Podcasts about true christian

"Notwithstanding you have well done,that you did communicate with my affliction."  At first glance, this verse appears to besimply a "thank you" for a financial gift. But it is much more thanthat. Paul is introducing a wonderful truth that we might call the grace ofgiving. Noticewhat he says first: "You have done well." Paul commends thePhilippians. He isn't praising the amount of their gift. He is praising thelove that motivated it. God has always been more interested in the heart thanin the size of the gift. Jesus reminded us of that when He watched the poorwidow place her two mites into the Temple treasury. Others gave much more, butJesus said she had given the most because she gave out of her poverty whileothers gave out of their abundance. God measures giving differently than we do.He measures sacrifice. He measures love. He measures faith.  ThenPaul says something very interesting: "You did communicate with myaffliction." Today we usually think of the word"communicate" as talking or sending a message. But that is not whatPaul means. The Greek word is koinōneō. It means to share, to participate, orto have fellowship together. The Philippians were not merely sending money.They were sharing Paul's burden. They were entering into his suffering. Thoughthey were hundreds of miles away, they were saying, "Paul, you are notalone. We are standing with you." Isn't that what Christian fellowship isall about? Theword koinōnia, which is translated "fellowship," appears at the verybeginning of this letter. In Philippians 1:5 Paul thanked God for their"fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now." Now, at theclose of the letter, that same fellowship is still evident. Their partnershiphad not ended. It had continued through prayer... Through encouragement... Andnow through generous giving. True Christian fellowship is much more thanenjoying a meal together or shaking hands after church. It means sharing lifetogether. Romans 12:15 tells us, "Rejoice with them that do rejoice,and weep with them that weep." When one believer hurts, we all hurt.When one believer rejoices, we all rejoice. That is the family of God. ThePhilippians could not remove Paul's chains. They could not release him fromprison. But they could stand beside him by sharing what God had given them. Andthat made all the difference. The same is true today. Not everyone can become amissionary. Not everyone can preach. Not everyone can travel around the worldsharing the Gospel. But every believer can have a part in God's work bypraying, encouraging, and giving. When we support those who are taking theGospel to others, we become partners in that ministry. We share in the workthat God is doing through them. Ioften think about the people who faithfully pray for missionaries around theworld. Others give faithfully each week to support God's work. Some writeencouraging letters. Others quietly meet practical needs. None of those actsmay seem very spectacular. But God sees every one of them. Every act of love isan expression of His grace. That is why I like to call this section "TheGrace of Giving." Giving is not something God wants from us. It issomething His grace produces in us. ThePhilippians did not give because they were pressured. They gave because God'sgrace had filled their hearts. Theirgenerosity was evidence of God's grace at work in their lives. The same is truefor us. When Christ has our hearts, He also has our hands, our time, ourtalents, and yes, even our resources. Giving is never about losing something.It is about sharing in what God is doing. Perhapstoday God is giving you an opportunity to share in someone else's burden. Maybethrough prayer. Maybe through an encouraging word. Maybe through meeting apractical need. Remember, when we share the burdens of others, we arereflecting the heart of Jesus Christ Himself. Let's ask God to make us thatkind of believer.

There is a secret to finding contentment. The secret has been revealed in the Bible, and Christians have proclaimed it for 2000 years. Despite this, humanity seems stubbornly confused about the source of happiness. We are naturally inclined to look for it in all the wrong places. The secret to finding contentment is that you don't find it by pursuing contentment itself, but by looking for it in Christ.   In this final episode of the Life of Joy series, John Snyder and Justin Miller discuss how Christ is the foundation, the center, and the cornerstone of Christian contentment. They conclude the series not only by reflecting on Justin Miller's forthcoming book, A Life of Joy, but also by recommending several books that have encouraged them in their pursuit of Christ-centered contentment and joy.   SHOW NOTES

We've just finished working through one of the most misunderstood passages in the New Testament—Hebrews 6:1–8.Many use this text to argue that a true believer can lose salvation. But when examined carefully in its context, the warning is not about eternal loss—it's about the गंभीर consequences of spiritual immaturity and regression.The writer is addressing believers who have received tremendous spiritual privilege, yet are failing to grow. The warning is severe because the stakes are real: not loss of salvation, but unavoidable divine discipline for unfruitfulness.In this lesson, we walk through the passage step by step, connecting it to Isaiah 5 and Numbers 14, and showing how God consistently deals with His people—faithful to preserve, but also faithful to discipline.This is a passage that should not confuse you—it should sober you and move you forward.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Join us as Kevin Jamison continues our sermon series, Life Together: A Study in Romans 12-16, by exploring God's vision for his people and what it truly means to be the church.In Romans 14, Paul teaches that the gospel frees Christians to receive God's good creation with gratitude rather than fear, while recognizing that matters of personal conscience should not be turned into universal rules for all believers. True Christian freedom is expressed not by insisting on our rights, but by willingly limiting them in love so that we build up others, reflecting the self-giving example of Jesus Christ.Scripture: Romans 14:13-23Pastor: Kevin Jamison

