Podcasts about pastor jeff

We are coming to the end of a big series - 'The Blessed Life'. In this message Pastor Jeff will remind us of the vow we made when we came to Christ. He'll be reading from John chapter 21, so join us there as we get into the message.Support the show: https://www.oneandall.church/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, Pastor Jeff teaches that sin isn't just about what we do—it starts in our hearts, with what we think and desire, as Jesus explains in Mark chapter 7. That's why Proverbs 4:23 reminds us to guard our hearts, because everything we do flows from what's inside. Mark 7:20 20 And he said, "What comes out of a person is what defiles him. 

When we get into an emergency situation, we know that the first number to call should be 911. The longer we wait, the longer it will be before help arrives. Well, in today's message, Pastor Jeff reminds us that the same thing happens when we face a storm in this life. God is ready to guide us through the storm, but we need to keep our focus on Him to make it through. The sooner we can fix our eyes on Him, the sooner we can get out of the troubled waters. God is always ready to guide us to safety.

Today Pastor Jeff continues his message ’It’s Better to Give’. In this episode Pastor Jeff shares with us from Matthew chapter 15, and the Faith of a Canaanite Woman. The big take home is a reminder that as followers of Christ we are to love all people, to accept them and welcome them as Jesus did ?' no matter how different they or their views may be from ours.Support the show: https://www.oneandall.church/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, Pastor Jeff reminds us that knowing the right thing to do but choosing not to do it is still sin. James 4:17 shows us that even doing nothing when we know the good matters to God. James 4:17 17 So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.

The Bible teaches us that the Holy Spirit is our constant guide and counselor. He is the one who speaks to us in the quiet and still moments of our lives. But today, Pastor Jeff reminds us that He is also there to help us in times of trouble. When we are facing a difficult storm, we are supposed to focus on what the Holy Spirit is trying to tell us. If we can drown out the noise and listen to His still, small voice, we will be able to resist fear. We won't get lost in the turmoil and chaos of the storm.

02.22.2026 | The Seven I AMs of Jesus | Part 2: I Am the Light of the World | Pastor Jeff Wickwire Discover what it truly means when Jesus says 'I am the Light of the World' - and how it transforms YOUR life! In this powerful message, Pastor Jeff Wickwire reveals how we move from walking in darkness to becoming carriers of divine light. You'll learn how to walk in the light daily and reflect Christ's glory to others. Don't miss the powerful story of forgiveness that showcases exactly why Jesus came as our light!

This week, Pastor Jeff explores Faith Question #16: What is sin? Sin is rejecting or ignoring God and His good law, showing us why we all need a Savior. 1 John 3:4   "Everyone who makes a practice of sinning also practices lawlessness; sin is lawlessness."

In today’s message from the Blessed Life series, we’ll hear about what Pastor Jeff calls a ’major player’ in living a ’blessed life’. He’s sharing with us from Matthew chapter 15, and the Faith of a Canaanite Woman. Through scripture Jesus repeats things over and over in different ways for the disciple to understand his point. Pastor Jeff hope that through this message we all understand it too.Support the show: https://www.oneandall.church/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode of the "Walking with God, Pat and Jeff's Podcast" is based on the Great Commission, Matthew 28:16-20, and talks about how we are called to make a difference in the world. Note: The opinions expressed in this podcast are those of Pat Barry and Jeff Quinto and may not reflect the opinions of the Bethel Bible Series or Bethel Lutheran Church. Soli Deo Gloria!

Big Idea: God is even working in the small stuff!Esther 2:1-14I. Better to choose wisely than regret badly. Esther 2:1-4Some time later, when King Ahasuerus's rage had cooled down, he remembered Vashti, what she had done, and what was decided against her. The king's personal attendants suggested, “Let a search be made for beautiful young virgins for the king. Let the king appoint commissioners in each province of his kingdom, so that they may gather all the beautiful young virgins to the harem at the fortress of Susa. Put them under the supervision of Hegai, the king's eunuch, keeper of the women, and give them the required beauty treatments. Then the young woman who pleases the king will become queen instead of Vashti.” This suggestion pleased the king, and he did accordingly.II. God can construct an epic story from your worst moments. Esther 2:5-7In the fortress of Susa, there was a Jewish man named Mordecai son of Jair, son of Shimei, son of Kish, a Benjaminite. Kish had been taken into exile from Jerusalem with the other captives when King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon took King Jeconiah of Judah into exile. Mordecai was the legal guardian of his cousin Hadassah (that is, Esther), because she had no father or mother. The young woman had a beautiful figure and was extremely good-looking. When her father and mother died, Mordecai had adopted her as his own daughter.III. Find God's favor in any circumstance.  Esther 2:8-9When the king's command and edict became public knowledge and when many young women were gathered at the fortress of Susa under Hegai's supervision, Esther was taken to the palace, into the supervision of Hegai, keeper of the women. The young woman pleased him and gained his favor so that he accelerated the process of the beauty treatments and the special diet that she received. He assigned seven hand-picked female servants to her from the palace and transferred her and her servants to the harem's best quarters.IV. Borrow wisdom carefully, and share it generously.   Esther 2:10-14Esther did not reveal her ethnicity or her family background, because Mordecai had ordered her not to make them known. Every day Mordecai took a walk in front of the harem's courtyard to learn how Esther was doing and to see what was happening to her. During the year before each young woman's turn to go to King Ahasuerus, the harem regulation required her to receive beauty treatments with oil of myrrh for six months and then with perfumes and cosmetics for another six months. When the young woman would go to the king, she was given whatever she requested to take with her from the harem to the palace. She would go in the evening, and in the morning she would return to a second harem under the supervision of the king's eunuch Shaashgaz, keeper of the concubines. She never went to the king again, unless he desired her and summoned her by name.Next Steps: Believe: I, Jesus, to do his biggest miracle in my soul today.Become: I will trust God with the small stuff this week. Be Sent: I will minister to someone far from Jesus this week.Growth Group Questions: What was the last bad decision you made? What were the consequences?What role did prayer play in your schedule last week?What are some practical examples of God's favor in your past?  Did you notice them at the time?How do you decide to follow someone's advice?How quickly do you notice God at work in your worst moments? How easy is it to see God at work in the ordinary moments of your life?Pray for someone by name who is far from Jesus right now.

The most important person at any public pool or beach is the lifeguard. While they will spend 99% of their time doing nothing but watching the waters, they are always vigilant to save someone if they start to sink below the surface of the water. Pastor Jeff wants you to recognize today that God is the ultimate lifeguard for your life! When things get difficult, and you start to look at the waves around you and start to sink, He will be right there to pull you out. He will never let you drown in the storm!

Welcome to the weekly sermon podcast from Harvest Bible Chapel in Chicago. We're glad you're joining us. We're continuing our series, Rise and Fall of a King. In 2 Samuel 7:1–17, we come to a defining moment in the life of David—and in the story of redemption. David wants to build a house for God. But instead, God reveals a better plan, makes a greater promise, and points to a greater King. In a world where every leader eventually fails, and every kingdom fades, this passage reminds us that God's purposes cannot be shaken—and His promised King will never fall. Open your Bible with us to 2 Samuel 7 and let's see how God's better plan leads us to a better King. Executive Producer: Flavius Herlo Speaker: Pastor Jeff Thompson Sound design, mixing, and editing: Bryan Tripp Graphic Design: Wesley Cassford Social Media: Bryan Spahr Producer: Dave Putnam WE INVITE YOU TO CONNECT WITH US: • Website: https://www.harvestbible.org/ WE INVITE YOU TO FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA: • Instagram: @harvestbiblechapel • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/harvestbiblechapel/

This week, Pastor Jeff continues a series in the book of Acts named ACTS: The Mission of God is Our Mission. The next message in the series is based in Acts 15:1-35 and is entitled "Clarity." The main idea of the sermon is: While salvation is by grace alone through faith in Christ alone, the Christian life must distinguish followers of Christ from pagan culture.———————— Connect with Us: Website: parkwoodonline.org Facebook: facebook.com/parkwoodonline Instagram: instagram.com/parkwoodonline.org Check out more resources and sermons online at: parkwoodresources.org

New to The Church at Bushland? Tell us a little about you and receive a personal note from Pastor Jeff. First Time Guest: https://www.thechurchatbushland.com/guestform?location=livestream How can we pray for you? Submit your prayer request here: https://www.thechurchatbushland.com/prayerrequest Subscribe to get the latest videos: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheChurchAtBushland We also have our newest channel, @TCABClips, with sermon and worship highlights and short content from Digging for the Truth. Subscribe, turn on notifications, and never miss an episode! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6VflV8HJUd-6vTX9CSJRKw Listen while you work, exercise, or whatever keeps you busy: Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/channel/the-church-at-bushland/id6442779332 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/077EsZwp6Y7pPhv7X8mXEY?si=893d09eeae9142d5 Support the online ministry at TCAB. Join the giving team today! https://www.thechurchatbushland.com/giving Download the TCAB App today! iOS - https://apps.apple.com/us/app/the-church-at-bushland/id1495461805 Android - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.kidunottech.culminate.tcab Connect with The Church at Bushland: Website | https://thechurchatbushland.com Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/thechurchatbushland/ Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/thechurchatbushland/

