The 1855 Podcast

John 11: I Am The Resurrection and The Life

A family is grieving. A man has died. And Jesus steps into that moment and makes a claim that changes everything.
In this Easter message from John 11, we examine the power and meaning of Jesus’ words, “I am the resurrection and the life.” This passage reminds us that Jesus did not come simply to comfort our grief, but to confront the cause of it.
If the resurrection is true, then life is found in Him alone, and our response to Him is not casual; it is everything.

Good Friday: Jesus Bears the Weight of Our Sin

Today's Devotional was written and recorded by Children's Minister Joedee Robinson
AGONY yet DISCIPLER - In the Garden of Gethsemane
Matthew 26:36-46, Mark 14:32-42, Luke 22:40-46
SURRENDER yet CONTROL - Betrayed and Arrested
Matthew 26:47-56. Mark 14:43-52, Luke 22:47-53, John 18:1-12
BLAMELESS yet CONDEMNED - The Unfair Trial
Matthew 26:39-27:26, Mark 14:55-15:15, Luke 22:54-23:25, John 18:17-19:16
CRUSHED yet ACCOMPLISHED - The Crucifixion of Jesus
Matthew 27:33-44, Mark 15:22-32, Luke 23:33-43, John 19:16-27
REFLECT TOGETHER
FOR ADULTS
1. Where in your life is God calling you to trust Him rather than take control?
2. What does Jesus’ silence in certain moments teach us about wisdom and
restraint?
3. Which detail of the crucifixion impacts you the most and why?
FOR STUDENTS
1. Why didn’t Jesus fight back when He had the power to stop everything?
2. Why do people sometimes follow the crown instead of doing what is right?
3. How does knowing Jesus died for you affect how you see yourself?
FOR CHILDREN
1. Why was Jesus feeling sad and troubled?
2. Did Jesus do anything wrong?
3. Why did Jesus die on the cross?

Maundy Thursday: Jesus Gives Himself in Love

Today's Devotional was written and recorded by Pastor John Oliver.
Read Luke 22:14–20; John 13:1–17, 34–35
REFLECT TOGETHER
FOR ADULTS1. How does understanding the Passover background deepen your view of what Jesus meant when He said, “This is my body…this is my blood”?2. What does Jesus washing the disciples’ feet, especially Judas and Peter, reveal about the nature of His love?3. In what ways are you tempted to approach your faith as something toobserve rather than something to personally trust and receive?4. Where is God calling you to practice humble, sacrificial love this week, even when it is difficult or unnoticed?
FOR STUDENTS1. Why do you think Jesus chose a meal to explain what He was about to do onthe cross?2. What stands out to you about Jesus washing the disciples’ feet? Why wouldthat have been shocking?3. What’s the difference between knowing about Jesus’ sacrifice and actuallytrusting Him with your life?4. What is one practical way you can show Jesus-like love to someone this week,even if it costs you something?
FOR CHILDREN1. What did Jesus say the bread and the cup represent at the meal?2. Why did Jesus wash His disciples’ feet? What does that teach us about Him?3. How does Jesus show us what it means to love others?4. What is one way you can be kind and serve someone in your family or atschool this week?

Silent Wednesday: Jesus Is Betrayed but Remains Obedient

Today's Devotional was written and recorded by Student Pastor Joseph Blount.
Read Matthew 26: 14-16, 21-25 & 26:47-56
REFLECT TOGETHER
FOR ADULTS
1. What stands out to you about Jesus’ response to betrayal, especially knowing it was coming and who it would come from?
2. Why is it dangerous to assume we are “better than Judas”? What does this passage reveal about our own hearts?
3. How does seeing your sin as part of what led Jesus to the cross deepen your understanding of His grace and mercy?
4. Where is God calling you to say, “not my will, but Yours be done,” even when it is difficult or costly?
FOR STUDENTS
1. Why do you think betrayal hurts more when it comes from someone close? How does that help you understand what Jesus experienced?
2. What do you notice about how Jesus responds instead of fighting back or running away?
3. In what ways can we sometimes choose our own way over Jesus, even if it’s not as obvious as Judas?
4. What is one situation in your life right now where you need to trust God and choose obedience over what you want?
FOR CHILDREN
1. Who betrayed Jesus, and how did he do it?
2. Did Jesus know this was going to happen? How did He respond?
3. Why is it important for us to obey God, even when it’s hard?
4. What is one way you can choose to do what God wants instead of what you
want this week?

