La Porte Church of Christ Podcast

In this sermon, we explore the powerful account of Ahab and Naboth’s vineyard from 1 Kings 21. What began as a king’s selfish desire became a lesson in covetousness, conviction, injustice, and divine judgment. We will consider Naboth’s courage to stand for what was right, Jezebel’s ungodly influence, Elijah’s bold confrontation of sin, and the reminder that God always sees the truth. This lesson challenges us to guard our hearts, hold to conviction, and value our spiritual inheritance above the passing desires of this world.

Can we know that God exists, or is faith merely wishful thinking? In this second lesson of the Truth That Transforms series, we examine the evidence for God's existence through the testimony of creation, the design of the universe, the law of cause and effect, human consciousness, and the moral law written upon the heart. Drawing from Scripture and practical illustrations, we discover that God has not left Himself without witness and that the evidence of His existence surrounds us every day. Join us as we follow the evidence to its logical conclusion and see why the Bible declares that mankind is "without excuse."

Why am I here? It is the question behind every other question we ask in life. In this opening lesson of the Truth That Transforms series, we explore humanity's search for meaning, purpose, and identity. Through Scripture, we discover that God has placed eternity in our hearts, created us in His image, and designed us for a relationship with Him. We will examine how sin distorted God's original design, how God pursued us through redemption, and why true purpose can only be found in knowing our Creator. Join us as we begin seeing the big picture of God's plan and discover the answer to the question behind every question, "Why Am I Here?"

In this sermon in song, we reflect on Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 13:13: “And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” Through Scripture readings and hymns, we consider how faith trusts what God has spoken, hope holds to what God has promised, and love responds to the Savior who first loved us. Ultimately, all three lead us to Christ, where faith is strengthened, hope is anchored, and love is made complete.

In Genesis 32:22–32, Jacob spends a long night wrestling beside the brook Jabbok, only to discover that his greatest struggle is not with a man, but with God Himself. Before the blessing comes, Jacob is broken. Before his future is changed, his heart is transformed. In this lesson, we explore how God uses seasons of struggle, weakness, and surrender to shape His people. Jacob walked away with a limp, but he also walked away with a blessing. Join us as we learn why sometimes God must break our self-reliance before He can bless us with deeper faith.

What do the words Sheol, Hades, and Hell actually mean in the Bible? Are they all the same place? Where did Jesus go after His death? What happens after we die? In this Sunday evening Q&A lesson, we examine the biblical terminology surrounding the realm of the dead and eternity. Through a careful study of Scripture, we explore the meanings of Sheol in the Old Testament, Hades in the New Testament, and the final place of judgment often described as Gehenna or the lake of fire. Most importantly, this lesson points us to the victory of Jesus Christ over death and the grave.

In this sermon, “Lest We Forget,” we reflect on the importance of remembering the Lord through the memorial He has given His people: the Lord’s Supper. Drawing from 1 Corinthians 11:23–26, this lesson considers the body and blood of Christ, who should partake, the need to partake in a worthy manner, and how remembering the Lord must shape the way we live every day. As Memorial Day reminds us not to forget sacrifice, the Lord’s Supper calls Christians to remember the greatest sacrifice of all — Jesus Christ, who died for us and is coming again.

In this sermon, “No More Limping: Choosing the God Who Answers,” we revisit Elijah’s powerful confrontation with the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel from 1 Kings 18:1–40. As Israel faltered between devotion to God and the pull of idolatry, Elijah called the people to make a decision: “If the Lord is God, follow Him.” This lesson reminds us that divided loyalty still threatens the heart today. While we may not bow before Baal, anything that takes God’s rightful place can become an idol. Through the drought, the broken altar, the silent false prophets, and the fire from heaven, we are called to repair the altar of our hearts and choose the Lord with undivided faith. The Lord is not one option among many. He is God. And if the Lord is God, the only faithful response is to follow Him.

In this powerful study from Isaiah 58, we examine God’s warning to a people who continued practicing religion while their hearts drifted far from Him. “Bowed Heads and Distant Hearts” confronts the danger of outward worship without inward surrender and challenges us to consider whether our devotion to God extends beyond the assembly into daily living. Through Isaiah’s prophetic message, we are reminded that God desires more than ritual, routine, and religious appearance — He desires transformed hearts that reflect His character in how we live, love, and serve others. This lesson explores the difference between hollow religion and genuine worship that changes the heart and overflows into every part of life. Scripture calls us beyond mechanical worship to a faith that trembles before God, delights in His presence, and continues long after the final prayer has ended.

In this sermon, we study the life of King Asa and the sobering truth that yesterday’s faith is not enough for today’s battles. Asa began well by seeking the Lord, leading reform, and relying on God when outmatched, but his later years reveal the danger of drifting into self-reliance, resisting correction, and leaving God out. This lesson challenges us to keep seeking, trusting, and obeying the Lord all the way to the end.

