Real Life Community Church Richmond, KY

Message Us!In a generation marked by rebellion and wickedness, Noah stood apart as a man who walked with God. He was not sinless, but by God’s grace he lived by faith, with integrity and obedience. Noah listened to God’s Word, trusted His warnings and His plan of salvation, proclaimed righteousness, and responded to God’s grace with worship. Like Noah, Christians are called to resist the pressure of the crowd and walk faithfully with God—even when that path is difficult and unpopular. Noah was delivered through a wooden ark; we are saved from judgment through the wooden cross of Jesus Christ.Genesis 6:9-8:22See the sermon study guide here: https://myrealchurch.org/teaching/genesis-part-7-walking-with-god/Support the show

Message Us!We talk about why a holiday, a Sabbath, or even a vacation can leave you worn out when your heart still feels restless. We open Jesus’ invitation to “come to me” and show how grace lifts the yoke of legalism, shame, and performance so you can finally breathe. • Labor Day irony and the difference between physical rest and soul rest • How Sabbath keeping can still feel crushing when the heart is in turmoil • Jesus’ direct invitation as personal access rather than a religious system • Why works-based religion and extra-biblical rules create burden and shame • The qualifier for the invitation: spiritually hungry, thirsty, burdened people • What it means to “come to Jesus” through the yoke image • Casting off the yoke of earning favor and putting on Christ’s easy yoke • Modern forms of legalism and why grace leads to joyful obedience • A closing story of long-term fear replaced by assurance and rest Come to me, all you who are burdened and heavy laden, and I will give you rest Support the show

Message Us!The flood account confronts us with both the seriousness of human sin and the holiness of God. Genesis 6 reveals that human wickedness is widespread, deeply rooted in the heart, and expressed through sexual immorality and violence. Yet God does not respond impulsively. He is patient with sinners, grieved by their rebellion, and just in His judgment.But judgment is not the only thing we see in this story: “Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord.” Noah was not spared because he was perfect, but because he received God’s grace and responded by walking with Him. The shocking part of the flood narrative is not that God judged the world, but that He mercifully spared anyone at all. Just as Noah’s family was saved from judgment through a wooden ark, we are saved from the judgment to come through Jesus Christ and His wooden cross.Genesis 6:1-91 When man began to multiply on the face of the land and daughters were born to them, 2 the sons of God saw that the daughters of man were attractive. And they took as their wives any they chose. 3 Then the LORD said, “My Spirit shall not abide in man forever, for he is flesh: his days shall be 120 years.” 4 The Nephilim were on the earth in those days, and also afterward, when the sons of God came in to the daughters of man and they bore children to them. These were the mighty men who were of old, the men of renown.5 The LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. 6 And the LORD regretted that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him to his heart. 7 So the LORD said, “I will blot out man whom I have created from the face of the land, man and animals and creeping things and birds of the heavens, for I am sorry that I have made them.” 8 But Noah found favor in the eyes of the LORD.9 These are the generations of Noah. Noah was a righteous man, blameless in his generation. Noah walked with God.See the sermon study guide here: https://myrealchurch.org/teaching/genesis-part-6-the-shocking-grace-of-the-flood/Support the show

Message Us!Genesis 4–5 presents two families moving in two very different directions. Cain chooses a path of self-exaltation, violence, and rebellion against God, and those patterns intensify in the generations that follow him. Seth’s line, by contrast, becomes associated with calling upon the name of the Lord, walking with God, and ultimately hoping in God’s promise of deliverance.These two paths are vividly seen in the two men named Lamech. Cain’s Lamech boasts in violence and vengeance, while Seth’s Lamech speaks words of hope over his son Noah, believing God will bring comfort to a cursed world. Cain’s line ultimately ends in destruction at the flood, while Seth’s line continues through Noah and eventually leads to Jesus.The choices we make are not an island. They can influence our families for generations. The question is not simply, “What will I accomplish?” but “What kind of legacy will I leave?” May our lives point those who come after us not toward our own name, but toward the name of Jesus.Genesis 4:17-5:314: 17 Cain knew his wife, and she conceived and bore Enoch. When he built a city, he called the name of the city after the name of his son, Enoch. 18 To Enoch was born Irad, and Irad fathered Mehujael, and Mehujael fathered Methushael, and Methushael fathered Lamech. 19 And Lamech took two wives. The name of the one was Adah, and the name of the other Zillah. 20 Adah bore Jabal; he was the father of those who dwell in tents and have livestock. 21 His brother’s name was Jubal; he was the father of all those who play the lyre and pipe. 22 Zillah also bore Tubal-cain; he was the forger of all instruments of bronze and iron. The sister of Tubal-cain was Naamah.23 Lamech said to his wives:“Adah and Zillah, hear my voice;you wives of Lamech, listen to what I say:I have killed a man for wounding me,a young man for striking me.24 If Cain’s revenge is sevenfold,then Lamech’s is seventy-sevenfold.”25 And Adam knew his wife again, and she bore a son and called his name Seth, for she said, “God has appointed for me another offspring instead of Abel, for Cain killed him.” 26 To Seth also a son was born, and he called his name Enosh. At that time people began to call upon the name of the LORD.5:1 This is the book of the generations of Adam. When God created man, he made him in the likeness of God. 2 Male and female he created them, and he blessed them and named them Man when they were created. 3 When Adam had lived 130 years, he fathered a son in his own likeness, after his image, and named him Seth. 4 The days of Adam after he fathered Seth were 800 years; and he had other sons and daughters. 5 Thus all the days that Adam lived were 930 years, and he died.6 When Seth had lived 105 years, he fathered Enosh. 7 Seth lived after he fathered Enosh 807 years and had other sons and daughters. 8 Thus all the days of Seth were 912 years, and he died.9 When Enosh had lived 90 years, he fathered Kenan. 10 Enosh lived after he fathered Kenan 815 years and had other sons and daughters. 11 Thus all the days of Enosh were 905 years, and he died.12 When Kenan had lived 70 years, he fathered Mahalalel. 13 Kenan lived after he fathered Mahalalel 840 years and had other sons and daughters. 14 Thus all the days of Kenan were 910 years, and he died.15 When Mahalalel had lived 65 years, he fathered Jared. 16 Mahalalel lived after he fathered Jared 830 years and had other sons and daughters. 17 Thus all the days of Mahalalel were 895 years, and he died.18 When Jared had lived 162 years, he fathered Enoch. 19 Jared lived after he fathered Enoch 800 years and had other sons and daughters. 20 Thus all the days of Jared were 962 years, and he died.21 When Enoch had lived 65 years, he fathered Methuselah. 22 Enoch walked with God after he fathered Methuselah 300 years and had other sons and daughters. 23 Thus all the days of Enoch were 365 years. 24 Enoch walked with God, and he was not, for God took him.25 When Methuselah had lived 187 years, he fathered Lamech. 26 Methuselah lived after he fathered Lamech 782 years and had other sons and daughters. 27 Thus all the days of Methuselah were 969 years, and he died.28 When Lamech had lived 182 years, he fathered a son 29 and called his name Noah, saying, “Out of the ground that the LORD has cursed, this one shall bring us relief from our work and from the painful toil of our hands.” 30 Lamech lived after he fathered Noah 595 years and had other sons and daughters. 31 Thus all the days of Lamech were 777 years, and he died.Support the show

