The Local Church Podcast

DateMay 12, 2024SynopsisIn this sermon, Brent brings together graduation weekend, Mother's Day, and the Ascension with some help from cicadas, the Northern Lights, and our Local Kids. You'll learn:The meaning of the Ascension and how it enables Jesus to be present with us always, no matter where we are.How to recognize Jesus's presence in our lives through the little moments and interactions we experience each day.The importance of remembering Jesus's constant love and presence during life's transitions, challenges, and threshold moments.How the Ascension empowers us to be witnesses of Jesus's love, justice, and the Jubilee reality in our world.This message will help listeners:Find comfort and strength in knowing that Jesus is always with them, even in times of fear, loneliness, or pain.Develop a greater awareness of Jesus's presence in their daily lives and learn to lean on His love as an anchor in a rapidly changing world.Feel inspired to share Jesus's love and justice with others and make a positive impact in their communities.ReferencesScripture: [Acts 1:1–11](https://www.bible.com/bible/3523/ACT.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.

DateMay 5, 2024SynopsisIn this episode, Pastor Brent Levy explores the story of Zacchaeus in Luke 19 and what it teaches us about embodying Jesus's mission to "set free those who are oppressed." You'll learn:How Zacchaeus's salvation was tied to making things right with those he had exploited as a tax collectorWhy there is no such thing as liberation in isolation - our salvation is bound up togetherWhat it looks like to not just passively receive the story of Jesus, but to actively live it out for the sake of others' freedomPastor Brent challenges listeners to consider:Who in your life is in need of freedom and liberation?What relationships or situations require forgiveness, reconciliation, and repair?How is God calling you to use your influence to work for others' healing and wholeness?This message will inspire you to "grab your purple crayon" and courageously draw the world of justice and joy that Jesus makes possible now. ReferencesScripture: Luke 19:1–10About 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.

DateApril 28, 2024SynopsisThis week, Pastor Brent shares a message about the transformative act of truly seeing one another, drawing on the rich narrative of Jesus' teachings and a modern-day story of social enterprise and empowerment.What You Will Learn:The Power of Names: Discover the significance of acknowledging individuals by their names as a step towards recognizing their humanity and the stories they carry.Overcoming Social Divides: Learn about the importance of bridging the gaps between "us" and "them" to foster a community of inclusivity and understanding.The Jubilee Reality: Understand Jesus' vision of a world where liberation, freedom, justice, and joy are possible, and how we can participate in bringing this vision to life.The Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus: Reflect on this parable's message about wealth, compassion, and the consequences of ignoring those in need.Practical Steps for Daily Living: Gain insights into how small, everyday interactions, like learning someone's name, can lead to a greater awareness of the needs around us and how we can respond with grace and action.How It Will Help You:Empathy and Action: This episode will inspire you to practice empathy in your daily life, encouraging you to see beyond your own experiences and to act in ways that support and uplift others.Spiritual Growth: By examining the themes of Jesus' teachings, you'll be challenged to grow spiritually and to consider how your faith can inform your actions towards social justice.Community Building: Learn how to contribute to a stronger, more connected community by recognizing the inherent worth in every individual and working towards a shared vision of equity and belonging.Where to Learn More:To explore the concept of social enterprise and its impact on communities, check out Invisible Cities, the organization mentioned in the sermon that empowers individuals who have experienced homelessness.For further reflection on the Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus, consider reading commentaries on Luke 16:19-31, which provide additional context and interpretation.Don't forget to subscribe to our podcast for more inspiring messages and practical guidance for living out your faith in everyday life.ReferencesScripture: Luke 16:19-31About 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.

Pastor Brent Levy delves into the Parable of the Prodigal Son, emphasizing God's unconditional love, freedom from bitterness and resentment, and the importance of authentic expression in relationships. Practical applications include finding home in God's love, releasing negative emotions, and modeling grace within communities.

The Rev. Katey Zeh discusses the intersection of faith and reproductive justice on The Speakeasy podcast. They explore historical challenges in advocating for reproductive freedom within religious contexts. Topics include the evolution of abortion views, navigating religion, politics, and reproductive justice, emotional challenges in advocacy, and the aftermath of Roe v. Wade overturn.

DateApril 14, 2024SynopsisIn this episode, Pastor Brent explores the Parable of the Great Dinner from Luke 14 and how it relates to the theme of Jubilee, a concept rooted in the Jewish law book of Leviticus. Through this parable, Jesus demonstrates the expansive love and radical inclusion of God, upending expectations and reordering the world.What you'll learn:The sociopolitical function of meals in the Ancient Roman world and how they reinforced hierarchies and social circlesThe significance of the excuses made by the wealthy invitees in the parableHow Jesus's invitation to the poor, crippled, blind, and lame challenges the social structure and brings about JubileeThe importance of not only including the marginalized but also centering their voices in order to dismantle oppressive systems and structuresHow it will help you:Find comfort in knowing that Jesus's arms are open wide for you, no matter what you or the world believe disqualifies you from God's loveDiscover a more complete picture of who God is by stepping into the story of Jubilee and considering whose voices need to be centered todayBe inspired to tell a compelling story of justice, joy, and Jubilee that draws others into the expansive love of GodReferencesScripture: Luke 14:15-24About 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.