Introduction: Introduction: What Should I Do If I'm Not Content? (1 Corinthians 7:17-24) I should recognize THAT MY CALLING IS A GIFT. (1 Cor 7:17) 1 Timothy 6:6 - But godliness with contentment is great gain, I should resolve to OBEY NO MATTER WHAT. (1 Cor 7:18-19) John 14:23-24 - Jesus answered him, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. Whoever does not love me does not keep my words. And the word that you hear is not mine but the Father's who sent me. 1 John 5:3 - For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome. I should remember WHO I AM IN CHRIST. (1 Cor 7:20-23) Philippians 4:11-13 - Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned, in whatever situation I am, to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. I should rejoice THAT GOD IS WITH ME. (1 Cor 7:24) Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANKHint: Highlight blanks above for answers! AUDIO TRANSCRIPT 00:36-00:40Please open your Bibles to 1 Corinthians chapter 7, verses 17 through 24.00:41-00:451 Corinthians chapter 7, verses 17 through 24.00:47-00:53Have you ever stopped to consider how much of your life is beyond your control?00:55-00:57And some of you are thinking, no, because that sounds very depressing.00:57-01:00It doesn't sound very fun at all.01:00-01:02And I get that, but just go with me for a second.01:03-01:07Did you have any control over when you came into this world?01:08-01:17You had no say on who your parents were, how much money they had, what hospital you were born at, what doctors delivered you.01:18-01:21Did you have any control over your genetic makeup and DNA?01:23-01:32You had zero input into what you would look like, what inherent talents you would possess, and what natural personality you would receive.01:33-01:35Are you able to control the weather?01:36-01:39Are you able to keep snow storms and frigid temperatures away?01:41-01:44If you're able to do that, you have failed us these past two months.01:44-01:47What have you been doing if you're able to control those things?01:47-01:48Where were you last night?01:50-01:54Are you able to control every single situation that pops up in your life?01:55-01:59Are you able to keep all forms of pain and suffering away?02:00-02:06I assume not because if you're able to do that, you'd be a billionaire right now because you sold your secret methods to others.02:08-02:11So much of your life is beyond your control.02:13-02:18Discontentment comes when you fail to acknowledge and submit to this basic truth.02:19-02:27And at its core, dissatisfaction, discontentment, is you not being happy with what God has given to you.02:28-02:34you being dissatisfied with who the Lord is and the life he has entrusted to you.02:36-02:41So many of your problems come from trying to control the uncontrollable.02:42-02:50Guys in the room like me who are under six feet tall, I'm sorry, those exercises, those stretches will not add any inches to your height.02:50-02:52Those height-boosting shoes aren't fooling anybody.02:54-02:56We're just gonna have to enjoy the view from down here.02:58-03:03So many of your frustrations find their root in trying to stop the inevitable.03:05-03:09Ladies, I'm sorry to say it, please don't pelt me with tomatoes and other produce.03:11-03:15You're going to get older, and there is going to be signs of aging.03:16-03:19Okay, good. (laughs) No produce, phew.03:20-03:22It's impossible to avoid.03:23-03:29Instead of resisting this, accept that your meaning is not bound up what you look like on the outside.03:30-03:32What truly matters is what you look like on the inside.03:34-03:39So many of your disappointments come from an unwillingness to accept your limitations.03:40-03:50And I'm sorry to burst your bubble, I'm sorry to ruin all the lessons you learned from Disney movies growing up, but you cannot be whoever you wanna be and do whatever you wanna do.03:52-03:54I see some of you not agreeing with me internally.03:55-05:21I'm sorry, but it's not every boy's future athlete. It's not in every girl's future to be a famous celebrity or singer. There are things that you are good at and you should work on honing those natural talents and abilities. But there are other things that you stink at and no matter how hard you try you'll never rise above mediocrity when it comes to those activities. At this point you may be thinking, "Taylor, this is my favorite sermon so far. Are you saying that I have no control over my life at all? I'm actually not saying that. You do have some control over your life, but you do not have as much control as you would like. You cannot control the life you receive from the Lord, but you can't control what you do with the life you receive from the Lord. You cannot control the calling that you are given from the hand of God, but you can control if you are discontent or content with the calling you have received from the hand of God. Which best describes you in this season of life? Discontent or content? Dissatisfied or satisfied? Unfulfilled or or fulfilled.05:23-05:28I don't think it would take much introspection for some of you to realize that you are not content right now.05:29-05:31That you lack true joy.05:33-05:37That you wake up with a sense of dread that you have to be you.05:38-05:40And that you have to deal with what's in front of you.05:42-05:44You feel like your life is stuck in limbo.05:44-05:47You feel like things will never get better.05:47-05:50feel like things will never improve.05:52-05:55You may be wondering, what should I do if I'm not content?05:56-05:59What should I do if I'm not content?06:01-06:11We're towards the beginning of the Q and A section of 1 Corinthians and that is the exact question that the Apostle Paul answers for us in 1 Corinthians chapter seven, verses 17 through 24.06:12-06:25And just like the Corinthians, you need to be reminded that true contentment is not found in your circumstances, which are always changing, true contentment is found in Jesus Christ, who never changes.06:28-06:30Let's go to the Lord in prayer and ask for His help.06:30-06:37Please pray for me, that I'll faithfully proclaim God's word, and I will pray for you, that you will faithfully receive God's word.06:41-06:49Father, we thank you for yet another opportunity to worship you together, sit under your word together as your people.06:49-06:52Lord, this is a subject that touches every single one of us.06:53-06:58There isn't a single person in this room who isn't struggling with a sense of discontentment on some level.06:59-07:02I pray you'd use your word to comfort us.07:03-07:06You would use your word to challenge us.07:07-07:10You would use your word to point us to Christ.07:11-07:14We ask all these things in Jesus' name, amen.07:16-07:21The first Corinthians 7 is mainly about marriage and singleness.07:21-07:29Two weeks ago, Pastor Jeff preached on two gifts, the gift of sex and marriage and the gift of contentment and singleness.07:30-07:34And last week, you heard four sermons for the price of one.07:36-07:41If you are single and you want to stay single and remain single.07:42-07:46If you are single and do not want to remain single, get married.07:47-07:50If you are a Christian couple, stay married.07:52-07:56If you are married to an unbeliever while you are a believer, stay in that marriage.07:57-08:01Do not cut and run once you become a Christian.08:01-08:06God may use you to save your unbelieving spouse.08:07-08:11You can only control yourself in that situation.08:12-08:14You can control if you stay.08:14-08:19If that unbelieving spouse chooses to leave you, that is on him or her.08:20-08:22You cannot control what they do.08:22-08:25You can only control what you do.08:26-08:28And this kind of marital situation is hard.08:28-08:29I don't wanna sugarcoat it.08:29-08:32It's not easy or simple on any level.08:32-08:37It's painful, but according to this text, that will be used by God for his purposes.08:38-08:43No matter your relational status, it is not your job to figure out what God is up to.08:44-08:49It's your job to submit to the life that God has given to you.08:50-08:56It's your job to play the cards you've been dealt instead of throwing them down and walking away from the table.08:57-09:02This principle for marriage and singleness applies to every other area of life as well.09:02-09:08your social status, your family, your finances, your career, and the list goes on and on.09:09-09:18In verses 17 through 24, Paul jumps off the main highway of marriage and singleness to explore a much needed detour.09:19-09:23So let's return to our main question for this morning that sums up this detour.09:23-09:26What should I do if I'm not content?09:27-09:30What should I do if I'm not content?09:31-09:35Firstly, I should recognize that my calling is a gift.09:36-09:39I should recognize that my calling is a gift.09:44-09:47Let's read chapter seven, verse 17.09:47-09:55The apostle Paul writes, "Only let each person lead the life "the Lord has assigned to him "and to which God has called him.09:56-10:02"This is my rule in all the churches." Do you have house rules in your family?10:04-10:07Do you have expectations that are to be followed?10:08-10:19No Nerf gun bullets to the face, no running with scissors, bedtime is at 8 p.m. sharp, only kind and respectful words will be spoken in this family.10:20-10:27In this verse, the Apostle Paul makes it crystal clear that he has a house rule for the Corinthian church and every other church as well.10:28-10:32He establishes an expectation as for each person in all the churches.10:34-10:36Are you a person in the church?10:37-10:38Then this verse applies to you.10:39-10:43Paul gives no wiggle room, he gives you no excuse, he gives you no hall pass.10:44-10:49If you were a Christian, you were expected to obey what the apostle Paul has to say.10:50-10:51And what does he have to say?10:53-10:55Be faithful where God has placed you.10:56-11:00Be faithful where God has placed you.11:01-11:06Instead of constantly daydreaming about what's next, focus on what's in front of you.11:08-11:10Is that hard for anybody else besides me?11:12-11:16It's so tempting for life to become a series of what's next.11:17-11:20You and I can think, oh man, this current season of life stinks.11:20-11:23I can't wait for the next thing 'cause it's gonna be so much better.11:25-11:28When you're in middle school, what are you looking forward to?11:30-11:35High school, you're excited to get out of those years of early puberty and Axe body spray.11:36-11:37You can't wait.11:39-11:41When you're in high school, what are you anxious for?11:42-11:45Getting out of high school and going to the workforce or college.11:45-11:49Once you're in the workforce or college, what are you looking forward to?11:51-11:53Meeting that special someone?11:56-11:59And then once you meet that special someone, what are you anxious for?12:01-12:02Marriage and children.12:03-12:17And then once you're married and you have kids, or one kid, two kids, three kids, four kids, five kids for even some of you, when you're in the midst of the hardship of parenting, what are you anxious for?12:19-12:20Getting them out of the house.12:21-12:21Thank you, Andrew.12:22-12:23You're very excited to say that.12:25-12:29For your kids to mature, to get older, and to get out of the house, as Andrew Colburn would say.12:30-12:33You're excited for the house to be quiet.12:35-12:37But once the house is quiet, what are you anxious for?12:39-12:45For the loud noises to come back in the form of grandkids, to finally reach that retirement you've been working so hard for.12:45-12:47You don't want to set your alarm anymore.12:48-12:52But then once you're retired, you're thinking, What's next?12:52-12:54What is going to be my final chapter?12:56-12:59So much of my life can be spent on wishing it away.13:00-13:05And so much of your life can be spent on wishing it away.13:06-13:12Instead of being present in the moment, you and I can be fixated, I'm pressing the fast forward button so we can just get on with it already.13:14-13:17Because satisfaction must come when you climb that next ladder.13:18-13:19But then it doesn't.13:20-13:23So you keep climbing and you keep being disappointed.13:24-13:28The grass must be greener once you ascend that next hill, but then it isn't.13:29-13:34You keep walking up and down each hill, hoping for what won't be there.13:36-13:41The next thing has to be more fulfilling than this current season of life.13:42-13:49It won't be, because if you're not content with what you have right now, you will not be content with what you have then.13:51-13:58It's never been more challenging in the history of the world to be fully present than it is in 2026.13:59-14:06You and I have a device in our pockets that are gateways to discontentment and thanklessness.14:08-14:14You're constantly bombarded with videos and images of people's lives that seem better than your own.14:15-14:18"Oh, if only I could have that SUV or that minivan.14:18-14:20If only I could have a house that nice.14:21-14:24If only I could have that remodeled kitchen or bathroom.14:25-14:28If only I could afford that dream vacation.14:29-14:32If only my husband was as handy as that guy on that reel.14:34-14:38If only my wife was as supportive as that woman on that account.14:40-14:43If only my kids were that well behaved.14:44-14:49If only I didn't live in a place that was gray and overcast and snowy for what seems six months of the year.14:50-14:53If only, if only, if only, if only.14:55-14:56If only is a thief of joy.14:57-15:00If only is a recipe for discontentment.15:01-15:07If only obscures the reality that your life and the calling given to you from God are precious gifts.15:10-15:15To be clear, I'm not saying that it's wrong to consider the future, that it's wrong to plan ahead.15:15-15:20It's wise to think over, pray over, and make career moves.15:21-15:26It's a good thing to save for retirement and wanna leave something for your kids and grandkids.15:27-15:30It's not a bad thing to move or want a bigger space for your family.15:31-15:41Godly ambition can be a good thing, but there is a very thin line between godly ambition and ungodly discontentment.15:43-15:46Godly ambition and ungodly discontentment.15:48-15:49What's the difference?15:50-15:52Godly ambition looks like this.15:52-15:55God, thank you for all the good gifts that you've given to me.15:55-16:03Help me to invest my talents, my resources, my efforts into your kingdom for the sake of my family and for the sake of your glory.16:05-16:08Well, ungodly discontentment looks like this.16:09-16:12God, what you've given me is not good enough.16:12-16:14I need more.16:16-16:21Godly ambition is a life of open-handedness to the Lord.16:22-16:27Everything that you have belongs to Him, and everything you do is for His sake.16:28-16:33While ungodly discontentment is a life of pointing the finger of blame at God.16:34-16:39Everything that you have is yours, and everything you do is for your sake.16:39-16:40Do you see the difference?16:42-16:52In this verse, Paul is telling you enough of ungodly discontentment, enough of bitterness and resentment, enough of being thankless.16:52-16:55Stop being faithless and start being faithful.16:56-17:01No matter your circumstance, no matter your station in life, you can honor Christ.17:03-17:06What life has the Lord assigned to you?17:08-17:12What calling has God given you in this season of life?17:13-17:19Are you a teenager or a college student who's tired of taking tests, writing papers, and sitting in a classroom?17:21-17:24Recognize that your calling as a student is a gift from God.17:26-17:33Give your studies 100% of your effort because you are not working for your parents, you're not working for your teachers or your professors.17:33-17:34Who are you working for?17:36-17:37You are working for Christ.17:38-17:40You're working for the Lord himself.17:42-17:45Are you a mom whose life feels like Groundhog's Day?17:46-17:52Every single day feels the exact same, it's just the same thing over and over and over again.17:54-17:58Recognize that your calling as a mother is a gift from God.17:59-18:05Be faithful and pour into your children, point them to Jesus Christ every single chance that you get.18:05-18:13you'll never be able to press the rewind button and see your kids at the age they are now, even though you'll desperately want to.18:14-18:17Be faithful with this opportunity that God has given to you.18:19-18:21Are you in a job that you hate?18:23-18:27Are you in a job that is thankless and unfulfilling?18:28-18:34Recognize that that calling is a gift from God, even when it seems like a curse.18:35-18:37Don't be lazy, don't just skate by.18:38-18:45Outwork every single person at work, at the office, until that next opportunity arises.18:46-18:51Share the gospel, be faithful in showing your coworkers who Jesus Christ is.18:52-19:02I wish I had the time and ability to address all of your specific circumstances, but I don't really need to, because this principle from Paul applies to every single one of you.19:03-19:09Whatever you do and wherever you are, recognize your calling is a gift from God.19:10-19:13Be content, be thankful, be faithful.19:15-19:21Because Paul says elsewhere, godliness with contentment is great gain.19:23-19:30Discontentment always leads to loss, while contentment always leads to gain.19:32-19:33What should I do if I'm not content?19:34-19:37Secondly, I should resolve to obey no matter what.19:38-19:40I should resolve to obey no matter what.19:46-19:54After Paul commands the Corinthians to be faithful and content, he provides a real life example of what it looks like to be faithful and content.19:55-19:56Let's read verse 18.19:57-20:00Was anyone at the time of his call circumcised?20:00-20:03Let him not seek to remove the marks of circumcision.20:03-20:06Was anyone at the time of his call uncircumcised?20:07-20:09Let him not seek circumcision.20:10-20:11I know what you're thinking.20:12-20:15Oh dear, this is not the direction I expected this passage to take.20:15-20:17How is Pastor Taylor gonna apply this to my life?20:18-20:19How is he gonna explain this?20:19-20:25Well, I'm gonna take a page out of Pastor Jeff's book and not be explicit, but be straightforward.20:26-20:30In Paul's day, circumcision was not a medical issue.20:31-20:34It was a societal and religious issue.20:35-20:40Under the old covenant, the Israelites were commanded to circumcise their baby boys on the eighth day.20:41-20:51And circumcision was an outward sign that these boys were to be set apart for God and different than the pagan nations surrounding them.20:52-20:54And this outward sign is no longer needed.20:54-21:01this side of the cross and the empty tomb and the new covenant, we are not expected or commanded to carry out circumcision.21:03-21:12In this verse, Paul is addressing two sets of men in Corinth, those who are already circumcised and those who are not circumcised.21:13-21:16He has a very similar message for both groups.21:16-21:22If you're circumcised, don't try to remove the marks of your circumcision to blend in with the Gentiles.21:24-21:28I have no desire to get into the details of what that exactly means.21:28-21:38Let me just say that 2,000 years ago, Jewish Christian men had the option to have a surgery to undo what was done to them as infants.21:39-21:42And you may be thinking, why in the world would they wanna do that?21:42-21:43That sounds horrible.21:44-21:47We have to remember that Corinth was a Roman city.21:48-21:52It was filled with anti-Semitism, with hatred of Jews.21:52-21:57So Christian men would be tempted to make this change to blend in.21:58-22:08To use a modern day example, this would be like moving to Cleveland and to add insult to injury, you trade in all of your Steeler stuff for Cleveland Browns