A Bible in which the words attributed to Jesus are printed in red ink
POPULARITY
Categories
In this convicting and powerful message entitled “Withering Religion,” Pastor Josiah Elias unpacks Jesus' encounter with the barren fig tree in Matthew 21, revealing a sobering warning against outward religion that looks alive but bears no real fruit. Just as the fig tree was full of leaves yet empty within, Jesus confronted a religious culture that honored God with words while their hearts remained distant from Him. Through the connection between the fig tree and the inner life, this sermon challenges believers to examine the authenticity of their devotion—because how deep is our relationship with Christ if we cannot truly recognize His voice, His presence, or His heart? Pastor Josiah calls the Church beyond appearances, reminding us that true discipleship is proven through love, integrity, faith, and intimacy with Jesus rather than empty performance. While dead religion withers, genuine faith moves mountains, releases the impossible through Christ, and produces lasting fruit in the lives of those planted deeply in God's presence. This message is a wake-up call for religion to die so people can truly encounter Christ, becoming like trees planted by living water whose leaves never wither and whose lives continually bear fruit for the glory of God.
Pastor Hank and Miss Mona are joined by special guests Dan and Drew to talk about John 10. People claim that Jesus never said He was God, yet His words in the Gospels tell us He did. Don't miss this special delayed podiversary episode.
Even in the face of undeniable miracles, many who encountered Jesus still chose not to believe—revealing a sobering truth that encountering God's power does not automatically produce faith. This message unpacks the tension between revelation and resistance, showing how the condition of the heart determines whether truth is received or rejected. While God's desire is that none would perish, Scripture makes it clear that people can harden their hearts, just like Pharaoh, resisting the very grace meant to lead them to repentance. Yet the invitation remains urgent and open: today is the day of salvation. Jesus stands as the full expression of the Father, the light sent into darkness so that all who trust in Him would step into life. This sermon calls us to examine what we truly value—human approval or the praise of God—and challenges us to choose life by fully surrendering in faith and obedience. In the end, God has entrusted us with the power to choose, and knowing Him is eternal life—so the question remains: will you respond to His voice, or resist the truth that leads to freedom?
Red Letters Part 16
Red Letters Part 15
In this bold and eye-opening message, Pastor Josiah Elias unpacks the moment Jesus cleansed the temple in Matthew 21, revealing that sometimes divine cleansing doesn't look peaceful—it looks like disruption. What appeared to be chaos was actually Jesus restoring what was sacred, confronting a system that had turned God's house into a place of profit instead of prayer. Drawing from Jeremiah 7 and Isaiah 56, this sermon exposes the danger of mixing worship with selfish gain and challenges believers to examine their own hearts: have we made room for God, or have we replaced intimacy with performance? As Jesus overturns tables, He also heals the broken and welcomes the overlooked, showing that true revival makes space for purity, prayer, and presence. With powerful insight, Pastor Josiah reminds us that what Jesus says must matter—and often, it's the least expected voices, like children, who carry the clearest revelation of His kingdom.
Red Letters Part 14
Red Letters Part 13
On Palm Sunday we explored how Jesus wins by humility, not force.Pastor Josiah unpacked Matthew 21, Luke 19 and Zechariah 9:9: the King rode a donkey to confront sin and death, not Rome. His humility models a different kind of victory—God's conquering power comes through peace, not pride. Practical application: examine your conflicts (work, family, neighbors), your goals in them, and consider humility, reconciliation, and service instead of winning.Illustrations and encouragement: a personal reconciliation story, the LORD as Jehovah Shalom (our peace), Peter walking on the water when focused on Jesus, and Romans 16:20's promise that God will ultimately crush evil. Final call: lay down status and pride, follow Christ's humble example, and let your life praise Him.Scripture highlights: Matthew 21; Luke 19; Zechariah 9:9; John 12; Romans 16:20; James 4:6.Read more about the service here: https://www.faithchapelsd.com/post/red-letters-conquering-humility-3-29-26-pastor-josiah-elias
Red Letters Part 12
Chris concludes our series looking at the early words of Christ in Scripture.Slides here: https://www.gatewaychurch.org.nz/site_files/19550/upload_files/RedLetters-Chris-Part4.pdf?dl=1
Red Letters Part 11
Red Letters Part 11
Red Letters Part 10
Chris continues our series looking at the early words of Christ in Scripture.Slides here: https://www.gatewaychurch.org.nz/site_files/19550/upload_files/RedLetters-Chris-Part3.pdf?dl=1
Red Letters Part 10
Chris continues his series looking at the early words of Jesus recorded in Scripture.Slides here:https://www.gatewaychurch.org.nz/site_files/19550/upload_files/RedLetters-Part2-Chris.pdf?dl=1
Red Letters Part 9
Red Letters Part 9
In Joshua 4, the Israelites built a memorial to remember what God had done for them—and that same call to remembrance echoed through this powerful service. Josh Munoz reminded us to thank God wholeheartedly, and Pastor Josiah Elias announced Greg Hendricks' transition from director to pastor, urging us to lead others to Jesus and to steward well what God has given. In John 12, Mary anointed Jesus' feet with costly perfume, filling the house with the fragrance of pure worship—a beautiful act showing that true breakthrough and obedience move the needle not just for us, but for others too. Through stories of faith, healing, and surrender—from the official's son to the woman who touched Jesus' garment—we were reminded that God delights in His people (Isaiah 62:4; Zephaniah 3:17) and that our obedience can bring freedom and faith to entire households. May we continue to be salt and light, moving the needle for the glory of Christ.
