Podcasts about pastor josiah

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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.

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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 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 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.

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 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.

Seated & Sent In part one of this sermon series, Pastor Josiah explores the transformative truth that believers are not victims of their circumstances but victors through Christ Jesus. This message emphasizes that Jesus became our "holy substitute" (propitiation), taking our place and securing complete victory over sin, death, and all opposing forces. Because believers are spiritually seated with Christ in heavenly places, they possess delegated authority to speak into situations that contradict God's Word. 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 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?

"Let the Dust Settle" In part four of this series, Pastor Josiah focuses on Isaiah 43:18-19, emphasizing that God is working beneath the surface of our circumstances even when we cannot see visible change. Just as plants develop roots underground before breaking through the soil, God is preparing breakthroughs in areas where believers have been praying and waiting. 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 this powerful Midweek Encounter, we dive into the story of Hagar in Genesis 16—a story of pain, impatience, and broken human decisions, yet met by the overwhelming mercy of God. When Sarai and Abram took matters into their own hands, striving to fulfill God's promise their own way, it led to division, rejection, and deep suffering for Hagar, who fled into the wilderness feeling unseen and abandoned. But it was there, in her lowest moment, that the angel of the Lord met her and revealed a profound truth: God hears and God sees. Hagar encounters the living God and calls Him “the God who sees me,” reminding us that even when we feel overlooked, mistreated, or forgotten, the Lord is fully aware of our pain and intimately involved in our story. Tying into Matthew 6 and 10, we're reminded that our Father knows our needs before we ask and values us far beyond what we can comprehend—even down to the smallest details of our lives. This message calls us to trust God's timing, surrender control, and rest in the assurance that we are never unseen, unheard, or unloved.

"Let the Dust Settle" In part three of this series, Pastor Josiah encourages believers to pause in God's presence when emotions rise, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide decisions and responses rather than acting impulsively from anger, fear, or other strong feelings; allowing our flesh (the "dust") to settle rather than being driven by emotions and feelings. By practicing "Selah" - pausing in God's presence - believers can gain spiritual clarity and produce the fruit of the Spirit rather than the destructive outcomes of flesh-driven living. 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  

Step into a powerful message from Pastor Josiah Elias on Jehovah Tsidkenu—“The Lord Our Righteousness”—where the promise of Jeremiah 23 meets the fulfillment in Jesus Christ. This sermon unpacks how Jesus, the righteous Branch, became the Lamb who takes away the sin of the world, inviting us not just to be forgiven, but transformed. Through the lens of John 15, Romans 6, and Galatians 2:20, you'll discover what it truly means to be crucified with Christ, made new, and empowered by the Holy Spirit to walk in righteousness—not by striving, but by abiding. This message calls believers to leave behind the old life, resist sin's grip, and fully embrace their identity as sons and daughters clothed in Christ, carrying His righteousness into the world as ambassadors of reconciliation.

In this bold and eye-opening message, Pastor Josiah Elias unpacks the moment Jesus cleansed the temple in Matthew 21, revealing that sometimes divine cleansing doesn't look peaceful—it looks like disruption. What appeared to be chaos was actually Jesus restoring what was sacred, confronting a system that had turned God's house into a place of profit instead of prayer. Drawing from Jeremiah 7 and Isaiah 56, this sermon exposes the danger of mixing worship with selfish gain and challenges believers to examine their own hearts: have we made room for God, or have we replaced intimacy with performance? As Jesus overturns tables, He also heals the broken and welcomes the overlooked, showing that true revival makes space for purity, prayer, and presence. With powerful insight, Pastor Josiah reminds us that what Jesus says must matter—and often, it's the least expected voices, like children, who carry the clearest revelation of His kingdom.

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.

Let the Dust Settle In part two of this series, Pastor Josiah challenges us as believers to move beyond merely trying to resist the flesh and instead intentionally train to walk in the Spirit. He emphasizes making "no provision for the flesh" while actively filling ourselves with God's presence. When we are empty and weary, life's pressures crush us, but when filled with the Spirit through God's Word, prayer, worship, and community, we can withstand these same pressures and run the race God has set before 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  

Discover the powerful revelation of the Lord as Jehovah Tsidkenu—The Lord Our Righteousness in this convicting and hope-filled message. Through the prophetic words of Jeremiah, we see a world corrupted by false voices, compromised leaders, and hearts led astray—yet in the middle of darkness, God promises a coming King, the righteous Branch, who will reign in truth, justice, and holiness. This episode unpacks how that promise is fulfilled in Jesus—the true Vine—who not only calls us into righteousness but becomes our righteousness. From the fire of God's Word that shatters deception to the invitation to abide in Him and bear lasting fruit, this message will challenge you to discern truth, reject compromise, and remain deeply rooted in Christ. You are not made righteous by your striving, but by abiding in the One who is righteous—Jehovah Tsidkenu.

