The Local Church Podcast

Brent Levy, a speaker devoted to helping others cultivate trust through engaging with God, shares insights from Paul's letter to the Philippians. He emphasizes the importance of being a 'regular' in our spiritual practices to foster deeper intimacy with God. Listeners will discover how consistent, intentional engagement—even in small moments—can transform their faith. With practical suggestions for incorporating spiritual practices into daily life, Brent inspires a shift from transactional faith to a more joyful, resilient relationship with God.

DateSeptember 15, 2024SynopsisIn this sermon, as we celebrate five years of weekly worship, we explore more from Paul's letter to the Philippians, focusing on cultivating a heart for humility as exemplified by Jesus in Philippians 2:1-18. We learn how embracing humility and prioritizing others' interests over our own can lead to a more joyful and fulfilling life. This message inspires listeners to find joy in selfless service and to be "on the ground" for the sake of others, reflecting on how they can be "a gift that keeps on giving" in their daily lives.ReferencesScripture: Philippians 2:1–18About The Local ChurchFor more information about The Local Church, visit our website. We're also posting good stuff on Facebook, Threads, and Instagram, too. Feedback? Questions? Comments? We'd love to hear it. Email Brent at brent@thelocalchurchpbo.org.To invest in what God's doing through The Local Church and help support these podcasting efforts and this movement of God's love, give online here.

DateSeptember 8, 2024SynopsisThis week, we launch our new "Take Heart" series and explore the theme "a heart for prayer" through Philippians 1:1-11. Pastor Brent discusses the importance of genuine, attentive communication and how holding others in our hearts can bring transformative joy. This message is perfect for anyone seeking to deepen their prayer life and foster meaningful connections.ReferencesScripture: Philippians 1:1-11 About The Local ChurchFor more information about The Local Church, visit our website. We're also posting good stuff on Facebook, Threads, and Instagram, too. Feedback? Questions? Comments? We'd love to hear it. Email Brent at brent@thelocalchurchpbo.org.To invest in what God's doing through The Local Church and help support these podcasting efforts and this movement of God's love, give online here.

DateSeptember 1, 2024SynopsisIn this sermon, we explore James 1:17-27, unpacking its call for Christians to be "doers of the word" and not just hearers. We learn about the importance of being quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger, as well as the true meaning of pure religion. This message will benefit anyone seeking to align their faith with action, offering practical wisdom on how to live out Christian values in daily life and reconnect with our purpose as followers of Jesus.ReferencesScripture: James 1:17–27About The Local ChurchFor more information about The Local Church, visit our website. We're also posting good stuff on Facebook, Threads, and Instagram, too. Feedback? Questions? Comments? We'd love to hear it. Email Brent at brent@thelocalchurchpbo.org.To invest in what God's doing through The Local Church and help support these podcasting efforts and this movement of God's love, give online here.

DateAugust 25, 2024SynopsisIn this sermon, we explore the concept of unity and reconciliation through the lens o the Bluey episode, “Flat Pack," drawing parallels to Ephesians 2:11–22 and Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s vision of the Beloved Community. Listeners will learn about the power of coming together, the importance of resolving conflicts peacefully, and how pursuing reconciliation can lead to a more joyful, harmonious life. This message will benefit anyone seeking to build stronger relationships, foster community, and live out their faith in practical ways.ReferencesScripture: Ephesians 2:11-22About The Local ChurchFor more information about The Local Church, visit our website. We're also posting good stuff on Facebook, Threads, and Instagram, too. Feedback? Questions? Comments? We'd love to hear it. Email Brent at brent@thelocalchurchpbo.org.To invest in what God's doing through The Local Church and help support these podcasting efforts and this movement of God's love, give online here.

DateAugust 18, 2024SynopsisIn this sermon, Pastor Brent explores the theme of comparison through the lens of the popular children's show "Bluey," specifically the episode "Baby Race." He delves into how comparison can corrode relationships and self-worth and even fuel larger conflicts. Listeners will learn about biblical examples of comparison-driven conflicts, from Cain and Abel to the disciples arguing over who is the greatest. Most importantly, the sermon offers a powerful antidote to comparison: Communion with God. Through exploring passages from Isaiah, Pastor Brent reminds us of God's unconditional love and presence, even in our struggles. This message will help listeners navigate feelings of inadequacy, jealousy, and fear of not measuring up in their daily lives. By embracing the truth of God's love, listeners are encouraged to let go of harmful comparisons and move towards celebration of one another's gifts, beauty, and belonging in diversity.ReferencesScripture: Isaiah 43:1–7About The Local ChurchFor more information about The Local Church, visit our website. We're also posting good stuff on Facebook, Threads, and Instagram, too. Feedback? Questions? Comments? We'd love to hear it. Email Brent at brent@thelocalchurchpbo.org.To invest in what God's doing through The Local Church and help support these podcasting efforts and this movement of God's love, give online here.

