Podcasts about through christ

At Bethany, We are God's People who are: Gathered! Connected! Sent!We want to connect with you through this Podcast! Leave us a comment! Tell us where you are at! Leave a Review to help our audience grow!--March 8, 2026 -- Vicar Ryan Fink -- "God Is Not Your Enemy" -- Romans 5:1-11(5) Now that we have God's approval by faith, we have peace with God because of what our Lord Jesus Christ has done. 2 Through Christ we can approach God  and stand in his favor. So we brag because of our confidence that we will receive glory from God. 3 But that's not all. We also brag when we are suffering. We know that suffering creates endurance, 4 endurance creates character, and character creates confidence. 5 We're not ashamed to have this confidence, because God's love has been poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. 6 Look at it this way: At the right time, while we were still helpless, Christ died for ungodly people. 7 Finding someone who would die for a godly person is rare. Maybe someone would have the courage to die for a good person. 8 Christ died for us while we were still sinners. This demonstrates God's love for us. 9 Since Christ's blood has now given us God's approval, we are even more certain that Christ will save us from God's anger. 10 If the death of his Son restored our relationship with God while we were still his enemies, we are even more certain that, because of this restored relationship, the life of his Son will save us. 11 In addition, our Lord Jesus Christ lets us continue to brag about God. After all, it is through Christ that we now have this restored relationship with God. --GWhttp://www.bethanylutheran.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.facebook.com/Bethany.Long.Beach⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.youtube.com/c/BethanyLutheranLongBeach

Ecclesiastes looks at life “under the sun” and notices how repetitive it feels. Generations come and go, work never really stays finished, and even our greatest accomplishments eventually fade. The more Solomon observes and understands the world, the more he realizes that chasing achievement, pleasure, or novelty cannot restore the simple joy people long for. Yet scripture reframes this monotony. The ordinary rhythms of life become the place where faithfulness is formed. Instead of chasing constant newness, God invites us to live with steady obedience and childlike wonder. Through Christ's life, death, and resurrection, even the repetitive moments of life can carry eternal meaning.

Leviticus 11:44-47 God’s holiness is the defining attribute of His character, and in this text He teaches Israel that holiness requires distinction between the clean and the unclean. These dietary laws were not primarily about diet but about forming a people who understood that they belonged to God and were set apart for Him. In the same way, believers today are called to live lives that reflect God’s character rather than conform to the values of the world. Jesus later revealed that true defilement does not come from what enters the body but from the sinful heart within. Through Christ, God provides the cleansing we need and calls us to live as His holy people.

Leviticus 11:44-47 contains an abundance of strange laws about avoiding uncleanness and maintaining ritual purity. Though they may seem foreign at first glance, these laws ultimately point to the holiness of God and the seriousness of sin. Through Christ, God frees us from slavery to sin so that we might live lives set apart for Him and enjoy the life He intends for His redeemed people.

Through Christ's Resurrection, He Became Victorious Over Satan: Satan Is Only The Temporary Ruler. Jesus Is The Permanent Ruler. Ephesians 2:1-3 1As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 3All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath.

Hebrews: The True and Better - Hebrews 12:18-29Jobey McGintyWe all know the feeling of wanting to draw near to God but feeling unworthy or unsure. Hebrews 12 reminds us that our nearness to God isn't based on performance or perfection. We haven't come to Mount Sinai—a place of fear and distance—but to Jesus, and to grace. Through Christ, God invites us close, not because we are strong but because He is faithful. This passage calls us to lay down fear‑driven worship, receive an unshakable kingdom, and draw near with grateful, confident hearts.

Send a textWhy does prayer exist?Is it just a religious practice, or does it have a deeper biblical foundation?In this message from our series The Genesis & Authority of Prayer, we return to Genesis 1:26–28 to rediscover God's original design for humanity. Psalm 8 reveals that mankind was “crowned with glory and honor,” yet Hebrews 2 reminds us that we do not yet see everything under human rule — “but we see Jesus.”Through Christ, the Second Adam, what was fractured in the fall is restored. Prayer is not begging a distant God; it is alignment with the reign of the risen King. It is how heaven's will is expressed on earth.If you are exploring the purpose of prayer, spiritual authority, the Kingdom of God, or what it means to live as an image-bearer of Christ, this teaching will ground you in Scripture and point you clearly to Jesus.Scripture References:Genesis 1:26–28Psalm 8Hebrews 2:5–9#ChristianPodcast #BibleTeaching #Prayer #KingdomOfGod #Genesis #Hebrews #SpiritualAuthority #ChristCentered

Send a textWe need to walk in faith right now and shut down anything that tries to bring in fear. Through Christ we can overcome fear and walk in our truth boldly. The enemy is working overtime to keep us all in fear. Stay close to God and stay in his word. We are the light in this dark world. Through all the deception and lies God will have the victory. Many of Gods children are about to be restored and rescued from their Egypt. Exodus 3Exodus 2:23Matthew 21

