Eric Ludy Sermon Podcast: Church at Ellerslie

A brief summary of this episode

This is the 20th installment in Eric’s series entitled Spiritual Lessons from WW2. Even during the COVID-19 lockdown, Eric found an excuse to continue his popular war series — drawing on the bombing of Pearl Harbor as a profound decipher for the significance of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This is undoubtedly a unique Easter morning message.

The Convoy Speaker: Eric Ludy Study: The Convoy This is the nineteenth installment in Eric’s series entitled Spiritual Lessons from WW2. In this episode he looks into the key decision in the Spring of 1941 for the British to turn their Naval convoy into dire straits in order to supply relief to General Wavell’s forces holding the Desert Flank. The decision Great Britain made in this significant maneuver is a powerful reflection of how the Body of Christ is designed by God to sacrificially serve the weaker around them.

The Hobelar Speaker: Eric Ludy This is the seventeenth installment in Eric’s series entitled Spiritual Lessons from WW2. In this episode he digs into the fascinating history of “The Hobelar” and links that with a bold and audacious maneuver by Winston Churchill in WW2. But, the greatest picture of a Hobelar throughout all history is found in the bold and audacious maneuver of Jesus Christ on the Cross two thousand years ago.

What is Wanted is a Man Speaker: Eric Ludy Study: What is Wanted is a Man This is a message lifted out of Eric’s Daily Thunder series on WW2. In this special Sunday sermon delivery, he issues a pithy commission to Christians everywhere to pick up their crosses and follow Him. Using the appointment of Winston Churchill to the position of prime minister on May 10th, 1940 as the backdrop for his message, he showcases that the darkest moments in our lives often reveal the brightest lights.

The Sacrifice of the Smaller Speaker: Eric Ludy Study: The Sacrifice of the Smaller    This message is old school. When Ellerslie Discipleship Training first began back in 2009, this was one of the key central ideas behind the training. This idea of “spending our best strengths on behalf of the weak” is right smack in the middle of Eric’s passions, and I’m sure that fact will shine forth as you listen.

The Follies of the Victors Speaker: Eric Ludy Study: The Follies of the Victors   This is the first installment in Eric’s series entitled Spiritual Lessons from WW2. In this series on the 1939-1945 war, he is underscoring the parallels between physical battle and our spiritual war as believers. And, it’s remarkable to see how the struggles and vast challenges of WW2 can supply a magnificent portrayal of the two kingdoms at war to a believer’s understanding. In this particular episode Eric focuses on the thoroughness of the defeat of our enemy at the Cross and yet how our moral lassitude as the Church has allowed the devil to rebuild up his military strength and utterly tear down the foundations of the Church of Jesus Christ. It’s high-time we awakened!

Embracing Your Cross - a study in the Christian call to deny self and follow Christ Speaker: Eric Ludy   This sermon was given as the kick-off message for the Spring semester of training at Ellerslie.  It’s a powerful reminder of what it means to follow Jesus Christ.

Speaker: Eric Ludy Study: The 69th Attempt    This is a rousing message on the persistence and importunity of faith. Using the illustration of the ant, Eric challenges the Body of Christ to keep going, to not grow weary in their spiritual obedience. If you are discouraged in your spiritual journey, this is a must hear.

Speaker: Eric Ludy Study: The Winding Road - 12/8/19 - a study in the walk of spiritual dependence   This message is a powerful exploration of the spiritual walk with Christ. There are times when He says, “Follow me!” And there are times when He says, “Wait here!” Walking with Christ is a beautiful dance of life-altering movements perfectly choreographed by the Holy Spirit.

Speaker: Eric Ludy Study: Endurance   This message is all about the grip of the Christian soul upon God. God has called us to hold on in faith and not let go. This is the sort of message we all need once in a while to remind us of both the battle we are in and the fact that greater is He that is in us than He that is in this world.

