Centered on Christ Podcast

When Jesus came to Martha and Mary’s house, Mary sat at His feet to listen to Him teach while Martha was distracted by “much serving.” Jesus firmly, yet gently, calls Martha to think about her life - and how she had become distracted from what truly mattered. In our busy world today, we can learn a lot from what Jesus told Martha. Get full access to Centered on Christ at centeredonchrist.substack....

In Colossians 4:2-6, Paul emphasized how Christians should think about “outsiders” or non-Christians. Our prayers, life, and words should all focus on the opportunities we have to reach those who are not Christians with the gospel of Christ. The way we live and speak to others matters very much. Souls depend on it, in fact. Get full access to Centered on Christ at centeredonchrist.substack.com/sub...

In Acts 15, Paul and Barnabas have a “sharp disagreement” over whether or not John Mark should go with them again on their second missionary journey. Three lessons stood out to me from this bad situation - we’ll consider those observations in this podcast episode. Get full access to Centered on Christ at centeredonchrist.substack.com/subscribe

Conflict cannot be resolved by ignoring it. However, it also cannot be resolved if the situation is mishandled. As Paul neared the end of his letter to the church in Philippi, he addressed a conflict between two women in the church. In Philippians 4:2-9, Paul tells the church what is to be done to resolve the conflict, how they are to go about helping resolve the conflict, and what the result of f...

Timothy was a young preacher, and Paul reminded Timothy how important the word of God was to his life. By immersing himself in the Scriptures, he would learn how he should live his life, but also he would be able to encourage and teach others. What Paul wrote by inspiration in 1 Timothy 4:11-16 is essential for preachers and all Christians. Get full access to Centered on Christ at centeredonchrist...

The short letter from Paul to Philemon is a powerful story of love and forgiveness. Paul writes to Philemon - a faithful Christian who demonstrated his love and faithfulness to the Lord by refreshing the hearts of fellow Christians - about Onesimus. What unfolds in this book’s twenty-five verses is a reminder for God’s people to extend the love and grace of God to others. Get full access to Center...

Before Isaiah begins to describe the Messiah as “The Suffering Servant” in Isaiah 53, he first describes Him as “The Successful Servant” in Isaiah 52:13-15. But Isaiah tells us that while the Servant will be successful, He will not take the typical path of success. His path will leave people “startled” and “astonished.” Even kings would be speechless. The plan of God - the story of Jesus - is noth...

In 1 Thessalonians 2:1-12, we find ten words that describe Paul’s service or ministry for Jesus Christ. Here is the list we covered in the podcast episode: * Bold (v. 2). * Honest or Truthful (v. 3). * Faithful (v. 4). * Genuine - with no ulterior motives (v. 5). * Humble (v. 6). * Gentle (v. 7). * Loving (v. 8). * Hardworking (v. 9). * Godly (v. 10). * Encouraging (v. 11-12). We would do well for...

A few weeks ago, I wrote a post about what the word “gospel” means. You can go back and read that article if you like. The gospel is undoubtedly good news - and the best news the world will ever hear. But what makes the gospel such good news? Who Jesus is, what He has done, and what He will do gives us the answer. Get full access to Centered on Christ at centeredonchrist.substack.com/subscribe

While Jesus taught many different people from various backgrounds - He always brought people to the same point. They needed the life that God offered them through Him. Some people were willing to accept that Jesus was exactly what they needed, while others stubbornly refused to acknowledge that Jesus was the answer. Where do we fall? Are we trying to fix our lives by looking everywhere except Jesu...

A passage that has always been interesting to me is John 21:24-25. John points out that Jesus did many other things that he did not record in his gospel account. We are given a glimpse at the “tip of the iceberg” of what Jesus did. This shows the importance of what is recorded, but it also should cause us to marvel at the amazing majesty of God. Get full access to Centered on Christ at centeredonc...

I’ve been preparing for my sermon Sunday on the Lord’s parable of the Prodigal Son from Luke 15. While studying, I’ve considered why the Pharisees and scribes thought the way they did about Jesus eating with the tax collectors and sinners. The answer I found from God’s Word is a serious warning to all people. Our obedience to God must not come from the same mindset that the Pharisees had. I’d be g...

