Podcasts about pastor michael

On October 7, 2023, the city of Sderot became one of the first places Hamas unleashed its brutal assault. But right there - in a city riddled with bullet holes, bomb shelters on every corner, and stories of terrorized children - there's something unexpected: life.  In this gripping and emotional episode, we sit down with Pastor Michael, leader of City of Life Ministries, just steps from the rubble where terrorists stormed and slaughtered innocent police officers on that Shabbat morning. He takes us into the chaos of those early hours, the miracle that spared his apartment building, and what it's like to raise a family under rocket fire - with just 15 seconds to run for cover.  But this isn't just a story of survival. It's a story of spiritual resistance. Of staying. Of blessing. Of building a community that not only endures, but proclaims hope in Yeshua despite pressure, persecution, and war. This episode reveals what the global headlines miss: how God is still writing His story in the land of Israel - even when the world wants to erase it. Key Takeaways: The October 7 Attack in Sderot: Pastor Michael recounts how Hamas deliberately targeted the local police station - killing friends and neighbors - while miraculously sparing nearby residents. Raising Families Under Fire: For over two decades, families in Sderot have lived under constant rocket threat. Bomb shelters aren't just safety - they're part of daily life. A Ministry of Life in a City of Death: City of Life Ministries feeds the hungry, counsels the traumatized, shelters the displaced, and proclaims the eternal hope found in Yeshua - right in the heart of a war zone. Opposition from Within: While Hamas wages war outside, ultra-Orthodox communities protest against Messianic Jews inside. Pastor Michael shares the spiritual and legal battles they've faced and how they keep loving their enemies. The Bigger Picture: What if this war is stirring both Jews and Christians toward a deeper prophetic return - to the land, to the Scriptures, and to one another? Pastor Michael unpacks a theopolitical vision of what God might be doing in our time. Chapter Markers: [00:00] – Standing on Ground Zero: The site of the police station massacre [04:00] – 15 Seconds to Live: Life under rocket fire in Sderot [06:30] – October 7th: The timeline of terror and miracle [10:00] – Displacement and Fear: What it meant to flee their home for 9 months [14:00] – Teaching Children Not to Fear, but to Bless [16:00] – Why “City of Life”? Naming a congregation in a war zone [17:00] – Serving the City: From food to therapy to field trips [19:00] – Why Proclaiming Yeshua Still Draws Fire in Israel [24:00] – Theopolitical Lens: What God might be doing in this war [27:00] – A Desert That Will Bloom: Fulfillment of prophecy in the Negev [31:00] – The Coming Aliyah and a Messianic Movement Rising Support City of Life Ministries City of Life is doing the real work - providing food, diapers, trauma counseling, and the hope of Yeshua to those surrounded by war. Learn more or support their work at: clm-israel.org Join The Jewish Road Community If you want to stand with Israel, rediscover the Jewish roots of your faith, and walk the narrow road with us - join The Few. We're not the majority, but we're faithful. Learn more and support the work at: thejewishroad.com

Malachi Series  Message: 01 Episode: 3 of 3 Key Verses: Malachi 1:1-5 In this episode of Walk in Truth, Pastor Michael Lantz begins a powerful new teaching series in the book of Malachi with a message titled "I Have Loved Jacob" from Malachi 1:1-5. Through these opening verses, God reminds His people of His unwavering love and faithfulness, even when they question His care. Pastor Michael unpacks the deep meaning behind God's declaration of love for Jacob and the distinction He makes between Jacob and Esau. This teaching will help you understand God's covenant love, the true purpose of the Christian life, and how to stand firm in your faith. Be encouraged and equipped to apply God's truth in a world that often feels uncertain and divided. Welcome to Walk in Truth! These are the Bible teachings of Pastor Michael Lantz. Equipping you to reach out with God's truth to all people. And how to apply that truth to today's issues, trends, and culture.  Leave your question or comment contact@walkintruth.com   

“Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need. Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account. I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God” (Philippians 4:15-18). Paul, in our verses today, continues his reflection on the Philippian church's generosity toward him. He reflects on their gifts in the “early days” of their acquaintance with the gospel. They had, it seems, experienced the generosity of God's grace and responded, as many new Christ-followers do, with passion and eagerness to serve.  But Paul assures the Philippian church that the situation is not one where he “desired” their gifts. While he was grateful for their support, Paul was not financially desperate, believing that God's mission was dependent on the Philippian church. He did not see them as simply business partners. Rather, he desired their generosity so that they themselves would experience the grace of giving, that “more [would] be credited to [their] account.”  There are two things we have to be careful of here. First, as Paul's comment indicates, we cannot treat our generosity as something upon which God's mission is dependent. Christians and Christian ministries have, at times, exploited well-intentioned people because of a lack of care given to language around calls to generosity. We give, not because God is impotent without our doing so, not because people will not be saved if we don't, but because we are given the gift of participating in what God is doing in the world. We also have to be careful not to think of generosity as transactional. That was a common way of thinking in the Greco-Roman world, and is, if we are honest, often the way we think about giving too. But neither we nor the Philippian church are called to give and then wait around expecting to receive blessing because of a sense of our own righteousness. Rather, we are to understand that our generosity is, as Paul describes in today's verses, “a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.”  Recall Paul's words earlier, in chapter 2:17: “But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you.” Here, Paul also uses the language of sacrifice to refer to the potential for his own impending death. And for Paul, as we've seen throughout the letter, his own death was an opportunity for him to imitate Christ, who poured himself out knowing that those his sacrifice was for could never afford to pay him back.  And this is the ultimate gift of generosity–that in being generous, we participate with Christ. The same gift of grace that allows us to freely receive–without guilt or shame, as Pastor Michael described yesterday–allows us to give. We, like Paul, can be assured that we are “amply supplied” by what already belongs to us in Christ Jesus. So as you journey on, go with the blessing of God: May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you: wherever he may send you. May he guide you through the wilderness: protect you through the storm. May he bring you home rejoicing; at the wonders he has shown you. May he bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.  