Colossians 3:1-4 Well, please turn your Bibles to Colossians Chapter 3. Paul is turning a corner, here, and preparing us for some practical application. So we're going to get into some very practical things in the weeks to come in Colossians 3 and following. But he's turning a corner. This is a hinge point in the letter. And in Colossians 2, the section we just finished, Paul, as you know, was confronting the false teachers that were troubling the Colossian

Fill-In Notes: https://churchlinkfeeds.blob.core.windows.net/notes/39900/note-272800.html Continuing the Conversation 1. When you read 1 Corinthians 13:17, which parts do you find yourself meeting the most resistance to embody? 2. Specifically with the Always statements: Where has it been difficult to always a. Protect by forgiving regardless of how offensive the person is? b. Trust by continuous engagement, making yourself vulnerable? c. Hope by loving someone just for the sake of itself, not what it can bring you? d. Persevere by never giving up on the person? 3. Where have you seen fruit in embodying the 4 Always elements of True Christian love?

Love is one of the greatest marks of a true follower of Jesus Christ. In this episode of Brothers Just Searching, we continue our verse-by-verse study through 1 John 3:11-15, where the Apostle John reminds believers that we are called to love one another—not live in hatred like Cain.We discuss:What it truly means to love your brothers and sisters in Christ.The story of Cain and Abel and how jealousy, pride, and hatred lead to destruction.Why church division and unresolved conflict damage our witness to the world.How Christians should handle disagreements according to Scripture.Why the world hates those who faithfully follow Jesus.The difference between salvation by faith in Christ and trusting in our own works.Our prayer is that this conversation encourages you to pursue unity, forgiveness, and genuine biblical love while keeping your eyes fixed on Jesus Christ.Scripture: 1 John 3:11-15If this episode encourages you, don't forget to Like, Subscribe, and Share so more people can hear the truth of God's Word.If You Like To donate to this podcast you can through cashapp or email us at brothersjustsearchingpodcast@gmail.com for more infoAnything is appreciated Cashapp infoBJSmediaThis podcast is brought to you by BJS MEDIA. A christian media production from the swamps of Louisiana. Teaching THE WORD OF GOD (The Bible) and discussing religion, cults, and other world events. "The New Kingdom" Book By Anthony HayesAmazonhttps://a.co/d/bGeKR6WYoutubehttps://www.youtube.com/@anthonyhayes4492Brothers Just Searching Links Check out our website https://brothersjustsearching.wordpress.com/Check out Our Facebook Pagehttps://www.facebook.com/bjspodcastCheck out our YouTube Channel https://youtube.com/channel/UCSKi3Aywyd1PQWQ5K1rrIUAhttps://campsite.to/bjsmediaThis is where you can listen to our podcast “Brothers Just Searching”. Below me :). Apple Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/brothers-just-searching/id1490823255?uo=4Google Podcast https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy8xMDk2MjdhMC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw==Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/0xxj0itGZrlN6EvUpHnel1Breakerhttps://www.breaker.audio/brothers-just-searchingOvercasthttps://overcast.fm/itunes1490823255/brothers-just-searchingPocket Casts https://pca.st/7uduo3tzCoteau Holmes Fellowship Church https://www.facebook.com/coteauholmesfellowship/Upper Room Fellowship Church1910 S College Rd, Lafayette, LAhttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61583220302823Music Provided ByUltima Thule by a href="https://app.sessions.blue/browse/track/51198"Blue Dot Sessions/a- [ ]#bible #biblestudy #faith #jesus #god

Sanctifying The Church Through Pastoral Discipline explores biblical church discipline. Learn why correcting sin is an act of godly love. The Word of God must be honored and obeyed in the local body. When scandalous sin is ignored, preaching is undermined and God is dishonored. Faithful elder led governance requires the courage to address unrepentant sin through biblical steps. In 1 Corinthians 5, the Apostle Paul confronts a church that responded to gross immorality with pride and apathy. True Christian love does not tolerate spiritual corruption but acts redemptively to protect the congregation. Church discipline is a necessary congregational action led by pastors to preserve purity. Putting an unrepentant member out of the fellowship is a painful but purposeful step. It exposes the individual to temporal consequences with the hope of ultimate salvation. This expository preaching reminds us that church purity celebrates the very purpose for which Jesus died.

