DiscipleCenter

In this episode the speaker reflects on personal grief and the Christian experience of suffering, grounded in passages from 1 Peter. She explores how trials are part of the believer's path, how Jesus’ example shapes our response, and why suffering can reveal and strengthen faith. The talk offers practical steps—acknowledge, express, evaluate, and align with Christ—and emphasizes trusting God through pain, the promise of future glory, and the comfort of community and God’s sustaining presence.

This sermon examines biblical examples of generations that fell away and those who stood firm, drawing practical steps for parents to build a lasting spiritual foundation in their homes. It highlights daily Scripture practice, visible reminders of faith, resisting compromise in relationships, and teaching children to seek God’s Word as the guide for life.

In this episode, the speaker explores 1 John 1:5-10, explaining how God as light contrasts with darkness, the necessity of confession, and the cleansing power of Jesus' blood. Drawing on historical context, John's eyewitness credibility, and responses to early Gnosticism, the message emphasizes true fellowship with God and one another through repentance and faith.

This episode connects Psalm 3 and Psalm 4 to explore the purpose and practice of Jewish daily prayers—Shacharit (morning), Mincha (afternoon), and Ma'ariv (evening)—and explains key elements like Mode Ani, the Shema, and the Amidah’s 18 blessings. The speaker interprets Psalm 4 as an evening prayer of trust, showing David’s appeal to God’s righteousness, guidance on anger and conscience, the meaning of "sacrifices of righteousness," and the joy that comes from God’s presence. The episode also ties Psalm 4 to David’s covenant in 2 Samuel 7 and concludes with the comforting image of resting in peace because God alone provides safety and vindication.

In this episode we explore Psalm 3 — "A Psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom, his son" — and the family drama behind it from 2 Samuel. We trace the events involving Amnon, Tamar, and Absalom, David's exile, and the rise of Absalom's rebellion, then return to Psalm 3 to examine David's movement from despair to trust and the psalm's concluding praise that salvation belongs to the Lord.

This episode examines the “alien mindset” of the world contrasted with the Christian call to be in the world but not of it, grounding the argument in New Testament passages and practical examples. It outlines six pervasive cultural mindsets—pride, theft, dishonesty, permissive sexuality, hatred, and violence—showing how these categories conflict with God’s values and shape behaviors across families, businesses, and nations. The talk closes with practical cautions for parents and believers: understand these differing categories, guard children and communities against harmful cultural influences, and interact with the world wisely while maintaining Christian convictions.

This episode examines the dramatic New Testament accounts of Stephen's martyrdom and Saul's conversion on the road to Damascus. It traces Stephen's bold testimony and death, Saul's persecution of the early church, the divine encounter that blinded him, and his restoration through Ananias—showing how God transforms even the fiercest opponents into proclaimers of the Gospel.

This episode explains the biblical account of Jesus’ ascension (Luke 24; Acts 1), its timing in the resurrection calendar, and its connection to Pentecost. The speaker highlights three key roles Jesus assumes in the ascension: great high priest, returning King Messiah, and bridegroom of the church, focusing on the first two. Using Hebrews and Psalm 110, the message shows how the ascension secures atonement in the heavenly tabernacle, establishes Jesus at God’s right hand, and sets the stage for his future return and the fulfillment of the kingdom. Listeners are urged to live faithfully in the ‘between’ time, awaiting his coming.

This episode examines post‑resurrection appearances of Jesus, centering on John 21's Sea of Galilee scene with the miraculous catch of 153 fish and a breakfast on the shore. It explores Jesus' threefold restoration of Peter—"tend my lambs, shepherd my sheep, tend my sheep"—and what that commissioning means for discipleship. The episode also ties John 21 to 1 Corinthians 15's eyewitness list and Matthew 28's Great Commission, highlighting the proof of the resurrection and the call to follow and make disciples.

