The Simpleton Sermon Podcast: Recent Episodes
Pastor JJ
from Pastor JJ - the simpleton, a place for sermon content, and simple, honest conversations about tough topics.
We finish up our series on the Beatitudes on how to be a "peacemaker" - and we walk through Ephesians 4 to do it.
I'll give you a hint: It's a LOT harder than we think!
As always, you can find the manuscript over on thesimpleton.org
Continuing our study through the beatitudes, we're diving all the way back into the Old Testament book of Ezekiel - but we'll probably spend some time in Romans too.
As always, you can find the manuscript over at Thesimpleton.org
We continue in our series in the Beatitudes, and dive into verse 6 of Matthew 5 (with a little throw back to Amos chapter 8).
We want to hunger for righteousness AND hunger for justice.
Love our God AND love our neighbor.
As always, you can find the manuscript over at thesimpleton.org
We're launching a new sermon series called Backwards: The Blessings of Jesus and today we're going to see that it's not Jesus who is backwards!
We'll be diving into Matthew 5, and I'm using the NLT this week.
As always, you can find the manuscript over at TheSimpleton.org
We continue our series in Philippians and dive into the idea that striving and competition rob us of our lasting joy.
But by believing that God ACTUALLY loves you - we can further ground ourselves in a joy that weathers any storm.
As always, the manuscript can be found over at Thesimpleton.org
Starting a brand new series - we are diving into a short study in the book of Philippians about Finding Joy! Not temporary happiness that comes and goes, but enduring JOY.
Paul teaches us about getting our mentality right, by copying the attitude of Jesus as the starting point for chasing joy with our lives.
Grab your bible and join us!
As always, the manuscript can be found over at thesimpleton.org
The sermon "I Don't Have Much Hope For The Future" by Pastor JJ explores biblical teachings on hope, from Adam and Eve to Revelation. Pastor JJ envisions a perfected future in heaven without any negativity or curses. He challenges the audience to have genuine hope for the future, drawing from the faith of biblical heroes. The pastor encourages the congregation to hold on to hope in God's promises for a better future and not settle for the brokenness of the world.
We're in Psalm 23:6, and Hebrews 11 today, and as always you can find the manuscript over at Thesimpleton.org
Continuing into verse 4 of Psalm 23, we debunk the lie that "I Am Alone"
God's word gives us incredible reassurance, but also confidence to face to the struggles of our life. No matter what you are dealing with - whatever your valley of deepest darkness might look like - God is WITH you.
As usual, the manuscript can be found over at Thesimpleton.org
Continuing our series "The Lies I Tell Myself' we dive back into Psalm 23 and talk about identity and the definition of restoration.
As always you can find the manuscript over at Thesimpleton.org
We continue our series about the Lies We Tell Ourselves, and we see how God's truth pushes back!
We dive into Genesis, and learn a whole lot about sheep and shepherds in order to realize just how much God has emphasized our need for a rhythm of rest.
As always, you can find the manuscript over at thesimpleton.org
We're launching a brand new sermon series - and we're kicking it off on EASTER!
We dive into John chapter 10, and get into just how incredible and good the good shepherd truly is.
In my FIRST sermon at my new appointment (The Center Church in Byron Center), I finish off a series they were working on called "Healthy Home"
We dive into 2 Timothy 1 to see how to leave a lasting, positive legacy for our children's children!
as always, manuscript can be found over at thesimpleton.org
Continuing our study in the book of Ephesians, we dive into chapter 4 with this realization of just how important the church is to our ability to live into what God has called us to do in life
As always, you can find the manuscript over at thesimpleton.org
Alright - so I know these sermons have been a bit scattered. I've been in and out of the pulpit, and so we're jumping from series to series.
THIS sermon is my most recent sermon, and it's part 3 of a series in Ephesians.
A little bit, you're jumping into the middle of the series - but it's totally worth it. Paul's got good news for us, even if we haven't read chapters 1-2 yet.
also, find more info about Danielle's story at risingkites.org!
We are finishing up our series on the Lord's Prayer with the words "for thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory forever" - and to better understand those words, we take a peak at the pictures Jesus uses to tell us about the kingdom of God - a lamp on a stand, a seed sown in the ground, and the branches of a mustard tree.
As always, you can find the manuscript over at thesimpleton.org
[Point of personal privilege - I've been out of the pulpit for a few weeks as we welcomed out newest addition, our daughter Magnolia, and so I'm jumping back in to the middle of this sermon series]
We have been walking through the Lord's Prayer, and this week we dive into the statement, "lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil"
as always, the manuscript can be found over on Thesimpleton.org
We dive into Ezekiel 33-34 and see the necessity for sharing the good news of Jesus Christ that we have heard.
