The 1855 Podcast

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?

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?

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.

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.

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.

In this message from Philippians 3:15–4:4, we reach the climax of Paul’s call to be a church worthy of the gospel. He urges believers to think like those who are still pressing on toward Christ, to follow examples whose lives reflect heavenly citizenship, and to pursue reconciliation when relationships strain.

This passage confronts where we locate our confidence and clarifies what justification by faith really means. Are we trusting our spiritual performance, or are we resting in the righteousness of Christ? And once our confidence is settled in Him, what does it look like to press forward in pursuit of knowing Him more?
If you’ve ever quietly evaluated your standing before God based on how you think you’re doing, this message is for you.

In Philippians 2:18–30, Paul moves from theology to living examples. After calling the church to unity, humility, and Christlike obedience, he points to Timothy and Epaphroditus as real-life models of what gospel-shaped living looks like.

In this message, we explore how belief turns into behavior, why unity and humility matter for our witness, and how joy sustains faithfulness even when obedience is costly. Because Christ went before us, we can live attentively, faithfully, and confidently, trusting that God is at work among His people.

This week’s sermon takes us to Philippians 2:5–11, one of the most powerful passages in the New Testament. We look at the humility of Christ, the cost of obedience, and the hope that comes from trusting God with our lives and our future.