Sanctifying The Church Through Pastoral Discipline explores biblical church discipline. Learn why correcting sin is an act of godly love. The Word of God must be honored and obeyed in the local body. When scandalous sin is ignored, preaching is undermined and God is dishonored. Faithful elder led governance requires the courage to address unrepentant sin through biblical steps. In 1 Corinthians 5, the Apostle Paul confronts a church that responded to gross immorality with pride and apathy. True Christian love does not tolerate spiritual corruption but acts redemptively to protect the congregation. Church discipline is a necessary congregational action led by pastors to preserve purity. Putting an unrepentant member out of the fellowship is a painful but purposeful step. It exposes the individual to temporal consequences with the hope of ultimate salvation. This expository preaching reminds us that church purity celebrates the very purpose for which Jesus died.

ക്രിസ്തുവിൽ ദിനംപ്രതി ആഴപ്പെടുക | Growing Deeper In Christ Every Day | Malayalam Christian Message | Br. Damien Antony | Morning Glory 1953 | 24 June 2026പ്രശ്നങ്ങൾ മാറാനല്ല പ്രാർത്ഥിക്കേണ്ടത്; കൊടുങ്കാറ്റുകൾക്ക് മീതെ യേശുവിനെപ്പോലെ ചവിട്ടിനടക്കാനുള്ള ദൈവകൃപയ്ക്കായി ഈ നിമിഷം സമർപ്പിക്കാം.True Christian spiritual maturity is never an overnight, instant phenomenon; it is a progressive, divine process developed through systemic trials, enduring faith, and consistent spiritual discipline. In a modern fast-paced generation addicted to instant gratification, instant solutions, and overnight success, the Kingdom of God operates on deep spiritual growth, gradual character transformation, and testing of faith. Scripture clearly illustrates that godliness and character refinement are forged in the crucible of affliction, much like the intense labor of the Israelites in the brick kilns of Egypt.ദൈവവചനത്തിൻ്റെ അനുഗ്രഹങ്ങൾക്കായി Blessing Today ചാനൽ ഇപ്പോൾ തന്നെ Subscribe ചെയ്യൂ! ✨പുതിയ വീഡിയോകൾക്കായി Bell Icon അമർത്തുക.

Biblical teaching on loving others, the Golden Rule, and Christian humility—this sermon explains how to value others above yourself through Scripture and Christlike living.This message focuses on the powerful command to put others before yourself, rooted in Jesus' teaching to love your neighbor as yourself (Mark 12:31). True Christian living means shifting from selfish ambition to a life centered on serving others.The sermon highlights the Golden Rule found in Scripture, calling believers to treat others the way they want to be treated (Luke 6:31). This principle is simple, yet deeply challenging, requiring intentional humility and daily obedience.It also addresses the reality that many people hear these teachings but fail to live them out. The world remains full of selfishness because people do not practice what they preach, even within churches and leadership.Believers are challenged to examine their lives honestly. If you claim to follow Christ but do not live according to His commands, Scripture warns against hypocrisy and calls for true transformation (1 John 3:10).At the heart of this teaching is a deeper definition of love: the joyful willingness to put yourself aside for the benefit of others. This kind of love reflects the character of Jesus and fulfills God's commandments in action.The message also emphasizes humility, reminding Christians to reject selfish ambition and instead value others above themselves (Philippians 2:3). This means not only fairness, but intentionally choosing others' needs over your own.Ultimately, Jesus is the perfect example of this lifestyle. He served, healed, and sacrificed for others, demonstrating what it truly means to live out love and obedience in every moment (Matthew 7:12).Referenced Verses:Mark 12:31Luke 6:31Matthew 22:39Acts 13:101 John 3:10Matthew 7:12Philippians 2:3-Social Media Ministries, founded by Spencer Coffman, is committed to sharing the Word of God with the entire world. We use social media to reach more people in more places and are counting on you to help us fulfill our mission. Learn more at https://socialmediaministries.com/about-us-MISSION: To use social media to present the living Word of God to as many people as possible and to help them understand and interpret the scriptures in the Bible.-FOLLOW US:YouTube - Podcast - Instagram - Facebook - Medium - Pinterest - TikTok - LinkedIn - X - Join Our Discord Server-DONATE:https://paypal.com/us/fundraiser/charity/4478888https://socialmediaministries.com/give-Apparel-Resources -Sharing Jesus. Making Disciples. Taking Ground. Building The Kingdom.

