AMEN PODCAST: Recent Episodes

Alex & Lokelani Wilson

Preaching the good news of Jesus Christ and how it applies to everyday life. amenpodcast.com

The Parable of the Ten Virgins: Are You Ready for Jesus’ Return? | Matthew 25:1-13

What if you looked ready for Jesus’ return but weren’t actually prepared? In this powerful third episode of our Parousia Parables series, we dive deep into one of Jesus’ most sobering warnings about His second coming.

The parable of the ten virgins isn’t just about waiting—it’s about being ready. Five were wise, five were foolish, and the difference came down to something that couldn’t be borrowed: oil. Join us as we unpack what this oil represents, why some believers won’t be ready when Jesus returns, and most importantly, how YOU can be prepared.

In This Episode: ✓ What the oil in the parable really represents ✓ Why looking like a Christian doesn’t make you one ✓ The shocking reality that some things can’t be borrowed ✓ How to truly be ready for Christ’s return ✓ The beautiful power of repentance in the Christian life

This isn’t about living in fear—it’s about running into the arms of a Savior who loves you so much He took your place. Don’t miss the party when the Bridegroom comes.

AFTER THE AMEN: We end with a powerful question: Are you ready? Plus a discussion on why repentance shouldn’t be a scary word but a beautiful reality in every believer’s life.

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VISIT US: House Church Kauai Website: housechurchkauai.com DM us on Instagram for our contact info!

📍 Broadcasting from the beautiful island of Kauai, Hawaii

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What happens when church leaders abuse their power? More importantly—what does Jesus expect from ALL of us when He returns?

In this episode, we break down Matthew 24:45-51, where Jesus gives a serious warning about faithful stewardship. This isn’t just for pastors—it’s for anyone trying to live for Christ in their 20s and figure out what God has entrusted to them.

We talk about: ✓ Why bad church leadership hurts so much (and what Jesus says about it) ✓ The real problem with waiting for Jesus to come back ✓ What it means to be a faithful steward of your time, talents, and treasures ✓ How integrity and hard work connect to eternal rewards ✓ Why Jesus took our punishment so we could receive His reward

The bottom line: Jesus is coming back, and when He does, He’s going to find us either faithfully stewarding what He’s given us—or not. The question is, which one will you be?

SUPPORT THE PODCAST: 💰 Donate: amenpodcast.com/donate 💸 Venmo: @amenpodcast 💵 Cash App: $amenalex

Your support keeps these episodes ad-free and helps us continue producing content every week!

CONNECT WITH US: 🌐 Website: amenpodcast.com 📍 Location: Kauai, Hawaii ⛪ Church: House Church (meets in our garage!)

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Are you truly expecting Jesus to return, or have you gotten too comfortable in this world?

In this powerful message, Pastor Alex breaks down Jesus’s parable of the thief from Matthew 24:42-44 - the first of five parables about His second coming. Most Christians today are living like Jesus will never return, but He told us to stay AWAKE and stay ALERT because He’s coming like a thief in the night.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

Why Jesus compared His return to a thief (and why that should change everything)
The two ways we can stay ready for His coming
What’s causing Christians to “fall asleep” spiritually
How to live with true expectancy every single day

This is part 1 of our 5-part series on Jesus’s parables about His second coming. Don’t miss what could be the wake-up call your faith needs.

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Biblical Truth About the Rapture | Matthew 24:32-41

Everything you thought you knew about being "left behind" is backwards. The popular Left Behind series got it wrong, and it's time to set the record straight with what Scripture actually teaches.

In this episode, we dive deep into Matthew 24:32-41 to discover why being left behind is actually God's plan for His people, not a punishment. Using the account of Noah as our framework, we'll explore how the popular rapture theology from the 1990s has created an unbiblical escapism mentality that contradicts God's true plan for renewal, not escape.

Join us as we examine the historical origins of dispensational theology, break down the Greek text, and reveal how Christ was "taken" so that we could be "left behind" to reign with Him in the new heavens and new earth.

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Key Scriptures Discussed:

Matthew 24:32-41
Genesis 7:23
Romans 8:19-21
Revelation 21:1-5
Philippians 2:6-8
2 Peter 3:11-14

Connect With Us: House Church meets in our garage in Kauai, Hawaii. We're committed to reaching ages 18-30 with deep biblical truth that challenges mainstream Christian culture.

Like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to join our community of believers seeking biblical truth over popular theology.

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what is prayer? amenpodcast.com

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catechism #37 “How does the Holy Spirit help us?”. amenpodcast.com

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In this episode of Amen Podcast, we dive deep into one of Scripture's most debated passages about Jesus's second coming. We explore Matthew 24:29-31, where Jesus describes the sun being darkened, the moon losing its light, and stars falling from heaven.

What did Jesus really mean by these cosmic signs? Are they literal or symbolic? We examine the Old Testament connections to similar language used in Isaiah and Ezekiel when describing the fall of nations, and discover how Jesus uses this apocalyptic imagery to describe both the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD and His ultimate return.

We discuss the three key characteristics of Christ's second coming - it will be unmistakable, universal, and unstoppable - and why this truth should give Christians hope, remind us of our eternal home, and provide help in difficult times. Rather than constantly looking for subtle signs, we explore how believers should live ready every day, focusing on sharing the gospel with compassion and truth.

The episode concludes with practical application questions about living faithfully while anticipating Christ's return, emphasizing our call to be others-focused rather than comfortable in our faith.

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Matthew 24 has been twisted to sell books and create fear. Here's what Jesus actually meant.

In this episode, Alex breaks down Matthew 24:15-28 and the "abomination of desolation" - revealing how this passage was Jesus giving His disciples specific instructions for surviving the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD, not a roadmap for modern end times predictions.

Discover why the rapture isn't biblical, how false teachers use confusion to control people, and what it means to live faithfully while waiting for Christ's return. This historical context will free you from doomsday anxiety and refocus your faith on what matters.

Key Topics:

The true meaning of "abomination of desolation"
Historical context of Jerusalem's destruction (70 AD)
Why end times predictions miss the point
Biblical patterns for fleeing evil
Living faithfully vs. sign-seeking

Join Alex and Lokelani for biblical teaching that cuts through the noise and gets back to Scripture's clear message.

Support our ministry: amenpodcast.com Q&A segment included - stick around for practical application.

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What do we believe about the Holy Spirit? amenpodcast.com

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Ever wondered where your faith actually comes from? This catechism question will blow your mind about the true source of saving faith.

In this episode, we dive deep into Catechism Question 35: "Since we are redeemed by grace alone through faith alone, where does this faith come from?" The answer might surprise you - even the faith to believe is a gift from God through the Holy Spirit.

We explore: ✅ Why faith isn't something you can "work up" or muster ✅ The danger of treating faith like hard work✅ How Titus 3:4-6 reveals God's incredible mercy ✅ Why this truth should humble us (and set us free!)

Stop trying so hard to believe and start resting in the beautiful truth that your faith is God's gift to you. No boasting, no earning - just pure grace.

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📖 Key Scripture: Titus 3:4-6

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In this episode, Pastor Alex explores Jesus' warning about persecution in Matthew 24:9-14. Learn about the three forms of persecution believers face - distress, being detested, and deception - and discover how true disciples respond by maintaining love, endurance, and faithful preaching even under pressure.

Drawing from personal experiences and biblical truth, this teaching reveals how Jesus pressed through persecution to give us the power to do the same, bringing glory to God in the process.

Key Topics:

Understanding persecution in the end times
Three forms of persecution Christians face
How to press into God's love during hardship
The power of the gospel in difficult seasons

Question for Reflection: How can you press into God's love amidst persecution?

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Hosts: Alex & Lokelani Website: amenpodcast.com

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In this challenging message from our house church on Kauai, Alex examines Paul's direct approach to confronting serious sin within the Corinthian church. Drawing from 1 Corinthians 5:1-5, this sermon addresses the dangerous pride that can lead believers to overlook accountability and compromise moral standards.

Key topics covered:

The difference between Christian freedom and sinful license
Why church discipline is an act of love and restoration
Understanding the power of the Holy Spirit in overcoming sin
The role of the church community in spiritual protection
Biblical evangelism that includes repentance, not just acceptance

This message challenges both individual believers and church communities to take sin seriously while trusting in God's power for transformation and restoration. Perfect for anyone wrestling with questions about accountability, church discipline, or the balance between grace and holiness.

Scripture Reference: 1 Corinthians 5:1-5

Speaker: Alex Wilson

Location: House Church, Kauai

For more messages, visit our website or subscribe to stay connected with our house church community.

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In this episode, Alex breaks down Jesus's teaching from Matthew 24:3-8 about the signs of the end times and what He meant when He called them "birth pains." Discover why wars, earthquakes, and false messiahs aren't immediate signs that the end is near, and how understanding this truth can bring peace instead of fear.

Key Points Covered:

Why the disciples asked Jesus about the signs of His coming
The problem with fear-based interpretations of current events
How birth pains help us understand God's timeline
What it means to be ready without being alarmed
Why these signs will continue until Christ's return

From the Amen Podcast, hosted by Lokelani and Alex, this biblical teaching helps Christians navigate end times discussions with wisdom and peace rather than panic and speculation.

Bible Passage: Matthew 24:3-8

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After the Amen segment: How can viewing current troubles as birth pains change your perspective?

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"Spiritual Fathers vs. Instructors: Following the Right Example | 1 Corinthians 4:14-21"

Paul didn't shame the Corinthians - he warned them as a loving father. There's a huge difference between having countless instructors and having a true spiritual father who was there when you got saved.

In this message, we dive into what it means to imitate godly leaders as they follow Christ, why consistency matters everywhere (not just at church), and the choice we all face: will we receive correction with a rod or in the spirit of gentleness?

Key takeaways:

The difference between spiritual fathers and instructors
Why copying godly examples changes entire communities
How one man's faithfulness can impact generations
The gospel truth about Jesus taking our punishment

Rod or gentleness? The choice is yours.

🎙️ Amen Podcast | House Church Kauai 💰 Support: Venmo @amenpodcast | CashApp $amenalex 🌐 amenpodcast.com

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In this message from Matthew 24:1-2, we explore what happens when the disciples focus on the beauty and grandeur of the physical temple, while Jesus sees something entirely different - a temporary structure destined for destruction.

What we cover:

Why the disciples couldn't believe Jesus would destroy something so magnificent
The massive scale and beauty of Herod's temple
The difference between focusing on what is seen (temporary) vs. unseen (eternal)
How Jesus became the new temple - the true meeting place with God
What it means that we are now temples of the Holy Spirit
Identifying our own "temporary temples"

Key Scriptures: Matthew 24:1-2, John 2:19, 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, 2 Corinthians 4:17-18, 1 Peter 1:8

Jesus destroyed the temporary to give us the eternal. His body was broken so that we could become living temples where God meets with us right where we are.

After the Amen: Lokelani shares about how relationships can become temporary temples and the importance of enjoying one-on-one time with God.

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What are your temporary temples? Let us know in the comments

!

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In this episode, we dive into Catechism Question 33: "Should we seek our own salvation through our own works?" The answer is a resounding NO - everything necessary for salvation is found in Christ alone.

What we cover:

Why seeking salvation through good works denies Christ as our only Redeemer
The difference between living FOR salvation vs. living FROM salvation
How faith in Jesus, not keeping the law, makes us right with God
Why you can "hang up the heavy apron of works" and rest in Christ
The empowerment that comes from knowing you're already saved

Key Scripture: Galatians 2:16 - "Yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law, but through faith in Jesus Christ."

This isn't about being lazy in your faith - it's about understanding that your obedience flows FROM your salvation, not TO earn your salvation. There's a huge difference, and it changes everything.

Connect with us: 🌐 Website: amenpodcast.com

Support the podcast: Venmo @amenpodcast | Cash App $amenalex

Thanks for listening! Hit that subscribe button and let us know your thoughts in the comments.

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In this episode, Alex breaks down two important concepts: justification (being declared righteous before God through Christ) and sanctification (our gradual growth in righteousness through the Holy Spirit's work).

Using 1 Peter 1:1-2, we explore how God sees us as righteous because of Jesus, while the Spirit transforms us day by day as we walk through this life toward the promised land.

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In this powerful message, Pastor Alex explores what it means to live by God's holy standards versus man's standards. Drawing from 1 Corinthians 4:9-13 and the story of David's anointing in 1 Samuel 16, we discover why Christians are called to embrace "last place" in a world that prizes first place.

Key Topics Covered:

Understanding the difference between holy standards and human standards
Why the apostles described themselves as being "displayed in last place"
The story of David's selection as king and what it teaches us about God's perspective
How to respond to persecution, criticism, and being dishonored for following Christ
The danger of judging leaders and others by external appearances
Living with the knowledge that "earth honors what heaven hates"
The power of communion and covenant community

Scripture References:

1 Corinthians 4:9-13
1 Samuel 16:1-13
1 Thessalonians 5:12-13
Psalm 5:5

This message challenges believers to examine whether they are living by God's standards or trying to meet the world's expectations. Pastor Alex reminds us that following the crucified Messiah means embracing the same humility and servant-heartedness that Jesus demonstrated.

About Amen Podcast: Join Pastor Alex and co-host Lokelani for biblical teaching from House Church in Kauai, Hawaii. Visit amenpodcast.com for more resources and to support this ministry.

Support: Venmo: @amenpodcast | Cash App: $amenalex

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Welcome back to Amen Podcast! Join Alex and Lokelani as they conclude their powerful Song of Solomon series with this final episode on The Relentless Love of God from Song of Solomon Chapter 8.

What You'll Discover:

✨ How God's love is as strong as death and cannot be quenched by any flood💒 The beautiful picture of Christ as the bridegroom and the church as His bride🙏 Why God longs to hear from you in prayer - and how Jesus made that possible🛡️ The importance of preserving and protecting one another in the church community💍 How marriage reflects the unrelenting, exclusive love of Christ for His people

Key Highlights:

Jesus praying three times in Gethsemane so heaven could hear from you
The meaning behind "Set me as a seal upon your heart"
Why God's love cannot be bought with any amount of wealth
The role of spiritual brothers and sisters in protecting the community
How our prayers rise like incense before God

About Amen Podcast:

We're Alex and Lokelani, broadcasting from beautiful Kauai, Hawaii, where we believe the gospel changes everything. Alex pastors House Church, which meets in our garage, and together we're passionate about making God's Word accessible and applicable to everyday life.

What's Next:

🔥 We're heading back to the Gospel of Matthew (we're in the 20s chapters!)📖 Continuing our study through Corinthians💭 Don't miss our "After the Amen" discussion question at the end!

Connect & Support:

🌐 Website: amenpodcast.com💰 Support us: Venmo @amenpodcast | CashApp $amenalex📱 We're completely listener-supported - thank you for making this possible!

Discussion Question:

How have you experienced God's unrelenting love in your own life? Share your thoughts in the comments below! 👇

If you're new to the podcast and joined us for Song of Solomon, stick around! Matthew and Corinthians are going to be incredible too. Whether you're single, married, or somewhere in between, this message will encourage your heart and deepen your relationship with Christ.

Like, comment, and subscribe if this blessed you! Let's grow this community together.

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decreasing so Jesus can increase. house church. amenpodcast.com

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CONTENT DISCLAIMER

⚠️ Important Notice Before Viewing ⚠️

Content Warning: This episode contains mature discussions about sexual topics, sexual trauma, abuse, and intimate relationships. Viewer discretion is advised.

Age Recommendation: This content is intended for mature audiences (18+) and married couples, engaged individuals, or those preparing for marriage under pastoral guidance.

Mental Health Notice: If you are currently struggling with sexual trauma, abuse, or related mental health challenges, please consider watching this with a trusted counselor, pastor, or support person present. This content may be triggering for some viewers.

Not Professional Therapy: While we share personal experiences and biblical perspectives, this podcast does not replace professional counseling, therapy, or medical advice. For serious trauma or mental health concerns, please seek qualified professional help.

Theological Perspective: This content reflects our biblical understanding and personal experiences. We encourage you to study Scripture for yourself and discuss these topics with your local pastor or spiritual advisor.

Privacy Reminder: Personal testimonies shared in this episode are intended to bring hope and healing. Please respect the vulnerability of those who have shared their stories.

Support Resources:

If you need immediate help: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988
For sexual abuse survivors: RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673
Find a biblical counselor: biblicalcounseling.com

Our Heart: We approach these topics with deep reverence, understanding that many carry pain in these areas. Our prayer is that Christ's love and healing would reach those who need it most.

Parental Guidance: Parents, please preview this content before sharing with teens or young adults, and consider discussing these topics together in an age-appropriate manner.

By continuing to watch, you acknowledge that you understand the nature of this content and accept responsibility for your viewing decision.

In this powerful episode, Alex and Lokelani dive deep into Song of Solomon chapter 7 to explore one of the most important yet often avoided topics in the church: sexual brokenness and God's path to healing.

What We Cover:

How God re-describes us vs. how sin defines us
The difference between "falls" and "flights" in our spiritual journey
Biblical sexuality within marriage - treasures "new and old"
Why our desires need to be rewired by God's love
Personal testimonies of healing from sexual trauma
The cross as the ultimate source of healing from sexual brokenness

Key Takeaway: Jesus was broken so that we could be healed. No matter what sexual brokenness you've experienced - whether from your own choices or at the hands of others - true healing comes only through the cross of Christ.

