Podcasts about John Stott

Hey, Beyond Sunday listeners! Join us this week as we begin to unpack the Beatitudes, where Jesus describes the unique character of his followers. What are the defining qualities of a Christ-transformed heart? And what does Jesus mean by his people being "blessed"? Tune in today to learn more! We are using John Stott's The Message of the Sermon on the Mount to guide our conversation this season — click here to purchase a copy of your own: https://bit.ly/4bzYgZI

Romans is the Apostle Paul's fullest and clearest treatise on the gospel of Jesus Christ. Throughout history, this letter has opened eyes, awakened hearts, and set movements in motion. It's both profoundly theological and deeply personal, revealing the truth about God, humanity, and salvation. John Stott rightly called Romans a manifesto of freedom in Christ - a freedom that remakes our lives, forms us into God's people, and sends us as witnesses of Jesus in the world.

Hey, Beyond Sunday listeners! Today we're kicking off our journey through the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus shows us in vivid and specific terms what it means to obey him from the heart and how to live as a citizen of the Kingdom of Heaven. This week we're answering the question, "What exactly is the Sermon on the Mount?"  Tune in to learn more about the history behind the sermon and why it remains relevant for believers in every time and place.We are using John Stott's The Message of the Sermon on the Mount to guide our conversation this season — click here to purchase a copy of your own: https://bit.ly/4bzYgZIOther resources mentioned in this episode:D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, Studies in the Sermon on the Mount: https://bit.ly/46d9MXEOswald Chambers, Studies in the Sermon on the Mount: God's Character and the Believer's Conduct: https://bit.ly/4cCjs1A

As David Platt asks, why go to a physical gathering of the church on a Sunday morning? After all, isn't it easier to just watch a service online (as Kent Hughes suggests) or download a sermon podcast? Or just read your Bible and pray by yourself? In this study of 1 Timothy 3:14-16, we examine three reasons why the church matters: because God has a vision for the church, because church is more than a service, and because the church possesses the Truth that can transform us.February 15, 2026Helpful resources that shaped and influenced this sermon: The Message of 1 Timothy & Titus by John Stott; 1 Timothy by Philip Graham Ryken; 1-2 Timothy & Titus by R. Kent Hughes & Bryan Chapell; The Letters to Timothy and Titus by Robert W. Yarbrough; Exalting Jesus in 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus by David Platt, Daniel Akin, & Tony Merida.

QUOTES FOR REFLECTION “Christ pervades all Scripture, as salt all waters of the sea, as light the brightest day, as fragrance the garden of choice flowers.”~Henry Law (1797-1884), Cambridge-educated Dean of Gloucester in Christ is All “The righteousness of God is God's righteous initiative in putting sinners right with himself, by bestowing on them a righteousness which is not their own but his. The righteousness of God is God's just justification of the unjust, his righteous way of pronouncing the unrighteous righteous, in which he both demonstrates his righteousness and gives His righteousness to us.” ~John Stott (1921-2011), British Anglican pastor and theologian “The righteousness of God is not that by which God is righteous but that with which he clothes man when he justifies the ungodly”~ Augustine (354-430), North African church leader, explaining Paul's understanding of “righteousness” in the Letter to Romans (A Treatise on the Spirit and the Letter) “God allowed his Son to suffer as if a condemned sinner, so that we might be delivered from the penalty of our sins. This is God's righteousness, that we are not justified by works…but by grace, in which case all our sin is removed.”~John Chrysostom (c. 347-407), Homilies on the Epistles of Paul to the Corinthians “He Himself took on Him the burden of our iniquities, He gave His own Son as a ransom for us, the holy One for transgressors, the blameless One for the wicked, the righteous One for the unrighteous, the incorruptible One for the corruptible, the immortal One for them that are mortal. For what other thing was capable of covering our sins than His righteousness? By what other one was it possible that we, the wicked and ungodly, could be justified, than by the only Son of God? O sweet exchange! O unsearchable operation! O benefits surpassing all expectation! that the wickedness of many should be hid in a single righteous One, and that the righteousness of One should justify many transgressors!”~The Epistle to Diognetus (c. 150AD) 9:2-5. “The operation of the Church is entirely set up for the sinner; which creates much misunderstanding among the smug.” “Don't expect faith to clear things up for you. It is trust, not certainty.”~Flannery O'Connor (1925-1964), American authorSERMON PASSAGERomans 1:14-17 (ESV)Romans 1 14 I am under obligation both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to the wise and to the foolish. 15 So I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome. 16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.” Romans 321 But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— 22 the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God's righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. 26 It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. Romans 4 5 And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness.

