Evangel Houghton: Recent Episodes
Evangel Church
Weekly sermons and Pearls and Swine episodes from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan. For Pearls & Swine, Pastors Levi Matteson, Travis Williams, and John Mohrbacher share good news you can use on topics that matter in your life. More information available at evangelup.org
Pastor Levi, Pastor Travis, and Lisa talk about Nehemiah's prayer for renovation, including being part of the solution, beginning with repentance, and invoking God's promises. This is an episode of Pearls & Swine on the Evangel Houghton Podcast from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, September 12, 2023.
Pastor Levi, Pastor Travis, and Lisa talk about the Romans 8 Roller Coaster Ride, including how it's not about the rules, but relational. This is an episode of Pearls & Swine on the Evangel Houghton Podcast from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, August 29, 2023.
Pastor Levi Matteson talks about our relational God from Romans 8:12-17. This podcast episode is a Sunday message from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, August 27, 2023.
Pastor Levi, Pastor Travis, and Lisa talk about riding the roller coaster with the Spirit. This is an episode of Pearls & Swine on the Evangel Houghton Podcast from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, August 22, 2023.
Pastor Levi Matteson talks about life through the Spirit from Romans 8:1-11. This podcast episode is a Sunday message from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, August 20, 2023.
Pastors Levi and Travis talk about prayer, including three stories of being connected to God through pray. This is an episode of Pearls & Swine on the Evangel Houghton Podcast from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, August 15, 2023.
The Barbie movie is a cultural phenomenon, already reaching $1 billion in box office sales. Pastor Levi Matteson doesn't critique the movie one way or the other, but uses some of its plot points in contrast to the biblical perspective of the role of men and women in their collaboration with each other. This podcast episode is a Sunday message from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, August 13, 2023.
Pastor Levi, Pastor Travis, and Lisa talk about the toolset listed in 2 Peter 1, including how we need tools and the knowledge to use them. This is an episode of Pearls & Swine on the Evangel Houghton Podcast from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, August 8, 2023.
Pastor Travis Williams talks about the summer mission trip to Whitesville, West Virginia, with individual reports from the Youth Missions Team. Time stamps: Bethany (12:58), Ayana (14:06), Kalen (14:25), Hayden (14:48), Adin (15:15), Levi (15:44), Leader Steve (16:06), Pastor Travis (17:21) Aiden (25:20), Drew (26:00), Kameron (26:42), Anna (27:08), Cole (27:40), Alia (28:20), Leader Becky (28:52), Pastor Travis (31:48), Jonus (41:59), Acy (42:47), Jovie (43:15), Alia (43:58), Everett (44:28), Leader Jen (44:57), and Pastor Travis (46:52). This podcast episode is a Sunday message from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, August 6, 2023.
Pastor Levi Matteson talks about Jehoshaphat's response to fear and The Lord's surprising instruction to defeat Moab and Ammon. The Scripture text is from 2 Chronicles 20. This podcast episode is a Sunday message from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, July 30, 2023.
Pastor Levi, Pastor Travis, and Lisa talk about flourishing in the Christian life, including naturalism vs. spiritualism, blooming where you're planted, and having gratitude through Christ. This is an episode of Pearls & Swine on the Evangel Houghton Podcast from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, July 25, 2023.
Pastor Levi Matteson explains the doctrine of baptism from Romans 6:1-14. This podcast episode is a Sunday message from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, July 23, 2023.
Pastor Travis and Lisa talk about Shadrach, Meshach & Abednego, including King Nebuchadnezzar's decrees worship to him, the three young men's refusal, and God's power no matter the outcome. This is an episode of Pearls & Swine on the Evangel Houghton Podcast from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, July 18, 2023.
Mr. Aaron Green continues in The Summer of Roller Coasters with reassuring words of Jesus from Matthew 6:25-34. This podcast episode is a Sunday message from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, July 16, 2023.
Pastor Levi, Pastor Travis, and Lisa talk about stepping out from behind the wall of fear, including the story of Moses, how God is in control, and needing to trust in God. This is an episode of Pearls & Swine on the Evangel Houghton Podcast from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, July 11, 2023.
Pastor Levi Matteson continues in The Summer of Roller Coasters with the story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego from Daniel 3. This podcast episode is a Sunday message from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, July 9, 2023.
With Pastors Levi and Travis, Lisa reads stories of George Washington, Harriet Tubman, and John Wanamaker from "100 Bible Verses That Made America: Defining Moments That Shaped Our Enduring Foundation of Faith" by Robert J. Morgan. This is an episode of Pearls & Swine on the Evangel Houghton Podcast from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, July 4, 2023.
Pastor Levi Matteson continues in The Summer of Roller Coasters with the story of Moses from Exodus 2-4. This podcast episode is a Sunday message from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, July 2, 2023.
Pastor Travis talks with Matt & Lisa Watrous about Celebrate Recovery, including Matt's story of recovery, Lisa' walk beside Matt, and taking the first step. This is an episode of Pearls & Swine on the Evangel Houghton Podcast from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, June 27, 2023.
Pastor Levi Matteson continues in The Summer of Roller Coasters with the story of David and Goliath from 1 Samuel 17. This podcast episode is a Sunday message from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, June 25, 2023.
Pastor Levi, Pastor Travis and Lisa from Evangel Community Church talk about fear, and where it starts and how it works, including taking captive every thought, walking in the Spirit, and renewing our minds. This is an episode of Pearls & Swine on the Evangel Houghton Podcast from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, June 20, 2023.
Pastor Travis Williams continues in The Summer of Roller Coasters series from 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 and Romans 12:2.This podcast episode is a Sunday message from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, June 18, 2023.
Pastor Levi, Pastor Travis and Lisa from Evangel Community Church talk our fight for control and questioning God. This is an episode of Pearls & Swine on the Evangel Houghton Podcast from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, June 13, 2023.
Pastor Levi Matteson continues in The Summer of Roller Coasters series with the story of Jesus sleeping in a boat while he and his disciples encounter a squall on the Sea of Galilee, from Mark 4:35-41. This podcast episode is a Sunday message from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, June 11, 2023.
Pastor Levi and Pastor Travis and Lisa from Evangel Community Church talk about fear, including knowing the object of your fear, how fear can lead to disobedience or missed opportunity, and trusting that God wants what's good for you. This is an episode of Pearls & Swine on the Evangel Houghton Podcast from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, June 6, 2023.
The pastors from Evangel Community Church talk about Advent, the celebration of the arrival of Jesus Christ, including the crazy genealogy of Jesus, Rahab the prostitute, and other stories of grace and redemption.
This is an episode of Pearls & Swine on the Evangel Houghton Podcast from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, November 29, 2022.
Pastor Levi Matteson kicks off our Advent series Crazy Christmas Characters with the story of a surprising character in Jesus's genealogy. The Scripture text is from Matthew 1:1,5, Hebrew 11:31, and Joshua 2.
This podcast episode is a Sunday message from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, November 27, 2022.
Thanksgiving is designated for prayer, and it's an important ritual to train us for gratitude. The pastors from Evangel Community Church talk about how giving thanks is a response, action, and choice.
This is an episode of Pearls & Swine on the Evangel Houghton Podcast from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, November 22, 2022.
