Podcasts about like jesus

In this message, we explore one of the most misunderstood and transformative passages in Scripture: Ephesians 5–6. When Paul teaches believers to “submit to one another out of reverence for Christ,” he reveals a Gospel-centered blueprint for marriage, parenting, leadership, and everyday relationships. This teaching walks through how Jesus completely flips power dynamics, reshapes our view of authority, and calls both the strong and the weak into a new way of relating — a way modeled after His own humility and sacrificial love. You'll learn: • Why mutual submission was revolutionary in the ancient world • How the Gospel elevates your position before God and lowers your posture before others • What biblical submission actually is — and what it's not • How Christ-like love transforms marriages, families, and workplaces • Why humility and sacrifice create flourishing relationships Whether you're navigating marriage, parenting, friendships, or leadership, this message will challenge and encourage you to live out the Gospel in every relationship.

How often have you been willing to use others for your advantage? How often have you tried to manipulate events and situations to benefit yourself? Without caring how it will impact others? It can be too easy to do this. The real test of faithfulness is doing something that might not be desirable or easy to do because it's the thing God wants you to do. Like Jesus did for us. Our character is tested when we do the right thing even when no one is looking. The faithfulness and character we display will point people to how beautiful our God is. Today's message will give us much to think about concerning faithfulness and character.Support the show

How often have you been willing to use others for your advantage? How often have you tried to manipulate events and situations to benefit yourself? Without caring how it will impact others? It can be too easy to do this. The real test of faithfulness is doing something that might not be desirable or easy to do because it's the thing God wants you to do. Like Jesus did for us. Our character is tested when we do the right thing even when no one is looking. The faithfulness and character we display will point people to how beautiful our God is. Today's message will give us much to think about concerning faithfulness and character.Support the show~ Changing lives with Jesus! Facebook | YouTubeInstagram @dscsienna

Jesus was radical. Over the thousands of years people have studied, learned, and read about Jesus it feels that we have forgotten just how truly radical He was, and is! From His personal walk with the Father, to His intense focus on accomplishing the mission He came for, there are radical things we should be in awe of. One thing that we see in Jesus as his compassion. Intense, deep, gut turning moments for Him where He “should” have been focused on Himself, and yet we see Him care deeply for those around Him. Imagine if we had radical compassion like Jesus did in Matthew 9 as He saw the crowds and cared for them because His compassion was for their real condition. Join us this weekend as Greg Stier, the founder of Dare 2 Share Ministries shares with us about what it looks like to be Radical Like Jesus. -Pastor Ben Greg Stier Bio - Greg witnessed the Gospel radically transform his tough, inner‐city family before he reached adolescence, sparking his passion for evangelism. In 1991, as a young church planter, he founded Dare 2 Share to equip teens to reach their peers with the Gospel. Three decades later, millions of students have been trained and mobilized across the U.S. and around the world. Greg and his wife, Debbie, have been married for 35 years and have two adult children, Kailey and Jeremy, and Jeremy's wife, Kat. For this week's Scripture and notes: http://bible.com/events/49496623

A Christian ought to reflect the love of Jesus in all of their actions. Join us as we look to the parable of the good Samaritan to show us how this is manifested in the life of the believer. Luke 10:25-37

God is looking for people to use in his mission on earth, and it doesn't mean you have to have great talent, energy, or intelligence. In this message series, Pastor Rick teaches how God uses a committed heart set on following and becoming more like Jesus to accomplish his purpose.When you develop a heart that is more like Jesus, you do the things he did while he was here on earth. In this message, Pastor Rick teaches what Jesus did to give himself away for others and how following his example of self-sacrifice can change the world. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1103/29?v=20251111

I greet you in Jesus' precious name! It is Friday morning, the 14th of November, 2025, and this is your friend, Angus Buchan, with a thought for today. We go to the Book of Exodus 34:29: ”…Moses did not know that the skin of his face shone while he talked with Him.” Moses had just come down from Mt Sinai with the Ten Commandments. He had spent 40 days and 40 nights in the presence of our Heavenly Father, and his face was shining like the sun. Isn't that amazing? We go to Matthew 17:2: ”…and He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light.” That was Jesus, our Saviour, when He went up the Mount of Transfiguration. He shone like the sun when He met with His Heavenly Father. Folks, that can happen to you and me as well if we spend time with the Lord Jesus Christ, then we start to become more and more like Him. Moses had to wear a veil over his face. The people were too scared to come near Him because of the presence of God in His life. Surely that's how we should be as well. People should want to come and be with us because they see the love and the presence of God in our lives, not so much by the way we look, but rather by the way we act and live. You know, little children are very good judges of people who know God. They are drawn to people like that. I've seen them. They'll hang around and stand around and be close to people who spend time with God.I want to tell you about a man that made a big impression in my life when I was a new Christian, many many years ago. His name was Reverend Tom Parker and his dear wife, Gladys. They came all the way from Yorkshire, England and they became the ministers of the little church here in Greytown, one of the dearest men I think I've met in my life. He had a hard life. He was in the Second World War, serving on submarines. He never complained and was always gentle. He wasn't the greatest preacher that I've ever heard but he gave off the presence of Jesus wherever he went. I used to love just sitting, listening to him talking and he would get so caught up in the Holy Spirit, that you battled to follow him when he was preaching, but I want to tell you, he gave the presence of God wherever he went.You and I today as well, people just want the love of God and they are desperate to meet with the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords.Today, let's be Jesus to them. God bless you and goodbye.

God didn't just tell you what he wants you to do—he showed you how to do it. When it comes to ministry, Jesus gave us the perfect model and then promised a personal coach: the Holy Spirit, living inside you. In this series, Pastor Rick shows how Jesus not only explains the assignment—he works through you to accomplish it.God is looking for people to use in his mission on earth, and it doesn't mean you have to have great talent, energy, or intelligence. In this message series, Pastor Rick teaches how God uses a committed heart set on following and becoming more like Jesus to accomplish his purpose.To become more like Jesus, you have to learn to love the people Jesus created and died for—that's the whole world! Pastor Rick walks through the ways Jesus loved people and how to make your life count by loving people in the same way, giving your heart to the things that matter for eternity. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1103/29?v=20251111

This week Pastor Elwin concludes our series, "Deeper Waters". Pastor Elwin tells us how we can become those who will realize "The Great Commission".Support the show

Learn what Jesus said about resolving co flirt from Matthew 5:9

In this episode, we explore the kind of love that Jesus calls His followers to embody—love that is visible, sacrificial, consistent, and rooted in obedience to Christ. Pulling from the teachings of Jesus, the apostles, and the early church, this message challenges every believer to examine whether their love merely lives in words or shines through action. True Christian love is not optional—it is the clearest evidence that we belong to Him.