Ep. 434 Responding to the Work of Jesus The Supremacy of Christ Hebrews 13:15-19 Because of all that Jesus has done for us, we don't remain passive — we respond. In this passage, we see four clear ways believers are called to live in light of Christ's finished work. 1️⃣ Offer Continual Praise & Thanksgiving Hebrews 13:15 reminds us that our worship is not occasional — it is continual. Through Christ, we offer the sacrifice of praise, the fruit of lips that confess His name. Our gratitude is expressed in worship, bold proclamation, joyful thanksgiving, and faithful witness (Psalm 107:22; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18; 2 Timothy 4:2; 1 Peter 3:15). 2️⃣ Offer Compassion and Care True worship overflows into tangible love. Hebrews 13:16 teaches that doing good and sharing with others are sacrifices pleasing to God. Genuine faith expresses itself in compassion, generosity, hospitality, and practical holiness (1 John 4:20; James 1:27; Romans 12:13). 3️⃣ Comply With Your Leaders God has appointed spiritual leaders to shepherd His people. Hebrews 13:17 calls believers to obey and submit, recognizing that leaders will give an account before the Lord. We are to remember, consider, and imitate faithful leadership (Hebrews 13:7; Ezekiel 3:17; Jeremiah 13:20). 4️⃣ Offer Prayers for a Clear Conscience Hebrews 13:18 highlights the importance of prayer for spiritual integrity. We pray for boldness in proclaiming the gospel and for lives marked by honor and a clean conscience before God and man (Ephesians 6:18-19; 2 Thessalonians 3:1; Acts 24:16; 1 Peter 3:15-16). Join us as we study how to respond rightly to the finished work of Christ — with praise, love, obedience, and prayer.

1. Through Christ we can give thanks in all circumstances 2. Through Christ we have fellowship with all manners of people 3. Through Christ we are guaranteed the completion of God's work

Daily Devotion with Pastor Balla for February 25, 2026 focuses on Psalm 47:3–4 and the assurance that God subdues the enemies of His people. While these verses originally celebrate Israel's victories, the ultimate fulfillment is found in Jesus Christ, who conquered sin, death, and the devil. “He subdued peoples under us, and nations under our feet” reminds us that God's power, not ours, brings victory and inheritance.Our heritage is chosen by the Lord Himself. We did not earn it, we did not negotiate it. Through Christ, we receive an eternal inheritance: forgiveness, righteousness, and life that cannot fade or be taken away (1 Peter 1:4).This Christian daily devotion invites believers to rest in the promises of God, finding confidence not in worldly power but in the saving reign of Christ. Trust in His chosen heritage and rejoice in the victory He has secured.Support this ministry at

In Week 3 of Becoming: Navigating Your Journey of Faith, Ps Sue Irwin unpacks what it really means to step into the productive life. This is the stage where faith moves from personal experience into active participation in God's bigger story.Tracing the thread from Genesis to the New Testament, Sue reminds us that blessing was always God's plan. We were created to reflect His image, to live in trustful dependence on Him, and to carry His blessing into the world. Through Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit, that calling is restored. We are not just saved individuals. We are a community entrusted with the ministry of reconciliation.This message challenges us to move beyond self focus and into surrender. It calls us to lay down pride, comparison, and self protection, and to find our true identity in Christ. When we do, we discover freedom, purpose, and the joy of serving together as one body.If you have ever wondered how your gifts, struggles, and faith journey fit into God's greater plan, this episode will help you see the bigger picture and step into it with courage.

How can we be right with God? Different religions propose different answers to this question. But the One True God has made the way for us through atonement. Through Christ, you can be good with God.

In today's sermon from Lamentations 3:22–24, Pastor Mark reminds us of the unchanging and unfailing faithfulness of God. In the midst of suffering, uncertainty, and hardship, Scripture declares that God's mercies are new every morning and His steadfast love never fails.This message points us to the truth that God's faithfulness is not seasonal, situational, or dependent on our circumstances—it continues always. Pastor Mark connects this powerful promise to the ultimate display of God's love and faithfulness: the death of Jesus on the cross and His victorious resurrection.Through Christ, we are reminded that God keeps His promises, remains near to His people, and offers hope that cannot be shaken. If you are walking through a difficult season or simply need encouragement, this sermon will strengthen your faith and renew your trust in the God who is faithful forever.

Slaves to Freedom | Romans 6 Grace is not permission to sin more. It is the power of God changing who we are. We are not who we were. Through Christ, our old life is buried and we are raised to walk in newness of life. We are who God is making us. Romans 6 shows that salvation is not only forgiveness. It is transformation. If this teaching helps you, share it and subscribe for more Bible teaching through Romans.

What does the grace of God really mean for your life today?In this powerful episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef unpacks the life-changing Truth of God's pursuing grace—from the Garden of Eden to your present struggles. Before grace, we were spiritually dead, enslaved to sin, and powerless to change. But through the Gospel of Jesus Christ, God entered the scene—not merely to impress us with His omnipotence, but to rescue us from eternal death and bring us into abundant life (John 1:16).Drawing from the sweeping narrative of Scripture and the transforming power of the Holy Spirit, Dr. Youssef reminds us:God's grace awakens the spiritually dead.God's grace empowers us to overcome sin's strongholds.God's grace sustains us when we stray.God's grace assures us of eternal hope.Even when we falter, the Lord remains steadfast—the “Hound of Heaven,” faithfully pursuing His children. Through Christ, we are not merely survivors of sin's battle—we are conquerors.If you are struggling with guilt, spiritual apathy, or discouragement, this devotional will anchor your heart in the unchanging grace of God and call you to renewed surrender to the Spirit's work in your life.“Out of his fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given” (John 1:16).Listen now and rediscover the awe-inspiring grace that saves, sanctifies, and secures you for eternity. The voice you hear on the MY Devotional podcast is digitally generated with Dr. Youssef's permission. If today's devotional stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don't have to walk through it alone.

