The Living Church Boise Podcast: Recent Episodes
Joel Sikha
We are saved to be transformed, but what do you do when you feel stagnant? When it feels like everybody else is being transformed and is getting fresh manna from heaven but you are left dry, hungry and in need of healing. Oh my heart breaks for you if this is you. Jesus came to change our lives, and He is still changing lives and you are NOT left out, stay tuned as we unpack 3 powerful verses from Proverbs 19 in this message I've titled, When Life Doesn't Make Sense. Get ready to receive and be transformed.
In a world that defines courage with fairy tale images and make-believe narratives, men and women in the church have lost the picture of what real courage looks like. Marriages fall apart and children are misled because of this false idea of courage. Today we look into the book of wisdom in the Bible and get a clear picture of courage, where it comes from and the sure signs of it. This message is directed towards those who are fighting for significance in their lives and are coming back empty, it is time for you to run to The Great I Am and find your courage, identity, and security, not only in understanding but also in a way that it can be lived out. Are you ready to smile with courage? Keep smiling. I'm bringing the Word.
Jesus came to make the dead live, and the bible says that we all are dead in our sins and have been made alive with Him! What a glorious truth! But have we experienced this truth, or have we just memorized the words? Because we know that words do not save, but a transformed life will experience the Word of life - Have you experienced the Word of life? What we need in our lives is a Paradigm Shift, a total transformation, a move from an old way of living and into The New Life Jesus has bought for you. Stay with me, we'll unpack a familiar verse from Proverbs and experience this shift that we need.
"Truth cuts through emotions and brings healing, while slander only leaves scars."
Have you been wounded by words spoken against you? Today in Proverbs 18, we'll examine verses that reveal both the consequences of slander and the path to victory over harmful words. When hurtful words weaken us, they can prevent us from embracing God's full purpose for our lives. Let's explore God's Word together—it offers healing that cuts through old wounds and brings renewal. Don't let another day pass while living under the weight of lies that have held you back.
We made it through the first week of 2025, congratulations! But life is more than making it through the first month and the rest of the year. God has given us life, but have we grasped the value of living it for what it was intended for? This is not a sermon on how to find the right job that suits your personality type, or how to make your marriage work for you, life is more than money, friends and even family; Life that is not led by the Spirit of God is a life that is wasted, are you ready to get closer to the fire that fuels our spirits? Are you ready to confront the death in your life so that you can really live the eternal life Jesus' blood has bought you? Are you ready to be ALIVE? Stay tuned, I'm ready to preach like it is my last.
It is the start of a new year, and there can be many factors that can cause you to lose hope and joy in pressing forward. Today we're continuing to dive into the principle of Reduction. This principle of Reduction was not limited to just the men of old, or the biblical characters, BUT WE SEE THAT EVEN JESUS HAD TO GO THROUGH THE JOURNEY OF REDUCTION TO COME TO THE PLACE OF EXALTATION. How beautiful that we have a God, who can sympathize with us when we are walking through a season of REDUCTION. If you are starting off this year with discouragement because it seems like you have been depleted in many ways, I want to encourage you that this is not where it all ends, but God proves His power in the seasons of REDUCTION. Today we will look at Jesus as our example and find encouragement in His REDUCTION - TO EXALTATION
We oftentimes reflect on God's goodness in the times of multiplication, but isn't God still working in the times of subtraction? Isn't He God when prayers aren't answered the way we want them to be answered? Isn't He God when the battle seems to be raging? And if He's still God, then He should be at work even when I'm in a season of Reduction. This is a powerful principle that I began to see while on my trip to India, and I've waited till now to share it with you. As we celebrate God's goodness in this last Sunday of the year, let's take note of the principle of Reduction in God's economy. Turn your bibles to Judges 7 and let's get ready to learn.
Every one loves a gift, and this is a season of gift giving and receiving. Christmas is a gift all by itself, and 2000 years later we are still unpacking the greatest gift given to mankind. God so loved the word that He GAVE His only Son! He is a gift to the world. Have you unpacked the gift of Christmas? Join me as we find significance in The Christmas gift, as we explore the gifts given to the Baby born in Bethlehem.
This season has a special way of making you feel warm and fuzzy and also make you feel stressed and nervous, I hope it is not just me that wrestles with these opposing emotions in the season of Christmas. The first Christmas was not a very merry Christmas, and it was a season of opposing emotions. It was more of a Wary Christmas than a Merry Christmas; Herod was attempting to kill the baby Jesus, the wise men are told to go a different route, Jesus, Mary and Joseph have to flee to Egypt, all this doesn't sound very merry, but it teaches us how to recognize the wariness and how to overcome it. If you are having a Wary Christmas instead of a Merry Christmas, let's turn that around.
Friendships are a key component in human life, organizations, schools and even churches put a great effort in trying to build a community that fosters friendships. Although we see the need for friendships, we also need to be aware of negative influences in our lives. Most bad decisions are cheered on by friends that are not really friends to begin with. Are you in a relationship that is leading you astray? Are you lonely and wonder why there are no friends in your life? Or, are you looking for a Godly checklist to use to evaluate the future relationships in your life? Stay tuned, the Wisdom from the book of Proverbs is going to do just that.
A lot has been said and preached on faith over the past decades, the faith that moves mountains, the faith that raises the dead, the faith that stops and starts rain, but is it possible that believers have chased a feeling of faith that we have lost the basic truths that builds faith?
In the message from Proverbs 17 we will explore some fundamental truths that have been ignored in general and have caused many believers to grow cold in their faith. Are you ready for a fresh outpouring of The Power of Authentic Faith? Stay tuned, next stop Proverbs 17.
We are created with value and purpose, God had excellence in mind when you were created, however this world has its way of mixing its ways into our lives that cause us to live lives that are far from the original purpose and excellence that God created us for.
Today we look into the ways and areas that God refines us to restore His powerful purpose in our lives. The fire is hot, but the cleansing is good - Ready for a revival? Let's cry out "Refine me Lord!" Proverbs 17 is where we are going to be, I'll see you there.
How much do you value Wisdom? Does it show in the choices that you make and in your daily decisions? Although we in theory might value Wisdom, we are prone to trade it for the shiny, temporary things that bring temporary happiness.
