The Moody Church Sunday Morning Podcast

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=""]Losing Well - Winning The World1 Peter 3:8-16Dr. John Dickson Today, we had the privilege of welcoming special guest, Dr. John Dickson, who led us through 1 Peter 3:8-16. Christians face growing skepticism in today’s culture, but instead of reacting with fear, compromise, or silence, we are called to respond with confident humility. True strength comes from honoring Christ and engaging others with gentleness, respect, and grace.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=""]Waiting On GodActs 1:12–26Pastor Philip Miller Waiting can be one of the most difficult challenges in life, especially when it feels uncertain or open-ended. Yet, Scripture shows us that God often uses seasons of waiting to prepare His people for greater purposes. In Acts 1:12–26, the disciples model what it looks like to wait well. Their example reveals that waiting on God is not passive but active, intentional, and formative.Five Proactive Responses for Seasons of Waiting: 1. Obey What God’s RevealedThe disciples returned to Jerusalem and waited, just as Jesus instructed. Even though they didn’t know how long the wait would be, they followed His clear command. In our own seasons of waiting, obedience to what God has already revealed is the first step in active trust. 2. Gather with God’s PeopleRather than isolating, the disciples waited together in unity—with the women, Mary, and Jesus’ brothers. They chose community because they needed one another. Seasons of waiting call for deeper connection with the body of Christ, where we find encouragement, strength, and joy. 3. Pray with God’s ChildrenWhile waiting, the disciples devoted themselves to prayer—fervent, committed, and collective. They acknowledged their need for God’s empowering grace. In times of waiting, prayer aligns our hearts with God’s and deepens our dependence on Him. 4. Search out God’s WordPeter searched the Scriptures to understand Judas’ betrayal and to guide the next step. God's Word grounded them in truth and purpose. In disorienting seasons, Scripture reminds us that God is sovereign and that His redemptive plan is still unfolding. 5. Trust for God’s LeadingWhen it came time to replace Judas, the disciples prayed and entrusted the decision to God, casting lots with full confidence in His sovereignty. Though we no longer cast lots, we are still called to trust the Lord’s leadership rather than rushing ahead or falling behind. Takeaway: “Be still, and know that I am God.” – Psalm 46:10Waiting on God is both difficult and transformative. It’s in the stillness that we learn to trust, obey, and grow. Rather than resisting the waiting, lean into it—knowing that God is working even in the silence and preparing you for what’s next.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=""]The Pivot

Acts 1:1–11

Pastor Philip MillerFrom Then to NowThe mission continues.Luke opens Acts as a sequel to his Gospel, showing that Jesus’ work didn’t end with His ascension—it continues through His Spirit-empowered Church. The transition from Jesus’ earthly ministry to the activity of His followers marks a shift from “then” to “now.” What Jesus began in His person, He now carries on through His people. The risen and ascended Christ remains active, advancing His mission in the world through the Church.From One to ManyThe mission multiplies.Though Jesus physically leaves, He prepares His disciples for the mission ahead by promising the Holy Spirit. Once dependent on one man, the mission will now be carried out by many Spirit-filled believers. Jesus’ departure multiplies His impact—no longer confined to one location, the Gospel will spread through countless voices across the world. Ordinary, flawed individuals will become bold witnesses by the Spirit’s power.From Us to ThemThe mission reconciles.The disciples expect a national restoration for Israel, but Jesus redirects their focus to a global mission. The Good News is not just for “us” (Israel), but for “them”—including Samaritans, Gentiles, and even enemies. This pivot challenges deep-rooted prejudices, calling for a diverse, Spirit-united family in Christ. God's plan is to reconcile all peoples to Himself through Jesus, creating one new, multiethnic people.From Near to FarThe mission radiates.Jesus commissions His disciples to begin in Jerusalem and expand outward—Judea, Samaria, and ultimately the ends of the earth. This movement reflects the structure of Acts and God's design to reach all nations. The Gospel is meant to radiate geographically and culturally, with no boundary too far or people too distant. Until Christ returns, the Church is called to go, scatter, and proclaim peace everywhere. Takeaway: Will we join Jesus on mission?The Church doesn’t just have a mission—it is the mission. As followers of Jesus, we are part of God’s unstoppable Gospel movement, empowered by His Spirit to carry His message to a broken world. The story of Acts is still being written in our time through ordinary people who surrender to Jesus’ call. The question is: will we join Him on mission?[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=""]1. Game-Changing ResurrectionJesus appears to His disciples, bodily raised and glorified. He invites them to see, touch, and watch Him eat—proving He is no ghost. His resurrection marks the beginning of God’s new creation. - Jesus is the first fruits of the new creation.

