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James Series Message: 03 Episode: 1 of 3 Key Verses: James 1:9-15 On this episode of Walk in Truth, Pastor Michael Lantz continues his teaching in the book of James with a message called “The Blessing of Enduring through Temptation” from James 1:9-15. These verses remind us that trials and temptations are part of the Christian walk, but God promises blessing to those who remain steadfast under pressure. Pastor Michael unpacks how we can resist the lure of sin, recognize its destructive path, and instead cling to God's truth for strength and victory. This teaching will encourage and equip you to live out your faith with endurance, trusting in God's promises and applying His Word to the challenges of everyday life. 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
James Series Message: 02 Episode: 3 of 3 Key Verses: James 1:5-8 On this episode of Walk in Truth, Pastor Michael Lantz continues his teaching in the book of James with a message called “Need Wisdom?” (James 1:5-8). In these verses, James reminds us that when life feels uncertain or overwhelming, God invites us to ask Him for wisdom—and He gives generously to those who seek Him in faith. Pastor Michael unpacks what it means to trust God without wavering, helping us see that the true purpose of the Christian life is not just to survive trials but to grow stronger and more grounded in God's truth. This teaching will encourage you to lean on the Lord for guidance and equip you to apply His wisdom to everyday decisions, so you can live out your faith with confidence and purpose. 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
James Series Message: 02 Episode: 2 of 3 Key Verses: James 1:5-8 On this episode of Walk in Truth, Pastor Michael Lantz continues his teaching in the book of James with a message called “Need Wisdom?” (James 1:5-8). In these verses, James reminds us that when life feels uncertain or overwhelming, God invites us to ask Him for wisdom—and He gives generously to those who seek Him in faith. Pastor Michael unpacks what it means to trust God without wavering, helping us see that the true purpose of the Christian life is not just to survive trials but to grow stronger and more grounded in God's truth. This teaching will encourage you to lean on the Lord for guidance and equip you to apply His wisdom to everyday decisions, so you can live out your faith with confidence and purpose. 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
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: Psalms 139:7-10, Ephesians 4:6, Matthew 1:23, Exodus 20:7, Matthew. 5:33-37, James 5:12 & Romans 12:3 -------------------------------- CONNECT: Small Group Questions ► https://drive.google.com/file/d/1FIjcmc8mu291eQI_g8kCVvnLeBb52O4N/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/ --------------------------------
James Series Message: 02 Episode: 1 of 3 Key Verses: James 1:5-8 On this episode of Walk in Truth, Pastor Michael Lantz continues his teaching in the book of James with a message called “Need Wisdom?” (James 1:5-8). In these verses, James reminds us that when life feels uncertain or overwhelming, God invites us to ask Him for wisdom—and He gives generously to those who seek Him in faith. Pastor Michael unpacks what it means to trust God without wavering, helping us see that the true purpose of the Christian life is not just to survive trials but to grow stronger and more grounded in God's truth. This teaching will encourage you to lean on the Lord for guidance and equip you to apply His wisdom to everyday decisions, so you can live out your faith with confidence and purpose. 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
Justice At Last ReCreate Church | Michael Shockley | August 24, 2025 Esther Series, Part 7: Esther 7 ---------- EPISODE SUMMARY Ever wonder why justice seems delayed while evil appears to prosper? Through the climactic chapter of Esther's story, Michael Shockley reveals how God's justice works - even when it seems absent. From childhood candy theft to global injustices, we all wrestle with why bad things happen to good people and why the guilty seem to escape consequences. But in Esther chapter 7, we witness the ultimate reversal as Queen Esther finally reveals Haman's genocidal plot at the second royal banquet. Watch as the master manipulator becomes terrified, accidentally breaks Persian law by falling near the queen, and ends up executed on the very gallows he built for Mordecai. Through humor, personal stories, and biblical insight, discover how our sense of justice actually reflects God's character and why we can trust that evil may run its mouth, but God's justice will have the last word. Core Message: Evil may run its mouth, but God's Justice has the last word. ---------- KEY TOPICS COVERED The Universal Desire for Justice - Childhood experiences with unfairness and sibling candy theft - Road rage when bad drivers don't get caught by police - The deeper pain when serious injustices go unpunished - How our anger at injustice reflects God's image in us - Why justice feels delayed in a microwave culture when God uses the "Crock Pot" Esther's Strategic Timing - The Persian custom of multiple banquets for major requests - Why Esther delayed her request through two separate meals - The power of three days of fasting and prayer for divine guidance - Building up to the revelation rather than making immediate accusations - How dedicated prayer changes situations and people