Three:16 Church Podcast: Recent Episodes
Three:16 Church San Antonio
Three:16 Church (formerly Fortress Church) is a disciple making church in San Antonio, Texas seeking to lead our culture to Jesus. We post weekly messages from the Sunday morning service in audio format. Go to www.three16.org for more information.
Three:16 Women's Event. Hostess: Leisha Padilla. Panelists: Rachel Czubas, Sonia Villarreal, and Cherly Aponte
This episode is a reading from a resource by Axis ministries called "A Parents Guide to New Year's Resolutions". You can read the PDF by clicking HERE.
Day 26
Scripture Meditation: Isaiah 9:6-7
For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
and his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of his government and of peace
there will be no end,
on the throne of David and over his kingdom,
to establish it and to uphold it
with justice and with righteousness
from this time forth and forevermore.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.
Action Steps:
- Have each person in the family pick the top two or three things from the list above that they want to focus on in the coming year.
- Get creative! If someone sees a way to bring about that’s not on the list above, share it with one another.
- Create your own family list, adding clarity to or expounding on any one of the above suggestions in a way that’s meaningful for your family.
Day 25
Scripture Meditation: “Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. For,
“Whoever would love life
and see good days
must keep their tongue from evil
and their lips from deceitful speech.
They must turn from evil and do good;
they must seek peace and pursue it.
For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous
and his ears are attentive to their prayer,
but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”
Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.”—1 Peter 3:9-14
Action Steps:
Sometime today, or as soon as you’re able, ask your family one of these questions.
- Where do see peace having a cost?
- Why is it so tempting to “repay evil with evil”?
- What would it cost you to help bring peace to your environment?
Day 24
Scripture Meditation: Luke 2:8-14
“And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. 10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”
Action Steps:
Sometime today, or as soon as you’re able, ask your family one of these questions:
- Does peacemaking seem practical to you? Why or why not?
- 1 Peter 3:9 says to “repay evil with blessing.” What do you think that means?
- What would peacemaking look like in our daily lives?
You’ll also want to start planning today for your time together on Sunday. Remember, this all started with Sundays (or Saturdays) being an opportunity to slow down and enter into a different rhythm (Sabbath). This Sunday will be the culmination and reflection of all the weeks and days so far. If peace is something we have to work toward, our own homes are a great place to start. So here’s what you’ll need to begin to prepare.
Plan a meal that allows time for a longer discussion (approx. 2-3 hrs.). Below is a basic outline of how your Saturday meal/discussion time could go. (Don’t worry we will give you a more detailed plan on Saturday.)
In order for the God of peace to rule over our lives we must first put ourselves in a posture to receive His peace. Here are four key shifts you can begin to make to be in the right posture:
- Shift from hurry to being more intentional and living with hope.
- Before your meal, come up with a creative way to eliminate hurry from your family’s lives. Get some sticky notes or 3×5 cards to write down what you want to fill your life with in 2020. (More details on Saturday’s email)
- Shift from envy to more joy.
- Have this conversation over everyone’s favorite family meal.
- We’ll give you discussion questions to go over during the meal.
- Shift from indifference to love.
- Discussion over dessert. (More details on Saturday’s email)
- Remember two weeks ago when you gave away your favorite desserts? This week have everyone actually eat their favorite desserts.
- Shift from anxiety/worry to peace.
- After the meal, go over the discussion questions provided in Saturday’s email.
Anxiety & Depression Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/74326/6740707
Anxiety Conversation Video: https://drive.google.com/file/d/14syvvPgzK6F6-lS_gDxOgc8M1gFU2SB4/view?usp=sharing
Day 23
Scripture Meditation: Isaiah 41:10
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Action Steps:
Sometime today, or as soon as you’re able, ask your family some of these questions.
- What are the biggest causes of anxiety that you’ve seen?
- What do you think Jesus meant in John 14:27?
- What’s the difference between seeking the peace of God and seeking the God of peace?
This episode is a reading from a resource by Axis ministries called "A Parents Guide to Depression & Anxiety". You can read the PDF by clicking HERE.
Discussion Questions:
- Have you or has anyone you know ever struggled with depression? Anxiety? What did you or they do to deal with it?
