Podcasts about nondenominational

DAY 14 — Isaiah's Vision of the Holy KingIsaiah saw the Lord high and lifted up, holy beyond imagining—and it changed everything. Today we explore this vision and the cleansing grace God gives to sinners. What does holiness have to do with Christmas? 

Exile runs through every page of Genesis – but God is always moving toward return, blessing, and incarnation.

DAY 13 — Songs for the ShepherdGod's people have always sung when He saves—and the Psalms teach us how to sing in every season. Today we explore how David's songs point to the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep. What does worship look like when life is hard? Advent invites us to lift our voices as we wait for our Shepherd-King.

DAY 12 — Elijah & the Living GodOn Mount Carmel, Elijah confronted the empty promises of idols and revealed the fire-falling power of the living God. Today we ask: what idols capture our hearts today? Why do we chase things that cannot hear or save? Advent calls us back to the God who speaks—and to the Prophet greater than Elijah.

DAY 11 — David's Sin & God's MercyDavid was a man after God's heart, but he was also a man capable of deep failure. Today we walk through his darkest moment and his desperate cry for mercy. Why does God forgive sinners like David—and like us? Advent reminds us that we need a sinless King who can restore our broken hearts.

DAY 10 — Ruth & the RedeemerIn a story filled with grief and loss, God quietly worked redemption through Ruth and Boaz. Today we explore how loyalty, kindness, and courage lead to the family line of Jesus Himself. What does it mean to be “redeemed”? Advent invites us to take refuge under the wings of our Redeemer.

DAY 9 — The Rejected MediatorMoses stood between God and His people, praying for mercy even when they rejected him. Today we reflect on Israel's rebellion and Moses' intercession—and how both point toward Christ. Why do we reject the very One who came to save us? Advent teaches us to see Jesus as our greater Mediator, praying and standing in the gap for us.

Speaker: Nathan Buford ★ Support this podcast ★

https://newsongpeople.com/messages/loveWhat if the hope you're holding onto isn't actually the kind of hope the Bible promises? What if real hope isn't a wish, a feeling, or a seasonal emotion—but a confident expectation anchored in the unshakeable goodness of God? In this Advent message, we explore why the birth of Jesus in a manger means hope has arrived for everyone, right now. What if cultural Christmas awakens longings it can never fulfill, and only Christ can? How do we live with a hope that doesn't disappoint, especially when life feels chaotic or heavy? And what would change if you lifted your soul to God and stayed close enough to see Him moving? Step into the true meaning of Advent and discover a hope that is firm, secure, and alive.

DAY 8 — The Day of AtonementOnce a year, Israel watched as two goats carried away their sin—one sacrificed, one sent into the wilderness. Today we explore how this ritual pointed to Jesus, our final and perfect substitute. Why can our sins really be forgiven and forgotten? Advent reminds us that Christ came to make us “at-one” with God forever.

DAY 7 — Moses & the God Who RescuesGod saw His people suffering in Egypt and sent Moses to bring them out. Today we look at how Moses' rescue mission points to a greater Deliverer still to come. What does it mean that God hears, remembers, and acts? Advent reminds us that Jesus came to lead us out of a far deeper slavery.

What happens when life strips everything away from us? This powerful exploration invites us into the reality that God specializes in working with leftoversnot what we have in abundance, but what remains after loss. Through the lens of King Nebuchadnezzar's vision in Daniel 4, we discover that when God allows the tree of our lives to be cut down, He deliberately leaves the stump and roots intact. This isn't abandonment; it's preservation with purpose. The message weaves through numerous biblical accountsJob losing everything yet clinging to faith, Gideon's army reduced from 32,000 to 300, Samson's hair beginning to grow back, and the widow with only a flask of oil. Each story reveals the same profound truth: if God allows something to be removed from our lives, it means we don't need it to fulfill His purpose for us. The miracle isn't in what we've lost, but in what God does with what we have left. Whether it's two handfuls of ashes, a servant the enemy discarded, enough strength to touch Jesus' garment, or simply the willingness to obey when faith feels exhaustedGod takes our leftovers and multiplies them beyond imagination. We're challenged to stop rehearsing our losses and instead inventory what remains, because in God's economy, what little we have left is all we need for the great future ahead.

