Peoples Church | Fresno, CA

Peoples Church | Fresno, CA

Welcome to the weekly podcast of Peoples Church led by Pastor Dale Oquist. Our mission is to help people see God and participate in His redemptive story. To learn more about Peoples Church, visit http://peopleschurch.org or download the Peoples Church App (pcfresno).

  1. 2d ago

    Wait For More | MORE | Pastor Dale Oquist

    What if waiting on God isn't holding you back, but preparing you for more? Jesus told His disciples to go into all the world and share the Gospel. But before they could go, He gave them another instruction: WAIT. In Week 2 of MORE | The Work of the Holy Spirit in the Kingdom of God, Pastor Dale Oquist explores Acts 1 and 2 to reveal why Jesus instructed His followers to wait for the promised power of the Holy Spirit. From the Spirit hovering over creation to the wind that parted the Red Sea, the fire of God's presence in the wilderness, and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, we discover that the same Spirit who moved throughout Scripture now dwells within followers of Jesus. But in a world obsessed with productivity, instant answers, and constant activity, have we forgotten how to wait on God? "In a world that screams WAIT NO MORE, the Kingdom invitation is to wait for more." In This Message, You'll Discover: Why Jesus told His disciples to wait before going into the world Why the work of God's Kingdom requires the power of the Holy Spirit How the wind and fire at Pentecost connect to God's presence throughout Scripture How the Spirit brought order to creation and delivered Israel through the Red Sea What it means to wait on God with expectation and trust Why busyness, impatience, and distractions can keep us from hearing God's voice How to give the Holy Spirit full access to every area of our lives Three Truths to Remember 1. God's work requires God's power. We cannot accomplish the work of the Kingdom through our own strength. We need the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. 2. Waiting is a form of seeking. Waiting on God isn't inactivity. It's intentionally making room to listen, trust, and receive His direction. 3. The Holy Spirit wants full access to your life. It's not simply about having access to God's power. It's about surrendering every part of our lives to Him, including our thoughts, relationships, finances, work, and ambitions. The invitation isn't simply to receive more from God. It's to give Him more of ourselves. Reflection & Discussion Questions Am I trying to accomplish God's work in my own strength instead of relying on the Holy Spirit? When I pray, do I take time to listen, or do I only tell God what I need? What distractions or habits are keeping me from making room for God's presence? Where have I been impatient with God instead of trusting Him? What would it look like to give the Holy Spirit full access to my life this week? Scripture References Acts 1:3-8 Acts 2:1-4 Luke 24:45-49 Genesis 1:2 Exodus 14:19-24 John 1:14 Luke 3:16 Isaiah 30:15-16 Matthew 28:18-20 About This Series | MORE There is more of God for you. In MORE | The Work of the Holy Spirit in the Kingdom of God, we explore who the Holy Spirit is, why Jesus promised Him to His followers, and how His presence empowers us to live out God's Kingdom here on earth. Discover what it means to be filled with the Spirit, transformed by His power, and equipped to make Jesus known in our world. Connect With Peoples Church Website: https://www.peopleschurch.org Watch Online: https://www.peopleschurch.org/online Upcoming Events: https://www.peopleschurch.org/events Next Steps: https://www.peopleschurch.org/next Giving: https://www.peopleschurch.org/give Join Us This Sunday! 8:30 AM | 10:00 AM | 11:45 AM 7172 N Cedar Ave, Fresno, CA 93720 Pastor Dale Oquist | November 1, 2026 Peoples Church | Fresno, California

  2. 6d ago

    Let’s Talk! Ep. 12 | How Do You Know It's the Holy Spirit?