Message Us!Genesis 4 shows that Cain is not merely a villain to condemn, but a mirror in which we should see our own sinful tendencies. Cain’s offering reveals a heart that lacks the faith and devotion seen in Abel. Yet God graciously confronts Cain, calling him to take responsibility and warning him that “sin is crouching at the door.” Sin is both subtle and predatory: what begins as anger, pride, resentment, or another seemingly small sin can eventually consume us if we entertain it rather than rule over it. Cain ignores God’s warning, murders Abel, and discovers that sin alienates him from God, creation, and other people. Yet even then, God shows Cain mercy. Ultimately, the story points us to Jesus, the true and better Abel, whose blood speaks a better word—not condemnation for those who trust him, but forgiveness and acquittal. Through Christ and the power of the Spirit, believers can rule over the sin that seeks to rule over them.Genesis 4:1-164 Now Adam knew Eve his wife, and she conceived and bore Cain, saying, “I have gotten a man with the help of the LORD.” 2 And again, she bore his brother Abel. Now Abel was a keeper of sheep, and Cain a worker of the ground. 3 In the course of time Cain brought to the LORD an offering of the fruit of the ground, 4 and Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat portions. And the LORD had regard for Abel and his offering, 5 but for Cain and his offering he had no regard. So Cain was very angry, and his face fell. 6 The LORD said to Cain, “Why are you angry, and why has your face fallen? 7 If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is for you, and you must rule over it.”8 Cain spoke to Abel his brother. And when they were in the field, Cain rose up against his brother Abel and killed him. 9 Then the LORD said to Cain, “Where is Abel your brother?” He said, “I do not know; am I my brother’s keeper?” 10 And the LORD said, “What have you done? The voice of your brother’s blood is crying to me from the ground. 11 And now you are cursed from the ground, which has opened its mouth to receive your brother’s blood from your hand. 12 When you work the ground, it shall no longer yield to you its strength. You shall be a fugitive and a wanderer on the earth.” 13 Cain said to the LORD, “My punishment is greater than I can bear. 14 Behold, you have driven me today away from the ground, and from your face I shall be hidden. I shall be a fugitive and a wanderer on the earth, and whoever finds me will kill me.” 15 Then the LORD said to him, “Not so! If anyone kills Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold.” And the LORD put a mark on Cain, lest any who found him should attack him. 16 Then Cain went away from the presence of the LORD and settled in the land of Nod, east of Eden.Support the show

Message Us!We open Habakkuk and let the Bible say the uncomfortable part out loud: God can handle our holy complaints when life feels violent, unfair, and ignored. We follow God’s response through discipline, justice, and the cross, landing on a steady hope that suffering is not meaningless and God truly cares. • Why Habakkuk is the book for hard questions • Habakkuk’s first complaint about violence and broken justice • God’s surprising plan to raise up Babylon • Why God disciplines those he loves in Hebrews 12 • Discipline as training, not just correction for wrongdoing • How we can waste suffering if we refuse the lesson • Why tragedy is not always God’s punishment • “Treat it as discipline” as a way to seek refinement • Habakkuk’s second complaint and waiting at the watchpost • “The righteous shall live by his faith” as the anchor • God’s woes against Babylon and the promise of justice • The cross as the clearest proof God cares • A direct invitation to trust Jesus in suffering if you don't know Christ, man, today is the perfect day to accept a free gift of salvation. we want to pray for you. You need Jesus. Support the show

Message Us!We trace the Exodus as a map for our lives, from being delivered out of bondage to learning how to walk into God’s promises with real trust. We talk about why comfort can still be a wilderness, why obedience often comes before understanding, and why purpose matters more than ease. • appreciating faithful Bible teaching and the privilege of hearing Scripture explained clearly • Exodus as a present-day lesson in endurance, encouragement and hope • Red Sea deliverance as a picture of God’s power, light over darkness and freedom from bondage • fear at the edge of promise and the “grasshopper” mindset that keeps people stuck • the wilderness as miraculous provision without purpose and the danger of walking in circles • Jordan River faith as stepping in first, even at flood stage • promised land living as responsibility, dignity and mission rather than constant rescue • the bronze serpent as obedience that feels irrational and its link to John 3 and the cross • the rod and the rock as a warning about trusting gifts and methods instead of God • a direct challenge to trust God with relationships, finances, work and the next step You can download it, there’s no expense to itSupport the show

Message Us!In this sermon, Pastor Chris shows us why Genesis 3 is not just the story of Adam and Eve’s sin—it’s the story of ours.We see how temptation works, why we hide and blame when we sin, and the devastating consequences sin brings into our lives.But Genesis 3 is not only a story of rebellion and ruin. It is also a story of God’s mercy and the first promise of redemption.Watch as we discover how the fall of humanity ultimately points us to our hope in Jesus Christ.Genesis 33 Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the LORD God had made.He said to the woman, “Did God actually say, ‘You shall not eat of any tree in the garden’?” 2 And the woman said to the serpent, “We may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden, 3 but God said, ‘You shall not eat of the fruit of the tree that is in the midst of the garden, neither shall you touch it, lest you die.’ ” 4 But the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. 5 For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” 6 So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate. 7 Then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew that they were naked. And they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves loincloths.8 And they heard the sound of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God among the trees of the garden. 9 But the LORD God called to the man and said to him, “Where are you?” 10 And he said, “I heard the sound of you in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked, and I hid myself.” 11 He said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten of the tree of which I commanded you not to eat?” 12 The man said, “The woman whom you gave to be with me, she gave me fruit of the tree, and I ate.” 13 Then the LORD God said to the woman, “What is this that you have done?” The woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.”14 The LORD God said to the serpent,“Because you have done this,cursed are you above all livestockand above all beasts of the field;on your belly you shall go,and dust you shall eatall the days of your life.15 I will put enmity between you and the woman,and between your offspring and her offspring;he shall bruise your head,and you shall bruise his heel.”16 To the woman he said,“I will surely multiply your pain in childbearing;in pain you shall bring forth children.Your desire shall be for your husband,and he shall rule over you.”17 And to Adam he said,“Because you have listened to the voice of your wifeand have eaten of the treeof which I commanded you,‘You shall not eat of it,’cursed is the ground because of you;in pain you shall eat of it all the days of your life;18 thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you;and you shall eat the plants of the field.19 By the sweat of your faceyou shall eat bread,till you return to the ground,for out of it you were taken;for you are dust,and to dust you shall return.”20 The man called his wife’s name Eve, because she was the mother of all living. 21 And the LORD God made for Adam and for his wife garments of skins and clothed them.22 Then the LORD God said, “Behold, the man has become like one of us in knowing good and evil. Now, lest he reach out his hand and take also of the tree of life and eat, and live forever—” 23 therefore the LORD God sent him out from the garden of Eden to work the ground from which he was taken. 24 He drove out the man, and at the east of the garden of Eden he placed the cherubim and a flaming sword that turned every way to guard the way to the tree of life.See the sermon study guide here: https://myrealchurch.org/teaching/paradise-lost-genesis-3/Support the show