Through Christ's redeeming work, believers receive full adoption into God's family, the Spirit of sonship, and the inheritance of Christ Himself. Because of Jesus, we are no longer slaves but sons and daughters—fully loved, fully welcomed, and fully heirs of God Where in your life are you living more as an orphan instead of a son or daughter of God?

Dawson Jones invites us to explore two great achievements of the cross: justification and reconciliation. Through Christ's blood we are justified by faith—declared righteous not because of our performance, but because of His—and through Him we are reconciled to God, welcomed home as beloved sons and daughters with full access to the Father.

We're blessed to hear from our Lead Pastor, Jeff Ellis, this morning as he brings us a new message in our series of messages about Jesus's words to the 7 churches in Revelation, called "Seven". In this message from Revelation 2:8–11, Jesus speaks directly to a church facing intense pressure, fear, and suffering, reminding them—and us—that nothing we endure goes unseen. This sermon offers hope for anyone who feels crushed by life's circumstances, showing how Jesus understands our pain, calls us not to live in fear, and invites us to remain faithful even when the cost is high. Through Christ's promise of the crown of life, we are encouraged to discover lasting strength, courage, and purpose in the middle of hardship, knowing that faithfulness to Jesus leads to true life that cannot be taken away. #WalloonChurch #Bible #Revelation #SevenChurches #Scripture #LoveLikeJesus

Our modern world promotes a culture of constant striving, leaving many people feeling exhausted despite their achievements. The biblical concept of rest offers a radically different approach to life—one that begins with understanding God's original design for humanity. When God rested on the seventh day, it wasn't because He was tired, but to establish an eternal pattern for how we should live. The Hebrew word Shabbat means completion and celebration, not just ceasing work.The fall fundamentally changed our relationship with work and rest. Originally, humans were meant to work from a place of rest, in partnership with God, expressing their God-given purpose through meaningful activity. After the fall, we began working for rest, desperately trying to find our purpose through our achievements rather than expressing the purpose God had already given us. This shift transformed fulfilling work into exhausting toil.However, God consistently calls His people back to rest throughout Scripture. Through Christ, we can enter this rest today—not by earning it through perfect obedience, but by receiving it through faith. Jesus, as our High Priest, understands our struggles and has made a way for us to approach God boldly. True Sabbath rest becomes a celebration of God's completed work and a practice that frees us from self-reliant striving, allowing us to work alongside God rather than carrying life's burdens alone.

Our modern world promotes a culture of constant striving, leaving many people feeling exhausted despite their achievements. The biblical concept of rest offers a radically different approach to life—one that begins with understanding God's original design for humanity. When God rested on the seventh day, it wasn't because He was tired, but to establish an eternal pattern for how we should live. The Hebrew word Shabbat means completion and celebration, not just ceasing work.The fall fundamentally changed our relationship with work and rest. Originally, humans were meant to work from a place of rest, in partnership with God, expressing their God-given purpose through meaningful activity. After the fall, we began working for rest, desperately trying to find our purpose through our achievements rather than expressing the purpose God had already given us. This shift transformed fulfilling work into exhausting toil.However, God consistently calls His people back to rest throughout Scripture. Through Christ, we can enter this rest today—not by earning it through perfect obedience, but by receiving it through faith. Jesus, as our High Priest, understands our struggles and has made a way for us to approach God boldly. True Sabbath rest becomes a celebration of God's completed work and a practice that frees us from self-reliant striving, allowing us to work alongside God rather than carrying life's burdens alone.

Many of us carry wounds shaped by our earthly relationships—especially when love from a parent felt inconsistent, absent, or conditional. Those experiences can quietly influence how we view God, leaving us striving for approval, afraid of failure, or convinced we must earn love through performance. This devotional reminds us that the Father’s love is not based on our past, our perfection, or our ability to “get it right.” Through Jesus, we are welcomed into God’s family as His children. Not because of human effort or merit, but because God chose us. Receiving the Father’s love often requires unlearning lies we’ve believed for years—that God is distant, angry, or withholding. Scripture reveals a different truth: when we receive Christ, we are fully embraced by a Father whose love heals, restores, and never lets go. If your earthly story included loss, pain, or rejection, God’s love meets you there. He invites you to stop running, stop striving, and rest in the security of being His child. Main Takeaways God’s love is received, not earned. Through Christ, we are given the right to be called children of God. The Father’s love heals wounds left by broken earthly relationships. You cannot outrun God’s love or exhaust His grace. Your truest identity is found in belonging to God. Today’s Bible Verse “But to all who did receive Him, He gave them the right to be children of God, to those who believe in His name, who were born, not of blood, or of the will of the flesh, or of the will of man, but of God” (John 1:12-13, HCSB). Your Daily Prayer Prayer excerpt for listeners: “In Christ, I am given the right to be called Your child. I rest in the finished work of the cross and trust that You are healing my wounded heart.” Listen to the full prayer here, or to read the full devotional and complete prayer, visit the links below. Find more encouragement, devotionals, and prayers here: LifeAudio.com – Christian podcasts, devotionals, and faith resources Crosswalk.com – Bible study tools, devotionals, and Christian living content This episode is sponsored by Trinity Debt Management. If you are struggling with debt call Trinity today. Trinity's counselors have the knowledge and resources to make a difference. Our intention is to help people become debt-free, and most importantly, remain debt-free for keeps!" If your debt has you down, we should talk. Call us at 1-800-793-8548 | https://trinitycredit.orgTrinityCredit – Call us at 1-800-793-8548. Whether we're helping people pay off their unsecured debt or offering assistance to those behind in their mortgage payments, Trinity has the knowledge and resources to make a difference. https://trinitycredit.org Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

