Podcasts about pastor keith

Pastor Keith shares a challenging and encouraging message about compromises and the path of hope forward. 

Send us a textStrong Women Strong WorldElizabeth | Part 5Senior Pastor Keith StewartJuly 27, 2025Though only a minor character in the Christmas story, Elizabeth plays a major role among the leading women of the New Testament. Besides Elizabeth's influence on the young, pregnant Mary, there are many “firsts” associated with Elizabeth that the average Christian doesn't even know. Largely because there's been a tendency in church history to diminish Elizabeth and treat her time with Mary as little more than a protracted baby shower. It's past time we restore her rightful place among Bible leaders. __________________DISCUSSION QUESTIONS1. What surprised you in this message today?2. Why do you think Mary wanted to see her relative Elizabeth? What do you think Mary hoped to get out of the visit? 3. How does Elizabeth respond to Mary and why? How else could she have responded? 4. Have you ever had someone like Elizabeth in your life? Studies have found that adolescents thrive when they have at least one strong, sustained relationship with a significant adult, this can be a coach, a teacher, an extended family member, youth pastor, small group leader, etc.. Who besides your parents have made significant contributions to your life especially in an area where you were struggling, growing, or learning? How did they help you? How are you different today as a result of their influence? Have you ever been that kind of person for someone else? Why or why not? 5. We often have the opposite view of blessing from Scripture. Too often, we equate blessings with money, health, and happiness. In the Bible, to be blessed was to be used by God for His kingdom purposes. How have you been Biblically blessed? Why are people so hungry to be blessed today? 6. Take a few minutes and bless one another. Remind one another of their belovedness just for being who they are. Think beyond what people do or even what they do for you and think about what it is about them that makes them the kind of person they are. Praise and bless that quality. 7. Mary is emboldened by her time with Elizabeth to see things as she never has before – especially as it relates to her purpose. Luke's telling of the Christmas story is revolutionary and so unlike the way we typically tell it today. Why do we do this to the Christmas story? Together read the Magnificat (Mary's song and next week's message) in Luke 1.46-55.

Ecclesiastes 8:1-17

Offense is inevitable, but how we respond makes all the difference. In Part 10 of Living Without Offense, Pastor Keith Battle reminds us that living offense-free isn't about pretending things don't bother us, but about learning to forgive, put up with, and pardon others with the same grace God extends to us. Discover how to walk in love that's patient, powerful, and freeing — because forgiveness isn't weakness… it's freedom.

What do you turn to for comfort when life gets hard? In Psalm 34, David invites us to taste and see that the Lord is good—even in trials. Our comforts often fail us, but God never does. True satisfaction is found not in ease, but in experiencing His presence. Jesus, the Bread of Life, meets us in our pain and fulfills every promise. Today, we're invited to seek Him, trust Him, and remember His goodness through communion.

