Centered on Christ Podcast

Jameson Steward
  • 5.0 (3)
  • CHRISTIANITY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Studying the Bible with Jesus at the center. A podcast paired with the Centered on Christ blog and newsletter. centeredonchrist.substack.com

  1. 3D AGO

    Physically Rich vs. Spiritually Rich (Part 3)

    We continue our study of contrasts between material wealth and spiritual wealth. We began with an examination of warnings about wealth (1 Tim. 6:6-10, 17-19) and then discussed the account of the Rich Man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31). This week, we want to study the encounter between Jesus and a “Rich Young Ruler” recorded in Mark 10:17-27. It is one of the most striking encounters in all of the New Testament as it presents a powerful contrast between physical wealth and spiritual wealth. It challenges assumptions about success, goodness, and what it truly means to inherit eternal life. The Question. The encounter begins with a man running to Jesus. He kneels before Him and asks Him a very important and thoughtful question: “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” (Mark 10:17) The young man seems to have it all. He is wealthy, morally upright, and respectful. In worldly terms, he was rich. In terms of religious behavior, he appears strong. With that said, something is missing, and he knows it. That is why he comes to Jesus, which is commendable. However, this brings home an important truth: Physical riches and outward morality do not guarantee spiritual peace or assurance! The Problem. Jesus then exposes the heart. It is unique to Mark’s account to record this, as it shows Jesus’ Deity being able to know the hearts of men. Jesus first points the young man to the commandments, namely, “Do not commit adultery,’ ‘Do not murder,’ ‘Do not steal,’ ‘Do not bear false witness,’ ‘Do not defraud,’ ‘Honor your father and your mother” (Mark 10:19). The young man responds with great confidence, saying he had “kept them from his youth.” It reminds us of passages such as Deuteronomy 6:4-6 or 2 Timothy 1:5; 3:15, which point to being “brought up” knowing the Word of God. While it is great that he kept those things, Jesus could see deeper. Consider the powerful response Jesus gave him: "Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me.” (Mark 10:21) It was love that motivated the words of Jesus (Eph. 4:15). Out of love for the young man, He told him that he was lacking one thing. His love for his money and possessions was deeper than his love for God. The Solution. Jesus gave him the solution to his problem: Go your way, sell whatever you have, give to the poor and you will have treasure in Heaven. This reminds us of the “Sermon on the Mount” when Jesus said to lay up treasures in Heaven (Matt. 6:19-21). Notice, Jesus then told him to “take up the cross and follow Him.” The young man would not be able to truly follow Jesus until he let go of what was holding him back. To reference the “Sermon on the Mount” yet again, consider what Jesus said about loyalty: “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon” (Matt. 6:24). This is the very issue Jesus is addressing in His response to the young man. The Response. The Bible then shows us how the young man responded to Jesus: “But he was sad at this word, and went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.” (Mark 10:22) He knew what he had to give up in order to inherit eternal life, but the text suggests that he was not willing to do so at the moment. The issue was not that he was wealthy, but rather, misplacing trust in his riches instead of trusting in God (1 Tim. 6:17-19). The young man’s identity, security, and sense of control were tied to his possessions. He didn’t just have possessions; his possessions had him! The key contrast is that he was physically rich, yet spiritually poor. We must examine what we truly trust. Anything we are unwilling to surrender becomes a spiritual obstacle that can hinder us from living eternally with God. Jesus calls for complete surrender, loyalty, and allegiance. He will not accept second place! Are we willing to let go of what we cannot keep in order to gain eternal life, which God gives to those who love and obey Him (Tit. 1:2; 1 John 5:13)? Drew Suttles is a minister for the Quitman church of Christ in Quitman, Georgia, and one of my best friends in this world. They live-stream all their Bible classes and sermons on their YouTube channel. Drew also hosts the “Weathering the Storm” podcast on the Scattered Abroad Network. Drew talks about facing life’s challenges as a child of God. His podcast will be a blessing to your life. Get full access to Centered on Christ at centeredonchrist.substack.com/subscribe

    5 min

  2. 6D AGO

    Great Pillars of Strength in the Hard Times of Our Lives by Glenn Colley

    This sermon was preached by Glenn Colley during the Sunday afternoon assembly of the West Hobbs Street Church of Christ. Get full access to Centered on Christ at centeredonchrist.substack.com/subscribe

    35 min

  3. MAY 15

    "I Cried Out To God"

