Preaching the good news of Jesus Christ and how it applies to everyday life.
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Preaching the good news of Jesus Christ and how it applies to everyday life.
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What Do You Do When You Reject God? | Song of Solomon 5:2-6:3 | Amen Podcast
Welcome back to Amen Podcast! 🌺 Join Alex and Lokelani as they continue their deep dive through the Song of Solomon, exploring one of the most challenging aspects of our relationship with God - what happens when WE are the ones causing setbacks.
📖 What We Cover:
Scripture: Song of Solomon 5:2 - 6:3 (ESV)
In this powerful episode, we dive into:
* Why we sometimes reject God's call for intimacy (even as believers)
* The silly excuses we make when Jesus is knocking at our hearts
* How our guilt and shame "beat us up" when we turn away from Him
* What God does when we reject Him (spoiler: He doesn't abandon us!)
* The beautiful role of Christian community in restoration
* How reflecting on God's character draws us back to repentance
🌊 Key Takeaways:
✨ God knew what He was getting when He chose you - your sin doesn't surprise Him ✨ When we reject God, He goes to "work" - showing grace and pursuing us ✨ The church should help restore, not condemn, those returning to God ✨ "I am my beloved's and my beloved is mine" - His love never leaves us
💭 After the Amen Q&A:
We close with our signature "After the Amen" segment where we share what stood out to us most and invite YOU to share your thoughts in the comments!
🏝️ About Amen Podcast:
Broadcasting from beautiful Kauai, Hawaii, Alex (pastor of House Church) and Lokelani believe the gospel changes everything. We're committed to expository preaching through God's Word with practical application for everyday life.
🤝 Support the Ministry:
If this podcast has blessed you, please consider supporting us:
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* Subscribe and hit the bell for new episodes
* Share with friends who need to hear this message
* Leave a comment with your "Amen" from this episode
* Visit our website: amenpodcast.com
Bible Translation: ESV (English Standard Version
)
In this powerful episode from Song of Solomon chapter 4, Alex explores three beautiful ways Christ expresses His love for the church. Discover how Jesus pursues us with:
* Legal Love - He enters into an unbreakable covenant with us
* Affectionate Love - He calls us friends and delights in our company
* Passionate Love - He gave His life on the cross out of crazy love for us
Just like Solomon's bride is described as "a garden locked," believers are securely "locked in" with Christ - never to be separated from His love. This intimate picture from Scripture will transform how you see your relationship with Jesus and inspire you to bear fruit as His beloved.
Key Takeaway: When we truly understand how Christ sees us - beautiful, secure, and deeply loved - our lives naturally become fruitful gardens that reflect His glory.
Perfect for anyone wanting to deepen their relationship with Jesus and understand the security we have in Him.
Hosts: Alex & LokelaniSeries: Song of Solomon Study
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catechism #29
How to Walk Step by Step with Jesus Every Day | Song of Solomon 3:6-11
What does it mean to truly follow Jesus? In this powerful sermon from Song of Solomon 3:6-11, we explore the beautiful picture of walking side by side with our King - not ahead of Him, not behind Him, but right by His side where He calls us to be.
Just as God took Eve from Adam's side (not his head or his feet), Jesus the second Adam calls us to walk step by step with Him. Through the imagery of Solomon's wedding procession, we see how Christ protects, provides for, and ultimately sacrifices everything - including His life - so that we can stand by His side as His bride, the church.
This isn't about earning our place through good works, but about understanding that we smell like sweet incense to God because we're IN Christ. His side was pierced so you could stand by it.
Key Scripture: Song of Solomon 3:6-11, John 19:31-37, Revelation 5:9-10, Revelation 19:16
What makes a truly godly wedding? In this episode, we explore Song of Solomon 3:6-11 and discover why Solomon's wedding was radically different from modern American weddings. We discuss biblical gender roles, God's design for marriage, and how every earthly wedding points to our ultimate relationship with Christ. Plus, we share practical insights for planning Christ-centered weddings and living out biblical masculinity and femininity.
Questions #28. What happens after death to those not united to Christ by faith?
What are you searching for? In this powerful episode, we dive deep into Song of Solomon 3:1-5 to explore the universal human longing for safety, security, and love. Through the lens of a woman's desperate nighttime search for her beloved, we uncover three profound truths about our spiritual journey.
We begin with the story of the thief on the cross from Luke 23:39-43, setting the stage for understanding how God meets us in our most desperate moments. Then we explore what we're truly searching for - that deep desire for safety that drives us to seek security in all the wrong places. From the safest place (our bed) to our most vulnerable moments (our dreams), we examine why separation from God creates such profound anxiety in our hearts.
Discover how the fear of separation drives us to search frantically in the wrong places, and learn where true safety can actually be found. Just as the woman in Song of Solomon found her beloved "scarcely" past the watchmen, we'll see how Jesus is closer than we think - even in our darkest nightmares.
This episode challenges listeners to stop searching for safety in the wrong places and instead find their security in the One who entered our nightmare to end our separation forever. Through the cross, Jesus promises that our spiritual nightmare is over - we'll never be truly unsafe or alone again.
Key Takeaway: Repent from searching for safety in the wrong places. Face your separation and find Jesus in the scarcity.
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What if your biggest insecurity isn't actually bigger than belonging to Jesus? In this raw and honest episode, Alex and Loke dive deep into Song of Solomon 2:14-17 to uncover what insecurity really is and how to break free from it. From hiding in our "secure places" to learning to catch the little foxes that spoil our relationships, this episode will challenge how you think about your worth and identity.
Key Timestamps:
* 00:00 - Intro: Why we're uncomfortable talking about God's deep love for us
* 05:24 - Reading Song of Solomon 2:14-17
* 06:33 - What is insecurity? (Spoiler: it's about feeling unseen)
* 12:10 - Alex and Loke get vulnerable about their biggest insecurities
* 16:41 - Why we stay insecure: The little foxes that spoil relationships
* 22:33 - Plot twist: Catching foxes should actually be fun
* 24:54 - The real solution to insecurity (hint: it's not self-improvement)
* 30:13 - The question that changes everything about belonging
* 31:23 - After the Amen: Personal stories about being misunderstood
Main Takeaways:
* Insecurity = feeling unseen in areas you care deeply about
* Jesus calls us out of hiding because He sees us completely and still chooses us
* The "little foxes" are small things that destroy our relationships with God and others
* True security comes from knowing you belong to Christ, not from fixing yourself
Perfect for: Anyone struggling with self-doubt, people-pleasing, or feeling like they don't measure up. If you've ever hidden parts of yourself because you're afraid of being rejected, this episode is for you.
Support the show at amenpodcast.com/donate to keep us ad-free!
Waiting for Love: What the Bible Says About Marriage & Jesus' Return
Welcome back to another episode of Amen Podcast! Alex and Lokelani are broadcasting from the beautiful North Shore of Kauai, Hawaii, at the Hawaii Leadership Residency.
Episode Overview
In this powerful message, we dive deep into Song of Songs 2:8-13 to explore the biblical perspective on waiting - both for marriage and for the return of our Lord Jesus Christ. If you're in a season of waiting and wondering what's next, this episode is for you.
What We Cover:
🔹 What Waiting Looks Like (verses 8-9)
* The balance between bounding over obstacles and respecting boundaries
* How Jesus jumped over mountains to reach us while still being a gentleman
🔹 Why Waiting Is Hard (verses 10-11)
* The importance of "beholding" - recognizing the signs of your season
* Not getting stuck in navel-gazing but looking up to see God's timing
🔹 How to Wait Well (verses 12-13)
* Looking for blossoming in your life and relationships
* Trusting God's perfect timing in all seasons
Key Takeaways:
✅ Healthy desire for your future spouse is actually a GOOD sign ✅ Jesus calls us at the "springtime of our soul" - His timing is perfect ✅ Being around godly married couples helps singles wait well ✅ Don't isolate yourself from church community during difficult seasons
Practical Application:
We end with our "After the Event" segment where we ask: Are you trusting His timing? Listen as Alex and Lokman share personal applications and practical advice for waiting well.
About Hawaii Leadership Residency
Want to spend a few months in Hawaii growing in your faith? Check out the Hawaii Leadership Residency program where you can:
* Attend house church teachings from various teachers
* Serve the local Kauai community
* Work with local kids through camp programs
* Grow in community with other believers
[Link in description for more info]
Support the Podcast
This episode and all our content is made possible by your generous support!
* Donate: amenpodcast.com/donate
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Connect With Us
We believe the Gospel truth is everything! Join our community of believers seeking to live out biblical truth in every area of life.
Timestamps: 00:00 - Welcome from Kauai 01:17 - Introduction to waiting for marriage & Jesus' return03:01 - Song of Songs 2:8-13 reading 04:06 - What waiting looks like: Bounding & Boundaries 08:26 - Jesus stands at the door and knocks (Rev 3:20) 11:12 - Why waiting is hard: The importance of beholding 16:42 - How to wait: Looking for blossoming 18:32 - Jesus as the gardener of our souls 24:47 - After the Event Q&A segment
#ChristianPodcast #BiblicalMarriage #SongOfSongs #ChristianDating #Hawaii #Waiting #Godstiming #Marriage #Jesus #Faith #Podcast
Song of Solomon 1:16 - 2:7
* Recording from the mountains of Kauai - a place of beauty and peace
* This is sermon #4 in the Song of Solomon series
* Topic: "Crazy Love" - the passionate, movie-like love we see in Scripture
I. What Crazy Love Looks Like (1:16-2:3)
A. Beautiful and Delightful (1:16-17)
* "You are beautiful, my beloved. Truly delightful"
* Their "couch is green" - outdoor intimacy in God's creation
* Building a life together with quality materials (cedar, pine)
* Crazy love says "I want to start a life with you, not just be roommates"
B. Standing Out Among Others (2:1-3)
* She: "I am a rose of Sharon, a lily of the valley" (I'm ordinary)
* He: "You are a lily among brambles" (You stand out to me)
* She: "He is like an apple tree among forest trees" (He stands out to me)
* This is the "only eyes for each other" kind of love we long for
C. Protection and Provision (2:3)
* "I sat in his shadow" - finding protection and provision
* "His fruit was sweet" - enjoying his care and leadership
* Crazy love includes a man's commitment to protect and provide
II. Why We Miss This Kind of Love (2:4-6)
A. We Look for Joy in the Wrong Places (2:4)
* "He brought me to his banqueting house" - the place of joy and celebration
* We seek joy in money, power, fame instead of relationship with Christ
* We fly different banners over our lives instead of His banner of love
B. We Choose Pleasure Over Covenant (2:5-6)
* "I am sick with love" - she's lovesick but chooses to wait
* "Sustain me with raisins" - being practical instead of giving in to desire
* We go straight to pleasure instead of building on covenant
* Same with our relationship with God - we want feelings without the gospel's hard truths
C. We Don't See the Full Picture (2:6)
* "His left hand under my head, his right hand embraces me"
* She's thinking about their whole life together - spiritual, physical, financial
* We focus on just one aspect instead of the complete person/relationship
III. How to Get Crazy Love Right (2:7)
A. The Power Source
* "By the gazelles and does of the field" (sounds like "Lord of Hosts" and "God Almighty" in Hebrew)
* Only God's power can help us do relationships His way
B. God's Timing
* "Do not stir up or awaken love until it pleases"
* Don't force it too early, don't delay it too long
* Wait for God's perfect timing, just as Jesus did
C. Following God's Design
* Marriage as covenant, not just roommates
* Obedience to God's design brings abundance and protection
* Like driving within the lane lines - stepping outside God's intention is dangerous
Conclusion
* God offers us both the "safe choice" and the "wild" passionate love
* Jesus is both the responsible provider and the passionate lover of our souls
* True crazy love is only possible through covenant relationship
* The earthly marriage is just a hint of our eternal marriage with Christ
Application Questions
* What stood out to you in this message?
* Are you looking for joy in God's banqueting house or somewhere else?
* How can you better see the "full picture" in your relationships?
* Are you waiting for God's timing or trying to force/delay love?
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Amen Podcast Episode Description
Episode Title: Crazy Love: What the Bible Says About Passionate Romance | Song of Solomon Series #4
Description:
What if God wants you to experience the kind of crazy, passionate love you see in movies - not despite being a Christian, but because of it?
In this episode recorded from the beautiful mountains of Kauai, we dive into Song of Solomon 1:16-2:7 to discover what "crazy love" actually looks like in Scripture. You might be surprised to learn that the Bible doesn't just endorse safe, practical relationships - it celebrates the kind of dizzying, movie-like romance that makes you want to build a whole life with someone.
In this episode, we explore:
* Why biblical love is both wild AND wise (it's not either/or!)
* The difference between building a marriage vs. just being roommates
* Why we miss out on crazy love (hint: it's about covenant, not just feelings)
* How to know when it's the right time to "awaken love"
* What separate bedrooms and delayed intimacy reveal about our hearts
* Why God's design for relationships leads to the deepest satisfaction
We also discuss how our relationship with Christ mirrors this passionate love - He's both the "safe choice" and the "wild" lover of our souls who went to crazy lengths to pursue us.
Whether you're single, dating, engaged, or married, this episode will challenge you to see God's design for love in a fresh way and help you understand why doing relationships His way leads to the kind of romance movies try to capture.
