The 1855 Podcast

What do you do when life doesn’t go the way you expected? In Matthew 2:13–23, we see a family forced to flee, suffering that cannot be ignored, and a King raised in a place no one would have chosen. And yet, through every moment, God is at work.

In this message from Week 3 of Kingdom Come, Pastor John Oliver walks through the Magi's visit and Herod's reaction to show how the King's birth exposes every heart. From those who traveled hundreds of miles to worship, to those who would not walk six, to a ruler who refused to surrender his throne, this passage confronts us with one central question: How will you respond to the King whose Kingdom has come into the world?

Matthew 1:18–25 confronts us with the reality of the virgin conception. This is not a seasonal detail, but a foundational doctrine that reveals who Jesus truly is. In this passage, we see that Christ is both fully God and fully man, able to represent us and able to save us. This message walks through why the virgin conception matters, what is at stake if it is denied, and how it points us to the gospel of God stepping in to redeem sinners.

Our new series, Kingdom Come, begins in Matthew 1:1–17 with the genealogy of Jesus. While it may seem like an unusual place to start, this passage lays a foundation for everything Matthew will show us about Christ and His Kingdom. Every name tells a story, and together they reveal a God who is faithful, purposeful, and at work through even the most unexpected people and moments. In this message, we consider what this genealogy teaches us about the Kingdom of God and how it shapes the way we see our lives today.

A family is grieving. A man has died. And Jesus steps into that moment and makes a claim that changes everything. In this Easter message from John 11, we examine the power and meaning of Jesus’ words, “I am the resurrection and the life.” This passage reminds us that Jesus did not come simply to comfort our grief, but to confront the cause of it. If the resurrection is true, then life is found in Him alone, and our response to Him is not casual; it is everything.

Today's Devotional was written and recorded by Children's Minister Joedee Robinson AGONY yet DISCIPLER - In the Garden of Gethsemane Matthew 26:36-46, Mark 14:32-42, Luke 22:40-46 SURRENDER yet CONTROL - Betrayed and Arrested Matthew 26:47-56. Mark 14:43-52, Luke 22:47-53, John 18:1-12 BLAMELESS yet CONDEMNED - The Unfair Trial Matthew 26:39-27:26, Mark 14:55-15:15, Luke 22:54-23:25, John 18:17-19:16 CRUSHED yet ACCOMPLISHED - The Crucifixion of Jesus Matthew 27:33-44, Mark 15:22-32, Luke 23:33-43, John 19:16-27 REFLECT TOGETHER FOR ADULTS 1. Where in your life is God calling you to trust Him rather than take control? 2. What does Jesus’ silence in certain moments teach us about wisdom and restraint? 3. Which detail of the crucifixion impacts you the most and why? FOR STUDENTS 1. Why didn’t Jesus fight back when He had the power to stop everything? 2. Why do people sometimes follow the crown instead of doing what is right? 3. How does knowing Jesus died for you affect how you see yourself? FOR CHILDREN 1. Why was Jesus feeling sad and troubled? 2. Did Jesus do anything wrong? 3. Why did Jesus die on the cross?

Today's Devotional was written and recorded by Pastor John Oliver. Read Luke 22:14–20; John 13:1–17, 34–35 REFLECT TOGETHER FOR ADULTS 1. How does understanding the Passover background deepen your view of what Jesus meant when He said, “This is my body…this is my blood”? 2. What does Jesus washing the disciples’ feet, especially Judas and Peter, reveal about the nature of His love? 3. In what ways are you tempted to approach your faith as something to observe rather than something to personally trust and receive? 4. Where is God calling you to practice humble, sacrificial love this week, even when it is difficult or unnoticed? FOR STUDENTS 1. Why do you think Jesus chose a meal to explain what He was about to do on the cross? 2. What stands out to you about Jesus washing the disciples’ feet? Why would that have been shocking? 3. What’s the difference between knowing about Jesus’ sacrifice and actually trusting Him with your life? 4. What is one practical way you can show Jesus-like love to someone this week, even if it costs you something? FOR CHILDREN 1. What did Jesus say the bread and the cup represent at the meal? 2. Why did Jesus wash His disciples’ feet? What does that teach us about Him? 3. How does Jesus show us what it means to love others? 4. What is one way you can be kind and serve someone in your family or at school this week?