Send us a textStrong Women Strong WorldEsther | Part 4Senior Pastor Keith StewartJuly 20, 2025The book of Esther is one of the most creatively written books in the entire Bible. In fact, you'll be amazed by it. The lead character is female and she's a true hero. Not only does she help to avert a planned holocaust for the Jewish people, this story becomes the basis of the annual Feast of Purim which celebrates God's protection of His people. You'll also see amazing parallels between Esther's story and Jesus' story. Don't miss this next installment in our series, Strong Women, Strong World!____________Discussion Questions 1. Though Esther lived in a time of extreme patriarchy (where the rights of men were far greater than those of women), she was able to rise to a position of influence and use that influence to save the nation. What was true about Esther's day was also the prevailing culture throughout most of the history during which the Bible was written. What other stories of women in Scripture are you aware of who rose to prominence and leadership in spite of the culture of the day? Discuss the ways in which they were used by God. How do their stories inspire you? How are you or the women you know impacted by stories like these?2. Take some time in your group to discuss the following quote, “In the moral conflict now raging around us, whoever is on God's side is on the winning side and cannot lose; whoever is on the other side is on the losing side and cannot win” (A.W. Tozer). 3. God gave Esther a mentor in her uncle Mordecai. How important have mentors been in your own life and development? Have you ever had one? If so, in what arena of life? What was their impact on you? How has that person helped to shape the person you have become? 4. The Bible makes a distinction between time (chronos – which is clocks, days and calendars) and time (kairos – a pregnant moment in time, a pivotal moment in history). Esther's story is a reminder that we are where we are and who we are for a reason. And sometimes, everything seems to align to create an opportunity to exercise our gifting, utilize our influence and invest our talent – a Kairos moment. In reflecting on Esther's Kairos moment, are you aware of other Kairos moments in Scripture, in world history or US history, or in your own personal life? If so, describe what happened and why you think it was a Kairos moment. 5. The book of Esther is written in a very creative style. Pastor Keith talked about this very Jewish way of writing which is most commonly known as chiastic writing. As a group or individual, download both the simplified and detailed chiastic structure of Esther from the online message notes. Notice how each and every negative and dark outcome in the first half of the book is then corrected by a positive and hopeful outcome in the latter portion of the book? What did you learn about this style of writing? Why did Jewish writers use it? How does it help to clarify and amplify the message of Esther? 6. As Pastor Keith wrapped up the message, he focused on some of the parallels between Esther's story and Jesus's story. Can you name the parallels he mentioned and why? Are you aware of any other ways that Esther's story is similar to Jesus' story? If so, what are they? 

Jesus was and always will be faithful to fulfill what God had told Him to do.

This is Pastor Keith Allen's Sunday message, taken from the Book of Ephesians, Chapter 2, Verses 8 & 9.

In this powerful message, Pastor Battle challenges us to live free from offense by embracing humility, obedience, and biblical reconciliation. Drawing from God's Word, we learn that handling offense requires intentionality— whether by letting go of minor issues or addressing deeper wounds with grace and clarity. Pastor Battle unpacks practical tools like the SBI method and emphasizes the importance of forgiveness as a continual posture, not a one-time event. When private efforts fail, God calls us to seek accountability, not alliances, through spiritually mature mediators who promote healing and unity. This message is a call to maturity, urging us to stop rehearsing pain and start pursuing peace — because unresolved offense not only hurts our relationships, it hinders our spiritual growth. Now is the time to be spiritually ready and relationally restored.

Send us a textStrong Women Strong World Ruth | Part 3Senior Pastor Keith StewartJuly 13, 2025She's an immigrant, a part of a hated and maligned group of people, a widow woman with virtually no rights yet she changed the course of human history. She became a model of God's love and through her lineage, Christ was born. Her name is Ruth. Don't miss her inspiring story this Sunday.____________Discussion Questions 1. In the first part of the message, Pastor Keith described the revolution of rising expectations that basically says we can endure all sorts of problems and adversity, but the injection of hope followed by another setback becomes practically unbearable. We see this played out in the story of Naomi and the journey to Moab to end their constant struggle for food. But once they arrived, the bad news began to pile up. Have you or someone you know ever gone through the revolution of rising expectations? What effect did it have on you or those you know? What was the eventual outcome of the situation? How well did you deal with it? 2. The story of Ruth is one where the main characters don't see the hand of God in their circumstances like we do as readers. Have you ever felt abandoned by God? In retrospect, can you see where and how God was at work even when you didn't sense it? Without being trite, how might you encourage someone going through difficulty who is struggling with finding God in their circumstances? 3. This story contains the stories of three widows who all make different choices.•  Orpah - returns to the FAMILIAR  •  Naomi - gets STUCK in her sorrow•  Ruth - determined to go on with LIFEHave you ever made any of those choices? And if so, why, where and when was that? Where did that choice lead you?  4. Hesed love is grace in action. It's the way God loves us. And it's the way Ruth loved her mother-in-law Naomi. Hesed goes beyond feelings or sentiments. We recognize it in how it behaves. Why was what Ruth chose to do an act of Hesed love? Has God ever put you in a situation where you choose Hesed over self-preservation or self-priority? What motivated you to make that choice? What difference, if any, did it make? 5. How is Ruth's character a type of Christ? What does it say that God would choose to include this story about an ordinary family choosing to do the right thing during a time when self-interest reigned supreme? During the time of the judges, there are two women who rise unrivaled to the top – Deborah and Ruth. What message does it send that God would make these two women the supreme highlight during a time of incredible darkness and infidelity to God's covenant?

