The Living Streams Church Podcast

Joy is a central theme in the Christian life, rooted in fellowship with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, rather than in circumstances. It has existed since creation and accompanies us through both joyful and difficult times, sustained by the Holy Spirit. Scripture teaches that joy is a fruit of the Spirit now and a future hope, found not by striving but by walking closely with God and dwelling in His presence. Eugene Peterson writes, “Joy is not a requirement of Christian discipleship; it is a consequence.” It is a natural outcome of dwelling in God's grace.

Through the story of Simeon, the waiting saint, we learn what a life of hope looks like. Often, we treat hope like a reward, thinking that as long as we're "good," we will get what we long for. This mindset leads to despair for many, as hope is not about the fulfillment of our desires, it’s dependance on the one who can fulfill all our desires and trusting his providential plan. Hope is found in God's promises, fulfilled in Jesus. Henri Nouwen reminds us that "Life is Advent," and true hope is recognizing the Lord’s continual coming into our lives.

Dalton, Alec, and David share their thoughts on Thanksgiving, thanksgiving scriptures, and being grateful to the Lord for things in our life.

This week, Pastor Mark Buckley encouraged us to cultivate thankfulness in seven key areas of life: giving thanks to God, for our spiritual family, for our circumstances, for our food, for our family and friends, for our government leaders, and for our spouse. The Lord calls us to be people of gratitude, and we are reminded to be thankful in these areas and beyond.

Lead Pastor David Stockton and Founding Pastor Mark Buckley discuss the different types of mercy in The Book of Jude, president-elect Donald Trump, and share stories of how God showed mercy in their lives over the years.

This week, we focused on God's mercy and the need for it in light of sin. Jude warns against people who cause division, live like the world, and lack the Spirit. He advises us to be discerning, especially when others are divisive or show no evidence of spiritual fruit. Jude encourages us to pray in the Holy Spirit, stay rooted in God's love, and wait for His mercy. He also outlines three ways to extend mercy: by helping those who doubt, rescuing people from spiritual danger, and showing mercy with fear, which involves loving someone while distancing ourselves from their sinful behavior.

Pastor David and Alec Seekins reflect on the 2024 Presidential Election, sin in the community through The Book of Jude, and nicknames.

The book of Jude urges us to take sin seriously, both personally and within our community, emphasizing the need to balance love with truth. Without truth, empathy can become enabling and toxic. Jude warns against false teachers, citing the sins of Cain (anger), Balaam (greed), and Korah (dishonoring authority). He also highlights the story of Achan in Joshua 7, where one person's hidden sin caused suffering for all of Israel. Ultimately, God calls us to pursue holiness not just for our own well-being, but for the benefit of those around us.

Lead Pastor David Stockton and Pastor Alec Seekins discuss calling sin for what it is, unpack The Book of Jude, and the upcoming presidential election in 2024.

Jude, the younger half-brother of Jesus, emphasizes the importance of recognizing sin for what it is in his letter. He reminds us that Jesus, our Savior and Judge, offers mercy while holding those who reject it accountable for their sins. Jude warns against various sins that people attempt to normalize, and Pastor David highlights modern sins that society often overlooks. Acknowledging these sins is crucial for moving toward the greater life that God offers us.

Alec Seekins and Dan Riccio discuss The Book of Jude, The Book of Enoch, and being careful with prophetic words in modern times.

This week, we began studying the book of Jude, a brief letter from Jesus' half-brother addressing the church about the dangers of false teachers promoting antinomianism—the belief that sin can be freely indulged due to forgiveness. Jude's message serves as a warning and a call to action, urging the church to confront these issues rather than ignore them. We discussed how to find the strength to address overwhelming challenges, noting that Jude reminds readers of their identity as invited, beloved, and kept in Jesus. For those feeling burdened, starting with time spent with Jesus, can provide strength and guidance to tackle these challenges step by step.

Alec Seekins and Dan Riccio discuss ideas found in Jesus and The Powers by N.T. Wright and ideas of unity for union among the believers.

The future of the Church lies in unity, a divine calling for both connection with God and with one another. This transformative journey can be likened to the changes experienced in marriage, encompassing both ease and challenges. Spiritual formation unfolds through cycles of Awakening—recognizing our separation from God; Purgation—removing obstacles to that union; Illumination—gaining God’s perspective; and finally, Union—achieving oneness with Him. This cyclical process deepens throughout our lives, fostering a collective unity among all believers as we draw closer to God.

