Live & Learn

High Desert Church

A show where we dive into a book of the bible to learn how to live it out. These episodes are meant to be digested, discussed, and practiced in a group.

Episodes

  1. EPISODE 2

    Live and Learn Episode 2 | Understanding the context of the original audience of Ephesians

    As we journey together into the heart of Ephesians, we've got a tantalizing question to ponder: how do we unravel the dense scriptural tapestry of Ephesians Chapter 1, verses 3-14, and apply its profound spiritual truths to our daily lives? Join us, as we, along with Pastor Kurt, attempt to peel back the layers of this rich passage and extract the essence of its teachings on blessings, redemption, and our identity in Christ. Download the companion guide with resources, devotionals, and discussion questions for each week here: https://thechurchco-production.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/sites/6864/2024/06/Live-and-Learn-Digital-Website.pdf We begin by taking a hard look at the spiritual blessings we receive from God and our humble identity in Christ. We take a deep dive into the concept of glorifying God and its linkage to humility. As we move forward, we engage in a riveting discussion on redemption, the symbolism of the scapegoat, and the unity that Christ brings to all things heavenly and earthly. We explore the idea of mystery and look at the role of submission in our journey towards salvation.  In the final leg of our exploration, we focus on the transformation that understanding our identity in Christ can bring about in our lives. We discuss how embracing this identity can inspire humility and positively impact the world around us. So come along, as we navigate these spiritual depths and hopefully, you'll come out of this experience with a renewed perspective on scripture, not just as a source of knowledge, but as a catalyst for personal transformation and growth. Whether you're a biblical scholar or just starting out, this sermon promises to transform your understanding and deepen your spiritual growth. Don't miss out on the opportunity to explore the challenges and lessons of the Ephesian community and how they resonate with us today. Tune in, get inspired, and let's nurture our faith together! #SermonSeries #FaithJourney #Ephesians

    42 min
  2. EPISODE 3

    Live and Learn Episode 3 | Unlocking Divine Inheritance through Prayer

    Join us for an enlightening discussion with Pastor Todd as we continue our journey through the book of Ephesians. We begin by focusing on intercessory prayer, a topic that is not only profound but also relatable to our everyday lives. Pastor Todd shares his unique approach to studying the text, and the importance of prayer as a form of communication with God. We learn that prayers can be both verbal and meditative, and explore how Paul's prayer for the Ephesians can serve as a powerful template for our own prayers. Download the companion guide with resources, devotionals, and discussion questions for each week here: https://thechurchco-production.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/sites/6864/2024/06/Live-and-Learn-Digital-Website.pdf As the conversation unfolds, we explore the concepts of recognition, inheritance, and the power of God in our lives. Pastor Todd encourages us to see the Father in all aspects of our lives and to understand our unique calling. We discuss how Paul's prayer in Ephesians 1 speaks to the power of God - the same power that raised Jesus from the dead. Through prayer for others, we can extend this power and provide the same blessings that Paul speaks of. In the final segments of our discussion, we navigate through the impact of Bible passages and the role of personal revelation. Pastor Todd uses 1 Corinthians 3 as an example of how God can reveal Himself through His Word. He also introduces us to aero prayers, quick, powerful prayers that we can use in moments of need. We discuss how to use these prayers effectively and the importance of relying on God's power in every moment. So join us, as we continue to learn and grow together through the study of Ephesians.

    36 min
  3. EPISODE 4

    Live and Learn Episode 4 | Predestination and God's Sovereign Plan

    Join us as we journey through the book of Ephesians, with our fifth installment focused on the powerful message of unity and division, as penned by Paul. This cosmic perspective on God's sovereign plan emphasizes salvation as a pre-time reality, a divine plan where God chose us even before the world was created. Paul highlights the transformative journey of an individual, once dead, now alive and seated with Christ in heavenly realms. He then seamlessly transitions to discussing the collective, the community of individuals saved and redeemed. Download the companion guide with resources, devotionals, and discussion questions for each week here: https://thechurchco-production.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/sites/6864/2024/06/Live-and-Learn-Digital-Website.pdf As we transition into exploring reconciliation and peace in Ephesians, we delve into the practical implications of salvation in our lives. Jesus is not only the bringer of people from far and wide but also our path to God. He has abolished the barrier of hostility between people, creating a new, unified humanity. The message is clear - to be close to God, we must be close to His people. Through the cross, Jesus has preached peace to those near and far, and given us access to the Father. Our discussion continues to the church's power and the crucial role of Jesus in reconciling Jews and Gentiles, creating a new humanity. The beauty and joy of the peace Christ has secured for us is a source of reflection. The sacrifice of Jesus fulfills the purpose of the law and removes the penalty owed to us, providing us with access to the Father. We end with an exploration of God's vision for us and how we can contribute to it by sacrificing our preferences and comforts for His glory. Listen in, as we discuss how to live out this vision, serve more, and build His kingdom on earth.

