VCLA Podcast

Have you ever felt like you’ve drifted too far from your purpose? In this powerful message, we dive into John 21 to witness one of the most tender and transformative encounters in the Bible. Whether you are struggling with a "massive failure" or simply feel stagnant in your faith, this sermon is a reminder that your failure does not cancel your calling. Jesus doesn't meet Peter with a lecture or a...

Have you ever felt like your reality hasn't caught up to your expectations of God? We often walk into our relationship with Jesus with a specific "version" of how we think life should go, only to find ourselves navigating unexpected roadblocks, family drama, or unanswered prayers. In this powerful message from Luke 24, we explore the journey of two disciples on the road to Emmaus who were blinded...

Is it okay to doubt? In this powerful message, we dive into the "spiritual FOMO" (Fear Of Missing Out) of Thomas—the disciple who missed the greatest moment in human history: the resurrection of Jesus. If you’ve ever felt like everyone else is experiencing God while you’re left with questions, silence, and fear, this sermon is for you. We explore why Jesus isn't repelled by your uncertainty or you...

Are you following the right leader? On this Palm Sunday, we dive into the powerful tension of Holy Week—the journey of Jesus from the triumphant entry in Jerusalem to the sacrifice of the cross. In this moving message, we contrast two different parades: the Roman parade of military force and the humble, peaceful procession of Jesus on a donkey. Many in the crowd cheered for a king who would change...

Is anger ruling your life, your home, or your commute? In this powerful message, we dive deep beneath the surface of our "frustrations" to discover what is actually fueling our outbursts. Most of us think we are just "stressed" or "dealing with difficult people," but the Bible points to something much deeper. In this sermon, you will discover: Why Fear is often the primary driver of anxiety and ra...

Welcome back to our final week of our Season of Stillness. As we journey through Lent and move toward Easter, this weekly 10-minute guided prayer is an invitation to slow down, quiet your heart, and make space for the presence of God. In each episode, we’ll pause, reflect on Scripture, and practice listening prayer together. Whether you’re starting your day, taking a midday break, or winding down...

Are you living in a cycle of "never enough"? In this provocative message, we dive deep into the heart of greed—not just as a financial issue, but as a spiritual condition that affects us all. Using the teachings of Jesus and the writings of Paul, we explore how greed manifests in three distinct forms: selfishness, pride, and fear. Whether you are struggling with the pressures of scarcity mindset o...

Welcome back to our fourth week of our Season of Stillness. As we journey through Lent and move toward Easter, this weekly 10-minute guided prayer is an invitation to slow down, quiet your heart, and make space for the presence of God. In each episode, we’ll pause, reflect on Scripture, and practice listening prayer together. Whether you’re starting your day, taking a midday break, or winding down...

Is the "Idol of Control" running your life? In this week’s message, we continue our deep dive into the Gospel of Matthew, focusing on the final—and perhaps most epic—temptation of Jesus in the wilderness. We explore how Satan offers a "Crown without a Cross"—the promise of power, security, and a perfect life without the necessity of suffering or sacrifice. From hilarious debates about 90s Christia...

Welcome back to our third week of our Season of Stillness. As we journey through Lent and move toward Easter, this weekly 10-minute guided prayer is an invitation to slow down, quiet your heart, and make space for the presence of God. In each episode, we’ll pause, reflect on Scripture, and practice listening prayer together. Whether you’re starting your day, taking a midday break, or winding down...

Are you tired of feeling like you have to perform to be noticed? In this week’s message, Pastor Joel explores the second temptation of Jesus in Matthew 4. We often find ourselves in "spectacle mode"—trying to force God’s hand, demanding proof of His love, or taking shortcuts to avoid suffering. Using the hilarious yet poignant example of his dog Gibson, Joel illustrates how our anxiety leads us to...

Welcome back to our second week of our Season of Stillness. As we journey through Lent and move toward Easter, this weekly 10-minute guided prayer is an invitation to slow down, quiet your heart, and make space for the presence of God. In each episode, we’ll pause, reflect on Scripture, and practice listening prayer together. Whether you’re starting your day, taking a midday break, or winding down...

Are you feeling alone, exhausted, or questioning your purpose? You might be in a "wilderness season." In this powerful opening to our Lent series, Pastor Josh explores the profound connection between our spiritual highs and the refining fires that often follow. Drawing from Matthew 3 and 4, we dive deep into the temptation of Jesus. We often think Satan’s first attack was about food, but it was ac...