- How do your friends talk about mental health issues? Do you have
someone besides me that you can talk to if you’re struggling? - How do you feel when talking about mental health?
- Do you wish our church/pastors talked about mental health more or
differently? If so, how and why? - What can I do differently to show you that I care about your mental
health and do not think less of you if you struggle? - What does the Bible say about dealing with sorrows and worries? How
can that help us when we’re in the midst of depression or anxiety? - Has anyone ever given you unhelpful advice for dealing with mental
health? Why did you find it unhelpful? What would be better? - How can you and I be more aware of other people’s mental and
emotional struggles? How can we help them mentally, physically, and
spiritually?
Day 19
Scripture Meditation: Ephesians 5:1-2
“Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”
Action Steps:
Sometime today, or as soon as you’re able, ask your family one of these questions.
- How does gratitude for God’s love help us love others?
- When have you experienced profound love from someone?
What’s one thing our family could do to show love to someone? (Prioritize this one—we’ll say more about it tomorrow)
Day 18
Scripture Meditation: Psalm 139
Action Steps:
Sometime today, or as soon as you’re able, ask your family one of these questions.
- What does it mean to take care of ourselves?
- Does taking care of ourselves seem selfish to you? Why or why not?
- How does valuing ourselves help us value others?
Day 17
Scripture Meditation: Hebrews 12:1-2
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Action Steps:
To put living self-sacrificially into practice, we want to encourage you to find an opportunity to serve others this weekend. Is there a soup kitchen, retirement home, rescue mission, or food bank near you at which your family can volunteer to serve others? Find a way soon to serve a local organization. If it’s not possible because of COVID-19, brainstorm as a family a way you can live self-sacrificially and serve others. We recommend not giving money to someone on the corner. Instead find a way to support local organizations that truly know how to help people in need.
Day 16
Scripture Meditation: Matthew 16:24-26
“Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?”
Action Steps:
Sometime today, or as soon as you’re able, ask your family one of these questions.
- Who have you seen living self-sacrificially?
- Why do people act in self-preservation?
- What do you think is the opposite of love?
This episode is a reading from a resource by Axis ministries called "A Parents Guide to The 12 Days Of Christmas". You can read the PDF by clicking HERE.
Discussion Questions:
Do you like celebrating Christmas? Why or why not?
• If you could change how we celebrate, what would you change?
• What does the birth of Jesus represent or signify to you?
• Does it feel wrong or indulgent to celebrate Christmas with big feasts
and gifts and parties? Why or why not?
• Why do you think the Christmas period comes after the somber time
of Advent?
• Which parts of our modern Christmas traditions do you think enhance
the meaning of it? Which parts do you think take away from it?
• What should we do if we don’t feel like celebrating and feasting this
year?
• Why do you think we didn’t listen to Christmas music until Christmas
Day this year? Did you like or not like that? Why?
• What have you learned from celebrating the different parts of Christmas?
• Why do you think the Christian calendar is organized the way it is?
• How can we become more generous with other people this Christmas
season?
Day 12
Scripture Meditation: John 10:7-10
“So Jesus again said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”
Action Steps:
As soon as you’re able, discuss the following as a family:
- What do you think it means to have “abundant life”?
- Is it possible that what we think would make life abundant might not actually? Why or why not?
- How do you think joy and abundant life are related to each other?
Day 11
Scripture Meditation: Philippians 4:11-13 11 “Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”
**Action Steps:
"**We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased." -C.S. Lewis
As soon as you’re able, read C.S. Lewis’ words above to your family and ask them what they think it means. Then openly discuss the following:
- What do you think it means to be satisfied in Christ alone? Does that actually seem satisfying? Why or why not?
- If everything were taken away from you, do you realistically think you’d be able to sing the words “It is well with my soul” and mean them? Why or why not?
- Do you think it’s possible to desire Jesus and nothing else? Why or why not? What would it take to get to that point?
Day 10
12/8/20
Scripture Meditation: 1 Thessalonians 5:18
“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
Action Steps:
Start planning Sunday’s gratitude experience:
- Ask your kids what their favorite desserts are.
- Buy the ingredients sometime before Sunday.
