Advertise on podcast: Elevation Community Church's Weekly Sermon

One of our elders, Greg Dolby, introduces us to Matthew 25 Ministries and leads us in a "panel" style discussion with Joe & Pam Leonard, both longtime active members and volunteers with the organization, followed by Joe Leonard bringing us the sermon of the week.

Psalm 130 is one of the most powerful and personal prayers in the entire Bible. In just eight verses, it moves from the depths of human despair to the heights of God's steadfast love, and it speaks directly to some of the most important questions anyone can ask: What do I do with my sin? Can God really forgive me? How can a sinful person stand before a holy God? This exploration of Psalm 130 walks through each section of the psalm and unpacks what it teaches about sin, mercy, forgiveness, and the gospel of Jesus Christ. Topics covered include the meaning of the Songs of Ascents, the biblical imagery of the depths, the difference between kindness and mercy, why no one can stand before God if He counts their sins, the doctrine of original sin and federal headship in Adam, how faith connects us to God's forgiveness, the significance of the watchman waiting for morning, and the meaning of the Hebrew word chesed, often translated as steadfast love. One of the most important truths addressed is the widespread misconception that God tolerates a certain level of sin, and that good people can earn their way into His presence. Scripture is clear that every sin is committed against an infinitely holy God, which makes every sin infinitely serious. James 2:10 teaches that failing in even one point of the law makes a person guilty of all of it. This is not meant to discourage but to point us to the only real solution: the plentiful redemption found in Jesus Christ alone. The gospel message at the heart of Psalm 130 is that when we could not climb out of the pit ourselves, God came down into it with us. Jesus Christ took on flesh, lived without sin, bore the punishment we deserved on the cross, and rose from the grave. His resurrection is the guarantee that those who trust in Him are brought up out of the depths with Him. Hebrews 7:25 says He is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through Him. Whether you are someone who has never trusted Christ, someone who struggles with guilt and shame, or a believer who wants to go deeper in understanding the Psalms and the gospel, this message from Psalm 130 has something for you. Keywords: Psalm 130, Songs of Ascents, forgiveness of sins, what is mercy, how to be saved, gospel of Jesus Christ, steadfast love of God, chesed, original sin, federal headship, can God forgive me, salvation by faith, plentiful redemption, Hebrews 7:25, James 2:10, how sinners are saved, Bible study Psalms, Christian sermon, expository preaching, what does the Bible say about sin, grace and forgiveness, crying out to God, waiting on the Lord

Are you facing a battle you feel like you are losing? You are not alone, and you are not without help. Based on 1 Peter 5, this teaching walks through one of the most practical and encouraging passages in all of Scripture on the topic of spiritual warfare, resisting the devil, and standing firm in faith as a Christian. Topics covered include who the devil really is and why it matters, what the enemy actually wants from your life, when to flee temptation and when to stand and resist, how faith in Jesus Christ is the key to resisting the devil, why resisting temptation gets easier over time, the role of Christian community in spiritual warfare, and the powerful promise God makes to every believer who endures. Key passage: 1 Peter 5:8-12. Additional passages referenced include James 4:7, Luke 22:31-32, and 1 Corinthians 10:13. Whether you are struggling with a recurring sin, feeling overwhelmed by spiritual attack, or simply want to understand what the Bible teaches about the devil and spiritual warfare, this message offers biblical clarity and genuine hope. Keywords and topics for search: spiritual warfare, resisting the devil, 1 Peter 5, how to resist temptation, standing firm in faith, Christian spiritual warfare, the devil in the Bible, how to fight sin, overcoming temptation as a Christian, James 4:7, roaring lion Bible verse, Christian living, biblical teaching on the devil, faith and temptation, how to stand firm, God restores believers, victory in Christ, Christian community and accountability, expository preaching, Bible study 1 Peter. If you have been struggling and wondering whether the fight is worth it, the answer from Scripture is always yes. Sixty years of fighting is worth an eternity of rest. The God of all grace has called you to His eternal glory in Christ, and He Himself will restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.