Welcome to the first week of our Season of Stillness. As we journey through Lent and move toward Easter, this weekly 10-minute guided prayer is an invitation to slow down, quiet your heart, and make space for the presence of God. In each episode, we’ll pause, reflect on Scripture, and practice listening prayer together. Whether you’re starting your day, taking a midday break, or winding down in th...

"Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!" Have you ever felt like you were coming down from a "mountain top" experience only to be met with the immediate chaos of real life? Maybe you’ve tried to fix your marriage, your finances, or your health in your own strength, only to find yourself exhausted and burnt out. In this powerful continuation of our series on the journey of the disciples, we dive into M...

Are you constantly searching for "more"? Whether it's the endless scroll on Instagram, the next career promotion, or the Friday night Netflix binge, we all feel an "itch" that this world just can't seem to scratch. In this powerful message, Pastor Josh dives into Matthew 17 to explore the story of the Transfiguration. Discover why C.S. Lewis believed our unsatisfied desires are the greatest proof...

Does it feel like your world is collapsing? In this powerful message, we dive deep into Habakkuk Chapter 3 to discover that trusting God isn't a "quick fix"—it's a process. Whether you are facing financial strain, a broken marriage, or physical anxiety that makes your "bones tremble," there is a way to move from fear to faith. Pastor Josh shares a relatable (and hilarious) story about a Nintendo S...

Are you feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or constantly craving "more" despite having everything you need? In this convicting and powerful message, we dive into Habakkuk 2 to uncover the three primary idols that dominate modern culture: Security, Escape, and Control. The human heart is an "idol factory," as John Calvin once said. We often take good or neutral things and turn them into gods, demanding...

Are you feeling overwhelmed, hurried, or anxious about the future? In this week's message, we continue our journey through the prophetic book of Habakkuk, focusing on the powerful lessons found in Chapter 2. Most of us react to uncertainty by trying to grab control, seeking comfort in our own strength. But Habakkuk shows us a different way: The Watchtower. Instead of losing his mind in the chaos,...

Are you walking into 2026 with high expectations, only to feel like reality is already falling apart? In this powerful message, Pastor Josh opens our brand-new series, "Staying Grounded," by diving into the small but mighty book of Habakkuk. Unlike other prophets who speak for God to the people, Habakkuk speaks for us—crying out with honesty, frustration, and even anger when it feels like God is s...

What do you do when God gives you a sign? In this powerful Christmas message, we dive deep into Matthew 2 and the real story of the Magi. Forget the sentimental nativity scenes—the Magi were intellectual powerhouses, astronomers, and "outsiders" who traveled for two years across a dangerous desert just to worship a toddler. Whether you are a lifelong follower of Jesus or someone still "working thr...

Pastor Josh takes us through the Gospel accounts in Luke 1 and Matthew 1, revealing how the willing "Yes" of two teenagers laid the foundation for the entire Christian faith. Learn why the historical and theological necessity of the Immaculate Conception is central to the Gospel, and how their faith—in the face of confusion, social ostracization, and mystery—serves as a powerful invitation for us...

Are you tired of feeling like you have to argue people into the Kingdom of God? Do you want to see your workplace, your city, and your family transformed, but don't know where to start? In this final message of our Romans series, we dive into Chapter 15 to uncover the Apostle Paul’s personal "secret sauce" for ministry. Paul didn't just tell the Romans what to do; he showed them how to live. We mo...

Pastor Joel dives into Romans 14 and 15, anchoring the church's call to radical acceptance and unity in the profound reality of Christ's welcome. In a city as diverse and intense as Los Angeles, Paul’s command to "Accept one another, just as Christ accepted you" (Romans 15:7) becomes a prophetic sign pointing to the Kingdom of God. This sermon challenges us to choose unity over uniformity, peace o...

In a world filled with anxiety, overwhelm, and conflicting desires, how do followers of Jesus navigate complex dynamics and make wise decisions? Pastor Josh continues our series in the Book of Romans, pivoting from what we learn and feel to how we act in the world. The Apostle Paul gives us two simple yet staggering foundations for life as a Christian: Honor and Love. This sermon dives deep into R...