Recorded on location in the mountains of Kauai
🎧 Questions for reflection: What stood out to you? Are you looking for joy in the right places? How can you see the "full picture" in your relationships?
💝 Support the podcast: Visit amenpodcast.com/donate to help us continue creating content like this
#SongOfSolomon #ChristianDating #BiblicalMarriage #CrazyLove #Romance #Relationships #Podcast #Hawaii #Kauai
The TRUE Meaning of Christ's Death. AmenPodcast.com
Song of Solomon Series: From Raven to Dove
What does it mean to truly love and be loved? In Song of Solomon 1:9-15, we discover pure love - the kind that makes you stand out like a treasured mare among royal chariots.
But here's the problem: we're broken. We're attracted to what hurts instead of what's beautiful. Like restless ravens, we fly to and fro, refusing Christ's adornment and rejecting his fragrance for our own stench.
Christ transforms our wandering hearts into something still and fragrant - turning us from ravens into doves. He quiets our restless souls and fills us with his aroma.
The question is: what do your eyes reveal about the condition of your heart? Are they raven eyes or dove eyes?
Key Takeaways:
* Pure love means standing out in someone's eyes
* Our broken senses are attracted to stench instead of fragrance
* Christ adorns us with grace and makes us still
* Transformation happens when we stop flying restlessly and return to him
Based on Song of Solomon 1:9-15 and Genesis 8
Why was it necessary for Christ, the Redeemer, to die? Catechism #24. amenpodcast.com
Song of Solomon Series #2. Verses 1:5-8. What makes a person attractive is it their looks is it their intelligence? Is it their status? Is it their success God has a different standard for attraction. There is a certain beauty that is eternal and impossible to ignore. It is all inspiring and ours in Christ Jesus. Today we look at song of Solomon chapter 1:5-8 to know how to be attractive as a Christian. amenpodcast.com
Are you tired of playing the dating game and losing? In this episode, Alex and Lilinoe break down Song of Solomon 1:1-4 to reveal what actually attracts godly women. Spoiler: It's not your bank account or gym gains.
Discover why having "fragrant character" matters more than cologne, when to pursue vs. when to chill, and why your community's opinion of your relationship actually matters. Plus, learn the biblical balance between using your head AND your heart in dating.
Perfect for Christian guys navigating modern dating, engagement, or early marriage. Stop guessing what she wants - God already laid out the blueprint.
🎯 Key Takeaways:
* The character traits that make you "marriage material"
* Who should pursue who (the answer might surprise you)
* Why virgins loved Solomon (and it's not what you think)
* How to know if your relationship is God-approved
New episodes weekly. Like, subscribe, and let's grow together!
Jesus's confrontation with the religious leaders in Matthew 23 represents one of His most direct and severe rebukes in Scripture. These final "woes" reveal the depth of religious hypocrisy and its consequences. This passage shows both God's judgment against hypocrisy and His heart of compassion for His people.
- Key question: Are we cultivating authentic righteousness or merely maintaining religious appearances?
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In this powerful message, we explore how our personal preferences can sometimes interfere with our ability to love others as Christ commanded. Drawing from 1 Corinthians 3:21-23, this sermon examines how the early Corinthian church struggled with division and how we face similar challenges today. Learn how to fix your eyes on Jesus rather than human glory, and discover the peace that comes from understanding our identity in Christ.
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What sort of Redeemer is needed to bring us back to God? Catechism #21. amenpodcast.com
Matthew 23:25-26.
Catechism #20. Who is Christ our Redeemer. What does it mean for him to be fully God and fully human?
catechism #19. Is there anyway to escape God’s punishment and enter into God’s favor?
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Beware of False Leadership: Jesus' Warning Against Religious Hypocrisy | Matthew 23:15 Bible Study. amenpodcast.com
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1 corinthians 3:10-11. amenpodcast.com
Matthew 23:14 KJV. amenpodcast.com
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In this powerful episode, Alex unpacks Jesus' warning against religious pride and self-promotion, drawing parallels to Moses' mistake at the waters of Meribah. Through biblical insight and practical application, this message challenges listeners to examine their hearts and embrace true servant leadership in the pattern of Christ.
Whether you're a church leader or simply seeking to grow in your faith journey, this episode offers timely wisdom on the dangers of self-exaltation and the freedom found in humility.
Episode Outline:
Introduction (00:00-01:01)
* Welcome to Amen Podcast
* Topic introduction: Making disciples of Jesus, not ourselves
* Scripture reading: Matthew 23:1-7
The Consequence of Self-Exaltation (01:25-05:29)
* The story of Moses striking the rock (Numbers 20:10-13)
* God's response: "You did not trust me to demonstrate my holiness"
* Moses' desire for honor instead of pointing people to God
* The cost of Moses' pride: not entering the Promised Land
Jesus Confronts Religious Leaders (05:30-10:11)
* Setting: Holy Week before Jesus' arrest and crucifixion
* Jesus addresses crowds and disciples about scribes and Pharisees
* The "chair of Moses" and its authority
* "Do what they say, not what they do"
The Burden of Religious Performance (10:12-14:55)
* How religious leaders burden people but won't help them
* Seeking to be seen by others, not by God
* Explanation of phylacteries and tassels
* Enlarging religious symbols to appear more spiritual
* Seeking honor, best seats, and special titles
The Path of Humility (14:56-20:00)
* Jesus' warning: "Don't be called rabbi, father, or instructor"
* "The greatest among you will be your servant"
* "Whoever exalts himself will be humbled"
* God's grace to Moses despite his failure
* Joshua (Jesus) as the true leader into the Promised Land
Application for Today (20:01-33:13)
* The danger of seeking honor in Christian spaces
* The authenticity of house church vs. performance-based Christianity
* How religious rules can become burdens
* Being careful of spiritual pride and works-based religion
* Finding joy in service rather than recognition
Closing (33:13-end)
* Prayer
* Q&A invitation: "What is your amen?"
* Final thoughts on burdens vs. freedom in Christ
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In this powerful episode of Amen Podcast, Alex explores what it truly means to be trustworthy and content with God's provision. Diving deep into the biblical story of Lot, Abraham's nephew, Alex reveals how one moment of deception can spiral into devastating consequences.
Through Lot's journey from Abraham's side to the corrupt city of Sodom and his tragic ending, we discover what happens when we choose deceit and covetousness over contentment and truth. Alex connects this cautionary tale to the 9th and 10th commandments, showing how Jesus exemplifies the opposite of Lot's character—being completely trustworthy, truthful, and content with His mission.
The episode culminates with a powerful message of hope, explaining how Jesus "switched places" with us on the cross, taking the punishment we deserve so we can be freed from the destructive cycle of lies and discontent. Whether you're struggling with comparison culture, resentment, or honesty, this teaching offers both warning and redemption for today's challenges.
Join us for a thought-provoking exploration of biblical truth that will challenge you to examine your heart and find freedom in Christ's sacrifice
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In this powerful episode, Pastor Alex explores 1 Corinthians 2:14-16 and the dramatic showdown between Elijah and King Ahab from 1 Kings 18. Discover the fundamental difference between "natural" thinking and "spiritual" thinking, and why Christians are called to be unnatural in the best possible way.
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Beyond Rules: The Heart Behind the Commandments
A deeper look at what it truly means to follow the sixth, seventh, and eighth commandments
When we think about biblical figures like David—a man who killed someone, stole another man's wife, and committed adultery "all in one fell swoop"—we might find ourselves feeling pretty good by comparison. After all, most of us haven't done anything nearly that scandalous.
And yet, David is called "a man after God's own heart" in Acts 13:22. How is this possible?
Jesus Reframes the Commandments
In Matthew 5, Jesus challenges our self-righteousness by digging deeper into what these commandments really require of us:
* You may not have murdered anyone—but have you been consumed with anger toward someone? That murderous heart attitude is there, just restrained by consequences and laws.
* You may not have committed adultery—but have you lusted after someone in your heart? Have you tried to get others to desire you? Our social media culture thrives on this exact dynamic.
* You may not have stolen anything—but are you discontent with what you have? Do you believe God hasn't given you enough?
The Invitation Within the Commandments
When we look at Exodus 20:13-15 (the sixth, seventh, and eighth commandments), we discover that these aren't just prohibitions—they're invitations to a better way of living. They call us to:
* Protect (not murder)
* Promise (not commit adultery)
* Preserve (not steal)
Be a Protector of Life
The command against murder isn't just about not killing—it's about being someone who values and protects human life. It asks: Are you the kind of person others feel safe around? Do people trust you and feel secure in your presence?
Be a Promise Keeper
The command against adultery goes beyond avoiding infidelity—it's about keeping your word. Marriage is a covenant relationship, a promise to remain faithful "despite what happens to us, despite what happens to me." This commandment asks: Are you trustworthy? Do you have integrity?
Be a Preserver
The command against stealing isn't just about respecting others' property—it's about preserving and valuing what you already have. Do you appreciate what God has given you? Are you a good steward of your own possessions?
Finding Freedom in Christ
So how do we live up to these high standards? By looking to Jesus.
On the cross, Jesus became the victim of all these sins:
* He was killed (sixth commandment)
* He was betrayed by those who belonged to him (seventh commandment)
* He had his honor stolen (eighth commandment)
Yet in that same moment, he took our place—the place of murderers, adulterers, and thieves. He died between two thieves, one of whom recognized his own guilt and Jesus' innocence.
This is what David understood in Psalm 51 when he cried out, "Against you, you only, have I sinned." David wasn't a man after God's own heart because he was perfect, but because he understood his need for forgiveness and turned to God in repentance.
It's Not About Trying Harder
Keeping these commandments has never been about trying harder. It's always been about looking to Christ—the true Protector, Promise Keeper, and Preserver.
When we see that he took our place on the cross and that God raised him from the dead, we begin to change. We become more like the parents, leaders, and friends we want to be.
This post is part of our 52-week study through the catechism, exploring the core doctrines of our faith through questions that churches have used for centuries.
How has this perspective on the commandments spoken to you? I'd love to hear in the comments
.
Welcome to the Amen Podcast, where we believe that the gospel changes everything. Today's message explores Matthew 22:41-46, where Jesus challenges the Pharisees with a profound question about his identity.
Scripture Reading: Matthew 22:41-46
Now, while the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus, asked them a question, saying, "What do you think about the Christ? Whose son is he?" They said to him, "The Son of David." He said to them, "How is it then, that David in the spirit calls him Lord, saying, 'The Lord said to my Lord, sit at my right hand until I put your enemies under your feet?' If then David calls him Lord, how is he his son?" And no one was able to answer him a word, nor from that day did anyone dare to ask him any more questions.
The Big Revelation: Jesus is More Than You Think
I was watching surfing with my son Leon recently. He had a sudden interest in it, partly because he wanted to connect with something I enjoy, but also because he's spent enough time in the water himself to understand the scale of those waves.
When you don't surf or go to the ocean much, every wave looks the same. It all blends together - same guy, same wave, over and over. But the closer you get to surfing, the bigger the experience becomes.
It's the same with the Lord. The closer you get to God, the bigger He gets to you.
The Pharisees were far from God, even though Jesus—God Himself—stood right before them. This distance is evident in their approach to Jesus with questions meant to trap Him.
A Question That Silenced the Religious Leaders
Throughout Holy Week, Jesus faced continual challenges from His enemies. After answering their questions perfectly, Jesus turns the tables. He asks them: "What do you think about the Messiah? Whose son is he?"
They quickly answered "Son of David," as any Jewish person would. This wasn't wrong - Matthew's gospel begins by identifying Jesus as "the Son of David, the son of Abraham" to connect Him to messianic prophecy.
But Jesus pushes deeper: "How is it then that David, inspired by the Spirit, calls him Lord?" quoting Psalm 110:1. Jesus points out a paradox they couldn't resolve: Why would David call his own descendant "Lord"?
The Pharisees had no answer. They couldn't reconcile how the Messiah could be both David's son (his descendant) and David's Lord (his superior).
The Big Problem Behind Our Small Problems
The Pharisees missed something crucial: They thought the Messiah would be merely a national leader who would free them from Rome. They saw their biggest problem as Roman occupation.
But Jesus reveals that the Messiah's role is much bigger—universal, not just national. Their actual problem wasn't Rome but sin and death. This required a Messiah greater than they imagined—not just the Son of David but the Son of God.
When God appears bigger to us, our problems don't necessarily get smaller. Instead, we realize that our true problem—sin and death—is actually much larger than our daily concerns. But this realization gives us peace because we have a Savior big enough to handle our greatest problem.
The Waves of Sin and Death
Think about surfing again. From the beach, waves might look manageable. But as you paddle out and get closer, you realize their true size and power. The closer Jesus got to the cross, the more real His suffering became. In the Garden of Gethsemane, He sweat drops of blood as the "wave" of our sin loomed before Him.
Yet Jesus paddled toward that wave willingly, holding nothing back. The crushing weight of sin and death—our biggest problem—overwhelmed Him completely. But three days later, He rose from the dead, defeating what was previously undefeatable.
If Jesus conquered sin and death—our greatest problem—then why do we let smaller problems defeat us? When we see God as truly big, we recognize how holy He is and how sinful we are. But we also see that if Christ defeated our biggest problem, then no matter how overwhelming our daily challenges seem, they're nothing compared to what Jesus has already overcome for us.