Are anxiety and pride connected? The answer might surprise you. First Peter 5:6-7 reveals that the path to peace runs directly through humility, and understanding why changes everything about how we handle worry. Anxiety is one of the fastest-growing struggles in the modern world, with clinical diagnoses rising by roughly 60% over the last 15 years. Culture offers many solutions, but Scripture offers something unexpected: humble yourself under God's mighty hand, cast your anxieties on Him, and trust that He cares for you. In this message, we explore why pride and anxiety are so deeply connected, what it means to walk at the pace of grace instead of sprinting ahead of God, and how the gospel is the ultimate foundation for lasting peace. Topics covered include: Why humility is the biblical cure for anxiety How pride feeds worry and blocks gratitude What it means to cast your cares on God rather than simply lay them down Why God's timing is never early and never late How the stories of Joseph, David, and Jesus himself speak to our anxious hearts Why the cross is the deepest answer to the deepest anxiety Key passages referenced: 1 Peter 5:6-7, Philippians 4:6, Matthew 6:34, Psalm 23, Psalm 40:1-2, Psalm 55:22, John 15:5, Isaiah 57:15, Ecclesiastes 3:11, Galatians 4:4, 2 Corinthians 11, Hebrews 4 Whether you are struggling with financial stress, relational tension, fear about the future, or a burden for someone you love, this message offers a biblical and gospel-centered path forward. Keywords: anxiety and faith, overcoming anxiety biblically, Christian peace, humility and worry, casting your cares on God, 1 Peter 5 6 7, how to deal with anxiety as a Christian, biblical anxiety relief, trust God with your worries, Christian sermon on anxiety, peace that passes understanding, gospel and anxiety, pride and anxiety, God's timing, faith over fear, Christian mental health, Bible verses for anxiety, how to stop worrying, Philippians 4 6, Psalm 23

Do your good works, church attendance, or religious background make you right with God? It is one of the most important questions anyone can ask, and the answer from Scripture might surprise you. In Philippians 3, the Apostle Paul lays out one of the most powerful arguments in all of the New Testament against self-righteousness and works-based salvation. Paul was not writing as someone unfamiliar with religious achievement. He had elite Jewish heritage from the tribe of Benjamin, was circumcised on the eighth day, trained as a strict Pharisee, zealous beyond his peers, and blameless under the law by every outward standard. If anyone had grounds to trust in religious credentials, it was Paul. And yet he called all of it rubbish. The Greek word Paul uses is skubalon, one of the harshest terms available to him. He was not being dramatic. He was being precise. When we use our good works to try to earn God's favor, those works become something God finds offensive, not because good works are wrong, but because using them as payment for what God freely gives is a rejection of grace itself. This message walks through what Paul was warning the church about, who the true people of God actually are, why righteousness cannot be earned, and what it means to gain Christ. It also explores the critical difference between Christianity and every other world religion, including Islam, Buddhism, and works-based religious systems, all of which operate on the same basic principle: do this and deserve that. The Gospel says something entirely different. Key topics covered include salvation by grace through faith, the meaning of justification, the role of good works in the Christian life, what it means to be found in Christ, and how to practically apply Paul's teaching to everyday life. Whether you are exploring Christianity for the first time, wrestling with doubts about your own standing before God, or a longtime believer who has quietly been keeping score with God, this message speaks directly to the heart of what it means to trust in Christ alone. Scriptures referenced include Philippians 3:3-11, Romans 4:5, Isaiah 64:6, Matthew 5:3, Matthew 5:20, and John 3. Relevant topics: salvation, grace, faith, works-based religion, Philippians 3, Paul's testimony, justification by faith, righteousness, Christian living, what is the Gospel, how to be saved, difference between Christianity and other religions, Sermon on the Mount, self-righteousness, trusting in Christ.

