Nathan Harris - Liferoads Church

When Heaven Meets Earth – Week 1

Rich Fodey — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 01:44:44 +0000

When we have needs or even great desires, it is exciting when are they are fulfilled. There is great joy, rightfully so. When we are talking about the miracles of Jesus, there is even more excitement. However, we also need to be careful to not treat God as a vending machine, which has been the pattern of many pagan beliefs. When looking Jesus’ first miracle in ⁠John 2:1-11⁠, we see that it is a sign that point to something very important. Primarily, that Jesus is God (⁠John 1:1-18⁠). And, that Jesus is the Messiah ushering in the new age.

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Waiting Room – Love

liferoads — Mon, 22 Dec 2025 03:21:46 +0000

The prophet Jeremiah was the messenger that told Judah they were going to be in exile for generations ⁠Jeremiah 29:4-14⁠. Though this seems like defeat, it is under God’s design and under His direction. In ⁠Ezekiel 10⁠ is a description of God abandoning the temple and he goes into exile with His people. That is sacrifice, that is love. In Jeremiah’s letter of Lament he states that God’s Love never ceases (⁠Lamentations 3:22-23⁠). The Hebrew word used there is “hesed;” a never ending, always patient love.

Waiting can be in God’s design and under His direction. But while we wait, we need to live out our vocation. God told Jeremiah that they should seek the welfare of the city they are in exile in. Love them and you will prosper. And while we do this we should worship. Always recognize the glory in God as we serve Him. But, beware, there are snakes ready to deceive.

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Following Jesus – Week 13

Rich Fodey — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 03:11:34 +0000

Jesus confronted the religious leaders of Jerusalem shortly before his crucifixion. He criticized them for hypocrisy and contrasts the outward show of righteousness with inner corruption, like tombs that appear white on the outside but are full of dead bones inside (⁠Matthew 23⁠). This reflects a larger theme of rebellion against God’s ways and the rejection of the Messiah.

Jesus’ words echo his earlier teachings in the Sermon on the Mount, emphasizing humility, authentic obedience, and integrity. He warns of judgment upon those who reject God’s message and misuse religious authority; such rejection leads to destructive consequences. Despite this harsh critique, the passage holds an invitation to follow Jesus by seeking his wisdom, heeding his judgments, and submitting to him fully.

There is an easy road leading to destruction and a narrow, difficult path leading to life. Embrace God’s kingdom. The call is clear: to live in the upside-down values of the Kingdom, embracing true servanthood and dependence on God. Jesus’ promise in ⁠Matthew 11:28-30⁠ of rest for the weary, inviting all to take his yoke and find renewed strength. Through prayer and reflection, lay down your burdens, choose the narrow path, and commit to following Jesus faithfully.

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Following Jesus – Week 1

Rich Fodey — Mon, 23 Jun 2025 01:14:38 +0000

Isaiah chapters 40-55 are called the ‘comfort poems.’ They are a backdrop to the Gospel of Matthew. They tell of the Messiah’s return and hope of the promised Kingdom of God (⁠Isaiah 52:1-10⁠⁠). Matthew is diligent to make clear that fulfillment of the entire story of the Hebrew Bible is found in Jesus. He begins the Gospel with the genealogy from the promise to Abraham (⁠Matthew 1:1-17⁠). Immerse ourselves in the story because we still have a part to play in the story. Jesus is the fulfillment of the promise. The ‘New Creation’ has begun (⁠Matthew 28:16-20⁠⁠). We live this out as followers of Jesus to be like him, Humble and Obedient to the Father. In the Lord’s Prayer (⁠Matthew 6:9-13⁠⁠) we are invited into this long history of relationship with God. Let the story influence you. Over the summer weeks of this series, immerse yourself in reading Matthew’s Gospel. Read it out loud and with others. And try incorporating the Lord’s Prayer into your day. Form the habits of how we love through these practices.

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Sojourners & Exiles Week 8

Rich Fodey — Mon, 24 Feb 2025 00:45:50 +0000

Today Nathan Harris finishes our teaching on the epistle of 1 Peter. In ⁠1 Peter 4:17–5:14⁠, we find a difficult challenge to grow through suffering. Glory and suffering are two sides of the same coin. But how do we not just get through it; how do we grow through it? We have to be community-minded; we are not alone in this; God has not abandoned us. He put us in a community. Take care of each other. God is drawing us closer (to each other and to Him). To do this, we must live humbly and recognize that we play a part in God’s big story. God does the work; He has the last word, but we are part of the great story of His creation.

So, engage in the community and help each other. Be part of church; serve each other. We are in this all together, and God has appointed us to be the royal priesthood to the world. Let’s worship our creator and Savior as we help each other and grow together.

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