The Time Is Now: Why Jesus Calls Us to Repent Before It’s Too Late
**“Repent, for the kingdom of ...heaven is at hand.” — Matthew 3:2**
John didn’t preach this only to “bad people.” He preached it to **everyone**—Pharisees, Sadducees, everyday families, travelers, and crowds from all over Judea. His call was simple and universal:
**Turn away from sin. Turn toward God. Prepare your heart for the coming King.**
Pastor Stelzer walks us through Jesus’ own teaching, showing that Christ continued the same message:
Repent now, because judgment is real, eternity is real, and the separation between the wheat and the weeds—the saved and the unsaved—will one day be final.
This sermon helps us understand:
- Why repentance is necessary for every person
- Why being religious or respectable isn’t enough
- Why Jesus delays judgment—not to deny it, but to give us time
- Why eternity holds only two destinations
- Why today is the day to turn to Christ
John the Baptist prepared people for Jesus’ first coming.
Pastor Stelzer reminds us to prepare for His **second**.
If you’ve been waiting, hesitating, or assuming you have more time—this message is for you.
**Repent and believe the gospel. Jesus Christ died for your sins, rose again, and calls you to follow Him.**Show More

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The Time Is Now: Why Jesus ...
In today’s message, Pastor Stelzer ...
In today’s message, Pastor Stelzer reminds us of the powerful ministry of **John the Baptist**, who appeared after 400 years of silence with one urgent message:
**“Repent, for the kingdom of ...heaven is at hand.” — Matthew 3:2**
John didn’t preach this only to “bad people.” He preached it to **everyone**—Pharisees, Sadducees, everyday families, travelers, and crowds from all over Judea. His call was simple and universal:
**Turn away from sin. Turn toward God. Prepare your heart for the coming King.**
Pastor Stelzer walks us through Jesus’ own teaching, showing that Christ continued the same message:
Repent now, because judgment is real, eternity is real, and the separation between the wheat and the weeds—the saved and the unsaved—will one day be final.
This sermon helps us understand:
- Why repentance is necessary for every person
- Why being religious or respectable isn’t enough
- Why Jesus delays judgment—not to deny it, but to give us time
- Why eternity holds only two destinations
- Why today is the day to turn to Christ
John the Baptist prepared people for Jesus’ first coming.
Pastor Stelzer reminds us to prepare for His **second**.
If you’ve been waiting, hesitating, or assuming you have more time—this message is for you.
**Repent and believe the gospel. Jesus Christ died for your sins, rose again, and calls you to follow Him.**Show More
**“Repent, for the kingdom of ...heaven is at hand.” — Matthew 3:2**
John didn’t preach this only to “bad people.” He preached it to **everyone**—Pharisees, Sadducees, everyday families, travelers, and crowds from all over Judea. His call was simple and universal:
**Turn away from sin. Turn toward God. Prepare your heart for the coming King.**
Pastor Stelzer walks us through Jesus’ own teaching, showing that Christ continued the same message:
Repent now, because judgment is real, eternity is real, and the separation between the wheat and the weeds—the saved and the unsaved—will one day be final.
This sermon helps us understand:
- Why repentance is necessary for every person
- Why being religious or respectable isn’t enough
- Why Jesus delays judgment—not to deny it, but to give us time
- Why eternity holds only two destinations
- Why today is the day to turn to Christ
John the Baptist prepared people for Jesus’ first coming.
Pastor Stelzer reminds us to prepare for His **second**.
If you’ve been waiting, hesitating, or assuming you have more time—this message is for you.
**Repent and believe the gospel. Jesus Christ died for your sins, rose again, and calls you to follow Him.**Show More

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How Can You Tell Someone is a ...
What makes someone a real ...
What makes someone a real Christian? Pastor Stelzer helps kids understand that being a Christian isn’t about having a big “C” on your forehead — it’s about believing in Jesus ...and showing His love in everyday life.