Message Us!If you’ve ever wondered why human life should matter in a world that often feels cold, competitive, and disposable, Genesis has a sharper answer than most of our modern slogans. We start with a hard contrast: if reality is truly purposeless, then moral absolutes, human rights, and even the idea of “dignity” become impossible to ground. From there, we build a positive case for meaning by walking through Genesis 1:26–28 and Genesis 2 and focusing on the doctrine of the Imago Dei, the image of God.We explore what it actually means to be made in God’s image and how that shows up in ordinary life. We talk about stewardship and leadership under God’s kingship, why creativity and work are not a curse, and how cultivating the world through jobs, skills, and responsibility is part of human purpose. We also dig into relationships, from communion with God to covenant love in marriage and the church, and why forgiveness and loyalty are not optional if we want to reflect God’s character.Then we press into the “why it matters” questions: the basis for human equality, civil rights, and protecting the vulnerable when dignity cannot be reduced to mental capacity or productivity. We also challenge the cultural pressure to invent ourselves from scratch, arguing that identity is received, not achieved and that the safest place for identity is in Christ. We close with the hope that we cannot repair a cracked mirror on our own, but Jesus, the perfect image of the invisible God, restores what sin has distorted. Subscribe, share with a friend, and leave a review, then tell us: what’s one area of your life you want to reflect God more clearly?Support the show

Message Us!Genesis 1:1-27 reveals that the eternal, triune God is the Creator and center of all things. He brought the world into existence by His word and formed it with order, precision, and purpose. Creation was made good, designed to display God's glory, and humanity was created in His image to represent Him within the world. Although sin has corrupted creation and fractured our relationship with God, He has not abandoned what He made. Through the death and resurrection of Jesus, the work of new creation has already begun, and believers are called to reflect God's goodness and give the world a glimpse of the restoration that is still to come.Genesis 1:1-271 In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. 2 The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.3 And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. 4 And God saw that the light was good. And God separated the light from the darkness. 5 God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And there was evening and there was morning, the first day.6 And God said, “Let there be an expanse in the midst of the waters, and let it separate the waters from the waters.” 7 And God made the expanse and separated the waters that were under the expanse from the waters that were above the expanse. And it was so. 8 And God called the expanse Heaven. And there was evening and there was morning, the second day.9 And God said, “Let the waters under the heavens be gathered together into one place, and let the dry land appear.” And it was so. 10 God called the dry land Earth, and the waters that were gathered together he called Seas. And God saw that it was good.11 And God said, “Let the earth sprout vegetation, plants yielding seed, and fruit trees bearing fruit in which is their seed, each according to its kind, on the earth.” And it was so. 12 The earth brought forth vegetation, plants yielding seed according to their own kinds, and trees bearing fruit in which is their seed, each according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. 13 And there was evening and there was morning, the third day.14 And God said, “Let there be lights in the expanse of the heavens to separate the day from the night. And let them be for signs and for seasons, and for days and years, 15 and let them be lights in the expanse of the heavens to give light upon the earth.” And it was so. 16 And God made the two great lights—the greater light to rule the day and the lesser light to rule the night—and the stars. 17 And God set them in the expanse of the heavens to give light on the earth, 18 to rule over the day and over the night, and to separate the light from the darkness. And God saw that it was good. 19 And there was evening and there was morning, the fourth day.20 And God said, “Let the waters swarm with swarms of living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the expanse of the heavens.” 21 So God created the great sea creatures and every living creature that moves, with which the waters swarm, according to their kinds, and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. 22 And God blessed them, saying, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the waters in the seas, and let birds multiply on the earth.” 23 And there was evening and there was morning, the fifth day.24 And God said, “Let the earth bring forth living creatures according to their kinds—livestock and creeping things and beasts of the earth according to their kinds.” And it was so. 25 And God made the beasts of the earth according to their kinds and the livestock according to their kinds, and everything that creeps on the ground according to its kind. And God saw that it was good.26 Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”27 So God created man in his own image,    in the image of God he created him;    male and female he created them.See sermon guide here: https://myrealchurch.org/teaching/gods-good-creation-genesis-1-1-27/Support the show

Message Us! The devil is a real enemy, but believers do not need to fear him because Jesus has already defeated him. Peter calls Christians to resist the devil by remaining humble before God and one another, staying watchful against his tactics of deception, temptation, and resentment, and standing firm in faith during suffering. We must take spiritual warfare seriously without becoming obsessed with it, trusting that God gives us the strength and truth we need to stand. 1 Peter 5:1-11 1 So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: 2 shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; 3 not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. 5 Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” 6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, 7 casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. 8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 9 Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. 10 And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. 11 To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen. See sermon study guide here: https://myrealchurch.org/teaching/stand-alone/resisting-the-devil-1-peter-51-11/Support the show

Message Us!In Mark 5, Jesus encounters a man whose life has been completely devastated by demonic oppression. He is isolated, tormented, hopeless, and unable to free himself. Yet with a simple command, Jesus demonstrates His absolute authority over the powers of darkness and completely transforms the man. This story reminds us that while our bondage may look different, every person apart from Christ is enslaved to sin and under the domain of darkness. Through His mercy, Jesus sets people free—not only from guilt and condemnation, but also from the power of sin and Satan. The challenge for believers is not merely to be freed, but to live in the freedom Christ has already won for us.Mark 5:1-201 They came to the other side of the sea, to the country of the Gerasenes. 2 And when Jesus had stepped out of the boat, immediately there met him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit. 3 He lived among the tombs. And no one could bind him anymore, not even with a chain, 4 for he had often been bound with shackles and chains, but he wrenched the chains apart, and he broke the shackles in pieces. No one had the strength to subdue him. 5 Night and day among the tombs and on the mountains he was always crying out and cutting himself with stones. 6 And when he saw Jesus from afar, he ran and fell down before him. 7 And crying out with a loud voice, he said, “What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I adjure you by God, do not torment me.” 8 For he was saying to him, “Come out of the man, you unclean spirit!” 9 And Jesus asked him, “What is your name?” He replied, “My name is Legion, for we are many.” 10 And he begged him earnestly not to send them out of the country. 11 Now a great herd of pigs was feeding there on the hillside, 12 and they begged him, saying, “Send us to the pigs; let us enter them.” 13 So he gave them permission. And the unclean spirits came out and entered the pigs; and the herd, numbering about two thousand, rushed down the steep bank into the sea and drowned in the sea.14 The herdsmen fled and told it in the city and in the country. And people came to see what it was that had happened. 15 And they came to Jesus and saw the demon-possessed man, the one who had had the legion, sitting there, clothed and in his right mind, and they were afraid. 16 And those who had seen it described to them what had happened to the demon-possessed man and to the pigs. 17 And they began to beg Jesus to depart from their region. 18 As he was getting into the boat, the man who had been possessed with demons begged him that he might be with him. 19 And he did not permit him but said to him, “Go home to your friends and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.” 20 And he went away and began to proclaim in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him, and everyone marveled.See the sermon guide and discussion questions here: https://myrealchurch.org/teaching/stand-alone/freedom-in-christ/Support the show

