Podcasts about umc

Send a textPastor Johnnie preaches a message on Psalm 121.Support the show#sermons #motivation #inspirationhttps://www.instagram.com/pastorjsimpjr/https://x.com/pastorjsimpjrhttps://www.facebook.com/pastorjsimpjr/https://pastorjohnnie.blogspot.com/https://www.threads.com/@pastorjsimpjrhttps://www.tiktok.com/@pastorjohnnie

Date March 8, 2026 Synopsis In this sermon, part of our Lenten series Reenchanted: A Series for Lent on Believing Again, we follow Jesus to Jacob's well — where he crosses every line his world drew to sit with a Samaritan woman his culture told him to avoid. We explore how our habit of sorting the world into clean categories — insider and outsider, worthy and unworthy — is the fast track to disenchantment, and how Jesus moves straight through every border not to condemn, but to liberate. Turns out, the best biscuits — and the best of us — rise higher when we're touching. About The Local Church For more information about The Local Church, visit our website. Feedback? Questions? Comments? We'd love to hear it. Email Brent at brent@thelocalchurchpbo.org. To invest in what God's doing through The Local Church and help support these podcasting efforts and this movement of God's love, give online here.

Why is it so easy to see the flaws in other people and so hard to see them in ourselves? In Matthew 7, Jesus exposes a hidden pattern in our relationships that quietly puts us in a role we were never meant to play.

Why is it so easy to see the flaws in other people and so hard to see them in ourselves? In Matthew 7, Jesus exposes a hidden pattern in our relationships that quietly puts us in a role we were never meant to play.

Send a textPastor Johnnie preaches a message on Matthew chapter 4. Support the show#sermons #motivation #inspirationhttps://www.instagram.com/pastorjsimpjr/https://x.com/pastorjsimpjrhttps://www.facebook.com/pastorjsimpjr/https://pastorjohnnie.blogspot.com/https://www.threads.com/@pastorjsimpjrhttps://www.tiktok.com/@pastorjohnnie

Date March 1, 2026 Synopsis In our second week of the Reenchanted series, we talk about ditching the intellectual armor that keeps us isolated and stuck in "knowing" all the right answers. Stop trying to think your way to God, and start learning how to feel your way back to the wild, messy, embodied life you were meant to live. It's time to repent of certainty and let your finite, beautiful body be the place where divine grace actually meets you. References Scripture: John 3:1–17 About The Local Church For more information about The Local Church, visit our website. Feedback? Questions? Comments? We'd love to hear it. Email Brent at brent@thelocalchurchpbo.org. To invest in what God's doing through The Local Church and help support these podcasting efforts and this movement of God's love, give online here.

Worry feels normal, almost responsible. But when Jesus asks, “Why do you worry?” it sounds out of touch… unless He knows something we don't. This message exposes worry as misplaced trust and invites you into a freer way to live under God's care.

Worry feels normal, almost responsible. But when Jesus asks, “Why do you worry?” it sounds out of touch… unless He knows something we don't. This message exposes worry as misplaced trust and invites you into a freer way to live under God's care.

Summary In this episode of Means of Grace, John Yeager explores the significance of Lent and its evolution over the years, emphasizing the importance of reflection and spiritual growth. He is joined by Reverend Dr. In-Yong Lee, who shares her experiences as a district superintendent and the challenges faced by church leaders today. The conversation delves into the practices of Lent, including fasting, prayer, and giving, and discusses the recent regionalization within the United Methodist Church, highlighting the need for community support during these challenging times. Show Note: Quietly Courageous by Gil Rendle   Chapters 00:00 Understanding Lent: A Journey of Reflection 02:57 The Role of Leadership in the Church 03:58 Navigating Challenges in Ministry 07:00 The Importance of Connection and Community 09:42 Practices of Faith: Prayer, Fasting, and Giving 12:51 The Essence of Fasting and Its Spiritual Significance 17:38 Tithing: Balancing Generosity and Responsibility 24:57 The Role of Wealth in Generosity 28:14 Understanding Regionalization in the UMC 36:01 Clergy Exhaustion and Community Support 44:43 Embracing Change During Lent 46:47 MOG-Like and Subscribe

This is the Week 1 grounding practice for Reenchanted: A Series for Lent on Believing Again — a Lenten series from The Local Church. This week's practice is called A List of Mysteries. It's a simple guided meditation designed to help you slow down and practice sitting with what you cannot explain—not as a failure of understanding, but as an act of faith. Take a walk while you listen if you're able. Or find a quiet place to sit and let your imagination do the moving. This practice pairs with Week 1 of the Reenchanted series, where we explore Matthew 4:1–11 and what it means to repent from certainty and believe in simply believing again.

