Straight From The Heart
Aired Teaching # Scripture Description Listen
4/24/2026 WED756 Esther 1 Vashti said no- Ahasuerus, the king of Persia, was the leader of the most powerful empire in the world, but he was weak because he could not say no to alcohol. In contrast, Queen Vashti said no to the king, and refused to be held up as his personal trophy.
4/23/2026 WED756 Esther 1 The book of Esther- God is not named one time in the book of Esther. Esther's story reminds us that God's hand of providence and protection is always working behind the scenes, even if we can't feel his presence.
4/22/2026 WED339 II Corinthians 12:1-13:14 Final exhortations- Concluding his second letter to the Corinthians, Paul announced he would be returning to visit them, and expressed his genuine love for the church there. Paul also challenged those who were critical of him to make sure to examine themselves.
4/21/2026 WED339 II Corinthians 12:1-13:14 Visions and revelations- There were some voices in the church during Paul's time (and even now) that boasted about having revelations from God. What was Paul's thorn in the flesh? Through persistent prayer, Paul learned that God's grace was enough to sustain him.
4/20/2026 WED338 II Corinthians 11:1-33 Credentials of an apostle- What kind of fool would willingly choose a life of suffering? That's what many who were critical of Paul's ministry said about him. Paul did not use his apostleship as a platform to boast in himself, only to glorify God.
4/17/2026 WED338 II Corinthians 11:1-33 Godly jealousy- Like a loving parent, Paul was concerned about false teachings that were creeping into the Corinthian church. Deceptive doctrines can be very subtle and even appealing, many times containing some hints of truth.
4/16/2026 WED337 II Corinthians 10:1-18 Warning against comparisons- One problem plaguing some people in the church at Corinth was the temptation of comparisons. We should not be measuring the health of our relationship with God based on what other people are doing. Christ alone should be our standard.
4/15/2026 WED337 II Corinthians 10:1-18 Weapons of our warfare- There is a spiritual war going on between good and evil. How do you fight against an invisible enemy who knows your weaknesses? Through prayer and the word of God. These are the weapons of our warfare.
4/14/2026 WED336 II Corinthians 8:16-9:15 Sowing and reaping- There is a difference between tithing and giving. Paul says the main principle for giving is very simple: "God loves a cheerful giver." God wants us to give of our time, money, and resources out of the goodness of our hearts.
4/13/2026 WED336 II Corinthians 8:16-9:15 Giving in the church- God can use finances to further His work through the body of Christ. How should Christians think through the topic of giving at church?
4/10/2026 WED335 II Corinthians 7:2-8:15 Wisdom concerning giving- Some people in the church wrongly encourage giving as a form of investment. We aren't supposed to give and expect something back in return. Paul pointed to Jesus, and the church at Macedonia, as examples of what a giving heart that pleases God looks like.
4/9/2026 WED335 II Corinthians 7:2-8:15 Godly sorrow- Did Paul regret writing his first letter to the Corinthians? Like a surgeon, Paul knew his words would painfully cut into the hearts of his brethren at Corinth. The news of their repentance brought Paul great joy.
4/8/2026 WED334 II Corinthians 6:4-7:1 Let us cleanse ourselves- Some of the Corinthians were letting worldliness creep into their lives. They were making excuses for unhealthy fellowship with unbelievers. Paul called them to repentance and cleansing from their idolatry.
4/7/2026 WED334 II Corinthians 6:4-7:1 Serving with Christ- What can the servant of God expect to experience? It is certainly not a glamorous calling. In fact, you can expect to face hardship in your service to God. Serving Christ means separation from the world, but not isolation.
4/6/2026 WED333 II Corinthians 5:12-6:3 The word of reconciliation- Christians are all called to be ambassadors for Christ, imploring others to be reconciled to Him. The word of reconciliation is the truth that only Jesus Christ can offer man forgiveness and peace with God.
