Welcome to the heal with Shalom podcast. I am Shalom Melchizedek. Thank you for being here. In this podcast we will focus on internal healing from a meditative perspective. Whatever we feel we can heal. Let our healing begin.
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A place where every story points to THE STORY. This podcast is being created with the intent to hear personal testimonies and dive into Biblical stories that all point to the greatest story ever told- JESUS! Wilderness stories, waiting stories, healing stories, we all have one...what's yours? Psalm 66:16 "Come and hear, all you who fear God; let me tell you what He has done for me."
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Weekly audio messages on the world-changing Gospel of Jesus Christ and the life-changing love of God from Island ECC in Hong Kong. For more resources and to get connected with us, visit our website at www.islandecc.hk
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Ministry leadership is about more than just growing your church or organization. It’s about participating in God’s mission in the world. But how can leaders know God’s mission or their unique place in it? Faithful ministry leadership is rooted in a life of deep and abiding faithfulness to Jesus. In “Spiritual Life and Leadership,” Markus Watson and his guests explore what it means to be faithful leaders whose ministry flows from their ever-deepening relationship with God.
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Join Jennifer Hurvitz on the Doing Relationships Right Podcast as she takes you on a journey through the rollercoaster of love, providing valuable insights and practical advice along the way. With an emphasis on self-improvement and personal growth, this podcast is your guide to navigating breakups, building resilience, and finding the right partner for a fulfilling and healthy relationship.
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274. Healing Workplace Wounds, with Meryl Herr, author of When Work Hurts
40:21
40:21
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40:21Send me a text! I’d love to know what you're thinking! Work hurt is real, and ministry leaders aren’t exempt. Whether it’s being let go, navigating toxic work environments, or simply enduring deep disappointments, our vocational pain can shape us in ways we never expected—and often never wanted. In this episode, author of When Work Hurts, shares he…
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The Sticky Stuff: Sticking Together Through Disagreement
43:08
43:08
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43:08Repairing relationships is one of the toughest things we’ll do in life. And yet, it’s required from us all. And though we love building new relationships, maintaining damaged relationships can be daunting. A few practical skills can greatly assist us along the way.By Brett Hilliard
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Jehovah Rapha - I am God, your Healer. This story, found in Exodus 15, can hit close to home for any one of us. God turns bitter water sweet, and gives an "IF/THEN" statement that still holds weight and value today! "If you do this, then I will do this." Healing comes in many forms- don't miss Him. Send us a text…
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273. Beyond Fake It Till You Make It, a Quick Conversation with Tod Bolsinger and Markus Watson
6:57
6:57
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6:57Send me a text! I’d love to know what you're thinking! Drawing on the challenges of feeling marginalized and the importance of resting in God’s love, this episode explores the vital role that self-compassion plays in leadership. Tod Bolsinger shares wisdom on facing anxiety and insecurity, especially when leaders are stepping into the unknown and l…
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The Sticky Stuff: Sticking Together through Discouragement
38:00
38:00
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38:00Discouragement can take a toll. On our own mental health, our sense of joy in life, and it will even affect our relationships. Having a personal strategy to combat discouragement will bring blessing to you and those near you.By Brett Hilliard
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272. Beyond Church Revitalization, with Josh Hayden, author of Remissioning Church
46:23
46:23
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46:23Send me a text! I’d love to know what you're thinking! Josh Hayden, the author of Remissioning Church: A Field guide for Bringing a Congregation Back to Life, shares wisdom from his own journey—moving from church planting to leading a 158-year-old congregation—and he helps us understand the difference between revitalization and remissioning. He als…
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The Sticky Stuff: Sticking Together Through Contempt
41:05
41:05
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41:05We begin a new series focused on the sticky stuff within our relationships. Every relationship will go through difficult times. An unresolved fight. A broken boundary. Growing apart because of busyness. These are some of the circumstances that cause relationships to fall apart, but is there something we can do about it? We kick off this series by l…
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The Lord is Peace. The meaning of Shalom is that through God, we can have a sound mind. Often we think of God as an authority just waiting to strike judgement on us; but through this story of Gideon's encounter, we see that God is there and waiting to reveal Himself to Gideon in order to strengthen and encourage him in rescuing Israel from their op…
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271. The Precarious Power of Prayer, a Quick conversation with Tod Bolsinger and Markus Watson
6:47
6:47
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6:47Send me a text! I’d love to know what you're thinking! Markus Watson and Tod Bolsinger unpack the fascinating connection between the Latin roots of “prayer” and “precarious”—suggesting that it’s often in our most uncertain moments that we’re drawn into deeper dependence on God. Together, they explore how precarious situations not only shape our lea…