This lesson explores the powerful influence of godly mothers through the example of Lois, Eunice, and Timothy in 2 Timothy 1:5. In A Faith That Shapes Generations, we examine how a mother’s faith, instruction, sacrifice, and perseverance can leave an eternal impact on future generations. This lesson challenges all Christians to consider the kind of spiritual legacy they are leaving behind and points us to the importance of grounding our homes and hearts in the Word of God.

In this sermon, “A Name That Became a Warning,” we examine the reign of Jeroboam and the tragic legacy of a man who was given opportunity by God but allowed fear, convenience, and human wisdom to corrupt worship. Through his example, we are reminded that God’s people must worship in spirit and truth, trust God’s promises, respect His authority, and guard against any influence that leads others away from Him. Jeroboam’s failure ultimately points us to our need for a better King — Jesus Christ, whose reign brings righteousness, redemption, and hope.

Following the resurrection, Jesus did more than comfort His disciples—He commissioned them. In Luke 24, the risen Lord grounded their faith in the reality of His resurrection, opened their understanding of the Scriptures, and sent them to proclaim repentance and remission of sins in His name. Connecting this mission with Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 5, this lesson reminds us that restored people become sent people. We are called to live as witnesses of the risen Christ and ambassadors carrying the message of reconciliation to the world.

"Is It Right for You to Be Angry?" (Jonah 4:4) Preacher: Joseph Vondenstein When is anger justified—and when does it lead us into sin? In this lesson, we explore God’s question to Jonah in Book of Jonah 4:4: “Is it right for you to be angry?” By examining examples of both God’s anger and man’s anger throughout Scripture, we learn that anger itself is not the problem—it’s how and why we use it. From righteous anger in response to injustice to destructive anger rooted in pride, fear, or jealousy, the Bible helps us discern the difference. This lesson challenges us to slow down, examine our hearts, and use anger in a way that honors God—bringing about change rather than sin. 📖 Key passages: Jonah 4, Ecclesiastes 3, Exodus 32, John 2, Romans 12, Ephesians 4

In this lesson, we explore Ecclesiastes 1, where Solomon examines life lived only from an earthly perspective and reveals the emptiness of chasing success, pleasure, possessions, and wisdom apart from God. If everything beneath the sun is temporary, where can true meaning be found? We discover that while life under the sun leaves the heart empty, life centered on God gives purpose, peace, and eternal hope.

After the resurrection, Jesus meets Peter by the sea—not to condemn him for his failure, but to restore him through love. Around a familiar fire, Jesus asks the question that reaches beyond Peter to every heart: “Do you love Me?” In this lesson, we explore how Christ meets us in our failures, restores us without shame, and calls us forward into faithful service. When love for Christ is real, it leads to obedience, transformation, and a renewed purpose as we follow Him.

Rehoboam started strong, chose pride over wisdom, and watched a kingdom divide. This sermon highlights the danger of arrogance, the value of godly counsel, and how God humbles hearts to bring us back to Him.

On the road to Emmaus, two discouraged disciples walked away from Jerusalem with heavy hearts and shattered expectations. Yet the risen Jesus came near, walked with them, opened the Scriptures, and transformed their sorrow into conviction. In this lesson, we explore how Christ still meets confused hearts, corrects us through His Word, and sets our hearts on fire again. When Jesus is recognized, everything changes — direction is restored, hope is renewed, and lives are turned around.

Solomon had wisdom, wealth, and unmatched opportunity—yet he fell. In this sobering lesson from the life of Solomon, we explore how wisdom, blessings, and knowledge are not enough without continued faithfulness. This sermon challenges us to guard our hearts, avoid spiritual drift, and remain faithful to the end.

The resurrection of Jesus is not just a mere event to remember — it is a reality that changes everything. In this lesson, we walk through 1 Corinthians 15 and explore how the empty tomb transforms the message we preach, the meaning of our faith, the way we face death, the way we live right now, and the way we see Jesus. Because He lives, our hope is alive, our faith is meaningful, and our future is secure. The resurrection truly changes everything.

In Psalm 9, we are reminded that praise is not based on circumstances, but on who God is. This lesson explores wholehearted praise, trusting God’s throne, finding refuge in Him, and remembering that while man is frail, God is final.

What does it really mean to be part of the family of God? In this lesson, we explore the difference between simply attending and truly belonging. Looking at the words of Jesus and the example of the early church, we are challenged to move beyond convenience and into commitment. From Luke 9:57–62, we learn that discipleship requires being all in — not divided, not delayed, and not half-hearted. When we understand that the church is not just a place we go, but a family we belong to, it changes our priorities, our presence, and our purpose.