4/3/2026 SAM439 Isaiah 53:10-12 God's Servant Satisfied- Isaiah chapter 53 paints perhaps the greatest picture of Jesus Christ in the old testament. Follow along with Pastor Joe through this 5-part series as we take some time to focus on the person and mission of Jesus for Passion Week.
4/2/2026 SAM438 Isaiah 53:7-9 The Silent Servant- Isaiah chapter 53 paints perhaps the greatest picture of Jesus Christ in the old testament. Follow along with Pastor Joe through this 5-part series as we take some time to focus on the person and mission of Jesus for Passion Week.
4/1/2026 SAM437 Isaiah 53:4-6 The Suffering Servant- Isaiah chapter 53 paints perhaps the greatest picture of Jesus Christ in the old testament. Follow along with Pastor Joe through this 5-part series as we take some time to focus on the person and mission of Jesus for Passion Week.
3/31/2026 SAM436 Isaiah 53:1-3 God's Humble Servant- Isaiah chapter 53 paints perhaps the greatest picture of Jesus Christ in the old testament. Follow along with Pastor Joe through this 5-part series as we take some time to focus on the person and mission of Jesus for Passion Week.
3/30/2026 SAM435 Isaiah 52:13-15 God's Servant Exalted- Isaiah chapter 53 paints perhaps the greatest picture of Jesus Christ in the old testament. Follow along with Pastor Joe through this 5-part series as we take some time to focus on the person and mission of Jesus for Passion Week.
3/27/2026 WED333 II Corinthians 5:12-6:3 Motivated by God's love- Some of the Corinthians were critical of Paul and thought he was crazy to be content living a life of trials. It was not a glamorous calling. Paul's mindset in ministry was motivated by his love for Christ.
3/26/2026 WED332 II Corinthians 4:7-5:11 By faith, not by sight- The Holy Spirit is our guarantee that one day we will be "absent from the body," and "present with the Lord." That's why we are called to walk by faith, remembering where our home really is.
3/25/2026 WED332 II Corinthians 4:7-5:11 Renewed day by day- The greatest capacity of man is to contain the glory of God. That's good news for believers because the outward man is decaying. Although we have a glorious future, our inward man needs to be renewed daily to endure the momentary affliction of this life.
3/24/2026 WED331 II Corinthians 3:1-4:6 We have this ministry- The good news of the gospel is that anyone can have a living, breathing relationship with God. We are called to present this glorious truth to the world in humility and simplicity. Are you praying for your friends and family who are spiritually blind?
3/23/2026 WED331 II Corinthians 3:1-4:6 A letter from Christ- It was apparent that many of the Corinthians' lives had changed. But not because they were following the letter of the law. For "the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life." Some unbelievers will read your life before they ever read the Bible. What will they notice?
3/20/2026 WED330 II Corinthians 1:15-2:17 The fragrance of Christ- We need to be aware of the schemes of Satan. If we do not accept those who are truly repentant, we might be giving space for the enemy to move in. Paul exhorted the church at Corinth to show love to a brother who had failed and repented of his sin.
3/19/2026 WED330 II Corinthians 1:15-2:17 Setting the record straight- Paul was accused by some of being unreliable and untrustworthy because he did not make it to Corinth to visit the church. How do we respond with grace to people who are critical of us, or make assumptions about our intentions?
3/18/2026 WED329 II Corinthians 1:1-14 Living by God's grace- Paul recounted a trying time while in Asia that was so discouraging he "despaired even of life." Sound familiar? Ever feel so overwhelmed you just want to throw in the towel? It's only through the grace of God that we can find deliverance from our suffering.
3/17/2026 WED329 II Corinthians 1:1-14 Second to the Corinthians- Many believers in the church at Corinth heeded the exhortations and corrections in Paul's first letter. Paul's second letter to the Corinthians is full of encouragement, in addition to some defense of his own reputation and ministry.
3/16/2026 SPM661 I Corinthians 16 Last words and greetings- Paul shares his final words of exhortation and encouragement in this first letter to the Corinthian church.
