Spring Hills Podcast

Spring Hills Podcast

By Spring Hills Church, Granville OHReligion & SpiritualityChristianity
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Spring Hills Podcast episodes

  • The Power of Words (Tom Pound)

    "The Power of Words"

    Ladies and gentlemen, as we gather today in the presence of the Divine, I am humbled and thrilled to delve into the Word and unravel the profound message it holds for us. Our focus today is on the power vested in our words—a subject of deep importance and great responsibility. I invite you to journey with me through the Scripture from James 3:1-12, a passage that profoundly illustrates the impact our words have on ourselves and others.
    James, the apostle, initiates by cautioning against the hasty pursuit of teaching, highlighting the immense responsibility and accountability attached to this role. In his time, many sought to instruct without adequate experience, leading to the dissemination of potentially inaccurate teachings. Today, we understand that those who impart Christian doctrine bear a significant responsibility. This verse doesn't dissuade aspiring teachers but prompts a self-evaluation of what it truly means to instruct. Have you felt the call to teach or experienced the impact of a teacher's words, for better or worse?
    The heart of our discussion revolves around the power of spoken words. James vividly portrays the tongue's impact, describing it as a small yet potent force capable of both great good and considerable harm. We've all experienced the cuts of hurtful words and perhaps inadvertently inflicted wounds with our own. Reflect on your experiences: have words wounded you or have you inadvertently hurt others with your speech? Recognizing the impact of our words is fundamental to the Christian discipline of forgiveness.
    James further emphasizes the duality of the tongue: the same mouth that praises God can also spew curses upon our fellow beings made in God's image. This dual nature of our speech echoes Proverbs 18:21, acknowledging the immense power contained within our words—the power to bring life or death. Can you recall a time when someone's words breathed life into your soul?
    Ephesians 4:29 guides us toward speech that uplifts and supports, emphasizing the importance of words that benefit and build up others. It prompts us to consider what it truly means to be constructive in our conversations. And just as Job made a covenant with his eyes, I encourage you to consider making a covenant with your tongue. Let us commit to thoughtful, beneficial, and edifying words that carry the spirit of love and grace.
    So, my friends, as we reflect on the Scripture today, let us heed the wisdom ingrained in these verses. May our tongues be instruments of blessing, reflecting the transformative might of words for good, healing, and encouragement. Let our speech be a testament to the love and grace bestowed upon us, glorifying the Divine and uplifting those around us.
    In the pursuit of harnessing the power of our words, let us continue in prayer and contemplation, seeking the Divine guidance to speak life into this world. Amen.
    Pastor Tom

    52 min
  • 027. Loving the Unlovable: A Journey into Christ's Love (Going Deeper)

    In this episode, host Joshua Meyer and Pastor Tom dive deep into the theme of "faith that works" based on James chapter two. They explore a powerful concept from James 2:5, which states that those who are poor have a spiritual advantage, as they rely more on God for their needs. It's a thought-provoking discussion that challenges us to reevaluate our perspective on wealth and dependence on God.

    As they reflect on this concept, the hosts discuss practical ways to love and connect with those who are difficult to love, just like Jesus loved those who persecuted Him. They emphasize the importance of abiding in Christ and seeking Him for the strength and love needed to embrace those who may seem hard to love.

    In the podcast, Pastor Tom shares a moving story about a pastor in Iraq who loved those who imprisoned him, showcasing the profound transformation that can occur when we practice radical love, even in the most challenging circumstances.

    They close the episode with a thought-provoking question: "Who is God calling you to love into the kingdom?" In your own life, who might you be uniquely positioned to lead toward Christ with your love and care? This reflection encourages listeners to identify those individuals in their own lives and respond to this divine call to love with intention and purpose.

    Don't miss this thought-provoking discussion about living out your faith and loving those who may be difficult to love. Tune in to discover how you can be more like Jesus in your daily life by embracing the challenge of faith that works.