Can I Get a Witness? — Pastor Josiah Elias delivers a powerful reminder that the resurrection of Jesus is the foundation of our faith and the source of life-changing transformation. He emphasizes that Christianity isn't merely information but testimony: the risen Christ brings freedom from depression, addiction, adultery, and despair, proving His reality through transformed lives. Pastor Josiah underscores that Jesus' death and resurrection were God's redemptive plan—confirmed by Scripture, miracles, and eyewitness testimony—and that the joy of the cross was ultimately for our salvation and restoration.Filled with the Holy Spirit, believers are called to be bold witnesses of Jesus “in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Using the recent miraculous recovery of his cousin Danny—brought back to life after being shocked seventy times—as a living sign of revival, Pastor Josiah challenges the church to live aligned with Christ as salt and light. May an encounter with the living Jesus reshape our lives so we can testify to His power, mercy, and resurrection.

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.

On Palm Sunday we explored how Jesus wins by humility, not force.Pastor Josiah unpacked Matthew 21, Luke 19 and Zechariah 9:9: the King rode a donkey to confront sin and death, not Rome. His humility models a different kind of victory—God's conquering power comes through peace, not pride. Practical application: examine your conflicts (work, family, neighbors), your goals in them, and consider humility, reconciliation, and service instead of winning.Illustrations and encouragement: a personal reconciliation story, the LORD as Jehovah Shalom (our peace), Peter walking on the water when focused on Jesus, and Romans 16:20's promise that God will ultimately crush evil. Final call: lay down status and pride, follow Christ's humble example, and let your life praise Him.Scripture highlights: Matthew 21; Luke 19; Zechariah 9:9; John 12; Romans 16:20; James 4:6.Read more about the service here: https://www.faithchapelsd.com/post/red-letters-conquering-humility-3-29-26-pastor-josiah-elias

In this Easter Message, Pastor Josiah explains the resurrection wasn't a frantic escape but a completed work—Jesus didn't need the burial cloth anymore because death was finished, not final. This small detail reveals that the same God who carefully folded a cloth in the midst of conquering death also cares intimately about the smallest details of our lives. Jesus' resurrection 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  

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.

This Palm Sunday sermon explores the profound significance of Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem on a donkey colt. Rather than simply commemorating a historical event, the message reveals how Jesus intentionally chose the donkey to signal that He came to bring peace between God and humanity—not through military conquest, but through His sacrificial death on the cross. 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 episode explores the powerful name **Jehovah Sabaoth—“The Lord of Hosts,” the God of Heaven's armies—**revealing Him as both a tender listener and a mighty warrior. Through Hannah's anguish in 1 Samuel, we see that the Lord of Hosts is deeply personal, attentive to the cries of the broken, and faithful to remember and respond. Yet in David's bold declaration and Jehoshaphat's victory, we encounter the same God as the Commander of angel armies, fighting battles His people cannot win on their own. Jehovah Sabaoth is the One who invites us to surrender, worship, and trust, knowing the battle belongs to Him—His zeal secures victory, His presence brings peace, and His power establishes His purposes. If God is for us, no force can stand against us.

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.

In Joshua 4, the Israelites built a memorial to remember what God had done for them—and that same call to remembrance echoed through this powerful service. Josh Munoz reminded us to thank God wholeheartedly, and Pastor Josiah Elias announced Greg Hendricks' transition from director to pastor, urging us to lead others to Jesus and to steward well what God has given. In John 12, Mary anointed Jesus' feet with costly perfume, filling the house with the fragrance of pure worship—a beautiful act showing that true breakthrough and obedience move the needle not just for us, but for others too. Through stories of faith, healing, and surrender—from the official's son to the woman who touched Jesus' garment—we were reminded that God delights in His people (Isaiah 62:4; Zephaniah 3:17) and that our obedience can bring freedom and faith to entire households. May we continue to be salt and light, moving the needle for the glory of Christ.

“What a God! What a God!” we sang as His presence filled the room. Pastor Josiah reminded us that Faith Chapel's mission is to culture like Christ and our vision is Jesus. Continuing from past messages of “Championship Faith” and Bartimaeus' healing, we encountered Zacchaeus—the rich tax collector who climbed a sycamore tree to see Jesus. Though Zacchaeus tried to hide, Jesus saw him, called him by name, and brought salvation to his house. Pastor Josiah emphasized that we can't hide forever; God sees us even in our shame and calls us into His light. Just like Zacchaeus, one encounter with Jesus transforms everything—He seeks, He saves, and He restores what was broken.

