South Tampa Fellowship: Recent Episodes
South Tampa Fellowship
This is the weekly sermon podcast from South Tampa Fellowship in Tampa, Florida. Visit stfchurch.com for more information.
In this sermon, Senior Pastor JJ Johnson explores Nehemiah's story to challenge us to align our concerns with God's glory, urging us to respond to situations where God's name isn't glorified with heartfelt prayer and action, using Nehemiah's grief and proactive prayer over Jerusalem as a model for addressing the spiritual needs of our own communities.
In this sermon, Senior Pastor JJ Johnson emphasizes the importance of walking humbly with God, as outlined in Micah 6:8, and highlights that our closeness to God is determined by our willingness to draw near, urging believers to prioritize this daily spiritual journey with humility.
In this video, Senior Pastor JJ Johnson continues our series on mercy from Micah 6:8. He emphasizes that God calls His people to love mercy and uses the Biblical story of the Good Samaritan as an example of mercy in action.
In this video, Senior Pastor JJ Johnson discusses biblical justice from Micah 6:8, emphasizing that God calls His people to act justly by caring for the poor and oppressed, moving beyond religious activities to build meaningful relationships and share resources for the betterment of their communities.
In this sermon, Groups and Next Steps Pastor Chris Sullivan emphasizes the importance of genuine community and vulnerability in Christian life, explaining that while sin has led to shame and separation, through Christ, believers can return to God's design for open, honest relationships and embrace vulnerability as a pathway to spiritual growth and authentic community.
In this sermon, Davis Islands Campus Pastor Seth King delivers a sermon emphasizing the importance of trusting God amidst fear and worry, urging believers to commit their anxieties to Him, recognizing fear and discouragement as tools of the enemy, and finding transformation and security through faith in Jesus Christ and His promises.
In today's video, Senior Pastor JJ reads through Isaiah 60:1-6, encouraging us to be a light to others, sharing the glory and hope of Christ with the world.
In today's reading, Executive Pastor Chris Dotson reads through Matthew 2:9-12, inviting us to express gratitude for Jesus' presence by offering gifts.
In today's video, Jan Barna reads through Matthew 2:3-8, prompting us to examine our response to Christ amid opposition, reflecting Herod's reaction to Jesus' birth.
In this video, NextGen and Young Adults Pastor Danny Hardy uses the Magi's journey as a metaphor for our spiritual journey, emphasizing the active pursuit of God, perseverance through struggles, submission to His will, and life transformation through encounters with Christ, while reminding us that Jesus is worth the journey.
In today's video, George Youstra reads through Matthew 2:1-2, challenging us to seek Jesus earnestly this Advent as the Wise Men pursue Him.
In today's reading, Marianne Parsons reads through Ezekiel 34:11-16, assuring us of God's guidance as the Shepherd of His people, providing trust during difficult times.
In today's video, Brody Pav reads through Psalm 23, strengthening our trust in God as our Shepherd through His guidance and comfort.
In today's video, Blake Williams reads through John 10:14-16, guiding us to better recognize Jesus' voice and follow Him faithfully as the Good Shepherd.
In today's reading, Marc Turner reads through Micah 5:2, sharing Jesus' humble beginnings in Bethlehem that inspire simplicity and humility in our lives.
In today's video, Futch Family reads through Luke 2:15-20, motivating us to deepen our pursuit of Jesus as the shepherds visit Him this season.
In today's reading, Jess Samper reads through Luke 2:13-14, motivating us to join creation in praising God, reflecting His glory and peace.
In this video, Senior Pastor JJ Johnson delivers a Christmas sermon that highlights the nativity story of the shepherds, underscoring God's love for the overlooked and imperfect and emphasizing that the good news of Jesus' birth is for everyone, especially those who feel forgotten or unworthy, while encouraging the congregation to embrace God's love and share the message with others.
In today's reading, Steve Pickett reads through Luke 2:8-12, inspiring us to listen for God's voice in daily life following the angelic announcement.
