Podcasts about loving people

Loving people who love you? Easy. Loving people who give you a gift, encourages you, or supports you? No brainer. It flows easily, naturally, almost automatically. Anyone can do that. The real question, the one that cuts to the heart of what it means to follow Jesus, is what happens when love becomes difficult.Because it will. If you stay anywhere long enough, love will eventually cost you something.__________Get more out of today's teaching by visiting our Church Online page for things like our community guide, a weekly devotional, and the teaching slides. EthosOH.com/churchonline

God called Abraham to leave his country and go to a land He would show him. There was only one problem: Abraham didn't know where he was going.Then God promised to make a great nation through Abraham and Sarah. There was another problem: they had no children, and years continued to pass.In Week 2 of The Story, John Gunter follows Abraham's journey from uncertainty and impatience to a growing trust in the faithfulness of God. Abraham asks questions. Abraham and Sarah try to help God's plan along through Hagar. Yet God remains faithful to what He promised.By Genesis 22, Abraham has learned something through those years of waiting. When asked to offer Isaac, the son through whom God promised to build a nation, Abraham still doesn't understand what God is doing. But now he trusts that God can accomplish what seems impossible.His answer is simple: “God will provide.”Faith does not require us to know the how, when, or why. It calls us to trust the God who has proven Himself faithful and take the next step He places before us.Scripture: Genesis 12–35; Hebrews 11:8, 17-19 Series: The Story Week 2: Trusting God When You Can't See the WayEagle Community Church of Christ Mont Belvieu, TexasLoving God. Loving People. Following Jesus. 

The Story begins where everything begins: “In the beginning, God.”In Week 1 of our journey through The Story, John Gunter explores creation, the fall, Cain and Abel, and Noah. God creates humanity in His image and provides everything they need, yet humanity chooses its own wisdom instead of trusting Him. Sin enters the world and quickly spreads, bringing shame, brokenness, violence, and death.But underneath the Lower Story of human failure, something bigger is happening. In the Upper Story, God continues working. He does not abandon the people He created. He pursues relationship, provides a way forward, and establishes His covenant with Noah.From the opening chapters of Genesis, we begin to see the heart of the entire biblical story: even when humanity walks away from God, God continues working to bring humanity back to Himself.The question Adam and Eve faced is still ours today: Will we trust God's wisdom, or will we choose our own way?Scripture: Genesis 1–9 Series: The Story Week 1: In the Beginning, GodEagle Community Church of Christ Mont Belvieu, TexasLoving God. Loving People. Following Jesus. 

"Loving God, Loving People!"

What do you expect to happen when you encounter the Word of God?As Eagle Community Church prepares to begin a 31-week journey through The Story, John Gunter challenges us to approach Scripture as more than information to consume or another spiritual task to complete.Isaiah 55 reminds us that God's thoughts are higher than our thoughts and His ways higher than ours. We see only part of the story, but God sees the whole. And He promises that when His Word goes out, it will not return empty.That means our goal isn't simply to finish each week's reading. We want to encounter God, discover what He is revealing about Himself, see what He is showing us about our own lives, and allow His Word to transform us.God's work in us may sometimes happen slowly, like rain bringing life from the ground. We may not immediately see the growth. But we can faithfully put ourselves in a position to encounter His Word and trust God to do what only He can do.Key Scriptures: Isaiah 55:8-11 2 Timothy 3:14-17Eagle Community Church of Christ Mont Belvieu, TexasLoving God. Loving People. Following Jesus.

What does life look like after someone responds to the gospel?Acts 2 tells us that after 3,000 people came to Christ at Pentecost, the new believers devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching, fellowship, breaking bread, and prayer. Their faith wasn't limited to a weekly gathering. They began sharing life.In the final message of The Invitation series, John Gunter explores the importance of Christian community and the relationships that form when believers intentionally spend time together, encourage one another, meet needs, and pursue God together.This kind of community also changes the way we think about evangelism. We don't need the perfect program or all the answers. We can simply live faithfully, invite others into what God is doing, and trust Him with the results.We plant. We water. God gives the growth.Key Scriptures: Acts 2:42-47 Hebrews 10:23-25 1 Corinthians 3:5-7Eagle Community Church of Christ Mont Belvieu, TexasLoving God. Loving People. Following Jesus.

"Loving God, Loving People!"

"Loving God, Loving People!"

This week, Pastor Shawn walks us through the short book of 2 John!

