Spirit of Joy

Revelation 7:1–4 Four angels hold back destruction on earth until God's servants (144,000 from the tribes of Israel) are sealed for protection. Revelation 7:9–10 A great, countless crowd from all nations stands before God's throne, wearing white robes and praising Him for salvation. Revelation 7:13–17 One of the elders explains that the people in white robes are those who endured great suffering....

God sends Jeremiah to a potter's house, where he sees the potter reshape a spoiled pot. God explains that He is like the potter, with power to shape nations. If a nation turns from evil, He will relent from judgment; if it turns to evil, He will withhold blessing. God urges Judah to repent, warning of coming disaster if they refuse.

Revelation 4:1-2, 6b-11 John sees God's throne in heaven, surrounded by worshipping creatures and elders who praise God as holy and the Creator of all. Revelation 5:1-12 A scroll can only be opened by the Lamb (Jesus), who is worshipped by heaven and earth for His sacrifice and worthiness.

Revelation 3:14–22  This passage is a message to the church in Laodicea. Jesus rebukes them for being "lukewarm"—neither hot nor cold—and warns that He will "spit them out." Though they think they are rich and need nothing, He tells them they are spiritually poor and blind. Jesus urges them to repent, invites them to open the door to Him, and promises that those who overcome will share His throne....

In John 21:1–19, the risen Jesus appears to His disciples by the Sea of Tiberias. He helps them miraculously catch fish and shares a meal with them. Jesus then restores Peter by asking three times, "Do you love me?" and calls him to care for His followers.

Revelation 1:1–20 John receives a vision from Jesus to share with seven churches. He sees Christ in glory, standing among lampstands, holding stars—symbolizing His power and presence with the churches. Note: We do not have audio for Sunday, June 8th, as the sermon did not record correctly that day. We apologize for any inconvenience

Galatians 3:23–29 – Paul explains that before Christ, the law acted like a guardian, but now through faith in Jesus, all believers are God's children. There's no difference between Jew or Greek, slave or free, male or female—all are one in Christ.

Galatians 1:13–18 – Paul talks about his past as a zealous persecutor of the church, his dramatic conversion, and how he did not consult others right away but spent years in Arabia and Damascus before meeting the apostles. Galatians 2:11–21 – Paul recounts confronting Peter for acting hypocritically by separating from Gentile believers. He emphasizes that people are justified by faith in Jesus Chr...

In this passage, the early Church faces a major debate: must Gentile believers follow the law of Moses, especially circumcision, to be saved? Paul and Barnabas travel to Jerusalem to consult with the apostles and elders. After much discussion, Peter reminds the assembly that God gave the Holy Spirit to the Gentiles just as He did to the Jews, showing no distinction. James then affirms that God's p...

God tells Elijah to go to Zarephath, where a poor widow will care for him during a famine. Though she has only a handful of flour and a little oil left, she obeys Elijah's request to make him bread. Because of her faith and obedience, God miraculously ensures her flour and oil never run out.

Stephen, addressing the Sanhedrin, recounts Israel's history, emphasizing God's presence beyond the temple and the people's repeated rejection of God's messengers. He accuses the leaders of resisting the Holy Spirit and betraying and murdering the Righteous One (Jesus). Enraged, they drag him out of the city and stone him. As he dies, Stephen sees a vision of Jesus standing at God's right hand and...

In this episode, Dave talks about two disciples who meet the risen Jesus on the road to Emmaus and only recognize Him in the breaking of the bread—a reminder that Jesus walks with us, even when we don't see Him.

In this episode, we reflect on Luke 24:1–12 , the powerful account of the empty tomb. As the women discover Jesus has risen, confusion turns to wonder and disbelief gives way to hope. Join us as we explore the first moments of the Resurrection and what it means for us today.

Pastor David Ryder preaches on Luke 19: 29-44, the story of Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem, and the message that we cannot earn God's favor, but we are invited to participate in what God is doing.

Pastor David Ryder preaches on Luke 18: 18-30, the story of the rich ruler, and the message of considering what we would give up to follow Christ.

Pastor David Ryder preaches on Luke 16: 19-31, the story of the rich man and Lazarus, and the message that we are invited to live for Jesus and to experience glimpses of heaven now.

Guest preacher Bekah Boatwright from Sky Ranch Lutheran Camp preaches on Luke 15: 1-32, the parables of the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the prodigal and his brother, and the message that God is with us no matter what chapter we are in.

Pastor David Ryder preaches on Luke 13: 1-9, 31-35 - the parable of the fig tree and the lament over Jerusalem - and shares the message that bad things do not happen to us as a result of some cosmic punishment for our actions. God knows our failings and still loves us unconditionally and offers us grace and redemption. Note: We do not have audio for Sunday, March 9, as the sermon did not record co...

Enjoy our moving last story of generosity and inspirational giving for our capital campaign: The Next 40 Years. This special story of invitation, welcome, and friendship comes from high school seniors and long-time Spirit of Joy members Allen Zwicke and Elijah Ryder. Listen to the end for a special outro from 10 year-old Elijah!

Pastor Dave Ryder preaches on Luke 9: 28-45, the story of the transfiguration of Jesus and his healing of a young boy with an unclean spirit. He discusses our fidelity to the way of the cross regardless of external circumstances.

We have been hearing different stories of generosity and inspirational giving from members of our community as part of The Next 40 Years: Welcoming the Future, our capital campaign. Our fifth Temple Talk comes from the F3 Generosity train and Jill Raney, who shares thoughts about the endless and unimaginable possibilities God provides.

Guest pastor Ron Bockhaus preaches on Luke 7: 36-50, the story of the sinful woman forgiven, and the message of examining our willingness to have compassion for those whom we may typically judge.

We have been hearing different stories of generosity and inspirational giving from members of our community as part of The Next 40 Years: Welcoming the Future, our capital campaign. Our fourth Temple Talk comes from Donna Walsh, who shares a thought-provoking and inspirational moment - about a sandwich, no less! - that changed the way she thought about giving.

Over the next few weeks, we will hear different stories of generosity and inspirational giving from our congregation during Sunday worship as part of The Next 40 Years: Welcoming the Future, our capital campaign. Our third Temple Talk comes from Rick Schleusener, who shares a moving and beautiful picture of his son, Christian, and Christian's experiences with Spirit of Joy.