Advancing Word Podcast

In verses eleven through fourteen of the first Chapter of Ephesians, the Apostle Paul is writing from prison. He ends a sweeping summary of the plan of salvation by focusing on the unique role the Holy Spirit. This message highlights the measure, matter and mark of our spiritual oneness in Christ.

Though the Apostle Paul penned his letter to the Ephesians from behind prison walls, his spirit remained unconfined.  The chains that bound him could not bar him from the promises of God. Far more than a prisoner of earthly authorities, Paul was utterly devoted—captivated—by his faith.  In Ephesians 4:1–3, he shares what it means to live as a prisoner of faith.  In these verses, Paul shows us not...

John 16:33 marks a pivotal moment in the Fourth Gospel, closing the Upper Room Discourse with Jesus declaring victory and hope for his followers.  The verse connects truth and trouble, offering encouragement to both the apostles and future believers.  This message which Dr. Stubblefield shared recently at the historic St. Paul United Church of Christ in Carlinville, IL explores the “truth about tr...

In Psalm 51, "then" is a spiritual location that should be the goal of every believer.  Because of sin, David had taken a detour from his destiny, but through confession and repentance reached his destination.  

In Jeremiah, Chapter 8, the prophet laments and mourns because of the plight of the covenant people of Israel.  Thousands were living in captivity in Babylon.  The prophet’s anguish is ultimately demonstrated by the questions he raises and not the declarations he makes.  Down through the centuries, priests, prophets, preachers and pastors are sought out for their answers to life's perplexing...

In Chapter Eleven, verse 6 of the Book of Hebrews, the biblical writer, with a pastor’s heart discusses the spiritual foundation of the Christian faith to those who may be considering returning to Judaism due to suffering and persecution. The text emphasizes the importance of maintaining one's faith and experiencing God's favor as demonstrated in Jesus Christ, presented in this book as a...

In Joshua Chapter Fourteen, verses six through fifteen, Caleb, at the age of eighty-five years old, expresses his willingness and desire to go to battle as the Israelites solidified their gains in the new land of promise.  He was by all accounts, “a faithful man” because he was devoted, delivered and daring. Even in the seasoned sunset of his life, he was still looking for another opportunity to s...

Habakkuk whose name means “to embrace” or “cling to” was a contemporary of the prophet Jeremiah and served during the difficult days that preceded the demise and destruction of the nation of Judah and the subsequent Babylonian Captivity.  Fear and uncertainty were rampant!  So many people were living lives of quiet desperation.  It is not unlike the times in which we live.  Uniquely, Habakkuk did...

We are bombarded daily with choices and risk becoming increasingly preoccupied and self-absorbed.  The Gospel of Luke, Chapter Ten introduces us to two extraordinary women who invited Jesus into their home.  On this occasion, Martha was too busy to be blessed.  On the other hand, her sister Mary ends the evening sitting at the feet of Jesus listening to the Word.  While Martha was pulled and press...

His life threatened, his kingdom in turmoil, in Psalm Twenty-Seven, David sought God's presence.  In his distress, he wanted to "dwell in the house of the Lord".  In this place, he experienced a perfect getaway.  We can too!  

This segment explores Psalm 78, examining the storied history of Israel and the profound question posed in stanza 19 of the psalm, "Can God furnish a table in the wilderness?" This question, fueled by doubt and skepticism, challenges God's ability to provide for and protect His covenant people.  Today’s message offers a compelling and timeless response to the question, a resounding...

In the Gospel of Luke, Chapter Ten, verses 25-37, while teaching, Jesus was challenged by an expert in Jewish law.  His primary motivation was to justify himself and indulge his own sense of self-righteousness.  Jesus responds to this man’s errant theological speculation by sharing a story that was designed to move him and us from law to love, from saying to serving and from religion to relationsh...

Do you ever feel like you are backed up against a wall?  In 2 Kings Chapter 20, verses 1-11, King Hezekiah did!  He faced a problem that seemed as large and looming as the Great Barrier Reef in the Coral Sea which spans 133,000 square miles and can be seen from outer space.  Yet, with fervent faith and powerful prayer, he was able to transcend the disabling weight of his own mortality. You and I c...

