Pathway Podcast

What if we had all the right intentions but were trying to accomplish God's mission with the wrong tools? This powerful message uses the unforgettable image of a college student attempting a six-mile mountain hike in dress shoes to illustrate a crucial truth: having a clear mission means nothing if we lack the proper foundations to support it. Drawing from 1 Peter, Ephesians, Hebrews, and Philippians, we're invited to examine the four essential pillars that must undergird our spiritual lives and our collective witness. Joy isn't merely a feeling but a deliberate choice rooted in the salvation we've received through Christ. Prayer isn't optional but vital—if Jesus Himself needed constant communication with the Father, how much more do we? Worship and the Word form an inseparable pair, reminding us that transformation happens not through human eloquence but through the living, active power of Scripture that pierces to the division of soul and spirit. Finally, care and fellowship distinguish us in an individualistic world desperately searching for authentic community. The challenge before us is deeply personal: What pillars currently support our walk with God? Are we missing any of these foundational elements? This isn't about church programs—it's about the tools each of us needs to effectively live out our calling as disciples who make disciples.

Are we running out of spiritual gas? This powerful message challenges us to examine the state of our faith and rediscover the awe that fuels our spiritual journey. Using the analogy of running out of gas, we're prompted to consider what keeps our faith vibrant and growing. The sermon highlights two main obstacles: pain and apathy. Through pain, we may shake our fists at God, feeling jaded and questioning our beliefs. Through familiarity, we risk losing the excitement of our initial encounter with Christ. The antidote? Awe. By delving into passages like Hebrews 12 and Acts 2, we're reminded that true worship stems from reverence and wonder. We're encouraged to ponder the vastness of God's character, reassess our own smallness, and marvel at the enormity of His grace. This renewed perspective not only reinvigorates our faith but also propels us towards mission and evangelism. As we fill our spiritual tanks with awe, we're better equipped to run the race of faith with endurance and passion.

In our exploration of what it means to be a 'ready church', we delve into the heart of Jesus' teachings on preparedness and faithfulness. The parable of the wise and wicked servants in Matthew 24:45-51 serves as our spiritual compass, guiding us to understand that readiness isn't about predicting the future, but about living actively and purposefully in the present. We're challenged to consider: Are we the faithful servants, diligently carrying out our responsibilities, or have we become complacent, thinking there's always more time? This parable beautifully illustrates the balance between preparation and action in our spiritual lives. It's not enough to simply wait for Christ's return; we must be engaged in the work of the Kingdom, serving others and living out our faith daily. As we reflect on this, let's ask ourselves: How can we be more active in our faith, more prepared for God's calling, and more expectant of Christ's return? Our readiness as a church isn't just about personal salvation - it's about being equipped to reach the lost, restore the wanderer, and build up the body of Christ in love and unity.

This week we explore biblical restoration. We delve into the heart of God's love for the wanderer. The parable of the Prodigal Son takes center stage, illuminating the journey of those who stray and the Father's unwavering compassion. We're reminded that everyone wanders at times, but the consequences of straying from God's path inevitably lead to emptiness and despair. The story beautifully illustrates how God not only welcomes us back but celebrates our return, restoring us fully as His children. This message challenges us to examine our own hearts, warning against self-righteousness and encouraging us to extend the same grace and compassion to others that God shows us. It's a powerful call to action: to warn those who are wandering, to wait patiently for their return, and to welcome them back with open arms. How might we embody this restorative love in our own lives and communities?

In a world increasingly marked by darkness, we are called to be beacons of light. This powerful message draws from Romans 12, challenging us to 'hate evil' and 'cling to good.' As Christians, we're not just spectators in the battle against evil—we're active participants. The sermon reminds us that our response to evil should mirror Christ's: overcoming it with good. We're urged to live with zeal, serving the Lord fervently and constantly in prayer. This isn't just about personal piety; it's about transforming the world around us. The message beautifully illustrates how patience, prayer, and blessing those who persecute us can be powerful weapons in our spiritual arsenal. It's a call to action, reminding us that in Christ, we have the power to change the narrative of our times.

In this powerful exploration of Romans 8:18-24, we're challenged to reconsider our perspective on life's struggles. The central message reminds us that our present sufferings pale in comparison to the glory that awaits us in Christ. We're encouraged to view waiting, pain, and hope not as burdens, but as spiritual weapons in our faith journey. The story of Joseph serves as a poignant reminder that God's timing, while often mysterious, is always perfect. His years of waiting in prison ultimately led to a position where he could save nations. This teaches us that our periods of waiting and suffering are not in vain, but are preparing us for God's greater purpose. As we grapple with the battle of comparison in our lives, we're called to shift our focus from earthly circumstances to eternal promises. This perspective can transform how we approach challenges, helping us to live with eyes fixed on eternity and hearts full of hope.