Guest speaker Pastor Ken Nabi, President & Executive Minister Converge Great Lakes, talks about how Scripture alone is authoritative for the faith of the Christian. The Scripture text comes from Galatians 1:6-9.
This podcast episode is a Sunday message from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, November 20, 2022.
The pastors from Evangel Community Church talk about the habit that got Daniel thrown into the lions den, including the backstory, his habit of prayer, and how our habits today inform who we are tomorrow.
This is an episode of Pearls & Swine on the Evangel Houghton Podcast from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, November 15, 2022.
Our habits inform who we will become in the future. Pastor Levi Matteson talks about Daniel's habit for prayer and worship that was so predictable that his enemies could trick the king into passing a law to get Daniel thrown into a lions' den.
The Scripture text is from Daniel 6:1-28. This podcast episode is a Sunday message from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, November 13, 2022.
The pastors from Evangel Community Church talk about the local church community, including how the Internet is not a substitute for church, our faith is not private, and we need to be more than spectators.
This is an episode of Pearls & Swine on the Evangel Houghton Podcast from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, November 8, 2022.
There's nothing of this world that will satisfy your soul, but there's only one thing that will. Pastor Levi Matteson wraps up our sermon series This Means War with parting words from Jesus Christ of what he wanted from his disciples.
This podcast episode is a Sunday message from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, November 6, 2022.
Pastors Levi and John from Evangel Community Church talk about the real Jesus from Colossians 1:15-22, including how we project our personalities on Jesus, our existential questions are answered by Him and for Him, and he is he Head of the body, the church.
This is an episode of Pearls & Swine on the Evangel Houghton Podcast from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, November 1, 2022.
We might have a tendency to project our own personalities on the character of Jesus, but Paul describes exactly who Jesus Christ is. Pastor Levi Matteson continues in our sermon series This Means War from Colossians 1:15-22.
This podcast episode is a Sunday message from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, October 30, 2022.
Pastors Levi and John from Evangel Community Church talk about how God changes hearts, including Jeffrey Dahmer's dark journey and God's deep grace, grace even after hitting rock bottom, and how the Spirit of God works in us.
This is an episode of Pearls & Swine on the Evangel Houghton Podcast from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, October 25, 2022.
Does God have the power to change the heart of a serial killer? Pastor Levi Matteson continues in our sermon series This Means War with a message from 2 Corinthians 3:1-6.
This podcast episode is a Sunday message from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, October 23, 2022.
The pastors from Evangel Community Church tackle how we know the Bible is true, including how to test claims of truth, if there are mistakes in scripture, and the age, quantity and consistency of manuscripts.
This is an episode of Pearls & Swine on the Evangel Houghton Podcast from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, October 18, 2022.
Soldiers go off to war, but they also come home, and God is calling us home from our battle with truth. Pastor Levi Matteson continues our sermon series This Means War talking about what it means to be home. The Scripture text is from John 17:3, Romans 8:14-18, and Matthew 11:25-30.
This podcast episode is a Sunday message from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, October 16, 2022.
Pastors Levi and Travis from Evangel Community Church talk about the dance of the Trinity, including the definition of love, essence of God, and our God-sized holes in our hearts.
This is an episode of Pearls & Swine on the Evangel Houghton Podcast from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, October 11, 2022.
Pastor Levi Matteson continues our sermon series This Means War: A Doctrinal Study of Our Battle with Truth. The Scripture text is Genesis 1:26, 1 John 4:8-9, Matthew 3:16-17, and John 17:20-26.
This podcast episode is a Sunday message from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, October 9, 2022.
Pastors John and Travis from Evangel Community Church talk about the importance of serving, including servant leadership (Mark 10), following Jesus' example (Phil. 2), and finding your purpose (1 Cor. 12).
This is an episode of Pearls & Swine on the Evangel Houghton Podcast from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, October 4, 2022.
Pastor John Mohrbacher discusses the eight principles of Celebrate Recovery with CR leaders Lisa Watrous and Kathy Ptaszek. The Scripture text is Matthew 5:1-11.
This podcast episode is a Sunday message from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, October 2, 2022.
Pastor Levi Matteson continues in our sermon series, This Means War, with instructions on how to get messages from God in our battle for truth. The Scripture text: John 1:38-50, 14:16-18,25-27, 15:1-8; Gal.5:13-26.
This podcast episode is a Sunday message from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, September 25, 2022.
The pastors from Evangel Community Church talk about Jesus's invitation to the first disciples to follow him, including: the significance of an invitation to follow a rabbi, the rabbinical education system, the Jewish expression "may you be covered in the dust of your rabbi," and going beyond knowledge to living in The Way.
This is an episode of Pearls & Swine on the Evangel Houghton Podcast from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, September 20, 2022.
Every war has great generals, and in our battle for truth, we are called to follow the best of the best. Pastor Levi Matteson continues in our sermon series, This Means War, with a contextual understanding of what it meant for the first disciples to follow Jesus.
This podcast episode is a Sunday message from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, September 18, 2022.
With the kids going back to school, the pastors from Evangel Community Church talk about parenting school-aged kids based on a passage from Deuteronomy 6.
This is an episode of Pearls & Swine on the Evangel Houghton Podcast from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, September 13, 2022.
Pastor Levi Matteson continues in our sermon series, This Means War, with a disclosure of a secret weapon our battle against truth.
This podcast episode is a Sunday message from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, September 11, 2022.
The pastors from Evangel Community Church talk about the stench of sin, including we're dead in our transgressions, what does it mean to be holy and set apart, and God's Febreze to neutralize the stank.
This is an episode of Pearls & Swine on the Evangel Houghton Podcast from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, September 6, 2022.
Sometimes morticians need to throw away their clothes after handling long-deceased bodies. In our war with God, we are dead in our transgressions and we stink.
Pastor Levi Matteson continues in our sermon series, This Means War, with descriptions of God's holiness from Isaiah 6:1-5 and how we neutralize our stank from Ephesians 2:2, 4-10.
This podcast episode is a Sunday message from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, September 4, 2022.
The pastors from Evangel Community Church talk about Original Sin, including the Genesis story of the fall, taking a shot at the throne of God, and how sin was passed down to every generation.
This is an episode of Pearls & Swine on the Evangel Houghton Podcast from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, August 30, 2022.
In a conventional war, it's often difficult to determine who started it, but in our battle with truth, we can trace the first shot to the Garden of Eden.
Pastor Levi Matteson continues in our sermon series, This Means War, with a story from Genesis 3 of the first challenge to God's authority.
This podcast episode is a Sunday message from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, August 28, 2022.
The pastors from Evangel Community Church talk about the spiritual war we in, including our daily battle with truth and using God's Word in this fight.
This is an episode of Pearls & Swine on the Evangel Houghton Podcast from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, August 23, 2022.
There is a war going on all the time inside of us. There is a war that rages against our hearts, that rages against who we are, and wants us to move away from the things of God. We are in a daily battle over truth, but if we don't realize it, we're going to lose the war.
Pastor Levi Matteson starts a new sermon series, This Means War, with a description of a key weapon to use in this spiritual battle. The Scripture text is from 2 Timothy 3:16-17.
This podcast episode is a Sunday message from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, August 21, 2022.
Pastors John and Travis about worship and sacrifice, including Old Testament worship, New Testament worship, and the Perfect Sacrifice that allows us to offer a living sacrifice.