    How do you know when it's really the Holy Spirit leading you? And what happens when you actually listen? In Episode 12 of Let's Talk!, Billy sits down with Pastor Brian Krum and Pastor Dawson Oquist to continue the conversation from Dr. Allen Tennison's message, "Why God Gives Us the Holy Spirit," as we begin our new series, MORE: The Work of the Holy Spirit in the Kingdom of God. A lot of Christians believe in the Holy Spirit but aren't always sure what His presence and power should look like in everyday life. How do we recognize His voice? What if we've never experienced certain spiritual gifts? What if we're afraid to share our faith? And how do we know whether something is actually God's leading or simply our own thoughts? Billy shares a powerful personal testimony about taking an unexpected route home, encountering a stranger named Chris at a Tesla charging station, and seeing God use a simple conversation to help someone return to Jesus after years away from faith. Together, they explore spiritual gifts, learning to recognize the Holy Spirit's leading, overcoming fear, and what it means to be available to God in our workplaces, homes, neighborhoods, and relationships. They also revisit Dr. Tennison's challenge that Jesus isn't simply the founder, figurehead, or mascot of our faith. He's our King. The Holy Spirit isn't given simply so we can experience more of God for ourselves. He empowers us to become more like Jesus and help others encounter Him. Scripture: Acts 1:4-8, Acts 2:32-39, John 14:26, Galatians 5:22-25 Series: MORE | The Work of the Holy Spirit in the Kingdom of God Weekend Message: Why God Gives Us the Holy Spirit | Dr. Allen Tennison People's Church | Fresno, California CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION Use these questions with your small group, family, friends, or for personal reflection: - Pastor Brian talked about how we often try to follow Jesus through our own strength. Where in your life are you currently relying more on yourself than on the Holy Spirit? - Have you ever compared your spiritual experiences or gifts to someone else's? How might that comparison keep you from recognizing what God is already doing in your life? - Billy shared how he felt the Holy Spirit prompting him to take a different route and speak to someone he had never met. Have you ever sensed God leading you to do something unexpected? How did you respond? - What fears or insecurities make it difficult for you to share Jesus with others? What would change if you focused less on having the perfect words and more on being available to God? - Dr. Tennison challenged us not to treat Jesus as merely the founder or mascot of our faith. Are there areas of your life where you talk about following Jesus but still make decisions without seeking His direction? - Pastor Brian shared how he begins each morning by committing his day to God. What could change in your relationships, work, family, and daily decisions if you began each day intentionally inviting the Holy Spirit to lead you? TAKE YOUR SPIRITUAL GIFTS TEST: https://spiritualgiftstest.com/ THIS WEEK'S CHALLENGE One Prayer. One Person. One Step. Begin each morning by asking the Holy Spirit to make you aware of what He's doing around you. Think of one person who needs the love and hope of Jesus. Then take one step. Encourage them, listen to their story, offer to pray, or share what Jesus has done in your life. You don't need to have every answer. Start by being available. Take a moment to pray: Holy Spirit, thank You that we don't have to follow Jesus through our own strength. Help us recognize Your leading, trust Your direction, and become more like Jesus in every area of our lives. Give us courage when we're afraid, humility when we're wrong, and eyes to see the people around us who need Your love. Make us aware of the opportunities You place before us, and help us respond with faith and obedience. May everything You do in and through us point people back to Jesus. Amen. LINKS Website: https://www.peopleschurch.org Watch Online: https://www.peopleschurch.org/online Next Steps: https://www.peopleschurch.org/next Giving: https://www.peopleschurch.org/give

