This week we're looking at Jesus' letter to the church in Pergamum. He's proud of the faith that remains despite their circumstances, but that up with some difficult words. If they don't do away with the false gospels among them, he'll make war against them. It can be easy to relax in our christianity and begin thinking we've got it. However in every one of Jesus' letters to the churches he has something important for them to work on. How can we become a church that overcomes till the end? What ...
Dec 06, 2021•47 min•Season 4Ep. 4
This week's passage is the second letter from Jesus in Revelation. He holds nothing against this church, but at first glance the letter seems fairly grim. Jesus presents the Church in Smyrna with an interesting path to follow. They've remained faithful during the storms, but a bigger storm is on the horizon. He calls them to trust in him for a short while longer, and their reward will be the crown of life. Are we willing to build our faith before the storm comes? Do we believe that Jesus is good...
Nov 22, 2021•54 min•Season 4Ep. 3
This week we're beginning our journey through Jesus' letters to the churches in Revelation. Jesus told John to write to the church in Ephesus and commend them for their good deeds and firm foundation on the truth. Then he tells them to repent and return to their first love, or their lampstand will be removed from its place. How can we build a life reliant on Jesus, being fully surrendered, while still giving him our all? What would our lives look like if we really knew we were loved and chosen, ...
Nov 15, 2021•51 min•Season 4Ep. 2
Welcome to Season 4! A huge thank you to all our listeners for your continued support of the show. We're kicking off this season with a general overview of the book of Revelation, and getting set up for the rest of the season with some context and much-needed information. Steve shares his history with the final book in the Bible, and the huge role it should play in our lives. Jesus is serious about Christianity, and it's easy to see when you read 'The Revelation of Jesus Christ.' We're challenge...
Nov 08, 2021•58 min•Season 4Ep. 1
This week we're looking at the command of Christ. We can get distracted trying to live by all the rules and traditions we were raised with, while forgetting what Jesus really said. His one command was this: Love as I have loved you. Steve and Vicki dive into what it really looks like to love as they have been loved by Christ. To what extent should we give of ourselves? And what do we do when people don't love back, is it okay to stop loving? Gift Of Hope: www.giftofhopeoroville.org Connect with ...
Nov 01, 2021•50 min•Season 3Ep. 25
This week we're diving into a common theme that's popped up throughout this season, but hasn't had the spotlight yet. Holiness can be difficult to understand, since we are far from perfect, but still called to be perfect. How do we live a life of holiness before the Lord when we know we won't get it perfect? Do we make a decent effort and hope Jesus will cover us? Or do we give our all, fall short, and walk in confidence that Jesus is bridging the gap? Connect with the show: Email uncommontruthp...
Oct 25, 2021•44 min•Season 3Ep. 24
This week in our kingdom series, we're looking at what Jesus gave, and what he was focused on. At the last supper the disciples get into a debate about who is the greatest among them. In the midst of this, Jesus was busy telling them that they were called to give their lives for his kingdom. It's so easy to lose focus of Jesus' idea of the perfect kingdom, and start pursuing money, influence, and recognition. What are you looking at? Learn more about School of Transformation Lite:On the Move: th...
Oct 18, 2021•49 min•Season 3Ep. 23
This week we're looking at what Jesus sees as greatness in the Kingdom of Heaven. Jesus lived perfectly as a servant who gave it all for the One who sent Him. How come we get stuck focusing on ourselves? As we discuss Jesus' servant based kingdom, we're immediately challenged by our selfishness. How can we let go of ourselves and trust Jesus to take care of us? What are some practical steps towards becoming great in the Kingdom? Connect with the show: Email [email protected] with to...
Oct 11, 2021•53 min•Season 3Ep. 22
As we venture into one of the final episodes of Season 3 of the Uncommon Truth, we realize how similar we are to the disciples. After Jesus' death and resurrection his disciples still had their mind on their own kingdoms. Jesus, however, had a different plan in mind. The words of Jesus in Acts chapter 1 immediately challenge our thinking on what it means to live in the Kingdom of Jesus. Are we focused on building up our own lives, or are we open to and focused on making Him famous? What does bui...
Oct 04, 2021•45 min•Season 3Ep. 21
This week we're sharing one of Steve's sermons that we referenced in Season 3 Episode 17. Steve shares about forgiving others, what it takes to be forgiven, and how releasing forgiveness effects you. If you feel stuck in any area of your life the odds that it's related to withholding forgiveness are quite high. Steve dives into Luke 6 where we find Jesus' words clearly stating that if you don't forgive others from your heart, you won't be forgiven either. So what does it mean to truly forgive? H...
