Podcasts about pastor josiah

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.

"Dinner is Served" Are we living a life of spiritual abundance, or merely surviving on stale bread and cheese? In part one of this series, Pastor Josiah challenges us to recognize the feast God has prepared for us through Jesus Christ. We're reminded that as the Good Shepherd, Jesus has set a table before us - not just for eternity, but for our daily lives. This table represents all we need for life and godliness, including peace, love, wholeness, joy, and freedom.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-onlinehttps://www.thrivecalgary.ca

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?

"I Need More___" In part five of this series, Pastor Josiah explores the concept of faithfulness as a fruit of the Spirit, emphasizing that it is not achieved through human effort alone but through abiding in Christ. We are encouraged as believers to be faithful in all areas of life, regardless of current circumstances, with the ultimate goal of hearing "Well done, good and faithful servant" from the Lord.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-onlinehttps://www.thrivecalgary.ca

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

"I Need More___" In part four of this series, Pastor Josiah delves into the powerful combination of faith and patience.  God's timing is perfect, and the 'in-between' periods are opportunities for growth and healing. As we learn to be patient with God, we naturally become more patient in other areas of our lives. This message challenges us to see waiting not as a burden, but as a gift from God - a time to seek Him, grow in faith, and prepare for the fulfillment of His promises in our lives.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-onlinehttps://www.thrivecalgary.ca

" I Need More ___" In part three of this series, Pastor Josiah explores the concept of Joy. In doing so, we discover that true joy is fundamentally different from happiness. While happiness is fleeting and dependent on circumstances, joy is a fruit of the Spirit that grows within us as we remain connected to Jesus, the true vine.  By remaining in Christ, immersing ourselves in His Word, and obeying His commands, believers can experience an overflowing joy that endures even in difficult circumstances.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-onlinehttps://www.thrivecalgary.ca

"I Need More___"In part two of this message, Pastor Josiah explores the concept of self-control through the lens of two contrasting biblical accounts: Esau's impulsive decision to trade his birthright for a bowl of stew, and Jesus' resistance to temptation in the wilderness; and how these stories reveal how our choices in moments of weakness can profoundly impact our future. We're challenged to consider: Are we living like Esau, at the mercy of our cravings, or like Jesus, empowered by the Holy Spirit to resist temptation and pursue God's will? 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-onlinehttps://www.thrivecalgary.ca

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.

"I Need More___" In part one of this series, Pastor Josiah points highlights that in our quest for peace, we often look to external circumstances, but true peace comes from within. The story of Jesus calming the storm in Mark 4 teaches us that lasting peace isn't contingent on our environment. Just as Jesus slept peacefully amidst the tempest, we too can cultivate an inner tranquility that withstands life's storms. This peace isn't about the absence of trouble, but about maintaining composure and trust in God's presence. 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-onlinehttps://www.thrivecalgary.ca

In the Kingdom, naked is being clothed! There's something about vulnerability with the Lord that has to do with putting on Christ. We've got so much available to us but it's up to us to actually clothe ourselves with what has been provided for us. Don't let what Christ has made available to us sit in the closet with the tags on. Make a conscience decision to put on Christ and change our mindsets. Elisha chose to pick up and utilize the mantle that Elijah left for him, it couldn't just sit on the ground. If it's available, that's one thing, but to actually utilize what He's given us by clothing ourselves with His promises and truths THAT IS TRULY POWERFUL!

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.

One of the most nutrient packed chapters in the Bible is Exodus 33. Moses is engaging with Yahweh and he's crying out to God out of intimacy, to show him His glory. It's a beautiful prayer birthed in the nearness of their relationship which we can all learn so much from. This encounter changed Moses. Eventually his face would shine from these kinds of encounters. But today, we have the light of Christ, living within us! We have a never fading glory that far supersedes what Moses had. It's far more beautiful! We need that cry for Him to continually show us His glory and also to understand the glory that we are already walking in.

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.