A study through the gospel of John. Pastor Keith spoke about the freedom we have in the Truth of Jesus! This message of God's love is for you.Text: John 8:31-47For more information about Journey Church visit: www.journeyinbend.com Find Journey on all social media: @journeyinbend Please subscribe and engage. At Journey we believe there's HOPE FOR EVERYONE!

What do you do when life feels uncertain and out of control? Psalm 46 reminds us that God is great—offering protection in chaos, provision in pressure, presence in pain, and power over all things. Instead of striving, we're invited to practice stillness and trust. Through simple rhythms like silence, prayer, and surrender, we grow in our awareness of His greatness. This psalm calls us to pause, reflect, and worship—Selah—and release the burden of control to the One who truly holds it all.

Ecclesiastes 6:10 - 7:12

This is Pastor Keith Allen's Sunday message, taken from the Book of Ephesians, Chapter 2, Verses 1 - 7.

Living Without Offense Part 8 by Pastor Keith Battle by Zion Church

A study through the gospel of John. Pastor Keith spoke about a religious spirit and how not to go to hell! This message of God's love is for you.Text: John 8:21-30For more information about Journey Church visit: www.journeyinbend.com Find Journey on all social media: @journeyinbend Please subscribe and engage. At Journey we believe there's HOPE FOR EVERYONE!

Send us a textStrong Women Strong World Deborah | Part 2Senior Pastor Keith StewartJuly 06, 2025In spite of the fact that the Bible was written during a time of extreme patriarchy (where the rights of men were foremost and the rights of women practically non-existent) we still find many examples of strong women. Women who are not passive, demure and timid but active, bold and assertive. Deborah's story stands in bold opposition to those who say women can't lead. Because not only does Deborah lead in the civic and spiritual realm, her leadership is unrivaled by any of the other male leaders of her day. _________________Discussion Questions 1. Pastor Keith, in his introduction, talked about the cycle of judgment in the book of Judges and how with each repetition, things got worse producing a downward spiral in the nation. He explained how sin is repetitious, monotonous and destructive. But the second defining characteristic of sin is, if left unaddressed, it will always escalate. How and where have you seen the truth of this played out? How is addiction an example of this principle? What is necessary to break free of this destructive cycle?  2. Do you know someone that you consider to be a “great leader” (preferably someone you know personally)? What makes him or her excellent?  3. What things can we learn about leadership and the way God operates based on his choosing of Deborah and her unique gifts and roles in the life of Israel? Why do you think Scripture intentionally parallels the song of Moses alongside the song of Deborah? Do you think the high role of Deborah in Judges should play a part in determining what roles women can and should play in the Church today? Why or why not? 4. Just like in this story, sometimes it seems that the deck is stacked against us and the enemy has all the advantages. It's easy to get overwhelmed. But God has a plan. The question is, are we willing to do it His way? Or are we too busy making caveats, exceptions and putting conditions on our obedience? Have you ever been asked by God to do something, that at the time, didn't make sense but in the end, it was the best choice? If you're up against something particularly challenging right now, what in this story speaks to you about what you could or should be doing right now? 5. As Virginia Ely said your life represents a fresh thought of God and He has put you where you are to make a difference. What dream has He placed in your heart? What longings have you had that never seem to go away? You do realize, don't you, that if God wills something to happen, it will happen. You will never ultimately fail in following God. 