This is the second-to-last episode in our Song of Solomon series before we return to Matthew. We believe this message will bring hope and healing to many who have been carrying shame in silence.

Connect With Us: 🌐 Website: amenpodcast.com 💰 Support: amenpodcast.com/donate 📧 Substack: [Subscribe for written content - goal: 1,000 subscribers!] 📱 Instagram: @amenpodcast [Behind the scenes of House Church + episode supplements] 💸 Venmo: @amenpodcast 💰 Cash App: $amenalex

About Amen Podcast: Join Pastor Alex and Lokelani from Kauai, Hawaii as they teach through Scripture with authenticity and grace. Broadcasting from their garage church (House Church), they tackle the hard topics the church often avoids.

🙏 If this episode helps you or someone you know, please share it. We're praying this brings healing to many who need to hear these truths.

Next Episode: Final Song of Solomon chapter, then back to Matthew!

SexualHealing #SongOfSolomon #BiblicalSexuality #ChristianPodcast #HouseChurch #AmenPodcast #Kauai #Hawaii #SexualBrokenness #ChristianMarriage #BibleStudy #Gospel #CrossOfChrist

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Song of Solomon 6:4-13

What happens when conflict hits your relationships? In this powerful episode, Alex dives deep into Song of Solomon chapter 6 to reveal God's immutability - His unchanging nature - and how it transforms the way we handle conflict.

🎯 Key Takeaways:

God's character never changes, even when we mess up
How to start conflict resolution with affirmation (not accusations)
Why commitment matters more than perfection in relationships
The difference between biblical conflict and our culture's "serial relationships"
Practical steps for handling disagreements in marriage, friendship, and with God

📖 Scripture Focus: Song of Solomon 6:4-13

Alex breaks down how Solomon responds to conflict with his wife - not with anger or rejection, but with affirmation, commitment, and reminders of her unique value. This mirrors exactly how God approaches us when we've messed up or pulled away from Him.

Whether you're single, married, engaged, or walking through relationship difficulties, this episode will encourage you that God's love for you never wavers, and it will equip you with biblical tools for healthier conflict resolution.

💬 After the Amen Question: How can you handle conflict in your life knowing God is unchanging?

🏝️ Connect with us:

Website: amenpodcast.com/donate
Support the podcast: Venmo @amenpodcast | CashApp $amenalex

📍 Broadcasting from Kauai, Hawaii | House Church meets in our garage!

Like, subscribe, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts - we'd love to hear how this episode impacted you!

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What does it really mean to be a faithful leader in God's church?

In this powerful message from 1 Corinthians 4:1-6, we dive deep into what biblical leadership actually looks like. Spoiler alert: it's not about being the captain of the ship or seeking approval from others.

Paul reveals that church leaders are called to be "under-rowers" - the lowest servants on the boat - whose only job is to faithfully bring God's treasures from His storehouse (the Word) to His people. No adding their own spin, no taking ingredients out, just pure faithfulness to what God has already provided.

Key takeaways:

Why seeking human approval (or even self-approval) misses the point entirely
How God will reveal everything hidden in darkness on judgment day
Why taking sin seriously is actually an act of love for the church
The difference between living as citizens of heaven vs. blending in with the culture around us
How Christ became the ultimate faithful steward, paying our debt with His life

The challenge: If we want to change our communities, we can't live and act like our communities. We're called to be IN the world, but not OF the world.

This isn't your typical Sunday morning message - it's raw, real, and challenges us to live with eternal perspective in a culture that's obsessed with temporary approval.

Recorded live at House Church Kauai - where kids run around, faith gets real, and the garage becomes a place of transformation.

Get full access to Amen Podcast at amenpodcast.substack.com/subscribe

What Do You Do When You Reject God? | Song of Solomon 5:2-6:3 | Amen Podcast

Welcome back to Amen Podcast! 🌺 Join Alex and Lokelani as they continue their deep dive through the Song of Solomon, exploring one of the most challenging aspects of our relationship with God - what happens when WE are the ones causing setbacks.

📖 What We Cover:

Scripture: Song of Solomon 5:2 - 6:3 (ESV)

In this powerful episode, we dive into:

Why we sometimes reject God's call for intimacy (even as believers)
The silly excuses we make when Jesus is knocking at our hearts
How our guilt and shame "beat us up" when we turn away from Him
What God does when we reject Him (spoiler: He doesn't abandon us!)
The beautiful role of Christian community in restoration
How reflecting on God's character draws us back to repentance

🌊 Key Takeaways:

✨ God knew what He was getting when He chose you - your sin doesn't surprise Him ✨ When we reject God, He goes to "work" - showing grace and pursuing us ✨ The church should help restore, not condemn, those returning to God ✨ "I am my beloved's and my beloved is mine" - His love never leaves us

💭 After the Amen Q&A:

We close with our signature "After the Amen" segment where we share what stood out to us most and invite YOU to share your thoughts in the comments!

🏝️ About Amen Podcast:

Broadcasting from beautiful Kauai, Hawaii, Alex (pastor of House Church) and Lokelani believe the gospel changes everything. We're committed to expository preaching through God's Word with practical application for everyday life.

🤝 Support the Ministry:

If this podcast has blessed you, please consider supporting us:

Venmo: @amenpodcast
CashApp: $amenalex
Website: amenpodcast.com

🔔 Stay Connected:

Subscribe and hit the bell for new episodes
Share with friends who need to hear this message
Leave a comment with your "Amen" from this episode
Visit our website: amenpodcast.com

Bible Translation: ESV (English Standard Version

)

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In this powerful episode from Song of Solomon chapter 4, Alex explores three beautiful ways Christ expresses His love for the church. Discover how Jesus pursues us with:

Legal Love - He enters into an unbreakable covenant with us
Affectionate Love - He calls us friends and delights in our company
Passionate Love - He gave His life on the cross out of crazy love for us

Just like Solomon's bride is described as "a garden locked," believers are securely "locked in" with Christ - never to be separated from His love. This intimate picture from Scripture will transform how you see your relationship with Jesus and inspire you to bear fruit as His beloved.

Key Takeaway: When we truly understand how Christ sees us - beautiful, secure, and deeply loved - our lives naturally become fruitful gardens that reflect His glory.

Perfect for anyone wanting to deepen their relationship with Jesus and understand the security we have in Him.

Hosts: Alex & LokelaniSeries: Song of Solomon Study

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catechism #29

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How to Walk Step by Step with Jesus Every Day | Song of Solomon 3:6-11

What does it mean to truly follow Jesus? In this powerful sermon from Song of Solomon 3:6-11, we explore the beautiful picture of walking side by side with our King - not ahead of Him, not behind Him, but right by His side where He calls us to be.

Just as God took Eve from Adam's side (not his head or his feet), Jesus the second Adam calls us to walk step by step with Him. Through the imagery of Solomon's wedding procession, we see how Christ protects, provides for, and ultimately sacrifices everything - including His life - so that we can stand by His side as His bride, the church.

This isn't about earning our place through good works, but about understanding that we smell like sweet incense to God because we're IN Christ. His side was pierced so you could stand by it.

Key Scripture: Song of Solomon 3:6-11, John 19:31-37, Revelation 5:9-10, Revelation 19:16

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What makes a truly godly wedding? In this episode, we explore Song of Solomon 3:6-11 and discover why Solomon's wedding was radically different from modern American weddings. We discuss biblical gender roles, God's design for marriage, and how every earthly wedding points to our ultimate relationship with Christ. Plus, we share practical insights for planning Christ-centered weddings and living out biblical masculinity and femininity.

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Questions #28. What happens after death to those not united to Christ by faith?

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What are you searching for? In this powerful episode, we dive deep into Song of Solomon 3:1-5 to explore the universal human longing for safety, security, and love. Through the lens of a woman's desperate nighttime search for her beloved, we uncover three profound truths about our spiritual journey.

We begin with the story of the thief on the cross from Luke 23:39-43, setting the stage for understanding how God meets us in our most desperate moments. Then we explore what we're truly searching for - that deep desire for safety that drives us to seek security in all the wrong places. From the safest place (our bed) to our most vulnerable moments (our dreams), we examine why separation from God creates such profound anxiety in our hearts.

Discover how the fear of separation drives us to search frantically in the wrong places, and learn where true safety can actually be found. Just as the woman in Song of Solomon found her beloved "scarcely" past the watchmen, we'll see how Jesus is closer than we think - even in our darkest nightmares.

This episode challenges listeners to stop searching for safety in the wrong places and instead find their security in the One who entered our nightmare to end our separation forever. Through the cross, Jesus promises that our spiritual nightmare is over - we'll never be truly unsafe or alone again.

Key Takeaway: Repent from searching for safety in the wrong places. Face your separation and find Jesus in the scarcity.

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What if your biggest insecurity isn't actually bigger than belonging to Jesus? In this raw and honest episode, Alex and Loke dive deep into Song of Solomon 2:14-17 to uncover what insecurity really is and how to break free from it. From hiding in our "secure places" to learning to catch the little foxes that spoil our relationships, this episode will challenge how you think about your worth and identity.

Key Timestamps:

00:00 - Intro: Why we're uncomfortable talking about God's deep love for us
05:24 - Reading Song of Solomon 2:14-17
06:33 - What is insecurity? (Spoiler: it's about feeling unseen)
12:10 - Alex and Loke get vulnerable about their biggest insecurities
16:41 - Why we stay insecure: The little foxes that spoil relationships
22:33 - Plot twist: Catching foxes should actually be fun
24:54 - The real solution to insecurity (hint: it's not self-improvement)
30:13 - The question that changes everything about belonging
31:23 - After the Amen: Personal stories about being misunderstood

Main Takeaways:

Insecurity = feeling unseen in areas you care deeply about
Jesus calls us out of hiding because He sees us completely and still chooses us
The "little foxes" are small things that destroy our relationships with God and others
True security comes from knowing you belong to Christ, not from fixing yourself

Perfect for: Anyone struggling with self-doubt, people-pleasing, or feeling like they don't measure up. If you've ever hidden parts of yourself because you're afraid of being rejected, this episode is for you.

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Waiting for Love: What the Bible Says About Marriage & Jesus' Return

Welcome back to another episode of Amen Podcast! Alex and Lokelani are broadcasting from the beautiful North Shore of Kauai, Hawaii, at the Hawaii Leadership Residency.

Episode Overview

In this powerful message, we dive deep into Song of Songs 2:8-13 to explore the biblical perspective on waiting - both for marriage and for the return of our Lord Jesus Christ. If you're in a season of waiting and wondering what's next, this episode is for you.

What We Cover:

🔹 What Waiting Looks Like (verses 8-9)

The balance between bounding over obstacles and respecting boundaries
How Jesus jumped over mountains to reach us while still being a gentleman

🔹 Why Waiting Is Hard (verses 10-11)

The importance of "beholding" - recognizing the signs of your season
Not getting stuck in navel-gazing but looking up to see God's timing

🔹 How to Wait Well (verses 12-13)

Looking for blossoming in your life and relationships
Trusting God's perfect timing in all seasons

Key Takeaways:

✅ Healthy desire for your future spouse is actually a GOOD sign ✅ Jesus calls us at the "springtime of our soul" - His timing is perfect ✅ Being around godly married couples helps singles wait well ✅ Don't isolate yourself from church community during difficult seasons

Practical Application:

We end with our "After the Event" segment where we ask: Are you trusting His timing? Listen as Alex and Lokman share personal applications and practical advice for waiting well.

About Hawaii Leadership Residency

Want to spend a few months in Hawaii growing in your faith? Check out the Hawaii Leadership Residency program where you can:

Attend house church teachings from various teachers
Serve the local Kauai community
Work with local kids through camp programs
Grow in community with other believers

[Link in description for more info]

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We believe the Gospel truth is everything! Join our community of believers seeking to live out biblical truth in every area of life.

Timestamps: 00:00 - Welcome from Kauai 01:17 - Introduction to waiting for marriage & Jesus' return03:01 - Song of Songs 2:8-13 reading 04:06 - What waiting looks like: Bounding & Boundaries 08:26 - Jesus stands at the door and knocks (Rev 3:20) 11:12 - Why waiting is hard: The importance of beholding 16:42 - How to wait: Looking for blossoming 18:32 - Jesus as the gardener of our souls 24:47 - After the Event Q&A segment

ChristianPodcast #BiblicalMarriage #SongOfSongs #ChristianDating #Hawaii #Waiting #Godstiming #Marriage #Jesus #Faith #Podcast

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Song of Solomon 1:16 - 2:7

Recording from the mountains of Kauai - a place of beauty and peace
This is sermon #4 in the Song of Solomon series
Topic: "Crazy Love" - the passionate, movie-like love we see in Scripture

I. What Crazy Love Looks Like (1:16-2:3)

A. Beautiful and Delightful (1:16-17)

"You are beautiful, my beloved. Truly delightful"
Their "couch is green" - outdoor intimacy in God's creation
Building a life together with quality materials (cedar, pine)
Crazy love says "I want to start a life with you, not just be roommates"

B. Standing Out Among Others (2:1-3)

She: "I am a rose of Sharon, a lily of the valley" (I'm ordinary)
He: "You are a lily among brambles" (You stand out to me)
She: "He is like an apple tree among forest trees" (He stands out to me)
This is the "only eyes for each other" kind of love we long for

C. Protection and Provision (2:3)

"I sat in his shadow" - finding protection and provision
"His fruit was sweet" - enjoying his care and leadership
Crazy love includes a man's commitment to protect and provide

II. Why We Miss This Kind of Love (2:4-6)

A. We Look for Joy in the Wrong Places (2:4)

"He brought me to his banqueting house" - the place of joy and celebration
We seek joy in money, power, fame instead of relationship with Christ
We fly different banners over our lives instead of His banner of love

B. We Choose Pleasure Over Covenant (2:5-6)

"I am sick with love" - she's lovesick but chooses to wait
"Sustain me with raisins" - being practical instead of giving in to desire
We go straight to pleasure instead of building on covenant
Same with our relationship with God - we want feelings without the gospel's hard truths

C. We Don't See the Full Picture (2:6)

"His left hand under my head, his right hand embraces me"
She's thinking about their whole life together - spiritual, physical, financial
We focus on just one aspect instead of the complete person/relationship

III. How to Get Crazy Love Right (2:7)

A. The Power Source

"By the gazelles and does of the field" (sounds like "Lord of Hosts" and "God Almighty" in Hebrew)
Only God's power can help us do relationships His way

B. God's Timing

"Do not stir up or awaken love until it pleases"
Don't force it too early, don't delay it too long
Wait for God's perfect timing, just as Jesus did

C. Following God's Design

Marriage as covenant, not just roommates
Obedience to God's design brings abundance and protection
Like driving within the lane lines - stepping outside God's intention is dangerous

Conclusion

God offers us both the "safe choice" and the "wild" passionate love
Jesus is both the responsible provider and the passionate lover of our souls
True crazy love is only possible through covenant relationship
The earthly marriage is just a hint of our eternal marriage with Christ

Application Questions

What stood out to you in this message?
Are you looking for joy in God's banqueting house or somewhere else?
How can you better see the "full picture" in your relationships?
Are you waiting for God's timing or trying to force/delay love?

Retry

A

make a podcast episode description from this

Edit

Amen Podcast Episode Description

Episode Title: Crazy Love: What the Bible Says About Passionate Romance | Song of Solomon Series #4

Description:

What if God wants you to experience the kind of crazy, passionate love you see in movies - not despite being a Christian, but because of it?

In this episode recorded from the beautiful mountains of Kauai, we dive into Song of Solomon 1:16-2:7 to discover what "crazy love" actually looks like in Scripture. You might be surprised to learn that the Bible doesn't just endorse safe, practical relationships - it celebrates the kind of dizzying, movie-like romance that makes you want to build a whole life with someone.

In this episode, we explore:

Why biblical love is both wild AND wise (it's not either/or!)
The difference between building a marriage vs. just being roommates
Why we miss out on crazy love (hint: it's about covenant, not just feelings)
How to know when it's the right time to "awaken love"
What separate bedrooms and delayed intimacy reveal about our hearts
Why God's design for relationships leads to the deepest satisfaction

We also discuss how our relationship with Christ mirrors this passionate love - He's both the "safe choice" and the "wild" lover of our souls who went to crazy lengths to pursue us.

Whether you're single, dating, engaged, or married, this episode will challenge you to see God's design for love in a fresh way and help you understand why doing relationships His way leads to the kind of romance movies try to capture.

Recorded on location in the mountains of Kauai

🎧 Questions for reflection: What stood out to you? Are you looking for joy in the right places? How can you see the "full picture" in your relationships?

💝 Support the podcast: Visit amenpodcast.com/donate to help us continue creating content like this

SongOfSolomon #ChristianDating #BiblicalMarriage #CrazyLove #Romance #Relationships #Podcast #Hawaii #Kauai

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The TRUE Meaning of Christ's Death. AmenPodcast.com

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Song of Solomon Series: From Raven to Dove

What does it mean to truly love and be loved? In Song of Solomon 1:9-15, we discover pure love - the kind that makes you stand out like a treasured mare among royal chariots.

But here's the problem: we're broken. We're attracted to what hurts instead of what's beautiful. Like restless ravens, we fly to and fro, refusing Christ's adornment and rejecting his fragrance for our own stench.

Christ transforms our wandering hearts into something still and fragrant - turning us from ravens into doves. He quiets our restless souls and fills us with his aroma.

