Renewal Church Podcast

Jesus highlights two essential qualities of a blessed life: a deep hunger for righteousness, and a heart full of mercy. He reminds us that those who passionately pursue what’s right and extend compassion to others will find both satisfaction and favor in God’s Kingdom. These verses challenge us to examine what we’re truly craving in life and how we’re treating those around us. In a world quick to condemn and slow to forgive, Jesus calls us to be people marked by grace, justice, and mercy. Visit us online at: RenewalChurch.net

In a world that often celebrates aggression, dominance, and self-promotion, Jesus highlights the quiet strength of meekness — a power under control, rooted in humility and trust in God. This verse reminds us that true influence and lasting impact don’t come through force, but through a surrendered heart. God promises that the meek, though overlooked by many, will one day inherit everything He’s prepared for His people. Visit us online at: RenewalChurch.net

Life can be hard. We all have felt feelings of lost, desperation, and despair. In Matthew 5:3-4, Jesus teaches that spiritual emptiness and heartfelt sorrow aren’t signs of failure, but opportunities to encounter God’s Kingdom and His comfort. These verses remind us that God draws near to the broken and fills us with eternal hope. In a world that values strength and self-reliance, Jesus invites us to find blessing in our weakness and hope in our grief. Visit us online at: RenewalChurch.net

In Matthew 5:1-12, Jesus opens His Sermon on the Mount with a series of surprising, upside-down declarations we now call the Beatitudes. He pronounces blessing not on the powerful or popular, but on the poor in spirit, the meek, the merciful, and those who mourn. This passage reveals the heart of God’s Kingdom — a place where humility is honored, mercy is rewarded, and persecution comes with promise. It reminds us that true blessing isn’t found in earthly success, but in a life aligned with God’s values. These words still challenge and comfort us today, inviting us to live differently in a world desperate for hope. Visit us online at: RenewalChurch.net

Visit us online at: RenewalChurch.net

Peter exhorts the elders of the church to shepherd God’s people willingly, not out of obligation or for personal gain, but as examples of godly leadership. He reminds them that their faithful service will be rewarded by Christ, the Chief Shepherd, when He returns. Peter also instructs younger believers to submit to their elders and calls the entire community to clothe themselves with humility toward one another. He emphasizes that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble, highlighting humility as essential for a healthy, unified church. Visit us online at: RenewalChurch.net

Peter reminds us of several things; however, what they are may catch you by surprise. Peter tells us what is in store for us by following Christ, what real trials are, and how we are to handle them, and the world around us. Visit us online at: RenewalChurch.net

In this passage, Peter reminds believers that the end of all things is near, urging them to live with clarity, prayerfulness, and deep love for one another. He calls for practical expressions of that love through forgiveness, hospitality, and the faithful use of spiritual gifts to serve others. Every act of service is meant to be done with God’s strength and for His glory. The passage emphasizes living with eternal perspective, prioritizing relationships and community life in light of Christ’s return. Visit us online at: RenewalChurch.net

Peter writes that we should let the driving thought and process of our thoughts be that Christ nailed our sin to the tree and so we are a free and redeemed people — we have “ceased from sin” and our lives are to be solely focused on the will of God, on His kingdom. Judgment is coming, so let’s live as people who stand on the right side of judgment bc it is finished. Peter also reminds us that those who are in Christ, whether they are alive or pass away, nothing separates us from the love of God and from being in His presence. Visit us online at: RenewalChurch.net

Christ is supreme over all things — that is what we see in this passage! In verse 18, we encounter three massive theological truths. First, we see the substitutionary atonement for our sins: that Christ died once for sin in our place and took on the judgment we deserve. Second, we see the imputed righteousness of Christ: that while He took on our sins, He also gave us His righteousness. Third, we see our reconciliation — that we were brought to God through the death of Jesus on the cross. Peter also reminds these believers that God will be faithful to them, just as He was faithful to those in Noah’s day. While they were surrounded by evil, God was with them and saved them through the ark. In the same way, God will be with us and bring us safely home. We must remember that Christ is supreme over all things — no power, no ruler, no authority exceeds the authority of Jesus. All things are subjected to Him. Visit us online at: RenewalChurch.net

Peter encourages believers to remain fearless and faithful when facing suffering for doing good. He reminds them to honor Christ as Lord and be ready to gently and respectfully explain their hope to others. Even if they suffer, it is better to suffer for doing right than for doing wrong, trusting in God’s purpose and presence. Visit us online at: RenewalChurch.net

Peter calls believers to live in harmony with one another. This life is marked by unity, compassion, love, humility, and sympathy. He urges them not to repay evil for evil, or insult for insult, but instead to bless others, reflecting the grace they themselves have received. Peter reminds his readers that they are called to this way of life, inheriting a blessing in return. Quoting from Psalm 34, he emphasizes that those who desire to love life and see good days must turn from evil, control their speech, and actively seek peace. Finally, Peter reassures believers that God watches over the righteous and listens to their prayers, while standing against those who do evil. This assurance provides both encouragement and a sobering reminder of God’s justice. Visit us online at: RenewalChurch.net