DateAugust 11, 2024SynopsisIn this sermon, we explore the spiritual power of play through the lens of Bluey's "Daddy Dropoff" episode and Jesus's surprising playfulness in John 8:2-11, revealing how play can disrupt our routines, liberate us from pretense, and ignite our imagination. Discover why adults struggle with playfulness, how Jesus used play to defuse a life-threatening situation, and practical ways to incorporate play as a spiritual practice in your daily life. Join us for a playful exploration of faith that might just transform your understanding of God, yourself, and the world around you.ReferencesScripture: John 8:2–11About The Local ChurchFor more information about The Local Church, visit our website. We're also posting good stuff on Facebook, Threads, and Instagram, too. Feedback? Questions? Comments? We'd love to hear it. Email Brent at brent@thelocalchurchpbo.org.To invest in what God's doing through The Local Church and help support these podcasting efforts and this movement of God's love, give online here.

DateAugust 4, 2024SynopsisThis week, we kick off our wackadoo sermon series called “The Gospel According to Bluey” with our first episode: “Camping." Through this episode and the words of Jesus, we explore the theme of friendship.What you'll learn:How childhood friendships differ from adult relationshipsThe challenges of forming deep friendships as adultsJesus' perspective on friendship and its importanceHow friendship with Jesus can transform our relationships with othersHow this can help in your daily life:Gain a fresh perspective on the value of authentic friendshipsLearn to approach relationships with openness and vulnerabilityUnderstand how to cultivate deeper connections with othersDiscover how friendship can be a powerful force for personal growth and social changeReferencesScripture: Luke 10:25–28; John 15:12–17About The Local ChurchFor more information about The Local Church, visit our website. We're also posting good stuff on Facebook, Threads, and Instagram, too. Feedback? Questions? Comments? We'd love to hear it. Email Brent at brent@thelocalchurchpbo.org.To invest in what God's doing through The Local Church and help support these podcasting efforts and this movement of God's love, give online here.

DateJuly 28, 2024SynopsisWe all love a good underdog story, but what if the most famous biblical underdog tale has more to offer than we thought? Join Pastor Brent as he revisits the classic story of David and Goliath with fresh eyes and uncovers surprising insights for our modern lives.What You'll Learn:A new perspective on the familiar David and Goliath storyThree ways this ancient tale reveals how God is with us in our daily strugglesHow to find strength when facing your own "giants"How It Will Help You:Reclaim your true identity when others try to define youFace your fears with renewed courage and faithFind hope and purpose even in the messiest parts of lifeWhether you're wrestling with self-doubt, fear, or life's complexities, this fresh take on an old story will inspire you to face your challenges with the confidence that God is with you every step of the way.ReferencesScripture: 1 Samuel 17:1–50About The Local ChurchFor more information about The Local Church, visit our website. We're also posting good stuff on Facebook, Threads, and Instagram, too. Feedback? Questions? Comments? We'd love to hear it. Email Brent at brent@thelocalchurchpbo.org.To invest in what God's doing through The Local Church and help support these podcasting efforts and this movement of God's love, give online here.

Duke Divinity Pastoral Intern Isabel Packevicz expands our understanding of the divine by exploring often-overlooked feminine imagery for God in scripture. The sermon encourages us to see God's presence in life's messy, painful moments, offering hope for transformation.In this sermon, hearers will:Explore often overlooked feminine imagery for God in the BibleDiscover how viewing God as a mother and midwife can provide comfort in times of pain and struggleLearn about the historical role of midwives and how it relates to our understanding of GodGain a new perspective on familiar Bible stories like Creation and ExodusHow this can help in daily life:Offers a more nurturing and intimate view of God for those struggling with traditional masculine imageryProvides comfort for those going through difficult times, showing God as present in pain and struggleEmpowers listeners, especially women, to see themselves as image-bearers of GodEncourages a more inclusive and diverse understanding of the divine