Podcasts about pastor josiah

Following Christ isn't about pretending everything is okay; it's about learning to trust God's promises even when we can't see what He is doing. In his message, “The Dawn of God's Faithfulness,” Pastor Josiah walks us through Luke 1:39–80 and shows how God breaks 400 years of silence with the births of John the Baptist and Jesus. We watch Mary and Zechariah move from confusion and waiting to Spirit-filled praise as they realize God is fulfilling the promises He made to Abraham and David. Along the way, we connect their story to ours: what it feels like when life is barren, when prayers seem unanswered, when God feels distant. Because God has already kept His biggest promise in Jesus, we can trust Him in the darkest moments of our lives and worship Him even when life seems hopeless.

This message centered on Jesus as Emanuel—“God with us”—reminding us that He will never leave nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5), a truth echoed through worship that lifted our hearts to the Lord. Though we may find ourselves in seasons of spiritual battle, Scripture assures us that victory belongs to the Lord (Proverbs 21:31), calling us to rest in Him rather than strive. Pastor Josiah walked us through John 11 and the story of Lazarus, highlighting faith beyond deadlines, when human hope seems exhausted but God still has the final word. Through Martha and Mary, we saw both active faith and abiding faith, culminating in Jesus' powerful declaration, “I am the resurrection and the life,” one of His five “I Am” statements that demand not only belief but lived trust every day of the week. Even in grief and confusion, Mary ran to Jesus, and Jesus met her pain with compassion—“Jesus wept”—revealing a Savior who understands our suffering and remains faithful. As the stone was rolled away despite objections and decay, we were reminded that revival and growth may come with discomfort, yet thanksgiving prepares the way for miracles. Jesus' command, “Lazarus, come out,” demonstrated that He is the Answer who calls life out of death and restoration out of despair. The paramount point remains: don't get lost in the questions when you can be found in the Answer—Jesus, who loves us, restores us, sits with us in our pain, and is more than enough in every circumstance.

"A Peace of Christmas" In part two of this series, Pastor Josiah explores how believers can experience genuine peace amid life's uncertainties and unexpected challenges through understanding Jesus as the Good Shepherd. Drawing from Micah's prophecy about the coming Messiah, the message emphasizes that while we may not see what's coming in life, our Shepherd does. Peace is not found in certainty about our circumstances, but in the certainty of who is leading us.Join us for Thrive Church In person (more info here) or Online Sundays 2:30PM (MT) on Youtube Want to partner with Thrive Church:https://www.thrivecalgary.ca/give-online 

This powerful message takes us deep into Luke 16, where Jesus shares the sobering account of the rich man and Lazarus—a story that forces us to confront the eternal consequences of how we live today. What makes this teaching particularly striking is that it's the only parable where Jesus names specific individuals, suggesting this may be more than just a story—it could be an actual account of eternal realities. We're challenged to examine our stewardship not just of money, but of our entire lives. The rich man had everything he wanted in his earthly existence, living in luxury while Lazarus suffered at his gate. Yet after death, their positions were eternally reversed. This isn't primarily about wealth versus poverty, but about the heart condition that our choices reveal. Abraham's bosom represents the place where the faithful rested before Christ's ultimate sacrifice, while Hades held those separated from God. The chasm between them couldn't be crossed—a haunting reminder that our eternal destiny is determined by decisions we make in this life. What's most convicting is the rich man's realization that even someone rising from the dead wouldn't convince his brothers to change. We have everything we need right now—Scripture, the Holy Spirit, and the testimony of Christ's resurrection—to make the choice that matters most. This message isn't meant to motivate us through fear of hell, but to awaken us to the beauty of falling in love with Jesus and living a life that honors Him while we still have breath in our lungs.

The young boy who offered his five loaves and two fish reminds us that when we give Jesus what we have, He multiplies it beyond measure. Pastor Josiah shared how our small acts of generosity allow us to “write ourselves into the story.” Continuing FC's mission to culture like Christ and vision of Jesus, this week's message—“The Twin”—focused on Thomas, who moved from doubt to deep faith. From John 11, we saw that Lazarus's story “would not end in death” but in God's glory, reminding us that even when we're in the middle of struggle, the story is not over. Jesus performs miracles not to impress but to reveal His love and character. Through Thomas, we learned that pain and disappointment can cloud our faith, but Jesus invites us, like Thomas, to look up, believe, and be transformed. Pastor Josiah urged us, “Don't let pain suffocate your faith.” Instead, lift your eyes to the Savior—He is still mending hearts, restoring hope, and bringing light into our darkest places.