Wisdom is needed to be able to make wise choices in life and by Wisdom I am particularly talking about DISCERNMENT!
In this message I will walk you through understanding what Discernment is, and how to obtain it. If you are ready to get out of the rut of foolishness and failure and excited to grow in Wisdom, get your bible open to Proverbs 16 - We are not going to let the world fool us any more.
When was the last time you caught yourself in a situation where you admitted to your fault without arguing or putting up a fight? If you can think of a situation right away, good for you! Most of us justify our actions because we like to think of ourselves as right, and many times just misunderstood. The Bible tells us that God knows the intentions of the heart and judges the motives of our actions. Although God gives us the free will to choose our actions, they do come with their own consequences. Free will and God's Sovereignty, is something that theologians and thinkers have tried to resolve for centuries, and even if it is a tough subject to navigate, it is important for us to try and understand as it brings meaning to our search for satisfaction. Man's satisfaction devoid of an understanding of God's Sovereignty is ultimately flawed! Get you Bibles opened to the book of wisdom we're searching for satisfaction that is guided under God's Sovereignty!
Love can be an intoxicating and thrilling feeling of emotion. Many have tasted its joy and some the bitter fruit of love's let down. The bible talks about love in every page and in every passage, but the love it boasts of is a love that doesn't let us down, insted, it courageously speaks of its commitment and the fruit of its lasting legacy. Have you been burned by love? Or maybe you have enjoyed the glimpses and glimmers of true love, no matter what your experience with love is, we cannot afford to miss out on the Greater love freely offered to us in Jesus.
Get your bibles to Ruth 4, there is where we'll be camping for this message titled, "Greater Love is..."
How is it possible to have fatigue from fighting for joy as a believer? I've been sensing this fatigue in my spirit as I have been preparing for this week. Our fatigue comes from working in the flesh that screams and taunts us of failure. Are you feeling paralyzed in life right now? Don't fear, God's Word is coming right to you, no matter where you are in life spiritually and physically to snatch you out of your failure and to point you towards a Redeemer that is greater than all.
I am so excited to deliver this message that God has been stitching in my spirit. Get your bibles family, this is going to be good.
Far too many of us are stuck in the pain and regrets of what happened and are frozen in the past, unable to move into a purposeful destiny.
What do you do when traumas keep you reliving your history?
What do you do when religion doesn't help alleviate the pain from the past?
What do you do when hope is quickly failing and it seems like this is the end?
Join me as I unpack Ruth Chapter 2 and walk through the journey of getting past the past into a destiny greater than we can imagine, because GOD_IS_GREATER_THAN_YOUR_PAST!
How often our identity can be influenced by our past mistakes and pain? There are many that wear their brokenness in their name that affects everything that they touch. The beauty of the God the you have come to know and trust is that our God gives us a new name that is greater than your pain. Are you ready for your identity in Jesus to take on a new found depth and meaning? May you find the healing and courage to step in to your new name as you listen to this message.
Today as we celebrate 7 years as a church, it is important to let the Holy Spirit feel our pulse to see if we truly are living, or are we the working dead?
What about you, are you alive in Jesus? This is an anniversary sermon that God laid on my heart, that has brought humongous change in my life. This change has sparked revival, blessing and vision for the future. Today I am blessed to share the meat of the Word that God has been walking me through as a pastor, leader, friend, father, husband and most importantly as a disciple of Jesus. Are you ready to wake up, and strengthen what remains?
God did not create you for a mediocre life, we feel this need for a touch of the supernatural and the divine, but this will not be satisfied by courses, study or emotional manipulation. The only way we begin to walk in the life of divinity is by confronting our perspectives. There are so many influences in our life that can taint our perspective but thanks be to God for His Word that opens blind eyes to a fresh, new, and life giving perspective that truly unlocks our God given potential. Have you been praying in the dark only to be blinded by more darkness? Join me as we explore Divine Perspectives and understand God's view for your life.
Have you ever had to deal with the fire that burns within you that begins to consume you? I am not talking about a refiner's fire, or the Holy Ghost fire, I am talking about the fire of rage, anger, jealousy and the need for revenge. Statistically, every single one of us has dealt with emotions like this in our lifetime and will encounter them as long as we live. The question is what does the Bible have to say about this fire that needs to be tamed?
Well The Word of God in Proverbs 14-15 addresses this very question.
I have simply titled this message, "Lord Heal My Anger!" This simple prayer is coupled with commands of God that we have to start applying as we press in towards our healing in the area of anger. Join me as we open God's Word and expect God to put out the fire of anger in our hearts.
As Christians we talk a lot about hope, we sing about it and memorize verses that boast about it. But how do we utilize this hope? How do we find it, and then be stable in hopeless times with this amazing hope? Join me as I unpack Proverbs 13:14-25 and discover how God’s Word teaches us about hope, wisdom applies it, and discipline anchors us in it. Let's learn how to navigate life’s challenges with unshakeable hope.
It is said that seven days without Jesus makes one weak! How was your week? There are times when things can seem hopeless and unrelentingly painful, what do you do when you have one of those weeks? This message is about digging deep down into the bedrock of our faith and finding hope in times of hopelessness. Do you have hope? Come, let's test it. Are you looking for hope? Come let's find it. Are you lost and confused in the hopelessness of our world? Let me introduce you to The Living Hope who lights up all our darkness and brings true and lasting hope. Join me as I unpack this crazy passage of scripture and infuse you with HOPE FOR THE HURTING!
If you're not learning you are dying! Learning begins by recognizing that we have areas in our lives that we are ignorant about. Everyone has blind spots! Blind spots are not a representation of ignorance, but refusing to learn and grow definitely is. In this timely and extremely practical sermon, we see the importance of recognizing truth , responding to good advice and most importantly learn how to ignore insults while in the process of transforming our understanding. Are you in a place where you need to see the correlation between God and your present situation? Join me Sunday 10am MST as i unpack Proverbs 12- Transforming Your Perspective for Success!
Have you gone through a season when the enemy just kept hitting you down and it felt like it is all over for you? When we go through times like this what we need is not a new job, a new car, or a new house in a new state, instead what we need is vision.