  3. Oct 18

    Is God Really First in Your Life? | Blessed! | Pastor Dale Oquist

    Does God really come first in your life? And what does the way you handle your money reveal about your relationship with Him? We often say God is our highest priority, but Jesus reminds us that where our treasure is, our heart will be also. In this special message, Blessed!, Pastor Dale Oquist challenges us to move beyond simply having a philosophy of giving and develop a biblical theology of giving rooted in God's Word. Through the stories of Cain and Abel, Israel's first victory at Jericho, and the biblical principles of firstfruits and tithing, we discover that generosity isn't simply about money. It's about who holds first place in our lives. God doesn't want to be an accessory to our lives. He wants our whole hearts. "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." - Matthew 6:21 In This Message, You'll Discover: - Why our finances reveal what we truly value - The difference between a philosophy of giving and a biblical theology of giving - Why God established the principle of the firstborn and firstfruits - How the firstborn points us toward redemption through Jesus - What Cain and Abel teach us about honoring God with our first and best - Why the first portion matters in biblical giving - The difference between tithing and generosity in Pastor Dale's teaching - Why putting God first is ultimately a matter of the heart Three Truths to Remember 1. Your heart follows your treasure. 2. God deserves our first and best, not what's left over. 3. God isn't after your money. He wants your whole heart. Putting God first isn't simply something we say. It's something reflected in how we live, how we give, and what we choose to prioritize. Jesus said, "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Matthew 6:21) The question isn't just how much we give. It's who comes first. As we conclude, Pastor Dale invites us to take the 75 Blessed Challenge, committing to put God first in our giving, prayer, and trust for the final 75 days of the year.Jesus said, "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Matthew 6:21) Reflection Questions - Does God truly have first place in my life, including my finances? - Do I approach giving from a biblical theology or simply from personal preference and convenience? - What does the way I spend, save, and give reveal about where my heart is? - Am I offering God my first and best, or giving Him what's left over? - Is there an area of my life where I've allowed something else to take God's place? Scripture References Matthew 6:21 Exodus 13:1-2, 11-13 Exodus 23:19 Proverbs 3:9-10 Joshua 6-7 Genesis 4:2-5 Leviticus 27:30 About This Message After exploring the Beatitudes in our Blessed? series, Pastor Dale transitions from Blessed? to Blessed!, challenging us to consider what it means to live with God first in every area of our lives. Pastor Dale Oquist | October 18, 2026 Peoples Church | Fresno, California Website: https://www.peopleschurch.org Connect With Peoples Church Website: https://www.peopleschurch.org Watch Online: https://www.peopleschurch.org/online Upcoming Events: https://www.peopleschurch.org/events Next Steps: https://www.peopleschurch.org/next Giving: https://www.peopleschurch.org/give

    Is God Really First in Your Life? | Blessed! | Pastor Dale Oquist
  4. Oct 14

    Let’s Talk! Ep. 10 | When Following Jesus Costs You Something

    What happens when following Jesus actually costs you something? In Episode 10 of Let's Talk!, Billy sits down with Pastor Dale and Dawson to conclude our Blessed? series through the Beatitudes with Matthew 5:10-12: “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Jesus tells us to rejoice when we're persecuted because of Him. But how can something painful or difficult become a reason for joy? The conversation explores why the apostles celebrated after being beaten for their faith, what persecution looks like around the world today, and how following Jesus can bring opposition into our relationships, workplaces, and everyday lives. They also discuss the difference between genuinely suffering for Jesus and facing conflict because of our own opinions or behavior. How do we stand firm in truth without losing love for people who disagree with us? How can opposition actually deepen our faith? And what does it mean to follow Jesus when obedience costs us something? The conversation ultimately returns to Jesus, who endured the cross for the joy set before Him. As we conclude the Beatitudes, we're reminded that Jesus never promised a life without storms. He invites us to build our lives on a foundation that can withstand them. Scripture: Matthew 5:10-12 Series: Blessed? People's Church | Fresno, California CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION Use these questions with your small group, family, friends, or for personal reflection: - Have you ever experienced rejection, misunderstanding, or opposition because of your faith in Jesus? How did you respond, and what did that experience reveal about your relationship with Him? - Pastor Dale talked about the difference between persecution for righteousness and conflict caused by our own behavior. How can we recognize when we're standing for Jesus versus simply defending our opinions or trying to be right? - Is there someone in your family, workplace, or community who sees the world differently than you? What would it look like to stand firm in your convictions while genuinely showing that person the love of Jesus? - The conversation explored how opposition can strengthen our faith. What difficult season has caused you to depend on Jesus more deeply? What did you learn about Him through it? - Jesus endured the cross for the joy set before Him. How does remembering what He endured for us change the way we approach rejection, suffering, or sacrifice in our own lives? - As we finish the Blessed? series, what is one teaching from the Beatitudes that has challenged you most? - - - What would putting that teaching into practice look like this week? Take a moment to pray: Jesus, thank You for enduring the cross for us. Help us follow You faithfully even when it's difficult. Give us courage to stand for truth, humility to recognize our own faults, and supernatural love for people who disagree with us. Continue building our lives on You so that when the storms come, our faith remains firm. LINKS Website: https://www.peopleschurch.org Online: https://www.peopleschurch.org/online Next Steps: https://www.peopleschurch.org/next Giving: https://www.peopleschurch.org/give

  5. Oct 21

    Let’s Talk! Ep. 11 | Can You Really Trust God With Your Money?

