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Serious Faith

Serious Faith

By The Life Center

A podcast for people who want to follow the Jesus of the Gospels, Serious Faith investigates the Gospels story by story to discover the way Jesus intended his followers to live. Hosted by Chad Yoder, pastor at First UMC and the Life Center in Goshen, IN.
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Serious Faith - Fruit in Samaria (John 4:27-42)

Serious FaithApr 28, 2021

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30:33
Serious Faith - S2E14 - Hope Thru Jesus - Hebrews 6:13-7:3

Serious Faith - S2E14 - Hope Thru Jesus - Hebrews 6:13-7:3

So we are meant to have this sure hope, but how? How is our hope so sure? We begin to answer that this week.

May 24, 202310:21
Serious Faith - S2E13 - A Sure Hope - Hebrews 6:9-12

Serious Faith - S2E13 - A Sure Hope - Hebrews 6:9-12

The writer lightens up a little this week and focuses on how to keep your hope sure. Is your hope sure?

May 17, 202309:49
Serious Faith - S2E12 - Pressing On to Perfection - Hebrews 6:1-8

Serious Faith - S2E12 - Pressing On to Perfection - Hebrews 6:1-8

As our author continues his piece on growing, he issues a stark warning about stagnation and backsliding. Will we heed the warning?

May 10, 202310:34
Serious Faith - S2E11 - Jesus the Priest and Spiritual Laziness - Hebrews 5

Serious Faith - S2E11 - Jesus the Priest and Spiritual Laziness - Hebrews 5

The writer this week goes deeper into Jesus as priest, but takes a break to accuse the readers of being spiritually lazy. Is that you? Is it me? Yikes.

May 03, 202313:03
Serious Faith - S2E10 - Finding Rest (Part 2) - Hebrews 4:11-16

Serious Faith - S2E10 - Finding Rest (Part 2) - Hebrews 4:11-16

The author of Hebrews says there is rest to be found in God, but how do we find it? This week, we answer that question.

Apr 26, 202313:41
Serious Faith - S2E9 - Finding Rest (Hebrews 4:1-10)

Serious Faith - S2E9 - Finding Rest (Hebrews 4:1-10)

With Jesus as our roommate, the author of Hebrews now points out that there is a rest available to us. But its a deeper rest than just physical, right?

Apr 12, 202311:50
Serious Faith - S2E8 - Stubborn Hearts and Accountability Groups (Hebrews 3:7-19)

Serious Faith - S2E8 - Stubborn Hearts and Accountability Groups (Hebrews 3:7-19)

This week, Hebrews speaks to tuning into God and not being stubborn. That leads us to a conversation about community groups and we get a little candid (too candid?) about finding community in the church.

Apr 05, 202314:53
Serious Faith - S2E7 - Jesus Is Better Than Moses (Hebrews 3:1-6)

Serious Faith - S2E7 - Jesus Is Better Than Moses (Hebrews 3:1-6)

Moses helped build God's house, but who built Moses? If you are God's house, who builds you? This week, we talk about what it means to be God's house and have Jesus as a roommate.

Mar 29, 202315:24
Serious Faith - S2E6 - Jesus the Better High Priest (Hebrews 2:10-18)

Serious Faith - S2E6 - Jesus the Better High Priest (Hebrews 2:10-18)

We continue the theme of "Jesus is better" this week with an impactful summary of the Gospel in Hebrews 2:10-18.

Mar 22, 202312:04
Serious Faith - S2E5 - Jesus is a Better Human (Hebrews 2:5-9)

Serious Faith - S2E5 - Jesus is a Better Human (Hebrews 2:5-9)

Jesus just keeps getting better, doesn't he? This week, he is the best human to have ever lived.

Mar 15, 202310:44
Serious Faith - S2E4 - His Message is Better (Hebrews 2:1-4)

Serious Faith - S2E4 - His Message is Better (Hebrews 2:1-4)

If Jesus is the greatest messenger, then the message must be pretty great too, right?

Mar 08, 202310:21
Serious Faith - S2E3 - Proof Jesus is Better (Hebrews 1:5-14)

Serious Faith - S2E3 - Proof Jesus is Better (Hebrews 1:5-14)

Last week, the author established that Jesus is better than angels and prophets. This week, they seek to prove it with Scripture.

Mar 01, 202311:57
Serious Faith - S2E2 - Jesus Is Better (Hebrews 1:1-4)

Serious Faith - S2E2 - Jesus Is Better (Hebrews 1:1-4)

As we dive into Hebrews, we immediately find the main theme: Jesus is better. This week, he is greater than the prophets and messengers. What does that mean for us though?

Feb 22, 202312:41
Serious Faith - S2E1 - Intro to Hebrews

Serious Faith - S2E1 - Intro to Hebrews

Season two is finally here! This season, we will walk through the book of Hebrews story by story. This week we start with an introduction to the book, focusing mainly on an important question: who wrote Hebrews?

