Podcasts about pastor chris

Pastor Chris Donald teaches that forgiveness is not optional for followers of Jesus, but the evidence of a heart that has truly experienced the Father's mercy. Drawing from the Lord's Prayer and Jesus' teaching on canceled debts, he reveals that forgiveness is releasing others from what they owe us just as Christ canceled our impossible debt on the cross. Pastor Chris challenges believers to reject pride, refuse to make people the enemy, and allow the Holy Spirit to transform offense into freedom by walking in daily forgiveness.

Judgment is easy to recognize when someone else is doing it. It's much harder when it's hiding in our own hearts. In this message from James, Pastor Chris invites us to look beyond everyone else's faults and wrestle with a few questions that just might change the way we see Jesus, ourselves, and the people around us.

We share Pastor Chris Mitchell's testimony about being prayed out of darkness and we join together to call prodigal names before God with faith and gratitude. We then move from valley thinking to higher ground, learning how humility, Scripture, and the Holy Spirit reshape our perspective and habits. • Praying together for prodigals by name and believing for homecoming • Asking “where are you” in your current season and naming trials honestly • Seeing higher ground as a spiritual place and a heart posture • Seeking what is above and setting our minds on heavenly things • Recognising higher ground through changed identity and secure footing • Understanding peaks as breakthrough moments and plateaus as formation • Building habits of going to God first and depending on the Word • Taking practical steps through holy dissatisfaction, Spirit-led living, and laying aside weights • Confronting hypocrisy as a weight that blocks growth 

Pastor Chris continued our Parables series with a message from Matthew 25, exploring the Parable of the Ten Virgins and the call to live watchful, ready, and prepared for the return of Jesus. 

What is the Kingdom of God really worth?In Week 4 of our True Fiction series, Pastor Chris Hoyt explores two of Jesus' shortest parables, The Hidden Treasure and The Pearl of Great Price (Matthew 13:44-46).Through a humorous story about an unexpected discovery while repairing a broken sewer line, Pastor Chris reminds us that some of life's greatest discoveries happen while we're simply trying to fix what's broken.These two parables reveal a powerful truth: the Kingdom of God doesn't become valuable when we discover it. It has always been priceless. The question is whether our eyes have been opened to see it.But the story doesn't end there.What if there was a third treasure hunter in these parables? One who gave up everything, not because He found treasure, but because He found us.If you've ever wondered whether following Jesus is worth it, this message will remind you that before you ever treasured Christ, Christ treasured you.Scripture: Matthew 13:44-46

In this message, Pastor Chris and Pastor Kynan Brookes from Adelaide, Australia explore the generational and communal impact of the Fear of God. How does our right vision of God actually bless not just us, but also those around us and those who are yet to come. GRACE CAPITAL CITY: "Reaching, raising, and releasing disciples for the glory of the King and the coming of His Kingdom."www.gracecapitalcity.com | @gracecapitalcitySunday Gatherings at 10 am | Miracle Theater | 535 8th St SE, Washington, DC  

Pastor Chris preaches on the book of Joel.

Listen to Pastor Chris for his weekly sermons and lessons. Enjoy his down-to-earth, experiential style of communicating the Truths of an Eternal Life with Christ, which begins now and continues throughout all eternity. It is made complete not only by His Sacrificial Act of the Cross but also by the Love, Grace, and Mercy He has demonstrated, and serves as the model of how we should treat each other daily! https://www.talknetworkradio.com/hosts/TNR

What if the breakthrough we've been waiting for isn't years away, but available right now? This powerful message challenges us to shift our understanding of God's timing from gradual processes to instantaneous miracles. We're invited to examine the biblical truth that many of God's most significant works happen in a moment—salvation, justification, becoming a new creation, receiving the Holy Spirit—all occur instantly. The teaching draws us into Luke 4:18, where Jesus boldly declares that the Spirit of the Lord is upon Him to heal, deliver, and set captives free, then simply states, 'This day is this scripture fulfilled.' Yet we discover something profound: not everyone in that room received their miracle. The difference wasn't God's willingness or power, but the people's reception. Through the stories of the widow who gave her last to Elijah and Naaman who had to obey by dipping in the Jordan, we see a pattern—instant miracles require instant obedience and faith. The challenge before us is sobering: Are we rejecting what heaven has already released because our minds are louder than our faith? Are we waiting for process when God is offering power? This isn't about denying the journey of transformation, but recognizing that revelation can be instantaneous, and that revelation becomes the foundation for our progressive transformation. We're called to stop disqualifying ourselves from what God has already qualified us for. We pray this message blesses you and gives you the strength you need to do and be all that God has called you to do and be! Leave a comment below letting us know how this message impacted you today, we'd love to chat with you! #RelevantChurch #ElevateConference2026 #PastorChrisSarno -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ways to Give: Text to Give: Text your amount to 888-364-4483 Online Giving: Visit our website http://www.relevantfl.org/giving to give via debit, credit, or ACH Mail It In: Send gift Via USPS to 920 Beville Rd. Daytona Beach, FL 32114 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stay Connected: Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: @RelevantChurch Relevant Church Website: https://www.relevantfl.org/ Relevant Church Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/relevant_fl/ Relevant Church Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RelevantFL Relevant Church TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@relevant_fl?_t=8mNFjdYMYoh&_r=1 Relevant Church App: https://apps.apple.com/app/id1615804850?fbclid=IwAR3aHqo_6kr8Tzd_JK6xihjfJkVk6j7-iqITDj1u1wFicDLn6g6C29gL3LY Rkidz Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rkidzfl Relevant Youth Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/relevantflyouth/ Relevant Church Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6nUtPIkecEehfstUWWPIVU?si=QBMEtu85SyuU3FxRM1X7lg&nd=1 Pastor Chris Sarno's Website: https://www.chrissarno.tv/ Chris Sarno App: http://www.chrissarno.tv/app -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Scripture References: 1 Timothy 4:14 Acts 13:2-3 2 Timothy 4:2, 5 Genesis 14:17-20 Genesis 15:1 Romans 1:16 Romans 10:17 Hebrews 11:1 1 Corinthians 2:1-5 Hebrews 4:12 Luke 4:18-27 Psalm 119:130 James 1:21 Hebrews 4:1-3 Joshua 1:8 Isaiah 31:4 1 Peter 5:8 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Friday, July 17th 2026 Pastor Chris Sarno Relevant Church Elevate Conference 2026 | Night Three | Relevant Church | Pastor Chris Sarno

