Podcasts about scripture matthew

SCRIPTURE- Matthew 5:44          “But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” REFLECTION- BrianMUSIC- "Hosanna" by Josh Snodgrass- "Where Charity and Love Prevail" by Dennis Strach- "Better Days" by The Goo Goo DollsAnd you asked me what I want this yearAnd I try to make this kind and clearJust a chance that maybe we'll find better days'Cause I don't need boxes wrapped in stringsAnd designer love and empty thingsJust a chance that maybe we'll find better daysSo take these words and sing out loud'Cause everyone is forgiven now'Cause tonight's the night the world begins againI need some place simple where we could liveAnd something only you can giveAnd that's faith and trust and peace while we're aliveAnd the one poor child who saved this worldAnd there's ten million more who probably couldIf we all just stopped and said a prayer for themSo take these words and sing out loud'Cause everyone is forgiven nowTonight's the night the world begins againI wish everyone was loved tonightAnd somehow stop this endless fightJust a chance that maybe we'll find better daysSo take these words and sing out loud'Cause everyone is forgiven now'Cause tonight's the night the world begins again'Cause tonight's the night the world begins againNOTES-PRAYER OF LETTING GOTo You do I belong, O God,into Your hands I surrender my life.Pour out Your Spirit upon methat I may love You perfectly,and serve You faithfullyuntil my soul rests in You.

Minsan, mas madali na tayo na lang ang masunod kaysa maghintay at makinig sa Diyos. Pero ang tunay na pananampalataya ay hindi lang tungkol sa paniniwala. Nakikita din ito sa pagsunod. Ang pagsunod natin ay may epekto hindi lang sa atin, kundi pati sa ating pamilya. Sa paraan ng pamumuno, pagmamahal, at paggawa natin ng mga desisyon, naipapakita natin kung gaano tayo nagtitiwala sa Diyos.ABOUT THIS MESSAGESpeaker: Ptr. Leo MataSeries: Families growing in L.O.V.E.Scripture: Matthew 7:24-29Watch the full message here: https://go.ccf.org.ph/09132026Tag

Today's message focuses on the miracles of Jesus and their relationship to his work and person. /// Scripture: Matthew 8:5-13; John 6:10-14; John 11:34-44 | Speaker: Bro. Danny Nance | Date Recorded: September 13th, 2026 | Running Time: 48:10

Are you struggling to obey the people God puts in charge? It's hard to obey when we recall how leaders, governments, or even family members have broken our trust. But when we're fixed on human failure, we lose sight of the unfailing character of our Ultimate Authority: God! When we make the decision to wholeheartedly obey God's word, it influences how we serve and love those around us.Speaker: Ptr. Ricky SarthouSeries: Families growing in L.O.V.E.Scripture: Matthew 7:24-29Watch the full message: https://go.ccf.org.ph/09132026Eng

For two weeks, we've been asking what it looks like to truly put God first. This week, Lead Pastor Ted Coniaris brings that question to a single moment: everyone receives a key, a physical reminder of the locked room each of us carries — the thing we've quietly decided is off-limits to God, not because it's shameful, but because it's precious to us.Rooted in Matthew 6:33, this short Hearts on Fire Sunday homily is an invitation, not a demand. Jesus doesn't negotiate the terms of what comes first, but he also doesn't force the door open — he simply loves, and waits. Listen in as Ted walks through what it means to finally hand over the key.Scripture: Matthew 6:33Subscribe to follow along with the full FIRST series.

September 13, 2026 Jesus gave his disciples this story to help understand that forgiveness is not optional. If God has forgiven us a lifetime of sin, we must be merciful when others need our forgiveness. Scripture: Matthew 18:21-35

What if following Jesus means caring deeply about the one who is still missing? In Week 1 of our new series, Come and See, we look at the heart of Jesus for people who are far from God. In Matthew 18, Jesus describes a shepherd who leaves the ninety-nine to search for one lost sheep. It's a powerful picture of the rescue mission of Jesus and the mission He has now given to us. Every person changed by Jesus has a rescue story. We were once the one who was lost, and Jesus came looking for us. So what happens when we remember what it felt like to be found? This message challenges us to notice the people God has already placed around us, pray for them by name, make room for them, and be willing to share what Jesus has done in our lives. You don't need every answer. You don't need the perfect words. Sometimes the invitation can be as simple as, “Come and see.” Who is your one? Take time this week to pray for them, love them well, and look for an opportunity to invite them to experience Jesus for themselves.

In the opening message of What If Jesus Was Right? Rethinking How Life Works, we begin with one of the most familiar—and most challenging—passages in Scripture: (Matthew 5:1–12) the Beatitudes. Jesus describes a “blessed” life in ways that can seem almost upside down: humility instead of self-sufficiency, hunger for righteousness instead of getting what we want, mercy instead of keeping score, peacemaking instead of winning, and hope even when following Him comes at a cost.