Sep 27, 2021•36 min•Season 3Ep. 20
This week on the Uncommon Truth we're discussing what Jesus says about money and entering the kingdom of Heaven. Jesus has some strong words about money, so what do we do if we have plenty? Can we still enter the Kingdom of Heaven? How do we know if we're using our resources to build His kingdom instead of our own? Learn more about School of Transformation Lite:On the Move: this course distills the key teachings and practical tools from the School of Transformation into three bite-size modules. ...
Sep 20, 2021•50 min•Season 3Ep. 19
We’ve covered a lot of ground here on The Uncommon Truth in season three, and it’s time to take a break and answer some of your questions. This season has been all about what, “The Kingdom of Heaven is like…” according to the words and parables of Jesus, and as we discussed, these stories aren’t always easy to understand. So Steve & Vicki are taking some time to answer questions. Learn more about School of Transformation Lite:On the Move: this course distills the key teachings and practical ...
Sep 13, 2021•48 min•Season 3Ep. 18
When it comes to the topic of forgiveness, many Christians resemble children playing on the playground; we want people to share it with us, but we don’t want to have to share it with them. Often, the same theme holds up when it comes to our own forgiveness. In the Parable of the Unmerciful Servant, a man is forgiven a great debt. Yet just a few verses later, the same debt is put back on him when he fails to forgive someone in the same way. What is this parable all about? And can we really have w...
Sep 06, 2021•45 min•Season 3Ep. 17
This week I’m introducing you to a brand new podcast produced by our team here at The Father’s House Church. It’s the same team that brings you The Uncommon Truth every week. It’s called Refuse Ordinary, it’s hosted by Tamara Loewen, and it dives into some of the wisdom she’s gleaned during her time at the Father’s House School of Transformation. It’s called Refuse Ordinary because it’s all about rejecting a lifeless and distant faith in favor of the real, radical and vibrant relationship with J...
Aug 30, 2021•13 min•Ep. 85
As we continue to discuss Jesus’ words about what, “The Kingdom of Heaven is like,” it’s impossible to overlook the challenging or even scary things He has to say. One such example is found when Jesus says to those listening, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven.” So what is that supposed to mean? What does it look like to make Jesus Lord both in words and in actions? After all, how can we seek to follow Him if we don’t know how He wants to be followed? Co...
Aug 23, 2021•48 min•Season 3Ep. 16
The more we dive into Jesus’ teachings on what “The Kingdom of Heaven is like…” the more we end up finding. As it turns out, Jesus was teaching about this Kingdom almost constantly, including and especially in His famous Sermon on the Mount. That discourse kicks off Kingdom discussion right away with the Beatitudes. So who gets to inherit this Kingdom? Who does it belong to, and how can we live in it? Connect with the show: Email [email protected] with topics you would like to see c...
Aug 16, 2021•50 min•Season 3Ep. 15
In the third chapter of the book of John, Jesus is met by man named Nicodemus. Nicodemus is seeking the Kingdom of Heaven, but can’t see it. He knows Jesus is his best shot at finding this Kingdom, but the answer he gets shocks him. The term “Born Again,” is one that is often used to describe certain groups or individuals in Christianity today. But when was the last time you took a look at what that term actually means? Or, more importantly, what it would look like if you were to experience this...
Aug 09, 2021•50 min•Season 3Ep. 14
In our series on what Jesus says the Kingdom of Heaven is like, we’ve spent a lot of time deciphering the parables and stories Jesus told while He was on earth. In this episode, we explore what Jesus has to say about seeking after that Kingdom. What does it mean to put the Kingdom first? How do we do it in our lives today? And what rewards await us when we do? Connect with the show: Email [email protected] with topics you would like to see covered, episode feedback and any questions...
Aug 02, 2021•47 min•Season 3Ep. 13
In the Parable of the Ten Bridesmaids (Matthew 25), Jesus tells the story of ten bridesmaids awaiting the arrival of the groom so they can all enter the wedding feast that’s being prepared. The bridesmaids who planned ahead met the groom with lit lamps and entered the feast, while those who were not ready missed out. What does that mean for us today? Does simply knowing Jesus is on His way qualify us to enter into this wedding feast? Or do we have to actually plan how we are going to continue lo...
Jul 26, 2021•50 min•Season 3Ep. 12
Have you been chosen by God for a purpose? Whether you can identify it or not, it’s safe to say the Lord probably has something in mind for each of us to accomplish. So what happens if we decide we don’t anything to do with that plan? That’s the situation Jesus addresses in Matthew 21 when he presents a parable about a land owner and his tenant farmers to a group of 1st Century religious leaders. Connect with the show: Email [email protected] with topics you would like to see covere...