The Second Banquet Revelation - The "banquet of wine" as the traditional time for big requests - The king's repeated offer: "up to half the kingdom" as generous hyperbole - Esther's careful approach: "give me my life and the lives of my people" - Her wisdom in mentioning the king's financial loss from genocide - The perfect timing after the king remembered Mordecai's loyalty The Great Unmasking - The king's rage at learning someone threatened his queen - Haman's shock at discovering Esther was Jewish - "The adversary and enemy is this wicked Haman!" - The terror of the master schemer when his plot is exposed - How the trusted advisor's betrayal felt like a personal attack Divine Providence in Action - The king's strategic exit to process the shocking news - Haman's desperate pleading that led to breaking Persian law - Falling on the queen's couch while no man could approach within seven steps - The king's return at the perfect moment to misinterpret the scene - How apparent coincidences reveal God's orchestration Poetic Justice Fulfilled - The servant's reminder about the 75-foot gallows built for Mordecai - The irony of Haman being executed on his own construction - How the enemy literally constructed his own destruction - The public nature of his humiliation and death - God writing a story of justice no human author could script The Challenge of Living Justly - Micah 6:8: "do justly, love mercy, walk humbly with your God" - How we demand justice from others while avoiding personal responsibility - The call to live with integrity even when it costs us - Speaking truth and refusing to participate in wrongdoing - Trusting God's timing when justice seems delayed ---------- MEMORABLE QUOTES "Evil may run its mouth, but God's Justice has the last word." "Your ability to recognize injustice and your anger with injustice come from the incredible truth that you were created in the image of a Just God." "We want microwave answers, when God might be using the Crock Pot." "What looks like a coincidence is providence." "The enemy constructed his own destruction. The Unseen Hand of God wrote a story of justice no human author could script." "Just because we can't see justice, it doesn't mean justice isn't on the way." "The Justice of God may move slowly, it may be hidden, but when it arrives, it is undeniable and irresistible." "Don't forget that even injustice will eventually play into God's Plans." ---------- BIBLICAL FOUNDATION - Primary Text: Esther 7:1-6 - Key Verse: "And Esther said, 'The adversary and enemy is this wicked Haman!'" (Esther 7:6) - Supporting Verse: "He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God?" (Micah 6:8) - Theme: Divine justice working through human circumstances - Historical Context: The Persian banquet customs and royal protocol - Ultimate Justice: How the greatest injustice (the Cross) became our salvation ---------- PRACTICAL APPLICATION If You're Frustrated with Injustice: - Remember that your sense of justice reflects God's image in you - Trust that God sees every wrong and will address it in His timing - Don't lose heart when you see evil appearing to prosper - Know that the boom of God's justice will echo through eternity If You're Seeking God's Guidance: - Consider the power of dedicated fasting and prayer like Esther - Move beyond stress-talking to God toward focused, directed prayer - Trust that something will give - the situation, you, or both - Allow time for God to reveal His strategy and timing If You've Been Wronged: - Trust that the enemy often constructs their own destruction - Know that apparent coincidences may be divine providence at work - Remember that delayed justice doesn't mean denied justice - Find comfort that God will set all things right, if not now, then eternally If You Want to See Justice: - Start by living justly in your own life and relationships - Act with integrity even when it costs you personally - Speak truth and refuse to participate in wrongdoing - Treat people with kindness and respect regardless of their response If You're Tempted to Take Justice into Your Own Hands: - Trust God's timing rather than forcing your own solutions - Remember that vengeance belongs to the Lord - Focus on faithfulness rather than getting even - Let God orchestrate the reversals and revelations ---------- THE ULTIMATE INVITATION Maybe you've experienced betrayal, unfairness, or injustice that still stings today. Maybe you've watched the guilty prosper while the innocent suffer. Maybe you've wondered where God is in the midst of corruption and oppression. This much is true: the same God who orchestrated justice for Haman is still the God of justice today. Your anger at injustice isn't wrong - it reflects His image in you. But remember that the greatest injustice in history - the crucifixion of the only innocent man who ever lived - became the source of our salvation. Jesus took the injustice we deserved so we could receive the mercy we don't deserve. Trust in His justice, live justly yourself, and remember that evil may run its mouth, but God's justice will have the last word. ---------- CONNECT WITH RECREATE CHURCH - Website: recreatechurch.org - Support the Ministry: Give through the Tithe.ly app or offering boxes ---------- Are you living justly in your own sphere of influence? Have you trusted in God's mercy through Jesus? Remember that while evil may seem to get away with everything now, the Judge of all the earth will do right, and His justice will be both perfect and final.