Living in Light of the Resurrection
This perspective change comes from spending time with God—praying, reading Scripture, attending church, and surrounding yourself with believers. Don't let small problems consume you when your biggest problem has already been solved.
What scares you about your problems? Maybe it's taxes, and you worry: "What if they take all my money?" But dig deeper, and the fear is really: "What if I'm not going to be all right?" which ultimately points to fear of death.
Or with relationships: when someone breaks up with you, what you feel isn't just rejection—it's as if you're going to die. These "small" problems mask our ultimate fear of sin and death.
But once you realize Jesus has taken care of sin and death, you can face any challenge with confidence. If Christ is with you through your problems, and He has already handled your biggest problem, then you can handle whatever comes your way.
After the Amen: Application
Lokelani’s Amen: We often worry about the wrong things—small problems instead of the big one. What's freeing is living in confidence knowing that the answer to my biggest problem is settled. Why am I consumed by smaller worries when Jesus has already answered my greatest need
?
Alex's Amen: My small problem that feels big is fear that people will discover "I'm not that awesome" and leave me. This fear is really about sin winning in my life. But sin won't win—it's already been defeated. And I'll never be alone because the One who loves me most will never leave or forsake me.
That's how the gospel changes everything in our lives. We make small problems the big problem when they're not. But Christ is bigger than we think, and our biggest problem has already been answered.
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Until next time, go out and be the church!
Two Spirits:
Welcome to this week's sermon podcast! Today, we're exploring a powerful message about the two competing spiritual influences in our lives and how we can walk in the power of God's Spirit.
Episode Overview
In this episode, we'll examine the stark contrast between living by the Spirit of God versus the spirit of the world, using the dramatic story of Samson as our case study.
Key Scripture
* 1 Corinthians 2:10-13
* Judges 16:1-30
* Romans 8:11
* John 20:22
* Luke 23:46
Sermon Outline
Part 1: Understanding God's Breath (Spirit)
* The Greek word "pneuma" means breath or spirit
* Heath Ledger analogy: How he studied the Joker's breathing to understand the character
* To know God's breath is to know God's character and disposition
* Scripture is "breathed out by God" (2 Timothy 3:16)
* Only the Spirit of God knows the thoughts of God
Part 2: Samson's Story - Power and Promises
* Background: God raised judges to free Israel from enemies
* Samson's Nazarite vow and its meaning
* The Spirit of God rested on Samson, giving him supernatural strength
* Delilah's deception and Samson's poor choices
* The devastating consequence: "The Lord had left him"
* Samson's final prayer and redemption
Part 3: Jesus as the Greater Samson
* Both died surrounded by enemies
* Samson died with his enemies; Jesus died for His enemies
* Jesus "breathed His last" to give us new spiritual breath
* Jesus breathed on the apostles: "Receive the Holy Spirit"
Part 4: Living in the Power of God's Spirit
* Two competing spirits: the world's vs. God's
* We will all die for a spirit - which one will we choose?
* The Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead lives in believers
* What needs to "die" in our lives for God's Spirit to fully operate?
* Our communities don't need us - they need God's Spirit in us
Reflection Questions
* What is the Spirit of God doing in your life right now?
* What might God be asking you to let "die" so His Spirit can work more powerfully through you?
* How can you better distinguish between the world's influences and God's Spirit?
* In what areas of your life do you need to stop giving "CPR" to things that need to die?
Closing Thoughts
We all face a choice: Will we die giving ourselves to the spirit of this world, or will we allow things to die in us so we can fully live by God's Spirit? Remember, the same Spirit that empowered Samson and raised Jesus from the dead lives in you. Don't wait until it's too late to discover the power of living by God's breath.
Next Week
Join us as we continue our series on spiritual empowerment with "Recognizing God's Voice in a Noisy World." Subscribe to make sure you don't miss it!
If this message resonated with you, please share it with others who might need this encouragement. Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe to our podcast for more weekly spiritual insights.
Introduction
* Christianity is more than just feelings or Sunday experiences
* The Greek word for "breath" and "spirit" (pneuma) is the same word
* The connection between breath, life, and the Spirit of God
The Spirit Gives Us Access to the Mind of God
* 1 Corinthians 2:10-13 - The Spirit searches the depths of God
* Just as our breath enters our brain before we speak, God's Spirit knows His thoughts
* Through the Spirit, believers have special access to God's wisdom
The Story of Joseph: Dreams and Divine Purpose
* Joseph's dreams came directly from God
* His brothers' rejection couldn't stop God's purpose
* Jesus is the greater Joseph
* Rejected by his brothers
* Through death, brought salvation
* Gave up His breath so we could receive it
The Life-Changing Power of the Spirit
* Romans 8:11 - The same Spirit that raised Jesus lives in believers
* Having the Spirit means our lives should visibly change
* The Spirit transforms our character and disposition
The Treasures of Knowing God Deeply
* Access to the depths of God means access to deeper joy
* The Spirit brings transformation to others through us
* There's always more treasure to discover in Christ
Challenge
* If you're not experiencing growth or change, examine your connection to the Spirit
* Don't let the world make you feel strange for showing Christian character
* Don't snatch away what God is trying to do in your life
Conclusion
* Take time to ask: "What is the Spirit doing in my life right now?"
* God's Spirit is meant to turn everything upside down
* Let the life-giving power of the Spirit work through you
Matthew 22:34-40 Bible Study
From the Amen Podcast with Alex and Lokalani
Scripture Reading
But when the Pharisees heard that he had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together and one of them, a lawyer, asked him a question to test him. "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the law?" And he said to him, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the law and the prophets."
— Matthew 22:34-40 (ESV)
Context
In this passage, Jesus faces the third and final question from religious leaders trying to trap him during Holy Week. The Pharisees had already tried to entrap him with a question about taxes. The Sadducees had attempted to trick him with a theological puzzle about resurrection. Now, a lawyer from the Pharisees tests Jesus about which of the 613 commandments in the law is greatest.
Christ's answer is brilliant and silences his critics. He doesn't simply pick one law over the others—he summarizes the entire law by combining two passages:
* Deuteronomy 6:5 — "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might."
* Leviticus 19:18 — "You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord."
Key Points
1. The Command Is Also an Invitation
When Jesus answers with "love God and love your neighbor," he's not just giving a command; he's offering an invitation to freedom. God's commandments were never meant to be oppressive rules but a pathway to life, joy, and communion with Him and others.
2. Love God, Love People
This "greatest commandment" is comprehensive and binary:
* Vertical relationship: Love God with your whole being
* Horizontal relationship: Love your neighbors as yourself
Every other commandment flows from these two principles. If we love God truly, we will keep His commandments. If we love our neighbors, we will not harm them but seek their good.
3. The Example of Onan: Breaking the Greatest Commandment
In Genesis 38:8-10, we see Onan refusing to fulfill his duty to his deceased brother's wife, Tamar. By selfishly seeking his own gratification without responsibility, Onan:
* Failed to love God by disrespecting His plan for the family lineage
* Failed to love his neighbor (Tamar) by denying her security and protection
This story illustrates how we become selfish when we break the greatest commandment. We choose gratification over responsibility, personal desires over the needs of others.
4. Christ Perfectly Fulfilled the Commandment
Jesus is the only one who perfectly loved God and others:
* He loved God so much that he was obedient to death on a cross
* He loved his neighbors (us) so much that he laid down his life for us while we were still sinners
Jesus didn't just teach the greatest commandment—he demonstrated it through his sacrifice.
Application Questions
* How can you love God more fully this week? Consider practical ways to express your love through obedience, worship, and time with Him.
* Who is your "neighbor" that needs your love right now? Think about family members, coworkers, church members, and actual neighbors who might need encouragement, forgiveness, or practical help.
* In what areas of your life are you being selfish like Onan? Where are you choosing gratification over responsibility?
* How has your perspective on God's commands changed? Do you see them as restrictive rules or as invitations to freedom and love?
* What gifts has God given you that you can use to love others in your church community?
Closing Thoughts
When we shift our mindset from "I have to love God and others" to "I get to love God and others," everything changes. This isn't just a duty—it's a privilege and the pathway to true joy.
The more we walk in obedience, the more natural loving God and loving others becomes. As we grow in Christ, we find that loving others flows more easily from us because God's own love fills our hearts.
Remember: To love God is to obey Him. To love others is to serve them. And in doing both, we experience the life Jesus intended for us.
"How can you love God and love others?" Share your answers in the comments below!
Prayer
Father, thank you for your leadership and for teaching us in ways we never expected. Help us to remember that loving you and loving others is not merely a command but an invitation to experience life as you designed it. Guide us to love you through our obedience and to love others through service and sacrifice. In Jesus' name, amen
In this episode, Alex discusses the importance of family togetherness and the Fourth and Fifth Commandments from his backyard gym. He shares how House Church began with the vision of families worshiping together rather than being separated into different rooms. He explains the three aspects of Sabbath: rhythm (establishing healthy patterns), rejuvenation (spiritual and physical restoration), and rest (embracing God's grace without working for salvation). Alex connects the Sabbath to the commandment to honor parents, emphasizing that our first relationship with father and mother shapes all future relationships. He concludes that a right relationship with God through Christ enables us to heal other relationships and truly embrace Sabbath rest. The episode is part of the Amen podcast, which can be found at amenepodcast.com and on Instagram. AmenPodcast.com
In a world that constantly pulls us toward immediate gratification and worldly success, we often forget a profound biblical truth: for those who love God, the best is yet to come.
A Wisdom the World Doesn't Understand
Recently, I was reflecting on Paul's words in 1 Corinthians 2:8-9:
"None of the rulers of this age knew this wisdom because if they had known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. But it is written: What no eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no human heart has conceived—God has prepared these things for those who love him."
This passage reveals something extraordinary about how God works. The rulers who crucified Jesus—Tiberius, Pontius Pilate, Herod Antipas, and the religious leaders—acted in complete ignorance of God's wisdom. Had they understood what their actions would ultimately accomplish, they would have stopped immediately.
They had no idea that by crucifying Jesus, they were signing their own death warrant. They couldn't foresee how this seemingly small religious execution would lead to the rise of Christianity and eventually the end of the Roman Empire as followers of Christ lived as loyal citizens under Rome while giving their ultimate allegiance to God.
Living Differently: The Example of Daniel
This pattern of God working in ways that exceed human imagination appears throughout scripture. Consider Daniel, who served in the highest levels of government yet remained uncompromisingly devoted to God.
When faced with a law forbidding prayer to anyone but the king, Daniel didn't hesitate or hide. Daniel 6:10 tells us: "When Daniel learned about the document that had been signed, he went to his house... three times a day he got down on his knees, prayed, and gave thanks to his God, just as he had done before."
Daniel changed nothing when threatened with the lions' den. Why? Because his life was already aligned with God's purposes. He already loved God and lived differently, so when pressure came, consistency—not change—was his response.
For those living in alignment with God's will, the key isn't radical change but faithful consistency. For those not living in obedience to God, significant changes may be necessary. But for Daniel, obedience meant simply continuing what he was already doing.
What No Eye Has Seen
Throughout his life, Daniel repeatedly experienced things he could never have imagined:
* Surviving the lions' den
* Sleeping to the sound of purring lions
* Seeing Judaism become elevated throughout the Persian Empire because of his faithfulness
* Witnessing the king decree that everyone should worship Daniel's God
These experiences beautifully illustrate Paul's promise that "what no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human heart has conceived, God has prepared for those who love him."
The Greater Daniel
Jesus is the greater Daniel. Just as Daniel emerged from the lions' den unharmed with no broken bones, Jesus emerged from death itself without a single bone broken—fulfilling the prophecy of Psalm 34:20.
What enabled Jesus to endure the cross? Hebrews 12:2 tells us it was "for the joy set before him." That joy was knowing that for His children, the best was yet to come. His love for the Father and His love for us carried Him through.
From Darkness to Light
When I was eight years old, I was exposed to inappropriate content at a friend's house. That experience began a journey into darkness I couldn't have imagined at the time. Yet, more than twenty years later, God has completely reversed that trajectory.
Never would I have dreamed that God would take that broken child and transform him into someone who influences others for good. What seemed irreversible—the shame and darkness—God turned completely around.
The Power of the Cross
This is why I can't stop talking about the cross. It's not just that God redeemed us there; He reversed everything sin did in our lives. The cross gives us power to let go of anything we're holding onto too tightly—those things we think define us—because we know the best is yet to come.
How Does This Change Us?
So I leave you with this question: How does believing the best is yet to come encourage you today?
Whatever you're facing—however dark, lonely, or impossible your situation seems—if you hold onto the hope of the cross and resurrection, you can live differently. You can endure. You can overcome.
Because for those who love God, the best truly is yet to come.
amenpodcast.com
Continuing our series on Matthew 22
When Religious Critics Attack
In our ongoing exploration of Matthew 22, we encounter Jesus facing his second challenge of the day. After silencing the Pharisees, Jesus now confronts the Sadducees, who approach Him with skepticism and mockery about the resurrection.
The passage (Matthew 22:23-34) reveals how Jesus masterfully responds to those who attempt to trap Him with theological questions. This interaction provides powerful lessons for believers today who face criticism or mockery for their faith.