BUT ALSO we see God's heart for the broken-hearted, and his anger at those who have hurt people - and we talk about church hurt and hypocrisy in the church and how we can respond to those who have been hurt by false shepherds and bad church leadership.
As always, the manuscript can be found over at thesimpleton.org
This week we're diving into Ezekiel 15 (with some incredible parallels to John 15) to find some key insights from a very familiar metaphor.
We see how God uses gardens to lay out his teachings in the natural world around us, and we look at practical methods for for how to get it done.
As always, the manuscript can be found over at thesimpleton.org
We wade through some of the punishments found in Jeremiah, and we learn some incredible truths about God's discipline.
Even though it's often an unpopular topic, did you know that..
Discipline is actually an act of LOVE?
Discipline is molding and suffering is shaping?
Discipline is relationship building?!?
But it's true. We're bouncing around Jeremiah - chapter 30, 13, 18, etc.
All in the NLT
And of course, you can find the manuscript at thesimpleton.org
JOSIAH!!
We get to talk about one of my FAVORITE kings of Israel and some of the extremely important teachings that leap off the pages of the text for us.
1 Kings 23, NLT version.
And as always, you can find the manuscript over at Thesimpleton.org
After a brief vacation - we are back!
We're going to dive into a Psalm to remind ourselves of WHY we do this thing we call Church!
As always, you can find the manuscript over at thesimpleton.org
We continue our study in the Chronological Bible Study, and dive into Proverbs 30 and see what it has to tell us about the sovereignty of God.
The manuscript is can be found over at thesimpleton.org
This is a sermon that is near and dear to my heart - based on a text I found in a time of need in my life.
We're diving into the book of Hosea, and wow does God have good news for us today.
As always, the manuscript can be found over at thesimpleton.org
We continue the Chronological study with some shocking realizations about the story of Jonah.
1.) This is not just the story of Jonah - it's very easy to see ourselves in this text.
2.) Jonah is not the hero (and neither are we!)
And ultimately, we see the need to love our neighbor!
Manuscript available over at thesimpleton.org
Continuing in our Chronological Bible Study, we are jumping back into the historical narrative - watching the Kings of Israel attempt to follow God, but keep little pieces back for themselves.
There's a lesson to be learned about trying to "almost" be a Christian, and how silly that idea is.
As always you can find the manuscript over at thesimpleton.org
We're diving in to TWO books this week - Song of Songs and Ecclesiastes!
Little did we know that they are actually two sides of the same coin, with a focus on how God delights in us and how that reflects into the relationships we live in this life.
It's a bit saucy, but wow is there such good news for us in the text!
As always you can find the manuscript over at thesimpleton.org.
King Solomon was widely regarded as one of the greatest and most successful kings of all Israel's history. What made him so successful?
Well the text actually gives us quite a bit to work with. He ruthlessly eliminated distractions and he turned all his prosperity into PRAISES!
As always, you'll find the manuscript over at thesimpleton.org
It's a classic story of Solomon receiving wisdom - but what does it tell us about the character of God and what he wants from us?
We were CREATED to be OUTWARDLY focused. We see God's delight in Solomon's priorities, and we can pursue that same delight in our personal lives.
as always, the manuscript can be found over at The Simpleton.org
PSALMS!!
We dive into the Psalm and see what the text has for us!
God wants to hear from you!! And we see that what we put out there is what we cultivate in our own hearts
As always, the manuscript can be found over at thesimpleton.org
sermon audio from 05.07.2023
(apologies we don't have video anymore, as the church I'm currently serving doesn't have that) IF and when I get video, I'll add that to the audio.
continuing the Chronological study, we have a LOT to unpack in ABOUT this text, before we even dive into the text itself.
What happens when the bible seems to "contradict" itself?
How do we read the bible when. it is confusing or hard to understand?
Check this sermon to find out more.
Sermon from 04.23.2023
A study in King David and how he had a heart for God, as contrasted with Saul - who had a heart for himself and the world.
God teaches us a better way than the world.
Continuing our Chronological study, we dive into King David's horrible sin and how Nathan calls him out on it.
There's something to learn about repentance and something to learn about forgiveness.
Continuing in our Chronological Study, we are jumping into the book of 1 Samuel - where we are presented with a whole pile of leaders who start strong, but trip before they reach the finish line!
Whether it's Eli, Samuel, Saul or even us in our personal lives - we finish strong by investing in the next generation.
Manuscript available at thesimpleton.org
Easter Sunday!
(but our Chronological Bible study is into the book of Ruth?!?)
Whatever will we do?
Well - thankfully, the story of scripture has the name of Jesus stamped on practically every page! Journey with us as we discover the threads woven together in this incredible tapestry that ties Ruth to David, David to Jesus, and Jesus to each of our hearts!