    31 min
  • Faith That Works (Tom Pound)

    Faith That Works | Tom Pound

    Ladies and gentlemen, brothers and sisters in faith, it is with great joy and humility that we gather here today at Spring Hills Church to explore a profound and timeless topic: "Faith That Works." These four verses from the book of James, specifically James 2:1-4, serve as our starting point on this spiritual journey.
    In these verses, the central theme is unmistakable: we are reminded that believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism. The issue of favoritism based on outward appearances and material wealth is not confined to the past; it remains a challenge for all who follow Christ today. It is a dilemma that has crept into Christian settings, often unnoticed. This brings us to the important question of whether we, too, have encountered favoritism within our faith communities.
    As we read the beginning of James chapter two, we are confronted with a stark contrast between the values of God's Kingdom and the world we live in. The truth is clear – everyone matters to God, and each person must be treated with dignity and equality. However, living out these Kingdom values can be a struggle when our world's values continually influence us. Today, I encourage you to engage in an open and honest discussion within your groups about any unconscious favoritism you might exhibit and how you can align your values with those of the Kingdom.
    Moving forward, we delve into James 2:14-17, which raises the question of whether James contradicts the fundamental doctrine of salvation by faith alone. It is imperative to understand that James does not assert that good works save us but rather emphasizes that authentic faith will naturally lead us to action. So, it's crucial for us to reflect on the times when our faith in Christ compelled us to take uncomfortable or difficult actions.
    Finally, we conclude our reflections on faith that works with James' powerful analogy in verse 26, comparing faith to breath for the body. James underscores that faith in Christ should result in action. This leads us to consider the actions prompted by our faith. Providing for the needs of others is one such action, and a life of prayer is another.
    Colossians 4:2 calls us to be devoted to prayer, to be watchful for opportunities to help others and share the hope found in Christ, and to be thankful for all that God has done. This verse serves as a reminder of the three essential principles that authentic faith moves us toward.
    As we explore "Faith That Works" together, let us remember that authentic faith is not just a belief we profess, but a transformative force that compels us to live out our love for God and others in practical ways. May our time together deepen our understanding of faith's actions and lead us to a closer walk with our Lord Jesus Christ.

    49 min
  • 026. Be More Interested Than Interesting (Going Deeper)

    Welcome to "You Matter," a Spring Hill's thought-provoking podcast. In today's episode, we dive deep into the wisdom of James 1:19-20, which encourages us to be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger. I invite you to join us on a journey of self-reflection and discovery.

    What motivates us to truly listen to others? What holds us back from speaking too hastily or reacting with anger? Are we protecting something within ourselves, something that we fear might be exposed? These questions serve as our compass in exploring the virtues of humility and the transformative power of Christ-like love.

    Stay with us as we unravel the timeless wisdom of James, uncovering the secrets to cultivating a righteous and compassionate life. So, let's get started, as we explore how to embrace this profound principle from the book of James.

    37 min
  • Listening and Doing (Tevis Austin)

    In this week's sermon, we continued our exploration of the New Testament book of James, written by Jesus' half-brother. James penned this letter to Jewish believers facing intense persecution, aiming to help them live out their faith in the midst of life's challenges, temptations, and trials.

    The focal point of our discussion was James 1:19-20, where James exhorts us to be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry. We were challenged to consider the significance of these verses in our lives as believers. Pastor Tevis pointed out the prevalence of poor listening in our culture and its adverse effects. Congregants were encouraged to reflect on their own experiences related to this issue and whether they agreed with this assessment.
    The sermon delved into the "why" behind our tendencies to be slow to listen, quick to speak, and quick to anger. Two key reasons were highlighted:
    Defensiveness, often fueled by cultural changes, political divisions, and a desire to defend our views and ourselves. A lack of trust in God, which arises when difficult situations occur, leading us to take control and question God's love and care for our lives. The congregation was prompted to share personal stories of times when they responded in a defensive or distrusting manner and what they learned from those experiences. The discussion encouraged hindsight reflection on better responses in those situations.
    James 1:21-27 provided clear guidance on how to address these challenges. We were urged to rid ourselves of moral filth and humbly accept God's Word, following through with obedient actions. A striking analogy was drawn between listening to the Word without action and someone who forgets their reflection in a mirror. Practical steps were offered to initiate a spiritual house cleaning and apply God's Word in our lives.
    The sermon emphasized the importance of controlling our tongues, particularly in combating the sin of gossip. The destructive impact of this sin on the character of believers was acknowledged, and the congregation was encouraged to play a role in preventing it in our church and community groups.
    Finally, James called us to care for others, especially those in need and distress. This act of selfless service is described as "true religion." Romans 12:3 reminded us of the challenge to prioritize the needs of others. The congregation was prompted to consider the changes they need to make in their lives to be obedient in this area and to live out their faith more authentically.
    As we conclude this message, we are reminded that listening and doing go hand in hand. Our faith is alive when we listen to God's Word and respond with actions that reflect His love and grace. May we all leave today's service with a renewed commitment to be not only hearers of the Word but also doers, allowing our faith to shine brightly in our lives and communities.