Romans is the Apostle Paul's fullest and clearest treatise on the gospel of Jesus Christ. Throughout history, this letter has opened eyes, awakened hearts, and set movements in motion. It's both profoundly theological and deeply personal, revealing the truth about God, humanity, and salvation. John Stott rightly called Romans a manifesto of freedom in Christ - a freedom that remakes our lives, forms us into God's people, and sends us as witnesses of Jesus in the world.

What is a deacon? What is their role in the church and who should serve as one? In 1 Timothy 3:8-13, Paul discusses the qualifications of deacons and the benefits of serving well in that particular role. February 8, 2026Helpful resources that shaped and influenced this sermon: The Message of 1 Timothy & Titus by John Stott; 1 Timothy by Philip Graham Ryken; 1-2 Timothy & Titus by R. Kent Hughes & Bryan Chapell; The Letters to Timothy and Titus by Robert W. Yarbrough; Exalting Jesus in 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus by David Platt, Daniel Akin, & Tony Merida.

Hey, Beyond Sunday listeners! Today we're tackling the third and final part of our mini-series on Spiritual Growth for 2026. Are you looking for ways to use your spiritual gifts in the life of the church? Curious to know more about missions opportunities? Tune in to hear about avenues for service and mission, here at Harvest and beyond!Afterwards, join us as we journey through the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus shows us in vivid and specific terms what it means to obey him from the heart and how to live as a citizen of the Kingdom of Heaven. We are using John Stott's The Message of the Sermon on the Mount to guide our conversation this season — click here to purchase a copy of your own: https://bit.ly/4bzYgZIClick here to learn more about Service Teams at Harvest: https://www.harvestmemphis.org/serve

Romans is the Apostle Paul's fullest and clearest treatise on the gospel of Jesus Christ. Throughout history, this letter has opened eyes, awakened hearts, and set movements in motion. It's both profoundly theological and deeply personal, revealing the truth about God, humanity, and salvation. John Stott rightly called Romans a manifesto of freedom in Christ - a freedom that remakes our lives, forms us into God's people, and sends us as witnesses of Jesus in the world.

Who should serve as an overseer, or elder, of a local church? After remarking on how this role is a noble one, in 1 Timothy 3:1-7, Paul gives a list of qualifications for those in this office.February 1, 2025Helpful resources that shaped and informed this sermon: The Message of 1 Timothy & Titus by John Stott; 1 Timothy by Philip Graham Ryken; 1-2 Timothy & Titus by R. Kent Hughes & Bryan Chapell; The Letters to Timothy and Titus by Robert W. Yarbrough; Exalting Jesus in 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus by David Platt, Daniel Akin, & Tony Merida; Discipling by Mark Dever.

This recording was edited and prepared for publication by volunteer John Stott.

Hey, Beyond Sunday listeners! Today we're tackling part two of our mini-series on Spiritual Growth for 2026. Are you limping along in your prayer life?  Do you often feel too busy or distracted to pray, or simply don't know where to start? Tune in to hear practical tips from our team on how to strengthen your prayer life in the coming year. We're excited to be joined this week by Harvest elder Elliot Cunningham!Afterwards, join us as we journey through the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus shows us in vivid and specific terms what it means to obey him from the heart and how to live as a citizen of the Kingdom of Heaven. We are using John Stott's The Message of the Sermon on the Mount to guide our conversation this season — click here to purchase a copy of your own: https://bit.ly/4bzYgZI