The question is: what do your eyes reveal about the condition of your heart? Are they raven eyes or dove eyes?

Key Takeaways:

Pure love means standing out in someone's eyes
Our broken senses are attracted to stench instead of fragrance
Christ adorns us with grace and makes us still
Transformation happens when we stop flying restlessly and return to him

Based on Song of Solomon 1:9-15 and Genesis 8

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Why was it necessary for Christ, the Redeemer, to die? Catechism #24. amenpodcast.com

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Song of Solomon Series #2. Verses 1:5-8. What makes a person attractive is it their looks is it their intelligence? Is it their status? Is it their success God has a different standard for attraction. There is a certain beauty that is eternal and impossible to ignore. It is all inspiring and ours in Christ Jesus. Today we look at song of Solomon chapter 1:5-8 to know how to be attractive as a Christian. amenpodcast.com

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Are you tired of playing the dating game and losing? In this episode, Alex and Lilinoe break down Song of Solomon 1:1-4 to reveal what actually attracts godly women. Spoiler: It's not your bank account or gym gains.

Discover why having "fragrant character" matters more than cologne, when to pursue vs. when to chill, and why your community's opinion of your relationship actually matters. Plus, learn the biblical balance between using your head AND your heart in dating.

Perfect for Christian guys navigating modern dating, engagement, or early marriage. Stop guessing what she wants - God already laid out the blueprint.

🎯 Key Takeaways:

The character traits that make you "marriage material"
Who should pursue who (the answer might surprise you)
Why virgins loved Solomon (and it's not what you think)
How to know if your relationship is God-approved

New episodes weekly. Like, subscribe, and let's grow together!

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Jesus's confrontation with the religious leaders in Matthew 23 represents one of His most direct and severe rebukes in Scripture. These final "woes" reveal the depth of religious hypocrisy and its consequences. This passage shows both God's judgment against hypocrisy and His heart of compassion for His people.

Key question: Are we cultivating authentic righteousness or merely maintaining religious appearances?

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In this powerful message, we explore how our personal preferences can sometimes interfere with our ability to love others as Christ commanded. Drawing from 1 Corinthians 3:21-23, this sermon examines how the early Corinthian church struggled with division and how we face similar challenges today. Learn how to fix your eyes on Jesus rather than human glory, and discover the peace that comes from understanding our identity in Christ.

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What sort of Redeemer is needed to bring us back to God? Catechism #21. amenpodcast.com

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Matthew 23:25-26.

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Catechism #20. Who is Christ our Redeemer. What does it mean for him to be fully God and fully human?

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catechism #19. Is there anyway to escape God’s punishment and enter into God’s favor?

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Beware of False Leadership: Jesus' Warning Against Religious Hypocrisy | Matthew 23:15 Bible Study. amenpodcast.com

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1 corinthians 3:10-11. amenpodcast.com

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Matthew 23:14 KJV. amenpodcast.com

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In this powerful episode, Alex unpacks Jesus' warning against religious pride and self-promotion, drawing parallels to Moses' mistake at the waters of Meribah. Through biblical insight and practical application, this message challenges listeners to examine their hearts and embrace true servant leadership in the pattern of Christ.

Whether you're a church leader or simply seeking to grow in your faith journey, this episode offers timely wisdom on the dangers of self-exaltation and the freedom found in humility.

Episode Outline:

Introduction (00:00-01:01)

Welcome to Amen Podcast
Topic introduction: Making disciples of Jesus, not ourselves
Scripture reading: Matthew 23:1-7

The Consequence of Self-Exaltation (01:25-05:29)

The story of Moses striking the rock (Numbers 20:10-13)
God's response: "You did not trust me to demonstrate my holiness"
Moses' desire for honor instead of pointing people to God
The cost of Moses' pride: not entering the Promised Land

Jesus Confronts Religious Leaders (05:30-10:11)

Setting: Holy Week before Jesus' arrest and crucifixion
Jesus addresses crowds and disciples about scribes and Pharisees
The "chair of Moses" and its authority
"Do what they say, not what they do"

The Burden of Religious Performance (10:12-14:55)

How religious leaders burden people but won't help them
Seeking to be seen by others, not by God
Explanation of phylacteries and tassels
Enlarging religious symbols to appear more spiritual
Seeking honor, best seats, and special titles

The Path of Humility (14:56-20:00)

Jesus' warning: "Don't be called rabbi, father, or instructor"
"The greatest among you will be your servant"
"Whoever exalts himself will be humbled"
God's grace to Moses despite his failure
Joshua (Jesus) as the true leader into the Promised Land

Application for Today (20:01-33:13)

The danger of seeking honor in Christian spaces
The authenticity of house church vs. performance-based Christianity
How religious rules can become burdens
Being careful of spiritual pride and works-based religion
Finding joy in service rather than recognition

Closing (33:13-end)

Prayer
Q&A invitation: "What is your amen?"
Final thoughts on burdens vs. freedom in Christ

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In this powerful episode of Amen Podcast, Alex explores what it truly means to be trustworthy and content with God's provision. Diving deep into the biblical story of Lot, Abraham's nephew, Alex reveals how one moment of deception can spiral into devastating consequences.

Through Lot's journey from Abraham's side to the corrupt city of Sodom and his tragic ending, we discover what happens when we choose deceit and covetousness over contentment and truth. Alex connects this cautionary tale to the 9th and 10th commandments, showing how Jesus exemplifies the opposite of Lot's character—being completely trustworthy, truthful, and content with His mission.

The episode culminates with a powerful message of hope, explaining how Jesus "switched places" with us on the cross, taking the punishment we deserve so we can be freed from the destructive cycle of lies and discontent. Whether you're struggling with comparison culture, resentment, or honesty, this teaching offers both warning and redemption for today's challenges.

Join us for a thought-provoking exploration of biblical truth that will challenge you to examine your heart and find freedom in Christ's sacrifice

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In this powerful episode, Pastor Alex explores 1 Corinthians 2:14-16 and the dramatic showdown between Elijah and King Ahab from 1 Kings 18. Discover the fundamental difference between "natural" thinking and "spiritual" thinking, and why Christians are called to be unnatural in the best possible way.

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Beyond Rules: The Heart Behind the Commandments

A deeper look at what it truly means to follow the sixth, seventh, and eighth commandments

When we think about biblical figures like David—a man who killed someone, stole another man's wife, and committed adultery "all in one fell swoop"—we might find ourselves feeling pretty good by comparison. After all, most of us haven't done anything nearly that scandalous.

And yet, David is called "a man after God's own heart" in Acts 13:22. How is this possible?

Jesus Reframes the Commandments

In Matthew 5, Jesus challenges our self-righteousness by digging deeper into what these commandments really require of us:

You may not have murdered anyone—but have you been consumed with anger toward someone? That murderous heart attitude is there, just restrained by consequences and laws.
You may not have committed adultery—but have you lusted after someone in your heart? Have you tried to get others to desire you? Our social media culture thrives on this exact dynamic.
You may not have stolen anything—but are you discontent with what you have? Do you believe God hasn't given you enough?

The Invitation Within the Commandments

When we look at Exodus 20:13-15 (the sixth, seventh, and eighth commandments), we discover that these aren't just prohibitions—they're invitations to a better way of living. They call us to:

Protect (not murder)
Promise (not commit adultery)
Preserve (not steal)

Be a Protector of Life

The command against murder isn't just about not killing—it's about being someone who values and protects human life. It asks: Are you the kind of person others feel safe around? Do people trust you and feel secure in your presence?

Be a Promise Keeper

The command against adultery goes beyond avoiding infidelity—it's about keeping your word. Marriage is a covenant relationship, a promise to remain faithful "despite what happens to us, despite what happens to me." This commandment asks: Are you trustworthy? Do you have integrity?

Be a Preserver

The command against stealing isn't just about respecting others' property—it's about preserving and valuing what you already have. Do you appreciate what God has given you? Are you a good steward of your own possessions?

Finding Freedom in Christ

So how do we live up to these high standards? By looking to Jesus.

On the cross, Jesus became the victim of all these sins:

He was killed (sixth commandment)
He was betrayed by those who belonged to him (seventh commandment)
He had his honor stolen (eighth commandment)

Yet in that same moment, he took our place—the place of murderers, adulterers, and thieves. He died between two thieves, one of whom recognized his own guilt and Jesus' innocence.

This is what David understood in Psalm 51 when he cried out, "Against you, you only, have I sinned." David wasn't a man after God's own heart because he was perfect, but because he understood his need for forgiveness and turned to God in repentance.

It's Not About Trying Harder

Keeping these commandments has never been about trying harder. It's always been about looking to Christ—the true Protector, Promise Keeper, and Preserver.

When we see that he took our place on the cross and that God raised him from the dead, we begin to change. We become more like the parents, leaders, and friends we want to be.

This post is part of our 52-week study through the catechism, exploring the core doctrines of our faith through questions that churches have used for centuries.

How has this perspective on the commandments spoken to you? I'd love to hear in the comments

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Welcome to the Amen Podcast, where we believe that the gospel changes everything. Today's message explores Matthew 22:41-46, where Jesus challenges the Pharisees with a profound question about his identity.

Scripture Reading: Matthew 22:41-46

Now, while the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus, asked them a question, saying, "What do you think about the Christ? Whose son is he?" They said to him, "The Son of David." He said to them, "How is it then, that David in the spirit calls him Lord, saying, 'The Lord said to my Lord, sit at my right hand until I put your enemies under your feet?' If then David calls him Lord, how is he his son?" And no one was able to answer him a word, nor from that day did anyone dare to ask him any more questions.

The Big Revelation: Jesus is More Than You Think

I was watching surfing with my son Leon recently. He had a sudden interest in it, partly because he wanted to connect with something I enjoy, but also because he's spent enough time in the water himself to understand the scale of those waves.

When you don't surf or go to the ocean much, every wave looks the same. It all blends together - same guy, same wave, over and over. But the closer you get to surfing, the bigger the experience becomes.

It's the same with the Lord. The closer you get to God, the bigger He gets to you.

The Pharisees were far from God, even though Jesus—God Himself—stood right before them. This distance is evident in their approach to Jesus with questions meant to trap Him.

A Question That Silenced the Religious Leaders

Throughout Holy Week, Jesus faced continual challenges from His enemies. After answering their questions perfectly, Jesus turns the tables. He asks them: "What do you think about the Messiah? Whose son is he?"

They quickly answered "Son of David," as any Jewish person would. This wasn't wrong - Matthew's gospel begins by identifying Jesus as "the Son of David, the son of Abraham" to connect Him to messianic prophecy.

But Jesus pushes deeper: "How is it then that David, inspired by the Spirit, calls him Lord?" quoting Psalm 110:1. Jesus points out a paradox they couldn't resolve: Why would David call his own descendant "Lord"?

The Pharisees had no answer. They couldn't reconcile how the Messiah could be both David's son (his descendant) and David's Lord (his superior).

The Big Problem Behind Our Small Problems

The Pharisees missed something crucial: They thought the Messiah would be merely a national leader who would free them from Rome. They saw their biggest problem as Roman occupation.

But Jesus reveals that the Messiah's role is much bigger—universal, not just national. Their actual problem wasn't Rome but sin and death. This required a Messiah greater than they imagined—not just the Son of David but the Son of God.

When God appears bigger to us, our problems don't necessarily get smaller. Instead, we realize that our true problem—sin and death—is actually much larger than our daily concerns. But this realization gives us peace because we have a Savior big enough to handle our greatest problem.

The Waves of Sin and Death

Think about surfing again. From the beach, waves might look manageable. But as you paddle out and get closer, you realize their true size and power. The closer Jesus got to the cross, the more real His suffering became. In the Garden of Gethsemane, He sweat drops of blood as the "wave" of our sin loomed before Him.

Yet Jesus paddled toward that wave willingly, holding nothing back. The crushing weight of sin and death—our biggest problem—overwhelmed Him completely. But three days later, He rose from the dead, defeating what was previously undefeatable.

If Jesus conquered sin and death—our greatest problem—then why do we let smaller problems defeat us? When we see God as truly big, we recognize how holy He is and how sinful we are. But we also see that if Christ defeated our biggest problem, then no matter how overwhelming our daily challenges seem, they're nothing compared to what Jesus has already overcome for us.

Living in Light of the Resurrection

This perspective change comes from spending time with God—praying, reading Scripture, attending church, and surrounding yourself with believers. Don't let small problems consume you when your biggest problem has already been solved.

What scares you about your problems? Maybe it's taxes, and you worry: "What if they take all my money?" But dig deeper, and the fear is really: "What if I'm not going to be all right?" which ultimately points to fear of death.

Or with relationships: when someone breaks up with you, what you feel isn't just rejection—it's as if you're going to die. These "small" problems mask our ultimate fear of sin and death.

But once you realize Jesus has taken care of sin and death, you can face any challenge with confidence. If Christ is with you through your problems, and He has already handled your biggest problem, then you can handle whatever comes your way.

After the Amen: Application

Lokelani’s Amen: We often worry about the wrong things—small problems instead of the big one. What's freeing is living in confidence knowing that the answer to my biggest problem is settled. Why am I consumed by smaller worries when Jesus has already answered my greatest need

?

Alex's Amen: My small problem that feels big is fear that people will discover "I'm not that awesome" and leave me. This fear is really about sin winning in my life. But sin won't win—it's already been defeated. And I'll never be alone because the One who loves me most will never leave or forsake me.

That's how the gospel changes everything in our lives. We make small problems the big problem when they're not. But Christ is bigger than we think, and our biggest problem has already been answered.

Do you want to be encouraged throughout your week? Subscribe to Amen Podcast on Substack, YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Follow us on Instagram @amenepodcast and visit amenepodcast.com to support our ministry.

Until next time, go out and be the church!

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Two Spirits:

Welcome to this week's sermon podcast! Today, we're exploring a powerful message about the two competing spiritual influences in our lives and how we can walk in the power of God's Spirit.

Episode Overview

In this episode, we'll examine the stark contrast between living by the Spirit of God versus the spirit of the world, using the dramatic story of Samson as our case study.

Key Scripture

1 Corinthians 2:10-13
Judges 16:1-30
Romans 8:11
John 20:22
Luke 23:46

Sermon Outline

Part 1: Understanding God's Breath (Spirit)

The Greek word "pneuma" means breath or spirit
Heath Ledger analogy: How he studied the Joker's breathing to understand the character
To know God's breath is to know God's character and disposition
Scripture is "breathed out by God" (2 Timothy 3:16)
Only the Spirit of God knows the thoughts of God

Part 2: Samson's Story - Power and Promises

Background: God raised judges to free Israel from enemies
Samson's Nazarite vow and its meaning
The Spirit of God rested on Samson, giving him supernatural strength
Delilah's deception and Samson's poor choices
The devastating consequence: "The Lord had left him"
Samson's final prayer and redemption

Part 3: Jesus as the Greater Samson

Both died surrounded by enemies
Samson died with his enemies; Jesus died for His enemies
Jesus "breathed His last" to give us new spiritual breath
Jesus breathed on the apostles: "Receive the Holy Spirit"

Part 4: Living in the Power of God's Spirit

Two competing spirits: the world's vs. God's
We will all die for a spirit - which one will we choose?
The Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead lives in believers
What needs to "die" in our lives for God's Spirit to fully operate?
Our communities don't need us - they need God's Spirit in us

Reflection Questions

What is the Spirit of God doing in your life right now?
What might God be asking you to let "die" so His Spirit can work more powerfully through you?
How can you better distinguish between the world's influences and God's Spirit?
In what areas of your life do you need to stop giving "CPR" to things that need to die?

Closing Thoughts

We all face a choice: Will we die giving ourselves to the spirit of this world, or will we allow things to die in us so we can fully live by God's Spirit? Remember, the same Spirit that empowered Samson and raised Jesus from the dead lives in you. Don't wait until it's too late to discover the power of living by God's breath.

Next Week

Join us as we continue our series on spiritual empowerment with "Recognizing God's Voice in a Noisy World." Subscribe to make sure you don't miss it!

If this message resonated with you, please share it with others who might need this encouragement. Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe to our podcast for more weekly spiritual insights.

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Introduction

Christianity is more than just feelings or Sunday experiences
The Greek word for "breath" and "spirit" (pneuma) is the same word
The connection between breath, life, and the Spirit of God

The Spirit Gives Us Access to the Mind of God

1 Corinthians 2:10-13 - The Spirit searches the depths of God
Just as our breath enters our brain before we speak, God's Spirit knows His thoughts
Through the Spirit, believers have special access to God's wisdom

The Story of Joseph: Dreams and Divine Purpose

Joseph's dreams came directly from God
His brothers' rejection couldn't stop God's purpose
Jesus is the greater Joseph
Rejected by his brothers
Through death, brought salvation
Gave up His breath so we could receive it

The Life-Changing Power of the Spirit

Romans 8:11 - The same Spirit that raised Jesus lives in believers
Having the Spirit means our lives should visibly change
The Spirit transforms our character and disposition

The Treasures of Knowing God Deeply

Access to the depths of God means access to deeper joy
The Spirit brings transformation to others through us
There's always more treasure to discover in Christ

Challenge

If you're not experiencing growth or change, examine your connection to the Spirit
Don't let the world make you feel strange for showing Christian character
Don't snatch away what God is trying to do in your life

Conclusion

Take time to ask: "What is the Spirit doing in my life right now?"
God's Spirit is meant to turn everything upside down
Let the life-giving power of the Spirit work through you

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Matthew 22:34-40 Bible Study

From the Amen Podcast with Alex and Lokalani

Scripture Reading

But when the Pharisees heard that he had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together and one of them, a lawyer, asked him a question to test him. "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the law?" And he said to him, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the law and the prophets."

