828 Church

Ron Barnard
  • 5.0 (6)
  • Religion & Spirituality
  • Updated Biweekly

We’re convinced God wants to be present and powerful in every part of our lives, church, and community. We know it’s not all good. In fact, sometimes things are downright difficult. However, even when life gets hard, God is working for our good. (Romans 8:28) Real deal relationship with Jesus is the key to overcoming. His legendary ability to redeem, reconcile, and restore is the big news of the biblical narrative. Believing in and connecting others to that reality is what we’re all about …

  1. The Altar of Prayer

    May 31

    The Altar of Prayer

    We’re so glad you are here! Thanks for checking out Sunday's message! -- SUNDAY'S NOTES -- Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Romans 12:12 ESV Continue steadfastly in prayer. Colossians 4:2 ESV A relationship with God has multiple ingredients, but none is more important than prayer. May my prayer be set before you as incense, the raising of my hands as the evening offering. Psalm 141:2 CSB Meanwhile, the fire on the altar must be kept burning; it must never go out. Each morning the priest will add fresh wood to the fire and arrange the burnt offering on it. Leviticus 6:12 NLT The Alter Ignites. John answered them all, “I baptize you with water, but one who is more powerful than I am is coming. I am not worthy to untie the strap of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. Luke 3:16 CSB It’s hard to stay faithless or action-less when you pray. The Alter Separates. Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life. Psalm 139:23-24 NLT Everything is permissible for me, but not everything is beneficial. Everything is permissible for me,” but I will not be mastered by anything. 1 Corinthians 6:12 CSB Grilled chicken salad isn’t gonna snatch the snickers out of your stomach!? The word of God is living and effective and sharper than any double-edged sword, separating the soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Hebrews 4:12 CSB What a waste when the things that matter a little keep us from giving our hearts to the things that matter most! Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results. James 5:16 NLT Then Samuel said to all the people of Israel, “If you want to return to the LORD with all your hearts, get rid of your foreign gods and your images of Ashtoreth. Turn your hearts to the LORD and obey him alone; then he will rescue you from the Philistines.” So the Israelites got rid of their images of Baal and Ashtoreth and worshiped only the LORD. 1 Samuel 7:3-4 NLT The Alter Settles it. Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear. Isaiah 65:24 NIV In view of the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your true worship. Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God. Romans 12:1-2 CSB At the altar of prayer, our hearts are reshaped until God's passion becomes our passion and His will becomes our will. ------------------------------------------------- Download the 828 Church app! To view our latest e-newsletter, the Midweek Momentum, and subscribe to our weekly updates, go here! https://linktr.ee/828church

    38 min
  2. The Amazing Gift of Prayer

    May 24

    The Amazing Gift of Prayer

    We’re so glad you are here! Thanks for checking out Sunday's message! -- SUNDAY'S NOTES -- I will bring them to my holy mountain and let them rejoice in my house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and sacrifices will be acceptable on my altar, for my house will be called a house of prayer for all nations.” Isaiah 56:7 CSB It is a gift to get to pray! Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. James 4:8 CSB Prayer is our pathway to an intimate, personal relationship with God. - - First Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Romans 12:12 ESV The Priority of Prayer Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart. Colossians 4:2 NLT We are all called to a humble, God-centered, Kingdom focused life of prayer. When Daniel learned that the document had been signed, he went into his house. The windows in its upstairs room opened toward Jerusalem, and three times a day he got down on his knees, prayed, and gave thanks to his God, just as he had done before. Daniel 6:10 CSB Communion is a gift of friendship given to us by God which set’s the heart up for faith in the face of fear and difficulty. So the king gave the order, and they brought Daniel and threw him into the lions’ den. The king said to Daniel, “May your God, whom you continually serve, rescue you! ” A stone was brought and placed over the mouth of the den. The king sealed it with his own signet ring and with the signet rings of his nobles, so that nothing in regard to Daniel could be changed. Then the king went to his palace and spent the night fasting. No diversions were brought to him, and he could not sleep. Daniel 6:16-18 CSB At the first light of dawn the king got up and hurried to the lions’ den. When he reached the den, he cried out in anguish to Daniel. “Daniel, servant of the living God,” the king said, “has your God, whom you continually serve, been able to rescue you from the lions?” Then Daniel spoke with the king: “May the king live forever. My God sent his angel and shut the lions’ mouths; and they haven’t harmed me, for I was found innocent before him. Daniel 6:19-22 CSB There is Power in Prayer The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results. James 5:16 NLT Prayer isn’t a way to boss God, but how we align our hearts with His. Around midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening. Suddenly, there was a massive earthquake, and the prison was shaken to its foundations. All the doors immediately flew open, and the chains of every prisoner fell off! Acts 16:25-26 NLT There is chain breaking power in a prayer of praise. The power isn’t found in our prayers, but in the one we are praying too. There is Provision in Prayer Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 CSB There is nothing we can earn with prayer, but a multitude of things we receive through prayer. I have asked one thing from the LORD; it is what I desire: to dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, gazing on the beauty of the LORD and seeking him in his temple. For he will conceal me in his shelter in the day of adversity; he will hide me under the cover of his tent; he will set me high on a rock. Psalm 27:4-5 CSB The greatest and most positive impact of a life of prayer is the friendship it builds with you and God. ------------------------------------------------- Download the 828 Church app! To view our latest e-newsletter, the Midweek Momentum, and subscribe to our weekly updates, go here! https://linktr.ee/828church