memorabilia.22:10-22:11Why do you do that?22:12-22:13'Cause you don't wanna be ridiculed.22:13-22:14You don't wanna be made fun of.22:14-22:17You wanna blend in in this new place that you live.22:18-22:21You make an external change to please other people.22:22-22:27And that was the temptation for Jewish Christians in Corinth.22:28-22:34On the other hand, Paul calls those who were uncircumcised to not seek circumcision because that would be pointless.22:35-22:42Back then there was a group called the Judaizers who believed that you had to be circumcised as a man to be saved.22:42-22:46But that totally goes against the message of Paul and the other apostles.22:47-22:52Paul is saying in this verse, if you were a Jewish Christian, Don't try to be like a Gentile Christian.22:53-22:56If you're a Gentile Christian, don't try to be Jewish.22:56-22:59That's a waste of time because you're both on equal footing.22:59-23:01You're both one in Christ.23:04-23:06And Paul explains this in even more detail in verse 19.23:07-23:21He says, "For neither circumcision counts for anything "nor uncircumcision, but keeping the commandments of God." that you're faithful.23:22-23:26An uncircumcision does not prove that you're unfaithful.23:27-23:32What matters, according to this text, heartfelt obedience to the Lord's commands.23:34-23:38God isn't after external religious rituals that cannot change you.23:38-23:42He is after an inward change that leads to an outward change.23:42-23:47God doesn't want you just to look the part and pretend that you have true faith.23:47-23:50He wants you to act the part and live out your faith.23:51-23:58And the test of true faith is that you are willing to obey God no matter what.23:58-24:09You are willing to obey Him even when life is hard, even when life isn't going the way you want it to, even when the world is telling you to do the exact opposite.24:10-24:16The Roman world pressured Jewish Christians to blend in while God commanded them to stand out.24:17-24:45The Judaizers pressured Gentile Christians to follow the ceremonial law that they could blend in with them while God called them to a deeper level of obedience and submission. Who should the Jewish Christians obey? The Romans and Corinth or God? God. Who should the Gentile Christians obey? The Judaizers or God?24:46-24:47You guys can do a lot better.24:47-24:49I'm giving you one more chance for this third one.24:50-24:54Who should you obey, this sinful culture or God?24:55-24:56Much better.24:58-24:59Here's the thing.24:59-25:04It's so challenging to obey God and his word when you are discontent.25:06-25:06Why is that?25:08-25:14When you are discontent, you can believe that God isn't holding up his end of the bargain, so why should you?25:16-25:20You can view your relationship with God as an exchange of goods and services.25:21-25:33God gives you material wealth, he gives you good health, he gives you easy weeks with the least amount of road bumps possible, and in exchange, you obey him with joy in your heart and a smile on your face.25:36-25:54But when your health takes a bad turn, when you get a pay decrease, when you receive a pink slip, when you experience the hardest week of your life, you feel betrayed by the Lord, and you no longer wanna give Him what He has owed.25:55-26:02You feel like Charlie Brown, when he went to kick the football at the last minute, it's pulled away by Lucy, and he has a somersault into his back.26:02-26:08You just feel totally dejected, totally betrayed.26:11-26:13You just want to take your ball and go home.26:16-26:23But friends, it is in those moments when you come face to face with the real motivation for your obedience to the Lord.26:24-26:28Do you obey Him because of who He is?26:30-26:32Or do you obey Him for what you can get from Him?26:33-26:37Do you listen to Him because you desire to twist His arm into giving you what you want?26:38-26:43Or do you listen to Him no matter what.26:45-26:48Do you follow his instructions because you love him?26:50-26:52Or do you follow his instructions to use him?26:55-26:57The Lord sees right through your exterior.26:58-27:03He sees right through the polished outside you can have, and he sees your motivations.27:06-27:08Like the Corinthians, you can focus on the wrong thing.27:10-27:18You can focus on the outside instead of the heart, instead of the obedience that God is calling you to.27:19-27:26You can come to church, you can participate in small group but still live in blatant disobedience behind closed doors.27:27-27:29You can say the right things but not do the right things.27:30-27:32You can talk the talk but not walk the walk.27:33-27:34Is that you today?27:36-27:37Am I describing you at all?27:38-27:40If I am, it's time to stop faking.27:41-27:42It's time to own up to your sin.27:42-27:49It's time to come to grips with your discontentment and your warped rationale for obeying or disobeying the Lord.27:50-27:55It's time to keep God's commandments no matter what, no matter what life throws your way.27:57-27:58This isn't my opinion.27:58-28:00This is God's authoritative word.28:01-28:05Listen to what Jesus says about this in John 14, 23 through 24.28:06-28:10He says, "If anyone loves me, he will keep my word.28:11-28:17Whoever does not love me does not keep my word." Could it be any clearer than that?28:21-28:37The apostle John ups the ante in 1 John 5, 3, "For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments, and his commandments are not burdensome." Your love for God is not proven by checking all the Christian boxes.28:38-28:43Your love for God is not proven by having all the correct theological answers.28:44-28:47Your love for God is not proven by your feelings.28:48-28:51Your love for God is proven by your obedience.28:53-28:54It's an objective test.28:55-28:59And obedience, no matter what, is hard, but it's rewarding.29:00-29:08Obedience no matter what will take everything that you have, but it will give you more than you could possibly imagine.29:10-29:13Obedience no matter what is costly, but it's not impossible.29:16-29:18What should I do if I'm not content?29:19-29:22Number three, I should remember who I am in Christ.29:22-29:26I should remember who I am in Christ.29:30-29:35So, Paul gives another practical example of faithfulness and contentment in action.29:36-29:44He moves on from a controversial and uncomfortable topic to an even more controversial and uncomfortable topic, slavery.29:45-29:47Let's read verses 20 through 21.29:48-29:50Each one should remain in the condition in which he was called.29:51-29:52Were you a bond servant when called?29:53-29:54Don't be concerned about it.29:55-29:59But if you gain your freedom, avail yourself of the opportunity.30:00-30:11I could spend half this sermon talking to you about how slavery 2,000 years ago looked a lot different than it did in America, and how it looks across the world today.30:11-30:27I could deliver a long and boring lecture about indentured servitude, which is the truth that in the first century, many people willingly sold themselves into slavery to pay off debts, to manage households, to have a successful business.30:30-30:37I can tell you that 50% of the Roman Empire were slaves, and most of the time manual labor was not a part of the deal.30:38-30:44I keep going and going and going, but I'm not going to preach my homework because it doesn't affect the meaning of this text.30:44-30:51Paul is in no way trying to celebrate or endorse slavery in this passage or anywhere else in his letters at all.30:52-30:55Paul is not a fan of slavery on any level.30:56-30:57Is that clear to everyone?30:58-30:58Okay, good.30:59-31:04In fact, Paul even says, if you have an opportunity to gain your freedom, take it.31:05-31:06Grab a hold of it.31:06-31:07Enjoy your freedom.31:09-31:17But he also offers a very blunt reality to those Corinthian Christians who are slaves but will not receive their freedom anytime soon.31:18-31:20He says, don't worry about it.31:22-31:23Don't be concerned about it.31:24-31:25Remain where you are.31:27-31:29How could Paul say something like that?31:29-31:31It sounds so cold and unfeeling.31:34-31:34Well, not really.31:36-31:41Paul was never willing to call people to something that he wasn't willing to do himself.31:43-31:48Sure, Paul wasn't a slave, but he was a prisoner for a decent chunk of his life.31:48-31:51Did Paul resist that God-given assignment?31:52-31:56Did he waste his time complaining and hatching elaborate escape plans?31:57-32:02No, he remained in the position that God called him to with humility and contentment.32:04-32:04I'll prove it to you.32:04-32:11Listen to Philippians 4, 11 through 13, the most out of context taken passage in the history of the Bible.32:12-32:13And most people totally do not understand.32:14-32:17Paul wrote this while he was a prisoner.32:17-32:22I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.32:23-32:28I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound in any and every circumstance.32:28-32:33I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance, and need.32:34-32:35What's the secret, Paul?32:36-32:40I can do all things through him who strengthens me.32:41-32:44I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.32:46-32:48Paul practiced what he preached.32:48-32:50He led by example.32:50-32:57He learned through experience that Jesus was all he needed because there were many times when Jesus was all that he had.33:01-33:04If that doesn't convince you, check out Paul's rationale for remaining as a slave.33:04-33:11In verses 22 through 23, he says, "For he who was called to the Lord as a bondservant is a freed man of the Lord.33:12-33:47Likewise, he who was free when called a bondservant of Christ. You were bought with a price. Do not become bondservants of men. So what's Paul's rationale here for remaining as a slave? If you are a Christian slave, remember that you are free in Christ. Because of Christ's death on the cross, this victorious resurrection, you have been forgiven, you have been redeemed, you have been ransomed from the slave market of sin, you've been set free from the power and penalty of sin.33:47-33:52Your sinful debt has been paid in full and you owe nothing.33:56-34:06And if you're a Christian who is not enslaved to an earthly master, don't look down on your Christian brother or sister who is enslaved to an earthly master.34:07-34:13Because even though you may not have a earthly master in this life, you have a heavenly master that you are enslaved to.34:13-34:16You are enslaved to Jesus Christ.34:17-34:21Your life is to be in service of him and what he has called you to do.34:21-34:24So don't be high and mighty because you are a slave.34:27-34:30He says to both groups, you were bought with a price.34:31-34:34You were bought with the precious blood of Jesus.34:36-34:40You have immense value because God says that you do.34:41-34:47God would not spend the most valuable resource in existence on that which is worthless in his eyes.34:49-34:51Again, you have worth because God says that you do.34:53-34:58In light of this, Paul commands the Corinthians to not become bondservants of men.34:59-34:59What does that mean?35:00-35:05Don't become enshackled to the thoughts and opinions of others.35:05-35:10How other people view you has no bearing on how God views you.35:10-35:17Your man-given identity in the world does not affect your God-given identity in Christ.35:17-35:24The opinion of others matters very little in comparison to the authoritative opinion of the creator of the universe.35:27-35:30Maybe you feel down about yourself right now.35:31-35:35You feel like your contribution to this church is negligible.35:36-35:40You're envious of those who seem to have a lot of talents 'cause you don't think you're good at anything.35:42-35:46You're envious of those who have a lot of confidence because you have no confidence.35:48-35:50You're embarrassed to tell people what you do for a living.35:51-35:54You're even embarrassed to invite people over to your small house.35:56-35:58Or maybe you're on the other side of the spectrum.35:59-36:00You have a very high view of yourself.36:01-36:04You feed on the praise and affirmation of others.36:04-36:06You're buying into your own press.36:08-36:12Do you know who can both lift you up and bring you back down to earth at the same time?36:14-36:14Dogs.36:17-36:18Some of you were surprised by that.36:18-36:20Brian thought something different I was gonna say.36:21-36:23If you have a dog, you know exactly what I mean.36:24-36:27My dog Murdoch has no regard for my appearance.36:28-36:31He couldn't care less if I'm skinny or overweight.36:32-36:34He couldn't care less if I'm up 20 pounds or down 30 pounds.36:36-36:39Murdoch has no regard for the money in my account.36:41-36:46If I were to list my many successes to him, he wouldn't be impressed at all.36:47-36:52If I were to list my many, many, many more failures, he wouldn't judge me or look down on me.36:54-36:59Whether this sermon tanks or succeeds, Murdoch will treat me the same exact way when I get home.37:00-37:06He'll run up to me with that goofy grin on his face, with his tail wagging and pawing at me for attention.37:07-37:09Murdoch's love for me has not changed from day to day.37:10-37:12His love is firm and fixed.37:13-37:16Murdoch shows no partiality or preferential treatment.37:18-37:22Do you know who else doesn't show partiality or preferential treatment?37:23-37:23The Lord.37:24-37:27God does not play favorites with his children.37:28-37:34He loves low-status Christians just as much as believers who are viewed as successful and accomplished.37:34-37:39He cherishes women who cannot have biological children just as much as women who can.37:41-37:49God's view of you does not depend upon your status and popularity, God's view of you depends upon His Son and what He has done for you.37:52-37:57If you don't feel content right now, stop looking at your circumstances.37:57-38:05Start looking at the cross of Christ where God's love for you was displayed in the most graphic and conclusive way possible.38:08-38:11Stop thinking about who you are in the eyes of the world.38:11-38:13Think about who you are in the eyes of God.38:14-38:25Consider who you are in Christ, loved, cherished, adopted, free from the power of sin forever and bound to Jesus Christ forever.38:28-38:29What should I do if I'm not content?38:30-38:34Finally, I should rejoice that God is with me.38:35-38:37I should rejoice that God is with me.38:42-38:47Paul makes one final appeal, to be faithful where God has placed you.38:47-38:48Let's read verse 24.38:50-38:58So brothers, in whatever condition each was called, there, let him remain with God.39:00-39:03What's the motivation for remaining where you are?39:03-39:07What's the motivation for being faithful where God has placed you?39:08-39:12That same God is with you wherever you go.39:12-39:16No matter what job you have, God is with you.39:16-39:19No matter your financial struggles, God is with you.39:20-39:24No matter your relational status, God is with you there.39:25-39:28And he will never leave you or forsake you.39:30-39:33Have you ever had to go on a walk with a fast walker?39:34-39:37Or go on a hike with someone that you cannot keep up with?39:37-39:46No matter how hard you try, no matter how much you lengthen your stride, there is always way ahead of you and you are lagging so far behind.39:49-39:52So often that's how we feel when it comes to our relationship with the Lord.39:53-39:57Like he's an infinite amount of steps in front of us and we'll never be able to catch up.39:57-39:58It just feels hopeless.39:59-40:00He's always gonna feel so distant.40:00-40:03He's always gonna feel so far away.40:05-40:06Is that actually true?40:08-40:11God is in step with you the entire time.40:11-40:19He is right there with you, comforting you, encouraging you, calling you to keep it up instead of giving up.40:20-40:22Do you feel discontent?40:24-40:26Do you feel alone?40:27-40:29Do you feel like no one cares about you?40:29-40:31No one sees the struggles that you're going through?40:33-40:38It's my hope this morning that you will believe in God's nearness like never before.40:39-40:45It is my prayer that you will believe in God's presence even when he feels far away.40:48-40:53You may be discontent this morning because the content of your life is so shallow.40:54-41:00You are discontent because you do not know Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.41:01-41:09You are trusting in the provision of this world, which never satisfies, instead the provision of Christ, which eternally satisfies.41:10-41:22You will never experience true and lasting fulfillment until you turn from your sin and and you turn to Jesus Christ, who will satisfy you both now and forever.41:24-41:29He won't give you all that you want, but he will give you all that you need.41:31-41:35On the other hand, you may know Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, but you're still discontent.41:37-41:38And why is that?41:40-41:44Because you were expecting what God never promised in the first place.41:45-41:55You're forgetting that Jesus Christ didn't come to this earth to suffer, die, and rise again to give you more of the stuff of this world that will just be taken away from you when you die.41:56-42:07Jesus Christ came and did all those things to give you that which can never be taken away from you, to give you that which will be even more satisfying and enjoyable when you stand in his presence.42:09-42:20Until that day, be faithful, no matter your location, no matter your calling, no matter your limitations, live the life that God has assigned to you.42:20-42:26Enjoy every single moment he gives you as a precious gift.42:27-42:33God didn't save you from your sins so you could lead a successful life in the eyes of the world.42:34-42:42God saved you so that you would faithfully do what he's called you to do in every single season of life.42:43-42:44Let's pray.42:47-43:00Father, we come to you as your people and we admit that we can be discontent, that we grumble, we complain both internally and externally, we grumble in our minds and we grumble with our mouths.43:01-43:12Lord, help us to remember how truly blessed we are in Christ that we have been forgiven, we have been redeemed, we have been adopted into your family and we are bound for heaven.43:13-43:19And when life is hard, help us to remember that it's through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of heaven.43:19-43:22It shouldn't be a surprising thing that we go through fiery trials.43:24-43:27Lord, it should be a constant reminder of how much we need you.43:29-43:32It should be a constant reminder that we can't live this life on our own.43:34-43:37I'll lift up those who do not know you this morning.43:38-43:44May they not be able to leave this room until they place their faith and trust in Jesus Christ alone for salvation.43:45-43:53And for those of us who do know and love you, but are struggling with discontentment, Father, help us not to leave this room until we talk to someone else about this.43:54-43:57Until we ask someone else for prayer, we ask someone else for encouragement.43:57-44:05Help us to be the body of Christ this morning, not just individuals coming and then leaving, but a family who is here for one another.44:06-44:09We ask all these things in Jesus' name, amen. Small Group DiscussionRead 1 Corinthians 7:17-24What was your big take-away from this passage / message?What is the difference between godly ambition and ungodly discontentment?What are you the most discontent with right now? How can you take steps to address this dissatisfaction in your heart?What is your calling and assignment from the Lord in this season of life? How can you be faithful where He has placed you?BreakoutPray for one another.