DAY 6 — Joseph: From Pit to Palace (Sarah)Betrayed by his brothers and forgotten in prison, Joseph saw God turn pain into purpose. Today we explore how Joseph's rise to power foreshadows Jesus—the Beloved Son who suffers to save. What others meant for evil, God meant for good. This story invites us to trust God in seasons that feel like “the pit.”

DAY 5 — Jacob the Trickster & God's GraceJacob's life was messy, complicated, and full of failure—yet God's promise continued through him. Today we look at how grace, not goodness, keeps God's story moving. Can God really use people who get it wrong again and again? Jacob shows us just how powerful God's mercy truly is.

DAY 4 — The Promised Son & the SubstituteIsaac's miraculous birth showed God keeps His promises, and the ram on the mountain showed God provides a substitute. Today we explore how this father-and-son moment points forward to Christ. Why would God ask Abraham to give up his beloved son—and what does it reveal about the Son God would one day give for us? This story prepares our hearts for the manger.

DAY 3 — The Promise to AbrahamGod chose an unlikely man and made a promise big enough to bless the whole world. Today we trace that promise—from Abraham's barren household to the birth of Jesus Himself. What kind of God gives everything to someone who deserves nothing? Discover how Advent is rooted in God's unstoppable faithfulness.

DAY 2 — The Ark and the Rainbow Noah's story is more than judgment—it's a picture of God's saving grace. Today we explore how the ark points to a better rescue and a better Savior. What does a flood, a boat, and a rainbow have to do with Advent? Come see how this ancient story stirs our hope for Christ.

This weekend we welcomed pastor Travis Eades from Oak Hills Church in San Antonio, Texas, for a message built around one simple truth. God is still with us in our fear.The first human response to the birth of Jesus was fear, but God answered that fear with His presence. Throughout Scripture, every “do not fear” comes with a promise that God is near, God is working, and God is holding what we cannot.If you have been carrying anxiety, pressure, sleepless nights, or a heart full of “what ifs,” this message offers real hope. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------Today's Message Notes: https://bible.com/events/49527260Stay Updated on our Campus: https://linktr.ee/nlcsearcyOnline Giving: http://newlifechurch.tv/givingMailing Address: 2851 West Beebe-Capps Expy, Searcy, AR 72143For more information on our campus, email us at searcy@newlifechurch.tv or visit newlifechurch.tv. You can also follow us on Facebook or Instagram @nlcsearcy!

https://newsongpeople.com/messages/gods-peaceWhat if the peace God offers is far stronger, deeper, and more whole than anything you've ever imagined? What if biblical peace isn't the absence of conflict, but the presence of Someone? In this message, Pastor Tonderai Bassoppo-Moyo explores the difference between the world's fragile peace and the unshakeable peace God gives—peace that brings wholeness, mends what's broken, steadies us in trouble, and reconciles us to God, to ourselves, and to others. If true peace feels distant, fragile, or inconsistent in your life, what would it look like to discover the kind of peace Jesus promised? Listen in as we explore the peace announced at His birth and offered to us today.#GodsPeace #Shalom #NewSongChurch #PastorTonderai #PeaceWithGod #PeaceWithSelf #PeaceWithOthers #JesusOurPeace #BibleTeaching #SermonRecap #ChristianTeaching #OklahomaCityChurch

Every rebellion repeats the first one.  From Eden to Babel, the cycle is fracture, exile,…

