Journey Church Colorado Podcast

Holiness always produces humility because we realize ALL we do is a result of Gods grace & work in our life. “Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:13-16 To be holy is to belong to God. “Holy” or “Holiness” is not a word we hear often in our culture, yet it is used over 700 times in the Bible. The definition of “holy” is to be “separate, altogether different, set aside for God for a specific purpose.” God has called everyone who claims to be a Christian to chase holiness—no exceptions. Along our faith journey, we will have hills and valleys, but it is a forward-direction that God is calling us to. It is a mindset of continuous striving based on a loving relationship with Jesus—which u

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” - Matthew 11:28-29 It’s not uncommon that we often feel the weight of life. Sometimes this pressure we feel is of no fault of our own…but there are also times where the pressure we feel has been brought on by ourselves. Jesus encourages us to come to him, and that He will give us rest. But in order to experience this, He said we must learn from him. Many times we can learn from what Jesus did do, but there are also a lot of things we can learn from what Jesus didn’t do. If we can be teachable and learn from the things that Jesus didn’t do, then some of the life pressures we have placed on ourselves will be lifted. • Jesus was never in a hurry (Luke 8:40-50) • Jesus never chased anybody (John 13:21-30) • Jesus never condemned any one. (John 3:16-17 and John 8:1-11) Message notes online, watch the video, or share

“God lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along.” Psalm 40:2 NLT In part three of our teaching series, "You Asked For It," this week's topic is on depression. Depression is currently the most diagnosed and medicated illness in the world. Some stats say that 1 in 4 people battle depression, and that 1 in 5 people are on medication for it. There is no easy fix, yet there is hope. There is hope that the depression itself doesn’t need to be someone’s identity. There is hope that there are steps available toward healing. There is also hope ultimately in the powerful message of Jesus Christ. At Journey, we believe that it’s okay to not be okay. It’s okay to admit you are struggling, are broken, and in need of help. Sickness, like depression, is not a sin. It’s a true and real battle. Have you or someone you’ve known battled depression? Have you ever felt like the Christian community has misunderstood or ignored the issue of

“Again I say, don’t get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments that only start fights. A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people.” - 2 Timothy 2:23-24 In part two of our teaching series, "You Asked For It," this week's question, "how do I handle difficult people?" As we live life, it will be inevitable that we will have to deal with difficult people and humbly, we could be the difficult person ourself. There is nothing fun about having to navigate these types of relationships, but Jesus teaches and models for us how we can deal with difficult people. In the end, difficult people don’t have to drain our lives, but by implementing certain principles, we can approach them with grace and wisdom. Matthew 9:36, Acts 3:6-7, Mark 1:35-37, Galatians 6:7-8, Luke 5:31, Ecclesiastes 7:5, Proverbs 15:31-32, Judges 8:1-2, Matthew 15:13-14 Message notes online, watch the video, or share the podcast at: https://journeycolorado.com/message

"Better one handful with tranquility than two handfuls with toil and chasing after the wind." Ecclesiastes 4:6 We are kicking off a new teaching series today called "You Asked For It," based on the questions we've collected through the year from people in our church. This week's question: why am I so stressed? How do I handle the stress and burden of life. We are a busy culture, so many of us are trying to manage the expectations and demands of our life, and often we feel overwhelmed and depleted. Comparison kills contentment and leaves us prideful or bitter. "You'll never experience God's purpose for your life while distracted by God's purpose for someone else." - Andy Stanley You can't win chasing the wind. "Compare yourself to who you were yesterday not to who someone else is today." - Jordan Peterson Ecclesiastes 4:4-8, Proverbs 14:30 Message notes online, watch the video, or share the podcast at: https://journeycolorado.com/messages/

"After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them. Acts 16:10 We are wrapping up this series called Doors, and it's all about discovering God's will for your life. The idea is that we stand before doors everyday and we have to make a decision, do I go this door? Or do I go through that door? We knock on the door, jiggle the handle to see if there might be a new opportunity for us. Hear from four special guests who tell their personal stories connected through the nonprofit organization Musana. Musana is a nonprofit committed to seeing rural communities in Uganda develop using sustainable solutions that give hope and dignity to the most vulnerable. Through these powerful testimonies we see each of them stepping through an open door to follow God's will for their lives. What open door is God calling you to step through? Take your next step. Message notes online, watch the video, or share the podcast at: https://jou

"Be very careful, then, how you live-not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is." Ephesians 5: 17 We all have decisions we have to make. Do I take the job? Do I move? Should I major in this or that? Do I stay? Is he the one? What do I say to her? What does God want me to do? Pastor Scotty Priest continues in this new teaching series called DOORS, it's all about discovering God's will for your life. In part 2 of this teaching series, Scotty gives seven practical questions to determine God's will in your life: 1. What does the Bible say about the issue? 2. What do you sense God leading you to do? 3. What do wise, trusted Christians think you should do? 4. Does this fit your giftedness and passions? 5. What do you want to do? 6. what doors have opened or closed? 7. Which path requires more faith and could bring more glory to God? 2 Timothy 3:16-17, James 1:5, Proverbs 11:14, 1 Peter 4:10, Psal

