The 1855 Podcast

In this message from our Kingdom Come series through the Gospel of Matthew, Pastor John walks through John’s call to repentance, the danger of religious presumption, and the reality that true repentance always produces fruit. As John prepares the way for Christ, we are confronted with the question: are we merely around the things of God, or have we truly surrendered to the King?

What do you do when life doesn’t go the way you expected?
In Matthew 2:13–23, we see a family forced to flee, suffering that cannot be ignored, and a King raised in a place no one would have chosen.
And yet, through every moment, God is at work.

In this message from Week 3 of Kingdom Come, Pastor John Oliver walks through the Magi's visit and Herod's reaction to show how the King's birth exposes every heart. From those who traveled hundreds of miles to worship, to those who would not walk six, to a ruler who refused to surrender his throne, this passage confronts us with one central question:
How will you respond to the King whose Kingdom has come into the world?

Matthew 1:18–25 confronts us with the reality of the virgin conception. This is not a seasonal detail, but a foundational doctrine that reveals who Jesus truly is. In this passage, we see that Christ is both fully God and fully man, able to represent us and able to save us. This message walks through why the virgin conception matters, what is at stake if it is denied, and how it points us to the gospel of God stepping in to redeem sinners.

Our new series, Kingdom Come, begins in Matthew 1:1–17 with the genealogy of Jesus.
While it may seem like an unusual place to start, this passage lays a foundation for everything Matthew will show us about Christ and His Kingdom. Every name tells a story, and together they reveal a God who is faithful, purposeful, and at work through even the most unexpected people and moments. In this message, we consider what this genealogy teaches us about the Kingdom of God and how it shapes the way we see our lives today.

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.

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?

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?

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?

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?