Send us your feedback — we're listeningMATTHEW 11:28 — COME TO JESUS AND REST: A MORNING PRAYER WHEN LIFE FEELS TOO HEAVY Themes: Rest • Surrender • Renewal Nations in this prayer: South Korea • Botswana • Netherlands • Israel • Zimbabwe • United States You may have started the day carrying a burden that nobody else can see. SCRIPTURE — MATTHEW 11:28 (NIV) “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Perhaps you have started the day already feeling tired. Not simply physically tired, but tired from carrying responsibilities, caring for other people, thinking about problems, or trying to keep everything together. Jesus does not tell the weary to try harder. He says, “Come to me.” Lord Jesus, we come to You now. Today we pray for people in South Korea, Botswana, Netherlands, Israel, Zimbabwe, and the United States. Meet people carrying burdens that nobody else can see. Strengthen parents, carers, workers, leaders and those who have been quietly trying to cope. Holy Spirit, help us release what we were never meant to carry alone. Jesus, we bring You our tiredness. We bring You the pressure to have everything sorted, the fear of disappointing others, and the thoughts that keep turning over in our minds. Teach us that coming to You is not weakness. It is trust. Give us grace for today's responsibilities without allowing those responsibilities to become our identity. Help us pause when we need to pause, breathe when we need to breathe, and remember that our lives are held by You. Jesus, we receive Your invitation again: come. We do not have to arrive with perfect faith or perfect answers. We simply come. And as we come, renew us. Let Your presence become a place of rest in the middle of an ordinary day. Amen. Blessing: May Jesus carry what is too heavy for you, renew your strength and give your heart His deep and gentle rest.  prayer for the weary, prayer when life feels too heavy, Christian prayer for rest, Matthew 11:28 prayer, prayer for burdens, Jesus gives rest  prayer, Jesus, rest, burdens, renewal, strength, morning, faith, Christian, devotion  A prayer for people carrying visible and invisible burdens. Wherever you are listening, bring your weariness to Jesus and receive His invitation to come.Support the showDaily Prayer with Reverend Ben Cooper now reaches 185 countries and 3,012 cities worldwide through the Global Blend Radio network.This is a listener-funded global ministry. If these daily prayers strengthen your faith or help you through difficult seasons, would you consider becoming a monthly prayer partner for just £3 per month?Your support enables us to continue recording, hosting, and broadcasting daily biblical encouragement across the nations — keeping this ministry free and accessible to everyone who needs it.You can support today at GlobalBlendRadio.comTogether, we can keep prayer moving across the world.To submit a prayer request or connect with our global prayer community, visit DailyPrayer.ukBuy me a Coffee 

What happens when we stop treating relationships like a scoreboard?In Episode 5 of Let's Talk!, Dawson sits down with Pastor Dale and Discipleship Pastor Brian Krum to continue the conversation from Matthew 5:7:“Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.”They explore why keeping score comes so naturally, how envy and comparison shape the way we see other people, and why mercy becomes much harder when someone has actually hurt us.The conversation also looks at the mercy of Jesus, the cry of Bartimaeus, resentment, forgiveness, trust, consequences, and healthy boundaries.Mercy does not mean pretending nothing happened. Forgiveness and trust are not the same thing, and reconciliation requires both people.One of the clearest takeaways from the episode:Forgiveness is a one-person job. Reconciliation is a two-person job.If you are carrying a grudge, keeping a record of wrongs, or struggling to show mercy to someone who has disappointed or hurt you, this conversation offers a practical path forward.Scripture: Matthew 5:7Series: Blessed?CONTINUE THE CONVERSATIONUse these questions with your small group, family, friends, or for personal reflection:- Where are you most tempted to keep score in your relationships, your work, social media, or somewhere else? How is that affecting you?- Pastor Dale asked, “What have I hired this grudge to do?” Is there a resentment you are holding onto? What has it promised to accomplish, and what has it actually produced?- How does remembering the mercy you have received from Jesus change the way you view someone who has hurt or disappointed you?- Is there someone you have started defining by your worst experience with them? What would it look like to see that person through a lens of mercy and compassion?- The episode reminds us that forgiveness is a one-person job, while reconciliation is a two-person job. Is God inviting you to forgive someone, rebuild trust, establish a healthy boundary, or take a step toward reconciliation?Take a moment to pray: Ask God to remind you of His mercy, reveal any resentment you are carrying, and show you one practical way to extend mercy this week.

What does it look like when the book of Acts happens again, right now, in 2026? In this episode of Fuel for the Harvest, Nathan talks with Kashif (not his real name, for his protection), a ministry leader working to reach unreached people groups across South Asia, about what God is doing in some of the most spiritually dark and physically dangerous regions on earth.Since 2018, Kashif's team has grown from reaching just one unreached people group to thirty-three, planting organic house churches, baptizing new believers in ponds and plastic swimming pools, and raising up local kingdom laborers who disciple their own communities. Kashif shares real, documented stories of persecution, arrest, and violence faced by his team, alongside powerful testimonies of Muslim and Hindu background believers publicly renouncing protective amulets and false idols after putting their faith in Jesus.Nathan and Kashif also talk about the scale of impact: over 30,000 Bibles distributed in partnership with Voice of the Martyrs, and how a single audio Bible given to one woman can ripple out to reach an entire family and community.In this episode you'll discover:-How one unreached people group in 2018 grew into thirty-three today-What house churches and baptisms look like in remote, unreached regions-Real stories of persecution, arrest, and God's protection over local believers-Why Muslim and Hindu background believers are publicly removing protective threads and idols after coming to Christ-How Bible distribution multiplies far beyond the number of physical Bibles given out-Specific ways to pray for and financially support this workWhether you want a front-row seat to what God is doing in one of the hardest places to be a Christian, or you're looking for a way to practically support persecuted believers and unreached communities, this conversation will move you.