What does the Bible actually say about church leadership, humility, and submission? First Peter 5:1-5 gives one of the clearest and most practical answers in all of Scripture, and it challenges both leaders and members of the church in equal measure. This passage begins with a direct word to elders. In the New Testament, elder is a formal church office, the same role referred to as overseer, shepherd, pastor, and bishop. It is not simply about age. It is about spiritual maturity and character. Paul outlines roughly twenty-five qualifications for eldership in First Timothy 3 and Titus 1, including being above reproach, self-controlled, gentle, committed to sound doctrine, and able to teach. These are not rare spiritual gifts. They are marks of faithfulness. Peter's job description for elders is equally clear. They are to shepherd the flock of God willingly, eagerly, and by example rather than by domineering over those in their care. The flock belongs to God, not to the elder. A good shepherd is present, known, and invested in the people he serves. He leads by doing, not by shouting instructions from a distance. For those who serve faithfully, the reward is the unfading crown of glory given by the chief shepherd, Jesus Christ, when He appears. He is the good shepherd of Psalm 23 and John 10, the great I AM who came down, lived among His sheep, and laid down His life for them. His resurrection guarantees that faithful service is never wasted. Peter also speaks directly to the congregation. Members of a local church are called to submit to their pastors and elders, not out of mere obligation but with a joyful and willing heart. Hebrews 13:17 makes this plain, reminding believers that their leaders are keeping watch over their souls and will give an account. Practically, this means respecting all the elders, listening to their teaching with a heart to learn, supporting them when they face opposition, and refusing to be a source of division. The passage closes with a warning that applies to everyone: God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. Pride is the root cause of most church conflict. Church splits rarely happen simply because someone sinned. They happen because pride prevents repentance, transparency, and reconciliation after the sin occurs. The antidote is humility, the kind modeled by Jesus Himself, who humbled Himself to the point of death on a cross for the sake of His sheep. Topics covered include biblical eldership, church leadership qualifications, the role of a pastor, submission to church authority, humility in the church, church conflict and pride, the good shepherd, First Peter 5, Hebrews 13:17, First Timothy 3, Titus 1, and the crown of glory. Whether you are a church leader, a church member, or someone exploring what the Bible teaches about how the church is meant to work, this is a passage worth sitting with carefully.

Does suffering mean God has forgotten you? Or could it actually be a sign that you are walking closely with Him? First Peter 4:12-19 addresses one of the most misunderstood realities of the Christian life, and the answer may surprise you. Peter opens with a striking word: do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes. Not if it comes. When. Suffering for the faith is not a possibility for the Christian. It is a certainty. Jesus warned His followers that the world hated Him before it hated them, and that those who follow Him closely should expect the same response. But Peter does not stop at warning. He calls believers to rejoice in the middle of suffering, not after it is over. Joy and pain can coexist in the Christian life. When believers suffer for the name of Christ, they enter into a deep fellowship with Him, sharing in what He endured and finding communion with their Savior in a uniquely personal way. This message also draws a clear and important line. Not all suffering is persecution. Consequences that come from sinful behavior are not the same as suffering for righteousness. Peter warns against a martyr complex that labels every hardship as persecution when it may simply be the result of choices that do not reflect Christ well. For those who do suffer for their faith, the foundation for endurance is not personal strength. It is the resurrection. Because Christ rose from the dead, suffering is never the final word. Peter calls believers to entrust their souls to a faithful Creator and to keep doing good, even when it costs something. Topics covered include: why Christians should expect suffering and persecution, what it means to share in the sufferings of Christ, how to find joy in the middle of trials, the difference between suffering for Christ and suffering for your own mistakes, why Christians should not be ashamed of the name Christian, and how the resurrection gives believers the strength to endure. Key themes and search topics: Christian suffering, persecution and faith, 1 Peter 4, why do Christians suffer, how to endure hardship as a Christian, suffering according to God's will, rejoicing in trials, sharing in Christ's sufferings, Christian identity, fiery trials in the Bible, faith and suffering, biblical response to persecution, suffering and the resurrection, Christian endurance, what the Bible says about suffering. The cross comes before the crown. That has always been the way of Christ, and it remains the way of those who follow Him.

