Pastor Steve Thompson's podcast: Recent Episodes
steve Thompson
Sometimes even the most dedicated of Christians feels like they are "in the dark" and wonder why God seems so far away.
Matthew 11:1-19 -- Jesus' ministry doesn't fit the picture of what John the Baptist and some others thought it might be. What wrong expectations did people at that time have about Jesus? What challenges do we face with people's expectations about the church today?
Matthew 10:32-42 is our passage as we continue our study of Matthew together... what challenges will be faced by those who take the name of Jesus?
Our study of Matthew continues... today we are looking at the 12 Apostles: Who were they? How were they called? In what order?
Matthew 9:18-34 is our text as we continue to study Jesus earthly ministry! Looking at three healings in this section... What makes them similar? What are the differences? What can we learn about Jesus from these healing events?
As we begin Matthew chapter eight, we come to the story of the paralytic that was healed by Jesus. How are forgiveness and healing tied together here? How should we understand it?
Matthew 8:1-17 details a few times that Jesus healed people during His earthly ministry. What is the significance of these healings? What are we to learn from the attitude of the Centurion? What does this teach us about Jesus' Authority?
Matthew 7:13-29 contains a lot of contrasts .. two roads, two gates. What is the difference between the two? Is the real emphasis on the road or the gate? Why?
Revelation 21:1-4 ... looking at the City of God and the end of all of our tears and pain. What's the real treasure of eternity? Who is the city of God really about?
Matthew 7:1-6 contains one of the most popular verses, quoted by those who believe the Bible and those who do not. What type of judgment are we talking about? What is the proper, Biblical place for judgment in the Christian life?
We are looking at Matthew 6:25-34, the topic of worry. What does the word "worry" mean here in the Scripture? Is it really wrong to worry about our physical needs?
Matthew 6:9-15 is our text this morning as we come to the Lord's Prayer. Jesus gives us a model for those that have a genuine heart for prayer. What do I do to include others in my prayers? What does it mean to me to be able to address God as Father in my prayers?
Matthew 6:1-8 How should we understand "righteousness"? Is it tied to our eternal destination? When Jesus is teaching regarding giving and not letting one hand know what the other is doing... what does that mean? Join us as we look at the two examples Jesus gives, prayer and giving.
Matthew 5:21-30 --> Jesus explains and defines the real dangers of these two particular sins. Is the problem our behavior or the heart beneath it? How should we understand reconciliation and court battles between Christians?
As we continue our study of Matthew, we come to chapter 5:17-20. What does it mean for Jesus to "fulfill" the law? What did the prophets write about the Messiah who was to come? What does the Mosiac Law have to do with Jesus in the New Testament?
Join us in the first part of Matthew, chapter three as we look at the person of John the Baptist. Who was he?
Matthew 1:1-17 sets the stage for the story of Jesus that has eternal significance. What's special about the Old Testament Covenants? Why is the lineage of Jesus important?
Matthew 1:18-25 tells us the story of how God's plan for the birth of Jesus on earth unfolded. What is the importance of the Virgin Birth? What were the implications of Mary's pregnancy at the time? What important prophecies are being fulfilled in this story?
Matthew 2:1-12 is our text as we look forward to the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. He truly had a birth announcement worthy of a King! When did the star appear? Who were the Magi? Who was King at the time?
Some of the verses we will be looking at include: Mark 1:8, John 3:5-8, Luke 12:50, etc.
How should we define the word "baptism"? Why is it important for us to understand baptism in light of Scripture? What are the major views within Christianity of baptism?
This is the first part of a short series on worship. Let's start with defining terms: where does the word "worship" come from and how should we understand it? Is it a noun or a verb? What does the Old Testament have to teach us about worship?
Starting in Genesis 1, we will look at the "big picture" of God's plan. What gives us purpose? How did we get here? What clues has God given us in creation? What's His plan for overcoming the Fall and sin?
If we're honest, even as Christians we go through events in life that make us feel like God is distant. Why does this happen? What can we do to draw near to God during these times?
2 Corinthians 11:30-12:2 is our text as we look at how God can bring something meaningful and redemptive out of our weakness. When we stand back and look at the big picture, God's power can shine through our weakness.
2 Corinthians 11:5-15 - What matters in ministry: style or substance? What can we learn from Paul here about relating to others in ministry, and in the culture? Are we equally committed to the Free Gospel?
2 Corinthians 10:1-5 is our text, as we look at Paul's experience with spiritual warfare and see that many of the same challenges are ones we face today. What battles do we still fight as Christians? What can we learn from this passage and apply to our lives right now? What things rule our minds and lead us into idolatry? How can we re-focus our devotion on Christ?