    The individual who faces intense suffering, no matter the cause, often feels helpless. Personal struggles are amplified when we assume no one cares. Loneliness accompanies difficulty, and hope is lost. We wonder: How much more can we take? Why doesn’t anyone seem to care? God Heard Elijah’s Cry. The prophet Elijah evidently felt this way in 1 Kings 19. After winning a great victory over the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel (see 1 Kings 18:20-40), Elijah was forced to flee for his life from Queen Jezebel. Alone and in despair, he cried out to God: “It is enough! Now, Lord, take my life, for I am no better than my fathers!” (1 Kings 19:4). Although the prophet was ready to give up on that occasion, God would not allow him. He provided for Elijah’s needs and eventually reminded him he was not alone (verse 18). God cared for Elijah continually, especially as he faced the trials of life. God Hears Our Cry. As God cared for Elijah, He also cares for us. He is with us when we “walk through the valley of the shadow of death” (Psalm 23:4); He is with us when we seek to resolve problems with others (Matthew 18:20). His special care for us is best seen in His willingness to send Jesus to die in our place. Noting this, Paul wrote: “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). Because He lived on this earth, Jesus understands “our weaknesses” (Hebrews 4:15) and “is able to aid those who are tempted” (Hebrews 2:18). No matter how bad things may seem, we are not alone. This is why Peter encouraged: “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your cares on Him, for He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:6-7). God Remains Faithful. In the 77th Psalm, the cares and concerns of the author take the center stage. Because of his problems, the psalmist could neither sleep nor speak (verse 4). He felt as if God had cast him aside (verse 7). In his despair, he wondered: “Has His mercy ceased forever? Has His promise failed forevermore? Has God forgotten to be gracious? Has He in anger shut up His tender mercies?” (verses 8-9). Thankfully, he concluded this was not the case. God’s faithfulness in the past is proof He cares (verses 10-12). Like the psalmist, we must avoid allowing the momentary trials of life to raise doubts about God. The trials we face do not indicate God has abandoned us. Instead, they remind us something much better awaits (see 2 Corinthians 4:16-18). Whether we experience relief from the present trials of life, whatever they may be, we long for the place where “God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away” (Revelation 21:4). Chad Ramsey preaches for the Gloster Street Church of Christ in Tupelo, Mississippi. You can access their Bible classes and Chad’s sermons on Gloster Street’s YouTube page. Chad was - and still is - “my preacher” from when I spent my high school and early college years at Gloster Street. I’m thankful to be able to share some of his writings with you. Get full access to Centered on Christ at centeredonchrist.substack.com/subscribe

    4 min

  4. MAY 13

    Physically Rich vs. Spiritually Rich (Part 2)