Is it possible that the enemy has kept you in the dark and the darkness has caused confusion that is blinded you to what God is doing?
Join me in this one off message that is tailor made for you who is walking through a season feeling defeated and wanting to give up. Encouragement and hope is on it's way!
Grace is the free gift that God gives us, but grace's power is harnessed through discipline. Without discipline there is no knowledge, and character doesn't grow without discipline. Proverbs 12 introduces us to the theme of Discipline, and points us toward responding appropriately to grace, which is discipline.
Join me as we unpack The Power and the Blessing of Discipline!
Grace is the free gift that God gives us, but grace's power is harnessed through discipline. Without discipline there is no knowledge, and character doesn't grow without discipline. Proverbs 12 introduces us to the theme of Discipline, and points us toward responding appropriately to grace, which is discipline.
Join me as we unpack The Power and the Blessing of Discipline!
We are all influenced by various different people and things. When I was growing up there was a lot of emphasis on having good role models, today they are called influencers. All this goes to show that we are looking for someone or something to guide us into something greater. The book of Proverbs recognizes this need and points us in the right direction towards glory. Join me as I unpack this message titled, Guided to Glory!
Everybody wants to be trusted, but what makes a person trustworthy?
Integrity is a word that is used a lot by businessmen, politicians, and leaders in all walks of life, they might use other words like authenticity, faithfulness, or trustworthiness to describe this character of Integrity, but where does integrity come from? We have been talking about the legacy of the wise, and a person who has the wisdom of God, will show the sure sign of integrity. Do you have it? How can we know if we do or don't? Get your bibles open to Proverbs 8 and lets see Integrity in Action!
There are many words written about “Words”, the most popular one I have come across is “People will not remember what you said, but how your words made them feel.” In a world that evaluates your words based on feelings, it is easy to turn down the truth in our words, just to make others feel good. However this is not what the bible encourages us to do, the bible tells us that there is power in our words, it is so powerful, that it is a part of the legacy the wise leave behind. Are you ready to change your legacy? Get your bible in Proverbs 10, God's word is going to change your perspective on your words!
Spiritual warfare begins with us realizing that we are more than the flesh and bones we care for and protect, there is an enemy of our souls who uses the physical to lead you away from the Life of The Spirit in Christ Jesus, this can manifest in many ways, and that's why we are challenged to be aware of the schemes of the devil.
In this message you will be challenged with the reality of this war, you will get a glimpse in the schemes of the devil in your life, and an invitation to receive victory in Jesus. Stay tuned, the war is on!
Every single person will at some point think about their death, and along with this thought, we have to think about the legacy we leave behind. Legacy cannot be changed once you are gone, and because of this, we have to pay attention to the legacy we are creating while we are still here. Wise people will think about their legacy!
Proverbs 10 tells us the tale of two sons who leave two very different legacies, one is a wise son the other a foolish one. The illustration shows us that there is more to be pursued than making money and leaving behind a fortune. True legacy of the wise is a legacy that benefits us even beyond the grave. True legacy of the wise is in pursuing immeasurable wealth that cannot be earned. Get ready, the treasures of God's Word is being opened!
Everyday we make decisions that change and alter our life. Studies tell us that a person can make up to 35,000 decisions a day! Although that is a staggering number, there is one decision that is crucial and will set the path for all the other choices we make.
In this chapter of Proverbs we see two celebrations that have been prepared, one by Wisdom and the other by Folly, each of them have their own invitation, insight and impact. Which party are you attending? Wisdom you say? Stay tuned and we'll put your answer to the test.
The world is buzzing with this idea of Manifestation, but where does this word come from? With everything that is holy and God given, there is a worldly imitation sure to follow. In Proverbs 8 there is a massive claim that a person who loves Jesus will manifest the wisdom of God in their lives and will live a naturally supernatural life. This manifestation shows not my mind control and positive thinking, but through a transformed life that changes the way we think and the way we live. This manifestation is far more superior than what the world is spewing out, this promise from God tells us that we get to have the wisdom of God - Now that is something! Are you a believer but show no signs of a transformed life? Stay right here, things are about to change.
What makes a person wise? How does a person become wise? Would you say you have wisdom? With so many voices offering their interpretation of wise counsel and wisdom, we need to know how to define true wisdom, and examine if we truly possess this wisdom that is true. But first we need to ask ourselves, “Why do I need Wisdom?” We are going to be in Proverbs 8, asking this question, and the answer is liberating, transformational, redeeming and divine. If you are believer this message will help you experience your faith in a deeper sense, if you are an unbeliever, this message will show you what you are missing out on, and invite you to be eternally transformed.
Proverbs 7 explores the distinction between our needs and wants and challenges us to navigate through life's needs and wants with the wisdom from His Word.
Today we will look at six biblical principles that will help us combat the wants that often distort our genuine needs. You will learn about the importance of dwelling in God's Word, avoiding destructive paths, abstaining from harmful influences, fighting passivity, discerning pleasures and examining our pursuits.
If you are wanting to be equipped with practical, scripturally grounded strategies for a life lived in alignment with God's plans, this message is for you!
Communion in Christianity has drastically changed over the years from what it was at the start. Jesus in the last supper with His disciples, made changes to the Passover celebration that the Church continues to follow even till today. When we look into the first Passover ordained by God in the Old Testament, we see the reason humanity needs to be saved, and in the last supper we see how Jesus saves us. This message urges you to ask the question “Why must I be saved?” And answers the obvious question, “How can I be saved?”
Are you sure in your salvation? May this message build your faith as you follow along.
Choices are like seeds and consequences are the fruit that comes from our choices. Every story, movie and song in some way reflect this reality of choices and consequences, this is a reality that we cannot escape from. Religion exists because of an inevitable consequence that we will all face when we stand before our Creator, BUT the Bible tells me that there is a Savior who saves us from all our sin, shame and the eternal consequence of our choices. How exciting to know that there is a Savior for all our bad choices! You can have fruit that does not lead to death in this life and in the one to come!
Proverbs 6 coming up, take notes and a good look into your choices because Consequences are inevitable!