Who Were the Sadducees?
Before diving into Jesus' response, it's important to understand who the Sadducees were:
* They only accepted the Torah (the first five books of the Bible) as authoritative scripture
* They rejected the concept of resurrection because they found no explicit mention of it in the Torah
* They were part of the religious establishment that felt threatened by Jesus' growing influence
The Trick Question
The Sadducees approached Jesus with what they believed was a foolproof theological trap:
"Teacher, Moses said if a man dies having no children, his brother must marry the widow and raise up offspring for his brother. Now there were seven brothers among us. The first married and died, and having no offspring, left his wife to his brother. So too the second and third, down to the seventh. After them all, the woman died. In the resurrection, therefore, of the seven, whose wife will she be? For they all had her."
Their question referenced Deuteronomy 25:5-6, the law of levirate marriage designed to preserve family lines. By creating this extreme scenario involving seven brothers marrying the same woman, they hoped to mock the very concept of resurrection that Jesus taught.
Jesus' Two-Fold Response
Jesus doesn't hesitate or become defensive. Instead, He identifies two critical flaws in their thinking:
* "You know neither the Scriptures..." - Despite their supposed expertise in the Torah, they missed its deeper teachings about eternal life
* "...nor the power of God" - They limited God's abilities to their own understanding of reality
Jesus then explains that marriage is an earthly institution, not continued in heaven the same way. More powerfully, He uses their own accepted Scripture against them, quoting Exodus: "I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob." By emphasizing that God "is not the God of the dead, but of the living," Jesus affirms the resurrection from within the very Torah they claimed to revere.
Silencing Enemies God's Way
This passage teaches us vital lessons about dealing with those who mock or criticize our faith:
* Stay grounded in Scripture - Jesus didn't rely on eloquence or personal attacks but on the truth of God's word
* Trust in God's power - When we limit God to our understanding, we miss His greater purposes
* Let God silence critics - Rather than seeking personal vengeance, allow God's truth to speak
A Personal Example
I'm reminded of our own journey in ministry. Years ago, my husband and I began creating Christian content online, facing mockery and criticism from many who thought it was "weird" or "cringe." A year before COVID-19, we felt led to start digital church services despite skepticism.
When the pandemic hit, what had seemed foolish to critics suddenly became essential. The infrastructure we had built became a lifeline for thousands seeking spiritual nourishment during lockdowns. Without fighting our critics or defending ourselves, God vindicated our efforts through His timing and provision.
The Final Word
The crowd's reaction to Jesus' response says it all: "they were astonished at his teaching." The Sadducees, who came to trap Jesus, found themselves silenced instead.
This remains true for believers today. When we face opposition, mockery, or attempts to undermine our faith, we don't need to fight back in our "own power, own pride, or own vengeance." Instead, like Jesus, we can rely on God's Word and God's power.
God will get the final word. His Word will not return void. Our call is to remain faithful, continue in what He's called us to do, and trust Him with the results.
"For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart." - Hebrews 4:12
Join us next week as we continue our series through Matthew 22 with Jesus' third response to His critics.
Prayer Prompt: Where in your life do you need to trust God to silence critics rather than fighting them yourself? Spend time asking God to help you know His Word more deeply and trust His power more fully.
If this post encouraged you, please share it with others and subscribe to receive our weekly devotionals directly to your inbox.
As I sat in the quiet of early morning, a conviction settled over me. In our fast-paced, entertainment-saturated world, how often do we truly put God first?
When my wife and I lived in California before returning to Kauai, we intentionally kept television out of our bedroom. This simple choice led us to earlier bedtimes and earlier mornings—and surprisingly, a deeper connection with God. It wasn't about the schedule itself, but where we placed our priorities.
The First Three Commandments
In our 52-week study of the catechism, Question #9 asks: "What does God require in the first, second, and third commandments?" The answer reveals a profound framework for our relationship with God:
* Know God as the one true and living God
* Avoid all idolatry
* Treat God's name with fear and reverence
These first three commandments all center on our relationship with God, while the remaining seven govern our relationships with others. But I've discovered these aren't just ancient rules—they're a diagnostic tool for my spiritual health.
Modern Idols in Disguise
When I spend hours scrolling through entertainment instead of in prayer, what does that reveal about my priorities? The "god of entertainment" competes with the one true God for my attention and affection. Other "gods" slip into our lives too—success, finances, self-sufficiency, even creativity.
True worship requires treating God's name—His character, His word, and His works—with genuine reverence. When I rush through prayer or Scripture because I stayed up too late watching shows, I'm not giving God the honor He deserves.
Breaking Free
Recently, I felt God convicting me to return to Him and remake my mornings. If I truly believe He is the one true and living God, shouldn't I trust that time with Him is more valuable than an extra hour of sleep? If His name is upon me as His child, shouldn't I live with purpose rather than emptiness?
Making this change isn't about trying harder—that approach always fails. Instead, we must look to Jesus:
* Jesus knew and confessed God as the only true God
* Jesus put the Father first in all things, constantly overturning idols
* Jesus showed complete reverence for God's name in how He lived
On the cross, Jesus took the punishment for our failure to keep these commandments. Our broken relationship with God was restored through His sacrifice. When Jesus cried, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" He was experiencing the separation our sin deserved.
But three days later, God raised Jesus from the dead, proving He will never forsake us—even when we fail. He leads us toward a fuller life, saying, "You don't know what you're missing when you prioritize lesser things over Me."
Your Turn
What changes might God be calling you to make? Where have modern idols crept into your daily rhythms? Remember, don't just try harder—look to Jesus, who perfectly fulfilled these commandments and offers us grace to grow.
When we realign our priorities and put God first—whether through earlier mornings, intentional prayer, or mindful worship—what once felt like burden becomes joy. The table He invites us to is worth every sacrifice.
How are you honoring God in your daily rhythms? Share in the comments below.
This post is part of our 52-week study of the catechism. Join us next week as we continue exploring the Ten Commandments.
#alexwilson #amenpodcast #catechism
Introduction: The Two Ages in Scripture
Throughout the Bible, we see a consistent theme of two distinct ages:
* The Present Age - characterized by rebellion, sin, and death
* The Age to Come - characterized by God's rule and righteousness
As Christians, we live in the tension between these two ages. Christ's death and resurrection have ushered in the age to come, yet we still experience the realities of the present age.
Key Scripture: 1 Corinthians 2:6-7
"We do, however, speak a wisdom among the mature but not a wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age who are coming to nothing. On the contrary, we speak God's hidden wisdom in a mystery, a wisdom God predestined before the ages for our glory."
What is Spiritual Maturity?
1. Spiritual maturity is not about physical age
* Example: Samuel as a boy hearing God's voice (1 Samuel 3)
* Contrast: Eli, physically mature but spiritually dull
* Timothy being told, "Don't let anyone look down on you because you're young"
2. Spiritual maturity is characterized by obedience
* Moving from spiritual milk to solid food (Hebrews 5:14)
* "The reason why Christians don't mature in the church is because they don't walk in obedience"
* Growth happens when we do what God has told us to do
3. Spiritual maturity means accepting reality
* Recognizing we live in a fallen world
* "Spiritual maturity is realizing I can't always get what I want"
* Not being flustered when things don't go our way (like Esther, Ruth, and Mary)
4. Spiritual maturity means responding to God's voice
* Samuel's response: "Speak, for your servant is listening"
* Answering God directly instead of always running to intermediaries
* Jesus' sacrifice ensures we can hear God's voice
How to Grow Spiritually
* Recognize the age you belong to: You were born into the present age but born again into the age to come
* Walk in obedience: Don't justify sin while expecting spiritual growth
* Exercise faith: "Everything in your life requires faith"
* Respond when God calls: Like Samuel, be quick to say "Here I am"
* Accept your inability to control everything: Christianity isn't about controlling the world but about living faithfully within it
The Glory That Awaits
* "A Christian's glory is that we might be like Christ"
* God predestined this glory "before the ages" (1 Cor 2:7)
* Jesus died so we could hear God's voice like Samuel did
* In spiritual maturity, "there is nothing that the gates of hell will prevail over you"
Closing Challenge
Where is God asking you to mature, and you're not listening?
Where is He saying, "just grow up"?
What area of obedience is He calling you to embrace today?
"Spiritual maturity is having the knowledge that I am not a part of this age. I'm a part of the age to come."
By Alex and Lokelani
Welcome to our Substack! As promised, we're providing deeper content to complement Amen podcast. This is the third and final part of our series examining Matthew 22:15-22, the famous passage about paying taxes to Caesar.
The Scripture
Then the Pharisees went and plotted how to entangle him in his words, and they sent their disciples to him along with the Herodians, saying, "Teacher, we know that you are true and teach the way of God truthfully, and you do not care about anyone's opinion, for you are not swayed by appearances. Tell us then what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not?"
But Jesus, aware of their malice, said, "Why put me to the test, you hypocrites? Show me the coin for the tax." And they brought him a denarius. And Jesus said to them, "Whose likeness and inscription is this?" They said, "Caesar's." Then he said to them, "Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's."
When they heard it, they marveled, and they left him and went away. — Matthew 22:15-22
Key Message: What Should Consume Our Zeal?
In our final exploration of this passage, we examine Jesus' response through the lens of politics and what deserves our zealous devotion.
The Cultural Context
During Jesus' time, Caesar's coins represented more than currency—they contained inscriptions declaring Caesar divine. This created tension for devout Jews who recognized only one God. The religious leaders were attempting to trap Jesus with an impossible choice:
* If he said "pay taxes," religious Jews would see him endorsing idolatry
* If he said "don't pay taxes," Roman authorities would view him as an insurrectionist
Jesus' brilliant response transcended this false dichotomy while revealing a deeper truth.
The Image We Bear
When Jesus asked "whose image is on this coin?" he wasn't simply finding a clever escape from their trap. He was highlighting a profound truth about identity and allegiance.
Just as coins bear Caesar's image and belong to Caesar's domain, we bear God's image and belong to God. While we can participate in earthly systems (pay taxes, vote, engage in civic life), our primary identity and loyalty must remain with God.
Warning Signs: When Politics Overshadows Faith
Here are some warning signs that politics may be displacing spiritual priorities:
* Being more excited about political rallies than worship
* Speaking more passionately about candidates than Christ
* Skipping church to watch debates
* Defining fellow Christians primarily by their political affiliations
* Exhibiting rage rather than the fruit of the Spirit when discussing politics
Finding Balance: The Early Church Model
The early Christians weren't politically disengaged—they actively sought the welfare of their cities while maintaining ultimate allegiance to Christ. This dual posture made them both beneficial to society and threatening to those in power. They wanted the common good but refused to worship the emperor.
This is our model: we can be thoughtfully engaged citizens while remembering that our first love and ultimate hope lies not in political systems but in Christ's kingdom.
After the Amen
Am I zealous about the things of God? How does my passion for God's kingdom compare with other concerns in my life? When I discuss politics, do I exhibit the fruit of the Spirit or the works of the flesh?
A Call to Wisdom
Politics tends to bring out strong emotions, often leading to division even among believers. Wisdom calls us to:
* Prioritize Kingdom values above partisan identities
* Engage respectfully with those holding different views
* Remember that sanctification happens at different paces
* Care deeply about our communities while maintaining our first love
Our goal isn't to create a perfect Christian nation through political power, but to live as faithful witnesses who reflect Christ's character in every sphere of life—including the political.
By Alex Wilson
When I was 17, my parents gave me my dad's 1997 Chevy Silverado. The truck was almost completely made of steel, and their thinking was simple: if Alex gets into an accident, he has a better chance of walking away because of how tough this truck is. They were right – I did get into a wreck, and I walked away from it. I even went to school that day.
This gift was meant to protect me, to help me flourish, to get me safely to school and football practice. It was given so I might live an abundant high school life. But I trashed the gift. I didn't honor it – I did donuts, raced my friends, drove without a seatbelt. I failed to honor the gift they had given me.
God's law is a lot like that truck.
In our ongoing 52-week study through the New City Catechism (by Crossway), we arrive at Question 8: "What is the law of God stated in the Ten Commandments?"
The law that God gave to Moses was a gift to His people. Think of it as a vehicle to transport them from Egypt to the promised land, to get them from point A to point B safely so they could flourish and experience the abundance of life that comes from walking in communion with God. But like me with my truck, they saw it as something to be broken.
Let's break down the Ten Commandments:
The first four commandments focus on our relationship with God:
* Have no other gods before me
* Do not make an idol for yourself
* Do not misuse the name of the Lord your God
* Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy
The remaining six govern our relationships with others:
5. Honor your father and mother
6. Do not murder
7. Do not commit adultery
8. Do not steal
9. Do not give false testimony
10. Do not covet
Jesus beautifully summarizes these into two commands: Love God and love your neighbor. The first four commandments show us how to love God, while the last six teach us how to love our neighbors.
Here's the challenging part: if you break even one of these commandments, you've broken them all. If you've kept them perfectly for 30 years but fail in year 31, you've broken them all. These laws show us how holy God is and how impossible it is for us to keep them perfectly on our own.
This is where Christ enters the picture. He takes God's law – this gift – and obeys it completely because He is perfect, the Son of God. He dies to pay the punishment for our law-breaking (death), and rises three days later by the Spirit of God.