2. Game-Changing HermeneuticJesus shows that all Scripture points to Him—His suffering, resurrection, and the mission to proclaim forgiveness to all nations. - The Bible is all about Christ’s Gospel mission.

3. Game-Changing EmpowermentJesus promises the Holy Spirit to empower His followers for mission. As He ascends, the disciples worship with joy, awaiting the Spirit’s arrival. - The Spirit indwells this new community for mission. Takeaway: Jesus changes everything.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=""]Around the holidays, our family does a large jigsaw puzzle together—a chaotic mess that slowly turns into a beautiful picture. In Luke 24:13–35, two disciples are walking the road to Emmaus, trying to make sense of the recent events in Jerusalem: Jesus’ death and the strange news of His missing body. These followers are heartbroken and confused, struggling with six “scattered pieces” of their experience:The Scattered PiecesMighty Prophet

Condemned and Crucified

Hoped for Redeemer

Hopeless Reality

Women’s Testimony

Incomplete Evidence The Big PictureThe necessity of every disparate piece.

The Bible is a mosaic revealing Jesus. The CenterpieceJesus is the centerpiece who brings it all together.  Takeaway: Could it be that Jesus is the centerpiece you’re looking for?[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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Sunday, April 5, AD 33, marked the most pivotal day in history: the resurrection of Jesus. The Gospel of Luke has taken the church through Jesus' life, teachings, miracles, and crucifixion. Now, in Luke 23:50–24:12, the focus shifts to the resurrection — an event that initially startled and confused everyone, yet eventually transformed the early disciples from skeptics into bold proclaimers. The central question posed: how do people come to believe the unbelievable?

 1. Examine the EvidenceThere’s reason to believe

Search Online: Resurrection + Gary Habermas, Lee Strobel, N. T. Wright, Sean McDowell, William Lane CraigThe women and Peter demonstrate the first step — examining the evidence. They find the stone rolled away and the tomb empty. Peter inspects the grave clothes and leaves marveling. These are not gullible people; they’re skeptical but thoughtful, seeking truth. Modern historical consensus affirms several facts: Jesus lived, was crucified, buried in Joseph’s tomb, the tomb was empty, and the disciples believed they encountered the risen Jesus — even to the point of death. No compelling alternative theory explains the radical transformation and spread of Christianity, making resurrection the most reasonable explanation. 2. Explore the PropheciesThere’s wonder to beholdThe angels remind the women of Jesus’ own prophetic words about His death and resurrection. Luke records three prior predictions by Jesus, and these weren’t isolated — they aligned with hundreds of Old Testament prophecies fulfilled in Christ, many of which were written centuries before. From His lineage, birth, and ministry to His betrayal, crucifixion, and burial, the fulfillment of these prophecies points to divine orchestration. The resurrection wasn’t spontaneous but the climax of a divine plan. Exploring prophecy reveals a divine Author behind history. 3. Encounter the WitnessesThere’s adventure to beginThough the disciples initially dismissed the women’s report, Peter investigates. That women discovered the tomb — a detail unlikely to be fabricated due to cultural bias — adds credibility. Luke names these witnesses for verification. The Gospels and Luke’s own purpose statement (Luke 1:1–4) show the importance of firsthand testimony. The New Testament documents serve as eyewitness accounts of the resurrection, inviting readers to encounter the witnesses through Scripture. 