The young boy who offered his five loaves and two fish reminds us that when we give Jesus what we have, He multiplies it beyond measure. Pastor Josiah shared how our small acts of generosity allow us to “write ourselves into the story.” Continuing FC's mission to culture like Christ and vision of Jesus, this week's message—“The Twin”—focused on Thomas, who moved from doubt to deep faith. From John 11, we saw that Lazarus's story “would not end in death” but in God's glory, reminding us that even when we're in the middle of struggle, the story is not over. Jesus performs miracles not to impress but to reveal His love and character. Through Thomas, we learned that pain and disappointment can cloud our faith, but Jesus invites us, like Thomas, to look up, believe, and be transformed. Pastor Josiah urged us, “Don't let pain suffocate your faith.” Instead, lift your eyes to the Savior—He is still mending hearts, restoring hope, and bringing light into our darkest places.

Pastor Josiah reminded us that our mission is to culture like Christ and our vision is Jesus. Last week's message, “No Excuses,” called us to align our hearts and minds with the Lord, while this week's sermon, “Live on Mission,” built on that as our Africa team returned. Centered on Luke 14–15, Pastor Josiah challenged us to put Jesus first, even above family and comfort, teaching that denying ourselves is truly honoring Him. The Africa team shared how saying “yes” to God transformed their lives and deepened their faith through miracles, healing, and boldness. From delays to divine encounters, they witnessed God's abundant life (John 10:10) and saw how He moves both in Africa and here at home. As Pastor Josiah said, whether across the street or across the world, we are called to live on mission—to say “yes” to Jesus and be salt and light in a dark world.

We began by declaring the powerful names of God—Elohim, Adonai, Rapha, Nissi, Shaddai—proclaiming that the name of the Lord is our strong tower and hiding place. What a beautiful way to worship the Creator who calls us His own, as Joel Munoz reminded us through Isaiah 43: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.” Pastor Josiah continued the theme of being on mission, reminding us that whether across the street or around the world, we are called to reach the lost. In Luke 15, Jesus shared how the shepherd leaves the ninety-nine to find the one lost sheep, revealing God's heart for every person who has wandered away. Just as God sought Adam and Eve in the garden, He seeks us still. We were lost, but He found us. Pastor Josiah encouraged us to be equipped, to stand firm, and to help others find Jesus—because our walk with Him is not a sprint, but a lifelong journey of faith and endurance.

We began by declaring the powerful names of God—Elohim, Adonai, Rapha, Nissi, Shaddai—proclaiming that the name of the Lord is our strong tower and hiding place. What a beautiful way to worship the Creator who calls us His own, as Joel Munoz reminded us through Isaiah 43: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.” Pastor Josiah continued the theme of being on mission, reminding us that whether across the street or around the world, we are called to reach the lost. In Luke 15, Jesus shared how the shepherd leaves the ninety-nine to find the one lost sheep, revealing God's heart for every person who has wandered away. Just as God sought Adam and Eve in the garden, He seeks us still. We were lost, but He found us. Pastor Josiah encouraged us to be equipped, to stand firm, and to help others find Jesus—because our walk with Him is not a sprint, but a lifelong journey of faith and endurance.

Joel Munoz encouraged us with Matthew 7:24 and Hebrews 12:28–29, reminding us to stand on the Rock and be thankful for the unshakable kingdom we've received. Pastor Josiah's message, “In God We Trust,” pointed us back to the heart behind our national motto and to whom our trust truly belongs. From Luke 16, Jesus' parable of the shrewd manager illustrated how our handling of worldly possessions reveals the condition of our hearts. Pastor Josiah reminded us that tests from God are not traps but opportunities for revelation and growth—He sees everything and still loves us. We must choose who our master will be, for no one can serve both God and money. Our money can serve God, but God will never serve money. True trust in Him brings freedom, blessing, and an eternal perspective. When we prioritize Jesus above all, we become salt and light in a world that desperately needs His truth and grace.