Hey, Beyond Sunday listeners! This week, we're kicking off our three-part mini-series on Spiritual Growth for 2026. If you're struggling to stay in the Word daily and looking for practical help in this area, today's episode is for you! Tune in to hear pointers from Wes, Sonia, and Noah on how to enhance your Bible intake in the new year. Next week, we'll be talking about how to deepen your prayer life before wrapping up the week after with a conversation about living on mission in 2026.Afterwards, join us as we journey through the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus shows us in vivid and specific terms what it means to obey him from the heart and how to live as a citizen of the Kingdom of Heaven. We are using John Stott's The Message of the Sermon on the Mount to guide our conversation this season — click here to purchase a copy of your own: https://bit.ly/4bzYgZI

As Paul continues to discuss public worship in 1 Timothy 2:8-10, he mentions two "dispositions" (Robert Yarbrough) that can get in the way of public worship: anger and an undue concern with appearance. January 11, 2026Helpful resources that shaped and informed the 1 Timothy Series: The Message of 1 Timothy & Titus by John Stott; The Pastoral Epistles by Osvaldo Padilla; 1 Timothy by Philip Graham Ryken; 1-2 Timothy & Titus by R. Kent Hughes & Bryan Chapell; The Letters to Timothy and Titus by Robert W. Yarbrough; 1-2 Timothy & Titus by Andreas J. Kostenberger; 1 & 2 Timothy/Titus by Walter Liefeld; Exalting Jesus in 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus by David Platt, Daniel Akin, & Tony Merida.

As Paul gives his instructions for public worship, he tells Timothy that he should pray for everyone. Why? Well, as he goes on to say in 1 Timothy 2:4-7, we should pray for everyone because God "desires all people to be saved" (1 Tim. 2:4, ESV) and has sent Jesus as a "ransom for all" (1 Tim. 2:6, ESV).November 16, 2025Helpful resources that shaped and informed the 1 Timothy Series: The Message of 1 Timothy & Titus by John Stott; The Pastoral Epistles by Osvaldo Padilla; 1 Timothy by Philip Graham Ryken; 1-2 Timothy & Titus by R. Kent Hughes & Bryan Chapell; The Letters to Timothy and Titus by Robert W. Yarbrough; 1-2 Timothy & Titus by Andreas J. Kostenberger; 1 & 2 Timothy/Titus by Walter Liefeld; Exalting Jesus in 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus by David Platt, Daniel Akin, & Tony Merida.

Welcome back, Beyond Sunday listeners! Tune into this special episode to learn more about our upcoming Men's and Women's Bible Studies. We're joined by Adult Ministries Pastor Kent Austell and our very own Sonia Watkins, who are introducing the books for this semester, laying out the logistics, and sharing about the heart behind our Men's and Women's Bible Studies. You don't want to miss it!Sign up for Women's Bible Study here: https://harvestmemphis.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/3353870Sign up for Men's Bible Study here: https://harvestmemphis.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/3342062We're also previewing our spring season, which we're excited to kick off! We'll get started with a three-part mini-series on Spiritual Growth in the New Year. Tune in to hear practical tips on how to enhance your Bible reading, deepen your prayer life, and live on mission in 2026. Then join us as we journey through the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus shows us in vivid and specific terms what it means to obey him from the heart and how to live as a citizen of the Kingdom of Heaven.We are using John Stott's The Message of the Sermon on the Mount to guide our conversation this season — click here to purchase a copy of your own: https://bit.ly/4bzYgZI

Segment 1 • John Stott's cautious support for annihilationism sparked theological tension. • The church, historically, has rejected annihilationist views. • Reinterpreting hell marks a break from church history and doctrine. Segment 2 • Our view on hell should be guided by God's word, not emotion. • Bible examples show instant judgment for “small” sins—divine justice is deadly serious. • Hell's eternality, rather than compromising God's justice, magnifies it. Segment 3 • Annihilationism's survival is more cultural than biblical because it speaks to modern sensitivities. • Enlightenment and Victorian culture softened God's justice to adjust for human tastes. • Theological liberalism grew where a biblical fear of God faded. Segment 4 • Each generation reshapes God, in some way, to fit its comfort level. • Vatican II and modern psychology blurred the lines on judgment and accountability. • As God becomes more “sentimental,” hell disappears—and so does the gospel. ___ Thanks for listening! Wretched Radio would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners. If you would like to support Wretched Radio we would be extremely grateful. VISIT https://fortisinstitute.org/donate/ If you are already a Gospel Partner we couldn't be more thankful for you if we tried!

