We have arrived at Christmas Eve!!! For our last episode of this Advent series Pastor Luke explores the story of Jesus' birth, Luke 2:1-21. Thank you for being a part of this Advent series podcast with us! Enjoy time with family and celebrating the coming of Jesus to be God With Us!
On this final Tuesday of Advent Pastor Luke looks at our last Psalm, Psalm 96. Let us take time to praise God this week!
On the last Monday of Advent Pastor Luke and Kaitie talk about what love means in the Advent season.
Thanks for joining us in this Advent season!
On this final Sunday of Advent Pastor Luke looks at the Scripture for our last Advent Sermon, Isaiah 7:10-16.
Today Pastor Luke and Kaitie talk about what joy means. We referenced Philippians 3:1 & 4:4, James 1:1-2, Galatians 5:22-26, and Nehemiah 8:10. We opened by talking about the song Sounding Joy by Ellie Holcomb. You can listen to her song at this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jthLvNgmFjA
We are thankful for you being on this podcast journey with us!
On this third, and final, Thursday of Advent Pastor Luke looks at our Old Testament passage for the week in 2 Samuel 7:1-17.
On this third Wednesday of Advent Pastor Luke Maggard explores our Gospel Scripture passage for the week.
On this third Tuesday of Advent Pastor Luke explores the lament Psalm 42.
Dive into a transformative journey as we explore the profound insights of Isaiah 35 in our latest sermon "The Promised Messiah, Joy of the Nations". This episode illuminates the stark contrasts between desolation and transformation, emphasizing the hope and joy brought forth by Jesus Christ. Through a detailed examination of scripture, we discover how the deserts of our challenges and trials can bloom into landscapes of joy and renewal under God's grace.
The context of Isaiah 35 is pivotal, setting the stage for a dramatic shift from despair to delight, directly tied to historical events that weighed heavily on the nation of Israel. Amidst backdrops of impending wars and national distress, Isaiah presents a vivid vision of rejuvenation that defies the harsh realities of his time. Through the imagery of the crocus flower—a symbol of early spring and new beginnings—the message of spiritual and physical rejuvenation rings clear, promising a major transformation for all nations, not just Israel.
Further, we delve into the metaphor of the "Highway of Holiness," a divine pathway that leads to ultimate sanctification and protection for those who walk in righteousness. As we navigate this highway, the sermon highlights the importance of inner beauty and outward action, the cornerstone of biblical holiness and a principle that drives us toward perfect love.
As we wrap up, the sermon not only challenges us to reflect on the space we allot to Jesus in our lives but also encourages us to embrace the joy and hope He offers in every season of our lives. This episode is not just a call to faith but a profound reminder of the transformative power of divine love.
Join us in this powerful episode as we look deeper into these themes, framed by a thoughtful reflection on what it means to "Make Room for Jesus" in our hearts and lives. Whether through the narratives of scripture or the contemplative chords of Casting Crowns, this sermon invites you into a personal journey of faith and renewal.
Episode Chapters:
00:00:00 - Introduction
00:00:33 - Why Context Matters in Isaiah
00:12:06 - Isaiah 9: The Highway of Holiness
00:20:54 - "Make Room for Jesus"
00:22:48 - Conclusion
Prepare your heart for a message of hope and transformation that affirms the joy of the Advent season and beyond. Whether you’re seeking solace or celebrating renewal, this episode brings an essential perspective on walking the path of holiness with Jesus.
For the episode of our Advent Series Pastor Luke mixes it up a bit. Instead of an episode with Kaitie and Luke talking about Joy, Luke reads a few passages of Scripture that talks about joy. There will be an episode from Kaitie and Luke on Friday December 19th.
The passages read today are, Philippians 4:4, Nehemiah 8:10, and John 15:11
On this third Sunday of Advent Pastor Luke reads the passage of Scripture for our sermon series, Isaiah 35:1-10, and gives brief thoughts on that. This week theme of Advent is Joy.
This Friday for our Advent conversation Pastor Luke is joined by Free Methodist Pastor Derik Heuman. Pastor Derik currently serves as an Elder in the Souther Michigan Conference, and planted Evergreen Church in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Pastor Derik is married to his wife Kim, and they have three children.