Jul 19, 2021•49 min•Season 3Ep. 11
This week on The Uncommon Truth, we're taking a look back at the first episode of the season. This episode aired back in May, and set the tone for the whole of season 3, a season that has been all about discovering what "the Kingdom of Heaven is like" according to the parables of Jesus. So what are parables? What is their purpose? And why was it Jesus' preferred mode of communication? More importantly, what can they tell us about the Kingdom and how we should respond? For more info about Avie's ...
Jul 12, 2021•50 min•Ep. 84
Imagine the King of Heaven has invited you to a magnificent feast. What is your response? Are you too busy? Do you RSVP? What are you supposed to wear? This is the setting for Jesus’ Parable of the Wedding Feast in Matthew 22. In that story, there are some big rewards for those who respond correctly, and some even scarier consequences for those who don’t. So what can we learn from this parable? How can we respond appropriately? Connect with the show: Email [email protected] with top...
Jul 05, 2021•46 min•Season 3Ep. 10
Steve and Vicki return in person, and we’re continuing our conversation series about what Jesus says the Kingdom of Heaven is like. This time we’re taking a look at the Parable of the Talents found in Matthew 25. What talents has Jesus entrusted you with? What are you supposed to do with them? And what about those of us who don’t feel particularly talented? Listen in to find out! Connect with the show: Email [email protected] with topics you would like to see covered, episode feedba...
Jun 28, 2021•50 min•Season 3Ep. 9
If you’ve ever heard Jesus’ Parable of the Sower from Matthew chapter 13, there is definitely a lot going on. Seeds are being tossed everywhere, and not all of them find the right ground to take root in. So what does that have to do with our lives as we seek to understand what the Kingdom of Heaven is like? What does it take to find the good soil? Or more importantly, what does it take to make your soil good? And once you start growing, how can you be as productive as possible in the Kingdom? Be...
Jun 21, 2021•48 min•Ep. 83
In Jesus’ parable about two sons asked to go work in their father’s vineyard, we learn a lot about what is valuable in the Kingdom of Heaven. Here Jesus confronts the religious leaders of His day with a question: “Which son did the will of his father?” If we want to know what the Kingdom is like, we need to get to know the King. Part of that knowledge must include what the King’s will is and how to accomplish it. So how do we go about learning what He wants? And how do we make it happen? Connect...
Jun 14, 2021•40 min•Season 3Ep. 7
In our 100th episode, we’re following up our conversation about the greatest in the kingdom by looking at Jesus’ warnings to those in danger of being left out. If depending on our Heavenly Father like a child is a formula for greatness, then what’s in store for those who cause us not to depend on Him? In the discussion of sin and stumbling blocks, we often think of big, obvious sins. If I don’t teach someone to murder, lust or steal then I’m on the right track, right? But what about subtle stumb...
Jun 07, 2021•55 min•Season 3Ep. 6
This week’s show continues on the theme of the small things in the Kingdom of Heaven. This time we’re discussing Jesus’ proclamation that only those who become like little children will be admitted into the Kingdom. What does that mean, and how do we accomplish it? As believers and followers of Jesus, how do we strike the balance between complete child-like dependence on God and growing up to represent Him? What is it about a kid’s humility, trust, kindness and openness that Jesus wants us to re...
May 31, 2021•50 min•Season 3Ep. 5
Most of us have heard Jesus’ parable of the mustard seed; something small turns into something big and spectacular. But is that all there is to the story? What the parable of the tiny mote of yeast that leavens the whole lump of dough? Even though these are short parables about small things, the implications are far from insignificant. If it’s true that the kingdom of heaven can be compared to such things, what can we learn about it? Connect with the show: Email [email protected] wi...
May 24, 2021•51 min•Season 3Ep. 4
What is the kingdom of heaven like? When we talk about it, are we talking about eternal life after death, our spiritual lives now, or the coming age when Jesus returns? In Season 3, we’re looking at Jesus’ parables to find the answers. In Jesus’ parable from Matthew 20, the master of a vineyard goes out to hire laborers to work for the day. Some work all day, while others only work the last hour, yet all receive equal pay. What does this tell us about the kingdom of heaven? Connect with the show...
May 17, 2021•52 min•Season 3Ep. 3
In a very special episode, we’re joined by special guest Joe Wittwer, founding pastor of Life Center Church in Spokane, Washington. Pastor Joe holds the distinction of being Steve & Vicki’s pastor; Joe officiated the Orisillo’s wedding and helped set them on course to love and serve Jesus with their lives. In this episode we’ll hear some eye-opening stories about Steve & Vicki from back-in-the-day, and continue our discussion on the parables of Jesus. What can Jesus’ parable about the sh...
May 10, 2021•58 min•Season 3Ep. 2