Psalm 122 reveals the joy we should feel about gathering with God's people, challenging us to move from a 'have to' mentality to a 'get to' mentality about worship. Casual Christianity prevents spiritual growth and keeps us from the mountains God calls us to climb. We need fellow believers as companions on our faith journey, just as the Israelites traveled to Jerusalem together. Regular worship serves multiple purposes: giving glory to God, practicing obedience, guarding against spiritual drift, being formed into Christ's image, and strengthening our faith through God's Word. When believers are truly united, we become impenetrable to enemy attacks and naturally seek peace and blessing for others.

John 6 This chapter begins with Jesus speaking to a multitude who become hungry. To meet their need, he multiplies the few available loaves and fish in a miraculous provision for them. After leaving that crowd for a time, he walks on water to reach another crowd. It's here that he proclaims himself the Bread of Life. Many are searchers, but as he further expounds upon this truth, some become grumblers, some arguers, and even some decide to desert him. We must seek after Jesus because we want a relationship with Him- NOT a handout. Website: immanuelde.com Facebook: immanuelchurchwilmington YouTube: Immanuel Church Wilmington DE

Whenever you lay a trap for an animal in the woods, you need to leave some sort of bait to attract your target, or the trap may never be triggered. And just like a piece of meat is attractive to a wild animal, the pleasures of the world are the bait that the enemy uses to lure humanity into sinful behavior. But Pastor Jeff reminds you to be on your guard, because even though the temptation of sin has a sweet and pleasant aroma, it becomes dangerous and painful if you draw too close to it.