Red Letters Part 8
Red Letters Part 8
Chris begins a new series looking at the early words of Jesus in Scripture.Slides here: https://www.gatewaychurch.org.nz/site_files/19550/upload_files/RedLetters-Part1-Chris.pdf?dl=1
In this powerful message from Luke 19, we're reminded that the arrival of God's kingdom is not primarily about timing but about a Person—Jesus—who came “to seek and save the lost,” and whose presence brings the kingdom wherever He is. Using the parable of the nobleman and his servants, Pastor Josiah calls us to take seriously the assignments and opportunities we've been entrusted with now, because our faithfulness in the present realm prepares us for greater responsibility in the coming realm. The sermon warns against a fearful, passive faith that hides what's been given and instead urges risk, investment, and bold obedience—because sitting on what God gives results in loss, while faithful use multiplies it. The bottom line: make Jesus and His word your priority, let them shape how you live, and then step out to blitz culture with the message and power of God—He's already given you what you need to honor Him.
Red Letters Part 7
Red Letters Part 7
Dr. Brendan Tomassian
Red Letters Part 6
Red Letters Part 6
Red Letters Part 5
Red Letters Part 5
On episode 31, Steven Crawford dives into Matthew 11:28-30 - Finding rest and peace in Christ Jesus.After the Red Letters portion of the podcast, Steven is joined by cousin and great friend Joe Hanisko as they relive their elk hunt in Montana and go into a deep discussion around the challenges of truly living in the moment during high-intensity moments of your life. There is always so much build up to big hunts, big trips, family events, etc and when we get to the actual event or actual moment, there are many variables as to why it can be challenging to truly relish the moment. This is a conversation I thoroughly enjoyed and I hope you do too!!SUBSCRIBE, ENJOY, AND LIVE FOR JESUS!
In this powerful message, Pastor Josiah reminds us that our mission is to culture like Christ and our vision is Jesus. Looking at the story of Bartimaeus in Mark 10, we see how our true identity in Christ should shape our circumstances—not the other way around. Like Bartimaeus, we are called to throw off the old coat, cry out in faith, and pursue Jesus with everything in us. When we understand who we are in Him—chosen, redeemed, forgiven, and loved—our breakthroughs become moments that lead us into deeper devotion. May this message stir your heart to trust, surrender, and follow Jesus wherever He leads.
Red Letters Part 4
Red Letters Part 4
There is a common misconception within the Christian mindset that the words Jesus spoke to His disciples and others should also be considered as if He was speaking to all future believers. But the primary mission of Jesus was to minister to the lost sheep of the house of Israel ... Jewish people who were under a different religious system of the Mosaic law which could not bring them life or righteousness. While there are some demonstrations, blips, and words looking forward to a new and different covenant, there is very little good news contained within the chapters and verses in those books about the gospel of grace. --Available on Amazon - "Clash of The Covenants: Escaping Religious Bondage Through the Grace Guarantee" https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0713ZSKY7
Red Letters Part 3
Red Letters Part 3
Red Letters Part 2
Red Letters Part 2
FAITHBUCKS.COM
Many Christians know the Great Commission but never live it out. This sermon unpacks how Jesus chose the unlikely, trained them through everyday life, and calls us to do the same: be with Jesus, become like Jesus, and join Him in His mission.