    39 min
  3. God Centered Prayer

    May 17

    God Centered Prayer

    828 Church

    31 min

  4. May 3

    Kingdom Call

    We’re so glad you are here! Thanks for checking out Sunday's message! -- SUNDAY'S NOTES -- John 21:1-12 NLT God will use repeat challenges as a reminder of His faithfulness to always find us and feed us. One day as Jesus was preaching on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, great crowds pressed in on him to listen to the word of God. He noticed two empty boats at the water’s edge, for the fishermen had left them and were washing their nets. Stepping into one of the boats, Jesus asked Simon, its owner, to push it out into the water. So he sat in the boat and taught the crowds from there. When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Now go out where it is deeper, and let down your nets to catch some fish. “Master,” Simon replied, “we worked hard all last night and didn’t catch a thing. But if you say so, I’ll let the nets down again.” And this time their nets were so full of fish they began to tear! A shout for help brought their partners in the other boat, and soon both boats were filled with fish and on the verge of sinking. When Simon Peter realized what had happened, he fell to his knees before Jesus and said, “Oh, Lord, please leave me, I’m such a sinful man.” For he was awestruck by the number of fish they had caught, as were the others with him. His partners, James and John, the sons of Zebedee, were also amazed. Jesus replied to Simon, “Don’t be afraid! From now on you’ll be fishing for people!” And as soon as they landed, they left everything and followed Jesus. Luke 5:1-11 NLT The only thing that qualifies anyone for the call of God is His grace, received by faith. God’s grace saves us and God’s grace sends us! Meanwhile, the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves. About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. Matthew 14:24-25 CSB When you doubt the feasibility of the directions your doubting the faithfulness of the director. But after I have been raised from the dead, I will go ahead of you to Galilee and meet you there.” Peter told him, “Even if everyone falls away because of you, I will never fall away. “Truly I tell you,” Jesus said to him, “tonight, before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.” “Even if I have to die with you,” Peter told him, “I will never deny you,” and all the disciples said the same thing. Matthew 26:32-35 CSB Peter said, “Man, I don’t know what you’re talking about! ” Immediately, while he was still speaking, a rooster crowed. Then the Lord turned and looked at Peter. So Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said to him, “Before the rooster crows today, you will deny me three times.” And he went outside and wept bitterly. Luke 22:60-62 CSB But go, tell his disciples and Peter, He is going ahead of you to Galilee; you will see him there just as he told you. Mark 16:7 CSB When they had eaten breakfast, Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these? ” “Yes, Lord,” he said to him, “you know that I love you.” “Feed my lambs,” he told him. A second time he asked him, “Simon, son of John, do you love me? ” “Yes, Lord,” he said to him, “you know that I love you.” “Shepherd my sheep,” he told him. He asked him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me? ”Peter was grieved that he asked him the third time, “Do you love me? ” He said, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” “Feed my sheep,” Jesus said. “Truly I tell you, when you were younger, you would tie your belt and walk wherever you wanted. But when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands and someone else will tie you and carry you where you don’t want to go.” He said this to indicate by what kind of death Peter would glorify God. After saying this, he told him, “Follow me.” John 21:15-22 CSB Christ is still calling His followers to the simplicity of a life centered on Him and His Kingdom! ------------------------------------------------- Download the 828 Church app! To view our latest e-newsletter, the Midweek Momentum, and subscribe to our weekly updates, go here! https://linktr.ee/828church