This is an episode of Pearls & Swine on the Evangel Houghton Podcast from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, August 16, 2022.
We live in a broken world, and this is going to have an effect on everything, including worship. Pastor John Mohrbacher wraps up our sermon series, Worship Machines, with a promise from God. The Scripture text is from Revelation 5:9-10, 7:15-17, 15:3-4, and 19:6-9.
This podcast episode is a Sunday message from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, August 14, 2022.
Pastors John and Travis talk about things we put above God or between us and God, including what is an idol, why we have idols, and valuing God above all other. This is an episode of Pearls & Swine on the Evangel Houghton Podcast from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, August 9, 2022.
If you are not worshipping God, you're worshiping something else. Pastor John Mohrbacher continues in our sermon series, Worship Machines, with a story of when the Israelites broke the first and second commandments – you shall have no other gods before me and you shall not make and worship images. The Scripture text is from Exodus 32:1-10 and 17-20.
This podcast episode is a Sunday message from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, August 7, 2022.
Pastors Travis interviews his daughter, Miss Jovie, about the pressures on teenagers going into high school and how a young Christian navigates the world of social media. This is an episode of Pearls & Swine on the Evangel Houghton Podcast from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, August 2, 2022.
From the sixth day of creation, we were built with a purpose. Pastor John Mohrbacher kicks off our new sermon series, Worship Machines, with the what, why, and where of worship. The Scripture text is Genesis 1:1-2:2 and Hebrews 13:15-16.
This podcast episode is a Sunday message from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, July 31, 2022.
Pastors John and Travis interview Matt and Lisa Watrous about their experience with recovery as Evangel prepares for Celebrate Recovery, a program starting in the fall for people with hurts, hang-ups, or habits. This is an episode of Pearls & Swine on the Evangel Houghton Podcast from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, July 26, 2022.
Jesus did not come to save us from others, but rather to save us from ourselves. Guest speaker Kerry Bender, VP of Missons, North American Baptist Conference, challenges us to go beyond a purely geographical understanding of the great commission. The Scripture text is Acts 1:6-11.
This podcast episode is a Sunday message from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, July 24, 2022.
We often think of heaven as where we're going, but perhaps we should focus on bringing heaven to earth. Guest speaker Kerry Bender, VP of Missons, North American Baptist Conference, challenges us to go beyond a purely geographical understanding of heaven. The Scripture text is Philippians 3:15-21 and Revelation 21:1-5
This podcast episode is a Sunday message from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, July 17, 2022.
Pastors John and Travis talk about Celebrate Recovery, a program starting at Evangel in the fall for people with hurts, hang-ups, or habits. They walked through 8 principles from the Beatitudes of Jesus's Sermon on the Mount using the acrostic RECOVERY. This is an episode of Pearls & Swine on the Evangel Houghton Podcast from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, July 12, 2022.
Not all who suffer are humble, and not all who are humble suffer. Pastor John Mohrbacher talks about purpose in pain using the Scripture text 2 Corinthians 12:7b-10.
This podcast episode is a Sunday message from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, July 10, 2022.
Pastors John and Travis take the show on the road to meet with Todd Neva and talk about American Independence and the Bible, including (1) how government is instituted among men, (2) how America was founded on Judeo-Christian principles, and (3) that our constitution is designed for a moral people. This is an episode of Pearls & Swine on the Evangel Houghton Podcast from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, July 4, 2022.
Mr. Aaron Green reflects on a passage of Scripture that he studied daily during his sabbatical — Psalm 63:1-8 that starts "O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water."
This podcast episode is a Sunday message from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, July 3, 2022.
Pastors John and Travis talk about the current state of affairs and an old Sunday school song: He's Got the Whole World in His Hands. What does this old African-American spiritual tell us, and what does God's creation tell us? This is an episode of Pearls & Swine on the Evangel Houghton Podcast from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, June 28, 2022.
Pastor John Yan talks about the first time the disciples of Christ were called Christians and how that informs our identity. The scripture text comes from Acts 11:19-30.
This podcast episode is a Sunday message from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, June 26, 2022.
Pastors John and Travis talk fatherhood, including our relationship to God the Father, Jesus's Father, and how God is the standard for earthly fatherhood. This is an episode of Pearls & Swine on the Evangel Houghton Podcast from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, June 21, 2022.
Church is not like a country club. Church is inclusive, not exclusive, and a place for healing, rather than for the well-heeled. Pastor Travis Williams continues with our sermon series Summer Road Trip, talking about how Jesus calls people in from the outskirts to give them rest. The scripture text comes from Luke 19:1-10 and John 14:1-7.
This podcast episode is a Sunday message from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, June 19, 2022.
Pastor Travis Williams continues with our sermon series Summer Road Trip, talking about a woman who encountered Jesus at a well after making wrong turns in her life. The scripture text comes from John 4:1-30 and 39-42.
This podcast episode is a Sunday message from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, June 12, 2022.
Pastors John and Travis ask whether God cares about the little things, such as our trivial worries, small sins, and prayers for little needs. This is an episode of Pearls & Swine on the Evangel Houghton Podcast from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, June 7, 2022.
If Jesus could refill the wine jars at a wedding, he can put gas in your spiritual tank. Pastor Travis Williams continues with our sermon series Summer Road Trip, talking about how Jesus's signs point to something much greater than a simple miracle.
This podcast episode is a Sunday message from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, June 5, 2022.
Pastors John and Travis from Evangel Community Church talk about Callings from God, including general and specific callings, not expecting a clear calling, and testing if a calling is from God. This is an episode of Pearls & Swine on the Evangel Houghton Podcast from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, May 31, 2022.
We have our lives planned out like a road trip, and then along comes a detour that sets you on a new route — an even better route. Pastor Travis kicks off a new sermon series, Summer Road Trip, with the story of how an encounter with Jesus put two sets of brothers, all fishermen, on a new path to be fishers of people.
This podcast episode is a Sunday message from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, May 29, 2022.
The pastors from Evangel Community Church talk about walking with God, including trust, communication, protection, cutting from the culture and connecting to the church, and issues of disconnection and how to start the walk. This is an episode of Pearls & Swine on the Evangel Houghton Podcast from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, May 24, 2022.
Guest speaker Pastor Ken Nabi, Regional President Converge Great Lakes, talks about the benefit of rest as Pastor Levi begins his 12-week sabbatical. The Scripture text comes from Genesis 2:2-3, Isaiah 58:13-14, and Mark 2:27-28.
This podcast episode is a Sunday message from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, May 22, 2022.
Pastors John and Travis from Evangel Community Church talk about morals, including if they are relative, where they come from, and the Ten Commandments and Law. This is an episode of Pearls & Swine on the Evangel Houghton Podcast from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, May 17, 2022.
Pastor Levi Matteson wraps up our sermon series Winter Storm Warning with Peter's final words from 1 Peter 5:12-14. And in Levi's last sermon before leaving for his 12-week sabbatical, he discusses Evangel's ministry with Pastors John Mohrbacher and Travis Williams and Deacon Kevin Hubert.
This podcast episode is a Sunday message from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, May 15, 2022.