This episode examines the post-Resurrection appearances of Jesus found in Luke 24 and John 20, where he appears to his disciples, shows his wounds, and eats with them to prove his bodily resurrection. Jesus breathes on the disciples, speaks of the fulfillment of Scripture, opens their minds to understand, and commissions them to proclaim repentance and forgiveness to all nations. The episode also explores Thomas's doubt and confession and ends with a call to receive the Holy Spirit and live by faith.

This episode explores the Road to Emmaus (Luke 24), where two disciples, bewildered after Jesus' crucifixion, are joined by a stranger who explains the Scriptures and is finally recognized when he breaks bread with them. Their encounter leads them back to Jerusalem to share the news, alongside a note that Jesus also appeared to Peter. The sermon highlights the resurrection as the transforming hope of the Christian life and calls listeners to live with an eternal perspective.

This episode walks through the Gospel accounts of the women at the empty tomb, comparing details about who was present, what they saw, and the angelic encounters. The speaker explains "spotlighting/foregrounding" and uses eyewitness and law-enforcement analogies to show why accounts differ in perspective while remaining truthful. The episode emphasizes that all accounts agree the tomb was empty and that Jesus had risen, highlights Mary Magdalene’s personal encounter with the risen Lord, and closes with the call to share the good news and live transformed lives.

This episode launches a series exploring the appearances of Jesus after his resurrection, examining passages from Luke, Matthew, and Acts. The speaker reflects on Jesus' prophecies of his death and resurrection, asks why the disciples did not understand, and highlights who first believed and responded—guards, religious leaders, and followers. It outlines upcoming lessons on the women at the tomb, Emmaus, Peter and Thomas, the 500, the Ascension, Pentecost, and Paul’s encounter with the living Savior, and closes with a prayer for humility, clearer sight, and bold witness.

This episode walks through John 17 and surrounding passages as the speaker reflects on Jesus' prayer before Gethsemane, his intercession for the disciples and future believers, and the meaning of communion as body and blood. It emphasizes daily prayer, Scripture, unity among believers, and the hope of Christ's sacrifice, resurrection, and eternal life.

In this episode we explore 2 Corinthians 5 and Paul’s call to "walk by faith, not by sight," contrasting a biblical, spirit-centered view of consciousness with secular, brain-centered perspectives. We discuss the mind-brain problem, the role of the Spirit as God’s pledge, and the longing for the resurrected body promised in Scripture. The message connects Lent and Holy Week to the hope of the new creation, urging believers to live for Christ, please God, and focus on eternal realities through Scripture, the Spirit, and the community of faith.

This episode walks through the six biblical observances from Palm Sunday to Resurrection Sunday, drawing on Leviticus 23 and the Gospel accounts in Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.  

This episode walks through Genesis 50: Jacob's final instructions, Joseph's emotional mourning and embalming, the long procession from Egypt to Hebron, and the brothers' fear and reconciliation. It highlights Joseph's trust in God's providence, the significance of burial wishes, and reflections on death, legacy, and the hope of resurrection.  

Jacob summons his sons to pronounce prophetic blessings and judgments, revealing each tribe’s future role—from leadership in Judah and the complex fate of Joseph, to the scattered destinies of Simeon and Levi. The passage blends past events, present counsel, and end-time implications, concluding with Jacob’s instruction to be buried with the patriarchs and his assurance of being gathered to his people.

This episode explores Genesis 47–48, focusing on Jacob's final testimony: his plea to be buried in the promised land, the transfer of Joseph's sons into the family, and the surprising blessing that places Ephraim before Manasseh. The message highlights themes of God's faithfulness, the hope of resurrection, and the generational testimony that shapes Israel's future.

Pastor Trevor continues Genesis, exploring Joseph’s revelation to his brothers, Jacob’s move to Egypt, and how God’s providence shapes their story amid famine. The sermon draws connections between human failing and divine purpose, highlighting Joseph’s rise, Egypt’s centralization, and the prelude to Israel’s long sojourn. The message emphasizes trust in God over self-reliance, the hope of resurrection, and living with an eternal perspective as Jacob prepares for death and calls his family to remember God’s promises.

