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Savior, I need healthy community.Scripture: Matthew 18:20Keywords: Connection: community; together; isolation; brave; stronger together.
What happens when the King of Kings gets publicly humiliated — and says nothing?In Matthew 27:27-30, Jesus is stripped, mocked, crowned with thorns, and beaten by Roman soldiers. It's brutal. It's degrading. And it's the scene most of us want to skip over.But this is where we see something we desperately need — the most powerful Being in the universe choosing silence over revenge. He could have destroyed every soldier in that room. He didn't. Not because He was weak. Because He trusted the Father's plan more than His own flesh wanted to fight back.In this episode, Alex and Lokelani walk through what Jesus' response in that moment teaches us about suffering, pride, and what it actually looks like to have real hope — not the kind the world sells you, but the kind that quiets your soul even when everything around you is falling apart.We also dig into Psalm 131 and 1 Peter 2:18-24 to unpack why staying in your lane isn't giving up — it's trusting God with the parts of life you can't control.If you've ever been mocked for your faith, overlooked for doing the right thing, or just felt like the good you're doing isn't being seen — this one is for you.
What happens when the King of Kings gets publicly humiliated — and says nothing?In Matthew 27:27-30, Jesus is stripped, mocked, crowned with thorns, and beaten by Roman soldiers. It's brutal. It's degrading. And it's the scene most of us want to skip over.But this is where we see something we desperately need — the most powerful Being in the universe choosing silence over revenge. He could have destroyed every soldier in that room. He didn't. Not because He was weak. Because He trusted the Father's plan more than His own flesh wanted to fight back.In this episode, Alex and Lokelani walk through what Jesus' response in that moment teaches us about suffering, pride, and what it actually looks like to have real hope — not the kind the world sells you, but the kind that quiets your soul even when everything around you is falling apart.We also dig into Psalm 131 and 1 Peter 2:18-24 to unpack why staying in your lane isn't giving up — it's trusting God with the parts of life you can't control.If you've ever been mocked for your faith, overlooked for doing the right thing, or just felt like the good you're doing isn't being seen — this one is for you.
In this message, we explore what it means to open our lives to Jesus when He “drops in.” Rooted in Matthew 26:17–19, this teaching challenges us to examine the criteria we use to open the door to Christ—and how obedience to His Word positions us to encounter His presence. We discover that Jesus' Word often precedes His arrival, and our willingness to prepare room for Him shapes what He reveals in us and through us.This message invites us to live with open doors, responsive hearts, and obedient faith—ready to welcome Jesus wherever and however He chooses to show up.Scripture: Matthew 26:17–19Speaker: Pastor Kyle HornerDid you make a decision to follow Christ today? We'd love to support you—email us at info@theconnectchurch.com.Learn more about The Connect Church and stay connected: https://linktr.ee/theconnectchurch
SCRIPTURE- Matthew 23: 11-12"The greatest among you must be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted."REFLECTION- Fr. JimMUSIC- My Soul is at Rest by Taize-Doria by Piano VersionNOTES-PRAYER OF LETTING GOTo You do I belong, O God, into Your hands I surrender my life. Pour out Your Spirit upon me that I may love You perfectly, and serve You faithfully until my soul rests in You.
by Jason Blackley | From the Series: Walking with Jesus | Scripture: Matthew 6:16-18 | Download Audio
by Jason Blackley | From the Series: Walking with Jesus | Scripture: Matthew 6:16-18 | Download Audio
Scripture: Matthew 6:1-8 Bob will take us through Matthew 6:1-8 showing we can look spiritual, but we can actually be sinning due to our heart and motives. However, when done correctly, God will reward us.
In continuing the series “Dare to Believe,” Pastor Jack Graham brings a message from one of the most exciting passages of Scripture – Matthew 14:22-33. In his message “Walk through the Storm,” Pastor Graham reminds us to get out of the boat, out of our comfort zone, and walk where Jesus walked. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/395/29?v=20251111
Jesus, thank you for looking for, and finding, the one. Keywords: Parable; Jesus; salvation; pursues; lost; found; worthy. Scripture: Matthew 18:12-13
Jesus gives us the most radical ethic of love that's ever been put forth: “Turn the other cheek.” This ethic has been criticized and disregarded, but no one ever says the reason is because it's too low or vile or unworthy. They always say it's too high, too lofty. The reason it seems so lofty is it's a whole new dimension. The love ethic in Matthew 5 is part of a package. The package is that Christianity itself is actually an interconnected set of radically altered relationships. A new relationship with God creates a new relationship with yourself, creates a new relationship with others. They can't be separated. They rise and fall together, and you can't have one without the others. Let's take a look at those three aspects. As we move through this passage, we'll see 1) the understanding of the self, 2) the relationship with others, and 3) the root of it all: a new relationship with God. This sermon was preached by Dr. Timothy Keller at Redeemer Presbyterian Church on December 3, 1989. Series: Ten Commandments 1989. Scripture: Matthew 5:21-24; 38-48. Today's podcast is brought to you by Gospel in Life, the site for all sermons, books, study guides and resources from Timothy Keller and Redeemer Presbyterian Church. If you've enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to support the ongoing efforts of this ministry, you can do so by visiting https://gospelinlife.com/give and making a one-time or recurring donation.