God did not create us to fail, His plans for you is beautiful, and His will for your life is to reflect His glory, which is our greatest good.
Now along with His blessings, God challenges us to steward our success well, and Proverbs 6 gives us guidelines on doing just that.
Are you ready to say “NO” to foolish commitments, say “YES” to excellence, and to watch out for scammers who are looking for what God has blessed you with? Proverbs 6 coming up!
He is RISEN!
Every year we visit the passage that speaks of the empty tomb and we rejoice in our God who overcame sin and death, Halleluiah!
But, what good does it do for us to sing and shout, “He is risen!” if we do not experience the transformation that Jesus bought for us on that cross?
What good is it for you and me, if we can only profess with our mouths, “He is risen” but do not experience the reality of His life in and through us?
Let's join the women who are weary and worried as they make their way to the tomb looking for a dead Jesus, but encounter an empty tomb and 3 words that transform them from worry to worship!
Many claim to find contradictions in the bible, most of those so called contradictions are paradoxes that need to be examined. Jesus' life was a life of paradox. A paradox is a seemingly absurd statement that seems to contradict itself, but in closer examination it begins to make perfect sense.
Jesus was and is a King, yet He is humble, meek, and mild. He is loving, yet the zeal for His Father's house turns Him into a temple cleaning force to be reckoned with. This Palm Sunday lets dive into a few of the paradoxes in the Palm Sunday narrative found in Matthew 21, to learn and draw close to Jesus, The God of Paradoxes!
Proverbs 5 is coming in hot challenging you to guard your heart from the old familiar temptation to indulge in physical intimacy before it is time, and with people that you are never meant to be in relationship with.
But this is not limited to just those who are looking for a relationship or for those who are in a relationship, but it is a warning to all on the attraction of sin and the destruction that sin brings.
In a world that normalizes physical connections, and limits it's morality to respect and consent, the bible take it a step further and clearly shows us the end of the matter of sin. Are you on the brink of destruction because of your choices? Thankfully we have a Savior for all our sin, lets look for love in the right place, and at the ONLY face that matters - Jesus!
Have you heard this before, “Guard your heart!” Or maybe you've said this to someone, “Guard your heart!” But what does it mean to "Guard your heart?" It is just be careful, make wise decisions or stay away from relationships?
The Bible elevates the need to guard your heart, because it says, that from it flows the direction of your life. With so much riding on this one statement, I think we need to take a deep dive into it, to ensure that we really understand the matters of the heart and how to guard it.
Are you ready for your heart to take a turn towards the destiny God has for you?
The Bible speaks of two roads, or two paths that people find themselves on. One road leads to destruction and the other, to life. How do we know which road we are on? The book of Proverbs helps us with this dilemma and gives us practical steps to exercise caution and discipline so that we stay on the road that leads to life. It challenges us to more than saying a prayer, or having time for bible reading but in training the heart to love the Way of Wisdom.
Lets take this on the road, Proverbs chapter 4, lets go!
Have you come across passages in Holy Scripture that talks of a sin that will not be forgiven? I have had many people come up to me on various occasions, asking me this very question, “Have I committed the unpardonable sin? And if I have, what can I do?”
This uncertainty and doubt can put immense stress on your spiritual growth and allow the enemy a foothold in your life. This is why today we are going to look into God's Word and understand what it says, and see how we can live confidently in the finished work of Jesus.
Are you ready to dive in? Get your Bible and your notes, this is going to be a good one!
Who do you look to for directions in this life? While there are many wise people with experience in this life, we all have a deep longing and desire for more than what this life offers. Who can we go to for the longing of our hearts that desire a glimpse into perfect peace and eternity?
The Bible says that there is a way of wisdom that can point us in the direction of eternal blessing. This is not a road map that leads to a destination but to a destiny that your spirit is longing for, a blessing that is better than silver, gold or precious jewels. Are you ready to get on the way of wisdom? Lets go!
The book of Proverbs is filled with Godly wisdom, but does the wisdom from God's Word translate into the world we are living in, or is it just for “Church people”?
In this chapter in proverbs we see the direction God's Word points us in to be successful! Yes success in this world and in the one to come.
Get your bibles open and get ready to see the map God draws for us for the direction for success.
Every new year man people make new resolutions to change their lifestyle and to get more disciplined. What about your spiritual life? When was the last time you decided to break through the glass celling and draw closer to Jesus?
Proverbs chapter 2 challenges us to take a closer and deeper look at our commitment and intimacy with Jesus and encourages us to treasure Him as precious gold.
If you are ready to level up your relationship with Jesus, get your bible open and your heart ready!
If you want to live for God, there are always areas in our lives that need to be confronted and brought back under the grace and and forgiveness of Jesus, The book of Proverbs tells us that there are those who scorn and ignore repentance and daily confession of sins, instead they find themselves to be wise in their own eyes. Sadly this kind of reasoning is not only found in the world but also in the church. A compromised life is not a Christian life, thankfully Jesus saves us by offering us His grace, but the question is, are you ready to confront the areas where you have been compromising?
May The Spirit of God illuminate His Word and bring you exactly where He has purposed you to be today.
The book of Proverbs puts our pride, self righteousness and wisdom in check and humbles us. It calls us to go back to the basics that are constantly under attack from the enemy, and It questions our influences our affections and our actions that are birthed from it.
Have you found yourself in a downward spiral towards pride, unhealthy patterns and death? Keep it right here, breakthrough is coming your way straight from God's Word, we're going back to The Basics!
Success is defined so differently by the world when compaired to The Word of God. But this shouldn't surprise us because the Bible tells us that the wisdom of the world is foolishness to God and the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing. The book of Proverbs starts off by inviting you to God's wisdom and knowledge for you to live a successful life in the way God has defined it for you. Are you ready to live successfully God's way? Stay tuned we're starting a new journey through the book of Proverbs in this series called Successful Living!
As we start this year, it's important to identify the reality that we are capable of experience a season of failure in small and big ways. Everyone fails, but some of our failures can be public, colossal and it can seem like there is NO coming back from it.
The passage we'll be looking at to start this new year with, has Jesus helping us focus on the principles of Recovering From Failure.
