Podcasts about pastor keith

Pastor Keith shares a Word of hope and faith from Mark 4. 

Stepping into leadership after a legend is never easy — and Joshua 1 shows us how to do it with good success. This message explores succession, comparison, and courage through Joshua's calling to lead after Moses. You'll learn how God's promise, “As I was with Moses, so I will be with you,” speaks not just of presence but of active, divine support. We unpack the “legend syndrome” and how leaders can move forward without being trapped by idealized predecessors. The teaching highlights three anchors for healthy leadership: God's support, godly character, and intentional alignment. Whether you're leading a team, stepping into a new role, or navigating a transition, this message calls you to cling to God's Word, build alignment, and take your next faithful step.

Send us a textEXPECTATION VS. REALITYDisappointment with Life | Part 2Senior Pastor Keith StewartJanuary 11, 2026This Sunday we're going to talk honestly about the unfairness of life, the pain that shatters our assumptions, and the hope we find when we stop confusing God with our circumstances. Through the story of Job, we'll confront the shallow answers that often wound the hurting, and we'll discover the deeper comfort Job found—not in explanations, but in encountering God Himself. If you're weary, disappointed, or carrying questions you can't resolve, join us in person or online.Discussion Questions 1. Jesus told us “In this world you will have trouble” (John 16:33). Related to that is Scott Peck's summation, “Life is difficult.” What kinds of “trouble” are you facing right now—external circumstances, internal struggles, or relational conflict? How does accepting that reality change the way you interpret hardship—especially when you're tired, afraid, or disappointed? 2. “Don't confuse life with God.” Where have you seen yourself (or others) blame God for what may be “life in a broken world”? What's the difference between “life is unfair” and “God is unfair”? How do you tell the difference in real time? 3. Job is described as blameless and upright (Job 1:1), yet suffering still came. What assumptions do we tend to carry that Job's story challenges? (Examples: “If I do right, nothing bad will happen,” “God owes me protection,” etc.) 4. Job's friends tried to explain pain with certainty and clichés. What are some common “Christian phrases” people say that can unintentionally harm someone who's suffering? 5. Which of Job's friends do you most relate to at times—and why? Eliphaz (fear-based explanations)Bildad (judgment / “holier-than-thou”)Zophar (shaming to shut people down)Elihu (talking a lot without real understanding) God eventually says Job's friends “have not spoken the truth” about Him (Job 42:7).What does that teach us about the danger of speaking for God too quickly? 6. Job's suffering produced unexpected spiritual insight (hope of resurrection, redeemer, advocate). What “gift” has pain left in your life—greater compassion, deeper dependence, clearer priorities, humility, etc.? 7. The message challenges us to be careful with judgment—especially with public failures or tragedies. What does it look like to respond with truth and humility when someone else falls or suffers? Practical next step: Think of someone you know who is hurting. What's one thing you can do this week to “comfort without explaining”—to be present without preaching?

Pastor Keith shares an encouraging message from Matthew 21 about God's plans and our response to Him!

In a world that constantly pressures us to compromise, how do we remain faithful to Jesus? In Living With Conviction, we discover that worship is more than singing; it's allegiance. Using Daniel 3, we see how conviction is the key to continuing to worship Jesus in a “bow down” culture. Learn how settled obedience, trust in God's power, and confidence in His presence enable us to stand firm; even when the fire is hot.

The question today isn't, “Have you tried hard enough?” Or “Have you maintained a perfect report card?” The question is simply this: Are you resting in what Christ has already done? Follow along in Ephesians 2 as Pastor Keith shares four truths we must understand about salvation.

Pastor Keith launches us into the 40 Day Red Letter Challenge with an encouraging and challenging message from the Word. 

Our success rises and falls with our relationship to God's Word. Scripture belongs in our mouths, our meditations, and our daily movements — not to correct others, but to shape and guide us. The Holy Spirit moves when the Word is spoken, which is why the enemy works so hard to snatch, scorch, or crowd it out. If you've felt distracted, pressured, or spiritually dry, this message will help you understand why — and how to respond. Watch and rediscover how deep roots in God's Word lead to a stronger, steadier life.

