Nathaniel and Millie Johnson share their heartfelt mission to bring the gospel to Spain, a nation where millions remain spiritually lost. In this episode, they highlight the stark reality of Spain's current spiritual landscape, where traditional Catholicism and atheism dominate, leaving a significant gap for evangelical outreach. The Johnsons express their commitment to establish an independent Baptist church in Valencia, a city of over two and a half million people, where there is currently no such presence. They share their personal journeys toward this mission, emphasizing the importance of prayer and support from their community as they prepare to embark on their journey in 2026. The discussion serves as a poignant reminder of the urgent need for spiritual awakening and the transformative power of faith in regions where the gospel is scarcely heard.

1 Peter 2:21-25

Why would Jesus suffer? (for us) (vs 21)

1. His love for us.

Pastor Crawford discusses the profound lessons from Joseph's life, emphasizing the significance of trusting in God's care through adversity. He highlights how Joseph, despite being sold into slavery and enduring imprisonment, maintained his faith and conviction that God had a purpose for his life. The pastor underscores that difficulties are a universal experience, yet they provide opportunities for growth and divine intervention. By examining Joseph's unwavering belief that God cared for him, the episode encourages listeners to remain steadfast in their faith, regardless of the circumstances they face. Ultimately, Crawford reassures that God's presence and promises remain constant, even in the darkest times, urging individuals to trust in His unwavering care. Pastor Crawford delves into the profound lessons gleaned from the life of Joseph, as chronicled in Genesis. Focusing primarily on Genesis chapter 40, he outlines Joseph's time in prison, where he encounters Pharaoh's butler and baker. Pastor Crawford emphasizes the significance of Joseph's unwavering faith in God amidst his dire circumstances. Despite being sold into slavery by his brothers and wrongfully imprisoned, Joseph remains steadfast in his belief that God has a purpose for his life. This episode highlights the theme of divine providence, illustrating how God orchestrates events for the fulfillment of His promises. The pastor draws parallels between Joseph's experiences and the trials faced by individuals today, encouraging listeners to trust in God's care and timing. He articulates that while difficulties are inevitable, God's presence and purpose are ever-present. Ultimately, the message encourages believers to cast their cares upon God, reinforcing the notion that His plans are perfect and that He works all things for good to those who love Him. The narrative of Joseph's life serves as a framework for discussing broader spiritual principles, particularly the importance of faith during adversity. Pastor Crawford reflects on how Joseph's ability to interpret dreams not only provided hope for the butler and baker but also reaffirmed his own faith in God’s promises. The pastor encourages listeners to reflect on their personal challenges and consider how God might be using their circumstances for a greater purpose. He reiterates that, like Joseph, believers should maintain their trust in God's sovereignty, even when their situations seem bleak. The episode wraps up with a call to action, urging listeners to actively engage with their faith through prayer, reflection, and community, fostering a deeper connection with God. In this insightful episode, Pastor Crawford shares practical applications derived from Joseph's story, focusing on the theme of hope amid despair. He encourages listeners to recognize that God cares deeply for each individual, a sentiment echoed in 1 Peter 5:7. The pastor highlights the importance of casting one's cares upon God, emphasizing that this act of surrender is vital for spiritual growth. By examining Joseph's life, he illustrates how faith can lead to transformation, not only for oneself but also for others. Pastor Crawford emphasizes that God's timing may differ from human expectations, yet His plans are always for good. The episode concludes with a heartfelt invitation to trust in God's care, urging listeners to embrace their faith as a source of strength and resilience, regardless of life's challenges. Through Joseph's journey, the pastor adeptly conveys that faith and perseverance can yield incredible outcomes, encouraging a generation to rise above their circumstances in pursuit of God's purpose.

Takeaways:

1. Pastor Crawford emphasizes that Joseph's experiences teach us about God's unwavering care in our lives, regardless of circumstances.
2. The podcast illustrates how

The central theme of this podcast episode revolves around the profound message that God cares for individuals, which serves as a source of comfort amid life's stresses and anxieties. The speaker emphasizes the importance of casting one's cares upon God, as articulated in First Peter, chapter five, highlighting that He is always present and attentive to His children's needs. Throughout the discussion, the speaker outlines practical steps to manage anxiety, including surrendering to God, trusting Him fully, and engaging in acts of service towards others. The speaker further illustrates how maintaining a humble and thankful mindset can transform one's perspective, enabling individuals to navigate challenges with grace. By fostering a spirit of humility and discipline, one can cultivate a deeper relationship with God, ultimately leading to peace and fulfillment.

Takeaways:

1. The speaker emphasizes that God cares for each individual, encouraging listeners to cast their worries upon Him wholeheartedly.
2. He discusses the importance of trusting God in every aspect of life, highlighting that we must rely on His wisdom over our own.
3. The speaker advises that rejoicing and being thankful can help alleviate anxiety, as gratitude fosters a positive mindset amid challenges.
4. He points out the significance of patience, illustrating that God's timing is always perfect and we must wait for His plans to unfold.
5. The speaker encourages self-discipline, advocating for a structured approach to spiritual growth and daily routines to manage life's pressures.
6. Lastly, he stresses the value of serving others, suggesting that helping those around us can lead to personal fulfillment and reduce one's own stress.

1 Corinthians 2:1-5

All Churches are influenced by:

1. Bible
2. Tradition
3. Culture

Methods do matter. How you get them is how you have to keep them.