Jesus issues a powerful warning to His disciples about staying away from the leaven of the Pharisee's. This was during a time when mass ministry was taking place so much so that people were literally stepping on each other to try and get to Jesus. The table was set for authentic healthy ministry, not the phony stuff. What the misguided and stubborn Pharisee's were doing wasn't going to cut it and Jesus needed to make sure that all of His followers didn't let that leaven into their lives. We too must take this advice, heed the warning and believe the authentic to manifest in our lives. Pastor Josiah also shares a powerful prophetic dream related to John 10:10 which is a must hear!

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.

Jesus covers all the things necessary for a fully satisfied Kingdom lifestyle. When He was speaking to religious leaders in a home, He corrects some thinking that they needed to have correction on. He also addresses tithing in this crucial New Testament passage. Pastor Josiah takes us all the way back to Genesis where the very concept of tithing is introduced. Understanding where something is established will help us to understand what God wants from us to do, even if it's thousands of years later. Leaning into the lasting legacy behind generous giving to the Lord is vital for our financial and overall spiritual health. The honesty of the heart is what God is looking at above all else! Study this one out as we look into Melchizedek, Abram, Paul and of course Jesus.

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.

One of the most dramatic portions of scripture is when Elijah engaged in a showdown against 850 wicked prophets. It's a familiar story, but have you ever looked at it through the lens of fatherhood? It's so crucial to pick this nugget out of the story and let it fuel our desire to stake a claim on behalf of our families!

Of course the Lord speaks to us through dreams, but the enemy will also try to weaponize our dreams against us. If we're not aware of his strategies he'll be effective. We must be a ready people who understand the schemes of the devil and know how to disarm them. Pastor Josiah breaks down some helpful tools oh how to remain fortified from the enemy getting a foothold in your life. Don't give the enemy an inch! This message is filled with incredible insight and you can sense the power and presence of the Holy Spirit through the entirety of the podcast just like it's felt in the room. Press in and receive!

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.

Studying deep into the New Testament, looking particularly at the life of Christ we see dreams saturating the story of how Jesus was kept safe while in infancy. Dreams was a vital method of choice the Father utilized to communicate to Jesus' parents. There was also an interesting incident occurring when Jesus was put on trial to be crucified dealing with dreams. Pastor Josiah also shares a personal dream he received from the Lord while recently in Rome and walks us through interpreting what the Lord was speaking to him in a moment of vulnerability. Without dreams and valuing God's voice no matter how He chooses to speak to us, we'll always be missing a powerful tool from the Lord which we cannot afford to forfeit.

The famous “Good Samaritan” parable has a lot of nourishment for us as believers. At its core, the desire to live full of love and compassion for those all around us. Within the story we can learn a lot how we're intended to treat others, but we can also learn where the pitfalls are and attitudes and mentalities we sure should steer away from. If we're not seeing the person standing right in front of us, we're going to be blind to the needs all around us and it will make it quite difficult to live and act like Jesus. 

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!

In this powerful conclusion to our forgiveness series, Pastor Josiah unpacks how to forgive others without becoming bitter. Drawing from Colossians 3, Proverbs 19, and the teachings of Jesus, this message offers practical and biblical tools for navigating relational pain, confronting with grace, and releasing real-time forgiveness. Whether you're struggling with reconciliation, healing from deep wounds, or trying to overlook offenses, this sermon will help you experience freedom through the gospel of Jesus Christ.

“We become what we behold.” In this powerful message from 1 John 3:11–20, Pastor Josiah Kish unpacks how love—not hatred—is the true test of our spiritual vitality in Christ. From toddler questions to apple cider donuts, and from honest moments of road rage to stories of deep sacrifice, Pastor Josiah weaves humor, Scripture, and truth into a call to become people of loving action.

When was the last time you slowed down enough to hear God's voice? What do you do when God's Word is hard to receive? In a time when God's voice was rarely heard and spiritual darkness covered the land, the Lord broke His silence—not through a priest or a king, but through a young boy named Samuel. This moment would mark a turning point in Israel's history and reveal something essential about how God speaks—and how we must respond. In his message, “When God Speaks,” centered on 1 Samuel 3:1-21, Pastor Josiah explores the critical difference between those who reject God's word and those who receive it in faith. God is still speaking. The question is—are we listening?