The SSPX met with Rome after signaling it may consecrate bishops without Vatican approval. We break down what was said and what comes next. Meanwhile, a secret, password-protected video message from the Charlotte bishop is set to be shown at Mass this weekend. And finally, the Stop/Start feature is dead. All this and more on the LOOPcast!00:00 Welcome to the LOOPcast03:20 SSPX Meets with Rome12:10 Charlotte Bishop Video18:18 What's going on at Notre Dame?38:29 End of Immigration Enforcement Surge in MN46:00 EPA Change58:55 Good News1:08:35 Twilight Zone1:20:16 Closing PrayerEMAIL US: loopcast@catholicvote.org SUPPORT LOOPCAST: www.loopcast.orgSubscribe to the LOOP today!https://catholicvote.org/getloop   Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-loopcast/id1643967065 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/08jykZi86H7jKNFLbSesjk?si=ztBTHenFR-6VuegOlklE_w&nd=1&dlsi=bddf79da68c34744 FOLLOW LOOPCast: https://x.com/the_LOOPcast  https://www.instagram.com/the_loopcast/ https://www.tiktok.com/@the_loopcast https://www.facebook.com/LOOPcastPodcast Tom: https://x.com/TPogasic Erika: https://x.com/ErikaAhern2  Josh: https://x.com/joshuamercer Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithfuland kindle in them the fire of your love.Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created,and you shall renew the face of the earth.Let us pray.O God, who have taught the hearts of the faithfulby the light of the Holy Spirit,grant that in the same Spirit we may be truly wiseand ever rejoice in his consolation.Through Christ our Lord. Amen.All opinions expressed on LOOPcast by the participants are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of CatholicVote.

Has the Church Replaced Israel in God's Plan?Apostolic Life in the 21st Century with Dr. David K. BernardIn light of ongoing global attention on the nation of Israel, many Christians are revisiting an important theological question: Has the church replaced Israel in God's plan, or does God still have a future purpose for the Jewish people?In this episode of Apostolic Life in the 21st Century, Dr. David K. Bernard offers a thoughtful, biblically grounded answer rooted in passages such as Romans 9–11 and Galatians 4. He explains that the church is the ultimate fulfillment of God's redemptive plan, with Israel playing a vital role in bringing forth the Messiah, Jesus Christ. Through Christ, God's promises are fulfilled not by ethnicity, but by faith, as both Jews and Gentiles are invited into the church through the work of the Holy Spirit.At the same time, Dr. Bernard clarifies that this truth does not mean God is finished with the nation of Israel. Scripture indicates that God still has a purpose and plan for their salvation.This episode brings biblical clarity and balance to a complex and often emotional topic. If you're seeking a scriptural perspective on Israel, the church, and God's plan of salvation, this conversation is essential listening.Visit PentecostalPublishing.com to shop Dr. Bernard's full catalog of published works. Enter promo code DKB10 at checkout to save 10 percent on your order.If you enjoy this podcast, leave a five-star rating and a review on iTunes or your preferred podcast platform. We also appreciate it when you share Apostolic Life in the 21st Century with family and friends.

Reconciliation means the relationship is restored. Through Christ, we've moved from enemies to beloved children. But reconciliation isn't just a status—it's a lifestyle. Having been reconciled to God, we're now called to live as ambassadors of reconciliation in a broken world. This is the journey of sanctification, where we increasingly reflect God's character not to earn His love, but because we've received it. We pursue holiness from security, not insecurity. We serve from fullness, not emptiness. As you close this devotional series, commit to one specific way you'll live differently this week because of God's pre-approval. Let your actions flow from acceptance, not toward it. You are already His beloved. Now live like it.

Pastor TJ explains that believers are no longer under the authority or condemnation of the law because they have died to it through the body of Christ. Using the illustration of marriage, Paul shows that death changes relationship and authority—just as death frees a person from marriage law, believers' death with Christ frees them from the law's rule. Blaine emphasizes that the law was never meant to save; it exposes sin and ultimately produces death. Through Christ, Christians are released from the law so they can belong to Him, bear fruit for God, and serve in the new way of the Spirit rather than the old way of external rule-keeping. The message highlights that true transformation comes not from more rules, but from new life in Christ and ongoing sanctification by the Spirit.