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This may be the most confusing descriptor of God in all the Bible, but unless we understand His jealousy, we can’t really understand God Himself.By Brett Hilliard
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270. Evangelism as Consolation, with Andrew Root, author of Evangelim in an Age of Despair
39:46
39:46
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39:46Send me a text! I’d love to know what you're thinking! For a lot of us, evangelism has become kind of utilitarian—just another tool to stop our church’s decline and hopefully secure a future for our congregation. But what if, instead of simply trying to grow our numbers or help people go to heaven when they die, we reframed evangelism as an act of …
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Known :Jehovah Mekoddishkem The Lord Who Sanctifies
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39:05Have you ever observed someone who is a Christian and thought, “They don’t really act like one?” Or have you ever been personally disappointed in your own ability to maintain a vibrant faith? As we learn more about The Lord who Sanctifies, we will gain a deeper understanding of how spiritual growth happens, and what we can expect from God in that j…
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Through the next few episodes, we will take a look at the names of God and the stories that reveal them. Jehovah Nissi, The Lord Our Banner, takes place in the book of Exodus when Moses and Joshua are taking up the battle with Amalek. Listen in to hear the full story and deeper meaning of our God, Jehovah Nissi! Send us a text…
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269. Balancing Mission and Consensus in Leadership, a Quick Conversation with Tod Bolsinger
6:12
6:12
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6:12Send me a text! I’d love to know what you're thinking! In this episode, Markus Watson and Tod Bolsinger explore what it really means to lead with care—especially when consensus isn’t possible and someone might get hurt. Tod brings his insight on adaptive leadership, highlighting the tension between seeking unity and making tough, missional choices …
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Known: Jehovah Jireh The Lord Will Provide
20:16
20:16
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20:16Today we are reminded that God sees you and provides for you. He is El Roi, the God who sees, and Jehovah Jireh, the God who provides. These names of God are beautifully illustrated in the tale of two step-brothers. Both sons of Abraham, but dramatically different stories. Whether you feel forgotten like Hagar or tested like Abraham, God knows your…
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Discover the profound story of Hagar, the Egyptian slave girl who named God El Roi – "the God who sees me." In this powerful message, we explore how God meets us in our deepest vulnerabilities, hears our pain, and sees the longings of our hearts. Just as He saw Hagar and set her free, He sees you and is working to bring redemption and hope into you…
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Hi! Welcome back to what was previously "Free to Be". Tune in for updates on the new season, and then join me in looking at the deeper meaning of The Fig Tree. The Fig Tree is symbolic of spiritual health, and we see Jesus reiterate the importance of bearing fruit and not simply "looking religious" through this episode. What small steps can we take…
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268. Borderless Faith, with Seth Clark, Lead Pastor of The Border Church
45:34
45:34
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45:34Send me a text! I’d love to know what you're thinking! What does ministry look like when your church gathers at the very place that’s meant to divide? In this episode, Seth Clark invites us into the powerful story of The Border Church, where the simple act of worship confronts separation with the radical unity of God’s love, and where he and his co…
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We all want healing from God, but few of us get it. How do we reconcile that experience with the revelation of God as Jehovah Rapha, which means God our healer? We try to answer this question by studying Exodus 15, where God first reveals Himself to be Rapha.By Kevin Kusunoki
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267. Moving Past Plateaus, a Quick Conversation with Tod Bolsinger and Markus Watson
7:29
7:29
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7:29Send me a text! I’d love to know what you're thinking! This conversation reflects on the urgent need for genuine transformation in the church, rather than simply tweaking what isn’t working. Tod Bolsinger and Markus Watson explore the signs that point to deeper issues—like plateauing membership, aging congregations, and stagnating giving—and why no…
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Known: Jehovah Nissi: The Lord is My Banner
43:59
43:59
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43:59God has revealed himself to us with different names that indicate various aspects of His character. This message focuses on God as a purposeful, powerful God who provides victory.By Rick Bates
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266. The Church as Shalom Maker, with Terry A. Smith, author of The Lord Give You Peace
36:15
36:15
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36:15Send me a text! I’d love to know what you're thinking! Shalom is a biblical concept that goes far beyond our usual understanding of “peace.” It’s about healing, fulfillment, and every part of life coming together as God intended. For ministry leaders, this vision of shalom changes everything about how we lead, serve, and even think about the missio…
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Frantic. Distracted. Overwhelmed. Worried. These are likely to be pretty good adjectives to describe your life. What would your life look like if the peace of God rushed in? How would your demeanor change?By Brett Hilliard