The pastors from Evangel Community Church talk about the evangelical view of abortion, including a definition of evangelicalism, current news of the leaked draft Supreme Court opinion, addressing opposing arguments, when human life begins, and our rights and freedoms. This is an episode of Pearls & Swine on the Evangel Houghton Podcast from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, May 10, 2022.
The relationship between a mother and her child is one of the great pictures God gives us for love. Pastor Levi Matteson covers a special topic for Mother's Day: Mrs. Zebedee, from Matthew 20:20-28.
This podcast episode from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, May 8, 2022.
The pastors from Evangel Community Church talk about God's Mercy, including the definition, Jonah, Jesus, and the Word of God. This is an episode of Pearls & Swine on the Evangel Houghton Podcast from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, May 3, 2022.
There's a process in place to direct and correct the flock of Jesus Christ. As important as needing bold leaders, the church also needs humble people. Pastor Levi Matteson continues in our Winter Storm Warning series with a message from 1 Peter 5:1-10.
This podcast episode from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, May 1, 2022.
The pastors from Evangel Community Church talk about God's faithfulness, including understanding prescriptive vs descriptive promises in Scripture and trusting God in times of suffering. This is an episode of Pearls & Swine on the Evangel Houghton Podcast from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, April 26, 2022.
We don't like suffering, and grief is natural, but we shouldn't be surprised by it. Pastor Levi Matteson continues in our Winter Storm Warning series with a message from 1 Peter 4:12-18. This podcast episode from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, April 24, 2022.
The pastors from Evangel Community Church talk about the justice of God, including: the price of sin, the bond card, and destroying evil. This is an episode of Pearls & Swine on the Evangel Houghton Podcast from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, April 19, 2022.
In crime shows, they sometimes get a partial license plate to try to find out who somebody is. Pastor Levi Matteson reviews each letter of Jesus's license plate — he is more than baby Jesus at Christmas. He's more than somebody who died on a cross, because many people died on a cross. Those things are significant because he is risen and the tomb is empty. This podcast episode from Easter at the Rozsa with Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, April 17, 2022.
The pastors from Evangel Community Church talk about the longest week in history, holy week, from Palm Sunday to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. This is an episode of Pearls & Swine on the Evangel Houghton Podcast from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, April 12, 2022.
Pastor Travis Williams continues in Winter Storm Warning with Peter's advice to the church after warning that the end of all things is near. This podcast episode from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, April 10, 2022.
The pastors from Evangel Community Church talk about Martyrdom, including Stephen, John Wycliffe, St. Lawrence, Bartholomew, and Cassie Bernall. This is an episode of Pearls & Swine on the Evangel Houghton Podcast from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, April 5, 2022.
It's counter-cultural when a Christian resolves to live for Christ, and his or her life may even appear reckless to those outside the Church. Pastor John Mohrbacher continues in our sermon series Winter Storm Warning with a message from 1 Peter 4:1-6. This podcast episode from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, April 3, 2022.
The pastors from Evangel Community Church talk about technology communication, including the value of the spoken word, the power of talking through conflict, and how our God used words. This is an episode of Pearls & Swine on the Evangel Houghton Podcast from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, March 29, 2022.
Pastor Levi Matteson continues in our sermon series, Winter Storm Warning, with one of the hardest passages to interpret in the New Testament — a passage that even Martin Luther said he didn't understand what Peter was talking about. The Scripture text is from 1 Peter 3:17-22. This podcast episode from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, March 27, 2022.
The pastors from Evangel Community Church talk about lords, including what lordship means, we need to acknowledge Jesus as our Lord, and we're managers, not owners, of our lives. This is an episode of Pearls & Swine on the Evangel Houghton Podcast from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, March 22, 2022.
Pastor Levi Matteson continues in our sermon series, Winter Storm Warning, with Peter's greatest regret. The Scripture text comes from 1 Peter 3:13-17. This podcast episode from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, March 20, 2022.
The pastors from Evangel Community Church talk about St Patrick and what he did for the people of Ireland, including how he used natural revelation, loved his enemies, and connected with the culture. This is an episode of Pearls & Swine on the Evangel Houghton Podcast from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, March 15, 2022.
Parents want their children to get along. They expect conflict, but they want their children to learn how to resolve them peaceful. Pastor Levi Matteson continues in our sermon series, Winter Storm Warning, with Peter's instructions for getting along in the family of God. The Scripture text comes from 1 Peter 3:8-12. This podcast episode from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, March 13, 2022.
The pastors from Evangel Community Church talk about Lent, a time of preparation and repentance. This is an episode of Pearls & Swine on the Evangel Houghton Podcast from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, March 8, 2022.
Marriage is like a road trip, sometimes fantastic and other times arguing with the kids crying in the back. Scripture provides insight into how to have an incredible car ride. Pastor Levi Matteson continues in our sermon series, Winter Storm Warning, with Peter's instructions for husbands and wives. The Scripture text comes from 1 Peter 3:1-8. This podcast episode from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, March 6, 2022.
The pastors from Evangel Community Church talk Change, including our immutable God, truth doesn't change, and God is complete and perfect. This is an episode of Pearls & Swine on the Evangel Houghton Podcast from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, March 1, 2022.
Do you have a strong sense of justice? What you do with that on a daily and weekly basis? Well, let's consider the extreme. Pastor Levi Matteson continues in our sermon series, Winter Storm Warning, with Peter's instructions for slaves and servants. The Scripture text comes from 1 Peter 2:18-25. This podcast episode from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, February 27, 2022.
Do those who hate Christians hate Jesus? Is it possible to love Jesus and hate Christians? The pastors from Evangel Community Church talk about that — and Nickelback. This is an episode of Pearls & Swine on the Evangel Houghton Podcast from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, February 22, 2022.
How do Christians live in a world that is antagonistic toward Christian values? Pastor Levi Matteson continues in our sermon series, Winter Storm Warning, with Peter's instructions for living in a pagan society. The Scripture text comes from 1 Peter 2:11-17. This podcast episode from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, February 20, 2022.
The pastors from Evangel Community Church talk reaction: God's desire for us to rest and relax, laugh and play, and have a full life. This is an episode of Pearls & Swine on the Evangel Houghton Podcast from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, February 15, 2022.
There is a fight for our identity in today's culture, but only an identity in Christ offers a foundation that will not crumble. Pastor Levi Matteson continues in our sermon series, Winter Storm Warning, with Peter's reminder of who we are in Christ. The Scripture text comes from 1 Peter 2:4-10. This podcast episode from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, February 13, 2022.
The pastors from Evangel Community Church talk seasons, including Ecclesiastes Chapter 3, being content, and trusting God. This is an episode of Pearls & Swine on the Evangel Houghton Podcast from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, February 8, 2022.
When snow covers the roads, we need to become different drivers. We need to discard our old ways if we hope to survive a winter storm. Pastor John Mohrbacher continues in our sermon series, Winter Storm Warning, with advice that Peter gave to a persecuted church. The Scripture text comes from 1 Peter 1:22-2:3. This podcast episode from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, February 6, 2022.
The pastors from Evangel Community Church talk adventure, including God calls us into a faith journey, having a full life now and adventures forever, and how Christians are guided by the Holy Spirit in community. This is an episode of Pearls & Swine on the Evangel Houghton Podcast from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, February 1, 2022.