James Series Message: 01 Episode: 3 of 3 Key Verses: James 1:1-4 On this episode of Walk in Truth, Pastor Michael Lantz begins a powerful teaching in James 1:1-4 called “The Testing of Your Faith.” These verses remind us that trials are not meaningless setbacks but opportunities for God to strengthen our faith and produce steadfastness in our walk with Him. Pastor Michael unpacks the true purpose of the Christian life—not to avoid hardship, but to grow through it with a deeper trust in God's promises. This message will encourage you to see challenges with new perspective and equip you with biblical truth to apply in your daily life, so that you can stand firm and mature in your faith. 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
James Series Message: 01 Episode: 2 of 3 Key Verses: James 1:1-4 On this episode of Walk in Truth, Pastor Michael Lantz begins a powerful teaching in James 1:1-4 called “The Testing of Your Faith.” These verses remind us that trials are not meaningless setbacks but opportunities for God to strengthen our faith and produce steadfastness in our walk with Him. Pastor Michael unpacks the true purpose of the Christian life—not to avoid hardship, but to grow through it with a deeper trust in God's promises. This message will encourage you to see challenges with new perspective and equip you with biblical truth to apply in your daily life, so that you can stand firm and mature in your faith. 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
Prayer is vital but often neglected.In this Sound Reads episode, Pastor Michael Otazu shares books that have deepened his prayer life and how they can encourage you to grow in consistent, fervent communion with God.
James Series Message: 01 Episode: 1 of 3 Key Verses: James 1:1-4 On this episode of Walk in Truth, Pastor Michael Lantz begins a powerful teaching in James 1:1-4 called “The Testing of Your Faith.” These verses remind us that trials are not meaningless setbacks but opportunities for God to strengthen our faith and produce steadfastness in our walk with Him. Pastor Michael unpacks the true purpose of the Christian life—not to avoid hardship, but to grow through it with a deeper trust in God's promises. This message will encourage you to see challenges with new perspective and equip you with biblical truth to apply in your daily life, so that you can stand firm and mature in your faith. 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
Malachi Series Message: 06 Episode: 3 of 3 Key Verses: Malachi 4:4-6 In this episode of Walk in Truth, Pastor Michael Lantz takes us through Malachi 4:4-6 in his message, “Behold, I Will Send You Elijah.” These closing verses of the Old Testament call God's people to remember His Word and look ahead with hope to His promises. Pastor Michael unpacks how this prophetic passage points to the true purpose of the Christian life—living in faithful obedience, preparing our hearts for Christ's return, and walking in God's truth daily. Through practical application and biblical insight, this teaching will encourage and equip you to stand firm in your faith and live with the eternal perspective God desires for His people. 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 Pastor Val shares a Sabbatical update as Pastor Michael returns and we celebrate new life through Baptisms! John 19:31-36
Malachi Series Message: 06 Episode: 2 of 3 Key Verses: Malachi 4:4-6 In this episode of Walk in Truth, Pastor Michael Lantz takes us through Malachi 4:4-6 in his message, “Behold, I Will Send You Elijah.” These closing verses of the Old Testament call God's people to remember His Word and look ahead with hope to His promises. Pastor Michael unpacks how this prophetic passage points to the true purpose of the Christian life—living in faithful obedience, preparing our hearts for Christ's return, and walking in God's truth daily. Through practical application and biblical insight, this teaching will encourage and equip you to stand firm in your faith and live with the eternal perspective God desires for His people. 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
Christ who we worship and enjoy a relationship with is currently ruling and reigning for all eternity.
God's secret ingredient towards change is grace. Have you experienced God's grace? If so, how are we extending it towards others? Join us as Pastor Michael shows grace in action within Acts 15.
God Works the Graveyard Shift ReCreate Church | Michael Shockley | August 17, 2025 Esther Series, Part 6: Esther 6 ---------- EPISODE SUMMARY Ever worked the night shift and wondered if anyone notices the important work being done in the dark? Through Esther chapter 6, Michael Shockley reveals how God operates during life's darkest, most confusing seasons when it seems nothing is happening. Using colorful analogies from his own graveyard shift experience at a glass factory (complete with zombies, werewolves, and vampires!), discover how one sleepless night changed everything for God's people. When King Ahasuerus can't sleep and decides to read the royal chronicles, a forgotten act of loyalty by Mordecai surfaces at the exact moment Haman arrives to request his execution. Watch as God orchestrates the enemy's humiliation through his own pride, turning what should have been Mordecai's death sentence into a royal parade of honor. Core Message: God works the graveyard shift. ---------- KEY TOPICS COVERED The Night Shift Analogy - Working the graveyard shift at the glass factory: zombies, werewolves, and vampires - How night shift work makes a difference in the day - Creating "portals of light" that others will enjoy in daylight - The unseen but crucial work