    31 min
  4. EPISODE 5

    Live and Learn Episode 5 | Unity and Reconciliation: Exploring Message of Peace and Purpose

    Join us as we journey through the book of Ephesians, with our fifth installment focused on the powerful message of unity and division, as penned by Paul. This cosmic perspective on God's sovereign plan emphasizes salvation as a pre-time reality, a divine plan where God chose us even before the world was created. Paul highlights the transformative journey of an individual, once dead, now alive and seated with Christ in heavenly realms. He then seamlessly transitions to discussing the collective, the community of individuals saved and redeemed. Download the companion guide with resources, devotionals, and discussion questions for each week here: https://thechurchco-production.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/sites/6864/2024/06/Live-and-Learn-Digital-Website.pdf As we transition into exploring reconciliation and peace in Ephesians, we delve into the practical implications of salvation in our lives. Jesus is not only the bringer of people from far and wide but also our path to God. He has abolished the barrier of hostility between people, creating a new, unified humanity. The message is clear - to be close to God, we must be close to His people. Through the cross, Jesus has preached peace to those near and far, and given us access to the Father. Our discussion continues to the church's power and the crucial role of Jesus in reconciling Jews and Gentiles, creating a new humanity. The beauty and joy of the peace Christ has secured for us is a source of reflection. The sacrifice of Jesus fulfills the purpose of the law and removes the penalty owed to us, providing us with access to the Father. We end with an exploration of God's vision for us and how we can contribute to it by sacrificing our preferences and comforts for His glory. Listen in, as we discuss how to live out this vision, serve more, and build His kingdom on earth.

    35 min
  5. EPISODE 6

    Live and Learn Episode 6 | Boundless Riches and Wisdom.

    Get ready for an enlightening exploration of Ephesians and an analysis of Paul's message. Join us as we unravel the circular nature of Paul's teachings and discuss his clever use of mixed metaphors. Listen in as we employ a three-step process to decode scripture: making observations, deriving one big idea, and drawing applications. Discover the main point in Ephesians 3 and see how it impacts your life. Download the companion guide with resources, devotionals, and discussion questions for each week here: https://thechurchco-production.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/sites/6864/2024/06/Live-and-Learn-Digital-Website.pdf Be prepared to unravel the mystery Paul mentions four times. This is not a puzzle you can solve on your own; it's a divine revelation. Paul lays bare the mystery about Christ and reveals how, through the gospel, the Gentiles become heirs and members alongside God's people. Discover the freedom and confidence we gain through faith in Christ. Join us for a deeper understanding of Gospel Ministry and God's vision. Paul's words have a profound connection to not only the Ephesian church, but also to himself. We discuss the grace given to Paul to preach the boundless riches of Christ to the Gentiles and the manifold wisdom of God that has been revealed. Explore the joy of being chosen by God for a mission and the exhilarating sense of reconciliation between Jews and Gentiles. We also discuss the crucial role of humility in our servitude. So come along, enrich your spiritual understanding, and see your faith in a whole new light.

    34 min
  6. EPISODE 7

    Live and Learn Episode 7 | Strengthened by the Spirit: Exploring God's Love and Empowerment

    Welcome to another insightful session where Pastor Tim joins us to explore Ephesians chapter three, starting at verse 14. This is an episode packed with profound discussions on the essence of being part of one family, being empowered by God's spirit, and the significance of having Christ live in our hearts. We collectively open our hearts as we navigate these enlightening topics and anticipate the divine plans that God has in store for us. Download the companion guide with resources, devotionals, and discussion questions for each week here: https://thechurchco-production.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/sites/6864/2024/06/Live-and-Learn-Digital-Website.pdf We continue by drawing from Ephesians 3:14-18 as we unpack the importance of allowing the Spirit to take a seat in our lives and to fill our hearts with the things of Christ. With Pastor Tim, we explore the concept of being rooted and grounded in love, and how it can help us to comprehend the breadth, length, height, and depth of God's love. Also, we consider the power of prayer as presented by Paul, emphasizing the ability of God to strengthen us in our inner being. In our final chapter, we talk about the significance of hope and empowerment by the Spirit to live a life rooted and grounded in love. Join us as we discuss the importance of allowing Christ to make His home in our hearts and being strengthened by God's power. You'll certainly want to tune in to this thought-provoking and heartwarming conversation. As always, we look forward to sharing this journey of faith with you.

    30 min
  7. EPISODE 9

    Live and Learn Episode 9 | Unlock Your True Identity in Christ

    Welcome back to another enlightening study in Ephesians, with me, your host Pastor Mikey and my guest Pastor Shane. We'll continue our exploration of the unity of the body of Christ, and remind you of Apostle Paul's powerful message about the gifts we've been given to carry out God's work. Listen in as we reflect on our former lives before Christ, and urge you to put off your old self and embrace the new identity you've been blessed with in Christ.  Download the companion guide with resources, devotionals, and discussion questions for each week here: https://thechurchco-production.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/sites/6864/2024/06/Live-and-Learn-Digital-Website.pdf Our conversation then navigates the landscape of unwholesome talk, its modern manifestations in texts, memes, jokes, and more. Together with Pastor Shane, we remind you that speaking ill of absent persons is unacceptable even among Christians. We stress the need to align our actions with our identity in Christ and the importance of immersing ourselves in the Word of God.  Join us as we echo the Psalmist's call to replace bitterness and rage with kindness and forgiveness, imitating God's grace, mercy, and abounding love. In seeking wisdom, we explore how patience can help others without robbing them of the opportunity to learn. We examine the concept of walking with the wise, and reflect on how seeking the Holy Spirit can illuminate God's will for us. Our study culminates with a discussion on gratitude, and the need for spirit-filled believers to live in constant thankfulness for God's grace. As always, we hope that our study is transformative and enriches your faith journey.