Identifying as a Christian is not a guarantee that you are becoming like Jesus. In this sermon, Tim looks at what Jesus was like, what it means to be a servant and the impact of unconscious formation. Note: We take a brief pause at 3min40sec to watch a Diocesan safety video, but it was not recorded here.Book mentions:⁠Practising the way⁠ by John Mark ComerGospel reading:Mark 10:35-45Key texts:Psalm 115:1-111 John 3:1-6

We did it! Together, we raised more than $215,000 to show the love of Jesus to our city: providing 10,000 meals, free haircuts, dental and medical services, family portraits, and shoes for kids. That's what it means to look like Jesus, to see needs around us and meet them with love. As we celebrate Thanksgiving Pickup Party this weekend, we're preparing our hearts as we turn to 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 to learn how to do the things Jesus would do and act the way Jesus would act. Because in order to look like Jesus, we have to love like Jesus—with patience, kindness, and compassion for a world that desperately needs Him.I. Do the Things Jesus Would Do  A. Be Patient in Gratitude for His Patience with You  B. Be Kind, Remembering His Kindness Toward YouII. Act the Way Jesus Would Act  A. Don't Be Rude: Treat People the Way Jesus Treats You  B. Don't Be a Cynic: See People How Jesus Sees Them (Sheep Without a Shepherd)Talk with God: Ask the Lord to give you His heart for those around you this week.Talk with others: Ask a mentor or a believing friend if they've noticed an area of your life where you aren't reflecting Jesus.Talk with kids: What was Saul's excuse for disobeying the Lord?

Send us a textThe Value of Vulnerability Pastor Jerrid FletcherNovember 09, 2025This message traces an honest journey from unforgiveness to restoration, using a personal story of reconciling with a father to show how vulnerability is the doorway to grace, healing, and trust. It dismantles common myths about vulnerability, reminds us that this season can intensify hidden aches, and anchors us in Jesus' Gethsemane prayer—“O My Father… nevertheless, not my will but Yours”—as a model for praying uncomfortable prayers, telling the truth before God, and choosing surrender over image. Vulnerability isn't oversharing; it's truthful presence in the right spaces with the right people, where authenticity, empathy, and sound judgment (the “trust triangle”) can grow. Like Jesus inviting Peter, James, and John closer, we're called to discern who's “in,” practice courageous honesty, and meet others' pain—and joy—with care, so private surrender can precede public victory.1. Where do you most feel the tension between guarding your image and telling the truth—what would a “nevertheless” look like there this week?2. Think of a relationship that needs repair: what is one step—from the speaker's process (place of safety, prepared words, honest tears)—you could take in the next seven days?3. Which myth about vulnerability (weakness, oversharing, loss of respect, only pain-focused, one-time event) has shaped you most, and what truth replaces it for you now?4. When someone shares joy with you, how can you respond in a way that honors their vulnerability and resists comparison or “one-upping”?5. Who belongs in your “inner three” right now, and how can authenticity, empathy, and steady judgment practically deepen trust in that circle?

