Peoples Church | Fresno, CA

Peoples Church | Fresno, CA
  • 4.6 (43)
  • Religion & Spirituality
  • Updated Semiweekly

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

    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

  2. 6d ago

    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

  3. Oct 5

    What Does Success Look Like to God? | Revival Nights - Night 2 | Dudley Rutherford

    What if God's definition of success is completely different from the world's? On Night 2 of Revival Nights 2026, Pastor Dudley Rutherford challenges us to stop measuring our lives by fame, money, possessions, influence, or recognition and instead ask a much more important question: Am I doing what God has called me to do? Success in the eyes of the Lord begins when we discover His call, dream about what He could do through our lives, step out in faith, and refuse to quit. "Success in the eyes of the Lord is doing that which God has called you to do." In this message, you'll discover: - The difference between success in the world's eyes and success in God's eyes - Why God's calling matters more than simply developing our gifts - How a God-given dream can become the desire of your heart - Why faith eventually requires us to get out of the boat - What it means to dedicate your plans completely to God - Why honoring God comes before asking Him to honor our plans - How daily discipline moves us toward what God has called us to do - Why failure doesn't have to be the end of your story - How breakthrough may be just one step beyond your breaking point - Why followers of Jesus cannot quit or keep looking back Six Steps Toward Godly Success 1. Dream - A dream awakens the possibilities. 2. Desire - Desire fuels the fire. 3. Dare - Faith requires you to make a move. 4. Dedication - Dedication sets the standard. 5. Discipline - Discipline does the work. 6. Don't Quit - Stay the course and don't look back. Ultimately, Jesus modeled every one of these for us. He remained dedicated to the Father's mission, endured temptation, went to the cross, and did not quit. Now the question becomes: What is God calling you to do, and will you say yes? 📖 Scripture: Genesis 39:23, Psalm 20:4, 2 Chronicles 26:5, 2 Kings 18:5-7, Proverbs 29:18, Romans 9:1-4, Romans 10:1, Matthew 14, Matthew 19:26, Proverbs 16:3, 1 Samuel 2:30, 1 Corinthians 9:24, Joshua 1:7 Reflection Questions - What dream has God placed in my heart? - Do I know the difference between my gifts and God's calling on my life? - Where is God asking me to get out of the boat and take a step of faith? - Is there an area of my life I haven't fully dedicated to God? - What daily discipline would move me closer to what God has called me to do? - Where have I been tempted to quit or look back? - What would it look like for me to simply say yes to God's leading? 📍 Peoples Church | Fresno, CA 📅 October 5, 2026 🌙 Revival Nights - Night 2 🎤 Pastor Dudley Rutherford REVIVAL NIGHTS 2026 Sunday, October 4 | Ricky Jenkins Monday, October 5 | Dudley Rutherford Tuesday, October 6 | Sean Smith 7PM | In Person + Online Website: https://www.peopleschurch.org Online: https://www.peopleschurch.org/online Events: https://www.peopleschurch.org/events Next Steps: https://www.peopleschurch.org/next Giving: https://www.peopleschurch.org/give #RevivalNights #GodlySuccess #Calling #Faith #Purpose #DontQuit #DudleyRutherford #Jesus #PeoplesChurch

    What Does Success Look Like to God? | Revival Nights - Night 2 | Dudley Rutherford