Today's Devotional was written and recorded by Student Pastor Joseph Blount. Read Matthew 26: 14-16, 21-25 & 26:47-56 REFLECT TOGETHER FOR ADULTS 1. What stands out to you about Jesus’ response to betrayal, especially knowing it was coming and who it would come from? 2. Why is it dangerous to assume we are “better than Judas”? What does this passage reveal about our own hearts? 3. How does seeing your sin as part of what led Jesus to the cross deepen your understanding of His grace and mercy? 4. Where is God calling you to say, “not my will, but Yours be done,” even when it is difficult or costly? FOR STUDENTS 1. Why do you think betrayal hurts more when it comes from someone close? How does that help you understand what Jesus experienced? 2. What do you notice about how Jesus responds instead of fighting back or running away? 3. In what ways can we sometimes choose our own way over Jesus, even if it’s not as obvious as Judas? 4. What is one situation in your life right now where you need to trust God and choose obedience over what you want? FOR CHILDREN 1. Who betrayed Jesus, and how did he do it? 2. Did Jesus know this was going to happen? How did He respond? 3. Why is it important for us to obey God, even when it’s hard? 4. What is one way you can choose to do what God wants instead of what you want this week?

Today's Devotional was written and recorded by Children's Minister Joedee Robinson Read Matthew 21:12-17; Mark 11:15-19; Luke 19:45-48 REFLECT TOGETHER FOR ADULTS 1. In what ways do people today sometimes turn worship into something that benefits themselves instead of honoring God? 2. If believers are “walking temples” because the Holy Spirit lives in us, how should that shape the way we live daily? 3. What “tables” might Jesus want to flip over in our own hearts or priorities? 4. How can we intentionally make prayer and connection with God central in our lives? FOR STUDENTS 1. The people in the temple were focused on personal gain. What are some things today that can distract people from worshiping God? 2. Jesus knew His actions would cause trouble, but He still did what was right. When is it hard for you to stand up for what is right? 3. If your life is like a temple where God lives, how might that affect the choices you make at school, online, or with friends? 4. What are some habits that help keep your relationship with God strong? FOR CHILDREN 1. What was the temple supposed to be used for? 2. Why was Jesus upset about what people were doing in the temple? 3. The Bible says God lives in people who believe in Jesus. What does that mean? 4. How can we show respect for God in church and at home?

Today's Devotional was written and recorded by Pastor John Oliver. Read Mark 11:12-25 REFLECT TOGETHER FOR ADULTS 1. What stands out to you most about the connection between the fig tree and the temple? Why do you think Jesus paired these two actions together? 2. How can activity (serving, attending, giving) become a substitute for genuine devotion? 3. When you examine your own life, where do you see evidence of real spiritual fruit? Where might there only be appearance? 4. What would it look like for you this week to move from “appearance” to “fruitfulness” in a tangible way? FOR STUDENTS 1. What’s the difference between looking like a Christian and actually living like one? 2. Where do you feel pressure to “look the part” spiritually (church, social media, friends)? 3. If Jesus walked into your daily life, your school, your phone, your habits, what would He see? 4. What is one step you can take this week to grow real fruit in your life (not just appearances)? FOR CHILDREN 1. What does it mean for something to look good on the outside but not be good on the inside? Can you think of an example? 2. What does it mean to truly love God, not just say we do? 3. What are some “good fruits” we can show in our lives (kindness, obedience, helping others)? 4. Can you ask God to help you grow good fruit in your life? What would you ask Him for?