done while others sleep - How God operates similarly during our dark seasons Mordecai's Forgotten Loyalty - His position "sitting in the king's gate" as a government worker - Overhearing the assassination plot against King Ahasuerus - Reporting the conspiracy through Esther to save the king's life - The overlooked reward that seemed like neglect but was divine timing - How good deeds are never truly forgotten by God The King's Sleepless Night - Divine insomnia sent upon the most powerful ruler on earth - "He who keeps Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep" (Psalm 121:4) - Calling for the royal chronicles to be read as a sleep aid - The "coincidental" discovery of Mordecai's unrewarded loyalty - How God disrupts even basic human functions for His purposes Haman's Perfect Trap - Arriving at court to request Mordecai's execution - The king's question: "What should be done for someone I want to honor?" - Haman's prideful assumption that he was the one to be honored - Designing his own humiliation through royal robes, horse, and parade - The enemy writing the script for his own downfall The Great Reversal - Haman forced to honor the man he planned to kill - Leading Mordecai's parade through the city in royal regalia - The crowd's response and Haman's humiliation - His family's ominous warning about opposing the Jews' God - The first visible sign of God's intervention in the story God's Invisible Providence - How supposed "coincidences" align for divine purposes - The timing of sleeplessness, book reading, and Haman's arrival - Delay revealed as divine design rather than oversight - Pride setting its own snare for the prideful - The same God working in our dark seasons today ---------- MEMORABLE QUOTES "God works the graveyard shift." "The work done on the night shift makes a difference in the day." "Just because you can't see the gears turning doesn't mean the engine isn't running." "Your sleepless season might be God's setup for breakthrough." "What looks like delay or outright neglect was intentional timing." "All the world may be against you, but if God is for you, the enemy is outnumbered!" "God had the enemy write the script for his own humiliation." "Coincidence becomes providence." "God can cash old checks at just the right moment." ---------- BIBLICAL FOUNDATION - Primary Text: Esther 6:1-5 - Key Verse: "That night the king could not sleep..." (Esther 6:1) - Supporting Verse: "Behold, He who keeps Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep" (Psalm 121:4) - Theme: God's providence working through seeming coincidences - Historical Context: Mordecai's forgotten reward for saving the king's life - Parallel Examples: Israel's midnight deliverance from Egypt, Paul and Silas freed at midnight, Jesus's resurrection during the night shift ---------- PRACTICAL APPLICATION If You're in a Dark Season: - Trust that God is working even when you can't see or hear Him - Remember that silence doesn't mean absence - He's assembling the pieces - Know that your sleepless nights might be God's setup for breakthrough - Keep doing good even when it seems nobody notices or cares If You Feel Forgotten or Unrewarded: - Understand that delay might actually be divine design - Trust that God can "cash old checks" at exactly the right moment - Remember that overlooked good deeds aren't forgotten by God - Know that the timing of recognition may be more important than immediate reward If You're Facing Prideful Opposition: - Trust that pride sets its own snare for the prideful - Watch for God to use the enemy's schemes against them - Remember that "all the world may be against you, but if God is for you, the enemy is outnumbered" - Know that God can have enemies write the script for their own humiliation If You're Working Behind the Scenes: - Remember that night shift work makes a difference in the day - Trust that the "portals of light" you create will bless others later - Know that unseen work is still valuable and noticed by God - Keep laboring faithfully even when your efforts seem invisible If You're Struggling with God's Timing: - Reframe silence as God working rather than God sleeping - Redeem waiting by trusting the unseen hand of providence - Find hope in darkness knowing that morning will come - Trust that coincidences might actually be divine appointments ---------- THE ULTIMATE INVITATION Maybe you're in a season of midnight - a time of darkness, confusion, or worry where it seems like God has gone to sleep on your situation. Maybe good things you've done have gone unnoticed and unrewarded. Maybe you're working faithfully behind the scenes while others get the credit. This much is true: God works the graveyard shift. The same God who kept King Ahasuerus awake to orchestrate Mordecai's rescue is awake and working in your life right now. He who keeps your soul will neither slumber nor sleep. The sun will eventually rise, and you will see what the Lord has built in the night. Just as Jesus did His most important work during the night shift - conquering death itself while the world slept - He is conquering your challenges in the darkness. Trust Him in the dark seasons. Keep doing what is right even when nobody seems to notice. God works the graveyard shift, and morning is coming. ---------- CONNECT WITH RECREATE CHURCH - Website: recreatechurch.org - Support the Ministry: Give through the Tithe.ly app or offering boxes ---------- What are you facing in your own "graveyard shift" season? Sleepless nights, forgotten good deeds, or dark confusion? Trust that the same God who turned Haman's gallows into Mordecai's parade is working the night shift in your story too. Will you trust Him in the dark?
