We've realized that the kingdom is something incredible and more valuable than anything we could ever own. It is ours freely through repentance. We are part of the kingdom because we have been forgiven and we can extend forgiveness. God's gracious invitation to a celebration is so good, and yet when we speak about it to others it can be met with confusion, question, anger, and rejection. Why? The effects of sin go down deep into the soil of our hearts. We must rely on the Holy Spirit to cultivate hearts to be prepared for the gospel, so that God's powerful message can take root. Yet, though it may be misunderstood, or questions, or rejected, our King still calls us to recklessly scatter his words and promises. The harvest will be plentiful, and we can celebrate with him again.

Thanks for listening to Pastor Jonny's podcast! He'd love to hear your thoughts via text message!

Support the show

It's so exciting to receive a special invitation to celebrate. That's exactly what God's kingdom is - a celebration. You're invited. Jesus has personally extended you such an invitation - no matter your past, no matter your history, no matter your status. It's a free invitation from him and it calls for a joyful response. It calls for preparing ourselves for the party. It calls us to dress ourselves in grace, mercy, and love, because Jesus has given us the proper attire for this feast - we just get to be those who wear it. Come and enjoy the celebration, having been clothed with Christ.

Thanks for listening to Pastor Jonny's podcast! He'd love to hear your thoughts via text message!

Support the show

As we live in the kingdom into which God has brought us through his forgiveness, we too demonstrate forgiveness to others. Though we often assume that we live autonomous lives, we are interconnected with our God and with others. Everything we have is our God's - a recognition that leads us to see the debts we have owed him. Such debts have been forgiven because of God's grace. In his kingdom, we are empowered and moved to freely forgive others their debts they owe us.

Thanks for listening to Pastor Jonny's podcast! He'd love to hear your thoughts via text message!

Support the show

What's the cost of entry? Whether it's the theme park, ball park, or skate park - it likely isn't free to get in. What about the magnificent, marvelous kingdom of God? What would it cost us to get in? It's not a material amount, and it's not some great deed that we can do, but there is a cost. The cost of humility. The cost of setting aside our pride and allowing God to carry us. The cost of repentance, which turns to God to receive his mercy, favor, and grace - all which he is so willing to give us, so much so that he didn't seem to even think twice about the great cost of forgiveness to him. He gave up his only Son, and Jesus gave up his life so that we could know this forgiveness. What a blessing! What a kingdom! What a king!

Thanks for listening to Pastor Jonny's podcast! He'd love to hear your thoughts via text message!

Support the show

We all have the childhood fantasies of finding buried treasure - how would we celebrate? What would we do with the wealth and the resources? How determined would we be if we knew where treasure was to be found? As Jesus speaks of faith, he describes its value as that of a buried treasure now discovered. He leads us to ask the same questions, not with our childhood fantasies but with the reality of this amazing, valuable blessing that God has given to us. How precious is the kingdom!

Thanks for listening to Pastor Jonny's podcast! He'd love to hear your thoughts via text message!

Support the show

Some days go well and some don’t. Some days we feel like we’re on top of the world, and others like we’re on the bottom. If the value we place on our lives and ourselves is tied to how well things are going in our “everyday,” we’re going to be riding an uncomfortable roller coaster. We need something, someone we can look to for unchanging contentment no matter how our “everyday” is going. Paul had plenty of highs and lows, but learned the secret of contentment in any circumstances. His unchanging reason? Jesus. We can do everything through Him who gives us strength. If we have Jesus, we don’t need anything else. Genuine joy isn’t dictated by your changing circumstances, it is found in the unchangeable Lord.

Thanks for listening to Pastor Jonny's podcast! He'd love to hear your thoughts via text message!

Support the show

Life isn’t always easy here. And it isn’t hard for friction to happen between people. If it keeps happening, it can start causing pain, and then start creating bitterness. And when bitterness has built up, a single spark can cause an explosion. There is a joy we are given as a gift through Jesus. This means we can rejoice together no matter how hard things get. This joy can help us live together with other imperfect people like us. And this is so important… because those who will spend an eternity in joyful unity might as well start living in that joy now. Life is just better that way. So let’s focus on the good gifts God has given us, and let that overflow with joy into not only our lives, but the lives of those around us.

Thanks for listening to Pastor Jonny's podcast! He'd love to hear your thoughts via text message!

Support the show

When you’re on your way home from travelling, and have been gone a while, there’s nothing like getting close to home. You can see the familiar sights, hear familiar sounds, even smell familiar things. It keeps you going, and encourages you to finish the journey and get home! Life on earth is like that. We’re on a journey here, but our real home is with God. He’s put that home in our hearts, and the closer we come, the more we will long for it. Keeping our real home as our focus helps us through life’s journey, with all its highs and lows. It’s easy to be sidetracked along the way. This scripture passage helps us keep our home in view!

Thanks for listening to Pastor Jonny's podcast! He'd love to hear your thoughts via text message!

Support the show