Alec Seekins and David Stockton discuss living life on mission in South Asia during Covid-19, living in Belize, stepping out in faith when it seems scary, and staying devoted to The Church, it's people, and the gathering.

In Acts Chapter 2, we see that the early Church experienced a powerful outpouring of faith and revival. Their remarkable growth stemmed from their deep devotion to the Word, each other, the Lord, and their gatherings. This devotion can be likened to the roots of a tree, which grow deeper and stronger when faced with adversity. Just as strong roots support a massive tree, deep devotion sustains a robust faith. Even when our natural inclination is to view difficulties as burdens rather than blessings, we should reserve judgment, as the Lord often uses these trials to bring about growth and blessings. Deep devotion, is essential for sustaining great faith.

David Stockton, Alec Seekins, and special guest Mark Buckley discuss the future of The Church, how it will be holy, and how unity requires diversity.

Pastor Mario Benavides emphasized that while human visions for the future church often prioritize advancements in technology and personal comfort, God's vision centers on creating a holy, united community that proclaims His glory and operates with spiritual power. This growth in maturity, as highlighted in Ephesians 4:13—"This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ"—requires intentional commitment, shifting our focus from personal preferences to seeking God's calling, ultimately aiming for transformation where every knee bows and every tongue confesses His truth.

Join Lead Pastor David Stockton, Founding Pastor Mark Buckley, and Adult Ministries Pastor Alec Seekins as they discuss celebrating 40 years of Living Streams.

In Israel's history, after 400 years of slavery, the people rejoiced in God’s faithfulness, celebrating their newfound freedom in Exodus 14:31 – 15:21. As they prepared for a challenging wilderness journey toward the promised land, they faced uncertainty and battles ahead. Similarly, Living Streams reflects on 40 years of God’s provision, healing, and challenges, urging the church to celebrate with joy and worship as they look forward. With faith in God’s goodness and promises, they are encouraged to embrace the future, knowing that Jesus will always be with them, guiding them through both trials and triumphs.

In this week's episode of the Living Streams Podcast, Pastor Alec Seekins, Lead Pastor David Stockton, and Elder Dan Riccio unpack last Sunday's message and discuss how to faithfully and effectively engage with society's pain and the call for Christians to embrace compassion over judgment.

Jesus calls us to serve others, emphasizing that our salvation is meant to free us from selfishness so we can care for those in need. Scripture teaches us to share the blessings we've received, including wisdom, grace, and love, with everyone—regardless of their circumstances. In Matthew 25, helping the least among us is seen as serving Christ Himself. Concern should transform into compassionate action, as demonstrated by figures like Dietrich Bonhoeffer, who urged the church to engage with societal pain to make our message impactful. While it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the world's issues, we must allow our concerns to lead us to prayer, turning them into conviction and compassionate action. Living Streams Church encourages individuals to seek God’s guidance in their unique call to serve, merging grace and truth to effectively embody Christ’s love.

In this episode of the podcast, Pastor David Stockton and guest Jeff Gokee og Phoenix One dive discuss building courageous faith as part of a three-part series on the Past, Present, and Future Church. They reflect on the church’s mission to display God’s glory and build courageous people, discussing biblical examples like Jonathan’s bravery and how Jesus exemplifies true courage through meekness. They also explore the importance of living boldly for Christ in today’s world, resisting fear, and embracing community worship.

The Apostle Paul emphasizes that true courage, as empowered by the Spirit, is characterized by power, love, and self-discipline rather than fear or timidity (2 Tim. 1:7). This divine courage is marked by a commitment to God's purposes and others' welfare, contrasting with cowardice and disorder. Biblical examples like David’s bravery against Goliath illustrate this courage, which is not about assertiveness or aggression but about meekness and strength under control, as exemplified by Jesus. He demonstrated ultimate courage and power through His sacrificial love on the cross. True courage involves enduring suffering well, loving those who are difficult to love, and embodying the strength of a lion with the gentleness of a lamb, reflecting God’s glory in our actions.

Lead Pastor David Stockton and his brother and missionary, Jonathan Stockton discuss hiking the nearly month-long trek of the Camino de Santiago, visiting 100 countries as a missionary, and unification of the Church and it's history as a way to display God's glory.

