Podcasts about red letters

 In Matthew 18, when asked about the number of times we should forgive someone who's wronged us, Jesus's answer is quite shocking. He told his disciple Peter that we are challenged to forgive, not once or even seven times, but seventy seven times! These Disturbing Red Letters feel almost impossible to practice. Isn't this kind of forgiveness just condoning the action of those who wronged us? Doesn't it just give them a free pass? Or, is it possible that Jesus is making connections to a larger story, one that is as ancient as humanity?In this week's sermon Pastor Josh Scott unpacks the context of these Disturbing Red Letters, and you won't want to miss what's there!⛪️ To learn more about who we are and what we do, visit https://gracepointe.net/about-us

We're looking at more of Jesus's Disturbing Red Letters !  This week's challenging words come from Luke 18. After encountering a rich ruler who refused to give his wealth to the poor and follow Jesus, Jesus responded by saying, “How hard it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!”But what exactly does Jesus mean? Is he saying that rich people are going to miss heaven? How much money does someone have to have before they're considered “rich”? And is Jesus speaking only to his audience back then—or is he speaking to us today? Listen in as Lead Pastor Josh Scott explores these questions and more! ⛪️ To learn more about who we are and what we do, visit https://gracepointe.net/about-us

This week we continued our new series called Disturbing Red Letters, which focuses on the words of Jesus that can be experienced as exclusive, harsh, and downright impossible. This week we looked at two passages in which Jesus says that, if we want to follow him, we must hate our families and even skip their funerals. Yep, you read that right! What do we do with these difficult words? What was Jesus even thinking? Join us as Lead Pastor Josh Scott examines these disturbing words! ⛪️ To learn more about who we are and what we do, visit https://gracepointe.net/about-us

Red Letters: Luke Warm (Pastor Rick Paladin) 8/9/26 Bridge City Church

In this urgent and prophetic message, “The Ready Discerning Church,” Pastor Josiah Elias takes us through Matthew 24 and Scripture's warnings concerning deception, the return of Christ, and the responsibility of the Church to remain spiritually awake and discerning. Jesus warned that false messiahs and false prophets would arise with convincing signs and wonders, making discernment essential for the people of God. Pastor Josiah traces the biblical story of God's dwelling place—from the Tabernacle and the Temple to Jesus Christ, the Church, and ultimately eternity—revealing that under the New Covenant, we are now the temple of the Holy Spirit and living stones being built together as God's house. Through the finished work of Jesus, one sacrifice was made once and for all, and now the Church is called to live holy, alert, and ready. Jesus is coming again—not secretly, not ambiguously, but with power and great glory, and every eye will see Him. The question is not if He is coming, but are we ready? This message is a call to wake up, reject deception, cultivate biblical discernment, and examine our hearts with one sobering question: “Am I ready?”

What did Jesus mean when He said, "Don't be alarmed"?In this powerful message from Matthew 24, Pastor Josiah Elias walks through Jesus' teaching about the destruction of the Temple, the signs of the end of the age, and how believers are called to respond when the world seems to be falling apart.From Solomon's Temple to Herod's Temple, and ultimately to Jesus Himself and the Church as God's dwelling place, Scripture reveals God's unfolding plan throughout history. Jesus warned that wars, deception, persecution, famines, earthquakes, and false prophets would come—but He also gave His followers a clear command: **Don't freak out. Trust Me.**In this message you'll discover:* The fascinating history of the First and Second Temples* Why Jesus accurately predicted the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70* What the "birth pains" of Matthew 24 really mean* How to recognize deception and remain grounded in truth* Why following Jesus includes both privilege and persecution* The biblical picture of salvation: we **have been saved**, **are being saved**, and **will be saved*** The hope believers have as we await Christ's return* Why the Gospel must be preached to every nationKey Takeaway:True followers of Jesus trust Him even when the world seems to be falling apart. Instead of spreading fear, we are called to bring hope, peace, and confidence in God's promises.No matter what headlines you read or what challenges you face, Jesus is still on the throne, His Word is still true, and His Kingdom is still advancing.