Hope is mentioned many times in the Bible, mostly by people who'd been through difficult times. Aaron Green talks about how it's not enough just to have hope. It matters what we put our hope into. This podcast episode from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, January 30, 2022.
The pastors from Evangel Community Church talk family, including how it was created by God, Jesus is the glue that holds families together, and training children in the ways of the Lord. This is an episode of Pearls & Swine on the Evangel Houghton Podcast from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, January 25, 2022.
Compasses are important to navigate, but you need the correct heading — you need to know which way to go. Continuing in our sermon series Winter Storm Warning, Pastor Levi Matteson reviews 1 Peter 1:13-25, in which Peter gives us direction for our lives. This podcast episode from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, January 23, 2022.
The pastors from Evangel Community Church talk about how our story plus God's story makes a great story, including what makes a great story, expecting character development and challenges in our stories, and Jesus offers resolution. This is an episode of Pearls & Swine on the Evangel Houghton Podcast from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, January 18, 2022.
Most people who die in the wilderness are found with unopened backpacks that contain all of the essentials they would have needed to survive. Continuing in our sermon series Winter Storm Warning, Pastor Levi Matteson talks about surviving spiritual storms. The Scripture text is from 1 Peter 1: 3-12. This podcast episode from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, January 16, 2022.
People would be shocked and perplexed if the British Royal family were to adopt you and put you in charge of espousing their values and introducing common people to the Queen. It's also amazing, but true, and that we become royal priests in the Kingdom of God when we accept Christ. The pastors talk about a passage of Scripture from 1 Peter 2 in this episode of Pearls & Swine on the Evangel Houghton Podcast from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, January 11, 2022.
We must prepare for winter in the Copper Country, because the weather could turn against us at any moment. Kicking off our sermon series, Winter Storm Warning, Pastor Levi Matteson introduces us to Peter, who prepared the church during a time of persecution under Nero, the Emperor of Rome. The Scripture text is from 1 Peter 1:1-2. This podcast episode from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, January 9, 2022.
The pastors from Evangel Community Church talk about setting New Year's resolutions using the mirror of Scripture and guidance given by Paul in Romans 12 to assess yourself with sober judgment. This is an episode of Pearls & Swine on the Evangel Houghton Podcast from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, January 4, 2022.
Being a Cubs fan from Chicagoland, Pastor John Mohrbacher loves a good underdog story. He talks about how Israel overcame their underdog status by relying on God with Joshua's bold leadership and prayers. The scripture text is from Joshua 10:1-19. This podcast episode from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, January 2, 2022.
The pastors from Evangel Community Church talk about what we do now that Christmas is over, following the outline from Luke 2:17-20. We proclaim the gift of God, we wonder of God's amazing plan, and we ponder the works of God and glorify him in our daily lives. This is an episode of Pearls & Swine on the Evangel Houghton Podcast from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, December 28, 2021.
The ultimate Christmas present was beyond measure more exciting than anything we can give each other, and Luke wrote about how the shepherds and Mary reacted to the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Pastor Levi Matteson talks about what we do now that Christmas is over, following the outline from Luke 2:17-20. We proclaim the gift of God, we wonder of God's amazing plan, and we ponder the works of God and glorify him in our daily lives. This podcast episode from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, December 26, 2021.
The pastors from Evangel Community Church talk about the origins of and the rich theology in our favorite Christmas Carols, including Silent Night, Go Tell It on the Mountain, Joy to the World, O Holy Night, and Hark the Herald Angels Sing. This is an episode of Pearls & Swine on the Evangel Houghton Podcast from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, December 21, 2021.
One character from the Nativity story is often overlooked, but Matthew called him a righteous man, and he was surely influential in raising Jesus. Pastor John Mohrbacher helps us get to know Joseph, and he identifies qualities of righteousness. The Scripture text is from Matthew 1:18-25 and 2:13-23. This podcast episode from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, December 19, 2021.
The pastors from Evangel Community Church talk about their favorite Christmas characters, including the magi, the shepherds, and of course, ma and pa. This is an episode of Pearls & Swine on the Evangel Houghton Podcast from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, December 14, 2021.
Pastor Travis Williams can relate to present peekers, because he was the kind of kid who looked for hidden packages to see if he would get what was on his Christmas list. And so he now talks about a few Christmas characters — the wisemen and the shepherds — who had an early look at the ultimate Christmas present, from Matthew 2:1-12 and Luke 2:1-20. This podcast episode from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, December 12, 2021.
The pastors from Evangel Community Church continue their discussion about Advent, including the actual reason for the season, the theme of redemption is repeated in the Christmas Story, and baby Jesus was the King who came to conquer sin and death. This is an episode of Pearls & Swine on the Evangel Houghton Podcast from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, December 7, 2021.
Pastor Levi Matteson helps us unwrap a Christmas tradition in telling of the Christmas story, but the gift isn't exactly what some people think it is. Yes, it is Jesus, but it is what he eventually did 33 years later that is the gift that keeps on giving. The Scripture text comes from Matthew 1:18-25 and Luke 2. This podcast episode from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, December 5, 2021.
The pastors from Evangel Community Church talk about Christmas Advent, including the long wait and journey, the humble birth, and God's promises vs our expectations. This is an episode of Pearls & Swine on the Evangel Houghton Podcast from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, November 30, 2021.
Listening to the nativity story can be like watching a favorite old movie — we enjoy it and have a sense of nostalgia, but we're not surprised. Pastor Levi Matteson helps us look at Advent from fresh eyes. God gave Mary the 35,000-foot view of what was going to happen, but there was much she didn't know. The Scripture text comes from Luke 2:1-40. This podcast episode from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, November 28, 2021.
Pastors Travis and John and Nate the Intern talk about Thanksgiving, including: the history of Thanksgiving in the US, festivals that God established for the Israelites to give thanks, and the feeling of gratitude vs active giving of thanks. This is an episode of Pearls & Swine on the Evangel Houghton Podcast from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, November 23, 2021.
"This book will help us from having a rap sheet, and it will help others from getting on the most wanted list." Pastor Levi Matteson preaches from the Book of Jude, where the half-brother of Jesus gives reports of those who wanted to come to God on their own terms and how we are to deal with them. Should we make a citizen's arrest? This podcast episode from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, November 21, 2021.
Pastors Levi and Travis talk about what Scripture has to say about killing animals, including our responsibility for good stewardship, the Noahic covenant, and meat as God's provision. This is an episode of Pearls & Swine on the Evangel Houghton Podcast from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, November 16, 2021.
Pride inhibits hospitality. Pastor Travis Williams talks about John's letter to Gaius, whom he praised for his hospitality. We no longer have John's letter to Diotrephes, who loved to be first and refused to welcome other believers. The Scripture text comes from 3 John. This podcast episode from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, November 14, 2021.
Pastor Levi Matteson reveals our next PERP, a prostitute named Rahab who chose Yahweh and helped the Israelites conquer Jericho. The Scripture text comes from Hebrews 11:31 and Joshua 2: 1-21. This podcast episode from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, November 7, 2021.
Pastors Travis and John and Nate the Intern from Evangel Community Church talk about self-care and soul care, including the spiritual component to self-care, everything flows from the soul, and soul care through obedience to God. This is an episode of Pearls & Swine on the Evangel Houghton Podcast from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, November 2, 2021.
