
Meeting with God Radio
793 episodes — Page 8 of 16

Biblical Inerrancy Empowers A Robust Faith, Part A
Pastor Luke Ahrens emphasizes the importance of biblical inerrancy, asserting that Scripture is entirely truthful in its original manuscripts. Using Genesis 3:1-7 and Matthew 22:37, he challenges listeners to address alleged errors in the Bible and confront the consequences of a low view of Scripture. Pastor Luke also argues that a robust faith is built on a thinking faith, which requires loving God with our heart, soul, and mind. A high view of Scripture leads to a deeper, more transformative relationship with God.

How To Find Spiritual Clarity and Confidence, Part B
In part two of this powerful sermon, Pastor Luke Ahrens further examines how embracing biblical authority transforms our spiritual walk. By fully submitting to the word of God, believers gain the clarity and confidence needed to face life’s obstacles with unwavering faith. Pastor Ahrens also warns about the subtle ways that worldly influences can undermine biblical authority, leaving believers vulnerable. Ultimately, it is through a deep commitment to God’s truth that we find the strength to stand firm in our faith.

How To Find Spiritual Clarity and Confidence, Part A
Pastor Luke Ahrens dives into the importance of embracing biblical authority for spiritual clarity and confidence, drawing from Matthew 7:28-29 and Matthew 4:4. Jesus is revealed as the center of all biblical authority, and understanding this truth helps believers navigate life's challenges with certainty. However, the sermon also highlights the enemies that challenge this authority, leading to confusion and doubt. Ultimately, embracing God’s word is key to finding spiritual clarity and strength.

God Has Spoken, Part B
Pastor Luke Ahrens further highlights the life-transforming power of God’s Word, showing how Scripture not only guides us but shapes our hearts and minds. He examines the role of the Holy Spirit in applying the truth of the Bible to our daily lives and the importance of living under its authority. Pastor Luke challenges believers to fully engage with God’s Word, allowing it to produce lasting spiritual growth and deepen their relationship with Him.

God Has Spoken, Part A
In this first part of a two-part sermon, Pastor Luke Ahrens unpacks the profound truth that Scripture is God's Word, given to us for teaching, correction, and transformation. Drawing from 2 Timothy 3:16, 2 Peter 1:21, and Matthew 4:4, he discusses how the Bible was inspired by God, the process through which the canon of Scripture was recognized, and the life-changing power of submitting to God's Word. By embracing the authority of Scripture, believers can experience true personal transformation and grow in righteousness.

How To Live With Abounding Hope, Part B
In this second part of the sermon on Romans 15:13, Pastor Luke Ahrens continues to highlight how God’s hope can transform lives. He emphasizes that hope isn’t just a feeling but a powerful, active force that sustains us through challenges. Pastor Luke challenges listeners to trust in God’s promises, deepen their prayer life, and allow the Holy Spirit to overflow hope in their hearts, bringing them peace and joy even in difficult times.

How To Live With Abounding Hope, Part A
In this episode of Meeting With God, Pastor Luke Ahrens begins a two-part sermon on Romans 15:13, unpacking how God is the ultimate source of hope. He shares how God desires to fill believers with joy and peace, empowering them to abound in hope through the Holy Spirit. Pastor Luke encourages listeners to reach out to God in prayer, just as the apostle Paul did, to receive the fullness of His hope.

Experiencing Great Joy, Part B
Expanding on the message of joy from Luke 2:8-20, Pastor Luke Ahrens focuses on the shepherds' response to the good news of Christ’s birth. Building on the six glorious gifts, he highlights how the shepherds' encounter with Jesus leads to worship, praise, and a life changed by the gospel. He challenges listeners to reflect on their own response to the Savior's birth and how the joy of Christ should compel them to share the message with others. This episode deepens our understanding of how the true joy of Christmas transforms lives.

Experiencing Great Joy, Part A
Pastor Luke Ahrens unpacks the profound message of joy from Luke 2:8-20, where the shepherds encounter the glory of God and the birth of Jesus Christ. Through six glorious gifts, Pastor Ahrens highlights the joy of experiencing God’s presence, hearing the good news of a personal Savior, and personally encountering Christ. Listeners are invited to reflect on the peaceful purposes of God, the call to share the gospel, and the overflowing joy that results from encountering Jesus. Join us for a powerful reminder of the great joy available to all who receive the good news.

