One Loud Voice

In this episode, we discuss Jesus' prayer in John 17. It's an amazing prayer that He specifically says is not just for His twelve disciples but for ALL who believe in Him. He prays for our protection, that we would walk in the truth, and three times, He prays for our unity. Obviously, unity matters to Jesus, and that should get our attention if we desire to live for Him. Join us as we break down this powerful prayer.Thank you for listening to the One Loud Voice podcast. If you are interested in joining or starting a group study, please visit our website, oneloudvoice.org for more information.If you like this content, we encourage you to also follow us on Facebook or Instagram

Show NotesThis is the last podcast in our series on the 12 big teachings of Jesus. We went a little different direction in this one. It was more of a discussion than a series of verses and breaking them down. That said, here are the scriptures we discussed so that you can follow along.Matthew 16:24 NIV, NLT, AMP, and EasyGenesis chapters 1 & 2Matthew 11:29-30 AMP1 John 3:16 NIVChallenge: Lay down your own will and way, do things God's way.Thank you for listening to the One Loud Voice podcast. If you are interested in joining or starting a group study, please visit our website, oneloudvoice.org for more information.If you like this content, we encourage you to also follow us on Facebook or Instagram

Show NotesMatthew 25:34-40 NLTWe overcomplicate what it looks like to be a disciple. Most times, it’s just loving and serving the needs of the people in front of us.Question #1: What are some distractions or fears in your life that keep you from helping others?We have to be intentional about making other people a priority:Purpose to live like thisPay attention to people and what they are going throughBe willing to be inconveniencedQuestion #2: Do you sometimes/often make up excuses to get out of helping people?Luke 10:25-29 NLTVs. 30 Jesus replied with a story...Luke 10:33 NLTQuestion #3: Is it easier for you to have compassion for someone who is going through something you have experienced?Q4: Who is someone you know that makes a habit of helping people? What do you admire about them? John 13:35 NLT ”Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”“Challenge:Look for someone to help: an elderly person, someone struggling with a subject, a friend that needs help moving, ect…Thank you for listening to the One Loud Voice podcast. If you are interested in joining or starting a group study, please visit our website, oneloudvoice.org for more information.If you like this content, we encourage you to also follow us on Facebook or Instagram

Show NotesMercy Definition:Mercy is the compassionate treatment of those in distress, especially when it is within one's power to punish or harm them. The word “mercy” derives from the medieval Latin merced or merces, which means "price paid."Luke 6:32-36 NIVWhen you include your enemies, showing mercy becomes a whole lot harder.Q1: Have you ever struggled with wanting someone who hurt you to suffer or fail?Our feelings are real, but Jesus asks us to move past our feelings to show mercy.Q2: What does it look like to be Mercy-full? (Filled with mercy) Do you know someone who is good at showing mercy?God shows mercy to us...1. God sees you for your potential and gives you a hand upPsalm 25:6-7 NLT2. Mercy has been shown to youEphesians 2:4-5 NLT3. Mercy is freely available to you at all timesHebrews 4:16 NIVQ3: How does God's mercy motivate you to offer mercy to others?Jesus says mercy looks like “loving your enemies”Luke 6:36 NIVJesus is asking us to do for others what God has already done, and continues to do, for us.Challenge:Choose to let someone off the hook who has done you wrong, or show kindness and mercy toward someone you think deserves what they are dealing with.Thank you for listening to the One Loud Voice podcast. If you are interested in joining or starting a group study, please visit our website, oneloudvoice.org for more information.If you like this content, we encourage you to also follow us on Facebook or Instagram