Malachi Series Message: 06 Episode: 1 of 3 Key Verses: Malachi 4:4-6 In this episode of Walk in Truth, Pastor Michael Lantz takes us through Malachi 4:4-6 in his message, “Behold, I Will Send You Elijah.” These closing verses of the Old Testament call God's people to remember His Word and look ahead with hope to His promises. Pastor Michael unpacks how this prophetic passage points to the true purpose of the Christian life—living in faithful obedience, preparing our hearts for Christ's return, and walking in God's truth daily. Through practical application and biblical insight, this teaching will encourage and equip you to stand firm in your faith and live with the eternal perspective God desires for His people. 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
Malachi Series Message: 05 Episode: 3 of 3 Key Verses: Malachi 3:13-4:3 In this episode of Walk in Truth, Pastor Michael Lantz teaches from Malachi 3:13–4:3 in a message called “A Book of Remembrance.” Through these powerful verses, Pastor Michael unpacks God's promise to remember those who fear Him and serve Him faithfully, even when the world tempts us to doubt His justice or question His ways. You'll be encouraged to see the true purpose of the Christian life—not in chasing earthly rewards, but in living with eternity in mind. This teaching will equip you with God's truth to stand firm, walk in faith, and apply His Word to your daily life, knowing that your labor in the Lord is never in vain. 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
Send us a textShammah knew a thing or two about standing his ground in the heat of battle - literally. You and I are also in the fight... and like Shammah, our little "ground" may seem insignificant to others, it may appear we are fighting for it alone, it may look like it will never end, or that we are hopelessly outnumbered: BUT. GOD!! Join us Sunday morning as Pastor Michael digs into Shammah's story and the secret to Standing Our Ground, in a day when most are running for "Safety".
Malachi Series Message: 05 Episode: 1 of 3 Key Verses: Malachi 3:13-4:3 In this episode of Walk in Truth, Pastor Michael Lantz teaches from Malachi 3:13–4:3 in a message called “A Book of Remembrance.” Through these powerful verses, Pastor Michael unpacks God's promise to remember those who fear Him and serve Him faithfully, even when the world tempts us to doubt His justice or question His ways. You'll be encouraged to see the true purpose of the Christian life—not in chasing earthly rewards, but in living with eternity in mind. This teaching will equip you with God's truth to stand firm, walk in faith, and apply His Word to your daily life, knowing that your labor in the Lord is never in vain. 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 preaches through Matthew 11:16-24 on August 11, 2025.
Malachi Series Message: 04 Episode: 3 of 3 Key Verses: Malachi 3:1-12 In this Walk in Truth teaching, Pastor Michael Lantz takes us through Malachi 3:1-12 in a message titled “Return to Me With All Your Heart.” Through this powerful passage, God calls His people to return to Him with wholehearted devotion, promising His presence, refinement, and blessing when they do. Pastor Michael unpacks what true repentance looks like, the refining work of God in our lives, and how living faithfully reveals the real purpose of the Christian walk. This teaching will encourage you to trust God's promises, equip you with His truth, and help you apply these life-changing principles to your daily walk with Christ. 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
Today, Pastor Michael Acock speaks on our five-week series titled “Movement Of The Spirit”. Join us as we talk about surrendering and receiving. What if the key to unlocking a deeper relationship with God lies in the simplicity of surrender? In this sermon, Michael challenges us to envision surrender not as a loss of control, but as a gateway to God's abundant presence. As we continue through the Movement of the Spirit series, rooted in the transformative experiences from our 24 hours of prayer and fasting, Pastor Michael emphasizes that God desires not just our adherence to rules but our very hearts, inviting us into intimacy with Him. 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.
Listen in as Pastor Michael continues our new sermon series Exile as we go through 1 Peter.
In this message, Pastor Michael unpacks Romans 3:27-31 to show how the gospel dismantles our obsession with proving ourselves. In a world built on resumes and performance, Paul declares that we are justified not by what we do, but by faith in what Jesus has done. This righteousness is not earned, it is received as a gift of grace. The message confronts pride, disarms shame, and invites us to stop pretending and start trusting. This sermon challenges both skeptics and believers to surrender the resume, embrace Christ, and live in the freedom of being fully accepted by God. Sermon: Your Resume Won't Save You Series: Romans Speaker: Michael Chinchilla Full Service: https://youtu.be/L9Zddp4Y5Qc 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
The parable of the talents from Luke 19 serves as a profound reminder that God has entrusted each of us with valuable gifts, abilities, and opportunities. Just as the king in the parable expected his servants to multiply what he'd given them, our Heavenly King anticipates growth and fruitfulness from the resources He's bestowed upon us.Get more out of today's teaching by visiting our Church Online page for things like our community guide, a weekly devotional, and the teaching slides. EthosOH.com/churchonline
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 4:1-13, John 14:30 (AMPC) & 1 Peter 5:8 -------------------------------- CONNECT: Small Group Questions ► https://drive.google.com/file/d/18Cvr7EETenLYlkJGjaNkZYr_O90YBDfA/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/ --------------------------------