Jesus, I am afraid but I am also valued and seen by you. Keywords: Confidence; Jesus; persecution; disciple; trust; sparrow; Jesus said. Scripture: Matthew 10:31 Resource: The Mended Heart: God's Healing for Your Broken Places
Ever asked yourself "Am I praying the right way?" or "Does prayer actually work?" And if so—how are we supposed to pray?In Matthew 6:9–13, Jesus didn't give us a prayer to memorize—He gave us a model to follow.In this message, Pastor Mark Cummins takes us through Prayer Boot Camp, guiding us step-by-step through The Lord's Prayer and unpacking how it teaches us to: • Connect with God from belonging, not begging • Shift our focus from our problems to God's greatness • Align our will with God's will • Live in daily dependence on God • Experience freedom through forgiveness • Pray for protection and spiritual victoryIf you've ever wondered “Does prayer work?” or “How do I pray the right way?”—this teaching will give you clarity, confidence, and a practical framework for powerful prayer.
My WitnessesJanuary 18, 2026Teacher: Pastor Michael WhiteThe golden ruleMatthew 7:12 Intro:“We are an underwear family”I need you to get on board with this.It's the done thing in our familyI would assume that we are all underwear people, if not, please don't tell me. Families have characteristics. Ways that they do things, things they don't do, values they have. When you think about your family, now or in the past, what things characterized your family?Maybe you're a camping familyOr maybe you're a “we watch a movie on Friday night family”Maybe you're a “we say grace even in restaurants family” There are things that you do, that show what your family values.“Remember who you are!”You've been given an identity.A set of valuesYou're not just you, you represent a group of people. Super familiar verseBut I want to put it into its context and that's going to add a layer to its meaning. ScriptureMatthew 7:1212 So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets. Context is kingThis comes at the end of the sermon on the mount, Matthew 5-7That's importantWhat's the sermon on the mount?RiffJesus greatest concentrated teachingImportant because he starts out with this.He is defining what his purpose isShowing what is important to himFor the next 3 years he lives this out When we get down to our verse…7:12 Doesn't really feel related to vv. 7-11. 7 “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.9 “Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? 11 If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! Then the golden rule comes and it doesn't seem to follow.It goes back to 5:17 17 “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. That's the overall rubric, What does it look like to fulfill the law and prophets? Jesus takes 2 chapters to illustrate how you do that.then it culminates in the Golden ruleThe law and the prophets are fulfilled in how we treat other people.That's what the 2 chapters of the sermon on the mount are all about, how Jesus' disciples should relate to other people.The proof of a relationship with Jesus is a changed heart that results in changed behavior toward other peopleNeed to understand This is a verse about Christian community, the churchIt's not about being an individual. It does affect individual behavior, but in the sense of how we as individuals fit into the group.This is about how the family behaves.Just like your family of origin has certain characteristics,The Golden rule characterizes the family of GodThis is how the family behaves as God fulfills his plan and purpose for the world.The movement of God from the moment sin entered into the worldUntil the point where evil is finally defeated once and for allStory arc that God is making a new creation. The church. We are living into God's plan and purpose and we do that by acting like the family of God.It's fundamentally about redemption.As people come to know the good news of Jesus, God is gathering them/us together, creating a new people, a new community of people who are living into the reality of God's new creation. It's like this taste of heaven.Here's where the Golden Rule comes inThose people are pointing to a world where only good is done to each other. Can you Imagine what that would be like?People wouldn't hurt each otherNo one would say terrible things to each otherThere wouldn't be any warNo one would need to be afraidIt sounds like heaven…This is the profound point.This is the answer to the line of the Lord's PrayerThy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heavenA world where only good is done to each otherThat's the kingdom of God. That's what we point to.That's how disciples of Jesus liveDo to others what you would have them do to you.This is the done thing. This is how the family behaves. This is how the new community reflects the character of God.This is how we live into the day when God's rule is complete.That's what the Golden rule is all aboutThe Golden Rule in historyNobody really knows how it became known as the “Golden Rule” But the story I like best is that the Roman Emperor Severus Alexander 222-35, was so impressed by the saying that he had it inscribed in gold on the wall of his chamber. Severus Alexander You've probably never heard of him, but he has a very famous descendentSeverus SnapeThe Golden Rule isn't original to Jesus.It exists in Judaism, particularly in Rabbi Hillel, I'd show you a photo of him, but he doesn't have any famous relativesand many other places, Here's the thing: it is almost always in the negative. Don't do to other people what you don't want them to do to you.That's a great rule. Would you like it if someone did that to you?No? Then don't do that to them.Cutting people off on the freeway.Jesus takes that rule and does something interesting with it.Jesus puts it in the positiveTakes it away from being passiveAs long as your not doing anything bad, you're doing fine.By putting it in the positive