Holy Tuesday: Jesus Confronts What We’ve Made Sacred

Today's Devotional was written and recorded by Children's Minister Joedee Robinson
Read Matthew 21:12-17; Mark 11:15-19; Luke 19:45-48
REFLECT TOGETHER
FOR ADULTS
1. In what ways do people today sometimes turn worship into something that benefits themselves instead of honoring God?
2. If believers are “walking temples” because the Holy Spirit lives in us, how should that shape the way we live daily?
3. What “tables” might Jesus want to flip over in our own hearts or priorities?
4. How can we intentionally make prayer and connection with God central in our lives?
FOR STUDENTS
1. The people in the temple were focused on personal gain. What are some things today that can distract people from worshiping God?
2. Jesus knew His actions would cause trouble, but He still did what was right. When is it hard for you to stand up for what is right?
3. If your life is like a temple where God lives, how might that affect the choices you make at school, online, or with friends?
4. What are some habits that help keep your relationship with God strong?
FOR CHILDREN
1. What was the temple supposed to be used for?
2. Why was Jesus upset about what people were doing in the temple?
3. The Bible says God lives in people who believe in Jesus. What does that mean?
4. How can we show respect for God in church and at home?

Holy Monday: Jesus Examines Our Worship

Today's Devotional was written and recorded by Pastor John Oliver.
Read Mark 11:12-25
REFLECT TOGETHERFOR ADULTS1. What stands out to you most about the connection between the fig tree andthe temple? Why do you think Jesus paired these two actions together?2. How can activity (serving, attending, giving) become a substitute for genuinedevotion?3. When you examine your own life, where do you see evidence of real spiritualfruit? Where might there only be appearance?4. What would it look like for you this week to move from “appearance” to“fruitfulness” in a tangible way?
FOR STUDENTS1. What’s the difference between looking like a Christian and actually living likeone?2. Where do you feel pressure to “look the part” spiritually (church, social media,friends)?3. If Jesus walked into your daily life, your school, your phone, your habits, whatwould He see?4. What is one step you can take this week to grow real fruit in your life (not justappearances)?
FOR CHILDREN1. What does it mean for something to look good on the outside but not begood on the inside? Can you think of an example?2. What does it mean to truly love God, not just say we do?3. What are some “good fruits” we can show in our lives (kindness, obedience,helping others)?4. Can you ask God to help you grow good fruit in your life? What would you askHim for?

Mark 11:1-11

This Palm Sunday message from Mark 11:1–11, taught by Student Pastor Joseph Blount, focuses on the heart of worship. As Jesus enters Jerusalem to the praise of the crowds, we’re challenged to consider whether our worship is rooted in truth or driven by expectation. What kind of King are we responding to?

Philippians 4:14-23

As we close our series through Philippians, we come to Paul’s final words and a clear vision for what it means to be a church worthy of the gospel. In Philippians 4:14–23, we are called to step into the mission of God as partners, live open-handed with our resources while trusting in His provision, and walk together in grace for the glory of God. This message serves as both a conclusion and a commissioning as we move forward together as a church family.

Philippians 4:9-13

In a world that constantly tells us contentment is just one more achievement away, the Apostle Paul offers a very different perspective. Writing from prison, Paul explains that true contentment is not found in controlling circumstances or finally reaching the next milestone. It is learned through a life anchored in Christ. In this message from Philippians 4:9–13, we explore how living worthy of the gospel means learning to rejoice in what God is doing, finding contentment in every circumstance, and discovering the secret of Christ’s strength. If you have ever found yourself waiting for life to finally settle before you can feel at peace, this passage offers a better foundation.

Philippians 4:4-9

Anxiety has a way of creeping into every corner of life. Health concerns, family struggles, uncertain seasons, and the weight of the world around us can leave the heart restless. In Philippians 4:4–9, Paul shows us a better way. A life worthy of the gospel is marked by reasonableness toward others, prayer instead of anxiety, and a mind anchored in what is true.