Advancing Word Podcast

Feeling overwhelmed or stretched to your limits?  In 2 Chronicles Chapter 20, verse fifteen, facing a superior opponent, King Jehoshaphat was reminded that “the battle is not yours but God’s.”  He trusted God and experienced the victory.  We can too!    

In the Book of Second Corinthians, the Apostle Paul defends his apostleship against critics, antagonists and opponents of the ministry.  In the first verse of Chapter 4 of the epistle, he very succinctly delineates the three characteristics that constitute the measure of authentic ministry.  If you would like to know what they are, you must listen to this sermon!  

In honor of Clergy Appreciation Month, Dr. Stubblefield shares biblical perspectives about the office of pastor-teacher based on Jeremiah 3:15. This timely and relevant message focuses on the measure, model, ministry, and motivation of the pastor.

Dr. Stubblefield shares via video with the Bethesda Evangelical Church in Cape Town, South Africa for their Twenty Fifth Anniversary on September 25, 2022.  In this message, he reflects on his long history with the church using Psalm 122, stanzas 1 - 2 to encourage their transformative work of ministry in the community.  

In Psalm 42: stanzas 1-8, beneath the chaos of circumstances emerges a compelling portrait of spiritual maturity.  The author is experiencing a torrential storm of life, and it appears to him that the LORD is asleep and cares not that he perishes.  The “deep” called on the writer of this psalm.  That is deep trial, deep suffering, deep tribulation and deep despair and anguish.  And when deep called, his faith though tried and tested met the challenge.  

Chapter Eleven of the Gospel of John records the raising of Lazarus from the dead.  It is one of seven miracles in the Gospel attesting to the Divinity of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  At the urgent request of two desperate sisters, Jesus shows up in this crisis and He still shows up in ours.  He shows up in our problems, our prayers, our perspectives, and our prisons. 

The Gospel of Matthew Chapter Twenty-Eight, verses 18 – 20 is commonly known as The Great Commission.  It is Jesus’s culminating critique of Judaism’s encrusted tradition and narrow exclusivism.  These verses occur only here in the New Testament.   They are moving and momentous reminders that the Risen Lord has placed a NO PARKING sign in the very heart of the Church’s mission.  This sermon tells us why.  

In the Upper Room, shortly before his arrest and trial, Jesus speaks of the horrific death He faces as if it was a celebration.  With love and deep affection, He encourages the disciples who remained after Judas exited to finalize his betrayal.  In verses 34 – 35 of Chapter 13 of the Gospel of John, Jesus shares a new commandment with the disciples.   His timeless teaching answers the question, “What’s love got to do with it?”  Dr. Stubblefield believes the Commandment requires it, the Cross reveals it and the Church reflects it.  

Chapter Fifty-Three of the prophecy of Isaiah is one of the most compelling chapters in the entire Bible.  The prophet looks down the corridors of the centuries and sees the ministry of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, the Messiah of Jewish expectation.  His sacrificial and substitutionary death is the price of our pardon.  According to this sermon, the price Jesus paid was high, it was heavy, and it was honored.  

In Matthew 16:13-20, Jesus faces growing opposition.  He begins speaking openly about His death and resurrection.  He transforms this setting into a teachable moment and reveals what happens when He builds the church.  This sermon explores the construction site!