The LVfirst Podcast

This Sunday, we explored how we can often get trapped in our nostalgia and "declinism" — the belief that everything was better "back in the day." The Ascension story challenges that and reveals Jesus' radical vision: to launch the Kingdom of God for all people, everywhere. The Ascension isn't about waiting for Jesus' return, it's about bring heaven to Earth by the Holy Spirit working through us.

This Sunday, we read the Gospel story of the wedding at Cana. In this story, we found a profound truth — that often we only turn to Jesus when something in our lives gives out. In this story, Mary the Mother of Jesus shows us that we can bring our problems to Jesus before they give out, because He can give us more than enough. Our job is simple obedience - to bring our troubles to Jesus and to do what He says.

This Sunday, we took a look at Joshua 1 where God commands us to be strong and courageous when facing life transitions. We found that true strength and courage don't come from having everything figured out, but from knowing that God goes with us.

This Sunday, we took a look at the story of the Walk to Emmaus where Jesus appeared to two disciples on Easter Sunday. We examined the things that occupy our minds and conversations and often keep us acknowledging Jesus' presence. The reality is that when we focus on our disappointments and problems, we blind ourselves to the hope and presence of Jesus walking with us.

This Sunday, we discussed the common uncertainty we feel after we celebrate Easter. We looked at Jesus' encounter with Peter in John 21 and how we are called beyond comfortable patterns into active mission. When we are uncertain about our next steps spiritually, the answer is always the same: go out to love and serve others.

This Sunday, we dove into the story of "Doubting Thomas" and how we can often find ourselves in a similar mindset. We talked about how we live in a world that demands proof before trust and how that mindset can follow us into our faith. When we dig into Thomas's story, we find that faith requires a shift from seeking proof to actively trusting God with what we know and don't know.

This Sunday, we took a look at John's Gospel account of the resurrection and reflected on Jesus' question to Mary, "Who are you looking for?"

We were challenged to turn away from the empty places in our lives and to recognize that what we've been searching for is actually a who. A living savior who brings resurrection - right here and right now.

This Sunday, we explored Jesus' demonstration of servant leadership during the Last Supper as he washed his disciples' feet. At the very peak of His influence, Jesus chose to serve rather than be served. It is this same selflessness that Jesus calls us to — to use our influence and privilege to serve others rather than expecting to be served.

This Sunday, we dug into Jesus' challenging question, "Do you also wish to go away?"

Pastor Adam noted that following Jesus requires commitment beyond seeking convenience and comfort. We have to clarify our faith and acknowledge that Jesus alone has the words of eternal life.

Our faith is a choice we have to make repeatedly. It is not something that is forced upon us. True discipleship calls for us to stay committed to walking in the footsteps of Christ, even in seasons of difficulty.

This Sunday, we walked through John 8:2–11, the story of the woman caught in adultery.

We dug into Jesus’ response:

- He bends down to write in the dirt instead of playing their yes-or-no game.

- He says, “Let anyone among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her,” exposing their guilt in the matter.

- One by one, the accusers drop their stones and leave until only Jesus and the woman remain.

We focused on Jesus’ final words:

- “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you? … Neither do I condemn you. Go your way, and from now on do not sin again.”

- Forgiveness is not tolerance—sin matters, but God chooses to set it aside at His own cost.

We ended by looking at our own “stones”—the grudges, hurts, and desires for payback we hold—and we were invited to lay them down, trusting Jesus with both our sin and the sins committed against us, and to walk away lighter in His grace.