Sweet Dreams–Interrupted by Glory, Part B
Pastor Luke Ahrens continues unpacking the transformative power of God's glory in Joseph’s response to the angel’s message. Drawing from Matthew 1:18-25, he shows how Joseph’s obedience to God’s call led to the fulfillment of prophecy and the coming of Jesus, Emmanuel—God with us. Pastor Luke encourages us to follow Joseph's example of faith, even when it means stepping into the unknown, because true peace comes when we align our lives with God's redemptive plan. Discover how embracing the interruption of God’s glory brings lasting change and purpose.

Sweet Dreams–Interrupted by Glory, Part A
Pastor Luke Ahrens explores the powerful moment when Joseph's life was interrupted by an angelic visitation in a dream, revealing God's plan for the birth of Jesus (Matthew 1:18-25). Through this divine interruption, Pastor Luke challenges us to embrace the idea that we need our dreams interrupted by God's glory. True joy and peace, he teaches, come when our lives are shaped and redirected by the overwhelming presence of God. Tune in to hear how God's glory can change everything.

Living By Faith When I Am Confused, Part B
In the second part of this sermon, Pastor Luke Ahrens highlights the importance of trusting God's plan, even when it’s difficult to comprehend. He reflects on how Jesus, though divine, chose to submit to His parents and grow in wisdom, setting an example of humility and obedience. Pastor Ahrens challenges believers to live with faith, embracing God's guidance even when the path is unclear. This message encourages us to rest in God's timing and trust that He is at work, even when we don’t see the whole picture.

Living By Faith When I Am Confused, Part A
Pastor Luke Ahrens reflects on the challenges of living by faith during times of confusion, drawing from the story of Jesus at twelve years old in the temple (Luke 2:39-52). He highlights how even Mary and Joseph, despite their deep faith, struggled to understand God's ways when faced with unexpected circumstances. Pastor Luke encourages believers to trust in God's timing and purpose, even when His plans are unclear. This episode challenges us to respond with faith, even in moments of uncertainty.

A Heart Fervently Waiting For Jesus, Part B
Pastor Luke Ahrens delves deeper into the prophetic words spoken by Simeon and Anna upon meeting Jesus in the temple. Drawing from Luke 2:29-38, he reflects on how their long-awaited encounter with the Messiah revealed God’s faithfulness and the universal scope of His salvation. Pastor Luke encourages listeners to examine their own anticipation of Christ’s return, challenging them to live with renewed hope and a deeper understanding of God’s promises fulfilled in Jesus.

A Heart Fervently Waiting For Jesus, Part A
In this first part of this sermon, Pastor Luke Ahrens reflects on the anticipation surrounding the arrival of Jesus as seen through the eyes of Simeon and Anna in the temple. Drawing from Luke 2:21-38, he examines their fervent waiting and unwavering hope for the promised Messiah. As they encounter the infant Jesus, their profound recognition of God’s salvation challenges us to consider the depth of our own longing for Christ’s return. This episode invites listeners to reflect on the heart posture of waiting with faith and expectancy.

Our Savior Is Here! Part B
Pastor Luke Ahrens continues to unpack the significance of Jesus' birth in Luke 2:21-40. He focuses on the faithful responses of Simeon and Anna, who recognized the Messiah and praised God for the fulfillment of His promises. Pastor Luke encourages listeners to reflect on the hope and peace that come through Christ, and how the birth of Jesus still calls us to respond in faith and worship today. This episode highlights the enduring power of God's revelation in Christ and the joy it brings to all who believe.

Our Savior Is Here! Part A
Pastor Luke Ahrens reflects on the birth of Jesus as described in Luke 2:1-20. He highlights the miraculous arrival of the Savior in Bethlehem, the unexpected announcement to the shepherds, and the joy that followed. Pastor Luke draws attention to the significance of this event, emphasizing God's plan for salvation and the peace it brings to the world. This episode sets the stage for understanding the profound impact of Christ's birth on all who encounter it.