While We Are Waiting ReCreate Church | Michael Shockley | July 10, 2025 Esther Series, Part 5: Esther 5 ---------- EPISODE SUMMARY Ever feel like you're waiting forever for God to answer your prayers or bring clarity to your situation? Through Esther chapter 5, Michael Shockley explores what happens in the gaps between our prayers and God's answers. Using the analogy of waiting for a Polaroid picture to develop, discover why our impatience often leads us to "shake" our circumstances instead of trusting God's perfect timing. When Queen Esther finally approaches the king uninvited, her unexpected delay in making her request teaches us that what looks like wasted waiting time might actually be God orchestrating the perfect setup for His plan. From Haman's overconfident scheming to the king's sleepless night that's coming, learn why delays aren't denials and how God works behind the scenes even when He seems silent. Core Message: While we are waiting, God is working. ---------- KEY TOPICS COVERED The Tension of Esther's Approach - Persian law requiring death for uninvited royal visits - The cultural context of absolute royal authority in ancient Persia - Esther's three days of fasting and prayer before approaching the king - The golden scepter as the sign of royal mercy and acceptance - Courage and faith required to risk everything for others The King's Generous Response - "What do you wish? Up to half the kingdom!" as royal hyperbole - God's behind-the-scenes work in moving the king's heart - The unexpected favor Esther receives despite the risk - How divine providence positioned her for this moment Esther's Puzzling Delay - The first banquet invitation instead of an immediate request - Missing the opportunity at the "banquet of wine" discussion time - The second banquet invitation when pressed again by the king - Possible reasons: fear, strategy, or divine timing - How delays can actually be part of God's perfect plan Haman's Overconfident Scheming - Bragging about wealth, power, and exclusive royal access - One man's refusal to bow ruining all his success - Mordecai's continued defiance at the palace gate - The 75-foot gallows constructed overnight for Mordecai - How the enemy always overplays his hand God's Invisible Hand at Work - The peculiarity of God never being directly mentioned in Esther - Divine orchestration behind seemingly random events - Setting up the perfect reversal while everyone waits - The coming sleepless night that will change everything - How God is never rushed and never outplanned The Waiting Room Experience - Our modern impatience with God's timing - "Shaking the Polaroid" instead of letting things develop properly - Why delays don't equal denials - Trusting the process when we can't see the outcome - The masterpiece in progress during waiting seasons ---------- MEMORABLE QUOTES "While we are waiting, God is working." "A delay is not necessarily a denial." "Just because we can't see God doesn't mean He isn't working." "The enemy always overplays his hand. God is never rushed. God is never outplanned." "Stop shaking the Polaroid and trust The One Who can bring things into focus." "A delayed answer does not equal a denied purpose." "What feels like wasted time of waiting might be a masterpiece in progress." ---------- BIBLICAL FOUNDATION - Primary Text: Esther 5:3-4 - Key Verse: "What do you wish, Queen Esther? What is your request? It shall be given to you—up to half the kingdom!" - Supporting Context: Esther's approach to the king and the two banquet delays - Theme: Divine timing and God's behind-the-scenes orchestration - Parallel Examples: Noah's decades of building, Joseph's years in prison, Jesus's three days in the tomb --------- PRACTICAL APPLICATION If You're Waiting for Answers: - Stop "shaking the Polaroid" by trying to force faster results - Trust that God may be setting things in motion between your prayers - Remember that delayed answers don't mean denied purposes - Let things develop in God's perfect timing rather than your preferred schedule If You Feel Like Nothing Is Happening: - Recognize that God works behind the scenes even when invisible - Trust that apparent delays might be divine orchestration - Remember biblical examples where waiting preceded breakthrough - Focus on faithfulness during the waiting rather than demanding results If You're Tempted to Give Up: - Know that a masterpiece may be in progress during your waiting season - Trust the same God who came through for Esther, Noah, Joseph, and Jesus - Believe that your breakthrough may be closer than it appears - Keep praying and trusting even when you can't see movement If You're in a Position to Help Others: - Don't let comfort or fear keep you from taking necessary risks - Remember that your obedience may be key to someone else's rescue - Trust God's timing for when and how to act on others' behalf - Prepare through prayer and fasting before taking significant steps If You're Facing Overwhelming Opposition: - Remember that enemies often overplay their hand - Trust that God is never outplanned or outmaneuvered - Know that apparent victories for evil may be setting up divine reversals - Wait for God's perfect timing rather than rushing into battle ---------- THE ULTIMATE INVITATION Maybe you're in a waiting season that doesn't make sense. Maybe you've prayed, fasted, and taken steps of faith, but nothing seems to be happening. Maybe you're tempted to "shake" your circumstances to try to speed things up. This much is true: while you are waiting, God is working. The same God who orchestrated Esther's story behind the scenes is orchestrating yours. The answers you're waiting for may already be in motion. Trust The One Who can bring things into focus in His perfect time. And remember, the greatest wait in history - three days in a tomb - resulted in the greatest victory ever won when Jesus rose from the dead to give us eternal life. ---------- CONNECT WITH RECREATE CHURCH - Website: recreatechurch.org - Support the Ministry: Give through the Tithe.ly app or offering boxes ---------- What are you waiting on today? A phone call, healing, direction, or breakthrough? Trust that while you're waiting, God is working. The next chapter of your story is being written, and the same God who came through for Esther will come through for you.