"A Peace of Christmas" In part one of this series, Pastor Josiah guides us through the ancient prophecy of Micah, written 750 years before Jesus was born. We discover something profound: peace was prepared before our problems ever existed. God prepared peace for us before time, anticipating challenges like financial pressure and broken relationships. The prophecy indicated that from Bethlehem, meaning 'house of bread,' would come a ruler whose existence predates creation, revealing Jesus as the eternal 'bread of life.Join us for Thrive Church In person (more info here) or Online Sundays 2:30PM (MT) on Youtube Want to partner with Thrive Church:https://www.thrivecalgary.ca/give-online  

"But God" In part five of this series, Pastor Josiah takes us into one of the most dramatic healing accounts in the Gospels—the story of four friends who literally tore through a roof to bring their paralyzed friend to Jesus. What unfolds in Mark 2 is more than just a miracle; it's a profound lesson about faith in action and the transformative power of community. The paralyzed man had been bound to his mat his entire life—it wasn't just a physical limitation, but had become his identity, his prison. Yet when Jesus speaks forgiveness and healing over him, everything changes.Join us for Thrive Church In person (more info here) or Online Sundays 2:30PM (MT) on Youtube Want to partner with Thrive Church:https://www.thrivecalgary.ca/give-online  

"But God" In part four of this series, Pastor Josiah explores the intersection of impossibility and divine intervention through the lens of Mark 5, where we encounter a woman who had suffered with bleeding for twelve years. Her story becomes our story when we find ourselves exhausted from trying everything in our own strength. What impossibilities are you facing? What areas have you tried to fix in your own strength? The invitation is clear—reach forward by faith, even when we feel weak, even when circumstances say we shouldn't, even when we've exhausted every other option. That simple act of reaching changes everything.Join us for Thrive Church In person (more info here) or Online Sundays 2:30PM (MT) on Youtube Want to partner with Thrive Church:https://www.thrivecalgary.ca/give-online  

"But God" In part three of this series, Pastor Josiah explores the transformative truth that what appears impossible in our lives becomes possible with God. Through the story of the widow and Elisha in 2 Kings 4, we discover how desperate situations can become miraculous testimonies when we step out in faith on God's word. The message reminds us that God's instructions often don't align with human logic, but when we act on His word, we move from impossibility into His possibilities.Join us for Thrive Church In person (more info here) or Online Sundays 2:30PM (MT) on Youtube Want to partner with Thrive Church:https://www.thrivecalgary.ca/give-online  

When accusations or misunderstandings come against your faith, what does it look like to give a Christ-centered defense rather than a self-defensive reaction? In his sermon: “Clear Eyes, Full Hearts, Can't Lose!” centered on Acts 24:1 – 25:12, Pastor Josiah walks us into the Roman courtroom of Caesarea, where the apostle Paul stands accused before Governor Felix. Surrounded by power, politics, and hostility, Paul defends himself not with manipulation but with conviction—his worship is to the Lord, his hope is anchored in the resurrection, and his conscience is clear before God and man. This passage reveals that the gospel itself, not merely Paul, is on trial—and that even in chains, God's mission is unstoppable.As Christ's chosen people, we are called to live with integrity and to boldly defend His truth before all. When our eyes are fixed on Christ and our hearts are full of love for Him, we truly can't lose—because even through persecution and hardship, the gospel advances, God's purposes prevail, and His truth cannot be silenced.

"But God" In part two of this message series, Pastor Josiah takes deep into the story of Joseph, reminding us that what we see on the surface rarely tells the whole story. Joseph's journey from betrayed brother to Egypt's second-in-command isn't just an ancient tale of rags to riches. It's a profound exploration of what happens when God transforms our hearts in impossible places. The call is clear: forgiveness positions us for but God moments, and repentance allows us to fully experience what God has already given.Join us for Thrive Church In person (more info here) or Online Sundays 2:30PM (MT) on Youtube Want to partner with Thrive Church:https://www.thrivecalgary.ca/give-online  

In Galatians, the apostle Paul speaks of the freedom that followers of Jesus have by His grace. That freedom, however must be tempered between law and lawlessness. This is only possible with the help and guidance of the Holy Spirit. Pastor Josiah unpacks this in Week 6 of the "Only Jesus" series.