Can the gospel actually free you from the power of sin in your everyday life? First Peter 4:1-6 answers that question with a clear and urgent call to arm yourself with the mindset of Christ and to fight sin from a position of victory rather than defeat. This message explores what it truly means to be freed from sin, not just forgiven for it. Topics covered include why the Christian life feels like a battle even though Christ has already won, what it means to arm yourself with the right way of thinking, whether complete freedom from sin is possible in this life, and how the gospel provides real power to fight temptation every single day. Key themes and topics in this message: 1 Peter 4:1-6 explained and applied Romans 6 and dying to sin What baptism means for your daily fight against sin Christian perfectionism and what Scripture actually teaches Mortification of sin and the Holy Spirit's role Why grace, not law, is the key to overcoming sin How the gospel transforms your desires, not just your behavior Why the world will oppose a changed life John Owen on killing sin Practical steps for fighting temptation this week If you have ever felt stuck in a cycle of sin, wondered why the Christian life feels so hard, or questioned whether real change is actually possible, this message is for you. The gospel is not only the answer to where you have been. It is the power for where you are going. Relevant Scripture references: 1 Peter 4:1-6, Romans 6:1-4, Romans 6:14, Romans 6:20-21, Ecclesiastes 7:20, 1 John 1:8, Proverbs 20:9 Keywords: overcoming sin, freedom from sin, 1 Peter 4, Romans 6, dying to sin, mortification of sin, Christian growth, sanctification, Holy Spirit power, fighting temptation, gospel transformation, new life in Christ, baptism and identity, grace and sin, John Owen killing sin, spiritual warfare, Christian living, how to stop sinning, power of the gospel, changed life

What was Jesus doing between His death and resurrection? It is one of the most overlooked questions in Christianity, yet Scripture gives us a clear and powerful answer. First Peter 3:18-22 walks through three things Christ accomplished during those days: His work on the cross, His activity in the grave, and His triumph in the resurrection. On the cross, Christ died once as our substitute. His sacrifice was not repeated or incomplete. He took our guilt upon Himself so that His righteousness could be credited to us, and He did it to bring us back to God. This is the heart of penal substitutionary atonement, and it is the foundation of the Christian faith. Between His death and resurrection, Christ descended and proclaimed victory to the fallen spiritual beings imprisoned since the days of Noah. This was not a second chance at salvation for anyone. It was a declaration of conquest. He also led the Old Covenant saints out of their place of waiting and into the presence of God, fulfilling what Ephesians 4:8 describes as leading a host of captives. In the resurrection, every angel, authority, and power was placed under His feet. The cross was meant by Satan to destroy Christ. Instead, it destroyed the power of the enemy. Hebrews 2:14-15 makes clear that through His death, Christ defeated the one who holds the power of death and freed all who were enslaved by the fear of it. Peter also connects all of this to baptism, the public oath of loyalty to the risen King. The early church understood baptism as an act of spiritual warfare, a bold declaration that Christ has won and that you are on His side. Topics covered include the meaning of Christ's death and resurrection, penal substitutionary atonement, what the Bible says about Sheol and the realm of the dead, the spirits in prison in 1 Peter 3, the days of Noah and fallen angels in Genesis 6, the significance of Christian baptism, spiritual warfare and the defeat of Satan, and how to live with confidence as a follower of Christ. Whether you are exploring Christianity for the first time or have been a believer for years, this passage offers a deeper understanding of what Christ truly accomplished and what it means for your life today.

What does the Bible say about responding to people who hurt you, slander you, or speak evil against you? First Peter 3 gives one of the most challenging and practical passages in all of Scripture on how Christians are called to treat their enemies, pursue peace, and defend their faith with grace. In this message from 1 Peter 3:8-17, we explore five key virtues every believer is called to live out: unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. These qualities are not spiritual achievements to earn. They flow from the grace of God seen in Jesus Christ, rooted in the same humility Paul describes in Philippians 2. We also look at what it practically means to bless those who speak evil against you, why your words directly affect the quality of your life, and how the call to pursue peace is far more intense than simply keeping the peace when it is convenient. The word Peter uses for pursue is the same word translated as persecute elsewhere in the New Testament. Christians are called to chase reconciliation with that same intensity. We walk through the example of Joseph, who did not simply withhold revenge from the brothers who betrayed him but actively served them. We look at Moses, who considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt because he was looking to the reward. And we examine what it means to defend your faith with gentleness and respect, why a good conscience matters in apologetics, and how God sees you in your suffering even when no one else does. Key topics covered include how to respond to enemies biblically, what it means to bless those who curse you, the connection between pursuing peace and a healthy prayer life, how to give a defense of your faith without harshness or disrespect, and why suffering for doing good is better than suffering for doing evil. Whether you are navigating a broken relationship, facing slander at work or in your church, or simply trying to understand what the Bible teaches about forgiveness and reconciliation, this message from 1 Peter 3 offers clear, gospel-centered guidance. Keywords: 1 Peter 3, blessing your enemies, how to respond to people who hurt you, Christian response to slander, pursuing peace Bible, forgiveness and reconciliation, Christian apologetics, defending your faith, how to bless those who curse you, what the Bible says about enemies, gospel-centered living, Christian suffering, peacemaking Bible, Joseph forgiveness, Moses Hebrews 11, Philippians 2 humility, Romans 8:28, Beatitudes Matthew 5, how to love your enemies, Christian response to conflict

