Podcasts about pastor josiah

In this urgent and prophetic message, “The Ready Discerning Church,” Pastor Josiah Elias takes us through Matthew 24 and Scripture's warnings concerning deception, the return of Christ, and the responsibility of the Church to remain spiritually awake and discerning. Jesus warned that false messiahs and false prophets would arise with convincing signs and wonders, making discernment essential for the people of God. Pastor Josiah traces the biblical story of God's dwelling place—from the Tabernacle and the Temple to Jesus Christ, the Church, and ultimately eternity—revealing that under the New Covenant, we are now the temple of the Holy Spirit and living stones being built together as God's house. Through the finished work of Jesus, one sacrifice was made once and for all, and now the Church is called to live holy, alert, and ready. Jesus is coming again—not secretly, not ambiguously, but with power and great glory, and every eye will see Him. The question is not if He is coming, but are we ready? This message is a call to wake up, reject deception, cultivate biblical discernment, and examine our hearts with one sobering question: “Am I ready?”

"Rebuild" In part five of this series, Pastor Josiah poses the question: What does it actually take to build something that lasts? Whether we are talking about a marriage, a career, a business, or our walk with God, the answer might be simpler than we expect -- and more demanding than we would like. Wherever we find ourselves lacking endurance right now, this message invites us to look up -- because the vision that comes from looking to Jesus is exactly what will carry us through. 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 special episode is unlike a typical sermon—it's an intimate, unscripted Q&A with Pastor Josiah Elias, where no topic was off limits. Members of the congregation had the opportunity to ask anything about ministry, leadership, spiritual growth, hearing God's voice, navigating life's challenges, and walking faithfully with Jesus. With no prepared notes or rehearsed responses, Pastor Josiah answered each question from the heart, offering honest, biblical, and Spirit-led wisdom in the moment. This genuine conversation provides a rare glimpse into the heart of a pastor who desires to see people know Christ more deeply and live with unwavering faith. Whether you're seeking practical guidance, spiritual encouragement, or simply want to grow in your relationship with God, this candid discussion is filled with authentic insight, personal experiences, and timeless biblical truth that will challenge and strengthen your walk with the Lord.

What did Jesus mean when He said, "Don't be alarmed"?In this powerful message from Matthew 24, Pastor Josiah Elias walks through Jesus' teaching about the destruction of the Temple, the signs of the end of the age, and how believers are called to respond when the world seems to be falling apart.From Solomon's Temple to Herod's Temple, and ultimately to Jesus Himself and the Church as God's dwelling place, Scripture reveals God's unfolding plan throughout history. Jesus warned that wars, deception, persecution, famines, earthquakes, and false prophets would come—but He also gave His followers a clear command: **Don't freak out. Trust Me.**In this message you'll discover:* The fascinating history of the First and Second Temples* Why Jesus accurately predicted the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70* What the "birth pains" of Matthew 24 really mean* How to recognize deception and remain grounded in truth* Why following Jesus includes both privilege and persecution* The biblical picture of salvation: we **have been saved**, **are being saved**, and **will be saved*** The hope believers have as we await Christ's return* Why the Gospel must be preached to every nationKey Takeaway:True followers of Jesus trust Him even when the world seems to be falling apart. Instead of spreading fear, we are called to bring hope, peace, and confidence in God's promises.No matter what headlines you read or what challenges you face, Jesus is still on the throne, His Word is still true, and His Kingdom is still advancing.

In his sermon, “The Language of a Dependent Church” centered on Colossians 4:2-6, Pastor Josiah shared how a healthy church does not only pray whenever there is a crisis, rather a healthy church continues steadfastly in prayer because she knows that her faithfulness, and her perseverance depends on God. As Christ's church, we must be devoted to prayer, spiritually alert, and thankful for all that God has done. A church that is truly dependent on God, is a church that is fully committed to prayer!

"Rebuild" In part four of this series, Pastor Josiah draws from the account of the plague of darkness in Exodus 10, he explores the profound truth that without God, human beings can do nothing. The plague of darkness was not merely a natural phenomenon but a withdrawal of God's sustaining creative power, rendering even the simplest human tasks impossible. Pastor Josiah challenges believers to move beyond knowing this truth intellectually and to actually live it out by acknowledging God in both the significant and mundane areas of life.

Is deliverance still for today? In this episode, Maria Sainz joins Pastor Josiah Elias for a powerful conversation about deliverance, spiritual freedom, and the life-changing power of God. Together, they unpack what the Bible says about spiritual warfare, breaking strongholds, and the authority believers have in Christ. Through biblical truth and personal experience, this episode offers hope for anyone longing to experience greater freedom and a deeper understanding of God's power at work today. Tune in—you'll be reminded that the same God who delivered then is still delivering today.