We have a bit of a shift - as I've moved to a different church doing a different sermon series.
We are jumping into a year long study called the "Chronological Bible Study" - which is where we, as a church, are reading the entire bible all together in a year.
We're covering MASSIVE amounts of texts (this week it's the end of Joshua, and the entire book of Judges) - but we'll cover main themes and highlight connections to give you a better understanding of the overarching narrative of scripture.
As always, you can find the manuscript over at thesimpleton.org
This is the moment where we get to tell the REST of the story.
We all know Palm Sunday, and we all know Easter - but what makes the ending so powerful?
We will walk through the story of Holy Week to remind ourselves why Easter is SO valuable.
After a brief hiatus (I was moving to a new home, and took a few weeks off from preacher) - we are back with the conclusion to our series on membership in the church.
This week we're looking at the topic of service and how volunteering can be a powerful tool in our spiritual growth.
Even though an ice storm kept our building closed, we created a digital Ash Wednesday worship service, and this is the sermon based on Psalm 51.
As always, the sermon text can be found at thesimpleton.org
Continuing our series called "The Shift" we look at the other side of the conversation. If reading our bible is LISTENING to God, then prayer is TALKING to God.
We dive in with loads of practical application on how to open up that conversation with the God who is truly out there, and truly wants to hear from you.
Sermon text can be found at thesimpleton.org
All month we have been looking at the various things that people in church tell us we need to do to live the Christian life. They're not bad things to do - but if we don't know WHY, when we won't do them!
Go to church, read your bible, pray everyday and even donate your money??
Today we dive into the tricky connection between money and church and we discover that giving is about cultivating generosity in our lives.
The manuscript can be found over at thesimpleton.org
Continuing our series called "The Shift" we talk about one of the greatest ways to LISTEN to God, which is to READ YOUR BIBLE.
Rather than reading out of obligation, we can shift our mentality to try and discover the face of God in the text - and we will be richly rewarded in our growing relationship with God as a result.
As always, you can catch the manuscript over at Thesimpleton.org
The start of a brand new sermon series we are diving in!
This week we're talking church history and how we cannot "Christian" alone!
After two years of coming back to the text, we are FINALLY finishing up the book of Acts!
It's been a long journey to this point and Paul just has to show us one more incredible message about the power of UNUSUAL kindness.
As always you can find the sermon manuscript over at Thesimpleton.org
We're into chapter 27 of Acts (almost done!!)
We follow Paul on his prison transfer journey that involves getting shipwrecked in a hurricane! But there is a beautiful reminder that even in the midst of the storm - there is hope to be found in the presence and sustenance of God.
We're in the NIV translation this week, and as always - you can find the manuscript over at thesimpleton.org
We continue with our series in the book of Acts into chapter 26, and we see an amazing truth that Paul has for us about how to share our faith with others.
Manuscript is up over at Thesimpleton.org
We are BACK in the book of Paul! After almost 2 full years, we are finally finishing up this book, following the journey of Paul from jail to jail as he is passed up the chain of command.
But there is GOOD news in the steadfast presence of God, which reassures us even in the darkest times.
I'm in the NIV, Acts chapter 25, and as always you can find the manuscript over at thesimpleton.org
Before we dive into a new sermon series next week, we needed to take a quick break with the New Year to talk about the Tower of Babble!
Why would God be upset that the people are working together and trying to accomplish great things? Because God knows that humanities greatest efforts will never bring us satisfaction. In fact, most of our efforts at amazing have brought pain and suffering to others.
We're in Genesis 11, the NLT, and as always you can find the manuscript over at thesimpleton.org
Christmas Eve Sermon!!
We're in the NLT, and while we dabble in Revelation 21, for the most part we're hanging out in Luke 2.
As always, you can grab the sermon manuscript over at Thesimpleton.org
We continue our series in the chaos of Christmas time and we take a look at who Jesus is, and then remember that moment when Mary and Joseph are told, "there is no room at the inn" - which leads us to an important realization, we have to MAKE room.
I'm in the NLT translation and you can find the full manuscript over at thesimpleton.org
Continuing our series on Christmas Chaos - we take a look at the story of the 3 wise men and the hidden meaning behind each of their gifts.
And, of course, we discover that the more you understand the gift in front of you, the more you value it.
We're in the NLT this week, and as always you can find the manuscript at thesimpleton.org
We continue our Christmas Sermon Series diving into the symbolism of the Christmas Tree - and we remember that we started in front of a tree in paradise, and we will end up in front of a tree at the end of all things, but in between those two trees we cling to the hope of what is coming.