Send a textPastor Johnnie preaches a message from 2nd Peter chapter 1. Support the show#sermons #motivation #inspirationhttps://www.instagram.com/pastorjsimpjr/https://x.com/pastorjsimpjrhttps://www.facebook.com/pastorjsimpjr/https://pastorjohnnie.blogspot.com/https://www.threads.com/@pastorjsimpjrhttps://www.tiktok.com/@pastorjohnnie

Date February 22, 2026 Synopsis In this sermon, we explore the tension between our modern obsession with certainty and the ancient invitation to walk by faith. Using the story of Jesus in the wilderness, we see how the tempter's demand for proof is a trap designed to replace intimacy with control. True reenchantment isn't found in five-star guarantees or "crystal stairs," but in the dark corners where we finally stop demanding data and start reaching for a hand to hold. If you've been waiting for a sign before you're willing to believe, this is an invitation to loosen your grip, embrace the mystery, and find the new life that only begins in the dark. References Scripture: Matthew 4:1-11 About The Local Church For more information about The Local Church, visit our website. Feedback? Questions? Comments? We'd love to hear it. Email Brent at brent@thelocalchurchpbo.org. To invest in what God's doing through The Local Church and help support these podcasting efforts and this movement of God's love, give online here.

All week long, you're being shaped by what you keep in front of you, what you scroll, watch, listen to, and replay in your mind. Little by little, it shapes what you believe, what you fear, and what you feel like you have to chase, so here's the real question: who's your teacher?

All week long, you're being shaped by what you keep in front of you, what you scroll, watch, listen to, and replay in your mind. Little by little, it shapes what you believe, what you fear, and what you feel like you have to chase, so here's the real question: who's your teacher?

Send a textPastor Johnnie preaches a message on Matthew chapter 5.Support the show#sermons #motivation #inspirationhttps://www.instagram.com/pastorjsimpjr/https://x.com/pastorjsimpjrhttps://www.facebook.com/pastorjsimpjr/https://pastorjohnnie.blogspot.com/https://www.threads.com/@pastorjsimpjrhttps://www.tiktok.com/@pastorjohnnie

In light of Pastor Katie's new appointment being announced (don't worry she doesn't move until this summer!), she explains the appointment process in the UMC in the Dakotas Conference.

Special guest preacher Rev. Gail Song Bantum wraps up our series, "Building the Beloved Community."

Acts 4:32-5:11 tells two stories back-to-back—one inspiring, one unsettling. Same outward action. Two very different hearts. And it shows a powerful truth: when the gospel takes hold of your heart, the power of greed and hypocrisy loosen their grip.

Um César que preferia ter ficado a dormir e que queria uma torradinha.

Top headlines for Tuesday, February 10, 2026In this episode, troubling allegations against United Methodist Church entities as two women file lawsuits over mishandled abuse reports. We also share the heartfelt prayers of Pastor John Tittle for Nancy Guthrie's safe return in Tucson, and dive into Lee Strobel's unwavering investigation into the Bible's claims and his journey toward finding them true.00:11 Women claimed UMC entities failed to properly respond to abuse | U.S.00:51 Church sparks outrage for over Harry Potter-themed service | Church & Ministries01:30 Nancy Guthrie's pastor prays for her safe return02:06 3 highlights from Bad Bunny's Super Bowl halftime show02:50 Lee Strobel on suffering and 'The Case for Miracles'03:27 Reporter involved in Cities Church protest defends actions04:10 Jamal Bryant calls for arrest of man who protested in his churchSubscribe to this PodcastApple PodcastsSpotifyOvercastFollow Us on Social Media@ChristianPost on XChristian Post on Facebook@ChristianPostIntl on InstagramSubscribe on YouTubeGet the Edifi AppDownload for iPhoneDownload for AndroidSubscribe to Our NewsletterSubscribe to the Freedom Post, delivered every Monday and ThursdayClick here to get the top headlines delivered to your inbox every morning!Links to the NewsWomen claimed UMC entities failed to properly respond to abuse | U.S.Church sparks outrage for over Harry Potter-themed service | Church & MinistriesNancy Guthrie's pastor prays for her safe return | U.S.3 highlights from Bad Bunny's Super Bowl halftime show | EntertainmentLee Strobel on suffering and 'The Case for Miracles' | PodcastReporter involved in Cities Church protest defends actions | PoliticsJamal Bryant calls for arrest of man who protested in his church | U.S.

