Church.

Church.

By Mat and Dara KoenigReligion & SpiritualityChristianity
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Church. episodes

  • The Second Fire

    In this sermon titled 'The Second Fire', Mat Koenig explores the journey of Peter's denial of Jesus and his subsequent redemption, emphasizing the importance of honesty in our relationship with God. The message highlights that despite our failures, Jesus meets us where we are and offers us a chance for restoration and purpose.


    Takeaways

    • Honesty with God is crucial
    • Failure does not disqualify us


    Chapters

    • 00:00 The Journey of Self-Discovery
    • 05:01 Peter's Denial and Realization
    • 08:45 The Significance of the Two Fires
    • 12:05 Restoration Through Failure
    • 16:16 The Power of Honest Love
    • 20:59 The Hope of Redemption
    • 24:10 Encouragement for the Journey
    21 min
  • Do the Beautiful Thing | Mark 14

    Have you ever hesitated to do something kind because you were worried others might find it impractical or even wasteful? In this moving reflection on Mark 14, we explore the story of the woman who broke an expensive alabaster jar to anoint Jesus and why her supposedly wasteful act was actually a beautiful work of heart.

    This message breaks down the tension between being practical and being truly generous. While the people in the room saw a year’s wages being poured out on the floor, Jesus saw a heart full of love and a woman doing exactly what she could in the moment. We often talk ourselves out of doing good things because we think they are too small or because we fear judgment from those around us. This story reminds us that the value of our gift is not determined by the calculations of others, but by the love with which it is given.

    Key takeaways from this video include:

    🌟 Understanding the historical and spiritual significance of the alabaster jar.
    🌟 How to handle criticism when your acts of service are misunderstood by others.
    🌟 Reframing the phrase she did what she could from an apology to an accolade.
    🌟 Identifying the unique tools or gifts God has already placed in your own hands.

    Whether you have a lot or a little, you are called to look at what is in your hand and use it to honor God and love those around you. Love is not always efficient, and honor is not always practical, but doing the beautiful thing is always worth it.

    Chapters
    0:00 Reading Mark 14:1-9
    2:05 The Value of the Alabaster Jar
    4:50 Practicality vs Extravagant Love
    7:30 Why Jesus Called It Beautiful
    10:15 What Is in Your Hand?
    13:10 Doing the Beautiful Thing Today
    16:20 A Legacy of Love
    18:15 Final Prayer and Encouragement

    If this message encouraged you, please like the video and subscribe for more biblical teaching. Leave a comment below sharing one beautiful thing you can do for someone this week!

    #faith #bibleteaching #generosity #jesus #christianity

    Visit Us: https://localchurchgathering.com
    ----
    Welcome to Church.
    We’re a local church gathering focused on real faith, real community, and real life.

    We believe we are the church, not a building.
    So we gather to follow Jesus, live out the teachings of Scripture, and learn how to love people the way the early church did in the book of Acts.

    On this channel you’ll find:
    • Practical, Bible-based messages you can actually apply
    • Honest conversations about faith, family, purpose, and everyday life
    • Teachings that challenge religious routines and point people back to Jesus
    • Content designed to help you grow as a disciple and become a disciple-maker

    Whether you’re:
    • New to faith
    • Deconstructing
    • Burned out on church
    • Or just looking for a place to belong

    You’re welcome here.

    Sunday is the doorway.
    Community is the goal.
    Transformation is the mission.

    📍 Learn more or join us in person:
    👉 www.localchurchgathering.com

    Subscribe, lean in, and let’s walk this out together.

    20 min
  • Maybe I’m Judas

    Maybe I’m Like Judas

    We usually hear the name Judas and immediately think, “That’s the bad guy.”

    But what happens when we stop pointing at Judas and let the story point back at us?

    Judas wasn’t the only person at the table who failed Jesus. Peter denied Him, the other disciples ran, and we’ve all had moments when our choices didn’t match our confession.

    The difference wasn’t that Peter never failed. The difference was that Peter came back to Jesus.

    In this message from Mark 14:10–21 and Matthew 26:25, Mat asks us to wrestle with an uncomfortable but important thought:

    Maybe I’m like Judas.

    Jesus already knows where we’ve failed Him, and that doesn’t keep Him from inviting us to come close or offering us grace. There’s nothing you’ve done that outweighs the love and forgiveness of Jesus.

    The question is: What are you still carrying that Jesus is asking you to lay down?

    Learn more about Church.:
    https://localchurchgathering.com

    Watch more messages:
    https://localchurchgathering.com/past-sermons

    Connect with us:
    https://localchurchgathering.com/contact-us

    Give online:
    https://localchurchgathering.com/generosity

    Books and resources:
    https://localchurchgathering.com/resources

    Church.
    A place to breathe.
    A place to belong.
    A place to grow.

    15 min
  • You're Not the Boss of Me Mark 11:27-33

    The message delves into the challenge to Jesus' authority, the demand for answers, and the issue of authority in religious contexts. It concludes with a focus on the ultimate authority of Jesus and the need for self-reflection and alignment with His teachings.