    42 min
  • 025. Authentic Life In Christ (Going Deeper)

    Brothers and sisters in Christ,

    We hope that you have been enjoying our church's invitation to deeper levels of intimacy and spiritual formation through our podcast series. We want you to know how much we love you and greatly appreciate your commitment to the work of Christ, exemplifying His glory to the world.

    This week's podcast episode focuses on the sermon series titled "There is Power." Pastor Dan Pound does a phenomenal job exploring many of the ideas found in James 1:9-18. During this "Going Deeper" podcast episode, we will address the issues Pastor Dan explored, such as humility, the nature and impact of wealth, persevering through trials, and the ultimate source of temptation. Pastor Dan also discusses what he would have liked to delve into further in his sermon but didn't have the time for.

    We will also discuss how the concept of humility plays a significant role in the life of a Christian, especially in the context of believers practicing and demonstrating humility. Additionally, we'll explore the valuable lessons that can be learned about selfishness, recognizing that many Christians realize, sometimes too late, how many years they've spent trying to change others. Pastor Dan provides a wonderful example of humility before the congregation and, in this podcast episode, emphasizes the importance of eliminating selfishness from your life to cherish God in the everyday moments and the people you love every day.

    God bless!

    For the Kingdom,

    Joshua Meyer

    36 min
  • 024. Battling For Life (Spotlight)

    Hello Brothers and Sisters in Jesus Christ,


    In this thought-provoking podcast episode with Brad Pilkington, we delve into the heart of a controversial and deeply philosophical issue—abortion, as viewed through the lens of the Christian Bible. The scriptures are frequently cited by those who passionately advocate for the sanctity of life and the belief that abortion is morally wrong.

    Our journey begins with the Sixth Commandment, Exodus 20:13, which starkly proclaims, "You shall not murder." This foundational commandment forms the moral basis for many individuals who argue that taking the life of an innocent person, including unborn children, is unequivocally prohibited.

    Moving forward, we explore the poetic beauty and profound theology found in Psalm 139:13-16, where the psalmist exclaims, "For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb." This passage underscores the idea that God's intimate knowledge and divine craftsmanship are present even in the earliest stages of life, igniting a belief that life begins in the womb.

    As we journey further into the biblical narrative, we encounter Jeremiah 1:5, which declares, "Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you." This verse is often seen as evidence of God's intricate plans for individuals even before their birth, further underscoring the divine purpose of life.

    Our exploration culminates in Luke 1:41-44, a heartwarming account of the unborn John the Baptist leaping in the presence of Jesus in Mary's womb. This passage is cited as a testament to the recognition of the sanctity of life within the womb, revealing the profound connection between faith and the unborn.

    Join us as we navigate the nuances of these powerful verses and their implications, understanding that interpretations vary across Christian denominations. The abortion debate is multifaceted, involving theological, ethical, and legal perspectives. This episode aims to provide insight and promote respectful dialogue on a complex and emotionally charged topic.


    For the Kingdom,


    Joshua Meyer

    47 min
  • There is Power (Dan Pound)

    'There Is Power'