Send a textPastor Johnnie preaches a message on Matthew chapter 5.Support the show#sermons #motivation #inspirationhttps://www.instagram.com/pastorjsimpjr/https://x.com/pastorjsimpjrhttps://www.facebook.com/pastorjsimpjr/https://pastorjohnnie.blogspot.com/https://www.threads.com/@pastorjsimpjrhttps://www.tiktok.com/@pastorjohnnie

Following Jesus always leads us to the cross—where we lay down our preferences, desires, and self-sufficiency, and learn to give ourselves away in love through service to others.

DateFebruary 8, 2026SynopsisIn this sermon, we continue our series, Building the Beloved Community: A Blueprint from Dream to Reality, by challenging the gap between creed and deed—the painful disconnect between outward piety and lived justice. The 'breach' is the chasm between "what is and how God wants things to be," and our spiritual task isn't to retreat, but to run toward the vulnerability—brick and mortar in hand—and ask, "Where does it hurt?" This is the difficult but life-giving work of becoming Menders of Broken Walls and Restorers of Livable Streets, where God meets us and promises, "I'm here."ReferencesScripture: Isaiah 58:1–12About The Local ChurchFor more information about The Local Church, visit our website. Feedback? Questions? Comments? We'd love to hear it. Email Brent at brent@thelocalchurchpbo.org.To invest in what God's doing through The Local Church and help support these podcasting efforts and this movement of God's love, give online here.

"don't get wrapped up in what never could have been"This week, we are joined by Denise to discuss how we decorate our spaces, along with changes to the UMC and how prepare your belongings for future generations.Email: thetruthsleuthspod@gmail.com Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@thetruthsleuths⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Truth Sleuths⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Alex's YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Alexisme12⁠

Send us a textPastor Johnnie preaches a message from Matthew chapter 4.Support the show#sermons #motivation #inspirationhttps://www.instagram.com/pastorjsimpjr/https://x.com/pastorjsimpjrhttps://www.facebook.com/pastorjsimpjr/https://pastorjohnnie.blogspot.com/https://www.threads.com/@pastorjsimpjrhttps://www.tiktok.com/@pastorjohnnie

DateFebruary 1, 2026SynopsisIn this sermon, we continue our series, Building the Beloved Community: A Blueprint from Dream to Reality, by diving into the structural integrity of the 'frame.' We move past the foundation of 'somebodiness' to see how the prophet Micah's call reveals the essential, non-negotiable components: to do justice, embrace hesed (faithful love), and walk humbly with God. These three elements are the core beams and joists of a life of faith, ensuring that your efforts do not collapse into self-righteousness, cheap charity, or burnout, so the Beloved Community you're building can actually bear weight.ReferencesScripture: Micah 6:1–8About The Local ChurchFor more information about The Local Church, visit our website. Feedback? Questions? Comments? We'd love to hear it. Email Brent at brent@thelocalchurchpbo.org.To invest in what God's doing through The Local Church and help support these podcasting efforts and this movement of God's love, give online here.

Jesus sends his followers to be witnesses—out in the open and up close in relationships. Acts gives a practical roadmap for what that looks like in real life. This week, we'll learn how to live a faith that shows itself and invites others toward Jesus.

Send us a textPastor Johnnie preaches a message on 1 Corinthians 1.Support the show#sermons #motivation #inspirationhttps://www.instagram.com/pastorjsimpjr/https://x.com/pastorjsimpjrhttps://www.facebook.com/pastorjsimpjr/https://pastorjohnnie.blogspot.com/https://www.threads.com/@pastorjsimpjrhttps://www.tiktok.com/@pastorjohnnie