3/13/2026 SPM661 I Corinthians 16 Time and money- Do you view your time and money as a gift from God? If you do, you will be a good steward over how you are using them. Paul began his final thoughts in his first letter to Corinth with an exhortation to the church on the use of time and money for God's kingdom.
3/12/2026 SAM485 I Corinthians 15:35-58 Resurrection- Everyone will experience resurrection one day. For some, resurrection will mark the beginning of a glorious new life, for others, it will mean separation from God, and the loss of all hope. God has given man the capacity to choose which fate he will experience.
3/11/2026 SPM659 I Corinthians 15:1-34 The last enemy- Jesus was not just raised from the dead, He was resurrected. Because Jesus was resurrected, He will never die again, and His followers have the same glorious future. What does Paul's strange comment about those "who are baptized for the dead" mean?
3/10/2026 SPM659 I Corinthians 15:1-34 Defending the resurrection- One of the last issues Paul had to address with the Corinthians was an apparent skepticism by some of the resurrection. Are you prepared to give a defense for the resurrection of Jesus?
3/9/2026 SPM658 I Corinthians 14 Prophecy and tongues (Part 2)- There should be order in the way the gifts of tongues and prophecy are exercised in the church. This will be a witness to unbelievers. Paul defended this position when he said, "God is not the author of confusion but of peace."
3/6/2026 SPM658 I Corinthians 14 Prophecy and tongues- There is a lot of weirdness out there in the church when it comes to the gifts of tongues and prophecy. How can we determine what's legitimate? If spiritual gifts are meant to be exercised in love, then tongues and prophecy should be edifying to the church.
3/5/2026 SPM657 I Corinthians 13 Have the gifts ceased?- Is Paul insinuating in I Corinthians 13 that the gifts of the Spirit ceased when the canon was completed? Some people interpret his words that way. If not, what is Paul talking about, and how does it connect to agape love?
3/4/2026 SPM657 I Corinthians 13 The greatest gift is love- Agape love is the greatest gift. Paul takes a detour from his breakdown on spiritual gifts to highlight what love is, and what it isn't. Without love, our use of spiritual gifts will only be like "a clanging cymbal."
3/3/2026 SPM656 I Corinthians 12:11-31 One body many members- Continuing the topic of the gifts of the Spirit, Paul exhorts believers who might be discouraged about their personal giftings. Paul also warns against pride and jealousy regarding spiritual gifts.
3/2/2026 SPM656 I Corinthians 12:11-31 By one Spirit- Is the baptism of the Holy Spirit exclusively synonymous with being born again? Should believers expect subsequent "refills" of the Holy Spirit after salvation? What does the bible have to say on this much debated topic?
2/27/2026 SPM655 I Corinthians 12:4-10 Concerning spiritual gifts (Part 2)- Spiritual gifts have nothing to do with an individual's talents or abilities. The use of these diverse gifts should promote unity in the body of Christ. Paul gives a list of specific gifts imparted by the Holy Spirit.
2/26/2026 SPM655 I Corinthians 12:4-10 Concerning spiritual gifts- Spiritual gifts have nothing to do with an individual's talents or abilities. The use of these diverse gifts should promote unity in the body of Christ. Paul gives a list of specific gifts imparted by the Holy Spirit.
2/25/2026 SPM654 I Corinthians 11:12-12:3 The bread and the cup- There are various views on what taking communion means among different denominations. Paul exhorted the Corinthians to examine their hearts before taking communion because they were defiling the table of the Lord.
2/24/2026 SPM654 I Corinthians 11:12-12:3 Roles in God's order (Part 2)- What application can be made from Paul's words about the roles of men and women in the church? Are women supposed to wear head coverings? One of the results of disorder in the Corinthian church was improper conduct when taking the Lord's supper.
2/23/2026 SPM653 I Corinthians 10:14-11:12 Roles in God's order- Paul's words about men and women may seem controversial at first glance. When it comes to marriage, family, and the church God calls men and women to play certain roles. These are not general rules to be applied to men and women in society.