Seeing Mercy, Anticipating More, Part B
In part two of this sermon, Pastor Luke Ahrens unpacks Zechariah’s prophecy from Luke 1:56-80, focusing on the themes of salvation and peace. He highlights how God’s mercy not only rescues us but also offers forgiveness and guidance toward a righteous life. Pastor Luke encourages listeners to live in the light of God’s mercy, shaping their lives around His redemptive work as we look forward to the fulfillment of His promises. This episode invites us to trust in God's faithfulness and embrace the peace He offers.

Seeing Mercy, Anticipating More, Part A
Pastor Luke Ahrens brings this message on the birth of John the Baptist, drawing from Luke 1:56-80. He reflects on God’s mercy revealed through the birth of John and Zechariah’s prophetic blessing. As Zechariah praises God's faithfulness, Pastor Luke challenges listeners to see mercy in their own lives and anticipate God’s greater work to come. This episode invites us to consider how we respond to God’s mercy and prepare for His unfolding plan.

9 Magnificent, Irreplaceable Gifts from God, Part B
Continuing this study of Luke 1:26-56, diving deeper into Mary’s response to God’s calling and the power of the Holy Spirit in her life. Pastor Luke highlights how the gifts of God—grace, favor, and the promise of eternal life—are meant to bear lasting fruit in the lives of believers. Pastor Luke challenges listeners to consider how they can actively cultivate spiritual fruitfulness in their own journeys. Are you living in a way that reflects the great things God has done for you?

9 Magnificent, Irreplaceable Gifts from God, Part A
Pastor Luke Ahrens unpacks the profound message found in Luke 1:26-56, highlighting nine incredible gifts from God to humanity. Focusing on Mary’s obedience and the miraculous conception of Jesus, he emphasizes how fruitfulness in the life of a disciple matters deeply to God. Pastor Luke also ties together the relationship between prayer and fruitfulness, encouraging listeners to reflect on whether their own lives are bearing "much fruit" for God’s kingdom. What could that fruitfulness look like in your own walk with Christ?

Unexpected Grace From God, Part B
Pastor Luke Ahrens delves deeper into the significance of God's unexpected grace in Zechariah and Elizabeth's story. He examines how Zechariah’s doubt and subsequent silence serve as a reminder of the importance of trusting God's promises, even when they seem impossible. Through this narrative, Pastor Luke encourages listeners to embrace faith in God's perfect timing, as He works in ways beyond our understanding to fulfill His plans.

Unexpected Grace From God, Part A
Explore the powerful story of Zechariah and Elizabeth in Luke 1:5-25, highlighting God's unexpected grace. Despite their years of barrenness and advanced age, God answers their prayer in a miraculous way, sending an angel to announce the birth of their son, John. Through this encounter, Pastor Luke reflects on how God's timing and faithfulness often defy human expectations, bringing joy and hope in the most unlikely circumstances.

We Pray for a Fruitful Faith, Part B
In the second part of this sermon, Pastor Luke Ahrens delves deeper into the transformative power of abiding in Christ and the impact it has on a believer’s life. He emphasizes the importance of obedience to Jesus’ commands and how love for one another is the ultimate expression of fruitful discipleship. Pastor Luke encourages listeners to reflect on how their relationship with Jesus can lead to lasting fruit that glorifies God, strengthens their faith, and bears witness to the world. This episode challenges us to live out the calling to be disciples who love as Christ loves.

We Pray for a Fruitful Faith, Part A
In this first part of a two-part series, Pastor Luke Ahrens examines Jesus' teachings from John 15 on abiding in Him as the key to a flourishing faith. He explains that fruitfulness matters deeply to God, and how prayer is intricately linked to producing spiritual fruit. Pastor Luke challenges listeners to examine their lives and consider whether they are truly bearing fruit as disciples of Jesus, while inviting reflection on what "much fruit" could look like in each believer’s life. This episode sets the foundation for a life that glorifies God through abundant fruitfulness.