Speaker: Eric Ludy Study: The Uncommon Life This message explores the unusual and other-worldly nature to true Christian living - likening it the uncommon life of a soldier. This message is both fun and super-inspiring.

448 - When Uzziah Dies - Nov 10, 19 - a study in the foundations of soul revival   Speaker: Eric Ludy Study: When Uzziah Dies: a study in the foundations of soul revival  

Thorn Again Speaker: Eric Ludy Study: Thorn Again This message unpacks the idea of Christian suffering and shines a positive light on it that is surely to impact the listener.

The Hand and the Glove Speaker: Eric Ludy Study: The Hand and The Glove   This message explores one of Eric’s favorite themes — grace. Using the metaphor of the hand and the glove he brings to life the exquisite loveliness and power of grace — how it works and how it is intended to alter our lives.

This is the fourth and final installment in a very unique teaching series that Pastor Ludy prepared for his church body in August and September of 2019. We are calling this the "Passing the Baton” series, because that is exactly what it was. The executive pastoral team at Ellerslie (Eric Ludy, Dan McConnaughey, and Nathan Johnson) officially handed off the pastoral care of the church on September 15 to the six pastoring elders that had served underneath their leadership. It was a beautiful and profound process of entrustment. In many ways, the nine pastors were feeling in the dark as they navigated through this. But it was obvious to all of them that Eric, Dan, and Nathan needed to put their focus on Ellerslie Discipleship Training and that the six church elders were ready to take the helm at the church. If you would like to get a behind the scenes peek at this unique and rare process, listen to this four part series. Eric will continue to deliver sermons regularly in the daily campus church gatherings throughout the week (Daily Thunder) and his Sunday morning messages in the student-church gatherings will be posted here in this podcast. Listen to Part 1: Removing the Stakes Listen to Part 2: The Wonder of Change Listen to Part 3: Proven Listen to Part 4: The Endless Frontier Approach  

This is the third installment in a very unique 4-part teaching series that Pastor Ludy prepared for his church body in August and September of 2019. We are calling this the "Passing the Baton” series, because that is exactly what it was. The executive pastoral team at Ellerslie (Eric Ludy, Dan McConnaughey, and Nathan Johnson) officially handed off the pastoral care of the church on September 15 to the six pastoring elders that had served underneath their leadership. It was a beautiful and profound process of entrustment. In many ways, the nine pastors were feeling in the dark as they navigated through this. But it was obvious to all of them that Eric, Dan, and Nathan needed to put their focus on Ellerslie Discipleship Training and that the six church elders were ready to take the helm at the church. If you would like to get a behind the scenes peek at this unique and rare process, listen to this four part series. Eric will continue to deliver sermons regularly in the daily campus church gatherings throughout the week (Daily Thunder) and his Sunday morning messages in the student-church gatherings will be posted here in this podcast. Listen to Part 1: Removing the Stakes Listen to Part 2: The Wonder of Change Listen to Part 3: Proven Listen to Part 4: The Endless Frontier Approach  

This is the second installment in a very unique 4=part teaching series that Pastor Ludy prepared for his church body in August and September of 2019.  We are calling this the "Passing the Baton” series, because that is exactly what it was. The executive pastoral team at Ellerslie (Eric Ludy, Dan McConnaughey, and Nathan Johnson) officially handed off the pastoral care of the church on September 15 to the six pastoring elders that had served underneath their leadership. It was a beautiful and profound process of entrustment. In many ways, the nine pastors were feeling in the dark as they navigated through this.  But it was obvious to all of them that Eric, Dan, and Nathan needed to put their focus on Ellerslie Discipleship Training and that the six church elders were ready to take the helm at the church.  If you would like to get a behind the scenes peek at this unique and rare process, listen to this four part series. Eric will continue to deliver sermons regularly in the daily campus church gatherings throughout the week (Daily Thunder) and his Sunday morning messages in the student-church gatherings will be posted here in this podcast.   Listen to Part 1: Removing the Stakes Listen to Part 2: The Wonder of Change Listen to Part 3: Proven Listen to Part 4: The Endless Frontier Approach  

