Rochester Assembly Young Adults

Prayer is essential to discipleship because it aligns believers with the will of God. In the Lord’sPrayer, Jesus taught His disciples to pray, “Your kingdom come, your will be done” (Matthew6:9–10). Prayer is not primarily about getting God to agree with us; it is about surrenderingourselves to Him. Romans 12:1–2 shows that transformation happens through renewed mindsand lives surrendered as living sacrifices. Prayer becomes the place where disciples are reshaped into people who discern and desire God’s will above their own.The sermon also highlighted prayer as a source of spiritual endurance, protection, and healing.Prayer builds faith and spiritual stamina (Jude 1:17–23), strengthens believers during trials(Matthew 26:41; Philippians 4:6–7), and equips them to stand against the enemy’s schemes(Ephesians 6:11–18). Prayer also brings healing and restoration through confession andforgiveness (James 5:16). A disciple who neglects prayer becomes spiritually weak andvulnerable, but a disciple who remains devoted to prayer grows stronger, more discerning, andmore dependent on the presence of God.

Jesus declared in John 15:8 that bearing much fruit proves someone is His disciple and glorifiesthe Father. Spiritual fruit is not simply outward success or activity but the visible evidence of alife connected to Christ. Jesus described Himself as the vine and believers as the branches,teaching that apart from Him we can do nothing (John 15:5–6). Fruitfulness flows from abidingin Jesus through prayer, obedience, and intimacy with Him. A disconnected branch withersspiritually, but a disciple who remains rooted in Christ experiences lasting transformation andmultiplication.The sermon also emphasized that the condition of the heart determines whether spiritual fruit cangrow. In the Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13), Jesus explained how distractions, persecution,shallow roots, and worldly desires choke out God’s Word. What believers allow into and aroundtheir hearts affects spiritual growth. Additionally, words reveal the true condition of the heart(Matthew 12:33–37). A disciple’s speech exposes whether the heart is producing righteousnessor corruption. Scripture hidden in the heart (Psalm 119:11) protects believers from sin andcultivates lasting fruitfulness.

This message focused on obedience and spiritual loyalty through the story of Balaam. Godclearly commanded Balaam not to go with Balak’s messengers and not to curse Israel becausethey were blessed (Numbers 22:12). Although Balaam verbally acknowledged God’s authority,his heart was still drawn toward reward, honor, and financial gain. His compromise reveals thatpartial obedience is still disobedience. A disciple-soldier must follow God’s commandscompletely rather than trying to negotiate with them based on personal desires.The sermon also emphasized that Satan often works through compromise rather than directopposition. Balaam eventually found a way to gain reward by leading Israel into idolatry andsexual immorality (Numbers 25; Revelation 2:14). The enemy’s strategies have not changed—ifhe cannot destroy believers directly, he seeks to corrupt them gradually through temptation andcompromise. The New Testament repeatedly warns against the “way of Balaam” (2 Peter 2:15;Jude 1:11). Soldiers for Christ are called to unwavering obedience, spiritual discernment, andholiness in a culture that constantly pressures believers to compromise truth.

The life of Jesus demonstrates that humility is foundational to discipleship. Before beginning Hispublic ministry, Jesus waited until the appointed time of the Father, beginning around the age ofthirty (Luke 3:23). He did not rush ahead seeking influence or recognition. Instead, He allowedJohn the Baptist’s ministry to prepare the way, fulfilling prophecy and glorifying God’s timing.John himself modeled humility by refusing titles and redirecting attention to Christ in John 1:19–23. This teaches disciples that spiritual maturity includes trusting God’s timing rather thanstriving for personal recognition.The sermon also addressed how pride often reveals itself through comparison, competition, andself-promotion. In Luke 9:46–48, the disciples argued over who was the greatest, but Jesusresponded by elevating childlike humility. He taught that greatness in the Kingdom is found inserving, not status. Jesus further corrected the disciples in Luke 22:24–30 by declaring that thegreatest among them must become like a servant. Christ Himself only did what He saw theFather doing (John 5:19–20, 30), showing that humility is complete dependence upon God’s willrather than personal ambition.