Malachi Series  Message: 01 Episode: 2 of 3 Key Verses: Malachi 1:1-5 In this episode of Walk in Truth, Pastor Michael Lantz begins a powerful new teaching series in the book of Malachi with a message titled "I Have Loved Jacob" from Malachi 1:1-5. Through these opening verses, God reminds His people of His unwavering love and faithfulness, even when they question His care. Pastor Michael unpacks the deep meaning behind God's declaration of love for Jacob and the distinction He makes between Jacob and Esau. This teaching will help you understand God's covenant love, the true purpose of the Christian life, and how to stand firm in your faith. Be encouraged and equipped to apply God's truth in a world that often feels uncertain and divided. Welcome to Walk in Truth! These are the Bible teachings of Pastor Michael Lantz. Equipping you to reach out with God's truth to all people. And how to apply that truth to today's issues, trends, and culture.  Leave your question or comment contact@walkintruth.com

As we continue through our sermon series on Spiritual Disciplines, hear Pastor Michael preach out of Matthew 6:1-4 on generosity. Is your generosity dependent upon the praise you get in return? Is there something you have been holding back? Be encouraged this week to help meet the needs of the people around us with open hearts.

When Evil Arises ReCreate Church | Michael Shockley | July 27, 2025---------- EPISODE SUMMARY What do you do when it feels like evil is winning and God is nowhere to be found? Through the dramatic story of Esther chapter 3, Michael Shockley introduces us to one of history's most dangerous villains - Haman the Agagite. From a 500-year-old blood feud to a genocidal plot that threatened to eliminate all Jewish people, discover how God works behind the scenes even when His name isn't mentioned. Learn from the inspiring story of Corrie ten Boom and her Nazi concentration camp experience that sometimes what looks like abandonment is actually God's protection. When darkness seems to triumph, remember this truth: the Cross looked like defeat, but Sunday was already on the schedule. Core Message: Evil may rise, but God is already writing the rescue. ---------- KEY TOPICS COVERED Opening Stories: Death and Faith - The loss of cultural icons from the 80s and 90s - Malcolm Jamal Warner's Christian faith and peaceful character - Hulk Hogan's recent baptism and testimony about Jesus - Ozzy Osborne's reported possible deathbed conversion to Christianity - How unexpected people can embrace the Gospel Meet the Villain: Haman the Agagite - Haman's promotion to Grand Vizier, the king's highest official - His possession of the king's signet ring and ultimate authority - The epitome of someone who clawed and connived for power - His demand for everyone to bow and pay homage to him Mordecai's Refusal to Bow - Religious convictions about not engaging in false worship - The danger of making idols out of people or political systems - Standing up to insufferable, grandstanding leadership - A quiet act of conscience rooted in faith in a Greater King The Ancient Blood Feud - Haman as descendant of Agag, king of the Amalekites - The Amalekites' history of unprovoked attacks against Israel - God's judgment through King Saul and the Prophet Samuel - King Saul's disobedience in sparing King Agag - Mordecai as a relative or likely descendant of King Saul from the tribe of Benjamin The Genocidal Plot - Haman's plan to exterminate all Jews in the Persian Empire - The empire's scope from India to Ethiopia, Greece to Caucasus Mountains - The financial incentive offered (equivalent to $200 million today) - The casting of lots (Pur) to determine the timing - How God influenced the lots to fall nearly a year later What It Looks Like vs. What's Really Happening - Evil rising vs. God writing the rescue - Haman in charge vs. God in control - Mordecai defiant vs. God faithful - Haman controlling calendar vs. God ordaining timing - King passive vs. King of Heaven active - God silent vs. God sovereign - Jews doomed vs. deliverers already in place The Corrie ten Boom Story - Dutch watchmaker's family hiding Jews during Holocaust - Arrest and imprisonment at Ravensbrück concentration camp - The flea-infested Barracks 28 that seemed like abandonment - How the fleas kept guards away, allowing Bible studies and worship - God using the very thing that seemed like punishment as protection ---------- MEMORABLE QUOTES "People get all bent out of shape when God doesn't do something to stop evil. And when God does something to stop evil, people get all bent out of shape." "Haman thought he was picking the best time for genocide. In truth, God picked the perfect time for rescue." "There is a big difference between what it looks like and what's really happening." "The Cross looked like defeat. The Tomb looked like the end. But Sunday was already on the schedule." ---------- BIBLICAL FOUNDATION - Primary Text: Esther 3:1-6, 7, 15 - Supporting Texts: 1 Samuel 15 (Saul and the Amalekites), 1 Thessalonians 5:18 - Key Theme: God's sovereignty working through human evil for ultimate good - Historical Context: Ancient blood feud between Amalekites and Jews - Forward Connection: Preservation of Jesus' lineage through Jewish survival ---------- PRACTICAL APPLICATION When You Feel Evil Is Winning: - Remember there's a difference between what it looks like and what's really happening - Trust that God is writing the rescue even when you can't see it - Don't assume God is absent just because circumstances are difficult - Call on God and ask Him to show Himself strong When Wrong People Seem to Be in Power: - Avoid making idols out of political systems or leaders - Practice quiet acts of conscience rooted in faith - Remember that human authority is temporary, God's authority is eternal - Stand up for your convictions even when it's unpopular When You Face Systematic Evil or Persecution: - Trust that God can use even the worst circumstances for protection - Look for opportunities to minister and share faith even in dark places - Remember that what seems like abandonment might be God's provision - Hold onto hope that deliverance is coming even when you can't see how When You're Tempted to Compromise Your Faith: - Follow Mordecai's example of quiet resistance based on conviction - Don't bow to pressure when it conflicts with worship of the true God - Understand that standing for truth may bring persecution - Trust that God sees your faithfulness even when others don't When You Question God's Timing: - Remember that God ordains timing even when humans think they control it - Trust that delays in justice don't mean God isn't working - Understand that God may be positioning people and circumstances for rescue - Wait on God's perfect timing rather than demanding immediate action ---------- THE ULTIMATE INVITATION On the surface, it may seem like evil is winning and God is on vacation. But underneath it all, God is at work, quietly putting the pieces together for a rescue nobody sees coming. The Cross looked like defeat. The Tomb looked like the end. But Sunday was already on the schedule. When evil rises, when darkness closes its grip, when life itches and bites and burns and stings, don't assume God is absent. Even fleas and wicked decrees become a part of His rescue. Do you see evil around you? Are you wondering where God is? Call on Him. Ask Him to show Himself strong. ---------- CONNECT WITH RECREATE CHURCH - Website: recreatechurch.org - Support the Ministry: Give through the Tithe.ly app or offering boxes ---------- Remember: God's fingerprints are all over your story even when His name isn't mentioned. The Unseen Hand of God is at work, writing your rescue before evil even makes its move.