We're mostly in Hebrews, but we take a pit stop in Genesis and Revelation to give us a framework. I'm using the NLT, and as always you can find the manuscript over at thesimpleton.org
This sermon is not part of a series or anything - just a stand alone, topical sermon about the influences in our lives and how we need to be vigilant in our discernment (which is basically just asking : what are you putting in your body? What are you putting in your mind?)
We're in 1 Corinthians, chapter 6, using the New Living Translation - and as always, you can find the manuscript over at thesimpleton.org
We finish up our series in Exodus with the grand finale - the journey through the Red Sea. We find incredibly hopeful good news that even when we are scared - God is fighting for us.
We're in the Christian Standard Bible (CSB) in Exodus 14, and as always you can catch the full manuscript over at thesimpleton.org
We are almost done with our journey out of Egypt with the nation of Israel!
This week there's an incredibly important message about connecting the story to a ritual in order to find meaning - this is how traditions can help us EXPERIENCE the past!
I'm using the Christian Standard Bible this week, and we're in Exodus 13, and you can always find the manuscript over at thesimpleton.org
We continue our study of the book of Exodus, following the Israelites OUT of Egypt and into ritual remembrance.
We talk traditions and their stories, and the importance of conveying those things on to the next generation - otherwise the traditions will be lost.
We're in the CSB translation this week, in Exodus chapter 13.
As always, you can find the sermon text over at thesimpleton.org, and the video version on the Pastor JJ - The Simpleton Youtube channel.
After a little time away, we are returning to our study of Exodus and we dive right into the deep end of the pool with chapter 11
We discuss the truly uncomfortable text and what it demonstrates to us about the character of God.
As always you can grab the manuscript over at thesimpleton.org
We continue our series on the book WITH by Skye Jethani. We're discussing various ways that Christians approach God, and showing the slip-ups and misunderstandings so many of us fall into.
The goal, of course, is ultimately to figure out how to live a life WITH God.
You can find the full manuscript over at thesimpleton.org
We continue our series on the book WITH by Skye Jethani. We're discussing various ways that Christians approach God, and showing the slip-ups and misunderstandings so many of us fall into.
The goal, of course, is ultimately to figure out how to live a life WITH God.
You can find the full manuscript over at thesimpleton.org
We finish up our series on the book WITH by Skye Jethani. We're discussing various ways that Christians approach God, and showing the slip-ups and misunderstandings so many of us fall into.
The goal, of course, is ultimately to figure out how to live a life WITH God.
You can find the full manuscript over at thesimpleton.org
Starting out with a brand new sermon series called WITH, based on Skye Jethani's work by the same name. Each week we explore various insufficient methods of connecting with God that leave us wanting - and then move into a healthier version of faith, trying to live life WITH God.
We're using the New Living Translation in John chapter 9 this week, and as always the Sermon Manuscript can be found over at thesimpleton.org
Diving into Acts 24, we examine the faith of Governor Felix and we learn a little something about the simple, factual truth of the gospel and the nature of transformation that comes from that truth.
You can find the sermon manuscript over at thesimpleton.org
grab your bible, because HERE WE GO!
UPDATE - we are switching the format just slightly for the Simpleton Sermon Podcast. The archives are now going to be available on Youtube ONLY, and the audio podcast will carry only the past 2-3 months of sermons.
We are continuing our study in the book of Acts, through chapter 23.
We're in the NASB translation, and you can always grab the manuscript at thesimpleton.org
Enjoy!
Today we jump back into our study of the book of Acts - and we're all the way up to chapter 21. We continue to follow Paul on his journey to finally arrive in Jerusalem! We see God's presence in the Church (and by that we mean the PEOPLE, not any sort of building) - and we learn a bit about how we can challenge and encourage one another as brothers and sisters in Christ.
You can catch the manuscript over at thesimpleton.org, and the audio version can be found at "The Simpleton Sermon Podcast" wherever you catch your pods.
Enjoy!
In this episode we finish up our study of the ten plagues of Egypt. Who knew that walking slowly through one of the craziest most memorable (and most cringe-worthy) parts of the bible would yield such incredible insights about our relationship with and the character of God?
We'll be in Exodus 10, using the CSB translation.
As always, you can grab the manuscript from thesimpleton.org and find the audio version of the podcast at The Simpleton Sermon Podcast, wherever you catch your pods.
Enjoy!
This week we are continuing our study in the book of Exodus! We are diving into chapter 8 with the next set of plagues, and we will discover that holiness is closely tied to LISTENING to God. God actually WANTS us to get the answer right, and he is constantly guiding us and telling us what we should to do live set apart for Him.
As always, you can find the manuscript over at thesimpleton.org, and the youtube channel is "The Simpleton Sermon Podcast" - available for those who might want to WATCH as well as LISTEN.
Welcome back for another episode! We are continuing our study of the book of Exodus, following Israel through the ten plagues of Egypt!