An episode from Berean Baptist Church, an independent body of King James Bible believers located in Springfield Missouri. If you are looking for a church in the Springfield, Missouri area that preaches the Truth from God's Word, reach out to us at any time. We would love to hear from you at (417) 833-1529 or on our website: ⁠⁠⁠https://bereansgf.org/⁠⁠⁠ You may also write them at:Berean Baptist Church507 East Norton Rd,Springfield, MO 65803 This message is part of the KJV Bible Preaching Churches Podcast, a ministry dedicated to making faithful, King James Bible preaching available to all; especially those who may have limited access to sound biblical teaching.Our purpose is simple: to exalt the Lord Jesus Christ, uphold the authority of the Holy Scriptures, and point souls to the truth of God's Word. Every message shared through this podcast comes from likeminded, Bible-believing churches and ministries that hold firmly to the King James Bible as the final authority in faith and practice.This podcast is used as a Gospel resource and teaching tool, including outreach efforts to individuals who are incarcerated. We believe God's Word is living, powerful, and able to work in hearts wherever it is heard.If you are a pastor, preacher, or church that faithfully preaches from the King James Bible and would like to learn more about being part of this podcast, or if you have questions about this ministry, you are welcome to reach out.The KJV Bible Preaching Churches Podcast is directly supported by Doss Metrics LLC | Ministry Services based out of Cleveland Texas. If you have any questions regarding this podcast, or the churches hosted on the podcast, please reach out to us directly at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠dossmetrics@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or write to us at: Doss Metrics | KJV Bible Preaching Churches Podcast1451 McBride Rd.Cleveland, TX 77328 God Bless#KJVPreaching #JeffAbles #BereanBaptistChurch #ChurchSermons #BiblePreaching #Churches #KingJamesBible #ChristianPodcast

In this episode Pastor Jeff continues his message about waiting on God. He is looking at the book of Habakkuk Chapter 2, and the back and forth dialogue with God. Pastor Jeff is also encouraging us to see the bigger picture when we are in times of trial, and to wait with humility.Support the show: https://www.oneandall.church/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today is FRI-YAY and Shout Out Day with Pastor Jeff as we wrap up Faith Question 15: Why does the law matter if no one can keep it? We'll celebrate the good news that the law points us to our need for a Savior—and Jesus brings us back to God. 1 Timothy 1:15   This saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance: "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners"—and I am the worst of them.

Today Pastor Jeff is preaching about waiting on God, from the book of Habakkuk. It's part of the 'Blessed Life' series. Most of us have come to a point in our life ?' frustrated by waiting on answers from God. Or we're waiting but don't know what the Lord's will is. In this message Pastor Jeff is looking at Habakkuk and his back and forth dialogue with God.Support the show: https://www.oneandall.church/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

02.18.2026 | Mark: The Right Now Gospel | Part 2: Jesus's Ministry Begins | Pastor Jeff Wickwire Discover how Jesus's ministry began with a dramatic showdown against darkness! Pastor Jeff Wickwire unpacks the fascinating account of Christ's baptism, wilderness testing, and first encounters with demonic forces. Learn why demons trembled at His presence and what this means for believers today. Get ready for powerful insights into spiritual warfare and Christ's authority over darkness. Whether you're facing your own battles or seeking deeper understanding of Scripture, this message will equip and encourage you.

Speaking from 2 Corinthians chapter 9, Pastor Jeff is continuing a message about radical generosity. We have a generous God who wants to bless every area of our lives, but Jeff looks at our part in this. What steps do we need to take for a ’blessed life’. Pastor Jeff speaks here of American culture, but this message still applies whatever country you're in.Support the show: https://www.oneandall.church/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pastor Jeff shares that God's law reveals His perfect holiness, our sinfulness, and our deep need for a Savior. Because only God is holy and we all fall short, even our best efforts can't make us right without Him. Only through Jesus we are able.  Isaiah 64:6 "All of us have become like something unclean, and all our righteous acts are like a polluted garment; all of us wither like a leaf, and our iniquities carry us away like the wind."  

Hey YC Online! Sermon notes: https://yc.church/resources ABOUT YOSEMITE CHURCH: Our mission is meeting people where they are and loving them to where Christ wants them to be. Yosemite Church wants to help you find your next step. Find locations, videos, and more info about us at https://yc.church/ or download the Yosemite Church app. NEXT STEPS: Have you made a decision to follow Jesus? You may be wondering what's next on your journey. We want to help! Let us guide you to your next steps in your walk with Christ: https://yc.church/baptism GIVE ONLINE: https://pushpay.com/g/yosemitechurch FIND US ON SOCIAL MEDIA: https://www.facebook.com/yosemitechurch https://www.instagram.com/yosemitechurch/ All music performed under MultiTrack License: 242540

Parents, this one is for you! In this episode, which corresponds with our current relationship series entitled "The Art of Relationships," Pastor Jeff & Lydia dive into practical tips and encouragement for how to grow with Jesus for everyone inside of your home.

Is this episode Pastor Jeff is preaching about radical generosity. It's part of the 'Blessed Life' series. He's speaking from 2 Corinthians chapter 9, to share how God wants to bless every area of our lives.Support the show: https://www.oneandall.church/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pastor Jeff Edwards spoke about finding God. If someone says, “God told me this”, what does that mean?  Is it literal, or just a turn of phrase?  Is it their own thoughts spoken in churchy language? Do they really find direction from God?  If I want God's direction, how does that work anyway?  David gave Solomon a cheat sheet on how to find God in any situation.

Who is Jesus—really? In this powerful message, Pastor Jeff Schreve reveals why Jesus is more than a teacher or prophet—He is the eternal God. From His humble beginnings in Nazareth to His divine nature and saving power, Pastor Jeff explains why everything—creation, salvation, and your life—is all about Jesus.

02.15.2026 | The Seven I AMs of Jesus | Part 1: I Am The Bread of Life | Pastor Jeff Wickwire What makes Christianity work? Is it rules, miracles, or something deeper? Join Pastor Jeff Wickwire as he unpacks Jesus' profound statement 'I Am the Bread of Life' in this eye-opening message. Discover why some people walk away while others stand firm in their faith, and learn how to build an unshakeable relationship with Christ that goes beyond religious routine. Whether you're questioning your faith or seeking deeper connection, this message reveals the transformative power of truly knowing Jesus - not just knowing about Him.

This week, Pastor Jeff will talk about Faith Question 15: Since no one can keep the law, what is its purpose? We'll discover that God's law reveals His holiness and our need for a Savior, pointing us straight to Jesus. Romans 3:20 "For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin."

Big Idea: It takes a strong center to stand tall under pressure from every side.Esther 1:10-22I. The Queen takes a stand for purityEsther 1:10-12On the seventh day, when the king was feeling good from the wine, Ahasuerus commanded Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, Abagtha, Zethar, and Carkas—the seven eunuchs who personally served him—to bring Queen Vashti before him with her royal crown. He wanted to show off her beauty to the people and the officials, because she was very beautiful. But Queen Vashti refused to come at the king's command that was delivered by his eunuchs. The king became furious and his anger burned within him.II. The King's feelings get hurt   Esther 1:13-15The king consulted the wise men who understood the times, for it was his normal procedure to confer with experts in law and justice. The most trusted ones were Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena, and Memucan. They were the seven officials of Persia and Media who had personal access to the king and occupied the highest positions in the kingdom. The king asked, “According to the law, what should be done with Queen Vashti, since she refused to obey King Ahasuerus's command that was delivered by the eunuchs?”III. The bad advice born out of selfish fear  Esther 1:16-18Memucan said in the presence of the king and his officials, “Queen Vashti has wronged not only the king, but all the officials and the peoples who are in every one of King Ahasuerus's provinces. For the queen's action will become public knowledge to all the women and cause them to despise their husbands and say, ‘King Ahasuerus ordered Queen Vashti brought before him, but she did not come.' Before this day is over, the noble women of Persia and Media who hear about the queen's act will say the same thing to all the king's officials, resulting in more contempt and fury.IV. The law takes center stage     Esther 1:19-22“If it meets the king's approval, he should personally issue a royal decree. Let it be recorded in the laws of the Persians and the Medes, so that it cannot be revoked: Vashti is not to enter King Ahasuerus's presence, and her royal position is to be given to another woman who is more worthy than she. The decree the king issues will be heard throughout his vast kingdom, so all women will honor their husbands, from the greatest to the least.” The king and his counselors approved the proposal, and he followed Memucan's advice. He sent letters to all the royal provinces, to each province in its own script and to each ethnic group in its own language, that every man should be master of his own house and speak in the language of his own people.Next Steps: Believe: Today, I surrender to the real King of my soul.Become: Today, I will trust God's hand even when it's scary.Be Sent: I will take a stand against evil this week.Growth Group Questions: What pressure were you under last week? How well did you stand up to it?Do you ever feel punished for doing the right thing in God's sight?How do you respond when doing what the culture expects of you violates what God expects of you?Who in our society pressures women, like in Vashti's day?How can you support someone who is currently under a lot of peer pressure?How can the people in this group help you find the courage to stand strong when under pressure to compromise your faith?Pray for the Holy Spirit to give us the strength to stand against evil this week.

Life often feels like an uphill climb filled with challenges that seem impossible to overcome. The ancient Israelites understood this reality and sang Psalms of Ascent as they journeyed together to worship in Jerusalem. These weren't easy trips but required commitment, endurance, and community. In our modern culture of convenience and instant gratification, we often avoid difficult paths that lead to spiritual growth. However, being a pilgrim means actively moving toward a destination with purpose, not remaining complacent after salvation. Just as you can't see spectacular mountain views without hiking the trail, you can't experience God's best without being willing to take on challenges. When facing seemingly impossible mountains, Psalm 121 reminds us that our help comes from the Lord who made heaven and earth, not from the mountain itself.

Back To Eden: Week 5 - Delight / Pastor Jeff Bowman by Hope City Church

This week, Pastor Jeff continues a series in the book of Acts named ACTS: The Mission of God is Our Mission. The next message in the series is based in Acts 14:1-28 and is entitled "Persecution and Perseverance." The main idea of the sermon is: As the gospel moves into the Gentile world, Paul and Barnabas proclaim the gospel and shepherd the souls of the saints while persevering through persecution.———————— Connect with Us: Website: parkwoodonline.org Facebook: facebook.com/parkwoodonline Instagram: instagram.com/parkwoodonlineCheck out more resources and sermons online at: parkwoodonline.org

Welcome to #SundaysatTCAB! Elder Trent Taylor continues our mini series on artificial intelligence. It is our desire to equip you with biblical knowledge and resources to help you discern how to navigate this new territory in our world today. New to The Church at Bushland? Tell us a little about you and receive a personal note from Pastor Jeff. First Time Guest: https://www.thechurchatbushland.com/guestform?location=livestream How can we pray for you? Submit your prayer request here: https://www.thechurchatbushland.com/prayerrequest Subscribe to get the latest videos: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheChurchAtBushland We also have our newest channel, @TCABClips, with sermon and worship highlights and short content from Digging for the Truth. Subscribe, turn on notifications, and never miss an episode! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6VflV8HJUd-6vTX9CSJRKw Listen while you work, exercise, or whatever keeps you busy: Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/channel/the-church-at-bushland/id6442779332 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/077EsZwp6Y7pPhv7X8mXEY?si=893d09eeae9142d5 Support the online ministry at TCAB. Join the giving team today! https://www.thechurchatbushland.com/giving Download the TCAB App today! iOS - https://apps.apple.com/us/app/the-church-at-bushland/id1495461805 Android - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.kidunottech.culminate.tcab Connect with The Church at Bushland: Website | https://thechurchatbushland.com Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/thechurchatbushland/ Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/thechurchatbushland/