In this powerful message, we're reminded of the miraculous nature of the Holy Spirit dwelling within us as believers. Romans 8 reveals that the same Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead now lives in us, empowering us to live extraordinary lives. We're challenged to not lose sight of this incredible truth amidst our daily routines. The story of Dave and Lynn Phillips beautifully illustrates how following the Spirit's leading can result in miraculous provision, even in seemingly impossible situations. As adopted children of God, we're encouraged to approach Him with the intimacy of 'Abba, Father,' while maintaining reverence. This message invites us to live with a renewed awareness of the Holy Spirit's presence, listening for His guidance and trusting in His power to work wonders in and through our lives.

In our exploration of the theme 'Shadow of Jesus', we delve into the profound spiritual insight that the stories in the Bible, from Adam to Christ, are interconnected and collectively narrate the complete story of salvation. The pivotal scripture from Romans 5:14 serves as our guiding light, where the Apostle Paul describes Adam as a 'type' of Christ—an echo or shadow of the one who was to come, Jesus. Adam's shortcomings and sin introduced mortality and spiritual separation from God, yet this very act illuminates the redemptive triumph brought forth by Jesus, whose life and sacrifice reversed the curse. We learn that Adam, in his imperfection, prefigures the perfection of Jesus, encouraging us to accept our human frailty while embracing the redemption and completeness offered through Christ. In understanding the 'shadow', we find a greater appreciation for the light. This message is not just theological; it challenges us to recognize the shadows in our lives that point to Jesus, urging us to reflect His grace and truth in our daily faith journey.

In this exploration of God's glory, we're invited to delve deep into the heart of Exodus, where Moses encounters the divine in a profound way. The central story revolves around the Israelites' journey from slavery to freedom, culminating in Moses' request to see God's glory. This narrative challenges us to consider: what truly distinguishes us as God's people? It's not our abilities, our experiences, or even our obedience to laws. Rather, it's God's presence with us that sets us apart. The message reminds us that no rules, miracles, or human leadership can substitute for a genuine relationship with God. As we reflect on our own lives, we're encouraged to ask: Are we desperately seeking God's presence, recognizing that without Him, we're lost? This teaching beautifully illustrates God's character of steadfast love and faithfulness, revealed to Moses and echoed throughout Scripture. It's a timeless reminder that even in our unfaithfulness, God remains faithful, always devising ways to bring us back to Himself.

In this powerful message, we explore the concept of 'acceptable boasting' through the lens of Romans 5. The key spiritual lesson is that our boasting should be centered on God and His work in our lives, not on ourselves. We're challenged to shift our focus from self-promotion to God-promotion, even in the midst of suffering. The passage reminds us that suffering isn't pointless, but part of a divine process that leads to endurance, character, and ultimately, hope. This journey parallels Christ's own suffering, emphasizing that our difficulties can draw us closer to God and shape us to be more like Jesus. As we navigate life's challenges, we're encouraged to find opportunities to boast about God's goodness and faithfulness, reinforcing the amazing love that led Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. This message invites us to reflect on how we can honor God in all circumstances, transforming our perspective on suffering and deepening our faith.

In this powerful exploration of faith and hope, we delve into the story of Abraham from Romans 4. We're reminded that true faith isn't about our works or actions, but about trusting in God's promises. Abraham's unwavering belief, even when circumstances seemed impossible, challenges us to examine our own faith. Are we fully convinced that God can do what He has promised? This message encourages us to place our hope not in physical circumstances, but in the unchanging promises of God. We're called to have 'hope against hope' - believing even when everything seems to say otherwise. As we face our own challenges, let's remember that our God can create something out of nothing, just as He did for Abraham.

In this exploration of Romans 3:23, we're reminded of a fundamental truth: we all fall short of God's glory. But far from leaving us in despair, this message reveals the beautiful solution God provides. The 'Romans Road' guides us through the journey from acknowledging our sin to embracing Christ's redemption. We're challenged to confront the reality of our sinfulness, not as a source of shame, but as the starting point of our salvation story. The Old Testament's prophecies, the concept of propitiation, and the universality of God's grace all converge to paint a picture of a loving God who had our rescue planned from the beginning. As we grapple with the weight of our shortcomings, we're invited to find freedom in the realization that our salvation is entirely God's work, not our own. This humbling yet liberating truth calls us to live by faith, trusting in Christ's finished work on the cross. How might our daily struggles with temptation and failure change if we truly embraced the reality that in Christ, our problem is already solved?

