The Living Streams Church Podcast

Stephen, though opposed and falsely accused, boldly proclaimed Christ and, even in death, reflected Jesus’ forgiveness. His martyrdom sparked persecution that scattered believers, spreading the gospel even further. Philip then stepped onto the scene, performing miracles, bringing joy to cities, and sharing the good news with an Ethiopian seeker who was baptized on the spot. The heart of the messag...

Acts 5 and 6 remind us that bold obedience and humble service are key to gathering that harvest. In Acts 5, the apostles face persecution yet refuse to stop preaching Christ, showing us that courage and faithfulness advance God’s mission even under opposition. In Acts 6, the church wisely resolves internal conflict through servant leadership, leading to greater unity and growth. Together, these pa...

Evangelism isn’t only overseas—it’s in neighborhoods, workplaces, and daily encounters. What does it mean to live as “suburban missionaries”?

When the Spirit changes us, it’s impossible to keep it to ourselves. In Acts 3–4, Peter and John heal a lame man, proclaim Jesus to thousands, and stand firm despite opposition—not out of obligation, but from lives shaped by being with Him. True evangelism flows from this kind of transformation—seeing and meeting needs, reaching all people without partiality, speaking boldly even when it’s costly,...

We’re beginning our journey through the book of Acts—a story that shows following Jesus is anything but boring. It’s a Spirit-empowered adventure that calls us to boldness, even in fear, and devotion to God’s Word, community, generosity, and prayer. After His resurrection, Jesus told His disciples to wait in Jerusalem for the Holy Spirit. Though it was dangerous, they obeyed—and on Pentecost, the...

In Ruth 4, the story of Ruth and Boaz reaches its redemptive climax. After Ruth boldly follows Naomi’s instructions to seek Boaz as a redeemer, Boaz honors her request but must first offer the right to a closer relative. When that man declines, Boaz redeems Ruth and Elimelech’s land, marrying Ruth to preserve the family line. Their union results in the birth of Obed, grandfather of King David—plac...

Deuteronomy, genealogy, and ancient proposals—Ruth 3 might seem foreign, but it reveals timeless truths about family, covenant, and Jesus’ lineage through unlikely women.

In Ruth 3, we see a beautiful picture of Jesus’ sacrificial and covenantal love as our Redeemer, who covers us with grace and mercy—our kanap (the corner of His garment, wings, or covering). Throughout Ruth’s story, covering symbolizes protection, provision, belonging, and forgiveness: Ruth covers Naomi in her loss, Boaz covers Ruth as his bride, and God ultimately covers His people through Jesus....

We explore the Hebrew concept of hesed — loyal, generous love — and its deep connection to belonging, relationships, and God’s covenant faithfulness.

Life can feel uncertain and senseless, full of “maybe’s,” but the gospel reminds us that God is writing a story of “definitely’s.” In Ruth 2, we see His redeeming love as Boaz shows generosity and Ruth steps out in faith, meeting in a field where God weaves their stories together. C.J. shared how his own loss and adoption story revealed that even in grief, God is not finished—His redemption is rea...

A deep dive into Ruth 1, exploring the beauty of covenant relationships — with God, with family, and with others — and how they reflect His faithfulness even in fractured families and loneliness.

This week we studied the opening of Ruth, seeing her as a woman of fierce loyalty and quiet strength. After losing her husband, she chose to stay with her grieving mother-in-law Naomi, returning to Bethlehem as a foreigner and eventually marrying Boaz, becoming part of Christ’s lineage. Ruth’s story reveals God’s providence and redemption through ordinary people, extending His grace to Gentiles an...

Shalom is not a fragmented or surface-level peace—it’s the wholeness and fullness of God Himself, offered to every part of our lives. While the world offers momentary relief, Jesus offers His very presence, inviting us into the peace that surpasses understanding (Philippians 4:7). This kind of peace grows as we consistently spend time with Him—in prayer, Scripture, worship, solitude, and community...