Message Us!We challenge the noisy cultural stories about masculinity with Psalm 1 and a clear definition of biblical manhood rooted in following Jesus. We lay out three marks of a real man and end at the cross, because we need a Savior before we can live with courage, contentment, and consistency. • cultural extremes around masculinity and why misogyny is toxic • a Bible-shaped definition of manhood as sacrificial responsibility that blesses others • contentment as deep blessedness rather than constant cheer • King Ahab as a warning about entitlement and discontent • Lance Armstrong as a modern example of insatiability and downfall • the secret of delighting in God’s Word day and night • being materially content and spiritually hungry • why children need presence more than possessions • courage to resist compromise and stand against shifting cultural narratives • the “walk, stand, sit” progression into ungodliness • consistency as rooted faith that bears fruit over time • the North Star metaphor for unchanging convictions • Paul Tripp’s reminder that true manhood leads us to the cross as Savior Support the show

Message Us!Sermon on Psalm 1 1 Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; 2 but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night.3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. 4 The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away.5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous; 6 for the LORD knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.Support the show

Message Us!Dressing the part can be exhausting when you’re trying to prove you belong. Paul flips that pressure on its head in Colossians 2 and 3: in Jesus, you already belong, and he has already clothed you with righteousness. We start with a simple image, a strict workplace dress code, then trace a bigger biblical theme: salvation changes what you wear because it changes who you are.From there, we get honest about the “old clothes” that still hang in the back of our closet. We talk about why works-based righteousness and rules-based religion still trap modern Christians in guilt and constant self-checking, even when we say we believe grace. We also address the rise of “spiritual but not religious” thinking and the temptation to chase mystical experiences, visions, or angel-focused spirituality instead of holding fast to Jesus Christ, the Head of the church.Then we move into the practical lists Paul gives: what to put to death and what to put on. That includes sexual immorality, lust, covetousness, idolatry, anger, slander, and lying, alongside the everyday virtues that actually make a church look like Jesus: compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, patience, forgiveness, love, peace, and gratitude. We land on the key: we don’t put on these garments by trying harder, we put on Christ daily through prayer and the power of the Holy Spirit.If this challenged you, share it with a friend, subscribe for more, and leave a review so more people can find it. What “old garment” do you need to put off, and what virtue is Jesus calling you to put on this week?Support the show

Message Us!In this passage, Paul reminds believers of the dramatic transformation that has taken place through Jesus Christ. Once they were alienated from God, hostile toward Him in their thinking, and characterized by sinful behavior. But through Christ's physical death on the cross, they have been reconciled to God and brought near. God's purpose in this reconciliation is not only to forgive them but ultimately to present them before Himself as holy, blameless, and above reproach. Paul concludes by exhorting believers to continue steadfastly in the faith, remaining anchored in the hope of the gospel they have received. The passage highlights the believer's past condition, present reconciliation, and future glorification.Colossians 1:21-2321 And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, 22 he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him, 23 if indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed in all creation[a] under heaven, and of which I, Paul, became a minister.Support the show

Message Us!In Colossians 1:15–20, Paul breaks into what many scholars believe was an early Christian hymn or poem celebrating the glory of Jesus Christ. Through rich, worshipful language, the passage exalts Jesus as the visible image of God, the Creator and Sustainer of all things, and the King of both creation and new creation. More than a theological statement, this hymn was meant to awaken awe in the hearts of believers—reminding the church that the One who holds the universe together is also the Savior who reconciles sinners through the blood of His cross.Colossians 1:15-2015 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16 For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. 17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. 19 For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.Support the show

Message Us!The book of Acts tells the story of the birth and expansion of the early church after the resurrection and ascension of Jesus. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, ordinary believers boldly proclaimed the Gospel, devoted themselves to God’s Word and prayer, lived in unity, and carried the message of Christ from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth. Acts reminds us that the same God who worked through the early church still works through His people today.Support the show

Message Us!In Luke 7, Jesus is invited to dine at the home of Simon the Pharisee when an uninvited woman—known publicly only as “a sinner”—enters the gathering. Though rejected and labeled by religious society, she boldly approaches Jesus with tears, worship, humility, and costly perfume. While the Pharisees see her only through the lens of her past, Jesus sees a repentant sinner in need of grace.Through a parable about two debtors, Jesus exposes Simon’s self-righteousness and reveals that those who recognize the depth of their forgiveness respond with deep love and worship. The woman leaves forgiven, transformed, and at peace.This passage reminds us that our past does not have to define us, Jesus welcomes broken sinners who come in repentant faith, and true transformation is found only in Him.Luke 7:36-50 (ESV)36 One of the Pharisees asked him to eat with him, and he went into the Pharisee’s house and reclined at table. 37 And behold, a woman of the city, who was a sinner, when she learned that he was reclining at table in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster flask of ointment, 38 and standing behind him at his feet, weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears and wiped them with the hair of her head and kissed his feet and anointed them with the ointment. 39 Now when the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would have known who and what sort of woman this is who is touching him, for she is a sinner.” 40 And Jesus answering said to him, “Simon, I have something to say to you.” And he answered, “Say it, Teacher.”41 “A certain moneylender had two debtors. One owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. 42 When they could not pay, he cancelled the debt of both. Now which of them will love him more?” 43 Simon answered, “The one, I suppose, for whom he cancelled the larger debt.” And he said to him, “You have judged rightly.” 44 Then turning toward the woman he said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave me no water for my feet, but she has wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. 45 You gave me no kiss, but from the time I came in she has not ceased to kiss my feet. 46 You did not anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with ointment. 47 Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven—for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little.” 48 And he said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” 49 Then those who were at table with him began to say among themselves, “Who is this, who even forgives sins?” 50 And he said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”Support the show

Message Us!We open up John 3:16 as more than a memory verse and show how it reveals God’s heart for every person. We walk through seven fundamental questions and land on a clear invitation to respond to Jesus with real heart-belief that leads to everlasting life. • John 3:16 as the heart of the gospel and a personal picture of God’s love • Nicodemus as the religious sinner and the woman at the well as the worldly sinner • A Christian worldview defined as the sum total of our beliefs • God as Creator and why origins shape meaning and purpose • Our purpose as loving God and loving others • Jesus Christ as the only begotten Son and the answer to life over death • Whosoever meaning anyone can be saved and God showing no partiality • Identity without Christ versus identity in Christ new creation and child of God • Salvation by grace through faith as heart-belief with repentance • How to live by walking in Christ and renewing the mind through God’s Word • What happens when we die judgment and the promise of everlasting life If today you just want to come and pray in fellowship with the Lord, then come to this side. If you need special prayer today, healing, or if today, if you don't know Christ, if you don't know that you're saved, that you have everlasting life, then come to this side and we'll pray with you today. Support the show

Message Us!See the sermon study guide: https://myrealchurch.org/teaching/stand-alone/the-abiding-life-of-christ-acts-2811-31/John 15:1-111 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3 Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. 5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in me, he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. 7 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. 9 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. 10 If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. 11 These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.Support the show