Analizamos sin spoilers Wonder Man, la nueva serie de Marvel Studios para Disney+ que se aleja de los clichés del género para ofrecernos una comedia dramática más cercana, emocional y sorprendentemente humana. Protagonizada por Yahya Abdul-Mateen II y un brillante Ben Kingsley, la serie cuenta la historia de un actor con superpoderes que intenta abrirse camino en Hollywood, en un mundo donde a los superhumanos se les prohíbe actuar. Con un tono más íntimo y satírico que el habitual en el MCU, Wonder Man mezcla crítica social, amor por el cine y una buena dosis de bromance inesperada, todo envuelto en una narrativa fresca y un estilo visual muy cuidado. A lo largo del programa, Juan Francisco comparte sus impresiones personales sobre la química entre los protagonistas, el peso del humor, el episodio en blanco y negro que marca un punto alto en la temporada, y por qué esta serie puede ser una puerta de entrada perfecta incluso para quienes no siguen habitualmente las historias de superhéroes. ESTRENO 27 de ENERO en Disney+ Únete a nuestro chat de telegram en el que miles de personas hablamos cada día de series: - Telegram – Grupo de debate: https://telegram.me/fueradeseries - Telegram – Canal de noticias: https://t.me/noticiasfds Síguenos en nuestras plataformas y podcast sobre series: - Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/es/podcast/fuera-de-series/id288039262 - Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/3RTDss6AAGjSNozVOhDNzX?si=700febbf305144b7&nd=1 - iVoox - https://www.ivoox.com/podcast-fuera-series_sq_f12063_1.html Redes Sociales - Twitter: https://twitter.com/fueradeseries - Facebook: https://facebook.com/fueradeseries - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fueradeseries/ - Youtube: https://youtube.com/fueradeseries Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Due to the winter storm on the weekend, we were unable to gather in person. So Brent hopped online to offer a prayer and share a few thoughts about the death of Alex Pretti, what to do with our anger, and more.

When the path you're on isn't leading to life, repentance isn't punishment–it's the way back.

Send us a textPastor Johnnie preaches a message on Isaiah 42.Support the show#sermons #motivation #inspirationhttps://www.instagram.com/pastorjsimpjr/https://x.com/pastorjsimpjrhttps://www.facebook.com/pastorjsimpjr/https://pastorjohnnie.blogspot.com/https://www.threads.com/@pastorjsimpjrhttps://www.tiktok.com/@pastorjohnnie

When life feels closed in and what you have left seems too small to matter, the way forward may begin with what you've been overlooking.

Send us a textPastor Johnnie preaches a message on Ephesians 1.Support the show#sermons #motivation #inspirationhttps://www.instagram.com/pastorjsimpjr/https://x.com/pastorjsimpjrhttps://www.facebook.com/pastorjsimpjr/https://pastorjohnnie.blogspot.com/https://www.threads.com/@pastorjsimpjrhttps://www.tiktok.com/@pastorjohnnie

DateJanuary 11, 2026SynopsisIn this sermon, we dive into the disruptive power of Jesus's baptism, revealing how it offers a new imagination for how we see the world. Jesus steps into the water to redefine righteousness—it's not about maintaining purity or order, but about radical solidarity that shatters systems of control and exclusion. By claiming our first, revolutionary name as Beloved, we embody a vision in which justice flows like a river and are empowered to take a bold next step toward the healing of God's world.ReferencesScripture: Matthew 3:13–17About The Local ChurchFor more information about The Local Church, visit our website. Feedback? Questions? Comments? We'd love to hear it. Email Brent at brent@thelocalchurchpbo.org.To invest in what God's doing through The Local Church and help support these podcasting efforts and this movement of God's love, give online here.

When life feels tight and strength is low, obedience can feel risky or even foolish.In this message from 2 Kings 3, we explore why we hold back from God, and how grace invites deeper trust when we're running on empty.

Heather Niemi Savage is a North Carolina-based composer with an eclectic style drawing on her broad background in classical, jazz, musical theater, and sacred music. Her compositions have been performed throughout the United States by ensembles such as the Argus String Quartet, the North-South Consonance, the Great Woods Symphony, and members of the Raleigh Symphony. Her most popular piece “Daughter of the Stars,” for string orchestra, placed second in the 2020 American Prize for Composition (pops/light music  division.) Her piece, “When Music Sounds,” won second place in the Huntsville Master Chorale Composition Competition, making her the first woman to final in this annual competition. As a collaborative pianist, Heather works with the Appalachian Chorale under Dr. Davaughn Miller in addition to accompanying an undergraduate vocal methods class, local school choruses, and the choir at St. Luke's UMC in Hickory, NC. She also hosts The Musicking Community Podcast and maintains a private teaching studio.www.heatherniemisavage.comhttps://www.facebook.com/heather.savage.75@heatherniemisavage.composerMake sure you SUBSCRIBE to Crushing Classical, and maybe even leave a nice review! Thanks for joining me on Crushing Classical! Theme music by DreamVance.I help people to lean into their creative careers and start or grow their income streams. You can read more or hop onto a discovery call from my website.  https://jennetingle.com/work-with-meI'm your host, Jennet Ingle. I love you all. Stay safe out there! Your portfolio career is YOURS to design. If you are seeking inspiration, grab the first chapter of my book for FREE at the link below! You are allowed to thrive, and your artistry MATTERS.https://jennetingle.kit.com/c6e4009529