    In our last article, we discussed the contrasts pointed out in 1 Tim. 6:6-10, 16-19, which were “greed vs contentment,” “trusting in uncertain riches vs trusting in the living God,” and “living for the here and now vs living for the there and then.” This week, we want to examine two individuals who fit these contrasts perfectly. Jesus taught about these two men and pulled back the curtain for us to see what happens beyond the grave. Truly, it is one of the most astounding reversals in all of Scripture! Consider the Text. I invite you to Luke 16:19-31. This is a very familiar text to any Bible student. I have preached several sermons from this text and have written several articles, even for this column, over the years. One amazing trait of the Bible is that you discover more the more you study, even if you have studied that same passage multiple times! The Bible is, after all, a living document (Heb. 4:12)! Jesus tells of a rich man and his prosperity contrasted with a man named Lazarus and his poverty. First, we will examine the qualities of the rich man. The qualities of the rich man. The Bible says he “fared sumptuously” (vs. 19). Other translations say he “lived in luxury (NIV), “feasted sumptuously” (ESV), “he was joyously living in splendor” (NASB), “he was feasting lavishly” (CSB). As we pointed out last week, there is nothing inherently wrong with having nice things and living this kind of lifestyle, but it can cost one their soul if it distracts them from living for God and using their wealth to His glory (Luke 12:13-21; 1 Tim. 6:6-10, 17-19). Jesus also says that the rich man was “arrayed in purple and fine linen (vs. 19). The New American Standard Version says, “He habitually dressed in purple and fine linen.” Purple was very expensive in that day and age (Side note: Lydia was a seller of purple (Acts 16:14). A third thing said about the rich man is that he “received good things” (vs. 25). We might say he lived the good life and never had to worry about anything. The contrast between the rich man and Lazarus. Now we want to examine the glaring contrast between the rich man and Lazarus. He is described as a “beggar.” Biblically speaking, a beggar was a person with few or no possessions (1 Sam. 2:8; Luke 16:20, 22). He was also “Full of sores” (ESV: Covered with sores). Lazarus “laid at the gate.” This makes me wonder if he was homeless or if he didn’t have a family. As a beggar laid at the gate, he “desired crumbs from the rich man’s table.” If that wasn’t bad enough, the dogs came and “licked his sores.” This may have actually been a relief for him, but still consider the contrast with the rich man, for while the rich man received good things, Lazarus received evil things (vs. 25). The great reversal. I mentioned that an astounding reversal takes place, and now we want to examine that together. Death is the great equalizer. Death is no respecter of persons, and we all have an appointment with death if the Lord delays His return before our time on this earth runs out (Heb. 9:27; Psa. 90:10, 12; Jas. 4:14; Eccl. 12:7). Both the rich man and Lazarus succumbed to death. While they were on level ground when it came to death, their situations became very different. The rich man died and was in torments while Lazarus was “carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom.” While the Rich Man was being tormented, Lazarus was being comforted. Friends, those two individuals are there as we speak! The Hadean Realm (unseen realm of the dead) holds the souls of those who have departed from this life. The unrighteous go into torments to await the Judgment, while the righteous go into Paradise to await the Judgment. The rich man was physically rich, but spiritually poor. Lazarus was physically poor, but spiritually rich. Which is better? True wealth is found in Jesus Christ, and Heaven will surely be worth whatever we have to struggle with in this life. If you have found yourself desiring to be rich and more concerned about the physical and material than the spiritual, I pray you will consider the content of this article and choose to live for God! Drew Suttles is a minister for the Quitman church of Christ in Quitman, Georgia, and one of my best friends in this world. They live-stream all their Bible classes and sermons on their YouTube channel. Drew also hosts the “Weathering the Storm” podcast on the Scattered Abroad Network. Drew talks about facing life’s challenges as a child of God. His podcast will be a blessing to your life. Get full access to Centered on Christ at centeredonchrist.substack.com/subscribe

    5 min

  5. MAY 10

    Why I Love the Church of Christ by Glenn Colley

    Recently, brother Glenn Colley preached in our gospel meeting. This sermon was the one he preached during our Sunday morning assembly. Lord willing, I look forward to sharing more of what he preached during our meeting with you in the upcoming weeks! Get full access to Centered on Christ at centeredonchrist.substack.com/subscribe

    42 min

  6. MAY 8

    An Apostle and His Mission

    Although Paul was not with Jesus during His earthly ministry, he was chosen by the Lord to be an apostle. Jesus described Paul’s future work when He instructed Ananias to meet Paul in Damascus and teach the gospel to him. He told the reluctant Ananias: “Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel” (Acts 9:15). Making a similar point to Paul, our Lord declared: “I will deliver you from the Jewish people, as well as from the Gentiles, to whom I now send you, to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive the forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me” (Acts 26:17-18). That Paul understood his role is obvious, for he did not consider himself “at all inferior to the most eminent apostles” (2 Corinthians 11:5). Importantly, Paul recognized his primary apostolic work to be among the Gentiles (see Galatians 2:9). In fact, he considered himself to be “a prisoner of Jesus Christ for [the] Gentiles” (Ephesians 3:1). Because of this recognition, he went from place to place proclaiming “that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel” (Ephesians 3:6). His message regarding the gospel’s universal scope was greatly appreciated by some (Galatians 3:26-28). Others strongly resisted Paul’s message. Not surprisingly, much of the opposition he encountered came from the Jews. Paul’s experiences during his first missionary journey are typical of what he faced throughout his ministry. * In Antioch of Pisidia, the Jews “were filled with envy; and contradicting and blaspheming, they opposed the things spoken by Paul” (Acts 13:45). * In Iconium, “the multitude of the city was divided: part sided with the Jews, and part with the apostles” (Acts 14:4). * And at Lystra, “Jews from Antioch and Iconium came there; and having persuaded the multitudes, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing him to be dead” (Acts 14:19). Despite the opposition Paul faced in the above-mentioned cities, congregations of believers were established in each location. Rather than avoiding the places where he was persecuted, Paul made an effort to encourage each church and revisited those locations before ending his first missionary effort (Acts 14:21-23). That he cared deeply for these newly founded congregations can be seen from his later desire to “visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord and see how they are doing” (Acts 15:36). Paul’s desire was realized during both of his subsequent missionary journeys (cf. Acts 16:1; 18:23). Chad Ramsey preaches for the Gloster Street Church of Christ in Tupelo, Mississippi. You can access their Bible classes and Chad’s sermons on Gloster Street’s YouTube page. Chad was - and still is - “my preacher” from when I spent my high school and early college years at Gloster Street. I’m thankful to be able to share some of his writings with you. Get full access to Centered on Christ at centeredonchrist.substack.com/subscribe