Message Us!In Acts of the Apostles 28:11–31, Paul reaches Rome after a journey full of unexpected detours—shipwreck, delay, and imprisonment. Yet none of these hinder God’s plan. Even under house arrest, Paul boldly proclaims Jesus, and the gospel continues to advance.👉 Big Idea: God’s Kingdom is unstoppable, and His will is accomplished—even through detours.See the sermon study guide: https://myrealchurch.org/teaching/acts/acts-part-50-detours-and-destiny-acts-2811-31/Acts 28:11-3111 After three months we set sail in a ship that had wintered in the island, a ship of Alexandria, with the twin gods as a figurehead. 12 Putting in at Syracuse, we stayed there for three days. 13 And from there we made a circuit and arrived at Rhegium. And after one day a south wind sprang up, and on the second day we came to Puteoli. 14 There we found brothers and were invited to stay with them for seven days. And so we came to Rome. 15 And the brothers there, when they heard about us, came as far as the Forum of Appius and Three Taverns to meet us. On seeing them, Paul thanked God and took courage. 16 And when we came into Rome, Paul was allowed to stay by himself, with the soldier who guarded him.17 After three days he called together the local leaders of the Jews, and when they had gathered, he said to them, “Brothers, though I had done nothing against our people or the customs of our fathers, yet I was delivered as a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans. 18 When they had examined me, they wished to set me at liberty, because there was no reason for the death penalty in my case. 19 But because the Jews objected, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar—though I had no charge to bring against my nation. 20 For this reason, therefore, I have asked to see you and speak with you, since it is because of the hope of Israel that I am wearing this chain.” 21 And they said to him, “We have received no letters from Judea about you, and none of the brothers coming here has reported or spoken any evil about you. 22 But we desire to hear from you what your views are, for with regard to this sect we know that everywhere it is spoken against.”23 When they had appointed a day for him, they came to him at his lodging in greater numbers. From morning till evening he expounded to them, testifying to the kingdom of God and trying to convince them about Jesus both from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets. 24 And some were convinced by what he said, but others disbelieved. 25 And disagreeing among themselves, they departed after Paul had made one statement: “The Holy Spirit was right in saying to your fathers through Isaiah the prophet:26 “ ‘Go to this people, and say,“You will indeed hear but never understand,and you will indeed see but never perceive.”27 For this people’s heart has grown dull,and with their ears they can barely hear,and their eyes they have closed;lest they should see with their eyesand hear with their earsand understand with their heartand turn, and I would heal them.’28 Therefore let it be known to you that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will listen.”30 He lived there two whole years at his own expense, and welcomed all who came to him, 31 proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance.Support the show

Message Us!Even after a brutal shipwreck and months of hardship, the Apostle Paul arrives exhausted on the island of Malta and chooses not to withdraw in self-pity. Instead, he continues to serve others—gathering sticks for a fire, receiving hospitality with humility, healing the sick, and pointing people to Jesus.This passage shows us a powerful key to weathering life’s storms: faithfully serving others for the glory of Christ. When we feel like isolating or giving up, serving others (in both practical and spiritual ways) shifts our focus, strengthens us through God’s grace, and becomes a powerful witness for the Gospel.Paul’s example reminds us that God’s strength is made perfect in our weakness, and serving others—whether in small, unglamorous tasks or bold acts of faith—is one of the best ways to overcome adversity.Support the show

Message Us!Hope is hard to find when life feels like a graveyard, and that’s exactly why Luke 24 is so disruptive. We start with the women walking to Jesus’ tomb carrying spices and heartbreak, expecting a sealed stone, a dead body, and one more day of grief. Instead, they find an open tomb, God’s messengers, and a question that cuts through every distraction: “Why do you seek the living among the dead?”From there, we get honest about what Christians mean when we say “Jesus died for our sins.” We talk about sin as self-rule, the reality of death, and why Scripture says we need saving not just from consequences but from God’s righteous wrath. Then we walk through the heart of the gospel: Jesus as our substitute, the One who pays a debt we cannot pay, satisfying justice through propitiation so forgiveness can be offered freely. The resurrection of Jesus is not a bonus detail, it is the proof the payment stands, death is conquered, and Christian hope is solid ground.We also make room for skepticism. The first witnesses are confused, the apostles doubt, and even face-to-face encounters take time to process. We explore evidence for the resurrection, eyewitness testimony, and why the apostles’ willingness to suffer matters historically. Finally, we bring it home with a challenge about idolatry and modern “dead places” where we keep trying to locate meaning, echoing David Foster Wallace’s warning that what you worship will eventually eat you alive.If you’ve been running on fumes, listen and weigh the claim of the empty tomb for yourself. Subscribe for more, share this with a friend who needs hope, and leave a review to help others find it. What’s the dead place you’re most tempted to trust for hope?Support the show

Message Us!Palm Sunday reveals that while the crowd rightly recognized Jesus as King, they misunderstood His mission. They expected a political Savior who would overthrow Rome, but Jesus came as a humble King riding on a colt to deal with a far greater problem—sin. When He didn’t meet their expectations, many turned away. In the same way, we can be tempted to follow a version of Jesus that fits our desires rather than submitting to who He truly is. The call of this passage is to trust and follow the real Jesus—our sacrificial Savior and risen King—who offers not just what we want, but what we need most. Matthew 21:1-1121: 1 And when we had parted from them and set sail, we came by a straight course to Cos, and the next day to Rhodes, and from there to Patara. 2 And having found a ship crossing to Phoenicia, we went aboard and set sail. 3 When we had come in sight of Cyprus, leaving it on the left we sailed to Syria and landed at Tyre, for there the ship was to unload its cargo. 4 And having sought out the disciples, we stayed there for seven days. And through the Spirit they were telling Paul not to go on to Jerusalem. 5 When our days there were ended, we departed and went on our journey, and they all, with wives and children, accompanied us until we were outside the city. And kneeling down on the beach, we prayed 6 and said farewell to one another. Then we went on board the ship, and they returned home.7 When we had finished the voyage from Tyre, we arrived at Ptolemais, and we greeted the brothers and stayed with them for one day. 8 On the next day we departed and came to Caesarea, and we entered the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven, and stayed with him. 9 He had four unmarried daughters, who prophesied. 10 While we were staying for many days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. 11 And coming to us, he took Paul’s belt and bound his own feet and hands and said, “Thus says the Holy Spirit, ‘This is how the Jews at Jerusalem will bind the man who owns this belt and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.’ ”See Sermon Study Guide: https://myrealchurch.org/teaching/acts/palm-sunday-discussion-questions/Support the show

Message Us!In Acts 27, Paul faces a violent storm while being transported to Rome, yet he responds with wisdom instead of panic. While others chase comfort, follow the crowd, or lose hope, Paul demonstrates what it means to walk with God in adversity. He earns trust through character, stands against the majority when necessary, anchors himself in hope through faith in God, and takes decisive action. The passage teaches that storms are inevitable, but for believers, panic is not—because in Christ we have peace, purpose, and the ability to lead others to safety through wise, faith-filled living.Acts 27:1-44 See the sermon Study Guide: https://myrealchurch.org/teaching/acts/acts-part-48-wisdom-amidst-adversity-acts-27/Support the show

