Podcasts about pastor jimmy

Pastor Jimmy shares the importance of abiding and allowing the Lord to transform us.

Pastor Jimmy shares from John 15- The Father desires to purify us .

On today's episode, we discuss whether Jesus' teachings and the communal life of the early church in Acts resemble communism, and what that comparison misses about the gospel. James and Pastor Jimmy start with the question “Was Jesus a communist?” and quickly clarify that the resource-sharing described in Acts arose as a voluntary survival strategy for ostracized believers, not a permanent political or economic system. They revisit the story of Ananias and Sapphira to emphasize that their judgment was about deceit and seeking public recognition rather than about failing to participate in a mandated commune. From there, the conversation broadens into a critique of “cheap grace,” arguing that the New Testament consistently calls Christians to effort, obedience, and care for those who genuinely cannot care for themselves. In the second half, the hosts connect Jesus' parable of the workers in the vineyard to modern debates over envy, calling, and minimum wage laws, suggesting that employers and employees alike should focus on faithfulness to their agreed calling rather than comparing their “wages” to others. Don't miss it!

Pastor Jimmy and some of our kids share about John 15 and what it means to remain in the love of the Father.

—Sermon text:Psalm 84

Join us as Pastor Jimmy teaches from Romans.

Can a past marked by failure, regret, or even opposition to God be redeemed for His purposes? The story of Saul answers with a resounding yes. After his dramatic encounter with Jesus on the Damascus Road, Saul discovers that salvation is not the finish line. It's the starting line. God didn't simply save him from something. God saved him for something. In this powerful message from Acts 9:19-31, we'll explore the unmistakable marks of a changed life and discover how God transforms ordinary people into instruments of extraordinary purpose. You'll see how a new faith produces a new message, how God's calling often attracts resistance, and why none of us are meant to walk our spiritual journey alone. Whether you're questioning your purpose, struggling to overcome your past, or wondering how God can use your life, this message offers hope, encouragement, and direction. The same grace that transformed Saul is still transforming lives today!

Saul was on a mission. Driven by conviction, fueled by passion, and certain he was doing the right thing, he set out for Damascus determined to stop the spread of Christianity. Then everything changed. In a single moment, Jesus interrupted Saul's journey, confronted his heart, and transformed his future. In this powerful message from Acts 9:1–19, we discover that God's grace is often found in life's unexpected interruptions. Saul's story reminds us that no one is beyond God's reach, no past is beyond His redemption, and no life is beyond His ability to transform. Whether you're running from God, wrestling with His calling, or simply needing a fresh reminder of His grace, this message will encourage you to trust the God who can redirect a life in an instant. Listen and discover how one encounter with Jesus can change your direction, your vision, and your purpose forever. Because sometimes the greatest thing God can do for us is stop us in our tracks.

Pastor Jimmy shares the importance of surrendering to the Holy Spirit's lead in our lives.

Paul doesn't give us a code. He gives us wisdom. In Ephesians 6:1–9, he addresses children, parents, slaves, and masters - not with an equation, but with a posture. A direction. A heart. And two words that sound similar but mean something very different: obey and honor. One is for a season. One is for a lifetime. In this message, Pastor Jimmy unpacks what it means to listen under your parents as a child - and what it means to give weight and value to them as you grow. He tells the story of his son Roman and the van. He tells the story of sneaking out to church in an Iowa winter in the back of a pickup truck. And he asks the question every person with complicated parents eventually has to answer: what do you do when honoring your parents and obeying God pull in different directions? In this message: The Greek distinction between obey (listen under) and honor (give weight and value) Why Paul says obedience is just "common sense" - and why that matters Why Jesus, Lord of Lords, was submissive to Mary and Joseph What Proverbs says about the long-term fruit of honoring vs. scorning Where the line is when parents ask you to go against God's word Key Scriptures: Ephesians 6:1–9 • Proverbs 1:8–9; 13:1; 30:17 • Luke 2:51 • Galatians 3:28 • Colossians 3:23