Does your worship reflect a heart that fears and honors God—or is it centered on yourself? Are you faithfully serving the Lord even when no one notices? In a world where spiritual leadership is often compromised and worship reduced to performance, 1 Samuel 2:12–36 reveals a sobering truth: God is not indifferent to how He is worshiped. As the sons of Eli defile the priesthood with selfishness and sin, God is already at work raising up a faithful servant—Samuel—who will honor Him. In his sermon, “The Heart of Worship,” Pastor Josiah explores the contrast between corrupt and faithful worship, reminding us that God sees every heart, judges unfaithfulness righteously, and exalts those who walk humbly before Him.

Are you looking for hope in the middle of your brokenness? What if the silence you're experiencing is the soil where God is preparing your heart for the King? In a time of deep spiritual darkness, God heard the cry of a broken woman named Hannah—and through her sorrow and surrender, He began a redemptive movement that would ultimately lead to the true King. This week, Pastor Josiah preached a message centered on 1 Samuel 1:1-2:11, in which he showed how through Hannah's story, we see God remember the lowly, raise up a prophet, and prepare His people for the hope they didn't yet see coming. Hannah's story is not just about answered prayer—it's about how God works in and through our times of brokenness and despair to bring about salvation and redemption.

Are you searching for hope but not sure where to find it? Have you heard the Resurrection story but never truly experienced the risen Jesus for yourself? Mary came to the tomb expecting death—but instead, she encountered the risen Christ. In this Easter message centered on John 20:1–18, Pastor Josiah shared how Jesus meets us in our brokenness, calls us by name, and sends us out with joy. This isn't just Mary's story—it's the story of every believer! Christ's resurrection may seem like the end of the story, but it's actually the beginning of a new one. For those who profess faith in Christ, the best part of Christ's resurrection – is that it guarantees ours!

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.

When everyone else abandons you, who will stand with you? When the time comes, will Christ be your Advocate—or your Judge?In his final words to Timothy, the apostle Paul describes a time when it appeared as if he stood defeated and alone in a Roman courtroom—but Paul wasn't truly alone. In this powerful conclusion to 2 Timothy, Pastor Josiah shared how as believers, Christ stands with us in every trial, equips us for every moment, and will one day stand for us in the final judgment. Are you trying to stand on your own when you were never meant to? This message is not just about Paul's courage to stand firm for the gospel — it's about the unmerited grace that we receive from Christ and serves as a timely reminder that those who endure in Christ are never alone!

Who do you turn to when life gets tough? Could your friends count on you to stand by them in their darkest hours? In this week's message, based on 2 Timothy 4:9-15, Pastor Josiah explores how the Apostle Paul, facing his final days in a Roman prison, longed for the companionship of faithful friends like Timothy, Mark, and Luke to help him endure his hardships—emphasizing that true friends are vital for surviving life's toughest moments by pointing us to the gospel and Christ's unwavering presence. Dive into the full sermon to discover how faithful friendships not only reflect God's love but also equip us to endure until the end!

When Christ says, "On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets," what is He saying? Reading Plan: Old Testament - Numbers 24-25Psalms - Psalm 36:7-12Gospels - Matthew 22:34-46New Testament - Acts 25:1-12Visit https://www.revivalfromthebible.com/ for more information.

It takes both faith and discipline to live the Christian life. Reading Plan: Old Testament - Numbers 12-13Psalms - Psalm 34:8-14Gospels - Matthew 21:18-27New Testament - Acts 22:1-16Visit https://www.revivalfromthebible.com/ for more information.

What does it look like to confess, forgive, and be forgiven? Reading Plan: Old Testament - Numbers 1-2Psalms - Psalm 32:1-5Gospels - Matthew 19:1-15New Testament - Acts 20:1-6Visit https://www.revivalfromthebible.com/ for more information.