This means we now live under a new covenant. If you trust in Jesus, you're no longer under the covenant of works (trying to perfectly obey the law to earn salvation) but under the covenant of grace. Jesus did the work for us. Even when we slip up, we remain in right relationship with God because of Christ's perfect obedience.
Now we can finally experience the gift of God's law as it was intended. Instead of seeing it as a monster lurking over us, we can view it as the gift it truly is – a guide to abundant life and flourishing.
I think back to my reckless driving days. I was searching for happiness in all the wrong places, putting myself in danger, living with anxiety. What if I had stopped and recognized that truck as the gift it was? What if I had shed my entitled attitude and instead spent time caring for it, appreciating it?
Here on Kauai where we live, I see local boys with their first trucks taking such incredible care of them – washing them, maintaining them, treating them with respect. There's a joy they have that others miss when they don't treat their vehicles as gifts.
Can we approach God's law the same way? Instead of viewing it as a burden, what if we saw it as a gift that shows us the path to abundant life? Under the covenant of grace, God's law isn't a harsh taskmaster but a loving guide, leading us to freedom rather than slavery.
If you want to dive deeper into these weekly reflections, subscribe to our Substack where I post detailed outlines of each episode. And if you'd like to support this podcast, visit AMENpodcast.co
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See you next week for Question 9!
With love, Alex
From Persuasion to Power: Learning to Trust God's Strength
In a recent sermon from House Church's Corinthians series, Pastor Alex explores 1 Corinthians 2:3-5, unpacking Paul's approach to ministry and what it teaches us about authentic faith.
The Power of Weakness
The passage reads:
"I came to you in weakness and fear and in much trembling. My speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of wisdom, but with the demonstration of the Spirit's power, so that your faith might not be based on human wisdom, but on God's power."
Alex highlights how Paul, despite his impressive credentials as a former Pharisee, approached the Corinthians in "weakness, fear, and trembling." Why? Because his message—that a crucified carpenter was actually the Son of God—sounded absolutely crazy in their context.
In Corinth, public speakers typically used eloquent, theatrical speech following Aristotle's methods. But Paul deliberately chose not to use these persuasive techniques. Instead, he relied on God's power to demonstrate the truth of his message.
Explanation vs. Demonstration
Paul didn't want the Corinthians' faith to be based on clever arguments or persuasive speech, but on experiencing God's power firsthand. Alex explains:
"He didn't want their faith to be an explanation. He wanted their faith to be a demonstration."
This distinction matters deeply. When our faith rests on human persuasion rather than God's power, it becomes vulnerable to what Alex calls "false conversions"—people who are emotionally moved by entertaining messages but whose faith eventually fades.
David and Goliath: Faith in Action
To illustrate true faith, Alex turns to the story of David and Goliath. He points out that David didn't approach Goliath with impressive weapons or armor, but with complete confidence in God's power. While Goliath relied on intimidation and his physical advantages, David declared he was coming "in the name of the Lord of armies."
In the Bible, a person's name represents their character. David wasn't just invoking God's name—he was expressing complete trust in God's character and power. This is what faith is: believing in God's character and power rather than our own abilities.
Looking Back to Move Forward
Alex connects this to how God continually called Israel to remember His deliverance from Egypt—their "Red Sea moment." For Christians today, the cross serves the same purpose. When we face challenges that seem impossible, we look back to the cross and resurrection as proof of God's power and faithfulness.
"Where you're going to be able to get through circumstances where, you know, I can't do this on my own strength is to look back at the crucifixion, to look back at the cross. That is your Red Sea moment."
After Hours Reflections
In a post-sermon conversation with his wife Lokelani, Alex shares how this message challenges him personally. As someone naturally gifted at charming and persuading others, he has to be careful not to rely on those abilities when sharing God's Word.
Lokelani adds that it's about "not mustering up our own strength" but allowing the Spirit to work through us. They agree that true spiritual impact comes not from confidence and polished presentations, but from approaching ministry with genuine humility and dependence on God.
Alex concludes with an insightful observation: "How do you know you're being led by the Spirit? Do you feel that weakness, fear and trembling? Do you feel that like, 'man, this sounds crazy, but I know it's true'?"
In our latest episode of the Amen podcast, we explored a profound truth from Matthew 22:15-22 – the story of Jesus and the denarius. While this passage is often discussed in terms of taxes and civic duty, there's a deeper message about finding true contentment and joy in God.
The Missing Denarius
One detail that often gets overlooked is that Jesus didn't have a denarius when asked about taxes. He had to request one from his challengers. This wasn't because He was making a statement against money or government – He was practical enough to tell people to pay their taxes. Rather, it revealed something beautiful about His relationship with God: Jesus was supremely happy and content despite owning very little.
Understanding True Delight
This brings us to Psalm 37:4: "Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart." Many interpret this verse as a formula: if we're happy in God, He'll give us what we want. But the truth is more profound – when we truly delight in God, what we want changes. The desire of our new heart becomes God Himself.
Consider Abraham's story. He wanted a son for years, and God blessed him with Isaac. But when God asked Abraham to sacrifice Isaac, it revealed that Abraham's true desire wasn't just for a son – it was for God Himself. Similarly, Jesus showed us that true wealth isn't found in denarii, but in delighting in the Father's will.
Living Simply and Quietly
This understanding transforms how we view success and contentment. When we're truly delighting in God:
* We stop measuring our worth by cultural standards
* We find freedom in living simply
* We realize we may already have everything we need
* Our focus shifts from accumulating more to enjoying God more
Practical Application
How can we cultivate this delight in God? Here are some insights from our discussion:
* Embrace Imperfect Moments: Your quiet time doesn't have to be perfect or even quiet. God meets us in the mess of daily life.
* Use Technology Wisely: Don't feel guilty about using tools that help you create space for God, whether it's noise-canceling headphones or appropriate entertainment for your children while you pray.
* Start Your Day with God: There's only one opportunity each day to start with God. While you can exercise or work later, that first moment with God is precious.
* Remember You Already Have Him: If you're a believer, you don't need to change everything to delight in God. Often, it's just about enjoying what – and Who – you already have.
A New Perspective on God's Gifts
Sometimes God gives us responsibilities or roles we wouldn't have chosen for ourselves. These aren't burdens meant to diminish our joy – they're opportunities to experience more of Him. Whether it's parenthood, a challenging job, or an unexpected ministry, these can become pathways to deeper delight in God.
Conclusion
True delight isn't found in having more denarii in our pockets or achieving cultural success. It's found in God Himself. As we learn to delight in Him, we often discover that we already have everything we truly need.
In honor of Valentine's Day, let's explore a profound question from the Christian catechism: What does God's law require? The answer lies in two simple yet powerful commandments, but first, let me share a timely story about the real Saint Valentine.
The True Story of Saint Valentine
In the third century, during the reign of Emperor Claudius, a priest named Valentine took a bold stand for love. While Claudius was sending young men to die in meaningless wars, Valentine secretly married Christian couples, knowing that married men were exempt from military service. This act of defiance saved countless lives and allowed young families to flourish. Valentine's commitment to love ultimately cost him his life – he was executed in his 40s for his actions and attempts to evangelize Claudius himself.
This story perfectly illustrates the two fundamental commandments that encompass all of God's law.
The Two Great Commandments
As Jesus teaches in Matthew 22:37-40, all of God's law – every command and prophetic word – can be distilled into two essential principles:
* Love God with all your heart, soul, and mind
* Love your neighbor as yourself
What Does It Mean to Love God?
Loving God means:
* Enjoying His presence
* Obeying His commands
* Putting Him first in every area of life
* Starting each day by asking: "Is this action motivated by love for God, or love for something else?"
What Does It Mean to Love Your Neighbor?
The command to "love your neighbor as yourself" isn't about self-love as a prerequisite – it's about extending the same care and consideration to others that we naturally give ourselves. Just as we instinctively seek our own wellbeing, we're called to actively pursue the happiness and growth of others, even when it requires difficult choices.
The Heart of the Matter
Here's the challenging truth: we can't fulfill these commands on our own. Our natural state is one of selfishness – just watch any baby and you'll see this truth in action. That's why the story of God's law doesn't end with commands, but with Christ.
The same God who gave the law on Mount Sinai later sent His Son to a different mountain – Calvary – not just to give us the law, but to fulfill it perfectly on our behalf. Through Christ's sacrifice, we receive both forgiveness for our failures and a new heart capable of truly loving God and others.
Practical Application
This transformation shows up in everyday moments:
* In how we start our day, choosing to put God first
* In how we handle difficult conversations
* In how we make decisions that might cause temporary discomfort but lead to long-term growth
* In how we extend grace to others, just as we've received grace
Closing Thoughts
The requirements of God's law – loving Him and loving others – aren't just rules to follow. They're an invitation to experience life as it was meant to be lived. Through Christ, we receive the power to move beyond our natural selfishness and into a life marked by genuine love for God and neighbor.
As we celebrate Valentine's Day, let's remember the priest who gave his life demonstrating these twin loves, and more importantly, the God who makes such love possible through Christ.
This post is adapted from Episode 7 of our weekly catechism series, where we explore the core doctrines of the Christian faith.
How to Remain Loyal to God. amenpodcast.com
In Matthew 22:15-22, we find one of Jesus's most famous responses to his critics. While many know this passage as simply being about "rendering unto Caesar," there's a deeper wisdom here about how we should live as Christians.
The Setup: A Careful Trap
The scene opens with the Pharisees plotting to "entangle" Jesus in his words. They send their disciples along with the Herodians—an unlikely alliance of religious purists and political supporters of Rome—to trap Jesus with what seems like an impossible question: "Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?"
This wasn't just about taxes. If Jesus said yes, he would alienate devout Jews who saw Roman currency as idolatrous (it bore Caesar's image and proclaimed him lord). If he said no, he'd be marked as a political insurgent against Rome. It was, in modern terms, a "gotcha" question.
Jesus's Thoughtful Response
But Jesus, showing remarkable wisdom, doesn't rush to answer. Instead, he:
* Recognizes their malice despite their flattery
* Asks to see the coin used for taxes
* Uses their own possession of Roman currency to expose their hypocrisy
* Delivers his famous response: "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's"
The Deeper Message: Being Thoughtful Christians
The real lesson here isn't just about taxes—it's about thoughtfulness. Jesus exemplifies James 1:19: "Let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger." His response wasn't just clever; it was thoughtful and measured.
In our modern world of instant reactions and hot takes, this message is more relevant than ever. Being thoughtful means:
* Taking time to understand situations before responding
* Not being rushed into hasty answers
* Recognizing that God is not slow, but sovereign
* Being aware of attempts to trap or manipulate us
* Responding with wisdom rather than reaction
The Challenge of Modern Life
We live in a world that pushes us toward constant hurry and efficiency. We put in our AirPods to multitask, rush through our daily routines, and fill every moment with content. But this hurry can prevent us from being truly thoughtful.
Consider: When was the last time you did a task without background noise? When did you last take time to really think before responding to a challenging situation?
Practical Steps Toward Thoughtfulness
* Start your day intentionally, not rushed
* Create space in your mind by reducing mental clutter
* Practice being present in mundane tasks without constant stimulation
* Be especially thoughtful with those closest to you
* Remember that God's sovereignty means we don't need to rush
The Heart of the Matter
Just as the coin bore Caesar's image, we bear God's image. The real question isn't just about what we owe to earthly authorities—it's about giving ourselves back to God. This requires thoughtfulness, intentionality, and the wisdom to slow down and listen before speaking.
catechism question #6. amenpodcast.com
Here's a podcast description:
Alex Wilson delivers a sermon from his garage church in Kauai, Hawaii, exploring the biblical theme of how God chooses the unlikely to accomplish His purposes. Drawing from 1 Corinthians and the story of Mordecai and Haman from the Book of Esther, Wilson illustrates how God often uses those the world considers weak or foolish to demonstrate His wisdom and power. The message emphasizes that Christians don't need to prove themselves because they're already approved by God, concluding with a practical analogy comparing this truth to a Costco membership card. This sermon is part of the House Church series, aimed at encouraging spiritual growth within local church communities.
Which are you wearing?
Part 2 of the Parable of the Wedding Feast. Matthew 22:11-14.
Catechism #5
In this episode, the Alex explores the concept of having a 'chill faith' through the biblical story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego from Daniel 3. Using their calm response to being threatened with death in a fiery furnace, he explains how true spiritual peace comes from three key elements: seeing creation as a glimpse of God's nature, finding rest in God's sustaining power, and experiencing regeneration through Christ. Drawing connections between ancient scripture and modern culture's idea of being 'nonchalant,' the episode offers a fresh perspective on maintaining unshakeable faith in challenging times. Part of an ongoing series exploring Christian catechism, this episode specifically addresses the question 'What else did God create?'
From a house church in Kauai, Hawaii, Pastor Alex Wilson unpacks 1 Corinthians 1:26 and the powerful parable of the Wedding Feast. Through engaging storytelling and biblical insight, he explores what it means to truly consider our calling as Christians. This thought-provoking message challenges us to examine our spiritual pride, remember where we came from, and embrace the transformative invitation God extends to all of us. Whether you're a long-time believer or simply curious about faith, this sermon offers fresh perspective on humility, human dignity, and our relationship with God. Part of an ongoing series through Corinthians.
part 1 of the parable of the wedding feast. in matthew 22:1-10. amenpodcast.com
Why did God make you?
