What does it really mean to live generously? In this episode, we dive into the call to be generous not only with our money, time, and talents, but also with our love, grace, and mercy. As part of our Where Faith and Life Connect series, we’ll explore how generosity is more than just a good deed—it’s a way of life that reflects the heart of God. Whether you're giving financially, offering your time, or extending forgiveness, living generously connects your faith to everyday life in powerful ways. Tune in and discover how to live open-handed in a closed-fist world.

Where Faith & Life Connect // Be Generous | Pastor RJ Ciaramitaro

In our spiritual journey, we often encounter the paradox of God's unconditional love and the conditional nature of discipleship. This message delves into the profound truth that while salvation is free, following Christ comes with terms and conditions. We're reminded of Jesus' words in John 8:31-36, where He emphasizes the importance of abiding in His word to truly be His disciples. This passage beautifully illustrates how freedom in Christ is intertwined with obedience and surrender. As we reflect on this, we're challenged to examine our own lives: Are we merely believers, or are we committed disciples? The message urges us to move beyond initial belief to a life of deep surrender and obedience. It's a call to lay down the tracks of God's principles in our lives, allowing His blessings to flow freely. This perspective shift invites us to see our challenges through a new lens, recognizing that our spiritual growth often hinges on our willingness to submit to God's wisdom and timing.

The Conditions Of God's Favour

In this powerful message, we're reminded of the transformative power of God's grace in our lives. The central theme revolves around 2 Corinthians 6:1, urging us not to receive God's grace in vain. We're challenged to go beyond the initial grace of salvation and seek the 'more grace' that empowers us to live transformed lives. This message draws parallels between the Apostle Paul's experiences and our own, showing how accessing God's grace can help us overcome severe trials and even find joy in difficult circumstances. The story of the Macedonian church's generosity despite their poverty serves as a powerful example of what this 'more grace' can accomplish in our lives. As we reflect on this, we're encouraged to examine our own lives and ask: Are we truly allowing God's grace to transform us, or are we merely content with salvation without change?

Accessing More Grace

In this episode of Where Faith and Life Connect, Pastor RJ explores what it truly means to be holy. Spoiler: it's not about being perfect. Instead, holiness is about being present—with God and in His presence. Pastor RJ shares how holiness is found not in striving, but in surrender; not in hiding our flaws, but in being vulnerable and real before God.

If you’ve ever felt like holiness was out of reach, this conversation will bring fresh perspective and encouragement. Join us as we discover how faith meets real life in the sacred space of honesty, presence, and grace.

Where Faith & Life Connect // Be Holy | Pastor RJ Ciaramitaro

In this powerful message from John 18:12-40, we explore Pilate's profound question: "What is truth?" Through Jesus's arrest and trial, we witness various responses to truth - from Peter's denial born of fear, to religious leaders clinging to shadows while missing the substance, to Pilate's disinterested pragmatism.

Jesus declares He came into the world to testify to the truth, and that everyone who is of the truth hears His voice. This sermon challenges us to examine how we interact with truth in our own lives. Are we like Peter, sometimes afraid of the consequences? Like the religious leaders, holding to forms while missing Christ? Or like Pilate, too busy with worldly concerns to hear the answer to life's most important questions?

Discover how Jesus, who declared "I am the way, the truth, and the life," submitted to false accusations and crucifixion not as a victim, but as the Lamb of God fulfilling His purpose. Learn what it means to walk by faith, not by sight, and to humble ourselves before God's truth even when it surprises or challenges us.

Preached on July 13, 2025 | Runtime: 50:04

What is Truth? - John 18:12-40 - 7.13.2025

The Scripture readings and sermon for the Fifth Sunday After Pentecost

Ruth 1:1-19a * Galatians 5:1,13-25 * Luke 10:25-37

Sermon on Luke 10:25-37 "Who Is My Neighbor?"

Website: www.SalemEvLutheran.org
Email: SalemEvLutheran@gmail.com

July 13, 2025

2025-July-13 Sermon on Luke 10:25-37 "Who Is My Neighbor?"

In this episode, Pastor RJ Ciaramitaro is joined by James Gillespie from the WCF maintenance team to talk about what it really means to serve others. Through scripture and personal stories, they explore how faith and humility come together in everyday life. James shares how he lives out the heart of a servant in practical ways on the job, offering a relatable and inspiring take on following Jesus through service.

Where Faith & Life Connect // Be  A Servant | Pastor RJ Ciaramitaro and James Gillespie

This week, Pastor Drew unpacks Exodus 20:1–21 in a message titled “A Mirror & Window.” As the Ten Commandments are given at Mount Sinai, we are reminded that God’s law begins not with demands—but with grace. Pastor Drew shows how the law isn’t a ladder to climb, but a mirror that reflects our need for mercy and a window revealing the kind of life God calls good. With Jesus at the center, the law moves from burden to invitation—into deeper relationship, realignment of our hearts, and greater spiritual freedom. Join us as we explore how God’s commands point us to His heart, challenge our assumptions, and draw us closer to Him in our journey of faith.

For more information, visit www.ONEFellowship.church

For Charleston and beyond!

