The 1855 Podcast

This week, we continue through the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5:33–48, where Jesus shows us what greater righteousness looks like in everyday life. He calls us to become people whose words are trustworthy, whose response to mistreatment is shaped by trust in God rather than revenge, and whose love extends even to those who oppose us.
Jesus is not satisfied with outward obedience. He is transforming us from the inside out so that our character increasingly reflects our heavenly Father.

This week, we hear from our Student Pastor, Joseph Blount, as we continue our study through the Sermon on the Mount.
In Matthew 5:21–32, Jesus moves beyond outward behavior and reveals what God desires within the heart. He addresses anger, broken relationships, lust, and marriage to show that genuine righteousness is not about appearing better than others or doing just enough to follow the rules. It is about allowing Christ to transform us from within.
As you listen, consider what God may be calling you to confess, surrender, or make right. May this message encourage you to pursue reconciliation, guard your heart, and depend fully on the righteousness of Jesus.

Who has the authority to tell us what God’s Word really means? In Matthew 5:17–20, Jesus answers that question before continuing His Sermon on the Mount. This message explores Christ’s relationship to the Scriptures, His fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan, and why every believer must joyfully submit to the One who fulfills God’s Word perfectly.

n this message from Matthew 5:13-16, we continue our study through the Sermon on the Mount by exploring what it looks like to live as faithful citizens of God’s kingdom. Jesus teaches that His people are to be distinct from the world, visible in the world, and ultimately live in such a way that others glorify the Father.
As we consider one of the most familiar passages in Scripture, we’ll be challenged to ask whether our lives truly reflect the character of King Jesus and display the reality of His kingdom to a watching world.

In this message from Matthew 5:1-12, we begin our study through the Sermon on the Mount by exploring the Beatitudes and discovering what life looks like for citizens of Christ’s kingdom. Jesus teaches us that true flourishing is found not in self-sufficiency, power, or comfort, but in dependence upon God’s grace, reflection of God’s character, and hope in God’s reward.
Join us as we learn what it means to live the good life according to King Jesus.

 In Matthew 4:18–22, we find a familiar story that reveals something profound about the heart of Christ and the nature of His kingdom. The men Jesus calls are not who we might expect, and their response challenges many of our assumptions about discipleship, obedience, and surrender.
In this message, we conclude our Kingdom Come series by examining the call of Jesus and what it means to follow Him. Along the way, we are reminded that the kingdom of heaven often advances in ways the world would never anticipate and that the call of Christ still demands a response today.

Psalm 23 is one of the most familiar passages in all of Scripture, but its comfort is rooted in something far deeper than familiarity. In this message, we explore David’s confession, “The Lord is my Shepherd,” and discover how every promise in the psalm flows from belonging to the Shepherd Himself.

In this message from Matthew 4:12–17, Pastor John Oliver continues our series through the Gospel of Matthew, exploring the opening moments of Jesus’ ministry and what they reveal about His purpose, His message, and the response He calls for from every person.
Whether you are following along in our study of Matthew or listening for the first time, this passage reminds us that the arrival of Jesus changes everything.

As we continue our Kingdom Come journey through Matthew, Student Pastor Joseph Blount walks through Matthew 4:1–11, focusing on Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness. Following His baptism, Jesus is led into the wilderness where He faces Satan’s attacks and succeeds where Adam and Israel failed.
This message reminds us that Jesus is not a distant Savior who cannot understand our struggles. He knows weakness, suffering, and temptation, yet he remained faithful. Because of His victory, those who are in Christ no longer fight for victory but from victory. As we face temptation and spiritual battles in our own lives, we are called to depend on Christ and anchor ourselves in the truth of God’s Word.

Why would a sinless Savior begin His ministry with a baptism of repentance?
In this week’s message from Matthew 3:13–17, we walk through one of the most surprising moments in the Gospel of Matthew as Jesus steps into the waters of the Jordan. Why would the spotless Son of God stand among repentant sinners? What does His baptism reveal about the Father, Son, and Spirit? And what does it mean for us today?