This is a message everyone needs to hear if we want to recover from failure and walk into the destiny God has for you. Get ready, 2024 is a year to recover and make our way to The Father's House.
This is the last day in 2023! How great that God has brought us through this year and is gearing you up for a new year and a new season. As we embark on this new journey into a new year we cannot do it on our own and in our flesh, we have to move forward in the Spirit of God, by living in the Power of God, for the Glory of God. This message is going to challenge you to not live in the mode of the flesh that is prone to sin, but through the mode of God that brings us His Holy living, and joy of eternal life with Jesus.
Every Christmas people gather together to sing carols and hear the Christmas message, but Christ will not be of use to us if we fail to recognize WHY He had to come into the world.
The world commercializes Christmas because they do not care WHY Jesus came into the world, and it is possible for Christians to turn this season into a comical show of meaninglessness if we also fail to recognize WHY Jesus came into our weary world.
My prayer is that Jesus will turn your weary world of suffering in sin and error into a thrill of hope, because of WHY Jesus was born.
Joy to the world the Lord has come!
This joy didn't come FROM the world, but TO the world, do you have it?
The source of this joy is divine, and it cannot be replicated, duplicated or manipulated, do you have this joy?
Your circumstances can be sorrow filled, but this joy is yours if you will recognize Jesus, the joy given TO the world.
Stay tuned if joy is your search this season, the joy of Jesus is yours.
Christmas carols are great, and while it adds a great mood for the season, these carols are rich in meaning and point us towards God incarnate.
Today we unpack the message being heralded by the angels, the message of Good News, Great Joy, for All People. Are you in need of GOOD NEWS? Stay tuned.
Tis the season for celebration and song! What a joy to remember and celebrate the birth of our King Jesus.
The next few weeks leading up to Christmas, we are going to be examining the theology and the insights of Jesus in some familiar carols. My hope and prayer is that we will be encouraged with biblical truths as we hear these age old songs and be able to celebrate Jesus with a much richer meaning.
Kicking off the first week is a carol that was originally a poem written by H.W Longfellow titled, "I Heard The Bells", this poem was written in deep despair one Christmas morning, but ends with authentic hope.
Are you in need of hope this morning? Stay tuned, the bells are about to ring.
Hopelessness doesn't have to be our default setting even while we live and go through hard times. We worship The God of all hope who is always on the move, and is working in ways beyond our comprehension.
This hope from God needs to be received with gratitude and should be acted on in faith.
Are you ready to replace the hopelessness and embrace the hope that comes from God?
Hopelessness doesn't have to be our default setting even while we live and go through hard times. We worship The God of all hope who is always on the move, and is working in ways beyond our comprehension.
This hope from God needs to be received with gratitude and should be acted on in faith.
Are you ready to replace the hopelessness and embrace the hope that comes from God?
Depression has been on the rise not only in our country, but all around the world. This seems to be a pandemic where medication and therapy finds its limitations. What does the Bible have to say about this disease that is plaguing mankind? How can we cultivate gratitude while we are struggling with all sorts of mental trauma? Stay tuned, because we are going to see and experience a God who is near the broken hearted and He binds up those who are crushed in spirit.
Soon America will be celebrating one of its favourite days with food, football and family. Thanksgiving however is betrayed when we sit around a meal with shallow, cliche things that we say we're thankful for. Can Christians make a difference in our homes this thanksgiving season with a heart full of thanks and a life that has been well examined? Join me in the first of four messages that will help you cultivate a heart of Gratitude! Gratitude is a command that comes with a promise of blessing, let's not sit this one out , let's jump in!
Worship is not supposed to be so abstract but it's very tangible and something that everyone can grasp. Get ready for a practical message as we bring our series in worship to a close. After all the theological implications, historical references, and spiritual significance the Bible also tells us how to practically worship with our lives and our bodies. Get ready to open the doors of worship in your life.
Do you know that in every person there is a longing, a hunger, for the divine? This desire is recognized in all worldviews and cultures, but has its satisfaction only in the cross of Jesus, our Saviour.
This desire and hunger for God is what revival is, and like the world, it is very possible for the church to try and find its satisfaction in its made up rituals and religion. In this series in worship, we have to confront the ways we hinder revival, and as we repent, we will see revival in our hearts, lives, and our church again.
We have seen various aspects of worship in this series, but today we address something that we take part in every single week - Singing!
What makes a song, a worship song? Can anyone be a worship singer? What was the first worship song in the Bible?
Stay tuned, all this and more will be answered straight from scriptures. Also, keep a pen and your notes handy, because you are going to be writing your own worship song by the end of this message.
God is great, and greatly to be praised!! But what do you do when you just don't feel like worshipping?
This is a common slump that many believers go through in their walk with God. What is it that compels us to worship?
Stay tuned for this message that ties the past messages on worship and elevates the compelling force that moves you and me to worship.
Is worship only for musicians? Do we absolutely need song writers to tell us what to sing for our worship to be "worshipful?"
Do you know that you write songs everyday of your life in worship? They might not be songs that rhyme or have a tune to it, but we are all worshippers. Could it be possible that there are some songs in our personal worship library that need to be removed, rewritten or refocused?
Stay tuned, this message is going to have you singing a song of freedom as you get your song back.
Is worship only for musicians? Do we absolutely need song writers to tell us what to sing for our worship to be "worshipful?"
Do you know that you write songs everyday of your life in worship? They might not be songs that rhyme or have a tune to it, but we are all worshippers. Could it be possible that there are some songs in our personal worship library that need to be removed, rewritten or refocused?
Stay tuned, this message is going to have you singing a song of freedom as you get your song back.
In this series of Worship we have torn down the ideas of worship that have kept us in the motions of worship devoid of the motivation behind our worship.
This week we continue to let God's Word shine a light on our worship, and show us the blessings that are ours in the battlefield of worship.
We all know that prayer is a privilege and also a command from our Lord, but do you know that there are 3 absolute essentials for life, that you can only get from prayer?
This week we continue learning from king Jehoshaphat who is threatened with a battle, and we see the process God walks him through to turn his battles into blessings, and this week our focus is, Prayer on the battlefield!