In The Heavens Declare, the first message in the Psalms of Summer series, we explore Psalm 19 and discover that God is glorious, so we don't have to fear others. Through the beauty of creation and the power of Scripture, God reveals Himself to us and invites us to respond with repentance. David shows us that the fear of the Lord frees us from the trap of people-pleasing and the idol of approval. Ultimately, God's revelation leads to redemption through Jesus—the Word made flesh—who was rejected so we could be accepted. When we see His glory, we live in true freedom.

In sermon we explore how God calls His people to display his love and grace by showing hospitality to one another and to strangers. Pastor Keith explains what Christian hospitality is, why we should participate in it, what the barriers to showing hospitality are, and how we might do that practically. Why Should We Show Hospitality? Hospitality is commanded for every Christian. Heb.13:2, Rom.12:13,1Pet. 4:9 Hospitality has been shown to us by Jesus -Matt. 11:28, Rom. 15:7 Hospitality Facilitates loving community -Acts 2:42-47 Hospitality Facilities Teaching & Discipleship - Acts 2:42 Hospitality Facilitates Evangelism- Acts 2:47

Ecclesiastes 5:8 - 6:9

Send us a textStrong Women Strong World Why Do A Series Like This? | Part 1Senior Pastor Keith StewartJune 29, 2025This Sunday marks the start of a brand-new series built around the women God has used throughout Biblical history to change the world. It's going to be an exciting time in God's Word. To kick it off, Pastor Keith is going to dig into two different Bible passages that are often used in an attempt to silence women and their gifting. It's vitally important that we address the confusion around what the Bible actually teaches. You don't want to miss this message.__________________DISCUSSION QUESTIONS 1. In the first part of the message, Pastor Keith mentioned numerous women who were prophets, teachers, and leaders in God's Word. Take some time and try to make a more exhaustive list of these women in Scripture making note of who they were, how God used them and what you learn from their example. Which women in the Bible stand out to you the most and why? What do you learn from them? How is their example an encouragement for us all to live out our God-given purpose?2. Some of us grew up in different faith traditions and others with no religious background whatsoever. What were you taught about female leadership in church? Have your perceptions changed over time? Have you ever had a female pastor, leader, therapist, or spiritual director whom you credit for significant spiritual growth? Share what you can about that experience.3. One of the keys to effective Bible study is always anchoring our interpretation in the context of the verse we're studying. Apart from that, it is far too easy to make the Bible say what we want it to say. This is especially true as it relates to these two problem passages that are frequently used against women. What did you learn about the context of these verses? What stood out to you as significant? What were some of your most important learnings today? 4. We have several female pastors on staff at Springcreek who face a barrage of critical remarks from outsiders on social media anytime a clip of them speaking or leading in church is played. Obviously, we're not going to convince everyone about what the Bible actually teaches and won't ever be able to stop all criticism. But knowing what they frequently face, what can we do as a church to better support them and encourage them in their giftedness?

In this sermon, Pastor Keith examines Joab's scheme, Absalom's return, and David's hesitant kiss, exposing the tragic results of manipulated mercy, sentimentalism, and unresolved sin. Through a fake parable, a forced return, false beauty, and a feeble kiss, we see that every shortcut to peace—without repentance and justice—only results in greater division. Pastor Keith urges us to seek true restoration not in human schemes, but in the righteous and gracious King Jesus, who alone brings peace with God and men through the cross.

A study through the gospel of John. Pastor Keith spoke about how Jesus is the light of the world! This message of God's love is for you.Text: John 8:12-20For more information about Journey Church visit: www.journeyinbend.com Find Journey on all social media: @journeyinbend Please subscribe and engage. At Journey we believe there's HOPE FOR EVERYONE!

Today is a day of encouragement! A call to us to use our words to build each other. Pastor Keith talks us through 7 encouraging words to live by. If you are in need of encouragement today, this message is for you.