    Welcome to 'Spring Hills Church, This sermon that delves into the timeless wisdom of the Book of James. In this week's passage, we explore the profound teachings that transcend time and circumstances. Join us as we embark on a journey through the verses 9 to 18 of the Book of James, uncovering the riches of spiritual insight that still resonate with us today.
    In verses 9-11, James reveals the paradox of God's backwards economy, highlighting the equal footing of the rich and the poor in the spiritual realm. We'll discuss the importance of dependency on God and examine our own lives to discover where we might still struggle to trust in His provision.
    Moving to verse 12, we'll explore the concept of enduring trials with a focus on the victorious outcome promised to believers - the 'crown of life.' Share your thoughts on facing life's challenges and the strategies that help you maintain a positive mindset during trials.
    James goes on to dissect the source and outcome of our responses to trials and temptations in verse 13. We'll delve into the choices we've made in the past that may have drawn us away from God and discuss the spiritual disciplines that can guide us back on the path of faith.
    Finally, in verses 16-18, James reminds us of God's unchanging nature and His gracious gifts to His children. We'll explore the joy of living in God's presence and discuss practical ways to deepen our connection with Him on a daily basis.
    Join us as we unravel the timeless wisdom of James and apply it to our lives in the modern world. Discover how these ancient words continue to guide us in our journey of faith.

    41 min
  • Heroic Endurance (Tom Pound)

    In this week's Scripture from James 1:1-8, we find valuable lessons for our faith journey. James, a servant of God, urges us to consider it pure joy when we face various trials, as these trials test our faith and produce perseverance, leading us to maturity and completeness. He emphasizes that if we lack wisdom, we should ask God, who generously provides it. However, we must approach God with unwavering faith, for doubting is like being tossed by the wind, hindering our reception of wisdom.

    James sets a goal for us: maturity, and an attitude: joy in the face of trials. Perseverance is the key to achieving maturity, and adversity is the path to it. We should embrace difficult times as opportunities to grow stronger. Have you experienced a moment when you chose joy in adversity, or when you didn't? How do you think believers can choose joy amid adversity?

    Verse 5 underscores the availability of God's wisdom through prayer. We must ask with confidence, knowing God delights in granting wisdom. Share a personal experience when you sought God's wisdom and received it.

    James emphasizes the importance of faith in receiving wisdom. Doubt hinders our connection with God, making us double-minded. Hebrews also encourages approaching God's throne with confidence, allowing us to receive His guidance. Faith and confidence enable us to stay in His presence and hear His instructions. What are your thoughts on the role of faith in seeking God's wisdom?

    James concludes by warning against being double-minded, a term he introduces. This implies wavering beliefs and constant vacillation. Can you relate to this in your life? How does a single-minded focus strengthen your relationship with God?

    James calls us to embrace trials with joy, seek God's wisdom with unwavering faith, and avoid double-mindedness to achieve maturity and a deep connection with God.

    52 min
  • 023. Nothing Good is Lost (Going Deeper)

    Nothing good is ever really lost. These powerful words speak to a promise that Jesus Christ gave to all those who believe. In Revelation 21:5, Jesus shared, as he was seated on the throne, that he would be the one who would make all things new. How does that make you feel? Will you walk away with hope and inspiration? Do you feel challenged by the mundane of everyday life on this side of eternity? Psalm 39:4 says that we should ask the Lord to show us our life's end and the very number of our days, helping us to understand just how fleeting our life is. Does that help you treasure every moment on this side of eternity? How do you respond to the urgent need to care and put everything you have into the everyday that we have on this earth? Does it motivate you to do more? Or to try to be successful? Or... does it motivate you to seek out the ancient path, the way of our beautiful Savior in all the ways that he demonstrated the way in which we should know about our days? Jesus Christ inspired us to do many things that are countercultural. While we are convicted about how important it is for us to treasure this time that we have before we receive the promises of all things new, we must be like Jesus and pursue the path of relentlessly removing the hurry in our lives and living according to the mantra of 'slow is pro.' How can you go slower, do less, and love more? Today's podcast episode addresses many beautiful topics as it relates to heaven and the promises of all things new. Pastor Tom talks about the temporary nature of life and how it is beneficial to live with an understanding that life is temporary. We answer questions from our members about how people will come to recognize us when we are in heaven. Pastor Tom also speaks intimately about what we can hope for concerning our marriages after this life and the promises of meeting people that maybe we never met before and coming to understand just how much our efforts and our love for Jesus Christ on this side of eternity could impact others in their pursuit of finding Jesus. Enjoy the episode!

    – Joshua Meyer

    31 min

About Spring Hills Podcast

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As our church community grows, we want you to come to know our Pastor's hearts and our leader's hearts intimately. As a result, Spring Hills has created a podcast to go deeper in the hearts and…

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