We pick up Genesis 44 where Joseph tests his brothers with the planted silver cup, Benjamin is accused, and Judah pleads to spare him in a powerful act of repentance. The story moves from surprise and fear to emotional reunion as Joseph reveals himself, showing how God can use suffering for preservation, forgiveness, and restoration.

Genesis 42 & 43 Joseph and his brothers 

This episode walks through Genesis 41, tracing Joseph’s journey from prison to power and highlighting God’s perfect timing. It explains Pharaoh’s dreams, Joseph’s divinely revealed interpretation, the plan to store grain during seven years of plenty, and the resulting rescue during seven years of famine. The teaching emphasizes how suffering can prepare us for future service, the importance of wise stewardship, and trusting God’s timing for redemption and purpose.

This episode walks through Genesis 39–40, following Joseph after he is sold into Egypt: his service in Potiphar’s house, the false accusation by Potiphar’s wife, and his imprisonment. It highlights how God’s presence brings Joseph favor even in hardship. It also covers Joseph interpreting the dreams of Pharaoh’s cupbearer and baker, the cupbearer’s restoration and forgetfulness, and the larger theme of patient trust in God’s timing, ending with a prayer for faith and perseverance.

This episode examines Genesis 38, recounting Judah's moral failures, Tamar's bold actions, the deaths of Ur and Onan, and the birth of Perez and Zerah that feed into the Messiah's genealogy. The speaker draws practical lessons about sexual temptation, marriage, family responsibility, and God's ability to bring good out of imperfect lives through mercy and providence.

This episode explores Genesis 37, focusing on life transitions within Jacob’s family: Joseph’s favored status, his prophetic dreams, and his brothers’ betrayal leading to his sale into Egypt. The speaker weaves traditional and rabbinic perspectives—reexamining the meaning of Joseph’s coat, Reuben’s role, and the Midianite/Ishmaelite transport—while highlighting God’s sovereignty and the invitation to dig deeper into scripture.

This episode walks through Genesis 35, where God calls Jacob back to Bethel. Jacob purges household idols, builds an altar, and is renamed Israel — marking a turning point for him and the people God is forming. The episode also covers Rachel's painful childbirth and death as she names Benjamin, Reuben's grave sin with Bilhah, Isaac's death and burial, and Esau's move to Edom. Through these stories the host emphasizes human failure alongside God's persistent faithfulness and purpose.

This episode explores the historical and theological links between Hanukkah and Christmas, tracing Hanukkah's origin in the Maccabean revolt, the Temple rededication, and the Talmudic miracle story, and connects these themes to the incarnation of Jesus as described in John 10 and the liturgical placement of Christmas within the church calendar. It highlights how early Christians tied the winter celebration to themes of dedication, the eight-day structure paralleling Jewish festivals, and the development of Advent and Epiphany in the Christian year, offering a richer understanding of both traditions.

Genesis 32 & 33 

Title: Jacob and Labana Scripture: Genesis 29:1-35 Speaker: Dr. H. Bruce Stokes Date: November 9, 2025 This episode studies Genesis 29: Jacob meets Rachel at the well, serves seven years for her, and is deceived by Laban into marrying Leah first. It traces the family dynamics, Laban's treachery, and how God opens Leah's womb while Rachel remains barren.

Title: Running Away or Toward Something Scripture: Genesis 28: 1-22 Speaker: Rev. Trevor L. Embry Date: November 2, 2025

This episode reads Psalm 119:105–112 and Hebrews 9:1–4, exploring how Scripture guides our lives and the symbolic items placed in the Ark of the Covenant. The speaker connects the passages to family faith formation, explaining a symbolic ark activity for children and reflecting on testimony, obedience, and spiritual growth across generations.