Message Us!After two years in prison, Paul’s case is brought before the new Roman governor, Festus. The Jewish leaders again accuse Paul and ask that he be brought to Jerusalem, secretly planning to ambush and kill him. Paul refuses and exercises his right as a Roman citizen by appealing his case to Caesar, which means he will be sent to Rome.Before sending him, Festus asks King Agrippa II to hear Paul’s case. In a grand audience, Paul shares his testimony—describing his life as a Pharisee, his encounter with the risen Jesus on the road to Damascus, and the mission Christ gave him to proclaim the gospel. Paul declares that the prophets foretold that the Messiah would suffer and rise from the dead. Though Festus dismisses him as out of his mind, Paul boldly invites Agrippa and everyone listening to believe in Christ. Agrippa concludes that Paul has done nothing deserving imprisonment, but because he appealed to Caesar, he must be sent to Rome.Acts 25 and 26See the sermon Study Guide: https://myrealchurch.org/sermons/acts-part-47-the-christ-life-amidst-adversity-acts-25-and-26/Support the show

Message Us!In this message from the Gospel of Mark 6, Pastor Dale Cunningham reminds believers that the Christian life is not meant to be lived in constant busyness but in restful dependence on Christ. Looking at Jesus’ rhythm of ministry, rejection, loss, and service, he highlights how the Lord intentionally withdrew to quiet places for prayer and rest—and invited His disciples to do the same.This sermon challenges the modern tendency to equate busyness with faithfulness and calls believers back to a life rooted in resting in Christ, being with Him before doing for Him, and allowing Christ to work through us rather than striving in our own strength. True spiritual fruit, he explains, comes not from relentless activity but from a life grounded in the security of salvation and sustained by time alone with God.A timely reminder: because we have rest in Christ, we can live from a place of rest—not exhaustion—while faithfully serving Him.Mark 6See the study guide here: https://myrealchurch.org/sermons/finding-rest-in-a-culture-of-busy-pastor/Support the show

Message Us!In Acts 24, Paul stands trial before Governor Felix in Caesarea. The Jewish leaders, represented by the skilled orator Tertullus, bring formal charges against him. They accuse Paul of being a troublemaker who stirs up riots, leads a sect, and desecrates the temple. Their case blends political manipulation with religious hostility, and it begins with exaggerated flattery aimed at gaining favor with Felix.When Paul is given the opportunity to respond, he does so calmly and directly. He denies inciting unrest, affirms his faith in “the Way,” and boldly declares his belief in the resurrection of the dead. Rather than attacking his accusers, Paul emphasizes his clear conscience before both God and men. Under intense pressure, his integrity surfaces—measured speech, unwavering conviction, and spiritual clarity.Felix, already somewhat familiar with Christianity, postpones judgment. Though intrigued and even alarmed when Paul reasons about righteousness, self-control, and the coming judgment, Felix ultimately delays action. He frequently summons Paul, not out of spiritual hunger, but in hope of receiving a bribe. As a result, Paul remains imprisoned for two years—left there as a political convenience.Acts 24 reveals that adversity does not create character—it exposes it. While the religious leaders reveal manipulation and selfish ambition, and Felix reveals moral hesitation and corruption, Paul reveals integrity, courage, and a conscience anchored in truth.When the pressure is on, what is inside comes out.Acts 24 See the sermon Study Guide: https://myrealchurch.org/teaching/acts/acts-part-46-integrity-amidst-adversity-acts-chapter-24/Support the show

Message Us!Paul arrives in Jerusalem knowing suffering awaits him. While in the temple, Jews from Asia falsely accuse him of opposing the Jewish people, the Law, and the temple—based on mere assumption. A mob forms, Paul is beaten, and Roman soldiers arrest him to prevent his death.Instead of retreating in fear or bitterness, Paul asks to address the crowd. He shares his testimony—his former persecution of Christians, his dramatic encounter with the risen Jesus, and his calling to take the Gospel to the Gentiles. When the crowd erupts again, Paul is taken into custody, but by asserting his Roman citizenship, he is protected from unlawful punishment.What appears to be disaster becomes the beginning of God’s sovereign plan to bring Paul’s witness before rulers and eventually to Rome.Acts 21:26-22:29See sermon study guide here: https://myrealchurch.org/teaching/acts/acts-part-44-faithfulness-despite-acts-2126-2229/Support the show

Message Us!What if the very pressures that threaten your faith are the tools God uses to amplify it? We walk through Acts 21–22 as Paul enters Jerusalem, honors temple customs, and still faces a cascade of false accusations that spiral into mob violence. The most human moment arrives when he asks for the floor, not to clear his name first, but to tell his story—before Christ, the encounter with the risen Jesus, and a calling that scandalized his hearers: take the good news to the Gentiles.That revelation lights the fuse. Yet even as outrage rises, a different kind of authority steps in: Roman due process that recognizes Paul’s citizenship and postpones the whip. We explore the larger pattern hiding in the chaos—how chains carry the message farther than ease ever could. Paul’s path will wind through councils, governors, and eventually to Caesar, turning opposition into opportunity at every turn. Along the way, we confront the everyday version of this story: the power of assumptions, the lure of gossip, and the cost of standing with Christ when friends feel betrayed by your change of heart.This episode is practical and bracing. You’ll learn how to answer slander without becoming cynical, how to share your testimony with humility that disarms pride, and how to prepare your soul for pressure without losing joy. From Joseph’s dungeon to the cross of Christ to Richard Wurmbrand’s cell, we trace a consistent thread—what the enemy means for harm, God redirects for good. If you’re navigating cultural headwinds, workplace tension, or strained relationships because of your convictions, you’ll find courage here to stand firm, trust God, proclaim Christ, and endure to the end.If this encouraged you, follow the show, share it with a friend who needs strength, and leave a review so more listeners can find this conversation. Where do you need courage to persevere today?Support the show

Message Us!We connect Super Bowl grit to spiritual growth and show why the Christian life is a daily calling. Ephesians 4 gives us a clear goal: unity, maturity, and a church that equips every believer for real ministry.• the Christian life as a daily calling• fundamentals of humility, gentleness, patience, love• unity in one body, one Spirit, one hope• why nobody grows alone and the role of church• leaders equipping saints for ministry, not performing it• the gospel: Christ descended, died, rose for us• counting the cost of following Jesus• freedom from slavery to sin and real escape routes• choosing your one person to reach or encourage• aiming at maturity measured by the fullness of Christ“Today is the day to be saved”Support the show

Message Us!We pause our Acts series to walk through Ephesians 4 and make a clear, urgent case for Christian forgiveness that is honest about harm and powered by grace. We name what forgiveness is, why it matters for our souls and our church, and how to practice it before the sun sets.• identity in Christ driving a transformed life• what forgiveness is not and common errors• absorbing the debt as the shape of mercy• anger’s danger and making room for the devil• swift, truthful confrontation for reconciliation• words that build up and heal community• preaching the gospel to our own hearts• urgency to reconcile while we canSupport the show

Message Us!In Acts 21:17–26, Paul arrives in Jerusalem and is warmly received by the church leaders, who rejoice over God’s work among the Gentiles. However, tension quickly emerges as Jewish believers—who are zealous for the Law—have heard false reports that Paul teaches Jews to abandon their customs.In order to preserve unity and prevent unnecessary offense, the elders ask Paul to participate in a purification ritual connected to a Nazarite vow. Though not required under the New Covenant, Paul humbly agrees, not because the law saves, but because love governs his freedom. By laying aside his rights, Paul models how Christians can pursue peace within the church by prioritizing unity, humility, and the mission of the gospel over personal convictions.Support the show