DateApril 7, 2024SynopsisIn this episode, we explore the story of Jesus appearing to his disciples on the road to Emmaus after his resurrection. You'll learn:How the disciples were feeling hopeless and confused after Jesus' death and the discovery of the empty tombThe significance of Jesus entering a "God-forsaken" place on the cross and defeating death, showing that God is with us even in the darkest momentsHow Jesus revealed himself to the disciples in the breaking of bread, causing their hearts to burn with renewed hopeThe importance of community in celebrating the good news of Easter and supporting each other through the highs and lows of faithThis message will encourage you to find hope in the resurrection, knowing that because of Jesus' victory over death, there is no place or situation that is beyond God's presence and redemption.ReferencesScripture: Luke 24:13–35About 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.

DateMarch 31, 2024SynopsisIn this powerful Easter sermon, Pastor Brent reflects on the significance of remembering the resurrection of Jesus Christ and how this remembrance can transform our lives and bring hope in the midst of life's challenges.Key Takeaways:The resurrection is not just about where we go when we die, but about the possibility of a new world filled with liberation, justice, belonging, and peace.By remembering the goodness, mercy, and grace we have experienced in the past, we can discover a renewed hope for the future.The same Spirit that raised Jesus can resurrect something within us, reminding us of the moments when love found us, tears stopped, and we experienced a sense of belonging.Practical Application:Take time to reflect on the moments in your life when you experienced hope, love, and belonging, and allow those memories to inspire you to live into the possibility of a better future.Share your stories of resurrection with others, reminding them that the worst thing is not the last thing and that love ultimately wins.As a community, commit to being a people with a collective memory, supporting one another through life's challenges by pointing to the hope of the resurrection.ReferencesScripture: Luke 24:1–12 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.

DateMarch 24, 2024SynopsisRajeev Tiwari brings our Fast series to a close with this sermon set against the backdrop of Holy Week and Palm Sunday. Rajeev challenges us to reconsider our perceptions of power, salvation, and the way of Jesus.ReferencesScripture: Luke 19:28–44What You Will Learn:The True Nature of Power: Discover how Jesus redefines power through humility, servanthood, and love, contrasting sharply with worldly expectations.The Significance of Palm Sunday: Explore the deep symbolism of Palm Sunday and how it invites us to rethink our understanding of salvation and the kingdom of God.The Challenge of Embracing Mystery: Learn about the importance of letting go of our need for control and certainty in favor of trusting in God's unexpected plans for our lives.Practical Implications for Daily Life: Understand how embracing the mystery of God's kingdom can transform our approach to challenges, relationships, and our spiritual journey.How It Will Help You:This episode offers valuable insights into navigating the complexities of faith in a world that often values certainty and control. By embracing the mystery of God's kingdom, listeners will find encouragement to:Approach life's uncertainties with faith and trust in God's higher plans.Cultivate humility, servanthood, and love in their daily interactions.Recognize the presence and work of God in unexpected places and situations.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.

DateMarch 17, 2024SynopsisThis week, Brent invites us to fast from holding it all together. Drawing from personal anecdotes, cultural references, and poignant scriptural insights, Brent invites us into a space of vulnerability, showing us the strength in letting our guards down and the beauty in our shared humanity.What You'll Learn:The Power of Vulnerability: Discover how embracing our vulnerabilities can lead to a deeper connection with ourselves, others, and God.The Tradition of Fasting During Lent: Understand the significance of fasting not just from food but from behaviors and mindsets that distance us from the life God desires for us.The Gift of Tears: Learn about the ancient Christian tradition that views tears as a gift, a sign of a heart that is open and receptive to God's presence.Practical Ways to Let Go: Pastor Brent shares tangible practices, including the concept of a "God Box," to help us surrender our burdens and find peace in the midst of chaos.How It Will Help You:This episode is a balm for anyone feeling overwhelmed by life's pressures, struggling with the need to appear strong at all times, or simply seeking a deeper spiritual connection during Lent and beyond. It offers practical advice and spiritual wisdom for finding grace in vulnerability, transforming our tears into prayers, and opening our hearts to the transformative power of God's love.ReferencesScripture: Luke 13:31–34; 19:41–44  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](http://thelocalchurchpbo.org/give).