Who is Jehovah Shaphat?Throughout Scripture, God reveals Himself as Jehovah Shaphat—The LORD, our Judge. His judgments are never corrupt, biased, or unjust. He judges with perfect righteousness, truth, mercy, and holiness. In a world where opinions constantly change and people are quick to condemn, God's judgment remains eternal and perfectly just.In this powerful message, we journey from the Old Testament to the New Testament to discover that Jesus Christ has been given all authority to judge the living and the dead. More importantly, we learn how believers are called to respond—not by living in fear, but in humility, repentance, and obedience.This sermon explores what it means to stand before the judgment seat of Christ, why every person will give an account of their life, and how the gospel transforms us from people who judge others harshly into people who restore others with grace. As followers of Jesus, we are called to remove the log from our own eye before addressing the speck in another's, remembering that the same mercy we have received should flow through our lives.If you've ever wrestled with questions about God's justice, eternal judgment, accountability, or what it means to live a life that honors Christ, this message will encourage, challenge, and strengthen your faith.Key Scriptures:• Judges 10:16• Judges 11:27• Genesis 18:25• Psalm 96:13• John 5:22-30• Romans 14:10• 2 Corinthians 5:10• Revelation 20:11-15• Matthew 7:1-5• Psalm 25:9• Galatians 6:1-3If this message encouraged you, be sure to Like, Subscribe, and Share so more people can encounter the truth of God's Word.Join us every week at Faith Chapel San Diego as we pursue Jesus, cultivate a culture like Christ, and experience the transforming power of the Holy Spirit.

In one of His strongest and most sobering teachings, Jesus confronts the religious leaders of His day—not because they lacked knowledge, but because their outward appearance hid hearts that were far from God. In Matthew 23, Jesus exposes the danger of religion without relationship, performance without purity, and outward obedience without inward transformation.This message, "Hypocrites!", unpacks the seven characteristics of hypocrisy revealed by Christ. From shutting the door of the Kingdom to others, to valuing appearance over character, to living by loopholes instead of integrity, this sermon calls every believer to examine their own heart.God isn't looking for perfect people—He's looking for surrendered people. The invitation of Jesus is to remove the mask, embrace humility, and become authentic disciples who reflect His heart.Whether you've struggled with legalism, church hurt, self-righteousness, or simply desire to grow in spiritual maturity, this message will challenge you to pursue genuine faith that transforms you from the inside out.

What is in a name?Throughout Scripture, God reveals that His name is far more than a title—it reveals His nature, His character, His authority, and His covenant with His people. In this powerful message, Pastor Josiah Elias unpacks the beauty, power, and supremacy of the name of Jesus, the only name by which mankind can be saved.From the prophetic promise that God's people would know His name, to the hope found in Christ, to the authority demonstrated in the book of Acts, this sermon reveals why the name of Jesus is unlike any other. It is the name that heals the sick, delivers the oppressed, casts out darkness, brings salvation, and calls every heart to repentance. As the sons of Sceva discovered, the name of Jesus is not a magical phrase to be spoken—it carries authority for those who truly know Him and belong to Him.Pastor Josiah also explores Jesus' divine identity as the great "I AM," the fullness of God in bodily form, the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace, the Alpha and the Omega, and the only way to the Father. This message is a call to honor His holy name, trust in His saving power, and live with a passion that reflects His Kingdom.One day every knee will bow, every tongue will confess, and every nation will declare that Jesus Christ is Lord. Until that day, may His name remain the hope of the world and the center of our worship.

What does it truly mean to be all in for Jesus?In this powerful message, Pastor Josiah Elias unpacks one of the most profound acts of faith found in Scripture—the offering of the poor widow in Mark 12. While others gave out of their abundance, one unnoticed widow gave everything she had. Jesus wasn't impressed by the amount that was given; He was moved by the heart behind the gift.This sermon challenges us to examine our own hearts. Are we serving God from our surplus, or from complete surrender? Are we holding anything back, or have we entrusted every part of our lives to Him?Discover how generosity is more than financial giving—it's a reflection of wholehearted devotion. Learn why God sees both what we give and how we give, how our giving becomes an act of worship, and why a life fully surrendered to Christ always outweighs impressive outward appearances.Whether it's your time, talents, finances, or obedience, God is calling His people to move beyond convenience and into complete trust. The Kingdom is built by people who are willing to go all in.

What are you becoming by what you behold? In this episode, Pastor Franklin joins Pastor Josiah Elias for a powerful conversation on the biblical truth that we are transformed by what we continually fix our eyes on. Together, they unpack what it means to behold Jesus, grow in His likeness, and cultivate a life marked by His presence. If you've ever wondered why spiritual transformation can feel slow or how to become more like Christ, this episode will encourage you to shift your focus toward the One who changes everything. Tune in, and you may discover that what you behold is shaping who you become.