Red Letters: Open Doors (Pastor Nick Stephanovic) 8/2/26 Bridge City Church

We began a new series this week called, Disturbing Red Letters, which focuses on the words of Jesus that can be experienced as exclusive, harsh, and downright impossible. We are diving into the deep end right off the bat by talking about John 14:6, where Jesus says, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." What does Jesus mean? Is this about going to heaven when we die, or something else? Can we understand this passage differently than many of us were taught? We think so! ⛪️ To learn more about who we are and what we do, visit https://gracepointe.net/about-us

Undercover Narcotics Detective to Hollywood Actor – Jim Klock Unplugged Jim Klock spent a decade on the police beat, including undercover narcotics work in Virginia, before moving to LA at 30 to chase Hollywood. His first role? Playing an undercover cop on HBO's The Wire  while he was still actually an undercover narcotics detective back home. This week on Reza Rifts, host Keith Reza and Jim get into everything: the time he chased a violent suspect past an elementary school, working opposite Woody Harrelson on True Detective, learning craft from acting coach Jack Plotnick, the Sam Elliott "I'm the best Sam Elliott in the world" moment, his upcoming roles on Boston Blue, The Florist, and the shark movie Chum, plus Reza opens up about why he calls his Aspergers a superpower. Guest Info Jim Klock is a Virginia-born American actor, writer, director, and former law-enforcement officer. After a decorated 10-year career as a police officer and undercover narcotics detective  complete with private-sector dignitary-protection work to fund his acting training, Klock hit Los Angeles and built a steady career playing the kind of cop, detective and morally-gray character you absolutely believe on screen. A working writer/director whose microbudget feature Red Letters he helmed himself, Jim is also part-time with the Stafford County Sheriff's Office, teaches at the law-enforcement academy, and is now gearing up to release The Florist, Chum, and a role on Boston Blue in 2026. Notable Works: True Detective (HBO) — Season 1 The Wire (HBO) — first acting role, undercover cop Criminal Minds — SWAT team leader Scream Queens — recurring Like Father Like Son — opposite Dermot Mulroney The Burial (2023) NCIS (Season 23) Deepwater Horizon (2016) The Stanford Prison Experiment (2015) Hell House LLC III: Lake of Fire Red Letters — writer / director / star Boston Blue — upcoming The Florist — upcoming Chum — upcoming shark feature Guest Social Links Follow Jim:

In one of His strongest and most sobering teachings, Jesus confronts the religious leaders of His day—not because they lacked knowledge, but because their outward appearance hid hearts that were far from God. In Matthew 23, Jesus exposes the danger of religion without relationship, performance without purity, and outward obedience without inward transformation.This message, "Hypocrites!", unpacks the seven characteristics of hypocrisy revealed by Christ. From shutting the door of the Kingdom to others, to valuing appearance over character, to living by loopholes instead of integrity, this sermon calls every believer to examine their own heart.God isn't looking for perfect people—He's looking for surrendered people. The invitation of Jesus is to remove the mask, embrace humility, and become authentic disciples who reflect His heart.Whether you've struggled with legalism, church hurt, self-righteousness, or simply desire to grow in spiritual maturity, this message will challenge you to pursue genuine faith that transforms you from the inside out.

What does it truly mean to be all in for Jesus?In this powerful message, Pastor Josiah Elias unpacks one of the most profound acts of faith found in Scripture—the offering of the poor widow in Mark 12. While others gave out of their abundance, one unnoticed widow gave everything she had. Jesus wasn't impressed by the amount that was given; He was moved by the heart behind the gift.This sermon challenges us to examine our own hearts. Are we serving God from our surplus, or from complete surrender? Are we holding anything back, or have we entrusted every part of our lives to Him?Discover how generosity is more than financial giving—it's a reflection of wholehearted devotion. Learn why God sees both what we give and how we give, how our giving becomes an act of worship, and why a life fully surrendered to Christ always outweighs impressive outward appearances.Whether it's your time, talents, finances, or obedience, God is calling His people to move beyond convenience and into complete trust. The Kingdom is built by people who are willing to go all in.