— Matthew 22:34-40 (ESV)

Context

In this passage, Jesus faces the third and final question from religious leaders trying to trap him during Holy Week. The Pharisees had already tried to entrap him with a question about taxes. The Sadducees had attempted to trick him with a theological puzzle about resurrection. Now, a lawyer from the Pharisees tests Jesus about which of the 613 commandments in the law is greatest.

Christ's answer is brilliant and silences his critics. He doesn't simply pick one law over the others—he summarizes the entire law by combining two passages:

Deuteronomy 6:5 — "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might."
Leviticus 19:18 — "You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord."

Key Points

The Command Is Also an Invitation

When Jesus answers with "love God and love your neighbor," he's not just giving a command; he's offering an invitation to freedom. God's commandments were never meant to be oppressive rules but a pathway to life, joy, and communion with Him and others.

Love God, Love People

This "greatest commandment" is comprehensive and binary:

Vertical relationship: Love God with your whole being
Horizontal relationship: Love your neighbors as yourself

Every other commandment flows from these two principles. If we love God truly, we will keep His commandments. If we love our neighbors, we will not harm them but seek their good.

The Example of Onan: Breaking the Greatest Commandment

In Genesis 38:8-10, we see Onan refusing to fulfill his duty to his deceased brother's wife, Tamar. By selfishly seeking his own gratification without responsibility, Onan:

Failed to love God by disrespecting His plan for the family lineage
Failed to love his neighbor (Tamar) by denying her security and protection

This story illustrates how we become selfish when we break the greatest commandment. We choose gratification over responsibility, personal desires over the needs of others.

Christ Perfectly Fulfilled the Commandment

Jesus is the only one who perfectly loved God and others:

He loved God so much that he was obedient to death on a cross
He loved his neighbors (us) so much that he laid down his life for us while we were still sinners

Jesus didn't just teach the greatest commandment—he demonstrated it through his sacrifice.

Application Questions

How can you love God more fully this week? Consider practical ways to express your love through obedience, worship, and time with Him.
Who is your "neighbor" that needs your love right now? Think about family members, coworkers, church members, and actual neighbors who might need encouragement, forgiveness, or practical help.
In what areas of your life are you being selfish like Onan? Where are you choosing gratification over responsibility?
How has your perspective on God's commands changed? Do you see them as restrictive rules or as invitations to freedom and love?
What gifts has God given you that you can use to love others in your church community?

Closing Thoughts

When we shift our mindset from "I have to love God and others" to "I get to love God and others," everything changes. This isn't just a duty—it's a privilege and the pathway to true joy.

The more we walk in obedience, the more natural loving God and loving others becomes. As we grow in Christ, we find that loving others flows more easily from us because God's own love fills our hearts.

Remember: To love God is to obey Him. To love others is to serve them. And in doing both, we experience the life Jesus intended for us.

"How can you love God and love others?" Share your answers in the comments below!

Prayer

Father, thank you for your leadership and for teaching us in ways we never expected. Help us to remember that loving you and loving others is not merely a command but an invitation to experience life as you designed it. Guide us to love you through our obedience and to love others through service and sacrifice. In Jesus' name, amen

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In this episode, Alex discusses the importance of family togetherness and the Fourth and Fifth Commandments from his backyard gym. He shares how House Church began with the vision of families worshiping together rather than being separated into different rooms. He explains the three aspects of Sabbath: rhythm (establishing healthy patterns), rejuvenation (spiritual and physical restoration), and rest (embracing God's grace without working for salvation). Alex connects the Sabbath to the commandment to honor parents, emphasizing that our first relationship with father and mother shapes all future relationships. He concludes that a right relationship with God through Christ enables us to heal other relationships and truly embrace Sabbath rest. The episode is part of the Amen podcast, which can be found at amenepodcast.com and on Instagram. AmenPodcast.com

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In a world that constantly pulls us toward immediate gratification and worldly success, we often forget a profound biblical truth: for those who love God, the best is yet to come.

A Wisdom the World Doesn't Understand

Recently, I was reflecting on Paul's words in 1 Corinthians 2:8-9:

"None of the rulers of this age knew this wisdom because if they had known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. But it is written: What no eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no human heart has conceived—God has prepared these things for those who love him."

This passage reveals something extraordinary about how God works. The rulers who crucified Jesus—Tiberius, Pontius Pilate, Herod Antipas, and the religious leaders—acted in complete ignorance of God's wisdom. Had they understood what their actions would ultimately accomplish, they would have stopped immediately.

They had no idea that by crucifying Jesus, they were signing their own death warrant. They couldn't foresee how this seemingly small religious execution would lead to the rise of Christianity and eventually the end of the Roman Empire as followers of Christ lived as loyal citizens under Rome while giving their ultimate allegiance to God.

Living Differently: The Example of Daniel

This pattern of God working in ways that exceed human imagination appears throughout scripture. Consider Daniel, who served in the highest levels of government yet remained uncompromisingly devoted to God.

When faced with a law forbidding prayer to anyone but the king, Daniel didn't hesitate or hide. Daniel 6:10 tells us: "When Daniel learned about the document that had been signed, he went to his house... three times a day he got down on his knees, prayed, and gave thanks to his God, just as he had done before."

Daniel changed nothing when threatened with the lions' den. Why? Because his life was already aligned with God's purposes. He already loved God and lived differently, so when pressure came, consistency—not change—was his response.

For those living in alignment with God's will, the key isn't radical change but faithful consistency. For those not living in obedience to God, significant changes may be necessary. But for Daniel, obedience meant simply continuing what he was already doing.

What No Eye Has Seen

Throughout his life, Daniel repeatedly experienced things he could never have imagined:

Surviving the lions' den
Sleeping to the sound of purring lions
Seeing Judaism become elevated throughout the Persian Empire because of his faithfulness
Witnessing the king decree that everyone should worship Daniel's God

These experiences beautifully illustrate Paul's promise that "what no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human heart has conceived, God has prepared for those who love him."

The Greater Daniel

Jesus is the greater Daniel. Just as Daniel emerged from the lions' den unharmed with no broken bones, Jesus emerged from death itself without a single bone broken—fulfilling the prophecy of Psalm 34:20.

What enabled Jesus to endure the cross? Hebrews 12:2 tells us it was "for the joy set before him." That joy was knowing that for His children, the best was yet to come. His love for the Father and His love for us carried Him through.

From Darkness to Light

When I was eight years old, I was exposed to inappropriate content at a friend's house. That experience began a journey into darkness I couldn't have imagined at the time. Yet, more than twenty years later, God has completely reversed that trajectory.

Never would I have dreamed that God would take that broken child and transform him into someone who influences others for good. What seemed irreversible—the shame and darkness—God turned completely around.

The Power of the Cross

This is why I can't stop talking about the cross. It's not just that God redeemed us there; He reversed everything sin did in our lives. The cross gives us power to let go of anything we're holding onto too tightly—those things we think define us—because we know the best is yet to come.

How Does This Change Us?

So I leave you with this question: How does believing the best is yet to come encourage you today?

Whatever you're facing—however dark, lonely, or impossible your situation seems—if you hold onto the hope of the cross and resurrection, you can live differently. You can endure. You can overcome.

Because for those who love God, the best truly is yet to come.

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Continuing our series on Matthew 22

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When Religious Critics Attack

In our ongoing exploration of Matthew 22, we encounter Jesus facing his second challenge of the day. After silencing the Pharisees, Jesus now confronts the Sadducees, who approach Him with skepticism and mockery about the resurrection.

The passage (Matthew 22:23-34) reveals how Jesus masterfully responds to those who attempt to trap Him with theological questions. This interaction provides powerful lessons for believers today who face criticism or mockery for their faith.

Who Were the Sadducees?

Before diving into Jesus' response, it's important to understand who the Sadducees were:

They only accepted the Torah (the first five books of the Bible) as authoritative scripture
They rejected the concept of resurrection because they found no explicit mention of it in the Torah
They were part of the religious establishment that felt threatened by Jesus' growing influence

The Trick Question

The Sadducees approached Jesus with what they believed was a foolproof theological trap:

"Teacher, Moses said if a man dies having no children, his brother must marry the widow and raise up offspring for his brother. Now there were seven brothers among us. The first married and died, and having no offspring, left his wife to his brother. So too the second and third, down to the seventh. After them all, the woman died. In the resurrection, therefore, of the seven, whose wife will she be? For they all had her."

Their question referenced Deuteronomy 25:5-6, the law of levirate marriage designed to preserve family lines. By creating this extreme scenario involving seven brothers marrying the same woman, they hoped to mock the very concept of resurrection that Jesus taught.

Jesus' Two-Fold Response

Jesus doesn't hesitate or become defensive. Instead, He identifies two critical flaws in their thinking:

"You know neither the Scriptures..." - Despite their supposed expertise in the Torah, they missed its deeper teachings about eternal life
"...nor the power of God" - They limited God's abilities to their own understanding of reality

Jesus then explains that marriage is an earthly institution, not continued in heaven the same way. More powerfully, He uses their own accepted Scripture against them, quoting Exodus: "I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob." By emphasizing that God "is not the God of the dead, but of the living," Jesus affirms the resurrection from within the very Torah they claimed to revere.

Silencing Enemies God's Way

This passage teaches us vital lessons about dealing with those who mock or criticize our faith:

Stay grounded in Scripture - Jesus didn't rely on eloquence or personal attacks but on the truth of God's word
Trust in God's power - When we limit God to our understanding, we miss His greater purposes
Let God silence critics - Rather than seeking personal vengeance, allow God's truth to speak

A Personal Example

I'm reminded of our own journey in ministry. Years ago, my husband and I began creating Christian content online, facing mockery and criticism from many who thought it was "weird" or "cringe." A year before COVID-19, we felt led to start digital church services despite skepticism.

When the pandemic hit, what had seemed foolish to critics suddenly became essential. The infrastructure we had built became a lifeline for thousands seeking spiritual nourishment during lockdowns. Without fighting our critics or defending ourselves, God vindicated our efforts through His timing and provision.

The Final Word

The crowd's reaction to Jesus' response says it all: "they were astonished at his teaching." The Sadducees, who came to trap Jesus, found themselves silenced instead.

This remains true for believers today. When we face opposition, mockery, or attempts to undermine our faith, we don't need to fight back in our "own power, own pride, or own vengeance." Instead, like Jesus, we can rely on God's Word and God's power.

God will get the final word. His Word will not return void. Our call is to remain faithful, continue in what He's called us to do, and trust Him with the results.

"For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart." - Hebrews 4:12

Join us next week as we continue our series through Matthew 22 with Jesus' third response to His critics.

Prayer Prompt: Where in your life do you need to trust God to silence critics rather than fighting them yourself? Spend time asking God to help you know His Word more deeply and trust His power more fully.

If this post encouraged you, please share it with others and subscribe to receive our weekly devotionals directly to your inbox.

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As I sat in the quiet of early morning, a conviction settled over me. In our fast-paced, entertainment-saturated world, how often do we truly put God first?

When my wife and I lived in California before returning to Kauai, we intentionally kept television out of our bedroom. This simple choice led us to earlier bedtimes and earlier mornings—and surprisingly, a deeper connection with God. It wasn't about the schedule itself, but where we placed our priorities.

The First Three Commandments

In our 52-week study of the catechism, Question #9 asks: "What does God require in the first, second, and third commandments?" The answer reveals a profound framework for our relationship with God:

Know God as the one true and living God
Avoid all idolatry
Treat God's name with fear and reverence

These first three commandments all center on our relationship with God, while the remaining seven govern our relationships with others. But I've discovered these aren't just ancient rules—they're a diagnostic tool for my spiritual health.

Modern Idols in Disguise

When I spend hours scrolling through entertainment instead of in prayer, what does that reveal about my priorities? The "god of entertainment" competes with the one true God for my attention and affection. Other "gods" slip into our lives too—success, finances, self-sufficiency, even creativity.

True worship requires treating God's name—His character, His word, and His works—with genuine reverence. When I rush through prayer or Scripture because I stayed up too late watching shows, I'm not giving God the honor He deserves.

Breaking Free

Recently, I felt God convicting me to return to Him and remake my mornings. If I truly believe He is the one true and living God, shouldn't I trust that time with Him is more valuable than an extra hour of sleep? If His name is upon me as His child, shouldn't I live with purpose rather than emptiness?

Making this change isn't about trying harder—that approach always fails. Instead, we must look to Jesus:

Jesus knew and confessed God as the only true God
Jesus put the Father first in all things, constantly overturning idols
Jesus showed complete reverence for God's name in how He lived

On the cross, Jesus took the punishment for our failure to keep these commandments. Our broken relationship with God was restored through His sacrifice. When Jesus cried, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" He was experiencing the separation our sin deserved.

But three days later, God raised Jesus from the dead, proving He will never forsake us—even when we fail. He leads us toward a fuller life, saying, "You don't know what you're missing when you prioritize lesser things over Me."

Your Turn

What changes might God be calling you to make? Where have modern idols crept into your daily rhythms? Remember, don't just try harder—look to Jesus, who perfectly fulfilled these commandments and offers us grace to grow.

When we realign our priorities and put God first—whether through earlier mornings, intentional prayer, or mindful worship—what once felt like burden becomes joy. The table He invites us to is worth every sacrifice.

How are you honoring God in your daily rhythms? Share in the comments below.

This post is part of our 52-week study of the catechism. Join us next week as we continue exploring the Ten Commandments.

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Introduction: The Two Ages in Scripture

Throughout the Bible, we see a consistent theme of two distinct ages:

The Present Age - characterized by rebellion, sin, and death
The Age to Come - characterized by God's rule and righteousness

As Christians, we live in the tension between these two ages. Christ's death and resurrection have ushered in the age to come, yet we still experience the realities of the present age.

Key Scripture: 1 Corinthians 2:6-7

"We do, however, speak a wisdom among the mature but not a wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age who are coming to nothing. On the contrary, we speak God's hidden wisdom in a mystery, a wisdom God predestined before the ages for our glory."

What is Spiritual Maturity?

Spiritual maturity is not about physical age
Example: Samuel as a boy hearing God's voice (1 Samuel 3)
Contrast: Eli, physically mature but spiritually dull
Timothy being told, "Don't let anyone look down on you because you're young"
Spiritual maturity is characterized by obedience
Moving from spiritual milk to solid food (Hebrews 5:14)
"The reason why Christians don't mature in the church is because they don't walk in obedience"
Growth happens when we do what God has told us to do
Spiritual maturity means accepting reality
Recognizing we live in a fallen world
"Spiritual maturity is realizing I can't always get what I want"
Not being flustered when things don't go our way (like Esther, Ruth, and Mary)
Spiritual maturity means responding to God's voice
Samuel's response: "Speak, for your servant is listening"
Answering God directly instead of always running to intermediaries
Jesus' sacrifice ensures we can hear God's voice

How to Grow Spiritually

Recognize the age you belong to: You were born into the present age but born again into the age to come
Walk in obedience: Don't justify sin while expecting spiritual growth
Exercise faith: "Everything in your life requires faith"
Respond when God calls: Like Samuel, be quick to say "Here I am"
Accept your inability to control everything: Christianity isn't about controlling the world but about living faithfully within it

The Glory That Awaits

"A Christian's glory is that we might be like Christ"
God predestined this glory "before the ages" (1 Cor 2:7)
Jesus died so we could hear God's voice like Samuel did
In spiritual maturity, "there is nothing that the gates of hell will prevail over you"

Closing Challenge

Where is God asking you to mature, and you're not listening?

Where is He saying, "just grow up"?

What area of obedience is He calling you to embrace today?

"Spiritual maturity is having the knowledge that I am not a part of this age. I'm a part of the age to come."

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By Alex and Lokelani

Welcome to our Substack! As promised, we're providing deeper content to complement Amen podcast. This is the third and final part of our series examining Matthew 22:15-22, the famous passage about paying taxes to Caesar.

The Scripture

Then the Pharisees went and plotted how to entangle him in his words, and they sent their disciples to him along with the Herodians, saying, "Teacher, we know that you are true and teach the way of God truthfully, and you do not care about anyone's opinion, for you are not swayed by appearances. Tell us then what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not?"

But Jesus, aware of their malice, said, "Why put me to the test, you hypocrites? Show me the coin for the tax." And they brought him a denarius. And Jesus said to them, "Whose likeness and inscription is this?" They said, "Caesar's." Then he said to them, "Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's."

When they heard it, they marveled, and they left him and went away. — Matthew 22:15-22

Key Message: What Should Consume Our Zeal?

In our final exploration of this passage, we examine Jesus' response through the lens of politics and what deserves our zealous devotion.

The Cultural Context

During Jesus' time, Caesar's coins represented more than currency—they contained inscriptions declaring Caesar divine. This created tension for devout Jews who recognized only one God. The religious leaders were attempting to trap Jesus with an impossible choice:

If he said "pay taxes," religious Jews would see him endorsing idolatry
If he said "don't pay taxes," Roman authorities would view him as an insurrectionist

Jesus' brilliant response transcended this false dichotomy while revealing a deeper truth.