At the heart of this message lies a profound invitation to step into the realm of the supernatural through faith and trust in God. Drawing from John 14:1, we're reminded that in our Father's house there are many roomsmore blessings, more miracles, more provision than we've yet discovered. The central theme challenges us to move beyond anxiety and fear, especially in an era saturated with troubling news and pessimistic forecasts, and instead embrace a posture of expectant faith. We're called to believe that God wants to visit us with healings, miracles, and unexplainable breakthroughs that can only be attributed to His power. The message weaves together powerful testimonies of supernatural healingfrom cancer disappearing to AIDS being cured through water baptismdemonstrating that the same God who performed miracles decades ago is still moving today. What makes this particularly relevant is the acknowledgment that miracles often come after difficult reports: the diagnosis precedes the healing, the struggle precedes the victory. We're encouraged to stop letting podcasters, news cycles, and cultural prophets of doom diminish our faith, and instead return to the simplicity of prayer and Scripture. The call is clear: make room for the supernatural in our everyday lives, believe that nothing is too hard for God, and watch as He transforms impossibilities into testimonies that leave even skeptics saying, 'It had to be God.'

Advent, meaning “arrival,” signifies the start of something profound. In the Christian tradition, it is a four-week season dedicated to reflecting on and celebrating Jesus' arrival on Earth! It's a season to remember the unexpected humility of His birth and anticipate His future return when He will reunite Heaven and Earth. Join us as we explore themes of hope, peace, joy, and love this Christmas season at New Song Church.

Sermon: Leslie RoweCommunion: Grant Trotter ★ Support this podcast ★

In this sermon on the Tower of Babel, Pastor Chris explores the deep human impulse…

This powerful message centers on the transformative power of persistent, insistent faiththe kind that refuses to give up even when circumstances seem impossible. Drawing from Luke 18's parable of the persistent widow, we're challenged to move beyond casual, comfortable Christianity into a realm of breakthrough that belongs only to those who consistently knock on heaven's door. The widow's relentless pursuit of justice from an unjust judge becomes our model: if even an uncaring human eventually responds to persistence, how much more will our loving Father respond to our continual prayers? We're invited to examine whether we've stopped praying about things simply because we haven't seen immediate results, and to recognize that consistencyin prayer, in faith, in giving, in expectationis the key that unlocks miraculous provision. The message reminds us that insistent faith isn't begging God; it's reminding ourselves of His covenant promises and proving to ourselves that we truly want what we're asking for. When we show up week after week, when we give even in famine seasons like Isaac did, when we reach for our miracle like the woman with the issue of blood, we're not wearing God outwe're demonstrating the kind of shameless persistence that moves heaven on our behalf.

Is the Non-Denominational Church Even A Church?  What do you think?If you love Jesus and hunger for something older, deeper, and steadier than the non-denominational scene, this conversation is for you.Cloud of Witnesses hosts Jeremy Jeremiah, Mario Andrew, and first time, special guest host Michael, weigh the spectacle of modern worship against the historic shape of the church and ask a hard question with charity: are non-denominational congregations churches, and are they the church Jesus founded. Personal stories, doctrine, and authority guide a candid look at formation, sacraments, and accountability.We look gratefully at what many non-denom churches do well—zeal for the gospel, real hospitality to seekers—while asking a harder question: what actually makes a church the Church Jesus founded? From there we explore how that answer shapes worship, formation, and accountability over a lifetime.What we unpack (high level):Experience vs. endurance: how production-heavy services can spark decisions but fail to grow deep roots.Doctrine & discipleship: why “results” metrics quietly displaced catechesis, repentance, and the classical pattern of spiritual growth.Sacraments at the center: communion, baptism, confession—not as add-ons, but as Christ's appointed means of grace.Authority that can correct: the difference between a movement built on personalities and an institutional church with bishops, priests, and deacons in apostolic succession.Oversight & ordination: what happens when there's no higher court to address error—or to restore a fallen leader.Belonging vs. floating: why “me and Jesus” Christianity leaves people spiritually unparented and communities fragile.This isn't a hit piece—it's an appeal to fullness. If your faith feels powerful but thin, if leadership turnover keeps resetting the vision, or if you're curious about ancient paths that have held through centuries, we point toward a visible, sacramental, and accountable church life that forms believers for the long haul.Listen, share, and discuss with a friend who's asking the same questions. If this helped you think more clearly about church and discipleship, subscribe, rate, and leave a review so others can find the show.Questions about Orthodoxy? Please check out our friends at Ghost of Byzantium Discord server: https://discord.gg/JDJDQw6tdhPlease prayerfully consider supporting Cloud of Witnesses Radio: https://www.patreon.com/c/CloudofWitnessesFind Cloud of Witnesses Radio on Instagram, X.com, Facebook, and TikTokPlease leave a comment with your thoughts!