The podcast centers on the theme of stewardship and the importance of having a heart aligned with God. The speaker emphasizes that true giving should not be a burden but rather a reflection of one’s relationship with Jesus. By living with Jesus rather than merely for Him, individuals can experience a transformative approach to their finances and overall life, recognizing that everything belongs to God. The discussion highlights the biblical assertion that God looks at the heart, urging listeners to assess their own hearts and commitments to God. Ultimately, the episode encourages listeners to cultivate a heart that is fixed on the Lord, fostering a spirit of generosity and a deeper connection with their faith. Bro. Wetherbee's presentation at the Stewardship Conference is a profound exploration of the relationship between one's heart and the practice of stewardship. He begins by addressing the common saying, 'give until it hurts,' and counters this notion with the assertion that true giving, done in alignment with Christ's example, should never cause pain. Instead, he encourages a perspective that frames giving as an expression of gratitude and love, particularly in the shadow of the cross. By referencing scripture, he illustrates that the heart is the wellspring of one's actions and that what is truly within will be reflected outwardly. This concept sets the stage for a deeper discussion on the nature of stewardship as it pertains to a believer's life. As he delves into the theme of living with Jesus, Bro. Wetherbee challenges the audience to consider their daily interactions with faith. He emphasizes that many individuals may 'live for Jesus' in a compartmentalized manner, engaging with their faith only at certain times. In contrast, he advocates for a lifestyle where individuals consciously include Christ in all aspects of their lives. This approach not only enriches one's faith journey but also transforms everyday activities into opportunities for worship and service. He reminds the audience that stewardship is not merely about financial contributions but encompasses a holistic commitment to God in every endeavor. Furthermore, Bro. Wetherbee encourages attendees to examine the state of their hearts, asking probing questions about their priorities and motivations. He underscores that a heart that is fixed on God leads to a life of peace and assurance, as trusting in the Lord alleviates fear and insecurity. The culmination of his message serves as an invitation for the congregation to embrace stewardship as a joyful and fulfilling expression of their relationship with God. Through practical applications and scriptural insights, he inspires listeners to cultivate a heart that delights in giving, ultimately reflecting God’s love and generosity in their lives.

Takeaways:

1. The preacher highlighted the significance of maintaining a heart aligned with God's will in everyday life.
2. Stewardship involves recognizing God's lordship over all aspects of one's life, not just finances.
3. The importance of living in constant communion with Jesus was stressed, rather than merely living for Him occasionally.
4. Giving should be seen as a cycle of receiving and giving again, fostering community and support.
5. The speaker warned against viewing church and secular life as separate, advocating for a holistic Christian approach.

Jeremiah 9:23 - God wants us to prosper:

God owns.

God loans.

God watches.

God rewards.

God watches what you do with the reward.

Deuteronomy 30:14-20

Michael Wiggins addresses the profound yet often overlooked truth that the pursuit of happiness, as highlighted in the book of Ecclesiastes, can lead to emptiness and exhaustion. He emphasizes that despite the many avenues people explore in their quest for joy, these pursuits often yield only vanity and dissatisfaction. Drawing from Solomon's reflections, Wiggins points out that true fulfillment comes not from worldly achievements but from a relationship with God. He encourages listeners to shift their focus from chasing fleeting happiness to seeking God, who offers lasting joy and purpose. By grounding their lives in faith and obedience to God's commandments, they can find genuine contentment and treasure in the eternal rather than the transient. Michael Wiggins opens the podcast with a heartfelt appreciation for his home church, Heritage Baptist Church, and its pastor, Eric Crawford. He shares personal challenges he has faced recently and expresses gratitude for the support he has received from the church community. As he reflects on his experiences, he acknowledges feelings of failure and emotional strain, yet he maintains hope for the future and emphasizes the importance of faith. Wiggins transitions to discuss the broader theme of pursuing happiness, drawing from the biblical book of Ecclesiastes. He highlights that the pursuit of happiness often leads to emptiness, exhaustion, and an all-consuming obsession that can overshadow more meaningful aspects of life. Wiggins urges listeners to consider the futility of seeking happiness through worldly means, as illustrated by Solomon's reflections on his own life, ultimately concluding that true fulfillment lies in a relationship with God and living a life aligned with His commandments. In a candid manner, Wiggins addresses the pressures and stresses of contemporary life, reinforcing the idea that many individuals struggle with similar feelings of discouragement. He emphasizes the necessity of prayer and support for spiritual leaders, asserting that ministry can be particularly challenging in today's society. Transitioning into his message, he explores the concept of happiness, using Solomon's life as a case study. He draws attention to the fact that despite Solomon's wealth and wisdom, he ultimately deemed all pursuits outside of God as vanity. Wiggins articulates three key points: first, that the pursuit of happiness leaves one empty; second, it leads to exhaustion; and third, it has the potential to engulf one's life. He encourages listeners to seek God instead of transient worldly pleasures, thereby finding lasting joy and purpose in their lives. The podcast culminates in Wiggins' exhortation to prioritize a relationship with God over the pursuit of happiness as an end goal. He emphasizes that true joy comes from the Holy Spirit and a deep connection with God rather than from material possessions or fleeting experiences. By referencing Ecclesiastes, Wiggins presents a compelling argument for the importance of fearing God and adhering to His commandments as a pathway to a fulfilling and meaningful life. He concludes with a prayer, asking for God's guidance and strength for himself and the listeners, encouraging them to pursue God wholeheartedly as the ultimate source of joy and purpose. This episode resonates with anyone grappling with the pressures of modern life and searching for deeper meaning beyond the superficial chase for happiness.

Takeaways:

1. Michael Wiggins emphasizes the importance of pursuing God rather than the fleeting nature of happiness, which often leaves individuals feeling empty and exhausted.
2. In his sermon, Wiggins highlights that the pursuit of happiness is a common source of unhappiness, as people chase after materialistic goals that do not fulfill them.