Ever had a moment where you thought you struck it rich, only to realize you just burst a backyard water line because you didn't check before digging? We do the exact same thing in life whenever we try to take control, bypass God's instructions, and build our own security. In this message, we explore why seeking God's Kingdom first saves us from breaking lines and chasing false oil.We live in a culture driven by hustle, anxiety, and the pursuit of financial security, often believing that more money or control will fix our problems. Yet, as we try to manage our own schedules and pocketbooks, we frequently leave God with only our leftover time and energy. We try to fit Him into the margins of our lives rather than making His rule and righteousness our top priority.In this message on Matthew 6:33 and Proverbs 3:5–6, Jesus flips our cultural priorities upside down. Looking at the Greek grammar behind "seek first," we discover that seeking God isn't a single morning event, but an ongoing, moment-by-moment active lifestyle. When we align our heartbeats with the Father's and surrender our need for self-sufficiency, God promises to supply our needs, ease our anxiety, and direct our paths.Key Takeaways:The Backyard Oil Strike: A funny story about digging a post hole at night, hitting a pipe, and mistaking gushing water for oil—illustrating what happens when we jump into decisions without checking with God first."I Ripped Jesus": A sweet illustration involving an 8-year-old girl who panicked after tearing a Bible page because she knew Jesus is the Word, prompting us to ask how deeply we value Scripture in our daily lives.The Bagel Bites Philosophy: An explanation of the present active indicative tense in Matthew 6:33, showing how seeking God continually applies "anytime"—morning, noon, and night.Lessons from Senior Saints: Reflections on the quiet contentment of senior adults living on fixed incomes who model what it means to truly trust God for daily sustenance.Scripture: Matthew 6:25–33, Proverbs 3:5–6, Psalm 34:9–10, Philippians 4:19.

Sa mundong may sariling pamantayan ng pag-ibig, ipinakita sa atin ni Jesus ang mas dakilang uri ng pagmamahal—walang kondisyon, hindi natin karapat-dapat tanggapin, at kusang ibinibigay. Ngayong ipinakita na sa atin ni Jesus kung ano ang tunay na pag-ibig, paano natin sisimulang baguhin ang ating pamumuhay?Samahan ninyo kami sa pagsisimula ng ating bagong serye, ang “Families Growing in L.O.V.E.,” at tuklasin natin kung paano ginagamit ng Diyos ang ating mga pamilya para ituro sa atin ang pagmamahal na tulad kay Cristo. ABOUT THIS MESSAGE Speaker: Ptr. Bong SaquingSeries: Families growing in L.O.V.E.Scripture: Matthew 22:34-40Watch the full message here: https://go.ccf.org.ph/09062026Tag

September 6, 2026David ComstockIn Matthew 6:25–34, Jesus speaks directly to our tendency to worry about the things we need and the things competing for our attention. Instead of telling us to ignore everyday responsibilities, Jesus invites us to seek first the kingdom of God and trust Him with the rest.In this message from our Good News series, we explore:• Why the loudest voices in our lives are not always the most important• How good things can sometimes crowd out God things• The difference between the accusing voice of the enemy and the advocating voice of God• What it means to seek first God's kingdom and live a Jesus-centered lifeLife can get noisy. Between anxiety, responsibilities, ambition, and endless distractions, it's easy to miss what matters most. Jesus invites us to slow down, recognize His voice, and find the clarity, rest, and purpose that come from centering our lives on Him.

September 6, 2026 Our Lord does not want relationships breaking down in his church. When we must confront sin we must only proceed with an attitude devoid of pride, anger, and self-righteousness. We must do this work with the attitude of restoring fellowship. Scripture: Matthew 18:15-20

In a world that defines love on its own terms, Jesus showed us a greater kind of love that is unconditional, undeserved, and freely given. When Jesus shows us what love truly looks like, how do we begin to change the way we live? Join us as we begin our brand-new series, “Families Growing in L.O.V.E,” and discover how God uses our families to teach us Christlike love. Speaker: Ptr. Edric MendozaSeries: Families growing in L.O.V.E.Scripture: Matthew 22:34-40Watch the full message here: https://go.ccf.org.ph/09062026Eng

What happens when we stop keeping score?We naturally remember offenses, compare what we've given with what we've received, and wait for things to finally feel fair. But Jesus introduces a radically different way to live:"Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy."In this message from our Blessed? series, Pastor Dale Oquist explores a mercy that goes far beyond simply accepting an apology. Biblical mercy is filled with forgiveness, compassion, and love. It refuses to forget people, give up on them, or treat them according to what they deserve.We don't repay Jesus for the mercy He has shown us. We experience His mercy more deeply as we begin giving it away.Mercy is what happens when we stop keeping score.In this message, you'll discover:- Why keeping score can quietly destroy our relationships- How mercy goes beyond forgiveness- What people were really asking when they cried, "Jesus, have mercy on me"- Why God's mercy never runs out- How mercy can turn strangers into family- Why giving mercy helps us understand how deeply God has forgiven us- What our unwillingness to show mercy can reveal about our own hearts- Why fairness can become a bottomless pit- How mercy can transform marriages and our closest relationships- What it means to become carriers of God's mercy in a wounded world

ALL FOR ONE SCRIPTURE MATTHEW 28:18                                18. THEN JESUS CAME TO THEM AND SAID, “ALL AUTHORITY IN HEAVEN AND ON EARTH HAS BEEN GIVE TO ME. SCRIPTURE MATTHEW 28:19   19. THEREFORE, GO AND MAKE DISCIPLES OF ALL NATIONS, BAPTIZING THEM IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER AND OF THE SON AND OF THE […]