The joining together of a husband and wife is one of the most beautiful, joyful, and exciting relationships in all of humanity. Yet, at the same time, marriage can be difficult, confusing, and heartbreaking. In this text Peter focuses on the relationship between a husband and a wife. Specifically, he talks to women who are believers, married to husbands who are not. The question that he is answering is, "what am I to do about my unbelieving husband?" How are these women to "win them over", as he says in verse 1? This text, often misused and misunderstood, is actually a wonderful and encouraging word for wives who are in this situation. Visit us online at: RenewalChurch.net

Sometimes, we become so familiar with something that it loses its wonder. Perhaps that has happened with the resurrection of Jesus? Yet, His victory over death is one of the most astonishing events in human history. Many of us believe the resurrection happened, and we may even have oriented our lives around that truth. However, it is essential to renew our sense of awe. Jesus died—but He did not stay dead. He rose from the grave, declaring that death is not the end for those who place their faith in Him. We must grasp why this matters. The resurrection of Christ is the defining reality for every believer. Visit us online at: RenewalChurch.net

Perhaps the most astonishing death in history occurred over two thousand years ago when the Son of God was nailed to a simple wooden cross. But why did Jesus have to suffer and die? At times, it may seem unnecessary—wasn’t there another way for salvation to be accomplished? The good news is that God has given us the answer. The real question is: Do we truly understand why the suffering and death of Christ matter? In this sermon, we will explore the purpose and necessity of Jesus’ sacrifice. Visit us online at: RenewalChurch.net

Typically, when we talk about the birth of Christ, it’s during Christmas. But the coming of Christ is far too important to mention only once a year. The hypostatic union—Jesus being fully God and fully man—is one of the most remarkable and profound events in history. He walked among us and shared in our human experience, yet, He was completely divine. In this sermon, we will explore the significance of Jesus being both God and man. What does it mean? How was it possible? And why does it matter for us today? Visit us online at: RenewalChurch.net

Jesus served those who misunderstood Him. He served those that persecuted Him. He served those that mistreated Him and His suffering, His submission, led to our salvation. Visit us online at: RenewalChurch.net

Today’s text leads us to the often difficult intersection of religion and politics. The tension between these two worlds is not new; it has existed throughout history, even within the church. Peter encourages believers to hold firmly to their convictions while extending gentleness and love. He advises them not to overthrow the government, yet not to compromise their faith either. Instead, believers are called to stand firm in their allegiance to Jesus, willing to suffer or even die for their Savior if necessary. Peter advocates for this balanced yet courageous approach. By living in a way that honors God, believers can demonstrate the truth and hope of the Gospel, even in the face of hostility and pressure. Visit us online at: RenewalChurch.net

Peter and others throughout scripture assure us that we will be mocked, hated, persecuted, and worse. Our steadfast adherence to Christ's truth becomes compelling testimony in a world where standards change with every thought that flutters in the mind. Even when others misunderstand, mock, or criticize us, if we live with integrity, our lives speak loudly. Renewal Church exists so that people will be made new in Jesus, grow in Jesus, and be released into the world for Jesus. Visit us online at: RenewalChurch.net

Peter and others throughout scripture assure us that we will be mocked, hated, persecuted, and worse. Our steadfast adherence to Christ's truth becomes compelling testimony in a world where standards change with every thought that flutters in the mind. Even when others misunderstand, mock, or criticize us, if we live with integrity, our lives speak loudly. Renewal Church exists so that people will be made new in Jesus, grow in Jesus, and be released into the world for Jesus. Visit us online at: RenewalChurch.net

Renewal Church exists so that people will be made new in Jesus, grow in Jesus, and be released into the world for Jesus. Visit us online at: RenewalChurch.net

Peter has now moved us from the vertical to the horizontal. Chapter one was mainly focused on the vertical: how has God shaped our identity? Chapter two is going to shift us to the vertical: how does this new identity shape how we interact with others? The first thing that we hear from Peter is that we should have a certain longing, and we should be tasting something specific. We should long to grow like born again infants who crave milk. We should long to know the Word of God and to deepen our relationship with Him. We should taste just how good our God has been to us! And, as we long and taste, we will reject and put away the old and replace with something better: the Gospel of Grace. Visit us online at: RenewalChurch.net

What is the basis of our love for one another? Peter seems to think that, at its foundation, there is a purification that has occurred through our obedience to God’s truth. Our love for one another will not fail, will not perish, and will not falter, because this Word that we have within us does not originate with man, but is from God. Visit us online at: RenewalChurch.net

