Living Spring Podcast

"I have some good news and some bad news." Have you ever heard that before? Which do you prefer to hear first? Fortunately, the Jesus part is good news and it doesn't matter when you hear it. What matters is what you do with it.

You have an opinion about everyone you meet. Whether you like it or not. Also, even more concerning is that everyone has an opinion about you. Sometimes we make decisions based on these perceived opinions good or bad. This week we talk about the only opinion that matters. And it's not yours.

Our culture today is very much a “you do you” ideology. Jesus tells us that he gives us His peace, but it requires obedience on our part. Today Pastor John talks about how by not only listening to His commands for us, but by DOING them, we find His peace.

In the midst of trials, Christians are reminded that hope is anchored in God's promises, not our circumstances. Scripture teaches that suffering produces perseverance, character, and hope, shaping us into Christ’s likeness. By trusting in His faithfulness, we find strength to endure and the assurance that His plans for us are good, even in hardship.

As followers of Christ, e are called to be grateful for the blessings in our lives. We are also called to forgive, just as the Lord forgave us. This week, Pastor John leads us through scripture that talk about these things as we enter approach the Thanksgiving holiday.

This sermon explores the good news about God revealed in Luke Chapter 15! Jesus shares a series of three parables to reveal the heart of God towards his people, especially the lost. Like the father in the parable God waits patiently for us, pursues us, welcomes us home, and throws a party for us!

We are encouraged in Romans 12 to resist conforming to the patters of this world.  We are urged instead to live with humility, kindness, and a renewed spirit.  In light of the 2024 election results, we are challenged to engage thoughtfully and lovingly with others, especially those who may hold different views.  By responding with grace and harmony, we can be a reflection of Christ’s love in a polarized society, showing unity in a time of division.

What is it that influences your heart and mind? Is it the news? A political ideology? Social media posts that make you feel like you are inferior to the one posting? This week, pastor John talks about how what we put first in our lives as an “influencer” can get in the way of Jesus’ influence, which should be at the top of our list.

Our algorithms tell us we are on the right track. As far as we can tell, most people agree with us. But is that true community? What if it’s just the opposite? What if diversity of opinion is actually what brings strength to the church of Jesus Christ? That’s what we talk about this week.

As fellow Christians, it is of utmost importance that we are known as our authentic selves with each other. We don’t get better by putting a “filter” on and only letting others see what we want them to see. This week, Pastor John talks about how removing that filter will only help us be our best self.

The first thing we are commanded is to have not other gods before our Lord. This week, Pastor John continues in the Anti-Social series and the discussion of what idols we face in the world of today.

When we think of idols, we often imagine the statues and false gods of the Old Testament. Yet, the first commandment our Heavenly Father gave us—'You shall have no other gods before Me'—remains just as relevant today. Modern idols may not always be as obvious, but they still exist in forms like political ideologies, money, success, social media, and entertainment. These can subtly take priority over our relationship with God. This week, Pastor John talks about how these things can easily get in the way of our connection to our Father in heaven.

As part of our ongoing series, we continue to reflect on Romans 12:2, which reminds us not to conform to the patterns of this world. One such pattern we see today, especially on social media, is the culture of outrage. This emotional response often clouds our minds and leads us away from how God desires us to treat one another. This week, Pastor John addresses this timely issue, exploring how Scripture guides us to respond to outrage in ways that reflect God’s will.

FOMO - it’s an acronym for “Fear Of Missing Out” in today’s culture. This condition can be traced back to the Garden of Eden. Because there was a “Fear Of Missing Out” and not trusting God, a very long list of consequences followed for generations to come.

Last we talked about how social media wants our attention. The news media also wants our attention, and emotional buy-in to insert emotional current issue here. This week, Pastor John talks about how this causes us to compare ourselves to others and how we will never find satisfaction with this mindset. The Apostle Paul also warns us of the same.

Somebody wants your attention. And so does God. What are some of the tactics that our culture uses to divert your attention from being a disciple to being deceived? This is the intro to our series “Anti-social” where we explore the competing interests for your mind.

At the Last Supper, Jesus showed true leadership by washing His disciples' feet, teaching that greatness comes from serving others. Even knowing one of His closest friends would betray Him, Jesus chose love and humility, demonstrating that serving others is a calling, even when it hurts. His example teaches us that discipleship means loving, forgiving, and staying committed to God's will.

When we transcend cultural boundaries it allows for the opportunity do bring healing and life. How do we know this? Jesus modeled it. This week Pastor John talks about Jesus healing 700 years of prejudice in about 15 minutes.

How mad does Jesus get? It’s a great question. When He cleanses the temple it appears that He’s pretty mad. But maybe that is not the right question. Maybe a better question is “Why would Jesus care about a temple that will soon be obsolete?” This Sunday we answer that question and find out how relevant it is to our lives today.

Our culture today is very much a shame culture. All too often, we as a society enjoy when we see others “get what they deserve”. But what if we got what we deserved? Jesus shows the woman caught in adultery compassion and mercy. That is the heart of our Heavenly Father and that is what He desires for us.