Belay Church Podcast

This message by Paul Durbin delves into the warning from Jesus to beware of the influence of Herod and links it to contemporary culture. Through a study based on Matthew 14 and other biblical passages, Paul identifies five characteristics of Herod's influence: perceiving fear as fact, resisting anointed preaching, seeking ultimate cancellation, fearing people, and following the flesh. He uses pers...

Paul talks about the final section of Matthew 13: the Parable of the Net and Jesus's return to His hometown, Nazareth. This message addresses common lies that hinder belief in God's work: that it couldn't happen here, now, or to oneself. Emphasizing that faith is essential for experiencing God's miracles, the speaker encourages listeners to recognize God's power to work in their lives here and now...

In this message, Paul unpacks the parables of the treasure and the pearl in Matthew 13, and emphasizes three key lessons: God's immense love for people, the barriers that stand in the way of experiencing God's love (namely sin and previous allegiances), and the ultimate sacrifice Jesus made to redeem us. Through these lessons, listeners are encouraged to treasure God, abandon old sins and masters,...

In this message, Pastor Paul Durbin explores the incident of faulty yeast in bread-making to delve into spiritual lessons from the New Testament. He examines Jesus' teachings on the 'yeast' of the Pharisees, Sadducees, and Herod, and discusses how these metaphors relate to legalism, license, and lawlessness. The discussion highlights the importance of striving to be an 'unleavened batch' of people...

In his talk, Paul Durbin explores the significance of parables, focusing on the parable of the mustard seed as taught by Jesus in Matthew 13. He delves into three main topics: understanding parables in their historical, political, and cultural contexts; learning to grasp the nuanced language devices used in parables such as metaphors, similes, and hyperboles; and extracting the deeper meanings and...

Paul Durbin delves into the concept of Kingdom Life (based on the Parable of the weeds, Matthew 13), emphasizing the purpose in our placement, the realities of living in this current age, and the patience required to live a Kingdom life. He highlights Jesus as the ultimate example of endurance and patience, urging listeners to find purpose in their current placement, embrace challenges as opportun...

Paul Durbin delivers a captivating message on becoming good soil based on the parable of the sower. He emphasizes the importance of eliminating non-soil elements, increasing the quantity of good soil through surrender, and purifying the quality of soil by shifting faith from worries and wealth to God. Paul connects the themes of stones and thorns to the crucifixion and resurrection, highlighting J...

Andrew Sisk shares a talk based on his book, “Trees Amongst Graves” — a powerful message about being alive in a world that is dying. He encourages us to endure hardships and insults by fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. He also emphasizes the importance of understanding forgiveness and the impact of sharing one's story of grace with others. Andrew affirms the idea th...

In this talk, Andrew Sisk emphasizes the concept of being blessed by God and the importance of knowing one's identity as a child of God. He discusses the significance of Jesus as the blessed one who took on the curse for humanity. Andrew encourages the church to embrace their identity as blessed individuals and to reciprocate this blessing by honoring and worshiping God in all aspects of their liv...

In this talk, Paul Durbin discusses the power and importance of asking thoughtful questions to foster intentional conversations. He highlights this as part of the final message in a series titled 'On Belay,' emphasizing the concept of being on mission with Jesus through daily interactions. Durbin shares insights on starting with 'why' and progressing through a framework of blessing others, eating...

Zoe Lee shares her deeply personal journey of faith, resilience, and growth, beginning with her childhood in Cincinnati as the daughter of a single, disabled mother. Despite financial hardship and her mother's protective yet emotionally unstable nature, Zoe finds solace and escape in her education and the vast world of books at her local library. Her story takes us through her struggles with isola...

Paul Durbin discusses how we learn Christ —who was, is, and is to come.

Paul Durbin shares a message centered around the significance of sharing meals in the context of Christian faith and outreach. He discusses the concept of eating at three different 'tables': His table, Your table, and Their table. At 'His table,' Durbin emphasizes the importance of communion and remembering Jesus’ sacrifice. This act symbolizes acceptance of Jesus’ healing and forgiveness, alignin...

This episode is two messages. Paul Durbin spoke at our Sunrise Service and explored three phrases from Matthew 28, reflecting on Jesus's faithfulness ('Just as He said'), the commonality of doubt in faith ('But some doubted'), and Jesus's perpetual presence ('I am with you always'). Durbin weaves personal stories with biblical context to highlight Jesus's steadfastness despite human imperfections...

Paul Durbin delivers a message exploring the essence of being a blessing in alignment with Jesus' teachings and mission. He highlights the transformative power of actively engaging in five key ways to bless others: through volunteer work, building relationships, financial generosity, giving gifts, and offering hospitality. Durbin emphasizes moving beyond ordinary generosity towards a lifestyle cen...

In this message, Paul Durbin discusses the concept of being 'on belay' in the context of rock climbing, and applies it to the idea of being attentive to helping people draw near to God. He emphasizes the importance of being on mission, using the acrostic 'YOU' to represent saying 'yes' to the mission, ‘owning’ the responsibility, and ‘understanding’ the cost. The sermon challenges listeners to emb...

Erik Sandquist delivers a sermon exploring the theme of deliverance and trust in God's plan. He discusses the concept of being in 'Egypt,' relying on human strengths and comforts, and emphasizes the need to trust in God's deliverance despite challenges and uncertainties. Through examples from the Bible and personal anecdotes, Sandquist urges listeners to seek freedom in God and have faith in His g...

High School boys Carter Croasdale, Samuel Durbin, and Duncan Zahradka all speak for this round of Less Than 10.

Paul Durbin talks about our value for both big church and small church.

Paul Durbin shares four phrases that help us understand what we mean by effective structures.

Our guest Twyla Kuntz teaches how love is the fullness of grace and truth

Paul Durbin teaches that empowered leadership has three qualities: It's open-handed, legacy-leaving, and Christ-like.

Tian Woodard helps us see that walking in freedom is accomplished by way of 3 relationships: with Jesus, ourselves, and our community.

Jesus says in John 20:21, "...As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” Learning how Jesus was sent helps us better understand what our sending looks like.

Holy Spirit Dependance steers us away from legalism, guides us toward freedom, helps us love others well, and keeps us in step with Him.