This is the first installment in a very unique 4-part teaching series that Pastor Ludy prepared for his church body in August and September of 2019. We are calling this the "Passing the Baton” series, because that is exactly what it was. The executive pastoral team at Ellerslie (Eric Ludy, Dan McConnaughey, and Nathan Johnson) officially handed off the pastoral care of the church on September 15 to the six pastoring elders that had served underneath their leadership. It was a beautiful and profound process of entrustment. In many ways, the nine pastors were feeling in the dark as they navigated through this. But it was obvious to all of them that Eric, Dan, and Nathan needed to put their focus on Ellerslie Discipleship Training and that the six church elders were ready to take the helm at the church. If you would like to get a behind the scenes peek at this unique and rare process, listen to this four-part series. Eric will continue to deliver sermons regularly in the daily campus church gatherings throughout the week (Daily Thunder) and his Sunday morning messages in the student-church gatherings will be posted here in this podcast. Listen to Part 1: Removing the Stakes Listen to Part 2: The Wonder of Change Listen to Part 3: Proven Listen to Part 4: The Endless Frontier Approach  

Speaker: Eric LudysStudy: - Backward and Upside Down - 9-29-19 - a study in the mercy and kindness of the Christian This message focuses on the beauty of Christ’s magnificent character. He showcases how He both addressed our sin at the Cross and how He still addresses it today — supplying a pattern for how we should address the weaknesses of others around us.

Speaker: Eric LudyStudy: 25 Years This message was delivered as a first fruits offering as Eric and Leslie prepared for their Purity Summit which they hosted on the Ellerslie campus in late September of 2019. Leslie joins Eric for this message on the Studio29 stage and they share this powerful message together.

Speaker: Eric Ludy Series: Passing the BatonStudy: 04 - Thorn again This is Eric’s final statements to his local fellowship as he commissions the local pastors and the church body to remember what God has done and to continue in what God has assigned. This represents a key watershed point in the history of Ellerslie.

Utilizing the powerful story of Jonathan and his armor bearer, Eric Ludy showcases in and through this message the richness of audaciously following Jesus Christ. While the rest of the Church (metaphorically speaking) remains in Gilgal sitting under the pomegranate tree, are we willing to rise up and do that which is necessary to wipe the spittle from our beloved Messiah’s face? 

The Church is called the “Bride of Christ” and as such we mustn’t forget that we are to bear the life, character, and Name of our groom, Jesus Christ. In this encouraging message, Pastor Eric Ludy talks about the most expensive real-estate property in the world (you) and how Jesus Christ took what we deserve (punishment) so that His bride might receive what He deserves.

So often as Christians we can quickly “take a side” and have our focus on something important, but miss the equally important opposite side. For example, the Christian church should be Bible-centered AND at the same time also be action-oriented. It is not an either/or but a both/and. In this message, Pastor Eric Ludy tackles the subjects of conservatism, truth and grace, and the tension between Bible-centered and action-oriented living—and reminds us never to forget the center of all things: Jesus Christ.

Holiness to the Jew was (and is) absolutely essential and not to be taken lightly. God Himself is perfect holiness and calls us to be holy just as He is. Throughout Scripture the concept of “stones of fire” shows up several times to enunciate the presence of God, cleansing and purging of confessed sin, and the destruction of defiant evil and unrepentant sin. When we see God’s consuming fire and perfect holiness (His “stones of fire”) we must ask, “who may stand in His holy place?” – for we are unrighteous and deserve his holy judgment. Yet these stones of fire is also a reminder of God’s burning mercy. In this sobering message, Pastor Eric Ludy examines the “stones of fire” throughout Scripture and calls us to tread honorably upon the sacred grounds of God’s righteous judgment.