This recording was edited and prepared for publication by volunteer John Stott.

Allie tackles the explosive hell debate ignited by Kirk Cameron in which he wades into annihilationism, which is a belief that sinners in hell do not suffer eternal torment but will eventually be forever destroyed. She contrasts it with the traditional view of eternal conscious punishment, exploring Scripture's imagery of destruction, balancing God's characteristics of justice and mercy, and referring to key theologians, such as John MacArthur, John Stott, Edward Fudge, J.I. Packer, and many more. At the end of the day, sharing the gospel to all unbelievers is the most important because separation from God is horrific. Plus, Allie asks for your prayers over Megan Basham, who is battling cancer at this moment. Join us for thoughtful theology, biblical clarity, and renewed passion for souls. Buy Allie's book "Toxic Empathy: How Progressives Exploit Christian Compassion": ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.toxicempathy.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ --- Timecodes: (00:00) Intro (08:40) Annihilationism (16:50) Conditional Immortality (21:30) Eternal Conscious Torment (32:20) Is Annihilationism Heresy? (43:00) Praying for Megan Basham (47:55) New Release Schedule --- Today's Sponsors: Patriot Mobile | Go to ⁠PatriotMobile.com/ALLIE⁠ or call 972-PATRIOT and use promo code ALLIE for a free month of service! Crowd Health | Join CrowdHealth to get started today for $99 for your first three months using code ALLIE at JoinCrowdHealth.com⁠. CrowdHealth is not insurance. Opt out. Take your power back. This is how we win. Olive | Olive is a food scanning app that exposes what labels don't — seed oils, dyes, additives, even hidden toxins. Download Olive now and instantly see what's hiding in your groceries! Good Ranchers | To support a company that's committed to honoring America's past, present, and future, visit ⁠GoodRanchers.com⁠ today. And if you subscribe to any Good Ranchers box of 100% American meat, you'll save up to $500 a year! Plus, if you use the code ALLIE, you'll get an additional $25 off your first order. Shopify | Sign up for your $1-per-month trial and start selling today at ⁠Shopify.com/ALLIE⁠.  We Heart Nutrition | Check out We Heart Nutrition at ⁠WeHeartNutrition.com⁠ and use the code ALLIE for 20% off.  --- Episodes you might like:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ep 1274 | Predestined to Hell? Calvinism Explained ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/relatable-with-allie-beth-stuckey/id1359249098?i=1000739569811⁠ Ep 1218 | Why John MacArthur's 56-Year Ministry Shook the World ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-1218-why-john-macarthurs-56-year-ministry-shook-the-world/id1359249098?i=1000717561591⁠ Ep 618 | Kirk Cameron on Homeschooling & Raising Godly Kids ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-618-kirk-cameron-on-homeschooling-raising-godly-kids/id1359249098?i=1000561947796⁠ Ep 906 | Time to Boycott Scholastic Books | Guest: Kirk Cameron ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-906-time-to-boycott-scholastic-books-guest-kirk-cameron/id1359249098?i=1000634689361⁠ --- Buy Allie's book "You're Not Enough (and That's Okay): Escaping the Toxic Culture of Self-Love": ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.alliebethstuckey.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Relatable merchandise: Use promo code ALLIE10 for a discount: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://shop.blazemedia.com/collections/allie-stuckey⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Reflection and Practice Cultivate concentration this week by first preparing the “soil.” Notice the presence of the hindrances and work with them or through them. Once the hindrances recede, cultivate concentration through relaxation and reception instead of striving and pushing. Focus on the clear seeing that concentration allows, staying the course through the waves of resistance. In a direct, immediate way, see something that reorders you and your life. This recording was edited and prepared for publication by volunteer John Stott.