Kingdom Culture- Week 2November 09, 2025Teacher: Pastor David NunnKingdom Culture: Bringing Heaven to EarthHow the Kingdom Shapes CommunityText: John 13:34–35; Acts 2:42–47Welcome to week two of “Kingdom Culture: Bringing Heaven to Earth.”Last week Pastor Dave Brown spoke about the way Jesus kind of “flips the script” on what we tend to believe a blessed life looks like. A blessed life according to Matthew 5, is one of humility, mercy, gentleness, sorrow, and dependance on the LORD. It involves persecution, rather than accomplishment, fame, or wealth. I would suggest to you that bringing the kingdom of heaven to earth will never be accomplished through powerful political movements, or even through great spiritual awakenings. That is not to say that the Spirit of God doesn't miraculously move through great populations of people. There have been several such movements in Christian history, beginning with Pentecost which we'll discuss in a moment. However, these great spiritual awakenings are the exception, not the norm.The norm for bringing the Kingdom of God in earth as it is in heaven is for groups of committed disciples of Christ to live and witness to their faith in a way that touches the community around them. When the world sees disciples loving each other and loving their neighbors in the same way that Christ loves them, then unbelieving hearts and minds are refocused with a desire to understand the source of that love.That is a process that is not built on great preaching, exciting worship, or big evangelical events that draw huge crowds. It happens as believers build humble, loving relationships in their homes, neighborhoods, workplaces and communities, and through those relationships we witness to the life-changing presence of Christ in our lives. The key to growing a kingdom culture is welcoming and joining the presence of our King within our community.At its core, Christianity is not a religion based on rules of conduct, or commitment to a list of tenets of faith. Jesus never taught His disciples to go and establish a correct moral standard for rest of the world to follow. We are not called to be moral police for the world. We have enough trouble policing our individual, personal morality.Again, as Pastor Dave reminded us a few weeks ago we shouldn't be wasting time trying to manage sin; not our own, and certainly not someone else's sin. That's like trying to hide the darkness. It's not possible. Instead, we should just turn on the light. How do we do that?Romans 12:1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.When we give ourselves wholly to God, we invite Him to bless us with His presence, His power, and His holiness. When you invite the presence of God into your life, it flips on the light that overcomes darkness. Again, to cite the teaching of Pastor Dave Brown, repentance is not just a change of behavior, it's a change of direction. It's a moment-by-moment choice to follow Jesus, which is all He ever asks any of His disciples to do. When we do that, Jesus doesn't change our behavior. He changes our nature.2 Cor 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!This new creation is the result of “abiding in Christ.” Does that sound familiar? It should. We spent the months of September and October talking about abiding in Christ. It is only through the presence of Christ that any of us can experience this life-changing outcome.So, if this newly created nature comes through a relationship with Jesus Christ, what other relationships are formed as a result?The model prayer is “Your kingdom come on Earth as it is in Heaven.” So, we're talking about establishing God's Kingdom culture in a way that impacts the culture of the rest of the world.One person can't do that. It requires community. Even Jesus didn't try to change the world's culture by Himself. Many believed that He would. They expected Him to miraculously overthrow the Roman's, declare Himself King, and establish His reign on Earth. Instead, He recruited and taught a small community of believers who were committed to following Him. In the book of Acts, Luke shares the history of this group of 120 believers who, over the course of the first century, made a fundamental cultural impact on the entire Roman world, and beyond. In fact, the impact of that tiny congregation is still being felt 2000 years later, on the other side of the world in Redeemer Church in Tulsa, OK. That's the power of a community of people who are committed to following Christ wherever and however He leads.I would submit to you today that the power to alter a culture through the establishment of God's Kingdom happens only through a community of faith. It is never the result of a single individual, no matter how gifted he/she may be.Let's see how God moved through that first Christian community. After the ascension of Jesus, we are told in Acts 1:15 that about 120 followers of Christ were constantly gathering to pray as they followed Jesus' final instruction to wait in Jerusalem for the promised Holy Spirit to arrive. As they gathered on the Day of Pentecost the promise was fulfilled.Acts 2:4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.Note, they gathered as a community. They had been meeting and praying together for the last ten days. When the Holy Spirit came, they were together as a community, and how many of them were filled with the Holy Spirit? ALL of them. And together they began to speak to the people outside their gathering place. They raised such a ruckus that a crowd gathered to see what was happening. At this point Peter stood up and addressed the crowd. Now you may say, “Look! Peter's just one man, acting on his own.”Acts 2:14 Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd:Peter wasn't alone. He stood with His fellow apostles, and they stood with the support of the other 108 believers who were witnessing to the crowd.People often note the courage of Peter on that day. This was the man who denied that he even knew Christ on the eve of the crucifixion. Now he's standing up and telling this massive crowd not only was Jesus the prophesied Messiah, but he accused the crowd of crucifying their Messiah. In fact, He ended his message with these words.Acts 2:36 “God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.”We wonder what happened? What changed in Peter to give him the courage that was lacking just a few weeks earlier, and of course we point out that He was filled with power of the Holy Spirit. I don't want to, in any way, lessen the importance of the Holy Spirit in Peter's courageous preaching, but I would suggest that there is at least one other important factor: Peter was NOT alone. In the garden outside the house of the high priest none of Peter's fellow disciples were present. When he preached at Pentecost he stood as one of twelve apostles who were supported by a community of 120, who had spent the last 10 days in constant prayer together. Can you see the strength and power of a community, even a small one, when they stand together to preach the gospel to the masses who gathered in Jerusalem to celebrate Pentecost that day? Had Peter been alone, he would not have been able to even get the attention of that crowd. The Holy Spirit worked through the empowerment of the entire group. Not just one or an impowered few. ALL were empowered, and ALL went into the streets to preach the gospel.So, what happened next? At the end of the day around 3000 people were added to their number. That was an extraordinary day. A powerful movement of the Spirit that brought thousands into the fellowship of the church. We recognize that as an extraordinary day. As I said earlier, that is NOT the normal flow of Kingdom growth. It was an exceptional outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the entire community of faith. Again, it was a community movement. It wasn't Peter acting alone. God chose to work through a community. That's what He always does. Look what happened next.Acts 2:42-47 They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.In this passage, I believe we see what the norm for the growth of Kingdom culture in the world should be. Note the verbs that describe how this brand-new church acted:They met together in the temple courts. This was the only place large enough for 3000 people to meet, but they weren't just meeting. The Greek word used here actually means they continued together in one accord: as one mind. What do you think they were doing together in the temple? I think they were learning how to follow Christ.They devoted themselves:  Again, the literal translation is “steadfastly continued.” What were they continuing in doing?  They spent time and effort, listening to, learning, so that they could follow the teaching of the Apostles. This is most likely why they met together in the temple. Like Jesus, the apostles were using this common gathering place to teach the people. These new converts were devoted to gathering daily and continuously learning and following the apostles teaching.They were also devoted (steadfastly continued) to fellowship, the breaking of bread, and prayer. Where do you think that took place?They broke bread: In their homes. Breaking bread refers to sharing communion together as Jesus had taught the apostles. They met together in homes, ate together, and shared communion together with glad and sincere hearts.So, they met together in the temple, not every Sunday, but every day, and they also gathered in homes sharing meals and fellowship and praying together in smaller groups throughout the week. This was not a “see you next Sunday” kind of congregational event. These people actually spent time together during the week. They were not just devoted to learning and following the teaching of the apostles, they were devoted to each other. They were devoted to being together with one another.We in the ECC pride ourselves on our devotion to God's Word. Some like to refer to us as people of the book. That's good. The church in Jerusalem shows that devotion to knowing and following the teaching of Christ is fundamental to our spiritual formation, but that's not enough. They also devoted themselves to one another. What was the evidence of that devotion?In verse 44 we are told that the believers were together and had everything in common. The Greek word for believers is actually a verb meaning “having believed.” So Young's literal translation says,“all those believing were at the same place, and had all things common.”Because they shared a common, foundational belief in Jesus Christ as their LORD, they saw each other as a family, holding everything in common. They didn't use the pronouns my/mine, but our/ours. One of the hallmarks of a functional family is that they share. Even from a legal point of view family property is held jointly. So, these 3000 new converts didn't just accept Jesus as LORD, they were adopted and assimilated into a brand-new family; a family built upon their shared commitment to Jesus as LORD.So, they were devoted to learning and following the teachings of Jesus from the apostles, and they were devoted to each other; sharing with one another, caring for one another, finding opportunities to simply be together, share a meal, share communion with other members of the family. What was the result of this two-fold devotion?v. 47 And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.That's how kingdom culture spreads through a lost world. God works through His family. God has given us three fundamental tools to guide us through our spiritual formation. He has given us His Spirit, His Word, and His Church. What we see in the example of this first church is that all three are essential to both personal spiritual formation and kingdom growth. Too many of us who profess Christ as our LORD tend to neglect the importance of personal devotion to our community of faith. Let me just put it to you as simply and plainly as I can. If you aren't devoted to this family that we call church, it's because you aren't fully devoted to Christ.Jesus, Himself said, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:35

Vineyard Church of Hopkinton

Pastor Michael McGowanMatthew 5:10-12

SCRIPTURE: Acts 20-21 YOU CAN ALSO FIND KENNY'S MANUSCRIPT FOR THIS SERMON HERE!REFLECTION/DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:In Acts 20:22-24, Paul says he is “captive to the Spirit” and knows persecution awaits him in Jerusalem… yet he continues anyway. What might this teach us?The sermon contends that Christianity isn't about “outside-in” behavior modification but rather “inside-out” transformation. What's the difference between these two approaches to following Jesus? In what areas of your life might you be focusing too much on external behaviors rather than internal transformation?How does Paul's journey (particularly the way he handles the disagreements about what the Spirit is or is not calling him to do) demonstrate the difference between unity and uniformity in the Christian community?How do you typically handle disagreements with other Christians about important spiritual matters?The sermon identifies three key elements in Paul's life which contribute to his Christlikeness: radical humility, compassionate community, and being enraptured by the Gospel. Which of these do you find most challenging? Why?How might a shift from asking “What Would Jesus Do?” to “Who Does Jesus Say I Am?” change our approach to Christian living?What aspects of your identity in Christ do you struggle to fully believe or embrace?

