Dive deep into Matthew 7:13-14 with Jon Rhoades on Biblically Literate Episode 4! Discover what Jesus really meant by "Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few." As the Children and Family Minister at First Christian Church in Brazil, Indiana, Jon unpacks the Sermon on the Mount in its original context, connecting it to the broader story of Scripture like Deuteronomy 30:15-20, Psalms 1, Proverbs' Lady Wisdom vs Lady Folly, Isaiah 59:7-8, and Zephaniah 3:3.

Explore key biblical concepts: the Golden Rule, Law and Prophets, fulfilling the Law, remazim (intentional nods to Old Testament passages), chiastic structure, heart transformation over outward obedience, the way of peace (shalom), false prophets as ravenous wolves, and the paradox of Jesus' easy yoke amid hardship (thlibo meaning affliction). Learn how Jesus critiques Pharisees' superficial righteousness and calls for genuine fruit-bearing faith, echoing James 2:14-17 and Matthew 5:20.

Jon draws parallels to stories like the 12 spies in the Promised Land (Joshua and Caleb's faith), Moses' commands, and God's inclusive invitation yet exclusive truth in John 14:6 and Ezekiel 18:32. This isn't just Bible study—it's an invitation to examine your path: Are you on the narrow way of denying self, relying on God, and experiencing eternal rest, or the wide gate of cultural acceptance and destruction?

Perfect for anyone seeking to become more Biblically Literate! Whether you're studying God's word, exploring Tanakh connections (Torah, Nevi'im, Ketuvim), or wrestling with spiritual principles like blessing vs curse, life vs death, this episode reveals God's nature as a holy, merciful Father desiring transformed hearts.

Timestamps:

0:00 - Intro & KidZone Story (Israelites, 12 Spies, Joshua, Caleb)

2:45 - Sermon on the Mount Context (Matthew 5-7, Luke's Sermon on the Plain)

5:30 - Golden Rule & Law and Prophets (Matthew 7:12, 5:17)

8:15 - Fulfilling the Law: Heart vs Checklist (No Murder/Adultery Expanded)

12:00 - Two Paths Tradition (Deuteronomy, Psalms, Proverbs, Remazim)

16:20 - Isaiah, Shalom, Jesus' Yoke (Matthew 11:28-30)

20:10 - Beatitudes & Persecution (Matthew 5:3-12)

23:45 - False Prophets & Fruits (Matthew 7:15-20, Jeremiah 23, Zephaniah)

27:30 - Narrow Gate as Jesus Himself (John 14:6, Ezekiel 18:32)

30:00 - Application & Closing Invitation

Subscribe for more episodes unpacking Scripture in context! Have questions or verse requests? Email [email protected] or comment below. Listen on your favorite podcast platform or watch on YouTube. #NarrowGate #Matthew71314 #SermonOnTheMount #BibleStudy #BiblicallyLiterate #JesusTeaching #OldTestamentConnections #HeartTransformation #ChristianPodcast #FaithJourney

Discover the powerful message in CJ Muston's sermon on 1 Corinthians 10: Put God First. Dive into two key themes - we should not put anything in our lives above or in between us and God, and we should not be the reason someone else steps further away from God. Drawing from Paul's warnings against worshiping false gods, learn why we must run away from anything that comes between us and God. Explore verses like 1 Corinthians 10:14-15, 10:23-24 on how everything is permitted but not beneficial, and how we must build others up and look out for each other instead of seeking our own advantage.

Understand how living out our faith directly affects people around us and their ability to put God first. From eating everything sold in the marketplace (1 Corinthians 10:25-27) without questions for conscience's sake, to ensuring our actions don't get in the way of an unbeliever following Jesus. Featuring insights from For King and Country's "Broken Halos" quote: "Way too shy to bear our souls, so we shout opinions, but nobody listens." Delve into 1 Corinthians 10:28-31 on respecting others' conscience, limiting our freedom to show respect to others and God, and doing everything for God's glory.

CJ Muston challenges: Don't offend Jews, Greeks, or God's church (1 Corinthians 10:32-33). Please everyone, look out for many so they can be saved. Reflect with prayers like: "God, is there anything in my life more important than you? Please give me clear direction on steps to put you first again." And "God, are there interactions I need to change so people are drawn closer to you and not pushed further away?"