makes it more demanding.Therefore everything you would like others to do to you, your yourselves be doing to them.It's proactive“Hey, here's this person in this situation.” If I was in that situation, I would want someone to do this for me.You can't meet everyone's need. It's impossible. But don't use that as an out.There will be people God places in your field of visionMe in the supermarketYou look lost can I help you.In the negative way of understanding the rule, he didn't have to do that. In the positive sense that Jesus introduces, this was a great way.It has little implications and it has huge implications.Maybe it means you open the door for someone who is caring an armful of packages.Maybe you stop and help someone who looks like they need help.Maybe you grant charitable assumptions instead of assuming the worst.Maybe you put yourself into the position of people who are affected by policies and procedures that don't affect you and ask yourself, what would I want someone to do for me if I was in that situation?Water at ChautauquaWe take the initiative to love people.It doesn't say treat others as they treat you.We are called to live by a higher standard, a greater righteousness, a deeper ethic than “pay each other back in kind”quid pro quoFeels like there could be this complex morality.But Jesus boils down to something super simple.There are 622 laws in the Old TestamentAll the teaching of the sermon on the mount is caught up in this summary. This one thing…Whatever you would like other people to do to you be doing that to other people. Raises issues of identityWhose family do you belong to?Maybe the more revealing question is: Whose family do you look like? What are the things that characterize your life?Some of us, need to decide which family we want to belong to.Others of us, need to decide that we are going to be more serious about reflecting the family priorities.You can't just dabble with JesusIn the public square there are people saying Jesusy things but whose lives don't reflect anything of the Jesus that I know.What family are you reflecting?Whose family do you look like?Just because you show up at church, doesn't mean that you are reflecting God's family.The biggest problem to be overcome? Our angerInside and outside the church.We are all Jesusy until something happens that makes us mad or that we don't like.Sajan and the capital fund.We grow. We get mentored. We watch other people liveThe longer you hang out with the family, the more you figure out what the done thing is.Which means that some us need to make sure that we are setting a good example and all of us need to continue to grow into the image and likeness of JesusThis happened in our family.Brian 3 criteriaI'm a girl dadHe's a guy. He contacts his parents 3 times a year.I have heard from Rachel and AllieOur family is not like that.Brian has learnedThat's the done thing in our familyI'm sure his parents don't know he was deployedThey'll have three kidsBut he has learned what our family looks likeWe sink our roots in deeply into the family and we participate with the Holy Spirit in the creation of the new communityI am a part of a group. I am not just me. I am an extension of us.All about relationships. How we treat each other.How we love God, by loving othersHow does this help you make decisions?The Golden Rule is like a compass. It doesn't address every single situation. But, it points you in the right direction.It might not tell you how long you need to do something or what the exact process should be, but it helps you find the right path.Friend is dealing with a difficult employee. They do just the bare minimum to get by. They are passive aggressive. They are not actively undermining things.They seem to know just where the line is and they push it but don't cross it.Before you put your management hat on. It's complicated. And I haven't told you the whole story.The Golden Rule doesn't tell you when to involve HR, or when to start a performance improvement plan. But it does tell you what your posture should be as you approach the situation. An application point would be to look at your relationships and ask “Who am I not treating like I would like to be treated?”Context of the series on missions. Uniquely positioned to affect peoplePlace of hospitality and warmthKeeping the main thing the main thing.All sorts of churches who have become characterized by all sorts of things that are not the gospel.God is inviting everyone into a new community. That's the evangelistic opportunity.We have this to offer people. Showing people a different way, a better way. A way that leads to peace and joy and fulfillment.We do this by living differentlylives are Characterized by the things that characterized Jesus' life.Holding as important what Jesus held iimportantI want to go back to something I said early about two very important teachings of Jesus.The Golden Rule and the Lord's prayerDesire is in the golden rule Do the thing that you would desire other people to do for you.It's also key to the Lord's PrayerI desire that Your kingdom come, your will be done.In my life and on earth in the same way it is done in heaven.Our hearts is a not good judge of what is best. But our hearts can be changed to desire the things that God desires.Encourage us as a group to think about that. What are our hearts desiring?Who or what is forming our heart? The gospel or our preferred news outlet?What would your friends, your children or your grandchildren say forms you more, your commitment to Jesus or your party affiliation?We have this amazing gift which we have been given that we can offer people. Changed lives, changed hearts, a community where we are striving to honor God by faithfully working in our relationships to bring about a kingdom where only good is done.Sermon question:Who or what is forming your heart?Who do you need to treat differently?How can the golden rule help you make decisions this week?
