The Calhoun Church of Christ Podcast

HEAVEN: With Christ -"Your Next Life"

Believers on Christ will live in Heaven longer that they've lived anywhere else. That alone should excite us about our future in Heaven.

The apostle Paul was once "caught up into the third Heaven" and heard things he couldn't speak about.

He later told the Philippian church, "I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body.  (Philippians 1:23 NIV)

All true believers face this. We want to finish our race here on earth, but the prospect of being with Jesus fascinates us and draws us Heaven ward.

Listen and find out more...

The Faith of Jesus -13 "Keys to The Jesus Kind of Faith"

Jesus walked by faith, and he applied the same principles that any of us can use to experience a great faith.

He said, "By myself I can do nothing; I judge only as I hear, and my judgment is just, for I seek not to please myself but him who sent me." (John 5:30 NIV)

All through the Gospel of John, Jesus continued to state his utter reliance on his Father for everything thing needed in his ministry. His faith partnered with a humility that still touches us (Matthew 11:28-30).

This humility and obedience to the Father was a major key to his faith. And it will be for our faith, also.

Learn more about how humility is linked to exceptional faith.

The Faith of Jesus -12 "Prayer Miracles of Jesus"

Jesus walked by faith; therefore, he had an amazing prayer life. Prayer and faith travel together. Where you see faith, you'll also see a serious prayer life. And a serious prayer life will also build up one's faith.

As you listen to this episode, note these amazing miracles of Christ that followed an extensive time of prayer in his life. The power to walk on water and the power to raise the dead happened as a result of Jesus' extensive praying.

That's why "Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed" (Luke 5:16).

The Faith Of Jesus -11 "Prayer Walks By Faith"

As Jesus walked by faith, prayer was a central focus of his life. He prayed faithfully, sometimes all night long and often in lonely places. 

He prayed all night before he chose the Twelve Apostles. He went up and mountain to pray and was clothed in heavenly glory, meeting with Moses and Elijah in a discussion about his coming trials. 

Even though he was often busy ministering to large crowds, nothing deterred him from spending quality time talking to his Father in Heaven. He never stopped praying, even on the cross.

Listen and learn how to grow into Christ's image as a powerful disciple who prays often.

The Faith Of Jesus -10 "As He Was Praying"

Jesus isn't just the Son of God; he walked this earth as the 'Son of Man'. Therefore, as a man, he had to walk by faith. He pleased the Father in all things, so he lived by faith (Hebrews 11:6, Mark 1:11).

But how did he maintain that amazing faith despite all his trials and persecutions, and even the cross itself?

Listen and learn about one of the most powerful ways Jesus maintained his faith.

The Faith Of Jesus -9 "Looking For Faith"-3

Though he's the Son of God, Jesus still lived life on this planet with a dynamic faith. He didn't operate by 'magic' or wave a magic wand to accomplish his mission. He did it the same way we must do it. By faith he always stayed in contact with his Father in Heaven, and the power came.

In this episode, we hear three powerful incidents from Jesus' life, which show him looking for faith on the earth. Sometimes he found faith in the most unusual places, and sometimes he found nothing but doubt among his own disciples.

"However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?" (Luke 18:8 NIV)

 

The Faith Of Jesus -8 "Looking For Faith"-2

The Faith of Jesus led him through his trials, crucifixion, and resurrection, keeping him on track as he accomplished his mission on earth.

He pleased his Father in all things, which took faith (Hebrews 11:6; Mark 1:11). His life of faith led him to seek out the faith in other people.

"However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth." (Luke 18:8) When he returns, he wants to see a faith-filled earth because faith is our victory.

Listen and learn about people who found their victory by faith. 

The Faith Of Jesus -7 "Looking For Faith"

It's clear from Scripture that Jesus walked by faith, but it's also clear that he found faith fascinating.

At least two times in the Gospels he was astonished (literally he 'marveled') at faith. He found the Centurion's faith a marvel (Matthew 8:10), but he also marveled at the lack of faith in his own hometown (Mark 6:6).

In fact, Scripture says that when Christ returns, "will he find faith on the earth?" (Luke 18:8)

Faith is a big issue with Jesus. That's because faith is our victory. Listen and hear a couple of stories about victorious faith.

The Faith Of Jesus -6 "All Things Are Possible"

Even in the worst situations, Jesus often said, "All things are possible". He was prompted by his faith, and by his Father, to see possibilities in the darkest places.

In one case his disciples couldn't cast out a demon, so the demon-possessed young man's father said to Jesus, "But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.” (Mark 9:22 NIV)

“‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.” (Mark 9:23)

Jesus' amazing faith caused him to be an eternal optimist who stayed encouraged by looking at the long-range. "...fixing our eyes on Jesus, the originator and perfecter of faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." (Hebrews 12:2 LEB)

In this podcast we find out how to grow in our faith, in our ability to keep seeing possibilities in life's challenges. Just like Jesus.

 

The Faith Of Jesus -5 "Faith & Resurrection Life"

Since Jesus always pleased his Father (John 8:29), and since one can't please God without faith (Hebrews 11:6), then Jesus must've walked by faith.

In John's account of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead (John 11:1-44), we see several faith statements made by Jesus, and we see the result. Listen and find out how your faith can be energized by copying the faith of Jesus.

"To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps." -1st Peter 2:21 NIV