Red Letters: Tolerance (Pastor Rick Paladin) 7/19/26 Bridge City Church

Red Letters: Our Worldview (Pastor Rick Paladin) 7/12/26 Bridge City Church

In this powerful and convicting message from Matthew 23, Pastor Josiah Elias exposes the danger of hypocrisy and reveals what authentic Christlike leadership truly looks like. As Jesus confronts the Pharisees, we're reminded that God is not impressed by outward appearances, religious titles, or public recognition—He is looking for hearts marked by humility, integrity, and obedience. This sermon challenges every believer to reject performance-based religion and instead become people whose private lives match their public confession.Discover why healthy spiritual leaders are called to point people to Jesus rather than themselves, walk alongside others instead of carrying them, and reflect the character of Christ in every area of life. Through the example of Jesus—the greatest servant of all—we learn that true greatness is found not in being exalted by people, but in humbling ourselves before God. If you've ever struggled with disappointment in leadership, wrestled with religious performance, or desire to grow in genuine discipleship, this message will encourage you to pursue the humility that attracts the presence of God and transforms lives from the inside out.

Red Letters: Suffering for Jesus (Gabe Paladin) 7/5/26 Bridge City Church

Red Letters: First Love (Pastor Nick Stephanovic) 6/28/26 Bridge City Church

Can you be close to the Kingdom of God and still miss it?In this powerful message, Pastor Josiah Elias unpacks Mark 12 and the sobering reality that knowledge alone is not enough. The Sadducees knew religion but denied the power of God. The religious teacher understood the greatest commandment, yet Jesus told him, "You are not far from the Kingdom of God."Not far.Close enough to recognize truth.Close enough to understand Scripture.Close enough to admire Jesus.Yet still not fully surrendered.The Kingdom of God is not about having a form of godliness while denying its power. It is not about religious activity replacing genuine intimacy with Christ. The Scriptures and the power of God go hand in hand, and love remains the greatest commandment.This message is a call to move beyond information and into transformation, beyond religious performance and into relationship, beyond knowing about Jesus and truly knowing Him.A good understanding cannot replace a living relationship with Christ.If you've ever wondered whether you are merely near the things of God or fully surrendered to the King, this message is for you.Key Scriptures:• Mark 12:18-34• 2 Timothy 3:5• Matthew 7:22-23• 2 Peter 1:3-4At Faith Chapel, our vision is simple: Jesus. Our prayer is that this message would draw you into a deeper relationship with Him and awaken a fresh hunger for His presence, His Word, and His power.Culture Like Christ.Vision: Jesus.

On this powerful Pentecost Sunday, Pastor Josiah Elias brings a life-changing message titled “The Great Exchange.” At the cross, Jesus took our sin, shame, pain, and bondage so we could receive His righteousness, freedom, healing, and the power of the Holy Spirit. Pentecost was never meant to be just a historical moment — it was the beginning of a supernatural outpouring that is still transforming lives today. This message will challenge you to fully surrender, receive what Christ paid for, and walk in the new life God has prepared for you. If you've been carrying burdens, battling spiritually, or hungry for a fresh encounter with God, this sermon is for you. The same Spirit that fell in the Upper Room is still moving today with power, fire, deliverance, and salvation. Don't just watch this message for yourself — share it with someone who needs hope, freedom, and a touch from God.

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

Red Letters Part 11

Red Letters Part 11

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 10

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 9

Red Letters Part 9

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 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

Red Letters Part 7

Dr. Brendan Tomassian

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!

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

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