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265. Awareness and Adjustment in Leadership, a Quick Conversation with Tod Bolsinger and Markus Watson
7:30
7:30
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7:30Send me a text! I’d love to know what you're thinking! This episode explores the critical role awareness plays in avoiding burnout and fostering healthy leadership practices. Tod Bolsinger and Markus Watson discuss personal anecdotes and practical strategies to cultivate awareness, so we can better navigate the challenges that come our way. Whether…
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On this Easter Sunday, we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ! His resurrection assures us that we, too, can conquer death. Yet, the idea of our own resurrection can sometimes feel abstract, lacking practical relevance in our everyday lives. How significant is the resurrection for our daily existence, and why should it matter to us?…
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264. Building a Future-Focused Church, with Kara Powell, Jake Mulder, and Raymond Chang, authors of Future-Focused Church
49:01
49:01
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49:01Send me a text! I’d love to know what you're thinking! Is the future of the church something to look forward to, or does it scare you to death. Thriving into the future will require change, and the idea of changing the way we lead, or the way we do church, or the people we reach out to, can feel overwhelming. Even if we want to do it, where do we e…
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Perhaps the most radical statement Jesus ever makes, is found in John 14:6. It was provocative then, and it is provocative now. His claim to be the only way to God is extreme, and seemingly narrow. But it also highlights the uniqueness of Jesus among all other gods.By Brett Hilliard
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263. Why Leaders Need to Listen Before They Lead, a Quick Conversation with Tod Bolsinger and Markus Watson
6:45
6:45
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6:45Send me a text! I’d love to know what you're thinking! Tod Bolsinger and Markus Watson discuss insights on the importance of developing leaders who are skilled in curious listening and creating a collaborative environment where ideas are shared and valued. The conversation uncovers how shifting from monologue to dialogue can not only empower commun…
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As Jesus was preparing for His eventual arrest and crucifixion, He wanted to leave His disciples with a message. What He gives them is a simple, yet profound illustration, to succinctly explain everything we need to live as believers. With His usual candor, He also outlines what could happen if we don’t follow His words, but overall, the message is…
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262. From Fired to Flourishing, with Chuck DeGroat, author of Healing What's Within
42:46
42:46
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42:46Send me a text! I’d love to know what you're thinking! In his newest book, Chuck DeGroat offers a deeply personal account of his journey of being fired from a ministry position and the stress surrounding that experience that ultimately led to a life-changing health crisis. But it was that crisis that showed him the much deeper inner healing he need…
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Jesus’s discourse in John 10 continues from the revelation of Him as the door, to His role as the Good Shepherd over God’s people. His use of symbolism stems from an occupation and prophetic imagery used extensively in the Old Testament, and here to the religious leaders of the day, He is declaring that He is the loving Messiah God’s people had bee…
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261. Pressing Against the Darkness, a Quick conversation with Tod Bolsinger and Markus Watson
7:48
7:48
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7:48Send me a text! I’d love to know what you're thinking! Markus Watson and Tod Bolsinger explore Mandy Smith's powerful words on combating darkness and feelings of futility in leadership. Tod reflects on his own struggles with imposter syndrome and insecurity, highlighting the need for honesty and spiritual practices to overcome these challenges. Tod…
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Jesus said, “I AM the door.” Jesus is the only door to God, and the only door to a life that is truly meaningful.By Albert Ng
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260. Resilient Leadership After the LA Fires, with Matt Colwell
47:23
47:23
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47:23Send me a text! I’d love to know what you're thinking! Matt Colwell, Senior Pastor at Knox Presbyterian Church in Pasadena, California, shares his raw, personal journey of losing his home to the Eaton Fire in Altadena and how he has continued to shepherd a congregation facing the same devastating loss. This conversation unpacks the layers of adapti…
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Jesus says that He is the Light of the world. What does that mean? Why were the Israelites so offended by that statement? We kick off our new sermon series through the “I AM” statements in the gospel of John and explore the significance of this statement and what it means for our lives.By Kevin Kusunoki
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259. Trusting Jesus in Uncertainty, a Quick Conversation with Tod Bolsinger and Markus Watson
6:46
6:46
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6:46Send me a text! I’d love to know what you're thinking! Tod Bolsinger and Markus Watson explore how leadership often feels like moving through a dense fog where vision is limited. Tod shares his thoughts on the importance of valuing enduring principles over having a clear vision in times of rapid change. He emphasizes that being anchored in unchange…
