The podcast centers on the theme of stewardship and the importance of having a heart aligned with God. The speaker emphasizes that true giving should not be a burden but rather a reflection of one’s relationship with Jesus. By living with Jesus rather than merely for Him, individuals can experience a transformative approach to their finances and overall life, recognizing that everything belongs to God. The discussion highlights the biblical assertion that God looks at the heart, urging listeners to assess their own hearts and commitments to God. Ultimately, the episode encourages listeners to cultivate a heart that is fixed on the Lord, fostering a spirit of generosity and a deeper connection with their faith. Bro. Wetherbee's presentation at the Stewardship Conference is a profound exploration of the relationship between one's heart and the practice of stewardship. He begins by addressing the common saying, 'give until it hurts,' and counters this notion with the assertion that true giving, done in alignment with Christ's example, should never cause pain. Instead, he encourages a perspective that frames giving as an expression of gratitude and love, particularly in the shadow of the cross. By referencing scripture, he illustrates that the heart is the wellspring of one's actions and that what is truly within will be reflected outwardly. This concept sets the stage for a deeper discussion on the nature of stewardship as it pertains to a believer's life. As he delves into the theme of living with Jesus, Bro. Wetherbee challenges the audience to consider their daily interactions with faith. He emphasizes that many individuals may 'live for Jesus' in a compartmentalized manner, engaging with their faith only at certain times. In contrast, he advocates for a lifestyle where individuals consciously include Christ in all aspects of their lives. This approach not only enriches one's faith journey but also transforms everyday activities into opportunities for worship and service. He reminds the audience that stewardship is not merely about financial contributions but encompasses a holistic commitment to God in every endeavor. Furthermore, Bro. Wetherbee encourages attendees to examine the state of their hearts, asking probing questions about their priorities and motivations. He underscores that a heart that is fixed on God leads to a life of peace and assurance, as trusting in the Lord alleviates fear and insecurity. The culmination of his message serves as an invitation for the congregation to embrace stewardship as a joyful and fulfilling expression of their relationship with God. Through practical applications and scriptural insights, he inspires listeners to cultivate a heart that delights in giving, ultimately reflecting God’s love and generosity in their lives.

Takeaways:

1. The preacher highlighted the significance of maintaining a heart aligned with God's will in everyday life.
2. Stewardship involves recognizing God's lordship over all aspects of one's life, not just finances.
3. The importance of living in constant communion with Jesus was stressed, rather than merely living for Him occasionally.
4. Giving should be seen as a cycle of receiving and giving again, fostering community and support.
5. The speaker warned against viewing church and secular life as separate, advocating for a holistic Christian approach.

Jeremiah 9:23 - God wants us to prosper:

God owns.

God loans.

God watches.

God rewards.

God watches what you do with the reward.

Deuteronomy 30:14-20

Michael Wiggins addresses the profound yet often overlooked truth that the pursuit of happiness, as highlighted in the book of Ecclesiastes, can lead to emptiness and exhaustion. He emphasizes that despite the many avenues people explore in their quest for joy, these pursuits often yield only vanity and dissatisfaction. Drawing from Solomon's reflections, Wiggins points out that true fulfillment comes not from worldly achievements but from a relationship with God. He encourages listeners to shift their focus from chasing fleeting happiness to seeking God, who offers lasting joy and purpose. By grounding their lives in faith and obedience to God's commandments, they can find genuine contentment and treasure in the eternal rather than the transient. Michael Wiggins opens the podcast with a heartfelt appreciation for his home church, Heritage Baptist Church, and its pastor, Eric Crawford. He shares personal challenges he has faced recently and expresses gratitude for the support he has received from the church community. As he reflects on his experiences, he acknowledges feelings of failure and emotional strain, yet he maintains hope for the future and emphasizes the importance of faith. Wiggins transitions to discuss the broader theme of pursuing happiness, drawing from the biblical book of Ecclesiastes. He highlights that the pursuit of happiness often leads to emptiness, exhaustion, and an all-consuming obsession that can overshadow more meaningful aspects of life. Wiggins urges listeners to consider the futility of seeking happiness through worldly means, as illustrated by Solomon's reflections on his own life, ultimately concluding that true fulfillment lies in a relationship with God and living a life aligned with His commandments. In a candid manner, Wiggins addresses the pressures and stresses of contemporary life, reinforcing the idea that many individuals struggle with similar feelings of discouragement. He emphasizes the necessity of prayer and support for spiritual leaders, asserting that ministry can be particularly challenging in today's society. Transitioning into his message, he explores the concept of happiness, using Solomon's life as a case study. He draws attention to the fact that despite Solomon's wealth and wisdom, he ultimately deemed all pursuits outside of God as vanity. Wiggins articulates three key points: first, that the pursuit of happiness leaves one empty; second, it leads to exhaustion; and third, it has the potential to engulf one's life. He encourages listeners to seek God instead of transient worldly pleasures, thereby finding lasting joy and purpose in their lives. The podcast culminates in Wiggins' exhortation to prioritize a relationship with God over the pursuit of happiness as an end goal. He emphasizes that true joy comes from the Holy Spirit and a deep connection with God rather than from material possessions or fleeting experiences. By referencing Ecclesiastes, Wiggins presents a compelling argument for the importance of fearing God and adhering to His commandments as a pathway to a fulfilling and meaningful life. He concludes with a prayer, asking for God's guidance and strength for himself and the listeners, encouraging them to pursue God wholeheartedly as the ultimate source of joy and purpose. This episode resonates with anyone grappling with the pressures of modern life and searching for deeper meaning beyond the superficial chase for happiness.