What does it mean to be judged by our works? We are told that salvation comes by faith, so what role and connection do works have with faith? In our lives, there should be evidence of a certain kind of conduct; a conduct that is driven by specific motivations. Specifically, a conduct that is driven by the grace of Jesus, by whom we are ransomed. Visit us online at: RenewalChurch.net

As we reach the conclusion to Peter’s introduction, we now enter into the “so what” portion. He tells us to do two things — 1) Prepare our minds for action, and 2) Set our minds clearly on the grace that is coming. We should be filling our minds with the things of God, which both prepares and transforms the way that we think about our current and future circumstances. Visit us online at: RenewalChurch.net

Have you ever searched diligently for something? You look in every corner, every crevice, under every pillow? This is what the prophets did with the Scriptures in regard to the coming Christ. Peter admits that the things he is saying are not novel ideas, and that he did not make them up. It is all there in the Old Testament. Sure, at times, they might not have fully understood, but there is a thread that leads through every book in the Old Testament to the death and resurrection of Christ. Visit us online at: RenewalChurch.net

Peter was an apostle of Jesus and an eyewitness of Jesus' ministry on earth. He is writing to dispersed believers. Those believers were enduring some very difficult times. It was hard to follow Jesus. This is a letter of encouragement to continue to love Jesus in spite of their sufferings. There's joy in salvation, so live it out! This doesn't just apply to the believers living 2000 years ago. This applies to us today. By God's grace, all believers should have joy in spite of their circumstances. Visit us online at: RenewalChurch.net

Peter starts off this section by reminding the believers, scattered across the Dispersion, that there is reason to rejoice! Before he begins to talk about suffering and trials, he reminds them that, because of their new life in Jesus, they can rejoice! Specifically, they can rejoice in the midst of their trials and sufferings. Throughout our lives we will experience the mingling of joy and grief. We get a glimpse of the final joy that is coming in the midst of the various trials of our lives. Visit us online at: RenewalChurch.net

What does it mean to be "born again"? How does being born again change our future? Those are the questions we will answer in these verses. First, we need to identify what exactly Peter means by the phrase: “born again.” Then once that is established, we can see the rest of the text unfold. We see that we now have a living hope, meaning, when we look to the future our hope is surely alive. It is not dead. It is not absent. It is not missing. It is alive! How do we know this? Because Jesus is alive! He rose from the grave and, for the born again person, there is an inheritance that is kept in heaven. Visit us online at: RenewalChurch.net

The Apostle Peter opens his letter to believers scattered across the Roman Provinces by calling them “elect exiles.” The question that we will answer is: what does Peter mean by that phrase? Peter attaches the phrase to four prepositions in verse 2: Elect exiles "...according to the foreknowledge of God the Father." Elect exiles "...in the sanctification of the Spirit." Elect exiles "...for obedience to Jesus Christ" and, elect exiles "...for sprinkling with His blood." Peter is reminding these believers that God has caused them to be elect exiles. He will sustain them during their time as exiles, and the goal of their exile is to worship Jesus through their obedience. Visit us online at: RenewalChurch.net

Visit us online at: www.RenewalChurch.net

Visit us online at: www.RenewalChurch.net

What are we really celebrating at Christmas? Yes, God became man. Yes, He has the power to heal and restore. Yes, He taught us the law and the way of life. But, more than any of those things God dwelt among us to die. We celebrate Christmas because the One who was born suffered and died as a payment for our sin. Our hope, joy, love, and peace can only be found under the grace of the Suffering Servant. Visit us online at: RenewalChurch.net

The Lord tells Isaiah that there is soon coming a day when God’s people will be in distress, under the gloom of anguish, and thrust into darkness. Many of us know that feeling, especially during the Christmas season. But, here is the good news of the Gospel — God will not leave us in that place. He came to save us. He tells Isaiah that, in Galilee, a Child will be born, a Son will be given who will be the Prince of Peace. Visit us online at: RenewalChurch.net

The Christmas season in modern times is meant to pull every person towards happiness in the midst of the darkness of winter. It speaks to the part of us that looks for light in the darkness. The presents, lights, the stories — they all revolve around this narrative that light is coming in the darkness. What many do not realize is that the pull towards the light and away from the darkness is the echo of eternity. It is that part of our souls that reminds us that we do not belong to the darkness, but that we belong to the light. We see this in Isaiah 2, as God pronounces judgment and destruction He takes a moment to remind them of the light that is coming. Visit us online at: RenewalChurch.net

We are called to be a part of God’s mission to bring the Gospel to all nations. Being a “World Christian” simply means that our identity is wrapped up in the call of Jesus to be a people who go, send, mobilize, and pray that the world would know Jesus. Some will move across the sea. But, many of us will be used by God in this mission right where we are. Visit us online at: RenewalChurch.net