Here in chapter 8 we check out plagues 2-4, and find a surprising new message when we flip the usual interpretation and identify ourselves with Pharaoh. Are we using God in a transactional relationship?
You can find the manuscript over at thesimpleton.org, and of course the video podcast at "The Simpleton Sermon Podcast" over on youtube.
We are jumping back in to the book of Exodus! Returning to our journey, following Israel INTO slavery and then BACK out again - and we are up to chapter seven - the beginning of the plagues.
As always, you can find the manuscript over at thesimpleton.org, and the video podcast at "The Simpleton Sermon Podcast" over on youtube.
Grab your bible, because here... we.... GO!
In Episode 45 we continue our study in the book of Acts. We follow Paul into the town of Ephesus and learn some valuable teachings about the difference between the gospel and religion as Paul clashes with some local craftsmen.
You can find the manuscript over at thesimpleton.org, and the audio podcast at "The Simpleton Sermon Podcast" wherever you get your podcasts.
Enjoy!
People falling asleep while the preacher talks has always been hilarious - but could it also be deadly?
We continue our study in the book of Acts, chapter 20, where we discover just how desperately Paul wants to tell everyone the good news of God's love - found in the presence and person of Jesus Christ.
As always, the manuscript can be found over at thesimpleton.org, and the video podcast is available at "The Simpleton Sermon Podcast" youtube channel.
We continue our study in the book of Acts as we follow Paul from Corinth all over the ancient world and are reminded of that beautiful good news: God's preferred method of saving the world is through the silly, stumbling efforts of his broken, but beloved, people.
You can catch the manuscript over at thesimpleton.org, and catch the video podcast "The Simpleton Sermon Podcast" over on youtube.
Enjoy!
We are launching a brand new sermon series here in Episode 43! We are back in the book of Acts, after some time in the Old Testament (Exodus and Proverbs), we are returning to the New testament following the journey of Paul into Athens.
There is an incredible gospel message of the God who is truly out there and how much he loves you and how through Jesus we can connect with God.
You can find the manuscript over at thesimpleton.org, and audio version of the podcast is available wherever you get your podcasts at "The Simpleton Sermon Podcast"
On this beautiful Father's Day we finish up our work in Proverbs with Chapter 25. The big book of Dad Wisdom has one more lesson to teach us: about how all the thing we've learned so far are not actually about helping us improve INDIVIDUALLY, but rather to be put to use in COMMUNITY. Because God built us FOR Community.
As always, you can grab the manuscript over at thesimpleton.org or the audio version of the podcast at "The Simpleton Sermon Podcast" - wherever you grab your podcasts.
Enjoy!
We continue our study in the book of Proverbs! God has given each of us a voice, and chapter 12 of proverbs can give us a lot of guidance on HOW to use that voice.
You can find the manuscript over at thesimpleton.org, and of course the video podcast is at "The Simpleton Sermon Podcast" youtube channel.
Enjoy!
In Episode 40 we continue our study of the book of Proverbs! We dive a little deeper into the methods of reading wisdom literature and learn about how God created to work hard as a part of our design.
Grab your bible, we're in chapter 10, NLT and enjoy!
You can grab the manuscript over at thesimpleton.org, and the audio version can be found at "The Simpleton Sermon Podcast" wherever you grab your podcasts.
We continue our study in the book of Proverbs with Chapter 3. As a loving Father guides his children, so God gives all of us the gift of wisdom. And even though we don't like to admit it - truth is, God is smarter than us! He knows what's best for us and that can have radical implications for our lives!
Manuscript up over at thesimpleton.org, and the video podcast can be found at "The Simpleton Sermon Podcast" youtube channel.
Welcome to another episode of the Simpleton Sermon Podcast! We are launching a new sermon series called "One Coin, Two Sides" where we dive into the book of Proverbs to see what it has to teach us.
We're opening up in Proverbs chapter 2, in the New Living Translation
You can find the audio podcast at "The Simpleton Sermon Podcast" wherever you grab your podcasts - AND you can find the manuscript over at thesimpleton.org
Enjoy!
<__truncato_root__>
Welcome to Episode 37! We are continuing our journey with Moses, diving into Chapter 5 of Exodus and remembering that sometimes Holiness is HARD - but it is always GOOD.
You can find the video on youtube at The Simpleton Sermon Podcast Youtube Channel , and the manuscript can be found at thesimpleton.org
Enjoy!
After a two week haitus, we are back!
We are jumping right into the middle of a sermon series (we had some guest preachers do parts 1 and 2) - but we are ready to dive into chapter 4 of Exodus and all of it's weirdness!
You can catch the audio version at "The Simpleton Sermon Podcast" wherever you catch your podcasts, and you can find the manuscript over at thesimpleton.org
Enjoy!