Are you in a battle? Stay tuned for the 3 essentials you absolutely need, that can be yours through prayer that turns your battles into blessings.
Worship is a weapon that the enemy tries to get you to put down and give up on. Worship is warfare and everytime you worship, you are tearing down idols. No wonder the enemy hates it when we worship in Spirit and Truth!
In this message I want to show you how we use this weapon of worship in the battlefield of our lives to turn our battles into blessings.
Are you ready to receive blessings in your battle? Get your Bibles ready!
Everyone worships, but the question is who or what do you worship? And following very closely is a follow up question, "How do you worship?"
There are different styles and genres or worship. People from different cultures worship differently. But when the method becomes more important than the object of our worship, we've lost the plot.
In this series "Heart of worship," we are looking at what God says worship is and how He wants us to worship Him.
If you are tired of culture stealing authentic worship and the church blindly following the world, this message is for you. Let's press in to God's Word and let Him redeem our worship.
The Gospel has become so redundant to many who have grown up in a Christian culture and the joy of redemption has never been experienced. Are you one of them? Do you know someone like this? How sad is it when those who have the greatest news trade it for temporary joys? The book of Ruth walks us through a journey of a young Moabite girl who is in need of redemption, and we find ourselves in the same predicament as this young girl in need of a Redeemer. Praise God we don't need a Boaz to redeem us, because we have The Greatest Redeemer of all - Jesus! Do you know Him? Have you let Him redeemed you? Are you Redeemed?
The greater your God, the greater will be your trust in Him. If you were to be honest, there are many areas where you have not come to trust the God that you claim to worship.
The purpose of this message is to help you recognize the areas where you lack trust, and to encourage and challenge you to start trusting God from the moment you wake up and till the day is done, in every and all circumstances. Your trust will show in the way you prepare, in your provision and in your patience. It's time for the muscles if faith to be exercised!! Let's go!
How often our identity can be influenced by our past mistakes and pain? There are many that wear their brokenness in their name that affects everything that they touch. The beauty of the God the you have come to know and trust is that our God gives us a new name that is greater than your pain.
Are you ready for your identity in Jesus to take on a new found depth and meaning? May you find the healing and courage to step in to your new name as you listen to this message.
Every single person has at some point been the victim of somebody's plans. Children grow up and blame their parents for the bad upbringing and plans that were made for them, citizens blame their leaders, employees their employers and the list could go on. Do you know that no matter the plans people have made for you, God's plans WILL succeeded? Let's move past our past and get to the promises of God, because He is greater than plans made by men.
The resurrection of Jesus empowers and encourages believers to live the extraordinary life that Jesus promised us. However many who profess faith in Jesus and even those who love Him often times find themselves waiting for God to prove Himself before we step out in faith. Well the wait is over, the grave is empty and our Saviour is risen!!
Are you wasting God given resources? Walking in anxiousness instead of worship because you're waiting for God to prove Himself before you commit? Stay tuned to find out how the Risen Saviour empowers us to live the resurrected life through His extraordinary victory over the grave.
As you listen to Jesus' words from the Cross, take time to pause and meditate on the profound words from a dying man. His words point us to His heart of love, forgiveness, care and eternal unity with Him.
Switch off every distraction and get low before the humble King who lays down His life for you.
When you come to Jesus, what do you expect from Him? Many come to know Jesus to be The King, The Prophet and The Great High Priest, but in our knowledge of Jesus do we also have the right expectation of WHAT this great God came to accomplish and continues to accomplish?
This is a Sunday when we remember the Triumphant Entry into Jerusalem and hidden under the shouts of praise is the soon to come disappointment that their assumptions of Jesus brings because of their False Expectation.
let's make sure that we are not found with shouts of praise that is built on wrong assumptions that lead to false expectations.
Does God still speak? If He does how can I hear His voice, and how can I know if it's just my imagination or if it really is God talking to me?
Many books have been written on these very questions but believers are still in a fog when it comes to being certain on God speaking.
Join me as I bring this series to a close as we look in the Bible for truth that will draw us closer to Jesus.
Humanity is seen in the love and compassion shown in times of need. As Christians we are commanded to be loving and kind and to love our neighbor as ourselves. However we don't have the world knocking on the doors of the church because of it's compassion and love, instead we have people leaving the church accusing it of lacking in love and compassion.
Is it possible that our compassion has lost it's relevance in the world today because we've misunderstood the basic principle of compassion?
Join me as I unpack the most misunderstood parable of The Good Samaritan as we answer this question: Is Christian Compassion Still Relevant?
We have buzz words all around us in the world, and so does Christianity. A popular buzz word is "REVIVAL!" It is used by some to fleece the gullible, and put on a great show. However, The Bible speaks of revival being more than a buzz word, it is a wake up call for God's people who are hungry and thirsty for more of Jesus.
Is revival still relevant is a message to challenge believers to examine their hunger, and a plea to the unbeliever to heed the voice of God calling you from death to life.
The world is divided, families are divided, friendships are on the brink of breakups, and in a divided world, the Church is supposed to be the place of peace where the Prince of Peace is proclaimed. But when the Church beings to preach pop psychology and tries to entertain the lost, we become a Prodigal Church. Join me as we let the Word of God do surgery in our spiritual life, and answer this question, Is The Church Still Relevant?
The message of Christmas is more than the shepherds and the star or the wise men and Mary, it is a reality that the God who made you has not forgotten you, but is STILL working and is visiting His creation in ways beyond our imagination. If life has you down, let this message of Christmas pick you up and still your fears, because God is STILL at work!
Jesus' calling on your life cannot be fulfilled if you do not recognize and receive this truth, you are not an accident, but have been chosen and adopted by God for a purpose. Your adoption was not because of anything you did or have done but only by grace, and this happened even before you were born.
How would your life change if you began walking in this truth, your Adoption is not by Accident?
Only the best gets copied and faked. Christianity over the years has seen it's fakes come and go, but in our world with so many voices it can become confusing not knowing who to trust and believe. This message boils Christianity down to it's It irreducible minimum by presenting Jesus' own words as He defines who and how a believe ought to be.