What comes to your mind when you hear the word eternity? For many of us, it was shaped by childhood moments filled with fear, confusion, and even a little panic. In this message, Pastor Kevin revisits one of his earliest church memories and shows how the hope of heaven slowly drifted in church history from something joyful to something frightening.We pray this message fills your heart with peace and confidence as you look toward the future God has promised.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------Today's Message Notes: https://bible.com/events/49514385Stay Updated on our Campus: https://linktr.ee/nlcsearcyOnline Giving: http://newlifechurch.tv/givingMailing Address: 2851 West Beebe-Capps Expy, Searcy, AR 72143For more information on our campus, email us at searcy@newlifechurch.tv or visit newlifechurch.tv. You can also follow us on Facebook or Instagram @nlcsearcy!

Today I want to discuss why nondenominational churches are often better than traditional churches.

We stand as a people ready to answer the call a body of believers whose lives speak the Word of God. His glory revealed through our story.

In this message from Genesis 9, we explore the final scene of Noah's life… his…

Jeremy Jeremiah, Orthodox Christian, and host of today's Cloud of Witnesses episode, reacts and responds to Dillon Baker of The Protestant Gentleman podcast (https://www.youtube.com/@theprotestantgentleman) testimony that he, Dillon, is leaving the Non-Denominational church, and why.What if the Sunday you know has drifted far from the church you need? We follow a thoughtful journey out of a non-denominational megachurch toward a rooted, reverent, and sacramental vision of Christian life. The conversation starts with authority and structure: why do so many churches teach different things, and who decides? From sola scriptura to elder boards with conflicting interpretations, we unpack how fragmentation becomes normal when there's no visible, historic body to anchor doctrine and practice.We trace the journey out of a non-denominational megachurch toward a historic, sacramental, and accountable expression of the church. Along the way we examine authority, discipleship, pastoral care, reverence, and why communion belongs at the center.• identifying fragmentation born of solo interpretation and weak structures• contrasting seeker models with worship for the baptized• reclaiming the pastor as present shepherd, not executive• rejecting a popular gospel that mutes sin and judgment• restoring reverence through sacred space, symbols, and creeds• embracing participatory liturgy over passive consumption• naming the limits of unformed community group leadership• elevating communion and baptism as the church's heartbeat• counting the relational cost of leaving and discerning next steps• inviting conversation about apostolic continuity and unityFrom there, we move into discipleship and the true purpose of Sunday. If church is designed as a seeker venue, believers become spectators and the gospel gets softer. We make the case that the gathered church should be for the baptized—shaping souls through confession, accountability, and the ordinary disciplines that form resilient Christians. That priority reframes the pastor's role from CEO to shepherd and challenges the assumption that charismatic leadership and scalable programs equal spiritual health.Reverence takes center stage as we explore the power of sacred space, ancient hymns, creeds, and participatory liturgy. This isn't about aesthetics; it's about recognizing the holiness of God and recovering practices that have carried the church for centuries. The climax lands on the sacraments, especially communion. We consider the real presence, why the Lord's Table once stood at the heart of worship, and what is lost when a sermon becomes the main event. Along the way, we count the cost of leaving a beloved community and open a path toward unity with a church that offers accountability, depth, and apostolic continuity.If you're wrestling with megachurch hype, soft preaching, or surface fellowship, this conversation offers a map back to depth and stability. Listen, share with a friend, and then tell us: what anchors your worship—stage or altar? Subscribe for more thoughtful, tradition-aware conversations and leave a review to help others find the show.Questions about Orthodoxy? Please check out our friends at Ghost of Byzantium Discord server: https://discord.gg/JDJDQw6tdhPlease prayerfully consider supporting Cloud of Witnesses Radio: https://www.patreon.com/c/CloudofWitnessesFind Cloud of Witnesses Radio on Instagram, X.com, Facebook, and TikTokPlease leave a comment with your thoughts!