Someone asked me if I would do an episode on what the Bible says about repentance, so here we go! This episode is more of a brief overview of what repentance is and how repentance connects with the gospel of Christ. Thanks for the request! I’m always open to considering something you want to hear from God’s Word! Get full access to Centered on Christ at centeredonchrist.substack.com/subscribe

When I wrote, “ What is the Gift of the Holy Spirit Today? ” we studied the context of Acts 1-2. Going through that context reminded me of what Peter’s primary point in his sermon was. This podcast explores Peter’s sermon in Acts 2 to find his main point. Get full access to Centered on Christ at centeredonchrist.substack.com/subscribe

My family and I were at Maywood Christian Camp this past week. Now we’re home and trying to catch up on some much-needed rest! This podcast episode includes some thoughts I had after a week of camp and some of the benefits of going to Christian camp. Get full access to Centered on Christ at centeredonchrist.substack.com/subscribe

The New Testament emphasizes that Jesus is both the “Son of God” and the “Son of Man.” He is both God and man. But why does this matter so much? The New Testament actually has quite a bit to say about why this question matters so much. Let’s study together! Get full access to Centered on Christ at centeredonchrist.substack.com/subscribe

Sometimes people will point to Matthew 7:1 to claim that Jesus forbids all judging. Is that what Jesus meant in that passage? As we study this question together, I think we will realize that Jesus didn’t mean all judging to be strictly forbidden - but He does warn us to be very careful how we go about it. I’d be glad to hear your thoughts on this question! Get full access to Centered on Christ at...

Paul wrote to the Christians in Thessalonica, praising their abundant faith and growing love despite their hardships. He told them how their endurance encouraged their brothers and sisters in Christ. Paul also reminded them that God saw how they were being afflicted and would hand out justice when Jesus returned. These passages are an encouragement to the faithful child of God! Get full access to...

When you look through the first few chapters of Proverbs, one thing that stands out is how fathers are supposed to be teaching their children. We are to teach our children not just with our words but also with how we live our lives. Happy Father’s Day to all the fathers! Get full access to Centered on Christ at centeredonchrist.substack.com/subscribe

When Jesus observed a poor widow giving two small coins at the temple treasury, He called His disciples over and taught them an important lesson about what it truly means to give back to God. Here are a few thoughts about what we can learn from what Jesus said about this poor widow. Get full access to Centered on Christ at centeredonchrist.substack.com/subscribe

June 2 was Lou Gehrig Day in Major League Baseball. As a baseball fan - and as someone who loves reading about baseball players from the past like Lou Gehrig - I decided to share a few thoughts about courage and thankfulness in the face of adversity. And how we can be thankful that God will never leave His children - even during the darkest moments of their life. Get full access to Centered on Chr...

The Text and Outline of Psalm 10. Where are You, God? (Psalm 10:1). Why do You stand afar off, O LORD? Why do You hide in times of trouble?  The Wickedness of the Oppressor (Psalm 10:2-11). The wicked in his pride persecutes the poor; Let them be caught in the plots which they have devised.  For the wicked boasts of his heart's desire; He blesses the greedy and renounces the LORD.  The wicked in h...

Even if you aren’t a baseball fan, I hope this podcast episode will be encouraging to you! Share this podcast episode with someone you love. Lesson 1. Even though some games go into extra innings, and some are called early because of weather – the game always ends. Some people live a long life – while others have their life cut short by unexpected circumstances, but everyone’s life on this earth e...

The Text and Outline of Psalm 9. Subscript: To the Chief Musician. To the tune of “Death of the Son.” A Psalm of David. Praise God for His Wonderful Works (Psalm 9:1-2). I will praise You, O LORD, with my whole heart; I will tell of all Your marvelous works. I will be glad and rejoice in You; I will sing praise to Your name, O Most High. Praise God for His Righteous Judgment (Psalm 9:3-4). When my...

Christians ought to be people who live a life of thankfulness. This podcast episode encourages you to thank God for His blessings in your life and for the people in your life who have helped you. Get full access to Centered on Christ at centeredonchrist.substack.com/subscribe