What do Christians believe about the end times? As we begin Matthew 24 and the Olivet Discourse, Pastor Casey Lewis introduces the doctrine of eschatology and explains why Christians should study what Scripture teaches about the return of Christ. In this message, Pastor Casey surveys the major Christian end-times positions, including historic premillennialism, dispensational premillennialism, postmillennialism, amillennialism, and preterism. He also discusses how Christians should approach disagreements over eschatology with humility and charity, dangers such as date-setting and interpreting every news event as biblical prophecy, and why he currently holds to an amillennial view. Above all, the doctrine of the end times should lead Christians not merely to debate, but to remain faithful, active, and ready for the return of Jesus Christ. Scripture: Matthew 23:37-24:3 Sermon: The Doctrine of End Times Preacher: Pastor Casey Lewis Foundation Baptist Church http://foundationeuless.com/ Subscribe and follow along as we continue verse by verse through Matthew 24 and the Olivet Discourse.

How do you forgive someone when the hurt is real—and you can't forget what happened?In this powerful message, Marcel Trice walks through Jesus' teaching on forgiveness in Matthew 18:15–35, reminding us that forgiveness isn't pretending the offense never happened. It's choosing to release the offender from the consequences we believe they deserve and trusting God with what happens next.We'll also explore the important difference between forgiveness, reconciliation, and restoration. Forgiveness is something God calls every Christian to practice, but reconciliation and restoration require mutual participation. You can forgive someone without immediately returning the relationship to what it once was.If you've experienced betrayal, church hurt, broken relationships, resentment, anger, or an offense you simply can't forget, this message offers a biblical path toward freedom. You may not be able to erase what happened, but through Christ, you can choose what happens next.

What do Christians believe about the end times? As we begin Matthew 24 and the Olivet Discourse, Pastor Casey Lewis introduces the doctrine of eschatology and explains why Christians should study what Scripture teaches about the return of Christ. In this message, Pastor Casey surveys the major Christian end-times positions, including historic premillennialism, dispensational premillennialism, postmillennialism, amillennialism, and preterism. He also discusses how Christians should approach disagreements over eschatology with humility and charity, dangers such as date-setting and interpreting every news event as biblical prophecy, and why he currently holds to an amillennial view. Above all, the doctrine of the end times should lead Christians not merely to debate, but to remain faithful, active, and ready for the return of Jesus Christ. Scripture: Matthew 23:37-24:3 Sermon: The Doctrine of End Times Preacher: Pastor Casey Lewis Foundation Baptist Church http://foundationeuless.com/ Subscribe and follow along as we continue verse by verse through Matthew 24 and the Olivet Discourse.

Hong Kong is full of movement: busy streets, competing demands, powerful messages, and rhythms that can shape us before we notice. In this first message of our new series, Pulse of the City, we explore “Feeling the Heartbeat.” Drawing from Ephesians 5:6–7, we consider Jesus' invitation to discernment and faithful living amid the pressures and possibilities of life in Hong Kong. What voices form our desires and choices? How can we recognise what is true, resist what draws us away from God, and learn to live with wisdom, courage, and hope? Join us as we seek God's presence and guidance in the midst of our city. If you are new to Community Church, WELCOME! We would love to get to know you. Please fill in the following form and we look forward to connecting with you: https://bit.ly/cc-new-connect You can find all timely and relevant links from this service on https://bit.ly/cc-links You can also find out more about us at https://communitychurch.hk/ ================ This Week's Scripture: // Matthew 9:9-13 (NIV) // The Calling of Matthew As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector's booth. “Follow me,” he told him, and Matthew got up and followed him. While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew's house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with him and his disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”

What do you do when your spiritual hunger starts to fade?In Episode 4 of Let's Talk!, Billy sits down with Dawson and Olivia to continue the conversation from Matthew 5:6:“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.”Together, they explore what Jesus means by righteousness, how spiritual hunger differs from simple unhappiness, and why genuine hunger for God should move us toward action.They also talk honestly about the things that slowly shape our desires, including screen time, work, comfort, social media, busyness, and the people we surround ourselves with.Olivia shares about seasons where grief, parenting, and life circumstances can make spiritual hunger feel distant, while Dawson challenges us not to let a lack of desire become an excuse for disobedience.Sometimes discipline has to carry us until desire catches back up.The episode closes with a practical challenge: ask God where He wants you to stop looking away, where He wants you to step in, and what He may be trying to reignite in your heart.Scripture: Matthew 5:6Series: Blessed?