Have you ever wondered if God is still working in the unexpected detours of life? In this powerful message from Acts 8:26-40, discover how God used a desert road, an ordinary believer, and a searching heart to accomplish something extraordinary. Desert Detours & Divine Appointments reminds us that no road is too remote, no person is beyond God's reach, and no moment is wasted when we walk in obedience to His leading. Even on the desert roads of life, with God's Word as our guide, God's Spirit as our companion, and God's will as our destination, lives can be transformed for today and for eternity. Listen to the podcast and be encouraged: what may seem like an interruption could actually be a divine appointment arranged by God Himself. Your next step of obedience could change a life forever.

Most families don't need more pressure, more control, or “more power,” they need a stronger foundation. In this message from the Family Matters series, Pastor Jimmy shares a hopeful reminder: good intentions cannot sustain what only God can build. If home feels strained, relationships feel fragile, or trying harder has left you exhausted, this is an invitation to rebuild with God at the center.If you're new to Harbor or want to get connected in any way click this link to get your New Here gift, find upcoming events or get involved!https://harborchurch.com/connect

Pastor Jimmy shares about the role of Holy Spirit in the New Testament.

Not everything that looks real is authentic. You can admire Jesus… and still miss Him. You can know the language of faith… and still lack true surrender. This week, join us for How to Spot a Counterfeit A challenging message from Acts 8:9–25 that will help you examine whether your faith is genuine or just familiar. This message might challenge you. It might confront you. It might change you. Listen now and ask yourself: Is my faith real?

What happens when life falls apart? What do you do when everything familiar is shaken, the pressure rises, and the path ahead feels uncertain? In Acts 8, the early church was scattered by persecution. What looked like a devastating loss became the very thing God used to spread the gospel and ignite revival. In this powerful message, Scatter-Proof, we discover a life-changing truth: What the enemy uses to disrupt you, God can use to deploy you. If you've ever felt displaced, disappointed, or shaken by unexpected change, this message will remind you that your circumstances never cancel God's purpose. Your pain is not pointless. Your scattering is not your ending. And your setback may be the very soil where God plants something eternal. Listen now and discover how to stand strong, keep speaking, and trust God's purpose even when life feels scattered.

Pastor Jimmy shares with us what it means to be led by the Spirit and listen to His voice.

Pastor Jimmy shares about God's presence in our lives.

In a world where pressure causes many to compromise, what does unwavering faith look like? Join us for this powerful message, “A Witness That Wouldn't Waver,” as we step into Stephen's final moments in Acts 7:54–60 and discover the kind of faith that stands firm under pressure, keeps its eyes fixed on Jesus, and reflects Christ even in the hardest moments. When your faith is tested, will it waver… or will it witness? Tune in and be challenged to live with a courage that can only come from the presence of Christ.

We live in a culture that worships sex. And honestly? So did Ephesus. Temple prostitutes. Sensual parades. Fertility rituals. The city Paul was writing to wasn't so different from the billboards lining the highway today. And into that world, he writes: be imitators of God. That's an impossible standard. And that's exactly the point. In this message, Pastor Jimmy walks through Ephesians 5:1–16 and does something most sermons on this topic don't do - he refuses to give you a line. Because this isn't about how close you can get to the edge. It's a heart issue. A worship issue. What does it look like to imitate God in the way we treat our bodies, the words we speak, and the jokes we laugh at? And what does wisdom actually look like when the days are evil? In this message: Why the church of Ephesus and our culture are not as different as we think Two caveats that frame everything: no line-drawing, and this is about us - not them What porneia actually means - and why it's bigger than most people think Why crude joking degrades image-bearers of God (and why that matters) What "no inheritance in the kingdom" means - and what it doesn't How sanctification, struggle, and the gospel all fit together Key Scriptures: Ephesians 5:1–16 • Genesis 1–2 • Matthew 5:27–28 • 1 Corinthians 5:9–13 • John Stott on vulgarity and thanksgiving