Ecclesiastes 5:1-7

In this sermon, Pastor Keith expounds the tragic aftermath of Amnon's sin and David's silence, resulting in Absalom's vengeful murder of his brother. He exposes the fallacy of revenge without righteousness. We are exhorted to entrust judgment to the Lord rather than taking matters into our own hands, and to wait for a King who will render righteous vengeance, which is the hope we have with the return of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Judge of all the earth.

A study through the gospel of John. Pastor Keith preached on the woman caught in adultery! This message of God's love is for you.Text: John 7:53-8:11For more information about Journey Church visit: www.journeyinbend.com Find Journey on all social media: @journeyinbend Please subscribe and engage. At Journey we believe there's HOPE FOR EVERYONE!

Ecclesiastes 4:1-16

A study through the gospel of John. Pastor Keith taught on how Jesus is our living water! This message of God's love is for you.Text: John 7:37-43For more information about Journey Church visit: www.journeyinbend.com Find Journey on all social media: @journeyinbend Please subscribe and engage. At Journey we believe there's HOPE FOR EVERYONE!

Send us a textHealing The Father Wound Senior Pastor Pastor Keith Stewart June 15, 2025The National Center for Fathering asked troubled teenage daughters, “Where do you go for comfort?” The number one response was music. Number two was girlfriends. Three was television. And Dad? He came in 34th place. The relationship we have with our father can be one of the most formative of all our relationships for good or bad. But when our Dad is absent from the home, addicted, emotionally distant, or even abusive, it leaves a wound that can affect us for the rest of our lives. This Sunday's message is all about how to heal what we are powerless to change. It's a message that prevents the past from continuing to impose itself on the present – a message that can set you free.DISCUSSION QUESTIONS 1. What special memories do you have about your childhood? How did you get along with each of your parents? What were they like? What did you like and dislike about your parents? What were your hurts and disappointments as a child? Did you like yourself as a child? Why or why not? 2. Take some time to look over the chart on the developmental needs of children as it relates to mothers and fathers. It's important to remember that these are generalizations and there are always exceptions to any rule. But in light of this chart, where did you have strong modeling and where were there weaknesses? What did your parents do well? What did they do poorly? Can you see any evidence in your present life and relationships where this has played out for good or bad? 3. Father absence has a dramatic and profound effect on our spiritual life. Have you ever struggled with experiencing God as He reveals Himself to be in His word? Where and how have you struggled? Have you experienced any healing around parental wounds that helped you better connect with God? 4. Do you ever practice positive, Biblical affirmations in your life (which is a form of meditation)? Take some time either during your small group gathering or later at home, to look up as many Scriptures as you can find that describe our new standing in Christ. Write them down and make it your practice this week to read through the entire list at least 5 times a day. 5. Pastor Keith said there are four messages every child needs; I love you, I believe in you, I'm proud of you and I am sorry. Did you hear these messages growing up? What effect did that have on you? Do you regularly communicate these messages to your own children (even as adult children)?  

Lust promises love but leaves devastation. This message traces the tragic story of Amnon and Tamar to reveal how lust distorts love, seeks validation, demands control, and ultimately brings shame. It doesn't stay private—its ripple effects harm others and even future generations. Yet, through David's repentance in Psalm 51, we see that God doesn't reject the broken. He restores them. For anyone trapped in lust or wounded by it, Jesus offers healing, cleansing, and redemption.

Pastor Keith talks about how love is not just a gift, but the calling for all believers.

Gluttony isn't about food—it's about the heart. Like Esau, we often trade what matters most for what satisfies in the moment. But Jesus, the Bread of Life, offers lasting satisfaction and the power to overcome our cravings. Today's message invites you to examine what's ruling your appetite and choose dependence on Christ instead. Let food point you to worship, not control you.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-15

The parable we are about to examine today is sobering. More than sobering, it is a wake-up call for people who are on the fast track toward eternal devastation. Please join Pastor Keith in Luke 16 as he wraps up the Moral of the Story series.

