Stuart Presbyterian’s Podcast

What is Joy?   It is often confused with happiness. Joy is found in Christ.  The apostle Paul makes it clear that Christ is his joy; Christ is his delight. What do we learn from Paul regarding increasing out joy: Nurture your relationship with Christ. Celebrate! Surround yourself with joyful believers.

This message is a wrap-up for Stuart Presbyterian's Vacation Bible School (June 24-26), "Snowball Mountain Challenge" The message provides a synopsis of what was learned over the three days, namely: When we face challenges: We can use our gifts (Joseph the dream interpreter, Genesis 40-41). We can pray (Jesus - Matthew 36:36-46). We can have hope (Peter and John heal lame man - Acts 3:1-10).

John believers are called to overcome the world; but what does he mean by "world"?  And what does he mean by "overcoming"? John warns of three primary paths to worldliness: desires of the flesh, desires of the eyes, and pride of life (1 Jn. 2:16) But John offers hope of how we can overcome in 1 John 5:1-5.  

In this message we consider what is sometimes referred to as John's "Test of Affection."  We know true believers if they love God and love one another. This "test" is based on Jesus' answer regarding the greatest commandment (Mk. 12:28-31). The message will attempt to provide a definition of love as well as some ways in which we can love God and love one another.

John wishes to assure us of our salvation and for those who have questions he offers three pieces of evidence that we are saved:   1. Obedience to God's Commands (vv. 3-4) 2. Adherence to the Word of God (v. 5) 3. Walking as Jesus Walked (v. 6)  

John asserts the Moral Test for genuine fellowship with God. Are we walking in the light?

The Ascension is often overlooked but it is more prominent in Scripture than we might realize. Jesus' Ascension is historical in that it took place at a specific geographic location; there were eyewitnesses; and it was bodily. What does it mean for us? We have an advocate at the right hand of God. Our priorities should shift to things above. We have the Holy Spirit and the gifts of the Spirit, so...

We seek life through things like security and comfort; and there is nothing inherently wrong with wanting some measure of these things. But the life we seek is found in Jesus. It is in Jesus that we have been made alive!

The Great "I Am" willingly humiliated himself on the cross such that he said, "I am a Worm" scorned and despised by the people!" He was delivered through the trial of the cross, so that we might be delivered for all eternity!

Pastor Hunsicker reminds us that: 1. God offers each of us the gift of abundant and eternal life. 2. Our response to that offer is the most important decision we will ever make. 3. A Spirit-filled life is the hope we have when we respond in faith.

We find in the cross Jesus' Heart and Our Hope Jesus may have recited or meditated or possibly even sang Psalm 22 from the cross. We find in the opening verses the emotional and spiritual anguish which Jesus endured for our sake. Jesus reminds us that we too have hope that God is near even in our most anxious moments.  In Jesus we have hope of salvation and hope in trials.

All believers know prayer is essential, but often it is difficult to be consistent. This message offers some practical suggestions for intercessory prayer and takes a brief look at the practice of "Fixed Hour Prayers."  

Next to Last Category of Spiritual Practices in Adele Calhoun's acronym WORSHIP. The practices here call us to "incarnate" or demonstrate Christ's love to the world around us. This message taking its cue from Dane Ortlund's book "Gentle and Lowly" specifically looks at how Jesus is "gentle and lowly in heart" (Mt. 11:29) What might it look like for us to demonstrate gentleness and lowliness, compa...

Spiritual Practice of Hearing God's Word. This is a call to "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly," (Col. 3:16) John MacArthur offers four helpful ways for the Word of God to dwell in us richly: Hear It; Handle It Rightly, Hide It, Hold It Fast. This message will consider:  Reading God's Word (Hear It) Studying God's Word (Handle It Rightly) Meditating and Memorizing God's Word (Hide It) Liv...

We are called to love as Christ loves us. Which means we are called to practice hospitality, sympathy, and service

The message considers the discipline or practice of confession. We learn from Daniel 9 to: Confess Clearly Confess Biblically Confess Confidently  

Today, we consider ways to open ourselves to God by using age old practices as well as one that has become important in our day: Contemplation St. Ignatius Examen Unplugging

Introductory sermon to 2026 series on Spiritual disciplines or Practices, using Adele Calhoun's categories in "Spiritual Disciplines Handbook" This message focuses on the Who, What, and How of worship.  It concludes with an emphasis on celebrating God!

Christmas songs as well as the message is included in this podcast. 2 Timothy 4 urges us to "Fight the good fight, finish the race, keep the faith." Paul utilizes metaphors that are: military, athletic, and financial. By his own example, Paul calls Timothy and in turn us to understand we are in a battle and it's a marathon in which we keep the sacred trust of faith for future generations.

This message: 1. Looks at the role of Kings in ancient Israel. 2. Considers how Jesus fits the role of King. 3. Ponders some implications of Jesus' Kingship which includes: a. Trusting Jesus b. Allowing Jesus to be Lord of our lives.  

We have a great high priest who made the once and for all sacrifice for our sins. Our great high priest is also able to sympathize with our weaknesses because he's been where we are! Christ listens to us and understands us!

How is Jesus a prophet like Moses?  How does Jesus surpass Moses and all prophets? Jesus is the prophet mighty in word, deed, and prayer.

Christians have hope that is beyond wishful thinking or mere optimism. Our Hope is Rooted in the Promises of God. Our Hope Sustains in Trials. Our Hope is Anchored in the Resurrection of Jesus.

God has provided our greatest need, the forgiveness of sins. Therefore, God can be trusted for our daily needs. Our calling is to trust God, and be grateful and content.

Ecclesiastes reminds us that two are better than one whether we are: working, walking, watching, or needing warmth.   Relationships reflect God's love for us In relationship, we can bear one another's burdens. In relationship, we strengthen one another's faith. Glory be to God for our relationship with Him and with one another!