A skillful liar has theory of mind — the ability to know what the other knows — and self-control. Greater skill is required to tell the difference between trick or truth. Pastor John Mohrbacher reveals our next PERP, the deceiver and the antichrist, and instructions on how to handle him. The scripture text is from 2 John 1:1-13. This podcast episode is from 2 John 1. Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, October 31, 2021.
Pastors Levi and Travis are joined by 11-year-old Everett to talk about kids in the church, including: how faithful parents raise kids in a church, we need to be like a child to enter the kingdom of God, a stern warning to those who would cause a child to stumble, and how kids connect us in community. This is an episode of Pearls & Swine on the Evangel Houghton Podcast from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, October 26, 2021.
Does the Bible really allow slavery? Pastor Levi Matteson kicks off our new sermon series with Paul's letter to Philemon that was delivered by our first perp, Onesimus. Onesimus had a debt to pay Philemon, but he escaped his responsibility. Paul sent him back, and then laid guilt heavily on Philemon to do what's right and release Onesimus. It's confusing by our understanding of chattel slavery, so Levi explains the broader context of indentured servitude in first century Roman culture and how Paul held a small group of Christians to a higher standard. This podcast episode is from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, October 24, 2021.
The pastors from Evangel Community Church talk about how a philosophical movement called Deconstruction is incompatible with the scriptural foundation of Christianity. This is an episode of Pearls & Swine on the Evangel Houghton Podcast from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, October 19, 2021.
Pastor Levi Matteson wraps up our sermon series "Oh, I Stepped in It" with a guaranteed way of stepping into God's grace. He reviews three foundations of Christian theology — man is not good, God is good, and God exchanged his goodness for our sin. This podcast episode is from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, October 17, 2021.
The pastors from Evangel Community Church talk about sharing the gospel. This is an episode of Pearls & Swine on the Evangel Houghton Podcast from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, October 12, 2021.
Contestants must have survival skills in the popular reality show Alone, but isolation is what eventually breaks them. Pastor John Mohrbacher continues in our sermon series "Oh, I Stepped in It" with the importance of community. The Scripture text comes from Proverbs 4:9-12 and Hebrews 10:23-25. This podcast episode is from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, October 10, 2021.
The pastors from Evangel Community Church talk about how our story plus God's story make a great story, including the story of Joseph and what man meant for evil God used for good, how we are shaped through trials, and how God uses people in our stories. This is an episode of Pearls & Swine on the Evangel Houghton Podcast from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, October 5, 2021.
Elijah versus the priests of Baal is a great Sunday school story with taunting, fire from heaven, and torrential rains. But rarely told is what happened after that mountaintop experience, when Elijah fell into despair after the evil queen put a bounty on his head. Pastor Levi Matteson continues in our sermon series "Oh, I Stepped in It" with encouragement for those who feel stuck. The Scripture text comes from 1 Kings 18-19. This podcast episode is from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, October 3, 2021.
The sauna is a great place to have conversations, such as what is really true and what we know from Scripture. The pastors from Evangel Community Church talk about popular heresies that are creeping into the church, including people are good and won't go to hell, the prosperity gospel, and the Bible is not literal. This is an episode of Pearls & Swine on the Evangel Houghton Podcast from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, September 28, 2021.
Some of the best stories in the Bible aren't taught in Sunday school — they're more suited for a Hollywood movie. Pastor Levi Matteson continues in our sermon series "Oh, I Stepped in It" with a story from 1 Samuel 28 about a king in disguise going to a witch to summon the spirit of a dead prophet. This podcast episode is from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, September 26, 2021.
Scripture doesn't tell us a lot about Heaven, but it tells us all we need to know. The pastors from Evangel Community Church talk about their childhood conceptions v scripture and how Heaven is all the good and none of the bad. This is an episode of Pearls & Swine on the Evangel Houghton Podcast from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, September 21, 2021.
Alternately titled: The curious smell of stepping into it. Pastor Levi Matteson continues in our sermon series "Oh, I Stepped in It," explaining how our God, Yahweh, is holy — different from anything we've ever experienced or anyone or any other god — and what that holiness looks and smells like on us. The Scripture text comes from Isaiah 6. This podcast episode is from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, September 19, 2021.
The pastors from Evangel Community Church discuss how God uses teachers to set expectations, impart wisdom, reveal truth, and call students up to be more. This is an episode of Pearls & Swine on the Evangel Houghton Podcast from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, September 14, 2021.
Let's be honest — we tell the story of Noah's Ark to kids because it makes great coloring sheets and flannel graphs. But it's a story of death and destruction, and one man's multigenerational effort that bucked cultural pressure. Pastor Levi Matteson continues in our sermon series "Oh, I Stepped in It" with insight on how to follow God's leading. The Scripture text comes from Genesis chapters 6 and 12. This podcast episode is from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, September 12, 2021.
The pastors from Evangel Community Church discuss an often quoted line from Jesus: "do not judge," including is that a full stop or is there a time and a way to judge? Also, they talk about how we'll be judged as we judge, and judging with truth and love. This is an episode of Pearls & Swine on the Evangel Houghton Podcast from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, September 7, 2021.
Is God's will like a blueprint that you have to follow or the bridge will collapse? Or is it like you choose a destination, and God gives you step-by-step directions? Or is it like a game with rules, but you choose the game plan? Pastor Levi Matteson kicks off a new sermon series "Oh, I Stepped in It" but the fundamentals of understanding God's will. The Scripture text comes from Colossians 1:9-14. This podcast episode is from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, September 5, 2021.
The pastors from Evangel Community Church discuss red letters from the Bible — actual words of Jesus — about how he is the vine and we must remain in him, including having a fruitful life, remaining in Jesus by obeying his commands, and needing faith to remain in Jesus. This is an episode of Pearls & Swine on the Evangel Houghton Podcast from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, August 31, 2021.
We've all been moved by great locker room speeches in movies like Rudy, Miracle, and Any Given Sunday. Pastor John Mohrbacher finishes our Ephesians Way sermon series with Paul's call to action in Ephesians 6:10-20. This podcast episode is from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, August 29, 2021.
The pastors from Evangel Community Church discuss how we can know God is real, including the cosmological argument of first causation, the teleological argument of design and purpose, the ethical argument of the imprint of morality on our hearts, and special revelation, which is revealed through Scripture. This is an episode of Pearls & Swine on the Evangel Houghton Podcast from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, August 24, 2021.
Our natural inclination is to ask what we need to do to get what we want. But the people of the Way need to learn to ask what we need to do to get what God wants. Pastor Levi Matteson continues in our sermon series Ephesians Way with understanding God's love and how we are connected to him, which is fundamental to walking in the Way. The Scripture text comes from Ephesians 5:1-2. This podcast episode is from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, August 22, 2021.
The pastors talk about a lesson we learned from the COVID lockdowns – that we must have community, including the affects of the lockdown on mental health, online communities are not an adequate substitute, and how we grow spiritually through community. This is an episode of Pearls & Swine on the Evangel Houghton Podcast from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, August 17, 2021.
There's a difference between forgiveness and trust. Forgiveness looks back, and trust looks forward. Pastor Levi Matteson continues in our sermon series Ephesians Way with Paul's coaching on how to live with flawed people. The Scripture text comes from Ephesians 4:31-32. This podcast episode is from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, August 15, 2021.