After covering John the Baptist, Pastor Josiah takes us into John the Beloved. He wasn't always perfect, but there was something about his zeal for the Lord that afforded him favor with Jesus. Jesus was cultivating something in John because of his bold yes to follow the Lord. Unlike John the Baptist, John the Beloved was able to make a transition from the ministry of preparation to intimacy. We explore benefits it brought to him as an individual and furthermore what the Lord did through him because of this powerful choice he made.

Don't get stuck. Making the shift to the new and beautiful thing the Lord is doing is so vital. John the Baptist was caught between two convenants and had a hard time transitioning " out of the kitchen" and onto the "dinner table" so to speak. If you're constantly cooking and never transition into time to eat, you'll be missing the whole reason you were preparing to begin with. Jesus was presenting a new wineskin and everybody needed to get their wineskin ready for the transition to receive the new wine. If you didn't, you'd miss out entirely on the new thing the Lord is doing. That'd be a loss nobody should endure if they can help it. Furthermore, Jesus had such a heart for the religious leaders to make the transition, which is why he kept sharing meals with them even though they were trying to trap Him. What an amazing example for us to follow.

John Mark isn't a widely known biblical character however without him, we wouldn't have the Gospel of Mark! He made a profound impact on our world. Pastor Josiah shares 7 contributing factors that led to how John Mark went from a prayer house, to the mission field, to a Gospel writer. Covering the people he labored alongside - their successes and their opportunities to grow.

Jesus teaches a parable of people invited to a banquet, through they've agreed to come, excuses begin to flow once the banquet is ready.Pastor Josiah takes us into an intrinsic look at the reasons behind their excuses and how it applies to us today. This is not a time for excuses. If we look for them, we'll find them! But if we look and stay committed, we'll never be disappointed we made that decision!

"But God" In part one of this series, Pastor Josiah takes us to the Jordan River, where faith met the impossible. The waters didn't part before the priests stepped in—they parted when they did. This message reminds us that God's power moves when we do, turning impossible moments into “But God” breakthroughs.Join us for Thrive Church In person (more info here) or Online Sundays 2:30PM (MT) on Youtube Want to partner with Thrive Church:https://www.thrivecalgary.ca/give-online  

Friend of Sinners | Week 3 | Better Than I Planned | Pastor Josiah Thomas | Life Center Tacoma Luke 15:1-3, 11-24 (CSB) HIS PLAN is better than your plan Luke 15:12 (CSB) Luke 15:14 (CSB) Isaiah 55:8-9 (CSB) Luke 15:19 (CSB) HIS LOVE doesn't cost you anything, but it cost Him everything Luke 15:20-21 (CSB) "The father, in his house, clearly represents God. The best understanding of the text is to see that when the father leaves the house and takes upon himself a humiliating posture on the road, he becomes a symbol of God incarnate. He does not wait for the son to come to him but rather at a GREAT COST goes down and out to find and resurrect the one who is lost and dead." - Kenneth Bailey HIS RESTORATION isn't earned, it's freely given Luke 15:22-24 (CSB)

We're wired to celebrate what's good—but we don't agree on what “good” is. Pastor Josiah explores Jesus' worldview-shifting claim that God alone is good (Matt. 19:16–22) and shows how that truth reframes evil, sin, and even hell. With a vivid “spring and river” picture, you'll see why swimming toward the Source changes your life, how the Good Samaritan still captures our hearts, and why the invitation of Jesus is to come empty-handed and follow. Key Scriptures: Galatians 5:22–23; Matthew 19:16–22; James 1:17; Romans 2:4 Big Idea: Goodness happens in us when we respond to God's call out of ourselves and into Him—the Source of all good. If you prayed with Dom or want to talk more about following Jesus, email: jkish@grace.org

"Our Goal / My Role" In part three of this series, Pastor Josiah reminds is that we are the light of the world, called to shine brightly for God's glory. The central scripture, Matthew 5:14-16, challenges us not to hide our light under a basket, but to let it shine for all to see. This imagery beautifully illustrates how our God-given gifts, talents, and abilities are meant to be used purposefully. This message encourages us to reflect on how we're using our unique gifts, both in the world and in the church, to fulfill our role in God's greater plan.Join us for Thrive Church In person (more info here) or Online Sundays 2:30PM (MT) on Youtube Want to partner with Thrive Church:https://www.thrivecalgary.ca/give-online  

What if following Christ led you into suffering instead of comfort — would you still obey? In “Chained in Obedience,” Pastor Josiah unpacks Paul's costly journey to Jerusalem in Acts 21:15–36 — a story that reminds us that following Christ faithfully does not guarantee comfort, favor, or safety. Paul's obedience led him into chains, not away from them. Yet through those chains, God advanced the gospel and displayed His sovereignty. Paul's example calls believers to embrace the truth that faithful obedience often includes suffering, and that despite persecution God's plan still succeeds! The same Lord who ruled over Paul's prison cell reigns over every trial we face today, turning our suffering into a testimony of His grace and power.