This powerful message challenges us to confront a sobering reality: we must not die with our destiny still locked inside us. Drawing from Moses' journey in Deuteronomy and Exodus, we're reminded that setbacks don't disqualify us from God's calling—they often prepare us for it. Moses knew he was called to be Israel's deliverer, but a mistake in timing led to 40 years of exile. Yet God never canceled his assignment. The burning bush moment reveals something profound: God cares more about who we're becoming than the promise itself. He's working on our character through the process. We learn that our response is our faith, and diligence—not just belief—is what eradicates time and moves us toward destiny. The message confronts our tendency to identify with past failures rather than our identity in Christ. When Moses asked 'Who am I?' at the burning bush, he was suffering from an identity crisis caused by his setback. But God introduced him as the deliverer he'd always called him to be. The revolutionary truth? Our setbacks cannot cancel our calling. What we've been through hasn't disqualified us—it's likely qualified us even more. We must stop allowing temporary setbacks to become permanent identities and start declaring 'I am' statements rooted in who God says we are. We pray this message blesses you and gives you the strength you need to do and be all that God has called you to do and be! Leave a comment below letting us know how this message impacted you today, we'd love to chat with you! #RelevantChurch #ElevateConference2026 #PastorChrisSarno -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ways to Give: Text to Give: Text your amount to 888-364-4483 Online Giving: Visit our website http://www.relevantfl.org/giving to give via debit, credit, or ACH Mail It In: Send gift Via USPS to 920 Beville Rd. Daytona Beach, FL 32114 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stay Connected: Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: @RelevantChurch Relevant Church Website: https://www.relevantfl.org/ Relevant Church Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/relevant_fl/ Relevant Church Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RelevantFL Relevant Church TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@relevant_fl?_t=8mNFjdYMYoh&_r=1 Relevant Church App: https://apps.apple.com/app/id1615804850?fbclid=IwAR3aHqo_6kr8Tzd_JK6xihjfJkVk6j7-iqITDj1u1wFicDLn6g6C29gL3LY Rkidz Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rkidzfl Relevant Youth Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/relevantflyouth/ Relevant Church Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6nUtPIkecEehfstUWWPIVU?si=QBMEtu85SyuU3FxRM1X7lg&nd=1 Pastor Chris Sarno's Website: https://www.chrissarno.tv/ Chris Sarno App: http://www.chrissarno.tv/app -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Scripture References: John 6:5-9 Deuteronomy 31:4 Deuteronomy 34:1-4 Exodus 2:11-14 Exodus 3:2-4 Exodus 3:11 Exodus 3:14 Psalm 106:32-33 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 Malachi 3:10 Romans 10:9 Psalm 37:25 2 Corinthians 5:17 Mark 11:23 Philippians 3:13-14 Romans 8:37 Ephesians 2:10 Colossians 2:10 Ephesians 1:6 Ephesians 2:6 2 Corinthians 5:21 Deuteronomy 28:13 Matthew 5:10 Matthew 5:44 2 Kings 13:21 2 Timothy 4:6 Romans 11:29 Isaiah 43:2 Genesis 6-9 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Wednesday, July 15th 2026 Pastor Chris Sarno Relevant Church Elevate Conference 2026 | Night One | Relevant Church | Pastor Chris Sarno

WELCOME TO LIFE IN CHRIST CHURCH IN MARION, KY!We're so glad you've joined us online today. Whether you're watching from near or far, we believe God has something powerful for you in this moment

Sunday Message "When Pressure Meets the Presence" from guest speaker Pastor Chris Sanchez.

Summer in the Parables continues with Luke 15 as Pastor Chris and Pastor Lambert tag-team teach through the parables of the lost sheep and the lost coin. Together, they explore God's relentless pursuit of those who are far from Him and the incredible value every person carries in His eyes.

Guest Speaker Chris Hill brings us a message about becoming a closer, someone who refuses to merely get near a miracle but presses in to fully walk in the breakthrough, promotion, and promise God has placed in front of them. Drawing from Hannah, whose name means favor yet whose circumstances did not line up with her prophecy, we learn that closing requires mastering the art of showing up again and again, clearly communicating what we want instead of expecting others to read our hearts, and guarding whose voice we allow in during this season, because our miracle rests in the mouth of the man or woman of God assigned to us. Once the word comes we must fix our countenance and act as though the miracle is already ours, then get to work and worship while we work, trusting that God will give us closure over every business, contract, and relationship that has been left hanging over our lives. If you would like to support WOCC financially you can give by clicking here: https://www.worldovercomers.church/give/ Scripture References: 1 Samuel 1

Loving difficult people is one thing in theory. It is another thing in real life. In Week 3 of Transformed, Pastor Chris teaches from Romans 12 and invites us to move beyond performative love into the genuine love Jesus has shown us. This message explores empathy, prayer, blessing, doing good, and forgiveness—not as ways to deny pain, but as ways to let God transform our hearts. If you are carrying offense, struggling with bitterness, or wondering how to respond to someone who has hurt you, this message offers guidance and practical next step.   Speaker: Chris Cary Series: Transformed Week: 3 Date: July 12, 2026 Scripture referenced: Romans 12:9-10, Romans 12:20-21, John 13, Luke 23:34   Connect with us: https://bit.ly/m/lifechurchia Learn more about LIFEchurch: https://www.lifechurchnow.org/ Give: https://www.lifechurchnow.org/give

After a devastating earthquake hit the region near Caracas, Pastor Chris and our team traveled to Venezuela to stand with our long-time partners and grieving communities on the ground. This week we hear directly from that trip: the loss, the prayers, the families living in tents, and the question that kept coming up: what actually makes the church the church? Then Lucho shares his own story. From worship leader in Venezuela to working without a salary for a year, to losing everything during the country's economic collapse, to food banks and a phone call that changed everything. It's a story about showing up uncomfortable and trusting God with what comes next.

In the lives of David and Saul, we see two Kings whose fear leads them to very different places: David's fear of God, frees him to honor; while Saul's fear of man, subjects him to insecurity. In this message, Pastor Chris explores how we can be a people who fear God and are freed to honor all people, no matter the circumstance.GRACE CAPITAL CITY: "Reaching, raising, and releasing disciples for the glory of the King and the coming of His Kingdom."www.gracecapitalcity.com | @gracecapitalcitySunday Gatherings at 10 am | Miracle Theater | 535 8th St SE, Washington, DC  

July 12, 2026 AM Service

Pastor Chris talks about spiritual momentum.

This week, Pastor Chris continued our series on the seven churches of Revelation by examining Jesus' letter to the church in Ephesus. Through their example, we are reminded that Jesus deserves the first place in our hearts and that loving Him above all else is the foundation of the Christian life. While Jesus commends the church in Ephesus for its faithful service, perseverance, and commitment to sound doctrine, He also rebukes them for abandoning their first love and calls them to remember, repent, and return to the devotion they once had. The message challenges Christians to examine their priorities, guard against spiritual compromise, and cultivate a growing, wholehearted love for Jesus above everything else.

One commentator has said that a parable is “storytelling with a message,” that also declares a truth, and that also asks for a response. So, when Jesus is telling a parable, it's not just a literary exercise or a brain teaser. He's using a story to call His listeners into some kind of transformation. But whether it ends up being an "ah-hah" moment for the listener depends upon their heart. Maybe parables are the ultimate heart detectors. Art credit: "Heart and Soul" by Jan Camerone. Other photos Pastor Chris referred to in this sermon: Model of a working first century Judean fishing boat. Model of the “Jesus Boat” they found at the Sea of Galilee in 1986. The actual “Jesus Boat” on display. The Sea of Galilee from Capernaum. Farther up the hill looking down toward Capernaum. “The Sower” by Millet (1850). “The Sower” by Van Gogh (1888). “The Sower” by Melani Pyke (contemporary).