Join us for this week's sermon!Whether you're seeking hope, direction, or a deeper connection with God, this message is for you. Each week, we open God's Word together to find truth, encouragement, and strength for the journey.

This message explores the challenging spiritual experience of divine silence. Have you ever felt your prayers weren't being answered? Noah's story provides powerful insights for those difficult waiting seasons. For 371 days, Noah waited on the ark without hearing God's voice, yet during this apparent silence, God was actively working to fulfill His promises. When Scripture says God 'remembered Noah,' it wasn't because God had forgotten—it signaled God's movement to act on Noah's behalf. This waiting period teaches us that God's silence doesn't equal His absence. Noah demonstrates active trust during his wait—sending out birds, removing the ark's covering, and preparing for deliverance. This balance of depending on God while using the resources He provides offers a model for our own waiting periods. Whether waiting for healing, restoration in relationships, or guidance, we can practice active trust by continuing to take faithful steps aligned with our prayers. When Noah finally exited the ark, his first response was worship—building an altar and offering sacrifices from the precious preserved animals. This spontaneous, generous worship reminds us how we should respond when God answers our prayers. The story points to God's ultimate deliverance through Jesus Christ and reminds us that even as we wait for Christ's return, God remembers us and works on our behalf, even when we can't see it. 

Pastor Michael's message from Sunday, July 27, 2025.

Senior Pastor Michael White's final sermon at Harbor Covenant Church.Sermon title: Keep Your Eye On The PrizeSermon text: Philippians 3:10-14Sermon questions:What is the goal of this stage of your life?What tempts you to focus on the past?What type of Jesus are you portraying to others?

Pastor Michael preached a cracker as part of our Jesus Said What?! series that we're going through at church.____We would love to meet you! We gather every Sunday at the locations below

Welcome to the Saltbox Church Podcast. We desire to lead people to become fully surrendered disciples of Jesus. On our channel, you'll learn how to read and understand the truths of the Bible from Pastor Michael Mattis and other members of our teaching team. You can expect to walk away with a deeper understanding of the things of God, but challenged to live a surrendered life. We cover topics such as the will of God, mental health, women in leadership, Christianity vs. other faith traditions and many other in-depth studies of scripture. -------------------------------- Scripture & Literature References: 1 Chronicles 12:22-23, 38-40, 13:1-14, 15:14 & 27-29 -------------------------------- CONNECT: Small Group Questions ► https://docs.google.com/document/d/1a35HIgUBiUgDTwUJa6qu1TQ7MBYTlDnNSVFvXgjJ7Xs/edit?usp=sharing LinkTree ► https://linktr.ee/saltboxchurch Website ► http://www.SaltboxChurch.com Podcast ► https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Instagram ► https://www.instagram.com/saltboxchurch/ Facebook ► https://www.facebook.com/saltboxchurch/ Yellow Truck Coffee Co. ► https://www.yellowtruckcoffeeco.com/ --------------------------------

Today, Pastor Michael Acock speaks on our five-week series titled “Movement Of The Spirit”. Join us as we talk about prophecy and responding to the Spirit. Are you aware of the Holy Spirit's active presence in your daily life? Pastor Michael invites us to explore this vital relationship, emphasizing that our communion with the Spirit isn't just a distant concept but a personal invitation into a life of love, peace, and empowerment. Drawing from Romans 8, he reminds us that in Christ, we are free from condemnation and filled with the Spirit, enabling us to experience true life and peace, no matter the circumstances that surround us. You can find the full sermon notes and other resources at our website. We hope this message encourages you and helps you know Jesus in a more real way. Subscribe to us at our YouTube channel, on Apple Podcasts or on Spotify. You can also visit us at Facebook or Instagram.