Takeaways:

1. Michael Wiggins emphasizes the importance of pursuing God rather than the fleeting nature of happiness, which often leaves individuals feeling empty and exhausted.
2. In his sermon, Wiggins highlights that the pursuit of happiness is a common source of unhappiness, as people chase after materialistic goals that do not fulfill them.

Ministry Involvement Night 2026

The podcast episode introduces a new series focused on the book of 1 Peter, emphasizing the call for believers to follow in the steps of Christ. The central theme is derived from 1 Peter 2:21, which underscores Christ's suffering as an example for believers to emulate in their daily lives. The speaker highlights that genuine Christianity is not merely about adhering to a set of rules, but rather about imitating the character and conduct of Jesus Christ, especially in times of adversity. Throughout the episode, they explore the practical implications of living a Christlike life, encouraging listeners to reflect on their actions and decisions by asking, "What would Jesus do?" The discussion aims to deepen the understanding of how to apply biblical principles to everyday situations, reinforcing that true transformation comes from a relationship with Christ rather than mere religious observance.

Takeaways:

1. The podcast introduces a series on 1 Peter, emphasizing the importance of following Christ's example in daily life, particularly during challenges.
2. The speaker highlights that true Christianity is not merely about adhering to rules, but about embodying the example set by Jesus Christ.
3. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on what it means to imitate Christ, not only in significant events but also in everyday interactions and decisions.
4. The episode discusses how Christ's suffering serves as a profound example for believers, illustrating the depth of His sacrifice for humanity's redemption.
5. The speaker asserts that understanding Jesus' suffering is crucial for Christians, as it reveals the extent of His love and the call to live righteously.
6. A key takeaway is the notion that relying on the Holy Spirit empowers believers to live out their faith, following Christ's example authentically and effectively.

Pastor Crawford emphasizes the central theme of this gathering: "following in his steps," which serves as the guiding principle for the upcoming year. This episode outlines the significance of the new theme derived from 1 Peter 2:21, where believers are called to emulate Christ’s example in their daily lives. He discusses the importance of understanding what it truly means to be a Christian, underscoring that it involves imitating Christ in both character and conduct, especially during times of adversity. Additionally, Pastor Crawford introduces various church initiatives, including the nomination of officers and the distribution of calendars that will help guide the congregation through the year. Through a blend of scriptural insights and practical applications, he encourages the community to engage deeply in their faith and actively participate in church activities.

The 2025 Vision Night presented by Pastor Crawford emphasizes the church's commitment to its new theme, 'In His Steps', which serves as a guiding principle for the upcoming year. The Pastor outlines key objectives for the evening, including the nomination of church officers, the distribution of calendars, and a sermon based on the teachings from 1 Peter chapter 2. He reflects on the profound impact of Charles Sheldon’s book, 'In His Steps', which inspires Christians to examine what it truly means to follow Jesus. The Pastor asserts that this theme will encourage the congregation to live lives that are reflective of Christ’s character, especially in times of adversity. As he discusses the practical applications of following Jesus, he emphasizes the importance of maintaining a righteous character amidst challenges, and the necessity of a proper view of God in order to navigate life’s difficulties with faith and grace. The evening culminates in a call to action for the church members to engage more deeply in their spiritual journeys, aligning their lives with the example set by Christ as they strive for personal and communal growth in faith.

Takeaways:

• Pastor Crawford emphasizes the importance of following Jesus' steps as a central theme for the year, urging congregants to reflect on their Christian walk and how they embody Christ's teachings in daily life.
• In his sermon, Pastor Crawford highlights the significance of the book 'In His Steps' by Charles Sheldon, which inspires believers to consider the practical implications of living as Christ would.
• The call to imitate Christ is not just about personal conduct but also extends to how Christians should evangelize and interact with the world, reinforcing their identity as followers of Jesus.
• Pastor Crawford discusses the challenges of facing adversity, encouraging believers to keep their focus on Jesus as the ultimate example of strength and grace in difficult times.
• The sermon outlines the theme for the year, 'In His Steps', and connects it with biblical teachings from 1 Peter, emphasizing the need for Christians to maintain Christ-like character amidst suffering.
• Pastor Crawford concludes by reminding the congregation that they cannot follow in Jesus' footsteps without the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, underscoring the necessity of divine grace in the Christian journey.

Joshua 14:15

Spiritual Rest

1. Jesus is our provider
2. Jesus is our protector
3. Jesus is our yoke, He will carry you burdens

How do I have spiritual rest:

1. Die to self.
2. Walk with Him.
3. Rest in His word.

Rest is learned, not earned.

Pastor Crawford emphasizes the imminent return of Christ as he discusses the significance of the new year in this reflective podcast episode. He highlights the urgency of living in light of eternity, drawing on biblical teachings to encourage listeners to remain vigilant and prepared for Christ's return. The pastor delves into themes from 1 Peter, urging believers to cultivate a life of charity, prayer, and service, especially as the end of all things approaches. He provides seven signs of Christ's return, illustrating how current events align with prophetic scripture, and calls for Christians to embody their faith actively. This episode serves as both a reminder and a challenge to embrace their faith fully in the coming year, reinforcing the importance of being ready for the unexpected return of Christ. Pastor Crawford delivers a profound message on the cusp of the new year, drawing on the themes of hope and anticipation associated with both the coming year and the imminent return of Christ. He begins his sermon by reflecting on the significance of the changing year, urging the congregation to consider how they can align their lives with the teachings of Christ as they enter this new chapter. By referencing 1 Peter 4, he emphasizes the importance of living purposefully, as the ‘end of all things is at hand,’ encouraging believers to remain sober, vigilant, and prayerful. This call to vigilance serves as a reminder to the congregation that their actions and attitudes should reflect the belief that Christ could return at any moment, and thus they must be ready to stand before Him. Throughout the sermon, Pastor Crawford delves into the implications of this belief, discussing how it should influence their daily lives. He speaks of the need for fervent love among believers, illustrating how true charity can cover a multitude of sins. This concept of love in action is pivotal; it is not merely a feeling but requires tangible expressions through service and hospitality towards one another. He challenges the congregation to use their gifts wisely, emphasizing stewardship of the diverse graces that God has bestowed upon them. He underscores that this is not just a personal journey but a communal responsibility to uplift and support each other in faith. As he transitions into discussing the signs of Christ’s return, Pastor Crawford highlights seven specific indicators, including the re-emergence of Israel as a nation and the increasing moral relativism in society. Each point serves to illustrate the urgency of the message: believers are living in the last days, and this reality should spur them on to live with intention. He concludes with a heartfelt plea for the congregation to renew their commitment to Christ as they embark on a new year, ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in faith and love.

Takeaways:

1. Pastor Crawford emphasizes the importance of living with a sense of urgency as the end of all things is near, urging believers to reflect on their lives as the New Year approaches.
2. He discusses the significance of being prepared for Christ's imminent return, highlighting that Christians must live as if He could return at any moment, which should shape their daily actions.
3. The pastor encourages listeners to utilize their God-given gifts to serve others, reminding them that each believer has a role in ministering to their community and being a steward of grace.
4. Pastor Crawford draws attention to the necessity of fervent love among believers, explaining how charity, defined as love in action, can cover a multitude of sins and should characterize Christian relationships.