Send us a textEXPECTATION VS. REALITYDisappointment with God | Part 1 Senior Pastor Keith StewartJanuary 4, 2026Some of the deepest spiritual pain isn't simply what happens to us—it's what we thought God would do and didn't. When expectations collide with reality, disappointment isn't far behind. This Sunday we're starting a new series: “Expectation vs. Reality.” We'll talk honestly about disappointment with God—where it comes from, what it reveals about what we really believe, and how that disappointment can either spiral into discouragement… or become the doorway to deeper faith and healing. If you're carrying questions, confusion, or a heavy heart—you're not alone. And you don't have to pretend. If you know someone who's walking through a hard season, feel free to share this with them.”Discussion Questions 1. Expectations reveal themselves in pain - “Expectations are never apparent until they're unfulfilled.” Where in your life right now are unmet expectations creating disappointment—and what might that disappointment be revealing about what you truly believe (about God, yourself, or life)? 2. Stealth expectations - Brené Brown calls them “stealth expectations”—the expectations we don't even know we have. What are some “silent contracts” you've placed on God or other people (unspoken demands like “You should know,” “This shouldn't happen,” “I don't deserve this”)? How have those shaped resentment or shame? 3. The spiral of disappointment - Disappointment can move toward discouragement → disillusionment → depression → defeat.Where have you seen that progression at work in your own life (or someone close to you)? What are the early warning signs that tell you you're slipping into that spiral? 4. Sorting cause and blame - The message challenged “blueprint theology” and victim-blaming, and explored the nature of life (broken world), people (sin and freedom), and God (His heart breaks first). Which of those categories helps you most right now—and which one is hardest for you to accept emotionally? 5. God can handle the truth - The Psalms give us language for honest lament, anger, confusion, and grief—without pretending. What emotions do you most struggle to bring to God (anger, fear, disappointment, sadness, doubt)? What would it look like this week to pray more like a lament psalm—honest, unfiltered, and trusting? 6. Disorientation as a doorway - Brueggemann's pattern: orientation → disorientation → reorientation. Where would you say you are in that cycle right now? What might “reorientation” look like for you—not necessarily a quick fix, but a deeper, truer relationship with God in the middle of your disappointment?

Culture is constantly trying to name us, but only God gets the final word. In this sermon from Daniel 1, we learn how Daniel remained faithful in Babylon by living from a clear identity in God. This message will help you recognize false substitute identities, engage culture with wisdom, and live resolved as a follower of Jesus.

Matthew 3:1-17

Pastor Keith's Sunday morning sermon entitled, “A Chosen Instrument”. This sermon covers Acts 9:10-16.To learn more about CCPV, visit us on our…Website: www.ccpomonavalley.comInstagram: @calvarychapelpomonavalleyFacebook: @ccpomonavalleyYouTube: @CalvaryChapelPomonaValley

The Pathway To Success Part 8 by Pastor Keith Battle by Zion Church

At Christmas time sometimes we can be so busy with festivities that we forget the reason for the season– the One who gives us hope.This is week 3 of our Christmas series on the Sherwood campus.

In this sermon, Pastor Keith challenges the chaotic spirit of this age, the expressive individualism in which the self, with all authority and autonomy, determines his or her own identity, even to the point of changing gender. From Genesis 1:26-28, known as the key text for Imago Dei and the cultural mandate, Pastor Keith calls the church to remember and recover biblical anthropology. By highlighting God's deliberation (v.26), God's creation (v.27), and God's benediction (v.28), He reminds us that God created humanity in His image, male and female, for us to bear His glory, and that the ultimate and perfect image of God was displayed in Christ Jesus who came as a man to save the fallen image-bearers to regain God's blessing.

We don't usually forget because we want to; we forget because we never stop long enough to remember. In this sermon, we explore the night Jesus was born and Mary's intentional decision to treasure what God was doing despite the noise and movement around her. Through Luke 2, we're reminded why remembering God's work strengthens our faith and renews our hope.