Malachi Series  Message: 01 Episode: 1 of 3 Key Verses: Malachi 1:1-5 In this episode of Walk in Truth, Pastor Michael Lantz begins a powerful new teaching series in the book of Malachi with a message titled "I Have Loved Jacob" from Malachi 1:1-5. Through these opening verses, God reminds His people of His unwavering love and faithfulness, even when they question His care. Pastor Michael unpacks the deep meaning behind God's declaration of love for Jacob and the distinction He makes between Jacob and Esau. This teaching will help you understand God's covenant love, the true purpose of the Christian life, and how to stand firm in your faith. Be encouraged and equipped to apply God's truth in a world that often feels uncertain and divided. Welcome to Walk in Truth! These are the Bible teachings of Pastor Michael Lantz. Equipping you to reach out with God's truth to all people. And how to apply that truth to today's issues, trends, and culture.  Leave your question or comment contact@walkintruth.com

Habakkuk Series - The Just Shall Live by Faith Message: 06 Episode: 3 of 3 Key Verses: Habakkuk 3:3-19 In the final message of his powerful series through the book of Habakkuk, Pastor Michael Lantz teaches from Habakkuk 3:3-19 in a message titled “A Song of Hope 2.” As the prophet moves from fear to faith, he composes a prayerful song of worship, declaring God's power, justice, and unwavering faithfulness—even in the midst of uncertainty and suffering. Pastor Michael unpacks this rich passage to show how a Christian life isn't built on changing circumstances but on trusting in the unchanging character of God. This message will encourage you to walk in hope, equip you with truth, and help you apply faith-filled perspective in your own life—no matter what you're facing. Welcome to Walk in Truth! These are the Bible teachings of Pastor Michael Lantz. Equipping you to reach out with God's truth to all people. And how to apply that truth to today's issues, trends, and culture.  Leave your question or comment contact@walkintruth.com

Pastor Michael's Wednesday night class from July 23, 2025.

Habakkuk Series - The Just Shall Live by Faith Message: 06 Episode: 2 of 3 Key Verses: Habakkuk 3:3-19 In the final message of his powerful series through the book of Habakkuk, Pastor Michael Lantz teaches from Habakkuk 3:3-19 in a message titled “A Song of Hope 2.” As the prophet moves from fear to faith, he composes a prayerful song of worship, declaring God's power, justice, and unwavering faithfulness—even in the midst of uncertainty and suffering. Pastor Michael unpacks this rich passage to show how a Christian life isn't built on changing circumstances but on trusting in the unchanging character of God. This message will encourage you to walk in hope, equip you with truth, and help you apply faith-filled perspective in your own life—no matter what you're facing. Welcome to Walk in Truth! These are the Bible teachings of Pastor Michael Lantz. Equipping you to reach out with God's truth to all people. And how to apply that truth to today's issues, trends, and culture.  Leave your question or comment contact@walkintruth.com

Bible Study @grace chapel

Join Pastor Mike Burchfield as he continues his series, Jesus Christ: Perfect Man - Mighty God. This Sunday he will be discussing: After A Long Silence - A Voice Luke 3:1-18 God came to John the son of Zechariah in the wilderness. And he went into all the region around the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet, “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be made low, and the crooked shall become straight, and the rough places shall become level ways, and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.'”

Join Pastor Mike Burchfield as he continues his series, Jesus Christ: Perfect Man - Mighty God. This Sunday he will be discussing: Preparation Then and Now Luke 3:2-17 "John answered them all, saying, 'I baptize you with water, but he who is mightier than I is coming, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.'"

Habakkuk Series - The Just Shall Live by Faith Message: 06 Episode: 1 of 3 Key Verses: Habakkuk 3:3-19 In the final message of his powerful series through the book of Habakkuk, Pastor Michael Lantz teaches from Habakkuk 3:3-19 in a message titled “A Song of Hope 2.” As the prophet moves from fear to faith, he composes a prayerful song of worship, declaring God's power, justice, and unwavering faithfulness—even in the midst of uncertainty and suffering. Pastor Michael unpacks this rich passage to show how a Christian life isn't built on changing circumstances but on trusting in the unchanging character of God. This message will encourage you to walk in hope, equip you with truth, and help you apply faith-filled perspective in your own life—no matter what you're facing. Welcome to Walk in Truth! These are the Bible teachings of Pastor Michael Lantz. Equipping you to reach out with God's truth to all people. And how to apply that truth to today's issues, trends, and culture.  Leave your question or comment contact@walkintruth.com

This week Pete Soden, one of our Movement Elders, continues our series "A Summer in Colossae" teaching from Col 3:5-17.  We also hear more Sabbatical Thoughts from Pastor Michael on Col 3:17.

Habakkuk Series - The Just Shall Live by Faith Message: 05 Episode: 3 of 3 Key Verses: Habakkuk 3:1-2 In this episode of Walk in Truth, Pastor Michael Lantz teaches from Habakkuk 3:1-2 in a message titled "A Song of Hope." As Habakkuk cries out for revival in the midst of fear and uncertainty, we're reminded that a life of faith begins with awe for who God is and trust in what He's done. Pastor Michael unpacks how this short but powerful prayer can inspire believers to live with renewed purpose, confidence, and hope—even when the world feels dark. These teachings will help you see the true purpose of the Christian life and equip you with God's truth to live it out boldly in today's world. Welcome to Walk in Truth! These are the Bible teachings of Pastor Michael Lantz. Equipping you to reach out with God's truth to all people. And how to apply that truth to today's issues, trends, and culture.  Leave your question or comment contact@walkintruth.com

Living in the moment brings joy, connection, and presence—just like Jesus did, even on the cross. In pain, He gave hope that very day. The present is where God reveals His glory.

Join us for this week's sermon!Whether you're seeking hope, direction, or a deeper connection with God, this message is for you. Each week, we open God's Word together to find truth, encouragement, and strength for the journey.

Pastor Michael introduces Colossians and covers 1:1-3

Pastor Michael's message from Sunday, July 20, 2025.

