Podcasts about pastor nate

We sure do compartmentalize things in lives, don't we?  If God is only a part of your life, we are missing something.  God can't be one part of our life; He needs to be the foundation of our lives.  Pastor Nate shares a great message about putting God first.  Let's dive in! Join us in person: 22811 S. Cedar Rd., Manhattan, IL 60442 Learn More: encounterthrive.com Give Online: encounterthrive.churchcenter.com/giving We sure do compartmentalize things in lives, don't we?  If God is only a part of your life, we are missing something.  God can't be one part of our life; He needs to be the foundation of our lives.  Pastor Nate shares a great message about putting God first.  Let's dive in! Join us in person: 22811 S. Cedar Rd., Manhattan, IL 60442 Learn More: encounterthrive.com Give Online: encounterthrive.churchcenter.com/giving

When faith feels complicated or life gets messy, why do we still show up?In this guest-hosted episode of Together 4 Good: Making Sense of Life and Faith, Kimberly—Bethany's podcast producer—takes over while Pastor Nate is away and looks back at our summer series, Why Are You Still Here? This collection of stories from the Bethany community reminds us what keeps us grounded in faith—hope, belonging, and grace.From the “God-size hole” that faith fills to the “foreverness” of church that anchors us, these voices reflect what it really means to be part of something bigger than ourselves. You'll hear moments of honesty, humor, and deep connection that show how faith is lived through people—on mountaintops, in worship, and everywhere in between.

This week, Pastor Nate brings clarity to a very difficult topic that is not talked about much, when God says NO.  Even the HEROES of our faith in Scripture experienced painful, difficult NO's.  This message will bring you peace and encouragement with a topic that normally brings pain and bitterness.  God has purpose in the NO, but we have to trust him!

We Are Created On Purpose, With Purpose, For Purpose

In this week's message from our Ascent: Walking up the Pilgrims' Pathway series, Pastor Nate takes us deep into the heart of two of the most intimate Songs of Ascent, Psalm 130 and Psalm 131 , to show us how we ascend in our pilgrimage through waiting for God's mercy with quiet trust.Psalm 130 begins “Out of the depths I cry to You, O Lord,” painting a picture of the pit of sin—a place of helplessness where no one can save themselves. But there, in the darkness, we find the beauty of God's character: forgiveness, steadfast love (hesed), and plentiful redemption. Through the cross of Christ, these are not abstract ideas, they're living realities. Like Hosea's faithful love for Gomer, God's hesed runs deeper than our failures and stronger than our rebellion.We are called to pray and wait. Waiting isn't passive, it's an act of hope and longing that just as the watchman waits for dawn, the light of God's mercy will rise. We hope on His Word—trusting His promises—and we hope for His Word—expecting His Spirit to speak and lead. Psalm 131 moves from crying out to calming down, from desperation to quiet trust. David models humility before God, resisting Satan's attacks on the heart, eyes, and mind. Instead of arrogance, pride, and restless speculation, he quiets his soul “like a weaned child with its mother.” Pastor Nate contrasts childish faith, which demands and fears, with childlike faith, which rests and trusts.As pilgrims, we can be sure of this: The Lord Himself will redeem us from all our iniquities. So, we keep praying, keep waiting, and keep trusting, until we see His mercy rise like the morning light.

Send us a textThanks for joining us online!  Feel free to share this sermon with friends and family. Grace Baptist Church of Brandon, FL, led by Pastor John Jupp, is a dynamic church that will enrich your daily life. Whether you are just curious about church and God or you are a committed follower of Jesus Christ, you are welcome to join us here at Grace!If you have a prayer concern, we would love to come alongside you in prayer: Share that here:https://growingatgrace.churchcenter.com/people/forms/391447To worship through giving clink this link below.https://growingatgrace.churchcenter.com/givingFill out our digital connect card and help us to get to know you.https://growingatgrace.churchcenter.com/people/forms/602007Support the showSupport the show

Pastor Nate brings the message, "Seek God and Live” from the book of Amos.  This week we will turn to the book of Amos and do a fly-over of it in one sermon.  Like last week (Joel), the theme of repentance once again comes to the surface.  What does it look like to practice regular repentance?  And, where do I even start?  We'll explore those questions this Sunday.

In this message, Pastor Nate challenges those who say we are discipleship of Jesus to grow in our spiritual maturity.