The Scriptures emphasize that the ultimate purpose of our lives is to glorify God, as reflected in passages like Ephesians 1:3-14, which outlines God’s plan of salvation through election, redemption, and inheritance. This plan unfolds through the Father, Son, and Spirit, with the aim of displaying God’s glory. We glorify God by enjoying His goodness, living according to His will, and doing the work He has given us, much like Jesus did in His earthly ministry. In God’s kingdom, helping others reach the finish line, rather than seeking personal glory, reveals the true nature of His righteousness. Ultimately, our purpose is to give God glory by proclaiming good news, healing the broken, and living as reflections of His goodness.

In this week's podcast, Founding Pastor Mark Buckley and Pastor Alec Seekins discuss fiber, health as you age, moral character, protecting your church from dangerous people, and being a servant leader.

Acts 6 highlights the nature of authority in the early church, showing that leadership in God's kingdom is rooted in servanthood rather than power. The Apostles and deacons demonstrated this by prioritizing character over gifting, promoting a ministry of reconciliation. Addressing conflict directly, as seen in the early church, prevents division and encourages growth, emphasizing the importance of having clear processes for resolving disputes. Believers are encouraged to engage with leaders respectfully, avoid gossip, and adhere to biblical principles for reconciliation (Matthew 18:15-17). Cultivating humility, forgiveness, and patience is essential for fostering peace and unity, ensuring that conflict resolution is approached with love and a focus on restoring relationships.

Lead Pastor David Stockton sits down with Founding Pastor Mark Buckley to discuss the changes we go through as we age, celebrating 40 years at Living Streams, and daily routines in life to be a strong believer.

In John 15:1-17, Jesus uses the metaphor of the vine and branches to illustrate the basis of Christian living: believers must remain connected to Him, the true vine, to bear spiritual fruit, while the Father, the vinedresser, prunes away anything that hinders growth. True believers obey His commands, live in His love, and exemplify sacrificial love toward others, following Christ’s example. This abiding relationship with Jesus is the source of joy, spiritual growth, and fruitfulness. Christians are called to commit to Christ, form loving communities, show compassion by sharing the gospel, be devoted to the Church, and live in covenant love with God and one another, reflecting His priorities and glory in their lives.

David Stockton and Alec Seekins sit down to discuss challenging family dynamics amidst grief, honoring your family, daylight savings time, the early church in Acts, and getting kicked out of Wendy's.Watch this podcast episode on YouTube →

Acts 2:37-47 reveals how the first church was formed, emphasizing the central role of the preached gospel and the call to repentance and baptism. The early believers devoted themselves to the Apostles' teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer, forming a transformative community. They received the Holy Spirit, which empowered them to live in obedience to God, and they continued to grow in faith through Scripture, communal living, shared meals, and prayer. This devotion not only shaped their lives but also influenced the broader society, leaving a lasting legacy for us to follow today.

In this episode, Jeff Gokee and Alec Seekins discuss how God blesses us, why we should bless Him back, and touch on powerful personal stories of feeling God during times of trouble.

Psalm 134, the final Song of Ascent, depicts worshipers urging the priests to remain faithful in their service (verses 1-2) while the priests bless the faithful as they depart Zion (verse 3). The psalm highlights the Levitical service, continuous offerings, and the act of lifting hands in praise. It reminds us to bless the Lord and be grateful for His blessings, encouraging a life focused on God's majesty rather than self-centeredness. By living this way, we align our minds with heavenly things (Colossians 3:2) and fulfill our calling to bless others.

In this episode, join David Stockton, Dalton, and special guest Dan Riccio as they look further into into the beauty and relevance of Psalm 131. Discover the profound tranquility and contentment that comes from being a "weaned child" in faith. Listen as they share personal stories about finding peace, whether it's through fishing with gummy worms, sunset walks, or reflecting on ancient Hebrew poetry.

Psalm 131 reflects David's contentment in God's love, emphasizing humility and trust. It highlights the difference between worldly discontent and divine discontent, urging believers to embrace God's peace and contentment regardless of circumstances. True contentment comes from trusting God's sovereignty and seeking His kingdom above all else, as taught by Jesus and echoed throughout Scripture.

In this week's episode, David Stockton and Alec Seekins discuss Psalm 130 on a deeper level with a recap of David's sermon from Sunday, poetry and art found in the bible, how God's grace doesn't run out even when we feel ashamed of our sin, and the cultural significance of the Olympics opening ceremony.