In this children’s talk, kids learn that Christians are known by their **fruit**:
- **Kindness**
- **Love**
- **Forgiveness**
- **Reading the Bible**
- **Prayer**
- **Worshiping at church**
These aren’t things we do to *earn* God’s love — they’re signs that Jesus is already working in our hearts.
Pastor Stelzer reminds us that Christians are recognized most clearly by how they treat others. When someone forgives instead of getting even, shows kindness when it’s hard, or loves like Jesus loves, it’s a strong hint that their heart belongs to Him.
This lesson encourages kids to live in a way that helps others see Jesus through their words, actions, and attitudes.
**Bible Verse:**
*“By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”* — **John 13:35**
If you want to help your kids understand what it means to follow Jesus, this short message is a great place to start.Show More
In this children’s talk, kids learn that Christians are known by their **fruit**:
- **Kindness**
- **Love**
- **Forgiveness**
- **Reading the Bible**
- **Prayer**
- **Worshiping at church**
These aren’t things we do to *earn* God’s love — they’re signs that Jesus is already working in our hearts.
Pastor Stelzer reminds us that Christians are recognized most clearly by how they treat others. When someone forgives instead of getting even, shows kindness when it’s hard, or loves like Jesus loves, it’s a strong hint that their heart belongs to Him.
This lesson encourages kids to live in a way that helps others see Jesus through their words, actions, and attitudes.
**Bible Verse:**
*“By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”* — **John 13:35**
If you want to help your kids understand what it means to follow Jesus, this short message is a great place to start.Show More

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Good Soil: Becoming Fruitful ...
**“Good Soil Hearts: Becoming ...
**“Good Soil Hearts: Becoming Fruitful Followers of Jesus — Matthew 4–13”**
In today’s message, Pastor Stelzer walks us through the powerful teachings of Jesus in the Gospel of **Matthew**, leading us ...from His early ministry in Galilee (Matthew 4) all the way to the **Parable of the Sower** (Matthew 13:1–9).
We explore how Jesus calls every believer to repentance, discipleship, and a transformed life—one that produces **real spiritual fruit**. Pastor Stelzer reminds us that God has invested deeply in us through creation, blessing, and the sacrifice of His Son. Because of that great investment, God desires a harvest from our lives: faith, obedience, and the fruit of the Spirit.
**Key Themes from Matthew:**
- **Matthew 4:** Jesus begins preaching, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”
- **Matthew 5–7:** The Sermon on the Mount reveals the character of true citizens of God’s kingdom.
- **Matthew 7:** Jesus warns about false prophets and calls us to build our lives on His words.
- **Matthew 12:** Jesus defines His true family as those who hear and do the will of God.
- **Matthew 13:1–9:** The Parable of the Sower shows four kinds of hearts—and the fruitful life God desires.
Pastor Stelzer challenges us to ask:
**What kind of soil is my heart?**
Are we distracted, shallow, choked by worldly cares—or are we ready to receive God’s Word, live it out, and bear fruit that blesses others?
If this message encourages you, please like, share, and subscribe for more weekly teachings from God’s Word.Show More
In today’s message, Pastor Stelzer walks us through the powerful teachings of Jesus in the Gospel of **Matthew**, leading us ...from His early ministry in Galilee (Matthew 4) all the way to the **Parable of the Sower** (Matthew 13:1–9).
We explore how Jesus calls every believer to repentance, discipleship, and a transformed life—one that produces **real spiritual fruit**. Pastor Stelzer reminds us that God has invested deeply in us through creation, blessing, and the sacrifice of His Son. Because of that great investment, God desires a harvest from our lives: faith, obedience, and the fruit of the Spirit.
**Key Themes from Matthew:**
- **Matthew 4:** Jesus begins preaching, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”
- **Matthew 5–7:** The Sermon on the Mount reveals the character of true citizens of God’s kingdom.
- **Matthew 7:** Jesus warns about false prophets and calls us to build our lives on His words.
- **Matthew 12:** Jesus defines His true family as those who hear and do the will of God.
- **Matthew 13:1–9:** The Parable of the Sower shows four kinds of hearts—and the fruitful life God desires.