Does God really hear the cries of those who are cheated, wronged, or overlooked? In his message centered on James 5:1–6, Pastor Josiah shares a powerful warning from James: selfish hoarding and dishonest gain may look like success in the world's eyes, but before God they will testify against us. Earthly riches corrode, unjust dealings oppress the vulnerable, and self-indulgence leads to judgment. Yet in Christ, there is an eternal treasure that moth and rust cannot destroy. For the oppressor, God's word declares judgment. For the oppressed, we can be comforted – God hears your cries and will bring the unrighteous to justice. And for all who believe, the gospel gives hope: true riches are found in Christ alone.

What fears or ambitions keep you from fully submitting your life to God's will? In his sermon, “Stop Playing God,” Pastor Josiah shows us how James 4:11-17 calls us to humble ourselves in full submission before God. As Christians we need to stop criticizing our brothers and sisters, stop pretending we control tomorrow, and start entrusting every part of our lives to the Lord's will. Our lives are but a vapor, and at the end of the day, only what is done in Christ will last. Because God alone is the final authority, we must quit playing God and joyfully submit our lives to Him.

We're sensing the uniqueness of the hour that we're in as a church, city, state and nation. Something powerful is happening and people are coming from all over to invest into the soil of what's growing spiritually in San Diego. This is a special moment, can you see it? Pastor Josiah touches on the challenging and interesting portion of scripture dealing with the cursed fig tree and its relation to the time that the people were in in their moment with Jesus. If we miss the intimacy God is beckoning us into, we'll be ill prepared for what He's releasing in this season. Get ready — stay ready!

Pastor Josiah breaks down the interesting passage where Jesus curses the fig tree and it dies, unable to bear fruit and its correlation to what was happening with the religious system being done away. Furthermore the powerful story of the woman healed of a terrible infirmity. If anything is above Him, it's an idol.

How could a man be born blind as a consequence of his own sin? Jesus addresses a faulty thinking amongst the religious leaders and the culture. Have we done the same thing by adopting an unhealthy mindset? A blind man is healed and the religious leaders couldn't compute what happened. The truth is, by faith in obedience this man saw God before his eyes were ever opened! An unoffendable heart and a lifestyle of obedience will take you so far when it comes to seeing God.

The story of Sodom and Gomorrah needs to be dissected to understand where the perversion lies so that its failure won't be repeated. We can learn a lot from this powerful story. Hospitality has a way of bringing forth blessing, just ensure that when you're blessed you don't lose your moral compass of family and see spiritual health, family and integrity go out the window. Take care of your own spiritual journey, protect your family — this will honor God.

God has been highlighting John chapter 10 to this house for some time. There's a deeper understanding to the revelation in this chapter that many are unaware of. Pastor Josiah takes us deeper into the meaning of the chapter and particularly what the Lord is saying through John 10:10 concerning healthy shepherds. Wherever God sends you, find healthy shepherds that carry these qualities. Don't just find people who lead churches, find healthy shepherds.

Why do our desires so often leave us empty, even when they're fulfilled? In this week's message centered on James 4:1–10, Pastor Josiah unpacks both the problem and the promise regarding the difficulties we face in life. Our passions and worldly pursuits leave us restless, divided, and far from God. Yet God does not abandon us—but gives grace to the humble. In Christ, the true Bridegroom, we are invited to lay down our pride, resist the lies of the enemy, and draw near to the God who draws near to us. This passage is not just a warning but an invitation: to forsake the emptiness of the world and discover the joy of full devotion to Christ. What would it look like for you to go “all in” with Christ today?