This powerful message tackles one of the most critical questions we face as believers: How do we hear God's voice when life gets loud? The teaching centers on Mark 4, the parable of the sower, revealing that God's primary way of speaking to us is through His Word—that still, small voice we so desperately need to recognize. But here's the challenge: pressure has a way of distorting our perspective and making us question what we know God has said. The sermon unpacks how pressure doesn't show up randomly—it comes specifically for the Word that's been planted in our hearts. When affliction and persecution arise, we face a choice: will we get offended and forfeit what God promised, or will we hold fast? The Greek word for 'offense' isn't about hurt feelings—it's about anything that causes us to stumble away from trusting, obeying, and following God. This is a game-changer for understanding why we sometimes feel stuck. We're not dealing with an emotional problem; we're dealing with a faith crisis. The message challenges us to stop looking for direction where we already have instruction, to qualify the voices speaking into our lives, and to refuse to be prisoners of our past. When we understand that pressure is actually a sign we're getting closer to our promise, everything changes. We learn to be like a jack-in-the-box—the enemy doesn't know when we're going to pop up and break through! Welcome to Relevant Church Live, the online campus of Relevant Church located in Daytona Beach, Florida. We pray that through this service you find your place, reveal your purpose, and unlock your potential! We pray this message blesses you and gives you the strength you need to do and be all that God has called you to do and be! Leave a comment below letting us know how this message impacted you today, we'd love to chat with you! #RelevantChurch #HearGodsVoice #PastorChrisSarno -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ways to Give: Text to Give: Text your amount to 888-364-4483 Online Giving: Visit our website http://www.relevantfl.org/giving to give via debit, credit, or ACH Mail It In: Send gift Via USPS to 920 Beville Rd. Daytona Beach, FL 32114 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stay Connected: Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: @RelevantChurch Relevant Church Website: https://www.relevantfl.org/ Relevant Church Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/relevant_fl/ Relevant Church Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RelevantFL Relevant Church TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@relevant_fl Relevant Church App: https://apps.apple.com/app/id1615804850?fbclid=IwAR3aHqo_6kr8Tzd_JK6xihjfJkVk6j7-iqITDj1u1wFicDLn6g6C29gL3LY Rkidz Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rkidzfl Relevant Youth Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/relevantflyouth/ Relevant Church Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6nUtPIkecEehfstUWWPIVU?si=QBMEtu85SyuU3FxRM1X7lg&nd=1 Pastor Chris Sarno's Website: https://www.chrissarno.tv/ Chris Sarno App: http://www.chrissarno.tv/app -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Scripture References: Malachi 3:10 Hebrews 1:14 John 10:27 Mark 4:14-20 Romans 10:9 Galatians 6:7 Genesis 6-9 Matthew 14:22-33 1 Kings 19:11-12 Romans 8:31 Hebrews 13:5 2 Corinthians 5:17 Ephesians 3:20 Proverbs 17:22 Romans 12:2 Matthew 4:19 Mark 1:17 Romans 10:17 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sunday, July 12th 2026 Pastor Chris Sarno Relevant Church Hear God's Voice | Week 2 | Sunday, July 12th 2026 | Pastor Chris Sarno | Relevant Church

Marcos 8:27-33 I Pastor Chris Rodriguez fmbcbellflower.org Evangelio de Marcos: Serie Expositiva

Pastor Chris preaches on Micah 1:1-5.

Each week Pastor Chris will be bringing you a powerful word on whatever topic he is covering in the church but with a specific focus! PC dives into the word and brings you lots of scriptures about whatever topic it is to get you more biblical knowledge and understanding about what God is saying to you through his word! Welcome to Chris Sarno TV, an online campus of Relevant Church located in Daytona Beach, Florida. We pray that through this service you find your place, reveal your purpose, and unlock your potential! We pray this message blesses you and gives you the strength you need to do and be all that God has called you to do and be! Leave a comment below letting us know how this message impacted you today, we'd love to chat with you! #RelevantChurch #ChrisSarnoTV #PastorChrisSarno #OnlineChurch #ChurchOnline #RelevantChurchDaytonaBeach #Midweek #MDWK -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ways to Give: Text to Give: Text your amount to 888-364-4483 Online Giving: Visit our website http://www.relevantfl.org/giving to give via debit, credit, or ACH Mail It In: Send gift Via USPS to 920 Beville Rd. Daytona Beach, FL 32114 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stay Connected: Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: ⁨@RelevantChurch⁩ Relevant Church Website: https://www.relevantfl.org/ Relevant Church Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/relevant_fl/ Relevant Church Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RelevantFL Relevant Church TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@relevant_fl Relevant Church App: https://apps.apple.com/app/id1615804850?fbclid=IwAR3aHqo_6kr8Tzd_JK6xihjfJkVk6j7-iqITDj1u1wFicDLn6g6C29gL3LY Rkidz Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rkidzfl Relevant Youth Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/relevantflyouth/ Relevant Church Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6nUtPIkecEehfstUWWPIVU?si=QBMEtu85SyuU3FxRM1X7lg&nd=1 Pastor Chris Sarno's Website: https://www.chrissarno.tv/ Chris Sarno App: http://www.chrissarno.tv/app -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Scripture References: Malachi 3:10 1 Kings 19:11-12 Psalm 46:10 Isaiah 30:15 Luke 10:38-42 Romans 8:14 Romans 8:16 1 Peter 3:4 Proverbs 4:23 Colossians 3:15 Proverbs 3:5-6 Philippians 4:7 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Wednesday, July 8th 2026 Pastor Chris Sarno Relevant Church One Word From God Can Change Your Life Forever | Chris Sarno TV

Have you noticed that everyone seems to have an opinion on what a Christian or a church should look like? In this second to last episode of our summer series, Tab Chapel: The Church, Pastor Chris addresses these common redefinitions by looking at what the church is NOT. We explore why the church is not a country club where you pay dues to belong, a clique that excludes others, or a business enterprise looking for a profit. Instead, we are a body of ambassadors being equipped to bring the atmosphere of heaven into our homes, offices, and communities. Join us as we refocus on our true calling before our final summer session next week.

In this episode of the GrowLeader Podcast, Pastor Chris Hodges and Pastor Lee Domingue kick off a new ministry season by unpacking the six essential pillars of church health that every pastor and leadership team should focus on. Fresh off a season of rest and preparation, Pastor Chris shares a practical roadmap that distills decades of ministry experience into six foundational areas that consistently produce healthy churches. Whether you're planting a church, leading a staff, or preparing for your next season of growth, this conversation provides actionable wisdom you can begin implementing immediately. No matter the size or season of your church, these six principles provide a practical framework for building a ministry that is healthy, sustainable, and positioned for lasting kingdom impact. Episode Resources: PC's Notes on a High Touch Environment: 1. Love and accept yourself. 2. Express your love openly. Stand at the door and shake hands. Say things like, "I  wish everyone could have the privilege of pastoring you." 3. Put energy into being likeable. 4. Be the first to apologize. 5. Let other people save face. Let them off the hook. 6. Smile a lot. 7. Make all the friends you can. 8. Be transparent and authentic. 9. Lead by example. 10. Be predictable and consistent. 11. Never show your anger in public. 12. Think people not events. 13. Practice the 30/30 principle (the most important part of a service is the 30  minutes before and after the service – spend time with people). 14. Walk slowly through the crowd. 15. Always be a friend to the little man. The popular come and go. Put the little man  on the front row. 16. Return all emails and phone calls within 24 hours. 17. Write notes. 18. Reward faithfulness openly. Take time to do it. 19. Laugh more. Make everything fun. 20. Don't miss significant events (births, weddings, funerals, anniversaries,  graduations, achievements, etc.) They only come around once. 21. Heal the hurt when someone is wounded. 22. Give others credit and accept none. 23. Connect people with other people. 24. Remember names. 25. Focus on their interests. Ask questions. 26. Let them know you need them. 27. Value people. If you don't value them, you will manipulate them. Manipulation  is moving them for your advantage. See them as a person to be loved. 28. Follow the 101% Principle. Find the 1% that you agree on and give it 100% of  your effort. Find common ground. Don't focus on differences. 29. Follow the Golden Rule. In every situation, treat people the way you want to be  treated. 30. Seek out resources to help you grow in your relationship skills   All Things GrowLeader: Register for GrowLeader Conference 2026: https://www.growleader.com/conference Join Monthly Mentoring with Pastor Chris: https://www.growleader.com/monthlymentoring Access FREE church resources: https://www.churchofthehighlands.com/resources Develop a Kingdom Builders or Legacy Team: https://www.growleader.com/kbvirtualintensive Watch more episodes: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyCNQpi3YxaOeQAIdSpbeVw   Follow along on Socials:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/growleader/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/growleader

This week, Pastor Chris began a new sermon series entitled The Seven, exploring the seven churches of Revelation. The messages to these churches reveal that this book is first and foremost a revelation of Jesus Christ—His glory, His authority, and His heart for His people. As the risen King who is coming again, Jesus walks among His churches, calling them to hear His voice, remain faithful, reject compromise, and prepare for His return. Through these seven churches, we are challenged to ask not only what Jesus said to them, but what the Holy Spirit is saying to His church—and to each of us—today.