An idol is not just a statue. It is anything that has power over your life, anything calling the shots. Paul Granger heard that from his spiritual father the morning we recorded this, and he bristled at it. Then he sat with it.Joseph forgotten in that prison. The disciples demanding the storm stop while Jesus slept. The difference between a good Christian and a good Christ follower. And the toe nudge forward, because the step does not have to be big.Scripture: Matthew 8:26, Mark 9:24, Matthew 7:13 and 14, Proverbs 3:5 and 6.CHAPTERS00:00 Just Take the Toe Nudge Forward01:48 Five Listeners, a Book, and What Paul Said to Me06:51 What Everybody Else's God Story Does to You10:00 Eight Years, No Paycheck, and a Prison Like Joseph's14:50 God, I Don't Actually Have Confidence in You20:00 I Don't Have to Protect God From My Story22:12 God, That Was a Softball Moment25:33 He Napped Through the Storm. They Demanded It Stop.31:09 A Good Christian or a Good Christ Follower39:00 The Narrow Gate and the Idol He Wouldn't Call an Idol45:17 Trying to Be Perfect So God Is Proud of Me53:19 Something in the Froth, and Where to Find PaulWHERE TO FIND PAULEverything in one place: https://www.wheredidyouseegod.comPodcast: https://www.wheredidyouseegod.com/podcastApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/where-did-you-see-god/id1438136557His books: https://amazon.com/author/paulgrangerHis newest is Something in the Froth, his first with Morgan James. He also mentioned Rejecting Hope No Longer.THE INTENTIONAL GUY PODCASTYouTube: https://youtube.com/@intentionalguyNewsletter: https://intentionalguy.riverside.com/newsletterBe a guest: https://cal.com/michael-chestnut-hfbot2/podcastMY BOOKSAre You Ready? A Practical Battle Plan for Christian Men: https://a.co/d/02cBh6uYExposed: https://www.amazon.com/Exposed-Secret-Divorce-Journey-Restoration/dp/B09PHJS848More Than A Picture: https://www.amazon.com/More-Than-Picture-Restored-Free/dp/B0CCCMZHD3All of them: https://www.amazon.com/Michael-Chestnut/e/B09P9ND6MVIF THIS ONE HIT SOMETHINGFind a Celebrate Recovery group near you: https://crlocator.comIn crisis, call or text 988, any hour.If you are ready to stop white knuckling it, "Are You Ready?" is the plan. Link above.Drop the word STEP in the comments so I know you were here.Search The Intentional Guy Podcast to find us wherever you listen.Ep. 137

Peter got the confession right saying "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God," and five verses later, Jesus called him Satan. In this message from Matthew 16:21-28, Pastor Scott Crowder looks at how the same stone that becomes a foundation can also become a stumbling block, and what it means to have the right confession about Jesus but the wrong position toward him.Scripture: Matthew 16:13-28 · Jeremiah 15:15-21 · Psalm 26:1-8 · Romans 12:9-21DreamHouse Church | Newport News, VirginiaSermon by Pastor Scott Crowder

What happens after you hear the Word? In Matthew 7, Jesus closes the Sermon on the Mount with four urgent comparisons: two gates, two trees, two responses to God's will, and two foundations. Each one asks the same question: now that you have heard the truth, what will you do with it?  Pastor Jeremy Johnson challenges us to move beyond simply admiring Jesus and give him final authority over every part of life. The narrow gate is not about earning salvation. It is an invitation to surrender the pride, bitterness, control, compromise, and self rule that cannot follow us into the life God has prepared. The altar is calling. Will you let it alter you? Subscribe to Fearless LA and share this message with someone who needs it. Scripture: Matthew 7:13 to 29

In this teaching Jesus confronts and corrects how we define greatness. In the Gospel, true greatness is given not gained.   Scripture: Matthew 20:17-28

Oscar-winning director Chloé Zhao has achieved everything — and admits she's still too afraid to truly live. Her honest search for a center that holds opens our new series, FIRST, with Lead Pastor Ted Coniaris.Jesus said, "Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well" (Matthew 6:33). It's one of his most familiar commands — and one of the hardest to actually live out. This week, Ted walks through the "therefore" that connects Jesus' words about worry to what we truly treasure, and asks a simple but searching question: what's on your 3am list, and what does it reveal about what's really first in your life?Ted also introduces the Growth Track, a new path launching this fall to help every person grow as a follower of Jesus.Scripture: Matthew 6:25–33; Matthew 6:19–24; Luke 12:31; Proverbs 3:5–6Subscribe to follow along with the full FIRST series.

August 30, 2026 Right after Christ commends Peter for his good confession, Peter receives a stern rebuke from Christ himself for not accepting the prophetic teaching of the suffering of the Messiah. Scripture: Matthew 16:21-28

Scripture: Matthew 5 - 7Message from Brady Bryce, Senior MinisterFor more resources and access to everything we have going on at First, visit https://www.firstabq.orgGive here: https://firstabq.churchcenter.com/givingSubmit prayers here: https://firstabq.churchcenter.com/people/forms/61346

Scripture: Matthew 3:16-17 & Matthew 4:1-10

THE JESUS WHO FOLLOWS ME | Catholic Homily You can believe in Jesus. Love Jesus. Call Him Lord. And still spend your life trying to lead Him. In this homily for the 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Fr. Jim Chern reflects on one of the most jarring moments in the Gospel: only moments after Peter correctly identifies Jesus as “the Christ, the Son of the living God,” he begins telling Jesus what His mission should—and should not—look like. Peter wants Jesus. He just wants Jesus according to Peter's plan. And that raises an uncomfortable question for every Christian: Who's leading whom? We can ask Jesus to bless our plans, our relationships, our ambitions and our picture of the future—but discipleship means leaving Him enough room to interrupt those plans, redirect us, challenge us, and sometimes ask us to surrender something we never expected to give up. Because if Jesus can never tell me no, never redirect my plans, never challenge me, and never ask me to let something go… “I've created a Jesus who follows me. And that Jesus cannot save me.”