A simple parking lot dispute reveals a profound truth - we're all made in God's image. In this episode of the Alex Wilson Podcast, we explore Question #4 from our catechism study: "How and Why Did God Create Us?" Through Genesis 1:27 and the concept of "imago dei," discover how understanding our divine purpose transforms how we see ourselves and treat others. Learn practical ways to live out this truth and why glorifying God means recognizing His image in everyone we meet.
🎯 Key takeaways:
Join us for this powerful exploration of identity and purpose through God's eyes.
New episodes every Friday.
Subscribe for more biblical insights for everyday living!
How God's Folly Outsmarts the World's Wisdom
1 Corinthians 1:18-25
18 For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written,
“I will destroy the wisdom of the wise,
and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart.”
20 Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? 21 For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe. 22 For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, 23 but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, 24 but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
How to stop tripping over yourself and Jesus's work. Matthew 21:33-46. amenpodcast.com
understanding the trinity. part 3 of catechism. amenpodcast.com
Finding unity in Christ amongst Christians. 1 Corinthians 1:10-17. amenpodcast.com
Matthew 21:28-32. amenpodcast.com
question 2 of our catechism journey .
1 Corinthians 1:10-17. AmenPodcast.com/Donate
Rise Above the Noise: How to Find Strength in Faith
Do you ever feel weighed down by negativity and criticism? In this episode, we'll explore how faith in Jesus Christ can empower you to rise above hate and find strength in God's love.
What is our only hope in life and death?
Catechisms: collections of questions and answers designed for memorization and recitation—to teach others the core doctrines of the faith.
https://newcitycatechism.com/books/
how to be holy. week 1 of the corinthians series. amenpodcast.com/housechurch
Jesus curses the fig tree. Mathew 21::18-22. Living Faith vs. Dead Religion. AmenPodcast.com
Welcome back to the Alex Wilson Podcast! In this episode, we're diving deep into the concept of simple living and how to declutter your life to focus on what truly matters. We'll explore the idea of saying "no" to the world's distractions and "yes" to a deeper connection with God. Join us as we uncover practical steps to slow down and experience the peace and joy of a life centered on Christ.
How to be an effective witness for Christ.
The manger. Luke 2:15-20. amenpodcast.com
Ridding Yourself of Distractions: A Call to Undistracted Living and Prayerful Worship
Description:
Join us as we dive into Matthew 21:12-17, where Jesus confronts distractions in the temple and calls for a return to prayerful worship. We'll explore the importance of:
Undistracted living: How to cultivate a life focused on God amidst the noise and temptations of the world.
The power of prayer: Why prayer is essential for spiritual growth and dependence on God, both individually and corporately.
Reforming our churches: Challenging distractions within the church and returning to a focus on the glory of God.
Baby-like faith: Embracing the undistracted, laser-focused faith of a child.
Get ready to be challenged and encouraged to live a life free from distractions and fully devoted to God!
How to Live Authentically as a Christian. AmenPodcast.com
Jeremiah 33:12*-16 (shepherds prophecy)
Unveiling the Unexpected: The Birth of Jesus and the Joy of the Gospel
In this episode of the House Church podcast, join us as we delve into the profound implications of Jesus' birth and the message of great joy it brings. We explore the unique circumstances surrounding the shepherds' encounter with the angels, highlighting the significance of their social standing and spiritual condition. Discover how God's plan of salvation extends to all people, regardless of their background or past.
We discuss the fear and awe experienced by the shepherds in the presence of the divine, emphasizing the transformative power of God's holiness. Through the lens of Scripture, we examine the titles bestowed upon Jesus – Savior, Christ, and Lord – and their profound implications for our lives.
Furthermore, we explore the symbolism of Jesus' birth as a baby, signifying his humility and willingness to walk alongside us in our human experience. The sign of the baby in the manger underscores God's desire to be found, while the angels' song of praise declares the peace and wholeness available to those who trust in him.
Join us as we unpack the urgency and implications of the Christmas story, challenging you to live with a renewed sense of purpose and joy in light of the incredible gift we have been given in Christ.
More of Jesus: A Call to True Surrender
Are you seeking more of God in your life? Join us as we dive deep into Matthew 21:1-11, exploring Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem and uncover a powerful truth: the key to experiencing more of God is to see and embrace Jesus as more than just a prophet or a king.
In this episode, we'll challenge you to:
Get ready to be inspired to live a life of service and wholehearted devotion to Jesus, motivated by His incredible love and sacrifice.
This video challenges the popular idea of "finding yourself." The speaker argues that looking inward often leads to self-centeredness and sin. Instead, he encourages viewers to "lose themselves" in Christ and discover their true identity in Him through prayer, Scripture, and fellowship with other believers. amenpodcast.com/alexwilson
Unwrapping the True Meaning of Christmas
Join us as we dive deep into the Christmas story, going beyond the presents and traditions to uncover its profound message. We'll explore the historical context of Jesus' birth, the significance of his humble beginnings, and how the true spirit of Christmas calls us to let go of material things and focus on the King. This episode challenges us to rethink our priorities and embrace the simplicity and sacrifice that lie at the heart of Christmas.
True Sight: Seeing God Clearly in a World of Distractions
Join us today as we dive deep into Matthew 20:29-34, exploring the story of the two blind men healed by Jesus. We'll discuss the significance of their faith, the crowd's reaction, and the powerful message of true sight.
In this episode, you'll discover:
The meaning of true sight and how it applies to our lives today.
The importance of crying out to Jesus, even when the world tells us to be silent.
How to recognize and overcome spiritual blindness.
The beauty and power of God's grace and mercy.
Practical steps for deepening your relationship with Jesus.
We also discuss:
The importance of community and fellowship in the church.
How to create a welcoming space for outcasts and those who are different.
The challenges of staying focused on God in a world of distractions.
Plus:
We answer your questions and share encouraging reviews from our listeners.
Tune in now and be inspired to see God more clearly in your everyday life!
This video explores the concept of spiritual maturity through the lens of child development, specifically "object permanence." The speaker draws a parallel between a baby's realization that their parent still exists even when out of sight, and a believer's dependence on God.
He argues that true spiritual maturity isn't about independence, but rather about recognizing our need for God and relying on Him. He uses personal anecdotes about his children and his own relationship with his father to illustrate this point.
The video concludes with a call to embrace dependence on God and find joy in that relationship.
worship the creator, not the creation
This episode encourages Christians to question their leaders. Using Matthew 8:14 as a starting point, Alex highlights the importance of seeking truth and understanding in faith, even when it means questioning authority. He shares personal anecdotes of times when he blindly followed religious authority, leading to negative experiences. Alex emphasizes the need for personal connection with God and encourages listeners to seek answers for themselves. AmenPodcast.com
This episode explores the concept of experiencing God's touch in everyday life. Referencing Matthew 8:14-15, the story of Peter's mother-in-law's healing, Alex equates fever with the human tendency to rely on self-sufficiency. He emphasizes the need to relinquish pride and acknowledge our limitations, allowing Christ's sacrifice and resurrection to bring true healing and restoration.
This podcast encourages listeners to embrace a life of dependence on God, serving others and anticipating Christ's return.
This episode explores how to experience God's touch daily. Using the story of Peter's mother-in-law's healing, Alex emphasizes the need to surrender our pride and acknowledge our own insufficiency. He explains that true healing and restoration come only through Christ's sacrifice on the cross. The podcast encourages listeners to embrace their purpose and be the hands and feet of God, touching the lives of others. amenpodcast.com
What if true greatness wasn't about climbing the ladder, but about serving those around you? In Matthew 20, Jesus confronts the disciples' desire for power and reveals a shockingly different path to leadership. Join us as we explore this passage and discover how Jesus' death became the ultimate act of service, cleansing us from the inside out.
Life is a Gift: Enjoy It! (A Podcast Exploration)
Have you ever stopped to truly savor life? In a world obsessed with productivity and achievement, it's easy to forget that life itself is a precious gift. This podcast episode dives deep into Ecclesiastes 11:7-10 and 12:1-8, exploring the joys, challenges, and ultimate hope that come with embracing life to the fullest.
We begin with a fascinating contrast: two dinners with Jesus, two Simons, and two very different women. By comparing the accounts in Matthew 26:6-13 and Luke 7:36-50, we uncover powerful lessons about gratitude, humility, and recognizing the true value of life.
But life isn't always easy. Ecclesiastes reminds us that youth fades, bodies weaken, and death ultimately comes. We'll unpack the vivid imagery of Ecclesiastes 12, exploring the "keepers of the house," the "strong men," and the poignant metaphors for aging and mortality.
Yet, there's hope! This episode doesn't leave you in despair. We'll delve into the glorious promise of heaven, finding inspiration in John 1:14 and discovering how the reality of eternity should shape our lives today.
Join us as we discuss:
Tune in and be inspired to embrace the gift of life with renewed passion and purpose!
Matthew 20: 17-19. amenpodcast.com
Cast Your Bread Upon the Waters: Living Boldly in Faith (Ecclesiastes 11:1-6)
Tired of playing it safe? This episode dives deep into Ecclesiastes 11:1-6, where King Solomon challenges us to embrace a life of bold faith and courageous action. We'll unpack what it means to "cast your bread upon the waters" and explore how this ancient wisdom applies to our modern lives.
Join us as we discuss:
Is life worth living? Solomon tackles this age-old question in Ecclesiastes, and in this episode, we dive deep into chapter 10 to uncover his answer: Yes, but only if we avoid folly by following God's wisdom.
We explore the destructive nature of folly, comparing it to a tiny dead fly spoiling precious perfume. Just like the flood destroyed those who ignored God's wisdom in Noah's time, folly can lead to devastation in our own lives.
This episode examines:
Join us as we unpack practical steps to identify and reject folly, build our lives on the rock of God's wisdom, and truly live a life worth living.
In this video, we explore the theme of God's boundless generosity and how it should motivate our service to Him. We delve into the parable of the laborers in the vineyard (Matthew 20:1-16) to understand the importance of serving out of love and gratitude, not out of a desire for reward.
We discuss the contrast between serving for God's sake and serving for our own benefit, highlighting the importance of recognizing our worth as servants of God. We also emphasize the grace of God, which allows us to be accepted and loved regardless of our past or present shortcomings.
Finally, we encourage viewers to shift their perspective from one of pride to one of gratitude, acknowledging that God is the ultimate source of blessings and that He freely bestows them upon us. We invite viewers to work with God, knowing that He is a just and loving employer who rewards faithfulness and trust.
Finding Joy in a Transient World (Ecclesiastes 9)
🌍 Life can feel fleeting and unpredictable. We chase success, happiness, and meaning, but often find ourselves feeling empty. In a world that's constantly changing, where can we find lasting joy?
🙏 Join us as we dive deep into Ecclesiastes chapter 9, uncovering timeless wisdom on how to navigate life's uncertainties and discover true joy in the midst of it all.
💡 In this video, we'll explore:
🙌 No matter where you are on your faith journey, this message is for you!
➡️ Watch or Listen now and discover how to find lasting joy in a transient world! ⬅️
In this episode, we dive deep into Matthew 19, a chapter that tackles some of the most challenging aspects of Christian discipleship. We explore Jesus's teachings on divorce, singleness, and the cost of following Him.
Join us as we unpack these profound truths and discuss:
This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to understand the true meaning of discipleship and live a life fully devoted to Christ.
Making Wise Decisions in Dark Times. Ecclesiastes 8. AmenPodcast.com/Donate
Have you ever been hurt so badly that you thought forgiveness was impossible? In this episode of Amen Podcast, we dive deep into Matthew 18:21-22 to explore the challenging topic of forgiving the unforgivable.
Join us as we:
If you've ever struggled with forgiveness or wondered if it's even possible to forgive certain offenses, this episode is for you. Tune in and be encouraged to experience the freedom and healing that comes from extending forgiveness to others.
How Wisdom Leads to a Better Life
Tired of feeling like life is passing you by? Longing for a life filled with purpose and joy?
In this sermon, we dive deep into the profound wisdom of Ecclesiastes 7, exploring how God's timeless principles can lead you to a truly better life.
Discover how to:
Don't forget to subscribe and hit the notification bell so you don't miss future sermons!
Do you ever struggle with giving or receiving criticism? In this episode of Amen Podcast, we dive deep into Matthew 18:15-20 and Proverbs 27:17: "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another." We explore how to give and receive criticism in a loving way that builds each other up, rather than tearing each other down.
In this video, you'll learn:
Tune in and discover how to cultivate stronger relationships through the power of loving criticism.
Youtube.com/Amen Podcast
Stop Waiting: Embrace the Life God Has for You Today! (Ecclesiastes 6)
Don't let life pass you by while you wait for the "perfect" moment. Ecclesiastes 6 paints a stark picture of the futility of chasing after things that ultimately don't satisfy. It warns against the trap of constantly striving for more, of delaying joy and fulfillment in the pursuit of some elusive future goal.