This is my response to this podcast by Kirk and James Cameron regarding their new view of "hell." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_RflbA8Vt_Y&t=2246s While nothing they are saying is new, each generation has to biblically respond to and refute such departures from God's Word. Their final conclusion was rather predictable. What is the position they hold to? While at the beginning, Kirk was clear that he "used to believe in eternal conscious torment," at the end they have embraced was appears to be agnosticism on this subject. What happens to the unrepentant wicked who do not know Jesus when they die? Their new position is: We can't say with certainty. Once again I'd like to recommend Dr. Robert L. Reymond's excellent book: "Contending for the Faith" which is a collection of essays on various modern challenges to the faith. He addresses John Stott's position on this matter which is very similar to the one being espoused by the Camerons. Reymond also addresses many other critical issues of our day: https://a.co/d/70wcGFe Hell, Putting Out the Fire / Kirk and James Cameron - Pastor Patrick Hines Podcast

Scripture: John 1:1-5; 14-18 + The Incarnation Philippians 2:5-8 "...the supreme mystery with which the gospel confronts us...lies not in the Good Friday message of atonement, nor in the Easter Sunday message of resurrection, but in the Christmas message of Incarnation. The really staggering Christian claim is that Jesus of Nazareth was God made man - that the second person of the Godhead...took humanity without loss of deity, so that Jesus of Nazareth was as truly and fully divine as he was human. Here are two mysteries for the price of one - the plurality of persons within the unity of God, and the union of Godhead and manhood in the person of Jesus." JI Packer, Knowing God. + To Reveal the Father to us Hebrews 1:1 + To Reconcile us to the Father 1 Timothy 2:3–5 + To Rescue us from our greatest enemies Hebrews 2:14–18 + To Relate to us in our weakness and suffering Hebrews 4:14–16 "All other men were lost sheep; he had come as the Good Shepherd to seek and to save them. All other men were sick with the disease of sin; he was the doctor who had come to heal them. All other men were plunged in the darkness of sin and ignorance; he was the light of the world. All other men were sinners; he was born to be their Savior and would shed his blood in death for the forgiveness of their sins. All other men were hungry; he was the bread of life. All other men were dead in trespasses and sins; he could be their life now and their resurrection hereafter." – John Stott, Basic Christianity. 1 John 1:1–4 2 John 7 Colossians 1:19 Colossians 2:9

There are many pitfalls in preaching. One area which many preachers struggle with is application. And yet, in a sense, application is the whole of preaching. David Vaughn's letter to a fellow Christian leader in the December 2025 issue of the magazine addresses this very subject.    Featured resources: – David Vaughn, 'What can we learn from John Knox?', Banner of Truth Magazine, Issue 514 (March 2006). Excerpted from A Scottish Christian Heritage.      Resources Mentioned by David Vaughn:  D. A. Carson and J. D. Woodbridge, Letters Along the Way (Wheaton: Crossway, 1993), p. 99-100. Available free as a pdf.  A. T. Pierson, The Divine Art of Preaching, (New York: The Baker and Taylor Company, 1892), pp. 24-27.  Jay Adams, Review of John Stott's Between Two Worlds in The Journal of Pastoral Practice, Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation (Vol. VIII, No. 2, 1986), p. 62.  The Works of Jonathan Edwards, (repr. Edinburgh: The Banner of Truth Trust, 1987), vol. 1, p. cxc.  Ron Taylor anecdote from an article in The Journal of Pastoral Practice, Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation (Vol. 4, No. 4, 1980), p. 109.  John Broadus, A Treatise on the Preparation and Delivery of Sermons (New York: A. C. Armstrong and Son, 1896), p. 230.      Explore the work of the Banner of Truth: www.banneroftruth.org Subscribe to the Magazine (print/digital/both): www.banneroftruth.org/magazine Leave us your feedback or a testimony: www.speakpipe.com/magazinepodcast

This recording was edited and prepared for publication by volunteer John Stott.

