The Resting Place Podcast

Exploring Philippians 1, we're reminded that to live is Christ and to die is gain. Our existence should reflect our devotion to Jesus, making Him the central focus. We're called to die to self daily, live as citizens of heaven, and stand united in faith. Facing opposition and suffering is part of our journey, seen as a privilege that leads to spiritual growth and glory.

Key Takeaways:
1. Living for Christ should be the essence of our lives. 
2. Suffering is a part of the Christian journey and can lead to spiritual growth. 
3. Unity and humility are crucial in the body of Christ. 
4. We should strive to live lives worthy of the gospel. 
5. Our actions and attitudes should reflect our citizenship in heaven.

Reflection Questions:
1. What does it mean to you to live is Christ and to die is gain?
2. How can we ensure that Jesus is the essence of our lives?
3. In what ways can we live our lives worthy of the gospel of Christ? 
4. How do you handle suffering and trials in your life? 
5. Why is unity and humility important in the body of Christ? 
6. How can we support each other in our faith journeys? 
7. What are some practical ways to stand firm in one spirit and one accord? 
8. How can we better reflect the attitude of humility and self-sacrifice in our daily lives?

Practical Application:
This week, challenge yourself to identify one area in your life where you can better reflect Christ's humility and self-sacrifice. Make a conscious effort to act in a way that is worthy of the gospel, whether it's through your words, actions, or attitudes.

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In this sermon, we begin a six-week journey through the Book of Philippians, focusing on the first 20 verses of chapter one. Paul, writing from prison, expresses gratitude and joy for the believers in Philippi, emphasizing the importance of partnership in the gospel, praying with joy, and maintaining love and discernment. Despite his imprisonment, Paul finds encouragement in the spread of the gospel and urges believers to live lives that honor Christ, whether in life or death. The sermon challenges us to reflect on our own lives, encouraging us to spread the gospel and live above reproach, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ.

Key Takeaways:
1. Paul's joy and gratitude despite his imprisonment. 
2. The importance of praying with joy and maintaining love and discernment. 
3. Living a life above reproach and filled with the fruit of righteousness. 
4. The significance of partnership in the gospel. 
5. Honoring Christ in both life and death.

Reflection Questions:
1. How does Paul's situation in prison affect your understanding of his message in Philippians 1? 
2. What does it mean to you to pray with joy, even in difficult circumstances? 
3. How can we grow in both knowledge and discernment while maintaining love? 
4. Why is it important to live a life above reproach, as mentioned in Philippians 1:10? 
5. How can we apply the concept of partnership in the gospel in our own lives? 
6. What are some practical ways to spread the gospel in our daily lives? 
7. How do you handle situations where you feel like you are doing what God called you to do, but face difficulties? 
8. What does it mean to you to honor Christ in both life and death?

Practical Application:
This week, challenge yourself to find joy in your prayers, even in difficult situations. Reflect on the good things God is doing in your life and the lives of those around you. Make a conscious effort to spread the gospel in your daily interactions and live a life that is above reproach.

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This sermon explores the importance of building our faith on the unshakable kingdom of God, rather than on the transient aspects of life. Find inspiration in real-life stories of individuals who turned their wounds into testimonies of grace and redemption. Whether you're dealing with personal struggles or seeking to understand God's purpose in your trials, this sermon offers valuable insights into the healing process. Join us in reflecting on how our wounds can humble us, draw us closer to God, and become a source of healing for others.

Key Takeaways:
1. Our faith should be tied to the eternal kingdom of God, not transient things. 
2. Wounds and trials can lead to spiritual growth and deeper relationships with God. 
3. God can use our wounds to heal us and others. 
4. Humility often comes through brokenness and trials. 
5. Sharing our wounds and experiences can bring healing to our community.

Reflection Questions:
1. What stood out to you the most from today's sermon? 
2. How do you typically respond to trials and difficulties in your life? 
3. Can you share a time when a wound or trial led to personal growth or a deeper relationship with God? 
4. Why do you think God allows us to go through painful experiences? 
5. How can we shift our perspective to see our wounds as opportunities for healing and helping others? 
6. What does it mean to have faith in an unshakable kingdom? 
7. How can we support each other in our wounds and trials within our community? 
8. What practical steps can we take this week to rely more on God and less on transient things?