God wants to be close to you and first in your life - and in the lives of those around you. Perfect for believers seeking to live faith without pushing others away. Subscribe for more inspiring sermons, like and comment below! #PutGodFirst #1Corinthians10 #ChristianSermon #BuildOthersUp #GodsGlory #FalseGods #LivingFaith #DontOffend #ForKingAndCountry #BrokenHalos

Join Jon Rhoades and Shaylee Stantz on this eye-opening episode of FCC Talk as they dive into game-changing insights from the American Bible Society's State of the Bible series! Discover why church engagement and growing spiritually dramatically improves your life, with 62% of highly church-engaged individuals experiencing the highest levels of human flourishing and only 8% facing low flourishing. We'll tackle tough questions: Should we share how church boosts lives with unchurched friends and family? Why do only 35% of weekly attendees have a best friend at church, and just 44% get to use their giftings? Despite 64% of Americans calling themselves Christians, 45% don't attend church – is it the church's fault? Learn about nominal Christians who rarely attend and report more anxiety and less hope, nearly matching non-Christians and non-church goers. Plus, explore ways churches can improve involvement, create closest community, and help everyone thrive. Whether you're attending weekly or haven't in six months, this discussion will inspire spiritual growth! Don't miss out – like, subscribe, and comment your thoughts below. #ChurchEngagement #HumanFlourishing #SpiritualGrowth #BeatAnxiety #FCCBrazil

Discover the life-changing power of Isaiah 40:31 in this episode of the Biblically Literate Podcast with Jon Rhoades, Children and Family Minister at First Christian Church, Brazil, Indiana! Dive deep into the true meaning of "waiting on the Lord" and uncover why hopeful expectation (Hebrew: qavah) is key to renewing your strength. Learn how this verse, set in the context of Israel’s exile in Babylon, connects to God’s faithfulness, the Suffering Servant, and Jesus as the Messiah. Through careful exegesis, we explore the historical, literary, and theological depths of Isaiah 40, linking it to Exodus, creation imagery, and New Testament promises like Matthew 11:28-30. Don’t miss this transformative journey into God’s Word—perfect for anyone seeking to grow Biblically literate, know God’s nature, and find renewal in weary times. Subscribe, like, and share to join the conversation! 🦅✝️ #BiblicallyLiterate #Isaiah40 #BibleStudy #ChristianPodcast #Faith

Are you wrestling with your purpose in life? Wondering, "Why am I here? What's my calling?" In this powerful Sunday morning sermon from #UnfilteredChurch, Pastor Chris Gregg dives deep into 1 Corinthians 9, unpacking how the Apostle Paul ran with gospel-driven purpose in every step. Drawing from Paul's defense of his apostleship—"Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord?"—Chris shows how purpose is rooted in calling, not comfort, and why we must lay down our rights for the gospel, just like Paul who said, "We endure anything rather than put an obstacle in the way of the gospel of Christ."

Explore everyday examples like soldiers, farmers, and oxen deserving their share, and learn why Paul chose to preach freely: "Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!" Discover the joy of serving others by becoming "all things to all people" through contextualization, not compromise—adapting to Jews, Gentiles, and the weak to win more for Christ. Plus, get inspired by the discipline of athletes in the Isthmian Games: "I do not run aimlessly; I discipline my body" for an imperishable crown.

Chris ties it all to the mission of the church—running as a team with 5 ways to run together: Warm Up Well, Play Your Position, Stay With the Pack, Give Your Best Effort, and Recruit to the Team. No matter your age or stage, from survival in your 20s to succession in your 70s, God has purpose for every season of life. End with Paul's humility: from "apostle" to "chief of sinners," running not out of guilt, but gratitude for grace because Jesus ran to the cross for us.

If you're tired of spiritual sprints and ready for rhythms that align your life with eternal rewards, this sermon will challenge you: "Holy Spirit, what’s my next step?" Don't miss this life-changing message on purpose, calling, laying down rights, serving others, spiritual discipline, and the gospel's blessings!

Subscribe for more #UnfilteredChurch sermons, hit the like button if this resonated, and comment below: What's one right you're willing to surrender for the gospel? Share with a friend who's searching for purpose! #RunWithPurpose #1Corinthians9 #GospelDriven #SpiritualDiscipline #ChurchMission

Timestamps:

0:00 - Intro: Wrestling with Purpose

2:45 - Purpose Rooted in Calling, Not Comfort

7:30 - Laying Down Rights for the Gospel

12:15 - Serving Others to Win More

17:00 - Spiritual Discipline for Eternal Prize

22:45 - Aligning with the Church's Mission

28:10 - Purpose in Every Season of Life

33:20 - Response: Run with Gratitude

In this eye-opening episode of FCC Talk, hosts Jon Rhoades (Children and Family Minister) and CJ Muston (Student Minister) at First Christian Church dive deep into a viral YouTube video where agnostic atheist Alex O'Connor tricks ChatGPT into admitting God exists! From microphones to the universe's beginning, they explore how AI concludes a supernatural divine being with purpose created everything – no emotions, just facts.