In this powerful exploration of God's unwavering character, we're reminded that our actions cannot change who God is. Drawing from Romans 3, we delve into the profound truth that God's faithfulness persists even in the face of our faithlessness. This message challenges us to find comfort in God's constant love, regardless of our shortcomings. The story of King David's repentance in Psalm 51 serves as a poignant example of God's enduring faithfulness despite human failure. As we reflect on this, we're encouraged to embrace the transformative power of God's grace, understanding that it's not a 'get out of jail free' card, but an invitation to live changed lives. This message urges us to consider: How might our view of God shift if we truly believed in His unchanging nature? How can we live out our faith knowing that God's love for us never wavers?

Good morning everyone, a little bit of a different message this week. At Pathway we had a combined service with our Brazilian brothers and sisters from Lagoinha Church. So there was two shorter sermons from the pastors at each church. We also had live translation from English to Portuguese and vice versa. I know it may be a little more difficult to follow this week, but my prayer is that you are blessed by both messages. Both pastors spoke to what it means to have God with us.

In our journey of faith, we often struggle with the question of identity. This message challenges us to examine where we truly find our worth. Are we defined by our moral achievements, cultural background, or religious practices? The apostle Paul's letter to the Romans reminds us that our true identity lies not in outward appearances or actions, but in our relationship with God through Christ. Just as the early Jewish Christians had to learn that circumcision and law-keeping weren't the essence of their faith, we too must recognize that our spiritual identity trumps any physical or cultural identifiers. This profound truth invites us to look beyond surface-level religiosity and dive into the transformative power of the Gospel. As we reflect on this, let's ask ourselves: Are we allowing God's view of us to shape our self-perception, or are we clinging to worldly standards of worth?

In our exploration of Romans 2:11, we uncover a profound truth: 'God shows no partiality.' This powerful statement challenges us to examine our hearts and actions. Are we, like the Jewish Christians Paul addressed, guilty of improper judgment? Do we look down on others while secretly harboring the same sins? This message reminds us that true judgment comes from a place of love and self-examination, not superiority. We're called to judge correctly, as Jesus taught, always mindful of the log in our own eye. Moreover, we're warned against taking God's kindness for granted. His patience and forbearance should lead us to repentance, not complacency. As we reflect on this, let's ask ourselves: Are we using God's grace as a license to sin, or as motivation to live righteously? Our faith should transform us, producing the fruit of the Spirit in our lives. Today, let's commit to cultivating a heart that breaks for others, speaking truth from a place of love, and living in a way that honors the impartial judgment and boundless grace of our God.

This is the second week of our study in the book of Romans. We serve an amazing God, who can be "clearly perceived" through creation. If He can be clearly perceived then why is He so often missed in our world today? This is the question we seek to answer in our message today. It is my prayer that you are blessed and encouraged by this message today.

Today we are going to begin studying a book that many theologians consider to be the greatest letter ever written. We are going to be doing a series on the book of Romans. As we seek to be a church that makes disciples, Romans reminds us to be "unashamed" of the Gospel and to have its message spur us into lives of faith.

On Easter Sunday the only thing worth teaching about is The Resurrection. Jesus' resurrection is essential to our Christian Faith and on Easter Sunday we celebrate the trustworthy miracle of the resurrection. We will see all the people, Jesus included, who gave testimony and declared the resurrection of Jesus and how it changed their lives from that point forward.

Palm Sunday is the beginning of Holy Week, the week in which our Savior will be crucified for our sin. This week our passage is from John 1:29 where John the Baptist declares that Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. Our call for Palm Sunday is that we would Behold Jesus, and then direct others to do the same.

Our message this week was delivered by Tim Wiggins. Tim has been a pastor in the western suburbs of Chicago for the last decade and his sermon was Philippians 2:1-11. Tim challenged us to consider the true purpose of the church and who God wants us to be. The passage paints a vivid picture of Christ's humility and selflessness, urging us to imitate His example.

In this powerful exploration of Acts 9, we witness the transformative encounter between Saul and Jesus on the road to Damascus. This pivotal moment teaches us that true spiritual change comes not from religious zeal or self-righteousness, but from a personal encounter with Christ. We see how God can radically alter our perspective, humbling even the most fervent opponents of the faith. The story reminds us that no one is beyond God's reach or redemption.

This week in the life of Elisha we see that he encounters 3 separate people who exercise poor judgment in their choice, even someone who is closer to Elisha than anyone else. What we are going to see from these people is that lack of trust in God leads to bad judgment. As we look at choices these people make, it is important to ask ourselves how we can learn from them so that we don't end up exercising the same bad judgment.