In Psalm 55, stanza 22, after lamenting the disappointment that had resulted from the betrayal of a close friend, David expressed his unconditional faith in God who redeems.  This sermon navigates the fertile ground between our problems and God’s promises.  It resonates with the marvelous possibility and hope that whatever we are facing in life, whatever our struggles, we are not alone.  God is ev...

Setbacks happen—to all of us. But with God, they don’t have to be the end of the story. In this encouraging Resurrection message, Dr. T. D. Stubblefield looks at the life of Joseph to remind us that what feels like a setback can actually be a setup for something greater. Originally shared during the 2025 Black History Month Celebration at Refresh Community Church in University City, Missouri, this...

On Palm Sunday according to Luke Chapter 19, verses 36 – 40, Jesus entered Jerusalem riding on a donkey amidst the applause and acclaim of the crowds that had gathered.  When His enemies criticized the crowd’s response, Jesus said, “If they hold their peace the stones will cry out!”   This message explores what a stone would tell us about our Savior?  What is the story in the stones?

In Part 6 and the final sermon of The Perfect Match series, Dr. T. D. Stubblefield concludes with a focus on the last of four fundamental dynamics of biblical marriage based on Genesis Chapter 2, verses 18 – 25.  Intimacy provides the physical, spiritual and emotional depth in the marital union.  It is derived from the Latin word intimatus, which means to “put or press into.”  It is “a GPS coordin...

In Part 5 of The Perfect Match , Dr. T. D. Stubblefield focuses on “unity”, the third dynamic of biblical marriage based on Genesis Chapter 2, verse 24.  Like separation and permanence, in strong and vibrant marriages, unity and intimacy, the last dynamic in this compelling quartet co-exists, coalesce and cooperate.  Unity is the pattern and intimacy is the passion.  Unity is the fuel and intimacy...

God designed marriage to last! In the fifth sermon of The Perfect Match Series , Dr. T. D. Stubblefield explores the dynamic of permanence in marriage. Marital failure and fragmentation have reached pandemic levels—49% of marriages end in divorce, and Christian couples face the same struggles. But is there hope when the thrill is gone and love’s intensity fades? This sermon offers biblical wisdom...

In the fourth sermon of T he Perfect Match Series , Dr. T. D. Stubblefield explores the first key principle of a successful marriage: separation. Based on Genesis 2:24a— “ For this reason a man will leave his father and mother” —this message highlights the need for couples to realign priorities, relationships, and family ties. A strong marriage requires an intentional shift, establishing a bond th...

In Part 3 of The Perfect Match sermon series, Dr. Stubblefield focuses on the significance of the word “therefore” in Genesis 2:24. This pivotal word serves as the bridge between God’s divine work and the blessing of biblical marriage. Up to this point, God has orchestrated every detail—forming, shaping, and providing—while the man simply rested. He awakened not through his own effort, but to the...

In Part 2 of The Perfect Match series, Dr. T. D. Stubblefield unpacks Genesis 2:21-23 under the theme The Design It Features. Biblical marriage is a reflection of the Divine Designer’s will and wisdom—crafted discriminately, deliberately, distinctively, and delightfully . This sermon is a timely and transformative journey through a precedent-setting passage that still speaks powerfully to our pres...

Genesis 2:18-25 is a foundational passage for any thoughtful and comprehensive discussion of biblical marriage. In this first installment of the sermon series The Perfect Match , Dr. T.D. Stubblefield explores The Desire That Fulfills . In the first marriage in human history, God placed within Adam the very desire He would later fulfill in the creation of Eve.

One Family Church, one of the St. Louis region’s fastest-growing congregations, is committed to “bringing people and God together in love.” During their monthly Staff Chapel, Dr. T. D. Stubblefield delivers an inspiring message, seamlessly weaving together the timeless truths of 2 Corinthians 3:17-18 and 4:1. His message encouraged the church’s key leaders and staff by highlighting the marks of a...

At some point in our spiritual journey, we are all destined to face what the ancient mystics and seers referred to as “the dark night of the soul.” This profound period of spiritual eclipse and desolation disrupts and distorts the divine light of the SON (as distinct from the “sun”) in our lives, casting shadows over our hearts and obscuring our spiritual vision.  In the Book of Isaiah, Chapter 21...