    44 min

  5. Apr 26

    Kingdom of Freedom

    We’re so glad you are here! Thanks for checking out Sunday's message! -- SUNDAY'S NOTES -- Title: A Kingdom of Freedom Last week: Ron said you have to pick a kingdom. Colossians 1:13–14 (NIV) 13 For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. John 8:31–32 (NIV) 31 To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. 32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”  Easter is not just an event we celebrate once a year — it is the hinge of history upon which every day of our lives is meant to swing. The cross purchased our freedom. The empty tomb confirmed it. The question is: are we actually living free? Romans 6:4 (NIV) We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. Jesus was risen and we need live like it. Galatians 5:1 (NIV) It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. Christ has set us free — that’s the act. Stand firm — that’s our response. Freedom is given, but it must also be chosen, walked in, and maintained.   When Jesus died, veil of the Temple — the massive curtain separating the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place — was torn from top to bottom (Matthew 27:51). This was not incidental. It was bold statement written by the hand of God.   The veil was a physical declaration: you cannot come in. Your sin disqualifies you.  When it tore, God was saying: that system is over, Sins power to separate you from me has been cancelled. Colossians 2:13-14 (NIV) When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross. Many of us are like prisoners who have been released but are still sitting in the cell. The door is open. The warden handed you the paperwork. But you have not stood up yet.  Romans 8:1 (NIV) Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV) Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: the old has gone, the new is here!   The resurrection did not just forgive us — it re-created us.  Not only am I forgiven, but re created into something new. So how does this become my reality? 1 Samuel 30:6 (NRSV) 6 David was in great danger; for the people spoke of stoning him, because all the people were bitter in spirit for their sons and daughters. But David strengthened himself in the Lord his God. Dr. D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones "Have you realized that most of your unhappiness in life is due to the fact that you are listening to yourself instead of talking to yourself? ... You must turn on yourself, upbraid yourself, condemn yourself, exhort yourself, and say to yourself: 'Hope thou in God'—instead of muttering in this depressed, unhappy way." We can’t just be spectator to our own emotions, instead we must become a preacher to our own soul. ANTs automatic negative thoughts Romans 6:11 (NIV) In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.  Romans 8:11 (NIV) And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.  Galatians 5:25 (NIV) Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.   2 Peter 1:3–4 (NIV) 3 His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 4 Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. My problems don’t define Me, my failures don’t define me. I am forgiven. I am a new creation. The Spirit who raised Jesus lives in me. My future is secured. I do not have to live the way I used to live. God has given me everything I need to live the life he has called me too.   John 11:43-44 (NIV) Jesus called in a loud voice, 'Lazarus, come out!' The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face. Jesus said to them, 'Take off the grave clothes and let him go. Freedom needs a family.    ------------------------------------------------- Download the 828 Church app! To view our latest e-newsletter, the Midweek Momentum, and subscribe to our weekly updates, go here! https://linktr.ee/828church