Romans is the Apostle Paul's fullest and clearest treatise on the gospel of Jesus Christ. Throughout history, this letter has opened eyes, awakened hearts, and set movements in motion. It's both profoundly theological and deeply personal, revealing the truth about God, humanity, and salvation. John Stott rightly called Romans a manifesto of freedom in Christ - a freedom that remakes our lives, forms us into God's people, and sends us as witnesses of Jesus in the world.

Romans is the Apostle Paul's fullest and clearest treatise on the gospel of Jesus Christ. Throughout history, this letter has opened eyes, awakened hearts, and set movements in motion. It's both profoundly theological and deeply personal, revealing the truth about God, humanity, and salvation. John Stott rightly called Romans a manifesto of freedom in Christ - a freedom that remakes our lives, forms us into God's people, and sends us as witnesses of Jesus in the world.

Listen along as we continue our series through Acts. Notes//Quotes: Acts 19:1-20 Jer 31:31-34 2 Cor 5:17 “As throughout Acts, there is no set pattern. The Spirit came at various times and in various ways. What is consistent is that the Spirit is always a vital part of one's initial commitment to Christ and a mark of every believer.” J.B. Polhill The norm of Christian experience, then, is a cluster of four things: repentance, faith in Jesus, water baptism and the gift of the Spirit. Though the perceived order may vary a little, the four belong together and are universal in Christian initiation. The laying on of apostolic hands, however, together with tongue-speaking and prophesying, were special to Ephesus, as to Samaria, in order to demonstrate visibly and publicly that particular groups were incorporated into Christ by the Spirit; the New Testament does not universalize them. John Stott

Romans is the Apostle Paul's fullest and clearest treatise on the gospel of Jesus Christ. Throughout history, this letter has opened eyes, awakened hearts, and set movements in motion. It's both profoundly theological and deeply personal, revealing the truth about God, humanity, and salvation. John Stott rightly called Romans a manifesto of freedom in Christ - a freedom that remakes our lives, forms us into God's people, and sends us as witnesses of Jesus in the world.

This recording was edited and prepared for publication by volunteer John Stott.

See all series | See all talksTeacher: Sooz Appel Date: 2025-11-02 SundaySeriesThe Four Noble Truths & The Twelve Insights (Sunday mornings, 2025) 2025-01-05 Aravind Moorthy, Candace Robb, Jerry Harter, Judith Avinger, Lauren Wilson, Lyndal Johnson, Nana Gyesie, Nina Laboy, Sooz Appel This recording was edited and prepared for publication by volunteer John Stott.

Romans is the Apostle Paul's fullest and clearest treatise on the gospel of Jesus Christ. Throughout history, this letter has opened eyes, awakened hearts, and set movements in motion. It's both profoundly theological and deeply personal, revealing the truth about God, humanity, and salvation. John Stott rightly called Romans a manifesto of freedom in Christ - a freedom that remakes our lives, forms us into God's people, and sends us as witnesses of Jesus in the world.