Jesus tells us in Matthew 7 that the narrow path marked by difficulty, hardship, and suffering is actually the way that leads to life. In this sermon, Pastor Eric Ludy talks about the “three-day test” that every believer must face but also reminds us that every three-day test ends with triumph. In the life of Jesus, what appears to be three days of suffering is actually the evidence of His victory. If you are in the midst of difficulty or hardship, this message will encourage you to trust in the faithfulness of our God and see times of silence from heaven as opportunities to press all the more into the life and triumph of Christ Jesus.

There are several doctrines in Scripture that may appear contradictory at first blush, but in reality are held in a beautiful tension. In this message, Pastor Eric Ludy uses the illustration of a kite and shows how two parts can function in tension – that which catches the wind and that which submits to the pull of the string. Applying this concept to spiritual gifts, Pastor Ludy shows how not only we as Christians must be willing to move in response to the wind of the Spirit, but we must also be submitted and tethered to the Word of God.

Many Christians today have confused the conviction of the Holy Spirit for the enemy’s attempt at condemnation in our lives. The two are drastically different and while we must be open and heed God’s conviction in our lives, we must also stand against the enemy’s voice of condemnation. In this powerful sermon, Pastor Eric Ludy discusses that difference and reminds us that we, as Christians, should have an unhindered flow of grace in our lives. However, many of us have kinks in the “pipeline of grace”—which must be dealt with. Not only should we humbly come before God to remove the kinks, but we must also exercise humility to keep the kinks out. If you have struggled to walk in freedom and victory, or if you desire to understand how to live within the flow of grace in your life, this sermon is one you need to apply to your life.

The term “lego” in Scripture means to say or speak something; in essence, it is revealing something and making it known through the use of words. In this intriguing sermon, Pastor Eric Ludy shows how God designed us to “lego,” but he explains that in order to live as we ought, we first must give up our old legos and discover our new lego collection. Though a fun play-on-words, this sermon will remind you of the importance of language, words, and why God is so interested in your tongue.

Certain topics in Scripture seem juxtaposed to one another—for example: sovereignty and free will, suffering and prosperity, or church government and spiritual gifts—and such tensions have divided the Church over the ages. In each of these cases (and others mentioned in the message), biblical truth is found in holding the two sides in balance. In this sermon, Pastor Eric Ludy talks about how we often put more emphasis on our favorite doctrines but fail to balance it with the entirety of Scripture. While examining the contentions in Corinth and Paul’s exhortation to the believers there, Pastor Ludy reminds us that love is the missing ingredient and that everything in Scripture works together in beautiful harmony.

We are in a spiritual battle and we must have a strategy if we expect to not only survive but thrive. In this powerful and life-changing message, Pastor Eric Ludy discusses the basics of spiritual warfare, our defense and armor, and explains practically how we can stand against the lies, tactics, and wiles of the enemy. While this can be an unsettling topic for many Christians, understanding the Word of God and our position in Christ is paramount to walking in victory and triumph down that Narrow Way of the Cross. If you are used to hearing lies from the enemy, this message will give you powerful reminders from Scripture to battle the boasts of the devil.

Isaiah 53:2 speaks of the Messiah declaring, “He has no form or comeliness; And when we see Him, there is no beauty that we should desire Him.” What a striking description considering Jesus not only has but is perfect beauty as the King of kings and Lord of lords. And yet this Perfect One was marred upon the cross for us. In this sermon, Pastor Eric Ludy describes the majestic radiance and beauty of Christ and how He laid it downed became marred more than any man. By its end, you will not only behold the beauty of Christ afresh but also that of the Cross.

Everything the enemy means for evil, God desires to convert for good. While we quote passages like Romans 8:28, we often don’t live in its triumphant reality. In this sermon, Pastor Eric Ludy declares that when we are faced with lies, accusations, unfairness, injustice, hatred, selfishness, contempt, or any other host of problems, we must remember that God truly does delight in using the Cross of Christ to convert all bad things into good. If you have been facing difficulty, trials, or painful circumstances, this message will turn your gave upon Jesus and freshly call you to trust in the One Whom can take the instruments of evil and make them instruments used for His purpose and plan.