Rabbi Matt takes us through the book of Jonah, discussing that we want mercy for ourselves and wrath for our enemies, but the way of Jesus is different.

Rabbi Matt takes us through the book of Jonah, discussing that we want mercy for ourselves and wrath for our enemies, but the way of Jesus is different.

1 John 2:3-11 - - Dec 6, 2015

Signs, Wonders, Miracles—God's Calling You to Walk in Power Like Jesus | Blessed Morning PrayerSUBSCRIBE to catch all the latest prayers uploaded to the Daily Effective Prayer Podcast!For more powerful daily prayers and to connect with the ministry visit:https://www.dailyeffectiveprayer.org© Copyright DailyEffectivePrayer.com  SUPPORT THE MINISTRY: (We are listener-supported)https://www.dailyeffectiveprayer.org/donate/ DO YOU NEED PRAYER? Send us a prayer request right now:https://www.dailyeffectiveprayer.org/prayer-request-online/ CONNECT WITH US:https://www.dailyeffectiveprayer.org/connectYouTube (1M+ SUBSCRIBERS)X / TwitterInstagram ThreadsInstagramFacebook Daily Effective Prayer™

In this episode, Tyler sits down with Karlos for a powerful conversation about revival, freedom, and what God is doing across South Florida. Karlos shares his personal journey—from battling shame and addiction to finding true freedom through Jesus and Freedom Encounter.You'll hear how hundreds of young adults are encountering God, lives are being transformed, and revival is becoming a reality through consistent faith and obedience. This episode is packed with encouragement, honesty, and hope for anyone longing for more of God.If you've ever wondered what real freedom looks like or how to stay consistent in your walk with Jesus, this one's for you.

Arch and Josh dive into James 2 and the connection between faith and works—how genuine faith shows up in how we treat people. From favoritism and compassion to finding real purpose in following Jesus, they share practical ways to live out a faith that moves toward others.

When Jesus began his public ministry, he made it clear who he came to help—the poor, the brokenhearted, the imprisoned, the blind, and the oppressed. In this series, Pastor Rick challenges us to help these same people, following the example Jesus set.The imprisoned, the blind, and the oppressed all face different forms of bondage—whether physical, emotional, relational, or spiritual. Jesus came to bring freedom, sight, and justice to those who suffer in these ways. In this message, Pastor Rick challenges us to join him in that mission. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1103/29

The grace we've freely received is meant to flow through us to others. Jesus modeled costly grace through humble service—giving His life as the ultimate act of love. When we serve with our time, treasure, and talent, we become living conduits of His generosity, showing the world what Jesus looks like.

Send us a textDownload study notes for this chapter.Download study notes for this entire book.**********Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version ®, NIV ® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used with permission. All rights reserved worldwide.The “NIV”, “New International Version”, “Biblica”, “International Bible Society” and the Biblica Logo are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.  Used with permission.BIBLICA, THE INTERNATIONAL BIBLE SOCIETY, provides God's Word to people through Bible translation & Bible publishing, and Bible engagement in Africa, Asia Pacific, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, and North America. Through its worldwide reach, Biblica engages people with God's Word so that their lives are transformed through a relationship with Jesus Christ.Support the show

Mister Rogers made it famous, but Jesus said it first: "Love your neighbor." You can't change the world by minding your own business, and Jesus never intended us to keep love at a distance. When we step across fences, sidewalks, and comfort zones to love our neighbors, we not only look more like Jesus -  we just might change the world.

"Acting Like Jesus" Pastor Daniel Kraft 11.2.25

Sunday AM Worship - 11/02/2025

Everyone has hopes and dreams for the future, but James reminds us in James 4:13–17 that life is uncertain and brief, and our plans must include God. Too often we live as if we control the future, separating faith from daily life. Instead, we're called to say, “If the Lord wills,” trusting His sovereignty in everything we do. Like Jesus, we should focus on what God has given us to do and live each day with humility, urgency, and purpose—using our time to bring glory to God.

When Jesus began his public ministry, he made it clear who he came to help—the poor, the brokenhearted, the imprisoned, the blind, and the oppressed. In this series, Pastor Rick challenges us to help these same people, following the example Jesus set.The brokenhearted suffer from pain caused by disappointment, rejection, and resentment. But Scripture promises that “The LORD is close to the brokenhearted” (Psalm 34:18 NIV). Listen to this message by Pastor Rick as he encourages us to come alongside them with God's comfort and care. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1103/29

November 2, 2025 SHINE - Philippians Series Live A Humble Mindset Like Jesus Philippians 1:27-2:11 Pastor Jim Rutherford

In God's kingdom, greatness is defined by serving. Jesus didn't come to be served, but to serve—and He calls us to do the same. Paul reminds us that freedom in Christ expresses itself in love through service. Serving others doesn't require a title or a platform—it just takes eyes to see and a heart ready to respond. This week encourages us to take action and meet real needs in real time. Matthew 20:20-28 (ESV)Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee came up to him with her sons, and kneeling before him she asked him for something. And he said to her, “What do you want?” She said to him, “Say that these two sons of mine are to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your kingdom.” Jesus answered, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I am to drink?” They said to him, “We are able.” He said to them, “You will drink my cup, but to sit at my right hand and at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father.” And when the ten heard it, they were indignant at the two brothers. But Jesus called them to him and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”Galatians 5:13-14 (ESV)For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

