Kirby Woods Podcast

Stephen was a model example for us in Scripture as a man who lived for Christ. However, doing everything correctly did not exempt him from controversy and suffering. Acts 6:8-15. Preached by Jared Kress on January 15th, 2023. Join us on Sundays at 10:30am at 6325 Poplar Ave, Memphis or www.kirbywoods.org/live . Follow us online!  Facebook: www.facebook.com/kirbywoodsmemphis   Instagram: www.instag...

The early church faces its first internal conflict, which allows for an introspective moment to ask the important question, “what is best?”  Acts 6:1-7.  Preached by Jared Kress on January 8th, 2023.

Pastor Jared discusses and reacts to two articles from Thom Rainer and Carey Niewhof on their anticipated trends for churches in 2023. Thom Rainer's Article: churchanswers.com/blog/ten-major-trends-for-local-churches-in-america-in-2023 Carey Niewhof's Article: careynieuwhof.com/future-church-trends Submit your ideas for Off Script topics at www.kirbywoods.org/offscript . 

A new year is a wonderful time to reflect on the goodness of God while at the same time, looking ahead to His will for us in the future. If you need a “reset” this year, look at the biblical Year of Jubilee as a guide from The Lord.  Leviticus 25:8-22.  Preached by Jared Kress on January 1st, 2023. 

God the Father intended to communicate very specific truths to us through the entrance of the Light of the World.  Hebrews 1:1-4.  Part of our "Light of the World" series.  Preached by Jared Kress on December 25th, 2022. 

Luke 2:1-20.  Part of our "Light of the World" series.  Preached by Jared Kress on December 24th, 2022. 

God sent Jesus into the world as a sunrise dawning on the darkness of night. He did this to honor His promises, display His tender mercies, and to guide our feet toward peace.  Luke 1:78-79.  Part of our "Light of the World" series.  Preached by Jared Kress on December 18th, 2022.

When we understand what Jesus saved us from, we have a greater appreciation for Him. We need to understand that the light of the world doesn’t just shine in a vacuum, but that He actively overcomes the darkness.  Part of our "Light of the World" series.  Preached by Jared Kress on December 11th, 2022. 

Pastor Jared and Aaron the Intern discuss a question that was submitted by a listener: “How do I let go of past sin, and move on from it?” If you’d like to submit a question or topic for the Off Script Podcast, go to kirbywoods.org/offscript .

The Christian life will have constant barriers and obstacles which will make us feel like quitting and giving up. However, we see that the Apostles considered their sufferings to be a cause for joy, which powered them to persist teaching and preaching in Jesus’ name.  Acts 5:17-42.  Preached by Jared Kress on December 4th, 2022.

The story of Cain and Abel reveals the further corruption of humanity after the Fall. We discover in this narrative the heart of worship, the hardening effects of sin, and the hope of mercy.  Part of our Sunday night Table Talk series.  Genesis 4:1-16.  Preached by Kevin Watts on November 27th, 2022. 

When it comes to our worship of God – we cannot adopt the mindset that “anything goes.” God looks into the heart of every man and woman to see their motives, and on this day, Ananias and Sapphira’s motives brought death.  Acts 5:1-11.  Preached by Jared Kress on November 27th, 2022.

To celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday, we've decided to revisit a message from the Kirby Woods archives. In this sermon, Bob Pitman walks through the Joseph story and defends the actions of Joseph in caring for the people in a time of famine. Through this passage, we see the desperate situation, the definite solution, the delightful salvation, and the thankful heart.  Genesis 47:13-26.  Preac...

Pastor Jared gives some thoughts and encouragements from Scripture on the topic of gratitude and Christian thanksgiving. Send in your Off Script suggestions at kirbywoods.org/offscript .

The early church shared in the victory with Peter and John as if they were the ones on trial before the Sanhedrin. After praying powerfully and giving glory to God, the ground beneath them is shaken as a reminder of God’s presence with them.  Acts 4:23-31.  Preached by Jared Kress on November 20th, 2022.

Pastor Jared interviews Heather McCaskill, the executive director of One by One Ministries. One by One Ministries equips volunteers from local churches to mentor expectant parents or parents with brand new babies. They match trained mentors with moms who are asking for help. Their mission statement is: "One by One Ministries mentors and educates new moms to parent well so that children thrive...

Peter and John give Christians a lesson on how to engage a hostile culture with the Gospel; namely with boldness and obedience to God.  Acts 4:13-22.  Preached by Jared Kress on November 13th, 2022.

Peter and John’s sermon is interrupted by some very annoyed and insecure Sadducees, which leads them back to the assembly room where Jesus was once tried. Peter, full of the Spirit, elevates the exclusivity of Jesus Christ as the only path to salvation.  Acts 4:1-12.  Preached by Jared Kress on November 6th, 2022.

Pastor Jared and Aaron the Intern discuss the tension of being a hearer and doer of the Word, as well as the value of learning to feed ourselves spiritually. 

Another crowd gathers because of a miraculous healing, which leads to another great public sermon from Peter. Peter presses them hard on repentance, but also opens the door of grace and promises times of refreshing if they receive Jesus.  Acts 3.  Preached by Jared Kress on October 30th, 2022.

The “radical” early church we often hear about is really just radically devoted to the normal rhythms of Christian life. You don’t have to actually be radical to be a radical church in 2022. You just have to be radically devoted to a few routine things.  Part of our "Acts: Boldness and Power" series.  Acts 2:42-47.  Preached by Jared Kress on October 23rd, 2022. 

Pastor Jared and Jeff Patrick sit down to talk about his ministry at the Memphis Union Mission and how churches can minster to the homeless population in our city.  If you have any suggestions for future Off Script episode topics, please email them to pastor@kirbywoods.org.

Young people lack wisdom and experience and sometimes make bad decisions when they get early chances to lead, I certainly did. However, my church’s gentle response to me helped me to continue growing and to love my local church as I learned “on the job.” This episode is about creating a church culture that allows young people to try things, potentially flop, and not come away discouraged.  If you...

On this day, three thousand people came to the horrifying realization that they had crucified their very own Messiah after a convincing plea from Peter on the day of Pentecost. For those who repented and received Jesus, it was not too late to experience eternal salvation.  Part of our "Acts: Boldness and Power" series.  Acts 2:25-41.  Preached by Jared Kress on October 16th, 2022. 

Amidst the confused crowd that had gathered outside the upper room in Jerusalem, there was a significant need to make sense of it and leverage the opportunity for evangelism. Peter stands in one of his brightest moments and addresses the gathered crowd on the day of Pentecost.  Part of our "Acts: Boldness and Power" series.  Acts 2:14-24.  Preached by Jared Kress on October 9th, 2022.