    49 min

  6. Apr 19

    Kingdom of Forgiveness

    We’re so glad you are here! Thanks for checking out Sunday's message! -- SUNDAY'S NOTES -- The Kingdom of Heaven can be compared to a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. When he began to settle accounts, one who owed ten thousand talents was brought before him. Since he did not have the money to pay it back, his master commanded that he, his wife, his children, and everything he had be sold to pay the debt. “At this, the servant fell facedown before him and said, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay you everything.’ Then the master of that servant had compassion, released him, and forgave him the debt. Matthew 18:23-27 NLT Christ’s life, death, and resurrection are the story of God’s plan to forgive our sin debt, reconcile us to Himself, and deliver us from the domain of darkness to the Kingdom of Light! He made the one who did not know sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 1 Corinthians 5:21 CSB Our sin debt wasn’t reduced, it was paid in full by the only one who could pay it! He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree; so that, having died to sins, we might live for righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. I Peter 1:24 CSB He was pierced because of our rebellion, crushed because of our iniquities; punishment for our peace was on him, and we are healed by his wounds. Isaiah 53:5 CSB In the moment Jesus should have been the most offended, He was dying to forgive us, the offenders! Father, forgive them, because they do not know what they are doing. Luke 23:34 NLT Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us. We plead on Christ’s behalf, “Be reconciled to God.” 1 Corinthians 5:20 CSB Matthew 18:28-35 NLT Jesus not only forgave, He also requires that we forgive! Then Peter approached him and asked, “Lord, how many times must I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? As many as seven times? ”“I tell you, not as many as seven,” Jesus replied, “but seventy times seven. Matthew 18:21-22 CSB Boundaries may be necessary but bitterness and unforgiveness never are. There is a connection between what God does and what you do. You can’t get forgiveness from God, for instance, without also forgiving others. If you refuse to do your part, you cut yourself off from God’s part. Matthew 6:14-15 MSG Forgiveness is a posture that points to a truly humble and repentant heart. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:32 ESV Unforgiveness towards anyone negatively impacts your ability to be healthy with everyone. Forgiveness doesn’t erase injustice or pretend harm never happened, but it creates a new narrative where the forgiven live together in the Kingdom of God, healed, restored, and on mission to bring others to the altar. And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. Mark 11:35 ESV POEM Unforgiveness is a burden You never quite lay down Even when the one you’re cross with Is nowhere to be found. It lingers in the silence It loves to work at night Subtle its deception Always whispering you’re right When we live within the shadows Of the offense we justify We see the speck in someone else But miss the log in our own eye. You’re locked inside a prison Of bitterness and pride No one else can let you out The door is locked from the inside. But in the greatest act of love While hanging on a tree Jesus spoke forgiveness Our King died to set us free. No defense, no accusation No anger did He give “Father, please forgive them” He showed us how to live. Clearly we were guilty Yet He chose to take the blame Showing mercy isn’t weakness But power over pain. He did not wait for sorrow Or for hearts to stop the fight While were still sinners Jesus died to make us right. Forgiveness has a power Beyond what any can explain Both in giving and receiving Enough to break the strongest chain. And when we choose to follow The path Jesus walked before We find the keys are in our hands To unlock that prison door. The One who died to free us Whispers, “Let it go” Knowing when we do We’ll find healing for our soul. ------------------------------------------------- Download the 828 Church app! To view our latest e-newsletter, the Midweek Momentum, and subscribe to our weekly updates, go here! https://linktr.ee/828church

    38 min

  7. Apr 12

    See the Resurrected King

    We’re so glad you are here! Thanks for checking out Sunday's message! -- SUNDAY'S NOTES -- The resurrection marked a new day in the Kingdom of heaven and it’s impact on earth. Then the angel spoke to the women. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead, just as he said would happen. Come, see where his body was lying. Matthew 28:5-6 NLT A meeting with the elders was called, and they decided to give the soldiers a large bribe. They told the soldiers, “You must say, ‘Jesus’ disciples came during the night while we were sleeping, and they stole his body.’ If the governor hears about it, we’ll stand up for you so you won’t get in trouble.” So the guards accepted the bribe and said what they were told to say. Their story spread widely among the Jews, and they still tell it today. Matthew 28:12-15 NLT Denying God’s presence and authority won’t diminish Him, but it will destroy you. I won’t believe it unless I see the nail wounds in his hands, put my fingers into them, and place my hand into the wound in his side.” John 20:25 NLT It’s not our circumstances that will determine whether we recognize and follow Jesus or not, but the condition of our hearts that make the difference. Plow up the hard (Fallow) ground of your hearts, for now is the time to seek the LORD, that he may come and shower righteousness upon you. Hosea 10:12 NLT same day two of them were walking to the village, about seven miles out of Jerusalem. They were deep in conversation, going over all these things that had happened. In the middle of their talk and questions, Jesus came up and walked along with them. But they were not able to recognize who he was. Luke 24:13-16 MSG Difficulty is a great canvas for God’s masterpiece of redemption. He asked them, “What are you discussing so intently as you walk along?” They stopped short, sadness written across their faces. Luke 24:17 NLT We all have moments, days, even seasons of despair, but Jesus is faithful to walk with us when we do. Then one of them, Cleopas, replied, “You must be the only person in Jerusalem who hasn’t heard about all the things that have happened there the last few days.” Luke 24:18 NLT Don’t get yourself confused with God - Smith Wigglesworth Hope is a head turner meant to draw our attention to Jesus. Then he said to them, “So thick-headed! So slow-hearted! Why can’t you simply believe all that the prophets said? Don’t you see that these things had to happen, that the Messiah had to suffer and only then enter into his glory?” Then he started at the beginning, with the Books of Moses, and went on through all the Prophets, pointing out everything in the Scriptures that referred to him. Luke 24:25-27 MSG They said to each other, “Didn’t our hearts burn within us as he talked with us on the road. Luke 24:32 NLT We all have a road to walk, but it’s not a road we will ever have to walk alone! ------------------------------------------------- Download the 828 Church app! To view our latest e-newsletter, the Midweek Momentum, and subscribe to our weekly updates, go here! https://linktr.ee/828church