United Microelectronics (UMC) hit a 52-week high, rallying almost 10% on Wednesday's session after posting 2.3% year-over-year growth. As George Tsilis explains, the AI chip fabricator's unique positioning in the tech trade gave bulls more incentive to run. He makes comparisons in UMC to TSMC (TSM) and ASML Holding (ASML) as the company works on building up its balance sheet. ======== Schwab Network ========Empowering every investor and trader, every market day. Subscribe to the Market Minute newsletter - https://schwabnetwork.com/subscribeDownload the iOS app - https://apps.apple.com/us/app/schwab-network/id1460719185Download the Amazon Fire Tv App - https://www.amazon.com/TD-Ameritrade-Network/dp/B07KRD76C7Watch on Sling - https://watch.sling.com/1/asset/191928615bd8d47686f94682aefaa007/watchWatch on Vizio - https://www.vizio.com/en/watchfreeplus-exploreWatch on DistroTV - https://www.distro.tv/live/schwab-network/Follow us on X – https://twitter.com/schwabnetworkFollow us on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/schwabnetworkFollow us on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/schwab-network/ About Schwab Network - https://schwabnetwork.com/about

Send us a textPastor Johnnie preaches a message on Matthew chapter 2.Support the show#sermons #motivation #inspirationhttps://www.instagram.com/pastorjsimpjr/https://x.com/pastorjsimpjrhttps://www.facebook.com/pastorjsimpjr/https://pastorjohnnie.blogspot.com/https://www.threads.com/@pastorjsimpjrhttps://www.tiktok.com/@pastorjohnnie

DateJanuary 4, 2026SynopsisIn this sermon, we explore the stark contrast between the desperate, grasping control of King Herod and the open-handed, joyful trust of the Magi on Epiphany Sunday. Tired of the anxiety that comes with trying to manufacture, manage, and secure every outcome in your life? The Epiphany story is an invitation to receive the gift of God already present. Release your white-knuckled grip, surrender your own agenda, and step into a new year with a posture of open hands and wonder, ready to receive the revelation God is offering.About The Local ChurchFor more information about The Local Church, visit our website. Feedback? Questions? Comments? We'd love to hear it. Email Brent at brent@thelocalchurchpbo.org.To invest in what God's doing through The Local Church and help support these podcasting efforts and this movement of God's love, give online here.

When the calendar turns but your soul doesn't reset, 1 Kings 19 shows how God meets exhausted people in the narrows.

Send us a textPastor Johnnie preaches a message from Matthew chapter 1.#sermons #motivation #inspirationhttps://www.instagram.com/pastorjsimpjr/https://x.com/pastorjsimpjrhttps://www.facebook.com/pastorjsimpjr/https://pastorjohnnie.blogspot.com/https://www.threads.com/@pastorjsimpjrhttps://www.tiktok.com/@pastorjohnnie

In the midst of holiday festivities, last minute obligations, and hectic new year expectations, it can feel impossible to finish well or start strong. Pastor Isaiah walks through Philippians to reveal 3 life changing truths to help you finish the year well.

Send us a textPastor Johnnie preaches a message on James chapter 5.#sermons #motivation #inspirationhttps://www.instagram.com/pastorjsimpjr/https://x.com/pastorjsimpjrhttps://www.facebook.com/pastorjsimpjr/https://pastorjohnnie.blogspot.com/https://www.threads.com/@pastorjsimpjrhttps://www.tiktok.com/@pastorjohnnie

DateDecember 24, 2025SynopsisIn this special Christmas Eve homily, we wrestle with the chasm between the wide-eyed wonder of a child's Christmas and the sleepless anxiety of adult logistics and existential uncertainty. We discover that the Christmas story is not a distant, sanitized tale but a radical, relatable gift of divine presence. It reveals God drawing near—Emmanuel—to stand in solidarity with us amid the pressure, grief, and disorientation of our modern lives. Joy enfleshed is for you.Scripture: Luke 2:1–20About The Local ChurchFor more information about The Local Church, visit our website. Feedback? Questions? Comments? We'd love to hear it. Email Brent at brent@thelocalchurchpbo.org.To invest in what God's doing through The Local Church and help support these podcasting efforts and this movement of God's love, give online here.