This Palm Sunday message from Mark 11:1–11, taught by Student Pastor Joseph Blount, focuses on the heart of worship. As Jesus enters Jerusalem to the praise of the crowds, we’re challenged to consider whether our worship is rooted in truth or driven by expectation. What kind of King are we responding to?

As we close our series through Philippians, we come to Paul’s final words and a clear vision for what it means to be a church worthy of the gospel. In Philippians 4:14–23, we are called to step into the mission of God as partners, live open-handed with our resources while trusting in His provision, and walk together in grace for the glory of God. This message serves as both a conclusion and a commissioning as we move forward together as a church family.

In a world that constantly tells us contentment is just one more achievement away, the Apostle Paul offers a very different perspective. Writing from prison, Paul explains that true contentment is not found in controlling circumstances or finally reaching the next milestone. It is learned through a life anchored in Christ. In this message from Philippians 4:9–13, we explore how living worthy of the gospel means learning to rejoice in what God is doing, finding contentment in every circumstance, and discovering the secret of Christ’s strength. If you have ever found yourself waiting for life to finally settle before you can feel at peace, this passage offers a better foundation.

Anxiety has a way of creeping into every corner of life. Health concerns, family struggles, uncertain seasons, and the weight of the world around us can leave the heart restless. In Philippians 4:4–9, Paul shows us a better way. A life worthy of the gospel is marked by reasonableness toward others, prayer instead of anxiety, and a mind anchored in what is true.

In this message from Philippians 3:15–4:4, we reach the climax of Paul’s call to be a church worthy of the gospel. He urges believers to think like those who are still pressing on toward Christ, to follow examples whose lives reflect heavenly citizenship, and to pursue reconciliation when relationships strain.

This passage confronts where we locate our confidence and clarifies what justification by faith really means. Are we trusting our spiritual performance, or are we resting in the righteousness of Christ? And once our confidence is settled in Him, what does it look like to press forward in pursuit of knowing Him more? If you’ve ever quietly evaluated your standing before God based on how you think you’re doing, this message is for you.

In Philippians 2:18–30, Paul moves from theology to living examples. After calling the church to unity, humility, and Christlike obedience, he points to Timothy and Epaphroditus as real-life models of what gospel-shaped living looks like.

In this message, we explore how belief turns into behavior, why unity and humility matter for our witness, and how joy sustains faithfulness even when obedience is costly. Because Christ went before us, we can live attentively, faithfully, and confidently, trusting that God is at work among His people.

This week’s sermon takes us to Philippians 2:5–11, one of the most powerful passages in the New Testament. We look at the humility of Christ, the cost of obedience, and the hope that comes from trusting God with our lives and our future.

In Philippians 1:27–2:4, Paul calls the church to live in a way that reflects the gospel, not just in belief, but in how we walk together. This message challenges us to remember who we are and who we belong to. As citizens of heaven, we are called to let our identity in Christ shape our decisions, our relationships, and our witness. A church worthy of the gospel chooses to live like heaven is home and refuses to let fear or pressure define its faithfulness.

In Philippians 1:18–26, Paul reminds us that a life worthy of the gospel is not about preserving ourselves, but about magnifying Christ. Whether through life or through death, his desire is the same: that Jesus would be honored and seen as great. This passage calls us to examine what we truly treasure. When Christ is our greatest love, we will not remain silent about Him, fear will lose its grip, and comfort will no longer be our highest priority. The gospel reshapes how we speak, how we live, and how we love.

In this message, we see how God uses hardship to advance the gospel. From prison, Paul reminds us that suffering cannot stop God’s purposes and that Christ is proclaimed even in difficult circumstances. A church worthy of the gospel trusts God’s work, even when the path is hard.

As we begin our journey through the book of Philippians, we ask a foundational question: What does it mean to be a church worthy of the gospel?  This message sets the tone for our series and for our life together as a church, calling us to remember God’s grace in the past, trust His work in the present, and walk forward in faithful obedience.