Speaker: Ryan Bristow ★ Support this podcast ★

Life has a way of moving in seasons rather than just days and months. Sometimes we find ourselves on the mountaintop, and other times we're deep in the valley, wrapped in what feels like a straitjacket of doubt and discouragement. But Romans 15:13 offers us a powerful promise: the God of hope can fill us with complete happiness and peace through our faith, and the Holy Spirit can cause us to overflow with hope. This isn't wishful thinking or blind optimism. The Greek word for hope here means 'expectation of what is sure.' We're not hoping for a maybe; we're expecting something certain. God doesn't peddle false hope or shallow encouragement. He offers real, tangible hope that we can build our lives upon. The key is understanding that faith is the currency that moves God's economy. It's not our need that necessarily moves God, but our trust in Him. When we give Him our discouragement, He offers overflowing joy. When we give Him our fear, He gives confidence. When we give Him our brokenness, He gives healing. This is a lopsided exchange where we always win. We don't have to stay stuck in despair. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, we can experience levels of hope and joy that transcend our human ability to manufacture them. The question is: will we trust Him enough to receive it?

Church isn't just something we attend—it's something we belong to. In this message, we look at what it means to be truly connected to the local church through giving, serving, and building real relationships. When we choose to get involved, our faith grows stronger, our community gets better, and God works through us in powerful ways.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------Today's Message Notes: https://www.bible.com/events/49514384Stay Updated on our Campus: https://linktr.ee/nlcsearcyOnline Giving: http://newlifechurch.tv/givingMailing Address: 2851 West Beebe-Capps Expy, Searcy, AR 72143For more information on our campus, email us at searcy@newlifechurch.tv or visit newlifechurch.tv. You can also follow us on Facebook or Instagram @nlcsearcy!

https://newsongpeople.com/messages/we-make-spaceWhat does it mean to make space for God to move? In this message from Pastor Josh, we explore what happens when we recognize that everything we have belongs to Him—and that we're called to steward it, not own it. What if generosity isn't about money, but about the heart? What if expanding our sanctuary and opening our hands to give is actually about creating room for people to know God, be saved, and be sent? We'll look at Ephesians 2, Psalm 50, and Matthew 6 to see how God uses surrendered hearts and open hands to build His house and reach His people. Because when we make space for Him, He fills it—with His presence, His peace, and His purpose.

Speaker: Brad Davis ★ Support this podcast ★

This powerful message reminds us that seeking counsel isn't a sign of weaknessit's actually a mark of wisdom and spiritual maturity. Drawing from Isaiah 9:6, we're invited to understand Jesus not just as Savior, but as our Wonderful Counselor who knows us more intimately than anyone else ever could. The sermon unpacks three compelling reasons why we need counsel: we don't know what we don't know, there's safety in wise advisors, and counsel provides direction for growth. What's particularly striking is how this teaching affirms that Jesus speaks to us through multiple channelsthrough prayer and Scripture, yes, but also through Christian counselors, pastors, small groups, worship music, and even everyday conversations in church hallways. The message challenges a false dichotomy many of us have held: that seeking professional help somehow means we lack faith. Instead, we're encouraged to see therapists, financial advisors, marriage counselors, and other helpers as tools in Jesus' toolbox. He uses them to reach us where we are. The key is ensuring our counsel is rooted in biblical truth and godly principles. This isn't about replacing Jesusit's about recognizing all the ways He chooses to minister to us. When we humble ourselves enough to admit we need help, we position ourselves to receive the multifaceted wisdom God wants to pour into our lives.