Practical Application:
This week, identify one wound or trial in your life and ask God to show you how it can be used for healing and growth. Share this experience with someone you trust and encourage them to do the same.

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Pastor Devin reminds us of the importance of pursuing both peace and holiness in our Christian walk. Drawing from Hebrews 12, we're challenged to consider how our relationships with fellow believers impact our pursuit of God's righteousness. The scripture emphasizes that without holiness, no one will see the Lord, yet we cannot truly be holy if we harbor bitterness or unresolved conflicts. We're called to be peacemakers, not just peacekeepers, actively working to resolve issues and support one another in our faith journey. This message encourages us to reflect on our own hearts, addressing any roots of bitterness before they defile our spirits and those around us. It's a call to authentic, transformative Christianity that goes beyond surface-level faith.


Key Takeaways:

1. Pursuing holiness requires pursuing peace with others
2. Bitterness can defile many and must be addressed
3. Our faith should be rooted in eternal things, not temporary creations
4. We are called to serve God with reverence and awe

Reflection Questions:

1. The sermon emphasizes pursuing both holiness and peace. How do these two concepts relate to each other in your life?
2. Have you ever experienced or witnessed bitterness "defiling many" in a church or community setting?
3. Pastor Devin mentions "consumer Christianity." What do you think this means, and how might it differ from authentic faith?
4. Reflect on the contrast between Mount Sinai and Mount Zion. How does this illustrate the difference between the old and new covenants?
5. The sermon warns against tying our faith to temporary, man-made things. What are some examples of this you've seen or experienced?
6. How can we cultivate a faith that remains unshaken during difficult times?
7. What does it mean to you to serve God "with reverence and awe"? How can we maintain this attitude in our daily lives?

Practical Applications:

1. This week, identify any unresolved conflicts or tensions in your relationships. Take steps to pursue peace and reconciliation.
2. Reflect on what your faith is truly rooted in. Are there any "created things" you need to detach from to focus more on eternal truths?
3. Practice gratitude daily by listing things God has done in your life, both big and small. Use this to cultivate a sense of awe and reverence.
4. If you're not already serving in some capacity, consider how you can use your gifts to serve God and others in your church or community.
5. Commit to reading through the book of Hebrews over the next few weeks, paying attention to the themes of faith, perseverance, and God's unchanging nature.

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In this week's message, we're reminded of the importance of endurance in our faith journey. Hebrews 12 encourages us to 'run with endurance the race that lies before us, keeping our eyes on Jesus.' This isn't just about avoiding sin, but also laying aside hindrances that keep us from fully surrendering to God. We're challenged to consider: are we truly making Jesus the Lord of our lives, or merely calling Him Lord without following His teachings? The text reminds us that our faith journey is a marathon, not a sprint, requiring us to stay focused on Jesus through life's ups and downs. As we navigate this journey, we're called to be ambassadors for Christ, sharing the gospel even when it's uncomfortable or unpopular. This message urges us to examine our lives and ask if we're living differently than we did before knowing Christ, embracing His discipline as a sign of His love and our authentic relationship with Him.

Key Takeaways:

1. Endurance is crucial for living a fully surrendered life to God.
2. Keeping our eyes on Jesus is essential for maintaining endurance.
3. True love sometimes involves speaking difficult truths and accepting correction.
4. God's discipline is an expression of His love and a sign of our adoption as His children.
5. Accepting God's discipline leads to growth in holiness and righteousness.

Reflection Questions:

1. What are some "hindrances" in your life that may not be sinful but could be holding you back from a deeper relationship with God?
2. How do you typically respond to challenges in your faith? Do you find yourself questioning your beliefs when faced with difficulties?
3. In what ways can we keep our focus on Jesus amidst the distractions and challenges of daily life?
4. Share an experience where you had to speak a difficult truth to someone out of love. How did it go, and what did you learn from it?
5. How do you typically view God's discipline in your life? Do you see it as punishment or as an act of love?
6. What are some ways we can lovingly confront sin in our Christian community while maintaining a spirit of grace?

