Tenth & Broad Church of Christ Podcast

Here Comes the Judge

Finding Faith That Pleases God: What Jesus Will Look For When He ReturnsDiscover what kind of faith Jesus will be seeking when He returns to judge the living and the dead. In Matthew 25, Jesus provides three powerful parables that reveal exactly what pleases God.The Parable of the Ten Bridesmaids teaches us that faith must be personally cultivated and endure through waiting and trials. You cannot borrow someone else's faith or rely on religious heritage – Jesus will look for YOUR faith when He returns.The Parable of the Talents shows us that while we are saved by grace through faith, genuine faith always produces works. Like the Sea of Galilee that receives water and gives it out, our faith should receive God's grace and pour it out to others through good works. God doesn't expect us to do what He hasn't equipped us to do, but He does expect us to use what He's given us.The Parable of the Sheep and Goats makes faith concrete and practical. True faith manifests in compassion toward those in need – feeding the hungry, giving drink to the thirsty, welcoming strangers, clothing the naked, caring for the sick, and visiting prisoners. When we serve the least of these, we're actually ministering to Christ Himself.Jesus is coming again, and when He comes, He will judge the living and the dead. This isn't just an ancient creed – it's a reality we must prepare for. The faith that pleases God is active, enduring, and expressed through love.Examine your faith today: Is it your own? Is it producing works? Is it expressing itself through love? Are you eagerly awaiting Christ's return?

Ancient Faith: Every Ready

Being Ever Ready for Christ's Return: Practical Steps for Faithful Living explores how Christians can prepare for Jesus' second coming. Rather than trying to predict dates (which historically has a 0% success rate), believers are called to constant readiness. Jesus uses the illustration in Luke 12 of servants dressed for service with lamps burning, awaiting their Master's return from a wedding feast. This message breaks down five practical aspects of readiness: First, recognizing Jesus as the true Master of our lives by rejecting the notion of a 'delinquent God' who allows us to live delinquent lives. Second, engaging in Christian community since Jesus always portrays waiting servants in households, never alone. Third, regularly sharing our faith with non-believers, which keeps us mindful of Christ's return. Fourth, actively using our gifts and talents for God's kingdom rather than waiting idly. Fifth, being properly 'dressed' in Christ's character daily—clothed with mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and love as described in Colossians 3. The message concludes with practical applications including writing a reminder that 'I am not the master, but the Master is coming back.

Ancient Faith: Jesus is Coming Soon!

Living with Confidence: Knowing How the Story Ends explores how understanding Jesus's promised return transforms our daily lives. Just as the Y2K panic dissolved once we knew the outcome, Christians can face life's challenges with confidence knowing Christ will return. The message examines Acts 1 and other scriptures confirming Jesus will return personally, literally, and visibly—the same Jesus who walked on earth will come back in the same way He left. For those wondering about the 2,000-year wait, 2 Peter 3 explains that God exists outside of time, and His apparent delay is actually divine patience, giving more people the opportunity to turn to Him. This understanding should reshape our priorities in five key ways: helping us recognize what's truly important versus what's trivial, encouraging us to live as pilgrims rather than permanent residents, aligning our actions with our beliefs, using our time wisely for kingdom purposes, and viewing our current struggles through the lens of eternal hope. The message offers practical applications for examining priorities, simplifying possessions, evaluating spiritual readiness, and sharing hope with others.

Ancient Faith: Seated in Heaven

What is Jesus doing right now? This powerful message explores the present-day ministry of Christ as He sits at the right hand of God the Father. Discover the profound implications of Jesus' current role as the ruling King, cosmic sustainer, and perfect intercessor. Learn how Jesus fulfills ancient prophecies as the eternal King from David's line, exercising unlimited authority over all creation. Understand how He holds the universe together by His powerful word, maintaining all natural laws and processes. Most importantly, grasp how Jesus serves as our advocate before the Father, perfectly understanding our human weaknesses while maintaining His divine position. This unique dual perspective makes Him the ideal mediator between God and humanity. The message explains why Jesus' intercession particularly benefits the church and why being part of this community is vital for believers. Includes practical applications for how understanding Jesus' current ministry should transform our prayer life, approach to sin, and commitment to the church. Perfect for anyone wanting deeper theological understanding of Christ's ongoing work, struggling with feeling distant from God, or seeking encouragement in their spiritual journey.