Show NotesMatthew 7:1-2 AMPQ1: In what ways do making assumptions about people, limit, or impact our opinion of them?Examples of how Jesus accepted and loved people:Matthew, Mary Magdalene, Zacchaeus, Women at the well, Demoniac, Women caught in adulteryQ2: How do the ways that Jesus dealt with people, that most of us would quickly judge, challenge you to live differently?Colossians 3:12-15 NLTPaul tells us to "clothe ourselves" with mercy, kindness, humility, love, etc... Many things listed are fruits of the Spirit.Q3: What is one fruit of the Spirit that you find hard to demonstrate?Make a conscious effort to improve. Choose everyday to “clothe yourself” with that characteristic.3 ways to curb judgement:Refrain from prejudiceKeep an open heart and mind towards peopleListen for God’s voice, for the Holy Spirit to speak to youChallenge:Pick someone you find easy to judge. On purpose be more considerate of them. Try to have a conversation with them and find out what their story is. Be ready for God to use you!Thank you for listening to the One Loud Voice podcast. If you are interested in joining or starting a group study, please visit our website, oneloudvoice.org for more information.If you like this content, we encourage you to also follow us on Facebook or Instagram

Show NotesMark 11:25-26 NLTJesus encourages us to work out our un-forgiveness with Him, in prayer.2 situations where forgiveness is something we have to deal with:VictimRelationalLet’s talk about the root cause - or WHY we find ourselves hurt, broken, angry, etc.: Unmet expectationsQ1: What are some situations where unmet expectations have: hurt you, made you angry, changed your life?Exodus 32:1-4 NLTVs 2 - where did they get the earrings from?Vs 4 - who delivered them and destroyed Pharaoh’s army?Exodus 32:7-9 NLTQ2: Was God justified in His anger?So how did God deal with His unmet expectations?Exodus 32:13-14 NLTQ3: Why do you think God changed His mind after Moses reminded God of His promise?Psalm 27:10-11 NLT3 Ways to deal with our unmet expectations:1. Build your relationship with God, develop your trust in Him, knowing that He alone will be faithful to you, even if no one else is.2. Desire to do the things He tells you do, even if they are hard, because they lead to life.3. Recognize your own humanity - how many times have you failed someone’s expectations? It will help you to extend forgiveness to others.Q4: What are some ways to prevent unmet expectations?Challenge:Choose to forgive someone for something they have done or neglected. Send them a letter/email/text if appropriate.Thank you for listening to the One Loud Voice podcast. If you are interested in joining or starting a group study, please visit our website, oneloudvoice.org for more information.If you like this content, we encourage you to also follow us on Facebook or Instagram

Show NotesMatthew 7:7-12 NASBJesus is saying that we need to put our trust and reliance in God for our lives and the things we need.This is a root issue. If we don’t trust God, then we will take control to gain what we want and need by our own efforts.This is where things go south. Selfishness, greed, comparison, self preservation, desperation, fear, extreme need - all cause us to treat others wrongJesus references the law and the prophets: He reminds them of their history. This has all been spelled out and repeated, and broken, and forgotten before.This is an old problem. We struggle to treat people like we should - because we care more about our own needs, our own wants, and our own feelings.Micah 6:8 AMPSo how do we fulfill this commandment to treat others the way we want to be treated?Develop your relationship and trust in God a. This is best accomplished by developing a daily habit of study and prayerIdentify repeated habits of failure a. We can be our worst enemy because of wrong beliefs that we hold on toRomans 12:2 NASBWe need the Word of God to transform usChallenge: Do something for someone this week that you wish others would do for you.Thank you for listening to the One Loud Voice podcast. If you are interested in joining or starting a group study, please visit our website, oneloudvoice.org for more information.If you like this content, we encourage you to also follow us on Facebook or Instagram

Show NotesMatthew 28:16-20 NIVWhat is a disciple?A disciple is a follower of Jesus who’s goal is to be like him and do the things he doesA disciple is supposed to act like Jesus2 Peter 1:3-8A disciple is supposed to do what Jesus didIn our day a disciple would be called:In the medical field - an internIn the construction field - an apprenticeIn the business world - a traineeIn theatre - an understudyWhat Jesus was saying to the disciples was: “I can’t be here, so you’re on. Take my part.”Why does Jesus start his conversation with: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me."?  Matthew 28:19 - "therefore"Acts 1:8Luke 10:2-9, 16-20How did Jesus make disciples?Come follow me, let's do life togetherTeaching by exampleGetting them involvedTaking them aside and teaching themThank you for listening to the One Loud Voice podcast. If you are interested in joining or starting a group study, please visit our website, oneloudvoice.org for more information.If you like this content, we encourage you to also follow us on Facebook or Instagram