What legacy are you building for the next generation? This Sunday's message challenged our young adults (ages 20-40) to step into their prime season of ministry. Just as Joseph, David, Daniel, and the apostles carried God's work in their youth, now is YOUR time to lead with passion and purpose. Your faithfulness today may be your child's salvation tomorrow. Pastor Keith reminded us of 1 Timothy 4:12 – “Let no man despise thy youth, but be thou an example of the believers in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” What you do for Christ's kingdom while your children are watching will make more impact than anything else. Your influence is earned by your example, not your title. The call is clear: Give 20 years of everything you've got. Serve with zeal. Train the next generation. Don't just be a fan of the church – be a faithful follower who builds God's kingdom. The future of our church depends on those willing to step up today.

Send us a textStrong Women Strong WorldPriscilla | Part 7Senior Pastor Keith StewartAugust 10, 2025She's a teacher, leader and a valued coworker of the Apostle Paul. She is also the second most mentioned person in the writings of Paul (only Timothy has more mentions). Yet very few Christians know her story or why she matters. This Sunday, our series on strong women brings us to Priscilla____________Discussion Questions 1. Priscilla and Aquila were a couple who served God together and worked alongside each other in the tent making business. If you're married, how well would that arrangement work out between you and your spouse? Are there ways you presently serve God together? What is that like?2. Working regular jobs as tentmakers did not interfere with the calling of God on the Apostle Paul's life or that of Priscilla and Aquila. Yet so many today often view their work as unspiritual and an impediment to doing the work of God. How do we change the way we see our jobs and do our jobs so that it fits better with the plan of God for our life? How do I turn even the most mundane tasks into something meaningful for God? 3. It's obvious, based on how Luke inverts the names of this couple whenever they're mentioned in a ministry context, that Priscilla is the one who leads the way and is operating in her primary gifting. How do you respond when your spouse's gift outshines your own? What qualities would you expect to see in Aquila that allowed him to support his wife in her spiritual gifting?  4. Priscilla's example of teaching the gifted Apollos is one of the best repudiations of the idea that what Paul was saying in 1 Corinthians 14.34-35 and 1 Timothy 2.12 was an attempt to silence women and forbid them a role in teaching men (If you haven't listened to the first message in this series, it's imperative that you do so). Furthermore, that the churches in Corinth and Ephesus (where the Timothy passage is addressed) both started in Priscilla and Aquila's home, is another major hurdle in making these verses say women can't teach. Why is the example of Priscilla ignored? Glossed over? Or distorted? What did you learn today about Priscilla that stood out to you most? How does her example encourage you? 5. There is no question that Priscilla and Aquila were foundational in the establishment of the church especially among the Gentiles. Paul said so himself. They were a key presence in three of the churches that were most instrumental in spreading the gospel message. We'd love to know more than what we do about their lives and influence. But most of the work this couple did was out of the limelight and without extensive records. How content are you to serve in relative anonymity as Priscilla and Aquila did? What are you doing with your life right now that will outlast this life? 

Send us a textPrince of PeaceSenior Pastor Keith StewartDecember 7, 2025Peace is what the world longs for—and what our hearts crave most. Yet peace feels elusive. Nations are unsettled. Relationships are strained. And many of us carry an inner restlessness born of regret, fear, or disappointment. Into this chaos, Christmas speaks a powerful word: the Prince of Peace has come. He steps into our broken world, fractured relationships, and anxious hearts to offer a peace unlike anything this world can give. This Sunday, discover the hope and promise found in the Prince of Peace.Discussion Questions 1. Defining peace correctly. The world often defines peace as the absence of conflict, stress, or trouble. How would you describe the kind of peace Jesus offers? In what ways is biblical peace deeper—or more demanding—than the peace we usually want? 2. Peace begins within. Throughout this series, we've seen that Jesus addresses the root of our problems, not just the symptoms. Where do you most experience inner unrest—fear, guilt, anxiety, anger, control, or uncertainty? How does Jesus as the Prince of Peace speak directly into that inner struggle?3. Peace with God before peace in life. Scripture teaches that real peace starts with reconciliation with God. How have you seen attempts to find peace apart from God fall short—in your own life or in the lives of others? What does it mean, practically, to live from a place of peace with God rather than trying to manufacture peace for yourself? 4. Receiving peace vs. maintaining control. We often say we want peace, but we also want control. Where do you sense God inviting you to release control in order to experience His peace? What makes surrender so difficult—even when we know Jesus is trustworthy? 5. Living as people of peace. Jesus doesn't just give peace; He calls His followers to carry peace into a fractured world. In what relationships or environments is God calling you to be a peacemaker right now?What might need to change in your posture, words, or attitudes for that to happen? Bringing the series together. 6. Looking back over the four names — Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace — Which name of Jesus has spoken to you most personally during this series, and why? How would embracing that name reshape the way you live, trust, and face the future?