God Is Positioning You Esther 2 ReCreate Church | Michael Shockley | July 20, 2025 ---------- EPISODE SUMMARY Ever feel stuck in a place you don't want to be, wondering why God hasn't moved you? Through the dramatic story of Esther chapter 2, Michael Shockley reveals how God orchestrates circumstances we never could have imagined. From a rigged beauty pageant to an assassination attempt, discover how God positioned an unknown peasant girl to become queen of the most powerful empire in the world - all to save His people and preserve the lineage of Jesus. Learn why your current circumstances, even the difficult ones, might be exactly where God needs you to be to make a difference in someone's life. Core Message: God puts the right people in the right place at the right time - and that includes YOU. ---------- KEY TOPICS COVERED The Historical Background: Greco-Persian Wars - King Ahasuerus (Xerxes) and his massive failed invasion of Greece - The battles of Marathon, Thermopylae, Salamis, and Plataea - How military defeat set the stage for needing a new queen - The connection between Esther 1 and 2 through historical context The Beauty Pageant That Wasn't - The reality behind the "beauty pageant" - women were taken, not volunteers - The 12-month preparation process and beauty treatments - How God doesn't endorse evil practices but brings good from them - The heartbreaking reality of forgotten women in the harem Meet the Main Characters - Mordecai: The Jewish exile working in the king's gate - Hadassah/Esther: The orphaned cousin raised as a daughter - The advice to hide her Jewish identity due to growing hostility God's Providence in Action - How Esther found favor with Hegai and received special treatment - The rigged nature of the selection process - divine intervention - Esther's immediate impact on King Ahasuerus - From unknown peasant girl to Queen of the Persian Empire The Assassination Plot - Mordecai overhearing the conspiracy against the king - His quick action to inform Esther, who told the king - The overlooked recognition that would matter later - Another example of being the right person in the right place God's Bigger Picture - How Esther's positioning would save the Jewish people from genocide - The connection to preserving Jesus' lineage 500 years later - God allowing human choice while directing outcomes for His purposes - The difference between God causing pain vs. bringing purpose from it The Joseph Figlock Illustration - The Detroit street sweeper during the Great Depression - The baby who fell from a fourth-floor window - twice - How ordinary people in ordinary places become extraordinary miracles - The importance of showing up even when frustrated with circumstances ---------- MEMORABLE QUOTES "King Ahasuerus was literally the wealthiest, most powerful person who had lived to that point, but he wasn't happy." "God's Providence doesn't erase our trauma or trouble, but it does encourage us that God is able to redeem the worst things we go through." "Jesus sees the forgotten. He calls the overlooked by name. Nobody is disposable to Him." "God took the selfish and exploitative actions of a pagan King and directed the outcome to position Esther in a place of influence." "You might be asking, 'Why am I still stuck here?' And the answer might be — you are the right person at the right place at the right time." "You might not get a baby dropped on your head, but you might be somebody's miracle." "You are not an accident. You are on assignment." ---------- BIBLICAL FOUNDATION - Primary Text: Esther 2:1-4, 15 - Supporting Context: Esther Chapter 1 (Queen Vashti's removal) - Key Theme: Divine providence working through human circumstances - Historical Context: Persian Empire, Jewish exile, preservation of God's people - Forward Connection: Preservation of Jesus' lineage ---------- PRACTICAL APPLICATION If You Feel Stuck in Your Current Situation: - Remember that God might have you exactly where you need to be - Look for opportunities to make a difference where you are - Trust that God is telling a bigger story than you can see - Keep showing up faithfully even when circumstances are difficult If You're Going Through Unwanted Circumstances: - Know that God doesn't cause your pain but can bring purpose from it - Understand that human evil doesn't thwart God's ultimate plans - Trust that God can redeem even the worst situations - Remember that you might be positioned to help someone else If You Feel Forgotten or Overlooked: - Know that Jesus sees the forgotten and calls the overlooked by name - Understand that recognition may come at the perfect time, not immediately - Trust that your contribution matters even if it's not acknowledged - Remember that nobody is disposable to God If You're Waiting for God to Move You: - Consider that your current position might be strategic - Look for ways to be faithful in your present circumstances - Stay alert for opportunities to make a difference - Trust God's timing for change in your life If You Want to Make a Difference: - Recognize that ordinary people in ordinary places can be extraordinary miracles - Stay faithful in small things while God prepares you for bigger purposes - Be ready to act when opportunities arise - Trust that God positions people for His purposes ---------- THE ULTIMATE INVITATION You might feel overlooked, forgotten, or stuck — but God hasn't lost track of you. Like Esther, Mordecai, and Joe the street sweeper, you are not an accident. You are on assignment. Just as God positioned Esther to save her people, He positioned Jesus to save you and me. Jesus was the Right Person in the right place at the right time. Trust Jesus, and trust that He's got you in the right place at the right time — even when you can't see it yet. ---------- CONNECT WITH RECREATE CHURCH - Website: recreatechurch.org - Support the Ministry: Give through the Tithe.ly app ---------- Remember: God is always telling a bigger story than we can see. Your current circumstances might be exactly where God needs you to be to make a difference in someone's life.

Today, Pastor Michael Acock speaks on our “Values In The Valley”. Have you ever felt lost in the shadows of life, like a pilot navigating in heavy fog without instruments? Pastor Michael's message reminds us that God is not just with us in the highs of life but also present in the valleys we experience. Using the metaphor of flying through stormy weather, he draws from the story in 1 Kings where God declares His sovereignty over both mountains and valleys, reassuring us that we have divine guidance even when visibility is low. Over the course of the sermon, Pastor Michael articulates five core values—grace, transparency, interdependency, peacemaking, and love—that serve as our instruments to navigate life's challenges. You can find the full sermon notes and other resources at our website. We hope this message encourages you and helps you know Jesus in a more real way. Subscribe to us at our YouTube channel, on Apple Podcasts or on Spotify. You can also visit us at Facebook or Instagram.