We have made the transition from the life and ministry of Elijah to the life and ministry of Elisha. We are in 2 Kings chapter 4 where we are introduced to the Shunammite woman. Elijah and his servant shared a special friendship with this woman and her family and through her story, we will see her incredible faith. Which in turn will encourage us as we seek to grow our own faith.

This is officially the halfway point of our Chariots of Fire series, and this is the time where we switch from the ministry of Elijah to the ministry of Elisha. This account comes from 1 Kings 2 and we officially see that God takes Elijah up into heaven and then empowers Elisha to continue his ministry. No matter what stage of life you are at, you can learn principles from this account that will help you as you follow Jesus.

This week we are still looking at the life of Elijah but he is not the main focus this week. This week we are going to spend more time with Ahab, the king of Israel during Elijah's ministry. Our time with Ahab is going to show us more of God's character, particularly His grace and mercy. When we see Ahab's response to God's grace and mercy it should cause us to examine how we have responded to the grace and mercy of Jesus. We must decide, what we will do with the grace and mercy extended to us by Jesus.

This week we continue our look into the life of Elijah and we are in 1Kings 19. After Elijah's epic confrontation with the prophets of Baal the transformation of the nation he was hoping for doesn't happen. He flees for his life discouraged and tired. Last week we saw the immense power of God and this week we see the immanence of God. God demonstrates His kindness to Elijah and in helping him work through the discouragement and hurt that he is feeling. God meets us in our weakness and displays His power by sustaining and upholding us.

We are in our second week of our series Chariots of Fire. This week we are in 1 Kings 18, and we are about to see one of the most epic confrontations in the Bible. Elijah, a prophet of God, is going to go head to head with 450 prophets of Baal. He challenges them to see whose God is the real God, knowing that his God is the only true God. His challenge to the people is still a powerful challenge to us today "If the Lord is God, follow Him!" I pray that you are blessed and encouraged by the service this morning.

We are finishing the book of Haggai today by looking at the 3rd and 4th messages of God in this book. In the 3rd message God asks His people 3 important questions, these questions make His people aware of their shortcomings and their need for God. For us today, these questions make us realize how much we need Jesus. These questions of God point us back to the Gospel. I pray that you are blessed and encouraged by the service this morning.

We are continuing our series through Haggai, and today we have the second message of God to His people in Haggai. This message is a message of encouragement, a message to the people to remind them of who God is. I know in my own life I have always been encouraged when I am reminded of God's character. The ways that God helps His people in Haggai are many of the same ways that He still helps us today.

We are about to begin a 3 week series in the book of Haggai. I am so excited to go through this book and talk about how God called his people and is now calling us to CONSIDER OUR WAYS. The book of Haggai has 4 messages from God and this week we are looking at the first message. What God is calling His people to do in this first message is Consider Him First. We need to ask ourselves if we consider God first in our own lives. What things are we tempted to put before God? Our responsibility as sons and daughters of God is to put God first.

Our message today is from Isaiah 54. This past Sunday I wanted to share our vision for 2025. To do that we looked at Isaiah 54, and examined the life of one of the most famous missionaries ever, William Carey. My hope for the vision of Pathway in 2025 is that we would "Expect great things from God; (and) attempt great things for God"

This message is from the book of Habakkuk. We are approaching a season after all the holidays are over that life can seem a little bland and barren. It can be hard to come down from all of the Christmas festivities, but even in that hard and barren season, God is still at work. The book of Habakkuk reminds us that even when we are in a difficult season, God has got a plan. That is what He is reminding Habakkuk and us of today.

When we are given our New Self through the blood of Jesus Christ we have learned over the past couple of weeks that our lives, identity, and roles cannot be the same. As Paul closes his letter to the Ephesians hr gives them one final exhortation to fight, because they are in a spiritual battle. God has equipped them for this fight, He has given them His armor. He has also given that armor to us. We need to understand that just like the Ephesian church we are in a spiritual battle and we too need the armor of God. I pray that you are blessed and encouraged by this message.

Our message is from Ephesians 5:22-6:9. When we are given our New Self through the blood of Jesus Christ we have learned over the past couple of weeks that our lives and identity cannot be the same. With that new life in Jesus comes new roles as well. We are more fully able to live the life that our Heavenly Father has called us to when we live within the roles He has designed for us. Our new roles enable us to live in healthy relationship with others. I pray that you are blessed and encouraged by the message today.

