Litchfield Church of the Nazarene Podcast

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.

Following, Forming, Fishing - Preparing the Way for Jesus E5

Imagine Jesus standing before you, inviting you with the simple words, 'Follow me.' What would that mean for your life today? In this episode, Pastor Sarah Lowenberg dives into Matthew 4:18-25, exploring the implications of Jesus's call to the first disciples, and how it applies to us now. Discover what it truly means to follow Jesus, be transformed by Him, and engage in His mission of 'fishing for people.' Whether you're a long-time follower or just curious about faith, this sermon challenges us to rethink our commitment and live out our faith in everyday life. Tune in to explore how following Jesus isn’t just about Sunday services, but a life-altering journey of forming and fishing.

Significant Insignificant Steps - Preparing the Way for the Lord E4

Ever wonder how the grandest transformations start from the tiniest steps? Join Pastor Michael Lowenberg as he unpacks the profound lessons from Matthew 4:12-17 in this episode. Fresh from a vacation filled with unique experiences—like camel riding while whale watching—Mike brings us back to Jesus' seemingly mundane move to Capernaum, highlighting how small, often overlooked actions can set the stage for monumental change. Explore how Jesus' simple message, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near," echoes through time, teaching us that in faith, as in life, big impacts often begin with the smallest of steps. Tune in for a sermon that challenges us to find significance in the insignificant and to take those small, daily steps towards spiritual growth.

Be Like Jesus - Preparing the Way for the Lord E3

Join us for an insightful sermon by Pastor Sarah Lowenberg titled "Be Like Jesus." In this episode, Pastor Sarah delves into the familiar story from Matthew 4:1-11, where Jesus is tempted in the wilderness.
 
She begins by drawing a nostalgic parallel with the '90s "Be Like Mike" campaign, reflecting on how we often feel the pressure to emulate figures beyond our reach, like Michael Jordan or, more crucially, Jesus Christ. Pastor Sarah explores the nuances of temptation through Jesus's encounter with the devil, highlighting the spiritual and physical trials Jesus faced after his baptism.
 
The sermon delves into each of the three temptations Jesus endured, linking them to broader themes of trust, obedience, and the deceptive use of scripture. Pastor Sarah emphasizes that Jesus's victory over temptation is not just an example to follow but a testament to His role as our Savior, who understands our struggles and empowers us through His Holy Spirit.
 
This episode also addresses practical advice for resisting temptation, encapsulated in five key words: Remember, Preach, Cry Out, Link Up, and Lean In. Pastor Sarah explains how these actions can help believers stand firm when faced with their own wilderness moments.
 
Whether you're wrestling with temptation or seeking deeper spiritual growth, this sermon invites you to consider not just the impossibility of being "like Jesus" on our own but the profound possibility through His power and grace. Tune in for a message of hope, encouragement, and a call to live out our identity as beloved children of God, destined for holiness through Christ.
 
Join us for this journey through faith, temptation, and the transformative power of Jesus' example and salvation.