This episode explores the biblical Feast of Trumpets (Yom Terah/Rosh Hashanah), grounding its practice in Scripture and Jesus' words in Matthew 5:17 about the continuing authority of the Torah and the prophets. We reflect on the meaning of the shofar, the call to gather, and the hope of Messiah’s return, and encourage believers to rediscover God’s appointed feasts—looking ahead to Yom Kippur and Sukkot.

Title: Jacob, Esau and the Blessings  Scripture: Genesis 27: 1- 46  Speaker: Dr. H. Bruce Stokes Date: September 14, 2025   Isaac, old and near death, intends to bless his firstborn Esau, but the blessings end up with who God wants to receive it. 

Title: Explaining the DiscipleCenter Scripture: Genesis 14:18-24 and Various Texts Speaker: Dr. H. Bruce Stokes Date: September 7, 2025 This episode traces the origin of tithes and offerings back to Genesis and explains how tithing, the second tithe (tzedakah), freewill offerings, and participation support worship and community. Drawing from Genesis, Deuteronomy, the New Testament, and early church practice, the speaker clarifies that tithing is a testimony of God’s provision, while charitable giving cares for the poor and supports ministry.

Title: Prescence Not Convenience Scripture: Various Speaker: Steven Rollins Date: August 31, 2025 A practical sermon calling listeners to choose presence over convenience, using biblical stories—the feeding of the 5,000, the Good Samaritan, and others—to show how Jesus and others modeled sacrificial, attentive love. The message urges small daily choices to be present for family, neighbors, and God, emphasizing compassion, persistence, and action beyond mere convenience.

Title: Steps in Faith in the Next Generation Scripture: Genesis 26:1-35 Speaker: Rev. Trevor L. Embry Date: August 24, 2025 In this episode we study Genesis 26, focusing on Isaac taking up Abraham’s mantle during a time of famine. The message explores how Isaac’s faith grows as he trusts God, deals peacefully with conflict over wells, and models godly living for Jacob and Esau. Practical lessons are given for parenting, responsibility, and relying on God during life’s droughts.

Title: A Family Life Cycle Scripture: Genesis 25:1-34 Speaker: Rev. Trevor L. Embry Date: August 17, 2025 This episode studies Genesis 25, tracing Abraham’s wider family—his sons by Keturah, Ishmael, and the line of Isaac—and highlights the birthright swap between Esau and Jacob. It follows the chapter chronologically to show Abraham’s death and burial, the relationships among his children, and the theme of faith lived out through actions, lineage, and the promise carried forward.

Title: Making God Known Through Our Humility Scripture: 2 Kings 5:1-5 and James 1:19-21 Speaker: Mrs. Samantha Groome Date: August 10, 2025 In this episode, we delve into the complexities of pride and humility, exploring their definitions and implications through history, philosophy, and biblical teachings. Our speaker shares personal reflections on the struggle with pride and the pursuit of humility.

Title: The Names of God Scripture: Genesis Speaker: Dr. Jennifer Penner Date: August 3, 2025 In this episode, we embark on a fascinating exploration of the various names of God as presented in the book of Genesis. We uncover how each name of God reveals different aspects of His divine character, from the mighty Creator Elohim to the all-sufficient El Shaddai.  This episode offers a unique lens to understand and appreciate the profound depth of God's identity and presence throughout biblical history.

Title: Giving Thanks Scripture: Psalm 106:1, Psalm 92:1-2, Psalm 107:1, Psalm 86:12, Psalm 136:1-3 Speaker: Dr. Jennifer Penner Date: July 27, 2025 Explore the transformative power of gratitude in this episode, where we dive into the contrast between positive psychology and deeply rooted, authentic thankfulness. Discover how acknowledging God's blessings helps navigate through life's struggles and joys. Through scriptural references and personal reflections, learn how gratitude, beyond mere positivity, can shape our mindset and bring us closer to spiritual fulfillment.