The pastors talk about opening a window to your soul through celebration. This is an episode of Pearls & Swine on the Evangel Houghton Podcast from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, August 10, 2021.
Your mama may have told you not to cuss or steal, and you may think you're doing well on that front, but what is unwholesome talk, and who could honestly say they haven't stolen a little time from their employers? Pastor Travis Williams continues in our sermon series Ephesians Way with Paul's coaching on how to live a Christian life. The Scripture text comes from Ephesians 4:28-30. This podcast episode is from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, August 8, 2021.
John Mohrbacher, our new pastor of Groups and Discipleship, joins Levi and Travis to talk about opening a window to the soul through Scripture, including how to understand the Bible, going beyond understanding to obedience, and tips on reading the Bible. This is an episode of Pearls & Swine on the Evangel Houghton Podcast from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, August 3, 2021.
As blood-bought sons and daughters of the Most High, we interact and relate to others differently. Pastor Levi Matteson continues in our sermon series Ephesians Way with Paul's instructions to the church of Ephesus to take on new habits of truth and peace. The Scripture text comes from Ephesians 4:25-27. This podcast episode is from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, August 1 2021.
Prayer is like opening a window after a long winter, and the air comes in and freshens the room. Levi and Travis talk about how Jesus taught us to pray, what prayer does to us, and how God speaks through it. This is an episode of Pearls & Swine on the Evangel Houghton Podcast from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, July 27, 2021.
Some winners of the Biggest Loser reality show continue on with their good habits, and others go back to their old ways. Paul wrote to the Ephesians, some of whom had gone back to their symposium culture of drinking and debauchery. Pastor Levi Matteson talks about the good habits of a Christ culture. The Scripture text is from Ephesians 4:17-24. This podcast episode is from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, July 25, 2021.
What metaphor would you use to explain a well-functioning church to a culture that valued athleticism — in a city with multiple gyms and statues chiseled to reflect lean, muscular men? Pastor Travis Williams talks about the body of Christ and Paul's words on how we best grow and serve each other. The Scripture text is from Ephesians 4:11-16. This podcast episode is from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, July 18, 2021.
Levi and Travis talk about that time when the Israelites were told to look at a bronze snake on a pole to be healed, and about how Jesus referenced that just before he said the words in the famous verse ever — John 3:16. This is an episode of Pearls & Swine on the Evangel Houghton Podcast from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, July 13, 2021.
How can we all get along even as we celebrate diversity in our church, each of us coming from different backgrounds, life experiences, races, or even countries? Pastor Levi Matteson explores the cultural differences between the Jews and Gentiles in the early church in Ephesus, but Paul urged them to guard unity of the Spirit. The Scripture text comes from Ephesians 4:1-3. This podcast episode is from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, July 11, 2021.
Levi and Travis talk about living life in the middle, when you're stuck someplace, and even though God is providing your basic needs, you are weary. This is an episode of Pearls & Swine on the Evangel Houghton Podcast from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, July 6, 2021.
If you had a cup and water was pouring into it and overflowing it, you wouldn't be thirsty, and you would feel free to share the water with everyone. Pastor Levi Matteson continues our sermon series, Ephesians Way, with Paul's prayer for the Ephesians, that they would be filled with all the fullness of God. The Scripture text comes from Ephesians 3:14-20. This podcast episode is from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, July 4, 2021.
Levi and Travis talk about another shocking statement by Jesus: "If your hand causes you to stumble, cut it off." This is an episode of Pearls & Swine on the Evangel Houghton Podcast from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, June 29, 2021.
Art tells us something about the artist. Pastor Levi Matteson continues our sermon series, Ephesians Way, talking about the good works that we are created to do. The Scripture text comes from Ephesians 2:1-10. This podcast episode is from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, June 27, 2021.
Levi and Travis talk about another shocking statement by Jesus: "Eat my flesh and drink my blood." It was a difficult teaching for his disciples to accept, but what did he really mean? This is an episode of Pearls & Swine on the Evangel Houghton Podcast from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, June 22, 2021.
Do you ever wonder why you do what you do? Levi Matteson continues in our summer sermon series, Ephesians Way, talking about the power of identity. The Scripture text is from the first chapter of Ephesians, where Paul reminds the Christ followers that they were adopted, redeemed, and sealed.
This podcast episode is from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, June 20, 2021.
Levi and Travis talk about another shocking statement by Jesus to love our enemies and pray for them. How do we reflect the image of God in this? This is an episode of Pearls & Swine on the Evangel Houghton Podcast from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, June 15, 2021.
Jesus said, "Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me."
Guest speaker John Mohrbacher talks about Jesus's last words to his disciples from John 15:1-8 about abiding in him. How do we live and pray with a heart for God?
This podcast episode is from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, June 13, 2021.
Levi and Travis talk about shocking, counter-cultural statements Jesus made about valuing children, plucking out eyes, cutting off feet, and most of all, "If you want to be first in the kingdom you have to be the last of all." This is an episode of Pearls & Swine on the Evangel Houghton Podcast from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, June 8, 2021.
If you found a box of old letters, any one line quoted from them, like "August is a good time for a wedding," makes more sense in the context of all. Levi Matteson kicks off our summer sermon series, Ephesians Way, with an introduction to the people of Ephesus and Paul, the man who introduced them to the Way. What's the backstory of each, and why did Paul send this love letter of sorts? This podcast episode is from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, June 6, 2021.
Levi and Travis talk about Memorial Day and why it is important to remember. This is an episode of Pearls & Swine on the Evangel Houghton Podcast from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, May 31, 2021.
In a relaxed conversation with Pastor Levi, Tim & Debbie Wilkinson share their testimony and how God used their passions and brokenness to start Zero Gravity Outreach, a ministry to share the gospel using extreme measures, in an extreme world, to reach an extreme culture. This podcast episode is from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, May 30, 2021.
Levi, Travis, and Nate the Intern from Evangel Community Church talk about the influence and awesomeness of Jesus. This is an episode of Pearls & Swine on the Evangel Houghton Podcast from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, May 25, 2021.
Work is not a consequence of the fall, but rather part of God's plan for us from the beginning. Pastor Levi continues in our series God-HELP!, Lessons from the Proverbs, with encouragement to grind it out as image bearers of God. This podcast episode is from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, May 23, 2021.
Levi and Travis talk about pain — physical and emotional pain — and a biblical response to it. This is an episode of Pearls & Swine on the Evangel Houghton Podcast from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, May 18, 2021.
If you had an issue with your heart, you would be suspicious if a doctor gave you medicine for gout. In the same way, to address emotional pain, we need to seek wise counsel — someone who will listen and properly diagnose the problem. Pastor Levi pulls from the Proverbs, the God-HELP! Book of the Bible, to address how to heal the hurt. This podcast episode is from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, May 16, 2021.
On the heels of Mother's Day, Levi and Travis sit down with the mothers of their children. Jennifer Matteson and Brenna Williams talk about what it means to be a mother, how to raise kids with a heart for God, and practical tips for parenting. This is an episode of Pearls & Swine on the Evangel Houghton Podcast from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, May 10, 2021.