- If any of the desserts are more involved, do what prep work you can ahead of time (i.e. if the dough needs to sit for a couple days, make it early). You don’t want the baking to take more than a couple hours.
- Get your kids excited! Sunday’s going to be a fun day, but be prepared for a twist.
Day 9
Scripture Meditation:
Psalm 22:25-26
Psalm 90:13-14
Psalm 91:14-16
Psalm 103:2-5
Action Steps:
Sometime today, or as soon as you’re able, ask your family one or all of these questions.
- Do you ever feel happy or content? Why or why not?
- Have you ever gotten something you really wanted and felt disappointed? Why do you think that is?
- What is happiness? Is it different from joy? How so?
- What do you think Jesus meant when He said “life does not consist in an abundance of possessions”?
This episode is a reading from a resource by Axis ministries called "A Parents Guide to Sabbath Rest". You can read the PDF by clicking HERE.
Day 5
Scripture Meditation:
“For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.” // Romans 8:24-25
Action Steps:Sometime today, or as soon as you’re able, ask your family one of these questions.
- What could we do as a family to develop our capacity to be patient?
- Do you think hope is a dangerous thing? Why or why not?
- What is the difference between hope and optimism?
- How do you think our family handles waiting?
Day 4
Scripture Meditation: Matthew 11:28-30
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
Action Steps:Sometime today, or as soon as you’re able, ask your family one of these questions.
- Have you ever wanted to help someone but felt you didn’t have time?
- How can we create margin to allow for those beautiful interruptions?
Here are some examples that my family and I have tried and are planning on doing this year to reach those around us:
- Go on regular walks in your neighborhood. Say hi from afar and find a way to stir up conversation if everyone feels comfortable.
- Try dropping off sweets to a neighbor just to let them know you care. A few weeks ago, I gave some desserts to my neighbor who recently lost a loved one. I got a chance to pray for him and his family.
- Send a text or call a friend to just ask them how they’re doing. No favors, no invites, no agenda - just see how they’re doing.
As a helpful aid to this topic of slowing down, consider listening as a family to this episode of the Fight Hustle, End Hurry podcast and allow it to spark conversation.
https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9maWdodGh1c3RsZWVuZGh1cnJ5LmxpYnN5bi5jb20vcnNz/episode/ODc0NGQyMzEtNjczYi00ZjE3LWI2ZjYtZjBhNGJlMDZjODk4?hl=en&ep=6&at=1574786281799
Day 3
December 1st, 2020
Scripture Meditation:
“And on the seventh day God finished his work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all his work that he had done. 3 So God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it God rested from all his work that he had done in creation.” // Genesis 2:2-3
Action Steps:
Start planning a Sabbath this weekend. Consider actually starting the evening before at dinner time. As you plan, keep in mind these important factors that line up with how the Jews practice Sabbath to this day.
- Relent: Stop working. Remember that we must cease from both physical and mental work. So let go of whatever you’ve been trying to think through or figure out, just for a single day.
- Rest: Our bodies need rest, and we rest best when our minds and bodies are free from doing (including staring at screens!). Once you’ve “paused,” rest/sleep will come much easier.
- Remember: Hope has come into the world. Carve out time to reflect and remember that the God who created all things loves us so much He sent His Son to save us. You can make this a part of conversation over meals, in car rides, playing games, going for a walk, getting ice cream, sipping on cocoa or coffee, or whatever else your family enjoys doing together.
- Restore: Take time to consider together: What re-energizes us? What drains us? How can we do things as a family that are fun and energizing? How do we remove the things that drain us? Give yourselves permission to play and enjoy God’s creation.
Monday, November 30th, 2020
Scripture Meditation:
Exodus 20:8-10 // “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor, and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God.”
Action Steps:
Sometime today, or as soon as you’re able, ask your family one of these questions.
- When was the last time you felt truly rested?
- What things leave you feeling truly rested afterward?
- What would striking a work/life (or school/life) balance require?
Watch the video series "Advent And Your Family" here: https://youtu.be/BB2PD09zS5U
Sign up for the 30 Day Family Experience by clicking here: https://fortress.churchcenter.com/people/forms/193483
In our first annual Orphan Care Sunday, Pastor Matt Garcia talks about the importance of the local church getting involved in orphan care. Here at Fortress Church, we are launching our Orphan Care ministry. If you would like to volunteer or learn more about Fortress Orphan Care, go to www.fortressorphancare.org.