What are you hungry for?Jesus says, "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled." But this kind of hunger goes deeper than simply wanting to be a better person. It's a longing for more of God, for our lives to be made right, and for a broken world to look more like His Kingdom.In this message from our Blessed? series, Pastor Dawson Oquist explores what it means to live in the tension between the world as it is and the world as God intends it to be.We were made for eternity and perfect communion with God. Until His Kingdom comes in full, there will be an ache within us when we encounter sin, injustice, suffering, and brokenness. Jesus doesn't tell us to numb that hunger. He calls those who feel it blessed and invites us to let it move us closer to Him and into action.In this message, you'll discover:- What Jesus means by "hunger and thirst for righteousness"- Why righteousness includes both right relationship with God and a longing for things to be made right- What it means to live between the Kingdom of Christ and the kingdom of this world- How the world's values can slowly become our own if we're not paying attention- Why chasing comfort can sometimes lead us into apathy- How looking honestly at brokenness can soften our hearts and lead to real change- Why seeking God with our whole heart changes what we value- How to be the hands and feet of Jesus right where God has planted us

When we don't know what lies ahead, Jesus tells not to manage the future. Just follow. Scripture: Matthew 16:21-28

**The Importance of Water Baptism | Pastor Art Corral** Why is water baptism important? In this powerful message, Pastor Art Corral reminds us that baptism is more than simply getting wet—it is an outward declaration of an inward transformation and a significant step of obedience in following Jesus Christ. Through Scripture and personal application, Pastor Art explains how baptism symbolizes the burial of our old life and the resurrection of a new life in Christ. Just as Jesus was baptized and called His followers to be baptized, we are challenged to take our commitment to Him seriously and walk in obedience to His Word. Water baptism is a public declaration that we belong to Jesus—a decision to leave behind our old ways, attitudes, and disobedience and rise to walk in the newness of life. This message encourages every believer to examine their faith, embrace what baptism represents, and allow the Holy Spirit to empower them to live differently. **It's more than getting wet. It's a declaration: the old is buried, and a new life in Christ has begun.** **Scripture:** Matthew 28:19; Mark 16:15–16; Romans 6:4–7; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Acts 2:38

SCRIPTURE- Matthew 24:13 "But the one who stands firm to the end will be saved." REFLECTION- UmbertoMUSIC- "Hammock" by Vaughn Harrison- "Holy, Holy, Holy" by Jay StockerNOTES-PRAYER OF LETTING GOTo You do I belong, O God,into Your hands I surrender my life.Pour out Your Spirit upon methat I may love You perfectly,and serve You faithfullyuntil my soul rests in You.

What does Jesus really mean when He says, “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth”?In Episode 3 of Let's Talk!, Dawson sits down with Pastor Dale and Young Adults Pastor Derrick Alvarez to continue the conversation from Matthew 5:5.Together, they explore why meekness isn't weakness, what it means to be seen by God when the world considers you unimportant, and how failure can deepen our dependence on Jesus.Derrick shares how dyslexia, failure, and seasons of feeling “not good enough” have shaped his faith and ministry, while Pastor Dale talks about separating identity from success, leadership, and the praise of others.They also discuss ambition, calling, pride, comparison, and why your platform or profession doesn't determine the importance of what God has called you to do.Whether you're leading a church, running a business, raising a family, teaching, serving coffee, or working with your hands, your calling can become worship when it is surrendered to Jesus.Scripture: Matthew 5:5Series: Blessed?

Today's Scripture: Matthew 5:23-24 (Listener Request)What happens when you genuinely try to make things right—and the other person refuses to participate? Jesus takes reconciliation seriously, but that doesn't mean you can force another person to acknowledge harm, tell the truth, or repair what has been broken. You'll learn: *What Jesus' command to “go and be reconciled” actually asks of you*The crucial difference between making a repair attempt and achieving mutual repair*Why reconciliation cannot be created by one person alone*How the pressure to “make peace” can sometimes protect denial or dysfunction*When faithfulness may mean grieving, setting a boundary, and stopping your pursuit of repair Go Deeper: Episode 216: Forgiveness Without Self-Abandonment: How to Forgive Without Ignoring the Harm with Amy Orr-EwingEpisode 217: What to Do When You're the Only One Trying: Leslie Vernick on Emotionally Destructive Relationships Connect with Dr. Alison on Instagram: @dralisoncook Join 80,000+ Soul Menders in Dr. Alison's free email community for ongoing reflection and support. While Dr. Cook is a counselor, the content of this podcast and any of the products provided by Dr. Cook are not specific counseling advice nor are they a substitute for individual counseling. The content and products provided on this podcast are for informational purposes only.‍ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

God, I need your comfort in this loss.Scripture: Matthew 5:4

In this message, we'll look at a reassuring parable of Jesus showing that His Kingdom doesn't operate like the Kingdoms of our world. In doing so, we'll examine how His saving and rewarding grace is what is to drive our labor for His Kingdom, not our own works. Scripture: Matthew 20:1-16

August 23, 2026Chris Ferry & Tina FerryIn Matthew 5:9–10, Jesus calls His followers to be peacemakers and reminds us that those who are persecuted for doing what is right belong to the kingdom of heaven. This message explores what it means to pursue real peace through Jesus, even when peacemaking is difficult, uncomfortable, or brings opposition.In this message from our Blessed series, we explore:• Why peacemaking is different from simply keeping the peace• How Jesus leads us toward healing, reconciliation, and restoration• What Chris's story teaches us about belonging, approval, and persecution• Why knowing we are children of God gives us courage to live differentlyPeacemaking is rarely clean or easy. But when we know whose we are and where we belong, we can step into hard conversations, relationships, and situations with the peace and power of Jesus.