    33 min
  8. EPISODE 10

    Live and Learn Episode 10 | Living Like Christ: The Call to Submission in the Christian Life

    Join us in our latest podcast as Pastor George and I navigate the complexities of submission in the Christian faith. We take a detailed look at how the Bible urges us to live in submission to the authorities in our life. We discuss submission both as an attitude, an internal desire to honor the authorities, and an action, the external evidence of this desire. Our conversation leans heavily on Ephesians 5:21-33, which offers guidance on relationships within the family and society. We also contemplate Christ's perfect submission to God and explore how we can emulate his example. Download the companion guide with resources, devotionals, and discussion questions for each week here: https://thechurchco-production.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/sites/6864/2024/06/Live-and-Learn-Digital-Website.pdf This episode also throws light on the significance of having a submissive attitude, motivated by our internal desire to honor and respect Jesus. We discuss the example of a young Jesus, choosing to submit to his flawed human parents, an act which played a crucial part in growing him in wisdom and favor with both God and man. We talk about how Jesus demonstrated submission in teaching his disciples to pray, and his decision to remain submissive to the Father’s will, even in the difficult circumstances of the Garden of Gethsemane. We end the conversation by discussing the role of the Holy Spirit in helping us evaluate our attitude and actions towards submission. In the final part of the episode, we talk about submission in Christian families and relationships. We emphasize how parents should submit to God's authority and their sacred stewardship responsibility to raise their children in the training and righteousness of the Lord. We also examine how submission is evident in our other relationships, discussing the difficult passage in which Paul speaks about slaves and masters. We emphasize that God does not condone human slavery of any kind and explore how we can demonstrate God's glory through our humble obedience in every circumstance, working unto the Lord.

    26 min
  9. EPISODE 11

    Live and Learn Episode 11 | Guarding Your Faith: Mastering the Armor of God from Ephesians

    Join us as we journey through the book of Ephesians, particularly the Armor of God concept, with Paul's final instructions on how to live the life God has called us to. As we break down each element of this armor - the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the readiness of the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, we'll discover how to wield this spiritual armor to guard against the enemy's schemes and live victoriously. Download the companion guide with resources, devotionals, and discussion questions for each week here: https://thechurchco-production.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/sites/6864/2024/06/Live-and-Learn-Digital-Website.pdf Following this, we'll take you through the offensive and defensive aspects of the gospel. You'll learn how to stand firm in your faith with the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the gospel of peace. We'll guide you on how to confidently share the gospel in a world that might resist it, and how to remain steadfast in your calling through unwavering faith in God's truth and plan. Finally, join us as we underscore the critical role of prayer in our spiritual journey. We'll explore how to 'pray in the Spirit on all occasions' as Paul teaches us, praying according to God's will, in unity with who He is. We'll share insights on how to pray for others, yourself, and church leadership, as well as the importance of regular scripture study. We'll wrap up our Ephesians study with heartfelt appreciation, praying that the teachings and hope of Ephesians remain with us as we continue our journey of faith.

    36 min
  10. EPISODE 12

    Live and Learn Episode 12 | The Faithful Servant in Paul's Epistles

    Join us as we uncover the final verses of the book of Ephesians. The book is a treasure trove of rich theology, but the concluding verses are often overlooked. Together, we unravel the meaning of the last three verses, discussing the character Ticacus, a dear brother and faithful servant in the Lord. Listen in as we discuss the significance of Paul mentioning Ticacus in his concluding verses. We also touch on the importance of slowing down when reading God's word, and being intentional about our time with it. Download the companion guide with resources, devotionals, and discussion questions for each week here: https://thechurchco-production.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/sites/6864/2024/06/Live-and-Learn-Digital-Website.pdf Discover the mystery surrounding Ticacus as we investigate his character and his mention in Paul's epistles. We look into how Ticacus helps link the timeline of Acts with Paul's other letters and his connection with Ephesians, Colossians, Philippians, 2 Timothy, Titus, and Philemon. We discuss the character traits Paul commends Ticacus for and how he embodies faithfulness and service to the Lord.  In our closing discussion on the book of Ephesians, we explore the power of God's word and the necessity of interpretation rather than just reading. We marvel at the fact that the Bible, written by 40 different authors over 1500 years and across three continents, carries a unified message. We encourage our listeners to open their Bibles every day with a desire to learn and apply what it says. And finally, we urge you to reflect on the profound impact of the book of Ephesians.

    36 min

About

A show where we dive into a book of the bible to learn how to live it out. These episodes are meant to be digested, discussed, and practiced in a group.