On this weeks episode of BTG, Pastor Nate preaches from the topic of Job.Support the show

Join us this week as Pastor Nate takes us through Romans 14. Romans 14:13-23 P - Put the needs of others above your own - I am truly living in freedom when I can deny myself something I'm free to do/have for the sake of showing love to another E - Encourage and build each other up - It's not about what I can get out of it but rather what I can put into it A - Always live by faith C - Choose a clear conscience E - Enjoy following Jesus

It's Pastor Nate's birthday episode and he's using it to talk about one of his favorite topics: spirituality in everyday life.Because let's be honest sometimes faith can start to feel like another thing on the to-do list.Go to church. Read your Bible.Say your prayers.And all of that matters, but having faith is so much more than just going to church or reading your Bible.It's about connection and relationships. Remembering that God is bigger than any one practice or person.After 15 years as a pastor, Nate admits that worship and Bible study can sometimes feel more like work than rest, so he's learned to look for God in other places, too:in gratitude before a meal,in a walk under the trees,in the rhythm of a ritual that brings you peace,or even in a sticky note on your bathroom mirror that reminds you:God's here.He shares how the Bible talks about forgetting and remembering God and how spiritual practices are really just ways to help us remember who God is, who we are, and who we're called to love.

In Matthew 6, Jesus gives us a how to Manuel on how to pray.  The Lord's Prayer is something many of us know, and have memorized, but we don't understand it fully.  In this sermon, Pastor Nate begins with the WHY of Prayer, but then breaks down a step by step process of the HOW based on the Lord's Prayer. Grab your pen, because if you can apply these principles, it will CHANGE your prayer life.  

When God calls you forward, do not live looking in reverse. In this message, Pastor Nate unpacks the story of Lot's wife to ask a piercing question: in what direction is your affection? Learn why looking back drains your fruitfulness and how to flip the script by disconnecting from the world and connecting with God through worship, fasting, and prayer.

This week at Christ Street Fellowship, Pastor Nate continued our fall series Ascent: Walking up the Pilgrims' Pathway, by exploring Psalms 128 and 129 and showing how we can ascend through the fear of God, even in times of persecution.Psalm 128 reminds us that true blessing flows from a holy fear of the Lord. The fear of the Lord, although not definable in a single, short definition, is about awe, reverence, honor, obedience, and intimacy with a God who is both powerful and good. We will learn that the fear of God doesn't drive us away, it draws us closer. We also learn that nearness to God is a place of safety, not danger. From Isaiah's trembling vision of the throne room to Jesus' delight in the fear of the Lord, Scripture shows that reverent awe leads to deeper friendship, wisdom, and blessing.Then, turning to Psalm 129, as pilgrims we are reminded that affliction will come, but it will not prevail. “The plowers plowed upon my back,” the psalmist writes, yet the Lord “cut the cords of the wicked.” We see parallels to Paul's words in 2 Corinthians 4 and Peter's encouragement in 1 Peter 5: though we suffer for a season, the God of all grace will restore, strengthen, and establish us.

Title: The Participationist KingSpeaker: Nate HoldridgeOverview: In this sermon from Calvary Monterey, Pastor Nate Holdridge examines the profound significance of Jesus' baptism in Matthew 3:13-17. Why would the sinless Son of God submit to a baptism of repentance? Pastor Nate reveals how Christ's baptism was an act of complete identification with humanity—a deliberate choice to participate fully in our story so we could participate in his. Through the Trinitarian authentication at the Jordan River, we discover three transformative realities: we participate in Jesus' life (the "in Christ" union that brings redemption, new creation, and freedom), we participate in the Spirit's anointing (what Pastor Nate calls "dove power"—gentle yet authoritative strength), and we participate in the Father's delight (the eternal love spoken over the Son now extended to us through adoption). This message challenges believers to embrace their identity as beloved children who represent Christ with both truth and tenderness, understanding that salvation is far more than forgiveness—it is union with the Triune God. Part of the series "The Promised King and His Good Kingdom."Link to Discussion QuestionsLink to Sermon Notes

Pastor Nate brings the message, "Rend Your Heart, Not Your Garments” from Joel. We're taking a break from 1 Corinthians until after the holidays and starting a short series in the minor prophets.  This week our sermon will cover the book of Joel where God calls us to practice repentance at the core of who we are: the heart.