According to the official Ludy Dictionary, audacity is “Absolute, ridiculous trust that when you step out and do crazy things for the Glory of the Almighty King, God will come through for you. For instance—when you stand up against 9-foot tall giants without any armor on your skinny little vulnerable body and you walk out in the field of battle without a sword to fight him with, God helps you make an absolute fool of the growling, mocking man-beast warrior.” In this powerfully stirring and inspiring message, Pastor Eric Ludy uses his list of the ten most audacious moments in Scripture, and not only exhorts us as believers to pray bold-audacious prayers but also explains how we should ask.

As Christians, we often need to be reminded of the foundational truths, otherwise, we can quickly forget and become distracted with something other than Christ. In this inspirational and important message, Pastor Eric Ludy reminds us what faith is and how it works. Using the powerful story of Mary of Bethany pouring forth her spikenard, Pastor Ludy uplifts the glory and grandeur of Christ and the fact that He deserves our all. If you desire to live a Christian life of triumphant victory and faith, this message will give you a practical step forward.

How do you approach the inconveniences of life? Do you shy away and try to diminish the problems or do you fully embrace and rejoice in the disruption and difficulty? In this sermon, Pastor Eric discusses the blessedness of inconveniences and how God leverages those in our lives for His purpose and for the sake of others. God desires to use the inconveniences of life to build you strong and then to pour out that strength on behalf of the weak, downtrodden, helpless, and less fortunate. Throughout this message, you will be reminded that the key to spiritual strength and growth is to embrace the inconveniences of life.

Imagine receiving an unspeakable gift—a gold mine guaranteed to yield a bounty of nuggets. Yet clutched within your grasp is a handful of worthless pebbles you refuse to lay down. For too many of us, we refuse to let go of our self-effort (pebbles) so we can seize the limitless treasure God has offered us. In this sermon, Pastor Eric Ludy reminds us that if we desire to experience the richness of God’s grace and life, we must exchange our worthless pebbles of self-effort for godliness and His amazing grace. Jesus truly is El Shaddai—the God who is enough and all-sufficient.

This is one of the most intimate messages Eric Ludy has given. It's a painful reflection upon a generation of fathers that have fallen short and a passionate challenge to the fathers of today to rise up and do it right. Including a moving tribute to Eric's own father, this message is sure to stir you. This message was originally given on August 28, 2011

We are running a heavenly race, and there is a crown to be won. But the way we run often suggests that the prize is not worth everything to us. No one promised that running the race would be easy. God desires to make us ready and fit to obtain the reward, and yet we are quick to justify pockets of "me time.” This message reminds us that we are not here to live for the satisfaction of our appetites but that, as soldiers, we must be sharp and self-controlled for the task before us. Let the Spirit of God search you through this message for any comfort or indulgence that would weigh you down while running the race with endurance. This sermon was originally given on November 24, 2013

The Name of Jesus is above all other names—and the preeminence and centrality of Jesus Christ should be the declaration of our lives. In this grand meditation of Jesus, Pastor Eric Ludy shares ten building blocks of awe regarding Jesus Christ. Traversing the entirety of Scripture, Eric reminds us who Jesus is and what the Word of God says about Him. This powerful meditation will draw your gaze higher to look afresh upon Jesus as the One who IS.

In this intimate sermon with the Church at Ellerslie, Pastor Eric Ludy reflects on his previous series of messages on spiritual gifts and discusses why this subject is so difficult to navigate. Though this is a sermon specifically to the Church at Ellerslie, we invite you to listen in as Eric reminds this local church about our focus, our desire, and our purpose – which is centered upon lifting high Jesus Christ. Throughout this message, Eric not only gives the church leaders three solemn reminders, but he also gives the congregation three crucial rules of thumbs we must keep in mind as we progress forward.