The Daily Practices of a Flourishing Faith, Part B
In the second part of this sermon, Pastor Luke continues his exploration of John 15, focusing on the deeper implications of abiding in Christ. He explains that a flourishing faith not only transforms us internally but also compels us to love others as Christ has loved us. By maintaining our connection with the true vine, believers bear lasting fruit that glorifies God. Pastor Luke further emphasizes the importance of daily practices like meditating on God’s Word, persistent prayer, and being led by the Holy Spirit, all of which sustain and grow our relationship with God and strengthen our ability to love and serve others.

The Daily Practices of a Flourishing Faith, Part A
Pastor Luke Ahrens explores John 15, where Jesus teaches about the vital connection between the vine and its branches. He emphasizes that a flourishing faith is rooted in an ongoing, life-giving relationship with God through Christ and the Holy Spirit. A flourishing faith prioritizes internal transformation over external fruitfulness, requiring continual focus, repetition, and nurturing. Pastor Luke highlights three key daily practices for cultivating such a faith: delighting in and obeying God's Word, relentless prayer, and being filled with and following the Holy Spirit.

Bring It To Jesus, Part B
Pastor Luke dives deeper into the transformative power of faith. Focusing on the official’s journey from desperation to belief, Luke highlights how Jesus' words can bring about life-changing results when we trust in Him fully. By examining the official’s newfound faith, we are reminded that Jesus is not only capable of changing our circumstances, but also our hearts. This message encourages believers to bring their burdens to Jesus, trusting that He will work in ways that exceed our expectations and bring about true healing.

Bring It To Jesus, Part A
In this sermon, "Bring It To Jesus," Pastor Luke Ahrens explores the powerful story of the official whose son was healed by Jesus in John 4:46-53. As the man seeks a quick fix for his son’s illness, Jesus challenges him to believe beyond signs and wonders, revealing His true identity as the Savior who can change both our situations and our hearts. Pastor Luke emphasizes the importance of bringing everything to God in prayer, recognizing that while we may seek a solution, God desires to transform us in the process. This message reminds us that Jesus is not just a "fix it" solution, but the one who offers life and healing through faith.

The Essence and Implementation of Uncommon Community, Part B
In the second part of his sermon on uncommon community, Pastor Luke Ahrens continues exploring Ephesians 4:30-5:2, focusing on how the Holy Spirit empowers believers to live out grace-filled relationships. He delves deeper into what it means to "walk in love" as Christ did—sacrificially and intentionally—transforming our interactions with others. Pastor Ahrens challenges listeners to reflect on how the Spirit is working in their own hearts to foster a community that mirrors God's love and forgiveness. The message concludes with practical steps for cultivating this uncommon community in everyday life.

The Essence and Implementation of Uncommon Community, Part A
Uncommon community doesn’t happen by accident, but requires a surrender to God’s transformative work in our lives and relationships. While grace may come easily with some, it’s often challenging with others, and in these moments, we must rely on the Holy Spirit’s help to cultivate kindness, forgiveness, and love. Pastor Ahrens highlights the Spirit’s essential role in building faithful, grace-filled connections within the body of Christ, a sermon based on Ephesians 4:30-5:2.

Four Gifts That Will Change Your Community, Part B
In the second part of this sermon, Pastor Luke Ahrens continues his teaching from Ephesians 4:30-32, highlighting the transformative power of grace in fostering unity and forgiveness within the body of Christ. He encourages believers to let go of bitterness, wrath, and malice, and instead be kind, tenderhearted, and forgiving—just as God in Christ has forgiven us. Pastor Luke challenges us to reflect on how embracing God's grace not only heals relationships but also strengthens the community, making it a true reflection of God's love and mercy to the world.

Four Gifts That Will Change Your Community, Part A
Ephesians 4:25-29 unpacks four transformative gifts that can reshape our communities: truth-telling, controlled anger, honest work, and edifying speech. By embracing these gifts, rooted in God's grace, we create a faithful community where relationships are marked by love, integrity, and mutual support. Pastor Luke challenges us to reflect on how our words and actions can build up those around us and invite grace into our everyday interactions. This episode sets the foundation for a deeper, more authentic community life in Christ.