Misinformation is powerful. It spreads fast, twists truth, and can change how we see God, others, and even ourselves. From the Garden of Eden to our modern world of endless information, the enemy still uses deception to distort what God says and how we live.In this message, we look at how the serpent's subtle question—“Did God really say?”—set humanity on a path of confusion and compromise, and how we can guard our hearts from deceptive ideas, distorted desires, and destructive behaviors.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------Today's Message Notes: https://www.bible.com/events/49514383Stay Updated on our Campus: https://linktr.ee/nlcsearcyOnline Giving: http://newlifechurch.tv/givingMailing Address: 2851 West Beebe-Capps Expy, Searcy, AR 72143For more information on our campus, email us at searcy@newlifechurch.tv or visit newlifechurch.tv. You can also follow us on Facebook or Instagram @nlcsearcy!

https://newsongpeople.com/messages/the-4-ps-of-painSeries: Looking Unto Jesus // Real Change for Real Sinners // The 4 P's of Pain What if your pain isn't proof of God's absence, but a sign He's working more deeply than you realize? In this week's message, Pastor Josh unpacks how God uses even the hardest seasons to shape us into the likeness of Christ. Why does God allow pain? What purpose could it possibly serve? And how do we find real joy when life hurts? Together, we'll explore how pain is a promise, serves a purpose, comes with a prescription, and, most importantly, reveals the person of Jesus in the midst of it all. He doesn't just remove pain; He redeems it. Join us as we look to Jesus, the One who transforms suffering into strength and scars into trophies of grace.#LookingUntoJesus #RealChangeForRealSinners #NewSongChurch #The4PsOfPain #JesusInThePain #FaithThroughFire #GodsPurposeInPain #JoyInSuffering #PainAndPurpose #TrustGodInTheStorm #GodRedeemsPain #HeTurnsPainIntoPurpose #JesusOurHealer #HopeInChrist #GodsGraceIsEnough #JoyOfTheLord #EnduringFaith #ChristOurStrength #ScarsToTrophies #GospelLiving #ChristianFaith #ChurchOnline #SundayMessage #Matthew6 

Sermon: Casey WorshamCommunion: Don FriedrichMissionary Update: Danyelle and Franco de Moron ★ Support this podcast ★

This message challenges us to rethink what it truly means to be healthy. Drawing from Luke 10:27's call to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, we're invited to examine whether we're merely avoiding sickness or actually thriving in every dimension of our lives. The sermon walks us through Jesus' own self-care practices, revealing that the Son of Goddespite His divinitystill needed to tend to His human body, emotions, relationships, and spiritual life. We see Jesus weeping openly, expressing anger, setting boundaries with family members, taking naps in boats, walking miles daily, and intentionally choosing solitude for prayer. This isn't about indulgence or treating ourselves to spa days; it's about stewardship of the one life and body God has given us. The message dismantles harmful religious guilt around spiritual disciplines, reminding us that God delights in five minutes of genuine connection just as much as an hour. We're encouraged to ask ourselves the honest questions: Am I thriving emotionally? Spiritually? Physically? Mentally? Relationally? The baptism at the end beautifully illustrates what it means to fix the wobble in our livesto shore up the unbalanced legs of our existence so we can walk steadily in our calling.