OverviewRyan and Brian launch a fresh series on the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5–7), Jesus' iconic teaching on kingdom living. Often quoted but rarely lived out, it calls for radical repentance (metanoia: heart/mind shift to action) and distinctiveness from "hypocrites" and "pagans" (e.g., no showy prayers or fasting in Matt. 6:5–8, 16). They cover intro context, Jesus' authority, and the first four Beatitudes as a Godward progression.Key Discussion HighlightsSermon Essentials: Full red-letter discourse (ch. 5–7); contrasts John's back-and-forth dialogues and Luke's Sermon on the Plain. Likely Matthew's memorable summary—not verbatim—but stresses doing over hearing (Matt. 7:24–29: wise builder on rock vs. fool on sand). Crowds follow post-sermon, amazed by Jesus' authority (7:28–29).Setting & Echoes: Jesus ascends mountainside amid crowds, evoking Moses at Sinai (law mediated) but speaking directly as living Word—no barriers. Ties to OT: distinct people (e.g., no pagan practices like raisin cakes).Kingdom Ethics: Draws from law (from above), prophets (future hope), wisdom (human observation). Frames as loving God/neighbor (Matt. 22:34–40). First four Beatitudes focus on God-relationship; latter four on others. Quotes: John Stott (familiar yet least obeyed); Stanley Hauerwas (new age realized now).Beatitudes Breakdown (Matt. 5:3–6): Paradoxical "blessed" (makarioi: flourishing in God's favor, not mere happiness). Describes kingdom citizens' traits—calling all to repent toward these:Poor in spirit (v. 3): Recognizing spiritual poverty/utter dependence on God (vs. wealth as "blessing" in culture; cf. Luke 6:20's "poor"). Promise: Theirs is the kingdom of heaven.Those who mourn (v. 4): Grief over personal sin/failure (e.g., tax collector's humility in Luke 18:9–14 vs. Pharisee's self-righteousness). Promise: They will be comforted.The meek (v. 5): Humility/gentleness (praus: not weakness, but not self-important—like Jesus in Phil. 2 or silent before accusers). Contrasts Roman power. Promise: They will inherit the earth. (Martyn Lloyd-Jones: true self-view expressed humbly.)Hunger/thirst for righteousness (v. 6): Deep craving for justice/rightness (like desert thirst satisfied). Promise: They will be filled.Progression: Spiritual poverty → mourning sin → meek approach → desiring God's righteousness.Resources MentionedBooks: The Message of the Sermon on the Mount by John Stott; Sermon on the Mount (Story of God Commentary) by Scot McKnight (narrative flow, ethical models).Key Verses: Matt. 5:1–2; 6:5–8,16; 7:24–29; 22:34–40; Luke 18:9–14 (Pharisee/tax collector).Next EpisodeBeatitudes 5–8: Mercy, pure in heart, peacemakers, persecuted—shifting to loving others as kingdom ambassadors.

Considering Sparrows What Birds teach us about Who we Are, Where we’re Going, and the Joy of Following Jesus ... GUEST Kevin Burrell ... is a pastor and an orni-theologist — a word penned by the theologian & birder John Stott … Kevin is convinced that every one of us should make an effort to attend toward some aspect of God's creation; and he has chosen birds. No Kings: what’s the best way to stop Executive Overreach? … GUEST Bruce Antkowiak … Senior Counsel to the College & Archabbey, Past Chair of the Criminology Dept and Professor of Law at Saint Vincent College. The Christian Immigration Advocacy Center-Glenn Hannah ACAC and Amber Blair Pres. of CIAC.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Romans is the Apostle Paul's fullest and clearest treatise on the gospel of Jesus Christ. Throughout history, this letter has opened eyes, awakened hearts, and set movements in motion. It's both profoundly theological and deeply personal, revealing the truth about God, humanity, and salvation. John Stott rightly called Romans a manifesto of freedom in Christ - a freedom that remakes our lives, forms us into God's people, and sends us as witnesses of Jesus in the world.

See all series | See all talksTeacher: Tuere Sala Date: 2025-10-13 MondaySeriesThe Four Noble Truths & The Twelve Insights (Monday evenings, 2025) 2025-01-06 Ghisly Garcia, Keri Pederson, Lyndal Johnson, Shawn Holmes, Sooz Appel, Steve Wilhelm, Tim Geil, Tuere Sala This recording was edited and prepared for publication by volunteer John Stott.

See all series | See all talksTeacher: Tuere Sala Date: 2025-10-13 MondaySeriesThe Four Noble Truths & The Twelve Insights (Monday evenings, 2025) 2025-01-06 Ghisly Garcia, Keri Pederson, Lyndal Johnson, Shawn Holmes, Sooz Appel, Steve Wilhelm, Tim Geil, Tuere Sala This recording was edited and prepared for publication by volunteer John Stott.

See all series | See all talks Teacher: Tuere SalaDate: 2025-10-13 Monday Series The Four Noble Truths & The Twelve Insights (Monday evenings, 2025) 2025-01-06 Ghisly Garcia, Keri Pederson, Lyndal Johnson, Shawn Holmes, Sooz Appel, Steve Wilhelm, Tim Geil, Tuere Sala This recording was edited and prepared for publication by volunteer John Stott.