Show Notes:Matthew 5:14-16 NIVCity on a hill - a place of refuge and safetyLight in the room - helps you see what you are doingQ1: How important is it to have people in your life that help you make good decisions? Do you have an example of someone that has been a light to you? We often think of good works as things like: feeding the hungry or helping the homeless. We should do those things, but Jesus speaks of our day to day actions and character as good works.Matthew 5:17-44 Summary:Resolve your anger - work for restorationKeep your motives pure. Don’t lust over people or thingsHonor your commitments and covenantsLet your yes be yes, and your no be no. Don’t spin things to your advantageDon’t bow up or take revenge, instead, be generous, go beyondLove your enemiesQ2: Based on verses 17-44, what are some examples you can think of to let your light shine?He ends his teaching with this: vs. 45that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.Jesus’ teaching was radicalJesus flips the script - The religious leaders did good works to look good in front of others, and to earn God’s approval. Jesus says: don’t do good works to look good or earn God’s approval (you already have His approval), do good works to lead others into a relationship w me.Q3: What is the difference between doing something to please someone, and doing something to earn their approval?Psalm 119:105 NLT - Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.2 things that keep us from being a lightSelfishness:Gen 3 - Adam and Eve chose what they wanted, they didn’t consider how it would impact the world, their children, their futureMatthew 16:25 NLT - If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it.What does it look like to lay your life down - Jesus had compassion on the crowd even though he was hurting. Matthew 14:13-23Q4: Why is it important to have margin in your life?Pride:Matthew 10:32-33 NLT - “Everyone who acknowledges me publicly here on earth, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. 33But everyone who denies me here on earth, I will also deny before my Father in heaven.Q5: What are some ways that you can acknowledge Jesus in your life?Challenge: Read Matthew 5:14-45 every day and ask God to show you how to live these verses out in your day to day life.Additional study verses:John 15:81 Peter 2:12Proverbs 4:18Isaiah 58:8Isaiah 60:1-3Thank you for listening to the One Loud Voice podcast. If you are interested in joining or starting a group study, please visit our website, oneloudvoice.org for more information.If you like this content, we encourage you to also follow us on Facebook or Instagram

Humility in our society is often viewed as a negative characteristic. We all like being around someone who is truly humble, but it isn’t a New Year’s resolution item that most of us make.Q1: What are some reasons you can think of that make people resist the idea of being humble?Q2: What does false humility look like?Q3: What does Biblical humility look like? Matthew 23:1-12 NLTVs 3: “So practice and obey whatever they tell you, but don’t follow their example. For they don’t practice what they teach.”We all like to be back seat drivers & stadium coaches - but we’re not in the game. We’re not sweating, getting hit, under pressure, trying but still making mistakes - but we think we could do it better. According to Jesus, that’s pride.If you spend your time and energy, and focus your attention on “doing” what God has called you to do, it’s going to be hard to get prideful. You won’t have time or energy to worry about what others are/are not doingIf what you are “telling” others they need/should do is good advice for them, then it’s GOOD advice for you!Thought: Why is it so much easier to point out how others should live, instead of living it ourselves?Q4: What actions can you/we make that could inspire others to pursue God or live a better life?Vs 4: “They crush people with unbearable religious demands and never lift a finger to ease the burden.”The children’s rhyme: “Sticks and stones will break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” is a lie! Words are very powerful. Proverbs 18:21 NLT says: The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences.Our words carry weight. The things we say can hurt or help people. They can give someone the strength to pursue their dreams, or crush them and make them feel like they have nothing to offer.Thought: Have you ever been motivated to change by someone pointing out all your faults and making you feel like a loser? Why do we feel the need to do that?Q5:  How can we redirect our words to inspire and encourage people instead of breaking them down?Final thought: The example we set for others through our actions, the motives of our heart, and the words we choose to speak, are the revealing truth of our humility or pride.Thank you for listening to the One Loud Voice podcast. If you are interested in joining or starting a group study, please visit our website, oneloudvoice.org for more information.If you like this content, we encourage you to also follow us on Facebook or Instagram