In today's reading, Michael Blair reads through Galatians 4:4-7, encouraging us to embrace freedom and adoption, celebrating the Savior's birth this Advent season.
In today's reading, Ari Pulgar reads through Genesis 3:15, revealing a promise of redemption that infuses our lives with renewed hope and anticipation.
In today's reading, Lara Mays reads through Isaiah 7:14, underlining God's faithfulness in the prophecy of a virgin birth.
In today's reading, Emily Small reads through Luke 2:16-19, treasuring Christ and prompting us to reflect on what we hold dear in our spiritual journey.
In today's reading, Morgan reads through Luke 1:46-56, offering a song of praise that teaches us to rejoice in the fulfillment of God's promises.
In today's reading, Nate Roberts reads through Luke 1:39-45, as Mary visits Elizabeth, showing the power of mutual encouragement in nurturing one's faith.
In today's reading, Kim Dingle reads through Luke 1:26-38, reflecting Mary's willingness to embrace God's unexpected call following the announcement from Gabriel.
In this video, Senior Pastor JJ Johnson and Communications Director Brianna Fernandez discuss the story of Mary, the mother of Jesus, emphasizing her faithful response to God's call, her trust amid uncertainty, and how true faith means believing in the impossible, encouraging listeners to emulate Mary's faithfulness in waiting, obedience, and devotion to God.
In today's reading, Trisha Nicholas reads through Proverbs 3:5-6, calling us to embrace the call to trust in God's plan and rely more fully on His wisdom.
In today's reading, Jennifer Williams reads through Romans 8:28, expressing trust in God's unseen workings that encourage us to believe in His purpose for our good.
In today's reading, Tommy Myette reads through 2 Samuel 7:12-16, receiving God's enduring promise that assures His faithfulness transcends generations.
In today's reading, Kristen Wiggins reads through Isaiah 11:1-5, offering a prophecy of a coming righteous ruler that provides comfort and hope in the face of injustice.
In today's reading, Ben Hill reads through Matthew 2:19-23, returning to Nazareth and demonstrating faithfulness in his God-given responsibilities.
In today's reading, David Devinney reads through Matthew 2:13-15, obediently moving Joseph's family to Egypt and embracing God's presence amidst uncertainty.
In today's reading, Brent Wertz reads through Matthew 1:18-25, receiving divine guidance through a dream and deciding whether to follow God's surprising direction.
In this sermon, Executive Pastor Chris Dotson explores how to remain faithful to God during challenging and confusing times by using Joseph's story from Jesus' birth narrative to illustrate navigating unexpected circumstances while living righteously and maintaining trust in God.
In this sermon, Senior Pastor JJ Johnson explores the story of Lazarus' resurrection as a powerful metaphor for spiritual rebirth, emphasizing that Jesus calls us out of spiritual death and desires to free us from the "grave clothes" of our old life while highlighting the importance of community in helping believers embrace the new life Christ offers.
Senior Pastor JJ Johnson explores Jesus' teaching on going the "second mile" from Matthew 5:38-42, explaining the historical context of Roman occupation in Israel and how Jesus' radical teaching challenged his followers to respond to oppression with love and service. He further emphasizes that Christians are called to exceed worldly standards by showing Christ-like love even to those who don't deserve it, living in a way that surprises others with kindness and compassion.
For the next eight weeks, our entire Church is going on a journey to encounter the Jesus you never knew. Through The Chosen, we will learn about the life of Christ and the unlikely people whose lives He turned upside down. This week through the Beatitudes we discover how to be salt and light.
For the next eight weeks, our entire Church is going on a journey to encounter the Jesus you never knew. Through The Chosen, we will learn about the life of Christ and the unlikely people whose lives He turned upside down. This week we discover how to deal with doubt.
For the next eight weeks, our entire Church is going on a journey to encounter the Jesus you never knew. Through The Chosen, we will learn about the life of Christ and the unlikely people whose lives He turned upside down. This week we discover how John the Baptist prepared the way for Jesus.