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Boldness doesn’t come easy for most of us. At least boldness in the right categories. For some, it may come easy, but not appropriately. And study of Peter and Paul inspires our boldness to come in forms that bring glory to God’s purposes.By Brett Hilliard
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258. Walking the Path of Other-Centered Leadership, with Marc Schelske, author of Walking Otherward
48:37
48:37
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48:37Send me a text! I’d love to know what you're thinking! True ministry leadership isn’t about power; it’s about love in action. It’s about stepping into the self-giving, co-suffering way of Jesus, even when it feels counterintuitive. This kind of leadership doesn’t seek control but embraces humility, sacrifice, and deep connection with those we serve…
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Hong Kong remains the best city in the world (personal opinion). But beyond the shiny veneer and incomparable skyline, are 8 million people with increasingly complex struggles. The answer is the good news of Jesus. Always has been, always will be.By Brett Hilliard
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257. Slowing Down When the World Speeds Up, a Quick Conversation with Tod Bolsinger and Markus Watson
7:07
7:07
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7:07Send me a text! I’d love to know what you're thinking! Tod Bolsinger and Markus Watson discuss the importance of acknowledging when leaders feel overwhelmed and how critical it is to slow down and reflect rather than react impulsively. Through engaging metaphors and practical advice, they share strategies for adaptive leadership, highlighting pract…
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If all we had of Scripture was John 4, the Woman at the Well, we could be convinced of the gospel’s great message of love. Here we see a paradigm for bringing good news to a lost world.By Brett Hilliard
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256. Digital Disruption and the Future of the Church, with Rex Miller, author of The Millenium Matrix
48:15
48:15
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48:15Send me a text! I’d love to know what you're thinking! AI, social media, and other technologies are transforming community, worship, and leadership. To stay effective, ministry leaders must understand these shifts—but also learn from the past. How do today’s technologies compare to those of previous eras? This perspective can help us navigate the f…
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Without faith it is impossible to please God. Hmmm. Pretty powerful statement. So how can I realistically increase my faith?By Brett Hilliard
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255. Mission-Centered Decision Making, a Quick Conversation with Tod Bolsinger and Markus Watson
6:37
6:37
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6:37Send me a text! I’d love to know what you're thinking! Based on their experiences as pastors, Tod Bolsinger and Markus Watson explore the delicate balance between seeking consensus through voting and the necessity of leading with focus and clarity. They delve into the unique challenges and responsibilities that come with adaptive leadership, emphas…
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Wellspring: No Excuse and As Your Heart Desires
39:39
39:39
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39:39Carrie Lo: In the Parable of the Great Banquet (Luke 14:15-24), the host prepared a banquet and invited many guests, but many of them rejected with excuses. This is an analogy of the kingdom of God. This invitation has also been made to us, so how should we respond? How can we stop making excuses, and take steps to move towards the “banquet”? Danie…
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254. Endless Expectations and Emotional Exhaustion, with Jonathan Hoover, author of Stress Fracture
40:16
40:16
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40:16Send me a text! I’d love to know what you're thinking! Burnout. An all too familiar experience for most of us. It's more than just feeling tired or overworked. It's that crushing sense of futility when your passion for ministry runs out, and it leaves you wondering if you can even continue the work you were once so excited about. Jonathan Hoover, t…
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Wellspring: True Blessedness and True Wholeness
39:03
39:03
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39:03Zelda Cheung: We all want to be blessed and happy, but how can we attain a state of blessedness? Psalm 1 shows us that our best bet is keeping our hearts and minds on God, the wellspring of blessings and the giver of every perfect gift. Michael Wong: The sermon highlights the profound connections between body, mind, spirit, and community. Rather th…
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253. Leading from a Place of Inner Abundance, a Quick Conversation with Tod Bolsinger and Markus Watson
6:21
6:21
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6:21Send me a text! I’d love to know what you're thinking! Tod Bolsinger and Markus Watson explore the essential question: "What thirsts of my soul am I bringing to my congregation?" They discuss the importance of leaders acknowledging their own needs and the dangers of seeking fulfillment from their congregations instead of God. Learn how aligning per…
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It seems as if every Christian goes through a season of being spiritually dry and disconnected. How do we fight against the seemingly unavoidable experience of becoming lukewarm in our faith? In the final sermon of our People of God series, we look to the book of Revelation for answers.By Kevin Kusunoki
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Niki and Stacy are back with another podcast. You don't want to miss this phenomenal testimony from Niki on God's testimony in her life. As she shares "There is Glory in your story". She unpacks that through it all, God always had a plan for her life. Connect on Socials: Facebook Insta Send us a text…
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