"What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open. I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut." Revelation 3:7-8 We all have decisions we have to make. Do I take the job? Do I move? Should I major in this or that? Do I stay? Is he the one? What do I say to her? What does God want me to do? As we kick off a new teaching series called DOORs, it's all about discovering God's will for your life. Pastor Scotty Priest jumps into part one of the new teaching series. Your first step, you have to settle the ultimate question: God's will or my will? God's primary will for your life is not about your circumstances . . . it's the person you become. Life will never make sense until you discover your purpose. The more you get to know the moral will of God and the sovereign will of God, the easier it will be to find God's will for your life. Ephesians 5:17, Romans 8:28, Isaiah 30:21, Romans 12:2, Proverbs 4:25-27, James 4:17, 1 Peter 4:2, 2 Corinthians 6:2 Messa

"He told them another parable: "The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches." Matthew 13:31-32 Over and over, the Bible points to the simple seed as inspiration for living the way of Jesus. In this practical one-week teaching on Seedology, Pastor Scotty reminds us that the power of simple choices, decisions, and hopes planted in the right soil is nothing short of miraculous. Genesis 8:22, Proverbs 20:4, Galatians 6:9, John 12:24, Psalm 126:6 Message notes online, watch the video, or share the podcast at: https://journeycolorado.com/messages/

"God's Kindness leads you toward repentance." Romans 2:4 Part eight, the last message in our teaching series on the parables of Jesus, Pastor Cory Bragg preaches on repentance, which simply means to change the direction of your life and thinking. Throughout this series we have gone through the parables, the stories that Jesus taught, and what we can learn from them. A parable is a simple story used to illustrate a moral or spiritual lesson. In today's message from Luke 13:1-9, Pastor Cory shows us that this passages teaches us that "borrowed time is temporary," and "God is for you" What could God do in your life if you gave something to him for one year? This one year could be a milestone in your life that turns into someone else's marker 100 years from now. Give something to God for one year. Message notes online, watch the video, or share the podcast at: https://journeycolorado.com/messages/

"He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love." Ephesians 4:16 Part seven of our teaching series on the parables of Jesus, Pastor Jamie Heiner preaches from the passage where Jesus predicts His death. Throughout this series we will going through the parables, the stories that Jesus taught, and what we can learn from them. A parable is a simple story used to illustrate a moral or spiritual lesson. In today's message from Mark 8:27-36, Pastor Jamie reminds us to look out for the prosperity of others. We need to seek God's perspective not our own through spending time in the Bible, spending time in prayer, and then stoping, reflecting and listening. To gain life we have to lose our life, to gain prosperity we have to look for the prosperity of others. Revelations 12:11, Romans 12:2, James 1:2-4, Jeremiah 29:11, Jeremiah 29:7, Matthew 16:16-19, Ephesians 4:16 Message notes

"We have this hope as an anchor for our soul, safe and secure." Hebrews 6:19 In a stand alone message from special guest speaker Michelle Jones, she teaches that God is still good through the winds and waves of life, that He is a God of faithfulness and He is our anchor of hope. Michelle along with her daughter Ashley, share their inspirational story of loss. Even through great loss, they witnessed God's gracious hand of protection and provision in their lives. During the rocky waves of life, hold on. When we invite the Lord in, and hold on, His blessings are abundant. Before a captain lowers his anchor, he monitors the wind and the direction of the waves. The captain points his boat towards the waves, because he knows that if he doesn't, the waves are going to come and overtake his boat. Michelle encourages us that whatever waves you're facing, to point towards those waves, putting your anchor down, and trusting in His goodness. Psalm 71:14, Romans 15:13 Message notes online, watch the video, or share

"…The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field. But while everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away. When the wheat sprouted and formed heads, then the weeds also appeared." Matthew 13:24-26 Part six of our teaching series on the parables of Jesus, Pastor Russ Stutzman preaches on the parable of the weeds. Throughout this series we will going through the parables, the stories that Jesus taught, and what we can learn from them. A parable is a simple story used to illustrate a moral or spiritual lesson. In today's message from Matthew 13:24-43, Pastor Russ explains that Jesus decided a long time ago that the wheat and the weeds would live together. How do we live a successful Christian life when we are asked to live among weeds? We do so by remembering our role. We are to be a witness, to love God and people, to respond with mercy and grace, to allow Jesus to change us from the inside out, and to trust in God's protection and plan. Message n