See all series | See all talks Teacher: Tuere Sala Date: 2025-10-13 Monday Series The Four Noble Truths & The Twelve Insights (Monday evenings, 2025) 2025-01-06 Ghisly Garcia, Keri Pederson, Lyndal Johnson, Shawn Holmes, Sooz Appel, Steve Wilhelm, Tim Geil, Tuere Sala This recording was edited and prepared for publication by volunteer John Stott.

Romans is the Apostle Paul's fullest and clearest treatise on the gospel of Jesus Christ. Throughout history, this letter has opened eyes, awakened hearts, and set movements in motion. It's both profoundly theological and deeply personal, revealing the truth about God, humanity, and salvation. John Stott rightly called Romans a manifesto of freedom in Christ - a freedom that remakes our lives, forms us into God's people, and sends us as witnesses of Jesus in the world.

QUOTES FOR REFLECTION“We cannot continue to send our children to Caesar for their education and be surprised when they come home as Romans.” “We mustn't live like those with ‘little faith' who compromise for the sake of food and clothing. What we do matters. And not every job is a good job.” “I understand that there are different expressions of Christianity in different cultures. Contextualization is essential for the growth and expansion of the church. But there is a difference between contextualization and compromise. Using goat's milk for communion in a culture that has never heard of wine or grapes is contextualization; sacrificing the goat is compromise. Having a Saturday night service because we have run out of room in all four Sunday services is contextualization; having a Saturday night service to accommodate and/or appease people who are ‘too busy' on Sunday is compromise.”~Voddie Baucham (March 11, 1969 to September 25, 2025), American pastor and author, who left this world too early “If God is Creator of the Universe, then it must follow that He is the Lord of the whole universe. No part of the world is outside of His Lordship. That means no part of my life must be outside of His Lordship.”~R.C Sproul, American theologian (1939-2017) “When Jesus is truly our Lord, He directs our lives, and we gladly obey Him. Indeed we bring every part of our lives under His lordship - our home and family, our sexuality and marriage, our job or unemployment, our money and possessions, our ambitions and recreations.”~John Stott, British theologian (1921-2011)SERMON PASSAGE1 Peter 2:1-12 (NIV) 1 Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. 2 Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, 3 now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.4 As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him— 5 you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6 For in Scripture it says:     “See, I lay a stone in Zion,       a chosen and precious cornerstone,       and the one who trusts in him       will never be put to shame.”   7 Now to you who believe, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe,     “The stone the builders rejected       has become the cornerstone,” 8 and,     “A stone that causes people to stumble       and a rock that makes them fall.” They stumble because they disobey the message—which is also what they were destined for. 9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 10 Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. 11 Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul. 12 Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.

Romans is the Apostle Paul's fullest and clearest treatise on the gospel of Jesus Christ. Throughout history, this letter has opened eyes, awakened hearts, and set movements in motion. It's both profoundly theological and deeply personal, revealing the truth about God, humanity, and salvation. John Stott rightly called Romans a manifesto of freedom in Christ - a freedom that remakes our lives, forms us into God's people, and sends us as witnesses of Jesus in the world.

See all series | See all talks Teacher: Nina LaboyDate: 2025-09-28 Sunday Series The Four Noble Truths & The Twelve Insights (Sunday mornings, 2025) 2025-01-05 Aravind Moorthy, Candace Robb, Jerry Harter, Judith Avinger, Lauren Wilson, Lyndal Johnson, Nana Gyesie, Nina Laboy, Sooz Appel This recording was edited and prepared for publication by volunteer John Stott.

See all series | See all talksTeacher: Nina Laboy Date: 2025-09-28 SundaySeriesThe Four Noble Truths & The Twelve Insights (Sunday mornings, 2025) 2025-01-05 Aravind Moorthy, Candace Robb, Jerry Harter, Judith Avinger, Lauren Wilson, Lyndal Johnson, Nana Gyesie, Nina Laboy, Sooz Appel This recording was edited and prepared for publication by volunteer John Stott.