Practical Applications:

1. This week, identify one "hindrance" in your life and take steps to remove or reduce its impact on your spiritual growth.
2. Practice redirecting your focus to Jesus whenever you face a challenge or difficulty. Keep a journal of how this impacts your response to adversity.
3. Commit to reading a chapter of the Bible daily, asking God to reveal areas in your life that need correction or growth.
4. Reflect on a recent instance of discipline or correction in your life. How might God be using this to shape you?
5. Challenge yourself to share your faith with at least one person this week, focusing on God's love and the hope found in Christ.

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Pastor Devin explores the concept of 'Suffering Well' through the lens of 2 Corinthians 12. We're reminded that pain and hardship are not signs of God's absence or punishment, but opportunities for spiritual growth. The Apostle Paul's 'thorn in the flesh' teaches us that sometimes God's answer to our prayers is 'no,' not because He doesn't love us, but because His grace is sufficient. We're challenged to find strength in our weakness and to boast in our hardships, knowing that Christ's power is perfected in these moments. This counter-cultural perspective invites us to consider our trials as joy, recognizing that they produce endurance and deepen our faith.

Key Takeaways:

1. God sometimes says "no" to our prayers, even when we have good intentions.
2. Suffering and pain can be used by God for a greater purpose we may not understand.
3. Our response to pain and suffering is crucial in our spiritual growth.
4. Remaining faithful during trials connects us to a long lineage of believers who endured before us.
5. God's love and goodness remain constant, even in our suffering.

Reflection Questions:

1. Have you ever experienced a time when God seemed to say "no" to your prayers? How did you respond?
2. The sermon mentions that "we know we have faith when we don't get what we want, and we still remain faithful." How challenging do you find this concept? Consider personal experiences.
3. How does the idea that God allows suffering for our growth and His glory challenge or affirm your current beliefs?
4. Discuss the five ways to endure pain and suffer well as mentioned in the sermon. Which one resonates with you the most and why?
5. How can we practically "consider it joy" when facing trials, as James 1 suggests?
6. The sermon states, "Suffering is not man on trial, but suffering puts God on trial." What does this mean to you? How might this perspective change how we view difficult times?
7. In what ways can our response to suffering be a witness to others about our faith in Christ?

Practical Applications:

1. This week, when you face a challenge or disappointment, consciously try to "consider it joy" and ask God what He might be teaching you through it.
2. Read and meditate on Hebrews 11 & 12, remembering the "great cloud of witnesses" who have gone before us.
3. Write a prayer of thanksgiving, focusing on God's goodness even in the midst of current struggles you may be facing.
4. Practice admitting weakness by sharing a current struggle with a trusted friend or family member and asking for prayer.
5. Memorize 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 as a reminder of God's strength in our weakness.

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In this powerful message, Pastor Jarrod Adkins of Eleven Sixteen Church explores the timeless faithfulness of God through the lens of Nehemiah chapter 9. We're reminded that God's character remains constant throughout Scripture - He is merciful, just, and abounding in steadfast love. The story of Israel's repeated rebellion and God's unwavering forgiveness serves as a mirror for our own lives. We're encouraged to see ourselves not as the heroes of our stories, but as recipients of God's incredible grace. This perspective shift allows us to approach God with honesty and vulnerability, free from shame. We're invited to look up to our loving Father, embracing His desire for relationship with us, even in our imperfections.

Key Takeaways:

1. God's faithfulness is consistent throughout the Old and New Testaments.
2. Even when we are faithless, God remains faithful.
3. Our response to God's faithfulness should not be shame, but authentic relationship.

Reflection Questions:

1. Pastor Jarrod emphasized seeing God's faithfulness in the Old Testament, not just the New. How does this impact your view of God's character?
2. Reflect on Nehemiah 9. How does Israel's cycle of rebellion and repentance mirror our own spiritual journeys?
3. "God is not trying to make you a good Bible student...He is trying to spend time with you." How does this perspective change your approach to spiritual disciplines?
4. Discuss the concept of "worldly sorrow" versus godly repentance. How can we distinguish between the two in our own lives? (See 2 Corinthians 7:10)
5. How does understanding God's consistent faithfulness impact how we view our failures and shortcomings?