Pastors CJ, Renee, and Alec have a real, honest, and encouraging conversation about what the Bible says about sex within marriage, how purity culture shaped many of our views, and how God brings healing from sexual brokenness. Whether you’re single, married, or somewhere in between, this discussion offers hope, biblical truth, and practical steps toward cultivating healthy intimacy.

Shalom—“the way things ought to be”—is the foundation for understanding God’s design for sexuality. Rooted in the self-giving nature of the Trinity, sex within marriage reflects a sacred rhythm of connection, strength, and vulnerability. But this gift is often attacked and distorted by the enemy through shame, lies, and brokenness. Still, Jesus redeems even our sexuality, offering healing and rene...

True peace comes not from money, but from knowing Jesus—the Prince of Peace. While money can offer a false sense of security, only Christ gives lasting peace that brings rest, reconciliation, and trust. Scripture is full of wisdom about finances, warning us against debt, greed, and the illusion of wealth as safety. Proverbs and the teachings of Jesus highlight a path to financial peace: work dilig...

In this reflective and grounded conversation, we explore the slow, quiet practices that cultivate peace in the home—starting not with strategies or outcomes, but with presence. Drawing from Scripture and the emotional terrain of real family life, we talk tone, posture, and the unseen power of how we show up. The heart of this episode is a deep reckoning with the pressures of parenting, the wounds...

Family can be a source of deep shalom or deep pain. When peace is broken by sin or tragedy, the path back begins with Jesus—our true peace, who invites us to slow down and receive what He freely gives. Scripture guides families toward this peace through mutual honor, loving discipline, and selfless humility. Parents are called not to provoke, children to honor, and all to submit to one another out...

What happens when our inner world collapses? From personal health struggles to broken relationships, we talk about how biblical peace ( shalom ) offers more than relief—it offers wholeness. And it starts by removing what creates chaos.

In this new sermon series, Shalom, we explore the biblical path to deep and lasting peace—relational, financial, parental, and sexual. Shalom, the Hebrew word for peace, speaks to a wholeness and harmony that can only come from God. In a culture marked by anxiety, shame, and brokenness, Jesus—our Prince of Peace—offers a way forward. Through His Spirit and Word, we learn to live in step with God’s...

Divorce is a painful reality that touches many lives—sometimes publicly, sometimes quietly. Scripture acknowledges this pain, and Jesus meets it not with legalism, but with compassion and clarity. In Matthew 19, He points us back to God’s heart, offering grace to those carrying the weight of broken relationships. Too often, shame and guilt are added by misread or rigid interpretations of Scripture...

In this episode of the Living Streams Podcast, CJ and Renee Bergmen dive into the behind-the-scenes of preaching together on marriage, sharing honest reflections on headship, submission, and how theology plays out in real relationships. From early conflict to spiritual formation, they explore what it looks like to grow together, wrestle with calling, and reflect Christ in the everyday messiness of...

Marriage is a mirror that reflects Christ’s love for the Church—a sacred design meant to reveal the mystery of the gospel. Like any mirror, it can expose flaws and imperfections, making marriage not just about companionship, but about sanctification. In Ephesians 5, Paul presents a counter-cultural vision of submission and headship—often misunderstood, but deeply rooted in Christlike love and sacr...

In this episode of the Living Streams Podcast, Pastors David Stockton and Alec Seekins dive into 1 Corinthians 7 to explore what it means to live with devotion over desire—whether in singleness or marriage. They discuss sex, intimacy, separation, and faithfulness with honesty, grace, and biblical clarity, offering hope and wisdom for every season of life.

In 1 Corinthians 7, Paul responds to the Corinthians' concerns about marriage, singleness, and life after marriage within a morally corrupt culture. He teaches that both marriage and singleness are gifts from God, not based on personal preference but divine calling. The gift of marriage, Paul explains, can lead to practical blessings such as greater peace, protection from sexual immorality, and th...