What does it really mean to be sanctified? In this episode, Pastor Josiah Elias unpacks the biblical meaning of sanctification and explores the powerful name of God, Jehovah M'Kaddesh—"The Lord Who Sanctifies." Discover how God sets His people apart, transforms them into His likeness, and calls them to live lives of holiness. Whether you're new to the faith or looking to deepen your walk with God, this episode offers practical, biblical insight into what it means to be made holy by the One who sanctifies.

Sermon Description:What does it truly mean to be holy? In this powerful message on Jehovah M'Kaddesh—"The Lord Who Sanctifies," we discover that sanctification is not something we accomplish through our own effort, but a transforming work of God's grace in the life of every believer. From the moment we surrender to Christ, God begins setting us apart for His purposes, shaping us into His image, and calling us to live differently in a world that constantly pulls us toward compromise. This sermon explores the beauty of a life consecrated to the Lord, revealing that holiness is not about religious performance but about intimate relationship, daily surrender, and the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit. As the Lord sanctifies our hearts, minds, and lives, He removes what doesn't belong, refines our character, and prepares us to reflect the holiness of Christ. Be encouraged that the God who called you is also faithful to complete the work He began in you. Jehovah M'Kaddesh is still setting His people apart, purifying His Church, and preparing a spotless Bride for the return of Jesus Christ.

In this powerful and convicting message from Matthew 23, Pastor Josiah Elias exposes the danger of hypocrisy and reveals what authentic Christlike leadership truly looks like. As Jesus confronts the Pharisees, we're reminded that God is not impressed by outward appearances, religious titles, or public recognition—He is looking for hearts marked by humility, integrity, and obedience. This sermon challenges every believer to reject performance-based religion and instead become people whose private lives match their public confession.Discover why healthy spiritual leaders are called to point people to Jesus rather than themselves, walk alongside others instead of carrying them, and reflect the character of Christ in every area of life. Through the example of Jesus—the greatest servant of all—we learn that true greatness is found not in being exalted by people, but in humbling ourselves before God. If you've ever struggled with disappointment in leadership, wrestled with religious performance, or desire to grow in genuine discipleship, this message will encourage you to pursue the humility that attracts the presence of God and transforms lives from the inside out.

"Rebuild" In part one of this series, Pastor Josiah challenges us to examine the very foundation upon which we are building our lives. Drawing from Jesus's parable in Luke 6 about two builders, we are confronted with a critical question: what are our dreams, goals, and daily decisions actually built upon. 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  

There's No Such Thing as a Junior Holy Spirit is a powerful conversation with some of the younger members of our church as they share their personal encounters with the Holy Spirit. Through their stories, they remind us that God speaks, moves, and transforms lives regardless of age. This episode is a faith-building reminder that the Holy Spirit isn't limited by years. He desires a real relationship with everyone, young and old alike.

Why does your faith get weaker when your life gets better? Most of us have felt it and never said it out loud. When things fall apart, we cling to God. When things fall together, we quietly forget him. And nobody warns you about the second one.In this sermon, Pastor Josiah opens up one of the most sobering stories in the Bible, King Solomon, to teach us why starting strong is nothing like finishing faithful. Solomon started with everything you would want in a leader. God poured out wisdom on him. He built the temple. He led with peace and prosperity. Kings from other lands traveled just to hear him speak. And yet by the end of his life, the wisest man who ever lived was building shrines to false gods and drifting so far from God that the entire kingdom of Israel would split in two because of it.Pastor Josiah walks us through Deuteronomy 17:16 to 17, where God gave the future kings of Israel three specific warnings. Do not multiply horses. Do not multiply wives. Do not multiply silver and gold. Not because those things were evil, but because God knew they had the power to master the human heart. Solomon knew every one of these warnings. He wrote most of the book of Proverbs. And he violated all three (1 Kings 10 and 11).Pastor Josiah pulls three sobering truths from Solomon's story. First, God's boundaries are not restrictions of joy. They are guardrails for devotion, and whatever God puts a boundary around usually points to what has power to capture your heart. Second, a lack of fear of the Lord is the invitation for erosion. Solomon did not lack wisdom. He lacked submission to the wisdom he had. Third, starting strong is not the same as finishing faithful. Faithfulness is not proven by how you begin. It is revealed by whether you continue.And then the message lands where every Counterfeit Kings sermon lands. Solomon started strong but Jesus finished faithful. Solomon had wisdom, but Jesus is wisdom. Solomon's heart was divided, but Jesus stayed perfectly surrendered. He is the true and better Solomon, and our confidence is not in our ability to hold on to him but in his ability to hold on to us.Pastor Josiah's practical challenge is worth writing down. Name what is getting too big in your life. Let one or two trusted people question your drift. Return to daily surrender. What you keep feeding will eventually start leading, and the strongest guard is not what you build around your kingdom, but what you guard in your heart.If you have been quietly drifting through a comfortable season, this teaching is for you.

