Spirit of Joy

A podcast of Spirit of Joy Lutheran Church in Fort Collins, Colorado. Learn more at sojoyfc.org.

Sunday, December 21 12/24/2025

Sunday, December 21 John 1:1–18 (CEB) This passage, often called the Prologue of John, introduces Jesus as the Word (Logos) who existed with God from the very beginning and who is God. Through the Word, all things were created, and in him is life and light that shines in the darkness. John the Baptist is presented as a witness who points others to the light, not the light himself. The Word becomes flesh and lives among humanity, revealing God’s glory, full of grace and truth. Through Jesus Christ, people receive grace upon grace and come to truly know God. /episode/index/show/sojoyfc/id/39529045

Sunday, December 14 12/19/2025

Sunday, December 14 Isaiah 55:1–13 God invites everyone to come freely for life and nourishment, offering mercy and forgiveness. The passage calls people to seek the Lord and trust His ways, which are higher than human ways. God promises that His word will accomplish its purpose and bring joy, peace, and renewal to creation. /episode/index/show/sojoyfc/id/39472120

Sunday, December 7 12/19/2025

Sunday, December 7 Ezekiel 37:1–14 God shows Ezekiel a valley of dry bones, symbolizing Israel’s hopelessness in exile. At God’s command, Ezekiel prophesies, and the bones come together, receive breath, and live again. God explains that this vision represents Israel being restored—brought out of exile, given new life, and filled with God’s Spirit. /episode/index/show/sojoyfc/id/39472005

November 30, 2025 12/03/2025

November 30, 2025 Daniel 3:1, 8–30 (CEB) King Nebuchadnezzar builds a huge gold statue and commands everyone to worship it. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refuse because they worship only God. They are reported to the king, who angrily throws them into a blazing furnace. God protects them, and they are seen walking unharmed inside the fire with a fourth figure who looks divine. They come out without even smelling like smoke. The king praises their God and decrees that no one speak against Him, honoring their faith and delivering the three men. /episode/index/show/sojoyfc/id/39255355

November 23, 2025 11/26/2025

November 23, 2025 Jeremiah sends a letter from God to the Israelites living in exile in Babylon. God tells them to settle there—build homes, plant gardens, marry, and seek the peace and well-being of the city where they now live, because their own peace is tied to it. God assures them that the exile will last seventy years, but afterward He will bring them back. These verses include the promise that God has plans for their welfare and not harm, to give them a future and hope. When they seek Him wholeheartedly, He will listen, gather them, and restore them to their land. /episode/index/show/sojoyfc/id/39182360

Sunday, November 16 11/20/2025

Sunday, November 16 Isaiah 9:1–7 - A light will shine on people in darkness, bringing joy and freedom. A child will be born who will be our Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. His peaceful kingdom will last forever. /episode/index/show/sojoyfc/id/39111615

November 9, 2025 11/17/2025

November 9, 2025 Amos 1:1-2: Amos, a prophet from Tekoa, announces God’s coming judgment on Israel and the surrounding nations, declaring that the Lord’s voice is like a roaring lion against sin. Amos 5:14-24: God calls His people to seek good, live justly, and practice righteousness. He rejects mere religious rituals and emphasizes that true worship is shown through justice, integrity, and ethical living. /episode/index/show/sojoyfc/id/39062440

November 2, 20205 11/10/2025

November 2, 20205 1 Kings 19:1-18: Elijah, discouraged and fearing for his life, flees to the wilderness. God strengthens him with food and rest, and on Mount Horeb, reveals that His presence comes not in dramatic events but in a gentle whisper, reassuring Elijah he is not alone. /episode/index/show/sojoyfc/id/38980090

Sunday, October 26 11/04/2025

Sunday, October 26 1 Kings 5:1–5 These verses describe how King Solomon prepared to build the Temple for the Lord. Hiram, king of Tyre, who had been a friend of David, sent his servants to Solomon to show goodwill. Solomon explained that his father David could not build a temple for God because of the wars he faced, but now, since the kingdom was at peace, Solomon planned to build it as the Lord had promised. 1 Kings 8:1–13 This passage recounts the dedication of the completed Temple. Solomon gathered Israel’s leaders to bring the Ark of the Covenant from the City of David (Zion) into the Temple. When the priests placed the Ark in the inner sanctuary, the cloud of God’s presence filled the Temple, showing that the Lord’s glory dwelt there. Solomon then declared that he had built a dwelling place for God. /episode/index/show/sojoyfc/id/38912985