In this message, we'll look at strong words of condemnation that Jesus pronounced on the self-righteous of His day; whose rejection of Jesus resulted in their eternal judgment. But we'll also look at words of comfort that Jesus provided for the weary of His day; who in humble dependence, received Jesus, resulting in their salvation. We'll explore the same hope of Christ that is still available in our day as well. Scripture: Matthew 11:20-30
2026-01-11-1030 Pastor Loran Livingston is the speaker this morning, January 11, 2026, in the 10:30 am service. Scripture: Matthew 13:10-12; Exodus 32 Notes: -You never honor God by disobeying Him. -The word of God is powerful; always trust and obey. -God wants you to do what He says; hear it and do it.
2026-01-11-0830 Pastor Loran Livingston is the speaker this morning, January 11, 2026, in the 8:30 am service. Scripture: Matthew 13:10-12; Exodus 32 Notes: -You never honor God by disobeying Him. -The word of God is powerful; always trust and obey. -God wants you to do what He says; hear it and do it.
by Brooks Simpson | From the Series: Walking with Jesus | Scripture: Matthew 6:1-4 | Download Audio
Scripture - Matthew 3:13-17Thank You for listening!Follow us on Facebook Instagram YouTube Website You can contact us at office@newcovenantaz.orgMaking Jesus Christ the Heart of Every Home.
We are Born Spiritual, with Rev. Dr. Steven Koski. Series: Rediscovering Jesus A Spacious Christianity, First Presbyterian Church of Bend, Oregon. Scripture: Matthew 3:13–17.You're invited this Sunday (online or in person) to explore a hopeful message about grit grounded in grace. Come hear why you “came from love, are made by love, and are here to love,” and how that changes the way we face a messy world. All questions, doubts, and curiosities welcome.Join us each Sunday, 10AM at bendfp.org, or 11AM KTVZ-CW Channel 612/12 in Bend. Subscribe/Follow, and click the bell for alerts.At First Presbyterian, you will meet people at many different places theologically and spiritually. And we love it that way. We want to be a place where our diversity brings us together and where conversation takes us all deeper in our understanding of God.We call this kind of faith “Spacious Christianity.” We don't ask anyone to sign creeds or statements of belief. The life of faith is about a way of being in the world and a faith that shows itself in love.Thank you for your support of the mission of the First Presbyterian Church of Bend. Visit https://bendfp.org/giving/ for more information.Keywords:Worship service, spacious Christianity, diversity, sacred stories, radical love, mercy, grace, love, trauma, dignity, goodness, grit, unconditional love, baptism, Jesus., presbyterian, church, online worship, bend, OregonFeaturing:Rev. Dr. Steven Koski, Rev. Sharon Edwards, Becca Ellis, Brave of Heart, GuestsSupport the show
Today's Scripture: Matthew 22:37-40We are in a crisis of trust today. We don't know what or who to believe.One of the Bible's core contributions to life is a strong witness for trust.Christian faith is not blind faith. Christian faith is based on the trustworthy testimony of God's truth.“Come,” he replied, “and you will see.”
by Brooks Simpson | From the Series: Walking with Jesus | Scripture: Matthew 6:1-4 | Download Audio
Send us a textIn Week 7: With Hope, Pastor Reid Robinette reminds us that hope isn't something we generate through effort or achievement — it's something we receive through presence.When life feels chaotic and uncertain, the question isn't “What can I do?”It's “Who am I walking with?”