In a world that celebrates busyness, it's easy to believe our value comes from what we do. But in Luke 10, Jesus reminds Martha that Mary “has chosen what is better.” This message looks at how we often get trapped by distraction, pride, and people-pleasing—mistaking activity for identity—and how to refocus on what truly matters: being present with Jesus.If you've ever felt overwhelmed, overworked, or disconnected from God, this is your reminder to slow down, sit at His feet, and rediscover the one thing that matters most.Scripture: Luke 10:38–42Main Idea: Who you are determines what you do—not the other way around.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------Today's Message Notes: https://www.bible.com/events/49512439Stay Updated on our Campus: https://linktr.ee/nlcsearcyOnline Giving: http://newlifechurch.tv/givingMailing Address: 2851 West Beebe-Capps Expy, Searcy, AR 72143For more information on our campus, email us at searcy@newlifechurch.tv or visit newlifechurch.tv. You can also follow us on Facebook or Instagram @nlcsearcy!

https://newsongpeople.com/series/looking-unto-jesusReal change for real sinners doesn't just happen as we look up to God- it happens as we look out to one another. In this message from our series Looking Unto Jesus, Pastor Sarah unpacks 1 John 1 and shows how honesty and confession are essential to true spiritual growth.Walking in the light isn't about being perfect; it's about what to do when we aren't. It's about daring to be a sinner so we can experience the cleansing, freeing power of Jesus' blood together.Discover how confession brings us out of the dark and into the light of real fellowship and freedom in Christ.

Joshua McGinty ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode, we're kicking off a new series walking through the story of the Church — from the apostles to the modern day — to uncover where things went right, where things went wrong, and what it means to stay faithful to Jesus' design.--The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you're looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate Now --Drive through any city and you'll see it — church signs everywhere.Catholic. Baptist. Methodist. Presbyterian. Pentecostal. Non-Denominational.How did we get here? And more importantly… have we lost something along the way?In this series, we're walking through the story of the Church — from the apostles to the modern day — to uncover where things went right, where things went wrong, and what it means to stay faithful to Jesus' design.Here's where we're going: From the Apostles to the Catholic Church (The Church Takes Shape)The Great Schism – East and West DividePre-Reformation Movements – Wycliffe, Hus, and the AnabaptistsThe Protestant Reformation – Truth RediscoveredThe Denominational Explosion – 1600s – 1800sModern Movements – Pentecostals, Evangelicals, and Non-DenomsWhen Jesus said, “I will build my church,” He wasn't talking about buildings, politics, or denominations. He was launching a movement — a family of believers united by truth, transformed by the Spirit, and commissioned to make disciples of all nations.Over the next two thousand years, that movement grew, spread, divided, and institutionalized. Some of it was faithful. Some of it wasn't.Our goal isn't just to study history. It's to recover the essence of a biblical church — one rooted in the gospel, led by the Spirit, and faithful to God's Word. What does it mean to be the kind of church Jesus actually envisioned?The Church Jesus FoundedJesus made an unshakable promise:“I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it.” — Matthew 16:18 (NLT)At Pentecost (Acts 2), that promise became reality. The Holy Spirit filled believers, Peter preached, and thousands came to faith.“All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord's Supper), and to prayer.” — Acts 2:42 (NLT)The Church began as a grassroots movement of ordinary people empowered by an extraordinary Spirit. There were no buildings, no denominations, and no political power — just a message of forgiveness and hope in Jesus Christ.The Structure of the New Testament ChurchAs the gospel spread, the apostles appointed elders (presbyteroi), also called pastors (poimēn) or overseers/bishops (episkopoi), to shepherd local congregations. These terms describe different aspects of one office — mature, Spirit-led shepherds guiding God's people.Paul...

https://newsongpeople.com/series/looking-unto-jesusWhich version of Jesus are you following? Is He just a healer when life hurts, a comforter when you're stressed, or a provider when you're in need? Scripture says there are unsearchable riches in Christ (Ephesians 3:8), and we're called to grow up into Him in every way (Ephesians 4:15). In this message, we'll uncover seven dimensions of Jesus—the ruling King, the saving Redeemer, the faithful Friend, the One who perseveres, intercedes, is soon returning, and is gentle toward our weakness. The key to real transformation isn't self-improvement—it's Jesus Himself.