What kind of fruit is growing in your life? In this lesson, we explore the Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23) and what it truly means to walk in the Spirit. This lesson challenges us to look beyond outward appearance and examine the character being formed within us as we follow Christ.

What makes a king good… or bad? In this episode, we examine the lives of kings like Josiah and Ahab to discover that God’s evaluation isn’t based on power or success—but the heart. A powerful study on faithfulness, influence, and responding to God’s Word.

In a world that was rapidly descending into corruption, one man chose a different path—Enoch walked with God. In this sermon we explore the remarkable life of Enoch, the prophetic pattern hidden within the genealogy of Genesis 5, and the powerful testimony about him in the New Testament. His life reminds us that even when the world is walking away from God, it is still possible to walk faithfully with Him.

In this lesson, we explore the danger of falling into comfortable ruts in our spiritual lives. Using Jesus’ teaching on prayer in Luke 11:1–13, we consider how something once extraordinary—walking with God—can slowly become ordinary through routine, familiarity, and complacency. Just as wagon wheels settle into deep ruts that determine the direction of travel, our habits and expectations can quietly shape the direction of our faith. But faith was never meant to settle. This lesson challenges us to lift our eyes, renew our vision, and rediscover the extraordinary nature of a life lived with God.

Is your faith flowing like a river or sitting still like a reservoir? In this lesson from John 7:37–39, we explore the difference between a faith that merely receives and a faith that moves, flows, and pours into the lives of others. Through biblical examples such as Noah, who was moved by faith, and Jesus, who was moved with compassion, we are reminded that true faith is never stagnant. When our hearts remain connected to Christ, living water flows outward—encouraging others, teaching truth, and bringing life wherever it goes.

In this sermon, Spiritual Enigmas: Puzzling Mysteries of the Human Heart, we examine several spiritual contradictions that reveal the condition of our hearts. Through the teaching of Jesus and the wisdom of Scripture, we explore how self-examination, proper priorities, and genuine devotion can resolve these mysteries and draw us closer to God.

Life often feels like a table full of scattered pieces—moments of joy, seasons of struggle, unanswered questions, and unexpected turns. In this lesson, The Master’s Puzzle, we explore how God uses every piece of our lives for His purpose and glory. Through Scripture and illustration, we are reminded that what appears confusing to us is never chaotic to God. When we trust the Master and follow His Word, the pieces begin to fit together, revealing a life shaped by His design and grace.

In this lesson of Asking for a Friend, we explore one of Jesus’ most intriguing statements in Matthew 10:16: “Be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.” What did He really mean? How can Christians live with discernment in a hostile world without compromising purity or love? Join us as we examine the balance between spiritual wisdom and moral innocence, learning how to remain faithful sheep under the care of the Good Shepherd—even in the midst of wolves.

In this lesson from the Book of Ecclesiastes, we explore the timeless question: Is the grass really greener on the other side? Drawing from Solomon’s reflections on life “under the sun,” we examine how comparison steals contentment, how chasing more costs peace, and why true satisfaction can’t be found in changing circumstances. Ultimately, Scripture reminds us that God never promised greener grass—He promised daily bread. This message calls us to stop looking over the fence and start walking faithfully with God, remembering that the only side that truly matters is God’s side.

Truth in the Midst of a Confused Culture draws from Acts 17 as we walk with Paul onto Mars Hill and watch the gospel confront a world full of idols, philosophies, and competing truths. In this lesson, we explore how Paul’s stirred spirit, thoughtful reasoning, and bold proclamation of Christ model for us how to speak truth with compassion and conviction. You’ll be challenged to see your own “Mars Hill,” to understand God’s nearness and authority, and to consider your response to the risen Christ—whether to mock, delay, or believe. A timely reminder that God still calls His people to shine truth into a confused culture.

In this Asking for a Friend lesson, we tackle one of Scripture’s most challenging questions: Did God harden Pharaoh’s heart—or did Pharaoh harden it himself? Walking through the account in Exodus, we examine the biblical pattern of resistance, mercy, and judgment, discovering that God did not override Pharaoh’s will—but ultimately confirmed him in the path he repeatedly chose. Along the way, we explore God’s patience, human responsibility, and the sobering reality that hearts can harden gradually through delayed obedience. This lesson calls each of us to honest self-examination, reminding us that today is the time to respond to God’s voice, before resistance becomes hardness.

Living in the Substance In this message from Colossians 2:6–14, we move from seeing Christ as the fulfillment of God’s promises to learning how to live daily in that truth. After tracing God’s plan from shadow to substance, this lesson challenges us to be rooted, built up, and established in Christ—guarding our hearts from empty deception and resting fully in the completeness we have in Him. A practical call to walk faithfully in Jesus, who is truly enough.