Continuing in Nehemiah, this sermon emphasizes how God accomplishes His work through the collective participation of His people rather than through individual leaders alone. God gives His people both an identity and an assignment, demonstrating that when believers are united in mission, God can accomplish incredible things. The rebuilding of Jerusalem's wall serves as a metaphor for church building today, showing that spiritual fruitfulness comes from God working through His people collectively. The sermon challenges the church to move from a “cruise ship mentality” (consumer-focused) to a “battleship mentality” (mission-focused), emphasizing that every member has a place in God's work regardless of their profession, past, or perceived qualifications.Main Points:God gives His people an identity – The wall provided security, which made Israel's identity as God's people possible. Through Christ, we are adopted as God's children with permanent belonging.Your believed identity determines your lived reality – What you believe about yourself shapes what you do. When we believe we are deeply loved by God, we can deeply love others.God works through His people – The wall was built with an “all-hands-on-deck” mentality. Everyone from perfumers to rulers to daughters participated.The church needs a battleship mentality, not a cruise ship mentality – We're called to ask, “Where can I serve?” rather than “How will this meet my needs?”Scripture Referenced:Nehemiah 3 (main passage); Psalm 127:1; Romans 8:15-16; Leviticus 26:11-12; 2 Timothy 2:3-4Community Group Guide:Begin with PrayerBegin by thanking God for bringing your group together and ask the Holy Spirit to guide your discussion and reveal how He wants to work through each person present.Discussion Questions:Part 1: Understanding Identity (Read Romans 8:15-16)How does understanding your identity as an adopted child of God, able to call Him ‘Abba Father,' change the way you approach daily challenges and relationships?The sermon stated: “Your believed identity determines your lived reality.” Where do you see this principle playing out in your own life? Are there areas where you struggle to believe what God says is true about you?Part 2: All-Hands-on-Deck Mentality (Read Nehemiah 3:8,12 and 3:5)What encourages you about seeing a perfumer and a ruler's daughters working on the wall? What excuses might they have made to avoid this work?In Nehemiah 3:5 the nobles “would not stoop” to do the work. Is there any area of need you've noticed where you've thought, “That's not the kind of work I want to do”? What would it look like to have a different attitude?Part 3: Grounding in Humility (Read 2 Timothy 2:3-4)Be honest: Do you tend more toward a “cruise ship mentality” (consumer mindset) or a “battleship mentality” (mission-focused)? What evidence supports your answer?The sermon mentioned that God often calls us to be faithful “right where we are” before calling us elsewhere. What does faithfulness look like in your current season—in your home, neighborhood, workplace, or church?What barriers (time, fear, insecurity, busyness) keep you from finding your place at the wall? How can this group help you overcome those barriers?Personal Reflection and Practical ApplicationPray daily: Use the phrase “Abba Father” in your prayer time this week, letting the reality of your adoption sink deeply into your heart as you cry out to the One who has called you His own.Encourage: Take time to acknowledge and encourage those you know who are being “faithful right where they are” within the church or our broader community.Identify: If you are currently serving, thank you! Spend some time praying and journaling through all the ways God has been at work in you and through you as you've faithfully stewarded your time and talents. Give Him thanks and ask Him to help you press on. If you are not currently serving, prayerfully ask God where He might desire to use you and take the next faithful step.Worship Setlist:There is a Savior; Cornerstone; Such an Awesome God; Worthy of it All; No Other King

Through Christ's manifestation, the devil's systems collapse, and God's righteousness is established in the lives of believers. 

This week's message reminded us that the greatest battles we face aren't always external. Often, the battlefield is the mind. Romans 12:1–2 calls us to resist conforming to the patterns of this world and instead be transformed by the renewing of our minds. We were challenged to recognize that not every thought deserves agreement, that we are not defined by our strongest thoughts. Through Christ, we can take thoughts captive, identify lies, and replace them with truth. God desires dominion over every area of our lives, including how we think. When we invite Him into the process, we begin to walk in clarity, freedom, and victory. Proving what is the good, acceptable, and the perfect will of God. What's the loudest thought in your head right now? And what does God say about that? Missed last night's message? Each week, Paradigm sermons are posted on YouTube, Spotify, Amazon Music, and Pocket Casts!

The passage in Ezra 2:40–42, detailing the return of 74 Levites, 128 singers from Asaph's lineage, and 139 gatekeepers, serves as part of the theological and liturgical foundation for the restoration of God's temple and people after exile, symbolizing the resurrection of divine order and worship. These roles—Levites as temple caretakers, singers as worship leaders, and gatekeepers as guardians of holiness—reflect a divinely ordered structure that prefigures Christ's work as the ultimate High Priest, Gatekeeper, and Living Temple, where all believers now serve in functionally Levitical roles. The meticulous genealogical verification underscores the necessity of authentic identity and faithfulness in God's service, mirroring the New Testament reality of being sealed by the Spirit and called to live as holy, worshiping, and mission-driven people. Through Christ, the old covenant's rituals are fulfilled: the presence of God is no longer confined to a physical temple but dwells in believers, who now carry His law in their hearts, proclaim His glory through song, and guard the boundaries of His kingdom with discernment. This passage thus reveals a profound gospel truth—exile is ended, resurrection life is restored, and all who are in Christ are invited to feast with God in eternal fellowship, not by merit, but by grace through faith in the one who opened the way.

Jesus didn't just save us — it re-imaged us. Through Christ, God restored what was lost in Adam and reintroduced humanity to its original design: dominion, sonship, and authority.

Have you ever felt trapped by rules and regulations, wondering if you're measuring up? In this illuminating message, Pastor Brandon unpacks the true purpose of God's law through a fresh lens. Using memorable illustrations—from traffic signs to dirty mirrors—he reveals how the Ten Commandments weren't meant to save us, but to show our need for a Savior. Through Christ's perfect fulfillment of the law, we're freed from its crushing weight. Discover how Jesus transforms our relationship with God's commands from burden to blessing, offering a life of genuine freedom rather than religious obligation. Don't miss this transformative teaching that will revolutionize your understanding of grace! Brandon Bachtel | Walk in the Way www.stonepointchurch.com

What you believe about God shapes everything about your life. This message invites us to examine the images of God we carry and to receive the truth Scripture reveals: God calls Himself Father. Jesus spoke to Him as “Abba,” inviting us into a relationship marked by closeness, trust, and belonging. Through Christ, we are adopted, named, and welcomed into God’s family with intention and joy. This sermon speaks to wounded hearts, misplaced images of God, and the deep longing to be known and loved. It leads us into Romans 8 and the freedom of living as sons and daughters who cry out, “Abba, Father,” with confidence and hope.