"A Mirror and Window" - Exodus 20:1-21

In this powerful and thought-provoking message, Pastor Larry Loewen explores a paradox many believers quietly face: the danger of pursuing the idea of Jesus more than Jesus Himself. With clarity, honesty, and scriptural depth, Pastor Larry unpacks five practical ways to stay anchored in a real relationship with Christ—so we don’t get lost in the busyness of ministry, religious routines, or spiritual performance.

Whether you're a long-time believer, a ministry leader, or someone seeking a deeper walk with God, this sermon challenges you to pause, reflect, and realign. Because it’s possible to run hard after what we think is God, only to realize we’ve left Him behind.

Listen now and rediscover the heart of your faith. Don’t just pursue Jesus—walk with Him. ✝️💬

Don't Lose Jesus in the Pursuit of Him

We reflect on the words of St. Paul in Colossians 2:6–7, where he urges believers to "walk in Christ Jesus"—to live in a way that is rooted, built up, and strengthened in Him. While many today profess faith in God, Paul addresses the Colossian church with a sober reminder: true faith is not just spoken, it is lived. His letter serves both as a pastoral encouragement and a pointed warning—calling the Church to remain steadfast in Christ amid the temptations and pressures of the surrounding culture.

As we explore Paul’s message, we consider four essential aspects of what it means to walk in Christ daily. This walk is not aimless or occasional, but continuous and intentional—nourished by a faith that is grounded in the Word of God. In the midst of life’s challenges, it is this kind of deep, Bible-based faith that anchors us, sustains us, and produces lasting joy. Our worship this Sunday will call us to examine whether our actions align with the faith we confess, and to grow in the life-giving strength of Christ, who walks with us each step of the way.

Walk in Christ — Seventh Sunday after Pentecost, July 27, 2025: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/2025-seventh-sunday-after-pentecost

Order of service: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/wp-content/uploads/st-james-20250727-order-of-service.pdf
Online giving: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/give


Psalm 138
Genesis 18:20–33
Colossians 2:6–19
Luke 11:1–13

Songs and Hymns:
    - Merciful God: Keith Getty, Kristyn Getty, Stuart Townend; © 2006 Thankyou Music; Used with permission: CCLI license #20286740.
    - Hear Us, Father, When We Pray: Text: Chad L. Bird, 1970, © Chad L. Bird; used with permission: LSB Hymn License #110001220; Tune: Geist-reiches Gesang-Buch, 1704, Halle, ed. Johann A. Freylinghausen; public domain.
    - Before You I Kneel: Jeffrey J. Taylor, Keith Getty, Kristyn Getty, Stuart Townend; © 2012 Getty Music Publishing, Seek 1st, Townend Songs; used with permission: CCLI license #20286740.
    - Keep the Feast: Ben Shive, Skye Peterson; © 2024 Getty Music Publishing (BMI), Beehive Hymns (BMI); Used with permission: CCLI license #20286740.
    - Be Still, My Soul, before the Lord: Text: Herman G. Stuempfle, Jr., 1923–2007, © 2000 GIA Publications, Inc.; Tune: Marty Haugen, 1950, © 1984, 2006 GIA Publications, Inc.; Used with permission: LSB Hymn License #110001220.
    - O Jesus, Blessed Lord, to Thee: Text: Thomas Hansen Kingo, 1634–1703; tr. Arthur J. Mason, 1851–1928; Tune: Trente quatre Pseaumes de David, 1551, Geneva, ed. Louis Bourgeois; Text and tune: Public domain.
    - Lift High The Name Of Jesus: Tune: Ed Cash; Fionán de Barra; Kristyn Getty; Keith Getty; Text: Kristyn Getty; Keith Getty; Fionán De Barra; Ed Cash; Tune and Text: © Getty Music; © Fionan De Barra Pub Designee; © Capital CMG Publishing; Used with permission: CCLI license #20286740.

Liturgies:
    - Gloria in Excelsis: Text: Stephen P. Starke
    - Sanctus: Text: Stephen P. Starke
    - Agnus Dei: Text: Stephen P. Starke

#sermon #gospel #timeofthechurch #faith #Jesus #Christianliving #Colossians2

Walk in Christ - Jul 27 - Seventh Sunday after Pentecost

Windsor Christian Fellowship is a revolutionary church reaching out to every generation with a message of hope through powerful worship and practical teaching.

Our mandate is to be a church in revival, reaching the world and resourcing them to maturity. #GraceTalk

We exist to edify the saints, evangelize the world, and do all things to the glory of God.

ONE Fellowship is a growing church that seeks to know Christ and make Him known to the one and the many in Charleston and beyond. We invite you to join us!

St. James Lutheran Church was established in 1982. We are a church rooted on Grace Alone, Faith Alone, and Scripture Alone. And we are a body of sinners and saints focused on spreading the Good News in the Greater Glen Carbon community.

St. James is located in Glen Carbon, IL at 146 North Main Street. We are located across from Glen Carbon Village Hall and right next to Schon Park.

Salem is a Lutheran Church in Colorado Springs, Colorado, proclaiming the truth of God's Word and salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. 
Website: www.SalemEvLutheran.org
Email: SalemEvLutheran@gmail.com

New tracks tagged #Christian living