    4 min

  7. MAY 6

    Physically Rich vs Spiritually Rich

    The Bible has a lot to say about wealth. Jesus addressed the topic directly, through parables, and often gave warnings to the rich. While it is not sinful to be wealthy, if the heart is not right, wealth can lead to destruction. In this week’s article, we want to discuss the contrasts between being physically rich and being spiritually rich. I invite you to the sixth chapter of Paul’s first letter to Timothy. Paul gives a warning about wealth but also provides the solution: “Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows…Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life” (1 Tim. 6:6-10, 17-19). Contentment vs. Greed First, notice that Paul contrasts contentment with greed. The word “content” means to be satisfied with things as they are (Note: Phil. 4:11; Heb. 13:5). The word “greed” means an excessive desire to have more. Paul says that those who desire to be rich (are greedy) fall into temptation and a snare. It leads to destruction and even departing from the faith! He states that the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, which points to the seriousness of his warning. Christians are to be content with what they have, trusting that God will provide our needs (Gen. 22:8; Matt. 6:33). Uncertain Riches vs. the Living God Second, notice that Paul contrasts trusting in uncertain riches with trusting in the living God. He points to two potential dangers: (1) Pride and (2) False security. He says, “not to be haughty,” which reminds us of the words of Proverbs 16:18: “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” False security refers to trusting in uncertain riches, which reminds us of another pertinent passage in Proverbs: “Will you set your eyes on that which is not? For riches certainly make themselves wings; They fly away like an eagle toward heaven.” (Prov. 23:5). The solution Paul gives to these two potential problems is to trust in the living God, which points to His certainty. Once again, a passage in Proverbs complements the statement: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths” (Prov. 3:5-6). The Temporary vs. the Eternal. Third and finally, notice that Paul contrasts living for the “here and now” with investing in the “there and then.” He gives four commands: * Do good (cf. Acts 10:38). * Be rich in good works (cf. Eph. 2:10; Tit. 2:14). * Ready to give (cf. Prov. 3:27-28). * Willing to share (cf. Heb. 13:16). These four commands are all present active verbs, meaning we must keep on practicing them. The New Testament repeatedly speaks of the importance of setting our minds and hearts on things above (Col. 3:1; Matt. 6:19-21), for our citizenship is in Heaven (Phil. 3:20). Sometimes, if we are not careful, we can become too attached to this world. Paul instructs Timothy, and by extension encourages us, to “store up a good foundation for the time to come” and to “lay hold on eternal life” (cf. 1 Tim. 6:12). We may never be physically wealthy or rich according to this world’s standards, but for the child of God, true wealth is found in Christ where all spiritual blessings are found (Eph. 1:3). As we have noticed in our study, there are great differences between contentment and greed, trusting in uncertain riches and trusting in God, and living for the here and now instead of living for the there and then. May we be content with the blessings God has bestowed upon us and live in such a way that Heaven will be our home! Drew Suttles is a minister for the Quitman church of Christ in Quitman, Georgia, and one of my best friends in this world. They live-stream all their Bible classes and sermons on their YouTube channel. Drew also hosts the “Weathering the Storm” podcast on the Scattered Abroad Network. Drew talks about facing life’s challenges as a child of God. His podcast will be a blessing to your life. Get full access to Centered on Christ at centeredonchrist.substack.com/subscribe

    6 min

  8. MAY 3

    The Church's Responsibility to One Another

    I preached this sermon several weeks ago when the West Hobbs Street Church of Christ gathered to worship together. This sermon examines seven responsibilities Christians have to one another, as taught in Scripture. Get full access to Centered on Christ at centeredonchrist.substack.com/subscribe

    24 min
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About

Studying the Bible with Jesus at the center. A podcast paired with the Centered on Christ blog and newsletter. centeredonchrist.substack.com

Information

  • Creator
    Jameson Steward
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    278
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Jameson Steward
  • Show Website
    Centered on Christ Podcast

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