ദൈവത്തെ പ്രസാദിപ്പിക്കുന്ന ജീവിതം | Living A Life That Pleases God | Malayalam Christian Message | Br. Damien Antony | Morning Glory 1945 | 15 June 2026മനുഷ്യൻ മുഖത്തു നോക്കുമ്പോൾ യഹോവ നിങ്ങളുടെ ഹൃദയത്തെയാണ് നോക്കുന്നത്; ഒളിച്ചുവെച്ച പാപങ്ങൾ മാറ്റി ദൈവത്തിലേക്ക് മടങ്ങാൻ ഈ സന്ദേശം നിങ്ങളെ സഹായിക്കും.True Christian discipleship demands absolute transparency between your internal thoughts and external actions. In a world consumed by performance, external validation, and charismatic leadership qualities, the Lord searches for deep-seated purity and horizontal moral integrity. Many believers thrive on public admiration, building a highly approved public life while treating their private lives, family interactions, and secret behaviors with absolute carelessness. This dangerous conflict of personality forms a duplicitous double living pattern that completely destroys spiritual clarity and blocks the movement of the Holy Spirit.ദൈവവചനത്തിൻ്റെ അനുഗ്രഹങ്ങൾക്കായി Blessing Today ചാനൽ ഇപ്പോൾ തന്നെ Subscribe ചെയ്യൂ! ✨പുതിയ വീഡിയോകൾക്കായി Bell Icon അമർത്തുക.

Jesus' simple command to 'Follow me' reveals powerful leadership principles that every Christian should embrace. Many believers hesitate to lead because they feel unqualified, but we don't need to be perfect—just consecrated and walking in the right direction. True Christian leadership involves making direct asks and offering genuine relational connection. When Jesus said 'I will make you become fishers of men,' he demonstrated transformational leadership that focuses on who people are becoming, not just what they can do. This approach applies to family, workplace, and church settings, where we should care about people's character development alongside their performance.

Pastor Randy completed the sermon series, "7 Marks of a True Christian" with a sermon titled, "7th Mark: Courageous Leadership" from Joshua 1:1-9. 3 Foundations of Courageous Leadership: 1. God's Promises 2. God's Presence 3. God's Precepts

By Jim Moody - About 2 ½ billion people on the planet claim to be Christians, but their beliefs, doctrines and practices vary widely. What makes you and me different from other people who call themselves Christians? In this message we'll discuss six characteristics of a true Christian, and we must have ALL six of

Praying in the Spirit of Christ Today's homily reflects on Jesus' promise . . . . . . in the Gospel of John that “whatever you ask in my name” will be granted. The homily explains that praying “in Jesus' name” is not a magical formula or a phrase added to the end of prayer, but rather a way of living and praying in deep union with Christ and according to His Spirit. True Christian prayer requires surrendering one's own will and conforming oneself to the self-giving, obedient, and loving Spirit of Jesus. The homily emphasizes the importance of the Holy Spirit, especially in the days between Ascension and Pentecost, as the source of authentic Christian life and prayer. It also highlights the communal dimension of prayer within the Church, especially in the Eucharist, where Christ Himself prays with and through His people. Ultimately, the homily teaches that authentic prayer leads not merely to receiving what one wants, but to experiencing the joy of salvation, communion with the Father, and participation in the very life of Christ. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Art Work Christ in Gethsemane: German Painter: Heinrich Hoffman: 1886

Guided Question How can discipline, focus, and a pursuit of divine glory help a Christian run the race of life successfully, avoiding disqualification and achieving spiritual victory? Summary In this sermon, Dr. Robert Lewis uses the imagery of ancient Greek athletics to illustrate the Christian life as a race requiring discipline, direction, and a thirst for divine glory. Drawing from 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Paul's words about athletes competing for a prize are applied to spiritual growth. Dr. Lewis emphasizes that spiritual victory is exclusive, requires intentional training and direction, and hinges on aiming to please God rather than oneself. Without a clear objective, a Christian risks falling into distraction, indulgence, or disqualification. The sermon challenges listeners to cultivate personal discipline, align their aims with God's purposes, and pursue spiritual “gold medals” by exercising their gifts for His glory. Outline Introduction: The Athlete's Example Story of Theogenes, Greek Olympic champion Greeks' obsession with athletics mirrors the seriousness of spiritual pursuit Athletic imagery sets the stage for understanding spiritual discipline Exclusiveness of Victory and Truth 1 Corinthians 9:24: Only one receives the prize Truth is exclusive: Jesus is the only way to God (John 14:6) Effort and sincerity alone do not guarantee spiritual success Training and Discipline (Verses 25-27) Athletes endure rigorous training; Christians must exercise self-control Discipline complements the Holy Spirit in the believer's life Personal discipline involves denying worldly pleasures for God's glory Direction and Purpose in the Race (Verse 26) Run with a clear aim: not flailing or aimless Importance of knowing spiritual gifts and God's calling Misguided aims (comfort, happiness) lead to ineffective spiritual effort The Danger of Disqualification (Verse 27) Lack of discipline and focus can render a Christian “useless” in service Paul's warning about being disqualified is a call to vigilance Spiritual failure is not only dramatic but can be subtle (indifference, misplaced priorities) Thirst for Divine Glory Motivation should be God's commendation, not human approval Faith, discipline, and direction together ensure fruitful Christian living Scripture references highlight the pursuit of God's pleasure as the ultimate aim (2 Corinthians 5:9; Philippians 3:8-10; Hebrews 12:1-2) Key Takeaways: Spiritual victory requires focused effort and cannot rely solely on sincerity or human commendation. Discipline is essential for growth and complements the work of the Holy Spirit. Knowing one's spiritual aim and gifts ensures purposeful living and avoids becoming a religious “fanatic” or disqualified servant. True Christian motivation is a thirst for divine glory, not comfort, happiness, or human approval. Maintaining clarity of aim allows a believer to run with endurance and remain faithful in service to God. Scripture References: 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 – Paul's athletic analogy for spiritual discipline John 14:6 – Jesus as the exclusive way to God Proverbs 15:32 – Discipline as a reflection of self-respect 2 Corinthians 5:9 – Ambition to please God Philippians 3:8-10 – Counting all else as loss to know Christ Hebrews 11:6 – Faith is required to please God Hebrews 12:1-2 – Running the race with endurance, fixing eyes on Jesus Recorded 12/13/81