Ancient Faith: He Ascended to Heaven

The Ascension of Jesus: Why His Departure Was Actually Good News explores the often-overlooked yet profound significance of Christ's return to heaven. Discover why Jesus told His disciples it was better for them that He go away, and how His ascension actually gives believers more of His presence through the Holy Spirit, not less. Learn how Jesus' departure from earth transcended the limitations of space and time, allowing His presence to be available to all believers everywhere through the indwelling Spirit. This teaching examines Jesus' enthronement at God's right hand, establishing His supreme authority over all powers and dominions. Understand what Jesus meant when He said believers would do 'greater works' than He did, and how the kingdom of God is both 'already here' and 'not yet' fully realized. Find practical applications for living with confidence in Christ's constant presence, surrendering to the Holy Spirit's work, and anticipating Jesus' promised return. Perfect for anyone seeking deeper understanding of Christian theology, spiritual growth, Holy Spirit empowerment, kingdom living, and the practical implications of Jesus' ascension for daily Christian life. Discover how to live as though you carry Christ's presence wherever you go, bringing His light into difficult situations and relationships.

Ancient Faith: On the Third Day He Rose Again

The Road to Emmaus reveals how two disciples encountered the risen Christ without recognizing him. Walking seven miles from Jerusalem after the crucifixion, they were joined by Jesus himself, yet were prevented from seeing who he truly was. Their grief and limited understanding blinded them to his presence. Jesus called them foolish and slow to believe, then explained how all Scripture pointed to him as the Messiah who needed to suffer before entering glory. The pivotal moment came during a meal when Jesus broke bread—suddenly their eyes were opened, and they recognized him before he vanished. Their hearts had been burning within them all along. This powerful resurrection encounter compelled them to immediately return to Jerusalem to share their experience despite the late hour. The name Emmaus itself means 'warmth' or 'burning,' symbolizing their spiritual awakening. This account demonstrates why early Christians believed in the resurrection—these weren't myths but real experiences from people still alive when the Gospels were written. The same resurrection power works in believers today, transforming lives and compelling action. Are you recognizing Jesus in your daily life? What might be preventing you from fully seeing him? Have you experienced that heart-burning moment when Scripture comes alive? The resurrection isn't just historical—it's a present reality that changes everything about how we live and share our faith journey with others.

Descended Into Hades: The Death of Death

Death is humanity's greatest fear, but Christians have a profound reason for hope. This message explores the often-overlooked truth that Jesus descended to Hades after His crucifixion, not as a captive but as a conqueror. Learn why the phrase 'He descended into hell' in the Apostles' Creed is significant and how this moment marks the definitive defeat of death. Discover the biblical evidence for this victory, including the earthquake that shook the foundations of the earth, the tombs that opened, and the saints who were raised to life. This teaching clarifies the difference between Hades (the place of the dead) and Gehenna (hell), explaining how Jesus' descent demonstrates the incredible depths of His love for humanity. Find out why believers can face mortality without fear, how baptism connects us to Christ's death and resurrection, and practical ways to live in the freedom of knowing death has been defeated. Perfect for anyone struggling with fear of death, questions about the afterlife, or seeking deeper understanding of Christ's complete victory.

Ancient Faith: Crucified, Died and Was Buried

Understanding the Gospel: Christ Crucified, Died, and Buried explores the fundamental Christian message that has been passed down through generations. Discover the core elements of the gospel as outlined in 1 Corinthians 15: Christ died for our sins according to Scripture, was buried, rose on the third day, and appeared to numerous witnesses including over 500 people at once. Learn about the historical evidence confirming Jesus' death, from his own predictions to the Roman execution process and burial preparations. This message examines who bears responsibility for Jesus' death—historically Pontius Pilate, but spiritually all humanity whose sins drove Jesus to the cross. Most importantly, understand that Jesus went willingly out of love, laying down his life voluntarily as stated in John 10. Reflect on how this sacrifice should transform our perspective on sin, salvation, gratitude, and how we treat others.

Ancient Faith: The Purpose of Suffereing

Understanding Christian Suffering and Finding Purpose in Pain - A Biblical perspective on why followers of Jesus face hardship and how to respond faithfully. Learn about the different types of suffering Christians encounter, from physical illness to persecution, and discover the divine purposes behind these trials. Explore how suffering develops character, strengthens faith, and draws us closer to God. This message examines Jesus' own path of suffering and how it serves as a model for believers today. Discover practical ways to support others in their trials and find meaning in your own challenges.

Ancient Faith: The Incarnation, Part 2

Discover the transformative power of incarnational living and learn how to apply this ancient Christian belief to modern life. Explore the profound implications of God becoming human and how this truth should shape our daily choices and actions. Learn practical ways to put others first, serve without recognition, and embrace humility in a world that promotes self-advancement. Understand the differences between worldly values and Christ-like service, while discovering the promises God makes to those who follow His example.