Living Word Family Church Sermon Podcast

As we continue to explore Christ's journey to the cross, we see something truly extraordinary if we bother to notice it. Jesus could have come and lived in any number of ways (without sinning), paid our sin debt, and left. Instead, we see a life, a ministry, wherein He served and gave in amazing ways. What a model this is for us, whom God has blessed so generously, and from whom God requires...

Assoc Pastor Mike Mack Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As we draw closer to resurrection Sunday, let's take a fresh look at what was involved in our salvation. We know Jesus died on the Cross; was there anything else to His sacrifice? Jesus said some strong things about loving this world, leaving all, taking up our cross, etc. Let's look today at what Jesus left when He came to redeem us. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A famous "congregational prayer" used to say "Lord, keep our pastor humble; we'll keep him poor". Should those in occupational ministry even be paid for preaching the Gospel? Is this poor stewardship of offerings? After all, didn't Paul work with his hands in order to preach for free? Let's look at some of these questions and the clear answers in the Bible! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com...

Tonight, Pastor Mike talks about how worship and gratitude are essential. Continuous rejoicing and prayer are encouraged, even during tough moments. The story of Paul and Silas illustrates the power of praise, leading to miraculous deliverance. Living with gratitude and counting blessings is vital, as God is always present and supportive. Pastor Mike concludes with a reminder of the eternal life p...

Some believe that the matter of Christians and money can be settled easily by simply pointing out that Jesus Himself was poor, and we are to follow His example. But was Jesus actually poor? You might be surprised by the answer! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Continuing on the topic of the presence of the Lord, one of the things that is promised there is rest...true rest. What does that look like? Why do we not experience that more easily in today's society? And how do we get there? The world tends to see rest in ways that lead to the same traps that can cause us to get our focus off of Jesus. Through the Word, we see it differently...the way God sees...

Tonight, Pastor Mike reminds us that, as believers, we are called to perform greater works as Jesus did. He emphasizes the importance of prayer and being led by the Spirit. Unity among believers is crucial, and individuals are encouraged to witness boldly for Jesus. Remember the power you hold through the Holy Spirit and engage with God's word to fulfill your divine purpose. Hosted on Acast. See a...

David’s one desire was to be in the presence of God. On this side of the cross, David’s desire has become a reality for us. But are we taking full advantage of the 24/7 opportunity we have to look at Him? Where is our focus during the many different things we go through in life? In this message, we’ll look at examples from the life of Peter and find out how to live a life of beholding. Hosted on A...

Tonight, Pastor Mike emphasizes the importance of walking in wisdom, drawing from biblical teachings in Proverbs. He highlights understanding God's will, redeeming our time wisely, and recognizing each person's divine calling. Our discussion encourages living a spirit-filled life, avoiding distractions, and practicing gratitude. Serving others while giving God glory, along with humility and selfle...

Say the word "prosperity" in some churches, and you might raise some eyebrows. Some try to draw a distinction between God's will for the children of Israel and His will for New Covenant believers when it comes to prosperity, since it's so clearly promised in the Old Testament. But it is Jesus who spoke of abundance. And it is the Holy Spirit, through Paul, who spoke of superabundance! Prosperity -...

We might tend to think that there is a stark division between tithing in the Old Testament vs giving in the New Testament, but the Old Testament actually has more to say about giving than about tithing. This shouldn't surprise us because God doesn't change; He valued and rewarded the generous hearts of the Old Testament children of Abraham, and He values and rewards the generous hearts of Abr...

Money is a ticklish, sometimes risky topic in church. Abuses of scripture, manipulation, and financial scandals have caused some to become jaded with regard to giving support to their church and other ministries. The Bible has a lot to say about money, and Jesus spoke about it often. In this first message of a three week series on giving, we start with a look at what the word of God says abou...

Assoc Pastor Mike Mack Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As we wrap up our three-week fast, we will take a look at some more of what God said to Israel about fasting, as well as what Jesus has to say to us about fasting today. The Christian life is not defined by fasting or any other expression of suffering or affliction; but there is a place for these things. As we look into the word, we can see the Father and the Son speaking to us about FEASTING in H...

Spiritual growth is essential in all areas of life, especially during tough times. Maintaining hope in Jesus is crucial, as is understanding God's word for personal transformation. Daily practices like meditating on God's Word and prayer foster spiritual health, leading to peace and fulfillment. The journey of spiritual growth requires commitment and looking to Jesus for guidance and strength. Hos...

As we begin the final week of our 21-day fast, we would do well to heed the warnings of scripture about certain attitudes about fasting. As most of you have probably begun to realize, fasting can be a rewarding and life-changing experience. But God Himself rarely proclaimed a fast, and has some harsh words for those who fast improperly! We can be encouraged nonetheless in our fasting as we fa...

Understanding God's unchanging nature is crucial for believers. Through prayer and scripture, we gain authority to overcome life's challenges. Focusing on God's ability empowers us to resist temptation, as demonstrated by Jesus. Pastor Mike encourages us to preach the gospel and live out faith through our actions. Ultimately, it calls for believers to be grounded in God's word, knowing and sharing...

As we begin week two or our three-week fast, it can be useful to think about the effects so far. Are you hungry? Are you hungry for something specific? Has your appetite changed, or simply increased? We need to recognize that God has given us appetites, just as He has given us bodies, and that our appetites have been corrupted by the sin nature just as our bodies strain against other man...

The new year brings a focus on spiritual growth through fasting and living in abundance. Pastor Mike emphasizes the importance of having purpose and redeeming time to seize opportunities. He encourages us to minister and share God's love while living a spirit-filled life marked by joy and gratitude. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As we begin our 21 day fast to start the new year, let's look once again at what a biblical fast is, what it isn't, and why we do it. There are a lot of misguided notions about fasting, and even if we are accustomed to it, it's hard sometimes to keep our focus where it should be. Fasting can be extremely rewarding and can bring about some significant growth in our lives, but it can also be di...

Going into a new year, the potential for change is perhaps at its height. As seasons shift, there are principles we can take from the Word that will help us steward transitions well. What do we take with us? What should we leave behind? And how do we approach this upcoming shift in seasons? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For centuries, the people of Israel looked for the one God would send to restore the throne of Israel. They eagerly awaited a prophet like Moses, a king like David; someone who would... teach them? Lead them? Rule them? What they needed -what they always needed- was someone to SAVE them. This is what Jesus was born for. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last week, we examined the role of the prophet as it touches on the hopes, needs, and dreams of God's people. Now we look at another prayer that God answered, when Israel said "Give us a king!" We will see that God was using all these desires and requests to prepare His people for the advent of the Messiah. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Recognizing God's blessings and favor is essential for living abundantly. Pastor Mike shares personal experiences that illustrate God's faithfulness in various aspects of life, including work. Righteousness through Jesus brings blessings, and sharing God's goodness is vital. Seeking God's guidance and living with expectancy and gratitude are key to receiving His blessings. Hosted on Acast. See aca...