Kids retort, "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me." But we know that's not true. Words can hurt, and Proverbs 18:21 says, “Your tongue will produce fruit of life or death.” Pastor Levi talks about the power of words as he continues in our sermon series God-HELP! This podcast episode is from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, May 9, 2021.
Nate Marsh joins Levi and Travis for the last time. They say their goodbyes and share a few words on the process of saying goodbye. This is an episode of Pearls & Swine on the Evangel Houghton Podcast from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, May 4, 2021.
People get uncomfortable when the pastor talks about money. Perhaps they are concerned that he is going to ask for money, promising prosperity or a tenfold return for whatever is given. Or perhaps the concern is that the pastor is going to preach austerity, that is to give everything up and be poor to be closer to God. This message is neither the prosperity gospel nor austerity theology, but a message about the heart, because money is a wonderful servant but a terrible master. Pastor Levi Matteson relies on God-HELP! from the Book of Proverbs to make sense of our dollars and cents. This podcast episode is from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, May 2, 2021.
Do you have a longing for the days when things were simpler and pure? They never were quite what we remember, but we nonetheless have a sense that things aren't right in our world. The pastors talk about Creation and the Fall, and God's plan for Redemption and Restoration. This is an episode of Pearls & Swine on the Evangel Houghton Podcast from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, April 27, 2021.
Is it possible for two people to fall in love and stay in love? The statistics are grim — fewer people getting married and higher rates of divorce for those who do. Many couples cohabitate before marriage, or never get married, but those relationships are even more unstable. Fortunately, God-centered relationships fare much better. Pastor Travis Williams shares five aspects to a healthy marriage, drawing on God-HELP! from the Book of Proverbs. This podcast episode is from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, April 25, 2021.
The pastors confirm that men and women are equal before God, but there are general differences. How do we live in a way that glorifies God while recognizing that we can play different roles in our relationships? This is an episode of Pearls & Swine on the Evangel Houghton Podcast from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, April 20, 2021.
Proverbs has a lot to say about friends — those fake friendships, destructive friendships, and genuine friendships. Pastor Levi Matteson continues in our sermon series God-HELP! with practical help from God on how to be a faithful friend. This podcast episode is from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, April 18, 2021.
Setting aside the two extremes of anarchy that rejects all authority and extreme patriotism that thinks a government does no wrong, how do we live in the middle when a government imposes rules and laws on us that we don't agree with? The pastors talk about civil disobedience from a Christian perspective. This is an episode of Pearls & Swine on the Evangel Houghton Podcast from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, April 13, 2021.
Wisdom is different than knowledge. Anybody can memorize facts, but wisdom is knowing when to say it, use it, or choose it. Pastor Levi Matteson kicks off our new sermon series God-HELP! with wisdom from Proverbs for parenting. This podcast episode is from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, April 11, 2021.
Easter reminds us of the hope we have in the living Christ, and so each pastor tells their personal story of hope. This is an episode of Pearls & Swine on the Evangel Houghton Podcast from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, April 6, 2021.
In the Hunger Games movies, President Snow, the authoritarian leader of Panem, tells Seneca Crane that hope is the only thing stronger than fear. "A little hope is effective. A lot of hope is dangerous." Pastor Levi Matteson talks about the power of hope to defeat fear and despair. The Scripture text comes from John 20:24-29, about how Thomas went from pouting to doubting, and then to shouting, "My Lord and my God!" This podcast episode is from Easter Sunday at Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, April 4, 2021.
The pastors walk through Holy Week from Jesus throwing the money changers out of the temple through the darkest day in human history. This is an episode of Pearls & Swine on the Evangel Houghton Podcast from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, March 30, 2021.
If the Galatians believed their salvation was secure in Christ alone, then they just might not need the religious leaders.
Pastor Levi Matteson wraps up our sermon series Real or Fake?! with Paul's urgent instruction to the Galatians to not be fooled by those preaching Jesus plus something else. God's grace is complete through Christ.
The Scripture text is from Galatians 6:11-18. This podcast episode is from Sunday morning at Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, March 28, 2021.
Palm Sunday, one week before Easter, is a day when kids traditionally parade down church aisles waving palm branches. Why? What is this day on the Christian calendar? The pastors discuss the meaning of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem on a donkey. This is an episode of Pearls & Swine on the Evangel Houghton Podcast from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, March 23, 2021.
How do we live in community? How do we not be the morality police, while correcting bad behavior. How do we help one another without rewarding irresponsibility? Pastor Levi Matteson continues in Real or Fake?! with Paul's instruction to the Galatians on carrying burdens too heavy for others, while bearing your own burdens. The Scripture text is from Galatians 6:1-10. This podcast episode is from Sunday morning at Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, March 21, 2021.
He escaped after being captured and held as a slave for 6 years in a foreign land, but then he felt a calling to return to that land to share the gospel of Jesus Christ. The pastors talk about the life and ministry of Saint Patrick, and how he helped the Irish people understand God. This is an episode of Pearls & Swine on the Evangel Houghton Podcast from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, March 16, 2021.
Every culture has aspects that are good and bad. One culture may have good food, but is over sexualized. Another culture values liberty, but can be loud and arrogant. Pastor Levi Matteson continues in Real or Fake?! talking about the good and bad aspects of Christian culture. How do we walk in the spirit to bring out the good and minimize the bad? The Scripture text is from Galatians 5:13-26. This podcast episode is from Sunday morning at Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, March 14, 2021.
How do we live in peace when people annoy us, or when they are just corrupt?
The pastors talk about what it means to "live in peace, if at all possible," as the Scripture says. This is an episode of Pearls & Swine on the Evangel Houghton Podcast from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, March 9, 2021.
When a car is out of alignment, it either pulls to the left or to the right. And without a true relationship with Jesus, we will have a tendency to pull either to the left of being permissive of sin or to the right of being too religious. Pastor Levi Matteson continues in Real or Fake?! talking about Paul's words to realign the Galatians. The Scripture text is from Galatians 5:1-15. This podcast episode is from Sunday morning at Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, March 7, 2021.
The old song goes, "On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross, the emblem of suffering and shame." What was so shameful about the cross? During this Lenten season of preparation and reflection, the pastors talk about the cross and what it means for those who believe in Jesus Christ for our salvation. This is an episode of Pearls & Swine on the Evangel Houghton Podcast from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, March 2, 2021.
Galatians 4:21-31 contains more trigger words than a 1970's standup comedy routine. Pastor Nate Marsh continues in Real or Fake?!, A Study in Galatians, to help us understand the principle behind the harsh words of Paul in the first century Roman Empire. We need to relate to God through a relationship, because robots can only follow their programming. The Scripture text is from Galatians 4:21-31. This podcast episode is from Sunday morning at Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, February 28, 2021.
What is Lent and why should we practice it? The pastors talk about this time of fasting and praying in preparation for Easter. This is an episode of Pearls & Swine on the Evangel Houghton Podcast from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, February 23, 2021.
Growing up has significance in our culture — when we leave our childhood homes and are no longer under the authority of our parents. We are free to go our own way, but it grieves our parents when we forget the lessons we learned and make poor decisions. Pastor Travis Williams continues in Real or Fake?!, A Study in Galatians, with the story of how Paul called the Galatians back into a relationship with their Abba, Father, through Jesus Christ. This podcast episode is from Sunday morning at Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, February 21, 2021.