The Image We Bear

When Jesus asked "whose image is on this coin?" he wasn't simply finding a clever escape from their trap. He was highlighting a profound truth about identity and allegiance.

Just as coins bear Caesar's image and belong to Caesar's domain, we bear God's image and belong to God. While we can participate in earthly systems (pay taxes, vote, engage in civic life), our primary identity and loyalty must remain with God.

Warning Signs: When Politics Overshadows Faith

Here are some warning signs that politics may be displacing spiritual priorities:

Being more excited about political rallies than worship
Speaking more passionately about candidates than Christ
Skipping church to watch debates
Defining fellow Christians primarily by their political affiliations
Exhibiting rage rather than the fruit of the Spirit when discussing politics

Finding Balance: The Early Church Model

The early Christians weren't politically disengaged—they actively sought the welfare of their cities while maintaining ultimate allegiance to Christ. This dual posture made them both beneficial to society and threatening to those in power. They wanted the common good but refused to worship the emperor.

This is our model: we can be thoughtfully engaged citizens while remembering that our first love and ultimate hope lies not in political systems but in Christ's kingdom.

After the Amen

Am I zealous about the things of God? How does my passion for God's kingdom compare with other concerns in my life? When I discuss politics, do I exhibit the fruit of the Spirit or the works of the flesh?

A Call to Wisdom

Politics tends to bring out strong emotions, often leading to division even among believers. Wisdom calls us to:

Prioritize Kingdom values above partisan identities
Engage respectfully with those holding different views
Remember that sanctification happens at different paces
Care deeply about our communities while maintaining our first love

Our goal isn't to create a perfect Christian nation through political power, but to live as faithful witnesses who reflect Christ's character in every sphere of life—including the political.

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By Alex Wilson

When I was 17, my parents gave me my dad's 1997 Chevy Silverado. The truck was almost completely made of steel, and their thinking was simple: if Alex gets into an accident, he has a better chance of walking away because of how tough this truck is. They were right – I did get into a wreck, and I walked away from it. I even went to school that day.

This gift was meant to protect me, to help me flourish, to get me safely to school and football practice. It was given so I might live an abundant high school life. But I trashed the gift. I didn't honor it – I did donuts, raced my friends, drove without a seatbelt. I failed to honor the gift they had given me.

God's law is a lot like that truck.

In our ongoing 52-week study through the New City Catechism (by Crossway), we arrive at Question 8: "What is the law of God stated in the Ten Commandments?"

The law that God gave to Moses was a gift to His people. Think of it as a vehicle to transport them from Egypt to the promised land, to get them from point A to point B safely so they could flourish and experience the abundance of life that comes from walking in communion with God. But like me with my truck, they saw it as something to be broken.

Let's break down the Ten Commandments:

The first four commandments focus on our relationship with God:

Have no other gods before me
Do not make an idol for yourself
Do not misuse the name of the Lord your God
Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy

The remaining six govern our relationships with others:

Honor your father and mother
Do not murder
Do not commit adultery
Do not steal
Do not give false testimony
Do not covet

Jesus beautifully summarizes these into two commands: Love God and love your neighbor. The first four commandments show us how to love God, while the last six teach us how to love our neighbors.

Here's the challenging part: if you break even one of these commandments, you've broken them all. If you've kept them perfectly for 30 years but fail in year 31, you've broken them all. These laws show us how holy God is and how impossible it is for us to keep them perfectly on our own.

This is where Christ enters the picture. He takes God's law – this gift – and obeys it completely because He is perfect, the Son of God. He dies to pay the punishment for our law-breaking (death), and rises three days later by the Spirit of God.

This means we now live under a new covenant. If you trust in Jesus, you're no longer under the covenant of works (trying to perfectly obey the law to earn salvation) but under the covenant of grace. Jesus did the work for us. Even when we slip up, we remain in right relationship with God because of Christ's perfect obedience.

Now we can finally experience the gift of God's law as it was intended. Instead of seeing it as a monster lurking over us, we can view it as the gift it truly is – a guide to abundant life and flourishing.

I think back to my reckless driving days. I was searching for happiness in all the wrong places, putting myself in danger, living with anxiety. What if I had stopped and recognized that truck as the gift it was? What if I had shed my entitled attitude and instead spent time caring for it, appreciating it?

Here on Kauai where we live, I see local boys with their first trucks taking such incredible care of them – washing them, maintaining them, treating them with respect. There's a joy they have that others miss when they don't treat their vehicles as gifts.

Can we approach God's law the same way? Instead of viewing it as a burden, what if we saw it as a gift that shows us the path to abundant life? Under the covenant of grace, God's law isn't a harsh taskmaster but a loving guide, leading us to freedom rather than slavery.

If you want to dive deeper into these weekly reflections, subscribe to our Substack where I post detailed outlines of each episode. And if you'd like to support this podcast, visit AMENpodcast.co

m

See you next week for Question 9!

With love, Alex

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From Persuasion to Power: Learning to Trust God's Strength

In a recent sermon from House Church's Corinthians series, Pastor Alex explores 1 Corinthians 2:3-5, unpacking Paul's approach to ministry and what it teaches us about authentic faith.

The Power of Weakness

The passage reads:

"I came to you in weakness and fear and in much trembling. My speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of wisdom, but with the demonstration of the Spirit's power, so that your faith might not be based on human wisdom, but on God's power."

Alex highlights how Paul, despite his impressive credentials as a former Pharisee, approached the Corinthians in "weakness, fear, and trembling." Why? Because his message—that a crucified carpenter was actually the Son of God—sounded absolutely crazy in their context.

In Corinth, public speakers typically used eloquent, theatrical speech following Aristotle's methods. But Paul deliberately chose not to use these persuasive techniques. Instead, he relied on God's power to demonstrate the truth of his message.

Explanation vs. Demonstration

Paul didn't want the Corinthians' faith to be based on clever arguments or persuasive speech, but on experiencing God's power firsthand. Alex explains:

"He didn't want their faith to be an explanation. He wanted their faith to be a demonstration."

This distinction matters deeply. When our faith rests on human persuasion rather than God's power, it becomes vulnerable to what Alex calls "false conversions"—people who are emotionally moved by entertaining messages but whose faith eventually fades.

David and Goliath: Faith in Action

To illustrate true faith, Alex turns to the story of David and Goliath. He points out that David didn't approach Goliath with impressive weapons or armor, but with complete confidence in God's power. While Goliath relied on intimidation and his physical advantages, David declared he was coming "in the name of the Lord of armies."

In the Bible, a person's name represents their character. David wasn't just invoking God's name—he was expressing complete trust in God's character and power. This is what faith is: believing in God's character and power rather than our own abilities.

Looking Back to Move Forward

Alex connects this to how God continually called Israel to remember His deliverance from Egypt—their "Red Sea moment." For Christians today, the cross serves the same purpose. When we face challenges that seem impossible, we look back to the cross and resurrection as proof of God's power and faithfulness.

"Where you're going to be able to get through circumstances where, you know, I can't do this on my own strength is to look back at the crucifixion, to look back at the cross. That is your Red Sea moment."

After Hours Reflections

In a post-sermon conversation with his wife Lokelani, Alex shares how this message challenges him personally. As someone naturally gifted at charming and persuading others, he has to be careful not to rely on those abilities when sharing God's Word.

Lokelani adds that it's about "not mustering up our own strength" but allowing the Spirit to work through us. They agree that true spiritual impact comes not from confidence and polished presentations, but from approaching ministry with genuine humility and dependence on God.

Alex concludes with an insightful observation: "How do you know you're being led by the Spirit? Do you feel that weakness, fear and trembling? Do you feel that like, 'man, this sounds crazy, but I know it's true'?"

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In our latest episode of the Amen podcast, we explored a profound truth from Matthew 22:15-22 – the story of Jesus and the denarius. While this passage is often discussed in terms of taxes and civic duty, there's a deeper message about finding true contentment and joy in God.

The Missing Denarius

One detail that often gets overlooked is that Jesus didn't have a denarius when asked about taxes. He had to request one from his challengers. This wasn't because He was making a statement against money or government – He was practical enough to tell people to pay their taxes. Rather, it revealed something beautiful about His relationship with God: Jesus was supremely happy and content despite owning very little.

Understanding True Delight

This brings us to Psalm 37:4: "Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart." Many interpret this verse as a formula: if we're happy in God, He'll give us what we want. But the truth is more profound – when we truly delight in God, what we want changes. The desire of our new heart becomes God Himself.

Consider Abraham's story. He wanted a son for years, and God blessed him with Isaac. But when God asked Abraham to sacrifice Isaac, it revealed that Abraham's true desire wasn't just for a son – it was for God Himself. Similarly, Jesus showed us that true wealth isn't found in denarii, but in delighting in the Father's will.

Living Simply and Quietly

This understanding transforms how we view success and contentment. When we're truly delighting in God:

We stop measuring our worth by cultural standards
We find freedom in living simply
We realize we may already have everything we need
Our focus shifts from accumulating more to enjoying God more

Practical Application

How can we cultivate this delight in God? Here are some insights from our discussion:

Embrace Imperfect Moments: Your quiet time doesn't have to be perfect or even quiet. God meets us in the mess of daily life.
Use Technology Wisely: Don't feel guilty about using tools that help you create space for God, whether it's noise-canceling headphones or appropriate entertainment for your children while you pray.
Start Your Day with God: There's only one opportunity each day to start with God. While you can exercise or work later, that first moment with God is precious.
Remember You Already Have Him: If you're a believer, you don't need to change everything to delight in God. Often, it's just about enjoying what – and Who – you already have.

A New Perspective on God's Gifts

Sometimes God gives us responsibilities or roles we wouldn't have chosen for ourselves. These aren't burdens meant to diminish our joy – they're opportunities to experience more of Him. Whether it's parenthood, a challenging job, or an unexpected ministry, these can become pathways to deeper delight in God.

Conclusion

True delight isn't found in having more denarii in our pockets or achieving cultural success. It's found in God Himself. As we learn to delight in Him, we often discover that we already have everything we truly need.

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In honor of Valentine's Day, let's explore a profound question from the Christian catechism: What does God's law require? The answer lies in two simple yet powerful commandments, but first, let me share a timely story about the real Saint Valentine.

The True Story of Saint Valentine

In the third century, during the reign of Emperor Claudius, a priest named Valentine took a bold stand for love. While Claudius was sending young men to die in meaningless wars, Valentine secretly married Christian couples, knowing that married men were exempt from military service. This act of defiance saved countless lives and allowed young families to flourish. Valentine's commitment to love ultimately cost him his life – he was executed in his 40s for his actions and attempts to evangelize Claudius himself.

This story perfectly illustrates the two fundamental commandments that encompass all of God's law.

The Two Great Commandments

As Jesus teaches in Matthew 22:37-40, all of God's law – every command and prophetic word – can be distilled into two essential principles:

Love God with all your heart, soul, and mind
Love your neighbor as yourself

What Does It Mean to Love God?

Loving God means:

Enjoying His presence
Obeying His commands
Putting Him first in every area of life
Starting each day by asking: "Is this action motivated by love for God, or love for something else?"

What Does It Mean to Love Your Neighbor?

The command to "love your neighbor as yourself" isn't about self-love as a prerequisite – it's about extending the same care and consideration to others that we naturally give ourselves. Just as we instinctively seek our own wellbeing, we're called to actively pursue the happiness and growth of others, even when it requires difficult choices.

The Heart of the Matter

Here's the challenging truth: we can't fulfill these commands on our own. Our natural state is one of selfishness – just watch any baby and you'll see this truth in action. That's why the story of God's law doesn't end with commands, but with Christ.

The same God who gave the law on Mount Sinai later sent His Son to a different mountain – Calvary – not just to give us the law, but to fulfill it perfectly on our behalf. Through Christ's sacrifice, we receive both forgiveness for our failures and a new heart capable of truly loving God and others.

Practical Application

This transformation shows up in everyday moments:

In how we start our day, choosing to put God first
In how we handle difficult conversations
In how we make decisions that might cause temporary discomfort but lead to long-term growth
In how we extend grace to others, just as we've received grace

Closing Thoughts

The requirements of God's law – loving Him and loving others – aren't just rules to follow. They're an invitation to experience life as it was meant to be lived. Through Christ, we receive the power to move beyond our natural selfishness and into a life marked by genuine love for God and neighbor.

As we celebrate Valentine's Day, let's remember the priest who gave his life demonstrating these twin loves, and more importantly, the God who makes such love possible through Christ.

This post is adapted from Episode 7 of our weekly catechism series, where we explore the core doctrines of the Christian faith.

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How to Remain Loyal to God. amenpodcast.com

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In Matthew 22:15-22, we find one of Jesus's most famous responses to his critics. While many know this passage as simply being about "rendering unto Caesar," there's a deeper wisdom here about how we should live as Christians.

The Setup: A Careful Trap

The scene opens with the Pharisees plotting to "entangle" Jesus in his words. They send their disciples along with the Herodians—an unlikely alliance of religious purists and political supporters of Rome—to trap Jesus with what seems like an impossible question: "Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?"

This wasn't just about taxes. If Jesus said yes, he would alienate devout Jews who saw Roman currency as idolatrous (it bore Caesar's image and proclaimed him lord). If he said no, he'd be marked as a political insurgent against Rome. It was, in modern terms, a "gotcha" question.

Jesus's Thoughtful Response

But Jesus, showing remarkable wisdom, doesn't rush to answer. Instead, he:

Recognizes their malice despite their flattery
Asks to see the coin used for taxes
Uses their own possession of Roman currency to expose their hypocrisy
Delivers his famous response: "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's"

The Deeper Message: Being Thoughtful Christians

The real lesson here isn't just about taxes—it's about thoughtfulness. Jesus exemplifies James 1:19: "Let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger." His response wasn't just clever; it was thoughtful and measured.

In our modern world of instant reactions and hot takes, this message is more relevant than ever. Being thoughtful means:

Taking time to understand situations before responding
Not being rushed into hasty answers
Recognizing that God is not slow, but sovereign
Being aware of attempts to trap or manipulate us
Responding with wisdom rather than reaction

The Challenge of Modern Life

We live in a world that pushes us toward constant hurry and efficiency. We put in our AirPods to multitask, rush through our daily routines, and fill every moment with content. But this hurry can prevent us from being truly thoughtful.

Consider: When was the last time you did a task without background noise? When did you last take time to really think before responding to a challenging situation?

Practical Steps Toward Thoughtfulness

Start your day intentionally, not rushed
Create space in your mind by reducing mental clutter
Practice being present in mundane tasks without constant stimulation
Be especially thoughtful with those closest to you
Remember that God's sovereignty means we don't need to rush

The Heart of the Matter

Just as the coin bore Caesar's image, we bear God's image. The real question isn't just about what we owe to earthly authorities—it's about giving ourselves back to God. This requires thoughtfulness, intentionality, and the wisdom to slow down and listen before speaking.

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catechism question #6. amenpodcast.com

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Here's a podcast description:

Alex Wilson delivers a sermon from his garage church in Kauai, Hawaii, exploring the biblical theme of how God chooses the unlikely to accomplish His purposes. Drawing from 1 Corinthians and the story of Mordecai and Haman from the Book of Esther, Wilson illustrates how God often uses those the world considers weak or foolish to demonstrate His wisdom and power. The message emphasizes that Christians don't need to prove themselves because they're already approved by God, concluding with a practical analogy comparing this truth to a Costco membership card. This sermon is part of the House Church series, aimed at encouraging spiritual growth within local church communities.

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Which are you wearing?

Part 2 of the Parable of the Wedding Feast. Matthew 22:11-14.

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Catechism #5

In this episode, the Alex explores the concept of having a 'chill faith' through the biblical story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego from Daniel 3. Using their calm response to being threatened with death in a fiery furnace, he explains how true spiritual peace comes from three key elements: seeing creation as a glimpse of God's nature, finding rest in God's sustaining power, and experiencing regeneration through Christ. Drawing connections between ancient scripture and modern culture's idea of being 'nonchalant,' the episode offers a fresh perspective on maintaining unshakeable faith in challenging times. Part of an ongoing series exploring Christian catechism, this episode specifically addresses the question 'What else did God create?'

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From a house church in Kauai, Hawaii, Pastor Alex Wilson unpacks 1 Corinthians 1:26 and the powerful parable of the Wedding Feast. Through engaging storytelling and biblical insight, he explores what it means to truly consider our calling as Christians. This thought-provoking message challenges us to examine our spiritual pride, remember where we came from, and embrace the transformative invitation God extends to all of us. Whether you're a long-time believer or simply curious about faith, this sermon offers fresh perspective on humility, human dignity, and our relationship with God. Part of an ongoing series through Corinthians.

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part 1 of the parable of the wedding feast. in matthew 22:1-10. amenpodcast.com

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Why did God make you?

A simple parking lot dispute reveals a profound truth - we're all made in God's image. In this episode of the Alex Wilson Podcast, we explore Question #4 from our catechism study: "How and Why Did God Create Us?" Through Genesis 1:27 and the concept of "imago dei," discover how understanding our divine purpose transforms how we see ourselves and treat others. Learn practical ways to live out this truth and why glorifying God means recognizing His image in everyone we meet.

🎯 Key takeaways:

Understanding "imago dei" (image of God)
God's purpose in creating mankind
How this truth changes our daily interactions
Practical steps to honor
God's image in ourselves and others

Join us for this powerful exploration of identity and purpose through God's eyes.