2 Corinthians 9:6-15
Is manipulation the right way to motivate others to give? How can we give out of joy? What things stand in the way of us giving (time, services, talents) the way that God intends for us to?
2 Corinthians 7:9-8:5 looks at sorrow that leads to repentance.. versus the sorrow of the world, which leads to death. What can we learn from this passage about joy in ministry? What does repentance have to do with our motivation in giving and serving?
2 Corinthians 8:6-9:5 is our text as we look at the matter of giving. Are we giving for the right reasons? Do we give sincerely, out of love? What enables us to serve others the way God asks?
In light of current events, we're taking a break from 2 Corinthians to talk about racism in America and how the church should respond. Is racism a sin issue? Does it exist in our area? How do we handle it as a church? What are we called to do as Christians?
We will look at the following passages together: Romans 3:9-12, 5:12; James 1;19-21, Ephesians 4, 1 Peter 3:8-9.
Today we are looking at 2 Corinthians 5:18-21. What is the ministry of reconciliation? Who is at fault in our relationship with God? What barriers are there to becoming right with Him once again?
We are studying 1 Corinthians 5:11-15 this morning... and asking ourselves the questions, What has happened to our zeal for the Gospel? What can we do to change it? What does the fear of the Lord have to do with our motivation to Evangelize?
1. The Last Supper
- The Scattering of the Disciples
- Jesus Intercessory Prayer
- Jesus Prayer for Himself
- Jesus betrayal and Arrest
- Pilate declares Jesus innocent but hands Him over for crucifixion
- Jesus crucifixion
- Jesus burial
- The Tomb is guarded
- Jesus appears to the women
- The report of the guard
- Jesus appears to 11 disciples
What is the difference between a relationship with Christ and a religious system? What is the temptation of legalism? How can we make sure that we don't fall into the trap of making rules that aren't found in Scripture?
Join us in Mark 7:1-13 as we finish our short series on legalism. What lessons can we take with us into our relationships with others in the church?
We will be exploring how and why legalism opposes spirituality. What are the dangers of falling into legalism? How should the believer live righteously? Why can't we devise a system of things to follow to achieve greater spirituality?
Join us in Romans 6:1-7, Mark 7:14-23, Hebrews 8:7-13 and Colossians 2:20-23. Open your Bible with us as we study!
Legalism: what is it? Where does the word come from? Is Legalism a term that we find in Scripture?
Join us as we look at a few passages in Galatians and Colossians to build our Scriptural basis for understanding Legalism. What are the consequences of thinking in a legalistic way as a Christian?
Join us for a challenge on corporate prayer as we look at these passages together. What should we pray together about? How does prayer unite us as the body of Christ?
John 17:20-21 Matthew 6:9-13 Acts 1:9-14, 2:41-42, 13:1-3 2 Corinthians 1:8-11 1 Thess. 5:16-18 Colossians 4:2-4 James 4:1-3
As we finish our study of 1 Corinthians, Paul has one last lesson for us. Open your Bible to chapter 16 and read along as we face timely issues of social interaction, quality time, and greeting one another like family.
1 Corinthians 15:50-58 What difference does the resurrection make? What is truth? Where do our affections lie? How does the truth change the way we live from one day to another?
How does the resurrection of Christ give us certainty? Does the resurrection speak to more than just our lives? What does it mean for the reconciliation of all things, the new heaven and new earth? Study with us in 1 Corinthians 15:20-34 as we look at how the resurrection of Christ fits into God's greater plan.
The first question Paul addresses is how can we be physically raised? The second question is what type of body will we have in the resurrection? Join us in 1 Corinthians 15:35-49 as we look at the analogy of the seed and see what it can teach us about physical, bodily resurrection.
1 Corinthians 15:1-19 takes everything back to the basics of the Gospel. What are the key elements? What evidences are there for the physical resurrection of Jesus? How does Paul demonstrate God's grace in his example? What does our faith mean if the resurrection never happened?
1 Corinthians 14:26-40 is our text as we look at questions regarding tongues and prophecy. What is the reason for orderliness? Does it demonstrate anything about our inner selves? When we speak, who's in control? Does God empty our minds before filling them with His message?
Today we are studying 1 Corinthians 14:13-25. The question of speaking in tongues can be controversial ... but what is the heart issue? What are spiritual gifts ultimately for? Join us as we answer these questions and look at how the mind can help us worship and bring glory to God.
Join us in 1 Corinthians 14:1-12! What is the difference between the gifts of tongues and prophecy? Why is it important? What does it mean to edify another member of the body with our gifts?
Why is love different than faith and hope? What makes love "the greatest of these?," as it says in 1 Corinthians 13? Open your Bible with us as we finish our study of chapter 13 and delve into the questions of love's eternal nature and how it enables us to properly serve with our spiritual gifts.