Introduction: Matters of Marriage: A Word for Each of You. (1 Corinthians 7:8-16) Singles: Enjoy the GIFT of SINGLENESS or GET MARRIED. (1 Cor 7:8-9) Single & Want to Get Married? 3 Don'ts: Don't SETTLE. Don't Look for the RIGHT PERSON. Don't Seek MARRIAGE – Seek LOVE. Married Christians: STAY MARRIED. (1 Cor 7:10-11) Married to a NonChristian (Who Wants to Stay Married): STAY MARRIED. (1 Cor 7:12-14) Married to a NonChristian (Who Wants to Leave): LET THEM GO. (1 Cor 7:15-16) Romans 7:2 – For a married woman is bound by law to her husband while he lives, but if her husband dies she is released from the law of marriage. Matthew 19:8 – He said to them, “Because of your hardness of heart Moses allowed you to divorce...” Matthew 19:9 - “And I say to you: whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery.” Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANKHint: Highlight blanks above for answers! AUDIO TRANSCRIPT 00:36-00:39Open up those Bibles, 1 Corinthians chapter 7.00:41-00:42Chapter 7.00:44-00:47We're in the third section of 1 Corinthians.00:48-00:51Chapters 1 through 4 is about unity.00:52-00:54Like church, get it together.00:56-00:58Chapters 5 and 6 are about purity.01:01-01:08And then when we get to chapter 7 verse 1, you see that Paul is addressing some questions that they had.01:10-01:17And the first subject of this Q&A session is marriage.01:20-01:22So that's where we are.01:22-01:24We go where the text takes us.01:24-01:33I'm going to ask that you would please just quiet your heart before the Lord for a moment and pray for me to be faithful to communicate God's Word.01:33-01:44This is a passage that is going to get a reaction, and it's not about really my opinion or your opinion, it's what did God actually say?01:45-01:46That's what we're going after, right?01:48-01:52So pray for me to be faithful to clearly communicate what God said.01:52-01:57I will pray for you to have a heart open to receive what it is that God said.01:57-01:59All right, let's just take a moment and pray.02:02-02:16Our Father in heaven, I know that many times in my life I've had strong opinions about things that have had to change because of what your Word says.02:22-02:26Because at the end of the day, it doesn't really matter what any of us think, Father, It only matters what you think.02:27-02:42So I just pray that you would give us wisdom, that you would eliminate any distractions in our hearts and minds so we can just lock into what your Word has to say here.02:44-02:45It's for the glory of your name.02:46-03:00We pray in Jesus' name, and all of God's people said, "Amen." If you've been with us at all through our series in 1 Corinthians, we've seen that everything was a mess, right?03:00-03:06So now Paul's talking about marriage and no surprise, marriage was a mess.03:07-03:09We talked about this last week.03:09-03:16There were people strong on the single side and there were people strong on the marriage side.03:16-03:17Which one is good?03:17-03:21And the answer is both of them are good.03:23-03:28Marriage was a mess in Corinth, and if we're going to be honest, we're not doing so hot here today either.03:31-03:38As I was preparing this, I get an email that has just short news articles in it and updates and things like that.03:39-03:42And I just read this on Friday, I wanted to share part of this article with you.03:43-03:50This is the newest craze, I haven't heard of this one, maybe you have, but the newest craze is divorce rings.03:51-03:52Have you heard of divorce rings?03:53-03:54Raise your hand if you've heard of divorce rings.03:55-03:57Okay, a couple of you have, all right.03:58-04:04This is new as far as this article told us, but I just want to read part of it.04:04-04:18It says, "The diamond ring Alex Weinstein," that's a female, "wears every day is a reminder that once upon a time she said, "I do," these days she happily says she does not.04:20-04:45Weinstein got divorced last March and tossed her engagement ring in a drawer for a few months. Then the Tampa, Florida-based content creator decided to make herself a divorce ring. She reset a radiant three-carat stone from her ex- husband into gold, turning it east to west in a bezel." I should have looked up what that meant.04:45-04:46Anybody know what a bezel is?04:47-04:48Okay, nobody?04:49-04:50All right, I shouldn't have said anything, huh?04:51-04:53I was safe until I just said that.04:53-04:55All right, noted.04:55-04:56That helps me for the second service.04:58-05:07The shame and stigma, the article goes on, "The shame and stigma of divorce has been replaced for some women with empowerment and celebration.05:10-05:17While diamond rings have long been a cultural signifier of marriage, some women are also choosing to mark the end of their matrimonies with a little bling.05:21-05:26Weinstein says, "I'm not proud of getting divorced, but I am proud of putting myself first.05:28-05:34Why shouldn't I celebrate this chapter of my life?" Why am I sharing this article with you?05:36-05:49Because I think if anything sort of personifies how far we have drifted as a culture from God's ideal, I think this kind of nails it.05:50-05:53We are celebrating divorce.05:55-05:56We are celebrating it!06:00-06:04You know, we look at Corinth and we're like, "Man, those people were messed up." Us people are messed up.06:08-06:20Back to Corinth, though, some would say...some in Corinth had said, "Excuse me." Some said, "You know, being single is actually being more devoted to God." And they actually had married people get a divorce.06:21-06:36Like, "Hey, you'll be more devoted to God if you get the divorce." And then there were some that said, "Look, if you want to be devoted to God, you can't have intimate relations with a woman.06:36-06:48So if you want to stay married, just don't have any intimacy." Those were some of the thoughts they had in Corinth, and both of those are wrong.06:50-06:54In the previous passage, again, Paul said, "Staying single is good.06:54-06:56Marriage is good.06:56-06:59And intimacy in marriage should be a regular thing.07:03-07:05But what if I'm not in a biblical marriage?07:09-07:12What I mean is, what if I'm not married to a Christian?07:13-07:29I mean, you could go through the last couple of messages and say, "Oh, that's well and good for two people who love Jesus Christ, have the Word of God as their authority, and Oh yeah, like easy for them.07:31-07:33But what about me, Paul?07:34-07:38My spouse isn't a believer, so what am I supposed to do?07:40-07:41Should I just get a divorce?07:44-07:44What should I do?07:46-09:17Well, in this section we're looking at today, Paul clarifies matters of marriage addressing everyone in the church. Literally everyone in the church and everyone in this church. So this is kind of a good news/bad news thing. We're not having one sermon today. You're like, "All right, we are having four sermons today. All right, four sermons." Because each of these are very specifically addressed to a different group. So first up, matters of marriage, a word for each of you. You can take notes on the other ones if you like, but pay attention into the category you fall. Number one, singles. Singles, a word for you, here it is. Enjoy the gift of singleness or get married. Enjoy the gift of singleness or get married. All right, so if you're here and you're single, if you're streaming and you're single, if for you. All right? If you're single, enjoy that if it's a gift or get married. Look at verse 8. Paul says, "To the unmarried and the widows, I say that it is good for them to remain single as I am." Unmarried for any reason, right? Paul, once again, this is a We're going to go through this quickly.09:18-09:19We talked all about this last week.09:19-09:21Paul said being single is good.09:23-09:23Right?09:23-09:24Being single is good.09:24-09:26Why is he circling back to that?09:26-09:34Because there were Jews in Corinth that said, "You couldn't be holy unless you were married." That was a common Jewish mindset in that day.09:35-09:36You couldn't be holy unless you were married.09:36-09:41Paul's like, "That's not true." All right?09:41-09:43It's a gift for some people.09:45-09:47And Paul listed himself as one of those people.09:48-09:50Paul here very clearly says that he was single.09:51-09:52Like what happened to Paul?09:52-09:52Did he get a divorce?09:53-09:54Did his wife leave him?09:54-09:55Is he a widower?09:56-09:57We have no idea.09:59-10:03We don't know the details, but we know from this verse that he was single.10:06-10:07Okay, so single people, listen.10:10-10:27not denying that there are pressures to being single that married couples do not have. Things like loneliness, things like trying to manage a household yourself.10:28-10:34There are pressures that single people experience that married people don't.10:35-10:39But Paul is reminding the single people again, it is not wrong.10:40-10:44You don't have to feel like you're a second-rate Christian because you're not married.10:44-10:46It is not wrong.10:46-10:51And we're going to see later in this chapter, there are actually some advantages to being single.10:52-10:54All right, but look at verse 9.10:56-11:05He says, "But if they cannot exercise self-control, they should marry.11:06-11:16For it is better to marry than to burn with passion." So Paul's like, "Okay, you're single, but you have those urges.11:19-11:20You can't control yourself.11:20-11:23You like want to be with a person so badly.11:24-11:27Like you found that being single really isn't for you.11:27-11:28What should I do?11:28-11:29Paul's like, get married.11:30-11:31Get married.11:32-11:35He says it's better to marry than to burn.11:36-11:37Again, we talked about this last week.11:37-11:40If you have the gift of singleness, you aren't burning.11:42-11:47But if you have those desires, God gave the right context to use them.11:48-11:49That's why he says get married.11:50-11:50Get married.11:50-11:54You have the passion, you have the desire, get married.11:57-12:07I've got to say a couple of things about that, unless somebody runs out of here today, runs right across the street to Pantera Bread, and is like, "Look, Pastor Jeff said to get married.12:07-12:10Are you single?" No, okay, "Are you single?" "No, I'm going to find somebody.12:10-12:11Pastor Jeff said to get married.12:12-12:12It's right in the Bible.12:13-12:15I've got to find somebody today." Let's pump the brakes for a second.12:17-12:17All right?12:17-12:21If you're single and you want to get married, I'm going to give you three don'ts here, all right?12:23-12:27He says to get married, yes, but I want to caution you on a couple of things here.12:27-12:28Three don'ts.12:29-12:30Letter A, don't settle.12:32-12:33Don't settle.12:36-12:38I know being single can be hard.12:39-12:40Do you know what's harder than being single?12:42-12:44Being married to the wrong person.12:46-12:54Rushing into a marriage, not really knowing somebody, not understanding they don't really love you, they don't really love the Lord as they should.12:58-13:02It is absolutely heartbreaking how many times I've seen that.13:02-13:14Somebody wanting marriage so badly that the first single person that comes along that looks eligible and there's some kind of interest, we're rushing right into it, and oh, the regret that comes from that.13:15-13:16I've made a huge mistake.13:17-13:18What do I do now?13:20-13:30settle. Letter B, don't look for the right person. Don't look for the right person.13:34-14:46Like, wait a minute, you just said it was bad to be married to the wrong person, now you're telling me not to look for the right person? Yeah, don't look for the right person. You need to focus on trying to be the right person, all right? Try to to be the right person. In the early days of this church when we were really teeny tiny we had a single guy that came to me. He came up to me, he goes, "Pastor Jeff, I think I'm going to go to another church." I'm like, "Oh, why? What's the matter?" He goes, "I love this church so much, but I really want to meet somebody and I just really want to get married." Not a lot of single people in that tiny church. And I said, "That's a terrible way to pick a church. You know, who's got the best single scene? I said, "That's a terrible way to pick a church." I said, "You need to find a church where God is feeding you and where God is using you. You find a church where that's happening, you trust God to do the rest." He's like, "You're right." He goes, "You're right." And it wasn't long after that he did find a single lady, even in her teeny tiny church, and they're married. They since moved away and they have like, I I don't know, 20 or 25 kids, I don't know.14:47-15:03But the point was he was willing to trust God and seeking God first and seeking to be the person worth marrying, not just trying to find the right person for him.15:04-15:06So try to be the right person for somebody else.15:08-15:12Letter C, I read this great advice from a pastor this past week.15:12-15:19He said, "Don't seek marriage, seek love." Don't seek marriage, seek love.15:20-15:24Because ultimately, you're going to marry the person that you fall in love with.15:26-15:27All right?15:27-15:33So when Paul here says, "Look, if you have the desire," he goes, "Don't burn with passion." He goes, "Go get married.15:33-15:41Go get married." But again, let's temper that with, let's not rush into anything.15:43-15:44It's going to bring regret.15:45-15:52God has called you, God has called all of us to be content and thankful in every chapter of life we find ourselves.15:54-15:56So singles, this sermon's for you.15:56-15:58Enjoy the gift of singleness or get married.15:59-15:59All right?16:02-16:04All right, next sermon.16:04-16:06This is for married Christians.16:07-16:09Are you and your spouse both Christians?16:10-16:38a word for you. Stay married. Very simple. Very simple. Look at verse 10. Paul says, "To the married I give this charge, not I, but the Lord. The wife should not separate from her husband." Not separate, obviously, he's talking about divorce. So he's talking here specifically to Christian couples.16:40-16:46We know this because he talks about mixed couples in verse 12.16:46-16:49And by the way, let's get this out of the way.16:50-16:56When we talk about mixed couples, or we talk about intermarrying, that has nothing to do with race.16:58-17:00There's only one race, there's the human race.17:01-17:10So as long as you're marrying another human of the opposite sex, oh, the things I didn't think I'd have to say.17:14-17:15Race doesn't matter.17:15-17:16Okay?17:16-17:21So when we talk about mixed marriages, biblically there is no such thing except for mixed faith.17:22-17:26That's what the Bible forbids, mixed faith marriages.17:26-17:28He talks about them in a second, all right?17:28-17:29I felt like I had to say that.17:35-17:50So Christian couples, Paul says, "I get a word for you," he goes, "not I, but the Lord." Meaning Paul's like, "Look, what I'm about to tell you came straight from the mouth of Jesus Christ Himself." This is the Lord's charge, all right?17:52-17:57The Lord's charge is, Christian couples, no divorce.17:59-18:00Divorce isn't an option.18:00-18:02Divorce isn't a word that's said in your home.18:04-18:10Jesus talked about this so many times, Matthew 5, Matthew 19, Mark 10, Luke 16.18:11-18:15Jesus taught over and over that marriage is meant to be lifelong.18:16-18:16All right?18:18-18:45So we're going to try you out for a year or two, if it's not going to work, we have our exit strategy. That's not how marriage is designed according to our Lord. Marriage is meant to be lifelong. And remember, there were some Corinthians that thought, "Yeah, but if you really want to be devoted to God, you've got to get a divorce." And Paul here is just saying, "You know, God's not on board with that." I mean, just imagine for a second.18:48-19:08for a second if that sentiment was legitimate. Let's just pretend for a second that you could be more devoted to God, you could be more devoted to Jesus if you got a divorce. Do you see what would happen? Everyone that's looking for an out would just use that excuse.19:11-19:13They'd be like, "You know what, sweetheart?19:14-19:27I think we should get a divorce because I just want to love Jesus more." Right?19:27-19:28It'd start a new phrase.19:28-19:36It would be, "It's not you, it's Him." Right?19:36-19:37But that was the mindset they had.19:37-19:38And Paul's like, "No, no, no, no.19:40-19:42The words of our Lord are quite clear.19:43-19:52Don't get a divorce." But then you have the person that's like, "Oh, Paul, I wish you would have wrote this letter two weeks ago, because I did buy it.19:52-19:53You know what?19:53-20:00Yeah, we are both believers, but I bought into the idea that getting a divorce would benefit my walk.20:00-20:05So what do you do if you are both Christians and you did get a divorce?20:05-20:09What do you do about that?" Well, look at verse 11.20:09-20:18He says, "But if she does get a divorce, she should remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband.20:21-20:28And the husband should not divorce his wife." Okay, so if you're like, "You know what?20:28-20:33I did get the divorce, and now looking back, we are both believers.20:33-20:37I shouldn't have done that." Paul goes, "Okay, well now you have two choices.20:37-20:58You're either unmarried the rest of