AfterGrow

In this final episode of the season, we reflect on what it means to be a vessel in the hands of the Master. As God molds, shapes, and transforms you for His purpose, be encouraged! Trust the process, surrender to the Potter, and find hope in His perfect design.

Sacrifice is the goal, right? Except, what if it's not? Join us this week as we explore God's desire for obedience over sacrifice and look at how the Old Testament prophet Samuel heard the voice of the Lord and obeyed.

When the weight of life pressed in, David "strengthened himself in the Lord"—and so can we. This episode explores how we anchor our souls in Christ, drawing deep from the truth that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. Let His presence be your refuge and His Word your strength.

Podcast Episode Summary: "Strange Fire" Dive into the concept of "Strange Fire" with us, as we explore the importance of doing things God's way, rather than relying on our own methods or past experiences. It can be easy to lean on what has worked in the past, but true growth and spiritual renewal comes when we are open to God doing something new. We invite you to listen in and join us as we discuss stepping outside of our comfort zones, letting go of personal preferences, and following God's prescribed path, even if it means embracing the unfamiliar. 

Pull up a seat at the table as we share a meal in an upper room of a small church in Poland. Zhenya shares her powerful testimony of fleeing Ukraine when the war began and how that journey ultimately led her to Jesus. Her story is one of loss, hope, and the sovereign hand of God.

God is moving powerfully around the world. In this episode, we bring you an inspiring missions update, highlighting the work being done among Ukrainian refugees and the incredible ways the gospel is transforming lives. Join us as we celebrate the abundant harvest God is bringing in and the remarkable ways His Church is boldly sharing the message of Jesus across the globe.

If you find yourself in a place of depletion, there's only one way out - and believe us, it's not through your own strength. As we find ourselves weary and beat up from the demands of life, we can only find true, lasting rest one way... by going to Jesus. Join us in this episode as we explore Hebrews 12:12-13, remembering that on our own, we're unable to "strengthen" the grip of our weak hands. But, as we go to Jesus in our times of exhaustion, we give Him the permission to grip for us. And trust us, friends, His hands are infinitely stronger than ours.

Even though our world pressures us to have it all together and know where we're headed in life, Kingdom logic says that it's good to stand still and wait for the Lord. It might feel a bit uncomfortable. Maybe a little counterintuitive. But truly, the best space for us to reside in is the space where we don't have a plan, but we know Someone who does, and our eyes are on Him. 

Loving your neighbor as yourself should be easy enough. But what if your neighbor doesn't look like you, speak the same language as you, or think like you? Jesus gave us the ultimate example of "loving our neighbors" by willingly giving up His life for a world that rejected, abused, and hated Him. Join us in this episode as we talk about our responsibility to speak up for our neighbor, put their needs above our own, and advocate for the oppressed.

Difficulties, anxieties, hardship. All people experience troubles, whether or not they're Christians. But the grace of God offers us peace in the midst of our storms as we turn our eyes towards Jesus. Do you find yourself "troubled" right now? Let the peace of God enter your heart as He meets you in the whirlwind.

How many times can we say abundant and incredible in one episode? A lot! So often, we miss out on the abundant life because we're scared to take God at His word. But, what if we believed Him, that His promises are true? What if we moved forward, in faith, ready to see Him do something amazing and participate in His work? Jesus has so much for you - are you ready to experience it?

The outcast, the unseen, the forgotten. What do they all have in common? They are seen, loved, and welcomed by God. In this episode, we look at the life (and tears) of Joseph and explore the idea that in Jesus, joy can somehow exist even in the midst of deep sorrow.

If you're a Christian, your entire faith hinges on the Gospel. And yet, we easily forget what the Gospel actually is - we add our own rules and adages to "enhance" it, which in the end actually diminishes its sacred truth. So, what is the Gospel? Listen in to find out!  

We can easily forget that we're image bearers of the Most High God, so instead of clothing ourselves in the clean garments He gives us, we put on shame and self-consciousness. But when we recognize that we're wonderfully made, and the humans around us are wonderfully made, we give space for the Spirit to show us what an abundant life without shame can look like.

Sometimes, it's hard to feel like we have the right to enter into God's presence. When depression, anxiety, or worry enter in, we might feel less than or unworthy of being an adopted child of God. But even with those feelings, Jesus loves you, has chosen you, and desires for you to boldly commune with Him.