Pastor Stelzer challenges us to ask:
**What kind of soil is my heart?**
Are we distracted, shallow, choked by worldly cares—or are we ready to receive God’s Word, live it out, and bear fruit that blesses others?
If this message encourages you, please like, share, and subscribe for more weekly teachings from God’s Word.Show More

Now Playing
Seeds that Grew and Grew - ...
“The Parable of the Sower: What ...
“The Parable of the Sower: What Kind of Soil Is Your Heart?”
Today Pastor Stelzer helps kids explore one of Jesus’ most memorable stories—The Parable of the Sower from Matthew 13:1–9. ...Together we learn how God’s Word is like a seed, and how our hearts can become the kind of “good soil” where His truth grows strong and full of life.
In this children’s message, kids will discover:
What the four types of soil represent
Why listening to God’s Word matters
How Jesus helps us grow hearts that are ready to receive Him
Simple ways to practice being “good soil” every day
Jesus said, “He who has ears, let him hear.”
Our prayer is that every child—and every parent—hears God’s Word with joy and lets it take root deeply.
If this message encourages your family, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more children’s talks and Bible lessons.Show More
Today Pastor Stelzer helps kids explore one of Jesus’ most memorable stories—The Parable of the Sower from Matthew 13:1–9. ...Together we learn how God’s Word is like a seed, and how our hearts can become the kind of “good soil” where His truth grows strong and full of life.
In this children’s message, kids will discover:
What the four types of soil represent
Why listening to God’s Word matters
How Jesus helps us grow hearts that are ready to receive Him
Simple ways to practice being “good soil” every day
Jesus said, “He who has ears, let him hear.”
Our prayer is that every child—and every parent—hears God’s Word with joy and lets it take root deeply.
If this message encourages your family, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more children’s talks and Bible lessons.Show More

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Abraham: The Father of Our ...
In this powerful sermon, we explore ...
In this powerful sermon, we explore the full story of **Abraham — the father of our faith**, the man God chose to begin His covenant plan that would ultimately lead ...to Jesus and to us.
Through Scripture, storytelling, and real‑life moments, we walk through:
- Abraham’s genealogy from Seth
- The world’s idolatry after the flood
- God’s call to Abraham and the promise of a great nation
- The long delay, doubt, and human mistakes
- The miraculous birth of Isaac
- The test on the mountain and Abraham’s unwavering faith
- The covenant ceremony where **God alone walked through the sacrifice**, revealing the future of the cross
- How God chooses us just as He chose Abraham
- Why every believer today is part of Abraham’s family
We also look at key passages like **Genesis 15**, **Amos 3:8**, **Psalm 25:14**, and how God reveals His plans to those who seek Him.
This message reminds us that:
**God keeps His promises. God reveals His plans. And faith grows when we stay in His Word.**Show More
Through Scripture, storytelling, and real‑life moments, we walk through:
- Abraham’s genealogy from Seth
- The world’s idolatry after the flood
- God’s call to Abraham and the promise of a great nation
- The long delay, doubt, and human mistakes
- The miraculous birth of Isaac
- The test on the mountain and Abraham’s unwavering faith
- The covenant ceremony where **God alone walked through the sacrifice**, revealing the future of the cross
- How God chooses us just as He chose Abraham
- Why every believer today is part of Abraham’s family
We also look at key passages like **Genesis 15**, **Amos 3:8**, **Psalm 25:14**, and how God reveals His plans to those who seek Him.
This message reminds us that:
**God keeps His promises. God reveals His plans. And faith grows when we stay in His Word.**Show More

Now Playing
Father Abraham: God’s Big ...
In today’s children’s lesson, we ...
In today’s children’s lesson, we explore the amazing story of **Father Abraham**—the man God chose to begin a family of faith that would one day include *all of us*! ...
Kids learn:
- Why Abraham is called the **father of our faith**
- How God showed him the stars and made a HUGE promise
- What “descendants” means and how God kept His word
- How Abraham trusted God even when the promise seemed impossible
- Why everyone who believes in Jesus becomes part of Abraham’s family
We also talk about stars in the night sky, multiplication, and how God’s promises grow bigger than we can imagine.
This fun, encouraging children’s talk helps kids understand that they are part of God’s story—and part of Abraham’s family of faith!
**Key Verse Idea:**
“God told Abraham, ‘Your descendants will be more than the stars in the sky.’ And God kept His promise!”Show More
Kids learn:
- Why Abraham is called the **father of our faith**
- How God showed him the stars and made a HUGE promise
- What “descendants” means and how God kept His word
- How Abraham trusted God even when the promise seemed impossible
- Why everyone who believes in Jesus becomes part of Abraham’s family
We also talk about stars in the night sky, multiplication, and how God’s promises grow bigger than we can imagine.
This fun, encouraging children’s talk helps kids understand that they are part of God’s story—and part of Abraham’s family of faith!
**Key Verse Idea:**
“God told Abraham, ‘Your descendants will be more than the stars in the sky.’ And God kept His promise!”Show More

Now Playing
What Really Matters: Jesus’ ...
In today’s message at **Our Savior ...
In today’s message at **Our Savior Lutheran Church**, Pastor Stelzer uses a memorable moment from the Knicks’ dramatic comeback to point us toward something far more important than sports, excitement, ...or temporary victories. While the world celebrates things that fade, Jesus offers something eternal — **forgiveness, salvation, and a place at His wedding feast.**
Drawing from **Matthew 21–22**, Pastor Stelzer explains Jesus’ parables about the wedding banquet, the rejected invitation, and the man without a wedding garment. These stories reveal the seriousness of God’s call, the danger of ignoring Christ, and the gift of being clothed in **Jesus’ righteousness** rather than our own works.
Key themes in this sermon include:
• Why earthly excitement fades but Christ’s victory never does
• The greatest comeback in history — Jesus’ resurrection
• God’s invitation to forgiveness, eternal life, and the wedding feast of the Lamb
• Why many ignore the Gospel for “farm and business” distractions
• The meaning of the wedding garment and the righteousness of Christ
• The reality of judgment, heaven, and hell
• The call to shine our light and boldly stand with Jesus
Pastor Stelzer reminds us that **being on Jesus’ team is the only championship that lasts forever**. Everything else — fame, success, sports, achievements — fades. But Christ’s victory is eternal, and His invitation is for all.
If you want a clear, biblical, and urgent message about salvation, grace, and what truly matters, this sermon will speak powerfully to you.Show More
Drawing from **Matthew 21–22**, Pastor Stelzer explains Jesus’ parables about the wedding banquet, the rejected invitation, and the man without a wedding garment. These stories reveal the seriousness of God’s call, the danger of ignoring Christ, and the gift of being clothed in **Jesus’ righteousness** rather than our own works.
Key themes in this sermon include:
• Why earthly excitement fades but Christ’s victory never does
• The greatest comeback in history — Jesus’ resurrection
• God’s invitation to forgiveness, eternal life, and the wedding feast of the Lamb
• Why many ignore the Gospel for “farm and business” distractions
• The meaning of the wedding garment and the righteousness of Christ
• The reality of judgment, heaven, and hell
• The call to shine our light and boldly stand with Jesus
Pastor Stelzer reminds us that **being on Jesus’ team is the only championship that lasts forever**. Everything else — fame, success, sports, achievements — fades. But Christ’s victory is eternal, and His invitation is for all.
If you want a clear, biblical, and urgent message about salvation, grace, and what truly matters, this sermon will speak powerfully to you.Show More

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Be the Light! Children’s ...
In this week’s children’s message ...
In this week’s children’s message at **Our Savior**, Joanne teaches the kids what it truly means to **shine the light of Jesus** in their everyday lives. Using Matthew 5:16 — ...*“Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven”* — she helps children understand that shining for Jesus isn’t about wearing a lightbulb… it’s about **living with kindness, courage, and love**.
Joanne shares simple, relatable examples kids can follow:
• Helping a neighbor walk their dog
• Watering plants with mom or dad
• Standing up for someone being bullied
• Sharing food with someone who has none
• Comforting a friend who feels sad
• Listening to their pastor and learning about Jesus
She also reminds the children that **Jesus is the Light of the World**, and when we follow Him, we don’t have to be afraid of the darkness. The message ends with the kids singing **“This Little Light of Mine”** and receiving a small light and reminder card to help them remember to shine for Jesus wherever they go.
If your family is teaching little ones about faith, kindness, and following Jesus, this children’s talk is a joyful and practical encouragement.Show More
Joanne shares simple, relatable examples kids can follow:
• Helping a neighbor walk their dog
• Watering plants with mom or dad
• Standing up for someone being bullied
• Sharing food with someone who has none
• Comforting a friend who feels sad
• Listening to their pastor and learning about Jesus
She also reminds the children that **Jesus is the Light of the World**, and when we follow Him, we don’t have to be afraid of the darkness. The message ends with the kids singing **“This Little Light of Mine”** and receiving a small light and reminder card to help them remember to shine for Jesus wherever they go.
If your family is teaching little ones about faith, kindness, and following Jesus, this children’s talk is a joyful and practical encouragement.Show More

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How God Changed My Heart: ...
In this beautiful and heartfelt ...
In this beautiful and heartfelt testimony, **Caitlyn**, a student at Our Savior New American School and a member of Our Savior Lutheran School, shares how God transformed her understanding of ...faith during her two‑year confirmation journey.
When she first began confirmation, Caitlyn admits she saw it as something she *had* to do—just classes, memory work, and a test. But over time, God opened her heart. Through Scripture, prayer, and the encouragement of her teachers and parents, she discovered that confirmation wasn’t about checking boxes… it was about **building a real relationship with Christ**.
Caitlyn shares how reading the Bible—God’s “love letters to mankind”—helped her through anxiety, pressure, and the desire to rely on her own strength. Verses like **Philippians 4:6–7** and **Philippians 4:13** taught her to bring her worries to God and trust in His strength rather than her own.
She reflects on how confirmation helped her:
- Grow in prayer
- Stay accountable in reading Scripture
- Apply God’s Word to everyday life
- Find peace and joy in Christ
- Build friendships rooted in faith
During the service, Caitlyn received her confirmation verse from **1 Peter 3:15**, encouraging her to share the hope she has in Jesus “with gentleness and respect.”
This video includes her testimony, the prayers spoken over her, and the blessing of her confirmation day.
**Praise God for the work He is doing in Caitlyn’s life.**
May her story encourage others to read God’s Word, trust in Christ, and boldly share their faith.
**Our Savior Lutheran Church – Centereach, NY**
Proclaiming Christ with truth, clarity, and compassion.Show More
When she first began confirmation, Caitlyn admits she saw it as something she *had* to do—just classes, memory work, and a test. But over time, God opened her heart. Through Scripture, prayer, and the encouragement of her teachers and parents, she discovered that confirmation wasn’t about checking boxes… it was about **building a real relationship with Christ**.
Caitlyn shares how reading the Bible—God’s “love letters to mankind”—helped her through anxiety, pressure, and the desire to rely on her own strength. Verses like **Philippians 4:6–7** and **Philippians 4:13** taught her to bring her worries to God and trust in His strength rather than her own.
She reflects on how confirmation helped her:
- Grow in prayer
- Stay accountable in reading Scripture
- Apply God’s Word to everyday life
- Find peace and joy in Christ
- Build friendships rooted in faith
During the service, Caitlyn received her confirmation verse from **1 Peter 3:15**, encouraging her to share the hope she has in Jesus “with gentleness and respect.”
This video includes her testimony, the prayers spoken over her, and the blessing of her confirmation day.
**Praise God for the work He is doing in Caitlyn’s life.**
May her story encourage others to read God’s Word, trust in Christ, and boldly share their faith.
**Our Savior Lutheran Church – Centereach, NY**
Proclaiming Christ with truth, clarity, and compassion.Show More

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The Story of How Jesus ...
In today’s children’s message, ...
In today’s children’s message, Pastor Stelzer shares the exciting story of **Saul**, a man who *hated* Jesus and chased Christians from town to town—until one day, everything changed.
As Pastor Stelzer ...explains, Saul was *“a really angry person who didn’t love Jesus… and then he met Jesus.”* A bright light from heaven knocked him to the ground, and Jesus called out, *“Why do you persecute Me, Saul?”* That moment changed his life forever.
Through this fun, interactive retelling, kids learn:
- How Saul became **Paul**, one of the greatest missionaries in history
- Why Jesus forgives even the worst sins
- What it means to **repent** (“be sorry for your sins and want to live for Jesus”)
- How God can use anyone—no matter their past—to share His love
- How the gospel spread from Jerusalem to the whole world… even to us today
Pastor Stelzer reminds children that just like Saul, *“Jesus didn’t just die for somebody else—He died for me.”* And He invites every child to believe, repent, and follow Him.
**Perfect for:** kids’ church, family devotions, Sunday school, and anyone learning the story of Saul’s conversion in Acts 9.Show More
As Pastor Stelzer ...explains, Saul was *“a really angry person who didn’t love Jesus… and then he met Jesus.”* A bright light from heaven knocked him to the ground, and Jesus called out, *“Why do you persecute Me, Saul?”* That moment changed his life forever.
Through this fun, interactive retelling, kids learn:
- How Saul became **Paul**, one of the greatest missionaries in history
- Why Jesus forgives even the worst sins
- What it means to **repent** (“be sorry for your sins and want to live for Jesus”)
- How God can use anyone—no matter their past—to share His love
- How the gospel spread from Jerusalem to the whole world… even to us today
Pastor Stelzer reminds children that just like Saul, *“Jesus didn’t just die for somebody else—He died for me.”* And He invites every child to believe, repent, and follow Him.
**Perfect for:** kids’ church, family devotions, Sunday school, and anyone learning the story of Saul’s conversion in Acts 9.Show More

Now Playing
A God for All Nations: How ...
From the very beginning, God’s plan ...
From the very beginning, God’s plan was never limited to one people group—it was always global. In this powerful message, Pastor Stelzer traces the sweeping story of Scripture to show ...how God has pursued *all nations, all languages, and all people* with His saving love in Jesus Christ.
Drawing from Abraham’s calling, the prophets, the ministry of Jesus, and the explosive growth of the early church, this sermon highlights how God continually reached beyond borders, cultures, and expectations to bring salvation to the whole world. As Pastor Stelzer says in the message, *“God loves the people of the world, and He’ll go out of His way to get them.”*
Whether through Rahab, Ruth, Jonah’s reluctant mission, the Gentile believers of the New Testament, or the Great Commission itself, Scripture reveals a God whose heart beats for every tribe, tongue, and nation. And that invitation still stands today—for you, for your family, and for all people everywhere.
**Key Themes in This Message:**
- God’s promise to bless *all nations* through Abraham
- How the Old Testament prepared the world for Christ
- Jesus’ ministry among Gentiles and outsiders
- The global mission of the apostles
- The eternal, unshakable kingdom of Christ
- Your place in God’s worldwide family
**Scripture References:** Genesis 12, Genesis 15–17, Isaiah 49 & 56, Jonah, Matthew 28, Mark 16, Luke 24, John 3:16, Acts 2–15, Daniel 7, Revelation 5
If this message encouraged you, consider liking, subscribing, and sharing it so others can hear the good news of Jesus Christ.Show More
Drawing from Abraham’s calling, the prophets, the ministry of Jesus, and the explosive growth of the early church, this sermon highlights how God continually reached beyond borders, cultures, and expectations to bring salvation to the whole world. As Pastor Stelzer says in the message, *“God loves the people of the world, and He’ll go out of His way to get them.”*
Whether through Rahab, Ruth, Jonah’s reluctant mission, the Gentile believers of the New Testament, or the Great Commission itself, Scripture reveals a God whose heart beats for every tribe, tongue, and nation. And that invitation still stands today—for you, for your family, and for all people everywhere.
**Key Themes in This Message:**
- God’s promise to bless *all nations* through Abraham
- How the Old Testament prepared the world for Christ
- Jesus’ ministry among Gentiles and outsiders
- The global mission of the apostles
- The eternal, unshakable kingdom of Christ
- Your place in God’s worldwide family
**Scripture References:** Genesis 12, Genesis 15–17, Isaiah 49 & 56, Jonah, Matthew 28, Mark 16, Luke 24, John 3:16, Acts 2–15, Daniel 7, Revelation 5
If this message encouraged you, consider liking, subscribing, and sharing it so others can hear the good news of Jesus Christ.Show More

Now Playing
How to Trust God When Life ...
When life collapses beneath your ...
When life collapses beneath your feet, how do you actually *live out* Proverbs 3:5–6?
Jon Allen of Our Savior Lutheran Church walks us through one of the most powerful ...real‑life examples in Scripture: **David at Ziklag** in **1 Samuel 30**.
Many of us know what it feels like, as Jon says, *“to stand in the ashes of something that didn’t last… something you thought was going to last, and now you’re left alone.”*
David knew that feeling too. His home burned. His family taken. His closest friends talked of stoning him. This wasn’t a bad day — **this was devastation**.
And yet Scripture says:
**“But David strengthened himself in the Lord.”** (1 Samuel 30:6)
This message shows viewers:
- **How David refused to lean on his own understanding**
- **Why trust is a choice, not a feeling**
- **How to seek God’s direction when emotions scream the opposite**
- **Why God sometimes allows “Ziklag moments” to teach us dependence**
- **How Proverbs 3:5–6 becomes real when life is at its worst**
Jon also reminds us that Paul experienced the same thing, saying he *“despaired of life itself… but this happened so that we would not trust in ourselves but in God who raises the dead.”* (2 Corinthians 1:8–9)
If you’re facing your own Ziklag — loss, betrayal, fear, or uncertainty — this message will help you see how God guides, strengthens, and restores those who trust Him with all their heart.
**Scriptures:** Proverbs 3:5–6, 1 Samuel 30, 2 Corinthians 1:8–11
**Theme:** Trusting God when everything falls apart
**Speaker:** Jon Allen, Our Savior Lutheran ChurchShow More
Jon Allen of Our Savior Lutheran Church walks us through one of the most powerful ...real‑life examples in Scripture: **David at Ziklag** in **1 Samuel 30**.
Many of us know what it feels like, as Jon says, *“to stand in the ashes of something that didn’t last… something you thought was going to last, and now you’re left alone.”*
David knew that feeling too. His home burned. His family taken. His closest friends talked of stoning him. This wasn’t a bad day — **this was devastation**.
And yet Scripture says:
**“But David strengthened himself in the Lord.”** (1 Samuel 30:6)
This message shows viewers:
- **How David refused to lean on his own understanding**
- **Why trust is a choice, not a feeling**
- **How to seek God’s direction when emotions scream the opposite**
- **Why God sometimes allows “Ziklag moments” to teach us dependence**
- **How Proverbs 3:5–6 becomes real when life is at its worst**
Jon also reminds us that Paul experienced the same thing, saying he *“despaired of life itself… but this happened so that we would not trust in ourselves but in God who raises the dead.”* (2 Corinthians 1:8–9)
If you’re facing your own Ziklag — loss, betrayal, fear, or uncertainty — this message will help you see how God guides, strengthens, and restores those who trust Him with all their heart.
**Scriptures:** Proverbs 3:5–6, 1 Samuel 30, 2 Corinthians 1:8–11
**Theme:** Trusting God when everything falls apart
**Speaker:** Jon Allen, Our Savior Lutheran ChurchShow More