May 4, 2026

1 Peter 3:8May 3, 2026Pastor Nick Shaffer

2026.04.19 - Jono Lee

April 27, 2026

Throughout Christian history, believers have wrestled with disagreements on biblical interpretation, from women in ministry to church practices and theological positions. These differences can feel deeply personal and divisive, yet they have existed since the earliest days of the church. The challenge lies not in eliminating disagreements but in learning how to maintain unity despite our differences.Many Christians approach Scripture with biblical literalism, believing interpretation should be straightforward. However, this becomes complicated when encountering seemingly contradictory passages, such as Paul's restrictions on women teaching in 1 Timothy while simultaneously empowering female leaders like Phoebe and Lydia. The Wesleyan Quadrilateral offers a framework for interpretation using Scripture, tradition, reason, and experience, recognizing that while Scripture is authoritative and inspired, reading and applying it always involves interpretation.The Corinthian church faced similar divisions when factions developed around different leaders like Paul and Apollos. Paul's response was direct: both he and Apollos were simply servants with different roles, but God made everything grow. As Christians mature, it's tempting to create categories of right and wrong believers based on theological differences, leading to the countless denominational splits throughout history. However, Jesus consistently connected with people across all theological and social boundaries. True Christian maturity involves holding convictions both tightly and loosely, growing in knowledge while simultaneously growing in the fruits of the Spirit. Our unity comes from one Lord, one faith, one baptism, reminding us that we are one body even when we disagree on specific points of doctrine.Why do Christians disagree on biblical interpretation and church practices? This comprehensive exploration examines the roots of Christian disagreements from the early church to today, covering topics like women in ministry, biblical literalism, and theological differences that divide believers. Learn about the Wesleyan Quadrilateral approach to Scripture interpretation using tradition, reason, and experience alongside biblical text. Discover how the Corinthian church dealt with factions and divisions, and what the Apostle Paul taught about unity in diversity. This message addresses common questions about biblical interpretation methods, denominational differences, church unity, and Christian maturity. Whether you're struggling with theological disagreements in your church, wondering how to interpret difficult Bible passages, or seeking to understand different Christian perspectives, this teaching provides practical wisdom for navigating faith differences with love and humility. Topics covered include biblical hermeneutics, church history, denominational splits, spiritual maturity, fruits of the Spirit, and maintaining Christian fellowship despite doctrinal differences. Perfect for anyone interested in biblical studies, church leadership, Christian apologetics, or understanding how to build unity in diverse faith communities. Learn how to hold your convictions passionately while growing in love, gentleness, and humility toward fellow believers who interpret Scripture differently.

April 20, 2026

What is the most important thing a church is called to do? In 1 Timothy 1:1–7, the apostle Paul reminds us that the church must guard the gospel from false teaching and pursue the love that flows from a transformed heart. True Christian teaching speaks with God's authority, confronts false doctrine, and ultimately produces genuine love among God's people. Join us as we explore why protecting the truth of the gospel is essential for the life and health of the church.For more sermons or information about our church, visit HoriconBaptist.com.#1Timothy #1TimothyHBC #AimOfOurCharge #GuardTheGospel #SoundDoctrine #HoriconBaptistChurch #FaithComesByHearing