2/20/2026 SPM653 I Corinthians 10:14-11:12 Flee from idolatry- Paul redirected the focus of the Corinthians who were concerned about eating food offered to idols to consider whether that would stumble a brother or sister in Christ. Would it glorify God? The food itself is neutral, but the ritualistic practices were idolatry.
2/19/2026 SAM713 I Corinthians 10:6-13 Privilege and responsibility (Part 2)- Because of the difficulty of the journey, the children of Israel began to despise the provision of God. They forgot about God's goodness and deliverance in the past. If we aren't careful we can follow the same path.
2/18/2026 SAM712 I Corinthians 10:1-13 Privilege and responsibility- The people of ancient Israel had protection, redemption, and provision from God. We have all the same privileges from God now through Christ. Paul warned the Corinthians not to continue in sin like the people of ancient Israel.
2/17/2026 SPM651 I Corinthians 9 Run in such a way- We are all running a race in this life, and the reward is "an imperishable crown." But the opponent is not who you think. We are competing against our own flesh. Paul exhorted the Corinthians to continue the race, and run well, by the grace of God.
2/16/2026 SPM651 I Corinthians 9 Surrendering your rights- What are you willing to surrender for the sake of the gospel? Paul challenged the Corinthians to be willing to forsake some of their liberties for their brethren. As an apostle, Paul had the right to exercise certain freedoms, but chose not to.
2/13/2026 SPM650 I Corinthians 7:18-8:13 Love builds up- Another concern in the church at Corinth was the matter of what to do with food offered to idols? Mature Christians may have felt the liberty to eat certain foods without condemnation, but Paul warned against becoming a stumbling block to those younger in the faith.
2/12/2026 SPM650 I Corinthians 7:18-8:13 To the unmarried- When Paul observed what was going on in the culture, he exhorted those who were single to consider the sacrifices that would come with marriage. Is Paul saying that the state of being single is better than marriage?
2/11/2026 SPM649 I Corinthians 7:1-18 To the married- Is it more honorable to remain single rather than marry? How does someone know if they have the gift of celibacy? What does a Christian man or woman do if they are married to an unbeliever? Paul addresses questions about singleness and marriage.
2/10/2026 SPM649 I Corinthians 7:1-18 Biblical sexuality- The Corinthian church had all kinds of perverted ideas about sex. They were heavily influenced by the immoral culture they lived in. Sound familiar? Paul instructed the Corinthians on how they should properly view sex and its purpose in marriage.
2/9/2026 SPM648 I Corinthians 6 Don't you know?- We were once ruled by our sin. But now, Paul says, we are washed, sanctified, and justified by the blood of Christ. Our bodies are "members of Christ." We are "the temple of the Holy Spirit." So how can we now live in immorality with our bodies?
2/6/2026 SPM648 I Corinthians 6 Settling disputes- What is the proper approach for settling disputes in the church? Is it ever right to take another believer to court and let the civil government become involved? People in the church at Corinth were suing each other without any restraint.
2/5/2026 SPM647 I Corinthians 4:6-5:13 Church discipline- Paul spoke to a specific matter in the church at Corinth of sexual immorality that lead into a larger conversation about dealing with sin in the church. How are we supposed to reach out to brothers and sisters in Christ that are living in sin?
2/4/2026 SPM647 I Corinthians 4:6-5:13 Paul's paternal warning- A big problem in the Corinthian church was giving in to the temptation to look at each other as the standard for righteousness. This was leading to pride and all sorts of issues. As a loving parent, Paul exhorted them to remember the true standard.
2/3/2026 SPM646 I Corinthians 3:8-4:5 Servants and stewards- What does it mean to become a fool for Christ? It means denying the world's wisdom and relying on the Spirit that dwells inside of you. God is calling us to faithfulness as His stewards.
2/2/2026 SPM646 I Corinthians 3:8-4:5 No other foundation- Many people get caught up in finding the perfect formula for a successful church. How big is the sanctuary? What is the worship band like? Paul reminds us that none of that matters without the firm foundation of the gospel and Jesus Christ.