No one wants to get through this life as a taker, we all desire to leave a lasting legacy, but you have to watch out before you branch out. We are taught to pay close attention to WHO we partner with and HOW we build our lives. What are you attached to for you to find security in this life? Stay tuned for your encouragement!
You can have everything you have worked hard for and be very proud of the life that you have lived, but still have that one missing piece. We have heard that Jesus gives us peace, but what does that mean, and how do we access it? Could it be possible that after all the hard work and striving after success you have not found that one missing piece? Stay tuned this message is for you.
Has Christianity lost it's authenticity? Can Jesus, His power, and His love still be seen and experienced in a believer's life and in the church? Jesus did not leave the disciples with commercial Christianity but with a promise that He will send us The Holy Spirit that will guide us in all truth and enable us to live an authentic life of hope. I am sick of the crippled commercial Christianity painted by preachers who want to tickle ears and never boast about the love of God that rescues the hopeless. If you are hungry for Jesus to be manifested in and through your life, stay tuned, this message is for you.
Prayer is a powerful weapon that invites God to invade this earth and bring His kingdom, yet many of us do not take advantage of this privilege. If you have been slacking and need an encouragement and a reminder of the power we have in Jesus name, stay tuned.
As the colour of fall is evident all around me here in Idaho and the temperature begins to drop, the changes around me begin to change me too: warm clothes, big boots, gloves, and maybe even a scarf. Whatever it is you are walking in will be evident in your life. Have there been changes that are evident since you began your journey with Jesus? Jesus promised some drastic changes in a person's life who believes in Him. Ready for Jesus to change you?
In the short few years we have seen what used to be true has proven to be lies, what was considered healthy has been proven to be dangerous for you. In a world filled with relative truths and absolute lies, Jesus words stands the test of time and very plainly asks you, who will you believe? The lies of the world, or The Way, The Truth and The Life?
What do you do when anxiety, failed dreams and hopelessness seems to be filling your heart? Jesus speaks to His disciples and comforts their troubled hearts as their prepare for a night of horror. Are you struggling with a troubled heart? The God of all comfort has a special invitation to His encouragement just for you.
We love new things! New friends, new seasons maybe even a new church!! Jesus is inviting you to a new thing.. But this invitation comes with a condition.. Stay tuned to see if you fit the description that Jesus lays out. Get ready, God is doing a New Thing!
What happens in the upper room between Jesus and His disciples is more than a ritual of having a Passover meal. Jesus prepares them for the night they were about to face, a night where survival instincts would not suffice but only the grace of God. Are you walking through a dark night having to survive? Stay tuned, Jesus is speaking, and may His words bring you a timeline encouragement helping you Survive The Night!
Great kings and leaders are remembered by the battles they fought and kingdoms they won. Jesus enters the world as a king, He doesn't fight any wars or sit on an earthly throne, yet is remembered, respected and even worshipped. Time has not been able to put Him in the past, presidents have not been able to erase Him, punishing His followers only makes His fame grow. What makes this King different from the others who have attempted to leave a mark on history? Stay tuned as we unpack The Identity Of The King!
The world thinks that belief and faith is only a crutch for a Christian and that Christanity is a bunch of outdated rules to control culture, but lost in the debate over behavioral do's and dont's is the efficiency of the Gospel. Stay tuned for a gospel message that invites you into a deeper level of relationship with Jesus, as we confront what we often miss in the efficient Good News of Jesus.
All throughout the ages mankind has questioned his purpose. Purpose gives you direction, meaning and without purpose there is no success. Jesus makes some remarkable statements that shines a light on this very topic and points you towards your purpose. Get ready for your life to be changed forever with the power of purpose.
This world will force you to fit it's mold, while it tells you to "keep it real." Jesus on the other hand, tells you to stop playing it safe and to live like He did. What would your life look like if you were all that you believe Jesus says you are? Stay tuned we're getting ready to Blow Your Cover, so you can discover His eternal life in you. John 12:20-26
Growing up and hearing about heaven being a place of worship, painted a really bad image of an eternally long boring church service with people that were going to be equally boring. This is a really wrong image and idea of heaven. The Bible says, "In His presence there are pleasures forevermore" and while we prepare for eternity with Jesus we need to get familiar with the Pleasure Of Praise! Is there joy lacking in your life? Stay tuned, this message might be just what you need to get back to, the Pleasure in Praise!
The enemy often times will distract you from your calling. Ever been in those seasons when you are fired up but don't know what to do about it? Or when you are ridiculed because you are walking out your passion and you feel shamed? Or what about those times when you just are tired of just not knowing if your passion, purpose or your role even matters - Stay tuned because your role matters!
Emotions are familiar to everyone on the face on the earth, but we seldom stop to try and understand them, and it's in this place of our lack of understanding the enemy swoops in to keep us from walking in our purpose and passion. If fear didn't hold you back, what would you be doing with your passion? How much more would you be pursuing your calling? Join me in this breakthrough-bringing message in learning to live out our call while we Fear - Less.
esus heals 10 lepers and sends them to the priest, but one comes back to worship. Was he disobeying Jesus' word? What is Jesus' response to a man who is not walking in what was right but was real? Stay tuned as I unpack this passage in a message titled "The Controversial Christian!"
Throughout the years Jesus has been questioned. We have questioned him through the lenses of our culture, through the emotions of our experience, and out of fear and intimidation. How do we fact check God? That's exactly what happens in John chapter 9. Stay tuned, you'll be blessed!
Miracles are mysterious, they are not formulas they cannot be predicted or studied to be repeated over and over again. But what makes this miracle so mysterious is the method. Is it possible that you are on the brink of a miracle but are looking for the formula instead of walking in the mystery? Stayed tuned - John 9 - The Mysterious Miracle!
Is your suffering in vain? Is there anything in the Bible that can make sense of our suffering? Jesus answers this question in John 9 and gives us a great way of looking at our suffering. If your suffering has become bigger than your God, you need to stay tuned, because there is an answer!
For many of us, our bondage is a bigger reality than our breakthrough. The more you fight against sin, the more you see how many things there are that distract us and keep us in our bondage. We've heard the verse where Jesus says "He who the Son sets free is free indeed," but what does it mean? And can a believer still be in bondage? Can we truly experience this breakthrough from our bondage? Stay tuned because I believe this is a powerful revelation from Jesus that will bring breakthrough from your bondage.