Message Us!Acts 21:1–14 recounts Paul’s journey toward Jerusalem, marked by repeated warnings that suffering awaits him. Believers in Tyre, prompted by the Spirit, urge Paul not to go, and later the prophet Agabus dramatically foretells Paul’s arrest. Despite the pleas and tears of his companions, Paul remains resolved to go, declaring his readiness not only to be bound but to die for the name of the Lord Jesus. The passage ends with the church entrusting Paul to God’s will, saying, “The Lord’s will be done.”Support the show

Message Us!Paul summons the elders from Ephesus to Miletus and delivers a final farewell address, reflecting on his ministry among them and preparing them for his departure. He reminds them that he served with humility, endurance through suffering, and faithful teaching, declaring repentance toward God and faith in Jesus Christ. Though warned by the Holy Spirit that imprisonment and hardship await him in Jerusalem, Paul declares that his life is of no value to himself compared to finishing the course and ministry he received from the Lord Jesus—to testify to the gospel of God’s grace.Paul then charges the elders to watch over themselves and the church, which God purchased with Christ’s own blood. He warns them that false teachers will arise from both outside and within the church, and he urges vigilant, sacrificial shepherding grounded in the Word. Commending them to God and to the word of His grace, Paul affirms his integrity and selflessness. The passage ends with an emotional scene of prayer, tears, and affection, as the elders grieve knowing they will not see Paul again, highlighting the deep bonds of Christian love and shared mission.Support the show

Message Us!In Luke 10:38–42, Jesus enters the home of Mary and Martha. Martha faithfully serves, honoring the cultural and biblical importance of hospitality and hard work. Mary, however, chooses to sit at Jesus’ feet and listen. When Martha complains, Jesus gently but firmly responds that while many things demand attention, “one thing is necessary”—and Mary has chosen the better portion.The sermon emphasizes that work itself is good, biblical, and necessary, but when work becomes excessive it produces three spiritual dangers: distraction from Christ, resentment toward others, and anxiety within ourselves. Martha’s service was sincere, yet her perfectionism and overcommitment turned good work into pressure and peace into unrest.Jesus does not condemn work, but He makes clear that Christ-centered rest is paramount. He Himself regularly withdrew to pray and invited His disciples to rest. True discipleship is not built by merely working for Jesus, but by communing with Jesus. Sitting at His feet through prayer, Scripture, and intentional rhythms of rest brings peace, shapes our hearts, and invests in what is eternal—what cannot be taken away.The call of the sermon is practical and urgent: believers must reclaim the “timeouts” Christ freely offers. Daily time with Jesus, a rhythm of rest, and the courage to say no to unnecessary demands are not luxuries—they are essential to spiritual, emotional, and even physical health. Like Mary, we are invited to choose the better portion.• why generosity teaching matters for faith and mission• reading Luke 10:38–42 and its central claim• work affirmed yet misordered work distracts• how distraction turns into resentment and anxiety• Jesus desires presence over performance• learning, peace and eternal gain at Jesus’ feet• practical steps for daily rhythms of prayer and scripture• creating margin by saying no to the unnecessary• a new year anchored in one necessary thingSupport the show

Message Us!What if the most familiar verse in the Bible is the Christmas passage we’ve been missing? We dive into John 3:16–21 to show why the incarnation is not a reward for the righteous, but a gift for the unworthy—an act of love that meets us in darkness and brings us into life. The message is direct and freeing: God loved, so He gave. And that gift, unlike every gadget and sweater that loses its shine, never fades.We walk through the difference between gifts and rewards, drawing on Titus 3 and lived stories to expose how grace dismantles the naughty-versus-nice myth. From there, we unpack what “believe” really means in John—receiving Christ, repenting, and being born of the Spirit, not merely agreeing with facts. We clarify condemnation as a condition we remain in by rejecting the Son, and we face the hard reasons people refuse the light: pride, self-reliance, and a love for what hides. The hope is better than sentiment. Eternal life is adoption, renewal, and the Spirit’s power to change us from the inside out.We also make it practical. A changed life validates a professed faith. Love for God’s people, a growing hunger for light, and a turning from entrenched sin are signs of new birth. And because grace is overflow by design, we end with a call to share the gift—through truthful words, generous deeds, and everyday hospitality that points beyond itself. God’s greatest gift doesn’t shrink when given away; it multiplies joy and opens doors for weary neighbors to step into hope.If this spoke to you, follow the show, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs a clear word of grace today.Support the show

Message Us!During the third week of Advent, we reflect on the theme of joy through the angel’s announcement to the shepherds in Luke 2. In a dark and weary world, God declares “good news of great joy for all people”—joy rooted not in circumstances, but in the arrival of Jesus Christ.This message explores what biblical joy truly is (and what it is not): not forced cheerfulness or shallow happiness, but a deep, Spirit-produced delight in Christ that can coexist with sorrow. Drawing from Scripture and the definition articulated by John Piper, we see that Christian joy is a good feeling in the soul, produced by the Holy Spirit, as He helps us behold the beauty of Christ in the Word and in the world.We then consider why Jesus’ birth is good news of great joy—because He is our Savior, the promised Messiah, and Immanuel, God with us—and why this joy is for all people: Jew and Gentile, religious and pagan, powerful and poor. Ultimately, the good news becomes deeply personal: Christ came for you.Whether you are searching for joy or longing to walk more fully in it, this message points you to Jesus—the true and lasting source of joy, at Christmas and always.Support the show

Message Us!The carols say peace, but the calendar screams hurry. We take a clear-eyed look at why the holidays can feel so unpeaceful and why Jesus didn’t promise a quiet news cycle—he promised something far stronger. Drawing from Isaiah 9, Romans 5, John 14, and Luke 2, we explore biblical shalom as wholeness: peace with God, peace within, and peace with others. Instead of chasing a fragile calm that depends on circumstances, we point to the Prince of Peace who restores what broke in Eden and rebuilds our lives from the center out.First, we unpack how reconciliation with God is the foundation of every other kind of peace. Justification by faith brings an objective, steady standing that no mood can undo. From there, we talk about inner peace that Jesus gives—not the world’s temporary quiet, but a durable calm anchored in his rule. Then we turn outward: what it looks like to embody peace with people, why love is the family trait of disciples, and how to practice restraint in a reactive culture. We get practical about living unoffended, resisting the urge to defend our image, and becoming agents of peace in our homes, workplaces, and online.Finally, we show how order matters: glory to God, then peace follows. When we enthrone ourselves, anxiety spikes; when we enthrone Christ, rest grows. You’ll hear simple rhythms for a steadier heart—rehearsing promises, reading Scripture before the scroll, confessing quickly, and keeping your hope aimed at Christ’s return, when shalom will flood the earth. If you’re carrying a “security blanket” of control or worry, this conversation invites you to drop it and receive the better peace Jesus freely gives.If this encouraged you, follow the show, share it with a friend who needs calm this week, and leave a review to help others find these stories of hope.Support the show