The book highlights the emptiness of:
Instead, Ecclesiastes encourages us to:
Don't wait for tomorrow to start living. Embrace the life God has for you today. Find joy in the journey, seek His purpose, and discover the true meaning of life in Him.
about: our UNRESTRICTED access to God as his children. AmenPodcast.com/Donate
How to be SOLD OUT to God. I forgot to turn on the mic at church so i re-recorded it.
Ecclesiastes 5. AmenPodcast.com
Cutting off what causes you to stumble. Matthew 18:8-9 The LIVING Bible Translation. AmenPodcast.com/Donate
What being born again truly means. Ecclesiastes 4. AmenPodcast.com
Living a humble, quiet life. Matthew 18:1-7. AmenPodcast.com/Donate
Magnificence of mortality: when death is accepted, it enables you to live your live to the fullest. Ecclesiastes 3:18-22. AmenPodcast.com
In the bible, being anxious means being divided, today we're explore how to Overcome Anxiety. Matthew 17: 19-27 AmenPodcast.com/Donate
Trusting God in Troubling Times. Ecclesiastes 3:6-17. AmenPodcast.com
How faith can move mountains. What happens when you find yourself in a spiritual valley too deep to climb out? We must move the mountain. AmenPodcast.com/Donate
Ecclesiastes 3:9-15. AmenPodcast.com/donate
How to Have a Mentally Healthy Christian Life. Matthew17:14-18.
Devotion: Loving God so much you throw your life into his arms. AmenPodcast.com
Loving God so much, nothing else matters. AmenPodcast.com
Repairing the broken parts of life. Ecc 3:7. amenpodcast.com
Gaining the world but being left with nothing. How
to leave the world behind. amenpodcast.com
Defeating Phone Addiction:https://youtu.be/7x8-AVJIrio
Ecclesiastes 3:9*
“a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;”
“Watchfulness suggests a preparedness in order to avoid being taken unaware by an enemy. It involves fighting carelessness to reach a desired goal” - Commentator
The Christian daily life summed up into 4 things seek God, lose your life, watch your garden, cast your burdens.
Losing your life to find it. Matthew 16:25. AmenPodcast.com
Trust God, NOT stuff. amenpodcast.com
How to follow Jesus. Matthew 16:24. AmenPodcast.com/donate
How to control your emotions. Ecclesiastes 3:4. amenpodcast.com
How to get spiritually reset. amenpodcast.com
How to destroy idols and restore balance to life. amenalex.com
Jesus is genuine. He will not poison you. He is the only genuine answer to life’s hunger. Other religions is cutting corners and mixing fake ingredients. It's disingenuous.
Everything that we cannot control, God can. Everything out of our control is under God’s control. The more control we realize that God has.,The less uncomfortable we’ll be with the uncontrollable. Ecclesiastes 3:1-2.
How to Notice What God is Doing in and Around You. Matthew 16 :1-12
Donate: https://amenpodcast.com/donate
Ecclesiastes 2:12-26. We decided to post house church on this podcast from now on. amenpodcast.com
Jesus cares about our practical needs. How to trust that God will provide. amenpodcast.com
When Everything You Ever Wanted Isn’t Enough. amenpodcast.com
Learning God's ways is unlearning the world. amenpodcast.com
How experience newness in Christ. Ecclesiastes 1. amenpodcast.com
How to become better. Ecclesiastes 1.
How to find the meaning in life. Ecclesiastes part 1. amenpodcast.com
How to ACTUALLY get better spiritually and why you feel like you're not growing in your faith. Matthew 15:29-31. amenpodcast.com/donate
How to have great faith in Jesus. Matthew 15:21-28 amenpodcast.com
How to become pure. Matthew 15:10-20. amenpodcast.com
How to get close to God. Matthew 15:1-9
How to heal spiritually. amenpodcast.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amenpodcast.substack.com
How to mend relationships. Part 4 of the relationships series. amenpodcast.com
A preacher once said, we are always either about to to enter a storm, currently in a storm or leaving a storm. Which phase are you in?
We will learn what God tends to teach us in storms by continuing our series in the book of Matthew.
Matthew 14:36-38
Reconciliation means things have returned to harmony, not simply putting up with each other. Compassion leads to harmony, compulsion leads to fake relationships. amenpodcast.com
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How to be deeply moved to compassion for others. Matthew 14:13-21. amenpodcast.com
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Today’s Sermon is called Theophilos, which is greek for “Friend of God” What does it mean to be god’s friend? What good things are ours in Christ because of our friendship with God? My Husband will be exploring how friendship with God enhances and enables us to experience supernatural friendship with others, by looking at Philemon 4-7, the 2nd part of our relationship series.
How to detach from the world without losing your head. amenpodcast.com
Philemon 1-3. Live at House Church in Kauai Hawaii. Relationships held together by anything other than Christ-centered love will eventually fall apart. amenpodcast.com/donate
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Resistance is the reason why simply being amazed by God will not change us. We can be impressed by Jesus and not in love with him. To be changed by Jesus, we must lose trust in ourselves and instead, trust solely in him. Let’s find out how by looking at Matthew 13:53-58. amenpodcast.com
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Matthew 13:51-52. amenpodcast.com/donate
Hell, angels, & the end of the age. Matthew 13:47-50. amenpodcast.com/donate
Matthew 13: 45-46. Some find the kingdom of heaven accidentally, some find it through searching. Christianity is the only religion of eternal value. Other religions offer valuable things. But Christianity offers eternal life as a gift. Other religions say “prove yourself and you will find”, Christianity says “search and you will find”. amenpodcast.com/donate
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Matthew 13:44. We must realize what a treasure kingdom of heaven is. We are invited to be a part of something eternal, not temporary. There is no other opportunity on earth like this. Everything ends, except Jesus’ kingdom. We have a place to grow, to invest, to belong, to find purpose, to be loved, FOREVER. If we are a part of this kingdom, nothing else matters unless it is connected to the kingdom of God and His glory.
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Matthew 13:36-43. How to change the mind, losing the condemning attitude, & getting over the mean mindset of the world.
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Sincerity of heart brings clarity of mind. Be sincere with God and you'll hear from God.
Matthew 13:33. The Parable of the Leaven. amenpodcast.com/donate
The Parable of the Mustard Seed and living a "little" christian life. Matthew 13:31-32. amenpodcast.com
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Matthew 13:24-30. amenpodcast.com/donate
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Matthew 13:18-23. Perseverance is more than just not giving up. it’s being focused on what you know is going to happen.
How to grow in the knowledge of God and His Word. amenpodcast.com/donate
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Matthew 13:1-9 | How Godly character is built.
Matthew 12:46-50. How God restores order to our lives.
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Matthew 12:43-45. nothing changes unless everything changes. amenpodcast.com
Spiritual signs unveiled: connecting with God. Matthew 12:33-42.
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God speaks life into us. Words matter because words create life. God's word empowers us to control our tongues and use our words to speak life not death. Matthew 12:33-37. amenpodcast.com
How to quiet intrusive thoughts with the Word of God.support:
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God chooses and we have choices. He is sovereign and we have free will. In the old testament, Israel chose to reject God, so he chose to send his son to redeem us from sin. When Jesus came, he did so as a suffering servant, not a conquering king. As a result, God’s chosen people look different than whats expected.
Our greatest desire is to be chosen by someone who is far more wonderful than we could imagine. Infatuation flirts with the object of its affection, but true love longs to be with the one it has chosen. Jesus made a decision to die for the undeserving so he could satisfy our hearts desire to be chosen by God. It was Jesus desire to glorify God and satisfy our debt by making the decision to die for the undeserving. So what does a chosen person’s life look like? How do we live like were chosen? amenpodcast.com/donate
Atrophy is the wasting away of body tissue and or an organ. Without exercise, muscles will atrophy. Without spiritual exercise, our spiritual muscles will atrophy. Stretching prevents atrophy and promotes the growth of muscles. have you stretched your spiritual muscles lately? Do you have spiritual atrophy? It is time to start using those muscles again. How? We will learn as my husband Alex preaches on Jesus healing the withered hand of a man at the synagogue in Matthew 12:9-14. AMENPODCAST.COM/DONATE
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Jesus tears down religious, man-made fences designed to keep us from God. The best spiritual offense is a good scriptural defense. The burden of religion can only be lifted with the mercy of God. Works based salvation is an unattainable standard, and a deep, theological lie. In today’s episode, Alex will preach about how Jesus tears down religious fences, while also becoming our defense and righteousness. Matthew 12:1-8
Every human is looking for the same thing: rest. And it is found in the face of God. knowing him for who he really is and being at peace with him is how our soul can finally rest from its eternal work. we punch our spiritual work card and take a deep existential breath once Jesus reveals to us that he is the only way to the father. in this episode, alex will unpack what it means to find rest in God. Matthew 11:25-30. amenpodcast.com
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Matthew 11:20-24. Responsibility is the ability to give a response. christians have the supernatural ability to respond to God. We must take Him seriously. the more we know about God, the more we are empowered by the knowledge to give the correct response, which is obedience. our obedience is our responsibility. in the words of uncle ben, with great power comes great responsibility. Christians are held at a higher standard than unbelievers because Christians have been given much knowledge, and with that knowledge much is required. in this episode, alex will be preaching about christian responsibility and how to respond to God.
christians are called to be childlike not childish. in matthew 11, Jesus explains that religious people are hard to please. sometimes they dont want truth and the dont want grace, just like a child who can make up their mind on what to eat, their hungry but nothing sounds good to them. if you find yourself unpleased with your relationship with God, or unable to please people in your life who seem bent on opposing you, in this episode, my husband alex will be preaching about leaving childish faith behind and choosing to give your all to God. matthew 11:16-19 esv
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Are you confused with God? in this episode’, Alex is preaching about “How to not be confused by God” He will be giving us 4 steps out of confusion with God. Need to know what God wants you to do? Need to know the difference between your voice and God’s? Do you find yourself struggling to understand what God has next for you? or where to find God in your life? Join us as we continue our study through Matthew in chapter 11 verses 1-15.
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In the east, holding hands is a sign of close friendship. It’s one thing to have Jesus in your heart, and in your head, but have you taken him by the hand? Here are 3 steps to taking Jesus by the hand. Matthew 10:40-42. amenpodcast.com
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5 steps to putting God first in your life.
Matthew 10:34-39. amenpodcast.com
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The fear of people is stunting your spiritual growth and quieting your spiritual gift. You aren’t truly free until you’re free from fearing people. Only fear of God fixes the fear of people. matthew 10:26-33.
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When God asks, “Do you understand the assignment?” amenpodcast.com
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A divine, greenlit message from heaven has reached planet earth, the world desperately tries to cover it up. Will you receive it before it’s too late? Matthew 10:1-15. amenpodcast.com/donate
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A “gatekeeper” is person that controls access to something. In Matthew 9:34-38, there are good gatekeepers and bad ones. What kind of gatekeeper are you? How can you gate-keep God’s way?
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in Matthew 9:27-33, Jesus reveals what He's finna do next in Israel's story. As we look, we will find what He is finna do next in your life. amenpodcast.com/donate
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When your spiritual life is dead, there is something you've misread. Matthew 9:18-26. amenpodcast.com/donate
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Matthew 9:14-17. Jesus broke the mould of what religion is. In what ways do you need a fresh look at God and your own spirituality?
Matthew 9;9-13. Getting spiritually healthy and why being sick is better than being self-righteous. amenpodcast.com/donate
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Matthew 9:1-8. Your problem isn’t medical, physical, financial, or mental. It's spiritual. Sin is your greatest problem. amenpodcast.com
Matthew 8:28-34. To stop overthinking we must think of ourselves less and think of others more. amenpodcast.com
Jonah was headed to Tarshish not Joppa*. Sleep is sweet when peace is deep. If Jesus can sleep through a storm (Matthew 8:24), then He can empower you to have peace in any storm. amenpodcast.com
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Matthew 8:18-22. Are you making decisions based on earthy security or heavenly security? amenpodcast.com
Matthew 8:14-17. What God removes from us, let us never go back to. amenpodcast.com
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Christianity is the only religion that asks you to really think. Jesus wants us to trust Him blindly AND deeply contemplate His words. At some point, every other religion becomes cult-like, telling its followers to just digest the religion's claims and beliefs, but Jesus says, "Stop, think about it. Once you do, you'll see why I am the way, the truth, and the life." Thinking is trusting. AmenPodcast.com. Instagram
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Alex preaches about how to approach God properly. Lokelani share her discoveries in spiritual healing. amenpodcast.com
We posted a question sticker on our instagram story. We talk about our relationship, how to give God glory everyday, having kids and more! amenpodcast.com
Matthew 7:24-29. Christianity is to about what you do, its about what Jesus did. However, if you're not a doer of the word and only a hearer, you'll spend eternity in hell and you'll spend this life revisting destruction. Today, Alex preaches on "doing God's word", afterwards Lokelani shares a chilling story of what NOT doing God's word looks like. AmenPodcast.com/Donate
Mathew 7:13-23. Alex preaches about how to think small, be small and live a small life by choosing to walk on the narrow path of Jesus. Lokelani shares her journey away from the world's wide road of destruction to the small path that leads to life. amenpodcast.com
Matthew 7:7-12. Alex will preach about why you need to ask God for big things and how God exceeds our expectations and imaginations. Lokelani will share what she wants to start asking God for and the problem with asking God for "the little things". AmenPodcast.com/Donate
Matthew 7:1-6. Are you respected? Do you want to be? Showing respect to others is an indication of one’s own self-understanding. A person is respected when someone understands themself well enough to show respect. Being misunderstood is one of the loneliness feelings in the human existence. Jesus shows how he understands us but doesn’t affirm our practices, and shows us how we can be respected but also show respect to others in next part of our Matthew series. AmenPodcast.com
Matthew 6:31-33. Anxiety is a product of what we seek. When we seek God’s kingdom, we will have peace. Why do we keep falling back into anxiety? Our culture is constantly convincing us that we need to seek our own kingdom. But we can’t blame the culture, there’s something in us that doesn't trust that God is good. Today, Alex will preach about how to not be anxious and Loke will share what makes her anxious. amenpodcast.com
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Matthew 6:25-30. Jesus never worried. Worry is rooted in fear and disbelief. Jesus invites us to truly live: life without worry. We are called to turn from chasing things and encouraged to follow the King. Through Christ, it is possible to live one day at a time, not worrying about the future, not caring about having new stuff or living for earthly pleasures, but instead be so free and present that we are unbothered by our worldly lack because of our great riches in Christ. Today, Alex preaches about how to live unworried, while Lokelani shares what she worries about most.