This summer, we explore themes from popular films alongside Scripture, uncovering how God's truth speaks through the stories we love. From adventure and sacrifice to redemption and hope, each week reminds us that God is present in every part of our story—inviting us into something greater. This week, Parish Associate, Rev. Dr. Chris Lenocker delves into the classic movie, The Shawshank Redemption. Pastor Chris examines the journey of banker Andy Dufresne who is wrongfully convicted of mudering his wife and sentenced to life in a harsh prison. Over the next two decades, he befriends fellow inmate Red, survives rampant corruption, and covertly digs a tunnel to freedom. In following Andy Dufresne's journey, we discover what true freedon is for us as followers of Christ, and that no matter how strong the chains that bind, the gospel offers freedom from within.  Passage: Romans 6:15-23 We have three worship opportunities for you to experience: 9:00 a.m. - Sanctuary Service 9:30 a.m. - Online Service 10:30 a.m. - Chapel Service  Please consider joining us for one of these services.  To view past worship services along with other digital content, go to our Youtube Channel @PointLomaChurchOnline.  To get involved in what God is doing within our community, please visit our website at www.pointlomachurch.org. For event happenings: http://pointlomachurch.org/connect/events/ For a list of "Summer Movie Nights" showing on Wednesdays, click HERE To register for any event: http://pointlomachurch.org/register If you would like to give to the ministry: http://pointlomachurch.org/give/ or through our Venmo account: @Point-Loma-Church

In this continuing series, we see Jesus ministering in and around the Sea of Galilee. That's where He set up his home base (Capernaum), and it's the region where He sent out the disciples as apostles to drive out demons, heal diseases, and spread the word that the Kingdom of Heaven has come near. In this installment, we also see the disciples of John the Baptist come and ask Jesus a very important question. What Jesus says in return includes a curious story of children in the marketplace. What did He mean? And how might it have been an encouragement to John? Art credit: "Christ Preaching on the Galilee" by Minerva Teichert. Other photos that Pastor Chris referred to in this sermon: 1: Globe 2: Israel map 3: Galilee/Tahoe 4: Sea of Galilee 5: Tiberias 6: Magdala 7: Capernaum 8: Galilee and Dead Sea 9: Israel map with dots: Jerusalem, Sea of Galilee, baptism site, Machaerus

This powerful message centers on a truth that transforms how we approach our relationship with God: we are already hearing His voice more than we realize. Drawing from John 10:27, where Jesus declares 'My sheep hear my voice,' we're reminded that hearing God isn't a special gift reserved for a select few—it's the natural state of every believer. The key insight here is profound: God's voice is primarily found in God's Word. When we read Scripture, we're not just gathering information; we're becoming familiar with the character, ways, and voice of our Shepherd. Just as we recognize the voices of people we spend time with, the more we immerse ourselves in Scripture, the more we recognize that still, small voice guiding us through daily decisions. The message challenges us to reconsider those internal promptings we experience—the conviction to forgive when we want to hold a grudge, the peace or unease about a decision, the gentle correction when our thoughts go astray. These aren't random feelings; they're often God speaking through His Word that's taken root in our hearts. The story of Elijah on Mount Horeb beautifully illustrates this: after the spectacular displays of wind, earthquake, and fire, God revealed Himself in a still, small voice. In our noisy world filled with constant notifications and information overload, we must intentionally quiet ourselves to recognize that God is already speaking. The question isn't whether God is speaking—it's whether we're becoming sensitive enough to recognize His voice and, more importantly, whether we're willing to follow where He leads. We pray this message blesses you and gives you the strength you need to do and be all that God has called you to do and be! Leave a comment below letting us know how this message impacted you today, we'd love to chat with you! #RelevantChurch #HearGodsVoice #PastorChrisSarno -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ways to Give: Text to Give: Text your amount to 888-364-4483 Online Giving: Visit our website http://www.relevantfl.org/giving to give via debit, credit, or ACH Mail It In: Send gift Via USPS to 920 Beville Rd. Daytona Beach, FL 32114 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stay Connected: Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: @RelevantChurch Relevant Church Website: https://www.relevantfl.org/ Relevant Church Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/relevant_fl/ Relevant Church Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RelevantFL Relevant Church TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@relevant_fl Relevant Church App: https://apps.apple.com/app/id1615804850?fbclid=IwAR3aHqo_6kr8Tzd_JK6xihjfJkVk6j7-iqITDj1u1wFicDLn6g6C29gL3LY Rkidz Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rkidzfl Relevant Youth Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/relevantflyouth/ Relevant Church Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6nUtPIkecEehfstUWWPIVU?si=QBMEtu85SyuU3FxRM1X7lg&nd=1 Pastor Chris Sarno's Website: https://www.chrissarno.tv/ Chris Sarno App: http://www.chrissarno.tv/app -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Scripture References: John 10:1-4 John 10:27 John 10:14 John 14:16 (TPT) Genesis 3:8 Haggai 1:5-6 Matthew 6:33 Philippians 2:10-11 Matthew 6:14-15 Proverbs 18:24 Hebrews 13:5 1 Kings 19:11-12 2 Peter 1:19 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sunday, July 5th 2026 Pastor Chris Sarno Relevant Church Hear God's Voice | Week 1 | Sunday, July 5th 2026 | Pastor Chris Sarno | Relevant Church

Pastor Chris continues our teaching series entitled “1st Corinthians: Practical Answers to Real Problems.” In this twentieth study of the series, "The Resurrection,” we study in 1st Corinthians 15:1-34 as the Apostle Paul brings his message to the Corinthians towards it's crescendo. Here, Paul situations the resurrection of Jesus in historical fact and considers it's theological applications, infusing our daily lives with joy and transforming us now towards what will be into eternity.

Each week Pastor Chris will be bringing you a powerful word on whatever topic he is covering in the church but with a specific focus! PC dives into the word and brings you lots of scriptures about whatever topic it is to get you more biblical knowledge and understanding about what God is saying to you through his word! Welcome to Chris Sarno TV, an online campus of Relevant Church located in Daytona Beach, Florida. We pray that through this service you find your place, reveal your purpose, and unlock your potential! We pray this message blesses you and gives you the strength you need to do and be all that God has called you to do and be! Leave a comment below letting us know how this message impacted you today, we'd love to chat with you! #RelevantChurch #ChrisSarnoTV #PastorChrisSarno #OnlineChurch #ChurchOnline #RelevantChurchDaytonaBeach #Midweek #MDWK -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ways to Give: Text to Give: Text your amount to 888-364-4483 Online Giving: Visit our website http://www.relevantfl.org/giving to give via debit, credit, or ACH Mail It In: Send gift Via USPS to 920 Beville Rd. Daytona Beach, FL 32114 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stay Connected: Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: @RelevantChurch Relevant Church Website: https://www.relevantfl.org/ Relevant Church Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/relevant_fl/ Relevant Church Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RelevantFL Relevant Church TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@relevant_fl Relevant Church App: https://apps.apple.com/app/id1615804850?fbclid=IwAR3aHqo_6kr8Tzd_JK6xihjfJkVk6j7-iqITDj1u1wFicDLn6g6C29gL3LY Rkidz Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rkidzfl Relevant Youth Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/relevantflyouth/ Relevant Church Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6nUtPIkecEehfstUWWPIVU?si=QBMEtu85SyuU3FxRM1X7lg&nd=1 Pastor Chris Sarno's Website: https://www.chrissarno.tv/ Chris Sarno App: http://www.chrissarno.tv/app -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Scripture References: 2 Corinthians 9:8 Galatians 6:7 Luke 6:38 Hebrews 11:6 Hebrews 1:14 Proverbs 4:20-21 Proverbs 3:5-6 Hebrews 2:1 Proverbs 19:15 Proverbs 24:30-34 Proverbs 12:24 Proverbs 22:29 Proverbs 10:4 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Wednesday, July 1st 2026 Pastor Chris Sarno Relevant Church Diligence Is Also An Action Of Love | Chris Sarno TV

In this session from Tab Chapel, Pastor Chris continues his series on the Church by exploring the manifestation of spiritual gifts for the common good of the body of Christ. He breaks down the three main categories of spiritual gifts: revelatory gifts like wisdom and discernment, power gifts such as healing and miracles, and speaking gifts like prophecy and tongues.Throughout the message, Pastor Chris shares remarkable personal stories and testimonies to illustrate these concepts. He speaks about witnessing the supernatural multiplication of food, seeing rain fall during a drought after a prophetic declaration, and the profound impact of words of knowledge in ministering to others. A significant portion of the teaching is dedicated to bringing clarity to the gift of tongues, distinguishing between corporate messages for the church and the personal prayer language that builds up the individual believer.Upcoming Events:Please remember that we only have two more Tab Chapel nights remaining this season. We would love for you to join us for our final gatherings on:Wednesday, July 8thWednesday, July 15thSubscribe to stay updated as we conclude this powerful series.

