Ginghamsburg Church Podcast

Samuel

Have you ever heard your name called in a crowded place? Sometimes it's someone you know, or your kids are looking for you. But other times, you turn to look and it's a complete stranger, calling for someone else - who just happens to share your name. Hearing your name called can be sign of affection or praise. Other times it can lead to uncertainty, embarrassment, or even fear. This week's campfire story takes us to the story of a boy named Samuel. He heard his name called multiple times but wasn't sure who it was. As we'll hear, when we listen and respond when we're called by God, it can change our lives forever.

ginghamsburg.org/planyourvisit

Reflecting on his recent decision to leave his role at Ginghamsburg, Chris emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's direction. Despite the uncertainties ahead, he firmly believes that listening to God means recognizing when his season at Ginghamsburg has concluded. Chris openly shares his thoughts leading up to his final weekend as the worship pastor, affirming his trust in God’s provision.

ginghamsburg.org/blog

Samson

Strength and power are some of the highest valued attributes in the world. People are always trying to gain more strength and power every day - sometimes honestly by putting in the work, and other times by manipulating and cheating their way to it. This week we're going to hear the story of Samson - a man whose strength was a gift from the Lord. God used Samson to accomplish some amazing things to rescue the people of Israel. But eventually Samson met his match and lost everything - his strength, power and even his sight. But God wasn't done with Samson. The same is true for us as well. Even when we feel like we've lost everything, God isn't done and God still has plans for us.

ginghamsburg.org/planyourvisit

Growing up without a strong father figure, Andrew gravitated toward fictional characters, particularly Dallas Winston from The Outsiders, whose rebellious persona provided a relatable but flawed model. For years, Andrew sought fulfillment through independence, alcohol, and substances, building what he describes as a self-made kingdom. "I thought I had everything," he reflects. "Yet I felt empty."

ginghamsburg.org/blog

One thing (almost) everyone loves in a great story is the plot twist. You never see it coming, but it changes the entire feel and flow of the story. Everything from short stories to the most epic cinematic tales have used this storytelling device to draw in the audience. The stories from the Bible are no different. God has an amazing way of doing the most unexpected things and using the least likely people to bring redemption, rescue and healing. This week we'll learn how God used not one, but two people in unprecedented ways to rescue His people. We'll also see that God loves a great plot twist and might just have one in store for each of us.

Ahab

Life is filled with strategy. Sometimes it's as simple as knowing what move to make while playing a game with your children. Other times strategy requires complicated moves to achieve its end goal. This week we'll look at the story of King Ahab - one of the kings in the nation of Israel's history. Under Ahab's reign, Israel experienced a time of prosperity, but that allowed them lose their edge and in the end it cost them dearly. It's easy for us to walk in a similar fashion. We lose our edge, and slowly the enemy gains a foothold which costs us dearly. This week, we're reminded from Ahab's story that we have the power to push back against the enemy and find true freedom and life when we surrender.

ginghamsburg.org/planyourvisit

Jacob

There's something divine that happens when you're under the stars at night by a warm fire. The dancing glow and gentle noises of a summer night invites you into nature's intimacy. Twilight conversations hold no agenda, leaving us open to ancient threads of truth and wonder. These fireside chats hold timeless truths passed down from the beginning of time.

The Old Testament is full of rich stories which show us who God has always been. These stories also reveal who God is calling to be in this moment.

This week we learn about Jacob - a man who was always jockeying for a way to get ahead, even if it meant manipulating and cheating those closest to him. But as he grew older, he had an encounter with the Lord that changed him and the world forever. Sometimes we grow tired and need a fresh encounter with the Lord. When we experience the Lord in this same way we can experience a new sense of hope, meaning, purpose and calling.

ginghamsburg.org/planyourvisit

Taking The Heat

People around the world face persecution every day because of their faith, race, gender, economic standing, and even birthplace. We know in the deepest parts of our being that persecuting others is wrong. But what do we do when we face persecution? Jesus addressed this very idea in his message from the mountain. He said "you will be happy even when you face insults, persecution and lies." Wait, Jesus said we will be happy when we face those things? Yes, because these things are not the end of the story. Jesus' words carry a promise that we can be glad in the face of trials and persecution, because our hope and our treasure is not based in this world. When we stand firm in Jesus we'll be like the heroes of faith who have gone before us.

ginghamsburg.org/planyourvisit

Where Happiness is Found

When it comes to happiness, Jesus said we would find it in places we least expect. His Sermon on the Mount says we'll find happiness when we mourn, when we're meek, when we hunger and thirst for the things of God, and when we live as peacemakers. A lot of these things mean giving up something valuable. We find happiness in the unexpected. We find happiness when we give our lives away to the purposes of God. We find happiness as we spend time with, love and serve those who are in greatest need. Jesus said, if you want to find your life, you should give it away. That's how Jesus lived, and that's how we should live as well.

ginghamsburg.org/planyourvisit