Where do you turn for answers when life is hard? What type of wisdom is shaping your life or affecting your decisions? In his sermon, “Wisdom from Above” centered on James 3:13–18, Pastor Josiah unpacks the sharp contrast between false wisdom that is earthly, unspiritual, and demonic—and true wisdom that comes from God. Earthly wisdom seeks pride, ambition, and self-exaltation, but it inevitably leads to disorder and destruction. Godly wisdom, however, is marked by purity, gentleness, mercy, and peace. Most importantly, James shows us that true wisdom makes us peacemakers—sowing peace that produces a harvest of righteousness.This sermon reminds us that wisdom is not measured by intelligence or worldly success, but by a transformed heart that reflects Christ. Only by embracing the wisdom from above do we become the kind of people who strengthen the church, bring peace into broken relationships, and share the hope of the gospel with the world.

Join me on this week's show for an interview with Pastor Josiah Elias, the lead pastor of Faith Chapel in Spring Valley, California. Pastor Josiah and his wife Ashley are devoted to discipleship. They want to see believers develop into wholehearted followers of Jesus, and they understand that discipleship begins in the home, in the early years of our children's walk with the Lord. They recognize the weighty mandate that the local church carries to equip and encourage parents in discipling their kids, and that as believers, we can't just look the other way when an entire generation is steeped in anxiety, depression, and atheism. That's why Faith Chapel is going all in on education. Learn more about the mission and the inspiration on today's show. K to 12 Rescue Mission: https://www.academicrescuemission.com Christian Community College: https://www.veritascc.us CVCU degree programs: https://www.cvcu.us Book Dr. Lisa to speak: https://www.DrLisaDunne.com @DrLisaDunne

In a world obsessed with appearances, James confronts the church with a bold command: Don't play favorites! In his sermon on James 2:1-13, Pastor Josiah explores how favoritism contradicts the very mercy that saved us. When we elevate the wealthy and ignore the poor—or vice versa—we forget that at the foot of the cross, all distinctions vanish. Jesus didn't rescue us because of status or success, but solely by his mercy. Therefore, Christians must reflect that mercy in how we see and treat others. This message is for everyone—rich or poor, polished or broken—because Jesus welcomes all who will come.

Have you experienced the kind of spiritual rebirth that leads to real change? James 1:19–27 teaches that saving faith isn't passive—it's transformational. In this sermon, Pastor Josiah explores how the Word of God not only saves us but reshapes us. Through vivid illustrations and pastoral exhortation, you'll discover that “real religion” means more than just hearing Scripture—it means receiving it with humility, obeying it with integrity, and displaying it through a life of mercy, holiness, and self-control. The gospel doesn't just inform your life; it transforms it. Why does the life of a true Christian look so different from the world? Listen to this week's message and find out!

Discover the transformative power of God's grace in this inspiring sermon on Jonah 4. Learn how to let go of bitterness, resentment, and control to embrace God's mercy for yourself and others. Pastor Josiah unpacks Jonah's struggle with God's grace toward Nineveh, revealing how grace burns away pride and idols to align our hearts with God's compassion. Perfect for anyone seeking spiritual growth, forgiveness, and a deeper faith.

Are you walking through a trial that feels too heavy to carry? How can we find joy when life falls apart? In “Fire Tested & Joy Filled,” Pastor Josiah walks through James 1:1–18 to show that the trials we face are not meaningless—they are God's tool to grow our faith and prepare us for eternity. With honesty, personal testimony, and biblical clarity, this sermon calls believers to endure trials with joy, seek God's wisdom without doubting, resist the tempting lies of the enemy, and trust in the unchanging goodness of God. Even in the hardest seasons, we are not alone—Christ endured the ultimate trial on our behalf and now walks with us through the fire.

Pastor Josiah's message from Ignite fits right in with our reading from Ephesians 2.Reading Plan: Old Testament - 1 Chronicles 23-25Psalms - Psalm 84:8-14Gospels - Luke 6:37-42New Testament - Ephesians 2:1-10Visit https://www.revivalfromthebible.com/ for more information.