Happy Easter everyone!
With our Episode 35 we take a look at how the resurrection of Jesus Christ applies to our daily lives and the way we live them. Rather than telling the classic story so many of us have heard so many times - we dive into Colossians today.
Grab your bible and here we go!
Manuscript can be found over on Thesimpleton.org, and the video podcast can be found at "The Simpleton Sermon Podcast" youtube channel.
Join us for a deep dive into the Maundy Thursday service! We'll be in Exodus 12, finding the origin story of the term Passover.
Along the way through some challenging, harsh stories, we will discover God's incredible love for us as he shows us exactly how much we are worth to him.
Find the manuscript at thesimpleton.org
Welcome to our PALM Sunday episode!
We are jumping into the classic story of Jesus riding the donkey into Jerusalem. However, if we peel back some of the layers - we will discover some incredible truths about who Jesus is.
You can find the manuscript at thesimpleton.org, and also the audio version of the podcast at The Simpleton Sermon Podcast, wherever you get your podcasts.
There is also a picture mentioned in the sermon. For access to that photo from the website of the creator, please click the link below:
https://www.chrisharrison.net/index.php/Visualizations/BibleViz
In this episode we finish up our series in the book of Acts with Chapter 16. We hear an incredible tale of unexpected transformation that comes when we actually stop and listen to where God might be leading us, even if it's not where we had hoped to go.
You can find the manuscript at thesimpleton.org and the audio podcast wherever you get your podcasts at The Simpleton Sermon Podcast.
Enjoy!
In Episode 32 we continue our exploration of Acts - this time in Chapter 15. We join Paul and Barnabas as they navigate the turbulent waters of welcoming new visitors who might even be different than you.
You can find the manuscript over at thesimpleton.org
Subscribe to the channel to find out when new episodes will be available, and of course you can catch the audio version of the podcast at The Simpleton Sermon Podcast wherever you catch your podcast.
Continuing our study in the book of Acts, we pick up our series in Acts chapter 14, with an important message about idols.
When we think about who God is, we realize we are so small and yet so, so very valuable because of how much God loves us.
You can find the manuscript at thesimpleton.org, and the audio podcast at "The Simpleton Sermon Podcast" wherever you catch your podcasts. :)
Welcome to Episode 29 - the Ash Wednesday sermon! Returning from a bit of a break, Pastor JJ welcomes in the Lent season with a peek at 2 Corinthians and the good news that while we might be dust and ash - Jesus is the breath of life!
As always, you can find the manuscript over at thesimpleton.org, and the video podcast at The Simpleton Sermon Podcast Youtube channel.
In episode 30 we are returning to our study of the book of Acts, with chapter 13. We'll follow Paul and Barnabas on their journey and learn a little something about the importance of context.
You can catch the sermon manuscript over at thesimpleton.org, and the video at The Simpleton Sermon Podcast Youtube channel
Welcome to our very first CONTENT episode! Rather than a sermon, this episode is a recording of a District Training Event that Pastor JJ led in early February 2022.
It's all about Community Outreach - how a church can do outreach that is symbiotic (beneficial to both the church AND the community)
The text is available as three separate blog posts on thesimpleton.org
In this final installation of our series from Acts (for now), we wrap up with a story of Peter being set free from prison and explore what that means for each of our own salvation stories.
You can find the manuscript over at thesimpleton.org, and catch the audio version at The Simpleton Sermon Podcast wherever you get your podcasts.
In episode 26 we continue our journey through the book of ACTS. We are up to chapter 11. Last week Peter was given an amazing message about how God's grace is for EVERYONE, and not just Jewish people. But this week he gets in TROUBLE for it! Follow along as we examine what this example teaches us about how we treat one another, challenge one another and encourage one another in the family of God.
You can catch the manuscript over at thesimpleton.org
OR there is an video version of the podcast available, over on youtube at The Simpleton Sermon Podcast youtube channel
We are continuing our sermon series in the book of Acts!
We're diving into chapter 10 with a story about Peter and Cornelius, which has something VITAL to teach us about favoritism and repentance.
You can catch the manuscript at thesimpleton.org
Or watch to the video version over at the Simpleton Sermon Podcast youtube channel
We are back in ACTS! We have been reading through the book of Acts, one chapter a week. If you'd like to catch up with chapters 1-8 you can find them in Episodes 4-7 and Episode 12-15.
But now, we are up to Chapter 9 and we turn our attention to introducing Paul and the positive effects of true Christian community.