Our Church is going on a journey to encounter the Jesus you never knew. Through The Chosen, we will learn about the life of Christ and the unlikely people whose lives He turned upside down. This week we discover how not to miss Jesus, even if it costs me everything.
Our Church is going on a journey to encounter the Jesus you never knew. Through The Chosen, we will learn about the life of Christ and the unlikely people whose lives He turned upside down. This week we discover how not to miss Jesus no matter the cost.
Our Church is going on a journey to encounter the Jesus you never knew. Through The Chosen, we will learn about the life of Christ and the unlikely people whose lives He turned upside down. This week we discover how you can either be inconvenienced by or invested in the kingdom of God.
Our Church is going on a journey to encounter the Jesus you never knew. Through The Chosen, we will learn about the life of Christ and the unlikely people whose lives He turned upside down. This week we discover how Jesus is an encourager through the story of Jesus’ encounter with Nathaniel.
For the next eight weeks, our entire Church is going on a journey to encounter the Jesus you never knew. Through The Chosen, we will learn about the life of Christ and the unlikely people whose lives He turned upside down. This week we discover how Jesus is our Shepherd through the Parable of the Lost Sheep.
All over scripture, we see ordinary people that God places in leadership positions. Whether you are a CEO of a fortune five hundred company, an entrepreneur, a general, a stay-at-home mom, or a student– God has given you influence in YOUR sphere. In our new sermon series called “Master Class: a crash course on leadership, we will learn what it means to lead from a biblical perspective by studying the lives of old testament leaders. Today we look at how God used Josiah. He lived through some dark days, just like us, but he chose to stand strong and obey God's Word.
All over scripture, we see ordinary people that God places in leadership positions. Whether you are a CEO of a fortune five hundred company, an entrepreneur, a general, a stay-at-home mom, or a student– God has given you influence in YOUR sphere. In our new sermon series called “Master Class: a crash course on leadership, we will learn what it means to lead from a biblical perspective by studying the lives of old testament leaders. Today we look at how God used David as a shepherd, warrior, and worshipper. Through David, we learn that God has designed men to protect and guide their families and people under their influence.
All over scripture, we see ordinary people that God places in leadership positions. Whether you are a CEO of a fortune five hundred company, an entrepreneur, a general, a stay-at-home mom, or a student– God has given you influence in YOUR sphere. In our new sermon series called “Master Class: a crash course on leadership, we will learn what it means to lead from a biblical perspective by studying the lives of old testament leaders. Today we look at how God used Moses to lead the Hebrew people from Egypt. Through Moses, we learn that it's not about what we bring to the table, it’s about what God can do in and through us.
All over scripture, we see ordinary people that God places in leadership positions. Whether you are a CEO of a fortune five hundred company, an entrepreneur, a general, a stay-at-home mom, or a student– God has given you influence in YOUR sphere. In our new sermon series called “Master Class: a crash course on leadership, we will learn what it means to lead from a biblical perspective by studying the lives of old testament leaders. Today we look at how God used Joshua and Caleb to lead the Israelites to the Promised Land. Through these men, we learn that a great leader is focused, faithful, and determined to finish well.
All over scripture, we see ordinary people that God places in leadership positions. Whether you are a CEO of a fortune five hundred company, an entrepreneur, a general, a stay-at-home mom, or a student– God has given you influence in YOUR sphere. In our new sermon series called “Master Class: a crash course on leadership, we will learn what it means to lead from a biblical perspective by studying the lives of old testament leaders. Today we look at how God used Nehemiah to rebuild the city of Jerusalem. Through Nehemiah, we learn that Great leadership is not based upon your position but instead on your posture because your posture will determine whether you are a leader that is worth following.
All over scripture, we see ordinary people that God places in leadership positions. Whether you are a CEO of a fortune five hundred company, an entrepreneur, a general, a stay-at-home mom, or a student– God has given you influence in YOUR sphere. In our new sermon series called “Master Class: a crash course on leadership, we will learn what it means to lead from a biblical perspective by studying the lives of old testament leaders. Today we look at a person in the Bible you may have overlooked– Shamgar.