Grace to Grow Together as Disciples of Jesus, Part B
Continuing his exploration of Ephesians 4, Pastor Luke Ahrens shares how believers are called to live out their new identity in Christ within the community of faith. He challenges us to put on the qualities of compassion, kindness, and forgiveness, reflecting the love and grace we've received from God. As disciples of Jesus, we are not only transformed individually but are called to help one another grow in unity and maturity, building each other up in truth and love. This episode underscores the vital role of grace-driven relationships in fostering a strong, thriving church community.

Grace to Grow Together as Disciples of Jesus, Part A
In today's message, Pastor Luke explores Ephesians 4:17-24, urging believers to leave behind their old selves and embrace the new life in Christ. He emphasizes the importance of growing together as a community of disciples, marked by grace and mutual transformation. As followers of Jesus, we are called to reject the futility of worldly thinking and walk in the righteousness and holiness that God empowers us to live. This episode highlights the transformative power of God's grace in shaping faithful, Christ-centered relationships within the body of believers.

Gifted to Help Us Grow Together, Part B
In the second part of this message, Pastor Luke continues to unpack Ephesians 4:7-16, emphasizing the practical outworking of spiritual growth within the church community. He highlights how, as each believer matures in faith, they contribute to the body’s health and unity, standing firm against false teachings and growing together in Christlikeness. Pastor Luke challenges us to embrace our roles within the body, fostering a loving, truth-centered community that reflects God's grace and leads to deeper spiritual transformation.

Gifted to Help Us Grow Together, Part A
This message focuses on how Christ has gifted the church to grow together in unity and maturity. Through the grace He extends to each believer, God provides His Word, leaders, and spiritual gifts to equip the body of Christ for service and strengthen relationships within the community. Pastor Luke highlights the importance of building one another up in love and truth, so that the church may reflect Christ’s fullness and grow in harmony.

Uncommon Grace in Unity, Part B
Pastor Luke Ahrens continues his exploration of Ephesians 3:14-19, diving deeper into how God's grace empowers us to live out unity in community. He challenges listeners to embody the oneness of the body of Christ, demonstrating how our shared identity in Christ calls us to bear with one another in love and peace. The message highlights the practical aspects of living in grace-filled relationships that reflect the unity and strength of the Spirit within the church.

Uncommon Grace in Unity, Part A
Pastor Luke Ahrens describes the deep, unifying grace found in Ephesians 3:14-19, calling believers to walk in humility, patience, and love. He challenges the church to reflect on how God’s grace forms the foundation of faithful community, urging believers to maintain the unity of the Spirit and cultivate peaceful relationships. The message highlights the powerful bond created through one Lord, one faith, and one baptism, emphasizing that true unity is rooted in God's transformative grace.

Uncommon Community Starts Here! Part B
In this message, Pastor Luke Ahrens explores Ephesians 3:14-19, emphasizing the foundation of uncommon community in Christ. He highlights how the strength of our relationships as believers is rooted in God's love and empowered by the Holy Spirit. As we grow in understanding the depth of Christ's love, we are called to build faithful, Christ-centered connections that reflect His fullness in our lives. This message challenges us to embrace the transformative power of community through the Word of God.

Uncommon Community Starts Here! Part A
Kicking off this new series called Uncommon Grace, Pastor Luke Ahrens dives into Ephesians 3:14-19, unpacking the profound prayer of Paul for the church. What does it mean to be rooted and grounded in love? How can we comprehend the vastness of Christ’s love that surpasses knowledge? Pastor Luke reveals how a community defined by God’s love is the foundation for an uncommon, transformative fellowship. Tune in to discover how the fullness of God’s power and love can reshape the way we connect with one another, and set the stage for a life-giving, Spirit-filled community.

Step Seven: Praxis, Praxis, Praxis, Part B
In this episode, Pastor Luke Ahrens dives into Matthew 6:9—"Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name"—and challenges us to embrace a praxis of prayer that grows in fervency, consistency, vitality, and doxology. Jesus calls us to a life of prayer that is not just routine, but a living, breathing practice that honors God’s name with passion and devotion. Tune in and discover how your prayer life can be transformed into a dynamic, worship-filled rhythm that brings heaven to earth.

Step Seven: Praxis, Praxis, Praxis, Part A
Pastor Luke Ahrens dives into Matthew 6:9, unpacking the profound meaning behind Jesus’ invitation to pray, "Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name." Discover how Jesus calls us to a praxis of prayer that deepens in fervency, consistency, vitality, and doxology, transforming the way we approach God and engage with the world. Prepare to be challenged and inspired to rethink your daily practice of prayer.