Many believers know that they need to be proclaiming the Gospel, but most are not. There are many reasons: fear, busyness, lack of courage, etc. Jesus’ command to go and make disciples of all nations could not be more clear. Yet, following that command can be more difficult than we think. In this message, we will talk about the call to be proclaimer of Jesus’ Gospel and talk through “how” to share this Gospel. Visit us online at: RenewalChurch.net

By looking at the parable of the Good Samaritan we will learn what it means to “love our neighbor.” Jesus said the two greatest commandments are to “love God and love our neighbor.” But, what does it really mean to love our neighbor? Who is our neighbor, and how do we show them the wonderful grace of Jesus? Visit us online at: RenewalChurch.net

God has extended to His people an unbelievable invitation. This invitation is not only that our joy will be full, our hope true, and that His love is known. God’s great invitation to us is that we will be used for His purposes and mission; to gather every nation at His throne. If God is going to gather all people to Himself, how has He chosen to do it? He has chosen to do it through His Church as ambassadors to His Gospel. What a wonderful opportunity for every son and daughter of the King! Visit us online at: RenewalChurch.net

God has and always will be about one primary thing: His glory among all people’s and nations. He is the Author of Life, the Creator of the Universe, and He is the way of salvation. Everything that God has done, is doing, and will do, brings Himself the maximum amount of glory. At the end of the story is a promise — God is going to gather all nations to worship Him in all of His glory. Visit us online at: RenewalChurch.net

Visit us online at: www.RenewalChurch.net

In our final lesson in Exodus, we will look back to ensure that we understand the Biblical narrative, as well as the most important lessons from God in this book. Then we will look ahead to see how the book of Exodus fits into the entire Biblical narrative. Hopefully, we will have a deeper understanding of God. Who He is, and what He is doing. Visit us online at: www.RenewalChurch.net

God’s people begin construction on the Ark of the Covenant. In this text, we see what makes God uniquely distinct from the rest of the world. We are a people that are set apart to reflect the glory and character of God. In every Christian should be a humility to live for the glory of God, and not the glory of themselves. Specifically, we are a people set apart by His Word. His Word guides us, instructs us, and leads us to know Him, and to know ourselves. Visit us online at: www.RenewalChurch.net

As God gives instructions for His Tabernacle, He calls the people to be generous with what He has given them. If we are going to be a generous people, we must first look to, and be motivated by the generosity of God. Only then can we bring all that we have to the table before the Lord and say, with full commitment, “God this is all Yours.” Visit us online at: www.RenewalChurch.net

What does it mean to “behold God’s glory”? It is a thing we cannot comprehend or understand. But, in this moment, that is exactly what God shows to Moses: His incredible glory! The good news for us is that, as John says, “we have beheld His glory” in the face of His son, Jesus. The question is, how will we respond? Will we be like the people of Israel and have “stiff-necks,” or, will we respond in worship? Visit us online at: www.RenewalChurch.net

As God’s people wait for Moses to come down from Mount Sinai, their sinful hearts overtake them and they make a golden calf to worship. God's response is both terrifying, and a warning to us all, as we live in a world filled with idols. Moses goes to the Lord in humility and asks Him to relent of His judgment on the people. In this text, we see a foreshadowing of what is to come. We are guilty of worshipping idols. Through a Mediator, God will relent of His wrath and show us mercy. Visit us online at: www.RenewalChurch.net

What was the purpose of the Tabernacle in the Scriptures? Why does God spend so many chapters laying out the construction of the tabernacle and what does that have to do with us in 2024? The reality is, many of us have lost what God is teaching His people in Exodus. That God is holy and we are sinful, and in order for us to experience his presence we need to understand the chasm between us and God. The Tabernacle was God’s vessel in order to break down the barriers between our sin and His holiness. Visit us online at: www.RenewalChurch.net

As God continues to mold His people, He continues to give them His law. These rules and statutes are going to mark them as the people of God. On the outside, these laws can look confusing and harsh. But, when we look deeper, we will see God’s redeeming love. Visit us online at: www.RenewalChurch.net

In this text, God delivers the Ten Commandments to the Israelites at Mount Sinai. The commandments were meant to set the people apart, to teach the people about the character of God, and reveal to us that we are far from God. After God gives His law, the people witness thunder, lightning, and the sound of a trumpet, causing them to tremble in fear. Visit us online at: www.RenewalChurch.net

In Exodus 19, the Israelites arrive at Mount Sinai three months after leaving Egypt. God calls Moses to the mountain and instructs him to tell the people that, if they obey His covenant, they will be His treasured possession and a holy nation. God makes an unbelievable invitation — "I will make you a kingdom of priests." The question is, will the people obey Him in faith? Or, reject Him in fear? Visit us online at: www.RenewalChurch.net