What do you do when your life is falling apart, and you've run out of options—can God still meet you there? Is there any hope for those who have failed God repeatedly?In this final message from our “The Search For A King” series, Pastor Josiah explores the theme of “IF”—those pivotal moments in life that center on trust, obedience, and the faithfulness of God. As Israel stands at a national crossroads, having demanded a king and rebelled against the Lord, Samuel confronts them with their sin, warns them of its consequences, and yet offers them hope rooted in God's steadfast mercy. IF we reject God, we face ruin; but IF we return to Him, He is faithful to forgive us and redeem us from the pit. Through a gospel-centered lens, this sermon shows how our repeated failures can never outmatch God's covenantal grace. Jesus, the true and better King, succeeds where Saul—and all of us—fail. And in Him, we hear the everlasting assurance for every believer: “God's got you!”

What are you currently desiring or pursuing that might be more shaped by the world's values than God's will? Can you identify a time when God used a disappointment or failure to draw you closer to Him? In what ways is Jesus reshaping your desires to want more of Him, rather than just His gifts?In his sermon “The King You Desire” based on 1 Samuel 9:1-10:16, Pastor Josiah shared how Israel received what they asked for—a king like the nations. Saul looked the part: tall, strong, impressive. But beneath the surface, he was spiritually unfit and directionless. Sometimes, God gives us what we want to reveal that what we long for isn't truly what we need. Yet even in our rebellion, God's sovereign grace is at work. He uses our misguided desires, our detours, and even our failures to draw us back to Himself. Ultimately, the story of Saul points us to Jesus—the King we didn't ask for but the one we desperately need. In Him, our desires are transformed to want what He wants—and we discover that the deepest satisfaction of our hearts is not in what we get, but in whom we belong to.

Even in life's most difficult seasons—when the soil is dry and the future feels uncertain—God can still bring fruit. In this powerful message, Pastor Josiah Kish explores Jeremiah 17:5–8 and shows us how deep trust in God's unchanging character helps us thrive, even in spiritual drought. Whether you're in a season of plenty or a season of pain, this sermon will remind you that God is still working—growing something good, even in the wasteland.

Why does life sometimes get harder after we repent—and what is God doing in those moments? What does true repentance look like—and what does it lead to? In his sermon, “True Repentance & Divine Deliverance,” centered on 1 Samuel 7:2–17, Pastor Josiah shared how Israel turned from idolatry and returned to the Lord with a repentant heart. Yet, just as they turned back to God, new trouble arose. But God, faithful to His covenant and powerful to save, delivered His people—not because of their strength, but through the intercession of His appointed mediator, Samuel. This passage reminds us that while repentance may invite hardship, it always places us under the care of a God who is faithful to forgive, fights for us, and never fails to be there for us.

Are you tempted to approach God on your own terms rather than according to His will? How does the holiness of God shape your worship, your obedience, and your view of Christ? In today's message we find out what happens when God's people treat His presence with irreverence! In 1 Samuel 6:1–7:1, both the Philistines and the Israelites dishonor the holy presence of Yahweh—not by defiance alone, but by casual disobedience. In his message, “Who Can Stand?” Pastor Josiah explores how God's holiness is not something to manage, manipulate, or presume upon. Through the tragic actions of Beth-shemesh and the fearful question, “Who is able to stand before this holy God?”, we are brought face-to-face with our own unworthiness and the absolute necessity of a Mediator.In a world that often reduces God to sentimentality or ritual, this message calls us back to the fear of the Lord—a fear that leads not to fleeing from God, but to obedience under His Word and submission to His final Prophet, Jesus Christ. True life is found in fearing God and obeying His Word through Christ alone.

Are we trying to manipulate God or worship Him? Is God's presence in your life a source of joy or judgment? In 1 Samuel 5, the Philistines believed they had conquered the God of Israel by capturing the ark, but what unfolds next is a powerful revelation: God cannot be controlled, co-opted, or contained. His hand brings victory over idols, judgment upon His enemies, and—ultimately—redemption through Christ for those who turn to Him in faith. In his sermon, “The Hand of the Lord,” Pastor Josiah unpacks the triumph of God's holiness over Dagon, the terror that falls on the Philistines, and the redemptive hope that shines bright in our lives when we reach out to the One who bore the hand of judgment in our place—Jesus Christ!

All four of our passages for today remind us that we are dependent on God for every detail of our lives. Reading Plan: Old Testament - Joshua 7-8Psalms - Psalm 46:8-11Gospels - Matthew 28:11-20New Testament - Romans 8:1-7Visit https://www.revivalfromthebible.com/ for more information.