Step Six: Divine Protection, Part B
In this powerful second half of Pastor Luke Ahrens' sermon on Matthew 6:13 which says, "And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil," we explore how God offers us divine protection in the midst of trials and temptation. Learn how to ask for strength and grace during life's tests, seek protection from the snares of temptation, and request deliverance from the evil forces that work against us. Tune in for a timely message of hope and spiritual security.

Step Six: Divine Protection, Part A
In this first half of Pastor Luke Ahrens' two-part sermon on "Divine Protection," we explore the deep meaning behind Matthew 6:13—“And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.” Pastor Luke reveals how, through prayer, we can seek God's strength and grace during times of trial, ask for protection from temptation, and request deliverance from the forces of evil that seek to disrupt our lives. Tune in for a message of hope, spiritual resilience, and the divine covering that is always available to those who ask. Key Points:- You can ask for strength and grace during trials and testing. - You can ask for protection from temptation. - You can ask for deliverance from the schemes of the evil one.

Step Five: Comprehensive Reconciliation, Part B
Continuing the second part of this message on reconciliation, we dive deep into Matthew 6:12: "And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors." Pastor Luke unpacks how true, gospel-centered reconciliation is not just about seeking forgiveness, but living it out in every area of our lives.Discover how the Lord’s Prayer teaches us three essential aspects of reconciliation: Gospel Humility, where we acknowledge our need for God's grace beyond our own efforts; Gospel Participation, where we actively pursue and extend forgiveness to others; and Gospel Celebration, where we joyfully embrace the freedom that comes from being released from the chains of sin and bitterness.Join us as we explore how the gospel calls us into a transformative, comprehensive reconciliation with God and with each other.

Step Five: Comprehensive Reconciliation, Part A
In this first half of Pastor Luke Ahrens' two-part sermon on Comprehensive Reconciliation, we dive into the powerful truth of Matthew 6:12—"and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors." Discover why true reconciliation requires more than surface-level forgiveness; it calls us into a gospel-centered process of humility, participation, and celebration.Pastor Luke explores how the Lord's Prayer invites us into:Gospel Humility: Recognizing that our brokenness is beyond our ability to fix.Gospel Participation: Actively seeking and extending forgiveness in every relationship.Gospel Celebration: Rejoicing in the freedom we have from sin's power and bitterness' grip.Join us for a deep dive into what it means to live out comprehensive reconciliation, starting with the forgiveness we receive and extend in the gospel.

Step Four: Frequent Asking, Part B
Pastor Luke Ahrens unpacks the powerful truth of Matthew 6:11—"Give us this day our daily bread." Does God see your needs? Does He care about meeting them? Pastor Luke explores how a heart attitude of trust, a consistent prayer rhythm, and a deeper relationship with our Heavenly Father are key to experiencing the joy of His faithful provision. Tune in to discover how asking frequently doesn’t just meet your needs—it draws you closer to the Giver Himself.

Step Four: Frequent Asking, Part A
This is the first half of the sermon "Frequent Asking" where we dive into Matthew 6:11: "Give us this day our daily bread." Explore profound questions about God's awareness and care for our needs, and discover how your heart attitude shapes your experience of His faithful provision. Learn why establishing a personal prayer rhythm can amplify your joy in receiving from the Father, and uncover the truth that true provision is about deepening our relationship with the Giver. Tune in for an enlightening journey that encourages you to ask, seek, and grow in faith!

Step Three: Focused Hope, Part B
Join Pastor Luke Ahrens in this powerful conclusion to "Focused Hope," where we dive deep into Matthew 6:10—"Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven." In this episode, discover how our prayers can embody our desire for God's presence and purpose.We'll explore the dual nature of our longing: the Already, where we experience Christ's nearness and model His Kingdom as ambassadors, and the Not Yet, where we eagerly await the full revelation of our Blessed Hope and the ultimate establishment of love, truth, and justice. Tune in for a compelling journey of faith that will inspire you to pray with renewed passion and purpose!