Living Word Family Church Sermon Podcast

In a culture eager to reshape Jesus into something more comfortable, Pastor Scott confronts the growing trend of redefining Christianity without the cross. Drawing from Scripture and the events of Palm Sunday, he shows that Jesus didn’t avoid the cross—He walked toward it on purpose. His death wasn’t a political execution or a symbolic gesture; it was the necessary sacrifice for our sin. Pastor Scott warns against becoming what Paul called “enemies of the cross,” those who claim Christ but reject His lordship and the meaning of His death. This message calls us back to the true Gospel: Jesus gave His life as a ransom for many, and understanding the crucifixion is the only way to truly appreciate the resurrection and live a life worthy of His sacrifice.

In our series on holiness, we continue to wrestle with the temptation to believe that we can become holy by simply trying harder. We are indeed commanded, "be holy, for I Am holy." But we often confuse terms like "righteousness", "holiness", and "sanctification" What's the difference? The importance of understanding this goes beyond proper terminology; it is practical, and it is life changing.

We live in a culture of caricatures. Often, the things and people that stir up hateful feelings have been presented to us in simplified and often inaccurate forms, leading to knee-jerk reactions and uninformed opinions. Even God has been treated like that. But what you find when you actually encounter Jesus Christ will surprise you!

With all the emphasis in the Bible on obedience, it's easy to fall into the trap of legalism when working out our salvation. But hard things are made easier when love is what drives us.

Bible teacher and author Tony Cooke graduated from RHEMA Bible Training Center in 1980 and received degrees from North Central University (Bachelor’s in Church Ministries) and Liberty University (Master’s in Theological Studies/Church History). His ministerial background includes pastoral ministry, teaching in Bible schools, and directing a ministerial association. Tony’s passion for teaching the Bible has taken him to more than thirty nations and nearly all fifty states. He is the author of sixteen books, of which, various titles have been translated and published in more than a dozen other languages

We begin a series today on two subjects that often create a kind of tension in our spiritual journeys. Sometimes we feel very much like the choice we are facing is between being happy or being holy. But the word of God tells us not to simply obey God, but to DELIGHT in Him. Holiness and Happiness are NOT mutually exclusive!

In this week’s message, Pastor Mike unpacks the incredible strength God releases through prayer. Drawing from James 5:16, he reminds us that heartfelt and persistent prayer isn’t just a spiritual exercise — it’s a force that moves heaven and shapes lives.We’ll explore how prayer requires humility, because coming to God means admitting we can’t do everything on our own. Pastor Mike also highlights how the early church depended on continual prayer to grow, endure trials, and see God work in miraculous ways.This message encourages us to slow down, bow low, and press into a deeper, more consistent life of prayer — because when God empowers our prayers, they become dynamic and full of tremendous power.

We’re honored to welcome Neal & Danette Childs from RUN International! Their heart for reaching the unreached and taking the Gospel where it’s never been heard is powerful and contagious.Come ready to be challenged, encouraged, and inspired to live the Great Commission right where you are.