Sunday, October 19, 2025 10/21/2025

Sunday, October 19, 2025 1 Samuel 16:1–13 (Summary): God tells Samuel to stop mourning for Saul and go to Bethlehem to anoint a new king from Jesse’s sons. Samuel obeys and meets Jesse and his sons. One by one, Jesse’s older sons pass before Samuel, but God rejects them all, reminding Samuel that “the Lord looks at the heart, not outward appearance.” Finally, Jesse calls his youngest son, David, who is tending sheep. God tells Samuel, “He is the one.” Samuel anoints David, and the Spirit of the Lord comes powerfully upon him from that day onward. /episode/index/show/sojoyfc/id/38728840

October 12, 2025 10/20/2025

October 12, 2025 1 Samuel 3:1–21 tells the story of God calling the young Samuel. At that time, messages from God were rare, and Samuel was serving under Eli in the temple. One night, God called Samuel three times, but Samuel thought it was Eli calling him. When Eli realized it was the Lord, he told Samuel to respond, “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.” God then revealed to Samuel that He would bring judgment on Eli’s family for their disobedience. Samuel faithfully shared the message, and from then on, he became known throughout Israel as a true prophet of the Lord. /episode/index/show/sojoyfc/id/38651810

October 5, 2025 10/08/2025

October 5, 2025 Exodus 16:1–18 shows how God provided manna and quail to feed the Israelites in the wilderness. Each person gathered just enough for the day, teaching them to trust God's daily provision. /episode/index/show/sojoyfc/id/38512250

Sunday, September 28 09/30/2025

Sunday, September 28 Exodus 2:23–3:15 – God hears the cries of the Israelites in Egypt. He appears to Moses in a burning bush and calls him to lead His people out of slavery. God reveals His name as “I AM WHO I AM.” Exodus 4:10–17 – Moses hesitates, saying he's not a good speaker. God assures him but allows Aaron, his brother, to help as his spokesperson. /episode/index/show/sojoyfc/id/38411505

Sunday, September 21 09/30/2025

Sunday, September 21 Genesis 27:1–4, 15–23 – Jacob, with Rebekah’s help, tricks his blind father Isaac into giving him the blessing meant for Esau. Genesis 28:10–17 – While fleeing, Jacob dreams of a ladder to heaven. God appears and promises him land, descendants, and His presence. Jacob names the place Bethel. /episode/index/show/sojoyfc/id/38411420

Sunday, September 7th 2025 09/11/2025

Sunday, September 7th 2025 Genesis 1:1–2:3 tells how God created the world in six days—light, sky, land, plants, stars, animals, and humans—and rested on the seventh. Each part of creation was declared good, and the seventh day was blessed as holy /episode/index/show/sojoyfc/id/38182365

August 31, 2025 09/09/2025

August 31, 2025 Revelation 21:1–7 and 22:1–7, 16–17, 20 describe God's promise of a new heaven and new earth where He will dwell with His people. There will be no more pain or death, and all things will be made new. The river of life and tree of life symbolize healing and eternal life. Jesus declares He is coming soon, and all are invited to receive the water of life freely. The response is: "Amen. Come, Lord Jesus." /episode/index/show/sojoyfc/id/38143010

Sunday, August 24 08/26/2025

Sunday, August 24 Genesis 2:4b – 3:8 God creates Adam and Eve and places them in the Garden of Eden, forbidding them to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. A serpent tempts Eve, she eats the fruit and gives some to Adam. Their eyes are opened, they realize they are naked, and hide from God in shame. /episode/index/show/sojoyfc/id/37968385

August 17, 2025 08/20/2025

August 17, 2025 Genesis 1:1 – 2:4a describes the biblical account of creation. In six days, God creates the universe: light and darkness, sky and sea, land and vegetation, the sun, moon, and stars, birds and sea creatures, land animals, and finally, humans—male and female—in His image. On the seventh day, God rests, blessing and sanctifying it. This passage emphasizes God’s power, order, and intentional design in creation. Note- The sermon for Sunday, August 10th was not uploaded due to some technical errors. /episode/index/show/sojoyfc/id/37895775

