Parker Ford Church's Podcast

This week, we are going to talk about a powerful truth that’s foundational to our identity as “A people following Christ IN”. We are called to be a temple. Not just any temple…the temple of the Living God.  And this is our call not only individually, but for our faith family here at PFC corporately, as well as the entire Body of Christ. 

Because of the surpassing grace of Jesus Christ, because He alone is worthy of all glory, because Christ is building His Church from every tribe, tongue, and nation on earth, and because He has torn down the wall of hostility between God and man - we, His people, are called to “make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” 

Knock, knock. Who’s there? Jesus … Okay, there’s no joke here but a way to get us thinking about this declaration that Jesus makes in John 10, “I am the door.” As we continue our series, we’ll be invited by Jesus to enter and abide with Him. As the door, He provides us with protection, freedom, provision, relationship, and real life. Yet, we often knock and pull on other false doors.

Jesus is the irreducible, irreplaceable foundation on which we build our lives, our families, and our church. This Sunday were going to bypass the granite countertops, spacious living area, and instead follow the home inspector to the basement to check out the concrete walls and floor. What are we building on?

As we launch our Fall sermon series "Building PFC: Up, In, & Out" we are starting with the metaphor of Christ as the chief cornerstone. If we're not building on him, we're building on sand. If Christ is not at the center, then we are worshiping idols. Jesus says, "Give to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's". Caesar's face is on our coins. But whose blood courses through the veins of the church?

In Matthew 8 & 9, following the conclusion of the Sermon on the Mount, there are 11 accounts of miraculous healings. Matthew 8:16-17 says, "He drove out the spirits with a word and healed all who were sick, so that what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled: He himself took our weaknesses and carried our diseases." These stories include spiritual, emotional, physical, and relational healings. As we wrap up the Upside Down Kingdom series, we enter into these stories of healing and ask Jesus to heal the brokenness in our lives. 

Jesus wraps up his sermon with a simple and powerful parable. Those who hear the words of Jesus and obey them build their lives on a rock that cannot be shaken. Those who hear the words of Jesus and do not seek to walk them out, build their lives on a foundation of sand. What are you building your life on? Who is building with you?

This sermon will explore salvation and the Kingdom. True faith is necessary and will always be transformative. Through faith, our lives will change and we will be known by God. 

How do we know if someone is the real deal or not? Jesus says, inspect their “fruit.” This Sunday, we’ll dive into what Jesus means with all this talk of fruit trees, figs, and false prophets. But be ready, because this is not just about others but about us as well. 

This Sunday we welcome Pete Kontra who serves as the District Executive of the Atlantic Northeast District Church of the Brethren. www.ane-cob.org.

Let's unpack a life-transforming paradox in Jesus’ teaching (Matt. 7:13-14). Jesus says that the spacious life (life that is full of peace, satisfaction, joy and more) is found by actually squeezing through the narrow gate and following Jesus on this narrow path by putting His teachings into practice. The path is difficult, uncomfortable, and even feels constricting but it’s the path that actually leads to a spacious life with God here and now. Who’s up for a hike?

Prayer is rooted in a relationship with a loving, generous Father… not a transaction with a distant force. Jesus invites us to ask, seek, and knock with trust, humility, and persistence, knowing that God gives not just what we want, but what we truly need. When we remove ourselves from Jesus’ throne and pray from a place of dependence, not judgment, we are transformed and drawn deeper into God’s kingdom and character. 

To be the judge is to carry the weight of being right—and being just. The throne of authority is no casual seat; it demands power, wisdom, and responsibility, especially when decisions impact others. Yet how often do we climb into that seat ourselves, assuming the role of judge, condemning others? But who is equal to the task? Who is wise enough, just enough, righteous enough to sit on the judgment seat? Is anyone worthy? Praise be to Christ Jesus, the Lamb who is worthy! This week, we will explore the King's words about our judgment, justice, and our tendency to claim a throne that we were never meant to sit on. 

This Sunday at PFC, we’re grateful to have Bryan Hoke with us. Bryan serves with the Brethren in Christ and provides support for pastors and churches in this region. He’ll be sharing a message about the gift of rest and Jesus’ invitation to trust Him in all areas of life. 

"Do not be anxious about your life." What a crazy thing for Jesus to say! How can I not be anxious about my life, my marriage, my kids, my job, my retirement, my car, my house...? For many people anxiety is an almost constant companion. What is Jesus talking about? When we look at the context of where this passage lands in the whole sermon, we can see that these words are actually a beautiful invitation from Christ to live life with God. 

In this next part of Jesus' sermon, He addresses our stuff – our money and possessions. Yep, He goes there. This gets super challenging, especially for us as Americans who have so much! Jesus is going to challenge what we truly value, where our focus lies, and who or what we serving with our life? So, turn on the location settings of your treasure … and let’s go find it. Chances are we’ll find something else there too. See you this Sunday!