 Episode 100 10 Favorite (current) Worship Songs 1. My Testimony by Elevation Worship 2. Yet Not I but Through Christ in Me by City Alight 3. Scars by I Am They 4. I Thank God by Maverick City Music 5. Goodness of God by CeCe Winans 6. Sing Wherever I Go by We the Kingdom 7. Thank You Jesus for the Blood by Charity Gayle 8. What an Awesome God by Phil Wickham 9. Bless God by Brooke Ligertwood 10. Jesus Lifted Me by Cain  10 Favorite Bible Verses 1. “Be still and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10 2. “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” II Corinthians 1:3-4 3. “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.” Genesis 5:20 4. “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” Isaiah 43:19 5. “I will praise you, O Lord, with all my heart. I will tell of all your wonders. I will be glad and rejoice in you. I will sing praise to your name, O Most High.” Psalm 9: 1-2 6. “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” Act 4:12 7. “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” Romans 12:12 8. “So I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten,” Joel 2:25 9. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4: 6-7 10. “Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel.” Ephesians 6:19 10 Favorite Treats 1. Milka chocolate bars 2. Iced lattes 3. Manzanilla green olives from Trader Joe's (yes, specifically these) 4. Homemade popcorn 5. Coffee ice cream 6. Roasted and salted macadamia nuts  7. Kettle cooked potato chips 8. Kouign-amann pastries 9. Chips and salsa 10. Italian Confetti Almonds from Trader Joe's (yes, specifically these) 10 Favorite Books 1. How Green Was My Valley by Richard Llewellyn 2. Everything Sad Is Untrue by Daniel Nayeri 3. The Yearling by Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings 4. The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom 5. The Long Winter by Laura Ingalls Wilder 6. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee 7. Persuasion Jane Austen 8. The Chronicles of Narnia (the whole series) C. S. Lewis 9. Rainbow Valley by Lucy Maud Montgomery 10. God's Smuggler by Brother Andrew 10 Favorite Movies 1. It's a Wonderful Life 2. The Secret Life of Walter Mitty 3. Napoleon Dynamite + Nacho Libre (cannot pick one and they are a pair to me) 4. My Fair Lady 5. Sleepless In Seattle 6. Little Women (1994 version) 7. Sense and Sensibility 8. That Thing You Do 9. To Kill a Mockingbird 10. Up  10 Favorite Places I've Visited 1. Cinque Terre, Italy 2. The Cotswolds, England 3. Big Sur, CA 4. Murren, Switzerland 5. Meteora, Greece 6. Olympic National Park, WA 7. Annecy, France 8. Hyderabad and Secunderabad, India 9. Reykjavik, Iceland 10. Glacier National Park, MT  10 Favorite Coffee Shops  1. Scout Coffee, San Luis Obispo, CA 2. Honest Coffee, Franklin, Tenn 3. Orange Inn, Laguna Beach, CA 4. Certified Kitchen and Bakery, Boise, ID 5. Merchant, Long Beach, CA 6. Giovanni Cova & C, Milan, Italy 7. Jo's Coffee, Austin, TX 8. Barista Parlor, Nashville, TN 9. Hooray Coffee, Redlands, CA 10. Sant' Eustachio Il Caffee', Rome, Italy  10 Favorite Things That Were Also Really Hard 1. Natural childbirth 2. Writing books 3. Being a public high school teacher 4. Becoming a speaker 5. Sharing the most vulnerable parts of our marriage story publicly 6. Running a half marathon 7. Fighting porn 8. Parenting teens and young adults 9. Home schooling 10. Becoming a podcaster  10 Favorite Things from Nature 1. Giant Sequoia trees 2. Cardinals 3. Sea otters 4. California Poppies 5. Coast Live Oak trees 6. Moss 7. Tidepools 8. Red Tailed Hawks 9. Wild Mustard 10. Dolphins  10 Favorite Adventures 1. My Christian walk 2. Being married to Aaron 3. Becoming a mom 4. Spending 2 summers in my teens in India with my dad 5. Summering in Scotland with 25 teens + Aaron when we were newlyweds 6. Becoming an author 7. Family road trip from California to Minnesota 8. Home schooling our kids 9. Backpacking through Europe as a young married couple 10. Family trip to Italy  10 Misc Favorite Things: 1. The color yellow 2. My Blundstone boots 3. My Nugget ice maker 4. Wearing brand new socks 5. Watching travel shows with Aaron (especially Stanley Tucci, Rick Steves and Travel Man) 6. Colorful bags from Orla Keily 7. My collection of Yearly bangles that Aaron started for me 8. Red shoes 9. Stickers – especially travel and encouraging words 10. My collection of Ronnie Kappos jewelry that Aaron started for meThe Greta Eskridge Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org

We all feel the tension inside—a war between fear and faith, weakness and strength. In this message, Ben Young unpacks 2 Timothy 1:6–7, reminding us that God has placed His Spirit in us. Through Christ, we have power, love, and self-discipline to face life's battles with courage and clarity.