Title: God is alive, God is love, God is eternal Scripture: Psalm 19:1 Speaker: Andy Rinner Date: July 20, 2025 Join us as we delve into a testimony that explores the awe-inspiring wonders of God's creation in the universe. This episode emphasizes the vastness of space and the power of our Creator, quoting biblical verses that highlight God's omnipotence and glory. The episode tackles common scientific and philosophical arguments against God's existence, categorizing them into themes to better understand and respond to these challenges. It emphasizes the importance of having an eternal perspective and how it aligns with our faith, reminding us of God's enduring presence, love, and justice throughout history.

Title: Jews and Gentiles Scripture: Philippians 4:1-23 Speaker: Dr. Erika Travis Date: July 13, 2025 In this episode, we delve into the essence of finding joy and contentment in all circumstances, as inspired by the teachings of the Apostle Paul.  The episode highlights the significance of rejoicing together as a community and the importance of mutual support and generosity. Listeners are encouraged to look beyond their personal situations and practice gratitude and trust in God's provision, regardless of life's challenges. Join us as we uncover the depth of spiritual peace that comes from focusing on God's grace and how this peace guards our hearts and minds. This episode is a reminder of the lasting impact of love, forgiveness, and the unity of believers in Christ.

Title: Jews and Gentiles Scripture: Philippians 3:1-21 Speaker: Dr. Erika Travis Date: July 6, 2025 In this episode, we dive into Philippians 3, where Paul offers guidance on maintaining joy in the Lord and provides a loving yet cautionary message about certain doctrines. As Paul always emphasizes the relational aspect, he starts by reminding the Philippian church of their bond and the importance of rejoicing in God's grace, contextualizing his warning in love. We explore how Paul revisits prior teachings and introduces us to the concept of true versus false circumcision. Additionally, the episode delves into Acts 13, 14, and 15, providing historical and scriptural context to illuminate Paul's teachings. You'll also learn how the early church dealt with the intersection of Jewish law and Gentile believers and how Paul's teachings not only addressed their issues but also set a foundational understanding for future generations. The conversation highlights the need to focus on heart transformation over ritual compliance, promoting a holistic perspective on faith and life in Christ.

Title: A Blessing and a Marriage Set Aside Scripture: Genesis 24:28-67 Speaker: Rev. Trevor L. Embry Date: June 29, 2025 In this episode, we delve into the remarkable story of Rebekah from the book of Genesis. Join us as we explore the events leading up to her role as a pivotal figure in biblical history. The narrative begins with Abraham's servant receiving a mission to find a wife for Isaac and his encounter with Rebekah at the well. Discover how God's unseen hand guides their journey, culminating in a union blessed by faith and family. We reflect on the lessons of obedience, faith, and the unfolding of God's promises, drawing parallels to our own walks of faith today.

Title: Following Instructions Scripture: Genesis 24:1-27 Speaker: Rev. Trevor L. Embry Date: June 22, 2025 In this episode, we delve into Genesis 24, exploring the story of Abraham as he navigates the challenges of finding a suitable wife for his son, Isaac. Despite his own imperfections and trials, Abraham demonstrates unwavering trust in God's promises, imparting this legacy of faith to his servant. As the servant embarks on a mission to the land of Abraham's relatives, the narrative unfolds God's divine guidance in leading him to Rebekah. Through this tale, we witness the servant's reliance on prayer for direction and the eventual blessing of finding a woman who embodies service, strength, and kindness. Join us as we reflect on the blessings, trials, and faithfulness depicted in this biblical story.

Title: My King and My Son Scripture: Psalm 2:1-12 Speaker: Pastor Jeff Travis Date: June 15, 2025 This episode delves into Psalm 2, exploring the themes of divine authority and human rebellion. The psalmist's interrogation of the nations' defiance sets the stage for an examination of God's anointed king, believed to be a reference to Jesus Christ in the New Testament. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on the symbolism of the rod of iron, the call for the nations to submit, and the blessings for those who take refuge in the Lord. The session concludes with a contemplation of the psalm's portrayal of God's ultimate dominion and the call for reverent worship and submission to His will.