In Acts 7:1–53, Stephen delivers a sweeping account of God's faithfulness—and humanity's repeated resistance. From Abraham to Moses to the prophets, the story is clear: God is always at work, but His people don't always respond. In “Don't Miss the Signs,” we explore how this same pattern can show up in our lives. It's possible to be close to the truth, surrounded by faith, and still miss what God is doing right in front of us. This message challenges us to examine our hearts, recognize God's voice, and respond with obedience instead of resistance. Because the signs are there…The question is: will we see them?

This week Pastor Jimmy shares how we are a temple of God and what our role is in the kingdom.

Marissa & Michaela take a second look at Pastor Jimmy's sermon from Sunday based out of Luke 17!

What does it look like to have a faith that stands strong when life presses in? In Acts 6, we meet Stephen, a man full of grace and power, whose calm resolve in the face of opposition challenges us today. In this message, we see how a Spirit-filled life can transform even our hardest moments into a testimony. Join us as we dive into Acts 6, and let's discover how God can give us courage to stand firm when tested. Tune in now and be encouraged!

We throw the word diversity around a lot. But what if we've been thinking about it all wrong? In Ephesians 4:7–16, Paul picks up right where unity left off — and then pivots. He says: yes, we are one body. But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ's gift. We're not just united. We're uniquely, individually equipped. In this message, Pastor Jimmy traces the language of victory and spoils all the way from Psalm 68 through the Exodus to the cross — and shows how Jesus, having conquered sin and death, distributes the spoils of that victory as gifts of grace to His people. Not for our comfort. For the work of ministry. Your gifts aren't an accident. They're a grace. And they're not just for you. In this message: Why biblical diversity looks nothing like corporate diversity What "ministerial grace" means — and why it applies to everyone, not just pastors How Christ's ascent and descent connect to the gifts He gives the church Why fulfilling physical needs is the conduit to reaching the spiritual How diversity of gifts is actually what produces unity in the body   Key Scriptures: Ephesians 4:7–16 • Psalm 68 • Exodus 3 • Philippians 2:5–11 • Matthew 25  

Pastor Jimmy and Michaela Fitzpatrick discussed last Sunday's sermon!

—Sermon text:Titus 1:5–9

Pastor Jimmy & Marissa discuss last Sunday's sermon!

What if the anticipation of Jesus' return could transform every mundane moment of your life? Pastor Jimmy reveals how Simeon—righteous, devout, and eagerly waiting—recognized Jesus when others missed Him entirely because he lived with spiritual sensitivity to God's promises. Just as Simeon prepared for the first coming through devotion and holy awareness, we can prepare for Christ's second coming by pursuing purity, living with mission urgency, and finding hope even in suffering. Don't let today slip by unprepared—discover how living with eternal perspective changes everything!

Pastor Jimmy shares the story of the Road to Emmaus and how the process is a part of our walk with God.

Join us as Pastor Jimmy teaches from Hebrews this morning!

What happens when following Jesus becomes difficult? In Acts 5:17–42, the apostles are arrested, threatened, and beaten for their faith. But instead of retreating, they respond with unshakable resolve: “We must obey God rather than men.” Their courage wasn't rooted in comfort; it was grounded in conviction. In this message, When Resistance Meets Resolve, we explore what it looks like to stand firm under pressure, remain faithful when obedience is costly, and continue the mission even when opposition rises. Because the truth is, resistance is inevitable…but retreat is optional. If you've ever felt the tension between standing for your faith and staying comfortable, this message will challenge and strengthen you. Tune in and discover how God can give you the courage to keep going, keep speaking, and keep trusting, no matter what comes your way.

AND - Muslim invasion?PLUS - Solar Panel scam

Pastor Jimmy reminds us that even if we are in a season of loss and in between, there is hope in the resurrected Christ.