Join us as we unpack our faith journeys, discussions with nonbelievers, and biblical examples like Genesis creation, Ephesians 1:11 (God's will), John chapter 1 (Word became light), Colossians 2:8 (warn against hollow philosophy), Acts 17:24-28 (God sustains all), and 1 Samuel 16:7 (God looks at hearts). We discuss AI's role in challenging faith, building relationships like Jesus taught (love God and neighbor), overcoming biases and trauma, and why facts lead to hope in God's plan.

Is AI proving God? Watch now for shocking insights on artificial intelligence, atheism, agnosticism, universe creation, and how to respond biblically. Perfect for believers, skeptics, and anyone questioning "Does God exist?"

Don't miss this fascinating conversation – like, subscribe, and comment your thoughts! Listen on podcast platforms or watch on YouTube. #ChatGPTGodExists #AIGodDebate #AlexOConnor #FaithJourney #FirstChristianChurch #BiblicalProof #GodsWill #ArtificialIntelligence #AgnosticAtheist #FCCtalkPodcast

In this powerful episode of Worship Uncoiled, Student Minister CJ Muston dives deep into the story of Zacchaeus from Luke chapter 19 in part 2 of the "Win This Year" series. Discover how Jesus looked Zacchaeus in the eye, called him valuable, and revealed God's incredible plan for his life – and how the same applies to you today! CJ shares hilarious personal stories from his short guy days (like getting under things easier back in 1992) and challenges students to live out their full potential during this back-to-school season.

Whether you're in sports, band, dance, clubs, video games, or just hanging with friends, God has a plan for you right now in your circles of influence. Learn to overcome pressures, labels like "sinner," and self-doubt to impact lives only you can reach. If Jesus sat down in your home, what would He say about your passions, talents, and abilities?

Perfect for teens, youth groups, and anyone wanting the best possible school year. Watch or listen to last week's message on our church YouTube page, Facebook, or student ministry page for more on why you're valuable.

Don't miss out – subscribe for more inspiring sermons, hit the bell for notifications, and share how God's plan is unfolding in your life in the comments! #WinThisYear #ZacchaeusStory #GodsPlan #StudentMinistry #BackToSchool #FullPotential #CJMuston #WorshipUncoiled5sHow can Grok help?

Hey friends, I'm Jon Rhoades, Children and Family Minister at First Christian Church, and welcome to Episode 2 of Biblically Literate! In this episode, we dive deep into Jeremiah 29:11 – that famous verse often quoted at graduations: "'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'" But is it really about personal prosperity, excitement, and quick wins? Spoiler: No! I share how this misused verse was written to Israelites in Babylonian exile, facing 70 years of hardship, judgment for idolatry and injustice, and a call to build houses, plant gardens, seek shalom (true peace and wholeness), and pray for their enemies.

We'll explore the historical context of Prophet Jeremiah, the covenant-breaking sins like adultery with false gods, corrupt leaders exploiting widows and orphans, and God's dual message of judgment through King Nebuchadnezzar and hope for renewal – echoing Deuteronomy 30 and pointing to a Messiah from David's line. Discover why false prophets like Hananiah promised fake peace without repentance, and how this contrasts with real transformative good, endurance in suffering, and participating in God's redemptive work. It's not a feel-good promise for success or job promotions; it's a profound lesson in reading the Bible in its original context, avoiding prosperity gospel twists, and knowing God's faithful nature – holy, just, and loving – to draw closer to Him.

Whether you're dealing with loss, uncertainty, or cultural chaos, this episode shows how Jeremiah 29:11 points to ultimate fulfillment in Jesus, who brings true shalom. Let's get biblically literate together – head and heart aligned, as in Colossians 3:16!

If you're watching on YouTube, hit that like button, subscribe for more episodes on verses like John 3:16, and drop a comment: How has misunderstanding Jeremiah 29:11 affected you? On your podcast platform, leave a 5-star review to help spread the word. Thanks for joining – bye, friends!