    Can you really trust God with your money when you don't know if you'll have enough? In Episode 11 of Let's Talk!, Billy sits down with Pastor Dale Oquist and Pastor Dawson Oquist to continue the conversation from Sunday's message, "Who's on First?", as we begin our Blessed! series and the 75 Blessed! challenge. We say Jesus is Lord of our lives. We ask Him to bless our marriages, families, businesses, and futures. But what happens when He asks us to trust Him with our finances? This week, we're talking about tithing, financial security, obedience, and what it actually means to put God first. Pastor Dale unpacks the difference between a theology of giving and a philosophy of giving, the biblical foundation of the first 10%, and why money can become a competitor for our hearts. Billy shares a personal testimony about learning to tithe while in college and experiencing an unexpected $6,300 provision. Dawson talks about continuing to give faithfully even when finances are tight. Together, they address the questions people may be afraid to ask: What if I can't afford to tithe? What if I don't trust the church with my money? What if I've been following Jesus for decades but have never surrendered my finances? And what if I'm obedient, but my circumstances don't improve? As we begin 75 Blessed!, we're challenged to consider whether our security comes from the money in our bank account or from the God who has given us everything we have. This isn't simply about giving 10%. It's about who is Lord of 100% of our lives. Scripture: Exodus 13:1-15, Proverbs 3:9-10, Matthew 6:19-24, Malachi 3:8-12, Matthew 23:23 Series: Blessed! Weekend Message: Who's on First? People's Church | Fresno, California CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION Use these questions with your small group, family, friends, or for personal reflection: - Pastor Dale talked about the difference between a theology of giving and a philosophy of giving. What currently shapes your financial decisions more: God's Word, your circumstances, or your personal comfort? - Jesus said that where our treasure is, our heart will be also. What does the way you spend, save, and give reveal about what matters most to you? - Have you ever experienced a season when trusting God financially didn't make sense on paper? How did you respond, and what did that season teach you about God's faithfulness? - Is there an area of your life where you've been asking God for blessing while still holding on to control? What would genuine surrender look like in that area? - If you've followed Jesus for years, have you become comfortable with any areas of selective obedience? How might God be challenging you to take a new step of faith? - As we begin 75 Blessed!, what is one practical step you can take toward putting God first with your finances? What fears or assumptions do you need to bring honestly before Him? Take a moment to pray: Jesus, thank You for everything You've entrusted to us. Forgive us for the times we've placed our security in money, possessions, or our own abilities instead of You. Teach us to honor You with our first and our best. Give us wisdom in our financial decisions, courage to obey when it's difficult, and hearts that trust Your faithfulness. Be Lord of every area of our lives. Amen. LINKS Website: https://www.peopleschurch.org Watch Online: https://www.peopleschurch.org/online Take Your Next Step: https://www.peopleschurch.org/next Give: https://www.peopleschurch.org/give