This sermon explores the true meaning of Jesus's command to "be perfect" in Matthew 5:48, revealing that the Greek word "teleos" means to be whole, complete, and mature rather than flawlessly perfect. The message challenges both the rebellious spirit that seeks freedom without boundaries and the religious spirit that focuses on external rule-following without heart transformation. Using the Sermon on the Mount as a foundation, this message emphasizes that God desires deep heart transformation that leads to flourishing life, not mere behavioral compliance. Josh illustrates how both the sexual revolution's pursuit of freedom and the purity culture's restrictive rules failed because they missed God's compelling design for human flourishing. True Christian maturity means becoming the kind of person who doesn't just avoid sin but no longer desires it, moving from blurry understanding to clear vision of what sin truly costs us.Read Genesis 3:1-7 & James 1:13-15The serpent's lie in the Garden was that God was holding out on humanity, that His boundaries were restrictive rather than protective. This rebellious spirit still whispers today, masquerading as freedom while leading to bondage. Sin promises fulfillment but delivers brokenness. As we mature in Christ, we begin to see temptation for what it truly is—not just a momentary pleasure, but a path that leads away from the flourishing life God designed. In heaven, we will see sin with perfect clarity and have no desire for it. Until then, we grow through God's Word, authentic community, and the Holy Spirit's work in us. What temptation do you need to see more clearly today? Ask God to reveal the true cost of sin and the beauty of His ways.Discussion Questions:-What does it mean to you that Jesus calls us to be 'teleos' (whole, complete, mature) rather than simply 'perfect' in the sense of flawless rule-following?-The sermon suggests that in heaven we will be able to see sin clearly for what it truly is and the destruction it causes. How might cultivating that kind of clarity through God's Word and discipleship change the way you respond to temptation today?-How have you experienced the tension between the rebellious spirit (seeking freedom without boundaries) and the religious spirit (following rules without heart transformation) in your own spiritual journey?-What would it look like for you to move from simply attending or participating in church to truly investing yourself as an owner in your local church community?

This sermon explores the true meaning of Jesus's command to "be perfect" in Matthew 5:48, revealing that the Greek word "teleos" means to be whole, complete, and mature rather than flawlessly perfect. The message challenges both the rebellious spirit that seeks freedom without boundaries and the religious spirit that focuses on external rule-following without heart transformation. Using the Sermon on the Mount as a foundation, this message emphasizes that God desires deep heart transformation that leads to flourishing life, not mere behavioral compliance. Josh illustrates how both the sexual revolution's pursuit of freedom and the purity culture's restrictive rules failed because they missed God's compelling design for human flourishing. True Christian maturity means becoming the kind of person who doesn't just avoid sin but no longer desires it, moving from blurry understanding to clear vision of what sin truly costs us.Read Genesis 3:1-7 & James 1:13-15The serpent's lie in the Garden was that God was holding out on humanity, that His boundaries were restrictive rather than protective. This rebellious spirit still whispers today, masquerading as freedom while leading to bondage. Sin promises fulfillment but delivers brokenness. As we mature in Christ, we begin to see temptation for what it truly is—not just a momentary pleasure, but a path that leads away from the flourishing life God designed. In heaven, we will see sin with perfect clarity and have no desire for it. Until then, we grow through God's Word, authentic community, and the Holy Spirit's work in us. What temptation do you need to see more clearly today? Ask God to reveal the true cost of sin and the beauty of His ways.Discussion Questions:-What does it mean to you that Jesus calls us to be 'teleos' (whole, complete, mature) rather than simply 'perfect' in the sense of flawless rule-following?-The sermon suggests that in heaven we will be able to see sin clearly for what it truly is and the destruction it causes. How might cultivating that kind of clarity through God's Word and discipleship change the way you respond to temptation today?-How have you experienced the tension between the rebellious spirit (seeking freedom without boundaries) and the religious spirit (following rules without heart transformation) in your own spiritual journey?-What would it look like for you to move from simply attending or participating in church to truly investing yourself as an owner in your local church community?