Welcome to the One Loud Voice podcast. We are in a series on the 12 main teachings of Jesus. This week we are talking about Jesus' command of "Don't Worry". Join us as we talk about this important topic, discussing how to better navigate the temptation to worry.Show Notes:Matthew 6:25-34Worrying about our future or things going on in our lives is the result of not trusting God. In vs. 30 Jesus asks the question: "Why do you have so little faith?"How do we change that? How do we grow our faith to the point that it overpowers our temptations to worry?1. Pray - Philippians 4:6-72. Praise - Isaiah 61:33. Trust - Proverbs 3:5Read the book of Ruth. What are some things we can learn from this story about trusting God and overcoming worry?Questions to ask yourself or discuss in your group:1. What are some issues that we worry about?2. What are some circumstances that cause you to worry?3. Looking back at these issues and circumstances, what are some key reasons that worry overrides our faith?From the three things listed above (pray, praise, trust) ask yourself or discuss in your group:1. Do you identify worry in your life? What are some negative impacts that worry has on you?2. What are you listening to? What are you saying about your situation?3. What are some things you can do to help you trust God more?Isaiah 55:10-11There is power in the Word of God to help us overcome our greatest worries!1. Pray scripture2. Praise speaking out the Word3. Trust by standing on His promisesHere are a list of verses to help you in your Pray, Praise and Trust:Philippians 4:6-7, 1 Peter 5:6-7, John 14:27, 2 Timothy 1:7, Psalm 55:22, Philippians 4:6, Hebrews 13:6, Joshua 1:9, Matthew 6:34, Proverbs 3:5-6, Isaiah 61:3, Isaiah 40:31, Isaiah 41:10, Joshua 1:9, Psalms 34:4Challenge:Look for opportunities this week to hit worry head on. When you find yourself becoming overwhelmed. Stop immediately and pray speaking truth from God’s word over your life. Then commit to listening to praise and worship music throughout your day, specifically when you are working through fear. Thank you for listening to the One Loud Voice podcast. If you are interested in joining or starting a group study, please visit our website, oneloudvoice.org for more information.If you like this content, we encourage you to also follow us on Facebook or Instagram

Mark 11:22-24 NIVReading this scripture it would be easy to think that Jesus is offering us a ticket to Easy Street. We can send all of our problems into the sea; everything we want, we just ask and we get it. Q1: Does that idea line up with everything else that Jesus tells His disciples? What are some things he tells his disciples that don’t agree with the Easy Street concept?Having faith is not about getting what you want, it’s about following God and trusting Him to provide, to lead, to open doors, to fulfill His plan and purpose for your life.That doesn’t mean we can’t pray and ask God for things we need and want. Jesus tells us to pray for these things.Q2: What does it mean to “have faith”? What are some other things in life that we put faith in?Faith requires us to believe in someone outside of our 5 senses.Hebrews 11:1 NIVHebrews 11:3 NIVThe people listed in Hebrews 11 did just that, they believed in things they couldn’t see.Hebrews 11:6 NIVQ3: Why is faith is essential to our relationship with God? Think about other relationships in your life, do they require faith as well?Jesus demonstrated faith, and pointed faith out, much more than He taught about it.Mark 11 - The fig treeMark 5 - Centurion/Woman w issueQ4: Does having faith mean that we don’t deal with fear?Nehemiah 2:2-3 NIVNehemiah had to believe God:For the courage to approach the KingFor the confidence that he could rally the people to do the workFor protection against the people coming against themFor wisdom to see through the deception of his enemiesFor strength to complete the visionQ5: What things in your life do you need faith in God to overcome?Challenge:Pick 1 thing you struggle trusting God with and each day give it to God and ask him to give you strength to believe Him for the outcome.Thank you for listening to the One Loud Voice podcast. If you are interested in joining or starting a group study, please visit our website, oneloudvoice.org for more information.If you like this content, we encourage you to also follow us on Facebook or Instagram