What if three days could rewrite eternity? Join us for a powerful message, “One Weekend in Jerusalem That Changed Everything,” as we walk the road from Friday's heartbreak… through Saturday's silence… into Sunday's unstoppable victory. This isn't just a story from the past; it's a journey that meets us right where we are today. If you've ever wrestled with doubt, waited in uncertainty, or wondered if hope is still alive…this message is for you. Come experience the cross, feel the weight of the waiting, and celebrate the resurrection like never before. Listen now and discover: Your Friday is not the end…Your Sunday is coming.  

In Acts 5:12–16, we encounter a church that is alive with both the power and the presence of God. In this message, When Power Meets Presence, we explore what happens when the church lives with both reverence and expectation, and how that same reality is still available to us today. This is more than a story about the early church. It's an invitation to become the kind of people God moves through. Listen in and rediscover the power that flows from His presence.

Pastor Jimmy and his CORE group discuss how the Holy Spirit works in our lives.

Pastor Jimmy continues our series on what it means to be a follower of Jesus.

Pastor Jimmy shares some spiritual disciplines to help us focus our attention on Jesus during this season.

What happens when appearance matters more than authenticity? In Acts chapter 5 we encounter one of the most sobering moments in the early church. A couple named Ananias and Sapphira wanted the reputation of generosity without the reality of surrender. What followed reminds us that God's holiness is not something to be taken lightly. In this message, we explore the danger of spiritual pretense, the importance of integrity before God, and what it means to live with a healthy fear of the Lord. Because the truth is, God isn't looking for perfect people. He's looking for honest hearts. Join us as we unpack this challenging passage and discover how reverence for God can lead us to deeper authenticity, stronger faith, and a life that honors Him from the inside out. Let's dive in.

On today's episode, we discuss the mystery of the Trinity and how Christians have tried to understand “the Father is God, the Son is God, the Spirit is God, and there is only one God.” James, Pastor Jimmy, Pastor Chris, and Glenn trace how early church debates—from the Montanists to Arius and the Council of Nicaea—wrestled with whether Jesus is eternally God or a created being. They explain key questions around Jesus' nature (fully God, fully man, or something in between), how the term “Trinity” emerged historically, and why Jehovah's Witnesses today echo some Arian ideas. The conversation also explores how much of this is philosophical framing versus lived discipleship, noting that faithful prayer, obedience, and service often look similar across traditions. Glenn shares his personal struggle over whether to pray to the Father, Jesus, or the Holy Spirit, and how he's come to address all three while grounding his prayers in the Lord's Prayer. Throughout, the group keeps things accessible with analogies, humor, and an emphasis that believers can debate the mechanics of the Trinity without breaking fellowship or losing sight of following Christ. Don't miss it!

Join us as we discover how a Spirit-filled church stands strong under pressure. In Acts 4, we see boldness, unity, and generosity come alive no matter the cost. Be encouraged, be challenged. This service is available to watch anytime online on the Authentic Life Fellowship on YouTube or Facebook.

Have you ever longed for an authentic connection in a world of surface-level relationships? Pastor Jimmy unpacks the profound Greek concept of "koinonia"—true Christian fellowship that goes far deeper than casual friendship. Through powerful insights from Scripture and personal stories, he reveals how genuine fellowship involves sharing life's joys and sorrows, standing together in suffering, and participating in God's mission. This timely message shows how true community can transform your spiritual journey and bring healing to a broken world. Don't miss this inspiring exploration of what it means to do life together in Christ's love.

Pastor Jimmy and the kids teach us from 1John 3!

Pastor Jimmy continues our series about what it means to be a follower of Jesus.