January 11, 2026 Our Lord is anointed with the Spirit for ministry as our Prophet, Priest, and King. The Father expresses his approval to indicate that Jesus is qualified to save his people. In the act of baptism, Jesus identifies with us. Scripture: Matthew 3:13-17
We don't find our way back from the fear and shame in our lives by trying harder, but by listening to the right voice. Scripture: Matthew 3:13-17Worship guide: tinyurl.com/fbcjc1-11pAre you ready to take an easy next step? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter https://www.fbcjc.org/connect
Garth Heckman The David Alliance TDAgiantSlayer@Gmail.com **What You Love Determines Where You're Headed** At EAST Town Mall in Madison… Reese is 3.5 yrs old. We are all at the food court… he disappears - everyone panics except my mom. There is a series of stores around us - everyone starts dashing through the chairs and tables of the food court - Grandma walks over to the candy store and sees him in there. HIS LOVE DETERMINED HIS DIRECTION. **Scripture:** Matthew 6:19 “Don't store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. 21 Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be. WHATEVER YOU VALUE - IS LEADING YOU Jesus doesn't say *“Where your duty is…”* He says, *“Where your treasure is…”* Because love always leads. Illustration: The Compass A compass doesn't tell you where you *want* to go—it tells you where you *are going*. Your spending, your schedule, your thought life, your words, your daily choices—those are spiritual compasses. Application: * Eternity isn't shaped in one big decision—it's shaped in daily affection. What you repeatedly choose - is it eternal? Loving temporary things more than eternal things always leads to loss. **Eternity follows affection.** --- Finally Eternity gives illumination to the true value of life. Lobsters: From "Sea Cockroaches" to Luxury (History/Economics) The Original Frame: Until the late 19th century, lobsters were considered "bottom feeders" and "cockroaches of the sea." They were so plentiful that they were ground up for fertilizer and fed to prisoners. In fact, there were laws forbidding prisons from feeding inmates lobster more than twice a week because it was considered cruel and unusual punishment. The Reframe: With the advent of railways, trains started serving lobster to inland passengers who didn't know its "low-class" reputation. It was marketed as an exotic, rare curiosity from the sea. The Result: By rebranding the abundance as "exoticness" and serving it with butter on fine china, it became one of the most expensive items on a menu. When you stand in heaven and see Jesus, see the Father, see those that are saved and see those that are lost in Hell…. How will that reframe how you understand life on earth? Wouldn't it be wise to see that way now?
Jesus says, “Don't be anxious,” three times in this passage. Quick question that comes up: how does anybody have the audacity to command us to not be anxious? Nobody gets up in the morning and says, “I'm going to really be anxious today. I can't wait.” It's not a very voluntary thing. So why would Jesus command us? If we look carefully, we'll see that he's not commanding us in a drill sergeant way. Instead, he gets underneath and he explains and he reasons with us. There's a sense in which he does surgery. He's saying, “If you let me do my surgery in you, if you listen to my instructions, I can get anxiety out of you. I can deal with your anxiety.” Let's look at what Jesus shows us about 1) what is anxiety? 2) where does it come from? and 3) what do we do about it? This sermon was preached by Dr. Timothy Keller at Redeemer Presbyterian Church on June 3, 1990. Series: The Lord's Prayer 1990. Scripture: Matthew 6:25-34. Today's podcast is brought to you by Gospel in Life, the site for all sermons, books, study guides and resources from Timothy Keller and Redeemer Presbyterian Church. If you've enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to support the ongoing efforts of this ministry, you can do so by visiting https://gospelinlife.com/give and making a one-time or recurring donation.