What does it mean to have diversity and unity at the same time? What is God's plan for us to serve others in the body of Christ? 1 Corinthians 12:12-26 is our text today as we study spiritual gifts. Let's challenge ourselves to ask the question, "What kind of ministry opportunities has God brought into my path?"
This morning we look at 1 Corinthians 12:1-11 and ask the fundamental question: What is really the emphasis of spiritual gifts and why do we sometimes miss the point about them? Are all the possible gifts in this list? Are all spiritual gifts given in the present?
We are in 1 Corinthians 11:17-34 today as we study the Lord's Supper. Why is there emphasis on the Lord's Supper here? How can we make sure that the manner in which we take it reflects on the unity of the body of Christ? When we reflect before taking part, what should we reflect on?
Here are some questions to ask before partaking in the Lord's Supper: Am I a builder or a wrecker in the body of Christ? Have I been selfish? How do I view others in the body of Christ? Am I using my gifts to honor Jesus, and minister to others?
Should women wear head-coverings during worship? Is it still a sign of submission? What cultural signs of submission do we still observe? Is this issue really about covering our heads, or is it about our attitude of worship? Join us in 1 Corinthians 11:1-16 as we study God's design for us in coming to worship, and the beauty of modeling the relationship of the Trinity in our marriage relationship.
Today in 1 Corinthians 10:23-33, we will study the true meaning of the phrase "freedom in Christ," in the context of seeking to glorify God. What is the point of sacrificing some of our freedoms in Christ? What does it mean to consider someone else's conscience? What does it mean to "do all things to the glory of God," in the context of this passage?
Following our study of temptations and the examples listed for us in the Old Testament, we go to 1 Corinthians 10:14-22 to learn about the nature of the Lord's Supper. What do the symbols of the Lord's Supper have to teach us? What does it mean to fellowship? We are warned against idolatry ... but what does that have to do with the imagery of fellowship?
1 Corinthians 10:1-13
Related passages: Exodus 16:14-18 Exodus 17:5-6 Numbers 14:26-30 Exodus 32:1-6 Numbers 25:1-9 Numbers 24:4-7 Numbers 11:1-3
1 Corinthians 9:1-14 -- As we continue our series in 1 Corinthians, Paul gives us his examples on freedom in Christ, and holding back for the sake of others. What is the difference between being freedom and limitations? We will also discuss the issue of ministry workers being supported by the church - what does this have to do with Paul's freedom? Finally, let's reflect on this question: Do I view others through the Gospel or my flesh?
1 Corinthians 7:25-40 addresses the question of Singleness. What should my attitude be towards being single? What are the benefits of being single? What does God want me to do during my single years? Do I use my time, talents and resources for God or for myself?
1 Corinthians 7:10-16 --> In this study of the issues surrounding marriage nad divorce, re-marriage and split families, we will ask the following questions: How can we apply the Gospel to our marriage relationship? How can we show the grace of God to our spouse? Is my marriage suffering? How is that related to my spiritual health?
1 Corinthians 7:1-7 teaches us that God's design for marriage is intentional and beautiful. What does that mean for single people? Is being married better than being single? What ministry opportunities do we have in each stage of life? What should a Christian philosophy of sex in the context of marriage be?
1 Corinthians 7:17-24 is our text as we explore the concept of serving the Lord where He has called us. Paul challenges us to focus on the commands of God and not worry about our outward appearance. What about those who are in slavery? Should salvation push us to change our circumstances?
We are studying 1 Corinthians 6:9-20. How can we glorify God in our physical bodies? What does the soul have to do with the actions of the body? Is there a spiritual consequence for our behavior?
1 Corinthians 5:9-6:8 --> What does it mean to "associate" with immoral people? What about "judging" those in the church? Why does Paul tell Christians not to take each other to court?
The problem of sin is the first thing Paul addresses to the church at Corinth in I Corinthians 5:1-8. Join us for an exposition of these verses; we will look at the sin, the pride behind it, and the response of the church.
In this exposition of 1 Corinthians 4:1-13, we will discuss factions in the church and what it means to be in Christ.
An exposition of 1 Corinthians 2:10-16. When God's Word is spoken and explained, why does it seem that some people can't ever see the value of it? When frustration sets in over certain people's caustic reaction to the Bible, what is a good perspective to have when looking at a person? Do you get angry and rage, or do you remain calm as you look comprehend what is really happening with them?
Looking at the top 8 priorities in Grace Community Evangelical Church's efforts to fulfill the Great Commission.
An exposition of Romans 14:4-8. What does it mean to judge? Who is the one we must please?
Looking at the events surrounding the birth of Christ and looking at the Enemy's attack on humanity. Luke & Revelation passages