  6. Oct 11

    The Persecuted | Blessed? | Pastor Dale Oquist

    What if the moments that look like defeat are actually moments of victory in God's Kingdom? In the final message of our Blessed? series, Pastor Dale Oquist explores one of Jesus' most challenging teachings from the Sermon on the Mount: "Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." - Matthew 5:10 How can suffering, rejection, and persecution be considered a blessing? Through the experiences of the early Church, the apostles, and followers of Jesus throughout history, we discover that God's definition of victory looks very different from the world's. The apostles rejoiced after being beaten for preaching Jesus. Why? Because they understood something the world couldn't see. What looked like defeat was actually victory. Following Jesus doesn't promise a life without opposition, but it does promise that God is present and working through even our most difficult moments. In This Message, You'll Discover: - Why Jesus calls those who are persecuted "blessed" - How the Kingdom of God turns the world's definition of victory upside down - Why the apostles rejoiced after suffering for Jesus - The difference between persecution for righteousness and facing the consequences of our own actions - Why opposition is part of following Jesus - How suffering can strengthen and mature our faith - Why fear and joy can exist together in the Kingdom of God - How to remain faithful when following Jesus comes at a cost - The world may see defeat, but God sees victory. The very things intended to discourage us, destroy our faith, or derail our devotion can become the moments that deepen our dependence on Jesus. 📖 Scripture: Matthew 5:10-12, Acts 5:17-41, 1 Peter 4:12-14, James 1:2-4, James 1:12, Philippians 1:29, Philippians 3:10, 2 Timothy 3:12 Reflection Questions - Have I ever mistaken opposition or difficulty for God's absence rather than an opportunity to grow in faith? - Am I willing to stand for Jesus even when it costs me acceptance, comfort, or approval? - How can I distinguish between persecution for righteousness and the consequences of my own actions? - Where might God be using resistance or difficulty to strengthen my faith? - What situation in my life currently looks like defeat, but God may be using to produce something greater? About This Series | BLESSED? What does it really mean to live a blessed life? In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus introduces a Kingdom that turns the world's values upside down. Through the Beatitudes, we discover that true blessing isn't found in comfort, success, or circumstances, but in the promises and presence of God. Connect With Peoples Church Website: https://www.peopleschurch.org Watch Online: https://www.peopleschurch.org/online Upcoming Events: https://www.peopleschurch.org/events Next Steps: https://www.peopleschurch.org/next Give: https://www.peopleschurch.org/give Join Us This Sunday! 8:30 AM | 10:00 AM | 11:45 AM 7172 N Cedar Ave, Fresno, CA 93720 #Blessed #Beatitudes #SermonOnTheMount #FollowingJesus #ChristianPersecution #Faith #PastorDaleOquist #PeoplesChurch

  7. Oct 7

    Let’s Talk! Ep. 9 | What Are You Still Holding Back?

    Revival Nights may be over, but what God started in us doesn't have to end there. After three nights of worship, prayer, repentance, and responding to God, the question becomes: Now what? In Episode 9 of Let's Talk!, Billy sits down with Pastor Dale and Pastor Brian to continue the conversation from 1 Samuel 15 and the story of Saul. Saul believed he had obeyed God. He did most of what God asked. But when Samuel confronted him, the evidence told a different story. And that's where Saul's story gets close to home. We can rationalize, justify, blame, stay busy, or point to all the areas where we're doing well while protecting the one area we don't want Jesus to touch. The conversation gets practical about self-deception, private sin, addiction and recovery, accountability, control, religious performance, conviction, repentance, and what happens when someone loves us enough to tell us the truth. They also talk about the difference between struggling with sin and becoming numb to it. Sanctification is a process. We will fall. The question is whether we defend our disobedience or bring it into the light, receive God's grace, get back up, and keep following Jesus. Revival isn't only about what happened in the room. If God revealed something, awakened something, or asked us to surrender something, now we get to walk it out. What does obedience look like Wednesday morning when Revival Nights are over? Scripture: 1 Samuel 15:1-23 Revival Nights People's Church | Fresno, California CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION Use these questions with your small group, family, friends, or for personal reflection: Looking back at Revival Nights, what did God reveal, challenge, awaken, or ask you to surrender? What are you going to do with it now? Where are you rationalizing, justifying, or minimizing something you already know God is asking you to address? When was the last time you genuinely felt convicted by the Holy Spirit? Is there an area where you've become less sensitive to His voice? Who in your life has permission to tell you the truth even when you don't want to hear it? How do you normally respond when someone confronts you? Are you using obedience in one area to justify holding onto control somewhere else? What might your own "sin offset" look like? If God brought something to mind during Revival Nights or this conversation, what does walking in obedience look like this week? Who can you invite into that process so you don't walk it alone? Take a moment to pray: Jesus, thank You for what You've done in us. Don't let what You started become only a moment we remember. Show me anything I'm defending that You're asking me to surrender. Give me courage to receive Your conviction without hiding or rationalizing. Thank You that Your mercy is greater than my failure. Help me repent, receive Your grace, and walk in obedience. Links Website: https://www.peopleschurch.org Online: https://www.peopleschurch.org/online Next Steps: https://www.peopleschurch.org/next Giving: https://www.peopleschurch.org/give

4.6
out of 5
43 Ratings

About

Welcome to the weekly podcast of Peoples Church led by Pastor Dale Oquist. Our mission is to help people see God and participate in His redemptive story. To learn more about Peoples Church, visit http://peopleschurch.org or download the Peoples Church App (pcfresno).

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