Register Here: https://fortress.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/194052
Parents, I know that it’s hard talking to your teenagers about tough issues in life, and intentionally discipling them in the ways of the Lord. As a youth pastor, I’ve heard story after story of rebellious teenagers who are selfish and lack communication and respect. But I’ve also seen some parents who can learn to grow in patience, humility, and conflict. This is why we’re hosting an event called “Come Together”.
"Come Together" is an event for parents and teenagers to come together and talk about important issues in the family. The presentations will cover issues like, social media, family legacy, sex, drugs, reading the Bible, and redeeming relationships with the hope of Jesus.
This event aims to help families talk about growing in a relationship with Jesus together while navigating the tough waters of culture, relationships, and family conflict. It's happening on Saturday, May 4th at Fortress Church from 9am-2pm. Tickets are just $10 which includes your lunch and workbook.
Here are some of the sessions we will be discussing:
-
Jesus' First Words
*Why kids need their parents, why parents need their kids, and family legacy. -
Alone Together
*How social media, TV, movies, and video games shape us as individuals and as families. -
Sex, Drugs, College & Jesus
*How pop culture can shape our values, and how its vision contrasts with Jesus’ vision. -
How To Read The Bible Like The Devil
*All the ways we tend to misread scripture, and how to properly apply it to our lives. -
Hope For Families
*Where our hope comes from, and how to repair and redeem our relationships. -
Jesus' Last Words
*The ultimate hope of Christianity, and how that informs the way we live as families.
Also, since this is on May the 4th, it will be Star Wars themed, so bring your Star Wars apparel and take pictures at the Star Wars photo booth!
You can register you, your spouse, and your student HERE for the Come Together event on Saturday, May 4th, 2019 at Fortress Church from 9am-2pm.
Together, we can influence our amazing teenagers to Love God and Love People!
On Pentecost Sunday, Pastor Matt speaks about understanding the gifts of the Holy Spirit and being filled with God's Spirit.
Some people think that if Jesus were right in front of them all their questions would answered, their doubts, worries and fears would go away. But it happened to two men in the Bible and they STILL didn't see Him for who He was. God just wants us to sit at the table with him.
Pastor Randy starts with a popular verse, John 3:16, and explains the greatest love story every told. It's the story of Jesus.
Pastor Randy concludes the message series by talking about the importance of love in the life of a Christian.
Patrick comes from a Christian background, but never really understood who Jesus was. The divorce of his parents led him down an unrighteous path. But then he was introduced to Jesus.
Pastor Randy teaches on the importance of understanding how to overcome with Jesus on our side.
Matt and Jesika share how their stories are familiar with the story of the prodigal son in Luke 15.
Pastor Randy continues the series by talking about the importance of generosity in the lives of believers.
Pastor Randy introduces a new series called "It's What We Do". It's all about what we do as believers in Jesus.
Pastor Randy continues the Relentless series and encourages everyone to keep on keeping on.
Pastor Randy shares about the importance of focusing on the important things in life and keeping your eye on the goal.
Pastor Dennis shares his heart on a 3 step recipe for peace in your walk with Jesus. In a world where worry is around every corner, this message is important to hear.
Pastor Randy talks about the importance of financial giving as a spiritual discipline as believers.
Chris Broussard is a sports analyst from Fox Sports 1 and founder of the K.I.N.G. Movement. He strives to equip men to represent Christ in their families, communities, and churches. Listen in today to hear his testimony about how God radically changed his life around.
Pastor Randy continues the conversation about the Jesus kind of love that surpasses racial boundaries in our culture.
Pastor Randy gives a message about the love of God and uses some Greek words to help us understand the different types of love and what makes God's AGAPE love better!
For Victory Sunday, we have a special guest speaker, Evangelist Ronald Rhoads, giving us a message concluding the series on "To Another Level"
Pastor Randy talks about the importance of understanding that Christianity is a RELATIONSHIP with Jesus and not just a RELIGION.
Pastor Randy challenges us to get out of our comfort zone and participate in what God is doing around us.