In this powerful message from Luke 19, we're reminded that the arrival of God's kingdom is not primarily about timing but about a Person—Jesus—who came “to seek and save the lost,” and whose presence brings the kingdom wherever He is. Using the parable of the nobleman and his servants, Pastor Josiah calls us to take seriously the assignments and opportunities we've been entrusted with now, because our faithfulness in the present realm prepares us for greater responsibility in the coming realm. The sermon warns against a fearful, passive faith that hides what's been given and instead urges risk, investment, and bold obedience—because sitting on what God gives results in loss, while faithful use multiplies it. The bottom line: make Jesus and His word your priority, let them shape how you live, and then step out to blitz culture with the message and power of God—He's already given you what you need to honor Him.

This message reveals the power and majesty of El Elyon — God Most High, the One who rules above all powers, kingdoms, and names. From Melchizedek blessing Abram to the fiery furnace where Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego stood unshaken, we see that El Elyon is not just sovereign in title but supreme in authority and presence. He alone establishes boundaries for the seas, commands the angels, and reigns as refuge for those who dwell in His shadow. Jesus, our eternal High Priest in the order of Melchizedek, embodies this same Most High God — the One who delivers, protects, and reigns forever. This sermon calls us to recognize His unmatched supremacy, to place no other gods before Him, and to live anchored in the confidence that there is truly no other God who can rescue, reign, or redeem like El Elyon.

Have you ever felt unworthy of God's grace? Have you ever felt too ashamed to come to Christ with your sins? If so, then this message is for you! In his message, “A Savior For Sinners,” centered on Luke 5:1-32, Pastor Josiah shows us how Jesus came to seek and to save those who are lost or have tried to hide from his presence for fear that they will be rejected or condemned. God's word tells us that Jesus did not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance! Therefore, today is the day to come to Jesus in repentant faith, because he alone has the power to forgive your sins.

In this powerful message, Pastor Josiah reminds us that our mission is to culture like Christ and our vision is Jesus. Looking at the story of Bartimaeus in Mark 10, we see how our true identity in Christ should shape our circumstances—not the other way around. Like Bartimaeus, we are called to throw off the old coat, cry out in faith, and pursue Jesus with everything in us. When we understand who we are in Him—chosen, redeemed, forgiven, and loved—our breakthroughs become moments that lead us into deeper devotion. May this message stir your heart to trust, surrender, and follow Jesus wherever He leads.

Experience a powerful move of God in this service filled with Spirit-led worship, baptisms, and communion as Faith Chapel closes the Daniel Fast and reflects on what it means to truly follow Jesus. Pastor Josiah Elias preaches “Built in the Shadows,” reminding us that in the Kingdom of God, success isn't measured by what we have but by Who we follow. Through 1 Corinthians and Matthew 19, we learn that surrender, not possession, brings freedom—that it's not about the what but the Who. Joined by Pastors Ashley and Greg Elias, this message calls us to release what holds us back, draw closer to Jesus, and live for His glory. Watch now and be encouraged to seek the Kingdom first and let Jesus be Lord over every part of your life.

Pain, frustration, and discouragement are unavoidable realities of life and work. From tedious tasks and unmet expectations to seasons of deep grief, loss, and hardship—pain has a way of shaping how we see ourselves, our work, and even God. In this message, Josiah Kish invites us to wrestle honestly with pain through the lens of Scripture. Drawing from Lamentations 3, written by the prophet Jeremiah in the aftermath of profound loss, we are reminded that pain is not a sign of God's absence—but often the very place where God meets us most deeply. Jeremiah does not minimize suffering. He names it fully—describing it as wormwood and poison. Yet, remarkably, in the midst of devastation, he declares hope. Why? Because hope is not rooted in circumstances, but in the unchanging character of God—His steadfast love, His mercies that are new every morning, and His enduring faithfulness. This message explores three powerful truths: Pain is the grim reality of a broken world Hope in pain flows from trusting God's character Pain carries an invitation—to wait on God, to be formed, and to draw closer to Him Ultimately, this sermon points us to the Gospel, where we see pain fully embodied in Christ Himself. Jesus enters our suffering, bears it on the cross, and transforms it into a place of redemption and hope. The Gospel empowers us not to escape pain, but to meet God within it. Whether your pain comes from work stress, disappointment, unemployment, caregiving, study, or seasons of deep personal loss, this message offers an invitation: to see pain not as the end of hope, but as the doorway through which God does His deepest work in us.

How can we know with certainty that Jesus Christ is the promised Messiah and long-awaited Savior of mankind? Tune into this week's message on Luke 4:14-44, as Pastor Josiah lays out the supporting evidence that demands a verdict.