This lesson explores how obedience doesn’t always lead to easy roads, how midnight reveals the heart, and how God still uses suffering to bring salvation. If you’re walking through your own “midnight,” this lesson will encourage you to trust God, lift your praise, and believe that He is still working behind locked doors.

Sermon Series: Shadows to Substance Part 18 of 18 In this concluding lesson of the Shadows to Substance series, we trace God’s unfolding plan from Old Testament shadows to their fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Drawing from 1 Corinthians 1:22–24, we confront a timeless question: even after God has revealed His Son, what are we still seeking? This message challenges listeners to move beyond signs, wisdom, and personal expectations—and to rest fully in Christ crucified, the complete and sufficient answer to every spiritual need.

Sermon Series: Shadows to Substance Part 17 of 18 Blood in Scripture is never symbolic alone—it is essential. This sermon examines how the blood of the Old Testament foreshadowed the power, purpose, and permanence of the blood of Jesus.

In this episode, we explore Jesus’ powerful words in John 4:19–26, where He reveals that the Father is actively seeking true worshipers. Worship is more than a place, a routine, or a religious act—it is a life surrendered to God in spirit and in truth. Drawing from Scripture and practical application, this lesson challenges us to examine our hearts, refocus our worship, and become the kind of worshipers God desires.

Discipleship was never meant to be safe, predictable, or boring. In this episode, we explore The Adventure of Discipleship through Mark 1:14–20, walking with Jesus as He calls ordinary people into an extraordinary life of faith. From leaving nets behind to embracing a transformed purpose, this lesson challenges us to move beyond comfort and truly follow Christ. Join us as we consider what it means to repent, believe, and step into the adventure Jesus still offers today.

Sermon Series: Shadows to Substance Part 16 of 18 Water in the Bible is never just water. In this lesson, we follow the flow of Scripture to see how God used water as a shadow of cleansing, salvation, and new life—fulfilled in Jesus Christ.

Sermon Series: Shadows to Substance Part 15 of 18   Marriage is a picture God painted long before Christ came. In this lesson, we uncover how marriage points beyond itself to the sacrificial love, unity, and faithfulness Christ has with His church.

In this episode, we take a careful look at passages often used to describe Satan’s origin—particularly Isaiah 14, Ezekiel 28, and Luke 10:18. By examining context, language, and biblical imagery, we ask an important question: are these texts teaching truth about Satan, or have tradition and assumption shaped how they are commonly understood?

In this lesson from John 13:35, we examine Jesus’ defining mark of true discipleship—love for one another—and see how the early church lived it out in Acts 2 and Acts 6. This sermon challenges us to ask whether our love is visible, sacrificial, and strong enough to make Christ unmistakable to the world.

Sermon Series: Shadows to Substance Part 14 of 18 In this lesson, we discover that Canaan was more than a destination—it was a preview. Get your Bibles ready as we trace how the Old Testament promise of the land points forward to the eternal rest and hope found in heaven through Christ.

This lesson explores Song of Solomon 2:15, using the imagery of “little foxes” to warn that relationships—both marital and spiritual—are rarely destroyed by one great failure, but by small, unchecked compromises that quietly erode faith and devotion. Through vivid biblical imagery and practical illustrations, we are urged to guard what is most valuable by confronting sin and desire early, before subtle neglect spoils the harvest God intends.

Sermon Series: Shadows to Substance Part 13 of 18 In “From Shadow to Substance: God’s People – Israel & the Church,” the sermon shows how Israel served as God’s chosen shadow, preparing the way for the church—the fulfilled people of God in Christ. Through Jesus, God’s promises are completed, forming one holy people defined not by heritage, but by faith, obedience, and new birth in Christ.

A Better Year Begins With A Better Walk challenges us to move beyond temporary resolutions and pursue real spiritual transformation through a renewed walk with God. Rooted in passages like Philippians 3, Ephesians 5, and Romans 12, this “Sermon & Song” calls us to leave the past behind, redeem the time, surrender fully to Christ, be transformed in mind, and finish the year—and life—faithful to God.

Sermon Series: Shadows to Substance Part 12 of 18 From the temporary priesthood of Aaron to the mysterious pattern of Melchizedek, this lesson reveals how God used shadows to prepare the way for something greater. Jesus Christ is shown as the final and perfect High Priest who fully removes sin and brings us near to God forever.

This Q&A lesson examines the New Testament teaching on speaking in tongues, clarifying that biblical tongues were real human languages given temporarily to confirm divine revelation—not emotional or unintelligible speech. By letting Scripture speak for itself, the sermon shows that tongues were orderly, purposeful, and never a sign of salvation, pointing instead to faithful obedience and a transformed life as the true evidence of the Spirit at work.