your life, or go back to your husband and get back on track." Like, "I'm not sure that's possible." Well, if you're both Christians, forgiveness and healing and reconciliation should not be foreign concepts to you.21:01-21:04So if you and your spouse are both Christians, stay married.21:06-21:07All right?21:07-21:11And as we saw last week, verse 3, married Christian couples, pay your debt.21:13-21:13All right?21:14-21:16I know that's the sermon that always gets applied.21:16-21:20I know the nursery is going to be restocked in about nine months.21:21-21:21I know.21:24-21:25So married Christians.21:26-21:26All right.21:27-21:33This is where things get even more difficult.21:35-21:39This is addressed to those of you who are married to a non-Christian.21:39-21:44And I know there are some people in this church that are married to a non-Christian.21:46-21:49But this non-Christian wants to stay married.21:49-22:02Okay, you're like, "Yeah, my husband's not a believer, or my wife's not a believer, and Like, she's okay with me being a believer, and she's okay with me going to church, and she wants to stay married, so what do I do?22:02-22:03What do I do here?22:06-22:11God says, "Stay married." Stay married.22:14-22:21You know, back in, look at the, back in chapter 6 verse 15, we talked about this a couple of weeks ago.22:21-22:32Paul says, talking about those who were being sexually immoral with the cult prostitutes, he says, "Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ?22:33-22:37Shall I then take the members of Christ and make them members of a prostitute?22:38-23:01Never." You see, there would have been some that heard this principle like, "Okay, so me physically being with a prostitute is like defiling for me, so what about me physically being with a non-Christian spouse?23:02-23:13Well, me being intimate, I mean, isn't it the same principle that I am defiling my body because I'm in this mixed marriage?23:14-23:16We have different faiths?23:18-23:20That's the question on the table.23:23-23:32Regarding mixed marriages, meaning one's a believer and one's not, you're like, "What do you do?" Well, first of all, it's forbidden, single people.23:34-23:42Second Corinthians 6.14, if you're single, listen, if you're single, you are not to get married to a non-Christian.23:45-23:46Corinthians 6.14.23:48-23:50You are not to get married to a non-Christian if you're single.23:52-23:54If you can prevent this, you should prevent this.23:55-24:03That people think, "Well, I'm going to get married to the person and I'll save them, and I'm going to be such a good influence on them," and it usually works the other way.24:07-24:12So if you're single, you are not to marry a non-Christian.24:13-24:23So all right, now with that out of the way, the question is, "Well, what if we were married as non-Christians and I got saved and he didn't get saved?" Or vice versa, man.24:23-24:26You're like, "Well, I got saved and my wife didn't get saved.24:26-24:29What do we do?" Well, look at verse 12.24:29-24:54He says, "To the rest I say, 'I, not the Lord, that if any brother has a wife who is an unbeliever, and she consents to live with him, he should not divorce her." By the way, when he says here, "I, not the Lord," you know what some people do with that, right?24:55-25:11They're like, "Oh, well, this is just Paul's opinion." So we can sort of disregard this section because Paul here, I mean, he's saying that this is just his opinion, and that's not what he's saying at all.25:13-25:29Back in verse 10, he was saying, "I'm quoting Jesus here." Now in verse 12, he's saying, "This is also from the Lord, but this isn't a direct quote from Jesus, do you see?" He's not saying this is uninspired.25:30-26:06He's just saying, "Before I was directly quoting from the ministry of Jesus, and now this is new revelation from God. That's all he's saying. So what if I'm married to a non-Christian and he wants to stay married? Paul says, "You don't get a divorce, you stay married. That's what you do." Like, really? Verse 13, "If any woman has a husband who is an unbeliever and he consents to live with her, she should not divorce him." Oh yeah, that question, being with this non-Christian make me unholy?26:06-26:10Like isn't it the same principle as being with the prostitutes?26:11-26:13No, not at all.26:14-26:15Because look at verse 14.26:17-26:26For the unbelieving husband is made holy because of his wife, and the unbelieving wife is made holy because of her husband.26:29-26:47You see, when one of you is saved and your spouse is not, it's not that the Christian is made unholy in the eyes of God, it's the unsaved person is made holy.26:52-26:53I want to be clear here.26:54-27:01That does not mean that the unbelieving spouse is saved because they're spouses.27:01-27:03That is not what that means.27:03-27:06The Bible is crystal clear on salvation.27:06-27:09Salvation is an individual transaction.27:10-27:14You can't get saved because of somebody else.27:14-27:18Biblically, you have to make the choice to turn from your sin.27:19-27:20You have to make the choice to repent.27:21-27:27You have to make the choice that you are going to receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior.27:28-27:35It doesn't matter how good of a Christian your grandmama was, or your mama, or your spouse.27:35-27:36It doesn't matter.27:37-27:38You're not saved.27:38-27:40It's not like group raid here, all right?27:42-27:46You're saved by you making the choice.27:47-27:49You're like, all right, so what's he talking about here?27:50-27:57Well, it's a big fancy theological term that's known as matrimonial sanctification.27:58-28:01Impress your friends, drop that in conversation this week.28:02-28:03Do you have a water cooler at your workplace?28:03-28:04Drop that.28:05-28:08Yes, we were talking about matrimonial sanctification at church.28:10-28:12And they're like, "Oh, what is that?" And you'll tell them.28:13-28:18Well, in God's eyes, if one spouse is saved, there's blessing for everyone in the house.28:20-28:22I mean, think about it this way.28:25-28:26Think about it this way.28:26-28:36Imagine this married couple, you have this married couple, and the wife's parents die, and they leave her an inheritance.28:39-28:40They leave her a speedboat.28:42-28:44Now husbands, are you going to benefit from this inheritance?28:48-28:48No?28:49-28:50All right, let me try something else.28:52-28:55Her parents left her a Harley Davidson.28:56-28:58Husbands, are you going to benefit from this inheritance?29:00-29:02Yeah, some of you.29:02-29:03All right, let me try this again.29:06-29:08Her parents left her a monster truck.29:08-29:11Husbands, are you going to benefit from this inheritance?29:12-29:15Okay, this is really going to help for the second service.29:15-29:17Do you see the point?29:17-29:18You got the inheritance.29:19-29:26You know, you're driving grave digger down the road, but you had nothing to do with that, right?29:27-29:31You were blessed just because your wife received an inheritance.29:31-29:33It's the same principle at play here.29:34-29:35You're blessed by association.29:37-29:43In the same way, in marriage, two become one, and when God blesses one, the other gets blessed.29:43-29:48I mean, it's not salvation, but it's better than two pagans being married to each other.29:49-29:49Right?29:49-30:05Think of the blessing that comes to the non-Christian spouse when the Christian spouse is exhibiting the fruit of the Holy Spirit, when the Christian spouse is showing humility and love and service and selflessness.30:05-30:09And how could you not be blessed being in a house like that?30:13-30:14That's what he's talking about.30:16-30:23Oh, and regarding the salvation piece, look, nobody can deny the influence the believing spouse has.30:23-30:32I've heard the story so many times of people getting saved because of the witness that their Christian spouse has had.30:34-30:39So if you're in this situation, if your spouse is unsaved, God wants to reach them through you.30:41-30:43So let him see Christ in you.30:45-30:48And you're like, "Well, that's well and good, but what if we have kids, right?30:48-30:53I mean, I'm saved, he's not.30:53-30:59Does that make our kids like half pagan?" No, no, it really doesn't.30:59-31:01Look at the rest of verse 14.31:02-31:16Paul says, "Otherwise your children would be unclean, but as it is, they are holy." See, even if you have kids with a non-Christian, your kids are also made holy through that.31:16-31:16Same principle.31:17-31:23Your kids are also blessed through that because God sees your marriage as holy, so He's going to see your kids as holy.31:24-31:30So if you're married to a non-Christian who wants to stay married, God's going to bless the family.31:31-31:34Stay married if they want to stay.31:36-31:38All right, one more.31:39-31:42One more group we didn't cover, and that's the last one here.31:43-31:48Let's say someone is married to a non-Christian, and that non-Christian is like, "I want out.31:49-31:55Like look, I didn't sign up for all this Jesus stuff, all this Bible study stuff.31:55-31:57I didn't sign up for all this church stuff.31:58-31:58I'm not interested.31:59-32:00I'm not a religious person.32:01-32:05I want out." So what do you do when you're married to a non-Christian who wants to leave?32:05-32:07The answer is, let them go.32:09-32:10Let them go.32:14-32:15Look at verse 15.32:15-32:33He says, "But if the unbelieving partner separates," that's divorce, look what he says, "let it be so." If the non-Christian spouse initiates a divorce, Paul says they can go.32:37-32:38And I know the reaction.32:38-32:39You're like, "Wait, wait.32:39-32:40Well, that means I'm stuck.32:41-32:49You know, I wanted to save this marriage, and they divorced me, and now I can never get remarried again because they left me.32:49-32:53So I'm stuck, right?" Paul doesn't say that.32:56-32:57Paul doesn't say that.32:57-33:04Paul was clear on situations where you had to be remaining unmarried.33:04-33:05We saw that in verse 11.33:06-33:11He was clear in those situations, and he could have said that here, but he didn't.33:13-33:14You can remarry.33:14-33:22If you are married to a non-Christian that abandons you, initiates a divorce, and leaves you, you can remarry.33:23-33:24Look at the rest of verse 15.33:25-33:30He says, "In such cases, the brother or sister is not enslaved." God has called you to peace.33:31-33:32Not enslaved.33:33-33:34Like, not enslaved to what?33:35-33:37He's talking about free from being bound to the marriage.33:38-33:39That's what he's talking about.33:41-33:53See Romans 7, 2 says, "For a married woman is bound by law to her husband while he lives." That's what he's talking about here in 1 Corinthians 7.33:53-33:55That's the bound to the marriage.33:55-33:57He goes, "You're not enslaved.33:57-33:58You're not bound anymore.34:01-34:19You're no longer bound to the marriage." Now look, I know some sermons are easier to preach than others, and divorce is a very touchy subjects.34:26-34:27It's always painful.34:28-34:29It always brings regret and hurt.34:30-34:30I know that.34:33-34:40So I want to take a moment and I want to be clear on my best understanding on the subject biblically.34:42-34:43All right?34:44-34:46I don't want there to be any ambiguity.34:47-34:48I want to be clear.34:48-35:00I believe that there is only one cause for divorce biblically, and that is hardness of heart.35:04-35:05Like, why do I think that?35:05-35:08Well, Jesus was asked about divorce in Matthew 19, eight.35:09-35:09This is what he said.35:10-35:24He said to them, "Because of your hardness of heart, Moses allowed you to divorce." Jesus said divorce was allowed through Moses, through the law, because of hardness of heart.35:25-35:27Again divorce is allowed, not commanded.35:30-35:30Right?35:31-35:32Allowed not commanded.35:34-35:38But the question is, how do you know when someone is hard hearted?35:40-35:43Towards their spouse or towards their marriage, right?35:45-35:46Kind of a hard thing to gauge, isn't it?35:47-35:52Well Jesus said, "I can divorce you if you're hard-hearted." Well you seem hard-hearted to me, I'm getting divorced.35:52-35:53How do you know?35:54-36:07Well biblically there are two ways that hard-heartedness manifests, and both begin with the letter A. It's affair and abandonment.36:11-36:12Jesus spoke on a fair.36:13-36:30Matthew 19, 9, Jesus says, "And I say to you, whoever divorces his wife except for sexual immorality and marries another commits adultery." Now again, divorce is allowed, but not commanded.36:30-36:39Understand this, when this happens in a marriage, that doesn't mean you are required to get a divorce.36:39-36:43I can tell you so many stories of marriages where this did happen.36:43-36:51And there was much repentance and seeking the Lord, and marriages are on track better than they were on their honeymoon.36:55-37:05But when someone is committed to having relations with people outside the marriage, Jesus says that's evidence of hard-heartedness.37:06-37:08Moses allowed for divorce for that.37:08-37:17Here, Paul is addressing the other manifestation of hard-heartedness, and that's abandonment.37:18-37:22That if your non-Christian spouse divorces you, abandons you, you are free.37:24-37:27That's how you know your spouse is hard-hearted.37:29-37:35When they are willing to engage in relations with someone else, they're hard-hearted towards you.37:35-37:41Or when they're like, "I'm fine to just walk away from this marriage.37:41-37:43I'm fine to walk away from our vows.37:43-37:50I'm fine to walk away from that." Those are evidences of hard-heartedness.37:54-37:57And Jesus says abandonment is like adultery.37:57-37:59I'm sorry, Paul says abandonment here is like adultery.38:00-38:01You are called to peace.38:05-38:10You are not called to fighting a non-Christian to stay in a marriage that they are committed to getting out of.38:12-38:13One more verse.38:15-38:20Paul says, "For how do you know, wife, whether you will save your husband?38:21-38:31Or how do you know, husband, whether you will save your wife?" You know, people are really divided on what this verse means.38:35-38:41Some people think this verse means, "Well, you don't know if you're going to save your spouse, so let them go.38:41-38:43I mean, you have no guarantees, just let them go.38:44-38:56There's no promises are going to come to Christ, if they say let them go." That's what some people think, but other people think this means, "No, no, no, you might be the one that God uses to save them, so you should try to save your marriage at any cost.38:59-39:00I lean towards the latter.39:04-39:05There's no guarantees either way.39:05-39:06You don't know.39:08-39:10You don't know what God's doing.39:13-39:18So you better be sure that you did all you could to save the marriage.39:20-39:23I personally believe that this verse pumps the brakes.39:26-39:38This verse, as one person I read this past week said, this verse tempers any tendency that just easily give up on the marriage.39:41-39:45Because some people are just so quick to run to divorce as like option one.39:47-39:56Again, if things are hard now, how do you know that God isn't using you to reach your spouse?39:58-40:00Our worship team would make their way back up front.40:07-40:16Paul continues, and I think he's doubling down on some of these things because some of it's hard to accept and some of it's hard to hear.40:17-40:20But again, Paul reminds us that singleness is God's gift for some.40:23-40:25Marriage is God's gift for the rest.40:28-40:30One of these four sermons applies to you.40:32-40:37So whichever it is, go after it with the reverence and with the sacredness that God has called you to.40:38-40:39Let's pray.40:41-40:52Father in heaven, we're asking today, Father, that your Holy Spirit be at work in our hearts.40:54-41:03When we talk about singleness and divorce and all these things, it's such an emotional subject because there are people here that have been deeply wounded by these things.41:06-41:12And we by no means, Father, wanna kick someone when they're down or rub salt on the wound.41:12-41:15We just, we wanna take an honest look at what your word has to say.41:17-41:19Father, we thank you for your grace.41:19-41:21We thank you that you are the God of miracles.41:21-41:35We thank you, God, that no matter how badly things might have gotten in marriage, whether it was able to be saved or not, God, there's always hope with you.41:35-41:37There's always healing with you.41:39-41:40That's why we come to you.41:40-41:51Father, I pray for all of us that we would take a hard look at the place you have us right now, because there's something in here for each one of us.41:55-41:59And that we would go after it, trusting you to always do what you promised.42:00-42:02We pray in Jesus' name, amen. Small Group DiscussionRead 1 Corinthians 7:8-16What was your big take-away from this passage / message?Explain 1 Cor 7:14. How is the nonChristian spouse made holy because of a Christian spouse? What does that mean?If you are married to a nonChristian who wants out of the marriage (1 Cor 7:15), how do you know when to grant their divorce (when to stop trying to save the marriage, asking for counseling, etc)?Why should you allow a nonChristian to divorce and leave a Christian (v15)? Is the believing spouse free to remarry? Why or why not? BreakoutPray for one another.