Takeaway: The Resurrection Changes Everything

If the resurrection is true, then life has meaning, purpose, and eternal significance. Jesus offers forgiveness, reconciliation with God, and eternal life. The resurrection confronts everyone with a choice: believe or dismiss. But given the evidence, prophecy, and eyewitnesses, the resurrection demands investigation. Because if it’s true — it changes everything.

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The Weight Of The Cross

Luke 23:26–49

Pastor Philip MillerIn a world driven by entertainment and ease, we tend to avoid heavy, sobering realities. Good Friday confronts us with the horror and agony of Jesus’ crucifixion—an event many would rather skip in favor of Easter’s joy. Yet, the cross holds profound goodness, glory, and triumph. Luke 23 draws us into this weighty moment, calling us not to look away but to see the suffering of Jesus as our salvation. His cross is not only His burden—it’s ours too, because His sacrifice was made for us.Cosmic Treason:Death is hanging over all

As Jesus stumbles under the weight of the cross, Simon of Cyrene is compelled to carry it, unknowingly participating in God's greater redemption. Jesus warns the mourning women of Jerusalem not to weep for Him, but for themselves, as judgment is coming due to Israel’s rejection of the Messiah. This rejection is not just national—it is humanity’s rejection of its Creator. The crucifixion is not merely unjust; it is cosmic treason against God. Enemy Love:Forgiveness is offered for all

Despite brutal treatment and mocking, Jesus responds with compassion: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” While others mock His identity as King and Savior, Jesus shows true divine love, interceding even for His enemies. His prayer for forgiveness holds back divine judgment and extends mercy to all. Gracious Salvation:Hope is available to all

One criminal mocks Jesus, but the other, recognizing Jesus’ innocence, asks to be remembered in His kingdom. Jesus assures him, “Today you will be with me in paradise.” This demonstrates that salvation is by grace through faith, not through deeds or religious performance. Hope is available to all who call on Jesus. Childlike Trust:Jesus is the substitute for all

As darkness falls and the temple curtain tears, Jesus entrusts His spirit to the Father with childlike faith. This act of trust marks the completion of His mission. The centurion, witnessing it all, declares Jesus’ innocence. Nature itself responds to His death, affirming that the Innocent One died for the guilty. Jesus is the substitute for all.Takeaway: Jesus’ gave Himself for us all

Jesus’ death on the cross was in our place and for our sake. He bore our sin and gave us His righteousness. The cross is heavy, not just because of its suffering, but because it carries the weight of our redemption.

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=""]Power in the Dark In our darkest hours—when we feel alone, frightened, and powerless—Jesus shows us another way.

 

Join us in Luke 22:47–71 as we witness Jesus in His darkest hour. Though betrayed, denied, and condemned, He remains calm, courageous, and utterly in control.

 

The BetrayalJudas betrays Jesus with a kiss. Yet Jesus, fully aware, steps forward, protects His disciples, heals His enemy, and confronts the powers of darkness.

 

The DenialPeter denies Jesus three times. But Jesus, knowing all of Peter’s failures, still loves, prays for, and later restores him. The Omniscient One is denied, but never vindictive.

 

The CouncilIn a sham trial, Jesus refuses to play their game. Instead, He boldly proclaims Himself the Son of Man, seated at the right hand of God. Condemned, but never vanquished.

 

Takeaway:It might look like the powers of darkness are winning.But it is King Jesus who wields Power in the Dark.

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=""]In this passage, the tension is building as Jesus' predictions of his arrest, suffering, death, and resurrection are becoming imminent. His disciples are beginning to realize the seriousness of the situation—they are on the eve of danger, unprepared for the trials ahead. Jesus, knowing they are not ready, seeks to prepare them for what’s coming, focusing not on external threats but on internal dangers of the heart. He warns them about four specific dangers within themselves that they must confront, dangers that are also present in all of us. I. The Danger of Entitlement (Luke 22:24-30)We overindulge our ego.