This week's message is personal, powerful, and transformational.Pastor Michael opens up with a heartfelt story from this past week—hosting his parents from Missouri, drinking too much coffee, watching Survivor, and being reminded just how much he reflects his own father. It's a beautiful—and challenging—reminder of our ultimate goal as followers of Jesus: to be conformed into His image.

Habakkuk Series - The Just Shall Live by Faith Message: 05 Episode: 2 of 3 Key Verses: Habakkuk 3:1-2 In this episode of Walk in Truth, Pastor Michael Lantz teaches from Habakkuk 3:1-2 in a message titled "A Song of Hope." As Habakkuk cries out for revival in the midst of fear and uncertainty, we're reminded that a life of faith begins with awe for who God is and trust in what He's done. Pastor Michael unpacks how this short but powerful prayer can inspire believers to live with renewed purpose, confidence, and hope—even when the world feels dark. These teachings will help you see the true purpose of the Christian life and equip you with God's truth to live it out boldly in today's world. Welcome to Walk in Truth! These are the Bible teachings of Pastor Michael Lantz. Equipping you to reach out with God's truth to all people. And how to apply that truth to today's issues, trends, and culture.  Leave your question or comment contact@walkintruth.com

Habakkuk Series - The Just Shall Live by Faith Message: 05 Episode: 1 of 3 Key Verses: Habakkuk 3:1-2 In this episode of Walk in Truth, Pastor Michael Lantz teaches from Habakkuk 3:1-2 in a message titled "A Song of Hope." As Habakkuk cries out for revival in the midst of fear and uncertainty, we're reminded that a life of faith begins with awe for who God is and trust in what He's done. Pastor Michael unpacks how this short but powerful prayer can inspire believers to live with renewed purpose, confidence, and hope—even when the world feels dark. These teachings will help you see the true purpose of the Christian life and equip you with God's truth to live it out boldly in today's world. Welcome to Walk in Truth! These are the Bible teachings of Pastor Michael Lantz. Equipping you to reach out with God's truth to all people. And how to apply that truth to today's issues, trends, and culture.  Leave your question or comment contact@walkintruth.com

Pastor Michael's Wednesday Night class from July 16, 2025.

Reach Conference | Night 2 7.15.25

Habakkuk Series - The Just Shall Live by Faith Message: 04 Episode: 3 of 3 Key Verses: Habakkuk 2:5-20 In this episode of Walk in Truth, Pastor Michael Lantz teaches from Habakkuk 2:5-20 in a message titled "Pride Goes Before Destruction." These sobering verses remind us that arrogance, greed, and injustice may flourish for a time, but God will ultimately bring every wrong to justice. Pastor Michael unpacks the five "woes" declared against a prideful and corrupt people, offering powerful insight into how God's justice still speaks into our world today. This message will encourage you to reject the false security of worldly success and instead pursue a life of humility, faith, and obedience. You'll walk away better equipped with God's truth—knowing your true purpose as a follower of Christ and how to live it out in a world that desperately needs light. Welcome to Walk in Truth! These are the Bible teachings of Pastor Michael Lantz. Equipping you to reach out with God's truth to all people. And how to apply that truth to today's issues, trends, and culture.  Leave your question or comment contact@walkintruth.com

Habakkuk Series - The Just Shall Live by Faith Message: 04 Episode: 2 of 3 Key Verses: Habakkuk 2:5-20 In this episode of Walk in Truth, Pastor Michael Lantz teaches from Habakkuk 2:5-20 in a message titled "Pride Goes Before Destruction." These sobering verses remind us that arrogance, greed, and injustice may flourish for a time, but God will ultimately bring every wrong to justice. Pastor Michael unpacks the five "woes" declared against a prideful and corrupt people, offering powerful insight into how God's justice still speaks into our world today. This message will encourage you to reject the false security of worldly success and instead pursue a life of humility, faith, and obedience. You'll walk away better equipped with God's truth—knowing your true purpose as a follower of Christ and how to live it out in a world that desperately needs light. Welcome to Walk in Truth! These are the Bible teachings of Pastor Michael Lantz. Equipping you to reach out with God's truth to all people. And how to apply that truth to today's issues, trends, and culture.  Leave your question or comment contact@walkintruth.com

On Sunday, we continued in our Spiritual Disciplines sermon series. Pastor Michael preached out of Matthew 6:16-18 on fasting. Be challenged & have a great week!

Break Open Your Box - 06-18-25 - Pastor Michael Mullings

Daily Bread - 06-22-25 - Pastor Michael Mullings

Habakkuk Series - The Just Shall Live by Faith Message: 04 Episode: 1 of 3 Key Verses: Habakkuk 2:5-20 In this episode of Walk in Truth, Pastor Michael Lantz teaches from Habakkuk 2:5-20 in a message titled "Pride Goes Before Destruction." These sobering verses remind us that arrogance, greed, and injustice may flourish for a time, but God will ultimately bring every wrong to justice. Pastor Michael unpacks the five "woes" declared against a prideful and corrupt people, offering powerful insight into how God's justice still speaks into our world today. This message will encourage you to reject the false security of worldly success and instead pursue a life of humility, faith, and obedience. You'll walk away better equipped with God's truth—knowing your true purpose as a follower of Christ and how to live it out in a world that desperately needs light. Welcome to Walk in Truth! These are the Bible teachings of Pastor Michael Lantz. Equipping you to reach out with God's truth to all people. And how to apply that truth to today's issues, trends, and culture.  Leave your question or comment contact@walkintruth.com

