The Venture Church Podcast

Judas Iscariot

The story of Judas Iscariot serves as a powerful reminder of the true cost of following Jesus. Despite being close to Jesus, Judas chose to betray Him for 30 pieces of silver, highlighting that money cannot buy happiness, fill the void in our lives, or bring lasting contentment. This message challenges us to examine our hearts and motives, ensuring we prioritize our relationship with Jesus over material wealth. Reflect on your relationship with money and make changes that reflect a heart devoted to Christ.

Jezebel

Jezebel, the wife of King Ahab, is a notorious figure in biblical history known for her manipulation, idolatry, and murder. Her influence led to the promotion of Baal worship and the moral decay of Israel. The story of Naboth's vineyard highlights her ruthless nature, as she orchestrated Naboth's unjust execution. Ultimately, divine judgment fell upon Jezebel and Ahab, serving as a stark reminder of the consequences of ungodly decisions. Reflect on how you use your influence and make decisions that align with God's will.

The Hyppocrites

The Pharisees and Sadducees were religious leaders often condemned by Jesus for their hypocrisy. The Pharisees focused on external righteousness and legalism, while the Sadducees prioritized political power and denied spiritual truths. Jesus criticized them for their misuse of scripture and lack of genuine devotion to God. Their actions serve as a cautionary tale about the dangers of hypocrisy and the importance of embracing grace over legalism.

Cain's Choices

Cain, the firstborn son of Adam and Eve, worked as a farmer while his brother Abel was a shepherd. Both were expected to worship God and bring offerings. However, God favored Abel's offering of the best portions of his flock over Cain's offering of fruits from the soil. This rejection led to Cain's anger and the eventual murder of Abel. The story highlights several key lessons: the importance of worshiping God with a pure heart, the dangers of uncontrolled anger, and the significant consequences of our choices. God warned Cain about sin's desire to control him, but Cain chose to act on his anger, resulting in severe consequences. This narrative underscores the value of free will and the need to make choices that align with God's will. Reflect on how you prepare for worship, manage your emotions, and consider the long-term impact of your decisions.

The Original Villain

In this sermon, we delve into the role of Satan, the original villain of the Bible. Known by many names, Satan was once a beautiful angel named Lucifer who fell from grace due to pride. His primary tactic is deception, making sin appear attractive. Today, Satan seeks to destroy faith and families, using tools like addiction and shame. To resist him, we must flee from temptation, draw near to God, and engage in spiritual warfare, relying on Jesus' victory on the cross.

Mary Magdalene

Mary Magdalene's life is a testament to the transformative power of Jesus. Once demon-possessed, she was healed by Jesus and became a devoted follower, present at His crucifixion and resurrection. Her story teaches us that no one is beyond Jesus' reach, the importance of supporting ministry, and the courage to share our faith. Reflect on your own transformation, support your church, and boldly share your testimony.

Remembering Mary

Mary, the mother of Jesus, exemplifies humility, faith, and devotion. Despite her humble beginnings, she was chosen for an extraordinary purpose. Her life teaches us to embrace humility, express gratitude, and devote ourselves to worship. Mary was not divine but a remarkable woman whose faith and obedience to God serve as an inspiration for us all.

Running to Win

Inspired by Hebrews 12:1-2, this message explores the race of faith, drawing lessons from biblical figures like Abel, Enoch, Noah, and others. Each figure teaches us valuable lessons: giving God our best, walking with Him daily, obeying even when it doesn't make sense, and trusting in His promises. We are encouraged to lay aside every weight and sin, run with endurance, and keep our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. By doing so, we can finish our race strong and receive our eternal reward.

Esther

Queen Esther's story, found in the Book of Esther, is a tale of courage and divine purpose. Raised by her cousin Mordecai, Esther became queen of Persia and used her position to save her people from annihilation. Despite the risks, she approached King Xerxes to reveal Haman's plot against the Jews. Her bravery led to the Jews' deliverance and the establishment of the Feast of Purim. Esther's life teaches us to embrace our divine purpose and act with faith and courage.

Ruth & Naomi

The story of Ruth is a powerful narrative of faith, loyalty, and providence. Set during a time of famine, Ruth, a Moabite widow, chooses to follow her mother-in-law Naomi back to Judah, pledging herself to Naomi's God and people. In Bethlehem, Ruth's faithfulness leads her to Boaz, a kinsman-redeemer, who marries her, securing her place in the lineage of King David and Jesus Christ. Ruth's journey from loss to redemption encourages us to trust in God's plan and recognize His hand in our lives.