April 13, 2026

Table of Contents: The Deception Is Real and at our Doorstep! The Good Cop/Bad Cop Alien Disclosure Is Very Near–The Exopolitical State of the Planet – Power Shifts, AI & ETs in 2026 The “Alien” Situation Is Officially Crazier Than Ever Reports of Bigfoot sightings have been circulating in Ohio this week after six encounters were reported within a five-day span! Several Bigfoot sightings reported in Portage County—Sherriff reports “10 individual people” reported Bigfoot sightings! What’s Happening In OHIO Is Shocking Akron, Ohio: Northeast Ohio's DOGMAN Cover-Up: REAL Cemetery Footage, Her Investigation & Other Witness Encounters!–See the actual footage of a Dogman Filmed Digging Inside a Graveyard in broad daylight! Scott Johnson's Comment: Luke 21:11 (which was spoken by Jesus) lines up perfectly with seeing all these increasing modern day sightings of Cryptids like Bigfoot & UFO's! Thank About This: The People of Earth Were So Desensitized in Noah's Day to Nephilim (And Most Likely Fallen Angels) Openingly Walking Among Them–The Bible Says: Mat 24:37: But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. Mat 24:38: For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark… Listener Comment: So I live less than a 10-minute drive from the Ohio Mantua Bigfoot sighting. I also used to live an hour east of here directly where the “meteor” exploded, but I heard it here and it shook the house a tiny bit like thunder, even though that far away. I just kept saying “I don't believe that was a meteor!” Both these stories were all over the news and they mapped out the path of the sightings.  Multiple Fireballs Seen Worldwide–This Isn’t Normal! THESE ARE NOT METEORS 911 Pender County Rake/Crawler episode–IT’S TIME TO COME FORWARD….” Rakes/Crawlers (& Cryptids in general) are being seen here in NC (and the surrounding states) at an unprecedented level–So many videos now–The 911 caller has finally agreed to do a in person interview Are Ancient Demonic Entities Reappearing in the Last Days? They Have Been Around For a Very Long Time & True Christian's Have Authority Over These Entities Scott Johnson's Comment: If you encounter any of these types of wicked creatures, what I would highly recommend is standing in faith of the Lord Jesus Christ and speaking the pertinent Bible verses below A Believers Authority In Christ and Warring in the Spirit Listener Comment: I very much DO want to move back out to a rural area, and if I think it is the Lord’s will, they are not going to stop me, but these people, trying to escape what is coming by moving way out in the boon docks, need to understand they are going to be first on the menu when these things are permitted to do what they want with no restrainer stopping them.  Right now, with certain key exceptions they are not permitted to just kill and eat people, AT RANDOM, in my humble opinion.  Their main modus operendi is gaslighting and terrifying people, via said gaslighting. That whole concept of them getting pleasure out of their victim’s terror, is a warmup to what they will be doing in the future in my opinion. 30-Year Police Veteran One Of Three Witnesses To Report Bigfoot Sighting Near Myrtle Beach Scott Johnson's Teachings on the Anunnaki PDF: Emergency Freedom Alerts 4-6-26 Click Here To Play The Part 3 Audio Source

Welcome back to another FF episode! We are wrapping up Romans in this episode and then we can move on to more specific topics. Please let me know if this blessed you and what else you want to hear! Love y'all! Buy my book ⁠Becoming Happy and Health⁠y

March 30, 2026

All things are working in this present moment for good. I highly recommend this message for all who despair in this day. Such encouragement! And a perfect companion to my present video series on the Sovereignty of God. We are a called people...

March 23, 2026

Pastor Christian teaches that following Jesus isn't about fighting for your personal rights, but willingly laying them down for the sake of others, choosing what builds people up rather than what simply benefits you. True Christian maturity shifts the question from “Am I allowed to do this?” to “Is this helpful and loving for others?”—modeling the selfless way of Jesus. Listen and be challenged. Support the show

March 16, 2026

Shaun Furniss didn't grow up in the church. A Roman Catholic mass enthralled him at age seven, a confirmation class confused him at twelve, and the Heidelberg Catechism converted him in college. Now he's co-pastor at Trinity CRC in Sparta, Michigan—holding a Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy alongside his MDiv—and he's convinced that most churches have quietly abdicated one of their most important responsibilities: the care of souls. This episode is a candid look at what Christian counseling actually is, why the reflex to "refer it out" is often a failure of pastoral nerve, and what it looks like to do it right. The conversation covers hard ground honestly. Both Jason and Shaun have counseled people through suicide, abuse, and grief—and both have learned the hard way that the biggest mistake pastors make is walking into a crisis ready to solve it. Before any wisdom lands, trust must be built. People don't care what you know until they know that you care. The most powerful diagnostic framework is also the simplest: nearly everyone who comes to a pastor is wrestling with guilt, fear, anger, or loneliness—and the scriptures give us the answers to all four. The episode closes with one of the most important statements about pastoral ministry you'll hear: when you walk into that counseling room, you are not the true counselor. The Holy Spirit is. He has given us his Word as the means of healing, and the pastor is simply the instrument. "I've never fixed anyone, I've never saved anyone, but by the grace of God, he's allowed me to be a part of what he's doing." Timestamps: 0:00 — Intro and Shaun's family, Trinity CRC Sparta, co-pastor model 0:43 — How the 50-50 co-pastoring structure works with Pastor CJ DenDulk 2:40 — Shaun's story: did not grow up in the church 3:04 — Dad drops him at a Roman Catholic mass with a quarter 3:37 — Confirmation class, Philippians, and "I'm reading someone else's mail" 4:28 — College and career Bible study leads to conversion 4:51 — Heidelberg Catechism: the Lord drew me to faith 5:38 — Reformed Theological Seminary: Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy 6:23 — Jason's first pastoral care crisis: suicide attempt five months into youth ministry 7:45 — True Christian counseling is discipleship on a one-on-one basis 9:16 — The church's heartbreaking habit: farming out what it should keep in-house 9:54 — When to bring in outside help (abuse, opposite sex) 13:53 — Often what passes for Christian counseling is humanistic counseling with a prayer at the end 16:52 — The seminary culture: one class on pastoral care and one joke — just refer it out 17:31 — Counseling as worldview formation: who shapes how your congregant sees the world? 19:33 — The biggest misconception: thinking you need to instantly give an answer 21:39 — The four root issues: guilt, fear, anger, or loneliness 23:56 — People don't care what you know until they know that you care 26:57 — The ministry of presence: what a hospice chaplain learns 30:07 — The Holy Spirit is the true counselor — you're simply the instrument Join and support us on Substack: https://themessyreformation.com/ Intro music by Matt Krotzer

