Bible Geeks Podcast

242 | Seven Sermon Summer Surfin’ Spectacular | Find Jesus in the First Promise

Welcome back to our “Seven Sermon Summer Surfin' Spectacular”! This week, we're stoked to have our good friend Allen Greeley share his sermon: "The Human Satan Crusher." Ever wonder where the gospel story really begins? We go way back to Genesis 3 to find the first promise of a hero who would defeat evil. How does this ancient, "weirdly worded" prophecy point to Jesus's birth? And why was his humanity just as important as his deity in the plan to win this spiritual war? Jump on board with us for a discussion that will build your faith and encourage your heart!

The Big Idea: In the midst of humanity's first curse, God graciously inserted the first promise of a Savior who would crush our enemy.

Show Notes

• The Human Satan Crusher (BLOG)
• Plainfield Ponderings Podcast (PODCAST)
• Allen Greeley (GUEST)
• Seven Sermon Summer Surfin’ Spectacular (WEBSITE)
• Square One Guided Study (GUIDED STUDY)

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241 | Seven Sermon Summer Surfin’ Spectacular | Build Your Faith Beyond Quick Fixes

Welcome to our "Seven Sermon Summer Surfin' Spectacular"! Our first sermon comes to us from Ryan! This week, we're all spiritually "Under Construction" and living in the messy middle of God's DIY project. But when is it wise to pause our busy lives to "sharpen the axe" instead of just producing? Are you reaching for spiritual "duct tape and aspirin" when you really need a foundational fix? And how can you be a solid support for others if you're not standing on firm ground yourself? Join us for a fun-filled way to spend our summer break, looking at our ongoing spiritual renovations!

The Big Idea: God wants us to do good work, but first he wants us to work on ourselves.

This Week's Challenge: n/a

Show Notes

• Building a Life That Lasts (BLOG)
• Seven Sermon Summer Surfin’ Spectacular (WEBSITE)
• Square One Guided Study (GUIDED STUDY)
• Habit 7: Sharpen the Saw (WEBSITE)
• Stephen Covey (WIKI)
• Center for Courage & Renewal (WEBSITE)
• Quote from "Let Your Life Speak" (QUOTE)

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Let Christ Shape Your Life

What's something you love to make – like, really, really love? And why does Peter’s call to build on our faith remind us of a delicious festive side dish? In this final Square One episode, we're asking the big question: “What’s next?” Discipleship is about consistent growth, staying moldable on the potter's wheel, and allowing the Lord to make changes in your life. Ever struggled with patience or consistency in your daily walk with God? We’ve been there too! Tune in as we wrap up Square One and look ahead to a life of discipleship! Thanks for joining us on this epic journey this season!

The Big Idea: Daily training as Christ’s disciple leaves us looking more like him every day.

This Week's Challenge: Through the week, begin taking small steps each day to be in the Word, prayerful, active, and connected to the church.

Show Notes

• What’s Next? (BLOG)
• Jesus Said: Luke 6:40 (VERSE)
• Square One Guided Study (GUIDED STUDY)
• Square One - Session 13 (GUIDED STUDY)

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Become a Light to the World

We're almost at the finish line of our Square One series, and in Session 12, we're tackling a big one: "What about everyone else?" We'll dive into how your relationships might change when you commit to Christ and why that's not something to fear. Plus, we're talking about the "chill and very relaxed priesthood" that every Christian is a part of. Get ready to discover your special purpose and mission in the world, not as a secret agent, but as someone radiating God's light!

The Big Idea: God sends us into the world to reflect his light in the darkness.

This Week's Challenge: Tell someone you care about something important you've learned in these discussions.

Show Notes

• What About Everyone Else? (BLOG)
• Jesus Said: Matthew 5:13-16 (VERSE)
• Square One Guided Study (GUIDED STUDY)
• Square One - Session 12 (GUIDED STUDY)

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Learn to Walk With Other Christians

What’s a “Macho Nacho Cheesio”? And what should you do with the leftover pieces of an Ikea desk? We’re back for session 11 of our Square One series to answer those questions, and — most importantly — to ask another: "Why do I need the church?" Join us as we reflect on our own baptism experiences and dive into why the church isn't an optional add-on, but an essential component in your journey with Jesus. We'll explore the early church's radical community in Acts 2 and discuss powerful metaphors like the church as a family, a flock, and a body. What are your impressions of the church, and how do you see being part of a local church helping your walk with Christ?

The Big Idea: Our Lord never intended us to make this journey alone.

This Week's Challenge: Make a list of questions about local church membership and ask them next time.

