Litchfield Church of the Nazarene Podcast

The Plank Problem - The Sermon E15

Welcome to Episode 15 of The Sermon, a teaching series from the Sermon on the Mount. In this message, Pastor Michael Lowenberg leads us into one of Jesus’ most pointed and often misunderstood teachings in Matthew 7:1–6.
“Do not judge, or you too will be judged.” With humor, honesty, and spiritual depth, Pastor Michael unpacks the heart behind this command—not as a call to abandon discernment, but as a challenge to confront our own brokenness before we critique others. Through illustrations about baseball rivalries, unsolicited advice, and even pearls and pigs, we’re invited to see judgmentalism for what it really is: a way to elevate ourselves at someone else’s expense.
Instead of judgment, Jesus calls us to a radical love that costs us something; to adopt His mindset—a mindset shaped by humility, service, and grace. If you’ve ever struggled with the impulse to fix others before dealing with your own “plank,” this episode will hit home.

Lessons from the Wildflowers - The Sermon E14

Welcome to Episode 14 of The Sermon—a message for every overthinker, late-night worrier, and to-do list maker. In this week’s teaching from Matthew 6:25–34, Pastor Sarah Lowenberg shares Lessons from the Wildflowers, a beautifully honest and encouraging look at Jesus’ call to stop worrying and start trusting. Through humor, vulnerability, and relatable stories (yes, even a mental grocery list mid-prayer), Pastor Sarah reminds us that our worry competes with trust; it drains our energy, distorts our priorities, and dulls our witness.
 
Instead of a list of stress-reducing tips, Jesus points us to the birds and the wildflowers—living sermons of simplicity and trust. In this message, you’re invited to slow down, breathe deep, and rediscover the peace that comes from knowing your heavenly Father sees you, knows your needs, and invites you to let go. If your heart has been carrying a heavy load, this one’s for you.

Treasures and Eyeballs - The Sermon E13

In Episode 13 of The Sermon, Pastor Michael Lowenberg invites us to take a closer look at two things we might not often connect: treasures and eyeballs. Based on Matthew 6:19–24, this message explores what we treasure, what we chase, and what that reveals about the condition of our hearts. Are we storing up the kind of rewards that fade with time—or the kind that shape our soul for eternity?
With clarity, humor, and real-life reflection, Pastor Michael unpacks Jesus’ metaphors and shows how what we focus on impacts how we live. When our vision is scattered, our hearts follow suit; but when our focus is fixed on God, our lives become full of light. This message challenges us to embrace simplicity; to examine where our treasure truly lies; and to choose a life of undivided devotion to the One who never fades or fails.

When You Fast - The Sermon E12

In Episode 12 of The Sermon, Pastor Sarah Lowenberg walks us through one of the most overlooked and misunderstood spiritual practices—fasting. Based on Matthew 6:16–18, this message unpacks Jesus’ words, “When you fast,” and explores the difference between man-centered, God-centered, and Christ-centered fasting. With humor, honesty (including a Baconator confession), and biblical depth, Pastor Sarah challenges us to look beyond religious performance and embrace fasting as a way to deepen our devotion to and dependence on God.
Fasting isn’t about impressing others or earning favor; it’s about realigning our hearts with the One who already knows and loves us. In a world full of noise and indulgence, choosing to fast becomes a quiet yet powerful act of faith. Whether you’ve never fasted before or have tried and failed, this episode offers practical encouragement to make space for God—and find Him more than able to satisfy.

Real Talk with a Real God - The Sermon E11

In Episode 11 of The Sermon, Pastor Sarah Lowenberg takes us to the heart of prayer through Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 6:5–15. With warmth, clarity, and practical insight, she unpacks what it really means to talk with God, not perform for others. Whether you're a lifelong believer or just beginning your journey, this message invites you to rediscover prayer not as a religious duty, but as a lifeline of honest connection with a loving Father.
 
Pastor Sarah walks us through the Lord’s Prayer, breaking down its simple yet powerful truths: pray with authenticity, use your mind, remember who you're talking to, trust God for daily needs, and be honest about your struggles. This isn’t about getting the words “right”, it’s about getting real with God. If you’ve ever wondered, Am I doing this prayer thing right?—this episode is for you.

When No One’s Watching - The Sermon E10

In Episode 10 of The Sermon, Pastor Michael Lowenberg reflects on Jesus’ words in Matthew 6:1–4, where we’re invited to consider not just what we give, but why we give. Is our generosity rooted in a desire to honor God—or are we hoping someone takes notice? Through honest storytelling (including a fiery “Wing-a-thon” tale) and grounded teaching, Pastor Michael explores how giving becomes meaningful when it's done quietly, sincerely, and with a heart fully surrendered to God.
This message isn’t about guilt or pressure, it’s about freedom. When we give with integrity, without expectation of recognition, we align ourselves with the heart of our generous God. Whether giving has been a lifelong habit or a new challenge, this episode will encourage you to see generosity as a spiritual practice that shapes us and blesses others in ways that often go unseen, but never unnoticed by God.

Perfect Love: Extending Grace to All - The Sermon E9

In Episode 9 of The Sermon, Pastor Michael Lowenberg tackles Jesus’ most counter-intuitive command yet: “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matt. 5:43–48). Drawing us past the comfortable limits of “love your neighbor,” Michael shows how Jesus calls us to see every person—even those who’ve hurt us—as made in God’s image and worthy of our prayers and compassion. He unpacks the cultural backdrop of “hate your enemies,” explores the radical Good Samaritan story, and helps us understand what “be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect” really means: a heart of complete, boundless love.
 
Through authentic stories and practical steps, Michael invites us to identify the grudges and fears that hold us captive, to turn those hurts over to God in prayer, and to embrace the freedom that comes when God’s perfect love empowers us to love without limits. Whether you’ve been struggling with an old wound or simply want to follow Jesus more faithfully, this message will challenge and encourage you to live out the Sermon on the Mount in the hardest relationships of your life.

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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