Sunday @Grace Chapel
Malachi Series Message: 04 Episode: 2 of 3 Key Verses: Malachi 3:1-12 In this Walk in Truth teaching, Pastor Michael Lantz takes us through Malachi 3:1-12 in a message titled “Return to Me With All Your Heart.” Through this powerful passage, God calls His people to return to Him with wholehearted devotion, promising His presence, refinement, and blessing when they do. Pastor Michael unpacks what true repentance looks like, the refining work of God in our lives, and how living faithfully reveals the real purpose of the Christian walk. This teaching will encourage you to trust God's promises, equip you with His truth, and help you apply these life-changing principles to your daily walk with Christ. 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
Malachi Series Message: 04 Episode: 1 of 3 Key Verses: Malachi 3:1-12 In this Walk in Truth teaching, Pastor Michael Lantz takes us through Malachi 3:1-12 in a message titled “Return to Me With All Your Heart.” Through this powerful passage, God calls His people to return to Him with wholehearted devotion, promising His presence, refinement, and blessing when they do. Pastor Michael unpacks what true repentance looks like, the refining work of God in our lives, and how living faithfully reveals the real purpose of the Christian walk. This teaching will encourage you to trust God's promises, equip you with His truth, and help you apply these life-changing principles to your daily walk with Christ. 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
Malachi Series Message: 03 Episode: 3 of 3 Key Verses: Malachi 2:10-17 In this episode of Walk in Truth, Pastor Michael Lantz teaches from Malachi 2:10-17 in a message titled “Truth or Treachery?” Through this powerful passage, God confronts His people about broken faith, unfaithfulness, and the need for covenant loyalty. Pastor Michael unpacks what these verses reveal about the heart of God and how they call us to live with integrity and devotion in every area of life. This teaching will encourage you to rediscover the true purpose of the Christian life and equip you with biblical truth to stand firm and apply God's Word to the challenges you face every day. 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
Wed Bible Study @Grace Chapel
Malachi Series Message: 03 Episode: 2 of 3 Key Verses: Malachi 2:10-17 In this episode of Walk in Truth, Pastor Michael Lantz teaches from Malachi 2:10-17 in a message titled “Truth or Treachery?” Through this powerful passage, God confronts His people about broken faith, unfaithfulness, and the need for covenant loyalty. Pastor Michael unpacks what these verses reveal about the heart of God and how they call us to live with integrity and devotion in every area of life. This teaching will encourage you to rediscover the true purpose of the Christian life and equip you with biblical truth to stand firm and apply God's Word to the challenges you face every day. 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
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 3:21–38 -------------------------------- CONNECT: Small Group Questions ► https://drive.google.com/file/d/1uO6vob9dlhT-1cs-iLY_QqAllhuV5mC1/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/ --------------------------------
Malachi Series Message: 03 Episode: 1 of 3 Key Verses: Malachi 2:10-17 In this episode of Walk in Truth, Pastor Michael Lantz teaches from Malachi 2:10-17 in a message titled “Truth or Treachery?” Through this powerful passage, God confronts His people about broken faith, unfaithfulness, and the need for covenant loyalty. Pastor Michael unpacks what these verses reveal about the heart of God and how they call us to live with integrity and devotion in every area of life. This teaching will encourage you to rediscover the true purpose of the Christian life and equip you with biblical truth to stand firm and apply God's Word to the challenges you face every day. 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
For Such a Time as This ReCreate Church | Michael Shockley | August 3, 2025 ---------- EPISODE SUMMARY Do you ever feel restless in your current situation, wishing you were somewhere else doing something more meaningful? Through the pivotal story of Esther chapter 4, Michael Shockley challenges us to see that God works where we are, not where we wish we were. From kindergarten naptime rebellion to marriage "pat-pat" signals, discover how our restlessness often blinds us to the holy ground beneath our feet. Learn why Esther's palace position wasn't about comfort but about purpose, and how Mordecai's grief outside the gates became a catalyst for rescue. When genocide threatened God's people, it took ordinary people in their ordinary circumstances to become heroes of redemptive history. Core Message: God works where we are, not where we wish we were. ---------- KEY TOPICS COVERED The Restless Heart - The struggle to believe our current place is holy ground - How God works in waiting rooms, long meetings, and painful seasons Mordecai's Public Mourning - Tearing clothes, wearing sackcloth, and sitting in ashes - Jewish customs of grief and distress in ancient culture - The genocide decree and its threat to all Jewish people - Mourning as an honest response to evil, not faithlessness - Making a public declaration that injustice is not right Esther's Sheltered Palace Life - Living in comfort while being out of touch with harsh reality - How good circumstances can reduce compassion for struggling people - The palace as a "fancy prison" with limited freedom - Having access and