You can find the manuscript over at thesimpleton.org
And there is an video version of the podcast available over on Youtube called - The Simpleton Sermon Podcast
After a bit of a scheduling hiccup (many apologies!) - we are BACK with another episode of the Simpleton Sermon Podcast. This sermon comes from Christmas Eve, and completes the "School Of Rock: Christmas Album" sermon series. With it being Christmas Eve, OF COURSE the song we have to pull apart is Silent Night. We'll take a quick look at the history of the song, and then hold that up against Zechariah's Song in Luke 1
You can find the manuscript at thesimpleton.org
And the audio version of this podcast is available at "The Simpleton Sermon Podcast" wherever you get your podcasts.
Continuing the series about Christmas Hymns this week we dive into the story of the First Noel, and we see how the Nativity was designed to help us with evangelism.
You can find the manuscript here:
https://www.thesimpleton.org/post/the...
OR check out the video version of the podcast over on youtube at The Simpleton Sermon Podcast Channel.
Enjoy!
With this sermon we examine "Luther's Lullaby" (which was not actually from Martin Luther) - but the truth in the text is like a lullaby comfort to us all.
You can catch the manuscript here: https://www.thesimpleton.org/post/away-in-the-manger-luke-2-22-40
Or listen to the video version of the podcast over on youtube at the Simpleton Sermon Podcast channel.
Merry Christmas!
Get ready for the Holiday season with this brand new sermon series!
We will be diving into the spirit of Christmas this year by pulling apart the lyrics of our favorite Christmas hymns, and (more importantly) tying them to the scriptures behind the lyrics.
Today we tell the story of the Angel greeting Mary through the lens of Hark! The Herald Angels Sing.
You can find the video version of the podcast at "the Simpleton Sermon Podcast" over on youtube.
If you're looking for the sermon manuscript, look no further!
https://www.thesimpleton.org/post/har...
Today we finish up the series we have been doing through the story of Joseph in the end of Genesis. We witness the finale of this epic tale where Joseph reveals his identity to his brothers, and what that means for us and our faith life today.
You can find the sermon manuscript here:
https://www.thesimpleton.org/post/ide...
And the video version of the podcast can be found here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mUFLBV5SLBY
In Episode 18 we dive into part three of our series on Joseph in Genesis chapter 44. This chapter is the culmination of the set up Joseph has been working on for the previous two chapters.
There's an incredible moment of redemption - the moment we've been building towards for weeks - where all the pieces of the puzzle come together in a choice for Judah.
You can find the sermon manuscript here:
https://www.thesimpleton.org/post/brother-s-return-genesis-43
or check out the video version at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HZQ2arud-Qo
Here in Episode 17 we continue our study in Genesis 43 in the story of Joseph. For a Pastor, creating a sermon is like a devotional exercise - and I was thrilled with my discoveries in the text for this week. There is some amazing good news for all of us in the text today.
I pray you find it helpful in your walk closer and closer to Jesus. Feel free to like, subscribe, and leave a review - which helps more people find this Christian content.
You can find the youtube video here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s-FHAfFgJ3U&list=PLgwRM0g2W4lzYJnJZy7uObq6-OAa9ktXU
And the manuscript is available here:
https://www.thesimpleton.org/post/brother-s-return-genesis-43
In Episode 16 we are returning to our study of Joseph at the end of the book of Genesis. This sermon lays the groundwork for the next few chapters - where we will see God's incredible redemption working in unexpected ways.
Prayerfully, I hope this episode is refreshing to your soul. It was words I needed to hear in a weary season - but God's going to bring us through it all.
The manuscript can be found here:
https://www.thesimpleton.org/post/a-brother-s-visit-genesis-42
And the Youtube video here;
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FjC2FvXl4mE&list=PLgwRM0g2W4lzYJnJZy7uObq6-OAa9ktXU&index=2
Join us as we finish up our four part series in the book of Acts. We wrap up with chapter 8 - but we will be back in just a few months to dive back into Acts later.
Following in the wake of Stephen's witness statement and then execution, there is a wave of persecution across Jerusalem that has us asking: Why would anybody want to be a Christian if it makes your life harder?
There is something authentic in the presence of the Holy Spirit in our faith journey that is absolutely key to understanding this passage AND our walk with God, even in the difficult times.
Grab your bible and let's dive in!
You can watch the video of this episode on youtube here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8fuB1xtYnrE&list=PLgwRM0g2W4lzYJnJZy7uObq6-OAa9ktXU
and find the manuscript for that sermon here:
https://www.thesimpleton.org/post/it-s-not-for-sale
Have you ever looked at your life and then looked at the stories in the bible and thought - "my life is nothing like that" ?
Have you ever felt discouraged because your life seems to be full of ups and downs, while the heroes in the bible always seem to have everything figured out?
Come along with us as we listen to the Witness Statement of Stephen and we find that our history is full of more mountains and valleys than you might have guessed. If you have good days and bad days - turns out, you're in great company!
Grab your bible and let's dive into Acts chapter 7.