This Sunday, Pastor Nate reminds us of the impact of the Holy Spirit in our lives when we truly walk by faith.

In a world quick to judge and slow to forgive, Jesus calls us to a better way. In “Joy in Showing Mercy,” Pastor Nate unpacks Matthew 5:7 — “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.” Discover how mercy reflects the heart of God, extends forgiveness, meets real needs, and works hand-in-hand with justice. Learn how compassion in action leads to true joy.

Pastor Swayne looks at I Corinthians 2:1-5

Listen as Pastor Nate and Pastor Daniel tackle one of the most divisive questions in modern Christianity: How should Christians approach Halloween? This balanced, historically-informed discussion explores the holiday's complex origins—from Celtic Samhain to Christian All Hallows' Eve—and provides biblical principles for navigating this controversial cultural moment.Discover why both total rejection and uncritical acceptance miss the mark, and learn how Romans 14 principles apply to disputable matters like Halloween participation. Whether you attend Harvest Festivals, hand out gospel tracts while trick-or-treating, or avoid the holiday entirely, you'll gain clarity on how to engage culture with biblical confidence instead of fear.Perfect for your morning commute or workout, this episode equips you with:✅ The real historical origins of Halloween traditions✅ Biblical frameworks for being "in the world, not of the world"✅ Practical strategies for redeeming Halloween with gospel light✅ Wisdom for respecting personal convictions while engaging culture✅ How Vintage Church approaches Halloween with their Light the Night eventStop debating and start discerning. Hear how to shine light in darkness rather than hiding from it, making October 31st an opportunity for gospel witness instead of cultural retreat.New episodes drop every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 7 AM CT. Subscribe now and never miss the biblical wisdom you need for real-world challenges.

February 9, 2025

In this week's message, Pastor Nate sits down with our friends, Bob and Sandy, as they share their story of faith.

On this weeks episode of BTG, Pastor Nate continues his series on "Heroes of the Faith" with a figure by the name of Daniel.Support the show

Everyone's talking about artificial intelligence, but beneath the headlines and hot takes, many of us are quietly wondering: what does this mean for our faith?In this episode of Together 4 Good, Pastor Nate explores our shared AI anxiety, that uneasy feeling that technology might outpace our humanity, and what Scripture has to say about it. From the story of creation to the healing miracles of Jesus, this conversation reminds us that the heart of the Gospel has always been about relationship, incarnation, and community.As AI reshapes how we live, learn, and even pray, Nate challenges us to see the hope within the change, that God is still at work, calling us back to real human connection and reminding us that we are more than what we produce.You'll hear about:Why AI is changing everything — but maybe for the betterHow technology can push us toward deeper community instead of away from itWhat Jesus' incarnation teaches us about the importance of being physically presentThe danger of idolatry when we start thinking we can “save ourselves”How faith invites us to hope beyond our fears of the future

In this week's message from our Ascent series, Pastor Nate leads us through Psalms 126 and 127, showing that we ascend through a healthy vision of God's will.In Psalm 126, we're reminded that when despair clouds our hearts, a clear vision  gives strength for the pilgrimage. It teaches us to look back with gratitude at God's past restoration, to see the present with honesty about our captivity or struggles, and to face the future with faith in His promises.Psalm 127 then calls us to trust God's sovereignty in everything we do. “Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain.” Whether in work, family, or rest, only what's done in alignment with God's will endures. Solomon reminds us that our calling is not self-reliance, but surrendered obedience in which we pray as Jesus taught his disciples: “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done.”This message encourages every pilgrim on the journey: remember God's faithfulness, face your current reality with humility, and walk forward in faith—knowing that every step, every seed sown, and every act of obedience in the Lord is never in vain.“The joy of the Lord is your strength.” — Nehemiah 8:10

Title: The Joy of Preparing for the KingSpeaker: Nate HoldridgeOverview: In this week's teaching from Calvary Monterey, Pastor Nate Holdridge examines the dramatic arrival of John the Baptist in Matthew 3. While John's message to "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand" can sound harsh, this sermon uncovers the profound and surprising joy found in preparing our lives for King Jesus. Pastor Nate explains how John's call leads us into the liberating joy of true repentance, the refreshing joy of authenticity before God, and the deep joy of expiation—the complete cleansing from sin that only Jesus can provide. This is a foundational teaching on what it means to clear the way for the King to work in our lives.Link to Discussion QuestionsLink to Sermon Notes

Pastor Nate brings the message, "A Powerful Weakness” from 1 Corinthians 4:9-21. The first section of Paul's letter comes to a close with a climactic statement that the kingdom of God does not consist in talk but in power.  In other words, the measure of a person's walk with God is not determined by what he says but by the power of God at work in his life. 