Jesus asks his disciples a defining question: “Who do you say that I am?” Peter's answer leads to words about a rock, a church, a set of keys, and the power to bind and loose. In this sermon from Matthew 16.13–20, Loosed on Earth considers what Jesus entrusts to his followers and the responsibility that comes with it. What do we hold onto? What do we release? And what might our answers reveal about the kind of community we are becoming? Part of Hear These Words, a four-week series listening again to the words of Jesus and considering what they ask of us today. Scripture: Matthew 16.13–20 Sermon by: Rev. Amos Disasa

Bishop Jim's insightful messages help others find THEIR METRON through M~otivation E~nlightenment T~ranscendence R~enewal O~utreach and N~etworking Learn more: www.bishinthenow.com Follow Jim Swilley on Youtube to see the videos live Sundays at 11:11 am – https://www.youtube.com/bishinthenow   Bishop Jim Swilley continues “The Healing Word” by exploring healing not simply as something that comes vertically “from God,” but as something that also moves horizontally through human connection, relationships, words, thoughts, and presence. Beginning with Jesus healing the centurion's servant from a distance, Jim considers how difficult circumstances can actually become catalysts for revelation. The message moves into the power of our thoughts and intentions, while avoiding the simplistic idea that every negative experience is something we somehow attracted. Ultimately, the emphasis is on connection: sometimes the healing word is encouragement, sometimes it is simply hearing the voice of someone you trust, and sometimes it is an uncomfortable truth spoken by someone who loves you. Healing happens as we remain open, nurture our relationships, release offenses, reframe painful memories, and become intentional about the energy and words we send into one another's lives. Main Takeaways 1. Sometimes the negative becomes the catalyst for revelation.Jim returns to the Roman centurion who tells Jesus, “speak the word only” and his servant will be healed. The centurion understood that physical proximity was not necessary for healing. Jim's larger point is that circumstances that make us uncomfortable, insecure, rejected, or seemingly trapped can sometimes push us into seeing possibilities we would never have considered otherwise. Scripture: Matthew 8:5–13; Romans 8:28; Hebrews 11:7 “Sometimes the worst thing that ever happened to you may be the best thing that ever happened to you.” — Bishop Jim Swilley 2. The healing word is not limited by distance.Psalm 107 says that God “sent his word, and healed them.” Jim connects this with prayer, positive intention, “sending good energy,” and simply intentionally holding another person in your thoughts. Different people may use different terminology, but the underlying idea is connection that transcends physical distance. Scripture: Psalm 107:20; Matthew 8:8 3. Healing is horizontal as well as vertical.Spirituality is not only about our relationship with God. Jim emphasizes the importance of the “horizontal beam” — our relationships with one another. Jesus connected loving God with loving our neighbor, making human relationship an essential expression of spiritual life. Scripture: Matthew 22:37–40; Ecclesiastes 4:12 “It's the relationships in your life that reveal the Christ to you.” — Bishop Jim Swilley 4. Prayer should seek agreement rather than control.Prayer can become unhealthy when it is really an attempt to make another person's circumstances conform to what we think should happen. Jim argues that before praying for someone, we should understand what that person actually wants rather than assuming we know the proper outcome. Scripture: Romans 8:26; Matthew 18:19 5. Mature spirituality moves beyond everything being simply good or bad.Using the imagery of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil versus the Tree of Life, Jim challenges binary thinking. Heroes can be flawed. Villains can be wounded people. Painful circumstances can produce unexpected growth. The cross itself demonstrates that suffering and resurrection can exist within the same story. Scripture: Genesis 2:9; Hebrews 12:2 6. Unreleased offenses can keep the past alive in the present.Jim uses Charles Manson as an extreme example of what can happen when someone continually collects offenses and interprets everything through what has been done to them. The lesson is not to deny what happened, but to process it rather than allowing yesterday's pain to dictate tomorrow's behavior. “When you keep collecting offenses, it makes you crazy after a while.” — Bishop Jim Swilley 7. Our thoughts matter, which makes intentional living both freeing and challenging.Jim shares a message from Charles McFall responding to the statement, “Every thought I think is creating my future.” “It is as freeing as it is terrifying. Living without intent is scary and it's hard work to always be intentional.” — Charles McFall Jim acknowledges the tension: we cannot simply turn off unwanted thoughts. The practical work is learning how to reframe them rather than repeatedly allowing painful memories or fearful projections to control the present. Scripture: Romans 12:2; Philippians 4:8 8. Sometimes we need someone's presence more than their advice.Jim describes calling someone close to him during an intense week and deliberately not talking about what was troubling him. The conversation itself was enough. Sometimes healing energy comes through familiarity, connection, a trusted voice, or someone simply saying, “It's going to be okay.” Scripture: Proverbs 17:17; Galatians 6:2 9. A healing word isn’t always a comfortable word.Like medicine, something can hurt while ultimately helping us. Someone who genuinely loves us may tell us something we do not want to hear. Healthy relationships create enough safety for truth, vulnerability, correction, and growth. “A healing word sometimes is an uncomfortable word. It's a challenging word.” — Bishop Jim Swilley Scripture: Proverbs 27:6; Ephesians 4:15 10. Relationships are worth maintaining because we need connection.One of the strongest conclusions of the message is that independence should not become isolation. Keeping relational “airwaves clear,” releasing unnecessary offenses, communicating honestly, and understanding how different people connect can become part of our own healing. Scripture: Ecclesiastes 4:9–12; 1 Corinthians 12:20–21 The Central Thought You cannot control every thought that enters your mind, every painful memory, every difficult circumstance, or every unknown in your future. But you can change the framework through which you interpret them. Instead of repeatedly wounding yourself with yesterday, you can extract whatever truth is useful, release what belongs to someone else, and remain open to the people whose presence brings healing into your life. “Hang on and keep staying open and get outside of yourself and let people speak into your life and nourish and nurture your relationships, because you never know when you're going to need that person.” — Bishop Jim Swilley

