In this message, Noel addresses the difficult topic of slavery in the Old Testament, specifically within Exodus 21-23. He clarifies that the biblical laws regulated existing forms of servitude rather than instituting or endorsing the type of chattel slavery commonly associated with American history. Riv explains the various forms of ancient slavery, emphasizing that kidnapping and forced enslavement were condemned, and that the laws aimed to protect vulnerable people, including those who entered...
Mar 17, 2025•38 min•Ep. 305
In this message, Tony explores the tenth commandment, "Do not covet," revealing how it exposes our tendency to desire what others have, leading to discontentment. He emphasizes that true contentment isn't found in material possessions but in a relationship with Jesus Christ. Tony encourages listeners to shift their focus from what they lack to what they have in Christ, highlighting that contentment is a learned discipline rooted in God's provision and presence. Subscribe to AfterWords on Apple P...
Mar 11, 2025•38 min•Ep. 304
In this message, our guest speaker Kyle Rodriguez discusses the tenth commandment, "Do not covet," explaining that it addresses not just actions but the desires of the heart. He highlights that coveting involves desiring the wrong things or desiring things in the wrong way, leading to discontentment and idolatry. Rodriguez emphasizes that true contentment comes from a relationship with Jesus, who provides the strength and grace to overcome sinful desires and live with an open-handed heart. Subsc...
Mar 11, 2025•41 min•Ep. 303
In this message, Noel dissects the Ninth Commandment, focusing on the difference between simple lies and bearing false witness. He highlights how this commandment addresses the need for truth and justice, especially in a society plagued by misinformation and personal biases. Noel explores the historical context of the commandment within the Mosaic Law, emphasizing the importance of accurate testimony and the dangers of skewed perspectives. Subscribe to AfterWords on Apple Podcasts , Spotify, or ...
Mar 03, 2025•32 min•Ep. 302
In this message, Hezekiah explores the commandment "Do not steal," moving beyond the common understanding of theft. He discusses how stealing manifests in various ways, from physical theft to taking credit for others' work, and how it stems from sinful desires, survival instincts, and selfishness. The message emphasizes that God takes stealing seriously, as evidenced by Old Testament laws requiring restitution. Subscribe to AfterWords on Apple Podcasts , Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcas...
Feb 24, 2025•35 min•Ep. 301
In this message, speaker Justin explores the eighth commandment, "Do not steal," going beyond the simple act of taking something that isn't yours. He examines various forms of stealing, from traditional theft to wage theft and intellectual property theft, highlighting the underlying issues of scarcity mindset and disbelief in God's provision. Justin emphasizes that stealing is ultimately a belief problem, stemming from a low view of God and a focus on self. He connects the commandment to themes ...
Feb 24, 2025•40 min•Ep. 300
In this message, Pastor James explores the eighth commandment, "Do not steal," using the biblical story of Achan. He connects Achan's act of stealing from God's treasury to the broader concept of how sin impacts not just the individual but the entire community. James highlights the severity of sin and its consequences, emphasizing the spiritual death that all sin leads to. He then shifts to the grace offered through Jesus Christ, who took the punishment for our sins, including stealing. Subscrib...
Feb 24, 2025•36 min•Ep. 299
In this message, Pastor Tony explores the seventh commandment, "Do not commit adultery," emphasizing its broader implications beyond the physical act. He discusses marriage as a sacred, lifelong union reflecting God's design and faithfulness. Pastor Tony highlights how unfaithfulness, whether in marriage or in our relationship with God, disrupts community and breaks trust. He emphasizes that while the law reveals our sin, Jesus offers grace, forgiveness, and the power to change, calling us to pu...
Feb 17, 2025•35 min•Ep. 298
In this message, Pastor Noel Heikkinen tackles the seventh commandment, "Do not commit adultery," exploring its relevance in today's culture. He discusses how societal views on sexuality have shifted, emphasizing the importance of faithfulness in marriage as a reflection of the relationship between Christ and the church. Noel explains that adultery encompasses not only physical acts but also thoughts and desires, challenging listeners to examine their hearts. Subscribe to AfterWords on Apple Pod...
Feb 17, 2025•37 min•Ep. 297
In this message, Pastor Noel Heikkinen explores the commandment "Do not murder," diving deeper than its surface meaning. He examines the story of Cain and Abel, highlighting the struggle against sin and the importance of controlling one's anger. Noel emphasizes that all humans are created in God's image, giving every life inherent dignity. He connects this concept to Jesus as our refuge and calls on followers to be pro-life in every sense, defending the vulnerable and reflecting God's love throu...