New episodes every Friday.

Subscribe for more biblical insights for everyday living!

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How God's Folly Outsmarts the World's Wisdom

1 Corinthians 1:18-25

18 For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written,

“I will destroy the wisdom of the wise,
and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart.”
20 Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? 21 For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe. 22 For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, 23 but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, 24 but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.

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How to stop tripping over yourself and Jesus's work. Matthew 21:33-46. amenpodcast.com

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understanding the trinity. part 3 of catechism. amenpodcast.com

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Finding unity in Christ amongst Christians. 1 Corinthians 1:10-17. amenpodcast.com

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Matthew 21:28-32. amenpodcast.com

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question 2 of our catechism journey .

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1 Corinthians 1:10-17. AmenPodcast.com/Donate

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Rise Above the Noise: How to Find Strength in Faith

Do you ever feel weighed down by negativity and criticism? In this episode, we'll explore how faith in Jesus Christ can empower you to rise above hate and find strength in God's love.

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What is our only hope in life and death?

Catechisms: collections of questions and answers designed for memorization and recitation—to teach others the core doctrines of the faith.

https://newcitycatechism.com/books/

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how to be holy. week 1 of the corinthians series. amenpodcast.com/housechurch

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Jesus curses the fig tree. Mathew 21::18-22. Living Faith vs. Dead Religion. AmenPodcast.com

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Welcome back to the Alex Wilson Podcast! In this episode, we're diving deep into the concept of simple living and how to declutter your life to focus on what truly matters. We'll explore the idea of saying "no" to the world's distractions and "yes" to a deeper connection with God. Join us as we uncover practical steps to slow down and experience the peace and joy of a life centered on Christ.

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How to be an effective witness for Christ.

The manger. Luke 2:15-20. amenpodcast.com

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Ridding Yourself of Distractions: A Call to Undistracted Living and Prayerful Worship

Description:

Join us as we dive into Matthew 21:12-17, where Jesus confronts distractions in the temple and calls for a return to prayerful worship. We'll explore the importance of:

Undistracted living: How to cultivate a life focused on God amidst the noise and temptations of the world.

The power of prayer: Why prayer is essential for spiritual growth and dependence on God, both individually and corporately.

Reforming our churches: Challenging distractions within the church and returning to a focus on the glory of God.

Baby-like faith: Embracing the undistracted, laser-focused faith of a child.

Get ready to be challenged and encouraged to live a life free from distractions and fully devoted to God!

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How to Live Authentically as a Christian. AmenPodcast.com

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Jeremiah 33:12*-16 (shepherds prophecy)

Unveiling the Unexpected: The Birth of Jesus and the Joy of the Gospel

In this episode of the House Church podcast, join us as we delve into the profound implications of Jesus' birth and the message of great joy it brings. We explore the unique circumstances surrounding the shepherds' encounter with the angels, highlighting the significance of their social standing and spiritual condition. Discover how God's plan of salvation extends to all people, regardless of their background or past.

We discuss the fear and awe experienced by the shepherds in the presence of the divine, emphasizing the transformative power of God's holiness. Through the lens of Scripture, we examine the titles bestowed upon Jesus – Savior, Christ, and Lord – and their profound implications for our lives.

Furthermore, we explore the symbolism of Jesus' birth as a baby, signifying his humility and willingness to walk alongside us in our human experience. The sign of the baby in the manger underscores God's desire to be found, while the angels' song of praise declares the peace and wholeness available to those who trust in him.

Join us as we unpack the urgency and implications of the Christmas story, challenging you to live with a renewed sense of purpose and joy in light of the incredible gift we have been given in Christ.

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More of Jesus: A Call to True Surrender

Are you seeking more of God in your life? Join us as we dive deep into Matthew 21:1-11, exploring Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem and uncover a powerful truth: the key to experiencing more of God is to see and embrace Jesus as more than just a prophet or a king.

In this episode, we'll challenge you to:

Recognize Jesus's complete dependence on Scripture: Discover how Jesus modeled a life saturated with God's Word and the radical obedience that follows.
Identify the "donkeys" in your life: Uncover the areas where God is calling you to step out in faith and trust Him to provide.
Surrender to Jesus as Lord: Move beyond a superficial understanding of Jesus and embrace the life-transforming power of true submission.

Get ready to be inspired to live a life of service and wholehearted devotion to Jesus, motivated by His incredible love and sacrifice.

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This video challenges the popular idea of "finding yourself." The speaker argues that looking inward often leads to self-centeredness and sin. Instead, he encourages viewers to "lose themselves" in Christ and discover their true identity in Him through prayer, Scripture, and fellowship with other believers. amenpodcast.com/alexwilson

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Unwrapping the True Meaning of Christmas

Join us as we dive deep into the Christmas story, going beyond the presents and traditions to uncover its profound message. We'll explore the historical context of Jesus' birth, the significance of his humble beginnings, and how the true spirit of Christmas calls us to let go of material things and focus on the King. This episode challenges us to rethink our priorities and embrace the simplicity and sacrifice that lie at the heart of Christmas.

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True Sight: Seeing God Clearly in a World of Distractions

Join us today as we dive deep into Matthew 20:29-34, exploring the story of the two blind men healed by Jesus. We'll discuss the significance of their faith, the crowd's reaction, and the powerful message of true sight.

In this episode, you'll discover:

The meaning of true sight and how it applies to our lives today.

The importance of crying out to Jesus, even when the world tells us to be silent.

How to recognize and overcome spiritual blindness.

The beauty and power of God's grace and mercy.

Practical steps for deepening your relationship with Jesus.

We also discuss:

The importance of community and fellowship in the church.

How to create a welcoming space for outcasts and those who are different.

The challenges of staying focused on God in a world of distractions.
Plus:

We answer your questions and share encouraging reviews from our listeners.

Tune in now and be inspired to see God more clearly in your everyday life!

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This video explores the concept of spiritual maturity through the lens of child development, specifically "object permanence." The speaker draws a parallel between a baby's realization that their parent still exists even when out of sight, and a believer's dependence on God.

He argues that true spiritual maturity isn't about independence, but rather about recognizing our need for God and relying on Him. He uses personal anecdotes about his children and his own relationship with his father to illustrate this point.

The video concludes with a call to embrace dependence on God and find joy in that relationship.

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worship the creator, not the creation

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This episode encourages Christians to question their leaders. Using Matthew 8:14 as a starting point, Alex highlights the importance of seeking truth and understanding in faith, even when it means questioning authority. He shares personal anecdotes of times when he blindly followed religious authority, leading to negative experiences. Alex emphasizes the need for personal connection with God and encourages listeners to seek answers for themselves. AmenPodcast.com

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This episode explores the concept of experiencing God's touch in everyday life. Referencing Matthew 8:14-15, the story of Peter's mother-in-law's healing, Alex equates fever with the human tendency to rely on self-sufficiency. He emphasizes the need to relinquish pride and acknowledge our limitations, allowing Christ's sacrifice and resurrection to bring true healing and restoration.

This podcast encourages listeners to embrace a life of dependence on God, serving others and anticipating Christ's return.

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This episode explores how to experience God's touch daily. Using the story of Peter's mother-in-law's healing, Alex emphasizes the need to surrender our pride and acknowledge our own insufficiency. He explains that true healing and restoration come only through Christ's sacrifice on the cross. The podcast encourages listeners to embrace their purpose and be the hands and feet of God, touching the lives of others. amenpodcast.com

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What if true greatness wasn't about climbing the ladder, but about serving those around you? In Matthew 20, Jesus confronts the disciples' desire for power and reveals a shockingly different path to leadership. Join us as we explore this passage and discover how Jesus' death became the ultimate act of service, cleansing us from the inside out.

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Life is a Gift: Enjoy It! (A Podcast Exploration)

Have you ever stopped to truly savor life? In a world obsessed with productivity and achievement, it's easy to forget that life itself is a precious gift. This podcast episode dives deep into Ecclesiastes 11:7-10 and 12:1-8, exploring the joys, challenges, and ultimate hope that come with embracing life to the fullest.

We begin with a fascinating contrast: two dinners with Jesus, two Simons, and two very different women. By comparing the accounts in Matthew 26:6-13 and Luke 7:36-50, we uncover powerful lessons about gratitude, humility, and recognizing the true value of life.

But life isn't always easy. Ecclesiastes reminds us that youth fades, bodies weaken, and death ultimately comes. We'll unpack the vivid imagery of Ecclesiastes 12, exploring the "keepers of the house," the "strong men," and the poignant metaphors for aging and mortality.

Yet, there's hope! This episode doesn't leave you in despair. We'll delve into the glorious promise of heaven, finding inspiration in John 1:14 and discovering how the reality of eternity should shape our lives today.

Join us as we discuss:

The importance of rejoicing, removing negativity, and remembering our Creator.
Practical ways to cultivate gratitude and enjoy life amidst its challenges.
The vital role of church, quiet time, and family worship in experiencing true fulfillment.
How to live a life that reflects the truth that this world is not our final home.

Tune in and be inspired to embrace the gift of life with renewed passion and purpose!

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Matthew 20: 17-19. amenpodcast.com

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Cast Your Bread Upon the Waters: Living Boldly in Faith (Ecclesiastes 11:1-6)

Tired of playing it safe? This episode dives deep into Ecclesiastes 11:1-6, where King Solomon challenges us to embrace a life of bold faith and courageous action. We'll unpack what it means to "cast your bread upon the waters" and explore how this ancient wisdom applies to our modern lives.

Join us as we discuss:

The principle of sowing and reaping: How our actions today, even those that seem risky, can yield unexpected returns in the future.
Overcoming the fear of the unknown: Why faith requires stepping outside our comfort zones and trusting God even when we can't see the outcome.
The importance of diversification: How investing our time, resources, and love in various areas can lead to greater impact and fulfillment.
Embracing the mystery of God's timing: Why patience and perseverance are essential in the journey of faith.
Practical steps to live boldly: How to apply the teachings of Ecclesiastes 11:1-6 to your everyday life, from your career to your relationships.

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Is life worth living? Solomon tackles this age-old question in Ecclesiastes, and in this episode, we dive deep into chapter 10 to uncover his answer: Yes, but only if we avoid folly by following God's wisdom.

We explore the destructive nature of folly, comparing it to a tiny dead fly spoiling precious perfume. Just like the flood destroyed those who ignored God's wisdom in Noah's time, folly can lead to devastation in our own lives.

This episode examines:

The nature of folly: Why are we inclined to do what's wrong?
The consequences of folly: How foolish words and actions sabotage our work and relationships.
The impact of foolish leadership: How authority figures who reject God's wisdom cause suffering.
The solution: How heeding Jesus' words, which are God's words, protects us from the destructive flood of sin and death.

Join us as we unpack practical steps to identify and reject folly, build our lives on the rock of God's wisdom, and truly live a life worth living.

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In this video, we explore the theme of God's boundless generosity and how it should motivate our service to Him. We delve into the parable of the laborers in the vineyard (Matthew 20:1-16) to understand the importance of serving out of love and gratitude, not out of a desire for reward.

We discuss the contrast between serving for God's sake and serving for our own benefit, highlighting the importance of recognizing our worth as servants of God. We also emphasize the grace of God, which allows us to be accepted and loved regardless of our past or present shortcomings.

Finally, we encourage viewers to shift their perspective from one of pride to one of gratitude, acknowledging that God is the ultimate source of blessings and that He freely bestows them upon us. We invite viewers to work with God, knowing that He is a just and loving employer who rewards faithfulness and trust.

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Finding Joy in a Transient World (Ecclesiastes 9)

🌍 Life can feel fleeting and unpredictable. We chase success, happiness, and meaning, but often find ourselves feeling empty. In a world that's constantly changing, where can we find lasting joy?

🙏 Join us as we dive deep into Ecclesiastes chapter 9, uncovering timeless wisdom on how to navigate life's uncertainties and discover true joy in the midst of it all.

💡 In this video, we'll explore:

The nature of life's fleeting moments
The importance of embracing the present
Finding joy in simple pleasures and God's gifts
Living with purpose and intentionality
The eternal perspective that anchors our joy

🙌 No matter where you are on your faith journey, this message is for you!

➡️ Watch or Listen now and discover how to find lasting joy in a transient world! ⬅️

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In this episode, we dive deep into Matthew 19, a chapter that tackles some of the most challenging aspects of Christian discipleship. We explore Jesus's teachings on divorce, singleness, and the cost of following Him.

Join us as we unpack these profound truths and discuss:

The sanctity of marriage and the devastating impact of divorce.
The unique gift of singleness and its potential for serving God wholeheartedly.
The radical call to surrender everything and follow Jesus, no matter the cost.
How to cultivate a heart of full commitment to God in the midst of a world that constantly pulls us in different directions.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to understand the true meaning of discipleship and live a life fully devoted to Christ.

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Making Wise Decisions in Dark Times. Ecclesiastes 8. AmenPodcast.com/Donate

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Have you ever been hurt so badly that you thought forgiveness was impossible? In this episode of Amen Podcast, we dive deep into Matthew 18:21-22 to explore the challenging topic of forgiving the unforgivable.

Join us as we:

Unpack Jesus's teaching on forgiveness and what it means for us today.
Discuss the importance of forgiveness for our own spiritual well-being.
Examine practical steps to take when faced with the seemingly impossible task of forgiving someone who has deeply hurt us.
Discover the power of God's grace to help us forgive even when it feels impossible.

If you've ever struggled with forgiveness or wondered if it's even possible to forgive certain offenses, this episode is for you. Tune in and be encouraged to experience the freedom and healing that comes from extending forgiveness to others.

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How Wisdom Leads to a Better Life

Tired of feeling like life is passing you by? Longing for a life filled with purpose and joy?

In this sermon, we dive deep into the profound wisdom of Ecclesiastes 7, exploring how God's timeless principles can lead you to a truly better life.

Discover how to:

Navigate life's challenges with grace and resilience.
Find contentment and peace in a world of chaos.
Build strong relationships that stand the test of time.
Embrace a life of meaning and purpose.
Join us as we unlock the secrets to a life well-lived, according to God's Word.

Don't forget to subscribe and hit the notification bell so you don't miss future sermons!

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Do you ever struggle with giving or receiving criticism? In this episode of Amen Podcast, we dive deep into Matthew 18:15-20 and Proverbs 27:17: "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another." We explore how to give and receive criticism in a loving way that builds each other up, rather than tearing each other down.

In this video, you'll learn:

The biblical principles of giving and receiving constructive feedback.
Practical tips for communicating criticism effectively, with kindness and clarity.
How to overcome the fear of confrontation and address difficult issues with grace.
The importance of humility and a teachable spirit in personal growth.

Tune in and discover how to cultivate stronger relationships through the power of loving criticism.

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Stop Waiting: Embrace the Life God Has for You Today! (Ecclesiastes 6)

Don't let life pass you by while you wait for the "perfect" moment. Ecclesiastes 6 paints a stark picture of the futility of chasing after things that ultimately don't satisfy. It warns against the trap of constantly striving for more, of delaying joy and fulfillment in the pursuit of some elusive future goal.

The book highlights the emptiness of:

Material wealth without enjoyment: What good is abundance if you can't savor it, if your heart is never content? (Ecclesiastes 6:1-2)
Long life without purpose: A life devoid of meaning, even a long one, is like a vapor that quickly disappears. (Ecclesiastes 6:3-6)
Restless striving without satisfaction: Always chasing after the wind, never finding true peace or contentment.

Instead, Ecclesiastes encourages us to:

Embrace the present: Find joy in the simple things, in the everyday blessings that God provides.
Seek God's purpose: Discover the unique plan He has for your life and live it with passion and intentionality.
Find contentment in Him: True fulfillment comes not from worldly possessions or achievements, but from a deep relationship with God.

Don't wait for tomorrow to start living. Embrace the life God has for you today. Find joy in the journey, seek His purpose, and discover the true meaning of life in Him.

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about: our UNRESTRICTED access to God as his children. AmenPodcast.com/Donate

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How to be SOLD OUT to God. I forgot to turn on the mic at church so i re-recorded it.

Ecclesiastes 5. AmenPodcast.com

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Cutting off what causes you to stumble. Matthew 18:8-9 The LIVING Bible Translation. AmenPodcast.com/Donate

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What being born again truly means. Ecclesiastes 4. AmenPodcast.com

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Living a humble, quiet life. Matthew 18:1-7. AmenPodcast.com/Donate

In the bible, being anxious means being divided, today we're explore how to Overcome Anxiety. Matthew 17: 19-27 AmenPodcast.com/Donate

How faith can move mountains. What happens when you find yourself in a spiritual valley too deep to climb out? We must move the mountain. AmenPodcast.com/Donate

Surviving the hell that poor mental health can be and finding freedom in Christ. Matthew17:14-18.

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Loving God so much, nothing else matters. AmenPodcast.com

Gaining the world but being left with nothing. How

to leave the world behind. amenpodcast.com

Defeating Phone Addiction:https://youtu.be/7x8-AVJIrio

Losing your life to find it. Matthew 16:25. AmenPodcast.com

How to follow Jesus. Matthew 16:24. AmenPodcast.com/donate

How to get spiritually reset. amenpodcast.com

Jesus is genuine. He will not poison you. He is the only genuine answer to life’s hunger. Other religions is cutting corners and mixing fake ingredients. It's disingenuous.