You can catch the video podcast over on youtube:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLgwRM0g2W4lzYJnJZy7uObq6-OAa9ktXU
OR if you want to grab the sermon manuscript, it can be found here:
https://www.thesimpleton.org/post/witness-statement-acts-7
Why do bad things happen to good people? And when they DO happen, how can we possibly be okay with it?
In Episode 12 we return to the book of Acts, this time in chapter 5 and we capture and incredibly vital teaching about suffering and love. It's a major shift in perspective, but it is SO important to understand what Jesus did for us - and for helping us understand the suffering in our OWN lives as well.
Check out the video on our Youtube Channel:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLgwRM0g2W4lzYJnJZy7uObq6-OAa9ktXU
Or the Manuscript of the sermon here:
https://www.thesimpleton.org/post/worthy-to-suffer-acts-5
What if church was meant to be more than just a bunch of people facing the same direction while one guy talks to them a lot?
What if the whole idea of "professional" pastor is the wrong way to look at the gathering of believers?
What if ALL OF US have a ministry?
We answer all these questions and more when we look at Acts chapter 6 and watch the disciples handle a problem with a food distribution ministry in the early church. Grab your bible and join us!
You can watch the video podcast on youtube here:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLgwRM0g2W4lzYJnJZy7uObq6-OAa9ktXU
and if you want a copy of the manuscript, you can find THAT here:
https://www.thesimpleton.org/post/chosen-to-serve-acts-6
In Episode 8 we begin a brand new sermon series, stepping back into the Old Testament to follow Joseph on his whirlwind journey into Egypt.
We see how the favoritism of Joseph's father creates an imbalance that spirals out of control and hurts a lot of people - and we are challenged in our lives to not be picky with our love.
Grab your bible, and let's head into Genesis 37 together!
Continuing our series called There and Back Again - we follow Joseph into slavery and imprisonment. We see the brokenness of a sexual ethic without God, and see how God has something better in mind.
This is a raw sermon that deals with vital topics of sexual assault, consent and what God has in mind for sexual integrity.
We're in Genesis 39 today - jump right in!
In Episode 10 we jump into part 3 of our series There and Back Again - a series on the nation of Israel's journey into slavery in Egypt and then back out again.
We have followed Joseph into slavery, into Potiphar's house - and now into prison.
We see that even though his situation gets worse and worse - God never left Joseph, God never forgot him, even when those around him did.
There is very good news hidden for us in that message.
In the finale to Part 1 of our series There and Back Again we witness Joseph interpreting Pharoah's dream, and then being set in charge of all of Egypt.
The days of abundance prepare them for the days of famine and we see that God gives us everything we need to do what HE would have us do in life - and we walk away with the realization that it is our job to prepare accordingly.
In Episode 5 we continue our series Origin Stories, about the birth of the church.
In chapter 2 of the book of Acts, we witness the pentecost moment, and watch as Peter brings together the people of faith and begins delivering the most important message humanity has ever heard.
In Episode 6 we find ourselves in part 3 of the Origin Stories sermon series.
We jump in to Acts chapter 3, and Pastor JJ shares a personal story from a close friend to illustrate that if we do not want to be stuck at the Beautiful Gate, we must dream bigger dreams than this world deems possible.
In Episode 4 we open up in a new series in the book of Acts called Origin Stories
Moving through the book one chapter each episode, we will journey alongside the disciples as they work to create the early church.
We will take a look at the ascension of Jesus and see how that can affect and influence our lives today.
Have you ever felt stupid or un-equiped for the job in front of you?
In Episode 7 we finish up part one of the Origin Stories series, with an exploration of Chapter 4 of the book of Acts.
We will watch as the disciples are treated with contempt, for they are merely "ordinary men" - yet, by the power of the Holy Spirit we will also be inspired to find out what incredible things "ordinary" men and women of God can do.
Today's podcast finishes up the series "We Are The Church" with the topic of Communion.
What we find when we dig into the cultural setting is an amazing realization about what exactly Jesus was saying when he slid that cup across the table and said, "this is my covenant"
Everything about communion points to the depth of God's love for us, points to how much God wants to save us.
Let's check it out together!
We continue our series called We Are The Church and explore questions like "what is theology?" and "why should I care?"
Pairing together a metaphor from CS Lewis, scripture from Timothy and Peter, and a couple of stories - I try to explain in a simple way how God has given us everything we need to learn all about Him.
Dive in and check it out!
Welcome to our BRAND NEW podcast!
The goal here was to post sermon content from Pastor JJ - the simpleton, which helps you get into the word of God in a straightforward, simple way.
At the same time, every now and then we will throw in a discussion about a tough topic handled from a practical, concrete manner.
we hope you enjoy - the simpleton podcast!