In this message, we'll look at some of the doubts John the Baptist began to have about Jesus due to the persecution and imprisonment he was experiencing. In doing so, we'll consider our own doubts and crises of faith, as we look to Jesus and the assurances He provides. Scripture: Matthew 11:1-19
In this message, we will examine the story of the Magi in order to see God‘s heart for the nations. Scripture: Matthew 2:1-12
A sermon in our Advent series "Face to Face."Scripture: Matthew 2:1-12
by Brooks Simpson | From the Series: Walking with Jesus | Scripture: Matthew 5:17-20; 6:1 | Download Audio
by Brooks Simpson | From the Series: Walking with Jesus | Scripture: Matthew 5:17-20; 6:1 | Download Audio
To many people, the whole point of prayer is this: how do you get God to give you what you need? Now, that's not the point of prayer, and if you think it is, you will get very little. That's the irony. Prayer is very effective for those people who don't come into it hoping it will primarily be a way to get God to give you things. In the Lord's Prayer, Jesus shows us that after you are done centering your heart and mind on the fatherhood of God and submitting to his lordship by saying, “your will be done,” then you can go and start asking him for your daily bread, for protection, for provision. So there's an order here that must be honored, or else you rip up the fabric of prayer. Let's look at what it means to pray with this order: 1) first accepting “your will be done,” and 2) then asking. This sermon was preached by Dr. Timothy Keller at Redeemer Presbyterian Church on May 27, 1990. Series: The Lord's Prayer 1990. Scripture: Matthew 6:9-15. Today's podcast is brought to you by Gospel in Life, the site for all sermons, books, study guides and resources from Timothy Keller and Redeemer Presbyterian Church. If you've enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to support the ongoing efforts of this ministry, you can do so by visiting https://gospelinlife.com/give and making a one-time or recurring donation.
A life of absolute peace, a life of tremendous clarity, a life of total power and freedom, a life of high beauty—that's the vision of the Lord's Prayer. A whole new life that revolves around God. We're going to look now at the part of the prayer that's about admitting. Let me reiterate that since prayer essentially is centering on God, everything starts with adoration and everything has to be understood as flowing out of it. If your repentance, if your admitting doesn't flow out of adoration, it won't deal with your guilt and it will even make it worse. But if it flows out of adoration of the Father, it can get rid of your guilt. Jesus Christ, in the context of the Lord's Prayer, teaches us 1) the reason for repentance, 2) the motivation for repentance, and 3) three ways to repent. This sermon was preached by Dr. Timothy Keller at Redeemer Presbyterian Church on May 20, 1990. Series: The Lord's Prayer 1990. Scripture: Matthew 6:9-15. Today's podcast is brought to you by Gospel in Life, the site for all sermons, books, study guides and resources from Timothy Keller and Redeemer Presbyterian Church. If you've enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to support the ongoing efforts of this ministry, you can do so by visiting https://gospelinlife.com/give and making a one-time or recurring donation.
This message is a timely invitation to embrace the kind of rest our souls were made for—rest that isn't earned, delayed, or conditional, but freely given by Jesus. Drawing from Matthew 11, Pastor David explores how true rest doesn't begin with a vacation or a calendar block—it begins with coming to Jesus.As we step into a new year, we're often pulled into patterns of performance, productivity, and pressure—whether from religion, culture, or even our own expectations. But Jesus offers us something radically different: rest from striving, rest from self-reliance, and rest that restores our identity in Him.This message unpacks the rhythms of grace that help us live fully present, fully known, and fully free—not burned out by the weight of the world, but anchored in the love of God.The new year doesn't need a new you. It needs the real you—resting in the grace of Jesus.This message invites us to trade exhaustion for intimacy, and striving for surrender:• A rest from religion—where we stop performing for God and start living with Him• A rest from culture—where we no longer chase success, image, or approval• A rhythm of daily, weekly, and regular rest—shaped by prayer, presence, and Sabbath• A community of rest—where we are fully known, fully loved, and not alone
What's ironic is the Lord's Prayer has probably the most familiar words in the English language, and yet it is the secret to what you seek. We're so tired of technology, of quantifying everything, of being a number. At the core of our being, we need and we desperately want real soul experience. And how to have it is right in front of us. Jesus Christ taught it to us in the Lord's Prayer. Jesus says, “This is how to pray. This is the key.” I must say that one of the reasons why we don't know how to use it is because this prayer is so familiar. But it tells you everything you need to know about communication with God. Looking at just one verse, we see how Jesus shows us 1) the difficulty of prayer, 2) the basis of prayer, and 3) the essence of prayer. This sermon was preached by Dr. Timothy Keller at Redeemer Presbyterian Church on May 6, 1990. Series: The Lord's Prayer 1990. Scripture: Matthew 6:9-15. Today's podcast is brought to you by Gospel in Life, the site for all sermons, books, study guides and resources from Timothy Keller and Redeemer Presbyterian Church. If you've enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to support the ongoing efforts of this ministry, you can do so by visiting https://gospelinlife.com/give and making a one-time or recurring donation.
Scripture: Matthew 2:1-12Resources for a life of following Jesus, every day, everywhere, with everyone.