Today Pastor Luke digs into our passage of Ruth 1:16-18.
On this second Wednesday of Advent Pastor Luke explores the words of Jesus found in Matthew 12:33-37. Let us be a people who bear good fruit by the words we speak!
On this second Tuesday of Advent Pastor Luke digs into Psalm 21. We read the passage together and then answer the big questions, what does this passage tell us about God, and what does it tell us about ourselves.
If you are enjoying this podcast series we would love to hear how God is speaking to you through it. Share your thoughts in the comments, and share it with a friend!
In this poignant episode of our podcast, we delve into the profound themes depicted in Isaiah 11 under the guiding title, "The Nations Inquire of the Promised Messiah." Our speaker skillfully navigates the text, presenting a rich tapestry of theological insights that link the Old Testament prophecies directly to the life and mission of Jesus Christ.
Embark on a transformative journey through the scriptures, beginning with the lineage of Jesus, traced back to Jesse and King David, underscoring the fulfillment of ancient prophecies through Christ's birth. Our exploration gains depth as we examine the characteristics of Jesus foretold by Isaiah—wisdom, understanding, and a reverence for God—all of which manifest vividly in Jesus’ earthly ministry.
As our analysis progresses, we're led into a vision of a renewed world—a harmonious existence that starkly contrasts with our current reality. This envisioned future not only reflects God's original creation but also extends a promise of peace and justice under the leadership of Christ, drawing all nations toward Him.
Key to understanding Isaiah's prophecy is recognizing its dual appeal: not just an invitation to witness God’s kingdom but also a call to actively participate in bringing it to fruition. This session emphasizes the inquisitive nature of the nations as foretold by Isaiah, their yearning to learn from Jesus, reflecting the global and inclusive reach of His message.
The latter segments of our podcast address the personal and communal transformative power of the Holy Spirit, encouraging each listener to contemplate the changes God seeks to cultivate within them and the wider implications of spreading this transformation globally.
Our speaker concludes with an invitation to reflect on personal transformation and outreach, setting the stage for a deeply reflective communion.
Explore the following timestamps to navigate through the significant discussions in this episode:
00:00:00 - Introduction
00:00:30 - Isaiah 11: The Messiah will come out of the family line of Jesse and David, setting the foundation for a discussion on prophetic fulfillment.
00:04:18 - Isaiah's Vision of the World is unpacked, painting a picture of a harmonious existence that promises a return to God's original plan for creation.
00:06:20 - The Vision of the Kingdom is explored, emphasizing its inclusive nature and the radical transformation it signifies for the world.
00:07:25 - Isaiah 10: The Nations Shall Inquire About Him, presenting the powerful image of a world united in seeking Jesus and the knowledge He offers.
00:19:27 - The Life of the Holy Spirit is discussed, highlighting its role in personal and global transformation.
00:21:15 - What is the Transformation of Jesus? This section delves into the practical implications of Jesus' transformative power in our lives today.
00:26:06 - What Transformation Does Jesus Want to Work in Me? A reflective prompt urging listeners to consider their personal spiritual journey and readiness to propagate the Gospel.
00:28:18 - Conclusion, culminating the episode with a closing prayer and reflection as we partake in communion, celebrating the profound impact of Jesus' life and teachings.
Join us for this deeply enriching episode that seeks not only to educate but also to inspire a more profound personal and collective faith journey toward the full realization of God's kingdom on Earth.
On this second Sunday of Advent Pastor Luke and Kaitie have a conversation around what peace means in this season of Advent, how we are given peace by Jesus, and what it can look like for us to carry peace into everyday life.
On this second Sunday of Advent Pastor Luke reads our sermon passage for today, Isaiah 11:1-10. Check out this message and our Sunday sermon later for the full conversation around what this passage may be saying to us in this Advent Season.
On this first Friday of Advent Pastor Luke has an insightful conversation with Superintendent Jen Finley. Jen serves as the Superintendent for the Wabash and New South Conferences of the Free Methodist Church.
On this first Thursday of Advent Pastor Luke looks Isaiah 4:2-6.