February 2, 2025

February 5, 2025

January 29, 2025

January 15, 2025

What if the moment you thought your faith was slipping away… was actually the moment it started growing deeper roots?In this episode of Together 4 Good, Pastor Nate wrestles with a truth that's both unsettling and freeing: sometimes, you have to lose your faith to find it again. He explores why doubt isn't a failure—it's often the beginning of a more honest, mature faith.This episode unpacks how God meets us in our uncertainty, how compassion heals more than clichés ever could, and how even in the silence, God is already showing up, sometimes right in the palm of your hand.You'll hear about:Why “childlike faith” isn't the same as childish faith.The harm in faith clichés like “God never gives you more than you can handle.”What it really means to suffer with someone (compassion's truest definition).How doubt and belief can coexist and why faith actually requires both.A personal story about doubt, communion, and discovering God in the middle of it all.Whether you've ever felt disconnected from church, uncertain about your beliefs, or frustrated by easy answers, this episode is for you. It's a reminder that resurrection comes after death of faith, of certainty, of what we thought we knew.Maybe what feels like losing faith is really God inviting you into something more real.

“If it had not been the Lord who was on our side…”? In this week's message, Pastor Nate takes us into Psalms 124 and 125 — two pilgrim songs that celebrate God's rescue and the unshakable security of those who trust in Him.In Psalm 124, we see that God isn't just with His people, He's for them. David declares that Israel's survival was not due to their strength or strategy, but to the Lord's saving power. In the same way, our own deliverance from sin, fear, and the spiritual forces that oppose us is entirely because of God's faithful hand.Then in Psalm 125, we ascend higher to the place of steadfast trust. Just as the mountains surround Jerusalem, the Lord surrounds His people forever. Even when the world feels unstable and evil seems to prevail, God's people can stand firm on Christ, the immovable Rock!

Pastor Nate brings the message, "Servants and Stewards" from 1 Corinthians 4:1-5.  In our study of 1 Corinthians, we've seen that there have been weird loyalties in the church to leaders like Paul, Apollos, and Peter.  Certainly not helpful to the unity of God's people, then or now!   As he closes out this first section of the letter, Paul shows us what leaders in the church are to be: servants of Christ and stewards of God.  But then, doesn't that sound like the role for all Christians?

Pastor Nate continued our journey through the New Testament in the week's Bible Reading from the Bible Recap, by preaching the Parable of the Sowers.Join us as we read through the Bible in a year together as a church!To learn more, visit thebridgebiblechurch.com.

What was behind Judas's betrayal of Jesus? Pastor Nate explains from Luke 22:1-6 that Judas's betrayal wasn't so much different from our own unfaithfulness when we are lured by the world to follow our own agenda rather than remain true to Christ.

Pastor Stephen Martin shares powerful firsthand accounts from South Korea and Israel in this special Culture Review episode. Listen as he recounts visiting imprisoned Pastor Song, who stood against government overreach and LGBTQ ideology, and his experience in Jerusalem during historic peace negotiations.Hear how the South Korean church continues despite their pastor's imprisonment, why Christians and Jews must strengthen their alliance, and what these global events mean for American believers. Perfect for your commute or workout, this episode provides urgent wisdom for navigating cultural chaos with biblical confidence.✅ What you'll discover:✅ The parallels between South Korea's leftist takeover and America's challenges✅ How persecution reveals true faith versus cultural Christianity✅ Biblical foundations for supporting Israel amid propaganda✅ Why prosperity weakens churches while pressure strengthens them✅ Practical lessons from global spiritual warfareJoin Pastor Stephen and Pastor Nate for this eye-opening conversation about standing firm when governments turn hostile and culture demands compromise. New episodes Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 7 AM CT.