"Grandma is on TikTok." And according to Pastor Chris Moore, she might just be the cheapest person your church can reach online.Most churches are completely ignoring TikTok, and according to Pastor Chris Moore, that's exactly why it's one of the cheapest and most fruitful places to reach new people right now.In this episode of the Build the Church Podcast, host Josh Roberie sits down with Chris Moore, ARC church planter, lead pastor of Valley Church in Phoenix, Arizona, and founder of Good and Faithful Studio. Chris pulls back the curtain on the TikTok ad strategies he's used to help churches reach their communities for a fraction of what they're spending on Facebook and Instagram, plus a few "gatekeeping secrets" he's never shared publicly before.If you're a pastor or ministry leader who feels behind on social media, this conversation will give you practical, doable next steps to get the word out about your church.In this episode, you'll learn: Why the cheapest audience to reach on TikTok is actually 50+ (yes, grandma is on TikTok) How Chris's TikTok ads performed 3x better than Meta, with "plan your visit" costs as low as $7 to $11 What makes a scroll-stopping church ad (and why over-producing it can hurt you) The simple daily ad budget sweet spot for the best return on investment Whether your church needs its own TikTok account or can just run ads Why a pastor's personal account often out-performs the church's account The Facebook group strategy Chris used to build an audience of 25,000+ people in his city Chris's wild journey from youth pastor, to selling bulldogs online, to digital marketingAbout our guest: Pastor Chris Moore is the lead pastor of Valley Church in Phoenix, AZ, and the founder of Good and Faithful Studio, a creative agency providing done-for-you social media, photo, and video for churches. He's also the creator of Blessed Babysitting, a new app helping churches and families book faith-aligned childcare.Good and Faithful Studio: https://goodandfaithful.studioResources mentioned in this episode: This episode is brought to you by Your Team Church, an online assessment that helps you place every volunteer where they thrive. Create your own branded assessment URL in seconds and give each person a one-of-one personality portrait. Take the test for free at https://yourteam.church/discPrefer to watch? Catch the full video version on YouTube: https://youtu.be/rHwmKJevnxYIf this episode encouraged you, subscribe and share it with a pastor who needs it. Let's believe again for what God can do through your church.Support the show

We go to Leviticus 10 to confront “strange fire” and why God still requires holiness in our worship and our lives. We connect that warning to New Testament priesthood in Jesus, asking our families to pursue discernment, purity, and Spirit-empowered consistency. • Prayer over business leaders and those with influence, asking for wisdom, courage and increase • Nadab and Abihu's profane fire, why it was not a simple mistake • God's holiness, glory and corrective judgment in Leviticus • The Old Testament priesthood's role, responsibility and seriousness • Jesus as eternal High Priest and the once-for-all sacrifice in Hebrews 9 • Living sacrifices today through our bodies, praise, generosity and good works • Warning signs of “strange fire” as flippancy, laziness and misrepresenting God's nature • The need for Holy Spirit baptism and discernment to tell holy from unholy • The danger of ritual without heart, especially for kids watching our example • A practical “compass” through core values for family discipleship • Altar prayer over dads and granddads for filling, fire and spiritual leadership • A spoken father's blessing for those who never received one 

This week, Pastor Chris finished our Driven by Eternity series with a powerful message on living a life of honor—a heart attitude that recognizes the value God places on people and brings glory to Him. In 1 Thessalonians 5, Paul teaches that living a life of honor means honoring spiritual leaders, caring for others, embracing the work of the Holy Spirit with biblical discernment, and above all honoring God in every area of life. When we cultivate a culture of honor, we strengthen the church, reflect the character of Christ, and become faithful witnesses to the world.

Pastor Chris teaches further in this series.

You love being forgiven. But forgiving someone who actually hurt you? That's a different story. Maybe you walked into today carrying a name. A memory. A betrayal that was real, intentional, and never apologized for. And somewhere along the way you picked up the idea that forgiving means forgetting — or that you have to feel it before you can do it. No wonder it feels impossible. In this message, Pastor Chris walks through Jesus' Parable of the Unmerciful Servant (Matthew 18:21-35) and shows us that forgiveness isn't about excusing what happened. It's about refusing to let what happened define who you become. You'll learn three truths that lead toward forgiveness: remembering how much you've already been forgiven, releasing the people who have hurt you — and understanding what forgiveness actually does and doesn't mean — and why real forgiveness isn't something you manufacture on your own. It's supernatural. Unforgiveness feels powerful. But it eventually becomes a prison — and most of the time, the person trapped inside is you. Today can be freedom. Watch and find out how.

This powerful message takes us deep into the heart of what it means to be diligent seekers of God, drawing from Hebrews 11:6 which reminds us that God rewards those who diligently seek Him. We're challenged to examine our lives and ask ourselves: are we truly pursuing God intensely, or have we settled into spiritual autopilot? The sermon unpacks the critical difference between casual faith and passionate pursuit, showing us that God doesn't just reward believers or church attenders—He rewards the diligent. Through Hebrews 12:1-2, we discover that Jesus modeled this diligence perfectly, teaching us to lay aside every weight and sin that slows us down. These weights aren't always obvious sins; they're the subtle things that accumulate—wrong relationships that drain us, distractions that steal our focus, offenses we won't release, busyness without productivity, fears we won't confront, and comfort zones we refuse to leave. The revelation here is stunning: sometimes the right thing becomes a weight if it's in the wrong season. We learn that faith receives the promise, but patience outlasts the process, and diligence maintains our obedience. Together, these produce the full persuasion we need to reach our destiny. This isn't about perfection—it's about preparation. When we start preparing like something is going to show up, God opens doors we never imagined possible. Welcome to Relevant Church Live, the online campus of Relevant Church located in Daytona Beach, Florida. We pray that through this service you find your place, reveal your purpose, and unlock your potential! We pray this message blesses you and gives you the strength you need to do and be all that God has called you to do and be! Leave a comment below letting us know how this message impacted you today, we'd love to chat with you! #RelevantChurch #Diligence #Reward #RewardsOfDiligence #PastorChrisSarno #OnlineChurch #RelevantChurchDaytonaBeach #Church #ChurchOnline #RelevantChurchFlorida -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ways to Give: Text to Give: Text your amount to 888-364-4483 Online Giving: Visit our website http://www.relevantfl.org/giving to give via debit, credit, or ACH Mail It In: Send gift Via USPS to 920 Beville Rd. Daytona Beach, FL 32114 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stay Connected: Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: @RelevantChurch Relevant Church Website: https://www.relevantfl.org/ Relevant Church Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/relevant_fl/ Relevant Church Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RelevantFL Relevant Church TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@relevant_fl Relevant Church App: https://apps.apple.com/app/id1615804850?fbclid=IwAR3aHqo_6kr8Tzd_JK6xihjfJkVk6j7-iqITDj1u1wFicDLn6g6C29gL3LY Rkidz Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rkidzfl Relevant Youth Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/relevantflyouth/ Relevant Church Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6nUtPIkecEehfstUWWPIVU?si=QBMEtu85SyuU3FxRM1X7lg&nd=1 Pastor Chris Sarno's Website: https://www.chrissarno.tv/ Chris Sarno App: http://www.chrissarno.tv/app -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Scripture References: Hebrews 11:6 Hebrews 12:1-2 Romans 8:1-2 Hebrews 6:12 Psalm 37:25 Malachi 3:10 2 Corinthians 9:8 Proverbs 22:29 Psalm 138:2 Romans 10:9-10 Hebrews 13:5 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sunday, June 28th 2026 Pastor Chris Sarno Relevant Church The Rewards Of Diligence | Week 4 | Sunday, June 28th 2026 | Pastor Chris Sarno | Relevant Church

Pastor Chris continues our teaching series entitled “1st Corinthians: Practical Answers to Real Problems.” In this nineteenth study of the series, “Spiritual Gifts and Growth,” we study in 1st Corinthians 14:1-33 as the Apostle Paul brings practical guidance towards the use of spiritual gifts within the gatherings of the church. He focuses particularly on the gifts of tongues and prophecy.