Introduction: Matthew 11:25 – At that time Jesus declared, "I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children..." John 16:13 – When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. How Do I Know if I Have the Mind of Christ? (Philippians 2:5–8) When I don't insist on my RIGHTS. (Phil 2:6) When I act like a SERVANT. (Phil 2:7) When I OBEY God All the Way. (Phil 2:8) Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANKHint: Highlight blanks above for answers! Small Group DiscussionRead 1 Corinthians 2:6-16 and Philippians 2:5-8What was your big take-away from this passage / message?Why do you think the world is so interested in the “wisdom” of celebrities and politicians, the “rulers of this age” (1 Cor 2:6)? What does God say about them?What is this passage saying about how the Bible was written (1 Cor 2:10-13)? Why is this important for unity in the church?According to Philippians 2:5-8, what does it mean to have “the mind of Christ”? Give specific examples of what that looks like.BreakoutPray for one another. AUDIO TRANSCRIPT Open up to 1 Corinthians in chapter 2.Let's just pause for a moment.Please pray for me to be faithful to clearly communicate God's Word,and I will pray for you to have a heart open to receive it.This is a complicated passage.But I think that's one of the great things about expository preaching.It allows us to slow down and see what exactly it is that God actually said in His Word.Sometimes it's a passage that we have read through quickly so many times.I'm not quite sure what's going on there, but next.And there's so much here that the Lord wants to teach us.So please pray for me to be clear and accurate,and I'll pray for you to receive it.All right? Let's just take a moment.Father in heaven, we need Your Spirit, and we always do.I guess sometimes we feel it, that we're more aware of it than others.This is one of those times for a lot of reasons.Father, I pray that Your Spirit and Your Word would do what only You can do.glorify Your name as we spend some time in Your Word today, Father, in Jesus' name.All of God's people said, "Amen."Amen. You know, I try.But it gets harder and harder to keep up with the language that these kids are using these days.Since I'm working with the youth group, I really want to speak their language,but I'll be honest with you, I don't get it.I don't get it. I'm not sure, Justin, you still get it anymore.Mid? See? He gets it.I just find myself so awful. I don't get it. I don't get what you're saying.Like Pastor Taylor a couple of weeks ago dropped the 6-7 thing.Do you know like dictionary.com or something made that the word of the year?Did you know that?Do you know where that's from?It's from some basketball player that's 6-7. Aren't they all?I don't get it. I don't get it when the kids say words like "Skibbity toilet riz."Have you heard this one?I had to have somebody explain it to me. I still didn't quite understand it.But that is a thing and I don't get it. I just don't get it.I remember many years ago when the nieces on my wife's side were younger,probably teenagers-ish. But one family gatherer, I was Thanksgiving, Christmas, whatever.I just remember the three girls were just walking around going,"I just bought a new alligator purse at Walmart for $4.99."And then they would laugh hysterically.So I'm like, "Well, I went in on the hilarity."So I'm like, "Well, I just bought a new alligator purse at Walmart for $4.99."And everybody laughed hysterically. I don't get it.I don't get "dolulu" and "juzh it up."And by the time this is on our website, somebody's going to listen to this and be like,"Oh, those are old words. We don't say that anymore."I try.I don't get it.And see, that is the point of the passage that we're looking at today.Here's the whole sermon.When it comes to the Word of God, unsaved people don't get it.But those who are born again, who have the Spirit of God residing in them,we come to the Word of God and we get it.This whole section that we're in in 1 Corinthians is contrasting man's wisdom and God's wisdom.And last week we focused specifically on the show.Why? Because Paul says he came in weakness.He wasn't like one of the lofty speaking philosophers putting on a show.Paul says, "I didn't come to you like that."So last week we talked about the show. This week we're going to talk about the content.The content of wisdom.Look at verse 6.He says, "Yet among the mature we do impart wisdom,although it is not a wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age who are doomed to pass away."So there's two kinds of wisdom.We talked about this many times in the past.I've gone through the Proverbs, I've gone through the book of James.There's two kinds of wisdom.There's man's wisdom, worldly wisdom, earthly wisdom, and there's God's wisdom.And that's what Paul's talking about here.Paul's like, "Don't throw out anything called wisdom because there's different kinds."We didn't come with man's wisdom, we came with God's wisdom.Now listen, when we talk about man's wisdom, we are not saying that man is incapable of doing anything with earthly wisdom.Man has done so much with medical advances, engineering, art, obviously.But man's wisdom cannot do anything about spiritual matters.When you try to apply man's wisdom to spiritual matters, do you know what you get?You get one of two things.You get heresy, or you get nonsense, or maybe you get both.Paul here talks about the rulers of this age.It's not a wisdom of the rulers of this age.Like, who are the rulers of this age?Well, in Paul's day, right, scribes, Pharisees, Roman officials.It's the important people, right?And who are the rulers of our age?It's pretty obvious.Politicians, celebrities.The loud, anti-God actors, musicians, athletes.You know, church, if I live to be a billion, I will never understand why we take so much stock in the opinions of celebrities.I don't understand that.You know, like somebody is paid millions of dollars because they're able to catch a ball.Which is a talent.Don't get me wrong.It's a talent.All of a sudden, we're like, well, I got to hear what his political views are.Why?Or you got some young lady who, she writes songs for a living.She writes really catchy pop songs about bad relationships.And we're like, man, I wonder what she thinks about immigration.Why do we care?Right?An actor whose very job is to pretend to be someone else.And they are fantastic at pretending to be someone else.And the world is just waiting to hear, what do you think about God?Paul says, I'll tell you what to think about them.They're doomed to pass away.Alright?God's word will stand forever, but a celebrity's opinion will be forgotten.Alright?So look at verse 7.He says, "But we impart a secret and hidden wisdom of God, which God decreed before theages for our glory."None of the rulers of this age understood this.For if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.See here, Paul's talking about the secret wisdom.These are spiritual truths that man cannot know unless God reveals them.God has revealed knowledge about Himself.Paul says, "For the glory of His people," and he says, "Those who are not born again,they don't get it."They don't get it.That's why he says, "None understood."None of the rulers of this age understood.They don't get it.They can't get it.Paul says in verse 8, "Here's an obvious point that they don't get it.God showed up in the flesh and they nailed them to a cross."Do you think for a second if they really understood who Jesus is that they would have crucifiedHim?Do you think for a second if they're like, "Well, this is the God who created me.This is the God who's ultimately going to judge me, and He's here right now.What should we do with Him?"Do you think they would have killed Him if they got that?Obviously not.So look at verse 9.He says, "But as it is written, what no eye has seen nor ear heard, nor the heart of manimagined, what God has prepared for those who love Him."So here Paul is paraphrasing concepts from the book of Isaiah, specifically Isaiah 64in verse 4.Now listen, when people read this verse, people immediately want to interpret this as, "Youcan't believe how awesome heaven is.You can't believe the things that God has prepared for us."And that's really not what this verse is about at all.Listen, this verse is about unbelievers not being able to understand salvation.Believers don't get it.That's what this verse is about.Look at it again.He's saying that spiritual truths about salvation can't be obtained through natural processes.Look at it again.He says, "What no eye has seen nor ear heard."He's saying, "Unsaved people can't understand spiritual truths by external means."He's saying you can't look at a sunset or the stars in the sky and understand salvation.You can understand some things about the power and beauty of God.Yes.But you can't look at a sunset and understand salvation.You can't perceive with your eyes or your ears.Then he goes on to say, "Nor the heart of man imagined."What's he saying?That's internal.That you can't come up with truth about God from your mind.You can't just sit around and say, "I wonder what God's like."And you imagine truths about salvation.Can't happen.You'll try though.You hear people say things like, "Well, you know, I think that we're all God's children.I believe love is the only thing that matters.I don't believe God condemns anybody.And with all due respect, it doesn't really matter what your opinion of God is."It's like a fruit fly trying to figure out how an iPhone works.It's not going to happen.And you trying to figure out on your own how God works, it's not going to happen.You can't do it.Truth about God must be revealed by God.That's Paul's whole point here.Human perception or wisdom can't contribute to this.People have no idea externally or internally what God has prepared.Everything for those who love it.They're like, "All right, I have a question.How exactly did God reveal His truth to man?How did He do that?"Well, that's what he goes on to answer.Look at verse 10.He says, "These things..."What things?"The things that God has prepared, the content of