Have You Lost Jesus In Your Life? Duncan Crook | July 13, 2025 ---------- EPISODE SUMMARY Have you ever lost track of a child for even a moment? That panic is nothing compared to losing fellowship with Jesus in your life. In this powerful message, Duncan Crook uses the story of 12-year-old Jesus being left behind in Jerusalem to reveal how even the most devoted believers can lose intimate fellowship with Christ. Through Luke 2:41-52, discover the difference between losing your relationship with Jesus (impossible) and losing fellowship with Him (all too common). Learn the warning signs, understand how it happens gradually, and most importantly, find the path back to restored intimacy with your Savior. Core Message: You can't lose your relationship with Jesus, but you can lose fellowship with Him - and there's a way back. ---------- KEY TOPICS COVERED The Reality of Lost Fellowship - The difference between losing relationship vs. losing fellowship with Jesus - Why even the closest believers can lose their sense of Jesus' presence - The story of the coworker who "found Jesus" then seemed to lose Him again The Biblical Foundation: Jesus Lost in Jerusalem - Jewish travel customs that explain how Mary and Joseph lost Jesus - The significance of Jesus' Bar Mitzvah and coming of age at 12 - Why both parents assumed Jesus was with the other group The Security of Salvation vs. Fellowship - Once saved, always saved - but not a license to sin - Marriage analogy: relationship vs. fellowship maintenance - Why true believers don't want to persist in sin Who Can Lose Fellowship with Jesus - The shocking truth: those closest to Him are most vulnerable - Former pastors, deacons, and church leaders who've fallen away - How you can attend church regularly and still lose fellowship The Gradual Nature of Spiritual Drift - Why losing Jesus doesn't happen overnight - The danger of small steps away from Christ - The Inuit wolf-hunting illustration about gradual spiritual destruction The Samson Syndrome - How Samson lost God's presence without realizing it - The tragedy of assuming God is still with you while living in sin - Recognition that spiritual strength comes from God, not ourselves The Path Back to Fellowship - Step 1: Acknowledge that you have left Him - Step 2: Diligently begin to seek Him with persistence - Step 3: Return to the place you left Him David's Example of Restoration - How "a man after God's own heart" lost fellowship through compromise - The progression from spiritual laziness to adultery and murder - Psalm 51 as a model for genuine repentance and restoration ---------- MEMORABLE QUOTES "Have you ever been somewhere with a small child and turn your back for a second- and the child has gone?" "How easy it is to sometimes seem to lose Jesus in our lives." "I have a good Greek word for that: Hogwash." "If you are born again, you don't want to sin! You are a new creature in Christ." "Has there ever been a time in your life when you were consistently closer to Jesus than you are right now? If the answer is yes, then you have lost Jesus." "Sometimes we stay so busy in church doing religious things that we miss Jesus." "Jesus didn't leave Mary and Joseph; they left Him." "You can't afford one day out of fellowship with Jesus." "He awoke from his sleep and thought, 'I'll go out as before and shake myself free.' But he did not know that the Lord had left him." "You will never reclaim fellowship with Jesus until you are honest enough to acknowledge that you have lost it." "You will need to take as many steps back to fellowship as you took walking away." ---------- BIBLICAL FOUNDATION - Primary Text: Luke 2:41-52 (Jesus in the Temple at age 12) - Supporting Texts: Judges 16:20 (Samson), Psalm 51:10-11 (David's repentance) - Key Theme: The difference between relationship and fellowship with Christ - Context: Jewish Passover customs and coming-of-age traditions ---------- PRACTICAL APPLICATION If You're Questioning Your Fellowship: - Ask yourself: "Has there ever been a time when I was consistently closer to Jesus than I am right now?" - Examine your heart honestly, not just your church attendance - Don't assume religious activity equals intimate fellowship If You've Recognized Lost Fellowship: - Acknowledge it honestly without making excuses or blaming others - Begin seeking Jesus diligently and persistently - it may take time - Return to the specific place or situation where you left Him If You're in Church Leadership: - Remember that being close to Jesus doesn't make you immune to losing fellowship - Don't let busyness in ministry substitute for personal intimacy with Christ - Be watchful for the gradual drift that can happen to anyone If You're Struggling with Sin: - Recognize that small steps away from Jesus become giant leaps - Don't deceive yourself that Jesus is okay with compromise - Remember that sin has an exponential, infectious nature If You're Helping Others: - Look for those who may have lost fellowship while maintaining appearances - Encourage persistence in seeking restoration - it's not always immediate - Point people back to where they left Jesus, not just to religious activity ---------- THE ULTIMATE INVITATION God the Father is waiting for you to return to Him. When you do, He won't condemn, criticize, or punish you. He's going to welcome you with open arms, embrace you with His grace, enfold you with His love, and shower you with His mercy. You can be saved and going to heaven, but your fellowship and intimacy with Jesus can be spoiled. Will you admit it and start seeking the Lord persistently and diligently? Are you willing to return to where you left Him? ---------- Remember: Fellowship with Jesus requires the same diligence as any relationship - it must be maintained through consistent communion, honest acknowledgment of problems, and persistent effort to restore what's been lost.