Jesus said that the greatest commandment is to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, and mind, and the second greatest commandment is to love our neighbor as ourselves. It's easy to see how important love is to our faith walk, but what does it mean to embrace a life of love? In this message, we're continuing our WE ARE series, and specifically talking about our call to become a people of love, and demonstrate what God has done for us to others.Visit us online at http://www.fathershouseportland.org

"Loving God, Loving People!"

As we have focused this year on the part of our mission in "Loving People" and Pastor Scott coming out of a series in Search and Rescue, commissioning us to go, we are waging war for the kingdom and the enemy is too. We need to stand but can only do so on the foundation of Jesus.

"Loving God, Loving People!"

"Loving God, Loving People!"

Episode 10 opens with a simple invitation: after ten honest conversations about faith, doubt, grace and growth, Angel Santana stands at the roadside of the soul and asks, "Are we there yet?" With a storyteller's warmth he traces the quiet, unseen steps that bring us closer to God—like the traveler who suddenly discovers an exit sign and realizes the journey was shorter than it felt. Through personal reflection, biblical memory, and a heart-check challenge to list ten ways God has shown up, this finale turns reflection into action. It's a gentle reminder that spiritual growth often happens day by day, and that the next faithful step—no matter how small—matters. Join Angel as he prays, encourages, and sends you out with one clear promise: your story isn't over, and you may be closer than you think. Have faith—let it begin. What does it really mean to follow Jesus in everyday life? In this powerful 10-part series, Angel Santana explores the questions many Christians ask but are often afraid to say out loud. Whether you're struggling with doubt, waiting on God, searching for purpose, or simply trying to grow in your faith, these conversations are designed to encourage, challenge, and remind you that you're never walking alone. ✨ Episode 1 – Why Does God Feel Silent? ✨ Episode 2 – I'm Tired of Pretending I'm Okay ✨ Episode 3 – What If I Don't Feel Saved? ✨ Episode 4 – Comparison Is Killing Your Calling ✨ Episode 5 – Learning to Hear God's Voice ✨ Episode 6 – When Your Prayers Go Unanswered ✨ Episode 7 – Stop Trying to Be the Perfect Christian ✨ Episode 8 – Friendships That Bring You Closer to Jesus ✨ Episode 9 – What Is God Preparing You For? ✨ Episode 10 – You're Closer Than You Think This isn't just a podcast series—it's an invitation to grow deeper in your walk with Christ, discover God's faithfulness in every season, and take the next faithful step. No matter where you are today, keep trusting, keep believing, and keep following Jesus.

"Loving God, Loving People!"

Join us as we gather live for our Sunday Service. We look forward to gathering with you virtually and hearing your thoughts and prayers during our live chat. We believe in Loving Jesus, Loving People, and seeing Jesus transform lives. For more information on our church, click on the following links: Website: junctioncovenant.com/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/junctioncov...

Jesus never promised that following Him would be easy. Instead, He invited people to honestly consider what discipleship would require.In this message from The Invitation series, John Gunter walks through Luke 14, where Jesus challenges His followers to count the cost before committing their lives to Him. Through practical examples and biblical teaching, we're reminded that discipleship is not about adding Jesus to an already full schedule. It's about making Him the highest priority from which every other decision flows.Following Christ costs something, but nothing compares to the surpassing worth of knowing Him.Key Themes: Following Jesus requires reordered priorities.  Small daily decisions shape our spiritual lives.  Discipleship is intentional, not accidental.  Every area of life should be surrendered to God.  Christ is worth every sacrifice. Key Scriptures: Luke 14:25-35  Matthew 16:24-26  Philippians 3:7-11  Romans 12:1-2 Eagle Community Church of Christ Mont Belvieu, TexasLoving God. Loving People. Following Jesus.

In Luke 14, Jesus tells the parable of a great banquet where the invited guests are too busy to attend. Rather than canceling the celebration, the master sends his servants back out again and again because there is still room at the table.In this message, John Gunter explores how ordinary distractions can keep us from responding to God's invitation and how the church is called to reflect God's heart by welcoming everyone who comes through its doors.The gospel isn't reserved for people who have everything together. God's kingdom has room for people from every background, every story, and every stage of faith.Key Themes: Ordinary excuses can crowd out eternal priorities.  God's invitation is for everyone.  The church should welcome people the way Christ welcomed us.  There is always room at God's table.  Our mission is to invite, welcome, and point people to Jesus. Key Scriptures: Luke 14:15-24  Isaiah 55:1-3  Romans 15:7  James 2:1-9 Eagle Community Church of Christ Mont Belvieu, TexasLoving God. Loving People. Following Jesus.