the gospel message.These things God has revealed to us through the Spirit.Through the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God."So Paul says, "God revealed the content of the salvation message."He said he revealed it to us.And us in the Greek is emphatic.They're like, "Well, who is us?"Well, go back to verse 10.Paul's refers to those who love Him.Right?Like, what is he talking about here?Well, really, he's talking about something Jesus already gave us the heads up on backin Matthew 11 when Jesus said, "I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that youhave..."Look at this."Hidden these things..."What things?Matters of salvation, revelation from God.Truth about God.You have hidden these things from the wise and understanding, the important people, therulers of this age is what Paul calls them.Jesus says you've hidden them from the wise and understanding and revealed them to littlechildren.That's the point of this passage.You think you're so wise.No, no, no, no.God has to reveal truth if you're going to know anything about God.And God didn't reveal it to the important people.He revealed it to the children, people who love Him.That's his point.He gives an easy analogy.Look at verse 11.He says, "For who knows a person's thoughts except the spirit of that person which isin him?"So also no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the spirit of God.That's an easy analogy.No one knows a man's thoughts except that man.I mean, I can wonder all the live long day what Bob Brown thinks.I'm never going to know.His thoughts, his opinions, his hopes, his dreams, his fears.That's all within him.Nobody knows that about Bob Brown the way Bob Brown knows that about Bob Brown, right?And the only way I'm going to get a clue on any of that is if he tells me, right?And that's what Paul's saying here.Only God's spirit knows God.No one knows what God thinks but God.And God's spirit has to reveal God's thoughts to us.You're like, "What is that?"He's talking about the Bible.This book is the Holy Spirit revealing things that are known only to God.Like, "Wait, wait, okay."So you're saying that this book is the book of God's thoughts.Yes, that's what the passage is saying.Well how in the world could an infinite, holy, awesome God reveal his thoughts in a way thatwe could understand them?Because he's way above us.How in the world could he reveal his thoughts?So we could understand them.Verses 12 and 13, Paul answers that.He says, "Now we have received not the Spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God,that we might understand the things freely given us by God.And we impart this in words."Look at this."And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom, but taught by the Spirit."Here it is interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual.He's talking about how we got the Bible.When he says "we" here in verse 12, he's talking about the apostles.It's obvious from the context.God didn't give you books of the Bible to write down.You might have some blank pages at the end of your Bible like in the book.That's not for you to write your own book.That's not what those are for.You're like, "Well, what are they for?""I don't know what those are for."But they're not for writing your own parts of the Bible.That was for the apostles.The apostles, Paul's saying here, "received the Spirit to put God's thoughts into humanwords."Again, this is something that Jesus promised would happen.Look at John 16.Yeah, Jesus said, "When the Spirit of truth comes," the Holy Spirit, "he will guide youinto all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears,he will speak and he will declare to you the things that are to come."This is how you got your Bible.God's Spirit gave God's thoughts to these apostles and he enabled them to write God'sthoughts down in a book, an objective source of God's truth.And you're like, "Okay, all right, all right."So if that is what the Bible actually is, the thoughts of God written in human words,why doesn't everyone accept the Bible as the Word of God?Why doesn't everybody just get on board with that?Why doesn't everybody just understand it?All that Paul has said is to drive us to this point.Are you still with me?All right?There's no sermon today.It's like Sunday school.There's a little sermon at the end.This is like Sunday school class.Everything he's saying here is to drive us to this one point.Understanding the thoughts of God revealed by the Spirit of God put in this book.Understanding this book also requires the work of the Holy Spirit.This is what he is driving us to.Look at verse 14.He says, "The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for theyare folly to Him, foolishness to Him, and He is not able to understand them because theyare spiritually discerned."You see Paul saying the Holy Spirit gave God's Word to the apostles and He makes known themeaning of God's words to those who love God.Non-spiritual people.Listen.They're like, "Why do we theology?"Because right now there's a whole lot of light bulbs that are going to go off.Non-spiritual people cannot accept the Word of God, and they do not understand the Wordof God.That's what he says in verse 14.Non-spiritual people cannot accept it.People who hate the Bible are just acting naturally.Why do you hate the Bible so much?Well, I'll give you a reason.He tells us right here in verse 14, "They don't understand it."They don't understand it.It makes no sense to them.And listen.Listen.If you refuse to believe in the Word of God, you will never understand it.Never going to happen.This is interesting, but like what does this mean in real world application, Pastor Jeff?Well let me tell you a lesson that I had to learn some time ago.I had to learn that you cannot put biblical standards on non-Christians for this veryreason.They're like, "Can you be specific?"Yeah, how uncomfortable do you want this to get?All right, let's talk about people that are living together, but they're not married.They live as if they're married, but they never got married.Cohabitation.I've dealt with this a lot, especially at my old church.It was a downtown church.It was a big, old, beautiful building.And we would have complete strangers coming off the street.They're like, "I want to get married here."Why?Not because they knew me or anybody else in the church.It's just pretty architecture."I want to get married here."But they were living together.We've had people like, "I want to join harvest and I want to actively serve at harvest."And they're living together, but they're not married.And in all of these cases, people are outraged that we would say, "Well, that's sin."It's sin.People were like shocked and outraged that you would even hold such an opinion.What do you mean it's sin?And this is tying into Paul's point here, my friends.When a couple was in that situation and understand their biggest issue is not cohabitation, thebiggest issue is they have no regard for God's work.That's the issue.And it's a scary thing because this is evidence that they don't have the Holy Spirit.And it's evidence, if all this is true, it's evidence that they're not born again.So you see, cohabitation isn't the biggest issue.Non-spiritual people don't get it.They can't accept that they don't understand.Light bulb should be going off.I hear this all the time.I hear this all the time and my heart breaks.But I hear people say, "People have adult children."I raised my kid in the church and now he absolutely refuses to go to church.He doesn't want anything to do with church or Bible study.My teenager hates going to youth group, refuses to go.And they won't listen to any biblical instruction.And I don't understand why.I'll tell you why.If this passage is right and I certainly believe that it is, the Bible makes no senseto them.They don't believe it.They don't get it.And when they come to church, they don't believe it.They don't accept it.They don't understand it.They don't get it.They come to church and I get up here or Pastor Taylor gets up here or Justin gets up hereand we're talking and people don't get it.All they hear is us standing up here going, "I bought a new alligator purses at Wal-Martfor $4.99."They're like, "What's that all about?"They don't get it because it has to be spiritually discerned.You're like, "Oh, so you're saying I shouldn't drag my kids to church?You're saying I shouldn't teach my kids the Bible?"Of course I am not saying that.Come on.But they aren't really going to get it if they don't personally make a decision toreceive Jesus.That's what you need to drive them to.Look at verse 15.He says, "The spiritual person judges all things."Stop right there.This is a statement.We who are spiritual, we who have the Holy Spirit can judge all things.What's He talking about?He's just simply talking about this.The Bible, when rightly understood, makes sense of everything.It makes sense of the world.It makes sense of man.It makes sense of God.It makes sense of the way sin works.Understanding the world through the lens of God's Word when we understand it makes everythingmake total sense to us.We get it.We get why lost people act like lost people.We get it.You're spiritually dead.We get it.Bless you.We get people get old and die.We get it.Why does that happen?We get it.We get it when we have a loved one that's stuck in an addiction.Like I get it, it's a worship disorder.They're worshiping something and it's not Jesus.It's an addiction.We get it.We get it when a believer still struggles with sin.Like why is he still struggling with sin?We get it.Because he's a spiritual person that lives in fallen flesh.So there's going to be a war going on until he's removed from the fallen flesh.We get it.It all makes sense.We get it, church.We're rightly able to judge these things and we're rightly able to judge what's happeningout there.We can watch the news.We can rightly judge all of that stuff if you really understand the Bible.Like for example, what was the big news story last week?The snap benefits getting cut off, right?We can understand that through the lens of God's Word.Anybody not offended yet because