In this faith-building message on El Gibbor—The Mighty God, we discover the incomparable power, strength, and majesty of the God who fights for His people and empowers the weak. From Isaiah's prophetic declaration that the coming Messiah would be called "Mighty God" to the psalmist's praise of His unsearchable greatness, this sermon reveals a God whose might has no equal and whose power never fails. Scripture reminds us that El Gibbor is not only mighty in battle, but mighty in mercy, covenant, and compassion—calling His people to love Him wholeheartedly, walk in His ways, and trust Him above every circumstance. Just as God called Gideon a "mighty man of valor" before he ever saw himself that way, He still speaks identity and courage over those who feel weak, overlooked, or inadequate. Isaiah 40 declares that while human strength fades and even the strongest grow weary, El Gibbor never grows tired, and He freely gives His strength to those who wait on Him. Whether you're facing impossible odds, battling fear, or longing for renewed hope, this message will inspire you to lift your eyes to the Mighty God who reigns over heaven and earth, renews the strength of His people, and is more than able to accomplish the impossible through those who trust in Him.

In this special Fourth of July episode, Pastor Josiah Elias sits down with Chaplain Tim Brock "Chaps" from Camp Pendleton to discuss faith, freedom, and the role of religion in the military. Together, they explore how service members navigate their beliefs while serving their country, the unique challenges of ministry in the armed forces, and the importance of spiritual resilience. Whether you're connected to the military or simply curious about the intersection of faith and service, this conversation offers meaningful insight and encouragement.

Jacob's journey to Bethel began in one of the darkest seasons of his life. Running from his past, uncertain of his future, and alone in the wilderness, he encountered the presence of God in a place he least expected. There, God revealed His covenant, promised His faithfulness, and Jacob declared, "Surely the LORD is in this place."But God's desire was never for Jacob to merely remember a sacred place—it was to know the God who met him there.Years later, God called Jacob back to Bethel. Before returning, Jacob instructed his household to put away their idols, purify themselves, and prepare their hearts for worship. This time, Jacob didn't simply revisit the place of his encounter; he built an altar and called it El Bethel—"The God of Bethel." His relationship had matured from revering a location to worshiping the God who had faithfully been with him every step of the journey.In this message, discover how God often meets us in unexpected places, calls us to leave behind the idols that compete for our hearts, and invites us into a deeper relationship with Him. Our faith cannot be built on yesterday's experiences or sacred moments alone—it must be rooted in the living God who remains faithful through every season.If you've ever found yourself longing to return to the place where you first encountered God, this message is an invitation to move beyond the memory of an experience and into a lifelong relationship with the God of every encounter.Key Scriptures:• Genesis 28:10–19• Genesis 31:13• Genesis 35:1–7Join us as we pursue the presence of Jesus, grow in His Word, and cultivate a culture like Christ at Faith Chapel San Diego.

CAN GOD CHANGE MY SEXUALITY? In this episode, Franny, Nick, and Steph join the conversation to share their personal stories of struggle, identity, and encountering Jesus in the middle of complex and deeply personal seasons of life. Together, they open up about what it looked like for them to wrestle with questions of sexuality, faith, and transformation, and how their relationship with Christ reshaped the way they understand who they are. This conversation explores healing, grace, conviction, and what it means to follow Jesus fully, even when the journey is difficult and deeply personal. Tune in for an honest and heartfelt discussion about identity, redemption, and the power of God to meet us where we are, but not leave us there!

How do you respond when someone corrects you? Listen to this message from 2 Chronicles 25, where Pastor Josiah teaches us about King Amaziah and what his life reveals about listening to the correction of others.

In this powerful Father's Day message, Pastor Josiah Elias reveals the danger of deception and the victory believers have through Jesus Christ, the Last Adam.From the Garden of Eden to the Cross of Calvary, Scripture reveals two covenant heads: Adam, whose disobedience brought sin and death into the world, and Jesus Christ, whose obedience secured righteousness, grace, and eternal life for all who believe. While deception entered through the fall, God has made a way for His people to walk in truth, discernment, and freedom.As believers, we are no longer defined by our old nature. Through Christ, we have become a new creation. Yet even today, the enemy seeks to corrupt pure devotion to Jesus through subtle compromise, distraction, and deception. This message challenges fathers, families, and every believer to remain vigilant, guard their hearts, and stay anchored in the truth of God's Word.Discover the eternal consequences of rejecting deception, the authority believers have in Christ, and the beautiful picture of redemption revealed from Adam's side in Genesis to Christ's pierced side on the Cross.This Father's Day message is a call for men to lead with discernment, for families to stand firm in truth, and for the Church to remain devoted to Jesus above all else.Key Scriptures:1 Corinthians 15:45-472 Corinthians 5:171 Timothy 2:142 Corinthians 11:2-3Romans 5:12-21Genesis 2:21John 19:34If this message encouraged you, be sure to like, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs to hear the truth that sets people free.