ABOUT ZION CHURCH Founded by Pastor Keith Battle, Zion Church exists to help people Experience God, Engage in Connections, Be Equipped through training, and be Empowered to Serve. Living without offense isn't about pretending you're not hurt — it's about choosing freedom over bitterness. In Part 7 of this powerful series, Pastor Keith Battle dives deep into the real struggle of forgiving when you've been wronged and how to move forward without letting pain imprison your heart. Discover the process of forgiveness, how to budget grace for others' flaws, and why God's mercy is our ultimate model. If you're tired of carrying resentment and ready to live free, this message is for you. Watch now and step into the healing God has for you.

Pastor Keith shares a message from Romans about the grace poured out on us and the gifts that God has given us to use. 

Pastor Keith's Sunday morning sermon entitled, “Be Ready”. This sermon covers Luke 21:5-38.To learn more about CCPV, visit us on our…Website: www.ccpomonavalley.comInstagram: @calvarychapelpomonavalleyFacebook: @ccpomonavalleyYouTube: @CalvaryChapelPomonaValleyFind us on the Church Center App!

Send us a textISMS that Poison the Soul Pessimism | Part 6Senior Pastor Keith StewartJune 1, 2025The late Sam Shoemaker once said, "Everyone has a problem, is a problem, or lives with a problem." But what if I told you that your problem is not nearly as problematic as what you tell yourself about your problem. More often than not, what defeats us in life is the thinking that lies beneath our behaviors. Call it our explanatory style. It's the things we tell ourselves when things don't turn out right or go as expected. This final ISM has sabotaged more relationships, defeated more initiatives, and ruined more lives than practically all the other ISMS combined. This Sunday we take on pessimism along with God's remedy for the negative outlook that robs us of so much in life._____________DISCUSSION QUESTIONS1. Pastor Keith defined pessimism (or the grasshopper mentality) as anytime we allow problems, attitudes, or circumstances to cause us to doubt God and believe that we will lack the resources, ability, or strength to do what He wants done. Have you ever fallen victim to pessimism? What situation were you dealing with? How did it affect you? What if any resolution did you ultimately have? 2. There are three defining characteristics of pessimistic thoughts. A belief that our problems are permanent, pervasive and personal. Go back and review this part of the message or the notes you took. The attitudes define our explanatory style – the things we tell ourselves about our problems. What were your biggest takeaways from this portion of the message? Have you ever personally struggled with one or more of these ways of thinking? When we use these as an explanation for our problems, they become a type of self-fulfilling prophecy. In other words, we find what we're looking for. Have you ever known anyone like this or been this way yourself? What would you suggest to a person caught up in this way of thinking? 3. What did we learn from Caleb's life and example? How was he able to choose faith over pessimism?  4. Is your faith weak? Then feed on the Word of God. Like John Piper reminded us, “Faith feeds on the word of God, without a steady diet it gets weaker and weaker. If you are dissatisfied with your Christian courage and joy and purity of heart then check the way you're feeding your faith.” Try to name as many ways as you can that the Word of God builds your faith. What has been your personal experience with God's Word as a faith-builder? What stories have impacted you most? What promises? What precepts? Or what do you see in the character of God that encourages your faith? 5. This week, make a list of promises from God's Word that can help keep your eyes focused on God during whatever difficulties you may encounter. If you're not sure how to do this, talk about it in your small group. Better yet, as a group or among your friends, have everyone make a contribution regarding their favorite promises to claim. Once you have made a list of verses or references, type them up to keep in your notes on your phone, or print them up and post them where you will see them frequently. Commit to memorizing as many as you can.

Greed whispers that more possessions will bring security. But Jesus warns, “Watch out!” because life doesn't consist in an abundance of possessions. In Luke 12, He tells of a man whose wealth made him feel secure but left him empty before God. True security comes not from stuff but from trusting Jesus. To silence greed's whisper, we live simply, manage wisely, remember eternity, trust God's provision, and practice generosity. Jesus invites us to lasting security in Him.