    Takeaways

    • Challenging the authority of Jesus
    • The demand for answers does not imply obligation
    • The ultimate authority of Jesus
    • Self-reflection and alignment with Jesus' teachings

    Chapters

    • 00:00 The Authority of Jesus Being Challenged
    • 04:23 The Demand for Answers
    • 12:53 The Issue of Authority
    • 29:32 The Ultimate Authority of Jesus
    35 min
  • The One Thing You Won’t Let Go | The Rich Young Ruler (Mark 10:17–22)

    What if the biggest obstacle between you and Jesus isn’t something you’re doing… but something you’re holding onto?

    In this message from Mark 10:17–22, we take a fresh look at the story of the Rich Young Ruler. This wasn’t just a conversation about money. It was a conversation about the heart.

    Jesus wasn’t asking this man to become poor. He was inviting him to become free.

    We’ll explore:

    • Why Jesus chose those specific commandments.
    • The one commandment He intentionally didn’t mention.
    • Why the man walked away grieving.
    • What this story reveals about idolatry, surrender, and following Jesus today.

    The question Jesus asked that day still echoes to us now:

    What’s the one thing you won’t let go of?

    Whether it’s money, success, comfort, relationships, reputation, or control, Jesus always puts His finger on the thing that has our heart—not to take life from us, but to give us something far better.

    Scripture: Mark 10:17–22 (with supporting passages from Exodus 20 and Deuteronomy 6)

    Join us as we discover that following Jesus isn’t about earning eternal life—it’s about trusting the One who already offers it.


    32 min
  • Chosen for Miracles: The Power of Jesus Calling the Broken


    In this powerful and inspiring message delivered at iPD Agency in Tampa, Florida, Mat Koenig dives deep into the miracle of Jesus choosing broken people—those rejected by other rabbis—and empowering them to do the impossible.


    Mat focuses on the incredible story of Peter walking on water in the Gospel of Matthew. He reveals the profound truth that Jesus knew Peter could walk on water because a Rabbi only chose followers who could do what he could do. This message is a reminder that God made you with a purpose, and Jesus chose you because He sees your potential, not your brokenness.


    Join us as Mat shares:


    • The significance of Jesus choosing those whom society deemed unworthy.

    • The powerful lesson of Peter walking on water and what it means for you.

    • How Jesus believes in your ability to do great things and change lives.

    • A call to embrace your story and let Jesus work miracles through you.


    🔔 Subscribe and Turn on Notifications:

    Don’t miss out on life-changing messages like this one! Hit that subscribe button and click the bell to be notified when we release new content.


    👉 Join the Conversation:

    Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. How has Jesus called you to step out in faith?


    🙏 Follow Us:

    Website and Free Resources: www.localchurchgathering.com

    TikTok: @localchurchgathering

    Instagram: @localchurchgathering


    📘 Get a Free Copy of Our Book:

    For This Reason: Living an Ephesians 5 Marriage: Get your free copy here


    Thank you for watching and supporting our mission to spread the message of Jesus’ love and purpose. See you in the next message!

    18 min
  • Rethinking Blessings: The Shocking Truth About True Happiness | This Week’s Sermon

    Welcome to this week’s sermon at Local Church Gathering! This Sunday, we’re diving into the provocative teachings of Jesus from Matthew 5:1-12, using The Message translation. In this passage, known as The Beatitudes, Jesus challenges our conventional understanding of what it means to be blessed.


    Join us as we unpack these transformative verses and reveal how society’s view of blessings often misses the mark. Discover how Jesus’ radical teachings on humility, mercy, and purity redefine true happiness and spiritual fulfillment.


    Key Points Covered in This Sermon:


    • The real meaning of blessings according to Jesus.

    • How The Beatitudes turn our worldly understanding of success upside down.

    • Practical ways to embrace these teachings and experience genuine, lasting happiness.

    • Eye-opening stories and examples that challenge common misconceptions about blessings.


    🔔 Subscribe and Turn on Notifications:

    Don’t miss any of our sermons! Hit that subscribe button and click the bell to be notified when we release new content.


    👉 Join the Conversation:

    Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. How has your understanding of blessings changed after reflecting on The Beatitudes?


    🙏 Follow Us:

    Website and Free Resources: www.localchurchgathering.com

    TikTok: @localchurchgathering

    Instagram: @localchurchgathering


    📘 Get a Free Copy of Our Book:

    For This Reason: Living an Ephesians 5 Marriage: Get your free copy here


    Thank you for joining us for this week’s sermon. We hope it brings you closer to understanding and living out your faith. See you next Sunday!

    30 min
  • Thirst Trap: Jesus and the Woman at the Well | Sunday Sermon

    Welcome to this week’s Church Sermon at Local Church Gathering! Today, we delve into a powerful and transformative story from John 4, titled “Thirst Trap.”