What happens when life puts pressure on your faith? Jesus says the difference isn't the storm—it's the foundation. In this message from Preaching Minister Gordon Dabbs, Ph.D., we explore what it means to build a life that actually lasts. Through a very real (and slightly humiliating) story involving a flimsy chair, we're reminded that collapse is rarely caused by a single moment—it reveals what was already underneath. As we stand on the edge of a new year, this sermon invites us to slow down, dig deeper, and rethink our relationship with Scripture. Not as a spiritual eating contest. Not as fast food. But as nourishment that forms us from the inside out. You'll hear why: • A life can look strong and still be fragile • Information isn't the same as formation • Scripture is meant to be received, digested, and lived • Slowing the pace can actually deepen our faith This message also introduces our church-wide invitation to read through the New Testament together—not to check a box, but to sit with Jesus and let His words shape who we are becoming. If you're longing for a steadier faith, a deeper walk with Christ, or a stronger foundation for the year ahead, this message is for you.
Send us a textWe're so glad you've joined us today as we continue our series WITH.In Week 5: With God, Pastor Reid Robinette invites us to consider what it truly means to live in ongoing relationship with God — not under Him, over Him, from Him, or for Him, but with Him.Jesus describes life with God as a treasure worth everything, a reconciled relationship that makes us new, and a life that remains connected to Him as our source.
December 28, 2025 Jesus’ life of suffering and persecution began as an infant. Matthew records that Jesus fulfilled the Old Testament prophecies regarding the Messiah. If we follow Christ, we also must be obedient during times of suffering. Scripture: Matthew 2:13-23
Send us a textAt Christmas, we celebrate more than a moment in history —we celebrate the truth that God is WITH us.In this Christmas Eve message, Pastor Reid Robinette teaches from Matthew 1, showing how the incarnation of Jesus reveals God's heart for relationship. God is not the means to a blessing — He is the blessing.This message is an invitation to slow down, reflect, and receive the hope, peace, and love found in Emmanuel — God WITH us.
2025-12-21-0830 Pastor Loran Livingston is the speaker this morning, December 21, 2025, in the 8:30 am service. Scripture: Matthew 1:18-25; 2nd Corinthians 8:15 Notes: -God aloud a perfect Jesus to come to earth through an imperfect family lineage. -It shows us that He ca make something great out of our broken lives, despite our history.
2025-12-21-1030 Pastor Loran Livingston is the speaker this morning, December 21, 2025, in the 10:30 am service. Scripture: Matthew 1:18-25; 2nd Corinthians 8:15 Notes: -God aloud a perfect Jesus to come to earth through an imperfect family lineage. -It shows us that He ca make something great out of our broken lives, despite our history.
The GIFTS GET YOU READY FOR CHRISTMAS HELP UNDERSTAND WHAT CHRISTMAS IS REALLY ABOUT NATE BARGATZE VIDEO BUMPER STICKERS EVERYWHERE- IF ITS ON A BUMPER STICKER MUST BE TRUE RIGHT? WISE MEN STILL SEEK HIM BEEN IN A SERIES FOR 3 WEEKS THE GIFTS SCRIPTURE MATTHEW 2:1 SCRIPTURE MATTHEW 2:2 2 and asked, “Where is the […]
In Week IV of our Advent series Come and Behold Him, we turn to Matthew 2:1–12 and the story of the wise men—Gentile seekers whose long journey culminated in a simple but profound declaration: “We have come to worship Him.”Unlike the quiet, personal announcements given to Mary and Joseph, or the public proclamation to the shepherds, the arrival of the Magi reveals that the birth of Jesus is not only the fulfillment of Israel's hope, but the invitation of the nations. Drawn by a sign in the heavens and centuries-old prophecy, these men traveled great distance and great cost—not to observe the newborn King, but to worship Him.This sermon explores what true worship really is—not merely words or rituals, but a life rightly ordered before God. From the example of the Magi, we see two essential marks of genuine worship:Acknowledging Jesus as King—not only Savior, but LordOffering gifts of sacrifice that reveal His rightful rule in our livesAs Jesus later teaches, the Father is seeking worshipers who worship in Spirit and in truth—worship that flows out of real life, real surrender, and real obedience. The Christmas story challenges us to ask an honest question: Have we truly come to worship Him?This message invites us to behold Christ not only as the child born in Bethlehem, but as the reigning King worthy of our reverence, submission, and sacrifice.