What does Jesus mean when He says, "Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth"?Meekness is often mistaken for weakness, but Jesus presents it as something far stronger. In week three of our Blessed? series, Pastor Brad Liebe unpacks the Beatitude of meekness and shows how biblical gentleness is not passivity, personality, or lack of strength. It is strength under control, shaped by the Holy Spirit and surrendered to the will of God.Following Jesus means becoming less driven by our own reactions, preferences, and need for control, and more willing to trust that God's ways are better than ours.The question is not whether we have strength. The question is whether we will surrender that strength to God.In this message, you'll discover:What Jesus means by "meek" and why gentleness is central to the Christian lifeWhy meekness is not the same as weaknessHow gentleness is a fruit of the Holy Spirit, not simply a personality traitWhy becoming more like Jesus requires less of us and more of HimWhat "strength under control" looks like in everyday lifeWhy meekness requires faith that God's plan is better than our ownHow surrendering control allows God to do what only He can doWhat Jesus means when He promises that the meek will "inherit the earth"

In this message, we will see Jesus engage the Rich Young Ruler with questions about his function savior and how wealth is a most significant conversation in the Kingdom of God. Scripture: Matthew 19:13-30

In this powerful episode, we dive deep into the importance of not missing out on Jesus, especially as we navigate life's challenges and disappointments. As we enter group season, we emphasize the vital role of community in fostering faith and personal growth. Join us as we explore five key reasons why people often miss or dismiss Jesus, including the impact of church experiences, misunderstandings about His teachings, and the struggles of life. We encourage listeners to investigate Jesus for themselves, urging them to read the Gospels and discover the truth of who He is beyond the noise of religion and culture. Whether you're a long-time follower of Jesus or someone exploring faith, this episode offers valuable insights on how to reconnect with the essence of Jesus and embrace the life He offers. Don't miss this opportunity to deepen your understanding and strengthen your faith! Key Topics: -The significance of community in faith development -Common reasons people miss Jesus -The importance of personal investigation of Jesus' life and teachings -How to navigate disappointment and misunderstanding in faith Read along with our chosen scripture: Scripture: Matthew 17:14–17; John 1:43, 45–46, 49; John 6:54–55, 60, 66–68 Main Idea: Don't miss Jesus... Because of a church or church leader. Because of something disturbing you've been taught about Jesus. Because of life experiences. Because of the Bible. Because of the hard things he said. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- We are an alternative to church as usual. Our Sunday worship service is approximately a 75-minute experience designed to introduce people to the message of Jesus and equip believers to live their lives in response to the Gospel while their kids enjoy one of our safe children's environments. Centerpoint is designed to meet you wherever you are on the journey whether you are just checking out the "church thing" or you are a committed Christ follower. Centerpoint is a casual environment that combines today's music with creative media and relevant teaching. We hope you will visit us at Centerpoint Church regardless of what your past church experience has looked like.

2026-08-16-0830 Pastor Loran Livingston is the speaker this morning, August 16, 2026, in the 8:30 am service.   Scripture: Matthew 6:9–13, Hebrews 2:1, Luke 21:34–36 Notes: -The world is drifting, says Pastor Livingston, -and if Christians aren't careful, they will drift too. -We can escape by heeding God's Word and praying daily, -while we watch for Jesus's return

2026-08-16-1030 Pastor Loran Livingston is the speaker this morning, August 16, 2026, in the 10:30 am service.   Scripture: Matthew 6:9–13, Hebrews 2:1, Luke 21:34–36 Notes: -The world is drifting, says Pastor Livingston, -and if Christians aren't careful, they will drift too. -We can escape by heeding God's Word and praying daily, -while we watch for Jesus's return

Today's Scripture: Matthew 9:9-13 Shame tells you to hide the parts of yourself that feel messy, reactive, needy, or disappointing. But Jesus does the opposite of what we often expect: He moves toward Matthew before Matthew has cleaned up his life. Today, we'll look at what this story reveals about the heart of God and why the places you most want to hide may be the very places where mercy wants to meet you. *Why Jesus didn't wait for Matthew to become respectable *How shame teaches us to hide the parts of ourselves that need care *Why God's holiness moves toward human need rather than away from it *The difference between mercy and spiritually proving yourself *How to let Jesus meet you in a place you don't feel proud of Go Deeper: Check out our Soul Tending Video Resource library all about tending the wounds within—it's free when you preorder The Secure Soul Connect with Dr. Alison on Instagram: @dralisoncook Join 80,000+ Soul Menders in Dr. Alison's free email community for ongoing reflection and support. While Dr. Cook is a counselor, the content of this podcast and any of the products provided by Dr. Cook are not specific counseling advice nor are they a substitute for individual counseling. The content and products provided on this podcast are for informational purposes only Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices