God's Word in Our Lives
Religion & Spirituality
About
Words are a big deal. In an understood word, my thoughts become your thoughts! And this happens almost instantly. Then you speak, I listen, and your thoughts become mine! Remarkable. That the God who created all things, sustains all things, and fills all things would communicate with us is nothing short of beautiful. God speaks. We listen. Then we speak. God listens. Join us to hear what God has to say every week! God's Word in Our Lives is a weekly dive into God's Word with Pastor Pete Zaferos.
Episodes
- What Difference Does It Make? He Lives To Give Me Eager Expectation Of Glory
Without the resurrection of Jesus, my uncertainty can easily lead to anxiety. I am waiting for everything to turn out, and not knowing what will happen is much harder if I think I cannot rely on anyone. It’s been a long time since Jesus as…
- What Difference Does It Make? He Lives To Call Me To Live For Him
The episode discusses how the resurrection of Jesus motivates a life lived for Him, rather than for oneself. It explores themes of divine provision, future promises, and the purpose of helping others, all stemming from Christ's living pres…
- What Difference Does It Make? He Lives To Be The Only Way To Heaven
The resurrection of Jesus is presented as the defining factor that distinguishes him as the sole path to heaven. This gospel message is inclusive, offering the benefits of his resurrection to all people.
- What Difference Does It Make? He Lives To Be My Good Shepherd!
The resurrection of Jesus means believers have a Good Shepherd, rather than being lost like sheep. This Good Shepherd provides direction through His Word, protection from Satan, and guidance toward eternal life, a concept celebrated by the…
- What Difference Does It Make? He Lives To Restore My Hope!
The resurrection of Jesus is presented as the source of restored hope for the future, overcoming feelings of hopelessness. This mirrors the disciples' experience after Jesus' death, where their hope was renewed by his living presence.
- What Difference Does It Make? He Lives To Give Me Rest!
Resting in lies leads to exhaustion, while resting in truth provides the peace necessary for endurance. The episode explores the importance of resting in truth for spiritual and emotional well-being.
- What Difference Does It Make?
Without the resurrection of Jesus, death would appear permanent. No one would have come back from the dead to explain what happens after death. Jesus told his disciples what would happen. But they were slow to believe the Easter truth. God…
- Look Up! Look Up To Find The Source Of Salvation
On Good Friday we remember the crucifixion and death of our Lord. This year we focus on the 7 phrases spoken by Jesus while on the cross. The Son of Man was lifted up on the cross to the glory of God and for our salvation. While others see…
- Look Up! Look Up To Get A Glimpse Of Heaven
We need to be washed clean in the blood of Jesus. Our own need can distract and overwhelm us with the details of our sin and our guilt. Blood always gets our attention, but it can make us feel queasy and uneasy. Jesus wants to lift our eye…
- Look Up! Look Up To See Your King
You are going about your daily business. There is a crowd. You are easily distracted by all the activity. It’s a holiday, and there are extra things to prepare. It is easy to focus on your personal task at hand and lose sight of the bigger…
- Exactly What I Need: Sight
I recognize that I am spiritually blind when I don’t know Jesus. I cannot see the world as it really is. I am tempted to see what is harmful as good, and what is good as meaningless. I cannot see the danger that lurks behind every temptati…
- Exactly What I Need: Water
I recognize my deep spiritual thirst. I long for a good relationship with God and for everlasting life. I am tempted to satisfy that deep thirst with worldly things, a strategy doomed to failure. I realize that my thirst is satisfied only…
- Exactly What I Need: Faith
I recognize that I need to be saved. When Jesus said, “No one can enter the kingdom of God,” that included me. I do not deserve God’s blessing. But long ago, God declared that I would be blessed by a descendant of Abraham who turned out to…
- Exactly What I Need: Forgiveness
I recognize my sinfulness. I am aware of my guilt, and the more I look at my situation, the more I realize what deep trouble I am in. I realize that what I really need is forgiveness, but I don’t deserve it. Fully aware of these facts, God…
- Identity Revealed: Jesus Is The Son Of God In Glory
Jesus was a real human being, and he looked like it when he taught his disciples. But one day atop a high mountain, Jesus gave his disciples a glimpse of his glory as the Son of God. After he came down from the mountain, Jesus went to Jeru…
- Identity Revealed: Jesus Calls You Blessed
You may not feel blessed when you are hungry or insulted or mourning the death of a loved one. You may not be in the mood to boast when you feel foolish, weak, or lowly. But knowing your difficulties, Jesus still chose you to be his own. H…
- Identity Revealed: Jesus Is The Lamb Of God
For centuries Israel offered sacrifices to God for sin. Over and over, a substitute shed its blood to earn forgiveness. Then Jesus appeared, the Lamb of God who would take away the sins of the world. He died as the substitute for sinful ma…
- Identity Revealed: Jesus Is The Christ, The Anointed One
“Christ” is not the family name of Jesus. It is a title. The Greek word “Christ” and the Hebrew word “Messiah” both mean the same thing: “The Anointed One.” Anointing was the practice of pouring liquid over the head of someone to signify s…
- Christ The Savior Is Born: Holy Infant So Tender And Mild
From eternity, Jesus has been God, holy and majestic. When we look tenderly at the holy infant, we are looking at the same God who once told the prophet Moses, “No one may see me and live.” Yet, Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds all saw thei…
- Christ The Savior Is Born: Heavenly Hosts Sing Alleluia
Families cherish their Christmas traditions. Year after year, they decorate the tree with the same ornaments, play the same music, bake the same Christmas cookies. Without asking, family members know when they will open presents. If you tr…
- Imminent Arrival Of Emmanuel
Emmanuel is an important person. “Emmanuel” means “God with us.” It was a special name given to Jesus already 700 years before he was born. Who is with us when Jesus is with us? God himself. God became a human being in a special way, becom…
- Imminent Arrival Of The Messiah
The Messiah is an important person. “Messiah” is the same word as “Christ” or “Anointed One.” He is someone who has been anticipated for a long time. Now we look at a time when his arrival is imminent! The historic Christian Church gave La…
- Imminent Arrival Of The Judge
The judge is an important person. You stand when he enters the courtroom. What he says must be obeyed. If you are the one on trial, his determinations make a big difference in how your life will continue. You might be quite nervous if the…
- Cause & Effect: Scripture/Anticipation
The Church has marked the passing of yet another Church Year, waiting for its Lord to return. How long will we have to wait and watch for Jesus to return? We do not know. Jesus said he would return soon. However, the definition of “soon” f…
- Cause & Effect: Judgement/Peace
If you were making a list of things that might make society more peaceful, would you include “more judgment”? Likely not. Many people assume that judgement leads to conflict, not peace. However, a lack of judgment is a luxury many cannot a…
- Cause & Effect: Grace/Joy
King David once said that guilt makes you feel like your very bones are rotting. Guilt makes you feel weak . . . sick. Guilt can make it hard to focus on anything else . . . hard to function. And guilt is an inescapable fact of life. Every…
- Cause & Effect: Sainthood/Stamina
God grants the status of “saint” (which means “holy one”) to every believer. It might appear that status is of little practical value. If you achieve the status “billionaire” or “celebrity” or “senator” your life is going to be vastly diff…
- Cause & Effect: Truth/Freedom
Many people believe that freedom means being able to do whatever you want. Jesus teaches that is absolutely false. “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (Jo…
- Cause & Effect: Generosity/Gratitude
Gratitude is the appreciation we feel when someone does something kind to us or for us. There are two factors that effect the intensity of gratitude. First, there is the deservedness factor. Say you do a favor for your neighbor. A month la…
- Wounds That Heal: Increased Faith Increases Duty
As someone rises through the ranks at work, there are typically benefits: higher salary, more authority, better benefits. However, there is often a corresponding increase in responsibility: longer hours, more meetings, raised expectations.…
- Wounds That Heal: What Helps In Life, Fails In Death
What do John D Rockefeller, King Solomon, Henry Ford, and Joseph Stalin all have in common? Two things. First, they are all in the list of the twenty wealthiest individuals who ever lived. Second, they are all rotting in the ground. The re…
- Wounds That Heal: You Cannot Serve Two Masters
There are more than 2,300 Bible passages that speak about money. Why? Money is a master Satan frequently tempts us to serve. In fact, out of all the masters competing for our service besides God, money is probably at the top of the list. M…
- Wounds That Heal: Count The Cost
This week Jesus’ sharp words expose our desire to pursue comfort and avoid pain at all costs. Jesus explains that following him will be hard. Jesus’ disciples will be called to let go of things they love and embrace things we naturally loa…
- Wounds That Heal: Those Who Exalt Themselves Will Be Humbled
Everyone knows that humility is a positive trait and pride is a negative one. So, why bother talking about what we already know? Because in spite of that knowledge, we still helplessly fall into the trap of pride. We all desire acclaim, re…
- Wounds That Heal: The Door Is Very Narrow
When it comes to the uncomfortable topic of who goes to heaven and who goes to hell, it is natural to want to avoid the issue. One way we do that is to direct our attention to more theoretical questions. “What is heaven like?” “How old wil…
- Wounds That Heal: God's Word Divides
We often divide humanity into groupings that are not really significant: this ethnic group versus that one, men versus women, wealthy versus poor. Yet, every ethnic group is under God’s law. That law equally convicts men and women of sin.…
- Undivided Attention: On Heavenly Treasure
Last week Jesus warned us against overvaluing earthly wealth. This week Jesus warns against undervaluing heavenly treasure. Last week, Jesus exposed the folly of greed. This week, Jesus exposes the folly of worry, even when faced with the…
- Undivided Attention: On Useful Resources
Money. Possessions. Perhaps more than anything else, those things have the power to turn our attention away from what is truly important. It is no surprise, therefore, that Jesus frequently teaches about wealth. Christ wants us to understa…
- Undivided Attention: On The Want For Workers
In recent weeks we learned that everyone who has seen the grace of God will, whenever the opportunity arises, serve as a witness for Christ. However, Scripture teaches that there is also a need for individuals for whom gospel proclamation…
- Undivided Attention: On Christ's Call For Committment
There is the type of fan who follows his team if they make the playoffs. Then there is the type of fan who, regardless of his team’s record, watches every game and knows the stats for every player. There are different types of followers: t…
- Undivided Attention: On The Mystery And Majesty Of Our God
At the top of the list of things worthy of our undivided attention: God. That does not mean if we focus long and hard, we will understand all there is to know about God. That is impossible! For example, Scripture teaches that there is one…
- Because He Lives: Christ Sends Us His Spirit
Jesus ascended into heaven. That does not mean the gospel has ceased to spread around the world. For Jesus promised to send another advocate to represent God to the world: the Holy Spirit. The Spirit is the constant companion of believers…
- Ascension: "Your Kingdom Come!"
When the Church gathers, it regularly remembers Christ’s ascension. The words “He ascended into heaven” are found in the three ecumenical creeds Christians use to confess their faith. In addition, the Church sets aside a day each year to f…
- Because He Lives: We Have Deep And Lasting Joy!
Conventional wisdom says that joy is a direct result of circumstance. Our disposition is nothing more than the product of the events, conditions, and relationships of which our life consists. Therefore, it would seem that for our dispositi…
- Because He Lives: Jesus' Voice Is Trustworthy And True
The world is full of talkers. There are plenty of people who say they care about you. But we are aware of what many of those people will do when it comes time to put those words into action. Jesus tells you in his Word that he cares for yo…
- Because He Lives: We Can See Things Clearly
A recent survey asked Americans which of the five senses they would least like to lose. 77% chose sight. Navigating life blind poses a plethora of challenges that the sighted do not face. This is why Scripture often uses the concept of bli…
- Because He Lives: Death Has Lost Its Sting!
Death can sting in many ways. First, death can sting by casting a shadow over every moment of life. No matter what earthly joy you are experiencing, death guarantees it won’t last. Second, death can sting by separating loves. There are no…
- Dead And Buried: Surrender Buries Seizure
As we begin Holy Week, we see Jesus bury humanity’s endless attempts at seizing power. In our world, power dynamics are almost always in play. Those who don’t have power want it, often more than anything else. Those who have power are will…
- Open Door Policies: Hiding Treasure in The Trash
This week we see how our Father makes the treasures of his house available to any and all. He places them in the last place we’d expect—the trash. In God’s family, the things the world prizes and pursues are counted as worthless. Conversel…
- Open Door Policies: Grace Instead Of Condemnation
We assume people get what they deserve. We assume that what goes around comes around. We assume God helps those who help themselves. Those assumptions are false. God does not operate on the principle of merit but of grace. No one is beyond…