The disciples argue over who is the greatest.

Jesus redefines greatness: true leaders serve others.Takeaway: Get serving! II. The Danger of Delusion (Luke 22:31-34)We overestimate our strength.

Jesus warns Peter that Satan desires to sift him.

Peter insists he will never fail, but Jesus predicts his denial.Takeaway: Get real! III. The Danger of Naïveté (Luke 22:35-38)We overvalue our success.

The disciples assume their past experiences will continue without hardship.

Jesus warns them to prepare for opposition.Takeaway: Get ready! IV. The Danger of Denial (Luke 22:39-46)We overlook our peril.

Jesus prays in agony, fully aware of the suffering ahead.

The disciples sleep instead of praying, unprepared for the coming trial.Takeaway: Get strength! [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=""]Have you ever felt like everything was falling apart, only to realize later that those difficult moments were actually setting the stage for something greater? As we approach the Easter season, I'm reminded of how Jesus faced His darkest hour with unwavering courage and purpose. Let's explore how His actions during the Last Supper can inspire us to find triumph even in our most challenging times.

 

The Gathering Darkness

As we look at Luke 22:1-23, we see the plot against Jesus thickening. The religious leaders are scheming, Judas is betraying, and the shadow of the cross looms large. Yet, in this moment of impending tragedy, Jesus demonstrates an astounding level of control and foresight.

 

"Now the Feast of Unleavened Bread, called the Passover, was approaching, and the chief priests and the teachers of the law were looking for some way to get rid of Jesus, for they were afraid of the people" (Luke 22:1-2).

 

The irony is palpable. During a festival celebrating God's deliverance of His people, the religious leaders are plotting to kill the very One who came to bring ultimate deliverance.

 

Jesus' Masterful Command

Despite the evil brewing around Him, Jesus remains in complete control. He gives His disciples oddly specific instructions about preparing for the Passover meal:

"He replied, 'As you enter the city, a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him to the house that he enters, and say to the owner of the house, "The Teacher asks: Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?" He will show you a large room upstairs, all furnished. Make preparations there'" (Luke 22:10-12).

This level of detail shows us that Jesus "knows exactly what's going on. He's in full command of the situation." Nothing takes Him by surprise. He sees it all – "the upper room, the Garden of Gethsemane, the hill of Calvary, the empty tomb." Jesus is "masterfully in command of His own destiny."

 

A Meal of Deep Significance

As Jesus reclines at the table with His disciples, He infuses the traditional Passover meal with new, profound meaning:

"And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, 'This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.' In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, 'This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you'" (Luke 22:19-20).

In this moment, Jesus is "serving up His own life" for His followers. He's establishing a new covenant, fulfilling ancient promises, and preparing to become the ultimate Passover Lamb.

 

Triumph in Tragedy

Even as Jesus faces betrayal and death, we see triumph emerging:Jesus allows evil to play into His own hands, using it for ultimate good.

He demonstrates His divine foreknowledge and sovereignty over all events.

Jesus willingly offers Himself as the sacrifice that will bring redemption to the world.As He says in John 10:18, "No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again."

 

Finding Our Triumph

So how can we apply these truths to our own lives when we face dark times?Trust in God's bigger picture: Like Jesus, we can face difficulties knowing that God can work all things for good (Romans 8:28).

Remember who we are in Christ: The Lord's Supper reminds us that we are covered by Jesus' sacrifice and united with Him.

Look forward with hope: Our current struggles are temporary. We have a future glory to anticipate (2 Corinthians 4:17).

Serve others sacrificially: Jesus' example challenges us to love and serve, even in difficult circumstances.

Commune with Christ: Draw strength from your relationship with Jesus, especially in times of trial.Remember, "If we share in His sufferings, we know we shall also share in His glories." Whatever tragedy you might be facing, know that in Christ, triumph is possible. Fix your eyes on Jesus, who turned the tragedy of the cross into the triumph of our salvation.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]