Faith Chapel lifted their voices declaring, “You've never failed me yet,” a reminder that though people may fail us, the Lord never does. Joel Muñoz encouraged everyone to “give the Holy Spirit the right of way,” allowing Him to convict, guide, and transform every part of our lives. Pastor Josiah then highlighted the power of testimony, introducing David Moreno, who shared how God miraculously healed his rib—confirmed by doctors—after prayer with his family. Guest speaker David Diga Hernandez followed, teaching from 1 Corinthians 2:9-10 that the Holy Spirit reveals the deep things of God and invites us into continual fellowship with Him. Using an illustration of body, soul, and spirit, David explained that our true identity is found in the spirit, and we are called not to strive for growth but to align our whole being with who we already are in Christ. Instead of performing or exhausting ourselves in ministry, we are to surrender, trust, and obey—letting the Spirit's living water flow through us so that we can truly be the salt and light of the world.

When God appeared to Abram at ninety-nine years old, He revealed Himself as El Shaddai — “God Almighty” (Genesis 17:1). This was more than a name; it was a revelation of His nature. El Shaddai means the All-Sufficient One — the God who is more than enough. To a man who was old and childless, God declared that His power was not limited by human weakness. He made a covenant with Abraham, promising descendants, nations, and kings to come from him. Every time “El Shaddai” appeared again in Scripture — with Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph — it reaffirmed God's unshakable faithfulness to multiply, bless, and sustain His people beyond their ability.In the New Testament, that same power and sufficiency are revealed in Jesus Christ. As the True Vine (John 15:1), He prunes and grows His people to bear fruit. Through His authority (Matthew 28:18–20), the Church carries on the mission of El Shaddai — to multiply disciples across nations. Paul reminds us in Ephesians 4:11–13 that maturity in Christ comes when we are equipped and unified, fully dependent on His strength. Just as newborns crave pure spiritual milk (1 Peter 2:2–3), we must remain nourished by His Word to grow in the fullness of His covenant.Finally, in Revelation 1, John encounters the risen Christ — radiant, powerful, and alive forevermore. The same voice that spoke to Abraham now declares, “I am the First and the Last.” El Shaddai has not changed. He still keeps His promises, still multiplies His people, and still holds all authority in heaven and on earth. Our response, like Abraham's, is to fall before Him in worship, walk blamelessly, and trust that the Almighty is more than enough for every generation.

The service began with a powerful prayer from Pastor Tim, “We want You! Saturate this room with Your presence,” and the Lord answered—His presence filled the room so strongly that worship flowed beyond schedule, as the church chose His timeline over theirs. Pastor Josiah emphasized “His presence above everything” and encouraged alignment with God's will, reminding the church of previous teachings about going deep and wide, being productive according to God's plan, and avoiding complacency. Returning to the Red Letter series, Pastor Josiah preached “Braided” from Luke 18:1–8, where Jesus taught to “always pray and never give up.” He compared the widow's persistence before an unjust judge to our faith before a just God, urging believers to press in with prayer, endurance, and faith. He showed how Jesus braided these three truths together—always praying, never giving up, and anchoring faith in persistence. Just as Elijah's servant saw the cloud only after seven looks and the blind woman received healing after her eighth prayer, Pastor Josiah reminded everyone that faith often requires perseverance. The message concluded with a charge: to stay braided—pray continually, never give up, and anchor into faith that not only acknowledges reality but transforms it—becoming salt and light in a challenging world.

Faith Chapel began 2026 with joyful expectation—declaring that this will be an amazing year filled with God's favor! The message centered on knowing the Name of the Lord and the power that comes with it. From Isaiah 52:6 to Psalm 9:10 and 91:14, we were reminded that those who trust in His Name are protected and never forsaken. Pastor Josiah highlighted how, from Genesis to Exodus, God revealed Himself progressively—from Creator to I AM WHO I AM—the eternal, self-existent One who rescues, provides, and leads His people. In John 17:6, Jesus declared that He manifested the Father's Name to His followers, showing that knowing His Name means knowing His heart. As we step into 2026, we're invited to trust, seek, and love the Lord who makes Himself known to those who call upon His Name.

Discover the true meaning of "peace on earth" in this powerful Christmas sermon from Luke 2. Pastor Josiah explains why the peace the angels announced isn't about a calm life or perfect circumstances — it's a verdict from God, secured by the cross, and given through grace, not performance.In this Advent message on the shepherds, we explore:-Peace is a verdict, not a feeling (Romans 5:1)-Peace is given through God's favor, not our performance (Luke 2:14)-Peace is purchased by the blood of Jesus, not the manger (Colossians 1:20)If you're searching for lasting peace this Christmas season, this message will point you to the Prince of Peace.

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.

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.

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

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.