Litchfield Church of the Nazarene Podcast

Risen: The Resurrection That Changed Everything

In this special Easter Sunday message, Pastor Michael Lowenberg turns to Paul’s powerful words in 1 Corinthians 15:1–8, 12–20 to remind us why the resurrection isn’t just another holiday story, it’s the event that rewrote history and offers us new life today. With warmth and a touch of humor (and yes, even special “resurrection socks”), Michael unpacks three timeless truths: the gospel’s unshakable facts, the necessity of Christ’s victory over sin and death, and the life-changing power we receive when we trust in a risen Savior. Whether you’ve celebrated Easter your whole life or are just hearing the story for the first time, this episode invites you to stand firm in hope and discover the freedom of living “in Christ” every day.

The Promised King of Palm Sunday

Step into the heart of Palm Sunday with Pastor Michael Lowenberg as he unpacks the powerful prophecy of Zechariah 9:9-13 in "The Promised King of Palm Sunday." In this message, Pastor Michael masterfully connects ancient promises to the vibrant reality of Jesus' humble entrance into Jerusalem. Discover how the imagery of torn palm branches, a lowly donkey, and prophetic words of peace and restoration all point to the Messiah—not as we might expect, but as the King who brings hope, healing, and a radically different kind of victory. His message invites us to see beyond our limited expectations and to embrace the fullness of God’s promises.
 
With warmth, authenticity, and a touch of playful insight, Pastor Michael explains that while Palm Sunday traditions might seem curious at first glance, they're deeply rooted in the promise of a Savior who comes not to dominate, but to liberate and transform. Get ready to celebrate the surprising, gentle power of our Messiah—a King who redefines leadership and invites us into a future of unwavering hope. And don't worry, we'll be back in two weeks to continue our journey with "The Sermon" series. Tune in and experience a fresh, inspiring perspective on what it means to welcome our Promised King!

Extra Mile Living - The Sermon E8

Ever feel that little thrill at the thought of getting even when life hands you a slap—literally or figuratively? In Episode 8 of The Sermon, Pastor Sarah Lowenberg invites us to rethink our instinct for payback with a fresh, transformational twist straight from Matthew 5:38-42. Instead of an eye for an eye, she explains how Jesus challenges us to turn the other cheek, go the extra mile, and respond to life’s wrongs with unexpected generosity and grace.
 
With authenticity, relatable humor, and practical insights, Pastor Sarah shows that embracing non-retaliation doesn't mean being a doormat—it means stepping into a more compassionate and empowered way of living. Tune in to discover how choosing kindness and trusting in God’s justice can transform everyday conflicts into opportunities for growth and blessing.
 
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Let Your Yes Be Yes - The Sermon E7

In Episode 7 of The Sermon, Pastor Michael Lowenberg challenges us to examine the integrity of our speech and commitments in light of Jesus' teaching in Matthew 5:33-37. He unpacks the deeper meaning behind oaths and vows—urging us that our "yes" should mean yes, our "no" mean no, and that even admitting "I don't know" can be a sign of true honesty. Through personal anecdotes and practical examples, Pastor Michael reminds us that every promise we make carries the weight of God's witness and should honor His name. Join him as he encourages a life of unwavering truth and authenticity, where our words build trust and bring glory to God.

Faithfulness in a Broken World - The Sermon E6

In Episode 6 of The Sermon series, Pastor Sarah Lowenberg tackles one of the most challenging and personal teachings from the Sermon on the Mount. Focusing on Matthew 5:27-32, she explores Jesus’ words on adultery, lust, and divorce. With honesty and compassion, Pastor Sarah addresses the emotional weight of these topics and the call to radical faithfulness. This message reminds us that while we live in a broken world, God’s grace offers redemption, healing, and the strength to live faithfully. Tune in for a message of both conviction and hope.

The Heart Behind Our Words - The Sermon E5

In this episode of The Sermon, Pastor Sarah Lowenberg unpacks the challenging words of Jesus from Matthew 5:21-26. Diving into the heart of anger, reconciliation, and how our words reflect our inner condition, she challenges us to go beyond surface-level obedience. How do we navigate conflict with a spirit of humility and seek true reconciliation? Join us as we explore the transformative call to make peace, not just with our actions, but with our hearts.

The Law Fulfilled: What Jesus Really Meant - The Sermon E4

In Episode 4 of "The Sermon" series, Pastor Sarah Lowenberg unpacks Matthew 5:17-20, where Jesus declares that He came not to abolish the law, but to fulfill it. With relatable stories and heartfelt insights, Pastor Sarah challenges us to move beyond external rule-following and embrace the transformative righteousness that Jesus calls us to. How can we live lives that reflect the heart of God? And what does it mean for our faith when we wrestle with difficult questions about the Old Testament and the teachings of Jesus? Tune in for an honest and encouraging message that invites us to seek a deeper relationship with Christ.

The Cost and Glory of Being Salt and Light - The Sermon E3

In this compelling episode of The Sermon, Pastor Michael Lowenberg dives into Matthew 5:11-16, uncovering the surprising blessing hidden within persecution and the transformative calling to be salt and light. Drawing from a heart-wrenching story of Christians martyred in the Democratic Republic of Congo, he reveals how following Jesus comes with a cost—insults, slander, and even suffering—yet equips us to season and illuminate a broken world. Discover how this unsettling blessing empowers us to live boldly, reflecting Christ’s hope and bringing glory to God, no matter the circumstances.
Join us as Pastor Michael bridges the Beatitudes with our everyday lives, challenging us to embrace the character of salt and light—not to conform to the world’s darkness, but to shine brightly for God’s kingdom. This episode will inspire you to rethink what it means to be blessed and encourage you to stand firm in faith, even when the cost feels high.

The Beatitudes: Unlocking Spiritual Growth - The Sermon E2

In this compelling episode of The Sermon, Pastor Sarah Lowenberg unpacks the Beatitudes from Matthew 5:1-10, offering a fresh perspective on Jesus’ timeless words. Far from a simple list of virtues, she reveals how these "Blessed are..." statements serve as a powerful tool for self-examination, a practical guide for progressing in faith, and a window into worshiping God more deeply. With vivid illustrations—like bird watching to spot a true Christian and monkey rings to show spiritual momentum—Pastor Sarah invites you to see the Beatitudes as a dynamic pathway to a blessed life. Whether you’re feeling stuck in your faith or eager to grow closer to Christ, this sermon will inspire you with actionable wisdom and a renewed sense of purpose.
Tune in to discover how the Beatitudes can transform your spiritual journey, starting with the humble admission, “God, I can’t do this on my own.” Pastor Sarah’s engaging insights will challenge you to examine your life, reignite your momentum, and worship the One who lived these blessings perfectly—Jesus Himself.

The Poor in Spirit: A Kingdom Perspective - The Sermon E1

Welcome to The Sermon, a deep dive into Jesus’ most famous teaching—the Sermon on the Mount. In this first episode, Pastor Micael Lowenberg explores Matthew 5:1-3, where Jesus declares, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
 
What does it truly mean to be “poor in spirit”? In a world that values self-sufficiency, Jesus turns everything upside down, revealing that real blessing is found not in having it all together, but in recognizing our need for God. Through personal stories, biblical insights, and real-life application, this message challenges us to let go of our independence and embrace the life-giving dependence that leads to the Kingdom of Heaven.
 
Join us as we begin this journey through The Sermon, discovering the radical, life-changing teachings of Jesus that still challenge and transform us today.