How should Christians respond to racism, and what role does the Church play in bringing healing and redemption? In this episode, Pastor Josiah Elias tackles a conversation that is both timely and deeply important, exploring the realities of racism through the lens of the Gospel. Together, they discuss unity, reconciliation, justice, and the redemptive power of Jesus to heal division and restore what has been broken. Whether you're wrestling with these topics personally or seeking a biblical perspective, this episode will challenge, encourage, and point you back to the heart of Christ. Tune in! You may see the Church's role in redemption in a whole new way.

Can you be close to the Kingdom of God and still miss it?In this powerful message, Pastor Josiah Elias unpacks Mark 12 and the sobering reality that knowledge alone is not enough. The Sadducees knew religion but denied the power of God. The religious teacher understood the greatest commandment, yet Jesus told him, "You are not far from the Kingdom of God."Not far.Close enough to recognize truth.Close enough to understand Scripture.Close enough to admire Jesus.Yet still not fully surrendered.The Kingdom of God is not about having a form of godliness while denying its power. It is not about religious activity replacing genuine intimacy with Christ. The Scriptures and the power of God go hand in hand, and love remains the greatest commandment.This message is a call to move beyond information and into transformation, beyond religious performance and into relationship, beyond knowing about Jesus and truly knowing Him.A good understanding cannot replace a living relationship with Christ.If you've ever wondered whether you are merely near the things of God or fully surrendered to the King, this message is for you.Key Scriptures:• Mark 12:18-34• 2 Timothy 3:5• Matthew 7:22-23• 2 Peter 1:3-4At Faith Chapel, our vision is simple: Jesus. Our prayer is that this message would draw you into a deeper relationship with Him and awaken a fresh hunger for His presence, His Word, and His power.Culture Like Christ.Vision: Jesus.

EL OLAM | The Everlasting GodWho is God when generations come and go? Who remains when kingdoms rise and fall? Who was there before the beginning and will still reign after the end?In this powerful message, we explore the name El Olam—The Everlasting God. First revealed through Abraham in Genesis 21, El Olam reveals a God who is eternal in His nature, unchanging in His character, and faithful through every generation.While everything around us is temporary, God stands outside of time. He never grows weary, never loses understanding, and never fails to fulfill His promises. He is the Ancient of Days, seated upon His eternal throne, ruling with wisdom, power, and glory that knows no end.Through the finished work of Jesus Christ, the Everlasting God has established an everlasting covenant with His people. The same God who sustained Abraham, strengthened the prophets, and raised Jesus from the dead is still working today—equipping His people for every good work and leading them as the Great Shepherd of the sheep.This message will encourage you to anchor your faith in the One whose kingdom is everlasting, whose promises are eternal, and whose presence remains constant through every season of life.Key Scriptures:• Genesis 21:33• Hebrews 13:20-21• Isaiah 40:28• Daniel 7:9-10• Psalm 145:13No matter what changes around you, El Olam remains the same—yesterday, today, and forever.Culture Like Christ. Vision: Jesus.

To the Ends of the Earth | Week 10 | Who Are You? | Pastor Josiah Thomas | Life Center Tacoma Acts 19:11-15 (CSB) Believe in the POWER of God Acts 19:11-12 (CSB) Know the PERSON of Jesus Acts 19:13-15 (CSB) Matthew 7:21-23 (CSB) Respond with ACTION Acts 19:16-20 (CSB) Luke 9:23-24 (CSB) Acts 19:20 (CSB) 2 Corinthians 5:17 (CSB)

As we continue in our new series on the Foundations of the Church, Pastor Josiah built on what we looked at last week, as he examined the supernatural change that comes from the proclamation of God's word. No matter who you are or where you've come from, we all must be born again in order to be part of God's family and gain access into his Kingdom. In his exposition of John 3:1-21, Pastor Josiah showed us how Christ's church is made up of sinful people who have been born from above and are being made new by the power of the Holy Spirit!

Creatives Are Created by the Creator with Arkeli Johnson is an inspiring conversation about creativity, worship, and partnering with the Holy Spirit. Together, they explore the responsibility of creatives to steward their gifts with integrity, give God the glory, and resist the temptation to seek recognition for themselves. Whether you're a musician, artist, entrepreneur, or creator of any kind, this episode will encourage you to create from a place of surrender, purpose, and devotion to the One who created you.

This week, Pastor Josiah kicked off our new series “Foundations of the Church” with a sermon entitled, “A Firm Foundation,” centered on 2 Timothy 4:1-8. In his message, Pastor Josiah shares how a faithful church is built on the Word of God, guarded by his Word, and sent out with his Word to reach the nations with the hope of the Gospel. The only way for a church to persevere until Christ's return is to be built on the firm foundation of God's word.