Welcome to the Saltbox Church Podcast. We desire to lead people to become fully surrendered disciples of Jesus. On our channel, you'll learn how to read and understand the truths of the Bible from Pastor Michael Mattis and other members of our teaching team. You can expect to walk away with a deeper understanding of the things of God, but challenged to live a surrendered life. We cover topics such as the will of God, mental health, women in leadership, Christianity vs. other faith traditions and many other in-depth studies of scripture. -------------------------------- Scripture & Literature References: Luke 3:1-20 -------------------------------- CONNECT: Small Group Questions ►https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ElWrG--z-WqNyLukWaGTlExo4-rxDdeX/view?usp=sharing LinkTree ► https://linktr.ee/saltboxchurch Website ► http://www.SaltboxChurch.com Podcast ► https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Instagram ► https://www.instagram.com/saltboxchurch/ Facebook ► https://www.facebook.com/saltboxchurch/ Yellow Truck Coffee Co. ► https://www.yellowtruckcoffeeco.com/ --------------------------------

Habakkuk Series - The Just Shall Live by Faith Message: 03 Episode: 3 of 3 Key Verses: Habakkuk 1:12-2:4 In this episode of Walk in Truth, Pastor Michael Lantz teaches from Habakkuk 1:12–2:4 in a message titled "Working Through Our Troubles." When life feels unfair or overwhelming, it's easy to question God's plan—but these powerful verses remind us that God is still on the throne and calls His people to live by faith, even in the waiting. Pastor Michael unpacks how Habakkuk wrestled with doubt, asked honest questions, and ultimately chose to trust in God's justice and timing. This teaching will help you see that the true purpose of the Christian life isn't about comfort, but about faithfulness and trust in God's character. Be encouraged and equipped to apply God's truth to your life as you walk through your own trials with confidence and hope. Welcome to Walk in Truth! These are the Bible teachings of Pastor Michael Lantz. Equipping you to reach out with God's truth to all people. And how to apply that truth to today's issues, trends, and culture.  Leave your question or comment contact@walkintruth.com

Habakkuk Series - The Just Shall Live by Faith Message: 03 Episode: 2 of 3 Key Verses: Habakkuk 1:12-2:4 In this episode of Walk in Truth, Pastor Michael Lantz teaches from Habakkuk 1:12–2:4 in a message titled "Working Through Our Troubles." When life feels unfair or overwhelming, it's easy to question God's plan—but these powerful verses remind us that God is still on the throne and calls His people to live by faith, even in the waiting. Pastor Michael unpacks how Habakkuk wrestled with doubt, asked honest questions, and ultimately chose to trust in God's justice and timing. This teaching will help you see that the true purpose of the Christian life isn't about comfort, but about faithfulness and trust in God's character. Be encouraged and equipped to apply God's truth to your life as you walk through your own trials with confidence and hope. Welcome to Walk in Truth! These are the Bible teachings of Pastor Michael Lantz. Equipping you to reach out with God's truth to all people. And how to apply that truth to today's issues, trends, and culture.  Leave your question or comment contact@walkintruth.com

Habakkuk Series - The Just Shall Live by Faith Message: 03 Episode: 1 of 3 Key Verses: Habakkuk 1:12-2:4 In this episode of Walk in Truth, Pastor Michael Lantz teaches from Habakkuk 1:12–2:4 in a message titled "Working Through Our Troubles." When life feels unfair or overwhelming, it's easy to question God's plan—but these powerful verses remind us that God is still on the throne and calls His people to live by faith, even in the waiting. Pastor Michael unpacks how Habakkuk wrestled with doubt, asked honest questions, and ultimately chose to trust in God's justice and timing. This teaching will help you see that the true purpose of the Christian life isn't about comfort, but about faithfulness and trust in God's character. Be encouraged and equipped to apply God's truth to your life as you walk through your own trials with confidence and hope. Welcome to Walk in Truth! These are the Bible teachings of Pastor Michael Lantz. Equipping you to reach out with God's truth to all people. And how to apply that truth to today's issues, trends, and culture.  Leave your question or comment contact@walkintruth.com

"My soul, wait silently for God alone, for my expectation is from him." Psalm 62:5 There is an innate power when people live life in a state of divine expectation. There is nothing between you and your miracle, when you approach God with an expecting, anticipating, believing spirit! God has been faithful in your past. And, God will be faithful in your future. What are you expecting God to do in your life? In this series, we'll explore the promises of God and raise our expectations. Expect it!

In this message, Pastor Michael unpacks one of the most sobering sections of Romans, where Paul describes humanity's suppression of the truth and the consequences of idolatry. We see how rejecting God's rightful place leads to disordered desires, brokenness, and judgment. Yet, woven through this diagnosis is the incredible mercy of God. Who, in His wrath against sin, offers grace through the cross of Christ. This sermon challenges us to stop justifying sin, to see ourselves honestly, and to marvel at the gospel that saves. Sermon: Why Does God Get Mad? Series: Romans Speaker: Michael Chinchilla Full Service: https://youtu.be/D_z1cbkTKJw Apple Podcast: http://thisisvillage.church/podcast/apple Spotify Podcast: http://thisisvillage.church/podcast/spotify Your Next Steps: http://thisisvillagechurch.com/nextsteps Village Kids Online: http://villagekids.online Give: https://thisisvillagechurch.com/give Website: https://thisisvillagechurch.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VillageChurch/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisisvillagechurch/ X (Formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/thisisvillage TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thisisvillagechurch

Join us today as our Young Adults Pastor Michael Teasley shows us how to find freedom in Jesus from the things we can't fix on our own. To stay connected to what's happening at Mission Church, follow us on any of the following platforms: Instagram instagram.com/missionchurchca Podcast missionchurchca.com/watch Newsletter missionchurchca.com/updates Website missionchurchca.com