As we close out our series on the Lord's Prayer, we look at "lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil." Like Christ, we will be tempted during our time on earth, but God leads us through it. He always provides a way out!
Our deepest physical need is for food. Our deepest spiritual need is for forgiveness. This sixth statement of the Lord’s Prayer seems simple enough, but simple things can sometimes be very deep. These are the words of Jesus: “Forgive us our debts (Trespasses) as we also have forgiven our debtors.” What makes this statement in the prayer so frustrating is that Jesus seems to drag in something that doesn’t belong when he adds the phrase “as we have forgiven our debtors.” At first glance, there doesn’t seem to be any necessary connection between the first part of the petition and the second part.
We’ve come to the “hinge” of this prayer that Jesus is teaching us to pray. The phrase “Give us today our daily bread” has far more meaning than first meets the eye. Most of the time, when we pray, we focus on the physical rather than the spiritual. We have a list of things we want God to do for us. But when we pray, “Give us today our daily bread,” as Jesus instructs in Matthew 6:11, it points to the reality that God is our PROVIDER and that we should live each day entirely DEPENDENT upon Him. God wants us to ask for what we need/want, such as food, clothing, housing, transportation, job, spouse, etc. One of the Hebrew names used to describe God in the Old Testament is “Jehovah Jireh,” which means, “The Lord will provide." God wants us to ask for provision daily.
Who reigns on the throne of your heart? Is it you– trying to control every little detail? Or is it God? You see, only one thing can rule in your heart! What has your full attention?
Whenever we pray, “Hallowed be your name,” we are asking that God’s name be made great instead of our own name. But if we really mean that, we are praying “against ourselves.”
All too often we pray so carelessly. “Hallowed be your name . . .”
“But not in my business” “But not in my finances” “But not in my relaxation” “But not in my friendships” “But not in my sex life” “But not in my thought life” “But not in my language” “But not in my social media”
Too many of us live with Christ in our lives but are still on the throne. When you pray, “Hallowed be your name,” you are both the voice and the feet of that petition. As the very words leave your lips, your life is part of the answer.
Psalm 115:1 “Not to us, Lord, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness.”
Have you ever stopped to think about God as your Father? If we consider God as Father presents us all with an opportunity. An opportunity to discover the true meaning of fatherhood, allow God to heal any hurt inflicted by our fathers and father figures, it’s an opportunity to experience being a child of a perfect and loving Father. We can embrace these opportunities through prayer by coming to him with our warped view of fatherhood and letting Him be our perfect Heavenly Father.
He has not forgotten us! On the contrary, God has thought of us. He not only hasn’t abandoned us, but He did the opposite. He came for us. Because He first loved us, we now can love Him, and it is that love that becomes the root of our desire to pray.
Over the next several weeks our church is going to study the Lord’s Prayer. In Matthew 6 Jesus teaches his disciples how to pray. This is the model prayer:
“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
Matthew 6:9-13
The Problem of Suffering seems to leave us with two conclusions: Conclusion #1: Suffering exists, therefore God does not exist; Conclusion #2: Suffering exists, therefore God does not love me. We will look at the answers to these problems that are found in Jesus. We are not alone in our suffering!
l. You have the right to experience your own unique grief. 2. You have the right to talk about your grief. 3. You have the right to feel a multitude of emotions. 4. You have the right to be patient with your physical and emotional limits. 5. You have the right to experience “grief bursts.” 6. You have the right to ask why and seek out meaning. 7. You have the right to treasure your memories. 8. You have the right to move toward your grief and heal.
Your tears move God because they matter to God. He hears your cry. He is mindful of what scares you and stresses you and saddens you.
Romans 12:5 “Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.”
Questions to ask about suffering: 1. Where is this taking me? 2. What is this revealing about me? 3. What is this teaching me? 4. How is this growing me?