"Once Saved, Always Saved?" is a thoughtful conversation with Pastor Josiah Elias and George Elias exploring one of Christianity's most debated questions: Can a believer lose their salvation, or is it secure forever? Together, they dive into what Scripture says about salvation, faith, free will, and walking away from God. Whether you've wrestled with this question yourself or want a deeper understanding of both perspectives, this episode offers a biblical and balanced discussion on a topic that has sparked debate for generations.

What do you do when you don't know what to do?Listen to Pastor Josiah as he teaches from 2 Chronicles 17–20, where King Jehoshaphat shows us how God's people respond in times of crisis: we pray, and we sing.

Down to Ride with special guest Daniel Jordan is a conversation about loyalty, purpose, and staying grounded through life's challenges. Daniel Jordan shares insights from his journey, highlighting resilience, faith, and what it means to remain committed in every season.Tune in for an honest and encouraging discussion on staying steady and true to what matters most.

On this powerful Pentecost Sunday, Pastor Josiah Elias brings a life-changing message titled “The Great Exchange.” At the cross, Jesus took our sin, shame, pain, and bondage so we could receive His righteousness, freedom, healing, and the power of the Holy Spirit. Pentecost was never meant to be just a historical moment — it was the beginning of a supernatural outpouring that is still transforming lives today. This message will challenge you to fully surrender, receive what Christ paid for, and walk in the new life God has prepared for you. If you've been carrying burdens, battling spiritually, or hungry for a fresh encounter with God, this sermon is for you. The same Spirit that fell in the Upper Room is still moving today with power, fire, deliverance, and salvation. Don't just watch this message for yourself — share it with someone who needs hope, freedom, and a touch from God.

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When God feels painfully late to show up, what are you supposed to do? When you have prayed, trusted, and stayed faithful, and the relationship still fell apart, the door still closed, the diagnosis still came, the child still kept running. This sermon walks straight into that tension and refuses to look away.Pastor Josiah opens with a question most of us are quietly carrying. How do we trust Jesus when his timing breaks our expectations? He starts with a story you have probably felt a version of, the marathon of waiting in line at Disneyland, where everyone is asking the same question. Is it worth the wait? Then he names the harder version of that question we ask in real life. What if God could just give us a timeline? What if he would say, the grief lasts eight months, the anxiety lifts in a year, the prayer gets answered Tuesday at 4:15. But that is not how faith works. God rarely gives us a timeline. Instead, he gives us himself.From there, Pastor Josiah moves into John chapter 11, the story of Lazarus, Mary, and Martha. Jesus gets the message that his friend is sick, and what does he do? He waits two more days. The verse says it almost shockingly. Although Jesus loved them, he stayed where he was. Pastor Josiah unpacks three truths from this chapter that meet you exactly where you are when life feels stuck.Delay is not denial. The love of God is not always proven by the speed of his response. Sometimes it is revealed in what he is producing through the waiting. Some of God's deepest work happens in the waiting room, between the test and the results.Don't forget who he is. When Martha runs out to meet Jesus, she leads with disappointment. But Jesus responds not with a fix, he responds with his identity. I am the resurrection and the life. Faith is not built on outcomes. Faith is built on a person who is still faithful, still sovereign, still near, still good.Gratitude comes before the movement. At the tomb, with Lazarus still dead inside, Jesus thanks the Father before anything visible has changed. Anyone can worship after resurrection. Mature faith thanks God while the situation looks exactly the same.Pastor Josiah lands on the most beautiful picture of the gospel in the whole story. The only barrier between Lazarus and Jesus was a stone. The only barrier between you and God is sin, and Jesus is the one who rolls the stone away and calls dead things back to life. Then he turns to his people and says, unwrap him. The church is invited into the slow, sanctifying work of walking with people coming out of the grave with their grave clothes still on.If you have been spiritually exhausted, carrying disappointment so long that hope itself feels dangerous, this teaching from Pastor Josiah is for you.

What does it actually sound like to hear from God? In this episode, guest speaker Jon Hall joins Pastor Josiah Elias for a powerful conversation on discerning God's voice, growing in intimacy with Him, and learning to recognize when He's speaking. Whether you've struggled to hear God or want to grow deeper in your relationship with Him, this episode will encourage, challenge, and equip you. Tune in — you may hear God differently after this conversation.

In his sermon, “The Mercy That Makes Us Useful” centered on Titus 3:1-8, Pastor Josiah shared how we as believers should live in light of God's incredible mercy. Since God has saved us by his mercy, believers must devote themselves to good works before all people so that God can use us to advance the gospel and bring him glory!