1. Strengthened With His Power2. Filled With His Fullness3. Beyond All by His PowerToday's sermon explored our human tendency to always want "more" and how only God can truly fill the void within us. Drawing from Ephesians 3:13-21, we examined how our culture constantly tells us that happiness comes from having more things, being more successful, or achieving more status. Yet as Solomon discovered, and as Eddie Murphy confessed, even those who gain everything the world offers still feel something is missing. The good news is that we were created with a God-shaped void that only He can fill. Through Christ's sacrifice, we can experience the strengthening power of the Holy Spirit, the fullness of God's love, and His ability to do exceedingly abundantly beyond all we could ask or imagine.Takeaways:- We are strengthened by His power within us - The Holy Spirit living in us is God's seal and guarantee, giving us power to live for Him, to stand when we fall, and to keep moving forward even in hardship and defeat.- We can comprehend the breadth, length, height, and depth of God's love - His love is wider than we can imagine, longer than time itself, deeper than the cross, and higher than the heavens where He prepares a place for us.- God is able to do exceeding abundantly beyond all we ask or think - When we make the Lord our Shepherd and find our contentment in Him first, He unlocks the gates of prayer and enables us to move in His attributes, sharing with others what He has done for us.This week, be encouraged to pause when you feel that longing for "more" and ask yourself: Am I seeking fulfillment in things that can never satisfy, or am I drawing closer to the One who fills every void?

1. Strengthened With His Power2. Filled With His Fullness3. Beyond All by His PowerToday's sermon explored our human tendency to always want "more" and how only God can truly fill the void within us. Drawing from Ephesians 3:13-21, we examined how our culture constantly tells us that happiness comes from having more things, being more successful, or achieving more status. Yet as Solomon discovered, and as Eddie Murphy confessed, even those who gain everything the world offers still feel something is missing. The good news is that we were created with a God-shaped void that only He can fill. Through Christ's sacrifice, we can experience the strengthening power of the Holy Spirit, the fullness of God's love, and His ability to do exceedingly abundantly beyond all we could ask or imagine.Takeaways:- We are strengthened by His power within us - The Holy Spirit living in us is God's seal and guarantee, giving us power to live for Him, to stand when we fall, and to keep moving forward even in hardship and defeat.- We can comprehend the breadth, length, height, and depth of God's love - His love is wider than we can imagine, longer than time itself, deeper than the cross, and higher than the heavens where He prepares a place for us.- God is able to do exceeding abundantly beyond all we ask or think - When we make the Lord our Shepherd and find our contentment in Him first, He unlocks the gates of prayer and enables us to move in His attributes, sharing with others what He has done for us.This week, be encouraged to pause when you feel that longing for "more" and ask yourself: Am I seeking fulfillment in things that can never satisfy, or am I drawing closer to the One who fills every void?

In this message, Bishop McBath reminds us that the Church's core calling is reconciliation—not division. Drawing from 2 Corinthians 5:11–21, he teaches that reconciliation begins with our broken relationship with God, not merely our broken relationships with one another. Through Christ's sacrificial love, we are reconnected to God purely by grace, not merit. But reconciliation doesn't stop there. God entrusts reconciled people with a reconciled mission. As Christ's ambassadors, we now represent a new kingdom, guided by a new love and a new way of leading—making decisions about others based on grace, not race.

In this message, Bishop McBath reminds us that the Church's core calling is reconciliation—not division. Drawing from 2 Corinthians 5:11–21, he teaches that reconciliation begins with our broken relationship with God, not merely our broken relationships with one another. Through Christ's sacrificial love, we are reconnected to God purely by grace, not merit. But reconciliation doesn't stop there. God entrusts reconciled people with a reconciled mission. As Christ's ambassadors, we now represent a new kingdom, guided by a new love and a new way of leading—making decisions about others based on grace, not race.

Join Pastor Tom Messer as he explores God's new covenant with His people as described in Jeremiah 31, contrasting it with the old covenant of law. Pastor Tom emphasizes that the new covenant transforms our relationship with God from external obedience to internal transformation, writing God's law on our hearts rather than stone tablets. The core message is that all human problems stem from forgetting who God is in any given moment. The new covenant reconciles the tension between God's justice (law) and His mercy (love), demonstrating that God is both perfectly holy and perfectly loving simultaneously. Through Christ's sacrifice, believers receive forgiveness not based on their performance but on Jesus' perfect obedience. This covenant relationship should reshape how Christians view God, themselves, and others, moving them from consumer-based relationships to covenant commitment. The sermon concludes with communion, illustrating how Christ's broken body and shed blood established this new covenant of grace.

Join Pastor Tom Messer as he explores God's new covenant with His people as described in Jeremiah 31, contrasting it with the old covenant of law. Pastor Tom emphasizes that the new covenant transforms our relationship with God from external obedience to internal transformation, writing God's law on our hearts rather than stone tablets. The core message is that all human problems stem from forgetting who God is in any given moment. The new covenant reconciles the tension between God's justice (law) and His mercy (love), demonstrating that God is both perfectly holy and perfectly loving simultaneously. Through Christ's sacrifice, believers receive forgiveness not based on their performance but on Jesus' perfect obedience. This covenant relationship should reshape how Christians view God, themselves, and others, moving them from consumer-based relationships to covenant commitment. The sermon concludes with communion, illustrating how Christ's broken body and shed blood established this new covenant of grace.