  4. Oct 4

    Revival and Obedience | Revival Nights | Pastor Dale Oquist

    The most dangerous lies are the ones we tell ourselves, because we don't recognize them as lies. Revival begins with honesty, surrender, and obedience. As we launch Revival Nights at Peoples Church, Pastor Dale Oquist takes us to 1 Samuel 15 and the story of King Saul. Saul claimed he had obeyed God, while the evidence of his disobedience was all around him. Saul knew how to speak the language of obedience, but his life told a different story. This message challenges us to examine not simply where we have fallen short, but how we respond when the Holy Spirit confronts us. Do we defend, rationalize, blame, and practice selective obedience? Or do we allow conviction to lead us toward repentance and life? "To obey is better than sacrifice." - 1 Samuel 15:22 In this message, you'll discover: - Why self-deception can be one of the greatest barriers to revival - How Saul turned his ministry to God into a monument to himself - Why our lives must match the faith we profess with our mouths - What happens when we practice selective, partial, conditional, or delayed obedience - Why obedience is the language of love and evidence of a surrendered heart - How outward worship can become empty religion without obedience - Why religion can become an attempt to retain control of our own lives - How obedience and disobedience create ripple effects beyond our own lives - Why unconfessed sin eventually reveals itself - How rationalizing sin can make us numb to the heart of God - Why repentance, not rationalization, leads us back toward life Three Truths to Remember 1. Disobedience is anything short of 100% obedience. 2. If you don't confess your sin, your sin will confess you. 3. Self-deception is the enemy of true repentance. This story isn't simply about Saul. It's an invitation to recognize that we are all Saul. When we were nothing, God gave us everything. While we were still rebelling against Him, Jesus gave His life for us. The question is what we will do when His Spirit reveals the places we still haven't surrendered. Reflection Questions - What is still alive in my life that needs to be dealt with? - What sin am I defending or protecting? - Where have I settled for partial or selective obedience? - Am I using good things I do for God to justify an area where I'm refusing to obey Him? - What truth is painful for me to accept, but necessary for me to repent and turn toward Jesus? - When the Holy Spirit confronts me, do I repent or rationalize? 📖 Scripture: 1 Samuel 15:1-2, 12-23; Psalm 106:15; Numbers 32:23 📍 Peoples Church 📅 October 4, 2026 🎤 Pastor Dale Oquist REVIVAL NIGHTS This morning is only the beginning. Join us as we continue seeking God together: Sunday, October 4 - 7PM Monday, October 5 - 7PM Tuesday, October 6 - 7PM Join us in person or online as we believe for a powerful move of the Holy Spirit in our lives, our church, Fresno, the Central Valley, and beyond. Peoples Church 7172 N Cedar Ave Fresno, CA 93720 Links Website: https://www.peopleschurch.org Online: https://www.peopleschurch.org/online Revival Nights & Events: https://www.peopleschurch.org/events Next Steps: https://www.peopleschurch.org/next Giving: https://www.peopleschurch.org/give

    Revival and Obedience | Revival Nights | Pastor Dale Oquist

  5. Oct 4

    The Lost Fruit: What Happened to Kindness & Gentleness? | Revival Nights - Night 1 | Ricky Jenkins

    In a culture increasingly shaped by anger, outrage, and division, have we lost something Jesus intended His Church to be known for? Opening Revival Nights 2026, Pastor Ricky Jenkins takes us through Galatians 5 and two fruits of the Spirit that can easily get lost: kindness and gentleness. The Christian life isn't about manufacturing a nicer version of ourselves. The Holy Spirit lives within us and gives us the power to respond differently, even when we're right, even when someone deserves our anger, and even when our flesh wants to fight back. Kindness holds back what someone deserves. Gentleness isn't weakness. It's strength surrendered to the Holy Spirit. Sometimes, there are doors in our lives that only gentleness will open. In this message, you'll discover: Why the battle between the flesh and the Spirit affects our relationships How the Holy Spirit gives us power to respond differently Why being right doesn't always mean we're responding like Jesus What biblical kindness actually looks like Why kindness may look crazy to the world Why gentleness should never be confused with weakness How God's kindness and gentleness toward us changes how we treat others Why some relational doors can only be opened through gentleness 📖 Scripture: Galatians 5:16-23, Ephesians 2:7, Romans 3:23, Jeremiah 17:9, 1 Corinthians 4 Reflection Questions Where am I more concerned with being right than pursuing oneness? Where is my flesh telling me to react while the Holy Spirit is saying, "Gentle"? Who is God asking me to show unexpected kindness toward? Is there someone whose punishment or retaliation I need to hold back? Is there a door in my life or relationship that only gentleness will open? 📍 Peoples Church | Fresno, CA 📅 October 4, 2026 🌙 Revival Nights - Night 1 🎤 Pastor Ricky Jenkins REVIVAL NIGHTS 2026 Sunday, October 4 | Ricky Jenkins Monday, October 5 | Dudley Rutherford Tuesday, October 6 | Sean Smith 7PM | In Person + Online Website: https://www.peopleschurch.org Online: https://www.peopleschurch.org/online Events: https://www.peopleschurch.org/events Next Steps: https://www.peopleschurch.org/next Giving: https://www.peopleschurch.org/give #RevivalNights #TheLostFruit #FruitOfTheSpirit #Kindness #Gentleness #Galatians5 #HolySpirit #RickyJenkins #PeoplesChurch