How to Notice What God is Doing in and Around You. Matthew 16 :1-12Donate: https://amenpodcast.com/donate

Why what the world has to offer won't satisfy you and how Jesus had satisfaction in God. amenpodcast.com/donate

How to ACTUALLY get better spiritually and why you feel like you're not growing in your faith. Matthew 15:29-31. amenpodcast.com/donate

How to learn God's ways. Ecclesiastes 1: 12-18 TLB. amenpodcast.com/donate

How to have great faith in Jesus. Matthew 15:21-28 amenpodcast.com

Nothing is new: how to find newness of life in Christ. Ecclesiastes 1:8-11 amenpodcast.com/donate

How to become pure. Matthew 15:10-20. amenpodcast.com

Ecclesiastes pt. 2

How to know if you're truly improving. Alex Wilson | Ecclesiastes 1:3-7 amenpodcast.com

How to get close to God. Matthew 15:1-9

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Ecclesiastes pt. 1

How to know the meaning of life. Ecclesiastes 1 : 1-2

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How to heal spiritually. amenpodcast.com

How to mend relationships. Part 4 of the relationships series. amenpodcast.com

A preacher once said, we are always either about to to enter a storm, currently in a storm or leaving a storm. Which phase are you in?

We will learn what God tends to teach us in storms by continuing our series in the book of Matthew.

Matthew 14:36-38

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Reconciliation means things have returned to harmony, not simply putting up with each other. Compassion leads to harmony, compulsion leads to fake relationships. amenpodcast.com

How to be deeply moved to compassion for others. Matthew 14:13-21. amenpodcast.com

Today’s Sermon is called Theophilos, which is greek for “Friend of God” What does it mean to be god’s friend? What good things are ours in Christ because of our friendship with God? My Husband will be exploring how friendship with God enhances and enables us to experience supernatural friendship with others, by looking at Philemon 4-7, the 2nd part of our relationship series.

How to detach from the world without losing your head. amenpodcast.com

Philemon 1-3. Live at House Church in Kauai Hawaii. Relationships held together by anything other than Christ-centered love will eventually fall apart. amenpodcast.com/donate

Resistance is the reason why simply being amazed by God will not change us. We can be impressed by Jesus and not in love with him. To be changed by Jesus, we must lose trust in ourselves and instead, trust solely in him. Let’s find out how by looking at Matthew 13:53-58. amenpodcast.com

Matthew 13:51-52. amenpodcast.com/donate

Hell, angels, & the end of the age. Matthew 13:47-50. amenpodcast.com/donate

Matthew 13: 45-46. Some find the kingdom of heaven accidentally, some find it through searching. Christianity is the only religion of eternal value. Other religions offer valuable things. But Christianity offers eternal life as a gift. Other religions say “prove yourself and you will find”, Christianity says “search and you will find”. amenpodcast.com/donate

Matthew 13:44. We must realize what a treasure kingdom of heaven is. We are invited to be a part of something eternal, not temporary. There is no other opportunity on earth like this. Everything ends, except Jesus’ kingdom. We have a place to grow, to invest, to belong, to find purpose, to be loved, FOREVER. If we are a part of this kingdom, nothing else matters unless it is connected to the kingdom of God and His glory. amenpodcast.com

Matthew 13:36-43. How to change the mind, losing the condemning attitude, & getting over the mean mindset of the world.

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Sincerity of heart brings clarity of mind. Be sincere with God and you'll hear from God.

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Matthew 13:33. The Parable of the Leaven. amenpodcast.com/donate

The Parable of the Mustard Seed and living a "little" christian life. Matthew 13:31-32. amenpodcast.com

Matthew 13:24-30. amenpodcast.com/donate

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Matthew 13:18-23. Perseverance is more than just not giving up. it’s being focused on what you know is going to happen.

How to grow in the knowledge of God and His Word. amenpodcast.com/donate

Matthew 13:1-9 | How Godly character is built.

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Matthew 12:46-50. How God restores order to our lives. amenpodcast.com/subscribeamenpodcast.com/donate

Matthew 12:43-45. nothing changes unless everything changes. amenpodcast.com

Spiritual signs unveiled: connecting with God. Matthew 12:33-42. amenpodcast.com

God speaks life into us. Words matter because words create life. God's word empowers us to control our tongues and use our words to speak life not death. Matthew 12:33-37. amenpodcast.com

How to quiet intrusive thoughts with the Word of God.support:

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God chooses and we have choices. He is sovereign and we have free will. In the old testament, Israel chose to reject God, so he chose to send his son to redeem us from sin. When Jesus came, he did so as a suffering servant, not a conquering king. As a result, God’s chosen people look different than whats expected.

Our greatest desire is to be chosen by someone who is far more wonderful than we could imagine. Infatuation flirts with the object of its affection, but true love longs to be with the one it has chosen. Jesus made a decision to die for the undeserving so he could satisfy our hearts desire to be chosen by God. It was Jesus desire to glorify God and satisfy our debt by making the decision to die for the undeserving. So what does a chosen person’s life look like? How do we live like were chosen? amenpodcast.com/donate

Atrophy is the wasting away of body tissue and or an organ. Without exercise, muscles will atrophy. Without spiritual exercise, our spiritual muscles will atrophy. Stretching prevents atrophy and promotes the growth of muscles. have you stretched your spiritual muscles lately? Do you have spiritual atrophy? It is time to start using those muscles again. How? We will learn as my husband Alex preaches on Jesus healing the withered hand of a man at the synagogue in Matthew 12:9-14. AMENPODCAST.COM/DONATE

Jesus tears down religious, man-made fences designed to keep us from God. The best spiritual offense is a good scriptural defense. The burden of religion can only be lifted with the mercy of God. Works based salvation is an unattainable standard, and a deep, theological lie. In today’s episode, Alex will preach about how Jesus tears down religious fences, while also becoming our defense and righteousness. Matthew 12:1-8

Every human is looking for the same thing: rest. And it is found in the face of God. knowing him for who he really is and being at peace with him is how our soul can finally rest from its eternal work. we punch our spiritual work card and take a deep existential breath once Jesus reveals to us that he is the only way to the father. in this episode, alex will unpack what it means to find rest in God. Matthew 11:25-30. amenpodcast.com

Matthew 11:20-24. Responsibility is the ability to give a response. christians have the supernatural ability to respond to God. We must take Him seriously. the more we know about God, the more we are empowered by the knowledge to give the correct response, which is obedience. our obedience is our responsibility. in the words of uncle ben, with great power comes great responsibility. Christians are held at a higher standard than unbelievers because Christians have been given much knowledge, and with that knowledge much is required. in this episode, alex will be preaching about christian responsibility and how to respond to God.

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christians are called to be childlike not childish. in matthew 11, Jesus explains that religious people are hard to please. sometimes they dont want truth and the dont want grace, just like a child who can make up their mind on what to eat, their hungry but nothing sounds good to them. if you find yourself unpleased with your relationship with God, or unable to please people in your life who seem bent on opposing you, in this episode, my husband alex will be preaching about leaving childish faith behind and choosing to give your all to God. matthew 11:16-19 esv

Are you confused with God? in this episode’, Alex is preaching about “How to not be confused by God” He will be giving us 4 steps out of confusion with God. Need to know what God wants you to do? Need to know the difference between your voice and God’s? Do you find yourself struggling to understand what God has next for you? or where to find God in your life? Join us as we continue our study through Matthew in chapter 11 verses 1-15. support usshop amen merchour instagramour YouTube

In the east, holding hands is a sign of close friendship. It’s one thing to have Jesus in your heart, and in your head, but have you taken him by the hand? Here are 3 steps to taking Jesus by the hand. Matthew 10:40-42. amenpodcast.com

5 steps to putting God first in your life. Matthew 10:34-39. amenpodcast.com

The fear of people is stunting your spiritual growth and quieting your spiritual gift. You aren’t truly free until you’re free from fearing people. Only fear of God fixes the fear of people. matthew 10:26-33.

When God asks, “Do you understand the assignment?” amenpodcast.com

A divine, greenlit message from heaven has reached planet earth, the world desperately tries to cover it up. Will you receive it before it’s too late? Matthew 10:1-15. amenpodcast.com/donate

A “gatekeeper” is person that controls access to something. In Matthew 9:34-38, there are good gatekeepers and bad ones. What kind of gatekeeper are you? How can you gate-keep God’s way?

in Matthew 9:27-33, Jesus reveals what He's finna do next in Israel's story. As we look, we will find what He is finna do next in your life. amenpodcast.com/donate

When your spiritual life is dead, there is something you've misread. Matthew 9:18-26. amenpodcast.com/donate

Matthew 9:14-17. Jesus broke the mould of what religion is. In what ways do you need a fresh look at God and your own spirituality?

Matthew 9;9-13. Getting spiritually healthy and why being sick is better than being self-righteous. amenpodcast.com/donate

Matthew 9:1-8. Your problem isn’t medical, physical, financial, or mental. It's spiritual. Sin is your greatest problem. amenpodcast.com

Matthew 8:28-34. To stop overthinking we must think of ourselves less and think of others more. amenpodcast.com

Sleep is sweet when peace is deep. If Jesus can sleep through a storm (Matthew 8:24), then He can empower you to have peace in any storm. amenpodcast.com

Matthew 8:18-22. Are you making decisions based on earthy security or heavenly security? amenpodcast.com

Matthew 8:14-17. What God removes from us, let us never go back to. amenpodcast.com

Christianity is the only religion that asks you to really think. Jesus wants us to trust Him blindly AND deeply contemplate His words. At some point, every other religion becomes cult-like, telling its followers to just digest the religion's claims and beliefs, but Jesus says, "Stop, think about it. Once you do, you'll see why I am the way, the truth, and the life." Thinking is trusting. AmenPodcast.com. Instagram

Alex preaches about how to approach God properly. Lokelani share her discoveries in spiritual healing. amenpodcast.com

We posted a question sticker on our instagram story. We talk about our relationship, how to give God glory everyday, having kids and more! amenpodcast.com

Matthew 7:24-29. Christianity is to about what you do, its about what Jesus did. However, if you're not a doer of the word and only a hearer, you'll spend eternity in hell and you'll spend this life revisting destruction. Today, Alex preaches on "doing God's word", afterwards Lokelani shares a chilling story of what NOT doing God's word looks like. instagram | donate

Alex preaches about how to think small, be small and live a small life by choosing to walk on the narrow path of Jesus. Lokelani shares her journey away from the world's wide road of destruction to the small path that leads to life. amenpodcast.com | instagram

Matthew 7:7-11. Alex will preach about why you need to ask God for big things and how God exceeds our expectations and imaginations. Lokelani will share what she wants to start asking God for and the problem with asking God for "the little things". AmenPodcast.com/Donate | Our Instagram

Matthew 7:1-6. Are you respected? Do you want to be? Showing respect to others is an indication of one’s own self-understanding. A person is respected when someone understands themself well enough to show respect. Being misunderstood is one of the loneliness feelings in the human existence. Jesus shows how he understands us but doesn’t affirm our practices, and shows us how we can be respected but also show respect to others in next part of our Matthew series.

Anxiety is a product of what we seek. When we seek God’s kingdom, we will have peace. Why do we keep falling back into anxiety? Our culture is constantly convincing us that we need to seek our own kingdom. But we can’t blame the culture, there’s something in us that doesn't trust that God is good. Today, Alex will preach about how to not be anxious and Loke will share what makes her anxious. amenpodcast.com

Matthew 6:25-30. Jesus never worried. Worry is rooted in fear and disbelief. Jesus invites us to truly live: life without worry. We are called to turn from chasing things and encouraged to follow the King. Through Christ, it is possible to live one day at a time, not worrying about the future, not caring about having new stuff or living for earthly pleasures, but instead be so free and present that we are unbothered by our worldly lack because of our great riches in Christ. Today, Alex preaches about how to live unworried, while Lokelani shares what she worries about most. amenpodcast.com

How well do you see spiritually? or in other words, are your eyes fixed on God? Are you truly devoted to him? To test your spiritual vision you must look at your heart’ devotion by asking yourself, “what takes up most of my thoughts?” To help us see God more clearly, Alex will be preaching about vision, as we continue our series in Matthew 6;22-24 CSB. amenpodcast.com

In this episode, Alex is sharing with you how to find God's calling for your life. This is an important step in discovering your unique purpose on this earth. Beginning with biblical study, you can begin to understand God's plan for your life and find the direction you need to take to achieve your dreams. By studying the scriptures, you can develop a personal relationship with God and find your personal calling. amenpodcast.com | Instagram

Alex is preaching about How to reach the goals God has purposed for you. What are your goals? short term? long term? At your funeral what do you want people to say about you? Are your goals God’s goals? All this and more will be answered in today’s exegesis of Matthew 6:19-21. amenpodcast.com

What is your motivation for being a Christian? Do you want the ethics? The benefits? The status? The culture? Or do you want the king? Today Alex is preaching about having more of the right motivation to follow Jesus. https://amenpodcast.com/

Alex is preaching about the power, purpose, and position of prayer by looking at Matthew 6:5-15. Do you pray as often as you’d like? Do you feel as though your prayer life could improve? Well, this message is for you. Jesus has made it possible for you to have a safe place and constant audience with the Father. amenpodcast.com

BONUS: Uncovering the 5 Secret Prayer Practices God WON'T Ignore! Practical tips on prayer & how to pray like Jesus, be heard by God and hear from God. amenpodcast.com

Alex preaches about not chasing a spectacular life, but rather a simple, quiet and humble one. The world tells us to be spectacular, but the Word tells us to be specific. amenpodcast.com

Are you a basic Christian? In slang, when someone is "basic" they are unoriginal, unexceptional, and mainstream. Jesus was nothing of the sort. To be like Him is to be unique, free, simple, confident, mature and so much more. What makes Jesus so attractive is that He is unlike anyone, yet so much like us at the same time. In this episode, Alex preaches on "How to not be a basic Christian" from Matthew 5;34-48 and Lokelani confesses her struggle with self-righteousness. amenpodcast.com | instagram

Matthew 5:38-42. Alex preaches how to be free from the never-ending cycle of retaliation, payback, holding grudges, and relationship drama. Lokelani gets deep as she explores what this looks like in her life as a wife, mom, & friend. AmenPodcast.com | Instagram

Mark 9:33-37. How to surrender your social status: you're not special, you’re family. Live from Wheaton College. amenpodcast.com

Alex preaches about honesty from Matthew 5:33-37; Lokelani shares her honesty journey through parenting. AMENPODCAST.COM

Matthew 5:27-32. Alex preaches on how to find contentment while Loke shares her struggle with "bouncing back" after 5 pregnancies. AmenPodcast.com | Instagram

Alex teaches “How to be Chill” as he explains Jesus’ view of anger in Matthew 5:21-26. Also, Lokelani shares how God has turned her internal rage into eternal peace. AmenPodcast.com | instagram

Alex preaches from Matthew 5:17-20 about how to find fulfillment and Lokelani opens up about her struggles with looking for fulfillment in the wrong places. AmenPodcast.com

Matthew 5:14-16. Why Jesus calls you the “Light of the World” and How to be the “Light of the World”. AmenPodcast.com

In Matthew 5:13, Jesus calls the disciples the "Salt of the earth", what does that truly mean? The answer will shock and challenge you to be more than your-everyday-table-salt. AmenPodcast.com

Matthew 5:10-12. The need, problem and solution of persecution. What is persecution and how do we respond? amenpodcast.com

Matthew 5:9. Don't be a peace-faker or a peace-taker or a peace-breaker. Be a peacemaker and you'll know true happiness. amenpodcast.com

Matthew 5:8. How to be pure in heart and experience God daily. AmenPodcast.com

How to be merciful and receive God’s mercy. Matthew 5:7 Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.AMENPODCAST.COM

How to be satisfied in life. Matthew 5:6. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled Need: satisfaction. John 4:31-34 Meanwhile his disciples urged him, “Rabbi, eat something.” But he said to them, “I have food to eat that you know nothing about.” Then his disciples said to each other, “Could someone have brought him food?” “My food,” said Jesus, “is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work. Problem: we long for the wrong. John 4:16-18 “Go and get your husband,” Jesus told her. 17 “I don’t have a husband,” the woman replied. Jesus said, “You’re right! You don’t have a husband— 18 for you have had five husbands, and you aren’t even married to the man you’re living with now. You certainly spoke the truth!” Solution: know Him ask Him. John 4:10 Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, ‘Give me a drink,’ you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water.”amenpodcast.com

Make yourself small: how to practice the meekness of Christ. Matthew 5:5. Donate Luke's Registry

Jesus says those who mourn are truly deeply happy and satisfied. How? What does it mean to mourn our sin? How can we do it stuck in a world that celebrates sin. amenpodcast.com

How being poor in spirit is the first key to happiness. amenpodcast.com

God has a calling on your life. Do you believe? 1 Timothy 4:14 . AmenPodcast.com

Mountains are where heaven and earth meet. This episode is about how to meet with God and how God moves His mountain into you. It begins our series on the most famous discourse from Jesus, the sermon on the mount. Matthew 5:1-2. amenpodcast.com

experiencing God's whole healing. Matthew 4:23-25. amenpodcast.com

repent, quit and revisit what it means to follow Jesus. amenpodcast.com

'Shade is a subtle, sneering expression of contempt for or disgust with someone—sometimes verbal, and sometimes not.' Today we explore: faith growing despite shade throwing. amenpodcast.com

Let go of power and let God provide. Matthew 4:8-11. amenpodcast.com

Living by faith, not facts. Matthew 4:5-7. amenpodcast.com

Matthew 4:1-4. amenpodcast.com

How to Make the Right Choices. SUPPORT

If you don't have fruit, you'll have hell fire. Matthew 3:7-12 (support)

How to turn from sin and back to God. Matthew 3:1-6 (support)

God uses the home to bring Heaven here. (Support)

How to be a fearless christian. Matthew 2:16-18. amenpodcast.com

God: you're called, despite your falls

Connecting with God simply, securely and strongly. Support

being influenced by God, not sin. SUPPORT

when God fills you with purpose and peace.

stop trying and start trusting, salvation is finally here.

how God is changing you.

how to have newness of life daily.

how to involve Jesus in every relationship. (4/4)

how to handle drama like Christ. amenpodcast.com

how to be the type of friend that thrives in their relationships. amenpodcast.com

how to have great communication in your relationships. amenpodcast.com

how to hear God and be heard by Him.

how to be consumed with God rather than the world.

when God's Word makes you alive, again.

how to draw near to God, so He will draw near to you

being hooked on God's righteousness.

when God's Word leaves you breathless

God's Word gives us spiritual sight.