Episode 45 - Discussion NotesMatthew 22:37-40 NIVJesus declared, “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’e 38This is the first and greatest commandment. 39And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’f 40All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”  Q1: What are some obstacles or challenges you face in making God a priority?Foundation scripture: Matthew 6:33 NLT - Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.  Q2: What is the Kingdom of God? Can you describe it?In any kingdom there is a culture/society: laws of the land, expected ways of conducting life, rights and privileges of citizens, be loyal to the king and kingdom or government.Discuss these 4 things:To seek the Kingdom above all else and to put God first means...You need to know what the Bible teaches.  Q3: How well do you understand the Bible?You should conduct yourself in line with kingdom expectations.  Q4: Do you know how God expects you to live?You should know your rights and privileges.  Q5: Can you state one right or privilege you have as a believer besides salvation?You should be loyal to God.  Q6: What does it mean to you to be loyal?**None of this is possible if you don’t know what the Bible says and how to read it.We are strongly encouraging you to read/study the book: 30 Days to Understanding the Bible, by Max AndersYour group leaders have a copy of the bookThere is a link on our website to the Amazon bookstoreYou can also find the digital version on iBooks, or other book sitesThere’s more: Jesus said: “love the Lord your God…” that requires relationship.Growing closer to God is just as much about relationship as it is being obedient to His commands.“Without relationship, you’ll just have rules. Without obedience, you’ll just have chaos and no real relationship at all.”Discuss:So putting God first means that we need to know Him and love Him. This includes:Understanding and learning about Him through the BibleSpending time with Him, getting to know His heart and allowing Him to craft oursLiving our lives in honor of Him and doing our best to represent Him well to the worldChallenge:This week set your alarm 10 minutes early for 3 days and read Matthew chapters 5,6 & 7, One chapter each day. Come ready to discuss 1 thing that stood out to you.Thank you for listening to the One Loud Voice podcast. If you are interested in joining or starting a group study, please visit our website, oneloudvoice.org for more information.If you like this content, we encourage you to also follow us on Facebook or Instagram

In this very first podcast of 2024 We take some time to discuss Proverbs 4:23-27. These verses give us some very clear instruction on what we need to guard, and what we need to value.  It was a great conversation and we believe it will encourage you to think about what you are prioritizing in your life.Thank you for listening to the One Loud Voice podcast. If you are interested in joining or starting a group study, please visit our website, oneloudvoice.org for more information.If you like this content, we encourage you to also follow us on Facebook or Instagram

We are taking a break from our normal format over the holidays. Continuing on from the last 2 weeks we are sharing the vision of OLV and where it all began. Join us for a look into the history and the making of One Loud Voice. This week: Unity among believers.Thank you for listening to the One Loud Voice podcast. If you are interested in joining or starting a group study, please visit our website, oneloudvoice.org for more information.If you like this content, we encourage you to also follow us on Facebook or Instagram

We are taking a break from our normal format over the holidays. Continuing on from last week we are sharing the vision of OLV and where it all began. Join us for a look into the history and the making of One Loud Voice. This week: Making the big "C" (church), and discipleship our goal.Thank you for listening to the One Loud Voice podcast. If you are interested in joining or starting a group study, please visit our website, oneloudvoice.org for more information.If you like this content, we encourage you to also follow us on Facebook or Instagram

We are taking a break from our normal format over the holidays. For the next few weeks we are going to be sharing the vision of OLV and where it all began. Join us for a look into the history and the making of One Loud Voice. This week: A heart for making disciples.Thank you for listening to the One Loud Voice podcast. If you are interested in joining or starting a group study, please visit our website, oneloudvoice.org for more information.If you like this content, we encourage you to also follow us on Facebook or Instagram

Episode 40 - Represent - show notesAs followers of Jesus, He has commissioned us to go into all the World and make disciples … Matthew 28:19. Today, let’s talk about how we can carry out our commission to represent Jesus in our day to day lives.We are All Called to Represent Jesus to the World2 Corinthians 5:16-21Vs 16 - Regard no one according to the flesh.#1 - Are there people in your life that you have a hard time seeing their value, much less love them?Freedom from our past, from addictions, from sin, and becoming more like Jesus is a process. This is true for everyone.Philippians 2:12-13 Work out your own salvation…Vs 20 - We are called to be Ambassadors for Christ#2 - Do you ever talk about your beliefs and faith in Jesus with the non-Christian people in your life?#3 - What are some ways you can create opportunities to share your faith?How Well Do You Represent?Vs 20 - We are speaking on Christ’s behalf - We need to know Him wellAsk yourself - “Am I a good representation of Jesus to the people around me?”Vs 21 - God’s vengeance (or judgement) on our sin was taken and paid for by JesusPsalm 103:12 He has removed your sin as far as the east is from the west.Challenge: Who in your life can you reach out and begin to share the love of Jesus with? If you can’t think of someone, ask God to show you and give you a heart of compassion for them.Thank you for listening to the One Loud Voice podcast. If you are interested in joining or starting a group study, please visit our website, oneloudvoice.org for more information.If you like this content, we encourage you to also follow us on Facebook or Instagram