Ecclesiastes 2:1-11

Ecclesiastes 2:12-26

Living Without Offense Part 6 by Pastor Keith Battle by Zion Church

Send us a textISMS that Poison the Soul Legalism | Part 5Senior Pastor Keith StewartMay 25, 2025Legalism is a trap that's far too easy to fall into. Its beginnings are so subtle and seem absolutely benign. But legalism in any form is not just toxic to our souls, it's downright dangerous. John Piper once said, “Legalism is more dangerous than alcoholism.” He's right. Few things will strip you of your love, joy and peace with God more quickly than legalism. But do you know the early warning signs of legalism? Are you aware of the sort of thinking that leads us into this deadly trap? Join us this Sunday, May 25th, as we delve into legalism and God's remedy.____________1. What has been your experience around legalism? Were you ever in a church that was legalistic? Have you ever known Christians who were legalistic? What stood out most to you in those environments? How were they perceived by outsiders?  2. Obviously, legalistic churches exist and sometimes attract large numbers of people. Why do you think that is? What attracts people to this sort of thinking?  3. Was there anything in today's message that challenged the way you think? Or encourage you in something you have always thought? Or do you find it helpful in evaluating what is healthy spirituality versus what is not?4. Pastor Keith said there are only two religions - There is FAITH religion and there is WORKS religion. What is the difference between the two? Which do you think is more prevalent in the world? How is Christianity's approach different from most other religions in the world? 5. In the final point, Pastor Keith contrasted two Greek myths, Ulysses versus Orpheus as it relates to the siren's song. It's a good analogy for temptation. Ulysses was bound to the mast of the ship. His story represents those who use rules to defeat temptation. Orpheus chose a different path. He played his lyre so that the sailors were all drawn toward more beautiful music. The siren song of the world is practically irresistible. Some use rules and struggle against them in the face of temptation and others have heard a new song, the love of Christ that draws them to a better way of living. Which do you like more and why?

In this series from the book of Romans, Pastor Keith shares a word about our God-given value and the place that we all have in the body of Christ. 

A study through the gospel of John. Pastor Keith wrapped up chapter 6 with a message or truth that is hard to hear. This message of God's love is for you.Text: John 6:60-71For more information about Journey Church visit: www.journeyinbend.com Find Journey on all social media: @journeyinbend Please subscribe and engage. At Journey we believe there's HOPE FOR EVERYONE!

What if the greatest threat to your faith isn't rebellion, but indifference? In Revelation 3, Jesus confronts the church in Laodicea not for denying Him, but for their lukewarm devotion—proof of spiritual sloth. Sloth isn't laziness; it's apathy toward God's calling. It disguises itself as busyness, self-care, or comfort, but leads to a life without purpose. Jesus calls us to repent, be zealous, and come back to Him. He disciplines those He loves and invites us into real rest, not counterfeit comfort. Where have you allowed sloth to creep into your life? Jesus is knocking—how will you respond?

Offense is a trap designed to steal your peace, joy, and purpose — but you don't have to live stuck in the “rage cage” of hurt and disappointment. In this powerful message, Pastor Keith Battle reminds us that living without offense isn't weakness — it's spiritual strength and freedom. Learn how to slow down anger, manage your emotions with wisdom, and avoid making impulsive decisions that create lasting damage. Through practical and biblical insight, discover how to break free from offense by practicing three spiritual disciplines: looking ahead to God's promises, looking up for divine strength, and looking around to recognize the blessings still present in your life. Don't let the enemy's bait keep you rehearsing pain — choose peace, healing, and the abundant life Jesus died to give you. ABOUT ZION CHURCH Founded by Pastor Keith Battle, Zion Church exists to help people Experience God, Engage in Connections, Be Equipped through training, and be Empowered to Serve. Find a Zion Church location near you: https://zionchurch.org/locations/ Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe to stay connected to ‪ @WeAreZionMusic GIVING https://zionchurch.org/give/ FIND US ON SOCIAL MEDIA Instagram: www.instagram.com/zionchurch Instagram: www.instagram.com/keithbattle Website: zionchurch.org