Feb 15, 202315:50
Serious Faith - Ending a Gospel (John 21:20-25)

Serious Faith - Ending a Gospel (John 21:20-25)

How do you end a gospel? With a cool story and a cool statement, of course. John does it well this week.

Sep 28, 202210:31
Serious Faith - Jesus Questions Peter (John 21:15-19)

Serious Faith - Jesus Questions Peter (John 21:15-19)

Do you love Jesus more than these? What a question!

Sep 21, 202210:43
Serious Faith - Jesus Saves The Disciples Work (John 21:1-14)

Serious Faith - Jesus Saves The Disciples Work (John 21:1-14)

We see a real life parable this week, as Jesus swoops in to bring a better night's work for the fishing disciples. Peter is blown away. Does Jesus blow you away?

Sep 14, 202212:13
Serious Faith - Jesus Appears to Thomas (John 20:24-31)

Serious Faith - Jesus Appears to Thomas (John 20:24-31)

For John, believing in Jesus leads to having life. Does your belief lead to life?

Sep 07, 202213:07
Serious Faith - Jesus Appears to the Disciples (John 20:19-23)

Serious Faith - Jesus Appears to the Disciples (John 20:19-23)

What does Jesus tell his disciples to do the second he comes back? The same thing we should be doing.

Aug 31, 202213:16
Serious Faith - Jesus Appears to Mary (John 20:11-18)

Serious Faith - Jesus Appears to Mary (John 20:11-18)

Did you know we can see and hear the Lord? Yep, just like Mary!

Aug 24, 202209:41
Serious Faith - Empty Tomb (John 20:1-10)

Serious Faith - Empty Tomb (John 20:1-10)

How do we wait on the Lord when we do not understand something? Like Mary or like Peter?

Aug 17, 202210:59
Serious Faith - Jesus Buried (John 19:38-42)

Serious Faith - Jesus Buried (John 19:38-42)

Are you a Joseph of Arimathea or a Nicodemus? Do you have people like them in your life? Learn more in this week's episode.

Aug 10, 202210:36
Serious Faith - Jesus Speared (John 19:31-37)

Serious Faith - Jesus Speared (John 19:31-37)

What happens after Jesus died on the cross? We talk post-death, spears, and Martin Luther this week.

Aug 03, 202210:13
Serious Faith - The Crucifixion (John 19:16-30)

Serious Faith - The Crucifixion (John 19:16-30)

Jesus was motivated by his love for God and his love for his people. What motivates you?

Jul 27, 202211:24
Serious Faith - A Lesson from Uganda

Serious Faith - A Lesson from Uganda

We divert for one week to talk about the recent trip to Uganda and what Uganda can teach us about serious faith.

Jul 20, 202213:48
Serious Faith - Jesus Questioned Again (John 19:8-16)

Serious Faith - Jesus Questioned Again (John 19:8-16)

The chief priests seem to be experienced in getting what they want. Are there places in our lives that we manipulate the situation to get our desired outcome?

Jul 13, 202211:30
Serious Faith - Jesus Mocked (John 19:1-7)

Serious Faith - Jesus Mocked (John 19:1-7)

Much like Saul in Acts 9, the chief priests believed they were in the center of God's will. Are we more humble than them?

Jul 06, 202212:52
Serious Faith - Release of Barabbas (John 18:38-40)

Serious Faith - Release of Barabbas (John 18:38-40)

Why would the people release Barabbas instead of Jesus? Mob mentality? Concern for their status quo? Do we do the same thing in our own lives? Probably.

Jun 29, 202212:31
Serious Faith - Pilate Questions Jesus (John 18:33-38)

Serious Faith - Pilate Questions Jesus (John 18:33-38)

Pilate asks Jesus two important questions: "Are you the king of the Jews?" and "What is truth?" Those questions shape how we do life.

Jun 22, 202212:09
Serious Faith - Jewish Leaders Head to Pilate (John 18:28-32)

Serious Faith - Jewish Leaders Head to Pilate (John 18:28-32)

The Jewish leaders thought they would use the Romans to skirt some of their own laws and get what they wanted. Is that something you've been doing too?

Jun 15, 202213:19
Serious Faith - Peter Denies Jesus Again (John 18:25-27)

Serious Faith - Peter Denies Jesus Again (John 18:25-27)

The disciples were not shy on sharing their own failures in the Gospels. Do we have someone to bear our soul to or do we hide behind the "I'm doing pretty good" in life?

Jun 08, 202208:46
Serious Faith - Jesus Testifies (Sort of) (John 18:19-24)

Serious Faith - Jesus Testifies (Sort of) (John 18:19-24)

Sometimes we don't actually trust that what Jesus said is true or actually works in real life, but we are too afraid to explore it further in the church. Let's stop that. Let's explore.

Jun 01, 202213:17
Serious Faith - Peter Denies Jesus (John 18:15-18)

Serious Faith - Peter Denies Jesus (John 18:15-18)

Peter denies Jesus. We often deny Jesus too, but don't like to admit it.