God's Word is our support.

how to stay committed to God.

God's Word gives us wisdom.

God's word never changes.

how to trust God’s word more and become a more trustworthy christian. DONATE | STICKERS | SHIRTS

God‘s word is our comfort. There is nothing more comforting than the sweet whisper of a father to His child saying everything is going to be all right. Those who find their comfort in God will find themselves blameless in God‘s eyes and will be found as a source of hope and joy in the eyes of others. Countless stories in scripture show us of the strongest men and women in history who found comfort in no other place than God‘s word. how can we be like them? let's find out. (amenpodcast.com/donate)

God is 100% good. Everything He allows and does is ultimately for our good. We will explore God‘s goodness and how it will transform our perspective to live life confidently and hopefully and give us an increased desire to love God’s word. PSALMS 119:65-72. DONATE | AMEN MERCH

God is all we need. trusting that simple statement will make you live confidently and powerfully. you won’t compare. you won’t shame yourself. you’ll live free. but the world, the devil and your own self, want you to remain in slavery. so they say” you need a new vehicle, you need more followers, you need a relationship, you need more money”. in this episode we will listen to what God says about our needs, and what it looks like when His words change our perspective, purpose and inner person. donate

Jesus is risen, our hope is alive. Because he is alive, our hope of forgiveness, revival and eternity will never be taken from us. A major source of our irritability, frustration and sadness is from misplaced hope. Sometimes we may not even be aware of the things that we are hoping in. Any one or anything that we place our hope in outside of God‘s word is dangerous and doomed to disappoint. Today we will learn not only how to hope in God‘s word, but also what happens when we do. donate

we live in a world where if you do not think like everybody else you will get canceled and mocked and laughed at. The person that wrote psalms 119 lived in a similar world. In this episode, we will explore how the unfailing kindness and love of God empower us to live boldly, unashamed and full of freedom in the face of personal attacks from enemies within Christianity and from the outside. amenpodcast.com/donate

the word of God is the Christian’s teacher. teaching leads to learning and learning leads to growth. true growth is measured by how much we obey and delight in the teaching of the word of God. how can we learn to love what God’s word teaches and obey it supremely in our lives and thus experience the joy of growing in confidence, strength, peace and oneness with God? Well, tune in and listen up. donate

revival is defined by robert coleman as “the awakening or quickening of God's people to their true nature and purpose”. in order to receive revival and the new life that comes with it, our old life has to die. this is called dying to self in the bible. but what does that look like? we must know the answer to have this God-promised, new life from above breathed into us. amenpodcast.com/donate

Have you ever tried playing a game or building something without reading the instructions? At first, it’s exciting to take on the challenge of seeing if you can figure it all out yourself. But eventually, you find yourself confused and frustrated because things aren’t going right. The pieces aren’t fitting together. Well, in the game of life, the Word of God is our guide! Like instructions or a map. In God’s word we will find freedom from the grip of sin and the emptiness of the world that a lot of us are chasing. it also helps us see past the lies of the world and the enemy and reveals the truth of God’s direction and plan for our lives. The Word of God must be our guide, otherwise we will roam this world defeated, wandering and lost. amenpodcast.com/donate

How do we stay pure when we live in a world that encourages us to just do whatever feels right? We do not have the power to overcome this on our own. We cannot muster up enough strength to keep ourselves from doing the things our flesh wants to do or to fight against some of the demonic forces that are behind temptations. We must find strength by hiding God’s word in our heart and truly delighting in it. We can’t just read and memorize scripture. We must love it more than anything else and believe that it is true. amenpodcast.com/donate

a bonus episode from alex's YouTube page!! we love you! -lokelani (amenpodcast.com)

Yesterday we got rid of the 2 tv’s we had in our house. Our oldest son, Amos, loves TV and one might say he was even addicted. When we first told him he was shocked for about 20 seconds, but once we explained why we were doing it and that having better integrity is important, he had the biggest smile on his face. Honestly, he was so joyful, I was the one left in shock. Alex will talk more about how true happiness and integrity are linked together by looking at Psalm 119:1-8. donate

In this short episode, Alex discusses that thinking biblically about Ukraine and Russia is more important than thinking politically. This episode will help you think more clearly and confidently about this international conflict and will also give you insight on how you can make a simple and powerful impact on the world around you. support

in this episode, we will discover that by looking at the resurrection of Christ, we can trust that God’s plan and purpose for our lives is unstoppable. 🤍 donate 🤍 instagram

its time to come out. mark 15:42-47. 🖤 donate 🤍 instagram

The crucifixion shows that Christianity is for outcasts. Those rejected by religion, the world, friends or family. It gives a place and a purpose and a position for thought whom the world might label “losers”. Let’s discover more of who you are in Mark 15:38-41. (amenpodcast.com/donate)

we’re not meant to live in darkness, but sometimes we have to live through it. in this episode, we will see how Jesus pushed through darkness on the cross and that in him we can have the strength to live through darkness. www.amenpodcast.com/donate

God‘s plan is often different than the world’s spirituality says. God‘s plan is not just blessings and prosperity. It is deeper, darker, simpler, more mysterious, more beautiful and far greater than simple blessings. God‘s plan for you reveals who you are and who you will be. It reveals what has been predicted about you long before the creation of the universe. let’s explore God’s plan. amenpodcast.com/donate

how do you know if you are close to God?

true Christians are often closer to him than they think.

If we’re not close, how do we get close to him?

If we are close to him, how do we remain there?

In this episode we look at a man name Simon who is so close to Jesus he helped him carry the cross.

what does this story mean?

did Simon understand what he was doing?

let’s gets close and see.

www.amenpodcast.com/donate

mark 15:1-20. amenpodcast.com

what is amen podcast?

mark 14:66-72. amenpodcast.com

without confidence, you’ll be afraid to make decisions, you won’t have direction, you’ll be afraid to speak up, you won’t know how to walk in your gifts, you won’t experience the joy of your salvation. Jesus always walked with confidence in GOD, even when He was illegally arrested and assaulted. He remained un-phased and confident in God in chaos and suffering. how do we? amenpodcast.com

peace: we often lack it, Jesus always had it. without it, we will be internally chaotic and eternally lost. so how do we get it? amenpodcast.com

God calls us to have the same childlike acceptance that Jesus had. if we did, the joy and clarity of purpose that would come would be unimaginable. if Jesus is willing to accept the wrath of God on behalf of sinners, what's holding us back from accepting God's will for our lives? (support: www.amenchurch.live)

Jesus claims destruction on the place his friends, the disciples, find their security: the temple. where do you find your security? what makes you feel secure? https://amenchurch.live/

you might think you know yourself, but the bible says you don't. Jesus' best friends swore they would never abandon Him and they did. yet Jesus promises to lovingly reunite us with Himself after we desert Him and show us who we really are and who He really is. support: www.amenchurch.live

refusing to surrender to God is like not having taste. when we don’t surrender, we’re missing out of the abundance of life he has for us. without taste we are also in danger of eating something bad for us or choosing something God doesn’t want for us, because we’re still holding onto our own ways. real christians surrender. to know God is to surrender to His power and His plans. so, how do we surrender? (support: www.amenpodcast.com)

having spiritual eyesight means seeing things God’s way. that can be easier said than done when our circumstances are confusing. sometimes life and the Christian walk looks blurry and we can’t figure out what God is trying to say to us. today we will look at a dark day in history and see the light that shines through. that Light will help us see our everyday life more clearly. www.amenpodcast.com

being faithful to Jesus is rare today. we are faithful to many others things, work, school, social media, friends, hobbies. but not to Jesus. when life gets hard we tend to get going and Jesus our faith behind. oswald chambers says, “The goal of faithfulness is not that we will do work for God, but that He will be free to do His work through us.” in this episode, alex will preach about what being faithful looks like in the next part of the Christmas story. www.amenchurch.live

where God guides He provides all we need, even stuff we didn't know we needed. God guided everyone in the Christmas story so uniquely, powerfully and specifically. how can we get God's guidance? www.amenchurch.live

at the 1st Christmas, the wise men were seeking Jesus, Herod was opposing Jesus, and the religious leaders were ignoring Jesus. which of these Christmas characters are you? www.amenpodcast.com

This is part 1 of our 4 part series on Christmas: the celebration of the birth of Jesus. We live in a culture that loves to focus on everything BUT His birth during the Christmas season, so instead of continuing in Mark, we wanted to pause and focus on the most important birth to ever take place. If you catch these messages you will never look at Christmas the same and you’ll experience a joy and purpose during the Christmas season that those outside of the faith don’t know. donate: www.amenpodcast.com

before eating the first bite of the last supper, Jesus tells His best friends that one of them will betray them. they fail to see the spiritual red flags right in front of them, but we don't have to. www.amenpodcast.com

even with religious leaders and his close friend, Judas plotting to kill him, Jesus shows us in Mark 14:12-16 that He is in complete control and totally prepared. with His help, we can be prepared too. donate: www.amenpodcast.com

money = power. a person who loves money is desiring to be God. Jesus says, "You cannot serve God and money. you'll hate one and love the other." (Matthew 6:24) we'll discuss how this applies to Judas' story of betrayal. who do you serve? God or money? donate: www.amenpodcast.com

in mark 14:3-9, a criticized woman gives her all to Jesus without any distraction. donate: www.amenpodcast.com

in mark 14, religious leaders seek to remove Jesus permanently by murdering him. today, some religious leaders in your life are seeking to do the same, by removing Jesus from the spotlight, and putting the spotlight on themselves. support: www.amenpodcast.com

how can we live "awake" in these times? www.amenpodcast.com

afraid of the end times? don't fear. fear doesn't come from God. God loves enough to warn. this is how to not be "spiritually asleep" when Jesus comes back. www.amenpodcast.com

in mark 13, Jesus' friends ask Him for a sign of the end times. instead, Jesus tells them 4 pains that that are not signs but necessary experiences if they want to be His followers. www.amenpodcast.com

in mark 12, Jesus commends a widow who gives all that she has. so, what does it mean to give God our all? support this podcast: www.amenpodcast.com

in mark 12:38-40 Jesus tells a crowd to beware of a group of spiritual leaders called the "scribes". www.amenpodcast.com

beware, you can be close to Jesus in your head but far from Him in your heart. when you are, you're basically saying "huh" to Jesus, when we should be saying "how". www.amenpodcast.com

how to give God everything and what it means to apply the greatest commandment to your life. www.amenpodcast.com

what we are all missing about the meaning of the afterlife. www.amenpodcast.com

we are talking about the lowercase “g” gods that we choose over our God, the one true God, whose name is all uppercase. we’ll see that these little gods are phony replacements. www.amenpodcast.com

Jesus was rejected by man because He was selected by God. He did and said things people didn't like. as His follower you will be rejected too, but remember you are selected by God. www.amenpodcast.com

a hypocrite was an actor in biblical days, they had a mask with 2 sides, both sides had a different emotion that they could switch between backstage. today we discuss 3 characteristics that expose hypocrites and how we can stop being hypocritical. support: www.amenpodcast.com

forgiveness is letting someone's wrongdoing against you expire (like milk), but why is forgiveness so hard? in this episode we'll share 3 reasons. www.amenpodcast.com

finesse: the act of getting what you want by tricking or manipulating someone. faith-finesse: the act of getting what God wants for you by trusting Him and moving mountains. www.amenpodcast.com

"Triggered" it a popular term meaning an emotional/psychological reaction caused by something that somehow relates to an upsetting time or event in someone's life". From the untrained eye, Jesus looks triggered when He flips the temple tables in Mark 11. Why did He do that? What did it mean? Let's explore what it means to "trigger" Jesus and what His followers should look like. www.amenpodcast.com

We're back in 2 ways. We took a 2 week break, but we're also back in the book of Mark! Mark 11:12-14! www.amenpodcast.com

Mark 10. The Rich Young Ruler. www.amenpodcast.com

God wants us to be childlike, not childish. Childlike fear trusts deeply, grows humbly and lives simply. Childish fear does the opposite of all of that. Mark 10:13-16. amenpodcast.com

What are your relationship goals? Alot of times, God wants what you want. And sometimes He doesn't. Mark 10:1-12 is about divorce, and through Jesus' wisdom on this topic we find the best advice for relationships. www.amenpodcast.com

a few audio background noises sorry bout that. We love you so much! amenpodcast.com

Unfollowing someone is one of the most drastic things you can do. It is like almost like completely cutting a person off. In these verses Jesus talks about cutting off sin and taking sin seriously. If we don't take sin seriously we won’t take Him seriously. amenpodcast.com

sometimes the saltiest (irritated, annoyed) people are those who have already experienced salvation. mark 9:38-41. amenchurch.live

luke 11:4. www.amenpodcast.com

Luke 11:3. amenpodcast.com

Luke 11:2. amenpodcast.com

Luke 11:1 www.amenpodcast.com

have you ever heard the phrase built different? it’s a popular internet slang for being “unique, one of a kind, or not-the-norm” but most of the time it’s only applied to small quirks or talents people have. it’s even used in memes to joke about something weird a person does. it seems no one really knows what it TRULY means to be “built different” ….but Jesus does. in fact, Jesus is best friends with “built different” believers. unless we learn how to be built different we will never meet Jesus face to face in heaven and experience true life and purpose. www.amenpodcast.com

Mark 9:33-37. www.amenchurch.live

last week, Jude explained why false teachers will be punished and some character traits they have. this week, he is going to give us examples of how they are sinning, why they are so dangerous to the Church and what suspicious things they do. he describes them with 7 metaphors: let’s read and find out... amenpodcast.com

last week, in verses 5-7 Jude explained that false teachers will be judged and punished and that this was destined since the book of Genesis, meaning that God knew this was going to happen — it was no surprise to Him. this week Jude explains why they will be judged and punished, including some things to look for such as character traits and how they behave. amenpodcast.com

Jude 5-7. amenpodcast

Jude 4. amenpodcast.com

False teachers aka "cap preachers". This ep is about our identity and how false teachers target us. amenpodcast.com

Jude: 1:1-2. Who False Teachers Target... amenpodcast.com

"Leaving Someone ON Read" is when you read someone’s text or dm but you don't reply and they can see that you read it. We do this to Jesus. We hear Him but we dont respond. He knows that we heard him cuz He knows everything. Why do we do this? In real life we do this cuz were speechless: don't know what to say, we're unsatisfied: we don't want to reply, or we're scared: afraid of saying the wrong thing. Same with Jesus. www.amenchurch.live

a glow up is a transformation. everyone wants one, no one knows how to get it. Except Jesus. Mark 9:28-29

culture sys alot about Jesus. so who is He really? www.amenchurch.live

you sad? un-satisfied? it's because of one simple thing you're not doing. www.amenchurch.live

your mess may be bigger than your means, but it's not bigger than the Messiah. www.lnk.bio/amen

mark 7:41-37 www.amenchurch.live

mark 7:24-30. www.amenchurch.live

www.amenchurch.live

www.amenchurch.live

(mark 6:33-44) i'm guilty of always wanting more. but how do i pray in the right way in order to get more from God? am i even wanting the right things?

fear: “God is untrustworthy.” faith: “there is no one more trustworthy that God.” often times we miss our blessing because we give into fear instead of waiting by faith.

mark 5: 35-37

mark 5:14-20. www.amenchurch.live

mark 4:26-29

mark 4:21-23. www.amenchurch.live

mark 4:1-20. www.amenchurch.live

psalms 23:4. www.amenchurch.live

mark 2:18-22. www.amenchurch.live

discussing why easter is scary and why we should let it scare us. mark 16:8 www.amenchurch.live

mark 2:6-12. give/merch: www.amenchurch.live

mark 2:1-4. www.amenchurch.live

mark 1:43-45. bonus content: how to win the fight over porn. www.amenchurch.live

mark 1:40-24. www.amenchurch.live

mark 1:36-3. www.amenchurch.live

even Jesus had His devotional time. mark 1:32-35

this episode explores what people don't talk about when it comes to the call of God. www.amenchurch.live

one thing that makes God extraordinary is that He uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things. follow alexdionwilson on instagram to join a live church service every sunday at 8:08am hst. alexdionwilson.com