you might be here in a second?Understand that through the lens of God's Word?Look, the government doesn't need involved in that.In feeding people at all.Whose job is that?It's the church's job.Here's what should happen.The church should be providing for those in need who are unable to provide for themselves.But someone who can work and refuses to work doesn't get to eat.That's what the Bible says.We can rightly judge all things, right?We rightly judge all things.Things like racism is idiotic.It's just stupid.We're able to judge that.We realize we all came from the same parents.We all come from Adam and Eve.So if your skin's a different color, your eyes are a different shape, who cares?It's stupid, but people make that an issue because they don't get it.We get it.Why has Israel survived for thousands of years even though everybody's constantly tryingto exterminate them?Why are they front and center in the world stage all the time?We get it.We get it.That's what Paul's saying.We judge all things.Like, yeah, we get it.But look at the back of verse 15.He says, "But is himself judged by no one."But is himself judged by no one.So Christian, don't worry about how the world judges you.Don't worry about how the world looks at you.You close-minded, anti-science, misguided, uneducated, unintelligent, fairy tale believing,homophobic, transphobic, xenophobic jerk.Don't worry about what the world calls you.They don't understand the word.They don't value the word.So they're not going to understand you, and they're not going to value you either.You judge by no one.Right?Now look at verse 16."For who has understood the mind of the Lord as to instruct Him?"That's Isaiah 40, verse 13.He says, "But we have the mind of Christ."That last line, that's the punchline here.Meaning he's saying, gets to this one sentence, "But we have the mind of Christ."And if Paul would have just come out and said that first without any explanation, we wouldhave been like, "What in the world are you talking about?"Well, who's the we here?Why is he saying we?Why doesn't he say, "You have the mind of Christ?"He could have.Why does he say, "We have the mind of Christ?"Why we here?Well, what's Paul talking about throughout the first several chapters of 1 Corinthians?What's he talking about?Unity.Right?Here's the point.Unification can really only happen if we are all thinking the same way.If we have the mind of Christ, if we think like Jesus, that is what will unify.We, that is what will unify us.This unity comes when I walk around here saying, "You all need to think like Jeff."You need to think like Jeff.That's the problem with this church.You all don't think like Jeff.That causes disunity.Right?And then, like, Laura gets up and she goes, "No, the problem is you need to think likeLaura."That's the problem with this church.Everybody think like Laura will be good.And then Brian gets up.Brian's like, "No, no, the problem is everybody needs to think like Brian.You think like Brian will be in good shape.That will unify us."No, no, no.That just causes division.We need to think like Jesus.And with a statement like this, I couldn't just be like, "Okay, we have the mind of Christ.You're loved.See you next week.Let's sing a song."Like, that's such a statement that I figured we have to take a couple of minutes to unpackthat.You have the mind of...Not...You should have the mind of Jesus.You have the mind of Jesus.You do.And until you think like Jesus, church, we're never going to have unity here.We're always going to be fighting over something.So I do want to leave you with this.Just a couple more minutes here.So just grab your neighbor's sleeve right now and give him a shake and say, "Okay, theSunday School Lessons over, now we're getting to the sermon.Take a minute and do that."Some of you aren't shaking hard enough.We're just going to close with this.We have the mind of Christ.And you're like, "Well, how do I know?How do I know if I have the mind of Christ?"Well, Paul tells us.Under inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Paul tells us in Philippians.Turn over in your Bible to Philippians chapter 2.I know usually we like camp in one passage, but we can't just end with that statement.We have the mind of Christ.What's that mean?Turn to Philippians chapter 2.Just over a few pages.Look at verses 5 through 8.Paul says, "Have this mind among yourselves."And you look at the context.He's talking about unity here again, right?Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus.You have the mind of Christ?Well, how do I know?How do I know if I have the mind of Christ?Write these three things down very quickly.Number one, you know you have the mind of Christ when I don't insist on my rights.I know I have the mind of Christ when I don't insist on my rights.Look at verse 6.He says, talking about Jesus, "Who, though He was in the form of God, did not countequality with God a thing to be grasped."I know I have the mind of Christ when I don't insist on my rights.In Jesus' mind, He didn't feel the need to tightly cling to the privilege that comeswith being God.And oh, Jesus would have had every right to demand everyone treat Him as God, becauseHe is.Jesus could have walked around on the earth and said, "Serve me.Get me this.Fetch me that.Now chop chop.I'm God.Serve me."He could have gotten away with that.He's the only person in history that could have.He let go of that.That was His right and He let go of it.And you have to get to the place where you made up your mind that you don't have to insiston your rights.I deserve more.I deserve better.I can't believe you asked me to do that.Do you know how important I am?I'm not thinking like Jesus.See, the world says, "Hey, you go out and you demand your rights."But when you think like Jesus, you say, "Yeah, I let go of my rights."When you do that, you get it.You get it.How do I know if I have the mind of Christ, number two, when I act like a servant?Verse 7.Verse 7.He says, "But made Himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likenessof men."We've done sermons on this in the past.This one phrase really stands out to me more than anything in this whole passage, really.It says that Jesus took the form of a servant.And you know, you have the mind of Christ.You know you're thinking like Jesus when you act like a servant.By the way, God's wisdom is opposite of the world's wisdom.If I said who's the greatest person in the world, you would say, "Well, it's whoeverhas the most people serving him, right?"That's how we determine greatness.Who has the most people serving them?Jesus said the greatest among you will be the servant of all.And His life was an example of such greatness.You know you have the mind of Christ when you act like a servant.Like, well, how do I do that?Well, you won't know.You won't know if you're a servant until somebody treats you like one.Then you find out.If you walked in here today and I had one of them stickers that said, "Hello, my nameis," and I wrote on there, "My name is slave.Tell me what to do."And I slapped that on your chest.How would that make you feel if that's how everybody regards you?"Hey, they're slave.I'm going to tell them what to do."You won't know if you're a servant until somebody treats you like one.But God took the form of a servant.And when you're like, "I'm here to serve," then you think like Jesus.Then number three, how do I know I have the mind of Christ when I obey God all the way?All the way.Unconditionally, no limits.Look at verse 8.He says, "And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient."How far did you take that, Jesus?Abedient to the point of death.Even death on a cross.You see, Jesus' way of thinking determined what He did.He humbled himself and became obedient to His Father all the way to death.And not just death.All the way to the worst way to die.Death on a cross.All the way, and everything else, along the way, all the way, everything Jesus did wasan obedience to the Father.So how far are you willing to take your service to God and to others?How far are you willing to go?How much is too much?If you say, "Okay, all right, all right.I'll serve in the church.All right, I'll serve, but only when it's convenient."Or you're not thinking like Jesus.If you're like, "Okay, all right.I know I'm supposed to give to the church.And the Bible says that.We've walked through that.I'll give, but listen, I'm only going to give a little bit.I'm only going to give like what I won't miss."You're not thinking like Jesus.And if you're like, "You know what?That person wronged me."And yes, they reached out.They apologized."I will never forgive her.I will never forgive her for what she did to me.No matter how many times she says she's sorry, I will never forgive her."You're not thinking like Jesus.The world says be true to yourself.You think like Jesus.You say, "I'm obedient to God, no matter what."We'll take it all the way.You get it.You get it.Our worship team will make their way back up front.You know, we could go on and on and on about the mind of Christ.But really, it can be summed up in one word.If you really say that Philippians 2 passage, the word is selfless.Are you a selfless person?You will be if you think like Jesus.But when you have God's Spirit within you, enabling you to discern and understand andapply God's Word, you will think like Jesus.You'll get it.You will get it.Let's pray.Father in heaven.That's such an interesting thing, the way your Spirit works with your Word.Somebody can stand up here and preach the most Biblically accurate message and it'sgoing to go right over the head of people that don't have your Spirit.Father, when your Spirit moves in the hearts of people and your Word is proclaimed, youdo something.And God, that's what I'm asking, is that you would soften the hearts of those maybewho are sitting here and are heart-hearted and haven't been getting it for a long time.Those who are closed-minded towards your Word, they don't get it.Maybe they think they do.And I just pray, Father, for your Spirit, for all of us, you draw us just one step closerto you today.We pray in Jesus' name, Amen.