Pastor Keith wraps up this series about finding and keeping joy-the smile of God deep in your heart. Turn to Philippians 4 to follow along as we dig into God's Word for a message of hope. 

This Christmas, we're reminded that God's invitation to know Jesus is for everyone. Through the story of the shepherds, we see that belonging isn't based on our credentials but on God's grace. The Light of the world has come, and each of us is invited to respond; will we reject or accept Him?

Pastor Keith gives us 5 things we can never say because God became one of us. Presented Sunday, December 21, 2025.

Matthew 2:1-12

The Pathway To Success Part 7 by Pastor Keith Battle by Zion Church

Christmas is more than a celebration — it's a revelation. In this powerful message, Pastor Keith teaches how God holds greater secrets that He desires to reveal to you, your family, and future generations.

Pastor Keith continues this series on finding and keeping joy - the smile of God deep in your heart! The Lord is with us, we have no reason to be afraid, our God is on the throne, and He will keep His Word!

The Christmas season magnifies our longing for hope, meaning, and purpose. In this sermon, we explore how God used a star to draw pagan astrologers, how the Scriptures pointed them to truth, and how encountering Jesus transformed their hearts. If you've ever felt like you're searching for something more, this message will encourage you and show how God is guiding you toward the Savior.

In this sixth part of the Pathway to Success series, we explore how true success often emerges through challenges, transitions, and intentional habits. Using Joshua's story as a guide, we learn that moving into a new season requires letting go of the past and trusting God with what feels uncertain or inadequate —because He specializes in multiplying what we offer. This message also emphasizes the importance of caring for our bodies and honoring God's rhythm of rest, reminding us that real success isn't just about working harder but working wisely, living generously, and allowing God to strengthen us through every step of the journey.

Send us a textThe Might God Senior Pastor Keith StewartDecember 7, 2025When life feels overwhelming and the world seems increasingly unstable, you need more than a sentimental Christmas story—you need a God who is strong enough to fight for you. In this message, Mighty God, you'll discover that the Child in the cradle is the God of the universe in human flesh—able to break the chains you can't break, face the battles you can't win, and stand with you against every fear. If you've ever wondered whether Jesus is really enough, this message will help you see His power, His nearness, and His unmatched ability to carry you through.DISCUSSION QUESTIONS 1. Names that define us. Which “old name badge” do you most tend to wear (unwanted, unworthy, abandoned, etc.)?Which name God gives you is hardest to believe—and why? 2. Jesus as Warrior. If “Mighty God” means God is a valiant warrior who fights on our behalf, what battle in your life right now feels bigger than your own strength? What might it look like, practically and specifically, to let Jesus fight that battle instead of you trying to manage it alone? 3. The Great I AM in the storm. In the storm on the Sea of Galilee, Jesus walks on the water and says, “I AM. Don't be afraid.”Where does fear most show up in your life right now (finances, family, health, calling, the future)? How does it change things to imagine the Great I AM standing in that place saying, “Don't be afraid”? 4. If Jesus isn't God, He isn't safe. How have you seen people (or maybe even yourself at times) try to keep Jesus in the “good teacher” category without surrendering to Him as Mighty God? What part of your life most resists treating Him as God rather than adviser? 5. Christmas as a crisis point of decision. If someone close to you asked, “Who is Jesus to you—really?” How would you honestly answer today? What next step (trust, obedience, repentance, public declaration, baptism, etc.) would move your answer closer to “He is my Mighty God”? 6. Letting the Mighty God rename your story. Where do you see yourself slipping into self-focus, self-pity, or old identities this season?What is one specific “new name” or truth about Jesus as Mighty God that you want to hold onto this week—and how can you build a simple reminder into your day (a verse on your phone, a note on your mirror, a daily prayer, etc.)?