Why does God feel painfully late on the prayer you have been praying for years? The one for the marriage, the child, the healing, the door that still has not opened. If you have ever wondered whether God is even listening, this sermon was made for you.In this message, Pastor Josiah walks through John 11, the story of Lazarus, and asks a question almost no one wants to admit they are sitting in. How do we trust Jesus when his timing breaks our expectations? Most of us have a version of that question quietly running in the background of our lives. We have prayed. We have trusted. We have stayed faithful. And yet the relationship is still in pieces. The diagnosis still came back the way we feared. The child still has not come home. The anxiety is still here.Pastor Josiah pulls three honest, freeing truths out of this chapter. First, delay is not denial. Verse 6 says Jesus loved Martha, Mary, and Lazarus, so he stayed. Not so he rushed. So he stayed. That single word reframes everything. The love of God is not always measured by the speed of his response. Sometimes it is measured by what he is producing in the silence.Second, do not forget who he is. When Martha runs to Jesus, disappointed and grieving, he does not give her a five step plan. He gives her himself. I am the resurrection and the life. Faith is not built on outcomes. Faith is built on a Person. Some of us have become so consumed with what God has not done that we have forgotten who he still is.Third, gratitude comes before the movement. Before Jesus calls Lazarus out of the tomb, he stops and thanks his Father. The stone is still in place. The body is still inside. And Jesus is already worshiping. Pastor Josiah points out that anyone can worship after the resurrection. Mature faith worships while the grave is still in front of you.The sermon lands somewhere most preaching does not dare go. Jesus, knowing exactly what he was about to do, still wept at the tomb. He is not emotionally disconnected from your pain. He is fully God and fully human, and he enters in. Faith is not pretending you are okay. Faith is bringing your real pain to a real Savior who already knows the end of the story.And the end of this story is the gospel itself. Lazarus, whose name actually means God is my helper, was dead, wrapped, sealed in a tomb, with every reason gone. And Jesus stood at the entrance and called him out. That is what Pastor Josiah reminds us he still does today. To every person sitting in their sin, their past, their addiction, their shame, Jesus is on the other side of the wall calling, come out. The barrier is already gone.

In this powerful and eye-opening message, “Guarding Against Deception,” Pastor Josiah Elias walks through the fall of humanity in Genesis 3 to expose how deception subtly pulls hearts away from pure devotion to God. From the very beginning, the serpent twisted God's truth, causing Eve to question what the Lord had spoken even though she was already created in His image and likeness. This sermon reveals the dangerous progression of deception: God speaks truth, the enemy questions it, conversation with the lie begins, desire is awakened, and sin follows. Pastor Josiah powerfully challenges believers not to allow culture, emotions, personal desires, or the voice of the enemy to disciple them more than the Word of God. Through the words of Jesus in John 8, we are reminded that Satan is the father of lies, but those who belong to God hear and obey His voice. Even after the fall, God named Eve “the mother of all living,” proving that failure does not have to define identity or destiny. This message is a sobering call for the Church to stay rooted in truth, guard the heart against compromise, and recognize that deception is not simply believing wrong information—it is trusting any voice more than God's.

In this powerful Midweek Encounter message on Jehovah Ra'ah—“The Lord My Shepherd”—we uncover the heart of God as the Shepherd who faithfully leads, protects, restores, and calls His people by name. From Jacob blessing Joseph and declaring that God had shepherded him all his life, to Jesus revealing Himself in John 10 as the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep, this sermon paints a beautiful picture of Christ's personal care and guidance over every season of our lives. In a world full of noise, strangers, and confusion, the voice of the Shepherd still calls His flock to follow Him with trust and intimacy. Psalm 23 reminds us that under His leadership there is peace, provision, restoration, comfort, and fearless hope even in the valley of the shadow of death. Jesus looked upon the weary and scattered multitudes with compassion, recognizing sheep without a shepherd, and continues today to raise up pastors, leaders, and laborers to equip the Church and gather the harvest. This message will encourage you to draw near to the Shepherd who never abandons His sheep, whose goodness and mercy pursue you all the days of your life, and whose presence carries you safely home.

In this powerful podcast message on Jehovah Kanna—“The Lord Who is Jealous”—we uncover the fiery passion of God for the hearts of His people. Through Exodus 34, Scripture reveals that God's jealousy is not rooted in insecurity, but in covenant love; He refuses to share the worship, affection, and devotion that belong to Him alone. Just as Elijah confronted Israel on Mount Carmel asking, “How much longer will you waver between two opinions?”, this message challenges believers to examine the altars, idols, and divided loyalties that can slowly pull our hearts away from wholehearted surrender to God. From the consuming fire of Deuteronomy to Paul's burden in Romans and Corinthians, we see a God who longs to draw His people back into intimacy, stirring holy jealousy so hearts would return to Him in repentance and truth. Even in our wandering, Hosea reveals the tenderness of God, who lovingly calls His people back into the wilderness to speak to them again. This sermon is a passionate call to destroy compromise, rekindle zeal for the house of God, and respond to the One whose love burns fiercely for His people—a God who is not content with partial devotion, but desires all of us.