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Matthew 6:22-24. How well do you see spiritually? or in other words, are your eyes fixed on God? Are you truly devoted to him? To test your spiritual vision you must look at your heart’ devotion by asking yourself, “what takes up most of my thoughts?” To help us see God more clearly, Alex will be preaching about vision, as we continue our series in Matthew. amenpodcast.com
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Matthew 6:19-21. Alex is preaching about How to reach the goals God has purposed for you. What are your goals? short term? long term? At your funeral what do you want people to say about you? Are your goals God’s goals? amenpodcast.com
What is your motivation for being a Christian? Do you want the ethics? The benefits? The status? The culture? Or do you want the king? Today Alex is preaching about having more of the right motivation to follow Jesus. https://amenpodcast.com/
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Alex is preaching about the power, purpose, and position of prayer by looking at Matthew 6:5-15. Do you pray as often as you’d like? Do you feel as though your prayer life could improve? Well, this message is for you. Jesus has made it possible for you to have a safe place and constant audience with the Father. amenpodcast.com
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Alex preaches about not chasing a spectacular life, but rather a simple, quiet and humble one. The world tells us to be spectacular, but the Word tells us to be specific. amenpodcast.com
Are you a basic Christian? In slang, when someone is "basic" they are unoriginal, unexceptional, and mainstream. Jesus was nothing of the sort. To be like Him is to be unique, free, simple, confident, mature and so much more. What makes Jesus so attractive is that He is unlike anyone, yet so much like us at the same time. In this episode, Alex preaches on "How to not be a basic Christian" from Matthew 5;34-48 and Lokelani confesses her struggle with self-righteousness. amenpodcast.com | instagram
Matthew 5:38-42. Alex preaches how to be free from the never-ending cycle of retaliation, payback, holding grudges, and relationship drama. Lokelani gets deep as she explores what this looks like in her life as a wife, mom, & friend. AmenPodcast.com | Instagram
BONUS EP. Mark 9:33-37. How to surrender your social status: you're not special, you’re family. Live from Wheaton College. amenpodcast.com
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Alex preaches about honesty from Matthew 5:33-37; Lokelani shares her honesty journey through parenting. AMENPODCAST.COM
Matthew 5:27-32. Alex preaches on how to find contentment while Loke shares her struggle with "bouncing back" after 5 pregnancies. AmenPodcast.com | Instagram
Alex teaches “How to be Chill” as he explains Jesus’ view of anger in Matthew 5:21-26. Also, Lokelani shares how God has turned her internal rage into eternal peace. AmenPodcast.com | instagram
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Alex preaches from Matthew 5:17-20 about how to find fulfillment and Lokelani opens up about her struggles with looking for fulfillment in the wrong places. AmenPodcast.com
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Matthew 5:14-16. Why Jesus calls you the “Light of the World” and How to be the “Light of the World”. AmenPodcast.com
In Matthew 5:13, Jesus calls the disciples the "Salt of the earth", what does that truly mean? The answer will shock and challenge you to be more than your-everyday-table-salt. AmenPodcast.com
Matthew 5:10-12. The need, problem and solution of persecution. What is persecution and how do we respond? amenpodcast.com
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Matthew 5:9. Don't be a peace-faker or a peace-taker or a peace-breaker. Be a peacemaker and you'll know true happiness. amenpodcast.com
Matthew 5:8. How to be pure in heart and experience God daily. AmenPodcast.com
How to be merciful and receive God’s mercy. Matthew 5:7 Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
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How to be satisfied in life.
Matthew 5:6. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled
Need: satisfaction. John 4:31-34 Meanwhile his disciples urged him, “Rabbi, eat something.” But he said to them, “I have food to eat that you know nothing about.” Then his disciples said to each other, “Could someone have brought him food?” “My food,” said Jesus, “is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work.
Problem: we long for the wrong. John 4:16-18 “Go and get your husband,” Jesus told her. 17 “I don’t have a husband,” the woman replied. Jesus said, “You’re right! You don’t have a husband— 18 for you have had five husbands, and you aren’t even married to the man you’re living with now. You certainly spoke the truth!”
Solution: know Him ask Him. John 4:10 Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, ‘Give me a drink,’ you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water.”
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Make yourself small: how to practice the meekness of Christ. Matthew 5:5. Donate Luke's Registry
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Jesus says those who mourn are truly deeply happy and satisfied. How? What does it mean to mourn our sin? How can we do it stuck in a world that celebrates sin. amenpodcast.com
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How being poor in spirit is the first key to happiness. amenpodcast.com
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Mountains are where heaven and earth meet. This episode is about how to meet with God and how God moves His mountain into you. It begins our series on the most famous discourse from Jesus, the sermon on the mount. Matthew 5:1-2. amenpodcast.com
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experiencing God's whole healing. Matthew 4:23-25. amenpodcast.com
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repent, quit and revisit what it means to follow Jesus. amenpodcast.com
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'Shade is a subtle, sneering expression of contempt for or disgust with someone—sometimes verbal, and sometimes not.' Today we explore: faith growing despite shade throwing. amenpodcast.com
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Let go of power and let God provide. Matthew 4:8-11. amenpodcast.com
Living by faith, not facts. Matthew 4:5-7. amenpodcast.com
from spiritual hangry to spiritually happy. Matthew 4:1-4. amenpodcast.com
How to make right choices, every time. amenpodcast.com
If you don't have fruit, you'll have hell fire. Matthew 3:7-12. amenpodcast.com
How to turn from sin and back to God. Matthew 3:1-6. amenpodcast.com
God uses the home to bring Heaven here. amenpodcast.com
How to be a fearless christian. Matthew 2:16-18. amenpodcast.com
God: you're called, despite your falls. amenpodcast.com
Connecting with God simply, securely and strongly. amenpodcast.com
being influenced by God, not sin. amenpodcast.com
when God fills you with purpose and peace. amenpodcast.com
stop trying and start trusting, salvation is finally here. amenpodcast.com
how God is changing you. amenpodcast.com
how to have newness of life daily. amenpodcast.com
how to invite Jesus into every relationship. (4/4) amenpodcast.com
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how to handle drama like Christ. amenpodcast.com
how to be the type of friend that thrives in their relationships. amenpodcast.com
how to have great communication in your relationships. amenpodcast.com
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how to hear God and be heard by Him. amenpodcast.com
how to be consumed with God rather than the world. amenpodcast.com
when God's Word makes you alive, again. amenpodcast.com
how to draw near to God, so He will draw near to you. amenpodcast.com
how God's righteousness hooks us in. amenpodcast.com
when God's Word leaves you breathless. amenpodcast.com
God's Word gives us spiritual sight. AMENPODCAST.COM
God's Word is our support. amenpodcast.com
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How to stay committed to God, after all, He's committed to you. amenpodcast.com
God's Word gives us wisdom.
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how to trust God’s word more and become a more trustworthy christian. amenpodcast.com
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There is nothing more comforting than the sweet whisper of a father to His child saying everything is going to be all right. Those who find their comfort in God will find themselves blameless in God‘s eyes and will be found as a source of hope and joy in the eyes of others. Countless stories in scripture show us of the strongest men and women in history who found comfort in no other place than God‘s word. how can we be like them? let's find out. (amenpodcast.com/donate)
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Everything He allows and does is ultimately for our good. We will explore God‘s goodness and how it will transform our perspective to live life confidently and hopefully and give us an increased desire to love God’s word. PSALMS 119:65-72. DONATE | AMEN MERCH
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Trusting that simple statement will make you live confidently and powerfully. you won’t compare. you won’t shame yourself. you’ll live free. but the world, the devil and your own self, want you to remain in slavery. so they say” you need a new vehicle, you need more followers, you need a relationship, you need more money”. in this episode we will listen to what God says about our needs, and what it looks like when His words change our perspective, purpose and inner person. donate
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Jesus is risen, our hope is alive. Because he is alive, our hope of forgiveness, revival and eternity will never be taken from us. A major source of our irritability, frustration and sadness is from misplaced hope. Sometimes we may not even be aware of the things that we are hoping in. Any one or anything that we place our hope in outside of God‘s word is dangerous and doomed to disappoint. Today we will learn not only how to hope in God‘s word, but also what happens when we do. donate
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we live in a world where if you do not think like everybody else you will get canceled and mocked and laughed at. The person that wrote psalms 119 lived in a similar world. In this episode, we will explore how the unfailing kindness and love of God empower us to live boldly, unashamed and full of freedom in the face of personal attacks from enemies within Christianity and from the outside. amenpodcast.com/donate
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the word of God is the Christian’s teacher. teaching leads to learning and learning leads to growth. true growth is measured by how much we obey and delight in the teaching of the word of God. how can we learn to love what God’s word teaches and obey it supremely in our lives and thus experience the joy of growing in confidence, strength, peace and oneness with God? Well, tune in and listen up. amenpodcast.com
revival is defined by robert coleman as “the awakening or quickening of God's people to their true nature and purpose”. in order to receive revival and the new life that comes with it, our old life has to die. this is called dying to self in the bible. but what does that look like? we must know the answer to have this God-promised, new life from above breathed into us. amenpodcast.com/donate
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Have you ever tried playing a game or building something without reading the instructions?
At first, it’s exciting to take on the challenge of seeing if you can figure it all out yourself. But eventually, you find yourself confused and frustrated because things aren’t going right. The pieces aren’t fitting together.
Well, in the game of life, the Word of God is our guide! Like instructions or a map. In God’s word we will find freedom from the grip of sin and the emptiness of the world that a lot of us are chasing. it also helps us see past the lies of the world and the enemy and reveals the truth of God’s direction and plan for our lives. The Word of God must be our guide, otherwise we will roam this world defeated, wandering and lost. amenpodcast.com/donate
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How do we stay pure when we live in a world that encourages us to just do whatever feels right? We do not have the power to overcome this on our own. We cannot muster up enough strength to keep ourselves from doing the things our flesh wants to do or to fight against some of the demonic forces that are behind temptations. We must find strength by hiding God’s word in our heart and truly delighting in it. We can’t just read and memorize scripture. We must love it more than anything else and believe that it is true. amenpodcast.com/donate
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Yesterday we got rid of the 2 tv’s we had in our house. Our oldest son, Amos, loves TV and one might say he was even addicted. When we first told him he was shocked for about 20 seconds, but once we explained why we were doing it and that having better integrity is important, he had the biggest smile on his face. Honestly, he was so joyful, I was the one left in shock. Alex will talk more about how true happiness and integrity are linked together by looking at Psalm 119:1-8. donate
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we will discover that by looking at the resurrection of Christ, we can trust that God’s plan and purpose for our lives is unstoppable. 🤍 donate 🤍 instagram
its time to come out. mark 15:42-47. 🖤 donate 🤍 instagram
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The crucifixion shows that Christianity is for outcasts. Those rejected by religion, the world, friends or family. It gives a place and a purpose and a position for thought whom the world might label “losers”. Let’s discover more of who you are in Mark 15:38-41. (amenpodcast.com/donate)
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we’re not meant to live in darkness, but sometimes we have to live through it. in this episode, we will see how Jesus pushed through darkness on the cross and that in him we can have the strength to live through darkness. www.amenpodcast.com/donate
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God‘s plan is different than the world’s spirituality says. God‘s plan is not just blessings and prosperity. It is deeper, darker, simpler, more mysterious, more beautiful and far greater than simple blessings. God‘s plan for you reveals who you are and who you will be. It reveals what has been predicted about you long before the creation of the universe. let’s explore God’s plan. amenpodcast.com/donate
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amenpodcast.substack.com
how do you know if you are close to God?
true Christians are often closer to him than they think.
If we’re not close, how do we get close to him?
If we are close to him, how do we remain there?
In this episode we look at a man name Simon who is so close to Jesus he helped him carry the cross.
what does this story mean?
did Simon understand what he was doing?
let’s gets close and see.
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This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amenpodcast.substack.com
No more silence from heaven. God is speaking and listening to you. mark 15:1-20. amenpodcast.com
Stop ghosting God. He loves you. mark 14:66-72. amenpodcast.com