Light Up the World! - Show NotesHow can we effectively portray God’s free gift of redemption with the world around us#1 - How important is it to you for someone’s words and their actions to match? #2 - Do you make excuses or justification for yourself when your words and actions don’t match? Ephesians 2:1-10 NLT#3 - How much value, to you, is anything if you don’t use it? Even if the real value of the item is very high.Ephesians 2:3 NIV#4 - Are there things that you used to do, but don’t do anymore because you want to honor and represent Jesus?“If I didn’t know Jesus and I met me, would I see something I wanted to follow?” - from podcast#5 - Are you further along in how you live your life and represent Jesus to the world today, than you were last month? Last year?None of us have arrived. That is why the Paul said in Philippians 2:12 - “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.”#6 - How important is it to you, to represent Jesus to others?Ask yourself - “What do I need to change in my life to better represent Jesus to the world?”Ephesians 2:10 NIVGod created you to do things in your life that demonstrate His love and goodness to the world around you!Scriptural examples of good works: Proverbs 31:8-9, Isaiah 1:7, Isaiah 58:6-7, Micah 6:8, Matthew 6:33-34, Mark 16:15, 1 Corinthians 7:17, Ephesians 4:1-6, Philippians 2:1-4, Philippians 3:12-14, 2 Timothy 1:10, Hebrews 3:1, Hebrews 12:1-2, 1 Peter 2:9-10, 1 Peter 3:15-16, 1 Peter 4:10-11“Throw off the junk that’s holding you back!” - from podcast1 Corinthians 15:33 - …bad company corrupts good moralsAmos 3:3 NLT - Can two people walk together without agreeing on the direction?Daniel 12:3, Philippians 2:15 - Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky.“To a dark world, be a light, be a bright light. Don’t live the way they live.” - from podcastChallenge: This week pay attention to the way you live your life. Do your words and your actions align? Are you being a light, an example, to those around you?Thank you for listening to the One Loud Voice podcast. If you are interested in joining or starting a group study, please visit our website, oneloudvoice.org for more information.If you like this content, we encourage you to also follow us on Facebook or Instagram

Be a Good Friend - show notesFriendship is such a huge part of what makes us feel valuable and fulfilled in life.Friends can be our biggest support and strength, or they can be our greatest downfall#1 - What are some values you look for in a good friend?Proverbs 18:24 - KJV, NAS, Amp, ISV, Ops Tank, NRSV, NLT, Message(Vast differences in how this verse is translated)Let’s talk about what a good friend looks like…#2 - Would you define yourself as someone who is a good friend?#3 - If you think about the conversations and activities you do with your friends, are you setting an example of Jesus for them? Are they setting an example of Jesus for youJohn 15:14-15 AmpJesus defines His friends as the people who follow what He saysHe defines His friendship with us by saying that He shares what He knows with us#4 - Based on this scripture, would you define yourself as a friend of Jesus?Proverbs 17:17 NLTProverbs 27:9 AmpProverbs 27:10 NLT#5 - These scriptures define a good friend as: loyal, someone who gives wise counsel, and someone who helps their friend in a time of need. Are there some places for you to grow in these as a good friend?#6 - How do you see your friendship with others as a way of portraying Jesus?Finally, choose your friends wiselyThank you for listening to the One Loud Voice podcast. If you are interested in joining or starting a group study, please visit our website, oneloudvoice.org for more information.If you like this content, we encourage you to also follow us on Facebook or Instagram