Introduction: Tongues and Prophecy: Remember Their Purposes. (1 Corinthians 14:20-25) The Purpose of Tongues: Sign of JUDGMENT for ISRAEL. (1 Cor 14:20-23) Deuteronomy 28:49 - The LORD will bring a nation against you from far away, from the end of the earth, swooping down like the eagle, a nation whose language you do not understand... Jeremiah 5:15 - Behold, I am bringing against you a nation from afar, O house of Israel, declares the LORD. It is an enduring nation; it is an ancient nation, a nation whose language you do not know, nor can you understand what they say. The Purpose of Prophecy: MANIFEST God's PRESENCE. (1 Cor 14:24-25) Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANKHint: Highlight blanks above for answers! Questions and Answers: What About Speaking In Tongues? - Part 2 Jeff Miller Download Audio Transcript 00:36Open up those Bibles to 1 Corinthians chapter 14. Do you remember when we got all that snow a few months ago? You remember that? How cold it was? You remember that? Think about that when we feel a little stuffy this morning. Stuffy, that's the counterpart of chili, right?01:0614. Please take a moment and pray for me to clearly communicate God's Word accurately and clearly. And I will pray for you to receive what it is the Lord wants to teach us in His Word today. Let's pray. Father, I pray that Your Word, as our Lord taught, it's like that seed, Father. I just pray that it takes root in our hearts and reproduces in a way that glorifies your name and a way that advances your kingdom. Father, keep us from any distractions, especially over these next few minutes. Father, let our hearts and minds be laser-focused on you and your word. We pray in Jesus' name.02:06And all of God's people said, Amen. 1 Corinthians 14. Recently, at youth group, we had our breakout time with the kids and we were praying. And one young man in our group, in his prayer, was praying for Pastor Taylor and Pastor Chris. Let's stop there for a second.02:360% bothered by that at all. Right? Because there is nobody that mixes up names more than I do. And I thought, I don't know who Pastor Chris is, but maybe he needs prayer more than I do right now. I don't know. But great kid, just wrong name, right? So he's praying. I want to pray for Pastor Taylor and Pastor Chris. And right then in that moment, another young man in the youth group, hollers, it's not his name!03:11I laughed about that for three days.03:13It was like the ultimate shot block, right?03:17It was like, Pastor Chris, it's not his name!03:20Knocked into my house, right?03:26Like, I could have just let it slide.03:32But there was somebody in our group that absolutely was not going to let that slide. Why am I telling you that story? Because when we approach the subject of speaking in tongues, it is easy for us and it is easy for me to sort of adopt the attitude that I had during that youth group prayer. To be like, well, you know what? People believe different things about speaking in tongues and some people may Maybe have this private gibberish prayer language. Whatever. I can just let it slide. And I've got to tell you, through the study of God's Word, especially the last month, God's Word has sort of been like that other kid that was shot blocking to say, that's not what it's for. Speaking in tongues, right? Gibberish before God, right? That's not what it's for. So truth does matter.04:33And let's let the word of God block the shot on any lies. Right? People are all over the board. We talk about speaking in tongues. People are all over the board on the topic. One of the biggest churches in the area. It is a regular practice. Speaking in tongues.05:03What does the Bible say about it? Well, we've been talking about it a lot as we've been going through these chapters in 1 Corinthians. Speaking in tongues, there's a biblical gift. There's a spiritual gift. And speaking in tongues is speaking in a real language that you never learned. Right? We learned that from Acts chapter 2, Pentecost. People were speaking in languages they never learned. People were hearing in their own language.05:35It would be as if I got up this morning, I never studied Mandarin, but I got up and I just started supernaturally. I had the ability to speak Mandarin. That's what speaking in tongues was for, speaking a known language. We're going to cover that today. But the question, before we get to the purpose of the spiritual gift, I think we have to ask, well, you know, this, gibberish thing where people, you know, either in church or in their private prayer language and they just sort of let loose with a, it's not a known language, it's just like gibberish and a bunch of ecstatic speech. Like, what's the purpose of that? And if you ask somebody that believes in the gibberish prayer language, speaking in tongues, if you ask them, like, what's the purpose?06:34you'll hear things like, well, it's for prayer. It's for prayer. That's just not taught in the Bible. Not by direct instruction and not by example. You just don't see that. Some people say, well, no, it's like this highly exalted form of praise. Well, if that's true, then why does he tell us that tongues will cease? If it's such a great way to praise God, why would he put an end to it?07:03But some people say, no, no, no. Speaking in tongues is about evangelism, right? It's not. Like, later, check this out, Acts chapter 2. Was tongues for evangelism? No. Acts chapter 2 tells you what the people said and what was heard in tongues. What were they talking about? What was the message being communicated? Acts 2.11 tells us they were declaring the mighty works of God.07:33about the things that God did in the Old Testament. That's what they spoke. That was what the languages were communicating. What God had done during Old Testament times. And you see, that caught the attention of the Jews. But when it comes to evangelism, Peter got up, Acts chapter 2, he didn't preach in tongues. He didn't preach in gibberish. Like, how do you know? Well, because the sermon is recorded for us in Acts chapter 2.08:04And there are some people, and I've had some lively discussions with people about this, but there are people that believe that speaking in tongues is the baptism of the Holy Spirit. That's how you know you're baptized in the Holy Spirit, right? That is so easily disproven. Because in 1 Corinthians 12, Paul says, we've all been baptized in one Spirit, right? What was that? Verse 13.08:32We've all been baptized in one spirit. Then he says in verse 30, we don't all speak in tongues. So speaking in tongues is the evidence of baptism in the Holy Spirit. That doesn't wash with what Paul taught in 1 Corinthians 12. So, in the first 19 verses, we covered them last week, speaking in tongues, Paul says gibberish is nothing. Even the real gift, Paul said, it's not that important. Look at verse 19.09:02This kind of sums it all up. Paul says, nevertheless, in church, I would rather speak five words with my mind in order to instruct others than 10,000 words in a tongue. And that was the message last week. He says, look, church, something else, when you get together, something else needs to be the focus of your worship services. And he said it, remember, over and over and over.09:32What we need to focus on is building each other up. And that happens through prophecy. That's speaking before. That just means preaching. It's speaking the Word of God. Teaching and preaching. That's what we need to be doing when we get together as a church. Well, as we approach the text we're looking at today, he's continuing the thought. Why? Why is prophecy greater than tongues?10:02Just very simply in this passage, he says the reason prophecy is greater than tongues is that you have to consider the purpose of prophecy and you have to consider the purpose of tongues. Like, why did God give us these things? So, on your outline, tongues and prophecy. Remember the purposes. Right? Number one, the purpose of tongues. Why did God give that spiritual gift? The Bible.10:32is clear on this. It's a sign of judgment for Israel. That is the purpose of speaking in tongues. It is a sign of judgment for Israel. Look at verse 20. He says, brothers, you don't be children in your thinking. Be infants in evil. But in your thinking, be mature.11:02He's rebuking them. He goes, you don't understand. You don't understand. And Paul's like, you're thinking like a bunch of children. Do you know how children think? Do you know how children think? Let me give you an example from when I was a child. Alright? Like, this is like second grade. There was a kid in my class. I'm not going to say his name. He might be watching the stream. He's going to be really upset. But there was this kid in my class like in the second grade and he was going around telling everybody the one day.11:32He's like, I'm 67% Indian.11:38That means I can run faster than anybody in this class.11:42And I'm like, there's no way.11:45There's no way.11:47There's no way you're faster than me.11:50He's like, I am.11:51I'm 67.11:52It was like some decimal.11:53I don't remember, like 67.3 or whatever.11:55He goes, I'm 67.3% Indian.11:58I can run