On today's episode, we discuss how Christians should understand the relationship between faith and works, arguing that Scripture presents good works not as a way to earn salvation but as the necessary fruit and evidence of a living faith. Pastor Jimmy lays out a framework using Ephesians and James, distinguishing “works of justification” (trying to pay for your sins or impress God) from “works of mercy” that flow from grace and love of neighbor. Jim then dives into Paul and James, showing they address similar audiences wrestling with the law and demonstrating that Abraham and Rahab are models of faith expressing itself in action apart from “works of the law.” The conversation broadens into motives, asking how two people can do the same outward act while only one produces “divine good,” and why constant repentance, humility, and Spirit‑led love are key to discerning the difference. Along the way, they tackle Nietzsche's critique that Christian charity is “feminine” or just a power play, respond with examples from Jesus's parables, and use stories—from missionaries abroad to The Godfather and Wyatt Earp—to illustrate how mercy, authority, and patron‑client dynamics can either imitate Christ or slide into self‑glorification. Don't miss it!

On today's episode, we discuss why the book of Leviticus still matters for Christians, as Pastor Jimmy walks through the temple sacrificial system, the distinction between atoning and cleansing offerings, and how those categories illuminate Jesus as both Passover lamb and Yom Kippur sacrifice. He highlights repeated phrases like “straying unintentionally” and “did not realize it at the time” in Leviticus 4–5 to argue that Scripture itself distinguishes between unintentional failures and willful rebellion, echoing the Catholic language of venial versus mortal sin and helping correct the “all sins are exactly the same” mindset many evangelicals grew up with. From there, the conversation explores how this Old Testament framework clarifies New Testament teaching: why ongoing, unconfessed habits like gossip or road rage differ spiritually from a one‑off lapse, how the Didache warns that unrepented anger can grow into murder, and why Jesus both raises the moral bar in the Sermon on the Mount and makes obedience possible by giving the Holy Spirit. The trio also wrestles with the danger of mere “religion” without transformation—contrasting Spinoza, Jordan Peterson, and cultural Christians who admire Jesus' ethics but refuse to die to self—with the disciplined life of a true disciple who prays, studies, fasts, and repents quickly when they miss the mark, using vivid illustrations from marriage, parenting, prison ministry, and even reflux‑inducing tomatoes to show how unchecked “small” sins can harden into open rebellion. Don't miss it!

What if the way you handle your money actually revealed how much you trust God? This message challenges the cultural norm of ownership and invites us into new possibilities around money and true freedom. This message helps us unpack the ways that giving God control of our finances opens the door to deeper trust, true contentment, and lasting freedom.If you're new to Harbor or want to get connected in any way click this link to get your New Here gift, find upcoming events or get involved!https://harborchurch.com/connect

On today's episode, we discuss whether the visible decline of many churches is a crisis or a necessary pruning that reveals a smaller, truer remnant of believers. James and Pastor Jimmy start with an aging congregation problem—churches where the average member is over 70—and argue that decades of weak discipleship, consumer-style “mega” ministry, and shallow social-gospel preaching have left many congregations unable to form new, grounded Christians. They contrast the older model of church as community hub—where neighbors, teachers, and grandparents reinforced shared morals—with today's fragmented world in which kids are raised more by schools, screens, and mobility than by family or church, leaving them rootless and vulnerable to ideological fads. From there, they examine how entertainment-driven worship, charismatic but theologically thin pastors, and politicized pulpits (including Episcopal and Catholic examples) can actually drive people away from Scripture and toward mere activism or identity politics. Jimmy insists that genuine revival requires pastors who are both intellectually trained and spiritually mature, able to teach justification, sanctification, spiritual disciplines, and “works of mercy” so laypeople become disciples who serve, not passive consumers who watch. The conversation then turns hopeful: they note explosive Christian growth in the Global South, a modest resurgence of interest among some young men in historic liturgy, and more scientists and public figures willing to say that belief in God is intellectually serious. James concludes that he can't control the fate of denominations or dying buildings, but he can choose to be part of the remnant—finding a church that preaches the Word, walking in sanctifying grace, and doing the concrete works God has given him, even if the broader American church continues to shrink. Don't miss it!