Psalm 130 is a poetic expression of a deep cry for mercy, highlighting the psalmist's awareness of personal sin and the need for God's forgiveness. It progresses from an urgent prayer to a declaration of hope, emphasizing the steadfast love and full redemption offered by God. The psalm encourages honesty about one's sin while also offering assurance of God's unfailing love and mercy. It reflects the transformative power of God's forgiveness, which not only absolves but also renews, making the past as if it never existed.

In this episode, Ryan Romeo, Alec Seekins, and David Stockton describe their thoughts on the assassination attempt on Former President Donald Trump, what is means to live "The Good Life", and discuss gender roles and the blessing of children.

A good life isn't defined by pleasure, wealth, or self-expression but is often misunderstood and unattainable through these means. Psalm 128 provides a true vision of a good life, which is achieved by fearing God and walking in His ways. The psalm depicts a life of abundance, hard work, fruitfulness, and family, blessed by God. To attain this life, one must reverently honor God, understand His ways through Scripture and prayer, and live in accordance with them. This reverence leads to spiritual wisdom and a truly good life, both now and eternally.

Psalm 127 realigns our hearts with God's Kingdom, contrasting anxious toil with the blessing of children. Solomon emphasizes God's sovereignty in daily life (v. 1-2), showing that our efforts are vain without His blessing, and He provides rest and care. The psalm also highlights the value of children over economic pursuits (v. 3-5), urging us to recognize them as blessings and offering comfort to the childless, reminding us of God's compassion and the high calling of singleness.

In this episode, Ryan Romeo, Alec Seekins, and David McVicker unpack the profound lessons of trusting God's protection and experiencing His transformative joy.

Psalm 125 emphasizes trusting God for security and walking in righteous obedience. In a world of instability, we find refuge in God's unchanging nature, recalling His faithful care throughout generations. Our foundation is the immovable Kingdom of God, not our circumstances. As we abide in Him and uphold His morality, we stand as salt and light, affecting the world around us. Surrendering to God's sovereignty and anchoring ourselves in His eternal Kingdom ensures our lasting security and hope.

In this episode, Alec Seekins and Tim Hesman discuss the Psalms of Ascent, exploring themes of worship, intimacy with God, and servitude. They discuss the significance of liturgical traditions, the role of heart posture in worship, and the interplay of honor and intimacy in our relationship with God.

The Psalms of Ascent, including Psalm 123, trace a journey toward Jerusalem and worship. Psalm 123 contrasts exalting God with pleas for mercy, emphasizing His sovereignty. It calls believers to focus on God, cultivate intimacy through prayer and meditation, and honestly engage with life's pains, finding refuge and peace in His care.

Join pastors David and Alec in this episode of the Living Streams Church Podcast as they dive into the Psalms of Ascent, focusing on Psalm 120. Discover the journey from distress to hope that these ancient songs represent, and how they can still provide comfort and guidance today. With personal stories, cultural references, and practical applications, David and Alec explore the themes of peace, trust, and God's unwavering presence amidst life's challenges.

The Psalms of Ascent (Psalms 120-135) are pilgrimage songs sung by Israelites traveling to Jerusalem, symbolizing hope and deliverance. In Psalm 120:1, David calls to the Lord in distress, and God answers with presence and comfort. These psalms emphasize earnest cries to God and His active response. Psalm 120:2-4 warns about the destructive power of the tongue, urging careful speech. Verses 5-7 reference David's time in caves, feeling lost and distressed. Despite his struggles, David teaches persistence in seeking God and dedication in worship.

In this week's episode, Alec, David, and special guest Nick Orso discuss honoring your father, parenting, and healing from shame.

Father’s Day can be challenging for many due to varied experiences with their fathers, ranging from neglectful or abusive to superhero-like figures, often a mix of both. Despite these experiences, God commands us to honor our parents as a key to societal stability, as emphasized in Exodus 20:12 and reiterated by Paul in Ephesians 6:1-3. This command extends beyond action to attitude, reflecting obedience and reverence to God. Paul and Peter highlight that honoring authority, even when unjust, aligns with Christ's example of enduring suffering with patience and forgiveness. Ultimately, God, as the perfect Father, fills the gaps left by our earthly parents, guiding us to honor with His strength and Spirit.

In this episode, David and Ryan discuss the Israel-Palestine conflict through biblical prophecy and current events. Exploring Ezekiel's visions and the spiritual dynamics at play, they emphasize God's faithfulness and the hope for peace.