The Gospel has two aspects to it—yet most of us only experience the first part. We are not only to receive the Gospel, we are also to give the Gospel. In this important message, Pastor Eric Ludy examines Paul’s statement in 1 Corinthians about desiring spiritual gifts, but especially that we may prophesy. Prophecy is the clear word about Jesus and contained within it is the secret to blessedness—giving the clear word about Jesus. Tongues and prophecy have often been a confusing and heated topic in the Church, but with kindness and a clear word on the matter, Pastor Ludy will explain the purpose of both, and in so doing, will lead you down a happy road of understanding.

Have you ever thought of the Old Servant as a character in the Bible? Because He is a behind-the-scenes kind of guy, many have paid Him little attention, but the Holy Spirit's work is evident throughout Scripture. His role focuses on revealing the Father and Jesus Christ instead of making Himself the focus. The modern Church frequently mishandles the Spirit of God, and this message attempts to give a clear and Biblical perspective on how we are to relate to Him. Originally preached on February 9, 2014

As the Israelites wandered the wilderness, they gathered, ground, prepared, and cooked manna on a daily basis—a daily feast which is an Old Testament pattern for us living in the reality of the New Testament. Addressing the necessity of expressing love for one another, Pastor Eric Ludy talks about the Love Feast in Jude 1:12 and explains the three different categories for edification and sharing within the Body of Christ. This continuing series on spiritual gifts points to Jesus Christ and reminds us that we individually must gather the life and love of Christ each day (like manna) so that we can prepare and share it with Body.

Prophecies, tongues, and spiritual gifts will cease when the perfect has come, according to 1 Corinthians 13:10. But what is the perfect that is to come? This question has caused confusion and misunderstanding within the Body of Christ today and as a result, has split the church. In this sermon, Pastor Eric Ludy gives biblical understanding to this difficult topic and with graceful dexterity shows how the Shadow Kingdom all pointed toward one end—Jesus Christ. Whether you’re a declared cessationist or a charismatic (or have no idea what those words mean), this message on spiritual gifts and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit will embolden your faith and exhort you to keep your focus on Christ.

Too often we forget that in the Christian life suffering is a good thing. We are commanded to rejoice when faced with trials, to have exceeding gladness in the midst of suffering, and to endure tribulation and testings with endless joy. But the question we must ask ourselves is do we actually believe (and live) this? Using the “happy” story of a grape, Pastor Eric Ludy takes us to “Grape School” to discover the hidden secret in the training of a grape. Through these simple yet powerful lessons, you will understand the joy of embracing any hardships and difficulties in your life. This sermon was originally given on March 12, 2017.

Just as a physical body has several systems that help it function and live (e.g.: respiratory, endocrine, digestive, etc) so too the Body of Christ has systems that help it live fully for the glory of God. In this sermon, Pastor Eric Ludy compares the physical body to the Church and explains why each of us is necessary for its function and life—although we don’t all have the same gifting, function, or role. The difficulty of being a body is that we typically think in terms of our “system” while forgetting the others are just as important—thus allowing irritants and frustration from others to distract us from Christ. The heart of this message is Eric’s appeal to allow God to take every irritation and frustration and, just like an oyster, use the irritant to produce pearls.

The Christian is one who has a reason to smile. And this reason doesn't change . . . ever. The Christian possesses an indomitable joy, an impervious sense of gratitude, and an ever-present buoying grace that supplies, not just an endurance through difficulties, but shouts of joy in the midst of the darkest of life's turns. This sermon was originally given on January 8, 2012.

In this straightforward and illuminating message, Pastor Eric Ludy addresses the often misunderstood concept of spiritual gifts and how they work together within the Body of Christ today. As a Body, we are called to function together and showcase Jesus Christ. As such, the Bible says He has given us different gifts in order to bring about that purpose. Rather than an intimidating sermon on a concept that can divide the Church, Pastor Ludy lays a biblical foundation for the gifts and reminds us that the chief gifts given by God are Himself and love.