faster than you.12:00I'm like, there's no way you can run faster than me.12:04But he was maintaining that. I'm like, all right, recess. Recess, it's on. You, the me, we're going to race. So we did. We got out to the kickball field, standing on first base. I said, all right, we're going to run to second base and back to first base. All right? Settle this once and for all. On your mark at second, I don't think I'm any percent Indian, but I was fast. And I was to second base and back to first before he was to second base. Smoked him. So I go to him afterwards. I'm like, now what? Like, I beat you by a mile. Do you know what he said? He said, well, I couldn't run fast because I'm wearing cowboy boots.13:02And I said, why is an Indian wearing cowboy boots? What do we learn from that exchange? That's how children act. That's how children act. Immature. Showing off. Like, look at me. Look at what I can do. Look at what I can do. And that's what the Corinthians were doing. They were wanting to show off. Look at how spiritual I am. I'm going to speak in this language. Me and God have our own private language.13:31And they were just constantly showing off. And Paul's like, you're acting like a bunch of kids racing on the kickball field. Knock it off. And continuing with the maturity metaphor, he says, be infants in evil. I love that. Be infants in evil. You ever been around a baby? I know you have.14:01Babies are not mean spirited. In the same playpen, you can put a white baby, a black baby, an Asian baby, a Latino baby. They're not going to fight. There's no racial hatred. There's no mean spirited attitudes about them at all. Babies are just like, you know, I eat, I poop, I'm happy. And Paul's like, you need to be Infants.14:34In evil.14:35He says, but you've got to grow up in the way you think.14:40Paul's pointing out to him, you're backwards.14:42You're infants in your understanding of God's Word, of God's purposes, and you're mature in evil.14:52So, the biblical gift of speaking in tongues.14:57Speaking in an existing language that you never learned.15:04Here's the million dollar question. What is it for? What is the purpose? Why did God even make that a thing? Well, to get the answer, you've got to go back to the Old Testament. Right? And that's exactly what he did. Look at verse 21. Paul's clearing it up. In the law, it is written.15:30By people of strange tongues and by the lips of foreigners will I speak to this people. And even then, they will not listen to me, says the Lord. Stop there. There's the purpose of tongue. What are you talking about? Alright, we're not going to turn there. But I encourage you to do this later. Alright? Paul is quoting Isaiah chapter 28.16:0011th verses, what you want to focus on. I'm going to give you a quick history lesson so we understand why Paul is quoting this verse. Isaiah 28, we're talking about the prophet Isaiah, we're talking about the southern kingdom, Judah, we're talking about the days of King Hezekiah, we're talking about 705 B.C. Now in 722 B.C., just a few years prior, Assyria conquered the northern kingdom. It was called Israel. The southern kingdom was called Judah. Assyria conquered the northern kingdom as an act of God's judgment because of their idolatry and unbelief. So when you get to this passage in Isaiah 28, 705 B.C., years later, Isaiah goes to the southern kingdom, Judah, and says, you're committing the same sins that God just punished Israel for. You're doing the same stuff. And Isaiah warned them, you're doing the same thing.17:00the same sins, and God's going to bring the same judgment on you. Well, Isaiah 28. Isaiah goes to the leaders, specifically the priests and the prophets, and he finds them at a party, and they're all drunk. And not only is their drunkenness impairing their decision making ability, but they are vomiting all over the table. That's what it says. It's a disgusting scene. So Isaiah comes to give the message and the Bible says they mock Isaiah. They make fun of him. They're like, Isaiah thinks we're babies. Do you hear what he's saying? Isaiah just keeps preaching the same message to us over and over and over.18:00Isaiah thinks we're babies. Isaiah thinks he's our kindergarten teacher. Well, Isaiah 28.11, the verse that Paul quotes here in 1 Corinthians 14.21, God is speaking through Isaiah and he's saying, okay, Israel, you're not going to listen in a language that you know. I'm going to speak to you in a language that you don't understand.18:31And the Babylonians came and they conquered Judah, the southern kingdom. They conquered them 586 B.C. When you hear God is saying, when you hear the Babylonians speaking in their language that you do not understand, you're going to know that God is bringing His judgment. That's what He's saying. And by the way, this wasn't the first time Israel was warned about this. Deuteronomy 28, 49, God warned in the law, the Lord will bring a nation against you from far away from the end of the earth, swooping down like an eagle. Look at this. A nation whose language you do not understand. God promised him this is what's going to happen. Again, Jeremiah 5.15. I think we talked about this a couple weeks ago. Behold, I'm bringing against you a nation from afar, O house of Israel, declares the Lord. It is an enduring nation. It is an ancient nation. Look, a nation whose language you do not know, to understand what they say. So here's the point. Hearing a foreign tongue, Israel, is a sign to the unbelieving Jews among you that God is moving in judgment against you. And you see, if God judged Israel in 725, 2. And God judged Judah in 586 BC. What do you think God is going to do to the unbelieving Jews in the first century that completely rejected the Messiah of Israel? God says you won't listen in your language. You're going to hear languages you don't understand. That's Pentecost. Tongues was a sign that Israel was judged. Romans 11.20:29temporarily set aside. And Revelation is so clear about that. Temporary. But now God is at work through Gentile nations as well as Israel. The focus shifted. That's why Paul tells us in 13.8 the tongues will cease. They're not needed today. Because they were a sign of judgment against Israel during the transition from the Old Covenant.20:59to the new covenant. There's a sign. He goes on. Look at verse 22 here in 1 Corinthians 14. He says, thus, tongues are a sign not for believers, but for unbelievers, while prophecy is a sign not for unbelievers, but for believers. He couldn't be more clear. Tongues are not for other believers.21:29From the Old Testament, we learn it was, as he says in verse 22, it's a sign for unbelievers. You're like, what unbelievers? Unbelieving Israel. It's the sign. He says prophecy, though, preaching the Word of God, that is for building up believers. That was last week's message. We're going to see that more again in a minute. Look at verse 23. He says, If therefore the whole church comes together and all speak in tongues and outsiders or unbelievers enter, will they not say that you are out of your minds? You see? There's something very interesting about the wording here. This phrase, to say that you're out of your minds. Maybe your Bible says something like, they'll say that you're mad. Does your Bible say something like that if you have a different translation? It's interesting. The word, this word mad, this word out of your mind, that same word is used in other places in ancient literature to describe Pagan worship services. The gibberish. That's the same word used to describe that. When everybody got together and was just shouting stuff that nobody understood, they're like, that's mad. That's this word. They're going to think you're crazy. Everybody's shouting words people don't understand. What Paul's saying here is, you know what's going to happen? Is an unbeliever is going to come to church and he's going to say, Huh! They act just like the pagans. They are no different than the way the pagans worship. That's exactly, literally what Paul's saying here. So that's the purpose of tongues. It's not gibberish shouting at church. It's not some secret ecstatic prayer language. Paul reminds us it was always a sign of judgment against Israel.24:00Tongues and prophecy remember their purpose. Tongues is a sign of judgment for Israel. Number two, let's talk about the purpose of prophecy. What is the purpose of prophecy? Why do we preach? Why do we preach? I mean, it seems a little archaic, doesn't it? In our day of 15-second video, clips that we doom scroll through and our 30 second antacid commercials. It doesn't seem a little archaic that somebody would stand up for however many minutes we stand up and talk. Why do we do that? What is the purpose of prophecy? You're going to see here in the text exactly why we do this.25:01It manifests God's presence. Look at verses 24 and 25. You're going to see it. He says, but if all prophesy, teach, preach the word. But if all prophesy and an unbeliever or outsider enters, he is convicted by all. He is called to account.25:28By all the secrets of his heart are disclosed. And so, falling on his face, he will worship God and