May 25, 202208:32
Serious Faith - Jesus Arrested (John 18:1-14)

Serious Faith - Jesus Arrested (John 18:1-14)

Jesus offers himself without a fight but not all of his disciples go so easily. Which path will we choose?

May 18, 202214:11
Serious Faith - Jesus Prays for His Disciples (John 17)

Serious Faith - Jesus Prays for His Disciples (John 17)

What does Jesus pray for his disciples? Oneness.

May 11, 202216:50
Serious Faith - Jesus the World-Conqueror (John 16:25-33)

Serious Faith - Jesus the World-Conqueror (John 16:25-33)

Jesus comes to the end of his monologue this week with a bit of encouragement for the disciples, who are about desert him and feel terrible about it: "I have conquered the world." Jesus has conquered your world too.

May 04, 202210:32
Serious Faith - Sunday Will Come (John 16:17-24)

Serious Faith - Sunday Will Come (John 16:17-24)

The disciples are upset that Jesus is leaving, but Jesus assures them that God is in the sorrow too. God is in your sorrow, my friends.

Apr 27, 202210:44
Serious Faith - The Spirit Speaks (John 16:12-16)

Serious Faith - The Spirit Speaks (John 16:12-16)

Jesus didn't have time to tell his disciples everything so he sent the Holy Spirit to continue teaching us. Are we avid learners or are we tuning him out?

Apr 20, 202209:27
Serious Faith - Jesus Must Go (John 16:4-11)

Serious Faith - Jesus Must Go (John 16:4-11)

Jesus tells the disciples they should be happy he is leaving. But why? We explore the impact and work of the Holy Spirit this week.

Apr 13, 202210:51
Serious Faith - If The World Hates You (John 15:18-16:4)

Serious Faith - If The World Hates You (John 15:18-16:4)

Jesus predicted the world would hate his followers, but he also predicted they would be hated in the synagogue. Whew!

Mar 30, 202212:08
Serious Faith - Love and Obedience (John 15:9-17)

Serious Faith - Love and Obedience (John 15:9-17)

In our 50th episode, we look at Jesus' command (again) to love each other. This time, Jesus calls his disciples friends and links obedience to knowing him. What? Take a listen.

Mar 23, 202212:41
Serious Faith - The Vine, The Branches, and The Fruit (John 15:1-8)

Serious Faith - The Vine, The Branches, and The Fruit (John 15:1-8)

If you remain in Jesus, you will produce fruit. If you don't remain in Jesus and you don't produce fruit, you are gone. Simple principle; hard to accept?

Mar 16, 202212:32
Serious Faith - The Promise of the Holy Spirit (John 14:15-31)

Serious Faith - The Promise of the Holy Spirit (John 14:15-31)

Jesus just told the disciples he would be leaving, but not without offering the greatest parting gift ever: the Holy Spirit.

Mar 09, 202211:24
Serious Faith - The Way, The Truth, The Life (John 14:1-14)

Serious Faith - The Way, The Truth, The Life (John 14:1-14)

How can we know God? Jesus answers pretty easily in this week's episode.

Mar 02, 202210:55
Serious Faith - Peter's Spirited Response (John 13:36-38)

Serious Faith - Peter's Spirited Response (John 13:36-38)

Have you ever had a moment where you accidently put Jesus in the backseat in your decision-making? So does Peter. Maybe we all have those moments? We challenge that this week.

Feb 23, 202209:26
Serious Faith - Love Commandment (John 13:31-35)

Serious Faith - Love Commandment (John 13:31-35)

Jesus tells his disciples to love requires sacrifice. Are you willing to sacrifice to love your neighbor well?

Feb 16, 202210:40
Serious Faith - Announcement of the Betrayal (John 13:21-30)

Serious Faith - Announcement of the Betrayal (John 13:21-30)

Randy Bennett, worship director at First UMC and the Life Center, joins us this week to talk emotions and blind spots as the disciples learn that Judas is about to betray them.

Feb 09, 202222:55
Serious Faith - Jesus Washes Feet (John 13:1-20)

Serious Faith - Jesus Washes Feet (John 13:1-20)

What if following Jesus is actually really simple? Jesus makes it simple for his disciples by washing their feet and directing them to do the same.

Feb 02, 202215:51
Serious Faith - Why Jesus Is Here (John 12:44-50)

Serious Faith - Why Jesus Is Here (John 12:44-50)

Jesus gets down to the basics of his mission: to save. Have we taken time to appreciate that lately?

Jan 12, 202211:57
Serious Faith - Scared Leaders (John 12:37-43)

Serious Faith - Scared Leaders (John 12:37-43)

Jewish leaders believed in Jesus, but chose not to say anything for fear of being sent out of the synagogue. How often do we hold our tongue for what is right in the church because we don't want to clash with our friends who do not get it yet?

Jan 05, 202214:35