    40 min

  8. Apr 5

    Life Restored

    We’re so glad you are here! Thanks for checking out Sunday's message! -- SUNDAY'S NOTES -- But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, are only a small village among all the people of Judah. Yet a ruler of Israel, whose origins are in the distant past, will come from you on my behalf. Micah 5:2 NLT The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. John 10:10 NLT 1. Make the choice to die to self. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. Galatians 5:24 NLT Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.” Mark 14:36 NLT The curse from the garden of Eden was broken in the garden of Gethsemane. I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20 ESV 2. Live Faithfully Devoted to Jesus Saturday evening, when the Sabbath ended, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome went out and purchased burial spices so they could anoint Jesus’ body. Very early on Sunday morning, just at sunrise, they went to the tomb. Mark 16:1-2 NLT On the way they were asking each other, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance to the tomb?” Mark 16:3 NLT Choosing faithfulness even when your faith is struggling will set you up to see a miracle. But as they arrived, they looked up and saw that the stone, which was very large, had already been rolled aside. Mark 16:4 NLT Jesus will handle the heavy lifting if you will faithfully follow Him. The power is not found in our devotion but in the one to whom we are devoted. 3) Walk with Jesus True life is only found in Jesus. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life. 1 John 5:12 ESV A funeral procession was coming out as he approached the village gate. The young man who had died was a widow’s only son, and a large crowd from the village was with her. When the Lord saw her, his heart overflowed with compassion. “Don’t cry!” he said. Then he walked over to the coffin and touched it, and the bearers stopped. “Young man,” he said, “I tell you, get up.” Then the dead boy sat up and began to talk! And Jesus gave him back to his mother. Luke 7:11-15 NLT If the bearers of brokenness are carrying you to a godless worldly grave, call on Jesus and be saved! Suddenly, there was a great earthquake! For an angel of the Lord came down from heaven, rolled aside the stone, and sat on it. His face shone like lightning, and his clothing was as white as snow. The guards shook with fear when they saw him, and they fell into a dead faint. Then the angel spoke to the women. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead, just as he said would happen. Come, see where his body was lying. Matthew 28:2-6 NLT The impacts of this fallen world are real, but never to much for the love and life of our risen Savior. ------------------------------------------------- Download the 828 Church app! To view our latest e-newsletter, the Midweek Momentum, and subscribe to our weekly updates, go here! https://linktr.ee/828church

    37 min
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About

We’re convinced God wants to be present and powerful in every part of our lives, church, and community. We know it’s not all good. In fact, sometimes things are downright difficult. However, even when life gets hard, God is working for our good. (Romans 8:28) Real deal relationship with Jesus is the key to overcoming. His legendary ability to redeem, reconcile, and restore is the big news of the biblical narrative. Believing in and connecting others to that reality is what we’re all about …

Information

  • Creator
    Ron Barnard
  • Years Active
    2015 - 2026
  • Episodes
    541
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 828 Church