Our new life in Jesus Christ means that He gives us a new identity. We will be studying part of our new identity which is we are children of God. Ephesians 5 explains to us how we can walk in wisdom as children of light. Come listen with us and understand how you can have a new identity in Jesus and how that new identity will change your life. I pray that you are blessed and encouraged by this message.

The message from this past Sunday comes from Ephesians 4:17-32. When we believe in Jesus Christ for our salvation then we are given a new self. Having a new self means that our old life is gone and our new life can begin.

Our today is from Ephesians 4:1-6. Paul is calling the Ephesian church to walk worthy of their calling and to pursue unity in the Spirit. He does this by reminding them of the one, unifying message of Scripture. There is amazing power in the unity of the message of Scripture. Are we pursuing and experiencing the unity of the ONE message of Scripture? I pray that you are blessed and encouraged by this message.

Our message today is from Jeremiah 29. In this passage God gives instructions to the Jewish exiles living in Babylon. We are exiles living in our own version of Babylon, we can look to the principles given to the people at that time and put them into practice in our own lives. Christians should be a force for good wherever they are placed, and that is going to be our challenge from this passage today.

Today one of our Elders, Nathaniel Palaci will be sharing the Word of God with us. He will be encouraging us to consider the Good Shepherd and what our role is as sheep. I pray that you are blessed and encouraged by the message.

Our sermon is in Ephesians 3:12-21. To punctuate this part of his letter, Paul takes time to pray for the church at Ephesus, with the heart of his prayer being that they would not lose heart. My hope and prayer is that our church and the church as a whole does not lose heart. We are going to examine together that when Paul prays for them not to lose heart, there are 4 things that he prays for. May we all be encouraged not to lose heart from God's words to us through Paul today.

First off I wanted to apologize that it has been so long since we have uploaded an episode, we have had some issues with our tech at the church. We hope to be back to weekly episodes now. Our passage today is Ephesians 3:1-13. The focus is on the manifold wisdom of God, and more specifically how the Church is the way by which the manifold wisdom of God is seen. These 13 verses in Ephesians give a glimpse of the manifold wisdom of God at that time in Ephesus and serves as an example for how we can be a display of that wisdom in our churches today.

This week we begin a new series through the Book of Ephesians. To get our series started we will be covering some back ground and introduction to the book, while also covering verses 1-6 of chapter 1. The book of Ephesians is going to be teaching us how the Gospel is at work in our lives. We will see more clearly who we are because of what Christ has done for us. My prayer is that the Gospel would change us week by week as we examine Ephesians.

Our final message in the book of Isaiah. We are in Isaiah 66, where in the beginning of the chapter we see a contrast between the type of person that God seeks to dwell with and one who chooses their own ways. The questions for us are, which will we choose to be? And what do the lives of these people look like?

We are thankful that you decided to listen to this weeks Pathway Podcast. God has promised that one day He will create a New Heaven & Earth for His people to enjoy. In Isaiah 65, we get a glimpse of what that is going to look like. Even though eternity can be intimidating to think about, for God's people, forever with Him is going to be incredible! I pray that you are blessed and encouraged by the service this morning.

Today, we will be studying Isaiah 55, which speaks about the Compassion of God. As Christians we recognize that God is compassionate to us even though we are undeserving of it. His compassion is so amazing that we as human beings struggle to comprehend it, and yet I am thankful that His compassion extends to me. I hope you are as well.

Today we will be studying Isaiah 53. In our country almost everyone would know who you are talking about when you say the name Jesus. But, how many people have a proper understanding of who Jesus really is? This morning we will realize that if we want our faith to thrive, we need an accurate understanding of Jesus. I pray that you are blessed and encouraged by the service this morning.

Today we will be studying Isaiah 40. In my opinion this is one of the most beautiful and encouraging passages in the Bible. What it speaks to is how awesome our God is, and what we see is that not only is He awesome, He is completely without comparison. There is no one or nothing that can take the place of God in our lives. I pray that you are blessed and encouraged by this message.

Today we will be studying Isaiah 38. In this chapter God declares to Hezekiah that he is going to die, but then Hezekiah prays for healing and God hears His prayer and tells him that he will live 15 more years. This brings about the question, does God change His mind? As we will see in this chapter, it is not that God changes His mind, but rather that He doesn't change His nature and character. I pray that you are blessed and encouraged by the service this morning.

Our message is from Isaiah 30, where the example of Judah and Israel will show us what happens when we decide to follow our own plans instead of God's. In our own lives we can easily make our plans apart from God, what we see from God's people is that any plans made apart from God are bad plans. I pray that you are blessed and encouraged by the service this morning.