Spirit of Joy
Revelation 1:1–20 John receives a vision from Jesus to share with seven churches. He sees Christ in glory, standing among lampstands, holding stars—symbolizing His power and presence with the churches. Note: We do not have audio for Sunday, June 8th, as the sermon did not record correctly that day. We apologize for any inconvenience
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Galatians 3:23–29 – Paul explains that before Christ, the law acted like a guardian, but now through faith in Jesus, all believers are God's children. There’s no difference between Jew or Greek, slave or free, male or female—all are one in Christ.
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Galatians 1:13–18 – Paul talks about his past as a zealous persecutor of the church, his dramatic conversion, and how he did not consult others right away but spent years in Arabia and Damascus before meeting the apostles. Galatians 2:11–21 – Paul recounts confronting Peter for acting hypocritically by separating from Gentile believers. He emphasizes that people are justified by faith in Jesus Christ, not by following the law.
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In this passage, the early Church faces a major debate: must Gentile believers follow the law of Moses, especially circumcision, to be saved? Paul and Barnabas travel to Jerusalem to consult with the apostles and elders. After much discussion, Peter reminds the assembly that God gave the Holy Spirit to the Gentiles just as He did to the Jews, showing no distinction. James then affirms that God’s plan includes the Gentiles, quoting the prophets to support this inclusion. The Church agrees: salvation is through grace, not by following the law.
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God tells Elijah to go to Zarephath, where a poor widow will care for him during a famine. Though she has only a handful of flour and a little oil left, she obeys Elijah’s request to make him bread. Because of her faith and obedience, God miraculously ensures her flour and oil never run out.
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Stephen, addressing the Sanhedrin, recounts Israel’s history, emphasizing God's presence beyond the temple and the people’s repeated rejection of God's messengers. He accuses the leaders of resisting the Holy Spirit and betraying and murdering the Righteous One (Jesus). Enraged, they drag him out of the city and stone him. As he dies, Stephen sees a vision of Jesus standing at God's right hand and prays for his killers, echoing Jesus’ own words of forgiveness.
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In this episode, Dave talks about two disciples who meet the risen Jesus on the road to Emmaus and only recognize Him in the breaking of the bread—a reminder that Jesus walks with us, even when we don’t see Him.
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In this episode, we reflect on Luke 24:1–12, the powerful account of the empty tomb. As the women discover Jesus has risen, confusion turns to wonder and disbelief gives way to hope. Join us as we explore the first moments of the Resurrection and what it means for us today.
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Pastor David Ryder preaches on Luke 19: 29-44, the story of Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem, and the message that we cannot earn God's favor, but we are invited to participate in what God is doing.
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Pastor David Ryder preaches on Luke 18: 18-30, the story of the rich ruler, and the message of considering what we would give up to follow Christ.
info_outlineEnjoy our moving last story of generosity and inspirational giving for our capital campaign: The Next 40 Years. This special story of invitation, welcome, and friendship comes from high school seniors and long-time Spirit of Joy members Allen Zwicke and Elijah Ryder. Listen to the end for a special outro from 10 year-old Elijah!