For many of us, our bondage is a bigger reality than our breakthrough. The more you fight against sin, the more you see how many things there are that distract us and keep us in our bondage. We've heard the verse where Jesus says "He who the Son sets free is free indeed," but what does it mean? And can a believer still be in bondage? Can we truly experience this breakthrough from our bondage? Stay tuned because I believe this is a powerful revelation from Jesus that will bring breakthrough from your bondage.
If Jesus were to warn you about the way you are living, what would He say? In these few verses before us, that's exactly what Jesus does. He warns His listeners about dying in the condition they were living in. It's a warning that should make you want to examine your life and ask yourself, "Is this how I want to die?" Join me as I unpack this conversation between Jesus and His listeners in John 8.
What would it be like to stand before Jesus after the life that you have lived and not be verified by Him? It is a scary thought, but thank God that we are living in the time of grace! That means that we still have time to get right with God and be justified by His work on the cross. Join me as we unpack the mystery involved in your verification.
Being a follower of Jesus is a costly lifestyle! It will cost you your life, your friends, and a whole lot more. Have you considered the cost of being a disciple? Have you examined what you gain by being a disciple of Jesus? Join me today as I focus on just one illuminating promise that makes being a disciple of Jesus worth more than anything you considered to be of value.
The journey between shame and freedom is short and is free, but very few decide to walk this road. Join me as we start a new chapter in the book of John, and I'm praying it will be a new chapter in your life as you make the journey from disgrace to grace.
Jesus #grace #disgrace
If there is one word to describe our country and most of the world in 2022, it would be "DIVIDED!" How do believers respond to the division in our world? Should we suppress the Truth and fake our love in an effort to "get along"? Join me as I unpack our final message from John 7.
Jesus #division
There are some things that we have left in silence hoping that it will stop bothering us, but as life ticks on, the silence only gets louder and louder. It is here that Jesus breaks the silence and gives us an invitation to come and find life. You could be struggling with the silence of hidden sin in your life, a failure that has become your identity, or something that would seem so simple to others but to you it's a big deal. Listen to what Jesus has to say as He breaks the silence and calls you to a new life.
You can be SO CLOSE, but "so close" is not the destination. There are many things that stop us from pursuing and growing and pressing in towards intimacy with Jesus. This is a problem that all of mankind face - join me as we look once again at John 7 as Jesus challenges us to not be content with " Almost There."
We've all done it, and it's hard to change when you've already gone down the road of assumptions. But what do you do when you find yourself jumping to conclusions about Jesus that aren't fully true? We all know people that are here, they have jumped to conclusions about Jesus and it'll only take a miracle for them to change their mind. That's what we see in this passage in John. Join me as you expect God to work a miracle in your faith.
Ever been judged by someone who has no idea who you are and all the things you've been through? How often we let what others think of us water down our lives, our beliefs and the truth. Jesus didn't let the judgement and hate stop Him from teaching and working powerfully and finishing what He was sent to do. What is stopping you from living the life Jesus has called you to? Stay tuned I'm sure this message will challenge and encourage you to not let them stop you.
Many walked away from Jesus in unbelief and some stayed, but among the 12 that stayed there was one who didn't believe even though he fit all the descriptions of a believer. God's sovereignty doesn't negates man's responsibility. Jesus calls us to believe to be saved, that is a part of His sovereign plan and believing is our responsibility. What do you do when you have a Sovereignty Crisis and you are with those that believe, but not sure if you are a believer?
Have you noticed that far too many people are offended with something or the other these days? When your knowledge, experience and motives are questioned we typically tend to get offended. But what do you do when we have a whole society offended with God? This is a message that will change your attitude and get you closer to Jesus in deeper surrender.
The uniqueness of Jesus is not in His teachings. Although His teaching are very powerful and insightful, the splendor of Jesus is in His death and resurrection that gives us LIFE! Either you have this Life, or you don't. Let's start this year drawing closer to Life in Jesus. Is there anything that prevents you from having this life in Jesus?
//BROKEN BLESSINGS// John 6:1-13 Ever felt like the blessings that God has been giving you are the leftovers, hand me downs and the things that nobody else wanted? If we are honest, sometimes it does feel like God is keeping His best away from us and is giving us His broken blessings. If you can identify with this, this message is for you.
A problem that many of us have but fail to recognize is that Jesus has become a tradition, a celebration a doctrine or even just a denomination. Jesus talks to a few people in John ch5 who had decided who God was and weren't willing to think outside their tradition and culture to find out who God truly is. Join me as we let God's Word bring us past ourselves and to Jesus.
"Do you want it?" This question is answered differently based on who's asking. Jesus asks a man "Do you want to be healed?" And his answer to Jesus could be similar to your excuse that keep you from your healing, blessing and your salvation. Jesus wants to invade your chaos and challenge your condition, Do you want it?
Faith is never stagnant, you're either growing or you're deteriorating. Pressing times cause us to grow in our faith and comfortable times cause us to forget our faith. Where are you in your journey of faith? Join me today as we open God's word and find ourselves in this beautiful journey of faith.
Heaven is going to be so beautiful more than any words can describe, but contrary to popular belief not everyone who dies goes to heaven. How can we be sure of eternity with Jesus? Can I have assurance of salvation? This might be the most important sermon you listen and respond to. John Ch. 4 /Spiritual Harvest/
What do you do when routine doesn't bring rest, redemption or revival? What do you do when your mundane routine can't be escaped? In this message from John 4, Pastor Joel speaks on how having a meeting with Jesus, can prevent us from continually killing ourselves.
Even the most careful, faithful Christian will face failures throughout theirs lives. But what do we do when we find ourselves with the news of catastrophic failure and all that you've worked hard for is falling apart? Can we have Faith To Face Our Failures? Stay tuned, that's what coming up here from John 3
When the many around the world are stuck between hopelessness and the inability to change our circumstances, God still encourages us to Believe For Better. Join us as Pastor Joel shares encouragement from God's Word that will bless you and encourage you to Believe For Better!