Port City Community Church Podcast

Latest Episodes:

"The Power To Do What?" - Mike Ashcraft | ORIGINS, Week 2 Apr 16, 2024

Show notes

The resurrection introduces us to a new way of living that isn't about rebellion or defiance, but about quietly and subversively challenging the norms. It gives us the ability to transcend the boundaries and barriers that tend to define and divide us, creating a different kind of life in this world, and moving towards a better world altogether. The Spirit's power is like a flood of God's love overflowing in our lives, and with our lives filled with this love, we can bring it to every aspect of who we are. Sharing our experiences isn't just about us; we're part of a larger community of witnesses, all testifying to what God has done and is doing. We can live in a deeply meaningful connection with God and each other, and through that, we can show others the transformative power of this connection.

"It's a Bear" - Mike Ashcraft | ORIGINS, Week 1 Apr 09, 2024

Show notes

Imagine stepping back into the dusty pages of Acts, where the early church ignited a flame that would spread like wildfire across the known world. Now, take a look around you. Could it be that we, as the body of Christ, are a continuation of that very story? Think of the New Testament as an unfolding narrative—a story we're invited to step into. To bear witness isn't just about speaking words; it's about bringing something to light through who we are and how we live our lives.

EASTER 2024 | "Everything Matters" - Mike Ashcraft Apr 02, 2024

Show notes

Deep within us, there's this longing for a future that's nothing short of glorious—a future where everything's renewed, not just patched up. It all starts with Jesus rising from the dead, marking the beginning of something entirely fresh, a total makeover for everything. Jesus is offering us a whole new life, and in Him, we discover purpose and promise like never before. But, here's the thing: none of this happens without forgiveness. It's like coming back to the loving rule of God after straying away. And in this redemption, suddenly, everything we do matters—it's all part of a bigger picture. That incredible power that brought Jesus back to life? Yeah, it's at work in us too, bringing us back to life in every sense. So, when we think about Jesus rising again, it's not just a random event—it's proof that nothing we go through is pointless.

"The Work God Requires" - Mike Ashcraft | I AM_____, Week 4 Mar 25, 2024

Show notes

To live out our faith and experience the amazing life that Jesus promises, we've got to keep close to Him, like staying connected to a power source. It's about letting ourselves be shaped and changed by what Jesus teaches us – that's the formation process. Understanding that God is the giver of life is a big deal. If we live like Jesus is the essence of life, it means finding our true purpose and joy by following his way. Living as if Jesus is life involves more than just going through the motions; it's about embracing a lifestyle where we let His teachings guide us. It's like shifting from a routine existence to actively being part of a life filled with faith, love, and the transformative power of what Jesus teaches us. It's about living a meaningful and purposeful life.

"The Thing Truth Does" - Mike Ashcraft | I AM_____, Week 3 Mar 19, 2024

Show notes

God's truth shows us what's real in the world. Jesus teaches us that we can't live life our own way and still expect things to turn out the best. He shows us that following God's plan, not our own, leads to the most fulfilling life. This truth also helps us see through the things we usually rely on, like our attitudes and desires. We're created by God for a reason, and living without Him won't bring true happiness. Jesus brings back the life we're meant to have. When we truly understand and follow this truth, we live in a better way. Jesus calls us to respond to this truth by trusting Him. Figuring out how to live by this truth in our daily lives is our ongoing challenge, but it starts with trusting Jesus.

"The Way Out & Into" - Mike Ashcraft | I AM _____ , Week 2 Mar 12, 2024

Show notes

In the Gospel of John, Jesus declares, "I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved." Just as a gate provides access to a protected space, Jesus offers access to the kingdom of God. He is the gateway to abundant life, forgiveness, and reconciliation with the Father. As we embrace Jesus as the gate, we find refuge from the chaos of the world and discover the security of His loving presence.

"Life In The Light of Love" - Mike Ashcraft | I AM _____, Week 1 Mar 05, 2024

Show notes

In the Gospel of John, Jesus introduces himself using the powerful words "I am." These words are more than just a way for Jesus to identify himself; they invite us to explore and discover more about who God is. When Jesus keeps saying "I am," it's like he's asking us to dig deeper into understanding the heart of God. To reflect God’s heart, we need to know His heart. And where can we see it most clearly? In the life of Jesus. He challenges each of us with a big question: "Who do you say that I am?" This question Jesus asks is like a starting point for a journey. It's not just about figuring out who Jesus is; it's an invitation for us to think about and express what we understand about God and his character in light of Jesus. What does Jesus show us about God? Think of Jesus' life as a painting that shows us what God is like. Jesus is inviting us into a relationship and a relationship leads to a revealing, then a discovery, and finally, a response.

"The Other Side of Fear" - Mike Ashcraft | Undeniable, Week 3 Feb 26, 2024

Show notes

The essence of true living lies in stepping onto the other side of fear, and embracing a life of self-sacrifice and giving. It's a freedom discovered in the act of giving ourselves away, where the promise unfolds: in losing our life, we find it. This need for self-sacrifice isn't a mere concession but a vital aspect of following the path laid out by Jesus. It's our unique expression, not driven by seeking approval or trying to prove ourselves, but rather a fundamental response to the call to love well. However, fear often becomes the stumbling block, holding us back by fueling self-preservation. It's fear that hinders self-denial and stands in the way of genuine sacrifice. To truly live a giving life, a life of love, we must confront the fear that typically prevents us from sacrificing ourselves.It's precisely on the other side of that fear that this transformative way of life unfolds. The life we desire is only experienced by offering ourselves for others.

"The Way To Follow" - Mike Ashcraft | Undeniable, Week 2 Feb 20, 2024

Show notes

Our default setting is to try and get as much as possible while giving out as little as we can, which can make us feel like we're constantly trying to protect our interests. But in this struggle, we might miss out on the real power of selflessness. We tend to see denying ourselves anything as oppressive, fearing it might make us seem less valuable or restrict our freedom. But really, holding onto that mindset just leads us down a path of always wanting more and feeling entitled to it. On the other hand, embracing self-denial can bring a deeper sense of purpose and fulfillment. When we take up our cross, we're accepting the challenges of life with courage and humility, knowing that it's through these struggles that we can experience grace and love. It's not about diminishing our worth, but rather finding a richer, more meaningful life by focusing on what really matters. And in the end, it's when we let go of our desires and follow the path set before us that we truly discover faithfulness and fulfillment.

"The Reward of Self Denial" - Carson Goslee | Undeniable, Week 1 Feb 13, 2024

Show notes

In a world driven by demands and fixations on the self, Jesus' invitation to embrace the cross stands as profoundly counter-cultural. Embracing the concept of "Jesus equals life" is indeed a blessing, yet it entails a profound calling. Our concerns often obstruct the path to the life that God intends for us. Only through denying ourselves can we become and remain truly available. Jesus teaches that in a world steeped in denial, self-denial is the sole path to genuine living.

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