Vida Church Podcast: Recent Episodes
Vida Church
a podcast committed to creating a place where people encounter God, belong to a family, and are being transformed by the word of God
This Sunday, we had the privilege of hosting Brad Holliman, who delivered an impactful message on the importance of reaching others with the Gospel. He emphasized that Jesus was often "moved with compassion" when He saw people, highlighting the significance of getting close to them to truly understand and love them. God desires to entrust us with the people around us, encouraging us to practice true hospitality by loving strangers. The call to share the Gospel is not just for evangelists; it's crucial for all Christians to actively reach out to those in their lives, as our influence may lead others to discover the love of God. Let's embrace this opportunity to be witnesses in our communities and beyond! 09/14/2025 Vida Church
There is a significant difference between religion and a relationship with God; while religion emphasizes sacrifice and self-denial to reach God, faith in Jesus Christ teaches us that salvation is a gift of grace (Ephesians 2:8-9) that cannot be earned. As followers of Christ, we are called to lay down our own agendas and walk in His footsteps, which includes embracing sacrifice (Matthew 16:24) and serving others freely (Matthew 10:8). Although we are delivered from the curse of sin and death, we may still face persecution for our faith. True sacrifice is not about loss, but about recognizing that everything we offer to God is what He first entrusted to us, as we present ourselves as living sacrifices and express gratitude for His abundant grace (Romans 12:1).
Galatians 6:9 encourages us not to grow weary in doing good, reminding us that each person has a unique calling and purpose to pursue. As Paul advised in Philippians 3:13, we should forget the past and focus on our own race without comparing ourselves to others. If you've been discouraged or lost hope, now is the time to re-engage. In closing, Pastor invited us to seek the Holy Spirit for guidance, renewal, and to break any ties with apathy, committing to finish strong and with passion for our calling.
Pastor Ben reminded us that we are called to "fight the good fight for the true faith" (1 Timothy 6:12), with the assurance from Jesus that the victory is ours. While some may view "the fight" as simply the daily grind, idleness leads to decline, as seen in the example of King David. We're created for purpose, and even in rest, we must remain engaged in our spiritual battles—winning the lost, standing for families, and restoring God’s values. Just as laborers in Nehemiah carried tools and weapons, we too must balance our daily responsibilities while staying armed with God's Word. The call is to remain hot and passionate in our faith, as lukewarm complacency risks our vulnerability to the enemy. Stay engaged and remember, true retirement is found in heaven.
James highlighted the biblical story of King Jehoshaphat in 2 Chronicles 20 as a powerful reminder of how to face our battles by trusting God. When outnumbered by five armies, Jehoshaphat chose not to panic but instead fasted and prayed, acknowledging God's greatness and faithfulness. God assured them that the battle belonged to Him and instructed them to stand firm and worship in anticipation of victory. James emphasized three key steps for us today: seek God first, stand firm in faith, and lead with worship. By letting go of control and trusting God to fight for us, we can experience His victory in our battles. 08/17/2025 | Vida Church
The ability to show mercy stems from our deep security in God's love, as highlighted in Ephesians 3:17, which reminds us that our roots grow strong in His love. Mercy becomes our default response when we release resentment and create a culture of peace, acknowledging each person's unique journey without judgment. Bob illustrated this through the parable of the prodigal son, where the father welcomed his son back without shame, demonstrating that mercy fosters connection rather than control. Ultimately, choosing mercy, love, and trust over judgment and fear allows us to experience new beginnings and transformation in ourselves and our relationships. 08/10/2025 | Vida Church
This Sunday, we were blessed to host Pastor Tafara and his wife Chipo from South Africa, who shared a powerful message about God's intent for us to prosper—not just for ourselves but to bless others. He highlighted Genesis 1:28, where God commands, "Prosper! Reproduce! Fill Earth!" Pastor Tafara's own journey from poverty to understanding God’s blessing illustrates that when we focus on being a blessing, we never lack. He emphasized that true generosity becomes our testimony, cautioned against the enslavement of materialism, and encouraged us to view God as our Source. This message of being obsessed with blessing others truly resonated and is one that deserves to be revisited. 08/3/2025 | Vida Church
In January, Pastor Kara emphasized “God, Our Rewarder” from Isaiah 55:6, and now invites us to recalibrate as we reach the year’s halfway point. She explored biblical dispensations, highlighting our current era, the Church Age or Dispensation of Grace, where we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to boldly share the gospel. With the imminent return of Christ in mind, we must stay spiritually alert and actively participate in the harvest, as God desires none to perish. Pastor Kara illustrated the fleeting nature of our earthly lives compared to eternity, urging us to keep our lamps filled and be ready for Jesus’ return. If you've drifted off course, this is your moment to recalibrate and finish strong, as Revelation 3:11 reminds us to hold on to our crowns.
We had a powerful Sunday with Ashley and Carlie Terradez, who reminded us that God's healing power is for today, not just the past. Ashley shared how they believed God's Word when faced with their daughter Hannah's grim prognosis at three years old, ultimately witnessing her miraculous recovery and thriving life today. He emphasized that God's generational blessing is available to all His children, citing Abraham's lineage of prosperity as a model for breaking cycles of lack and disease. By trusting God and prioritizing Him, we can unlock blessings for ourselves and future generations, as evidenced by Ashley's own experiences during the COVID lockdowns. If you missed the service, I encourage you to watch the full message for inspiration. 07/20/2025 | Vida Church
07/06/2025 | Vida Church Building a place where people can encounter God, belong to a family, and be transformed by the word of God
You are in this world but not of this world! This week Pastor Ben Diaz taught a revelatory message that went over your privileges and rights as a citizen of heaven and how to use them to avoid tough situations. To thrive while others survive, you must look at your mindset, position, and obedience.
Be present in your worship! This week Pastor Benjamin Diaz taught an exceptional message that went in deeper into what it means to worship. Worship is responding to the captivation presence of God where you're so focused on Him that you can't take your eyes off of Him.
It's time to be engaged in worship!
Beholding is a form of worship that happens in response to God's presence and the more you behold the more you'll be transformed!
You were made for worship to experience His presence as a result. Pastor Ben gives us an insight on how to behold God's presence during worship through gratitude.
Do you know how to live free in a world full of confusion and bondage?
Experience first hand the grace message as we finish our series on the book of Galatians
Do you want to know how to live free in a world full of confusion and bondage?
Experience first hand the grace message as we dive into the book of Galatians.
Do you want to know how to live free in a world full of confusion and bondage?
Experience first hand the grace message as we dive into the book of Galatians.
Do you want to know how to live free in a world full of confusion and bondage?
Experience first hand the grace message as we dive into the book of Galatians.
Do you want to know how to live free in a world full of confusion and bondage?
Experience first hand the grace message as we dive into the book of Galatians.