This Christmas Eve, we're going back to a familiar scene—and catching what we usually miss: the first word of Christmas is ‘Do not be afraid.' Because when God shows up, fear doesn't get the final word.

Jem and Justin wrap up the year with tales of inventory headaches, Home Assistant tinkering, and soft jaw frustrations on the new UMC. Dylan Jackson from Within Tolerance drops by to show off his fresh Hermle 250 setup. Plus: electrocution survival stories, air compressor mysteries, and why bricking your phone might be the ultimate productivity hack. Happy holidays from the shop floor.Watch on YoutubeDISCUSSED:✍️ Comment or Suggest a TopicShop automation with Home Assistant (green hub)Stream DeckHacs - obscure 3rd party stuff for HAMains cable failureFusion MCPAir leak on UMCPS2 Turbine experimentsDylan Jackson joins the show! Within Tolerance - his podcastDylan's business, Proteum MachiningDylan's sick headphones from 3MAnyShortcut | Fusion | Autodesk App StoreProduct devNew ATC Pedestal versionsNew CNC ToolingNew CNC Tool holdersNew Fang Stock---Profit First PlaylistClassic Episodes Playlist---SUPPORT THE SHOWBecome a Patreon - Get the Secret ShowReview on Apple Podcast Share with a FriendDiscuss on Show SubredditShow InfoShow WebsiteContact Jem & JustinInstagram | Tiktok | Facebook | YoutubePlease note: Show notes contains affiliate links.HOSTSJem FreemanCastlemaine, Victoria, AustraliaLike Butter | Instagram | More LinksJustin BrouillettePortland, Oregon, USA

DateDecember 21, 2025SynopsisIn this sermon, we dismantle the myth that joy is a prize to be earned or a mindset to be curated. Digging into the Christmas story—from the animals who bear witness to the cosmic claim of John's sarx—we discover that God has already pitched a tent in the fragile, biological stuff of creation. Joy isn't a reward for overcoming; it's an ever-present sign of God's presence, which holds us through everything and is simply waiting for our attention.ReferencesScripture: John 1:1–5, 14O Magnum MysteriumAbout The Local ChurchFor more information about The Local Church, visit our website. Feedback? Questions? Comments? We'd love to hear it. Email Brent at brent@thelocalchurchpbo.org.To invest in what God's doing through The Local Church and help support these podcasting efforts and this movement of God's love, give online here.

DateDecember 14, 2025SynopsisIn this sermon, we venture into the dark fields alongside the shepherds, discovering that the first announcement of the Incarnation was entrusted to those on the margins. We explore how the angelic proclamation disrupts our fear, revealing a joy that is not a scarce commodity for the pious, but a generous, cosmic invitation for all humanity. This is a story about a God who breaks through the silence to offer a love that is unapologetically inclusive and meant to be shared.Scripture: Luke 2:8–18About The Local ChurchFor more information about The Local Church, visit our website. Feedback? Questions? Comments? We'd love to hear it. Email Brent at brent@thelocalchurchpbo.org.To invest in what God's doing through The Local Church and help support these podcasting efforts and this movement of God's love, give online here.

Segment 1 • Jury trials scrapped in Britain for offenses under 3 years—what's next? • Canadian pastor jailed for protesting drag story hour; euthanasia stats in Canada shock the world. • Nigeria: over 200 school kids kidnapped as Christian persecution runs rampant. Segment 2 • 61% of pastors now using AI weekly—how should congregants think about this? • Ridiculous complaints raised by cheater website Ashley Madison about AI chatbots. • 90% of college students think “words = violence.” Segment 3 • Christians face two dangerous extremes: being consumed by bad news vs. living in ignorance. • "Wise as serpents, infuriated at evil" — we're called to be informed, not indifferent. • A United Methodist preacher announces he's “transitioning” — and claims it's part of his ministry. Segment 4 • UMC pastor tells kids they don't need to obey their parents if feelings are hurt. • Claims he's not “becoming a woman,” just stopping the charade of acting like a man. • This isn't deep thinking — it's moral sophistry being fed to children. ___ Thanks for listening! Wretched Radio would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners. If you would like to support Wretched Radio we would be extremely grateful. VISIT https://fortisinstitute.org/donate/ If you are already a Gospel Partner we couldn't be more thankful for you if we tried!