What does your faith look like on a Monday morning? First Peter 2:18-25 is one of the most practical and challenging passages in the New Testament, addressing how Christians are called to live out their faith in the workplace, in difficult relationships, and in moments of unjust suffering. This passage begins with a call to honor those in authority, even when that authority is unjust. Peter is not writing only to ancient household servants. He is writing to anyone who has a person in authority over them. The standard for how a Christian works is not determined by how fair the boss is or how fulfilling the job is. It is determined by the lordship of Jesus Christ over every area of life. Colossians 3:23-24 reinforces this, calling believers to work heartily as for the Lord, not for men. One of the most searching questions in this passage is whether your faith is visible enough to create any friction with the world around you. Second Timothy 3:12 is clear that those who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will face some form of persecution. If there is zero tension between your faith and your daily life, that may not be a sign of peace. It may be a sign that your faith is not visible enough to be noticed. Peter also draws a sharp distinction between enduring consequences for your own wrongdoing and enduring suffering for doing what is right. The latter, he says, is a gracious thing in the sight of God. And before responding in anger to someone who has wronged you, the honest question to ask is whether that anger is righteous indignation on behalf of others or self-vindication on behalf of yourself. The passage reaches its theological center in verses 22 through 25, where Peter describes what Christ actually accomplished. Jesus committed no sin. He was reviled and did not retaliate. He suffered and did not threaten. He entrusted Himself to the Father who judges justly. And He bore our sins in His body on the cross so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. This is penal substitutionary atonement. His righteousness was credited to us. Our debt was nailed to the cross. That is the great exchange at the heart of the gospel. The passage closes with a picture of Jesus as the Good Shepherd who does not wait for wandering sheep to find their own way back. He goes after them, lays them on His shoulders, and carries them home with joy. Topics covered include Christian suffering, workplace faith, submitting to authority, enduring injustice, the example of Christ, penal substitutionary atonement, the Good Shepherd, grace in relationships, and living out the gospel daily. Keywords: 1 Peter 2:18-25, Christian suffering, unjust suffering, faith at work, submitting to authority, enduring injustice, penal substitutionary atonement, the Good Shepherd, gospel transformation, Colossians 3:23, workplace Christianity, daily Christian living, grace in relationships, Christ on the cross, Bible study, expository preaching, New Testament sermon

Discover the biblical approach to Christian citizenship and government authority in this comprehensive study of 1 Peter 2:13-17. Learn how Christians should navigate the complex relationship between faith and politics, submission and accountability, earthly citizenship and heavenly allegiance. This message explores the challenging command to submit to governing authorities even under corrupt leadership, examining examples from Scripture including Jesus under Pilate, early Christians under Nero, and Old Testament figures like Daniel and David. Understand the biblical foundation for government authority, the limits of Christian submission, and how our citizenship witness impacts gospel ministry. Topics covered include biblical submission, Christian citizenship, government authority, political engagement, religious freedom, civil disobedience, Romans 13, Matthew 22, Acts 5, and practical application for modern believers. Whether you struggle with respecting political leaders you disagree with or wonder about the limits of Christian obedience to government, this biblical teaching provides essential guidance for faithful living in a fallen world. Learn how to honor earthly authorities while maintaining ultimate allegiance to Christ, balance civic duty with gospel witness, and understand when Christians can biblically disobey government commands. Perfect for believers seeking biblical wisdom on politics, citizenship, authority, submission, and faithful Christian living in contemporary society.