Show Notes

• Why Do I Need the Church? (BLOG)
• Jesus Said: John 17:21-23 (VERSE)
• Square One Guided Study (GUIDED STUDY)
• Square One - Session 11 (GUIDED STUDY)

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Make a Decision About Jesus

It’s the question we've been building towards all season! It’s session 10 of our Square One series, where we're tackling the ultimate question: "What do I need to do to be saved?" We'll discuss the powerful commitment Jesus asks of us, unpack the incredible story of the Ethiopian eunuch from Acts 8, and look at life-altering "What shall we do?" questions throughout the Bible. It’s a "come to Jesus" episode in the most literal sense, laying out what it means to declare your faith, commit to following Jesus, and be baptized. Are you ready to give your life to Jesus?

The Big Idea: Jesus gave his life for us, and now he invites us to give ours to him.

This Week's Challenge: If you're ready, declare your faith in Jesus, commit to following him, and be baptized for the forgiveness of your sins.

Show Notes

• What Do I Need To Do To Be Saved? (BLOG)
• Jesus Said: Luke 14:33 (VERSE)
• Square One Guided Study (GUIDED STUDY)
• Square One - Session 10 (GUIDED STUDY)

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Trust God's Transforming Power

Wouldn’t it be nice to fast-forward some parts of life that seem too slow like the dentist chair or a cringeworthy moment? But would you do that with your spiritual development that sometimes feels slow? You know God is at work, but it's hard to see real progress day-to-day. In this session of our Square One series, we're tackling one of the biggest questions in the Christian walk: "How will God work in me?" We dive into some powerful images from Scripture to get at the answer, like the vine and branches, walking in the Spirit, and what it means to go back to the garden. Transformation happens when we die to the old self and are raised to a new life where God partners with us. It’s about his power, not just our effort. Join us for the discussion, and get ready to envision the new person God wants to help us become!

The Big Idea: God will work in you as you yield to him in faith.

This Week's Challenge: Remember that sheet of paper where you listed all the unhealthy things you were ready to let go of? Now, on the right side of that same paper, make a list of all the wholesome, new things you’re ready for God to create in your life.

Show Notes

• How Will God Work in Me? (BLOG)
• Jesus Said: John 15:5 (VERSE)
• Square One Guided Study (GUIDED STUDY)
• Square One - Session 9 (GUIDED STUDY)

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See How God Washes Your Sins Away

What’s the story with baptism? In Session 8 of our Square One series, we’re giving into the deep end of this important topic. From the Nintendo reset button to the profound transformations described in scripture, we’ve got it covered. We break down Romans 6:1-14 and explore how the story of Christ's death, burial, and resurrection becomes our story. Plus, we dive into Old Testament stories that foreshadow baptism. Listen along as we consider how God changes our identity through baptism and prepares us for a new life in Christ. Hope you enjoy the episode!

The Big Idea: Baptism is both an ending and a new beginning, as we die and are born again.

This Week's Challenge: Throughout the week anytime you use water to clean something, think about how God brings a spiritual transformation in baptism beyond anything we could clean with water alone.

Show Notes

• Jesus Said: John 3:1-10 (VERSE)
• Square One Guided Study (GUIDED STUDY)
• Square One - Session 8 (GUIDED STUDY)

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Turn Your Life Over to God

Ready for a difficult discussion about repentance? We’re into Square One session 7 exploring how life changes when we get closer to a relationship with Christ. It’s about living a new life in faith by shedding old, destructive, and unhealthy habits. How does the prodigal son’s story teach us about repentance and God's joy in our return to him? We consider personal life changes, the struggles of taming the tongue, and the importance of continually aligning ourselves with God's will. And why certain foods make us a little … uncomfortable?! Get ready for some real talk on transformation and faith!

The Big Idea: The life change God wants for you begins with your decision to follow Christ.

This Week's Challenge: Draw a line down the middle of a piece of paper. On the left side, make a list of all the hard, hurtful, and wrong things you're ready to break with and let go. Leave the right side blank for now.

Show Notes

• Finding Jesus: Eph. 4:17-23 (VERSE)
• Square One Guided Study (GUIDED STUDY)
• Square One - Session 6 (GUIDED STUDY)
• “Just As I Am” by Ryan Joy (SERMON)

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Grow Closer to Jesus

What's so great about Jesus? Here in Square One session 6, we reflect on Matthew 27-28, share our thoughts on the characteristics of true friendship, and unpack the story of Lazarus from John 11. From Jesus' compassion, unwavering commitment, and wise counsel, join us as we uncover why Jesus is the ultimate friend we all need. Plus, we discuss our favorite friendship stories, chat about how Jesus' love changes our lives, and pose a thought-provoking question: If you could ask a friend to help with something important in your life, what would it be? Let's grow closer to Jesus together!

The Big Idea: Once you know Jesus and his love, your life will never be the same.

This Week's Challenge: Reflect on this question: If you could ask a friend to help you with something important in your life, what would it be?

Show Notes

• Finding Jesus: John 15:13-15 (VERSE)
• Square One Guided Study (GUIDED STUDY)
• Square One - Session 6 (GUIDED STUDY)
• Plainfield Pondering by Allen Greeley (PODCAST)

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