Dive into this powerful Worship Uncoiled sermon by Student Minister CJ Muston on "Mission Over Me" from 1 Corinthians 8 at Unfiltered Church! Discover why the average church lifespan is only 40-50 years and how refusing to make church about ourselves keeps the mission alive. Learn that "mission is not methodology," and if we confuse the two, we die. Explore how the church thrives when we prioritize mission over method, inspired by Mark 2:22: "New wine must be poured into new wineskins." Jesus teaches the message stays the same, but methods must change – uncomfortable shifts in locations, services, staff, and musical styles because "it's not about me."

Drawing from Pete Blaber's "The Mission, the Men, and Me," remember: accomplish the objective, protect your team, then take care of yourself. "Methods are many, principles are few" – the mission is sacred, method is flexible. Our guiding principle: "Guiding People Home, leading people to a loving Father, Caring Family and a Life Changing Faith."

Unpack why knowledge without love is spiritually useless (1 Corinthians 8:1-3): "Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up." The Corinthians were "right" about food offered to idols, but Paul warns being doctrinally correct can be spiritually destructive without love guiding you.

Your freedom in Christ isn't just about you (1 Corinthians 8:4-9): "Be careful that your freedom does not cause others to stumble." Today's gray areas like alcohol, tattoos, secular music, and holidays – ask what love requires. Use these 4 guiding questions: What does the Bible say? What does my conscience say? What does my weakness require? What does my friend need?

Reject both sectarianism (legalism, holy huddles) and syncretism (compromise, blending in) – John 17:15 calls us to be in the world but not of it, as salt and light on a rescue mission. Jude 23: "Snatch others from the fire." The church is a battleship, not a cruise ship (1 Corinthians 10:23-24): seek the good of others, not "feed me, entertain me."

Challenge from 1 Corinthians 10:33: "I don’t do what is best for me; I do what is best for others, so that many may be saved." The church exists for those who aren’t here yet – kickstart a new life cycle by saying "it’s not about me."

Embrace these 5 expectations for every believer: Come ready (worship with expectancy), Man your station (serve on a team), Find your crew (get in a group), Give your first and best (time, talent, treasure), Invest and invite (live on mission).

"Jesus didn’t die just to make us comfortable—He died to make us courageous." Pray for renewal of mission, courage to let go of preferences, and hearts to love the next generation and the lost.

Subscribe for more Worship Uncoiled podcasts and videos! Like, comment, and share if this ignited your faith. #MissionOverMe #1Corinthians8 #UnfilteredChurch #ChurchBattleship #FreedomInChrist #GrayAreas #SnatchFromFire #RenewalOfMission

In this explosive relaunch episode of FCC Talk, host Jon Rhoades, Children and Family Minister at First Christian Church in Brazil, Indiana, teams up with Worship Minister Dan Stribling to unpack the controversial casting of Cynthia Erivo—a black, queer woman—as Jesus in the Hollywood Bowl production of Jesus Christ Superstar. Was this a harmless artistic freedom or a direct challenge to biblical truth? Dive deep as they explore scripture like Luke 2:7, 1 Corinthians 15:21-22, and Romans 1, discussing Jesus' maleness, cultural shifts in postmodernism, progressive Christianity, reverence for God's word, theater genres like Peter Pan, and how Christians should respond with fruits of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

From Old Testament callbacks to modern media like The Chosen and VeggieTales, Jon and Dan tackle hot topics: gender fluidity, idolatry, historical narratives, and practical advice on engaging culture without starting online fights. Whether you're wrestling with theological concerns, artistic license, or how to live quiet lives among pagans (1 Peter 2:12), this episode delivers eye-opening insights for believers navigating today's world.

If you're passionate about biblical responses to news, culture, theater, and faith, hit LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and drop your thoughts in the comments—should women portray Jesus? Share this with friends debating progressive Christianity or Hollywood's take on scripture. Find more FCC Talk episodes on the First Christian Church Brazil Indiana Sermons podcast channel, YouTube, or wherever you listen. Join us next time with CJ for more curated content! #FCCTalk #JesusChristSuperstar #CynthiaErivo #BiblicalResponse #ChristianPodcast #FirstChristianChurch #BrazilIndiana #WorshipMinister #FamilyMinister #ScriptureTruth #CulturalClash #ArtisticFreedom #ReverenceForGod #FruitsOfTheSpirit #Postmodernism #ProgressiveChristianity