    In this sermon, Mat explores the profound encounter between Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well. Alone in the heat of the day, the woman’s struggle to find love and meaningful relationships led her to a place of deep thirst—not just for water, but for genuine love and acceptance. Jesus meets her at the well, offering her living water that quenches the deepest thirst of the soul.
    Key Points Covered in This Sermon:
    • The cultural and historical context of the Samaritan woman’s story.
    • How her search for love and fulfillment mirrors our own modern-day struggles.
    • The transformative power of Jesus’ love and acceptance.
    • Practical lessons on finding true satisfaction and love in Christ.
    🔔 Subscribe and Turn on Notifications:
    Don’t miss any of our sermons! Hit that subscribe button and click the bell to be notified when we release new content.
    👉 Join the Conversation:
    Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. How has Jesus met your deepest needs and thirsts?
    🙏 Follow Us:
    Website and Free Resources: www.localchurchgathering.com
    TikTok: @localchurchgathering
    Instagram: @localchurchgathering
    📘 Get a Free Copy of Our Book:
    For this Reason: Living an Ephesians 5 Marriage: Get your free copy here
    Thank you for joining us for this week’s sermon. We hope it brings you closer to understanding and living out your faith. See you next Sunday!
    📘 Get Your Copy of "For This Reason":
    Discover more insights and practical advice in our book, available now! Get your copy here
    🔔 Subscribe and Turn on Notifications:
    Don't miss any episodes of Season 2! Hit that subscribe button and click the bell to be notified when we release new content.
    👉 Join the Conversation:
    Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. How do you interpret this verse, and how has it impacted your marriage?
    🙏 Follow Us:
    TikTok: @localchurchgathering
    Instagram: @localchurchgathering
    Thank you for watching and supporting our mission to help couples build God-honoring relationships. See you in the next episode!

    34 min
  • Faith Like a Child: Living Life to the Fullest | Sunday Sermon

    Welcome to this week's Sunday sermon at Local Church Gathering! Join Mat as he delves into the profound message of having "Faith Like a Child." In this inspiring sermon, Mat explores the true depth of what Jesus was trying to communicate to everyone from the disciples to Nicodemus to the Pharisees.

    Many Christians focus on what happens after death, but we are called to appreciate and experience life to the fullest thanks to Jesus. This week, we'll discuss how having faith like a child can teach us to get the most out of this life and the next.

    Key Points Covered in This Sermon:

    • Understanding Jesus' message to the disciples, Nicodemus, and the Pharisees
    • The importance of living life fully and joyfully in faith
    • How childlike faith can transform our daily experiences
    • Practical steps to embrace and practice childlike faith in our lives
    • 🔔 Subscribe and Turn on Notifications:

      Don't miss any of our sermons! Hit that subscribe button and click the bell to be notified when we release new content.

      👉 Join the Conversation:

      Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. How has having faith like a child impacted your life?

      🙏 Follow Us:

      Website and Free Resources: www.localchurchgathering.com
      TikTok: @localchurchgathering
      Instagram: @localchurchgathering

      📘 Get a Free Copy of Our Book:

      For this Reason: Living an Ephesians 5 Marriage: Get your free copy here

      Thank you for joining us for this week's sermon. We hope it brings you closer to understanding and living out your faith. See you next Sunday!

      23 min
    • Why Submit to One Another?

      In this highly anticipated episode, we tackle one of the most misunderstood and controversial Bible verses: Ephesians 5:22, which says, "Wives, submit to your husbands."

      Join us as we dive deep into the true meaning of this verse, exploring why it’s not what many churches have preached and uncovering the biblical call to mutual submission out of reverence for Christ. This episode is a must-watch for anyone seeking to build a God-honoring relationship in today’s culture.
      💍 **Highlights in This Episode**:
      - The cultural context of Ephesians 5:22
      - Common misconceptions and misinterpretations
      - The real meaning of mutual submission
      - How this understanding can strengthen your marriage
      📘 **Get Your FREE Copy of "For This Reason"**:
      Discover more insights and practical advice in our book, available now!
      https://www.localchurchgathering.com/...
      [Just pay shipping & handling]
      🔔 **Subscribe and Turn on Notifications**:
      Don't miss any episodes of Season 2! Hit that subscribe button and click the bell to be notified when we release new content.
      👉 **Join the Conversation**:
      Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. How has your understanding of this verse impacted your marriage?
      🙏 **Follow Us**:
      TikTok -   / localchurchgathering  
      Instagram -   / localchurchgathering  
      Thank you for watching and supporting our mission to help couples build God-honoring relationships. See you in the next episode!
      Thanks for joining us at Church. For more information on following Jesus and being part of this movement to promote His Way, visit www.localchurchgathering.com
      Want to know where we get our awesome music?
      Filmstro | Custom royalty-free music for YouTube https://filmstro.com?ref=36730

      49 min

    About Church.

    From the publisher's feed

    We believe that Jesus came to help people learn how to love GOD and Love others. In this podcast we'll be talking about how we believe the church is called to live this out and dig deep into the Bible.