Pastor Keith continues this series on finding and keeping joy! Today we find ourselves challenged by the Word to consider even our hardship a joy. 

Matthew 1:1-17

True success isn't a mystery — it's God's design. In this message, we explore Joshua 1:8 and the pathway to “good success,” the kind that is lasting, purposeful, and God-ordained. Success comes through living out God's Word, aligning with His commands, and sharpening the unique gift He has placed within you. From discovering your true calling to developing your skills, every step is about walking in obedience and trusting God's plan. As you grow, He elevates you to new levels of impact, and ultimately, the greatest success is found in eternal life through Jesus Christ.

Pastor Keith starts out this series about finding and keeping joy. Today's focus is about looking in the right place!

Send us a textWonderful CounselorSenior Pastor Keith StewartNovember 30, 2025In a world that feels darker, louder, and more confusing by the day, we are all desperate for a hope that actually holds. This message invites you to rediscover the wonder of Jesus Who steps into our chaos not just as a comforting presence, but as One Who knows exactly how to lead us through what we cannot fix on our own. Come and hear how real hope is not found in a change of circumstances, but in a Person Who is wonderfully at work in every detail of your life. Discussion Questions 1. Advent begins in darkness, not light. Where do you see “darkness” most clearly right now—in our world, in our community, or in your own story? How does Isaiah's promise of a child born into that darkness speak hope into those specific places? 2. “The doorway to hope is hopelessness.” Can you think of a time when you ran out of “horizontal” hope (people, places, circumstances) and it forced you to look up to God? What did you learn about yourself and about Jesus in that season? 3. “It's US.” We often want to believe our biggest problems are outside of us. Where do you most feel the pull to blame situations, locations, or other people? What might it look like, in that specific area, to pray, “God, I accept it. I'm the problem. It's me,” and invite Christ into that? 4. Losing our sense of wonder. In what ways do you see yourself “bored” with Jesus, church, or your faith—going through the motions more than living with wonder? What “substitutes” (comforts, amusements, habits) tend to dull your sense of awe in Christ? 5. Jesus as Wonderful Counselor – approachable, reliable, available. Which of those three qualities of Jesus do you need most right now—and why? What is one concrete step you can take this week to actually act on that (for example, bringing a specific struggle to Him in prayer, obeying a nudge He's already given, or leaning on the Spirit's presence in a scary situation)? 6. Living the “WOW” of God. If someone looked at your life right now, what would they conclude is your true source of hope and guidance? What is one area where you want Jesus, the Wonderful Counselor, to “re-write the story” so that when you look back, you'll say, “WOW—only God could have done that”?

In this sermon, Pastor Keith reminds us that when leaders fail and darkness deepens, our hope rests not in earthly shepherds but in the Shepherd King God promised. From Jeremiah 23:1–8, we see that while corrupt kings scatter the flock, the Lord Himself gathers, restores, and raises up a righteous Branch from David. In Christ Jesus, the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep, God brings a greater Exodus, rescuing us from sin and death and securing us in His love forever. As we wait for His return, we trust His reign, rest in His righteousness, and follow Him with confidence, knowing He will gather all of His people at last.

Pastor Keith explores how angels and demons influence our world. Presented Sunday, November 30, 2025.

I Timothy 6:11-21

The Pathway To Success Part 4 By Pastor Keith Battle by Zion Church

True success begins with the alignment of your thoughts and your words. This message highlights the power of consistent meditation on God's Word and the declarations we make daily — both to others and to ourselves. Spiritual strength, like physical strength, requires more than occasional nourishment; it demands daily engagement with Scripture. When our inner beliefs and outward words are in sync, we walk in stability, clarity, and faith. Even in seasons of doubt or difficulty, speaking God's truth — internally and externally— can shift everything. Discover how renewing your mind and aligning your confession with God's Word leads to lasting, God-defined success.