Today's Promise: John 5:24 What is the greatest promise found in all of Scripture? It is the promise of eternal life. In this episode, we explore the heart of the gospel and the hope that changes everything. Jesus offers eternal life that never ends. Jesus didn't come merely to improve our lives; He came to give us eternal life, the ultimate fulfillment of His promise of abundant life.   The Bible makes it clear that every person is separated from God because of sin, leaving us unable to restore that relationship on our own. But God did not leave us without hope. Through Christ's death on the cross, forgiveness was secured, the barrier of sin was removed, and the way back to God was opened.   This episode invites you to reflect on the meaning of eternal life, the cost Christ paid to make it possible, and the life-changing promise available to all who place their trust in Him.

Stop and think about who Jesus was speaking to when He said the following: "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Of course, it was directed specifically at those (Jewish people) who had been held under an unprofitable law which required them to work at hearing and *doing* all of it in order to *try* to attain to right standing with God. There was no rest for them to enter into within that system of the stone-tablet ministry. Unfortunately, some of that obsolete arrangement has trickled down similar concepts to corporate Christianity today. God has not placed you *under arrest* only to be released on parole based upon rehabilitation and good behavior. Through Christ, He has placed you under *a rest.* He is the One who sets captives free. This is the reality and truth for you right now, even if you don't always feel as though you are experiencing such perfect peace and rest at all times. While the religious world loves to strike a "balance" ... and will try to regulate your rest based on regulations and law-like lifelessness planted in decrees and ordinances, we have been given something much better in the New Covenant of Jesus Christ. It's God's grace—and it will bring internal and eternal peace when we embrace it. He died so we could live in it. --Available on Amazon - "Clash of The Covenants: Escaping Religious Bondage Through the Grace Guarantee" https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0713ZSKY7

January 11th, 2026 | Encounter | Hebrews 4:11-16What if the key to spiritual growth isn't a shortcut—but a daily encounter with God's Word?In this message from the Encounter series, Pastor Todd Kaunitz invites us to experience a fresh encounter with the living presence of God through Scripture. Drawing from Hebrews 4:11–16, he reminds us that the Bible is not just a book to be read, but the very Word of God—living, active, and powerful to transform our lives.Pastor Todd unpacks what it means to “strive to enter God's rest,” showing how ongoing obedience to God's Word leads us into the abundant life found in Jesus. As the Word exposes the true condition of our hearts, it doesn't lead us to shame—but to grace. Through Christ, our great High Priest, we are invited to approach the throne of grace with confidence and find mercy and help in our time of need.This message also launches the NT260 challenge—an invitation to read one chapter of the New Testament a day, five days a week, for the rest of the year. The goal isn't simply to read the Bible, but to encounter Jesus through His Word.If you're longing for spiritual rest, renewal, and a deeper relationship with God, this message will challenge and encourage you to open the Scriptures—and meet Him there.Do you know JESUS?: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.nblongview.org/do-you-know-jesus⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Need PRAYER?: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.nblongview.org/pray⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SUPPORT through giving: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.nbbctx.org/giving⁠⁠

This week we continue to look at God's eternal story, asking who we are within it and how we must reject false narratives. Scripture reveals that humans are created as God's image-bearers…meant to reflect His glory and loving rule. But sin distorts that role by replacing God's story with our own. Through Christ, we are restored to true humanity, called to live lives that reflect God's light so that others may see Him and glimpse His coming kingdom.

In the opening chapter of the Bible, before sin entered the world or any curse was spoken, God looked upon the man and woman He had created in His image and blessed them. This powerful moment is recorded in Genesis 1:28: “And God blessed them. And God said to them, ‘Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.'” This verse contains God's original blessing over humanity—a divine declaration filled with purpose, empowerment, and authority. It is not a mere wish but a five-fold mandate: be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth, subdue it, and have dominion. These commands reveal God's dream for mankind: to produce the fruit of our God-given potential, to increase and expand, to carry His presence everywhere, to bring order to chaos, and to exercise wise, righteous stewardship over creation. The blessing comes first, then the assignment—empowerment precedes responsibility. Though sin brought toil and struggle, the original blessing was never revoked. Through Christ, believers are restored to walk in this same authority and fruitfulness. This episode unpacks the deep meaning of Genesis 1:28 and shows how it still speaks directly to your identity, purpose, calling, family, work, and assignment today. Whether you seek clarity about your destiny, greater confidence in your authority, or fresh revelation of who God created you to be, this message will reignite your sense of divine purpose. The blessing was spoken in Eden before you were born—it still echoes over your life now. God still desires a people who are fruitful, multiplying, filling the earth, subduing chaos, and ruling with dominion.

We’ve seen animals “set free.” The one incarcerated awaits the day to be “set free.” Through Christ, what joy in that one can also be “set free.”

Pastor Blaine teaches that because believers are united with Christ, sin no longer has authority over them. Romans 6 shows that salvation doesn't just forgive sin—it fundamentally changes who we are. Through Christ's death and resurrection, Christians have died to their old selves and been raised to new life, meaning they are no longer slaves to sin but servants of righteousness. Blaine emphasizes that grace is never a license to keep sinning; instead, grace empowers obedience. The call of the passage is to live in light of what is already true—counting ourselves dead to sin, actively turning away from it, and offering our lives fully to God as people who have been made alive in Christ.

Do you really believe the Bible is true—and if so, is it shaping how you live?In this message from our Do You Believe? series, we walk through Romans 1–6 to answer a foundational question: Who is your master—sin or Jesus?The Apostle Paul makes it clear that grace doesn't give us permission to keep sinning; grace changes masters. Through Christ, we are set free from sin, not free in sin.This message challenges us to examine our lives honestly, confront the sins that try to rule us, and discover what it truly means to be slaves of righteousness.