Pastor Randy talks about the disaster of Hurricane Harvey recently and how the storms of life can get us down. God wants us to have faith in Him in the midst of the fear all around us.
Pastor Matt talks about the story of Jesus washing the feet of His disciples and how we're called to serve those around us - our family, our community, our friends, and even our enemies.
Pastor Randy gives scriptural teaching from the story of Gideon illustrating how God has called us to get out of our comfort zone and engage in His purpose for our lives.
Pastor Randy gives the first message of the new series about taking your spiritual life to another level and maturing into the person God has called you to.
Pastor Matt interviews Pastor Randy on his new book, "To Another Level". Check it out at www.toanotherlevelbook.com.
Pastor Randy give a practical teaching on how to have Godly wisdom and the different between Godly wisdom and worldly wisdom.
This week, Pastor Randy speaks on the how we choose blessings or curses in our lives by the words that we speak.
Pastor Randy talks about the story of the prophet, Elijah, in 1 Kings, and uses it to illustrate how our relationship with God needs to be.
Pastor Matt gives another word study from John 1:14 and what the big deal was about the Christmas story.
Pastor Matt talks about the importance of the Bible in our lives, dabbles in a cool Hebrew word, and challenges us to be hearers & doers of the Word.
Alicia Carrasco from Christ Mission College in San Antonio, TX tells us what CMC is all about and gives an inspiring message about our identity in Christ.
Pentecost didn't start in the New Testament. It's an Old Testament celebration that greatly affects the way we encounter God. Listen in to hear Pastor Randy give a powerful word on Pentecost Sunday.
Pastor Dennis gives a Memorial Weekend message of the importance of being under the commanding army of Jesus Christ.
Pastor Randy concludes the message series by answering the tough question of "Why do bad things happen to good people?"
Pastor Randy talks about the positive influence our family makes in our lives, especially our mothers.
Pastor Randy gives us a biblical perspective of why there is evil in the world and what we can do about it.
Today, Pastor Randy shares why life isn't fair. Instead of searching for the answer in the world, we should look to God in the midst of life's ups and downs.
Pastor Matt Garcia answers the question, "Why pray when God already knows?" Pray is an important part of the Christian life, so this question is one worth exploring.
Pastor Randy gives a message on the promise of the resurrection, the Holy Spirit, and the Second Coming.
Pastor Randy gives a special teaching on the Four Cups centered around the Passover celebration and Holy Communion.
Today, we hear Michelle Carter's story of pain and triumph to become a USA Gold Medalist in the 2016 Olympics.
Pastor Randy gives an illustrated message about "God's Masterpiece" and uses live painter to demonstrate how God turns our pain and failures into beautiful works of art. Check out the video on Facebook --> https://www.facebook.com/FortressSA/videos/1475042315873990/
Just like a marvelous tapestry needs many different fabric colors and layers, so we need different people in our lives to help us. We are Better Together. Go to www.fortresschurch.org/groups to sign up for a Connect Group.
Even when it seems like no one cares, God is working for your good and His glory behind the scenes. We may not see it, but He's there.
God, the Grand Designer, has been weaving us into His promises and His will since before we were even born. All we have to do is look at the evidence. Once we do that, we can see how God will guide our future.
Pastor Dennis Bonnet preaches a message about how God is our Creator, our Provider, our Ruler, and our Savior from Acts 17:16-28.
Love is so much more than feelings inside of you. God is love. And His love shines through you to ultimately impact others.
Teamwork makes the dream work. But the thing is, you don't have to be the best to be a champion, you just have to be on the right team . . . God's team!
Selflessness is not thinking less of yourself, it's thinking of yourself less. Serving involves us putting others first.
Life is tough. That's why God created us to be in community, so we have someone to lean on in those times of sorrow and grief. Not only will we get through trials and tribulations as a community, but we will also come out stronger together.
We belong in community. That's how God created us. This week, Pastor Randy speaks of the importance of belonging to a community of believers through Connect Groups.
Pastor Randy starts a new sermon series called "Better Together" and it's all about community. Growing with others is a game-changer in your spiritual growth. Are you connected with others to grow?
Check out Fortress Church online at www.fortresschurch.org