    The Lost Fruit: What Happened to Kindness & Gentleness? | Revival Nights - Night 1 | Ricky Jenkins

  6. Sep 30

    Let’s Talk! Ep. 8 | Do the Hard Thing

    Sometimes keeping the peace is easier than making peace. In Episode 8 of Let’s Talk!, Billy sits down with Pastor Dale and Dawson to continue the conversation from Matthew 5:9: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” Jesus doesn't call His followers simply to avoid conflict. He calls us to become peacemakers, and sometimes that requires doing the hard thing. The conversation explores the difference between a peacekeeper and a peacemaker, why insecurity can create conflict, how our culture can profit from keeping us divided, and why real relationships require friction. They also get practical about forgiveness, hospitality, broken trust, and what to do when somebody has genuinely hurt you. Forgiveness does not mean minimizing what happened. The cross itself shows us that God did not minimize sin. Jesus paid its cost. So what does peacemaking look like in your marriage, family, workplace, friendships, and the conflicts you are carrying right now? Sometimes it means having the conversation you've been avoiding. Sometimes it means listening. Sometimes it means forgiving. Sometimes it means welcoming someone to the table. And sometimes it means doing everything that depends on you and trusting God with what doesn't. Scripture: Matthew 5:9 Series: Blessed? People’s Church | Fresno, California CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION Use these questions with your small group, family, friends, or for personal reflection: 1. Is there a relationship where you've been keeping the peace instead of actually making peace? What hard conversation or action might you be avoiding? 2. Pastor Dale talked about insecurity as a peace-breaker. When you feel insecure, are you more likely to blame someone else, prove yourself, or find something to numb what you're feeling? 3. Dawson talked about how character is often formed through friction. Is there a difficult relationship or situation God may be using to form something in you? 4. Jesus brought people with radically different backgrounds and perspectives around the same table. Is there someone you've reduced to their opinions, failures, or what they've done to you instead of seeing them as a person Jesus loves? 5. Forgiveness doesn't minimize the cost of what happened. Is there someone whose debt you're still trying to collect? What would it mean to trust Jesus with justice while taking responsibility for your part? 6. Romans 12:18 tells us, “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” What actually depends on you in the conflict you're facing, and what do you need to stop trying to control? Take a moment to pray: Jesus, show me where I've chosen what is easy instead of what makes peace. Reveal any insecurity, resentment, pride, or unforgiveness I'm carrying. Give me courage to do what depends on me, grace to forgive, and trust to leave what I cannot control with You. 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

    Let’s Talk! Ep. 8 | Do the Hard Thing

  7. Sep 27

    The Peacemakers | Blessed? | Pastor Dale Oquist

    What does it actually mean to be a peacemaker? Jesus says, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God." But biblical peace is more than avoiding conflict, keeping everyone happy, or maintaining the status quo. In this message from our Blessed? series, Pastor Dale Oquist explores the difference between being a peacekeeper and becoming a peacemaker. A peacekeeper tries to avoid conflict. A peacemaker is willing to step into conflict and bring the righteousness, wisdom, mercy, and forgiveness of Jesus into it. Peace is not simply the absence of conflict. It is the presence of righteousness. And while having peace may be something we desire, making peace is a decision. In this message, you'll discover: - Why our relationship with God affects our relationships with others - What the Bible means when it talks about true peace - Why peace can exist even in the middle of conflict - The difference between a peacekeeper and a peacemaker - Why insecurity, resentment, and bitterness can destroy peace - Why peacemakers must first listen to God - How listening to others communicates value without requiring agreement - What it means to cover others in love and release unrealistic expectations - Why every follower of Jesus has been given a ministry of reconciliation - How forgiveness begins the work of restoration Listen. Cover. Forgive. Peacemaking isn't passive. It requires us to listen when we'd rather speak, extend grace when expectations aren't met, and forgive because we recognize that the sacrifice of Jesus covers not only our sin, but the sins of others. 📖 Scripture: Matthew 5:1-10, Matthew 5:9, James 3:17-18, Isaiah 57:21, Matthew 6:33, 2 Corinthians 5:18, Matthew 18 📍 Peoples Church 📅 September 27, 2026 🎤 Pastor Dale Oquist Reflection Questions - Am I a peacemaker, or do I tend to avoid conflict simply to keep the peace? - Is insecurity, resentment, or bitterness disrupting peace in any of my relationships? - Do the people around me feel heard? - Is there an expectation I need to release and cover with grace? - Is there a conflict I need to take directly to someone instead of talking about it with others? - Is there someone I need to forgive by accepting that Jesus' sacrifice covers their sin too? - As far as it depends on me, what step can I take toward peace this week? Join us on Sundays, online or in person at Peoples Church 8:30AM | 10AM | 11:45AM 7172 N Cedar Ave Fresno, CA 93720 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 Events: https://www.peopleschurch.org/events Hashtags #Blessed #ThePeacemakers #Beatitudes #SermonOnTheMount #Matthew5 #Peacemakers #Peace #Reconciliation #Forgiveness #ChristianLiving #PeoplesChurch