"Loving God, Loving People!"

"Loving God, Loving People!"

Do you ever catch yourself doing something and only later wonder why you actually did it? Fr Columba shares a simple discernment tool from St Faustina's diary: before any decision, stop and ask whether it's for God's glory, the good of your own soul, or the good of others. Paired with St John Paul II's contrast between love and use, it becomes a quick, honest way to check your real motives, even when the answer is uncomfortable. If you've ever wondered what's actually driving your choices, this is a simple place to start.

"Loving God, Loving People!"

"Loving God, Loving People!"

When the Samaritan woman encountered Jesus, everything changed.She didn't become a Bible scholar overnight. She didn't suddenly have all the answers. She simply left her water jar behind, ran into town, and invited others to meet the One who had changed her life.In this message from The Invitation series, John Gunter explores one of Scripture's greatest examples of personal evangelism. Through the story of the Samaritan woman, we're reminded that God often chooses the people we least expect to accomplish His greatest work.Sharing our faith isn't about having a perfect past or perfect knowledge. It's about introducing people to the perfect Savior.Key Themes: God uses imperfect people.  Your testimony matters.  Don't let your past silence your witness.  Jesus calls us to invite, not convince.  The harvest is ready today. Key Scriptures: John 4:27-42  Mark 5:18-20 Eagle Community Church of Christ Mont Belvieu, TexasLoving God. Loving People. Following Jesus.

"Loving God, Loving People!"

"Loving God, Loving People!"

In this episode of the Cause+Effect Podcast, Trent Dunham, CEO+ President of Dunham+Co, is joined by Brian Mountjoy, Chief Culture Officer at Dunham+Co, for a conversation on what it really takes to build and sustain a healthy organizational culture.Through stories ranging from chicken coops and workplace brackets to unforgettable moments of caring for people well, Trent and Brian unpack why culture is not created by slogans, parties, or values on a wall. It is shaped every day by intentional leaders who love their people, model their values, and create an environment where others feel seen, known, and cared for.Whether you lead a nonprofit, church, ministry, or business, this episode will challenge you to ask a simple but important question: what is one practical thing you can do today to strengthen the culture of your organization? Chapters00:00 – Introduction01:40 – Why Culture Requires Proactive Investment04:02 – Culture Is Not a One-Time Event05:39 – What Chickens Can Teach Us About Leadership11:46 – Loving People in the Way They Need to Be Loved19:12 – Simple Ways to Make Culture Real 30:18 – Challenge to Leaders

In this episode of the Cause+Effect Podcast, Trent Dunham, CEO+ President of Dunham+Co, is joined by Brian Mountjoy, Chief Culture Officer at Dunham+Co, for a conversation on what it really takes to build and sustain a healthy organizational culture. Through stories ranging from chicken coops and workplace brackets to unforgettable moments of caring for people well, Trent and Brian unpack why culture is not created by slogans, parties, or values on a wall. It is shaped every day by intentional leaders who love their people, model their values, and create an environment where others feel seen, known, and cared for. Whether you lead a nonprofit, church, ministry, or business, this episode will challenge you to ask a simple but important question: what is one practical thing you can do today to strengthen the culture of your organization?  Chapters 00:00 – Introduction 01:40 – Why Culture Requires Proactive Investment 04:02 – Culture Is Not a One-Time Event 05:39 – What Chickens Can Teach Us About Leadership 11:46 – Loving People in the Way They Need to Be Loved 19:12 – Simple Ways to Make Culture Real 30:18 – Challenge to Leaders

"Loving God, Loving People!"

"Loving God, Loving People!"

Before Jesus told His disciples to go into the harvest, He first taught them how to see.In Matthew 9, Jesus looked at the crowds with compassion because they were "harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd." Rather than viewing people as interruptions or labels, He saw individuals who desperately needed hope, healing, and a Savior.In this second message of The Invitation series, John Gunter challenges believers to slow down, notice the people God has already placed around them, and begin praying for opportunities to simply invite others to encounter Christ.Sharing our faith doesn't begin with having all the answers. It begins with having the eyes of Jesus.Key Themes: Seeing people through the eyes of Christ  Compassion before invitation  The harvest is people, not projects  Prayer prepares our hearts to reach others  God provides the growth while we faithfully invite Key Scriptures: Matthew 9:35-38  1 Samuel 16:7  Romans 15:7  1 Corinthians 3:6-7 Eagle Community Church of Christ Mont Belvieu, TexasLoving God. Loving People. Following Jesus.

