Lake Merced Church of Christ

About Lake Merced Church of Christ

This podcast is the message archives of the Lake Merced Church of Christ in San Francisco.

Publisher

Lake Merced Church of Christ

Category

religion & spirituality · religion & spirituality

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

24 Mar 2019

Latest episode

27 Sept 2026

Latest episodes

385 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   27 Sept 2026

   Freedom from Ourselves

   Our desire to be first can leave us trapped by the need to be noticed, thanked, or placed above someone else. Jesus offers a different kind of freedom: a life centered on serving rather than promoting ourselves. While Jesus spoke about His coming death and resurrection, His disciples argued about who was the greatest. Later, James and John asked for places of honor, and the other disciples became indignant. Jesus answered their rivalry by redefining greatness: whoever wants to be first must become the servant of all. His own life showed what that meant. He came not to be served, but to serve and give His life as a ransom for many. The same struggle can appear in our relationships and church life when recognition becomes more important than the people we are helping. Jesus calls us to serve even when no one notices—giving someone a ride, encouraging a person who is hurting, or quietly helping someone through a difficult time. Service becomes “spiritual therapy for selfishness,” turning our attention toward others and bringing a satisfaction that self-promotion cannot provide. Philippians 2 calls us to put aside selfish ambition, look to the interests of others, and adopt the humility of Christ. Freedom comes when we no longer need to be first and can serve knowing that Jesus sees. And when we fall short, there is grace: Jesus patiently continued working with His disciples, and He continues working with us as we repent and grow.

2. 

   20 Sept 2026

   Which Angels Long to Look

   In 1 Peter 1:10–12, salvation is not a familiar idea to take lightly. It is the wonder prophets searched for, apostles proclaimed, and angels still long to look into. Peter writes to Christians facing persecution, grounding their hope in a salvation that was never an afterthought. Old Testament prophets received the promise of grace and searched their own words, trying to understand the Messiah: who He would be, when He would come, and how His sufferings would lead to glory. They knew they were serving a future generation. That same gospel came through the apostles by the Holy Spirit and will be preached until Christ returns. It is not a suggestion but a commission, carrying outward through generations. Scripture is not an emergency alarm to reach for only in hardship; it is God speaking. Even angels stand in awe. The cherubim over the mercy seat looked down on the blood of sacrifice, pointing toward Christ. Holy angels do not need salvation, and fallen angels cannot receive it. Yet sinful human beings are offered mercy: the sinless Son takes the penalty sin deserves, and those who repent and trust in Him are clothed in His righteousness. The Wonderful Exchange makes forgiveness possible without setting aside God’s justice. Grace cannot become permission to keep sinning. Forgiveness without repentance is cheap grace. Real repentance is not willpower, ritual, fear of consequences, or behavior modification; it begins with a changed heart that sees sin as increasingly detestable and turns back to God. Salvation should create hunger for others to know the gospel, devotion to God’s Word, service, obedience, and a life that carries its good news forward. If heaven rejoices when one sinner repents, salvation should remain just as precious and astonishing here.

3. 

   13 Sept 2026

   The Apostles Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow

   In a world crowded with political voices, influencers, trusted friends, and constant uncertainty, Jesus and the apostles remain the voices Christians most need to hear. Jesus did not leave His followers without direction when He returned to heaven. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit empowered the apostles at Pentecost, giving them the authority to teach, perform signs that confirmed their message, lead the early churches, and write with God's authority. Their role was not self-appointed or granted by popular approval; they had followed Jesus, witnessed His work, received the promised Spirit, and were entrusted to carry His teaching forward. The first believers understood this. After thousands were baptized, they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching. As the gospel moved from Jerusalem through Judea and Samaria and toward Rome, the apostles established and guided churches, confronting error and showing believers how to live. Their letters were shared among congregations, preserving the truth revealed through the Spirit. The church is built on Christ as its cornerstone and on the foundation of the apostles and prophets. That authority has no expiration date. Pensions, investments, jobs, and institutions can fail, but the apostles' teaching remains a sure guide until Christ returns. God still speaks through their writings. Reading Scripture is not merely gathering information; it is listening to God, learning to live out His purposes in every season of life, and receiving direction for thoughts, priorities, relationships, and conduct. The destination is not simply comfort, retirement, or another earthly milestone, but the eternal kingdom of Jesus Christ. His grace makes that welcome possible, and His apostles continue to guide believers home. Keep the Word close, refuse to coast on a past decision, and live each day under the direction of the One who still speaks through those He sent.