influence while feeling powerless - The unique connections and contacts we all possess The Law of Approaching the King - Death penalty for uninvited visits to the king - The golden scepter as the only exception to execution - Esther's month-long separation from the king - Being in God's will while still feeling scared and inadequate - How feelings of inadequacy don't disqualify us from making a difference Mordecai's Powerful Challenge - "Do not think you will escape in the king's palace" - God's deliverance will come from somewhere, but what about your role? - The pivotal question: "Who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" - God's preference to work through people rather than around them - The closest the text comes to acknowledging God's hand Esther's Decision and Surrender - "Go, gather all the Jews and fast for me" - "I will go to the king, which is against the law" - "If I perish, I perish" - surrender, not fatalism - The community response of fasting and implied prayer - Being in a place of privilege that's actually a place of peril ---------- MEMORABLE QUOTES "Somewhere deep in my soul, I have a hard time believing that right here — this conversation, this place, this moment, this season of life — is where I'm supposed to be." "God works where we are, not where we wish we were." "Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" "If I perish, I perish!" ---------- BIBLICAL FOUNDATION - Primary Text: Esther 4:13-16 - Key Verse: "Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" (Esther 4:14) - Supporting Context: The genocide decree and threat to Jewish people - Theme: Divine purpose in human circumstances and positioning - Connection: Esther's courage preserving the lineage that led to Jesus ---------- PRACTICAL APPLICATION If You Feel Restless in Your Current Situation: - Stop giving God the "pat-pat" and trust His timing for your season - Recognize that right here, right now might be holy ground - Look for God's purpose in your present circumstances rather than future dreams - Remember that God works in ordinary places, not just extraordinary ones If You Feel Powerless to Make a Difference: - Consider your unique access and connections - you have influence you might not see - Remember that you may be exactly the right person for someone's rescue - Use whatever platform you have, even if it seems small - Trust that your voice and actions matter more than you realize If You're in a Place of Comfort: - Don't let privilege blind you to the needs around you - Use your access and resources to help those who are struggling - Remember that comfort can be a "fancy prison" if it keeps you from purpose - Stay connected to the harsh realities others face If You Feel Scared or Inadequate: - Know that you can be right where God wants you and still feel afraid - Understand that feelings of inadequacy don't disqualify you from making a difference - Trust that if the task is bigger than you, you'll need God to accomplish it - Move forward in obedience despite your fears If You're Facing a "Such a Time as This" Moment: - Recognize that you may have been positioned for this exact situation - Gather community support through prayer and fasting - Be willing to take risks for the sake of others - Surrender the outcome to God while taking faithful action ---------- THE ULTIMATE INVITATION Maybe you're in a season that doesn't make sense. Maybe life is quiet and predictable and it doesn't seem like you're meant to do anything important. Maybe you're in a place that feels random, broken, or too small to matter. This much is true: God works where you are, not where you wish you were. God has purpose for you right here, right now. Somebody needs your voice, your courage, your kindness. Don't let fear, comfort, or confusion talk you out of that. Your faithfulness in this moment can change lives. Like Esther, Jesus said, "If I perish, I perish." And He did. He died to save us. But death's victory didn't last. Jesus rose from the grave, and all those who trust in Him have everlasting life and a life of meaning. ---------- CONNECT WITH RECREATE CHURCH - Website: recreatechurch.org - Support the Ministry: Give through the Tithe.ly app or offering boxes ---------- Remember: You may have come into that family, workplace, hospital room, neighborhood, or season for such a time as this. Your story is not over, and your obedience may be the turning point in someone else's story.
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.
Join us as we continue our topic on Total War. Pastor Michael reminds us that when the family of God is unified it is the single most destructive weapon against Satan and his kingdom.
What We Believe, 7 of 11 from July 20th, 2025"We depend on God to save us every step of the way."Salvation by Michael Lockstampfor (@miklocks)SUMMARYThis sermon explores the concept of salvation through the lens of God's unwavering grace. It emphasizes that salvation is entirely a gift from God, not earned by human efforts. Pastor Michael explains the three stages of salvation: justification (being declared righteous), sanctification (ongoing transformation), and glorification (future perfection). The message underscores God's persistent love and the inclusive nature of the gospel, while also acknowledging its exclusive claim that salvation comes through Christ alone.REFLECTION & DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Sunday message @grace chapel
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
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/ --------------------------------