Vineyard Church of Hopkinton

Michael McGowanMatthew 5:9; Ephesians 2:11-17

As Jesus taught His disciples, He used Himself as the one they should model themselves after. They were to love others as He loved them. Seven coordinating blogs begin here: https://lightofchristjourney.com/?p=19740 A video of this story can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/qAg8bHJJaS0

This episode I would have PAID to have in my ears years ago. I was a little confused about some things back then. I had heard that God wanted all people well, but I didn't know how to practically reach out for my healing or how to help others walk in their health.Today we are diving into the Gospels, studying together what Jesus actually said to people to help them get well. You'll hear: 1.     Where in the Bible it tells us we have dominion over our bodies and authority to cast out demons and heal diseases and sickness2.     How to practically speak to our bodies (and the bodies of others) like Jesus did3.     Times I've spoken to my hurt body and even weather, to get it to do what I wanted 4.     Why you don't have to be afraid of crossing paths with a demon and what to do5.     Why even just the presence of you (with Christ inside) is enough to make darkness flee6.     Stories about raising the dead, finding freedom from period pain, deaf ears being opened and MORE!⁠⁠Free PDF mentioned on Believers Authority book⁠⁠Connect with Nyla:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Nyla's IG ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Nyla's website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Nyla's Christian business podcast On the Job with God⁠⁠

God didn't just tell you what he wants you to do—he showed you how to do it. When it comes to ministry, Jesus gave us the perfect model and then promised a personal coach: the Holy Spirit, living inside you. In this series, Pastor Rick shows how Jesus not only explains the assignment—he works through you to accomplish it.When Jesus began his public ministry, he made it clear who he came to help—the poor, the brokenhearted, the imprisoned, the blind, and the oppressed. In this series, Pastor Rick challenges us to help these same people, following the example Jesus set.The poor come in many forms. Some lack the money to meet basic needs, others lack a moral compass, and still others are spiritually poor—unaware of the hope and salvation Jesus offers. In this message, Pastor Rick calls us to meet each type of need with compassion and truth. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1103/29

Sunday morning service 10/19

One of our favorite episodes, we know you'll enjoy this REPLAY of "Handling Interruptions Just Like Jesus". We'll continue our study on the Beatitudes in a few weeks! Support the show

Colossians 1v28-29 with Christian Dawson Prayer is not only something we say, it's a way we live. In this eight-week series, we'll explore how prayer shapes the whole of our lives: our identity, our relationships, and our purpose in the world. From learning to be with Jesus to cultivating daily rhythms of prayer - morning, midday, and evening. This series invites us into a life formed by prayer in every season. https://bridgetown.church/teaching

When does helping someone cross the line from compassion into condescension? In this episode, Dr. Kathy Koch and Wayne Stender unpack a viral Supreme Court moment that raises tough questions about empathy, equality, and how we treat others. Learn how to teach your kids the difference between pity and Christ-like compassion—and how true love restores dignity instead of diminishing it.