Episodes

  • Carry The Burden
    Aug 18 2025

    In this powerful message by Bishop Ed Akers, we're challenged to examine the burdens we carry in our lives. The central theme revolves around Jesus' words in Matthew 11:29-30, where He invites us to take His yoke upon us. We're reminded that while everyone carries burdens, there's a profound difference between worldly burdens and the burden of the Lord. This teaching encourages us to lay down our selfish pursuits and instead pick up God's calling for our lives. We're shown that carrying the Lord's burden - seeking the lost, bearing witness to the truth, building His church, and going to all nations - might seem heavy, but it comes with divine assistance. The Holy Spirit, described as our 'paracletus' or helper, aids us in carrying this sacred responsibility. This message invites us to shift our perspective from a self-centered approach to church to one that embraces God's mission. It's a call to action, urging us to move beyond our comfort zones and truly engage with the work of the Kingdom.

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    30 mins
  • Carried by Community
    Aug 11 2025

    In this powerful podcast, we're challenged to embrace our role as 'mat carriers' in the Kingdom of God. Drawing from the story of the paralytic man in Mark 2, we're reminded that sometimes our faith can be the bridge to someone else's miracle. The friends' determination to bring the paralyzed man to Jesus, even breaking through a roof, symbolizes the lengths we should go to in order to bring others to Christ. This narrative isn't just about physical healing, but spiritual restoration - Jesus forgives the man's sins before healing his body. We're called to look beyond ourselves, to see the 'one' who needs carrying, and to act on their behalf. This message urges us to shift from a self-centered faith to one that actively seeks to carry others to Jesus, fulfilling the law of Christ by bearing one another's burdens.

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    52 mins
  • ROOTED IN COMMUNITY
    Aug 4 2025

    This message explored the critical importance of community in the Christian life, emphasizing our interconnectedness as the body of Christ. Pastor Brent challenged us to reject individualism and embrace our unique roles within the church. He reminded us that the church grows at the speed of engagement and that we are all called to participate actively in building up the body of Christ.

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    53 mins
  • Renew the Joy of Your Salvation
    Jul 29 2025

    In this heartfelt episode of "Church and Stuff," Pastor Brent delves into the profound message of Psalms 51:12, exploring the theme of finding joy in salvation. Through personal reflections and biblical insights, he addresses the struggles many face in maintaining joy amidst life's burdens. Pastor Brent encourages listeners to seek restoration and a willing spirit, emphasizing the importance of repentance and reliance on God's grace. Tune in to discover how to reclaim the joy of your salvation and walk confidently in faith.

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    21 mins
  • Great Expectations
    Jul 21 2025

    In the heart of this message, we explore the transformative power of God's word and presence, emphasizing the need for personal encounters with Him. Through the journey of Hannah, we witness the depth of desperation and sincere prayer as she seeks God's intervention in her life. Her story reminds us of the importance of perseverance in faith and how one word from God can change the course of our lives.

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    59 mins
  • Legacy Building Forward
    Jul 14 2025

    The message we celebrated 29 years of Victorious Living Church and explored the concept of legacy, while also challenging us to press forward in our faith. Bishop Ed shared touching stories of God's faithfulness throughout the years, and Pastor Brent emphasized the importance of continually pressing into Jesus, laying aside weights that hinder us, and learning to both forgive and forget. The message reminded us of our identity as beloved children of God and encouraged us to grow in our love for Him.

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    48 mins
  • The Secret Place of Prayer
    Jul 7 2025

    In this message Pastor Brent delivered a thought-provoking sermon on the importance of spending time in the "secret place" with God, based on Psalms 91:1 and Matthew 6:6. The message emphasized how crucial it is for us to cultivate a private, sacred space of communion with God, away from the distractions of the world. This practice not only deepens our relationship with the Father but also equips us to face life's challenges with renewed strength and perspective.

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    30 mins
  • Faith over Feelings
    Jun 30 2025

    In the message we explored the crucial topic of prioritizing faith over feelings, emphasizing how God's truth should guide our lives rather than our often-unreliable emotions. Pastor Brent highlighted the importance of anchoring ourselves in God's Word, especially when our feelings try to lead us astray. This message has profound implications for our spiritual lives, encouraging us to trust God's promises even when our emotions tell us otherwise.

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    55 mins