March 9, 2026

Guided Question Have I truly experienced the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, or am I relying on tradition, emotion, or head knowledge to define my faith? Summary This message challenges believers to discern whether their faith is authentic by examining the presence of the Holy Spirit in their lives. While many claim Christianity by upbringing or verbal confession, true salvation is marked by the indwelling Spirit. The Holy Spirit alone illuminates Scripture, produces spiritual fruit, convicts of sin, and assures us of our relationship with God. Without Him, even the most disciplined religious life remains empty. Dr. Lewis concludes with a call to self-examination and surrender, emphasizing the Spirit-led life over rote religious practice. Outline I. Introduction: Surface-Level Christianity The Word of God cannot be fully grasped without the Spirit. New believers often exhibit a spiritual hunger that signals true faith. II. A Testimony of Real Conversion A man uninterested in church suddenly desires the Bible after salvation. His hunger reflects the Holy Spirit's work, not mere human curiosity. III. What Marks True Salvation? Outward confession alone is not the biblical evidence of salvation. Jesus did not trust all who claimed belief (John 2:23–25). Nicodemus believed in Jesus but still lacked the Spirit (John 3:1–7). IV. The Holy Spirit: God's Seal and Guide The Spirit is God's down payment and assurance of redemption (Ephesians 1:13–14). The absence of the Spirit means one is not Christ's (Romans 8:9). The Spirit leads, confirms our adoption, and gives us intimacy with God (Romans 8:14–16). V. Counterfeit Faith Exposed Cultural or passive faith can mimic genuine faith but lacks transformation. True faith includes repentance, desire to know God, and fruit of the Spirit. VI. Academic Religion Without the Spirit Even seminary or Bible teaching can become dead without the Spirit's presence. Intellectual pursuit does not equal spiritual transformation. VII. Final Call: Examine Yourselves Paul calls believers to test whether they are truly in the faith (2 Corinthians 13:5). Signs of the Spirit include fruit, conviction, guidance, and internal witness. Key Takeaways The indwelling of the Holy Spirit is the clearest evidence of genuine salvation. Verbal confession or church involvement does not equal spiritual rebirth. Only the Spirit can bring Scripture to life and guide us into God's will. Intellectual knowledge without the Spirit leads to spiritual dryness and pride. Believers should regularly test their faith and examine whether spiritual fruit is evident. True Christian living flows from the Spirit, not performance or habit. Scripture References John 2:23–25 – Jesus did not entrust Himself to superficial believers. John 3:1–7 – Nicodemus is told he must be born again by the Spirit. Ephesians 1:13–14 – The Holy Spirit is the seal and pledge of our inheritance. Romans 8:9 – Anyone without the Spirit does not belong to Christ. Romans 8:14–16 – The Spirit leads and testifies that we are God's children. 2 Corinthians 13:5 – Believers are commanded to examine themselves. Galatians 5:22–23 – The fruit of the Spirit as the evidence of transformation. 1 Corinthians 2:10–16 – The Spirit reveals and interprets the deep things of God.   Recorded 6/28/81

March 2, 2026

MLK Day, Postliberalism, and the Assault on Civil Rights On Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2026, Brad Onishi reflects on the legacy of civil rights in a moment when those rights are under unprecedented threat, one year into Donald Trump's second term. From Trump's humiliating and dangerous letter asserting U.S. control over Greenland to the escalation of ICE abuses in Minnesota, this episode argues that the core idea of civil rights—inalienable human dignity promised to all—has entered a period of open attack. Drawing on King's own words, Brad frames civil rights not as radical demands, but as a fight for what the United States has always claimed to promise: equality under the law, due process, and freedom regardless of race, religion, immigration status, or identity. Brad then introduces the real engine behind this moment: postliberalism. Joined by theologian and political theorist Dr. David Congdon, the episode unpacks how postliberal movements—rooted in both Christian theology and Silicon Valley technocracy—reject liberal democracy, individual rights, and pluralism in favor of hierarchy, authoritarian power, and state-enforced moral order. From JD Vance to Catholic integralists to tech elites dreaming of CEO-rule, these movements converge in their hostility to democracy and civil rights. This conversation situates Trump's second term as the first sustained experiment in federal postliberal rule, explaining how backlash to the Civil Rights Movement itself helped fuel today's authoritarian turn—and why understanding postliberalism is essential to grasping what is happening to American democracy right now. David Congdon, Who is a True Christian? https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/who-is-a-true-christian/2DA88468C8824BD55EBE9AE94CFCDF73 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices