Local Church St. Pete Podcast

If you’re not convinced something is a real threat then you won’t do anything to stand against it. Ephesians 6:10-20 is a shockingly blunt call for followers of Jesus to stand firm against cosmic powers and spiritual forces of evil. To live watchful, attentive lives of resistance that find strength in Jesus’ triumph and presence.

An update on Local Church St. Pete's partnership with Casa de Esperanza (Caranavi & La Paz, Bolivia) from Josh & Brooke Allen, Nicole Schuster, and Doug Pursley. 

It’s so easy to write others off, to be demeaning or dismissive, or to treat people differently based on their position in society. Ephesians 6:1-9 takes us behind the scenes where faith in Jesus is played out between children and parents and between slaves and masters. It reaches into a dehumanizing and discriminating culture with a new ethic. Instead of behavior modification or a list of recommended practices, we’re given a countercultural way of life that transforms relationships from the inside out.

For some it’s offensive, misunderstood and archaic. For others it’s beautiful, within reach and relevant. Whatever your view of marriage is, Ephesians 5:21-33 takes us behind the scenes where faith in Jesus is played out on the stage of marriage. What we find is a freedom and equality rooted in self-giving love that shocked the ancient world as much as it does today. A countercultural way of life that puts Jesus’ love on bold display.

How we live and how we choose to spend our days says something about us. We allhave one life to live, but is it everything we want it to be? Ephesians 5 shows us afulfilling way to live. One filled with the Holy Spirit. A life of wisdom, worship, andcommunity.

Darkness has a way of distorting reality. In Ephesians 5, we see a darkness from sin that confuses right and wrong and leads to danger. But we also see Jesus. He shines into the darkness, showing us a different way to live. A way brimming with hope and truth and thankfulness.

A lifestyle of love; a way of life that allows Jesus’ self-giving love to be our pattern, motive and source of strength. That is what Ephesians 5:1-2 invites us into – a love for others rooted in the love we’ve received.

Ever try to fit into something you grew out of? Try to make it work? Ephesians 4:17-32 is an appeal not to return to our old way of life because it doesn't “fit” who we’ve become. It promises more than it can deliver and it’s empty. Instead, we’re called into a new lifestyle centered on Jesus - and it fits us perfectly.

An update from Carole Alexander on Local Church St. Pete's partnership with Next Stepp Pregnancy Care Center. 

It’s easier to sit back and wait for others to step up when you don’t feel like you have much to offer. It’s hard to participate when you’re still trying to figure out how your part contributes to the big picture. Ephesians 4:1-16 reminds us that every follower of Jesus has been called and equipped. What is that calling? And how has Jesus himself equipped you to not only see the part you play but carry it out?

Local stories are stories of God's grace at work in the lives of those who are a part of Local Church St. Pete.  We want to highlight his activity and celebrate his grace.

Imagine a love that has no bounds. A love that isn’t ours to define but is ours to experience. Imagine this love so captures our affections and imagination that it shapes our day-to-day decisions and deepens our spiritual maturity. Ephesians 3:14-21 is a prayer that we would know the inexhaustible love of Christ; a love that takes hold of us and invites us to take hold of it.

A demonstration of wisdom and power unlike any other. An eternal plan that enables us to overcome with hope and wonder. Ephesians 3:1-13 is a mystery revealed, a breathtaking vision of the church- and we are invited into it.

We live in a radically individualistic culture where it has become increasingly common to write others off – especially those who aren’t like us. Ephesians 2:11-22 is our passport out of isolation and strife, out of bitterness and resentment and into a diverse community of people humbled by grace. If we’re going to experience the healing, restoration and access this passport provides, we’ll need to bring it with us wherever we go.

Ephesians 2:1-10 is our portrait. It’s a description of the crisis we were in and the action God took to intervene. As we step up to this canvas and take a closer look, we discover The Artist’s fingerprints are all over the place – his love, purpose and grace has produced a masterpiece.

Feelings of hopelessness and weakness, shame and fear can easily begin to overshadow our lives and redefine what is true. Ephesians 1:15-23 is a prayer for the Spirit to bring revelation – to “turn the lights on” and give followers of Jesus eyes to see. That we would know the hope we’re invited into, that we would know our true value and worth, and that we would know where our strength comes from.

An update from Elicia Hinson on Local Church St. Pete's partnership with St. Petersburg Free Clinic.

Life on this earth brings an array of joys, sorrows, blessings and setbacks. Sometimes, it is hard to know the purpose of it all. In Ephesians 1, we discover cosmic realities that provide ultimate meaning and unparalleled hope.

Why would anyone walk away from what once defined them? Why would anyone give up what brought security, power and a sense of control? Acts 19 is a story of dark magic, demonic powers and true revival. It’s what happens when mystical, religious, sexual and cultural powers come face to face with the power of Jesus. It’s an invitation to walk away from inferior powers and experience true revival.

Are you crushed by something you said or did in the past? Has regret and shame led you to believe you’ve “gone too far”, that somehow it’s irreparable? Does your life feel defined by those failures? In John 21 Jesus takes Peter, who denied him three times,back to the start, as if to say, “Your failures don’t define you! Let me prove it to you."