declare that God is really among you. It's the same point he made in the first 19 verses. He's like, church, look. Church, you know what you need to focus on?25:58You need to focus on preaching and teaching. That's what you need to focus on. So what's the purpose of prophecy? Well, he made a very clear point in the previous section. The purpose of prophecy is to build up believers. And also, speaking of unbelievers coming to church, which he brings up in this section, Paul says, when an unbeliever hears the word of God rightly proclaimed, something happens. What happens is God moves. I want you to look at this sequence. This is why we preach. Look at the sequence. He says, an unbeliever, outsider enters the church, and you are preaching the Word of God rightly. That's why we always ask for prayer. Please pray for us to preach the Word of God accurately. But look at the first thing that happens. He says he is convicted by all. He's convicted by all. The first thing that happens, and I know, I know, this isn't popular in our day, but this is what the Bible says. The first thing that happens, is that person feels guilty.27:28And listen, that has to happen.27:35Some people just want feel-good messages.27:38We've had people leave our church because they just want a feel-good message.27:47And we live in a day more than ever, and you see this in front of you every day, Make me comfortable in my sin. Affirm me. Don't tell me I'm wrong. Look at my sin and tell me I'm special. They just want the feel-good messages. Give me the pep talk. Give me the five ways to be happier at work, four ways to be happier at home.28:23feel bad.28:29By the way, do you know why the world hated Jesus?28:33Do you know?28:35Do you know why the world hated Jesus?28:37Just write this down.28:38Look this up later.28:39John 7, 7.28:41Just write that down.28:41Look it up.28:43Why the world hated Jesus?28:47Well, you should feel convicted.28:50You should.28:51You should feel a sense of I'm wrong. I'm guilty. That's the first part of the sequence. Look at the second thing. He says, he is convicted by all. Secondly, he is called to account by all. Called into account by all. Now listen, that doesn't mean that when like a person, stuck in a sinful lifestyle comes to church. We all get to take a shot at them. That's not what that means. Like somebody comes in and they're like, I'm struggling with an addiction. And I'm like, okay, stand here. Everybody line up. Take a shot. We're going to call them to account. Everybody just comes through the line. You're a loser. You need to repent. You stink. That's not what that means at all. What does it mean to be called into account by all? It's positive peer pressure. It's somebody looking.29:51and Christ alive through you and recognizing the need to change. To say, these people are different. These people live differently. This is who I need to be. They need to be looking around and saying, man, I need to know the Bible like him. You know, I need to get away from this addiction that's been destroyed.30:24I need to get away from the bad influences. I need to make choices. The choices to follow Jesus that I see her making, I need to make those same choices. That's what he's talking about. Everybody sort of calls them into account, like positive peer pressure. Right? What else happens when the Word is proclaimed? Look at verse 25. The third thing. The secrets of his heart are only God's word can do that. I can't do that. Pastor Taylor can't do that. Nobody can do that. The word of God is the only thing that can disclose the secrets of your heart. It's through the preaching of the word. Those secrets are disclosed and that's what brings the feeling of guilt. I've been a hypocrite. I've been faking. You know what? I've been lying.31:22I've been lying to other people. I want everybody to think I'm so noble. I want everybody to think I got my act together and I don't. I see now that my problem is me. I have a sin problem in my heart. I am the problem. The secrets of the heart are disclosed.31:51The next step. He says, and so, falling on his face. What's that? That's humbling yourself. Right? It's when you realize I'm such a hypocrite. I'm guilty. I'm a faker. And I'm a sinner. And I'm not the man that I need to be. Oh God, help me.32:21I have tried so hard to be the person that I think I need to be and I fail every time. I can't do it. And I just, all I can do is get on my face and say, say, God, help me. I can't do it on my own. That's what he's talking about here. Falls on his face. Look at the next one. He says, he will worship God. He will worship God.32:51You see, God saves those and changes those who confess their sin and believe in Jesus Christ. See, Jesus died in your place on that cross. That should have been you nailed to the cross. That should have been me nailed to the cross. Jesus took your place on that cross to bear the wrath of God, not for anything He did, because He lived.33:21a sinless life. He bore the wrath of God for the sins that I committed and the sins that you committed. He bore God's wrath for those. And if you turn and believe in Him, you become a child of God and He changes you and you never, ever, in all of eternity have to experience the wrath of God for your sin that you deserve. You don't have to experience it because Jesus has taken your sin away from you and that when you really get that that leads you to worship thank you god thank you god for doing what i could never do thank you god for pronouncing me not just not guilty but pronouncing me righteous in jesus christ thank you god for the promise of heaven thank you god thank you god you are so awesome and you are so worthy and you are so holy Thank you. It leads you to worship. And then finally, he says, then declare that God is really among you. That's what happens when the Word of God is rightly preached. And somebody is broken over their sin. They realize their guilt. They humble themselves. They worship. They walk out.34:47the doors and say, I met God at church today.34:54God was there.34:56I met God in the worship, in the preaching.35:00I encountered God through His Word.35:02I saw God through the people.35:09They walk out.35:10I met God today.35:14That's why people stop going to church, by the way.35:17That's why people love going to churches where the gospel isn't proclaimed. Because they don't want to change. That's the reason. They don't want to change. But every single time that I encounter God, I am moved to change.35:47single time. Read your Bibles. Read your Bibles and look at every single person who encountered God. Every single person who encountered Jesus Christ. They changed or they fled. But an encounter with God will change you. That's why we just preach the Word. That's why anybody who stands up here, the job is always the same.36:17Represent the text. Represent the text. That's what we go for. And we strive to live it because this right here is what we want for this church more than anything. For people to declare that God is really among us. For people to see God do what only God can do. If our worship team would make their way back up front, Speaking in tongues. Speaking in tongues. Speaking in tongues. It's kind of my own private gibberish prayer language, right? It's not what it's for. It's not what it's for. But does it really matter? Yeah. It matters. The purpose of tongues mattered.37:17For God's plan for Israel. The purpose of preaching matters for God's plan for the church today. And the purpose of a sermon like this isn't to equip you to win an argument, but rather to keep us all on track of what we should be going after every single Sunday and why.37:46Let's pray. Our Father in Heaven, this church was planted on the belief that the Word of God does the work of God. And Father, I thank You for this passage we looked at today because You have explained it here so clearly, what needs to happen when Your Word is proclaimed. Father, we aren't trying to put on a show. We're not trying to make a name for ourselves.38:17more in this church than for people to walk out the doors and say, God is really there. God is really among them. God was made manifest through His people, through worship, through the proclamation of the Word. Father, I pray where we would be tempted to act like children and fight about this, make us mature in our thinking.38:47to go after the things that matter to you. We pray in Jesus' name. Amen. Small Group DiscussionRead 1 Corinthians 14:20-25What was your big take-away from this passage / message?Explain, in your own words, the purpose of the spiritual gift of speaking in tongues. (1 Cor 14:21-22).How exactly does prophecy (preaching) manifest God's presence (end of 1 Cor 14:25)? How does the sequence flow (1 Cor 14:24-25)?Does this passage change your view on speaking in tongues? Why or why not?BreakoutPray for one another.

You're Not Done Yet | Pastor Chris Chondrogiannis by Highlight Church

What has technology done to us, and how do we live differently? Pastor Chris continues our series "A Faith for Today" by considering our relationship to an ever-evolving landscape of technology and faith.