The Word For The Valley Podcast (iOS)

In part 2, Pastor Mike will make the point that coming to faith in Jesus doesn’t make life easier, but makes life meaningful. True Christian living involves purpose and service to others, which will bring stress and difficulty. Equating faith with an easy life is immature thinking. Living life properly for the greatest benefit of others, means embracing the challenges that come with it.

In part 1, Pastor Mike emphasizes the need for discernment when sincerely trying to walk the “narrow path”. Encouraging us to test everything against the Scriptures, and not just accept teachings at face value. Any teaching or teacher that doesn’t point to Christ and reflect His character should be questioned.

In Part 2 Pastor Mike clarifies that God is a good Father who provides for our needs rather than our demands. He goes on to explain that when we continue to "Ask, Seek, Knock" the LORD responds with His knowledge of what is best. And if we surrender to the LORD in this way, we will learn to be content regardless of the circumstances.

In Part 1 Pastor Mike teaches that individuals who value the kingdom of God first, are willing to make decisions that sacrifice the kingdom of men. He goes on to explain that the ability to discern (judge) rightly, according to God's word, and to work with God to remove the obvious issues (planks) in their own lives are two crucial qualities for those of the kingdom of God.

In Part 2 of this section, Jesus tells us not to worry about our life. Because to worry, means to be pulled in many directions. Meaning, worry arises when we are divided between 2 kingdoms. Jesus stated it this way “you cannot serve 2 masters. You will either be loyal to the one and despise the other” Jesus wasn't suggesting that we ignore the ordinary things of life. Instead, He desires that we t...

In this section, Jesus moves on to the topic of personal possessions. He wants us to take good care of the things we own, but He doesn't want us to be consumed by them. It's interesting to note that Jesus discusses money more than any other topic in His teachings. He understands how difficult possessions and money can be for us, and the risk that arises when we start to develop a love for those th...

The Lord's Prayer is a well-known Biblical passage. In Part 2, Jesus offers this as a model for how to pray to our Heavenly Father. Instead of using meaningless words and rote prayers, Jesus was teaching that prayer is more relational than transactional, and more intimate than a performance.

In this part 1, Jesus challenges individuals on their religious practices. Specifically addressing charitable deeds, prayer, and fasting. He commanded that when these things are done, they are with the intention of pleasing your Heavenly Father rather than gaining the approval and praise of people.

Jesus commanded a positive response when something negative happens to us. In Part 2 of this section, Jesus commands us to love our enemies. What would be a loving response to someone who curses, hates, uses, and persecutes me?

In this section, Jesus will say turn the other cheek, when someone slaps you, let him have your cloak, if they want to take your tunic, and go an extra mile, if they compel you to 1 mile. How do I offer wholehearted grace to a person who is treating me like this?

The religious leaders had a whole hierarchy of oaths to emphasize the truth of their word. In part 2, Jesus focused on the character of the person as being the emphasis of their word. Essentially saying, be a person of your word. And having to affirm the truth of your word by adding anything to it, is not motivated by God, but is of the evil one.

In part 1, Jesus addresses the scribes and the pharisees interpretation of God’s command to not commit adultery. He will go on to say that "whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart."

In Part 2, Pastor Mike teaches that Jesus is responding to the scribes and the pharisees interpretation of the Old Testament Law. He is comparing what the religious teachers say about the Law, and what God actually means. In this section, Jesus addresses their interpretation of God's command "you shall not murder, and whoever murders will be in danger of judgment."

In the sermon on the mount, Jesus said He did not come to destroy the Law and the Prophets, but to fulfill them. -How did Jesus fulfill the Old Testament - Law and Prophets? -Is the Old Testament still needed today?

In the sermon on the mount Jesus said “you are the light of the world.” In part 2, Pastor Mike will describe some similarities between light and believer.

In the sermon on the mount Jesus said “you are the salt of the earth ” In part 1, Pastor Mike will share what it means to be the salt of the earth, and describe some similar influences that salt and believer share.

In Part 2, Pastor Mike wraps up his teaching on The Beatitudes. He further explains that everyone has the opportunity of resembling the life of Christ if you are willing to turn your back on all the other offerings of the world that come to you as substitutes.

In part 1, Pastor Mike teaches on a well known passage of Scripture known as “the Sermon on the Mount.” In this episode, Pastor Mike will begin explaining the "blessed" statements Jesus gave to describe the kingdom of heaven, commonly referred to as The Beatitudes.

How did Jesus minister? The Scriptures tell us that Jesus' ministry consisted of teaching, preaching, and performing miracles. In part 2, Pastor Mike will explain what each of these meant and how important they were to Jesus' ministry.

What are the expectations for becoming a disciple of Jesus? In part 1, Pastor Mike teaches that the primary process of discipleship is not what we learn or do, but who we follow.

In part 2, Pastor Mike delves into the three temptations that Jesus encountered in the wilderness, and explains how Jesus successfully overcame each of them. Additionally, Pastor Mike provides valuable guidance on navigating temptation and spiritual warfare.

Is it sufficient to depend solely on the Sunday-to-Sunday encounters with God to keep us from slipping into temptation, yielding to compromise, or settling into complacency? In part 1, Pastor Mike teaches on how Jesus navigated and overcame His trials and temptations during those 40 days in the wilderness.

Previously, we discovered that a vital initial step for those seeking a closer relationship with God is the act of repentance. In part 2, Pastor Mike explains that repentance is an action taken by an individual, rather than just a concept understood by them.

Is my life in alignment with the values of the kingdom of Heaven? In this episode, Pastor Mike teaches on a prominent theme in the book of Matthew, referred to as the kingdom of Heaven. Pastor Mike also delves into the ministry of John the Baptist, emphasizing the significance of John's message in preparing individuals for this kingdom. 

Not everyone reacts to God in the same way. Especially in the aspect of His lordship over our lives. In Part 2, Pastor Mike discusses three distinct reactions to the authority of this specific King of the Jews.