Pastor Keith finishes of this extended series in the book of Romans with a word on personal convictions, stumbling blocks, and loving our brothers and sisters in Christ. 

If prayer has ever felt confusing or intimidating, this message will bring clarity and confidence. We look at the way Jesus prayed and discover how following His example can reshape our daily rhythms. This is an invitation to slow down, connect with the Father, and make prayer your first response instead of your last resort.

I Timothy 6:2-10

"Discover the power of living as a Kingdom Citizen

Send us a textSuccessful or Faithful?Senior Pastor Keith StewartNovember 16, 2025What if the very thing we chase most—success—isn't what God wants for us at all? In a world obsessed with winning, Pastor Keith exposes the myth of “spiritual success” and invites us into something far deeper: the sacred art of faithfulness. You'll discover that in God's eyes, true success isn't measured by trophies, titles, or applause—but by whether we look more like Jesus after the struggle than we did before. It's a call to stand with the poor, the overlooked, and the broken—and to keep walking faithfully, even when victory seems out of reach. Come hear a message that will upend how you define success and reignite your faith in the quiet strength of perseverance._____________Discussion Questions 1. After vs. Before: Where have you looked more like Jesus after a hard season? 2. Success Audit: Which “success metrics” (size, speed, spotlight, likes) subtly steer your decisions? What would a faithfulness metric look like? How would it be different? What things matter most in regards to faithfulness? 3. The Long Defeat: What does “fighting the long defeat” mean in your neighborhood, workplace, or city? Share one situation where you might choose faithfulness over visible wins. 4. It's Expensive to Be Poor: Where do you see the “poverty penalty” (housing, food deserts, transport, healthcare) in our area? Which one could your group meaningfully address? 5. Matthew 25 Checkup: Of Jesus' list—hungry, thirsty, stranger, naked, sick, prisoner—which one is God highlighting for you right now? What is one concrete act you'll take this week? 6. Charity vs. Advocacy: Giving “stuff” meets real needs, but where might God be asking you to defend a cause (Jer. 22:16)—to speak up, show up, or help change an unfair process? Proverbs 17:5 Mirror: In what subtle ways do we “mock the poor” (assumptions, jokes, social posts,indifference)? What repentance and new practice would honor the God who made them? 7. Him and Them: If your politics were discipled by the two great commandments, what would change about your tone, sources, and priorities this month? Optional Group Practices (pick one for the week) Proximity Step: Spend an hour at a local clinic, food co-op, or reentry ministry; ask, “What helps most that we never think to offer?” Advocacy Action: Write one respectful, specific note to a local leader supporting a policy or process that reduces a “poverty penalty.” Daily pray, “Lord, make me faithful—form Christ in me; align my life with the least of these.”

Pastor Keith shares a word from Romans 13 on authorities from God. 

Generosity is part of following Jesus. Looking at 2 Corinthians 8–9, we see that generosity isn't about circumstances — it's an act of worship rooted in the Gospel. As we give faithfully and consistently, God uses our generosity to bless others, strengthen the church, and advance the mission of Jesus. This message calls us to be generous like Jesus and to step into the joy of giving.

Ecclesiastes 4:1-16

In this sermon, Pastor Keith reminds us that before we question God's providence, we remember His promise. From Psalm 89:1–18, we see that even in seasons of darkness and disappointment, God's steadfast love and faithfulness remain unshaken. His covenant, His power, and His people all testify that He has not failed. Through Christ, the true Son of David, we can worship still—trusting that His rule is righteous, His promises sure, and His presence our joy.

Pastor Keith shares a word about the voices we hear everyday. What is Jesus saying to you?

What does it mean to go all in with Jesus? In a world where commitment is optional, Jesus models full allegiance to God — and invites us to do the same. Baptism isn't just a symbol; it's a bold declaration that you belong to Him. Whether you're exploring faith or ready to take your next step, this message will challenge and inspire you to live with no turning back.