clearly. You're looking for Jesus and He's closer than you think.

Stay Connected: The Vine, the Branches & the Purpose of Pruning – John 15:1–12In Episode 151 of Divine Table Talk, Jamie and Jane dive into one of Jesus' most powerful pictures of our relationship with Him: “I am the vine; you are the branches.”In John 15:1–12, Jesus teaches that a fruitful life doesn't come from striving harder—it comes from abiding deeper. But He also introduces something most of us would rather avoid: pruning.Together, Jamie and Jane explore why God prunes even the branches that are already producing fruit, how seasons of cutting back can actually prepare us for greater growth, and what it practically looks like to remain connected to Jesus when life feels uncomfortable or uncertain.What if the thing God is removing isn't punishment? What if it's preparation?Jesus' invitation is simple: Remain in Me. Because apart from Him we can do nothing, but connected to the Vine, our lives can produce the kind of lasting fruit God created us to bear.And at the center of it all is love—remaining in His love and learning to love others as He has loved us.Reflection Question: What if the thing I've been asking God to restore is actually something He's pruning so I can grow?____________________________________Connect with Jamie:Website: www.jamieklusacek.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamieklusacekConnect with Jane:Website: www.janewwilliams.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/janewwilliams