On this weeks episode of BTG, Pastor Nate talks about the 3 Hebrew boys who would not bow down, nor compromise their behavior to any other God.Support the show

Let's be honest, a lot of us are doing everything right. We've got the job, the family, the house, the hobbies. Maybe even a decent morning routine. And yet…we're not happy.Why?In this episode of Together 4 Good, Pastor Nate digs into that question we all wrestle with but rarely say out loud. Why do we keep chasing the next thing, the next achievement, the next purchase, the next version of ourselves, only to end up feeling restless again?It's what psychologists call the hedonic treadmill: the more we get, the more we want. And that cycle can leave even the most faithful among us exhausted and unsatisfied. But grace tells a different story. Grace says you don't have to keep running. Grace says you are enough, right now, exactly as you are. Nate shares a real-life confession about stress-buying on Amazon (because we've all been there) and even pulls a surprisingly wise lesson from NBA star Kevin Durant. This episode paints a picture of how our endless pursuit of happiness, more stuff, more success, more “nexts” can blind us to the joy that's already sitting right in front of us.Because maybe the question isn't “Why am I not happy?” Maybe it's “What if I already have everything I need?”Listen if you've ever felt like:You should be happier than you areYou're stuck chasing “the next thing”You can't rest until life finally feels perfectYou want to find a joy that actually lasts

This week, Pastor Nate continues our fall spiritual growth campaign through the Songs of Ascent with Psalms 122 and 123, reminding us that the Christian life is a pilgrimage that has a pattern we see repeated in these Psalms: Desperation, Dependence, Delight. Desperation because of the sin that permeates this earth, dependence on an all-sufficient God, and delight when we arrive home in His presence! In Psalm 122, King David rejoices to go to the house of the Lord, teaching us that worship is both our destination and our purpose along the way. Worship isn't based on feelings but on truth the truth of who God is. We were created for worship, and every action we take should be a living sacrifice of praise.Then, in Psalm 123, we find ourselves back at the beginning of our pilgrimage, crying out for God's mercy. Like servants looking to their master's hand, we lift our eyes in humility to the Lord. We will see that prayer is not about demanding our way but submitting to His will and trusting His justice.Whether in joy or in trial, the journey continues: from desperation to dependence to delight. So keep walking, and remember, "Further up and further in!" 

This week, Pastor Nate calls us to examine our faith in action by the evidence that should be produced in the life of one who follows Jesus.

January 8, 2025

On this weeks episode of BTG, Pastor Nate talks about King David and how he was described by God to have a heart after Him. So we too should desire to have our Lord say that about us, so our pursuit must change.Support the show

Title: His Identity and PurposeSpeaker: Nate HoldridgeOverview: In this sermon on Matthew 1:18-25, Pastor Nate Holdridge explores the most foundational question of the Christian faith: "Who is Jesus?" By examining the angelic announcement to Joseph, we discover that Jesus' identity is threefold: he is fully human, fully God, and the long-awaited Son of David. Pastor Nate explains how this unique identity is the necessary foundation for Jesus' purpose—to be Immanuel, "God with us," and to save His people from their sins. This teaching challenges us to find our ultimate identity not in our performance or affiliations, but in the person and mission of King Jesus.Link to Discussion QuestionsLink to Sermon Notes

Pastor Nate continues our Fully Devoted series with “Becoming the Woman He Can't Resist.” He dives into Song of Solomon from the woman's point of view and leaned into what God's Word says about love, marriage, and devotion. If you accepted Christ we'd love to meet you! Click the link below to introduce yourself so we can help you along your faith journey! Click Here!

Listen as Pastor Nate interviews Azziz Azula in this powerful testimony recorded live at The Forge Conference. Hear how a 9-year-old boy teaching himself English in war-torn Afghanistan eventually became a Special Forces interpreter, survived Taliban persecution, and found salvation through the witness of American Christians.This remarkable story of faith, courage, and divine providence will challenge everything you thought you knew about God's ability to work through impossible circumstances. Perfect for your commute or workout - prepare to be deeply moved and encouraged.You'll Learn:✅ How learning English at age 9 saved 800 Afghan lives✅ What it's really like growing up under Islamic extremism✅ Why Christian peace convinced a Muslim warrior to follow Jesus✅ How God orchestrated a miraculous rescue during the Taliban takeover✅ The power of Christian witness even when you don't see immediate resultsThis conversation proves that your faith matters more than you know - even to those who seem furthest from the Gospel.New episodes every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 7 AM CT. Subscribe now to never miss biblical wisdom for real-world battles.