Litchfield Church of the Nazarene Podcast

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.

A Necessary Introduction - Preparing the Way for the Lord E2

Pastor Michael Lowenberg delves into the baptism of Jesus in Matthew 3:13-17, exploring how God claims Jesus as His son and its relevance to us. This episode connects scripture with our faith.

Repentance - Preparing the Way for the Lord E1

Join Pastor Sarah Lowenberg for the first installment in our new series, 'Preparing the Way for the Lord.' In this episode, we explore John the Baptist's pivotal role in calling people to repentance as a means to ready themselves for Christ's arrival. Drawing from Matthew 3:1-12, Pastor Sarah delves into how this ancient message resonates with our lives today. Tune in for a thought-provoking message on the power of repentance.