Discover what it means to be chosen by God and live as His people in today's world. This message explores the powerful identity Christians have as a royal priesthood, holy nation, and peculiar people called out of darkness into God's marvelous light. Learn how believers are meant to live differently from the world while maintaining honorable conduct that points others to Christ. Key topics covered include understanding your identity as God's chosen people, the meaning of being a royal priesthood in the New Testament church, living as spiritual sojourners and exiles in this world, abstaining from fleshly passions that wage war against your soul, responding to persecution and misunderstanding with good deeds, and the ultimate purpose of Christian witness and evangelism. This biblical teaching examines 1 Peter 2:9-12 and reveals how Old Testament promises to Israel apply to New Testament Christians. Discover why Christians are called peculiar people and how the gospel creates supernatural unity that the world cannot understand. Learn about the connection between your conduct and your witness, and why both proclaiming the gospel and living it out are essential for effective evangelism. Whether you're struggling with your Christian identity, wondering how to live differently in a secular culture, or seeking motivation for evangelism and witness, this message provides biblical answers. Find practical application for remembering where God brought you from, living with eternal perspective, and using both words and deeds to bring others from darkness to light. Perfect for Christians seeking to understand their calling, new believers learning about their identity in Christ, church members wanting to grow in evangelism, and anyone interested in biblical teaching on Christian living and witness.

Discover your true identity as a living stone in God's spiritual temple and learn how this transforms your daily life and witness. This powerful biblical teaching explores 1 Peter 2:4-8 and reveals how every believer becomes a walking temple of God, carrying His presence wherever they go. Key topics covered include understanding what it means to come to Christ as the living stone, why Jesus is called the cornerstone, and how believers form a holy priesthood offering spiritual sacrifices. Learn about the fundamental shift from Old Testament come and see religion to New Testament go and tell evangelism. This message explains the priestly language Peter uses for all Christians, the significance of the torn temple curtain, and how our identity flows from Christ's identity through faith. Discover the three types of spiritual sacrifices believers offer: our lives as living sacrifices, prayers and praise, and sharing the gospel with others. Explore why Christ serves as both cornerstone for believers and stumbling stone for unbelievers, and understand the scandalous nature of grace that seems unfair by worldly standards. Learn practical applications for living as God's temple in everyday interactions, workplace relationships, and evangelistic opportunities. Perfect for Christians seeking to understand their identity in Christ, church members learning about the priesthood of all believers, and anyone interested in biblical teaching about the church as God's spiritual house. This teaching provides fresh insight into living stones, spiritual temple, holy priesthood, cornerstone theology, and practical Christian living.

Discover the transformative power of God's grace through the Apostle Paul's incredible testimony in 1 Timothy 1:12-17. This powerful message explores how God chooses the most unlikely people to display His mercy and grace. Learn about Paul's honest confession of his past as a blasphemer and persecutor, and how God's appointment transformed him into a powerful minister of the gospel. Understanding grace, Christian testimony, biblical transformation, and God's mercy are central themes that will encourage anyone who feels they've gone too far from God. The message examines the difference between ignorant and willful unbelief, showing how God's patience extends to those who oppose Him out of misunderstanding. Explore the concept of divine appointment and calling, discovering how God places each believer in His will for specific purposes. Paul's declaration as the chief of sinners reveals the ongoing struggle with sin that every believer faces, while his transformation serves as hope for others. The rescue mission of Jesus Christ demonstrates that salvation isn't about helping ourselves but about God completely rescuing us when we're incapable of saving ourselves. This biblical exposition on grace and redemption shows how God uses our stories of failure and restoration to encourage others and display His transformative power. Whether you're struggling with past mistakes, questioning your worthiness, or seeking to understand God's grace more deeply, this message provides biblical insight into how God's mercy operates in unexpected ways. The passage concludes with Paul's burst of worship, demonstrating that understanding God's grace naturally leads to grateful praise and living as displays of His redemptive power.