In episode three of Faith in Today's World, Angel Santana sets the scene with the warmth of a home—his young son in the background—and asks a piercing question: how do we love people when we don't agree with them? Drawing on moments from healthcare, fatherhood, and Scripture, Angel weaves personal storytelling with John 13:34–35 to show that love and truth can coexist. Through honest anecdotes, a practical faith challenge to reach out and listen, and a closing prayer, this episode turns everyday division into an invitation to be peacemakers. Listeners are guided from tension to compassion, encouraged to choose relationship over winning, and reminded that small acts of grace can reveal Jesus to a fractured world.

"Loving God, Loving People!"

"Loving God, Loving People!"

Every follower of Jesus has a story that began with an invitation.In the opening chapter of John's Gospel, we see a simple pattern repeated again and again. Someone encounters Jesus, and then they invite someone else. John the Baptist points to Christ. Andrew brings Peter. Philip invites Nathanael. None of them have every answer. They simply say, "Come and see."In this message, John Gunter challenges us to think about the people God has placed in our lives and asks one important question:Who is your Simon?As we prepare to begin The Story together as a church family, this sermon reminds us that sharing our faith is not about having perfect answers. It is about introducing people to the One who changes lives.Key Scriptures: John 1:35-51  Psalm 34:8  1 Corinthians 3:6-7  John 6:66-69 Eagle Community Church of Christ Mont Belvieu, TexasLoving God. Loving People. Following Jesus.

When a million people were asked to rate how loving they are, every single one put themselves above average. Which is mathematically impossible. We all think we're kind. We all think we love well. This week pokes at that assumption with a few uncomfortable questions: why you keep some people close and quietly let others go, why "they drain me" comes so easily, and whether a lot of what you call love is actually just a trade you've never noticed you're making.

There's a difference between loving someone and being loving toward them. The love can be real, but if it isn't expressed in a language the other person actually hears, they can still feel unseen. The trouble is we tend to show love the way we understand it, not the way they receive it. Psalm 145 says God is rich in love and loving toward all He has made, and we become more like Him when people can actually feel the love we have for them. So try one of three things today: physical affection, a warm presence that words can't replace. Positive affirmation, especially when someone has failed. Or focused attention, your full, undistracted presence. Don't wait for the right moment. Make the moment.Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside's conviction that God's grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God's presence and activity in your life.

What are you building today that you may never fully enjoy?In this Father's Day message, John Gunter examines the story of Nehemiah and the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls. Through opposition, weariness, and discouragement, God's people discovered that the wall itself was never the ultimate goal. The goal was renewal, worship, and preparing a future they might never fully experience.This sermon reminds us that faithful people build with future generations in mind. They persevere through ordinary days, trust God through difficult seasons, and keep moving forward even when they feel tired.Key Themes: Building for future generations  Persevering when you feel worn out  Why discouragement isn't defeat  The importance of ordinary faithfulness  Remembering that the Lord is great and awesome 

"Loving God, Loving People!"

How do you actually learn to love God?In this reflection on Psalm 31, John Ortberg explores one surprising pathway to loving God more deeply: curiosity.Drawing from theologian Cornelius Plantinga Jr., relationship researcher John Gottman, and Dallas Willard, John invites us to think about building a "love map" for God.This episode explores:- Psalm 31 and loving God- Curiosity as a spiritual discipline- John Gottman's concept of love maps- Fascinating biblical images of God- The mystery and wonder of God's character- Learning to love God with all your mindScriptures:- Psalm 31- Deuteronomy 6:5- Matthew 22:37- Luke 23:46- Psalm 78#Psalm31 #JohnOrtberg #Prayer #LoveGod #SpiritualFormation #DallasWillard #JohnGottman #BibleStudy #Psalms #ChristianFaith

"Loving God, Loving People!"

"Loving God, Loving People!"

In this episode, Beth and Jenna talk more about the burning love of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. We are called to love like Jesus loves, but we can't do that if we don't first receive His love.Whether it be how we respond to those who hurt us, how we love our neighbors, how we talk about people, or what we consume, it all comes down to Love.

"Loving God, Loving People!"

"Loving God, Loving People!"

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 In this sermon, we are going to address the new trend of AI relationships. A chatbot can fulfill 1 Corinthans 13 easily. But are we creating unrealistic expectations of IRL relationships?

"Loving God, Loving People!"

"Loving God, Loving People!"