In this powerful episode, Erik Cabral exposes the three idols quietly destroying Christian men from the inside: lust, money, and ego. Drawing from Scripture, personal testimony, and years of spiritual wrestling, Erik unpacks the silent battles men face and the practical steps every believer can take to break free.This is not just another conversation about sin. It's a call to spiritual warfare, biblical discipline, and rediscovering identity in Christ.What Erik Covers in This Episode• Lust: Why so many Christian men are silently struggling with pornography… and how Scripture (Matthew 5:28 and 1 Corinthians 6:18-20) shines a light on the true spiritual cost.• Money: How wealth becomes a hidden idol in the lives of believers, how Erik fell into money-driven identity, and what the Bible teaches about true contentment (1 Timothy 6:6-10).• Ego: Why men chase platforms, status, and validation… and how pride subtly becomes self-worship. Erik shares his own journey of ego, career success, insecurity, and surrendering his “platform” to God's Kingdom.This episode challenges Christian men to examine their hearts honestly and invites them into a deeper walk with Christ… free from the idols that steal peace, purity, and purpose.Biblical Tools to Fight BackErik gives simple, actionable steps to break the cycle of idolatry:• Lust: Weekly accountability + Scripture memorization• Money: Giving, serving, and reordering priorities toward Kingdom impact• Ego: Anonymous acts of service that starve pride and strengthen humilityWhy This MattersMost Christian men battle these struggles alone. Erik reminds viewers that isolation is the enemy's playground… and community is God's design for transformation. This channel exists to help men fight back together through Scripture, honesty, and spiritual discipline.If this episode encouraged you…Subscribe and join Erik each week as he helps believers:• Build a life rooted in biblical identity• Strengthen Christian discipline• Break strongholds and idols• Walk in the freedom Christ promisesResources mentioned:When Money Becomes an Idol: Embracing True Security Through Faithhttps://hillcities.org/when-money-bec...
2025-12-14-0830 Pastor Loran Livingston is the speaker this morning, December 14, 2025, in the 8:30 am service. Scripture: Matthew 24:36–44, 1 Thessalonians 1:10; Luke 2:25–52 Notes: -In the mist of a busy season, no one knows when the Rapture will happen except God the Father. -We must be praying, working, and watching in expectation and eagerness for Jesus -To come at any time.
2025-12-14-1030 Pastor Loran Livingston is the speaker this morning, December 14, 2025, in the 10:30 am service. Scripture: Matthew 24:36–44, 1 Thessalonians 1:10; Luke 2:25–52 Notes: -In the mist of a busy season, no one knows when the Rapture will happen except God the Father. -We must be praying, working, and watching in expectation and eagerness for Jesus -To come at any time.
It's easy to find ourselves in the middle of December with a packed calendar and an unprepared spirit, carrying bitterness, comparison, or disappointment into every day. Drawing from Matthew 3:3, Karen talks about what it means to “prepare the way for the Lord” so we don't miss Jesus in the middle of our own expectations. You'll come away with simple, practical ways to prepare your heart for Christmas, no matter what your circumstances are like.Episode Recap:Today we're talking about preparation (2:15)We must prepare our hearts so we don't miss Christ (3:54)We prepare through self-reflection, repentance, readiness (5:06)It's hard to see the condition of your own heart, so pray about it (6:12)This world is full of trouble, but Christ has overcome the world (13:09)We have to take our thoughts captive over and over and over again (14:45)Practically, how do we prepare our hearts? (17:13)Scripture: Matthew 3:3 (NIV) – ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.'Discussion Questions: When you look at this Christmas season, where do you see that your heart might be “unprepared”? (Bitterness, comparison, resentment, fear, exhaustion, etc.)What “self-talk” tends to get loud for you during the holidays (i.e.: life isn't fair, I never have enough, no one appreciates me)? Which scriptures could help you renew your mind with truth instead?Karen shared practical ideas for preparing your heart: starting the day with Jesus, lighting a candle, sitting in silence, simplifying your schedule, serving someone in need. Which one could you realistically try this week?Is there one thing you could say no to this December to create more space for peace, presence, and noticing Jesus? What would it look like to trust God with that decision?Resources:Give today to help us reach more moms with Wire Talk in 2026! boaw.mom/givePick up a copy of Karen's Self Talk curriculum today: https://store.birdsonawiremoms.com/products/six-truths-study-guide?pr_prod_strat=e5_desc&pr_rec_id=ac36e3440&pr_rec_pid=1414191513677&pr_ref_pid=4773089017933&pr_seq=uniformListen to Noel by Tommee Profitt: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qDyA9W9CaeQ