In this convicting and powerful message entitled “Withering Religion,” Pastor Josiah Elias unpacks Jesus' encounter with the barren fig tree in Matthew 21, revealing a sobering warning against outward religion that looks alive but bears no real fruit. Just as the fig tree was full of leaves yet empty within, Jesus confronted a religious culture that honored God with words while their hearts remained distant from Him. Through the connection between the fig tree and the inner life, this sermon challenges believers to examine the authenticity of their devotion—because how deep is our relationship with Christ if we cannot truly recognize His voice, His presence, or His heart? Pastor Josiah calls the Church beyond appearances, reminding us that true discipleship is proven through love, integrity, faith, and intimacy with Jesus rather than empty performance. While dead religion withers, genuine faith moves mountains, releases the impossible through Christ, and produces lasting fruit in the lives of those planted deeply in God's presence. This message is a wake-up call for religion to die so people can truly encounter Christ, becoming like trees planted by living water whose leaves never wither and whose lives continually bear fruit for the glory of God.

What is the difference between passively waiting for Christ's return and actively waiting for his second coming? In his sermon centered on Titus 2:11-15, Pastor Josiah outlines the key elements in waiting well for Christ's return.

Even in the face of undeniable miracles, many who encountered Jesus still chose not to believe—revealing a sobering truth that encountering God's power does not automatically produce faith. This message unpacks the tension between revelation and resistance, showing how the condition of the heart determines whether truth is received or rejected. While God's desire is that none would perish, Scripture makes it clear that people can harden their hearts, just like Pharaoh, resisting the very grace meant to lead them to repentance. Yet the invitation remains urgent and open: today is the day of salvation. Jesus stands as the full expression of the Father, the light sent into darkness so that all who trust in Him would step into life. This sermon calls us to examine what we truly value—human approval or the praise of God—and challenges us to choose life by fully surrendering in faith and obedience. In the end, God has entrusted us with the power to choose, and knowing Him is eternal life—so the question remains: will you respond to His voice, or resist the truth that leads to freedom?

Have you ever found yourself going back to the same habit, the same sin, the same pattern — even knowing it never really satisfies?You're not alone. And this week's message goes straight to the heart of why that happens.We're in a series called The Good Fight, and this week Pastor Josiah opens in Genesis 25 with one of the most honest, human stories in all of Scripture — the moment Esau trades his entire birthright for a bowl of stew. One impulsive decision. One moment of hunger. And a future forfeited for something that was gone before he even stood up from the table.It sounds almost too simple to be our story too. But it is.Because temptation doesn't usually come in the form of obvious rebellion. It comes in the form of exhaustion, urgency, and the quiet lie that this time it will actually satisfy. That's how sin works — it inflates a temporary craving until it feels ultimate, and shrinks something eternal until it feels optional.This message asks a hard and beautiful question: How do we stop trading what is eternal for what is immediate?Together, we walk through three honest truths from God's Word.You can't resist what you haven't recognized. Awareness is where the battle begins — not condemnation, but the kind of honest, Spirit-led examination that Psalm 139 invites us into. Search me, O God, and know my heart.Resistance requires endurance. Galatians 6:9 reminds us that Paul doesn't warn us about getting tired of doing evil. He warns us about getting tired of doing good. Because obedience is often exhausting, unrewarded in the moment, and invisible to everyone around you. But God's harvest is real — it just comes on His timeline, not ours.You were made to be a vessel, not a consumer. Esau's deepest failure wasn't impatience — it was identity confusion. He forgot what he was made to carry. And when you forget who God made you to be, you start living for what you can get instead of what you were called to pour out.This isn't a message about trying harder. It's a message about trusting deeper — trusting that what God has for you is genuinely better than what's right in front of you.If you've been wrestling with the same sin, the same pattern, the same discouragement — this one is for you.

This Sunday we began a new series through Paul's letter to Titus. As we examined the introduction of Paul's letter together, Pastor Josiah challenged us to anchor our faith in the unfailing promises of God.

What are you worried about? What are you afraid of? In this week's sermon, Pastor Josiah shows us how Christ came in power and authority over our biggest fear and our greatest enemy through a message centered on Luke 8:22-56.

What distractions are choking out the spiritual growth in your life right now? Are you close to Christian things, or are you actually hearing and doing the Word of God?In this week's message, centered on Luke 8:1-21, Pastor Josiah shows us how Jesus makes it plain that hearing God's Word always demands a response. This message is a call to examine the soil of your heart. It is time to press past shallow religion, church familiarity, and outward association with Christian things, and determine whether the gospel has truly taken root in your life or not.