"His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!'" Matthew 25:23 Part five of our teaching series on the parables of Jesus, Molly Polletta preaches on the parable of the talents. Throughout this series we will going through the parables, the stories that Jesus taught, and what we can learn from them. A parable is a simple story used to illustrate a moral or spiritual lesson. In today's message from Matthew 25:14-30, Molly Polletta explains that we can respond to Jesus' calling on our life by living a life of love. Responding to Jesus is doing what what God asks us to do. Mark 12:30-21, 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, Philippians 2:3 Message notes online, watch the video, or share the podcast at: https://journeycolorado.com/messages/

"But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him . . ." Luke 15:11-32 Part four of our teaching series on the parables of Jesus, Rod Olson preaches on the parable of prodigal son. Throughout this series we will going through the parables, the stories that Jesus taught, and what we can learn from them. A parable is a simple story used to illustrate a moral or spiritual lesson. In today's message from Luke 15:11-32, Rod Olson explains that God is teaching us three things throughout this parable. First, Jesus redefines who God is, He is a father who initiates love. Second, Jesus redefines what sin is, "normal rebellious sin" shown through the younger son, and "self righteous sin" shown through the older son in the story. Third, Jesus redefines salvation, obey God in faith and find true joy, love and grace! Message notes online, watch the video, or share the podcast at: https://journeycolorado.com/mes

"Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against the house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundations on the rock." Matthew 7:24-25 As we start part three of our teaching series on the parables of Jesus, Pastor Scotty Priest preaches on how our actions make all the difference. Throughout this series we will going through the parables, the stories that Jesus taught, and what we can learn from them. A parable is a simple story used to illustrate a moral or spiritual lesson. In today's parable from Matthew 7:24-27, we learn that we are responsible for our decisions. "We get to where we should be the same way we got to where we shouldn't be." We took one step in the wrong direction over and over again, and then we have to walk it back out the opposite way. Jesus doesn't offer us a fix, but he does promise us a new direction.  It is what we "do" that mak

"Jesus always used stories and illustrations like these when speaking to the crowds. In fact, he never spoke to them without using such parables." Matthew 13:34 As we start part two of our new teaching series on the parables of Jesus, Pastor Scotty Priest preaches on the idea of prayer and how to petition God in prayer. Throughout this series we will be talking about the parables, the stories that Jesus taught and what we can learn from them. A parable is a simple story used to illustrate a moral or spiritual lesson. Parables take these enormous spiritual truths and boil them down to something we can grab a hold of and apply to our lives. Luke 11:5-8 and Luke 18:2-8 The theme through these two stories is persistence, the idea of consistency and the tenacity of asking our heavenly Father for what we need. God always responds to our "shameless audacity." God is great not just because nothing is too big for Him; He is also great because nothing is too small. It's not our job to answer but it is our job to a

"Jesus always used stories and illustrations like these when speaking to the crowds. In fact, he never spoke to them without using such parables." Matthew 13:34 We are so excited to kick-off the summer with a new teaching series on the parables of Jesus. Over the next several weeks we will be talking about the parables, the stories that Jesus taught and what we can learn from them. A parable is a simple story used to illustrate a moral or spiritual lesson. Parables take these enormous spiritual truths and boil them down to something we can grab a hold of and apply to our lives. "The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy wen t and sold all he had and bought that field. Again, the kingdom of heave is like a merchant looking for the pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it." Matthew 13:44-46 Today's story is about priorities and what matters most in our lives. We have to chose be

"Your past informs your story, it does not define you." Part 3 of our message series, Outsiders, Underdogs, and Long Shots. Pastor Scotty Priest teaches on the life of Paul, and how God's grace allows us to "turn the page" from our past, and for God's purpose in our lives. In Christ . . . you are forgiven, valuable and unconditionally loved. "This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!" 2 Corinthians 5:17 If you don't let your past die, it won't let you live. Don't let your past disqualify you for your future. "You are not what you have done. You are who God says you are." 1 Corinthians 15:9-10, 2 Corinthians 5:17, Romans 8:1, Jeremiah 31:34, Galatians 2:20, Romans 8:37-39, Isaiah 43:18-19. Message notes online, watch the video, or share the podcast at: https://journeycolorado.com/messages/

Part 2 of our teaching series Outsiders, Underdogs, and Long Shots, Pastor Scotty Priest emphasizes that God has a time for each of us. From birth to death, your life is a gift and God has given you a purpose for this one life that you have. Teaching this week from the book of Esther. “For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” Esther 4:14 However, it is possible that we can waste key life moments if we don’t realize that God has placed us in this slice of history for a reason. It is tempting to think that what we are doing doesn’t matter. But what we are doing IN THIS MOMENT matters. What we are saying IN THIS MOMENT matters. This is your time, and timing is everything. Don’t miss it because God has you here “for such a time as this”. Esther 4:12-14, Acts 17:26 Message notes online, watch the video, or share th