Spirit of Joy

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

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

Sunday, April 27 04/30/2025

Sunday, April 27 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. /episode/index/show/sojoyfc/id/36373860

Sunday, April 20 04/29/2025

Sunday, April 20 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. /episode/index/show/sojoyfc/id/36363300

April 13, 2025 - Palm Sunday 04/22/2025

April 13, 2025 - Palm Sunday 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. /episode/index/show/sojoyfc/id/36266030

April 6, 2025 - Fifth Sunday in Lent 04/22/2025

April 6, 2025 - Fifth Sunday in Lent 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. /episode/index/show/sojoyfc/id/36265710

March 30, 2025 - Fourth Sunday in Lent 04/10/2025

March 30, 2025 - Fourth Sunday in Lent Pastor David Ryder preaches on Luke 16: 19-31, the story of the rich man and Lazarus, and the message that we are invited to live for Jesus and to experience glimpses of heaven now. /episode/index/show/sojoyfc/id/36086975

March 23, 2025 - Third Sunday in Lent 03/25/2025

March 23, 2025 - Third Sunday in Lent Guest preacher Bekah Boatwright from Sky Ranch Lutheran Camp preaches on Luke 15: 1-32, the parables of the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the prodigal and his brother, and the message that God is with us no matter what chapter we are in. /episode/index/show/sojoyfc/id/35856535

March 16, 2025 - Second Sunday in Lent 03/19/2025

March 16, 2025 - Second Sunday in Lent Pastor David Ryder preaches on Luke 13: 1-9, 31-35 - the parable of the fig tree and the lament over Jerusalem - and shares the message that bad things do not happen to us as a result of some cosmic punishment for our actions. God knows our failings and still loves us unconditionally and offers us grace and redemption. Note: We do not have audio for Sunday, March 9, as the sermon did not record correctly that day. We apologize for any inconvenience. /episode/index/show/sojoyfc/id/35778130

March 2, 2025 - Temple Talk #6 03/06/2025

March 2, 2025 - Temple Talk #6 Enjoy 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! /episode/index/show/sojoyfc/id/35564720

March 2, 2025 - Transfiguration 03/06/2025

March 2, 2025 - Transfiguration Pastor Dave Ryder preaches on Luke 9: 28-45, the story of the transfiguration of Jesus and his healing of a young boy with an unclean spirit. He discusses our fidelity to the way of the cross regardless of external circumstances. /episode/index/show/sojoyfc/id/35564530

February 23, 2025 - Temple Talk #5 02/25/2025

February 23, 2025 - Temple Talk #5 We have been hearing different stories of generosity and inspirational giving from members of our community as part of The Next 40 Years: Welcoming the Future, our capital campaign. Our fifth Temple Talk comes from the F3 Generosity train and Jill Raney, who shares thoughts about the endless and unimaginable possibilities God provides. /episode/index/show/sojoyfc/id/35425580

February 23, 2025 - Seventh Sunday after Epiphany 02/25/2025

February 23, 2025 - Seventh Sunday after Epiphany Guest pastor Ron Bockhaus preaches on Luke 7: 36-50, the story of the sinful woman forgiven, and the message of examining our willingness to have compassion for those whom we may typically judge. /episode/index/show/sojoyfc/id/35425555

February 16, 2025 - Temple Talk #4 02/21/2025

February 16, 2025 - Temple Talk #4 We have been hearing different stories of generosity and inspirational giving from members of our community as part of The Next 40 Years: Welcoming the Future, our capital campaign. Our fourth Temple Talk comes from Donna Walsh, who shares a thought-provoking and inspirational moment - about a sandwich, no less! - that changed the way she thought about giving. /episode/index/show/sojoyfc/id/35380390

February 16, 2025 - Sixth Sunday after Epiphany 02/21/2025

February 16, 2025 - Sixth Sunday after Epiphany /episode/index/show/sojoyfc/id/35380160

February 9, 2025 - Temple Talk #3 02/12/2025

February 9, 2025 - Temple Talk #3 Over the next few weeks, we will hear different stories of generosity and inspirational giving from our congregation during Sunday worship as part of The Next 40 Years: Welcoming the Future, our capital campaign. Our third Temple Talk comes from Rick Schleusener, who shares a moving and beautiful picture of his son, Christian, and Christian's experiences with Spirit of Joy. /episode/index/show/sojoyfc/id/35258165

February 9, 2025 - Fifth Sunday after Epiphany 02/12/2025

February 9, 2025 - Fifth Sunday after Epiphany Guest preacher Lauren Gouldey from Lutheran Campus Ministries (LuMin) preaches on Luke 5: 1-11, the story of Jesus calling the first disciples, and the message of honoring our call to spread love and healing in the name of Jesus. /episode/index/show/sojoyfc/id/35258130

February 2, 2025 - Temple Talk #2 02/05/2025

February 2, 2025 - Temple Talk #2 Over the next several weeks, we will hear different stories of generosity and inspirational giving from our congregation during Sunday morning worship as part of The Next 40 Years: Welcoming the Future, our capital campaign. Our second Temple Talk comes from KarenAnn Weingartner, as she shares a life-changing and inspirational story of witnessing generosity. /episode/index/show/sojoyfc/id/35154860

February 2, 2025 - Fourth Sunday after Epiphany 02/04/2025

February 2, 2025 - Fourth Sunday after Epiphany /episode/index/show/sojoyfc/id/35154835

January 26, 2025 - Temple Talk #1 01/30/2025

January 26, 2025 - Temple Talk #1 Over the next six weeks, we will hear different stories of generosity and inspirational giving from our congregation during Sunday morning worship as part of The Next 40 Years: Welcoming the Future, our capital campaign. Enjoy this first Temple Talk from Zach Dickerhoff about his experiences with generosity and faith. /episode/index/show/sojoyfc/id/35088210

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