John 5:1-9 When Jesus came to the pool of Bethesda and saw the many disabled people hoping to receive healing from the waters, he was led by God to speak to one man who had been an invalid for 38 years. The man was healed simply by obeying the words of Jesus to stand and walk. Jesus has divine authority to heal, judge, and give life. It's important for us to seek the Holy Spirit's guidance so that we minister in divine authority, not in our own human desires. Website: immanuelde.com Facebook: immanuelchurchwilmington YouTube: Immanuel Church Wilmington DE

Today is FRI-YAY and shout-out day. Pastor Jeff reminds us that while our Faith Question shows the hard truth about sin, it can feel like bad news at first. But the Bible points us to something even better—the BEST news ever that brings real hope and joy. - Jesus Christ! 1 Corinthians 15:22: "For just as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive."

In this episode Pastor Jeff is sharing with us about how to understand A PERSON’S TRUE WEALTH. To understand this wealth and worth, we must also have insight into the character and nature of God our heavenly Father.Support the show: https://www.oneandall.church/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, Pastor Jeff shares that we've all wished for a do-over after making the wrong choice, and even the apostle Paul admitted he struggled to do what was right. This shows that because of our sinful nature, we can't keep God's law on our own and can't fix our mistakes without His help. Romans 7:15 "I do not understand what I am doing, because I do not practice what I want to do, but I do what I hate."

Looking for a blessed life? Hi and welcome this is TODAY WITH JEFF VINES. Last time we started a new message, from a new series called 'The Blessed Life'. Pastor Jeff is continuing about the 'first fruits' principle, and the call God has put on our lives to give back to Him. Support the show: https://www.oneandall.church/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

02.11.2026 | Mark: The Right Now Gospel | Part 1: Let's Meet Mark | Pastor Jeff Wickwire Dive into the fast-paced Gospel of Mark, where we meet a young man who went from running away to becoming a fearless witness for Christ. Pastor Jeff Wickwire unpacks how God transforms people who struggle with quitting into steadfast believers who stand firm in their faith. Get ready for powerful insights about second chances, redemption, and the transforming power of Jesus Christ. Don't miss this first message in our new series that will change how you view failure and God's ability to use your story.

Who wants a blessed life?... well that's the question Pastor Jeff starts out with in this new message, from a new series called 'The Blessed Life'. He'll go on to unpack what he means by 'a blessed life'??? and share with us about 'first fruits'.Support the show: https://www.oneandall.church/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Acts 14, Pastor Jeff unpacks how Paul and Barnabas went from being worshipped as gods to being stoned and left for dead—yet immediately returned to preaching. Through their example, we learn five crucial truths for spiritual growth: continue speaking boldly when opposed, trust God's work in others, redirect praise to God alone, keep serving after being hurt, and strengthen fellow believers for lasting impact. This powerful message challenges us to embrace trials as God's transformative curriculum. Want to discover how trials can build unshakeable faith? Don't miss this inspiring sermon. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub

We live in a world where sin often feels small at first…a compromise here, a glance there, a door left unguarded. But Scripture warns us that what looks inviting on the surface always carries a darker end. In 2 Samuel 11:1–27, David reaches the tragic turning point of his story. In this message from our Rise and Fall of a King series, Pastor Jeff Bucknam walks through the heartbreaking account of David, Bathsheba, and Uriah...and exposes how sin works: it strikes when we least expect it, spreads like a cancer, and ultimately destroys what it touches. Yet even here, God's mercy is not absent. David's failure is real and its consequences are severe…but the Lord confronts, calls to repentance, and offers cleansing to the sinner who turns back. As Psalm 51 reminds us, redemption is possible because of God's steadfast love. Executive Producer: Flavius Herlo Speaker: Pastor Jeff Bucknam Sound design, mixing, and editing: Bryan Tripp Graphic Design: Wesley Cassford Social Media: Bryan Spahr Producer: Dave Putnam WE INVITE YOU TO CONNECT WITH US: • Website: https://www.harvestbible.org/ WE INVITE YOU TO FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA: • Instagram: @harvestbiblechapel • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/harvestbiblechapel/