Practical Applications:

1. This week, practice "looking up" in your prayer time, focusing on God's faithfulness rather than your shortcomings.
2. Identify an area where you feel shame. Write a prayer surrendering that shame to God and embracing His love and forgiveness.
3. Choose one spiritual discipline (prayer, Bible study, worship, etc.) and approach it this week as an opportunity to spend time with God, rather than a task to accomplish.
4. Think on one way you've experienced God's faithfulness recently, even when you felt faithless.
5. Memorize 2 Timothy 2:13: "If we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot deny himself."

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In this powerful message, we explore the concept of embracing uncertainty in our faith journey. We're reminded of Joseph's story in Genesis, where he endured 13 years of trials yet maintained unwavering faith. His response to adversity - 'You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good' - challenges us to shift our perspective on life's difficulties. We're encouraged to trust that God is ordering our steps, even when circumstances seem chaotic. This message prompts us to examine our 'explanatory style' - how we interpret and respond to life's challenges. Are we quick to blame, or can we, like Joseph, see God's greater purpose at work? This teaching urges us to view our trials through the lens of Romans 8:28, trusting that all things work together for good for those who love God.

Key Takeaways:
1. Life is uncertain, but God is sovereign and orders our steps.
2. Our explanatory style (how we interpret events) is crucial in facing uncertainty.
3. Unanswered questions and unexplainable experiences can create spiritual dissonance.
4. God hears our groans and sighs when we don't have words to pray.
5. We may not always understand God's plan, but we can trust His goodness.

Reflection Questions:
1. How do you typically react when things don't go according to plan? How does this sermon challenge your perspective?
2. Reflect on Joseph's story. How can his attitude towards adversity inspire us in our own challenging situations?
3. Share a time when you experienced spiritual dissonance due to unanswered questions or unexplainable experiences. How did you handle it?
4. The sermon mentions that "prayer can be more than words." How does this idea of groaning and sighing as prayer resonate with you?
5. Discuss the analogy of the needlepoint picture (messy backside vs. beautiful front). How can this help us trust God's perspective in difficult times?
6. How can we balance seeking answers from God with trusting Him when answers don't come?

Practical Applications:
1. This week, practice reframing challenging situations by asking, "How might God be using this for good?"
2. Set aside time for silent prayer, allowing yourself to express wordless groans and sighs to God.
3. Write down your biggest unanswered question or unexplainable experience. Commit to bringing it to God daily, seeking His face rather than just answers.
4. Identify one area of uncertainty in your life. Create a plan to take faithful action while trusting God with the outcome.
5. Share with someone next week how viewing your challenges from God's perspective (like the front of the needlepoint) affected your outlook and actions.

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In this profound exploration of John the Baptist's life, we uncover powerful lessons about boldness, humility, and preparing the way for Jesus. John's miraculous birth and early prophecies foreshadow his pivotal role as a reflection of Christ. We learn that true spiritual leadership involves courageously speaking truth, even in the face of opposition, while maintaining a posture of reverence and submission to God. As John pointed his disciples to Jesus, we too are called to guide our families and communities towards a deeper relationship with Christ. By decreasing our own egos and allowing Jesus to increase in our lives, we can become powerful witnesses of the upside-down kingdom of God. This message challenges us to examine our own faith journey and ask ourselves: are we living in a way that prepares hearts for Jesus?

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This message delves into the pervasive issue of anxiety in our society, drawing wisdom from Jesus' teachings in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 6:25-34). We are reminded that while feeling anxious is a part of the human condition, it is not how we were designed to live. Pastor Devin emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's provision and care, even in the face of life's challenges. Just as God adorns the wildflowers and feeds the birds, He values us immeasurably more. By seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, we can find peace and assurance that our needs will be met. The message encourages us to cultivate a deep trust in God, surrendering our worries to Him daily, and finding solitude to commune with Him intimately.

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