A disciple is more than someone who simply attends church or agrees with Christian beliefs. Theword disciple comes from the Greek word mathētēs, meaning a learner or student, and frommanthanō, meaning to learn, understand, and comprehend. In Mark 3:13–14, Jesus called thetwelve first “to be with Him” before sending them out. Discipleship begins with relationshipbefore ministry. Jesus did not call people merely to gather information but to be transformedthrough close fellowship with Him. This is why James 1:22 commands believers to be “doers ofthe word, and not hearers only.” A true disciple studies Scripture, obeys it, and allows it to shapeeveryday life.The sermon emphasized that discipleship requires daily spiritual nourishment, much like Israelgathering manna in the wilderness in Exodus 16 and Numbers 11. God’s Word must bepersonally received, prepared, and applied. Jesus Himself is the Word made flesh (John 1:14),and disciples are called to study diligently (2 Timothy 2:15) while remaining faithful even whenteachings become difficult. Many followers abandoned Jesus in John 6:66 because they wantedbenefits without surrender. However, true disciples remain committed, allowing the Holy Spiritto transform their identity and empower them for mission, just as seen in Acts 2.

This was recorded at RAYA on 3/19/2026. In this episode, Listen, take notes, and allow the Holy Spirit to grow your prayer life.

This was recorded at RAYA on 3/12/2026. In this episode, Listen, take notes, and allow the Holy Spirit to grow your prayer life.

This was recorded at RAYA on 3/5/2026. In this episode, Listen, take notes, and allow the Holy Spirit to grow your prayer life.

This was recorded at RAYA on 2/19/2026. In this episode, Listen, take notes, and allow the Holy Spirit to grow your prayer life.

This was recorded at RAYA on 2/12/2026. In this episode, Listen, take notes, and allow the Holy Spirit to grow your prayer life.

This was recorded at RAYA on 2/5/2026. In this episode, we focus on 7 hinderances to our prayer lives. Listen, take notes, and allow the Holy Spirit to grow your prayer life.

In order to build a solid foundation of what pay should be, we must first deconstruct what prayer has become for many in America. This was recorded at RAYA on 1/29/26

This was recorded at RAYA on 1/8/26.

This was recorded at RAYA on 12/18/25

This sermon was recorded at RAYA on 12/11/25

This is the final part of a series that is meant to empower individuals to thrive in the season of life one is in. Regardless if you are single, in a relationship, or not knowing what to do, listen as Pastor Jeremiah speaks on how each of us should work on seeking God as the ultimate way to level up. This is a mature conversation. Listen and be blessed.

This is a special podcast episode where we had a panel answer questions live during our service on 10/30/25. The panelists are Pastor Mike Stehr and Mrs. Heidi, Pastor Tyler Grant and his wife Mrs. Melody, and Dr. Tim and Mrs. Kim Wiltshire. This is a mature conversation. Listen and level up.

This is the second part of a series that is meant to empower individuals to know what season of life one is in. Regardless if you are single, in a relationship, or not knowing what to do, listen as Pastor Mike speaks on how each of us should work on 3 things: Our Character, Competence, and our Carcass . This is a mature conversation. Listen and level up.

This is the first part of a series that is meant to empower individuals to know what season of life one is in. Regardless if you are single, in a relationship, or not knowing what to do, listen as Pastor Tyler speaks on these things. This is a mature conversation. Listen and grow.

Recorded on 9/25/25 at RAYA. This sermon contains multiple passages. Get your Bibles out, take notes, and be blessed.

Recorded on 9/11/25 at RAYA. The primary Biblical texts are found in 1 Peter 2:4-5,9-12.

Recorded on 9/4/25 at RAYA. The primary Biblical texts are found in 1 Peter 1:15-16.

Recorded on 8/28/25 at RAYA. Listen as Pastor Caleb (Youth Pastor at Rochester Assembly) talk on Obedience.

Recorded on 8/26/25 at RAYA. Looking at Scripture to discover the true meaning of Repentance.

Recorded on 6/26/25 at RAYA. The primary Biblical texts are found in John 16:7-15 and James 4:2-7.

Recorded on 6/19/25 at RAYA. The primary Biblical texts are found in Matthew 9:35-38 and Ephesians 6:10-13.

Recorded on 6/6/25 at RAYA. The primary Biblical texts are found in Habbakuk Chapters 1 & 2 and Hebrews 11:1-7

Recorded on 5/29/25 at RAYA. The primary Biblical texts are found in 2 Corinthians 7:8-12 and Acts 3:17-20

Recorded on 5/22/25 at RAYA. The primary Biblical texts are found in Ephesians 4:17-31 and Jonah 4.

Recorded on 5/15/25 at RAYA. The primary Biblical texts are found in Matthew 6.

Recorded on 5/8/25 at RAYA. The primary Biblical texts are from Matthew 7:21-27 and James 2:14-26.