Message Us!Hope isn’t a mood you try to maintain. It’s a promise you learn to trust. We launch Advent by going straight to Romans 15:13 and asking three simple questions that change everything: What is hope? Where does it come from? And how do we abound in it?Along the way, we contrast wishful optimism with the Bible’s confident expectation grounded in God’s character and his unbroken track record—from Abraham to Bethlehem to the empty tomb.Romans 15:13 teaches that true hope flows from God, is empowered by the Holy Spirit, and is experienced as we walk with Him.Advent starts with hope because every other Advent theme—peace, joy, and love—flows from it. Our call is not to cling to a thin thread of hope, but to overflow with it as we prepare our hearts for Christ’s return. Support the show

Message Us!On the first day of the week, the believers in Troas gathered to break bread and hear Paul teach, showing their commitment to consistent corporate worship. Even though Paul was leaving the next day, the church made worship a priority—meeting late into the night to share the Lord’s Supper, listen to Scripture, and encourage one another.During the meeting, a young man named Eutychus fell asleep, fell from a window, and died, but God restored him through Paul, bringing comfort and strengthening the faith of everyone present.Afterward, Paul continued his journey toward Jerusalem, choosing travel plans that allowed him to be with the believers as much as possible.This passage highlights how the early church valued gathering together, sharing the Lord’s Table, learning from God’s Word, and being strengthened through the presence and ministry of fellow believers.Support the show

Message Us!A city on edge, a riot in the theater, and a single disruptive claim: gods made with hands are not gods at all. We step into Ephesus to uncover why Paul’s words rattled the economy, shook traditions, and still expose the fault lines in our modern hearts.In Acts 19, Paul’s ministry in Ephesus causes a massive disturbance because he exposes the idols people trust for meaning, security, and satisfaction—especially Artemis, the patron goddess of the city. Paul refuses to preach Jesus as “just another god”; Jesus demands full allegiance, and following Him necessarily involves turning from all other idols. Idols—both ancient and modern—promise fulfillment but ultimately enslave and crush those who serve them. Whether it's money, beauty, politics, family, career, or sexuality, any good thing can become a “god thing” when we make it ultimate. Exposing idols will sometimes provoke hostility, as it did in Ephesus, threatening both people’s profits and long-held traditions. Yet the gospel also brings beauty: many people turn from empty idols and find true satisfaction in Christ, the One who became the sacrifice rather than demanding one. Support the show

Message Us!We unpack why baptism is commended, what it signifies in Romans 6, and how the New Testament pattern calls for immediate, public obedience. We challenge baptized believers to live like the old self truly died and to resist the pull of “Egypt.”• baptism commanded by Jesus and centered in making disciples• symbolism of union with Christ in death and resurrection• baptism as a new Exodus from slavery to sin• New Testament pattern: belief then immediate baptism• one baptism as a covenant sign with rare exceptions• live as dead to sin and alive to God• fight temptation by identity and Spirit-empowered obedience• move from avoiding sin to offering yourself for righteousness• leave Egypt behind and stop romanticising the pastSupport the show

Message Us! In Acts 19:12–20, God’s power is displayed through Paul as people are healed and set free from evil spirits. Those who tried to imitate this power without truly knowing Jesus were exposed and defeated.Many new believers responded by confessing sin and publicly turning from their old ways. This passage shows that the Holy Spirit delivers us from sickness, darkness, and sin—bringing freedom, transformation, and the exaltation of Jesus. Support the show

Message Us!What if most of what we call church would keep running even if the Holy Spirit left the building? Acts 19 hits that nerve. We unpack Paul’s return to Ephesus, the twelve “disciples” shaped by John the Baptist, and the moment they step into the fullness of the gospel—baptized into Christ, born again by the Spirit, and empowered for mission.In this message, we explore how the Holy Spirit is not the “forgotten member” of the Trinity but the living presence of God—our Comforter, Convicter, and Empowerer. Through Acts 19, we see how encountering the Spirit brings transformation, boldness, and renewal.The call for us today is to move beyond polite belief into active pursuit—to welcome the Spirit’s presence, seek His gifts, and allow Him to build up the church for God’s glory. As Paul urged in 1 Corinthians 14:1, we are to “eagerly desire spiritual gifts,” walking in step with the Spirit rather than keeping Him at arm’s length.Support the show

Message Us! God desires to use every believer to accomplish His work in the world. In Acts 18:18–28, we see that being used by Him isn’t about talent or position but about the posture of our hearts. God uses the heedful like Paul who follow His will, the humble like Apollos who receive correction, and the honest like Priscilla and Aquila who speak truth with courage. When every member of the church plays their part, the song of the Gospel becomes powerful and beautiful. In this sermon, we talk about heedfulness first: the courage to follow God’s call when it costs time, sleep, or applause. Paul’s weary yes challenges our preference for comfort and invites us to serve wherever needed, even in quiet roles that keep the body healthy.Then we lean into humility—Apollos receiving correction from Priscilla and Aquila. It’s a vivid picture of teachability: intellect bowing to truth, platform yielding to Scripture. Communities thrive when feedback is welcome and growth outpaces ego.Speaking truth and honesty is the last featured virtue. Speaking truth in love is never easy. Jonah shows the price of silence, while Paul shows the cost of clarity. But a church that refuses hard words soon loses its voice. We frame honesty as courageous compassion: naming sin to restore, preaching Jesus as the way with tenderness, and trusting God with the outcomes.If this stirred something in you, take the next step: subscribe, share this with a friend who’s ready to serve, and leave a review telling us where you plan to jump in this week. Your story might be the spark another listener needs.Support the show

Message Us!Fear isn’t supposed to haunt a giant of the faith—and yet Paul trembles in Corinth until a midnight word steadies him: “Do not be afraid… for I am with you.” We open Acts 18 and watch a weary apostle discover that courage grows where grace meets personal limits.When we feel like giving up, we can find courage in the same truth: God is still with us, He still provides, and He still has a purpose for our lives. Support the show

Message Us!At Real Life Community Church, we believe the Church is God’s design to carry on the ministry of Jesus. In Matthew 16:18, Jesus declared, “On this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell will not overpower it.”The Church is essential—it proclaims the Gospel, disciples believers, and ministers to the community. While all believers are part of the invisible, spiritual Church through salvation, God also calls us into covenant with a visible, local church family.Membership matters because it reflects commitment, accountability, and shared mission. As followers of Christ, we are invited to not only believe, but also to belong. Support the show

Message Us!Read the Study GuideWhat does it take to reach a culture that's increasingly hostile to Christianity? In Acts 17, we discover how the Apostle Paul engaged the intellectual elite of Athens with the gospel.Athens in Paul's day mirrors our own post-Christian society in striking ways. The city was the cultural and intellectual hub of the ancient world, filled with idolatry and competing philosophies—much like our modern, secular ideologies and spiritual confusion. Yet Paul engaged this challenging environment with remarkable wisdom and effectiveness.Through examining Paul's approach at the Areopagus, we uncover three essential components for reaching our broken culture. First, we must "feel something"—developing genuine compassion for those separated from God. Second, we must "do something"—actively engaging with people rather than isolating in Christian bubbles. And third, we must "say something"—sharing the unchanging gospel in ways that connect with our cultural context.The response to Paul's message reminds us that our responsibility isn't to convert everyone but to faithfully proclaim the truth. Some mocked, some wanted to hear more, and some believed. This should encourage us as we engage our own culture—not everyone will respond positively, but God will use our faithful witness.Support the show