Sunday, August 3 08/06/2025

Sunday, August 3 Revelation 12:18–14:3 describes a dramatic spiritual battle: Satan (the dragon) empowers two beasts—one from the sea (symbolizing political power) and one from the earth (false religion or deceptive authority)—to deceive and dominate the world, demanding worship and persecuting believers. In contrast, chapter 14 opens with a vision of the Lamb (Jesus) standing on Mount Zion with 144,000 faithful followers who remained pure and loyal, marked by God's name and singing a new heavenly song. It highlights the contrast between allegiance to evil and faithfulness to God. Note- The sermon for Sunday, July 27th was not uploaded due to some technical errors. /episode/index/show/sojoyfc/id/37710370

Sunday, July 20 07/22/2025

Sunday, July 20 Revelation 7:1–4 Four angels hold back destruction on earth until God's servants (144,000 from the tribes of Israel) are sealed for protection. Revelation 7:9–10 A great, countless crowd from all nations stands before God's throne, wearing white robes and praising Him for salvation. Revelation 7:13–17 One of the elders explains that the people in white robes are those who endured great suffering. God will shelter them, and they will never hunger, thirst, or suffer again—He will wipe away every tear. Revelation 8:1 When the seventh seal is opened, there is silence in heaven for about half an hour. /episode/index/show/sojoyfc/id/37509545

July 13, 2025 - Summer Series 07/16/2025

July 13, 2025 - Summer Series God sends Jeremiah to a potter's house, where he sees the potter reshape a spoiled pot. God explains that He is like the potter, with power to shape nations. If a nation turns from evil, He will relent from judgment; if it turns to evil, He will withhold blessing. God urges Judah to repent, warning of coming disaster if they refuse. /episode/index/show/sojoyfc/id/37431835

July 6, 2025 - Summer Series 07/16/2025

July 6, 2025 - Summer Series Revelation 4:1-2, 6b-11 John sees God’s throne in heaven, surrounded by worshipping creatures and elders who praise God as holy and the Creator of all. Revelation 5:1-12 A scroll can only be opened by the Lamb (Jesus), who is worshipped by heaven and earth for His sacrifice and worthiness. /episode/index/show/sojoyfc/id/37431675

Sunday, June 29 07/01/2025

Sunday, June 29 Revelation 3:14–22 This passage is a message to the church in Laodicea. Jesus rebukes them for being "lukewarm"—neither hot nor cold—and warns that He will "spit them out." Though they think they are rich and need nothing, He tells them they are spiritually poor and blind. Jesus urges them to repent, invites them to open the door to Him, and promises that those who overcome will share His throne. /episode/index/show/sojoyfc/id/37243640

June 22, 2025 - Summer Series 06/23/2025

June 22, 2025 - Summer Series In John 21:1–19, the risen Jesus appears to His disciples by the Sea of Tiberias. He helps them miraculously catch fish and shares a meal with them. Jesus then restores Peter by asking three times, “Do you love me?” and calls him to care for His followers. /episode/index/show/sojoyfc/id/37115460

Sunday, June 15 06/17/2025

Sunday, June 15 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 /episode/index/show/sojoyfc/id/37045210

Sunday, June 1 06/03/2025

Sunday, June 1 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. /episode/index/show/sojoyfc/id/36839905

Sunday, May 25 06/03/2025

Sunday, May 25 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. /episode/index/show/sojoyfc/id/36839680

May 18,2025 - Sunday 9:30 AM 05/19/2025

May 18,2025 - Sunday 9:30 AM 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. /episode/index/show/sojoyfc/id/36627695

May 11,2025 - 9:30 AM 05/12/2025

May 11,2025 - 9:30 AM 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. /episode/index/show/sojoyfc/id/36534260

May 4,2025 - Sunday - 9:30AM 05/07/2025

May 4,2025 - Sunday - 9:30AM 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. /episode/index/show/sojoyfc/id/36471260

Spirit of Joy

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