Feb 10, 2025•33 min•Ep. 296
In this message, Pastor Noel teaches on the Fifth Commandment, challenging the common Western view that honoring parents is primarily for children. Drawing from Exodus 20:12 and Jesus’ own example, he explains how honoring parents is an act of worship that reflects our submission to God’s authority. Whether we have great, difficult, or absent parents, the call to honor them remains, not because they’ve earned it, but because of the position they hold. This teaching explores the weight of honor, ...
Feb 03, 2025•38 min•Ep. 295
In this message, Noel Heikkinen explores the concept of the Sabbath, challenging common misconceptions and emphasizing its true meaning as rest in Jesus. He argues that many Christians mistakenly focus on the letter of the law rather than its intended purpose: to point towards God's ultimate act of rest in Jesus Christ. Noel highlights the dangers of creating unnecessary burdens and legalistic interpretations of the Sabbath, urging listeners to find true rest in their relationship with Jesus and...
Jan 27, 2025•38 min•Ep. 294
In this message, Pastor Noel unpacks the meaning behind the third commandment: not misusing the name of the Lord. Drawing from Exodus 20 and other scriptures, he explores how God’s name represents His character, power, and authority. Pastor Noel challenges us to consider whether our lives honor the name of Jesus or empty it of its meaning. Do not misuse the name of the LORD your God, because the LORD will not leave anyone unpunished who misuses his name. Exodus 20:8 Subscribe to AfterWords on Ap...
Jan 20, 2025•31 min•Ep. 293
In this message, Pastor Tony examines the second commandment from Exodus, focusing on the “how” of worshiping God. He highlights how idols—both ancient and modern—compete for our devotion and often take the place of God in our lives. Tony challenges listeners to identify what might be drawing their worship away from God and points to Jesus as the ultimate provision for our greatest need. Exodus 20:4-6 Do not make an idol for yourself, whether in the shape of anything in the heavens above or on t...
Jan 14, 2025•35 min•Ep. 292
In this message, Pastor James explores the second commandment from Exodus, challenging us to recognize and confront the idols in our lives. He explains how idolatry isn’t just about ancient carved statues but anything we prioritize or serve above God. Using practical examples, James identifies modern-day idols and provides steps to identify and dismantle them. Exodus 20:4-6 Do not make an idol for yourself, whether in the shape of anything in the heavens above or on the earth below or in the wat...
Jan 14, 2025•35 min•Ep. 291
Pastor Tony teaches at the Westside Venue on the first of the Ten Commandments from Exodus 20:3. He explores how we elevate good things in our lives to ultimate importance, often at the expense of our faith. This message challenges us to examine the “gods” competing for our worship and invites us to replace them with Jesus, the only one who truly satisfies and frees us to live abundantly. Subscribe to AfterWords on Apple Podcasts , Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts . Download a copy of...
Jan 07, 2025•35 min•Ep. 290
Jordan Allen teaches at the REO Town Venue and examines the first commandment and its call to put God above all other influences in our lives. Using the story of the rich young ruler, he highlights how misplaced priorities can leave us unfulfilled and contrasts this with the freedom and purpose found in following Jesus. Jordan invites listeners to consider what “gods” they might be serving and challenges us to reorient our lives around the one true God who truly satisfies. "Do not have other god...
Jan 07, 2025•33 min•Ep. 289
In this message, Hezekiah teaches at the Holt Venue, where he explores the first commandment in Exodus 20:3 and unpacks its relevance for modern life. Using relatable analogies, he challenges us to consider what truly sits on the throne of our hearts and how misplaced priorities can leave us unfulfilled. He reminds us that God’s boundaries are an expression of love and protection, not restriction and that only Jesus offers the living water that satisfies our deepest longings. "Do not have other ...
Jan 07, 2025•35 min•Ep. 288
In this message, Pastor Noel challenges the idea that all religions lead to God, emphasizing the unique role of Jesus as the fulfillment of the law and humanity’s need for grace. Exploring the Mosaic Law and its 613 commandments, the message illustrates how the law reveals human sinfulness and points directly to Jesus as the only one who could fulfill its requirements. Listeners are reminded that followers of Jesus live under a new law of love, freedom, and grace, not bound by the old law but em...
Dec 30, 2024•38 min•Ep. 287
In this message, Pastor Tony explores the profound truth found in John 14:6, where Jesus declares He is “the way, the truth, and the life.” By unpacking this statement, we see how Jesus provides the exclusive path to God, embodies ultimate truth, and offers eternal life. The message contrasts grace and truth, showing how Jesus perfectly unites them, fulfilling humanity’s deepest longing for meaning and connection. Subscribe to AfterWords on Apple Podcasts , Spotify, or wherever you listen to pod...
Dec 23, 2024•35 min•Ep. 286
In this message, Pastor James dives into the concept of truth through the lens of John’s Gospel. He explores how Jesus’ “I am” statements reveal His identity as the ultimate source of truth, hope, and life amidst a world of competing worldviews. Using vivid examples from scripture and everyday life, James challenges us to live prepared by God’s Word, positioned in the world, and empowered by the Spirit. Subscribe to AfterWords on Apple Podcasts , Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts . Dow...
Dec 23, 2024•35 min•Ep. 285
In this message, Pastor Tony explores the concept of God's grace through the famous parable of the prodigal son, challenging listeners to understand grace as an unearned, unconditional gift. He contrasts human tendencies to earn favor with God's radical approach of freely giving love and acceptance, regardless of past mistakes or current performance. Using the parable and biblical references, Pastor Tony argues that grace is not a one-time transaction but a continuous, transformative experience ...
Dec 17, 2024•37 min•Ep. 284
In this message, REO Town Venue Director Hezekiah Trevino explores the concept of grace as a free, unearned gift from God. He challenges listeners to understand grace not as a one-time transaction but as a continuous, transformative experience that sustains and empowers people. Trevino argues that grace is meant to be both received and extended to others, regardless of whether they seem to "deserve" it. He emphasizes that grace is about unconditional love and forgiveness, not performance or earn...
Dec 16, 2024•36 min•Ep. 283
In this message, Pastor Noel looks at the first half of the Christmas story as we find it in John 1:17: "For the law was given through Moses." Noel teaches how the Bible teaches that the law was meant to point to our need for Jesus and how--through Jesus--the law was fulfilled. Finally, we see how Christ frees believers from the law's weight and empowers them to live in the light of His Spirit. Subscribe to AfterWords on Apple Podcasts , Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts . Download a c...
Dec 08, 2024•36 min•Ep. 282
This week, Pastor Noel explores the Christmas story through the lens of the Gospel of John, emphasizing the theological depth and transformative power of Jesus as the Word made flesh. Drawing connections to the themes of light overcoming darkness, grace paired with truth, and the unique perspectives of the Gospel writers, this message challenges listeners to see Jesus not just as a historical figure but as the Creator, Savior, and ultimate source of life. Whether you’re wrestling with faith or s...
Dec 02, 2024•34 min•Ep. 281
In this message, Pastor Tony explores Exodus 18, where Moses is reunited with his family and receives critical leadership advice from his father-in-law, Jethro. Tony highlights God’s ongoing provision, not just through miracles, but through practical wisdom and shared leadership. The sermon challenges listeners to embrace community, value honest feedback, and reflect on the power of personal testimony. Ultimately, it points to Jesus as the ultimate mediator who fulfills what Moses foreshadowed. ...
Nov 26, 2024•40 min•Ep. 280
In this message, Pastor Justin dives into Exodus 18 to explore what it means to manage overwhelming responsibilities in a healthy, sustainable way. Using the story of Moses and Jethro, he unpacks the importance of delegation, shared leadership, and finding balance amidst life’s demands. Pastor Justin challenges listeners to rethink self-sufficiency, embrace wise counsel, and discover how God provides grace for every task—even when it feels too heavy to bear. Exodus 18:1-18:27 Subscribe to AfterW...
Nov 25, 2024•38 min•Ep. 279
In this message, Pastor Noel reflects on the tests faced by the Israelites in the wilderness as described in Exodus 15-17. Through moments of provision, challenges, and reliance on God, we see a pattern of forgetfulness that mirrors our own lives. Pastor Noel reminds us that God’s message is consistent: “I got you.” Whether through His provision, His grace, or the support of those around us, we are called to trust God daily, knowing He is our rock, provider, and ultimate source of strength. Exod...
Nov 18, 2024•31 min•Ep. 278
In this message, Pastor Noel reflects on the famous Red Sea story from Exodus, exploring its resonance in today’s culture. The message underscores how we often tie our hopes to political outcomes, much like the Israelites’ hopes for freedom in Egypt. However, true freedom doesn’t come from politics or earthly circumstances, but from a deeper trust in God. Using Moses’ leadership and the miraculous crossing as a metaphor, the sermon suggests that just as the Israelites were called to trust beyond...
Nov 11, 2024•30 min•Ep. 277
In this message, Pastor Noel explores two significant commands from Exodus 13 that God gave the Israelites: to eat unleavened bread for seven days and to consecrate their firstborn. He explains how these practices were meant to prompt questions from children, creating opportunities for parents to share stories of God's deliverance. Through an unexpected focus on the law about redeeming firstborn donkeys, Noel draws a parallel between humanity's need for redemption and the donkey's need to be red...
Nov 03, 2024•32 min•Ep. 276