  8. Sep 23

    Let’s Talk! Ep. 7 | What Has Your Heart?

    What has your heart? In Episode 7 of Let’s Talk!, Billy sits down with Pastor Brian Krum and Dawson Oquist to continue the conversation from Matthew 5:8: “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” When we hear the word purity, it can be easy to think about behavior, rules, or cleaning up the parts of our lives everyone else can see. But Jesus goes deeper. He cares about what is happening underneath the surface: what we desire, what motivates us, what we fear, what we trust, and what we are ultimately living for. Pastor Brian explains that a pure heart is not a perfect heart. It is an undivided heart. The conversation gets practical about approval, control, fear, success, security, money, marriage, our phones, and the countless things competing for pieces of our attention and affection. They also talk about the danger of becoming really good at looking spiritually healthy while something entirely different is happening inside, and why following Jesus is not about maintaining a religious image. It is about knowing Him. Purity is not something we manufacture through enough rules or spiritual disciplines. Jesus is the One who changes our hearts. Practices like prayer, reflection, Scripture, silence, and surrender simply help us slow down, become aware of His presence, and keep turning our attention back toward Him. One of the clearest takeaways from the conversation: A pure heart doesn’t mean a perfect heart. It means an undivided heart. And maybe the question for all of us is simple: What has my heart right now? Scripture: Matthew 5:8 Series: Blessed? People’s Church | Fresno, California Watch the full weekend message, request prayer, or take your next step at People’s Church using the links below. Join us in person or online Sundays at 8:30, 10:00, or 11:45 AM. CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION Use these questions with your small group, family, friends, or for personal reflection: 1. Pastor Brian asked, “What am I wanting? What am I longing for?” What do your current desires reveal about what is happening in your heart? 2. Is there an area where you are spending more energy looking healthy, successful, or spiritually put together than actually allowing Jesus to change what is underneath? 3. A pure heart is not a perfect heart, but an undivided heart. What currently competes most strongly with Jesus for your attention, trust, or affection? 4. Billy and Dawson talked about things like security, success, fear, approval, money, and even our phones. What do your time, habits, spending, and attention reveal about what is first in your life? 5. Brian said Christianity is not ultimately about becoming “nice,” but becoming new. Where might Jesus be inviting you beyond simply changing your behavior and into deeper transformation? 6. What is one practice that could help you slow down this week and become more aware of God’s presence rather than simply reacting to everything around you? Take a moment to pray: “Jesus, search my heart. Show me where I am divided, what I am trying to control, what I am afraid of, and anything I am placing ahead of You. I don’t just want to know about You. I want to know You. Give me an undivided heart.” SPIRITUAL PRACTICES + RESOURCES Looking for practical ways to slow down, examine your heart, and become more aware of God’s presence throughout your day? Here are a few places to start: Lectio 365 - A free daily devotional app built around Scripture, prayer, and the P.R.A.Y. rhythm: Pause, Rejoice/Reflect, Ask, Yield. It includes morning, midday, and evening rhythms. https://lectio365.com/ YouVersion Bible App - Scripture, reading plans, audio Bible, and guided plans that can help build a consistent daily rhythm in God's Word. https://www.bible.com/app BibleProject - Free videos, podcasts, classes, and reading resources designed to help you understand Scripture as a unified story that leads to Jesus. https://bibleproject.com/ Daily Examen - At the end of the day, slow down and ask: Where did I notice God today? What was happening in my heart? Where did I respond well? Where did I miss Him? What do I need to surrender before tomorrow? 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

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4.6
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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).

Information

  • Creator
    Peoples Church | Fresno, CA
  • Years Active
    2009 - 2026
  • Episodes
    109
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Peoples Church | Fresno
  • Show Website
    Peoples Church | Fresno, CA

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